bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Coastal Hotels Ready for Climate Change? The Case of Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Abou Kamar Mahmoud , Aliane Nadir , Elbestawi Islam , Agina Mohamed Fathy , Alsetoohy Omar
Published: March 2023

Climate change casts a shadow on the tourism industry in Egypt in general, and on coastal hotels in particular, as the coastal areas of Egypt have been classified as the most vulnerable to climate change in the Middle East. As such, mitigating the negative impacts and threats of climate change requires an assessment of the vulnerability of coastal hotels and the extent to which adaptation measures are applied. Accordingly, this study applied a hybrid methodology to achieve three main objectives. First, to evaluate Alexandria’s vulnerability to future climate change (at the destination level) by analyzing the recent climatic trends and expected scenarios. Second, to assess the vulnerability of Alexandria’s coastal hotels to climate change (sector level) using satellite images, aerial mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). Third, to explore how coastal hotels are adapting to the risks of climate change using the four business-focused adaptation measures (i.e., technical, managerial, policies, and awareness-raising). The findings of the study revealed and confirmed that the hotel sector in Alexandria is threatened by sea level rise (SLR). Four hotels are at risk of inundation, and the extent of hotels at risk will increase with future scenarios of SLR. On the other hand, the results of examining the adaptation measures of 36 hotels indicated that the scope of the adaptation measures differed significantly between hotels due to factors such as hotel category, size, duration of operation, and EMS status, but overall, the scope of application was more comprehensive and varied than expected. Technical adaptation measures were the most common and applied by the majority of hotels in Alexandria. The results of this study should help figure out what adaptation measures coastal hotels should take and show policymakers where they should focus their adaptation efforts.
Child Abuse: Adherence of Clinical Management to Guidelines for Diagnosis of Physical Maltreatment and Neglect in Emergency Settings
Authors: Di Lorenzo Pierpaolo , Casella Claudia , Dei Medici Serena , Policino Fabio , Capasso Emanuele , Niola Massimo
Published: March 2023

Child maltreatment is a phenomenon of great importance due to the significant socio-health implications related to it. Purpose of the study is assessing compliance child abuse clinical management with guidelines and suggest corrective actions to avoid false negative or false positive judgments. The data come from 34 medical records of child victims of suspected abuse hospitalized in a pediatric clinic. We examined diagnostic and medico-legal management through the analysis of pediatric, dermatological, ophthalmological (including fundus examination), and gynecological (only in some cases) consultations, brain and skeletal imaging, laboratory tests (with reference to the study of hemostasis), and medico-legal advice. Of 34 patients, the average age was 23 months, ranging from 1 month to 8 years. The judgment was positive for abuse for 20 patients and negative for 12 patients; in two cases it was not possible to express a conclusive judgment. Two children died because of the injuries sustained. We underline the need of clinical-diagnostic standardized protocols, coroner in emergency settings, short-distance follow-up, social worker support. We also suggest objectifying in a descriptive way (using a common and repeatable language) and with photographic documentation the results of all the investigations carried out, to evaluate signs of physical maltreatment and neglect.
Soil Contamination with Metals in Mountainous: A Case Study of Jaworzyna Krynicka in the Beskidy Mountains (Poland)
Authors: Dorocki Sławomir , Korzeniowska Joanna
Published: March 2023

The paper presents the content of six metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the soils of the southern slope of Jaworzyna Krynicka in Poland. Soil samples were collected in polygons, starting from an altitude of 500 m above sea level and ending at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. Ten soil samples were collected in each polygon. The polygons were set at every 100 m of absolute altitude. The selected research area is an important natural area. The fertile mountain beech forests located there are the most important forest communities in the mountain areas of Poland. They are valuable habitats for plants and animals (especially for large predatory mammals). Every year, numerous tourists and health resort patients visit this place. The results of the research showed that soil contamination in the study area is not high, in particular for altitudes of 500 and 900 m above sea level. At these altitudes, the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were similar to the concentrations of these metals in uncontaminated soils. The tests carried out showed very low cadmium content for all absolute altitudes. Zinc, the concentrations of which exceeded natural values, showed the highest content in the tested soils. All the metals tested showed a common tendency of increases in their content in the soils of Jaworzyna Krynicka up to 800 m above sea level. From an altitude of 900 m above sea level, the content of these metals decreased, except for Pb. Only Pb concentrations in Jaworzyna Krynicka soils also increased with the increasing altitude. The research significance of this work is that it is important for assessing the ecological balance in the selected area.
Correlation of Dengue and Meteorological Factors in Bangladesh: A Public Health Concern
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Hasan Mohammad Nayeem , Tiwari Ananda , Raju Md. Abdul Wahid , Jannat Fateha , Sangkham Sarawut , Shammas Mahaad Issa , Sharma Prabhakar , Bhattacharya Prosun , Kumar Manish
Published: March 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family (which causes Dengue fever), and an arthropod-transmitted human viral infection. Bangladesh is well known for having some of Asia’s most vulnerable Dengue outbreaks, with climate change, its location, and it’s dense population serving as the main contributors. For speculation about DENV outbreak characteristics, it is crucial to determine how meteorological factors correlate with the number of cases. This study used five time series models to observe the trend and forecast Dengue cases. Current data-based research has also applied four statistical models to test the relationship between Dengue-positive cases and meteorological parameters. Datasets were used from NASA for meteorological parameters, and daily DENV cases were obtained from the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) open-access websites. During the study period, the mean of DENV cases was 882.26 ± 3993.18, ranging between a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 52,636 daily confirmed cases. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between climatic variables and Dengue incidence indicated that no substantial relationship exists between daily Dengue cases and wind speed, temperature, and surface pressure (Spearman’s rho; r = −0.007, p > 0.05; r = 0.085, p > 0.05; and r = −0.086, p > 0.05, respectively). Still, a significant relationship exists between daily Dengue cases and dew point, relative humidity, and rainfall (r = 0.158, p < 0.05; r = 0.175, p < 0.05; and r = 0.138, p < 0.05, respectively). Using the ARIMAX and GA models, the relationship for Dengue cases with wind speed is −666.50 [95% CI: −1711.86 to 378.86] and −953.05 [−2403.46 to 497.36], respectively. A similar negative relation between Dengue cases and wind speed was also determined in the GLM model (IRR = 0.98). Dew point and surface pressure also represented a negative correlation in both ARIMAX and GA models, respectively, but the GLM model showed a positive association. Additionally, temperature and relative humidity showed a positive correlation with Dengue cases (105.71 and 57.39, respectively, in the ARIMAX, 633.86, and 200.03 in the GA model). In contrast, both temperature and relative humidity showed negative relation with Dengue cases in the GLM model. In the Poisson regression model, windspeed has a substantial significant negative connection with Dengue cases in all seasons. Temperature and rainfall are significantly and positively associated with Dengue cases in all seasons. The association between meteorological factors and recent outbreak data is the first study where we are aware of the use of maximum time series models in Bangladesh. Taking comprehensive measures against DENV outbreaks in the future can be possible through these findings, which can help fellow researchers and policymakers.
A Holistic Vision of the Academic and Sports Development of Elite Spanish Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Asensio Castañeda Eva , Navarro Rafael M. , Chamorro José L. , Ospina-Betancurt Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Background: Combining sports and studies could be stressful, but beneficial for the athletes’ career development. This study explores resources and barriers in the combination of the sports and academic life spheres during the lifespan of elite Spanish track-and-field athletes. Methods: Seven elite Spanish track-and-field athletes participated in a semistructured interview about their experiences to establish a dual career combining sports and studies/work. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) followed to analyze data. Results: Findings show that elite Spanish track-and-field athletes face educational and institutional barriers to developing a dual career. Time management, social support, and additional resources could play a key role in the success or failure to develop a dual career. Conclusions: This study shows that, to overcome dual-career barriers, athletes are resourceful if social support is provided at both the micro (coaches, families, etc.) and macro (political and educational institutions) levels. It also shows that pursuing an academic career can help in alleviating inherent tensions to athletic life and in finding personal balance.
Effects of Rowing on Rheological Properties of Blood
Authors: Mardyła Mateusz , Teległów Aneta , Ptaszek Bartłomiej , Jekiełek Małgorzata , Mańko Grzegorz , Marchewka Jakub
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the selected hematological and rheological indices in female rowers during the competitive season. The study included 10 female rowers (aged 21.2 ± 2.6) and the control group consisted of 10 woman of corresponding age (non-athletes). The examination of athletes took place two times: at the beginning of the season during high endurance low intensity training period in January (baseline) and at the end of the competitive season in October (after). Blood samples taken from all woman were analyzed for hematological and rheological parameters. The training period of rowers during the 10 months resulted in decrease in red blood cell count and RBC deformability, in contrast to an improvement in some rheological functions such a decrease in fibrinogen concentration, plasma viscosity and aggregation index. The training program practice in rowing modulated some hematological and rheological indices. Some of them positively influenced the cardiovascular system and reduced potential risks connected with hard training and dehydration, but others may have followed from overtraining or not enough relaxation time between training units.
A Study on the Localization of Urban Residents’ Recreation: A Moderated Mediation Model Based on Temporal Self-Regulation Theory
Authors: Tao Hui , Zhou Qing , Yang Qian
Published: March 2023

The pandemic has resulted in a further reduction in travel distance, recreational radius of destinations and other levels of tourism activity, making “local people traveling locally” a new feature. From the perspective of localization of urban residents’ recreation, this paper describes a moderated mediation model based on temporal self-regulation theory. Five representative urban parks in Beijing were selected as study areas, and data collected through a questionnaire were used to discuss the behavioral characteristics of localized recreation and the formation mechanism of sense of place among urban residents in Beijing. The results showed that: (1) connectedness beliefs and temporal valuations positively influenced sense of place, and had a positive indirect effect on sense of place through the mediating role of recreation involvement; (2) recreation benefits positively influenced sense of place; (3) recreation benefits reinforced the direct and mediating role of recreation involvement. Based on these findings, the paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical value and practical implications, as well as future research directions for park and city management.
Industrial Symbiosis for Sustainable Management of Meat Waste: The Case of Śmiłowo Eco-Industrial Park, Poland
Authors: Kowalski Zygmunt , Kulczycka Joanna , Makara Agnieszka , Mondello Giovanni , Salomone Roberta
Published: March 2023

This study presents the developing process of the Śmiłowo Eco-Park, located in the Noteć valley region (Poland), is a part of the biggest Polish agri-food consortium, from its initial small waste management company to its final structure as an eco-industrial park using industrial symbiosis methods. The industrial symbiosis applied in the Eco-park promotes a business model which covers the whole life cycle of the products starting from the plant growing by animal feed preparation, livestock breeding, meat preparations, meat-bone meal production from animal waste, and the use of pig slurry as a fertilizer. The Eco-park model is presented in the form of a system of connected stream flows of materials and energy covering the full lifecycle of products, from cereal cultivation, through the production of industrial feed, and poultry and pig breeding for the production of meat products. The solutions used include the prevention of environmental pollution through the modernization of existing processes, implementation of new technologies, reduction of waste and its reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials and energy, the substitution of raw materials with waste, and thermal treatment of waste and its use as biofuel. This case study allows for analyses of the organizational and technical key strategic activities which enable waste, including hazardous waste, to be transformed into valuable materials and energy. These activities have modified the system of material and energy flows through the value chain to realize the goal of allowing profitable management of waste according to circular economy methods and also indicates methods of supporting modifications of supply chains in terms of implementation of the industrial symbiosis business model according to its relationship with sustainable development, cleaner production, and circular economy models. EIP Śmiłowo annually utilizes 300,000 t meat waste, produces 110,000 t meat bone meal biofuel, uses 120,000 t of pig manure as fertilizers, produces 460,000 GJ bioenergy, eliminates 92,000 t CO2 emissions.
Why Not Pedal for the Planet? The Role of Perceived Norms for Driver Aggression as a Deterrent to Cycling
Authors: Fruhen Laura S. , Benetti Patrick , Kanse Lisette , Rossen Isabel
Published: March 2023

Cycling has many benefits for humans and the planet. This research investigates perceived norms and driver behavior toward cyclists as issues that may be useful for addressing reluctance to cycle. It connects perceived norms observed in the road context regarding aggressive driver behavior towards cyclists, and norms observed in workplaces regarding sustainability (perceived green psychological workplace climate) with driver aggressive behavior toward cyclists. Self-reported online survey responses from N = 426 Australian drivers were collected. Perceived norms regarding aggressive driver behavior toward cyclists were linked to drivers engaging more frequently in such behavior, but no such link was found for perceived green psychological workplace climate. However, perceived green psychological workplace climate moderated the link between perceived norms regarding aggressive driver behavior toward cyclists and drivers engaging in such behavior. When drivers perceived aggression toward cyclists to be common on the road, perceived green psychological workplace climate weakened the link between perceived norms regarding aggressive driver behavior towards cyclists and drivers engaging in such behavior. Findings reinforce the role of perceived road context norms regarding aggressive driver behavior toward cyclists for drivers engaging in such behavior. They illustrate that, while not directly linked, sustainability norms perceived in other contexts have a role in shaping car driver behavior towards cyclists. The study’s findings suggest that interventions targeted at aggressive behavior toward cyclists in road contexts can focus on driver behavior norms and can be complemented by normative interventions in other settings to shape a key deterrent to cycling.
FDI and Wellbeing: A Key Node Analysis for Psychological Health in Response to COVID-19 Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Huo Da , Yi Jingtao , Zhang Xiaotao , Meng Shuang , Chen Yongchuan , Ouyang Rihui , Hung Ken
Published: March 2023

Developing countries are primary destinations for FDI from emerging economies following the World Investment Report 2022, including destinations in OECD countries. Based on three theoretical lenses and case analyses, we argue that Chinese outward FDI has impacts on wellbeing in destination countries, and that this is an important issue for psychological health in response to COVID-19. Based on the super-efficiency DEA approach, our study investigated the impact of Chinese outward FDI on wellbeing in OECD countries. We also applied a Tabu search to identify country groups based on the relationship between Chinese outward FDI and wellbeing and we developed a key node analysis of the country groups using an immune algorithm. This research has implications for public administrators in global governance and could help shape FDI policies to improve psychological health of the destination countries in response to COVID-19.
Differential Item Functioning of the Mini-BESTest Balance Measure: A Rasch Analysis Study
Authors: Caronni Antonio , Picardi Michela , Scarano Stefano , Tropea Peppino , Gilardone Giulia , Bolognini Nadia , Redaelli Valentina , Pintavalle Giuseppe , Aristidou Evdoxia , Antoniotti Paola , Corbo Massimo
Published: March 2023

The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), a 14-item scale, has high content validity for balance assessment. This study further examines the construct validity of the Mini-BESTest with an emphasis on its measurement invariance. The Mini-BESTest was administered to 292 neurological patients in two sessions (before and after rehabilitation) and evaluated with the Rasch analysis (Many-Facet Rating Scale Model: persons, items, sessions). Categories’ order and fit to the model were assessed. Next, maps, dimensionality, and differential item functioning (DIF) were examined for construct validity evaluation. DIF was inspected for several clinically important variables, including session, diagnosis, and assistive devices. Mini-BESTest items had ordered categories and fitted the Rasch model. The item map did not flag severe construct underrepresentation. The dimensionality analysis showed that another variable extraneous to balance affected the score of a few items. However, this multidimensionality had only a modest impact on measures. Session did not cause DIF. DIF for assistive devices affected six items and caused a severe measurement artefact. The measurement artefact caused by DIF for diagnosis was negligible. The Mini-BESTest returns interval measures with robust construct validity and measurement invariance. However, caution should be used when comparing Mini-BESTest measures obtained with and without assistive devices.
Near-Suicide Phenomenon: An Investigation into the Psychology of Patients with Serious Illnesses Withdrawing from Treatment
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang , Le Tam-Tri , Jin Ruining , Khuc Quy Van , Nguyen Hong-Son , Vuong Thu-Trang , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: March 2023

Patients with serious illnesses or injuries may decide to quit their medical treatment if they think paying the fees will put their families into destitution. Without treatment, it is likely that fatal outcomes will soon follow. We call this phenomenon “near-suicide”. This study attempted to explore this phenomenon by examining how the seriousness of the patient’s illness or injury and the subjective evaluation of the patient’s and family’s financial situation after paying treatment fees affect the final decision on the treatment process. Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics were employed to analyze a dataset of 1042 Vietnamese patients. We found that the more serious the illnesses or injuries of patients were, the more likely they were to choose to quit treatment if they perceived that paying the treatment fees heavily affected their families’ financial status. Particularly, only one in four patients with the most serious health issues who thought that continuing the treatment would push themselves and their families into destitution would decide to continue the treatment. Considering the information-filtering mechanism using subjective cost–benefit judgments, these patients likely chose the financial well-being and future of their family members over their individual suffering and inevitable death. Our study also demonstrates that mindsponge-based reasoning and BMF analytics can be effective in designing and processing health data for studying extreme psychosocial phenomena. Moreover, we suggest that policymakers implement and adjust their policies (e.g., health insurance) following scientific evidence to mitigate patients’ likelihood of making “near-suicide” decisions and improve social equality in the healthcare system.
Lead Exposure Can Affect Early Childhood Development and Could Be Aggravated by Stunted Growth: Perspectives from Mexico
Authors: Córdoba-Gamboa Leonel , Vázquez-Salas Ruth Argelia , Romero-Martínez Martin , Cantoral Alejandra , Riojas-Rodríguez Horacio , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio , Bautista-Arredondo Luis F. , de Castro Filipa , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Téllez-Rojo Martha María
Published: March 2023

Background: Lead can affect early childhood development (ECD) differentially due to nutritional deficiencies that lead to stunted growth, defined as being at least two standard deviations below the average height-for-age. These deficiencies are more frequent among children living in rural locations or with lower socioeconomic status (SES); however, studies at a population level are scarce worldwide. Early childhood development plays a crucial role in influencing a child’s health and wellbeing throughout life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze how stunted growth can modify the association between lead exposure and ECD in children from disadvantaged communities. Methods: Data were analyzed from the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey in localities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico (ENSANUT-100K). Capillary blood lead (BPb) levels were measured using a LeadCare II device and dichotomized as detectable (cutoff point ≥ 3.3 µg/dL) and non-detectable. As a measure of ECD, language development was assessed in n = 1394 children, representing 2,415,000 children aged 12–59 months. To assess the association between lead exposure and language z-scores, a linear model was generated adjusted by age, sex, stunted growth, maternal education, socioeconomic status, area, region (north, center, south), and family care characteristics; afterwards, the model was stratified by stunted growth. Results: Fifty percent of children had detectable BPb and 15.3% had stunted growth. BPb showed a marginal inverse association with language z-scores (β: −0.08, 95% CI: −0.53, 0.36). Children with detectable BPb and stunted growth had significantly lower language z-scores (β: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.71, −0.10) than those without stunted growth (β: −0.15, 95% CI: −0.36, 0.06). Conclusions: Children with stunted growth are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead exposure. These results add to previous research calling for action to reduce lead exposure, particularly in children with chronic undernutrition.
School Problems and School Support for Children with Narcolepsy: Parent, Teacher, and Child Reports
Authors: Janssens Karin , Amesz Pauline , Nuvelstijn Yvonne , Donjacour Claire , Hendriks Danielle , Peeters Els , Quaedackers Laury , Vandenbussche Nele , Pillen Sigrid , Lammers Gert Jan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess problems faced by children with type 1 narcolepsy (NT1) at school and obtain insight into potential interventions for these problems. Methods: We recruited children and adolescents with NT1 from three Dutch sleep-wake centers. Children, parents, and teachers completed questionnaires about school functioning, interventions in the classroom, global functioning (DISABKIDS), and depressive symptoms (CDI). Results: Eighteen children (7–12 years) and thirty-seven adolescents (13–19 years) with NT1 were recruited. Teachers’ most frequently reported school problems were concentration problems and fatigue (reported by about 60% in both children and adolescents). The most common arrangements at school were, for children, discussing school excursions (68%) and taking a nap at school (50%) and, for adolescents, a place to nap at school (75%) and discussing school excursions (71%). Regular naps at home on the weekend (children 71% and adolescents 73%) were more common than regular naps at school (children 24% and adolescents 59%). Only a minority of individuals used other interventions. School support by specialized school workers was associated with significantly more classroom interventions (3.5 versus 1.0 in children and 5.2 versus 4.1 in adolescents) and napping at school, but not with better global functioning, lower depressive symptom levels, or napping during the weekends. Conclusions: Children with NT1 have various problems at school, even after medical treatment. Interventions to help children with NT1 within the classroom do not seem to be fully implemented. School support was associated with the higher implementation of these interventions. Longitudinal studies are warranted to examine how interventions can be better implemented within the school.
The Evaluation of Energy Availability and Dietary Nutrient Intake of Sport Climbers at Different Climbing Levels
Authors: Chmielewska Anna , Regulska-Ilow Bożena
Published: March 2023

Proper nutrition is the basis for athletes’ performances when competing or training. The increasing training volume accompanying the increase in advancement should go hand in hand with the appropriate supply of energy as well as macro and micronutrients. The diet of climbing representatives due to the desire to achieve a low body weight may be deficient in energy and micronutrients. Our study aimed to evaluate the differences in energy availability and nutrient intake of female and male sport climbers at different climbing levels. Anthropometric parameters and the resting metabolic rate were measured, the questionnaire about climbing grade and training hours was filled, and a 3-day food diary was fulfilled by 106 sport climbers. Based on the collected data, the energy availability as well as the macro- and micronutrient intake was calculated. Low energy availability (EA) was observed among both genders of sport climbing representatives. A significant difference between EA in various levels of advancement was found in the male group (p < 0.001). Differences in carbohydrate intake (g/kg/BW) between sexes were observed (p = 0.01). Differences in nutrients intake between climbing grade were found in both the female and male groups. In the group of female elite athletes, the adequate supply of most of the micronutrients can imply a high-quality diet despite the low calorie content. It is necessary to educate sport climbing representatives about the importance of proper nutrition as well as the consequences of insufficient energy intake.
Research on the Effect of Commercial Health Insurance Development on Economic Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Tongpu , Wanyan Ruiyun , Suo Lingyan
Published: March 2023

In the process of comprehensively promoting the construction of a multi-level medical security system in China, it is very important to clarify the impact of commercial health insurance. In order to better promote the development of commercial health insurance, we explore the effect of commercial health insurance development on economic efficiency. Theoretical analysis shows that, in addition to providing health risk protection for residents, commercial health insurance can also promote the coordinated development of the health industry chain, promote risk reduction, accumulate capital, and contribute to high-quality economic development. Empirically, this study indexes a commercial health insurance development index that is more in line with China’s development reality. In addition, this study compiles the economic efficiency index from the three dimensions of economic development basis, social benefits and industrial changes. We measure the commercial health insurance development index and economic efficiency index in 31 regions from 2007 to 2019, and further econometric analysis is carried out on this basis. It is found that the development of commercial health insurance can promote economic efficiency, and this result is robust. Meanwhile, the impact of commercial health insurance on economic efficiency is restricted by the economic environment itself, and the more developed the economy is, the more obvious this effect will be. Therefore, the development of commercial health insurance will significantly benefit the construction of China’s multi-level medical security system and promote regional economic efficiency.
The Empirical Explanatory Power of CAPM and the Fama and French Three-Five Factor Models in the Moroccan Stock Exchange
Authors: Alaoui Taib Asmâa , Benfeddoul Safae
Published: March 2023

This study empirically tests and compares the performances of three famous financial asset valuation models in the Moroccan stock exchange: CAPM, the Fama and French three-factor model, and the Fama and French five-factor model. Our sample considers monthly data covering the sample period of July 2002 to June 2020. The main findings reveal that the GRS test typically rejects each of the examined model. On the basis of our analysis, we find that the value effect is more pronounced than the size effect. However, profitability and investment effects are almost absent. Regarding the factor spanning tests, the results show that the value factor was not redundant. Beyond this, the size and investment factors are the redundant factors. In Morocco, the market factor is the most powerful factor, perhaps assisted by value and profitability factors. Although the CAPM performs poorly in capturing the variation in Moroccan returns, the market factor continues to play an important role, even after adding other factors. Overall, all the tested models were improved slightly, but leave part of the variation in Moroccan stock returns unexplained.
Dynamic Fusion Technology of Mobile Video and 3D GIS: The Example of Smartphone Video
Authors: Zhu Ge , Zhang Huili , Jiang Yirui , Lei Juan , He Linqing , Li Hongwei
Published: March 2023

Mobile videos contain a large amount of data, where the information interesting to the user can either be discrete or distributed. This paper introduces a method for fusing 3D geographic information systems (GIS) and video image textures. For the dynamic fusion of video in 3DGIS where the position and pose angle of the filming device change moment by moment, it integrates GIS 3D visualization, pose resolution and motion interpolation, and proposes a projection texture mapping method for constructing a dynamic depth camera to achieve dynamic fusion. In this paper, the accuracy and time efficiency of different systems of gradient descent and complementary filtering algorithms are analyzed mainly by quantitative analysis method, and the effect of dynamic fusion is analyzed by the playback delay and rendering frame rate of video on 3DGIS as indicators. The experimental results show that the gradient descent method under the Aerial Attitude Reference System (AHRS) is more suitable for the solution of smartphone attitude, and can control the root mean square error of attitude solution within 2°; the delay of video playback on 3DGIS is within 29 ms, and the rendering frame rate is 34.9 fps, which meets the requirements of the minimum resolution of human eyes.
Far-Red-Light-Induced Morphology Changes, Phytohormone, and Transcriptome Reprogramming of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey)
Authors: Li Yamin , Jiang Haozhao , Gao Meifang , He Rui , Liu Xiaojuan , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: March 2023

With far-red-light supplementation (3 W·m−2, and 6 W·m−2), the flower budding rate, plant height, internode length, plant display, and stem diameter of Chinese kale were largely elevated, as well as the leaf morphology such as leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, and leaf area. Consequently, the fresh weight and dry weight of the edible parts of Chinese kale were markedly increased. The photosynthetic traits were enhanced, and the mineral elements were accumulated. To further explore the mechanism that far-red light simultaneously promoted the vegetative growth and reproductive growth of Chinese kale, this study used RNA sequencing to gain a global perspective on the transcriptional regulation, combining it with an analysis of composition and content of phytohormones. A total of 1409 differentially expressed genes were identified, involved mainly in pathways related to photosynthesis, plant circadian rhythm, plant hormone biosynthesis, and signal transduction. The gibberellins GA9, GA19, and GA20 and the auxin ME-IAA were strongly accumulated under far-red light. However, the contents of the gibberellins GA4 and GA24, the cytokinins IP and cZ, and the jasmonate JA were significantly reduced by far-red light. The results indicated that the supplementary far-red light can be a useful tool to regulate the vegetative architecture, elevate the density of cultivation, enhance the photosynthesis, increase the mineral accumulation, accelerate the growth, and obtain a significantly higher yield of Chinese kale.
The Regulatory Roles of Cerebellar Glycosphingolipid Microdomains/Lipid Rafts
Authors: Komatsuya Keisuke , Kikuchi Norihito , Hirabayashi Tetsuya , Kasahara Kohji
Published: March 2023

Lipid rafts are dynamic assemblies of glycosphingolipids, sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and specific proteins which are stabilized into platforms involved in the regulation of vital cellular processes. Cerebellar lipid rafts are cell surface ganglioside microdomains for the attachment of GPI-anchored neural adhesion molecules and downstream signaling molecules such as Src-family kinases and heterotrimeric G proteins. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on signaling in ganglioside GD3 rafts of cerebellar granule cells and several findings by other groups on the roles of lipid rafts in the cerebellum. TAG-1, of the contactin group of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules, is a phosphacan receptor. Phosphacan regulates the radial migration signaling of cerebellar granule cells, via Src-family kinase Lyn, by binding to TAG-1 on ganglioside GD3 rafts. Chemokine SDF-1α, which induces the tangential migration of cerebellar granule cells, causes heterotrimeric G protein Goα translocation to GD3 rafts. Furthermore, the functional roles of cerebellar raft-binding proteins including cell adhesion molecule L1, heterotrimeric G protein Gsα, and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels are discussed.
Pyrrolidine-Derived Phenanthroline Diamides: An Influence of Fluorine Atoms on the Coordination of Lu(III) and Some Other f-Elements and Their Solvent Extraction
Authors: Avagyan Nane A. , Lemport Pavel S. , Evsiunina Mariia V. , Matveev Petr I. , Aksenova Svetlana A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Yatsenko Alexandr V. , Tafeenko Viktor A. , Petrov Vladimir G. , Ustynyuk Yuri A. , Bi Xihe , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: March 2023

Three pyrrolidine-derived phenanthroline diamides were studied as ligands for lutetium trinitrate. The structural features of the complexes have been studied using various spectral methods and X-ray. The presence of halogen atoms in the structure of phenanthroline ligands has a significant impact on both the coordination number of lutetium and the number of solvate water molecules in the internal coordination sphere. The stability constants of complexes with La(NO3)3, Nd(NO3)3, Eu(NO3)3, and Lu(NO3)3 were measured to demonstrate higher efficiency of fluorinated ligands. NMR titration was performed for this ligand, and it was found that complexation with lutetium leads to an approximately 13 ppm shift of the corresponding signal in the 19F NMR spectrum. The possibility of formation of a polymeric oxo-complex of this ligand with lutetium nitrate was demonstrated. Experiments on the liquid–liquid extraction of Am(III) and Ln(III) nitrates were carried out to demonstrate advantageous features of chlorinated and fluorinated pyrrolidine diamides.
Intensity Ratio of Kβ/Kα in Selected Elements from Mg to Cu, and the Chemical Effects of Cr Kα1,2 Diagram Lines and Cr Kβ/Kα Intensity Ratio in Cr Compounds
Authors: Ito Yoshiaki , Tochio Tatsunori , Yamashita Michiru , Fukushima Sei , Shoji Takashi , Słabkowska Katarzyna , Syrocki Łukasz , Polasik Marek , Gomilsek Jana Padežnik , Marques José Pires , Sampaio Jorge Miguel , Guerra Mauro , Machado Jorge , Santos José Paulo , Hamidani Assala , Kahoul Abdelhalim , Indelicato Paul , Parente Fernando
Published: March 2023

Kα,β X-ray lines from photon excitation were measured in selected elements from Mg to Cu using a high-resolution double-crystal X-ray spectrometer with a proportional counter, and the Kβ/Kα intensity ratio for each element was obtained, after correcting for self-absorption, detection efficiency, and crystal reflectance. This intensity ratio increases rapidly from Mg to Ca but, in the 3d elements region, the increase becomes slower. This is related to the intensity of the Kβ line involving valence electrons. The slow increase of this ratio in the 3d elements region is thought to be due to the correlation between 3d and 4s electrons. Moreover, the chemical shifts, FWHM, asymmetry indices, and Kβ/Kα intensity ratios of the Cr compounds, due to different valences, were also investigated using the same double-crystal X-ray spectrometer. The chemical effects were clearly observed, and the Kβ/Kα intensity ratio was found to be compound-dependent for Cr.
Protection and Repair of the Nigrostriatal Pathway with Stem-Cell-Derived Carotid Body Glomus Cell Transplants in Chronic MPTP Parkinsonian Model
Authors: Villadiego Javier , Muñoz-Manchado Ana B. , Sobrino Verónica , Bonilla-Henao Victoria , Suárez-Luna Nela , Ortega-Sáenz Patricia , Pardal Ricardo , López-Barneo José , Toledo-Aral Juan J.
Published: March 2023

Antiparkinsonian carotid body (CB) cell therapy has been proven to be effective in rodent and nonhuman primate models of Parkinson’s disease (PD), exerting trophic protection and restoration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. These neurotrophic actions are mediated through the release of high levels of glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) by the CB transplant. Pilot clinical trials have also shown that CB autotransplantation can improve motor symptoms in PD patients, although its effectiveness is affected by the scarcity of the grafted tissue. Here, we analyzed the antiparkinsonian efficacy of in vitro-expanded CB dopaminergic glomus cells. Intrastriatal xenografts of rat CB neurospheres were shown to protect nigral neurons from degeneration in a chronic MPTP mouse PD model. In addition, grafts performed at the end of the neurotoxic treatment resulted in the repair of striatal dopaminergic terminals through axonal sprouting. Interestingly, both neuroprotective and reparative effects induced by in vitro-expanded CB cells were similar to those previously reported by the use of CB transplants. This action could be explained because stem-cell-derived CB neurospheres produce similar amounts of GDNF compared to native CB tissue. This study provides the first evidence that in vitro-expanded CB cells could be a clinical option for cell therapy in PD.
Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies against Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes 1, 2, and 9 in Non-Injected Latin American Patients with Heart Failure—ANVIAS Study
Authors: Sierra-Delgado Julieth A. , Likhite Shibi , Bautista Paula K. , Gómez-Ochoa Sergio A. , Echeverría Luis E. , Guío Elizabeth , Vargas Clara , Serrano Norma C. , Meyer Kathrin C. , Rincon Melvin Y.
Published: March 2023

Neutralizing antibody (NAb) activity against the viral capsid of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors decreases transduction efficiency, thus limiting transgene expression. Several reports have mentioned a variation in NAb prevalence according to age, AAV serotype, and, most importantly, geographic location. There are currently no reports specifically describing the anti-AAV NAb prevalence in Latin America. Here, we describe the prevalence of NAb against different serotypes of AAV vectors (AAV1, AAV2, and AAV9) in Colombian patients with heart failure (HF) (referred to as cases) and healthy individuals (referred to as controls). The levels of NAb were evaluated in serum samples of 60 subjects from each group using an in vitro inhibitory assay. The neutralizing titer was reported as the first dilution inhibiting ≥50% of the transgene signal, and the samples with neutralizing titers at ≥1:50 dilution were considered positive. The prevalence of NAb in the case and control groups were similar (AAV2: 43% and 45%, respectively; AAV1 33.3% in each group; AAV9: 20% and 23.2%, respectively). The presence of NAb for two or more of the serotypes analyzed was observed in 25% of the studied samples, with the largest amount in the positive samples for AAV1 (55–75%) and AAV9 (93%), suggesting serial exposures, cross-reactivity, or coinfection. Moreover, patients in the HF group exhibited more common combined seropositivity for NAb against AAV1 d AAV9 than those in the control group (91.6% vs. 35.7%, respectively; p = 0.003). Finally, exposure to toxins was significantly associated with the presence of NAb in all regression models. These results constitute the first report of the prevalence of NAb against AAV in Latin America, being the first step to implementing therapeutic strategies based on AAV vectors in this population in our region.
Associations of Biopterins and ADMA with Vascular Function in Peripheral Microcirculation from Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Arefin Samsul , Löfgren Lars , Stenvinkel Peter , Granqvist Anna B. , Kublickiene Karolina
Published: March 2023

We hypothesized that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) display an altered plasma amino acid (AA) metabolomic profile that could contribute to abnormal vascular maintenance of peripheral circulation in uremia. The relationships between plasma AAs and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle function in the microcirculation of CKD patients are not well understood. The objective of this study is to investigate to what extent the levels of AAs and its metabolites are changed in CKD patients and to test their relationship with endothelial and vascular smooth muscle function. Patients with CKD stages 3 and 5 and non-CKD controls are included in this study. We report that there was a significant reduction of the biopterin (BH4/BH2) ratio, which was accompanied by increased plasma levels of BH2, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and citrulline in patients with CKD-5 vs. CKD-3 vs. controls. In vivo augmentation index measurement showed a positive association with ADMA in all participants. The contribution of nitric oxide, assessed by ex vivo assay, showed a negative association with creatinine, ADMA and citrulline in all participants. In CKD-5, BH4 negatively correlated with ADMA and ornithine levels, and the ex vivo endothelium-mediated dilatation positively correlated with phenylalanine levels. In conclusion, uremia is associated with alterations in AA metabolism that may affect endothelium-dependent dilatation and vascular stiffness in microcirculation. Interventional strategies aiming to normalize the AA metabolism could be of interest as treatment options.
High-Intensity Training Represses FXYD5 and Glycosylates Na,K-ATPase in Type II Muscle Fibres, Which Are Linked with Improved Muscle K+ Handling and Performance
Authors: Hostrup Morten , Lemminger Anders Krogh , Thomsen Laura Bachmann , Schaufuss Amanda , Alsøe Tobias Langballe , Bergen Gustav Krogh , Bell Annika Birring , Bangsbo Jens , Thomassen Martin
Published: March 2023

Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) comprises several subunits to provide isozyme heterogeneity in a tissue-specific manner. An abundance of NKA α, β, and FXYD1 subunits is well-described in human skeletal muscle, but not much is known about FXYD5 (dysadherin), a regulator of NKA and β1 subunit glycosylation, especially with regard to fibre-type specificity and influence of sex and exercise training. Here, we investigated muscle fibre-type specific adaptations in FXYD5 and glycosylated NKAβ1 to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), as well as sex differences in FXYD5 abundance. In nine young males (23.8 ± 2.5 years of age) (mean ± SD), 3 weekly sessions of HIIT for 6 weeks enhanced muscle endurance (220 ± 102 vs. 119 ± 99 s, p < 0.01) and lowered leg K+ release during intense knee-extensor exercise (0.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.0 ± 0.8 mmol·min–1, p < 0.01) while also increasing cumulated leg K+ reuptake 0–3 min into recovery (2.1 ± 1.5 vs. 0.3 ± 0.9 mmol, p < 0.01). In type IIa muscle fibres, HIIT lowered FXYD5 abundance (p < 0.01) and increased the relative distribution of glycosylated NKAβ1 (p < 0.05). FXYD5 abundance in type IIa muscle fibres correlated inversely with the maximal oxygen consumption (r = –0.53, p < 0.05). NKAα2 and β1 subunit abundances did not change with HIIT. In muscle fibres from 30 trained males and females, we observed no sex (p = 0.87) or fibre type differences (p = 0.44) in FXYD5 abundance. Thus, HIIT downregulates FXYD5 and increases the distribution of glycosylated NKAβ1 in type IIa muscle fibres, which is likely independent of a change in the number of NKA complexes. These adaptations may contribute to counter exercise-related K+ shifts and enhance muscle performance during intense exercise.
Novel Insights into the Contribution of Cyclic Electron Flow to Cotton Bracts in Response to High Light
Authors: Li Xiafei , Ma Weimin , Zhang Wangfeng , Zhang Yali
Published: March 2023

Cyclic electron flow around photosystem I (CEF-PSI) is shown to be an important protective mechanism to photosynthesis in cotton leaves. However, it is still unclear how CEF-PSI is regulated in non-foliar green photosynthetic tissues such as bracts. In order to learn more about the regulatory function of photoprotection in bracts, we investigated the CEF-PSI attributes in Yunnan 1 cotton genotypes (Gossypium bar-badense L.) between leaves and bracts. Our findings demonstrated that cotton bracts possessed PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION5 (PGR5)-mediated and the choroplastic NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH)-mediated CEF-PSI by the same mechanism as leaves, albeit at a lower rate than in leaves. The ATP synthase activity of bracts was also lower, while the proton gradient across thylakoid membrane (ΔpH), rate of synthesis of zeaxanthin, and heat dissipation were higher than those of the leaves. These results imply that cotton leaves under high light conditions primarily depend on CEF to activate ATP synthase and optimize ATP/NADPH. In contrast, bracts mainly protect photosynthesis by establishing a ΔpH through CEF to stimulate the heat dissipation process.