bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Model for Sustainable Rural Development
Authors: Harbiankova Alena , Gertsberg Lora
Published: May 2022

Currently, the sustainable development of rural areas is relevant for various countries, both developed and developing. The improvement of existing approaches for the assessment and management of rural settlement systems is particularly relevant for Belarus, as a country with agricultural resources. Currently, there is no eligible information model for a rural settlement system in Belarus. The main research aim of this study was to develop the information model for formulation and assessment of the settlement scenarios for solving the issue of sustainable rural development in Belarus. The research methods were based on the complex and interdisciplinary approaches, including the systems approach, factor analysis, comparative analysis, spatial and mathematical modelling, SWOT analysis, and the hierarchy method. The paper proposes the development of the informational model of a rural settlement system at a local planning level, including five main determinants of sustainability, namely social, technological, economic, environmental, and political. The model was approved by the assessment of development scenarios for the Zavalocycy local council as the first-level unit of a planning system. We obtained the development indexes for 14 rural settlements within the obtained assessment criteria. The research results showed the relevance of the informational model for the monitoring of sustainable development at a local planning level.
The Issue of Evaluating the Effectiveness of Miniature Safety Fuses as Anti-Damage Systems
Authors: Łukasiak Jarosław , Rosiński Adam , Wiśnios Michał
Published: May 2022

The objective of this article was to determine, in practice, whether the break time tw of safety fuses can impact the security level provided by electronic security systems (ESSs) that utilize the aforementioned elements as their components. This was the purpose of the conducted destructive testing aimed at estimating the break times for a certain random number of glass tube, miniature 5 × 20 (mm) fuse links with rapid operating characteristics, without a quenching medium and with a rated overcurrent intensity of 0.5 (A) by the selected manufacturers. For this purpose, a dedicated measuring attachment that enables forcing the flow of overcurrents with selected intensities in the range of 1.5 ÷ 11.5 (A) through the studied fuse links has been developed. The obtained results showed that the ratio of the break times between the best and the worst products in the entire tested range of overcurrents ranges from 5.41 (for 3.5 (A)) to 7.80 (at an overcurrent of 9.5 (A)). Statistical analysis of the measurement uncertainties proved that the obtained results of the break time do not depend on the applied research methodology or measuring equipment but are almost exclusively the result of the manufacturing spread of the tested components. Interestingly, the economic analysis did not bring clear conclusions. In this case, the products with the worst break time tw turned out to be almost three times cheaper than the best fuse-links. What is more, the collective packaging of the product that turned out to be the best was cheaper than the next one in the list by almost USD 2.00.
Intelligent Controlled DSTATCOM for Power Quality Enhancement
Authors: Chen Jun-Hao , Tan Kuang-Hsiung , Lee Yih-Der
Published: May 2022

In this study, a three-phase four-wire distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is proposed to improve power quality, including the compensation of the three-phase unbalanced grid currents, the total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction of the grid current, and the power factor (PF) correction. Moreover, when different types of loads vary in the power system, the instantaneous power follows into or out of the DC-link capacitor in the DSTATCOM and results in poor transient responses of the grid current and DC-link voltage and performance deterioration. Hence, the DC-link voltage control plays a significant part in the DSTATCOM under load variation. For the purpose of mending the transient responses of the grid currents and DC-link voltage control and the performance of the DSTATCOM, the conventional proportional-integral (PI) controller is substituted with a novel online trained wavelet Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy neural network (WTSKFNN) controller in this study. Furthermore, the network structure and the online learning method of the proposed WTSKFNN controller are described in detail. Finally, the experimental results are given to certify the feasibility and effectiveness of the DSTATCOM using the proposed WTSKFNN controller for the power quality enhancement and the DC-link control improvement under load variation.
Study on Influence of Joint Locations and Hydraulic Coupling Actions on Rock Masses’ Failure Process
Authors: Chen Yunjuan , Gao Tao , Yin Fuqiang , Liu Xiaozhi , Wang Jun
Published: May 2022

Distribution of joints and fissures under hydraulic coupling condition is particularly critical to the stability of surrounding rock masses in underground engineering construction. In this paper, DDARF (Discontinuous Deformation Analysis for Rock Failure) and RFPA (Rock Failure Process Analysis) are compared and analyzed firstly based on laboratory tests. Then using preferred software RFPA, the failure process, stress state, acoustic emission characteristics and energy dissipation laws of rock masses with different joint locations are analyzed under the hydraulic coupling condition. Results show that a large tensile stress region is generated on both ends of the original joint with the micro-cracks’ propagation, water pressure in cracks promotes the generation of tensile stress to a certain extent, damage effect angle increases gradually from the rock specimen with the middle joint to that with the marginal joint; the same water pressure has a certain auxiliary effect on the main crack failure when the joint is close to the middle part of the specimen, and has a dominant effect on the local crack failure when the joint is far away from the middle; the maximum water pressure shows the “U” shaped distribution. At low initial water pressure, stresses of specimens with symmetrical joint locations have similar evolution trends, while at high initial water pressure, the water pressure in cracks has significant dissipation and thus the maximum water pressure in the system does not exceed the initial value. The length of the main crack path is positively proportional to the number of acoustic emissions and the energy accumulation capacity, and evolution of the damage variable basically shows a development trend of steady growth-rapid growth-steady growth.
High Performance Hybrid Vehicle Concept—Preliminary Study and Vehicle Packaging
Authors: Martellucci Leone , Capata Roberto
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work was to develop the design of a direct liquid cooling system for a battery pack of a high-performance plug-in hybrid vehicle. The cooling system of the battery pack is of an innovative type, with the direct cooling of the power busbars and the poles of the lithium cells. In order to obtain preliminary information for the dimensioning and verification of the battery pack cooling system, a simulation model of the whole vehicle and its powertrain was developed. In this way, the current profiles to which the storage system will be subjected can be estimated and can be used to fine-tune the cooling system. The use of a simulation model of the entire vehicle was necessary because the vehicle is still at the design stage, and only experimental data on the specific consumption of the internal combustion engine and experimental characterization data of the lithium cells used, as well as data provided by the manufacturers of the electric motors and inverters, are currently available.
Dynamic Effects of Structure-Based Forest Management on Stand Spatial Structure in a Platycladus orientalis Plantation
Authors: Zhang Lianjin , Feng Huanying , Du Manyi , Wang Yue , Lai Guanghui , Guo Jia
Published: May 2022

Structure-based forest management (SBFM) is a method for improving forest structure and quality based on nearest-neighbor analysis. Stand spatial structure directly affects the health and stability of forest ecosystems. Research on the effects of SBFM on the distribution of spatial structure parameters is needed to provide a scientific basis for further development and implementation of SBFM technology in forestry. The present study was conducted on six permanent plots (20 m × 20 m) established within a Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco plantation in Beijing, China. Changes in stand spatial structure parameters (SSSPs) were evaluated in managed and control plots at three time points: before SBFM and after 2 and 7 years of SBFM. The results showed that SBFM gradually accelerated the development of the P. orientalis plantation toward a random distribution pattern, reaching a significant difference within 2 years. SBFM promoted the growth of medium and dominant trees, with a significant difference between SBFM and control stands after 7 years. It led to a slight increase in mingling compared to the control, although no significant differences were observed between treatments. SBFM generally decreased the proportions of disadvantageous microstructures (disadvantaged trees with non-randomly distributed, disadvantaged trees with a low degree of mingling, and non-randomly distributed trees with a low degree of mingling). It also improved the ratio of torch (R2) units to dumbbell (R1) units, gradually improving the stability of the plantation forest. The results of this study suggest that SBFM optimized the spatial structure of a P. orientalis plantation in Beijing, China, and was conducive to tree growth and forest stand productivity.
Fidelity to Natal Tributary Streams by Kokanee Following Introduction to a Large Oligotrophic Reservoir
Authors: Shrimpton J. Mark , Breault Paige W. , Turcotte Luc A.
Published: May 2022

The WAC Bennett Dam was completed in 1968 and impounded the Upper Peace River to form the Williston Reservoir in north central British Columbia. In 1990, an enhancement project was initiated to stock Columbia River Kokanee (non-anadromous Sockeye Salmon; Oncorhynchus nerka) from southeastern British Columbia into tributary streams that drained into regions of the reservoir that were accessible by anglers. The current distribution of spawning Columbia-origin Kokanee in the Williston Reservoir watershed, however, does not reflect the locations where these fish were initially stocked and suggests extensive straying. Whether or not Kokanee will develop fidelity to specific spawning locations is not known, but it is important information to effectively manage these introduced fish. We used otolith microchemistry to estimate fidelity to natal streams by Columbia-origin Kokanee in the Williston Reservoir. Otolith elemental signatures for the region of the otolith that formed during the larval period and characterized the natal redd environment showed considerable variation among samples. Natal signatures tended to cluster for each river but not for all spawners, suggesting elemental signatures from other rivers. Homing to one of the four natal streams we examined was classified to be 73% based on linear discriminant analysis, although variation in the elemental signatures within each group suggests that homing by Kokanee to specific natal streams may be as low as 55%. Based on similarity of water elemental signatures for tributaries within large rivers, however, the proportion of fish that returned to their general region was likely higher and estimated to be approximately 83%. The result of regional homing could be reproductive isolation and adaptation to local conditions. It is unclear, however, if the current estimated level of straying will limit genetic differentiation and prevent local adaptation.
Temperature and pH Stability of Anthraquinones from Native Aloe vera Gel, Spray-Dried and Freeze-Dried Aloe vera Powders during Storage
Authors: Sadiq Uzma , Gill Harsharn , Chandrapala Jayani
Published: May 2022

The present study explored the stability of extracted anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin and rhein) from whole-leaf Aloe vera gel (WLAG), its freeze-dried powder (FDP) and spray-dried powder (SDP) under varying pH and temperature conditions during storage. Each anthraquinone behaved differently under different processing parameters. The amount of anthraquinones present in the gel was higher than in FDP and SDP. The aloin contents decreased by more than 50% at 50 °C and 70 °C, while at 25 °C and 4 °C, the decrease was moderate. A substantial reduction in aloin concentration was noticed at pH 6.7, whereas it remained unaffected at pH 3.5. The temperature and pH had no significant effect on the stability of aloe-emodin. Interestingly, a small quantity of rhein was detected during storage due to the oxidative degradation of aloin into aloe-emodin and rhein. These findings can provide significant insight into retaining anthraquinones during processing while developing functional foods and nutraceuticals to obtain maximum health benefits.
Screening of Naturally Grown European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) Genotypes Based on Physico-Chemical Characteristics
Authors: Çolak Ayşen Melda , Mertoğlu Kerem , Alan Fatma , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Bulduk İbrahim , Akbel Erten , Kahramanoğlu Ibrahim
Published: May 2022

It has become very important to offer species with high nutritional value as fresh or processed products for human consumption in their daily diet for balanced nutrition. In the scope of this study, 15 naturally grown European Cranberry bush (ECB) genotypes that naturally grown were characterized in terms of horticultural characteristics. Fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, the number of fruits per each cluster and cluster weight were determined within the ranges of 8.78–10.96 mm, 7.93–10.84 mm, 0.21–0.70 g, 31–121, and 7.70–66.67 g, respectively. Ranking of the average values of examined organic acids obtained from all genotypes found as; malic acid (11,419 mg L−1) > citric acid (1926 mg L−1) > ascorbic acid (581 mg L−1) > oxalic acid (561 mg L−1). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were found at high levels in ECB with 2922–3475 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) L−1 and 1463–3163 mg quercetin equivalents (QE) L−1, respectively. While pomological characteristics were found to be highly positive correlated with each other, they were negatively correlated with chemical properties. Low pH was found to be an important parameter to obtain higher amounts of phytochemicals such as TPC, TFC, organic and phenolic acids correlated with strong antioxidant effects. The obtained results will be useful for both germplasm enrichment and cultivation.
Tissue Adhesive, Conductive, and Injectable Cellulose Hydrogel Ink for On-Skin Direct Writing of Electronics
Authors: Jin Subin , Kim Yewon , Son Donghee , Shin Mikyung
Published: May 2022

Flexible and soft bioelectronics used on skin tissue have attracted attention for the monitoring of human health. In addition to typical metal-based rigid electronics, soft polymeric materials, particularly conductive hydrogels, have been actively developed to fabricate biocompatible electrical circuits with a mechanical modulus similar to biological tissues. Although such conductive hydrogels can be wearable or implantable in vivo without any tissue damage, there are still challenges to directly writing complex circuits on the skin due to its low tissue adhesion and heterogeneous mechanical properties. Herein, we report cellulose-based conductive hydrogel inks exhibiting strong tissue adhesion and injectability for further on-skin direct printing. The hydrogels consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, tannic acid, and metal ions (e.g., HAuCl4) were crosslinked via multiple hydrogen bonds between the cellulose backbone and tannic acid and metal-phenol coordinate network. Owing to this reversible non-covalent crosslinking, the hydrogels showed self-healing properties and reversible conductivity under cyclic strain from 0 to 400%, as well as printability on the skin tissue. In particular, the on-skin electronic circuit printed using the hydrogel ink maintained a continuous electrical flow under skin deformation, such as bending and twisting, and at high relative humidity of 90%. These printable and conductive hydrogels are promising for implementing structurally complicated bioelectronics and wearable textiles.
Dual-Responsive Photonic Crystal Sensors Based on Physical Crossing-Linking SF-PNIPAM Dual-Crosslinked Hydrogel
Authors: Zheng Wenxiang , Cai Xiaolu , Yan Dan , Murtaza Ghulam , Meng Zihui , Qiu Lili
Published: May 2022

Flexible wearable materials have frequently been used in drug delivery, healthcare monitoring, and wearable sensors for decades. As a novel type of artificially designed functional material, photonic crystals (PCs) are sensitive to the changes in the external environment and stimuli signals. However, the rigidity of the PCs limits their application in the field of biometric and optical sensors. This study selects silk fibroin (SF) and poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) as principal components to prepare the hydrogel with the physical crosslinking agent lithium silicate (LMSH) and is then integrated with PCs to obtain the SF-PNIPAM dual-crosslinked nanocomposite for temperature and strain sensing. The structural colors of the PCs change from blue to orange-red by the variation in temperature or strain. The visual temperature-sensing and adhesion properties enable the SF-PNIPAM dual-crosslinked nanocomposite to be directly attached to the skin in order to monitor the real-time dynamic of human temperature. Based on its excellent optical properties and biocompatibility, the SF-PNIPAM dual-crosslinked nanocomposite can be applied to the field of visual biosensing, wearable display devices, and wound dressing materials.
Advanced CNC/PEG/PDMAA Semi-IPN Hydrogel for Drug Delivery Management in Wound Healing
Authors: Afrin Samia , Shahruzzaman Md. , Haque Papia , Islam Md. Sazedul , Hossain Shafiul , Rashid Taslim Ur , Ahmed Tanvir , Takafuji Makoto , Rahman Mohammed Mizanur
Published: May 2022

A Semi Interpenetrating Polymer Network (semi-IPN) hydrogel was prepared and loaded with an antibiotic drug, gentamicin, to investigate the wound healing activity of this system. The semi-IPN hydrogel was synthesized by combining natural polymer cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and synthetic polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly (N,N′-dimethyl acrylamide) (PDMAA), which was initially added as a monomer dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA). CNC was prepared from locally obtained jute fibers, dispersed in a PEG-NaOH solvent system and then mixed with monomer DMAA, where polymerization was initiated by an initiator potassium persulphate (KPS) and cross-linked by N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA). The size, morphology, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, thermal and swelling properties of the hydrogel were investigated by different characterization techniques. The biocompatibility of the hydrogel was confirmed by cytotoxicity analysis, which showed >95% survival of the BHK-21, Vero cell line. The drug loaded hydrogel showed antimicrobial property by forming 25 and 23 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacteria, respectively, in antimicrobial analysis. At pH 5.5, 76% of the drug was released from the hydrogel within 72 h, as observed in an in vitro drug release profile. In an in vivo test, the healing efficiency of the drug loaded hydrogel was examined on a mice model with dorsal wounds. Complete healing of the wound without any scar formation was achieved in 12 days, which revealed excellent wound healing properties of the prepared drug loaded semi-IPN hydrogel. These results showed the relevance of such a system in the rapid healing of acute wounds.
Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Niu Mengya , Zhang Peng , Guo Jinjun , Wang Jia
Published: May 2022

Geopolymers are environmentally friendly materials made from industrial solid waste with high silicon and aluminum contents, and municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MFA) contains active ingredients such as Si, Al and Ca. According to this fact, a green and low-carbon geopolymer concrete was prepared using MFA as a partial replacement for metakaolin in this study. The mechanical properties of the MFA geopolymer concrete (MFA-GPC) were investigated through a series of experiments, including a compressive strength test, splitting tensile strength test, elastic modulus test and three-point bending fracture test. The effect of the MFA replacement ratio on the microstructure of MFA-GPC was investigated by SEM test, XRD analysis and FTIR analysis. MFA replacement ratios incorporated in GPC were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40% by replacing metakaolin with equal quality in this study. In addition, toxic leaching tests of MFA and MFA-GPC were performed by ICP-AES to evaluate the safety of MFA-GPC. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of MFA-GPC decreased with the increase of the MFA replacement ratio. Compared with the reference group of GPC without MFA, the maximum reduction rates of the cubic compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, axial compressive strength, elastic modulus, initiation fracture toughness, unstable fracture toughness and fracture energy of MFA-GPC were 83%, 81%, 78%, 93%, 77%, 73% and 61%, respectively. The microstructure of MFA-GPC was porous and carbonized; however, the type of hydrated gel products was still a calcium silicoaluminate-based silicoaluminate gel. Moreover, the leaching content of heavy metals from MFA-GPC was lower than that of the standard limit. In general, the appropriate amount of MFA can be used to prepare GPC, and its mechanical properties can meet the engineering requirements, but the amount of MFA should not be too high.
Stroke and Etiopathogenesis: What Is Known?
Authors: Ciarambino Tiziana , Crispino Pietro , Mastrolorenzo Erika , Viceconti Antonello , Giordano Mauro
Published: May 2022

Background: A substantial portion of stroke risk remains unexplained, and a contribution from genetic factors is supported by recent findings. In most cases, genetic risk factors contribute to stroke risk as part of a multifactorial predisposition. A major challenge in identifying the genetic determinants of stroke is fully understanding the complexity of the phenotype. Aims: Our narrative review is needed to improve our understanding of the biological pathways underlying the disease and, through this understanding, to accelerate the identification of new drug targets. Methods: We report, the research in the literature until February 2022 in this narrative review. The keywords are stroke, causes, etiopathogenesis, genetic, epigenetic, ischemic stroke. Results: While better risk prediction also remains a long-term goal, its implementation is still complex given the small effect-size of genetic risk variants. Some authors encourage the use of stroke genetic panels for stroke risk assessment and further stroke research. In addition, new biomarkers for the genetic causes of stroke and new targets for gene therapy are on the horizon. Conclusion: We summarize the latest evidence and perspectives of ischemic stroke genetics that may be of interest to the physician and useful for day-to-day clinical work in terms of both prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.
ATP-dependent DNA helicase (TaDHL), a Novel Reduced-Height (Rht) Gene in Wheat
Authors: Guo Baojin , Jin Xuemei , Chen Jingchuan , Xu Huiyan , Zhang Mingxia , Lu Xing , Wu Rugang , Zhao Yan , Guo Ying , An Yanrong , Li Sishen
Published: May 2022

In wheat, a series of dwarf and semi-dwarf plant varieties have been developed and utilized worldwide since the 1960s and caused the ‘Green Revolution’. To date, 25 reduced-height (Rht) genes have been identified, but only several genes for plant height (PH) have been isolated previously. In this study, we identified a candidate gene, ATP-dependent DNA helicase (TaDHL-7B), for PH via QTL mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods. We knocked out this gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in variety ‘Fielder’. Two homozygous mutant genotypes, AAbbDD (−5 bp) and AAbbDD (−1 bp), were obtained in the T2 generation. The PH values of AAbbDD (−5 bp) and AAbbDD (−1 bp) were significantly reduced compared with the wild-type (WT, ‘Fielder’), indicating that TaDHL-7B is a novel Rht gene that controls the PH. This is the first time that a PH gene of wheat has been isolated with a non-hormone pathway, providing a new insight into the genetic control of PH. The TaDHL gene reduced the PH without a yield penalty. It could be used to improve the lodging resistance and yield in wheat breeding programs.
Self-Insert Fanfiction as Digital Technology of the Self
Authors: Sapuridis Effie , Alberto Maria K.
Published: May 2022

Self-insert fanfiction is a long-established but still controversial mode of writing, even within the already marginalized genre of fanfiction. Moreover, many of the specific terms and practices used to describe this kind of writing have not been formally explored or theorized. We maintain that self-insert fanfiction can be understood as a digital technology of the self, building upon Foucauldian roots and extending into digital platforms and their affordances. We begin by making connections to the precedents established by “Mary Sue” characters, then continue by tracing the shifts from those conversations to more explicitly self-insert subgenres of the present day. Then, drawing on a survey of self-insert fanfiction conducted across four platforms (Ao3, FF.net, Tumblr, and Wattpad), we explore how such works can be discovered, read, and engaged with, and we offer specific observations about self-insert subgenres, as drawn from a selection of these works. Ultimately, we maintain, self-insert fanfiction expands the possibilities offered by other digital technologies of the self (avatars, blogging, etc.) by attempting to create a self that can be open to any reader who encounters it, although this expansion is not without its own limitations and drawbacks. We conclude by offering potential directions for further work in this area that fall beyond the scope of this initial exploration.
Rereading The Wife’s Lament with Dido of Carthage: The Husband and the Herheard
Authors: Osborn Marijane
Published: May 2022

The Old English poem in The Exeter Book titled The Wife’s Lament is about longing and loneliness; the woman speaking in the poem longs for her absent husband who has sent her to live in a “cave under an oak tree”. The husband’s attitude toward his wife is a major point of controversy among commentators on the poem: has he sent her there as a punishment or for her protection? This essay argues that he loves her and seeks to protect her in his absence. The argument supporting this view addresses the following three topics: the reason he must leave and his brooding silence preceding that departure, the culture of warrior oaths, and the nature of the “cave” where the speaker is located. The first two discussions assess and reframe previous scholarship, while the discussion of the speaker’s location introduces a new area of research, the archaeology of early medieval rock-cut buildings. Finding that the poet might imagine the Wife inhabiting such a constructed building invites us to think about her, her husband, the poem, and even the Exeter Book itself within a new and interesting real-world context.
Evaluation of the Patient Experience with the Mawid App during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlAli Eman , AL-Dossary Reem , Al-Rayes Saja , Al-Ansary Naof , Alshawan Deema , Almulla Salma , Alanezi Fahad , Alakrawi Zahraa , Alnaim Norah , Saraireh Linah , Attar Razaz Waheeb , Alaenzi Nouf , bin Hasher Hayathem , AlThani Bashair , Alsulaiman Lojain , Alenazi Naif , Hariri Beyan , Alanzi Turki
Published: May 2022

(1) Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the patient experience with the Mawid application during the COVID-19 pandemic in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. (2) Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate the patient experience with the Mawid app during the COVID-19 pandemic in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 146 respondents completed the questionnaire. (3) Results: More than half of the participants (65.8%) opined that application was easy to use. Furthermore, 65.1% of the participants considered it to be very easy and easy to search for the required information; and 63.7% of the respondents reflected that it was easy to book an appointment. There was a statistically significant difference between the ease of searching for the required information (p-value = 0.006); the ease of undoing an unwanted move and gender (p-value = 0.049); the ease of searching for the required information and educational level (p-value = 0.048); the ease of booking an appointment and educational level (p = 0.049); and the ease of searching for the required information and the labor sector of the respondents (p value= 0.049) among the genders. No significant differences were identified among the age groups. (4) Conclusions: Overall, most participants suggested that the Mawid app was easy to use and had a potentially useful set of features to help mitigate and manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia.
Well-Informed and Willing, but Breastfeeding Does Not Work: A Qualitative Study on Perceived Support from Health Professionals among German Mothers with Breastfeeding Problems
Authors: Spannhake Mariz , Jansen Charlotte , Görig Tatiana , Diehl Katharina
Published: May 2022

Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, a large number of women worldwide do not practice it successfully. Our study aimed to investigate the perceived support from health professionals for women who experienced difficulties in breastfeeding. Furthermore, we examined women’s knowledge about breastfeeding and motivation to breastfeed. We conducted a qualitative exploratory study (June to October 2019) among 15 women who had experienced breastfeeding problems in Germany. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis following Mayring’s approach. Prior to giving birth, the women’s motivation to breastfeed and theoretical knowledge were high, and breastfeeding problems were not anticipated. Difficulties in breastfeeding after giving birth created a highly demanding situation for the mothers. Health professionals were either perceived as very supportive, for example, by providing helpful technical advice or being emotional assistance, or they could be perceived as nonhelpful, thereby worsening the situation, for example, by pressuring the women to breastfeed or making improper remarks. Adequate support for young mothers in childbed consists of the provision of useful and realistic information concerning breastfeeding and a sensitive treatment when breastfeeding problems occur. Paying attention to this specific group of women who are experiencing difficulties in breastfeeding may improve maternal and child well-being and potentially enable breastfeeding.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Appearance, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Corbi Francisco , Matas Sergi , Álvarez-Herms Jesús , Sitko Sebastian , Baiget Ernest , Reverter-Masia Joaquim , López-Laval Isaac
Published: May 2022

Osgood-Schlatter disease is the most common osteochondritis of the lower limb in sport-practicing children and adolescents. Its manifestation usually coincides with the appearance of the secondary ossification center of the tibia and is linked to the practice of sports with an explosive component. In the present study, a review of the factors related to its appearance, diagnosis and treatment was carried out. Its appearance seems to be multifactorial and related to multiple morphological, functional, mechanical and environmental factors. Given all the above, risk factor reduction and prevention seem the most logical strategies to effectively prevent the appearance of the condition. In addition, it is essential to create prevention programs that can be objectively assessed and would allow to stop the progress of the pathology, particularly in those sports where high forces are generated on the insertion zone of the patellar tendon at sensitive ages. More studies are needed to clarify which type of treatment is the most appropriate—specific exercises or the usual care treatment.
Sickle Cell Disease, a Review
Authors: Tebbi Cameron K.
Published: May 2022

Sickle cell disease and its variants constitute the most common inherited blood disorders affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Significant information regarding the nature of the genetic mutations and modifier genes that result in increased or decreased severity of the disease are available. In recent years, detailed data regarding molecular genetics, pathophysiology, mechanisms for the development of symptoms and side effects of sickle cell disease have been published. The relationship of physiological changes, cellular interactions, coexisting coagulation disorders, effects of association with other genetic disorders and a number of intervening factors have been explored. New techniques for pre-conception, prenatal, in utero, and neonatal screening are available. Means for prediction of the severity of the disease, clinical course of the disorder, and prevention of some of its major complications have been developed. The effects of psychosocial and environmental factors have been explored. Various therapeutic strategies including bone marrow and stem cell transplantation are currently employed in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease. Recent progress in understanding the molecular pathways controlling mammalian erythropoiesis and globin switching, as well as advances in genome engineering, particularly the gene-editing techniques, have opened a venue for genetic-based treatment of the disease. Currently, sickle cell disease is often associated with a high rate of complications and mortality. The development of new pharmacological agents, methods for gene therapy, and alterations and modification of the coexisting genetic factors and modifiers for treatment of the disease are encouraging.
A Heterogeneity Study of Carbon Emissions Driving Factors in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, China, Based on PGTWR Model
Authors: Lou Ting , Ma Jianhui , Liu Yu , Yu Lei , Guo Zhaopeng , He Yan
Published: May 2022

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is an important economic growth pole in China and achieving carbon emission reduction in the region is of great practical significance. Studying the heterogeneity of the influencing factors of carbon emission in this region contributes to formulating targeted regional carbon emission reduction policies. Therefore, this paper adopted thirteen cities as individuals of cross-section and conducted spatial and temporal heterogeneity analysis of the influencing factors of converted carbon emissions in the region with panel data from 2013 to 2018 based on the PGTWR model. From a space-time perspective, the regression coefficient of each influencing factor in this region has obvious heterogeneity, which is mainly reflected in the time dimension. In the study period, the impact of industrial structure, the level of urbanization, energy intensity, and the level of economic growth on carbon emission showed a decline curve, while the impact of the level of opening up and the size of population was on the rise, indicating that more attention should be paid to the latter two factors for the time to come. In terms of space, the differences in the influence of industrial structure and energy intensity on carbon emission vary significantly.
Correction: Hsu et al. Effect of Early Pelvic Binder Use in the Emergency Management of Suspected Pelvic Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 1217
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Der , Chen Cheng-Jueng , Chou Yu-Ching , Wang Sheng-Hao , Chan De-Chuan
Published: May 2022

Text Correction  [...]
Identifying the Spatial Imbalance in the Supply and Demand of Cultural Ecosystem Services
Authors: Shi Qinqin , Chen Hai , Liu Di , Geng Tianwei , Zhang Hang
Published: May 2022

Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) are an important part of ecosystem services (ESs). Correctly understanding the supply and demand relationship of CES is the premise of ES sustainable management and helps to improve human well-being. However, the evaluation and mapping of CES supply and demand represents a significant gap in ES research. Using the Shigou Township of Mizhi County in China as an example, in this study, we evaluated CES supply and demand at the village scale. We first considered three aspects of supply potential, accessibility and quality to construct an indicator system of six types of CES supply, including aesthetic (Aest), sense of place (SP), social relations (SR), cultural heritage (Cult), education (Edu) and recreation (Recr) and obtained demand data through a questionnaire. Then, we identified the imbalance in the supply and demand of CES by Z-score standardization based on the quantification of the CES supply and demand. Secondly, bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to identify tradeoffs/synergies on the CES supply side, and chi-square tests were used to identify CES demand differences between stakeholder groups. The results indicated that the supply–demand patterns of CES presented evident spatial differences. The low-supply–high-demand patterns of Aest, SR and Recr accounted for the largest proportions, with values of 33.33%, 33.33% and 30.95%, respectively. The low-supply–low-demand patterns of SP and Cult accounted for the largest proportions, with values of 30.95% and 38.10%, respectively. The low-supply–low-demand pattern of Edu accounted for the smallest proportion (21.43%) and was mainly located in the south of Shigou Township. The southwest, northeast and central areas of Shigou Township were the key regions of tradeoffs/synergies of CES supply. There were significant differences in CES demand for SR, Cult and Edu among stakeholder groups. The results could contribute to optimizing regional ecosystem management and provide effective information for improving the imbalance between the supply and demand of CES.
Effect of Forest Users’ Stress on Perceived Restorativeness, Forest Recreation Motivation, and Mental Well-Being during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Don-Gak , Kim Jin-Gun , Park Bum-Jin , Shin Won Sop
Published: May 2022

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has discouraged travel and people’s movements, the number of visitors to forests near cities which are easily accessible by private vehicle is increasing in Korea. This study aims to investigate the relationship between stress, perceived restorativeness, forest recreation motivation, and the mental well-being of forest users. A survey of forest users was conducted at three recreational forests near Seoul in the summer of 2020. A total of 1196 forest users (613 males and 583 females) participated in the study. As a result of the data analysis, it was found that stress had a negative correlation with perceived restorativeness, forest recreation motivation, and mental well-being; perceived restorativeness had a positive correlation with mental well-being, and forest recreation motivation had a positive correlation with mental well-being. For the relationship between stress and mental well-being, the fitness index that was mediated by the perceived restorativeness and the forest recreation motivation found that the model was statistically suitable. Through this study, a research model was derived that, if the stress of forest users is reduced, direct or indirect effects on perceived restorativeness, forest recreation motivation, and mental well-being are increased. Further, a multi-group analysis found that the effect of perceived restorativeness and forest recreation motivation on the mental well-being of the male group was higher than the effect on the female group. Using this research model to find ways to promote health in forests can be utilized for forest management or forest healing.
Does Governance Quality Matter for the Selection of Policy Stringency to Fight COVID-19?
Authors: Wang Yan
Published: May 2022

Independent of different national conditions, an indisputable fact is that the worldwide governments should play a role in fighting the ongoing COVID-19. To make clear the determinants of government response to tackle COVID-19, I investigate the impact of governance quality. To do so, I newly create an overall governance index based on six dimensions of Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) from the World Bank to proxy governance quality. I regress the overall governance index with controls on the stringency index from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker database. Using pooled and panel data models with individual and time fixed effects, I find that the relationship between governance quality and policy stringency for 339 days across 163 countries is significantly nonmonotonic. Countries with middle governance quality select a high level of policy stringency in contrast to those with high and low governance quality. I also find that policy stringency significantly increases when daily new cases increase. The findings highlight the role of governance quality in deciding the stringency level of public health policies.
Short-Term Effects of Low-Level Ambient Air NO2 on the Risk of Incident Stroke in Enshi City, China
Authors: Chen Zesheng , Wang Bin , Hu Yanlin , Dai Lan , Liu Yangming , Wang Jing , Cao Xueqin , Wu Yiming , Zhou Ting , Cui Xiuqing , Shi Tingming
Published: May 2022

Previous studies found that exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was associated with an increased risk of incident stroke, but few studies have been conducted for relatively low NO2 pollution areas. In this study, the short-term effects of NO2 on the risk of incident stroke in a relatively low-pollution area, Enshi city of Hubei Province, China, were investigated through time-series analysis. Daily air-pollution data, meteorological data, and stroke incidence data of residents in Enshi city from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018 were collected. A time-series analysis using a generalised additive model (GAM) based on Poisson distribution was applied to explore the short-term effects of low-level NO2 exposure on the risk of incident stroke and stroke subtypes, as well as possible age, sex, and seasonal differences behind the effects. In the GAM model, potential confounding factors, such as public holidays, day of the week, long-term trends, and meteorological factors (temperature and relative humidity), were controlled. A total of 9122 stroke incident cases were included during the study period. We found that NO2 had statistically significant effects on the incidence of stroke and ischemic stroke, estimated by excess risk (ER) of 0.37% (95% CI: 0.04–0.70%) and 0.58% (95% CI: 0.18–0.98%), respectively. For the cumulative lag effects, the NO2 still had a statistically significant effect on incident ischemic stroke, estimated by ER of 0.61% (95% CI: 0.01–1.21%). The two-pollutant model showed that the effects of NO2 on incident total stroke were still statistically significant after adjusting for other air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, and O3). In addition, the effects of NO2 exposure on incident stroke were statistically significant in elderly (ER = 0.75%; 95% CI: 0.11–1.40%), males (ER = 0.47%; 95% CI: 0.05–0.89%) and cold season (ER = 0.83%; 95% CI: 0.15–1.51%) subgroups. Our study showed that, as commonly observed in high-pollution areas, short-term exposure to low-level NO2 was associated with an increased risk of incident stroke, including ischemic stroke. Males and elderly people were more vulnerable to the effects of NO2, and the adverse effects might be promoted in the cold season.
Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Nanoparticles: A Broad-Spectrum Weapon to Fight Multi-Drug Resistance Not Only in Bacteria
Authors: Valenti Giulia E. , Alfei Silvana , Caviglia Debora , Domenicotti Cinzia , Marengo Barbara
Published: May 2022

In the last few years, antibiotic resistance and, analogously, anticancer drug resistance have increased considerably, becoming one of the main public health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to find therapeutic strategies able to counteract the onset of multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this review, a critical overview of the innovative tools available today to fight MDR is reported. In this direction, the use of membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs), such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), has received particular attention, due to their high selectivity and to their limited side effects. Moreover, similarities between bacteria and cancer cells are herein reported and the hypothesis of the possible use of AMPs also in anticancer therapies is discussed. However, it is important to take into account the limitations that could negatively impact clinical application and, in particular, the need for an efficient delivery system. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed as a potential strategy to improve therapy; moreover, among polymeric NPs, cationic ones are emerging as promising tools able to fight the onset of MDR both in bacteria and in cancer cells.
Serotonin (5-HT) 2A Receptor Involvement in Melanin Synthesis and Transfer via Activating the PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yue Yunyun , Zhong Min , An Xiaohong , Feng Qingyuan , Lai Yifan , Yu Meng , Zhang Xiaofeng , Liao Zixian , Chen Minghan , Dong Jing , Zhong Hui , Shang Jing
Published: May 2022

The 5-HT2A serotonin receptor (HTR2A) has been reported to be involved in the serotonin- or serotonin receptor 2A agonist-induced melanogenesis in human melanoma cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HTR2A in regulating melanogenesis remain poorly understood. In this research, cultured mouse melanoma cell line B16F10, human skin, and zebrafish embryos were used to elucidate the downstream signaling of HTR2A in regulating melanogenesis and to verify the potential application of HTR2A in the treatment of pigment-associated cutaneous diseases. We demonstrated that HTR2A antagonists (AT1015 and ketanserin) attenuated the melanogenesis induction of serotonin in both mouse melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos. The agonists of HTR2A (DOI and TCB-2) increased melanin synthesis and transfer in B16F10 cells, human skin tissue, and zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, the HTR2A agonists increased the expression of proteins related to melanosome organization and melanocyte dendrites to facilitate the melanocyte migration and melanosome transport. HTR2A antagonists and genetic knockout of zebrafish htr2aa (the homologue of mammalian HTR2A gene) were also used to clarify that HTR2A mediates serotonin and DOI in regulating melanogenesis. Finally, through small scale screening of the candidate downstream pathway, we demonstrated that HTR2A mediates the melanogenesis induction of its ligands by activating the PKA/CREB signaling pathway. In this research, we further confirmed that HTR2A is a crucial protein to mediate melanocyte function. Meanwhile, this research supports that HTR2A could be designed as a drug target for the development of chemicals to treat cutaneous diseases with melanocytes or melanogenesis abnormality.