bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of mental and financial health during COVID-19: Evidence from data of a developing country
Authors: Khan Falak , Siddiqui Muhammad A. , Imtiaz Salma , Shaikh Shoaib A. , Chen Chin-Ling , Wu Chih-Ming
Published: August 2022

Mental and emotional issues are the top-level concerns of public health worldwide. These issues surged during Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to varied medical, social, and personal reasons. The social determinants highlighted in the literature mainly focus on household solutions rather than on increasing the financial wellbeing of individuals, especially for the most vulnerable groups where the psychological distress coming from the social inequalities cannot be entirely treated. Hence, this study attempts to familiarize the financial capability (the financial literacy, attitude, skills and behavior required for effective financial management) construct into public health domain in the times of COVID-19 as a determinant of psychological distress, and also explores the role of gender in it. The study uses Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis and employs mental distress questions and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 2018 financial capability toolkit to collect data from a large sample of households from all over Pakistan. It is inferred that the higher the financial capability, the lower the financial and mental distress during COVID-19. Additionally, females are less financially knowledgeable, depict poor financial behaviors, and face more psychological issues than their counterparts. Age and education are also linked to mental stress during COVID-19. Finally, gender plays a moderating role in financial behavior, and financial and mental stress of households. As evident, COVID-19 is not going away soon hence the findings are relevant for policymakers to proactively plan for the pandemic's upcoming waves and help people be better financially equipped to fight against this or any upcoming crisis, and achieve better mental and physical health.
Status update control based on reinforcement learning in energy harvesting sensor networks
Authors: Han Zhihui , Gong Jie
Published: August 2022

With the development of the Internet of Things, more and more sensors are deployed to monitor the environmental status. To reduce deployment costs, a large number of sensors need to be deployed without a stable grid power supply. Therefore, on the one hand, the wireless sensors need to save as much energy as possible to extend their lifetime. On the other hand, they need to sense and transmit timely and accurate information for real-time monitoring. In this study, based on the spatiotemporal correlation of the environmental status monitored by the sensors, status information estimation is considered to effectively reduce the information collection frequency of the sensors, thereby reducing the energy cost. Under an ideal communication model with unlimited and perfect channels, a status update scheduling mechanism based on a Q-learning algorithm is proposed. With a nonideal channel model, a status update scheduling mechanism based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed. In this scenario, all sensors share a limited number of channels, and channel fading is considered. A finite state Markov chain is adopted to model the channel state transition process. The simulation results based on a real dataset show that compared with several baseline methods, the proposed mechanisms can well balance the energy cost and information errors and significantly reduce the update frequency while ensuring information accuracy.
Monitoring cetacean occurrence and variability in ambient sound in Scottish offshore waters
Authors: van Geel Nienke C. F. , Risch Denise , Benjamins Steven , Brook Tom , Culloch Ross M. , Edwards Ewan W. J. , Stevens Connie , Wilson Ben
Published: August 2022

The characterisation of marine soundscapes allows observation of spatiotemporal distribution of vocalising species and human activities, which can inform an assessment of their interactions. Such data are important for monitoring the ecological status of marine habitats. The Scottish Atlantic Frontier is an important habitat for a variety of cetacean species. Historic whaling has heavily impacted several species inhabiting these waters and current comprehensive information about seasonal occurrence and distribution is lacking for all species. This study presents year-round passive acoustic monitoring data from ten sites in this understudied region. The three most offshore sites were examined for baleen whale vocalisations, and four species were regularly detected. Fin whale detections peaked from October to January and were at their lowest during May and June. Humpback whale song was detected as early as January but showed a strong seasonal peak in March and April. In contrast, minke whales were detected regularly throughout the year but with a peak in detections from October to November, when sei whales were also detected. All monitoring sites showed frequent occurrence of odontocete echolocation clicks and whistles. Comprised mainly of delphinid vocalisations, whistles and clicks were detected on an almost-daily basis among the offshore sites, with a slight reduction in detections from May to July particularly among the more inshore sites. Ambient sound levels (root-mean-square sounds pressure level; SPL) varied by site and season in relation to species presence, anthropogenic contributions, and environmental conditions. Monthly median SPL across the array varied up to 18 dB within 1/3-octave bands. Throughout the year, variability in median SPL was lowest in the higher frequency bands (>10 kHz), while highest variability was found between January to July in specific lower frequency bands (<1 kHz). Results from this study demonstrate the value of passive acoustic data in providing novel baseline information about cetacean occurrence and distribution in Scottish offshore habitats where data are limited and outdated. The results will feed into statutory reporting on underwater noise, support the identification and designation of future marine protected areas for cetaceans, and help guide management of future human-marine mammal interactions in Scottish offshore waters.
Possible correlation between nighttime lighting data and building height
Authors: Kazawa Go , Seki Daikichi , Keola Souknilanh , Iwasaki Fusanori , Yamashiki Yosuke Alexandre
Published: August 2022

This study examined whether nighttime light can be a proxy for building height. It is important for estimating an urban environment and urban design and understanding industrial clusters. However, it is necessary to purchase height data for a wide range of buildings, and it is difficult to obtain data in a time series. In this study, we examined whether it is possible to estimate the height of buildings using nighttime light data. This research focuses on the fact that as the number of windows increases, the amount of light leaking from the windows during the night increases for the entire building. This increases the amount of light emitted by the building. We conducted the first Japanese correlation analysis using a three-dimensional dataset with a resolution of 1 meter that was released by Hyogo Prefecture on 10 January 2020. We also used nighttime light data from the Suomi NPP satellite, which has been in operation since 2011 and is jointly managed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA. The percentage of land occupied by buildings within a 450-meter square of a nighttime light resolution was varied to obtain a higher correlation between buildings and nighttime light. The correlation between the average height of buildings and the luminous intensity of nighttime light within that pixel was calculated. The coefficient of determination was 0.425, which was the best value when the percentage of land occupied by buildings in a pixel was between 70 and 80%. This study found a high correlation between night light and building height. We believe that if a building has a certain size, the night light can be used as a proxy. The results of our research will contribute to understanding the changes and characteristics of urban development and population distribution as urbanization progresses in various regions. Rapid public transportation services, education, and environmental improvement will contribute to urban development and changes in population distribution, which will greatly relieve urban poverty and improve urban security and the environment.
Assessing for cryptorchidism via telehealth is not always accurate: A Paediatric cohort study
Authors: McBride Craig A. , Patel Bhaveshkumar , Xu Eileen , Bairagi Anjana
Published: August 2022

Background

Cryptorchidism is the most common referral to our paediatric surgical telehealth service. There is a paucity of literature on this condition in a telehealth context. We wished to determine the accuracy of telehealth in the diagnosis of cryptorchidism, and to examine for any predictors that may increase diagnostic confidence.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a consecutive cohort from November 2009 (start of service) to December 31st 2021. Data from telehealth were compared against eventual surgical outcomes.

Results

There were 387 consecutive patients seen, resulting in 335 bookings for orchidopexy. 69/327 patients presenting for operation did not have an orchidopexy performed. Operations did not proceed as booked for 37% of children. Referrals for bilateral cryptorchidism were more likely to be normal on face to face review. The average round-trip distance for families from home to hospital, and back, was 948km.

Conclusions

Telehealth is not an accurate method for assessing cryptorchidism. Operations were cancelled for 1 in 5 children, and altered for 3 in 8. Travel distances for families were significant. The inaccuracy of telehealth for assessing cryptorchidism must balance inconvenience for families against disruption to elective operating lists.
Games and How Math Can Help Us Win Them
Authors: Solan Eilon
Published: August 2022

Every day, we make many decisions that impact those around us, and we in turn are impacted by decisions that others make. This reciprocal impact makes it challenging to analyze situations that involve more than one participant. In the mathematical field of game theory, such situations are called games. When I participate in a game, I must guess what the other participants will do, so that I can choose the best course of action to cope with their decisions. The other participants are aware that I am trying to guess what they plan to do, and they in turn will adapt their actions based on what they guess my moves will be. Can game theory recommend players how to play to “win” or otherwise achieve their goals? This article will explain concepts related to game theory and help answer this question.
Transient Budd–Chiari syndrome secondary to blunt traumatic bile fistula: A case report
Authors: Ma Qimin , Cao Kai , Luo Pengfei , Liu Xiaobin , Shen Tuo , Wang Yusong , Zhu Feng
Published: August 2022

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is rarely caused by trauma. We reported a case of transient and secondary BCS post polytrauma that resulting from massive perihepatic and abdominal fluid and compressed liver, causing stenosis of the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins. This was a special BCS case related to but not directly caused by trauma. With conservative management and active surgical procedures, the patient recovered well.
Poor bone mineral density aggravates adjacent segment's motility compensation in patients with oblique lumbar interbody fusion with and without pedicle screw fixation: An in silico study
Authors: Huang Chen-Yi , Zhang Zi-Fan , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Liu Fei , Fang Zhong-Xin , Xi Zhi-Peng , Li Jing-Chi
Published: August 2022

Objective

Motility compensation increases the risk of adjacent segment diseases (ASDs). Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with ASD have a poor bone mineral density (BMD), and changes in BMD affect the biomechanical environment of bones and tissues, possibly leading to an increase in ASD incidence. However, whether poor BMD increases the risk of ASD by aggravating the motility compensation of the adjacent segment remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify this relationship in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) models with different BMDs and additional fixation methods.

Methods

Stand-alone (S-A) OLIF and OLIF fixed with bilateral pedicle screws (BPS) were simulated in the L4–L5 segment of our well-validated lumbosacral model. Range of motions (ROMs) and stiffness in the surgical segment and at the cranial and caudal sides’ adjacent segments were computed under flexion, extension, and unilateral bending and axial rotation loading conditions.

Results

Under most loading conditions, the motility compensation of both cranial and caudal segments adjacent to the OLIF segment steeply aggravated with BMD reduction in S-A and BPS OLIF models. More severe motility compensation of the adjacent segment was observed in BPS models than in S-A models. Correspondingly, the surgical segment's stiffness of S-A models was apparently lower than that of BPS models (S-A models showed higher ROMs and lower stiffness in the surgical segment).

Conclusion

Poor BMD aggravates the motility compensation of adjacent segments after both S-A OLIF and OLIF with BPS fixation. This variation may cause a higher risk of ASD in OLIF patients with poor BMD. S-A OLIF cannot provide instant postoperative stability; therefore, the daily motions of patients with S-A OLIF should be restricted before ideal interbody fusion to avoid surgical segment complications.
Case report: Melanosis coli combined with colon cancer, causality or coincidence?
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Jianan , Xing Hongbin , Yu Jun , Liu Qian
Published: August 2022

The habitual use of laxative containing anthraquinone glycosides is considered to be the main cause of melanosis coli (MC). In the past, most scholars considered MC to be a benign and reversible disease. However, new evidence has emerged that MC may increase the risk of colon cancer. Here, we report a case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with MC and colon cancer. Through a literature review of previous basic and clinical studies, we summarize existing evidence that reveals the possible association between MC and colon cancer. Although this case cannot establish causality between MC and colon cancer, a high level of clinical vigilance for occurrence of colon cancer in patients with MC should be maintained.
The clinical efficacy of collagen dressing on chronic wounds: A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shu Hongxin , Xia Zhiyu , Qin Xuan , Wang Xiaowei , Lu Weihang , Luo Qingyu , Zhang Zhenxiong , Xiong Xiaowei
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of collagen dressing for patients with chronic wounds.

Materials and methods

Relevant randomized controlled trials were searched from the databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library as of January 2022. For dichotomous outcomes and continuous outcomes, risk ratio and mean difference were calculated, respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of chronic ulcer and follow-up. In addition, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to further verify the results. Jadad score was used to assess the quality of trials. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was utilized to assess the level of evidence for outcomes.

Results

In 11 studies, a total of 961 patients of whom 485 were in the collagen group. Compared with standard of care (SOC) alone, the group that added an extra collagen dressing achieved a higher wound healing rate (Risk Ratio = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.33–1.77). The collagen group also showed a higher healing velocity than the SOC group (Mean Difference, 2.69; 95% CI, 0.87–4.51). In addition, the adverse events related to dressing between the two groups were similar (Risk Ratio = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44–1.01).

Conclusion

Collagen dressing increases the wound healing rate and may be an effective and safe treatment for chronic wound management. However, more extensive research shall be conducted to substantiate these results.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=245728, identifier: CRD42021245728.
Timing of Organ Procurement From Brain-Dead Donors Associates With Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Eerola Verner , Helanterä Ilkka , Åberg Fredrik , Lempinen Marko , Mäkisalo Heikki , Nordin Arno , Isoniemi Helena , Sallinen Ville
Published: August 2022

Brain death-induced cytokine storm is thought to harm transplantable organs. However, longer procurement times have been associated with non-inferior or better outcomes in kidney, heart, and lung transplants, while optimal procurement time for liver allografts is unknown. Our aim was to analyze the association of time interval from brain death to organ procurement with liver allograft outcomes in two nationwide cohorts. The association of procurement interval with graft survival and short-term complications was analysed in multivariable models. Altogether 643 and 58,017 orthotopic liver transplantations from brain-dead donors were included from Finland between June 2004 and December 2017 and the US between January 2008 and August 2018, respectively. Median time from brain death to organ procurement was 10.5 h in Finland and 34.6 h in the US. Longer interval associated with better graft survival (non-linearly, p = 0.016) and less acute rejections (OR 0.935 95% CI 0.894–0.978) in the US cohort, and better early allograft function (p = 0.005; Beta −0.048 95% CI −0.085 −(−0.011)) in the Finnish cohort, in multivariable models adjusted with Donor Risk Index, recipient age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and indication for transplantation. Progressive liver injury after brain death is unlikely. Rushing to recover seems unnecessary; rest and repair might prove beneficial.
Anisotropic Turbulent Kinetic Energy Budgets in Compressible Rectangular Jets
Authors: Bhide Kalyani , Abdallah Shaaban
Published: August 2022

Turbulence is governed by various mechanisms, such as production, dissipation, diffusion, dilatation and convection, which lead to its evolution and decay. In high-speed flows, turbulence becomes complicated due to compressibility effects. Therefore, the goal of the current work is to characterize these mechanisms in rectangular supersonic jets by directly evaluating their contributions in turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget equation. The budgets are obtained using high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulations that employ WALE subgrid-scale model. Jet nearfield data are validated with PIV experimental measurements, available from the literature, which include mean flow and second-order statistics. To ensure spatial resolution and temporal convergence of higher-order statistics, qualitative performance metrics are presented. The results indicate that TKE production is the major source term, while pressure-dilatation term acts as a sink throughout the development of the jet. The diffusion term has the highest contribution from triple-velocity correlations, followed by pressure diffusion and molecular diffusion. Subgrid-scale diffusion and dissipation are also evaluated and their contributions are minimal. Each term is presented on both minor and major axis plane and reveals asymmetry in the statistics. A detailed explanation of budget contributions is provided, leading to the mechanisms responsible for the anisotropy of TKE.
Nondestructive Testing Model of Mango Dry Matter Based on Fluorescence Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Kang Zhiliang , Geng Jinping , Fan Rongsheng , Hu Yan , Sun Jie , Wu Youli , Xu Lijia , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2022

The dry matter test of mango has important practical significance for the quality classification of mango. Most of the common fruit and vegetable quality nondestructive testing methods based on fluorescence hyperspectral imaging technology use a single algorithm in algorithms such as Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE), Random Frog (RF), Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) and Continuous Projection Algorithm (SPA) to extract feature spectral variables, and the use of these algorithms alone can easily lead to the insufficient stability of prediction results. In this regard, a nondestructive detection method for the dry matter of mango based on hyperspectral fluorescence imaging technology was carried out. Taking the ‘Keitt’ mango as the research object, the mango samples were numbered in sequence, and their fluorescence hyperspectral images in the wavelength range of 350–1100 nm were collected, and the average spectrum of the region of interest was used as the effective spectral information of the sample. Select SPXY algorithm to divide samples into a calibration set and prediction set, and select Orthogonal Signal Correction (OSC) as preprocessing method. For the preprocessed spectra, the primary dimensionality reduction (UVE, SPA, RF, CARS), the primary combined dimensionality reduction (UVE + RF, CARS + RF, CARS + SPA), and the secondary combined dimensionality reduction algorithm ((CARS + SPA)-SPA, (UVE + RF)-SPA) and other 12 algorithms were used to extract feature variables. Separately constructed predictive models for predicting the dry matter of mangoes, namely, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), and Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model, were used; The results show that (CARS + RF)-SPA-BPNN has the best prediction performance for mango dry matter, its correlation coefficients were RC2 = 0.9710, RP2 = 0.9658, RMSEC = 0.1418, RMSEP = 0.1526, this method provides a reliable theoretical basis and technical support for the non-destructive detection, and precise and intelligent development of mango dry matter detection.
Phytotoxic Effects of Senna garrettiana and Identification of Phytotoxic Substances for the Development of Bioherbicides
Authors: Krumsri Ramida , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: August 2022

Phytotoxic substances in plants that may serve as alternative natural herbicides for controlling weeds are required for sustainable agriculture. We explored the phytotoxic activities of aqueous methanol extracts of Senna garrettiana (Craib) Irwin & Barneby leaves and the active substances they contain. The results revealed that the S. garrettiana leaf extracts had significant phytotoxic effects on three dicotyledons (Lepidium sativum L., Lactuca sativa L., and Medicago sativa L.) and two monocotyledons (Phleum pratense L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam.). An bioassay-guided isolation process yielded three active substances; caffeic acid, methyl caffeate, and (S)-6-hydroxymellein inhibited the seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass accumulation of L. sativum in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on the concentration required for 50% growth inhibition (IC50), (S)-6-hydroxymellein had the highest inhibitory effects on L. sativum in all test parameters, followed by methyl caffeate and caffeic acid. The L. sativum roots were the most susceptible to (S)-6-hydroxymellein (IC50 = 383 µM) and caffeic acid (IC50 = 2627 µM), whereas methyl caffeate (IC50 = 1361 µM) had the greatest effect on the L. sativum shoots. Thus, three isolated compounds may explain the phytotoxic effects of the S. garrettiana extracts. Consequently, caffeic acid, methyl caffeate, and (S)-6-hydroxymellein could be potential candidates for the future production of bioherbicides.
Effects of Temperature and Light on the Germination-Promoting Activity by Melatonin in Almond Seeds without Stratification
Authors: García-Sánchez Sara , Cano Antonio , Hernández-Ruiz Josefa , Arnao Marino B.
Published: August 2022

Melatonin is a new plant hormone involved in multiple physiological functions in plants. Its roles in germination, photosynthesis, growth, flowering, fruiting, and senescence are noteworthy. Most studies have focused on its protective role in different stress situations, both biotic and abiotic. Preliminary data on its promoting role in almond seed germination and seedling growth are presented in this work. The germination-promoting capacity of melatonin was studied in different conditions of light and temperature, with important differences with respect to untreated seeds. The data confirmed that, at specific concentrations, melatonin was capable of stimulating germination, avoiding the stratification process, and therefore, shortening germination times. Furthermore, the melatonin-primed seedlings showed a higher root and aerial growth versus the untreated seeds when light was applied. The possible agronomic impact on the propagation of stone fruit trees was also discussed.
Advances and Sustainable Practices for the Rapidly Changing Field of Agronomy
Authors: Rouphael Youssef
Published: August 2022

Human welfare is strictly linked to the Earth’s natural resources, which are heavily exploited, thus making food production systems unsustainable [...]
Grape By-Products as Feedstuff for Pig and Poultry Production
Authors: Costa Mónica M. , Alfaia Cristina M. , Lopes Paula A. , Pestana José M. , Prates José A. M.
Published: August 2022

Grape by-products are exceptional options for replacement of conventional and unsustainable feed sources, since large amounts are generated every year from the winery industry. However, the majority is wasted with severe environmental and economic consequences. The present review aimed to evaluate the effects of grape by-products on pig and poultry growth performance. The most recent literature was reviewed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases and the results of a total of 16 and 38 papers for pigs and poultry, respectively, were assessed. Fewer studies are documented for pig, but the incorporation of grape by-products up to 9% feed led to an improvement in growth performance with an increase in average daily gain. Conversely, lower levels (<3% feed) are needed to achieve these results in poultry. The beneficial effects of grape by-products on animal performance are mainly due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gut morphology modulator properties, but their high level of cell wall lignification and content of polyphenolic compounds (e.g., tannin) limits nutrient digestion and absorption by monogastric animals. The use of exogenous enzymes or mechanical/chemical processes can provide additional nutritional value to these products by improving nutrient bioavailability. Overall, the valorization of grape by-products is imperative to use them as feed alternatives and intestinal health promoters, thereby contributing to boost circular agricultural economy.
The Molecular Detection of Class B and Class D Carbapenemases in Clinical Strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii Complex: The High Burden of Antibiotic Resistance and the Co-Existence of Carbapenemase Genes
Authors: Ejaz Hasan , Qamar Muhammad Usman , Junaid Kashaf , Younas Sonia , Taj Zeeshan , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Abdalla Abualgasim E. , Abosalif Khalid O. A. , Ahmad Naveed , Saleem Zikria , Salem Eman H. M.
Published: August 2022

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex (CRACB) in clinical environments is a significant global concern. These critical pathogens have shown resistance to a broad spectrum of antibacterial drugs, including carbapenems, mostly due to the acquisition of various β-lactamase genes. Clinical samples (n = 1985) were collected aseptically from multiple sources and grown on blood and MacConkey agar. Isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility were confirmed with the VITEK-2 system. The modified Hodge test confirmed the CRACB phenotype, and specific PCR primers were used for the molecular identification of blaOXA and blaNDM genes. Of the 1985 samples, 1250 (62.9%) were culture-positive and 200 (43.9%) were CRACB isolates. Of these isolates, 35.4% were recovered from pus samples and 23.5% from tracheal secretions obtained from patients in intensive care units (49.3%) and medical wards (20.2%). An antibiogram indicated that 100% of the CRACB isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and β-lactam inhibitors, 86.5% to ciprofloxacin, and 83.5% to amikacin, while the most effective antibiotics were tigecycline and colistin. The CRACB isolates displayed resistance to eight different AWaRe classes of antibiotics. All isolates exhibited the blaOXA-51 gene, while blaOXA-23 was present in 94.5%, blaVIM in 37%, and blaNDM in 14% of the isolates. The blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, and blaOXA-24 genes co-existed in 13 (6.5%) isolates. CRACB isolates with co-existing blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaNDM, blaOXA-51 and blaVIM genes were highly prevalent in clinical samples from Pakistan. CRACB strains were highly critical pathogens and presented resistance to virtually all antibacterial drugs, except tigecycline and colistin.
Buffering Capacity and Effects of Sodium Hexametaphosphate Nanoparticles and Fluoride on the Inorganic Components of Cariogenic-Related Biofilms In Vitro
Authors: Sampaio Caio , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Hosida Thayse Yumi , Fernandes Ana Vitória Pereira , Alves Guilherme dos Santos Gomes , Souza José Antônio Santos , Monteiro Douglas Roberto , Pessan Juliano Pelim
Published: August 2022

Despite the remarkable effects of sodium hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (HMPnano) on dental enamel de-/re-mineralization processes, information on the effects of these nanoparticles on biofilms is scarce. This study assessed the effects of HMPnano, with or without fluoride (F), on the inorganic components and pH of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual-species biofilms. Solutions containing conventional/micro-sized HMP (HMPmicro) or HMPnano were prepared at 0.5% and 1%, with or without 1100 ppm F. A 1100 ppm F solution and pure artificial saliva were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. The biofilms were treated three times and had their pH analyzed, and the concentrations of F, calcium, phosphorus, and HMP in the biofilm biomass and fluid were determined. In another set of experiments, after the last treatment, the biofilms were exposed to a 20% sucrose solution, and the biofilm pH and inorganic components were evaluated. The 1% HMPnano solution with F led to the highest biofilm pH, even after exposure to sucrose. The 1% HMPnano solution without F led to significantly higher phosphorus concentrations in comparison to all other groups. It can be concluded that 1% HMPnano and F influenced the biofilm pH, besides affecting most of the inorganic components of the dual-species biofilms.
Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Bioprocessed Spelt Seeds: Bioaccessibility and Bioactivity of Phenolics
Authors: Mencin Marjeta , Mikulič Petkovšek Maja , Veberič Robert , Terpinc Petra
Published: August 2022

The goal of this research was to evaluate the impact of different bioprocessing techniques on improved bioaccessibility of phenolics from spelt seeds. Despite the negative influence of gastrointestinal digestion, fermentation of germinated seeds significantly increased the bioaccessibility of total phenolics and their antioxidant activity compared to digested raw seeds. Enzymatic treated fermented seeds showed the highest relative bioaccessibility of p-coumaric and trans-ferulic acids, while their absolute contents were significantly higher in “germinated + fermented” seeds. Our research suggests that pretreatment of spelt seeds with hydrolytic enzymes improves access of fermenting microorganisms to structural elements, resulting in an increased content of extractable and bound trans-ferulic acid. Significantly higher biostability of phenolics was observed in raw seeds. Some major quality changes in the composition of extracts were observed under simulated in vitro digestion, since antioxidants of the same extract showed a different relative decrease in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activities compared to the raw seeds or their corresponding undigested counterparts. It is therefore important to increase the content of extractable antioxidants in seeds by bioprocessing, since they are strongly diminished during digestion.
Impact of Antioxidant Feed and Growth Manipulation on the Redox Regulation of Atlantic Salmon Smolts
Authors: Yin Peng , Björnsson Björn Thrandur , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Saito Takaya , Remø Sofie Charlotte , Edvardsen Rolf Brudvik , Hansen Tom , Sharma Sandeep , Olsen Rolf Erik , Hamre Kristin
Published: August 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates a close relationship between oxidative stress and growth rate in fish. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear. This study evaluated the combined effect of dietary antioxidants and growth hormone (GH) on the liver and the muscle redox status of Atlantic salmon. There were two sequential experimental phases (EP) termed EP1 and EP2, each lasting for 6 weeks. In EP1, Atlantic salmon were fed either low-(L, 230 mg/kg ascorbic acid (Asc), 120 mg/kg α-tocopherol (α-TOH)), or high-(H, 380 mg/kg Asc, 210 mg/kg α-TOH)vitamin diets. The vitamins were supplemented as stable forms and the feeding was continued in EP2. In EP2, half of the fish were implanted with 3 μL per g body weight of recombinant bovine GH (Posilac®, 1 mg rbGH g BW−1) suspended in sesame oil, while the other half were held in different tanks and sham-implanted with similar volumes of the sesame oil vehicle. Here, we show that increasing high levels of vitamin C and E (diet H) increased their content in muscle and liver during EP1. GH implantation decreased vitamin C and E levels in both liver and muscle but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels only in the liver. GH also affected many genes and pathways of antioxidant enzymes and the redox balance. Among the most consistent were the upregulation of genes coding for the NADPH oxidase family (NOXs) and downregulation of the oxidative stress response transcription factor, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2), and its downstream target genes in the liver. We verified that GH increases the growth rate until the end of the trail and induces an oxidative effect in the liver and muscle of Atlantic salmon. Dietary antioxidants do lower oxidative stress but have no effect on the growth rate. The present study is intended as a starting point to understand the potential interactions between growth and redox signaling in fish.
Theabrownin Alleviates Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Murine AOM/DSS Model via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway Suppression and Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Leung Hoi Kit Matthew , Lo Emily Kwun Kwan , El-Nezami Hani
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal cancers worldwide, yet therapeutic options for CRC often exhibit strong side effects which cause patients’ well-being to deteriorate. Theabrownin (TB), an antioxidant from Pu-erh tea, has previously been reported to have antitumor effects on non-small-cell lung cancer, osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gliomas, and melanoma. However, the potential antitumor effect of TB on CRC has not previously been investigated in vivo. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of TB on CRC and the underlying mechanisms. Azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) was used to establish CRC tumorigenesis in a wild type mice model. TB was found to significantly reduce the total tumor count and improve crypt length and fibrosis of the colon when compared to the AOM/DSS group. Immunohistochemistry staining shows that the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki67 was reduced, while cleaved caspase 3 was increased in the TB group. Furthermore, TB significantly reduced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and the downstream mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)and cyclin D1 protein expression, which might contribute to cell proliferation suppression and apoptosis enhancement. The 16s rRNA sequencing revealed that TB significantly modulated the gut microbiota composition in AOM/DSS mice. TB increased the abundance of short chain fatty acid as well as SCFA-producing Prevotellaceae and Alloprevotella, and it decreased CRC-related Bacteroidceae and Bacteroides. Taken together, our results suggest that TB could inhibit tumor formation and potentially be a promising candidate for CRC treatment.
Effect of Salinity on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Leaves in Three Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Dichala Olga , Giannakoula Anastasia Evripidis , Therios Ioannis
Published: August 2022

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting crop yield. It is important to exploit pomegranates’ potential against salts because they are considered beneficial plants for human health due to their antioxidants and they are often exposed to severe salinity stress in the field. Three pomegranate cvs. were chosen as model plants for assessing the impact of different salt stress in the cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical response of three pomegranate varieties (Punica granatum L.) (Wonderful, Ermioni, and Grenada) under different saline conditions. The plants were grown in a sand/perlite substrate in a 1:1 ratio and, throughout the experiment, were irrigated with a Hoagland nutrient solution, modified to contain four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM) of NaCl, KCl, and K2SO4. At the end of the experiment, we measured the (a) concentrations of carotenoids and porphyrin of leaves; (b) phenols and flavonoids contents, and antioxidant capacity of leaves; (c) lipid peroxidation level; (d) leaf water potential; and (e) proline concentration. Ermioni contained the maximum concentration of proline phenols and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity in all salts. Furthermore, reductions in chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration were recorded in all cultivars. Grenada possessed the lowest porphyrin concentration. In conclusion, our results showed that Grenada was the most salt-susceptible cultivar. Salinity treatment triggered the enhancement in lipid peroxidation in the sensitive cultivar, while no change in lipid peroxidation level was observed in the tolerant cultivars. These data provide further support to the hypothesis that a mechanism exists that excludes salinity from the roots of tolerant cultivars, as well as an internal mechanism of tolerance that minimizes the accumulation of lipid peroxides through a higher proline content related to osmoregulation and membrane stabilization.
Effects of Isometric and Isotonic Training on Health-Related Fitness Components in Young Adults
Authors: Azeem Kaukab , Zemková Erika
Published: August 2022

Isometric and isotonic exercises are important modes of resistance training for enhancement of athletic performance. However, less is known about their effects on fitness and health in recreationally physically active individuals. This study evaluates the effect of isometric and isotonic training protocols on health-related fitness components in young university students. A group of one hundred males (18–24 years) underwent a 12-week isotonic and isometric training program (two days per week, 45 min per session). They were randomized into two groups, group A (n = 50) and group B (n = 50). While group A underwent the isotonic resistance training, the group B completed isometric resistance training. Prior to and after training programs, body mass index (BMI) was measured and the bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test were performed. Results showed significant improvements in BMI, bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test after both isotonic and isometric training protocols. The isotonic training group increased in BMI by 2.70%, bench press 1RM by 34.45%, number of sit-ups by 24.13%, sit and reach distance by 29.12%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 19.82%. Isometric training group increased in BMI by 1.96%, bench press 1RM by 14.23%, number of sit-ups by 7.80%, sit and reach distance by 6.92%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 6.99%. A comparison of these training protocols revealed that the isotonic group improved significantly more than the isometric group in the bench press 1RM (20.22%), number of sit-ups (16.33%), and sit and reach distance (22.2%) but not in the 12 min run/walk distance (12.83%) and BMI (0.74%). These findings indicate that both isotonic and isometric resistance training protocols improve health-related fitness components in young adults; however isotonic training is more efficient than isometric training in increasing their muscle strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.
A Systematic Mapping of Quality Models for AI Systems, Software and Components
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abdullahi , Yap Ng Keng , Ghani Abdul Azim Abd , Zulzalil Hazura , Admodisastro Novia Indriaty , Najafabadi Amin Arab
Published: August 2022

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, software, and components. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate their quality. Quality models for AI have in fact been proposed, but there is a lack of Systematic Mapping Studies (SMS) for quality models in AI systems, software, and components. The goal of this paper is to understand, classify, and critically evaluate existing quality models for AI systems, software, and components. This study conducts an SMS to investigate quality models proposed by various authors in the past. The study only found quality models for AI systems and software. So far, the SMS has revealed no work on AI software component quality models. Finally, the limitations of the quality models and the implications for future research and development efforts are discussed.
Seismic Liquefaction of Saturated Calcareous Sands: Dynamic Centrifuge Test and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Lyu Weiqing , Yuan Yong , Chen Pingshan , Liang Xiaocong , Deng Jiangxu , Li Chong
Published: August 2022

Both a dynamic centrifuge test and dynamic finite element analysis were carried out to assess the seismic liquefaction risk of a saturated-calcareous-sand site in a port project in Timor-Leste. Taking the in situ calcareous sands as the model material, two groups of horizontal free-field model tests for medium dense and dense saturated calcareous sands were completed based on the two-stage scaling law theory. Three natural earthquake records with varied peak accelerations were adopted as input motions. The experimental results indicate that the shallower the depth, the lower the relative density, the longer the seismic duration, the larger the peak acceleration, and the more susceptible the saturated site to liquefaction. The sands on site at a depth of five to ten meters is highly risky for liquefaction with the excess pore pressure ratio reaching up to about 1.0 under the seismic peak acceleration of 0.3 g. The risk of liquefaction for site sands is rather small under the seismic peak acceleration of 0.1 g. The study reveals the characteristics of the pore pressure development in sites of varied relative densities under different seismic loadings, which provides a scientific basis for the liquefaction risk assessment of the engineering site.
Modulation Decoding Based on K-Means Algorithm for Bit-Patterned Media Recording
Authors: Jeong Seongkwon , Lee Jaejin
Published: August 2022

In bit-patterned media recording (BPMR) systems, the readback signal is affected by neighboring islands that are characterized by intersymbol interference (ISI) and intertrack interference (ITI). Since increasing the areal density encourages the influence of ISI and ITI, it is more difficult to detect the data. Modulation coding can prevent the occurrence of specific data patterns that can cause severe ISI and ITI. In this study, we propose a modulation decoding method based on the K-means algorithm for a BPMR system to improve decoding capabilities. As the K-means algorithm helps understand data patterns and characteristics, the K-means decoder shows the best performance.
Heterogeneous Graph Neural Network for Short Text Classification
Authors: Zhang Bingjie , He Qing , Zhang Damin
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the sparsity of short text features, lack of context, and the inability of word embedding and external knowledge bases to supplement short text information, this paper proposes a text, word and POS tag-based graph convolutional network (TWPGCN) performs short text classification. This paper builds a T-W graph of text and words, a W-W graph of words and words, and a W-P graph of words and POS tags, and uses Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) to learn its feature and performs feature fusion. TWPGCN only focuses on the structural information of text graph, and does not require pre-training word embedding as initial node features, which improves classification accuracy, increases computational efficiency, and reduces computational difficulty. Experimental results show that TWPGCN outperforms state-of-the-art models on five publicly available benchmark datasets. The TWPGCN model is suitable for short text or ultra-short text, and the composition method in the model can also be extended to more fields.
Orthogonal Test on the True Triaxial Mechanical Properties of Frozen Calcareous Clay and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Rong Chuan-Xin , Wang Zhi , Cao Yi , Yang Qing , Long Wei
Published: August 2022

In the Huainan and Huaibei mining areas, a layer of calcareous clay is buried deep in the surface soil layer (at approximately 400 m). This layer is in a high-stress state and is prone to freezing pipe fractures in the freezing method. To obtain the true triaxial mechanical properties of this clay in its frozen state, this study conducted a cross test (L16(45)) to explore the change law of the strength of frozen calcareous clay under the influence of multiple factors. The results showed that the true triaxial stress–strain curve of frozen calcareous clay was divided into three stages: the strain within 0.5% showed linear elasticity. Under compressive stress, ice crystals and their cements were damaged or melted and shrank. At approximately 5%, they showed plastic hardening. The soil particles and ice crystals in the frozen soil recombined and became denser, resulting in irreversible deformation. As the compression progressed, cracks bred and swelled. The failure stage was manifested as strain hardening due to the test loading conditions. As the deformation increased, the stress also slightly increased. The consistent strength-influencing factors could be obtained through range and hierarchy analyses. The primary and secondary order of influence of σ1 was the confining pressure σ3, water content ω, temperature T, Bishop parameter b, and salt content ψ. The influence weight of each factor was quantitatively calculated. In the significance analysis, when the interaction was not considered, the effects of the pressure and moisture content on the strength were always significant. The effect of temperature was significant only when the significance level Ω > 0.05. The salt content and b value had no significant influence on the strength, and the significance of each factor followed the order of the results of the range analysis method and analytic hierarchy process; when considering the interaction, the interaction factors had different effects on the strength. When Ω > 0.01, the influence of factor A (temperature T) × B (water content ω) on the strength showed significance, even exceeding that of temperature. This demonstrated that when studying the strength characteristics of frozen soil, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the various factors and their interaction to more accurately characterize the mechanical behavior of frozen solids.