bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Lipidomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Mystery of Lacquer Oil from Toxicodendron vernicifluum for the Treatment of “Yuezi” Disease in Nujiang, China: From Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Postpartum Depression Perspective
Authors: Liu Liya , Cai Fei , Lu Yitong , Xie Yuting , Li Hao , Long Chunlin
Published: June 2022

Background: In southwest China, especially in Nujiang, lacquer oil from the drupes of Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Stokes) F. A. Barkley, including black lacquer oil (BLO) and white lacquer oil (WLO), is one of the most important edible oils for the local people. Through the field investigation, the locals believe that lacquer oil has benefits for parturient women and for the treatment of “Yuezi” disease. However, studies on bioactivities and the chemical compositions of lacquer oil are limited.

Purpose: This study was designed to reveal the mystery of lacquer oil for the treatment of “Yuezi” disease by testing its anti-inflammatory and anti-postpartum depressant activities and related bioactive compounds.

Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of lacquer oil were examined by establishing a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model and detecting the level of pro-inflammatory factors such as NO, IL-6 and TNF-α. The antidepressant effects of lacquer oil were studied by building a mouse model of postpartum depression (PPD), and the animal behavior changes of PPD model mice were assessed by open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The chemical profiles of BLO and WLO were detected by lipidomic and the untargeted metabolomic research methods based on UPLC-MS/MS.

Results: The results showed that BLO and WLO exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors and BLO had better anti-inflammatory effects than WLO. While only BLO had anti-postpartum depressant activities, as evidenced by the significantly reduced the immobility time of the BLO-treated PPD mice in TST and FST compared to the PPD model mice. The comparative lipidomic analysis revealed that BLO contained high levels of Diacylglycerols (DAG) and Diacylglyceryl trimethylhomoserines (DGTS) but low level of ceramides (Cer), sphingomyelines (SM), phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) compared with WLO. Metabolomics analysis showed that there were 57 chemical markers between BLO and WLO, of which 17 potential biomarkers have been declared to possess anti-inflammatory and/or antidepressant activities.

Conclusion: The findings of this study furnish a scientific support for the traditional uses of lacquer oil for the treatment of “Yuezi” disease from anti-inflammation and anti-postpartum depression perspective.
Multi-Image Encryption Algorithm for 2D and 3D Images Based on Chaotic System
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Miao Miao , Chen Xiaoyang
Published: June 2022

In order to accommodate multiple types of image encryption, a multi-image encryption algorithm for 2D and 3D images is designed in this paper. After recording the type and number of images, the pixels/coordinates of multiple images are stored in a cube block and are subjected to confusion and diffusion operations. The confusion step uses the random length sequence position swapping method to swap a row (column) vector of variable length with another row (column) vector of the same length at a random position. The diffusion is done by Exclusive OR to combine pixels/coordinates at different locations with different chaotic matrices. Finally, the cipher images are output one by one. Experimental simulations and security analysis verify the effectiveness and security of the algorithm.
The Functions and Mechanisms of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Tendon Repair
Authors: Lu Jingwei , Jiang Li , Chen Yixuan , Lyu Kexin , Zhu Bin , Li Yujie , Liu Xueli , Liu Xinyue , Long Longhai , Wang Xiaoqiang , Xu Houping , Wang Dingxuan , Li Sen
Published: June 2022

Tendon injury is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system caused by overuse or trauma, which is characterized by pain and limitations in joint function. Since tendon healing is slowly and various treatments are generally ineffective, it remains a clinically challenging problem. Recent evidences suggest that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) not only plays an important role in tendon healing, but also shows a positive effect in laboratory experimentations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the effects of bFGF in the tendon healing. Firstly, during the inflammatory phase, bFGF stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells to foster neovascularization. Furthermore, bFGF enhances the production of pro-inflammatory factors during the early phase of tendon healing, thereby accelerating the inflammatory response. Secondly, the cell proliferation phase is accompanied by the synthesis of a large number of extracellular matrix components. bFGF speeds up tendon healing by stimulating fibroblasts to secrete type III collagen. Lastly, the remodeling phase is characterized by the transition from type III collagen to type I collagen, which can be promoted by bFGF. However, excessive injection of bFGF can cause tendon adhesions as well as scar tissue formation. In future studies, we need to explore further applications of bFGF in the tendon healing process.
Impact of Chronic Prenatal Stress on Maternal Neuroendocrine Function and Embryo and Placenta Development During Early-to-Mid-Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: Gotlieb Neta , Wilsterman Kathryn , Finn Samantha L. , Browne Madison F. , Bever Savannah R. , Iwakoshi-Ukena Eiko , Ukena Kazuyoshi , Bentley George E. , Kriegsfeld Lance J.
Published: June 2022

Psychological stress, both leading up to and during pregnancy, is associated with increased risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Although the neuroendocrine circuits that link the stress response to reduced sexual motivation and mating are well-described, the specific pathways by which stress negatively impacts gestational outcomes remain unclear. Using a mouse model of chronic psychological stress during pregnancy, we investigated 1) how chronic exposure to stress during gestation impacts maternal reproductive neuroendocrine circuitry, and 2) whether stress alters developmental outcomes for the fetus or placenta by mid-pregnancy. Focusing on the stress-responsive neuropeptide RFRP-3, we identified novel contacts between RFRP-3-immunoreactive (RFRP-3-ir) cells and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus, thus providing a potential pathway linking the neuroendocrine stress response directly to pituitary prolactin production and release. However, neither of these cell populations nor circulating levels of pituitary hormones were affected by chronic stress. Conversely, circulating levels of steroid hormones relevant to gestational outcomes (progesterone and corticosterone) were altered in chronically-stressed dams across gestation, and those dams were qualitatively more likely to experience delays in fetal development. Together, these findings suggest that, up until at least mid-pregnancy, mothers appear to be relatively resilient to the effects of elevated glucocorticoids on reproductive neuroendocrine system function. We conclude that understanding how chronic psychological stress impacts reproductive outcomes will require understanding individual susceptibility and identifying reliable neuroendocrine changes resulting from gestational stress.
Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Subjects During Monitored, Short-Term Stress Followed by 24-hour Cardiac Monitoring
Authors: Gu Zifan , Zarubin Vanessa C. , Mickley Steinmetz Katherine R. , Martsberger Carolyn
Published: June 2022

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can be a useful metric to capture meaningful information about heart function. One of the non-linear indices used to analyze HRV, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), finds short and long-term correlations in RR intervals to capture quantitative information about variability. This study focuses on the impact of visual and mental stimulation on HRV as expressed via DFA within healthy adults. Visual stimulation can activate the automatic nervous system to directly impact physiological behavior such as heart rate. In this investigation of HRV, 70 participants (21 males) viewed images on a screen followed by a math and recall task. Each viewing segment lasted 2 min and 18 s. The math and memory recall task segment lasted 4 min total. This process was repeated 9 times during which the participants’ electrocardiogram was recorded. 37 participants (12 males) opted in for an additional 24-h Holter recording after the viewing and task segments of the study were complete. Participants were randomly assigned to either a pure (organized image presentation) or mixed (random image presentation) image regime for the viewing portion of the study to investigate the impact of the external environment on HRV. DFA α1 was extracted from the RR intervals. Our findings suggest that DFA α1 can differentiate between the viewing [DFA α1 range from 0.96 (SD = 0.25) to 1.08 (SD = 0.22)] and the task segments [DFA α1 range from 1.17 (SD = 0.21) to 1.26 (SD = 0.25)], p < 0.0006 for all comparisons. However, DFA α1 was not able to distinguish between the two image regimes. During the 24-hour follow up, participants had an average DFA α1 = 1.09 (SD = 0.14). In conclusion, our findings suggest a graded response in DFA during short term stimulation and a responsiveness in participants to adjust physiologically to their external environment expressed through the DFA exponent.
Extracellular Vesicles in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Sun Ji , Zhang Dianbao , Li Yiling
Published: June 2022

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide due to the sedentary and overeating lifestyle. Yet, the pathophysiology of MAFLD is still unclear and no drug has been approved for MAFLD treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogenous membrane-bound particles released from almost all types of cells. These nano-sized particles mediate intercellular communication through their bioactive cargos including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. The EVs modulate metabolic homeostasis via communication between adipose tissue and liver. The dysregulation of lipid metabolism leads to inflammation in liver and the number and compounds of EVs are changed during MAFLD. The injured hepatocytes secrete EVs to induce the migration of bone marrow-derived monocytes and the activation of macrophages in liver. The EVs secreted by different cells regulate the alteration of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) phenotypes and HSC activation gives rise to liver fibrosis. Based on the participation of EVs in MAFLD progression, we discuss the prospects of EVs as a therapeutic target and their application in drug delivery.
Construction of a Model of Nurse Engagement in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Moderated-Mediation Model
Authors: Jiang Menglin , Zeng Jing , Chen Xiaofang , Rao Qian , Liao Mingshu
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of the study is to test a moderated mediation model that focuses on job resources mediating the relationship between organizational climate and nurse engagement in the long-term care facilities and emotional intelligence moderates this mediated relationship.

Background

The shortage of nurses is a global problem, especially in the long-term care facilities. We integrated and extended past research exploring the influence of nurse engagement and constructed a model of nurse engagement in the long-term care facilities.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 494 nurses in long-term care facilities. Nurses were asked to complete a survey of nurse engagement, organizational climate, job resources, and emotional intelligence.

Results

The consequence demonstrated that organizational climate increased nurse engagement directly and indirectly via job resources. In addition, emotional intelligence plays a moderation role between organizational climate and job resources.

Conclusion

These phenomena revealed that a good organizational climate and job resources enable nurses to be more engaged in work. Nurse with high-emotional intelligence can take advantage of resources and improve their engagement.
Exploring the Antecedents to the Reputation of Chinese Public Sector Organizations During COVID-19: An Extension of Situational Crisis Communication Theory
Authors: Chunxia Zhao , Fei Wang , Wei Fang
Published: June 2022

The study is intended to examine the impact of crisis responsibility on the reputation of the Chinese public sector organization during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to that, the study has also examined the mediating role of crisis response strategy in the relationship between crisis responsibility and the reputation of the Chinese public sector organization during the COVID-19 crisis. Lastly, the study has also examined the moderating role of internal crisis communication in the relationship between the crisis responsibility and crisis response strategy of the Chinese public sector organization during COVID-19. This study bases on a quantitative research approach along with a cross-sectional research design. The population of the study is the Chinese public sector organization companies. Data is collected from the employees working in Chinese public sector organizations. The current study used 500 sample sizes; 205 valid responses are received which were used in data analysis. The SEM-PLS is used for the data analysis. The result of the study indicates that all the direct hypotheses are accepted significantly, which indicates that the crisis responsibility and crisis response strategy are significant determinants of organizational reputation during the COVID-19. In a similar vein, the crisis responsibility has placed a significant impact on the crisis response strategy of Chinese organizations during COVID-19. The study is among the pioneer studies on crisis responsibility in the Chinese public sector organization during COVID-19. The study has employed an extended framework encircling the literature on crisis responsibility, crisis response strategy, internal crisis communication, and organizational reputation. Theoretically, the study has extended the situational crisis communication theory framework by incorporating internal crisis communication in the framework.
Chinese Consumers' E-Learning Satisfaction and Continuance Purchase Intention on Paid Online Python Course
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , She Long , Wang Dongyuan , Shafiq Ali
Published: June 2022

With the development of internet technology, e-learning has become an essential part of the modern education system. However, the e-learning market faces enormous competition. Consumers' continuance purchase intention has become a vital factor in the success of e-learning courses. Thus, factors that influence consumers' continuance purchase intention should be examined in the e-learning market. However, little research has focused on identifying the continuance purchase intention of an e-learning course. Based on the information system continuity model ISC), this paper develops a research model to investigate the factors influencing satisfaction and continuance purchase intention in e-learning. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research design was used in this study. We collected data from consumers who had enrolled in paid online Python courses. In total, 508 paid online Python course users completed the online survey. SmartPLS software was used for data analysis. The results demonstrated that perceived course quality, service quality, convenience, and usefulness significantly affect consumers' satisfaction with the experience course. Moreover, the findings show that satisfaction, self-efficacy, and e-word of mouth (e-WOM) determine the consumers' continuance purchase intention of the reminder course. This study also found that satisfaction mediates the effects of experience courses on consumers' continuance purchase intention of the online Python course. The implications for theory and practice and future research directions are discussed.
Studying on Learning Satisfaction in Teaching Keyboard Courses With Problem-Based Learning Teaching Mode
Authors: Ko Chia-hui
Published: June 2022

With the learning characteristics of adults, such as self-directed learning, courses that are preferred in application and practice, this research explores the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teaching method employed in adult keyboard music learning courses. This research established a research model and investigated the correlation of learning satisfaction with influencing factors such as teaching effectiveness, self-efficacy, and teamwork and verified teaching effectiveness, self-efficacy, and teamwork relationships. Research data has been collected from the keyboard music students of the two classes of the Arts & Culture Department in Open University of Kaohsiung (OUK). Data analysis was conducted in three stages: descriptive statistics, measurement model verification, and structural equation model. The results of the study found that teaching effectiveness has a significant impact on learning satisfaction. Teamwork also has a significant positive impact on learning satisfaction. However, the self-efficacy dimension has little effect on learning satisfaction. Finally, the results of the study found that teaching effectiveness and teamwork both have significant impacts on learning satisfaction. However, the self-efficacy dimension has little effect on learning satisfaction. The student-led presentations went smoothly and the results were quite remarkable, which became a reference for the implementation of other courses for adults in the future.
Effects of Attending Extracurricular Lessons and Cram School on Independent Mobility in Japanese Children
Authors: Kojima Yasuo
Published: June 2022

Independent mobility and its related factors were examined among Japanese elementary school children. Based on the responses of 1,824 mothers with elementary school-aged children, the effects of demographic variables such as children’s grade, gender, and birth order as well as regional characteristics, neighborhood environment, distance to and means of getting to school, children’s use of bicycles, keys and cell phones, and the number of weekdays spent attending lessons or cram schools were explored. Factor analysis revealed that independent mobility comprised activities in public places, including outings to supermarkets, and traveling by bus and train as well as activities in the school district such as visiting friends’ homes and parks. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses that comprised five steps were conducted in which the number of days of attending lessons and cram school was entered in the final step. There was a strong gender effect and grade effect for outings to public places and activities in the school district. Concerns about traffic accidents and security were associated with lower independent mobility. With regard to activities in the school district, proximity to school, use of bicycles, and possession of house keys had a positive effect. It is noteworthy that the effect of the number of days spent attending lessons or cram school was observed even after the other variables were entered, thus resulting in a negative effect. It is recommended that further comparative studies involving other Asian countries be conducted to evaluate the effects of extracurricular activities.
Modeling Not-Reached Items in Cognitive Diagnostic Assessments
Authors: Liang Lidan , Lu Jing , Zhang Jiwei , Shi Ningzhong
Published: June 2022

In cognitive diagnostic assessments with time limits, not-reached items (i.e., continuous nonresponses at the end of tests) frequently occur because examinees drop out of the test due to insufficient time. Oftentimes, the not-reached items are related to examinees’ specific cognitive attributes or knowledge structures. Thus, the underlying missing data mechanism of not-reached items is non-ignorable. In this study, a missing data model for not-reached items in cognitive diagnosis assessments was proposed. A sequential model with linear restrictions on item parameters for missing indicators was adopted; meanwhile, the deterministic inputs, noisy “and” gate model was used to model the responses. The higher-order structure was used to capture the correlation between higher-order ability parameters and dropping-out propensity parameters. A Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method was used to estimate the model parameters. The simulation results showed that the proposed model improved diagnostic feedback results and produced accurate item parameters when the missing data mechanism was non-ignorable. The applicability of our model was demonstrated using a dataset from the Program for International Student Assessment 2018 computer-based mathematics cognitive test.
Prospective Associations Between Maternal Depression and Infant Sleep in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gilbert Leah , Sandoz Vania , Quansah Dan Yedu , Puder Jardena J. , Horsch Antje
Published: June 2022

Background

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus have higher rates of perinatal depressive symptoms, compared to healthy pregnant women. In the general population, maternal depressive symptoms have been associated with infant sleep difficulties during the first year postpartum. However, there is lack of data on infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This study assessed the prospective associations between maternal perinatal depressive symptoms and infant sleep outcomes. The study population consisted of 95 Swiss women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their infants, enrolled in the control group of the MySweetheart trial (NCT02890693). Perinatal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at the first gestational diabetes mellitus visit during pregnancy, at 6–8 weeks postpartum, and 1 year postpartum. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire was used to assess infant sleep (i.e., nocturnal sleep duration, number of night waking, and maternal perception of infant sleep) at 1 year postpartum. Relevant maternal and infant measurements (e.g., infant sex or maternal age or social support) were collected or extracted from medical records as covariates.

Results

Antenatal maternal depressive symptoms at the first gestational diabetes mellitus visit were inversely associated with infant nocturnal sleep duration at 1 year postpartum (β = –5.9, p = 0.046). This association became marginally significant when covariates were added (β = –5.3, p = 0.057). Maternal depressive symptoms at 6–8 weeks postpartum were negatively and prospectively associated with infant nocturnal sleep duration (β = –9.35, p = 0.016), even when controlling for covariates (β = –7.32, p = 0.042). The association between maternal depressive symptoms and maternal perception of infant sleep as not a problem at all was significant at 1 year postpartum (β = –0.05, p = 0.006), although it became non-significant when controlling for appropriate covariates. No other significant associations were found.

Limitations

This study solely included measures derived from self-report validated questionnaires.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest it is of utmost importance to support women with gestational diabetes mellitus as a means to reduce the detrimental impact of maternal perinatal depressive symptoms on infant sleep, given its predictive role on infant metabolic health.
Antecedents and Consequence of the Use of Channel Power: Evidence From China Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Tian Jing , Sun Qianmin , Deng Xiaoyu
Published: June 2022

Inconsistency exists in extant research on the relation of channel dependence, the relation of channel power, and channel satisfaction. This study, taking Sinopec as the research object, explores the relation between channel dependence, the use of channel power, and channel satisfaction. The results reveal that dependence symmetry plays a moderating role in the relation between channel dependence and the use of coercive power. Specifically, with the increase of dependence symmetry, the influence of channel dependence on the use of coercive power becomes weaker. The authors also find that the use of coercive power is negatively related with the dealer’s channel satisfaction. However, the relation strength is weaker than related studies in Western cultural context.
The Impact of Nostalgia Proneness on Online Donation Willingness: The Mediating Effect of Consumer-Brand Relationship
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tao Wenxia
Published: June 2022

The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 wreaked havoc and brought a pause to the normal lives, and the labor market and human livelihoods were strongly negatively affected because of it. The emergence of groups that were unable to withstand various pressures has increased the appeal of donation behavior to a certain extent. Therefore, under the impetus of COVID-19 and digital background, online donation represented by Waterdrop financing has become popular. In the common difficult period, how to improve an individual’s willingness to donate online has become an urgent problem to be solved. To address this issue, on the basis of previous literature, we proposed a research hypothesis and a theoretical model of “nostalgia-relationship variables-donation”. After that, we determined the measurement scale, conducted a large sample survey, and finally conducted hypothesis testing through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis. Through the above analyses, the study reached the following conclusions: the main influence factors of personal nostalgic proneness are insecurity, past experience, loneliness, and recovery from grief, among others. There is a positive causal link between nostalgia proneness and familial utility intensity and emotional utility intensity. The greater the degree of the nostalgia intensity of the donor, the more the trust placed in charitable organizations. The donors’ relationship commitment to charitable organizations significantly influences their online donation willingness. The main source of relationship commitment consists of emotional intensity, followed by trust, and finally, familial intensity.
Mental Health of Children With Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Their Parents During the COVID-19 Lockdown: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bobo E. , Fongaro E. , Lin L. , Gétin C. , Gamon L. , Picot M-C. , Purper-Ouakil D.
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a real disruption of children's lives. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents seem to be particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health effects due to lockdown policies. This study explores the psychological state of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their parents during the first lockdown in France. A national prospective cross-sectional parent-reported study was conducted using an online survey disseminated through different social networks of French ADHD associations during the first lockdown. The survey consisted of open-ended, multiple-choice questions and standardized questionnaires such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the coping self-report questionnaire (Brief COPE) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). A total of 538 parents completed the online survey between the 6th and the 15th of April 2020. These results suggest that most children (65.29%) did not experience a worsening of their behavior but still had pathological levels of hyperactivity (56.47%) and behavioral (57.60%) symptoms at the time of the first lockdown. In addition, some parents (26.27%) showed responses indicating possible major depressive disorder. Positive parental coping strategies were associated with both improved child behavior and fewer parental depressive symptoms. Strengthening parents' coping strategies may be an effective intervention to protect both parents and children with ADHD from the negative psychological effects of lockdown. In times of pandemic, psychological care modalities must evolve to provide quality online interventions for families of children with ADHD.
Case Report: Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Respiratory Health Among Australian Mine Workers
Authors: Rumchev Krassi , Hoang Dong Van , Lee Andy
Published: June 2022

Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in a range of industries, including mining, and has been associated with adverse health effects such as silicosis, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory diseases. This study used a large population database of 6,563 mine workers from Western Australia who were examined for personal exposure to RCS between 2001 and 2012. A standardized respiratory questionnaire was also administered to collect information related to their respiratory health. Logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain the association between RCS concentrations and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mine workers. The estimated exposure levels of RCS (geometric mean 0.008mg/m3, GSD 4.151) declined over the study period (p < 0.001) and were below the exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3. Miners exposed to RCS had a significantly higher prevalence of phlegm (p = 0.017) and any respiratory symptom (p = 0.013), even at concentrations within the exposure limit. Miners are susceptible to adverse respiratory health effects at low levels of RCS exposure. More stringent prevention strategies are therefore recommended to protect mine workers from RCS exposures.
An Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Agri-Food System in Caribbean Small Island Developing States
Authors: Daley Oral , Isaac Wendy-Ann P. , John Afiya , Roopnarine Ronald , Forde Keon
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts have arguable been more pronounced in the developing world, such as the Small Island States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, where a plethora of geophysical and socio-political factors have led to increased vulnerability, particularly in fragile sectors such as agriculture. The pandemic added another layer of complexity to the unstable agri-food systems of SIDS in the Caribbean. Measures to contain the unfolding crisis have tremendously disrupted food systems by threatening the production, distribution, and marketing of commodities which exposed the frailty of the region's food security. Caribbean SIDS are highly dependent on food imports and relies on international markets to secure food. Many are also dependent on agricultural exports and have a large portion of their population involved in agriculture making them particularly vulnerable to the rigors of the pandemic. Export restrictions on foodstuff and prohibitions due to lockdowns and border closures further exacerbated these challenges. Additionally, food and nutrition security in the region is also subjected to the effects of climate change and climate-related disasters. Dealing with the impacts of co-occurring disasters is, therefore, an ever-present threat. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the agri-food supply in the Caribbean. It also identified measures and initiatives adopted to cope with these disruptive consequences. The study involves the use of internet-based surveys and focus group discussions and internet-based surveys with stakeholders and online searches for related literature. A total of 96 farmers, 60 food distributors, 84 food service operators, and 237 consumers from the region participated in the online survey and 4 focus group discussions between January and November 2021. The results confirmed that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were evident along the entire agri-food supply chain and numerous challenges and shocks were identified across all participating groups and countries. Some challenges and shocks such as loss of income and related challenges including lower sales and loss of markets affected all groups in the study but to varying degrees and based on socio-demographic factors. In general people of lower income status and smaller businesses were more susceptible to the negative impacts of the pandemic.
Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions Regarding Rabies Prevention Among Rural Communities in Masaka District, Central Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kankya Clovice , Dürr Salome , Hartnack Sonja , Warembourg Charlotte , Okello Justine , Muleme James , Okello Walter , Methodius Tubihemukama , Alobo Grace , Odoch Terence
Published: June 2022

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is mainly transmitted to humans through dog bites. It remains a major public health threat in many Asian and African countries, including Uganda. The main objective of this study was to investigate awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of communities toward human and dog health related to rabies prevention, as well as dog management practices within Masaka district, central Uganda. Data collection involved nine key informant interviews (KIIs) and six focus group discussions (FGDs). Methods used during focus group discussions included qualitative interviews (using open-ended questions), simple ranking, and proportional piling. Data from KIIs and FGDs were analyzed using content analysis in NVivo (version 12.0). This study reveals that community members in the rural settings uses herbal concoctions in replacement or as an alternative to dog vaccination. Furthermore, the study reveals that dogs play the vital roles in the households like as they offer protection to people and household properties, despite being ranked second least among the household animals. The commonest livelihood activity was a small-scale mixed farming. Most of the households kept dogs, but they are ranked at second lowest in terms of economic value among all domestic animals. Free roaming and tethering were the common dog-keeping systems, and home-based feed (food leftovers, bones) was provided mainly to the tethered dogs. Rabies, also locally known as “Eddalu Lyembwa” (that can be translated as “madness of the dogs”), was ranked as the disease of most important among dogs, besides other common diseases such as skin diseases, venereal diseases, worm infestations, and tick infestations. Inadequate vaccination services for both humans and dogs were reported, and dog bite victims traveled a long distance to seek for post-exposure prophylaxis after dog bites. It can be concluded that there is a clear request for periodic mass vaccination campaigns against rabies among dogs, and access to vaccines within reasonable distances by humans after a rabies exposure, but also pre-emptive vaccination for those at high risk, such as veterinarians, needs to be improved.
Topic Modeling for Automatic Analysis of Natural Language: A Case Study in an Italian Customer Support Center
Authors: Papadia Gabriele , Pacella Massimo , Giliberti Vincenzo
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on the automatic analysis of conversation transcriptions in the call center of a customer care service. The goal is to recognize topics related to problems and complaints discussed in several dialogues between customers and agents. Our study aims to implement a framework able to automatically cluster conversation transcriptions into cohesive and well-separated groups based on the content of the data. The framework can alleviate the analyst selecting proper values for the analysis and the clustering processes. To pursue this goal, we consider a probabilistic model based on the latent Dirichlet allocation, which associates transcriptions with a mixture of topics in different proportions. A case study consisting of transcriptions in the Italian natural language, and collected in a customer support center of an energy supplier, is considered in the paper. Performance comparison of different inference techniques is discussed using the case study. The experimental results demonstrate the approach’s efficacy in clustering Italian conversation transcriptions. It also results in a practical tool to simplify the analytic process and off-load the parameter tuning from the end-user. According to recent works in the literature, this paper may be valuable for introducing latent Dirichlet allocation approaches in topic modeling for the Italian natural language.
Numerical Study of the Fish-like Robot Swimming in Fluid with High Reynolds Number: Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Zhang Jun , Lv Zhichao , Hua Haobo , Zhang Chunming , Yu Haiyang , Jiao Yanmei
Published: June 2022

Fish-like robots have been widely used in intelligent surveillance and investigation because of their high swimming efficiency and low traveling noise. Numerical simulations are usually selected to simulate the movement modes and hydrodynamic characteristics of fish-like robots during design and manufacture. However, the body-fitted grid method traditionally utilized in numerical simulations often has difficulty dealing with moving solid boundaries. In this work, the immersed boundary method, superior in handling the moving boundary conditions, is employed to simulate the movement of a fish-like robot swimming in high Reynolds number flows in combination with the RANS turbulence model. The numerical method is first validated using a fluid flowing over a square block, and the corresponding results are in good agreement with the ones reported in reference. Then, the swing of the fish-like robot under three different Reynolds numbers is studied. The lift coefficient and the drag coefficient of the fish-like robot decrease with increasing the Reynolds number. This paper provides remarkable support for future designs and applications of fish-like robots.
E-Communication of ENGO’s for Measurable Improvements for Sustainability
Authors: Burksiene Valentina , Dvorak Jaroslav
Published: June 2022

Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) play a significant role in contemporary governance. They act as bottom-up advocates while discussing sustainability and environmental issues. They try to engage different stakeholders and society members for common actions. Communication is cited as a very appropriate process for the cooperation and coordination of joint actions. Digital technologies provide new communication possibilities as an e-communication mode that covers various networks. E-communication is very complex and requires strict management that is usually unaware of for small ENGOs. This study aims to propose a theoretical model of e-communication for enhancing ENGOs communication effectiveness on sustainability issues. A literature analysis was used with a content approach helping to collect components and criteria for the framework. The approach of logical classification and distribution was applied to construct the framework. The framework appeals to the idea of diversification of communication for different audiences and is based on the e-communication objectives and measurement of messages as the results. The framework can be adapted to the particular sustainability problem such as air pollution, protection of trees, etc.
Dam Construction Impacts Fish Biodiversity in a Subtropical River Network, China
Authors: Liu Xiongjun , Olden Julian D. , Wu Ruiwen , Ouyang Shan , Wu Xiaoping
Published: June 2022

Dams and diversions are a primary threat to freshwater fish biodiversity, including the loss of species and restructuring of communities, often resulting in taxonomic homogenization (increased similarity) over time. Mitigating these impacts requires a strong scientific understanding of both patterns and drivers of fish diversity. Here, we test whether different components of fish biodiversity have changed in response to major dam construction, and whether these patterns are predictable as a function of key environmental factors in the Gan River Basin, China. The results showed that total and native species alpha diversity have declined from the historical period (pre-dam) to the current period (post-dam). A total of 29 native species are lost, while 6 alien species were gained over time. We found evidence for fish faunal homogenization in the Gan River Basin, with a slight (1%) increase in taxonomic similarity among river basins from the historical period to the current period. Additionally, we revealed significant associations between drainage length, drainage area, and average air temperature, and alpha and beta fish diversity. This study provides new insight into the patterns and drivers of fish biodiversity change in the broader Yangtze River Basin and helps inform management efforts seeking to slow, and even reverse, current trajectories of biodiversity change.
Secondary Malignant Tumors Arising in Nevus Sebaceus: Two Case Reports
Authors: Morimura Sohshi , Tomita Yasuhiko , Ansai Shinichi , Sugaya Makoto
Published: June 2022

Nevus sebaceus is a benign tumor that is present at birth and is often seen on the scalp or face. Secondary malignant tumors sometimes occur in nevus sebaceus in adulthood. Herein, we present two malignant tumors arose from nevus sebaceus. One is basal cell carcinoma on the face and the other is sebaceus carcinoma on the lower back, where nevus sebaceus rarely occurs. Basal cell carcinoma sometimes develops in sebaceus nevus after a few decades, seen usually on the scalp or face. Sebaceus carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that arises in nevus sebaceus.
NTRK Fusions in 1113 Solid Tumors in a Single Institution
Authors: Bang Heejin , Lee Mi-Sook , Sung Minjung , Choi Juyoung , An Sungbin , Kim Seok-Hyung , Lee Seung Eun , Choi Yoon-La
Published: June 2022

Most NTRK fusions occur at very low frequencies in various common cancers. Recent recommendations on NTRK testing recommend immunohistochemistry (IHC) as the initial test for tumor types with a low frequency of NTRK fusions. This study investigated the accuracy of an IHC assay to detect NTRK fusions and characterize the clinicopathological and molecular features of NTRK-rearranged tumors. This retrospective study was conducted on 1113 solid tumor samples known to harbor no oncogenic driver alterations, including 510 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), 503 colorectal cancers (CRC), and 79 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT). Additionally, 21 ALK expression-positive cases were included. TRK expression was evaluated using a pan-Trk IHC assay, and positive cases were validated using NGS. TRK expression was observed in three NSCLCs (0.6%), six CRCs (1.2%), and six IMTs (6%). NTRK fusions were finally detected in two NSCLCs (0.4%), six CRCs (1.2%), and one IMT (1%). In NSCLC and CRC, the majority of NTRK fusions were readily discernible due to diffuse moderate-to-strong cytoplasmic staining on pan-Trk IHC. In IMT, focal weak nuclear staining indicated the presence of NTRK fusion. Therefore, the utility of pan-Trk IHC should be assessed considering that the difference in performance depends on tumor type.
Living with a Rare Disease as a Family: A Co-Constructed Autoethnography from a Mother
Authors: Damen Irene , Schippers Alice , Niemeijer Alistair , Abma Tineke
Published: June 2022

Research into family quality of life (FQoL) is becoming increasingly popular. However, studies into the interrelations between family and individual quality of life (QoL) are still scarce. The aim of this article is to illustrate how having a child with a (rare) chronical illness/disability (specifically, Neurofibromatosis Type 1) affects both the family as a whole and its members individually. The lived experiences are recounted by the Mother (first author) and have been further explored through the method of co-constructed autoethnography. Metaphors have been used to help understand the findings. Our findings show that each individual QoL not only influences the FQoL but has a domino effect on each other. Individual lives are intertwined, and accordingly their well-being cannot be seen as being distinct from these interrelationships. (F)QoL should be viewed as a ‘praxis of care’, where caregiving occurs to and by each member, and continuously changes over time.
Effects of Habitat Differences on Microbial Communities during Litter Decomposing in a Subtropical Forest
Authors: Guo Hongrong , Wu Fuzhong , Zhang Xiaoyue , Wei Wentao , Zhu Ling , Wu Ruobing , Wang Dingyi
Published: June 2022

The differences between aquatic and terrestrial habitats could change microbial community composition and regulate litter decomposition in a subtropical forest, but the linkage remains uncertain. Using microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), the litter decomposition associated with microbial organisms was monitored to characterize the differences of microbial communities in the forest floor, headwater stream, and intermittent stream. Habitat type did not significantly affect the concentrations of total PLFA. However, microbial community composition (fungi, G+ bacteria, and eukaryote) was significantly affected by the microenvironment among habitats. Compared with which in headwater stream, more individual PLFAs were identified in the natural forest floor and the intermittent stream during the whole decomposition period. The differences in individual PLFA concentrations were reflected in the forest floor and aquatic system in the early stage of litter decomposition, but they mainly reflected in the headwater stream and the intermittent stream in the later stage of litter decomposition. We linked the relationships between microbial community and litter decomposition and found that communities of decomposers drive differences in litter decomposition rate among habitats. Intriguingly, the microbial community showed the greatest correlation with the decomposition rate of litter in streams. These findings could contribute to the understanding of habitats difference on the microbial community during litter decomposition.
The Reintroduction Analysis of European Bison (Bison bonasus L., 1758) in the North of Romania and the Identification of the Most Favourable Locations
Authors: Dănilă Gabriel , Cătănoiu Sebastian , Simioniuc Valerian , Roșca Sanda
Published: June 2022

We analysed the possibility of reintroducing the European bison (Bison bonasus L.) in the north of Romania—in Suceava, Neamț, and Maramureș counties—as well as increasing the wild European bison population in Neamț county to improve the genetic quality of the existing population. Currently, there is a population of over 50 individuals in the wild in Vânători Neamț Natural Park, Romania. At the same time, an attempt was made to identify the connecting corridors between the free European bison in Neamț county and other populations through new nuclei of European bison released in Suceava and Maramureș counties. In this regard, the hunting grounds with the highest ecological potential for the analysed species were identified using GIS spatial analysis techniques. The aim was also to trace possible ecological corridors linking different reintroduction locations, taking into account the ecological claims of the species. The analysis also followed the size of the European bison groups to be released, the sex ratio of each group, and the periodicity of their releasing. In order to reach viable populations, scenarios and simulations were carried out depending on the age, number, and sex of the relocated specimens. In this regard, the dynamics and the minimum viable population that could survive without risk of extinction were highlighted. The analysis showed that the analysed area has a high potential for the reintroduction of European bison in the wild. The release and creation of new European bison nuclei in the wild creates the premises for natural contacts with the existing free populations in the wild, genetic improvement, and increasing fauna diversity with ecological, social, and economic implications.