bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nuclear Magnetic Flowmeter for Monitoring the Consumption and Composition of Oil and Its Complex Mixtures in Real-Time
Authors: Davydov Roman , Davydov Vadim , Dudkin Valentin
Published: April 2022

The necessity of increasing the efficiency of primary oil purification in a drilling station or an offshore platform has been substantiated. We consider the problems that arise during the primary processing of oil mixtures. Important conditions for increasing the efficiency of primary purification (separation) of oil mixtures include measuring the consumption and determining the content of various impurities (water, undissolved particles) and air in them, with an error of no more than 2%. We analyzed the possibilities of using various designs of flowmeters to measure the consumption of the oil mixture coming from a well. It is also necessary to use other measuring instruments to control the state of this mixture, which creates additional problems (searching for an appropriate locations to place them, providing the required operating conditions). Various designs of nuclear magnetic flowmeters–relaxometers were considered, making it possible to measure the consumption of a liquid medium and its times of longitudinal T1 and transverse T2 relaxation with one device. The measured values of T1 and T2 determine the state of the medium. The design of the industrial nuclear magnetic flowmeter–relaxometer M-Phase 5000, which is used to control the flow and quality of oil and oil products, was considered in more detail. Problems were identified that did not allow using this design of a nuclear magnetic flowmeter–relaxometer in a drilling rig or offshore platform. A new design of a nuclear magnetic flowmeter–relaxometer was developed, implementing the methods for measuring q, T1, and T2. These methods and various technical solutions make it possible to use this device at a drilling station or offshore platform. The measurement errors of the consumption q, T1, and T2 were determined. The results of various media studies are presented and compared with q, T1, and T2 measurements on other devices and measured volume (to confirm the adequacy of q measurements). The application scopes of the developed nuclear magnetic flowmeter–relaxometer were determined, in addition to the systems of primary oil processing.
Simulation of China’s Carbon Emission based on Influencing Factors
Authors: Kong Haojia , Shi Lifan , Da Dan , Li Zhijiang , Tang Decai , Xing Wei
Published: April 2022

China is one of the world’s largest energy consumers and carbon emitters, and the situation of carbon emission reduction is serious. This paper forecasts the future trend of China’s carbon emissions by constructing a system dynamics model of China’s carbon emissions. The results show that China cannot fulfill its commitment to peak its carbon emissions in 2030 as scheduled. Secondly, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model (LMDI) was used to analyze the influencing factors of China’s carbon emissions. The contribution rates of the five factors to China’s carbon emissions are as follows: economic development (226.30%), technological innovation (−105.92%), industrial structure (−26.55%), population scale (11.44%) and energy structure (−5.28%). Finally, this paper formulates five carbon emission reduction paths according to the size and direction of various factors that affect China’s carbon emissions. The paths of carbon emission reduction were simulated by using the system dynamics model of China’s carbon emissions. It is found that technological innovation is the key pathway for China to realize its commitment to carbon emission reduction. Slowing economic growth will delay the arrival time of peak carbon emissions and increase the intensity of carbon emissions. Optimizing the industrial structure, reducing the population scale and adjusting the energy structure can reduce the peak and carbon emissions in China, but the effect is small.
Numerical Simulation of Hydrate Decomposition during the Drilling Process of the Hydrate Reservoir in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Yu , Chen Chang , Li Xiao-Sen , Chen Zhao-Yang
Published: April 2022

The process of drilling in natural gas hydrate reservoirs in sea areas involves problems such as hydrate decomposition and wellbore instability. To study the response behaviors of a reservoir during the drilling process, a two-dimensional numerical model of drilling fluid invading a hydrate reservoir in a cylindrical coordinate system was established to simulate the processes of heat and mass transfer, gas–liquid two-phase flow, and hydrate formation and decomposition in the hydrate reservoir during the drilling process. Based on the hydrate reservoir at station W17, Shenhu area of the South China Sea, the physical property response of the hydrate reservoir under different drilling fluid temperatures and salinity values was studied. The simulation results showed that during the drilling process, the temperature and pressure of the reservoir respond rapidly in a large area, further promoting the hydrate decomposition in the reservoir around the wellbore and leading to secondary hydrate formation. Moreover, a high hydrate saturation zone appears near the decomposed hydrate area in the layer without free gas, which corresponds to the low water saturation and high salinity zone. The hydrate decomposition area in the layer with free gas is larger than that without free gas. The increase in the drilling fluid temperature significantly enhances the hydrate decomposition in both layers of the reservoir. The hydrate decomposition near the wellbore under the high drilling fluid temperature will cause a sharp increase in the pressure in the reservoir, leading to the flow of pore fluid into the wellbore. The increase in drilling fluid salinity has little effect on the range of the hydrate decomposition in the reservoir but significantly increases the salinity of the pore water in the layer with free gas. As the drilling fluid temperature increases, the possibility of the gas invasion from the reservoir into the wellbore will be greatly increased at the early stage.
Significant Loss of Ecosystem Services by Environmental Changes in the Mediterranean Coastal Area
Authors: Conte Adriano , Zappitelli Ilaria , Fusaro Lina , Alivernini Alessandro , Moretti Valerio , Sorgi Tiziano , Recanatesi Fabio , Fares Silvano
Published: April 2022

Mediterranean coastal areas are among the most threated forest ecosystems in the northern hemisphere due to concurrent biotic and abiotic stresses. These may affect plants functionality and, consequently, their capacity to provide ecosystem services. In this study, we integrated ground-level and satellite-level measurements to estimate the capacity of a 46.3 km2 Estate to sequestrate air pollutants from the atmosphere, transported to the study site from the city of Rome. By means of a multi-layer canopy model, we also evaluated forest capacity to provide regulatory ecosystem services. Due to a significant loss in forest cover, estimated by satellite data as −6.8% between 2014 and 2020, we found that the carbon sink capacity decreased by 34% during the considered period. Furthermore, pollutant deposition on tree crowns has reduced by 39%, 46% and 35% for PM, NO2 and O3, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of developing an integrated approach combining ground measurements, modelling and satellite data to link air quality and plant functionality as key elements to improve the effectiveness of estimate of ecosystem services.
Climate Change in Southeast Benin and Its Influences on the Spatio-Temporal Dynamic of Forests, Benin, West Africa
Authors: Kingbo Armand , Teka Oscar , Aoudji Augustin K. N. , Ahohuendo Bonaventure , Ganglo Jean Cossi
Published: April 2022

The impact of anthropogenic activities on the spatiotemporal dynamics of the forest of Dogo-Kétou has been studied in relation to climate change observed in southeastern Benin. Especially, this study has detected the changes in climate parameters in southeast Benin from 1954 to 2016 and in forestland use from 1986 to 2018. A climatic break was detected, and the annual and monthly rainfall and temperature averages, the rainfall indexes, the concentration of precipitation, the number of rainy days according to the World Meteorological Organization and the bioclimatic aridity indexes were assessed. A GIS analysis was also performed based on Landsat images from 1986, 2000 and 2018 to detect the dynamic of land use and land cover of the classified forest of Dogo-Kétou. Excel 2016, Rx64 4.1.2, Rclimdex301, Khronostat1.01 and ArcGIS were used. The rainfall series showed a break in 1969. The segment from 1954 to 1968 was a period of excess rainfall with an average of 1420.46 mm/year. The segment from 1969 to 2016 was a rainfall deficit period with a reduction of 12 to 37% of rainy days and an increase of dry days for 21.4 days/year. In this last segment, southeast Benin experienced trends of its climate towards a sub-arid and arid climate. The agglomerations and bare soil of the forest of Dogo-Kétou increased to an area almost double the size between 1986 and 2018. The tree and shrub savannas gained in space from 12.1% in 2000 to 38.9% in 2018 and the dense forest and wooded savannas regressed by 52.6% in 1986 to 36.1% in 2000 then to 4.3% of the forest area in 2018. The subequatorial climate of southeastern Benin is gradually evolving towards a dry climate. The dense forest in this area is also gradually disappearing, giving way to savannas. This transformation towards the savannas was due to anthropogenic actions whose effects were strongly accentuated by climate change in this part of Benin and West Africa.
A Field Study of Tropical Peat Fire Behaviour and Associated Carbon Emissions
Authors: Graham Laura L. B. , Applegate Grahame B. , Thomas Andri , Ryan Kevin C. , Saharjo Bambang H. , Cochrane Mark A.
Published: April 2022

Tropical peatlands store vast volumes of carbon belowground. Human land uses have led to their degradation, reducing their carbon storage services. Clearing and drainage make peatlands susceptible to surface and belowground fires. Satellites do not readily detect smouldering peat fires, which release globally significant quantities of aerosols and climate-influencing gases. Despite national and international desire to improve management of these fires, few published results exist for in situ tropical peat fire behaviour and associated carbon emissions. We present new field methodology for calculating rates of fire spread within degraded peat (average spread rates, vertical 0.8 cm h−1, horizontal 2.7 cm h−1) and associated peat volume losses (102 m3 ha−1 in August, 754 m3 ha−1 in September) measured at six peat fire sites in Kalimantan, Indonesia, in 2015. Utilizing locally collected bulk density and emission factors, total August and September gas emissions of 27.2 t ha−1 (8.1 tC ha−1) and 200.7 t ha−1 (60.2 tC ha−1) were estimated. We provide much needed, but currently lacking, IPCC Tier 3-level data to improve GHG estimates from tropical peat fires. We demonstrate how calculations of total emission estimates can vary greatly in magnitude (+798% to −26%) depending on environmental conditions, season, peat burn depth methodology, bulk density and emission factors data sources, and assumed versus observed combustion factors. This illustrates the importance of in situ measurements and the need for more refined methods to improve accuracies of GHG estimates from tropical peat fires.
Coherent Structures of a Turbulent Flow Bounded by a Compact Permeable Wall
Authors: Arthur James K.
Published: April 2022

In order to optimize the use of compact porous media as flow and heat transfer devices, it is imperative to understand those coherent structures of the associated flow that generate and sustain turbulence. Given the deficiency of data regarding this area in the literature, this study has been carried out to fill this need. To this end, a series of particle image velocimetry measurements were conducted to capture a turbulent flow field bounded by a model permeable medium of 85% porosity. The bulk Reynolds numbers based on the bulk velocity through the entire flow domain and the depth of flow over the permeable boundary are approximately 5.0 × 103 and 2.0 × 104. By applying velocity gradient eigenanalysis, quadrant decomposition, multi-point correlations, and proper orthogonal decomposition, requisite information about the coherent structures of the flow field is extracted. The results indicate the existence of spatial structures whose order, size, and orientation are dependent on the Reynolds number and location along the permeable boundary. While the largest scales are marked by sweeps, ejections, and high vortex activity, there is evidence of inward and outward interactive events at the upstream portions of the permeable boundary layer flow. This work helps to clarify some observations made on turbulent flow over the compact permeable boundary.
Trans-Fatty Acids in Fast-Food and Intake Assessment for Yerevan’s Population, Armenia
Authors: Pipoyan Davit , Beglaryan Meline , Stepanyan Seda , Merendino Nicolò
Published: April 2022

There are stringent regulations applicable for trans-fatty acid (TFA) limitations from food supply across the world. However, in Armenia, there is a scarcity of data on TFA content in food products and their consumption levels. Considering that fast-food is among the major contributors to TFA intake, this study aims to assess the dietary exposure of TFAs through the consumption of fast-food in Yerevan, Armenia. Eleven types of fast-food were included in the study. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate daily fast-food consumption. TFA contents in samples were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mean daily fast-food consumption values ranged from 14.68 g/day to 76.09 g/day, with popcorn as the lowest and pastry as the highest consumed food. The study results indicate that the aggregate average daily intake (DI) of TFA is 0.303 g/day. Even though TFA DI values do not exceed the WHO limit of 1%, they substantially contribute to daily TFA intake and may exceed the limit when combined with other foods. Hence, it is recommended to carry out continuous monitoring of TFA content in the food supply to ensure consumer health protection.
Qualitative Attributes of Commercial Pig Meat from an Italian Native Breed: The Nero d’Abruzzo
Authors: Ianni Andrea , Bennato Francesca , Martino Camillo , Odoardi Maurizio , Sacchetti Agostino , Martino Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

The main objective of this study was to characterize the main qualitative properties of commercial meat obtained from the Nero d’Abruzzo pig, a native breed of Central Italy. In order to valorize this animal production, a direct comparison was made with commercial meat products obtained from hybrid pigs. Over a period of 30 days, 76 steaks for each breed were purchased from the market, and samples were analyzed for total lipid content, fatty acids profile, Coenzyme Q10 content, resistance of meat to oxidative processes, volatile profile of cooked meat and electrophoretic profile of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Results showed the Nero d’Abruzzo to be richer in fat, which, however, is characterized by a higher concentration of α-linolenic acid, to which are attributed important health benefits. The native breed was also richer in Coenzyme Q10, a compound credited with antioxidant potential, whose presence could explain the better oxidative stability of meat samples that were cooked and stored for up to 7 days at +4 °C. In support of this last data, our finding of the characterization of the volatile profile of cooked meat, at the end of the storage period, showed in Nero d’Abruzzo a reduction in the accumulation of hexanal, notoriously associated with oxidative events and the development of unpleasant aromatic notes. In conclusion, aspects that can justify the nutritional superiority of this niche production compared to meat coming from cosmopolitan breeds have been identified.
Authenticity of Honey: Characterization, Bioactivities and Sensorial Properties
Authors: Escuredo Olga , Seijo M. Carmen
Published: April 2022

Honey is a natural product well known for its beneficial properties, which depend on its composition [...]
Prevention of the Retrogradation of Glutinous Rice Gel and Sweetened Glutinous Rice Cake Utilizing Pulsed Electric Field during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Abbaspourrad Alireza , Padilla-Zakour Olga I.
Published: April 2022

Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing is an emerging non-thermal technology that shows the potential to improve food quality and maintain stability. However, the attributes and retrogradation properties of food products made of PEF-treated rice grains are still unknown. In the current study, glutinous rice gels (GR-G) and sweetened glutinous rice cakes (GR-C) made of PEF-treated rice grains were prepared and investigated during 14 days of storage at 4 °C. The hardness values of both the GR-G and GR-C-control samples, respectively, increased from 690 g to 1423 g and from 720 g to 1096 g; the adhesiveness values of the GR-G-control and GR-C-control samples decreased to the range of −7.2 g s to −10.0 g s during storage. PEF-treated samples (3 kV/cm, 400 pulses) resulted in preventing effects against retrogradation, resembling the original textural values of the freshly prepared control samples. The high intensity of imposed PEF treatment (300–400 pulses) significantly reduced the gelatinization enthalpy values of both GR samples to 0.3–0.7 J/g. The diffraction patterns of PEF-treated GR samples were analogous to the amorphous peak of fresh-made rice gel. FTIR results indicated that PEF-treated rice grains presented fewer crystalline regions and a lesser extent of the organized double helices after refrigerated storage.
Oxidative Stress Contributes to Cytoskeletal Protein Degradation of Esox lucius through Activation of Mitochondrial Apoptosis during Postmortem Storage
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Pingping , Zhao Yunfeng , Zhang Lianfu , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the role of oxidative stress in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathways and structural protein degradation of fish during postmortem storage by measuring oxidative stress levels, mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptotic factors, and structural protein degradation (n = 3). The results revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased gradually within the first 12 h and then decreased (p < 0.05) in mitochondria. Lipid peroxidation was increased, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in mitochondria (p < 0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress induced mitochondrial membrane opening, mitochondrial swelling, as well as the depolarization of mitochondrial potential. This led to an increase in the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and caspase-3 activation. Ultimately, oxidative stress promoted small protein degradation (troponin-T and desmin) and induced myofibril susceptibility to proteolysis. These observations confirmed that oxidative stress mediated the activation of mitochondrial apoptotic factors-promoted protein degradation, initiating the deterioration of fish muscle through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
A Debittered Complex of Glucose-Phenylalanine Amadori Rearrangement Products with β-Cyclodextrin: Structure, Molecular Docking and Thermal Degradation Kinetic Study
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Fu Baoshang , Ma Yunjiao , Dong Liang , Du Ming , Dong Xiuping , Xu Xianbing
Published: April 2022

Non-volatile flavor precursors could be used to overcome the flavor loss problems of volatile flavor enhancers during long-term storage. Glu- and Phe-derived Amadori rearrangement products (ARPs) produce pleasant aroma tones thermally but are bitter. We used β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for debittering Glu-Phe ARPs. ITC analysis indicated that CD-ARP complexes with 1:1 stoichiometry were obtained. NMR analysis indicated that the aromatic ring of Glu-Phe ARPs was embedded in the β-CD cavity. Molecular docking simulations of the bitter taste receptor hT2R1 showed that CD-ARP complex was inactive compared to Glu-Phe ARPs. Complexation with β-CD resulted in the thermal stabilization of Glu-Phe ARPs and a decrease in the degradation rate constant. Compared to Glu-Phe ARPs, the CD-ARP complex in the thermally treated food system slowed down the formation of browning compounds but didn’t inhibit flavor compound formation. The CD-ARP complex is a promising flavor enhancer for applications in flavored and heated foods.
Fractional Variation Network for THz Spectrum Denoising without Clean Data
Authors: Jiao Qingliang , Xu Jing , Liu Ming , Zhao Fengfeng , Dong Liquan , Hui Mei , Kong Lingqin , Zhao Yuejin
Published: April 2022

Deep learning can remove the noise of the terahertz (THz) spectrum via its powerful feature extraction ability. However, this technology suffers from several limitations, including clean training data being difficult to obtain, the amount of training data being small, and the restored effect being unsatisfactory. In this paper, a novel THz spectrum denoising method is proposed. Low-quality underwater images and transfer learning are used to alleviate the limitation of the training data amount. Then, the principle of Noise2Noise is applied to further reduce the limitations of clean training data. Moreover, a THz denoising network based on Transformer is proposed, and fractional variation is introduced in the loss function to improve the denoising effect. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method estimates the high-quality THz spectrum in simulation and measured data experiments, and it also has a satisfactory result in THz imaging.
On the Linear–Quadratic–Gaussian Control Strategy for Fractional-Order Systems
Authors: Bialic Grzegorz , Stanisławski Rafał
Published: April 2022

In the paper, the Linear–Quadratic–Gaussian (LQG) control strategy in regulatory mode (disturbance attenuation, zero value of the reference signal) in single-loop control is used to stabilize the system equipped in a non-integer order plant. The influence of the optimal controller design sophistication on control quality in terms of output variance is examined. It has been shown that the optimal implementation length of fractional-order difference is relatively low (several dozen in considered examples). Therefore, further increasing the controller’s complexity in terms of approximation length does not improve the control performance. Furthermore, it is presented that, under bounded control signal variance, the optimal fractional order of the controller may be significantly different from the actual fractional order of the plant (in the examples, the difference is up to 0.66).
Backup Agreement as a Coordination Mechanism in a Decentralized Fruit Chain in a Developing Country
Authors: Rojas Palacios Margy Nathalia , Peña Orozco Diego León , Gonzalez-Feliu Jesús
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to analyze the impacts of a backup agreement contract on the performance of a small agricultural producers’ citrus supply chain. A backup agreement contract, which ensures for each echelon that a quantity of products will be bought independently of real demand, is proposed to coordinate a three-echelon supply chain, aimed at improving income. After presenting an overview of the literature that shows various coordination mechanisms but no backup agreement proposals for supply chain coordination, this paper develops a decentralized three-echelon supply chain facing stochastic customer demand and includes the backup agreement as a coordination mechanism to guarantee a balanced relationship between the chain members. The model is tested in a real case study in Colombia, and a sensitivity analysis is provided. Results show that a backup agreement contract coordinates the small agricultural producers’ supply chain and improves income for each echelon, especially for the small producer. However, the economic mechanism complexity can limit coordination among echelons, mainly because of a lack of trust and consolidated supply capacity from small farmers. The foregoing requires the development of an associative structure by small producers, which is proposed as future research work.
Hydrogel Containing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Argan Oil and Simvastatin: Preparation, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Assessment
Authors: Khan Muhammad Farhan Ali , Ur.Rehman Asim , Howari Haidar , Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Ullah Faiz , Mustafa Zia ul , Elaissari Abdelhamid , Ahmed Naveed
Published: April 2022

Transdermal hydrogels have the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes via enhancing bioavailability and reducing toxicity associated with oral delivery. The goal of the present study was to formulate and optimise argan oil loaded transdermal hydrogel containing lipid nanoparticles. The high pressure homogenization (HPH) method was utilised to fabricate Simvastatin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SIM-SLNs) with precirol ATO 5 as a lipid core and Poloxamer 407 (P407) to stabilise the core. The optimised nanoformulation was characterised for its particle diameter, zeta potential, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, crystallinity and molecular interaction. Furthermore, transdermal hydrogel was characterised for physical appearance, rheology, pH, bio adhesion, extrudability, spreadability and safety profile. In vitro and ex vivo assays were executed to gauge the potential of SLNs and argan oil for transdermal delivery. The mean particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of the optimised nanoparticles were 205 nm, −16.6 mV and 0.127, respectively. Crystallinity studies and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed no molecular interaction. The in vitro release model explains anomalous non-Fickian release of drug from matrix system. Ex vivo skin penetration studies conducted through a fluorescence microscope confirmed penetration of the formulation across the stratum corneum. Hydrogel plays a crucial role in controlling the burst release and imparting the effect of argan oil as hypolipidemic agent and permeation enhancer.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of the Calcineurin B-like Protein and Calcineurin B-like Protein-Interacting Protein Kinase Gene Families in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Wang Qianwen , Zhao Kai , Gong Yuqiang , Yang Yunqiang , Yue Yanling
Published: April 2022

In plants, calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL) are a unique set of calcium sensors that decode calcium signals by activating a plant-specific protein kinase family called CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). The CBL–CIPK family and its interacting complexes regulate plant responses to various environmental stimuli. Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is an important vegetable crop in Asia; however, there are no reports on the role of the CBLs–CIPKs’ signaling system in response to abiotic stress during cabbage growth. In this study, 18 CBL genes and 47 CIPK genes were identified from the Chinese cabbage genome. Expansion of the gene families was mainly due to tandem repeats and segmental duplication. An analysis of gene expression patterns showed that different duplicate genes exhibited different expression patterns in response to treatment with Mg2+, K+, and low temperature. In addition, differences in the structural domain sequences of NAF/FISL and interaction profiles in yeast two-hybrid assays suggested a functional divergence of the duplicate genes during the long-term evolution of Chinese cabbage, a result further validated by potassium deficiency treatment using trans-BraCIPK23.1/23.2/23.3 Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results provide a basis for studies related to the functional divergence of duplicate genes and in-depth studies of BraCBL–BraCIPK functions in Chinese cabbage.
Hair Cortisol Concentration, Perceived Stress, Mental Well-Being, and Cardiovascular Health in African American Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Richards Ericka L. , Wright Kathy D. , Richards Adams Ingrid K. , Klatt Maryanna D. , Monroe Todd B. , Nguyen Christopher M. , Rose Karen M.
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: African Americans experience high rates of psychological stress and hypertension, which increases their risk of cardiovascular disease with age. Easy-to-collect psychological and biological stress data are valuable to investigations of this association. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC), as a proxy biomarker of chronic stress exposure, provides such advantages in contrast to collection of multiple daily samples of saliva. Objective: To examine the relationships among HCC, perceived stress, mental well-being, and cardiovascular health (systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP)). (2) Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data (N = 25) were used from a mind–body intervention study in hypertensive African Americans ages 65 and older. Data included HCC, a four-item perceived stress scale, SF-36 mental components summary, and SBP/DBP. SBP + 2 (DBP)/3 was used to calculate MAP. (3) Results: The relationship between mental well-being and perceived stress (r = −0.497, p ≤ 0.01) and mental well-being and DBP (r = −0.458, p = 0.02) were significant. HCC change was not significant. In a regression model, every unit increase in well-being predicted a 0.42 decrease in DBP (β = −0.42, 95% CI (−0.69–0.15)) and a 1.10 unit decrease in MAP (β = −1.10, 95% CI (−1.99–0.20)). (4) Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of physiologic data regarding the relationship between MAP and well-being. Findings from this study may aid in the development of interventions that address mental well-being and cardiovascular health in African American older adults with hypertension.
The Microbiota and the Relationship with Colorectal Cancer: Surgical Complications—A Review
Authors: Michire Alexandru , Anghel Rodica , Draghia Petruta Maria , Burlacu Mihnea Gabriel , Georgescu Teodor Florin , Georgescu Dragos Eugen , Balcangiu-Stroescu Andra-Elena , Vacaroiu Ileana Adela , Barbu Maria , Gaube Alexandra
Published: April 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and represents a major global health burden. While genetics are implicated in a portion of CRC patients, most cases are sporadic. A new possibility of tumor initiation and promotion might be microbiome composition. It was recently shown that bacteria from the gut microbiome might be used as biomarkers for CRC detection, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreoptococcus stomatis, Parvimonas mica, Solobacterium moorei, and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. Conversely, the healthy gut microbiome is mostly colonized by Bacterioides (Bacterioides fragilis, vulgatus, uniformis), Firmicutes (Clostridium spp., Ruminococcus faecis, Enterococcus faecium), and Actinobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum). Some strains of gut bacteria favor tumor promotion through DNA and RNA damage (directly or through interaction with other known food carcinogens) and through local immune inhibition. It is possible that bacteria (e.g., Bacillus polyfermenticus, Alistipes shahii, Lactobacillus casei) exist with protective functions against tumor promotion. Despite current advances in colorectal cancer treatment, especially in the medical oncology and radiotherapy domains, surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment for colorectal cancer patients, even in the oligometastatic setting. Surgical complications like anastomotic leakage, excessive blood loss, abscess, and abdominal sepsis can reduce 1-year and 5-year overall survival and increase the recurrence rates for these patients; therefore, we reviewed currently published data focusing on the relationship between gut microbiota and postoperative complications for colorectal cancer patients.
A Newly Discovered Ethnocultural Substrate along the Atlantic Façade—Evidence for the Unique Counting System and Mathematical Strategies Shared by the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), Spain, France, Ireland and Scotland
Authors: Frank Roslyn M.
Published: April 2022

Until now, the pre-decimal metric units of linear measure employed traditionally in the Basque Country have not been compared to similar ones documented for Celtic-speaking zones of the Atlantic façade. These base units are distinctive in that they are septenary in nature, consisting of units of seven and its multiples. In this study, the remarkable similarities that characterize these traditional linear measures are analyzed and subjected to scrutiny. The investigation also examines the mathematical strategies that were involved in laying out land holdings. The measuring devices traditionally employed are also discussed, as well as the ways in which the septenary units acted to structure sociocultural, political and administrative practices. The implications that can be drawn from the wide geographical reach of the system are explored, along with the time-depth that should be assigned to the system as a whole.
Effects and Causes of Detraining in Athletes Due to COVID-19: A Review
Authors: Córdova-Martínez Alfredo , Caballero-García Alberto , Roche Enrique , Pérez-Valdecantos Daniel , Noriega David C.
Published: April 2022

Several aspects of systemic alterations caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resultant COVID-19 disease have been currently explored in the general population. However, very little is known about these particular aspects in sportsmen and sportswomen. We believe that the most important element to take into account is the neuromuscular aspect, due to the implications that this system entails in motion execution and coordination. In this context, deficient neuromuscular control when performing dynamic actions can be an important risk factor for injury. Therefore, data in this review refer mainly to problems derived in the short term from athletes who have suffered this pathology, taking into account that COVID-19 is a very new disease and the presented data are still not conclusive. The review addresses two key aspects: performance alteration and the return to regular professional physical activity. COVID-19 causes metabolic-respiratory, muscular, cardiac, and neurological alterations that are accompanied by a situation of stress. All of these have a clear influence on performance but at the same time in the strategy of returning to optimal conditions to train and compete again after infection. From the clinical evidence, the resumption of physical training and sports activity should be carried out progressively, both in terms of time and intensity.
The Mediating Role of Organisational Identification between Psychological Contract and Work Results: An Individual Level Investigation
Authors: Rogozińska-Pawełczyk Anna , Gadomska-Lila Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

The aim of this article is to identify the relationship between the fulfilment of relational and transactional psychological contracts and work results, taking into account the mediation effect expressed in organisational identification. The empirical research was conducted on a group of 402 HR professionals responsible for designing and implementing HR practices in one of the leading companies of the Polish energy sector. Hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique (PLS-SEM). Based on our research, we found that the implementation of both relational and transactional psychological contracts positively influenced the results achieved by HR professionals, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of organisational identification. The results indicate that the relationship between the psychological contract and work results is stronger when mediated by organisational identification. It plays an important role, especially in relation to the transactional contract. The collected results lead to the conclusion that organisations, wishing to increase the level of work results achieved by HR professionals, should as much as possible fulfil the expectations of employees and meet the commitments made to them within the framework of the established psychological contract. The study makes an important contribution to the understanding of the “priority” importance of organisational identification in enhancing the efforts of HR professionals to deliver work results that benefit both employees and the organisation.
Associations between Bruxism, Stress, and Manifestations of Temporomandibular Disorder in Young Students
Authors: Vlăduțu Diana , Popescu Sanda Mihaela , Mercuț Răzvan , Ionescu Mihaela , Scrieciu Monica , Glodeanu Adina Dorina , Stănuși Andreea , Rîcă Ana Maria , Mercuț Veronica
Published: April 2022

Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles, which determine teeth grinding or clenching, associated with rigidity, bracing, or thrusting of the mandibula. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of possible bruxism in 328 students attending the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, and its associations with stress and other manifestations of the temporo-mandibular disorder. This was a questionnaire-based study to collect information on self-evaluation of bruxism presence, frequency of specific episodes, stress, anxiety, and other manifestations of temporo-mandibular disorder. Self-evaluated bruxism was identified in 39.33% from the entire study group, allowing us to define two subgroups for further analysis. Sleep bruxism was present in 16.28% of participants; awake bruxism was present in 68.99%, while 14.73% of participants presented a combined form. The main manifestation of bruxism was reported as teeth grinding. Fatigue was identified as a common clinical sign of bruxism and temporo-mandibular disorder. Group distribution analysis (Chi-Square) indicated significant associations between bruxism and stress, panic, restlessness, or increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05). Bruxism, and especially awake bruxism, has increased in prevalence among young students, and it has been associated with increased levels of stress.
Wealth and Education Inequities in Maternal and Child Health Services Utilization in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Wuneh Alem Desta , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta , Okwaraji Yemisrach Behailu , Persson Lars Åke , Medhanyie Araya Abrha
Published: April 2022

As part of the 2030 maternal and child health targets, Ethiopia strives for universal and equitable use of health services. We aimed to examine the association between household wealth, maternal education, and the interplay between these in utilization of maternal and child health services. Data emanating from the evaluation of the Optimizing of Health Extension Program intervention. Women in the reproductive age of 15 to 49 years and children aged 12–23 months were included in the study. We used logistic regression with marginal effects to examine the association between household wealth, women’s educational level, four or more antenatal care visits, skilled assistance at delivery, and full immunization of children. Further, we analyzed the interactions between household wealth and education on these outcomes. Household wealth was positively associated with skilled assistance at delivery and full child immunization. Women’s education had a positive association only with skilled assistance at delivery. Educated women had skilled attendance at delivery, especially in the better-off households. Our results show the importance of poverty alleviation and girls’ education for universal health coverage.
Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice to Resolve Health Problems in Southeast Asian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Communities
Authors: Kyaw Win Thiri , Sakakibara Masayuki
Published: April 2022

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been a major part of people’s livelihood in the rural areas of many developing countries, including those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Nevertheless, because of the use of mercury, ASGM activities have significant local and global adverse impacts on the environment and ASGM community health. Although there have been many monodisciplinary projects by academic researchers and governments to solve the environmental and health problems in SEA ASGM communities, they have not been sufficient to solve the complex socioeconomic problems. This review first outlines the nature of the SEA ASGM activities and the consequent environmental, community health, and socioeconomic problems and then introduces an approach using transdisciplinary communities of practice that involves both academic and nonacademic participants to relieve these wicked ASGM problems and to improve the environmental governance and community health in ASGM communities in SEA.
The Soil Microbiota Recovery in the Agroecosystem: Minimal Information and a New Framework for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Bergna Alessandro , Maund Stephen J. , Screpanti Claudio
Published: April 2022

The efficient management of soil represents a mission of vital importance for meeting the continuously increasing agricultural demand in a sustainable way. Decades of research identified in the biotechnological potential of soil microorganisms an always more practicable channel for achieving these goals. Due to the complexity of soil microbial communities and their tight connection to soil characteristics, it is still difficult to define universal strategies for an efficient and sustainable agroecosystem management. We here propose a new framework for the assessment of the impact of agricultural practices in the agroecosystem that revolves around the concept of microbial community recovery. This assessment is based on the selection of (i) a representative temporal interval, (ii) a representative agricultural system and (iii) monitoring tools able to assess the expression levels of microbial functionality in soil. This approach can be especially valuable for evaluating the effects of agrochemicals and other agronomical amendments (of different nature: biological, physical, chemical) on the soil microbiota. In the same way precision-medicine tries to tailor drugs on an always smaller subset of patients’ characteristics, a new generation of agrochemicals can be developed and tested considering soil characteristics in order to minimize their off-target effects. What remains central in this paradigm is the promotion of Soil Health maintenance practices. As for healthy humans, a healthy soil is more resilient and tolerates treatments and stresses better while recovering more quickly.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Simulation: Intravenous Injection Training System
Authors: Lee Ji Sun
Published: April 2022

In nursing education, virtual reality simulation (VRS) is recognized as an effective learning method as it overcomes limitations in practical training and positively influences learning ability and satisfaction levels. The purpose of this study was to develop VRS for intravenous (IV) injection and investigate how it affects nursing students’ academic knowledge, performance confidence, and clinical practice competencies. A quasi-experimental control group pretest and post-test design was used. Participants were nursing students who either received a training system for an IV injection through VRS (experimental group; n = 20) or who received an IV arm simulator (control group; n = 20). The results revealed significantly higher knowledge (U = 156.5, p = 0.024) and clinical performance competency (U = 87.5, p = 0.002) with the procedure of using a training system of VRS for IV injection compared to having training via an IV arm simulator. This study verified that VRS for IV injection was more effective than an IV arm simulator for practical training on IV injection. Thus, VRS for IV injection, an effective teaching method used to improve learning ability and satisfaction levels, can be used as a training method in the future.
Influence of Traffic-Induced Vibrations on Humans and Residential Building—A Case Study
Authors: Beben Damian , Maleska Tomasz , Bobra Piotr , Duda Józef , Anigacz Wojciech
Published: April 2022

The case study presents an assessment of the traffic-induced vibrations on humans and residential buildings, which is important for sustainable development. The analyzed residential building had several cracks in the walls. Control gypsum tapes were applied to all cracks in the building and additional elements near the road to determine the propagation of the damage. To determine the harmfulness of vibrations for humans, vibration acceleration measurements linked to road traffic inside the analyzed building were carried out. The vibration velocities inside the object were set based on the integration of the obtained accelerations. The experimental field investigation was carried out in places where humans commonly stayed (on the first floor) at the points where the vibrations are transmitted from the construction to humans. The study involved a time history analysis, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis, and Root Mean Square (RMS) acceleration and velocity in a one-third octave bands spectrum. Based on the conducted experimental tests, it can be pointed out that the received velocity values in the tested building, caused by the passage of various vehicles, were below the permissible levels. However, it was noticed that the distance between the building and the fence had an important role in damping vibrations emitted by passing vehicles. The presented case study may be of use to other researchers who will be involved in similar cases and want to include sustainable infrastructure development.
YoutubeTM Content Analysis as a Means of Information in Oral Medicine: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Romano Antonio , Fiori Fausto , Petruzzi Massimo , Della Vella Fedora , Serpico Rosario
Published: April 2022

Background: Oral medicine represents a complex branch of dentistry, involved in diagnosing and managing a wide range of disorders. YoutubeTM offers a huge source of information for users and patients affected by oral diseases. This systematic review aims to evaluate the reliability of YoutubeTM oral medicine-related content as a valid dissemination aid. Methods: The MeSH terms “YoutubeTM” and “oral” have been searched by three search engines (PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library), and a systematic review has been performed; the PRISMA checklist has been followed in the search operations. Results: Initial results were 210. Ten studies definitely met our selection criteria. Conclusions: YoutubeTM represents a dynamic device capable of easy and rapid dissemination of medical-scientific content. Nevertheless, the most of information collected in the literature shows a lack of adequate knowledge and the need to utilize a peer-reviewing tool in order to avoid the spreading of misleading and dangerous content.
New Insights into TETs in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Zhan Wenxia , Li Yi , Yuan Jie , Zhi Na , Huang Yiyuan , Liu Yingqi , Zhang Ming , Wu Shengxi , Zhao Xianghui
Published: April 2022

Psychiatric disorders are complex and heterogeneous disorders arising from the interaction of multiple factors based on neurobiology, genetics, culture, and life experience. Increasing evidence indicates that sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions. Over the past decade, the critical, non-redundant roles of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenase enzymes have been identified in the brain during developmental and postnatal stages. Specifically, TET-mediated active demethylation, involving the iterative oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and subsequent oxidative derivatives, is dynamically regulated in response to environmental stimuli such as neuronal activity, learning and memory processes, and stressor exposure. Here, we review the progress of studies designed to provide a better understanding of how profiles of TET proteins and 5hmC are powerful mechanisms by which to explain neuronal plasticity and long-term behaviors, and impact transcriptional programs operative in the brain that contribute to psychiatric disorders.