bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING TO DEVELOP ENGLISH READING AND LISTENING SKILLS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A PILOT STUY IN HONG KONG
Authors: CHEN JULIA , CHAU JULIANA , LIM GRACE , LI VOYCE
Published: December 2021

The range of technological applications in different educational contexts makes it necessary for continued inquiry into online language learning (OLL), especially in relation to its impact on different learner populations whose perception and acceptance of OLL can vary across settings. This pilot study involved 66 Chinese students in a Hong Kong university and examined their OLL experience in online reading and listening activities. Results of the study suggest the easy availability of internet resources can greatly enhance students’ OLL experience, while raising four challenges in the areas of online materials development, student motivation, pedagogy-technology interface, and intercultural communicative competence. Possible ways of tackling such challenges are outlined. The article concludes with a view that successful OLL needs to be predicated on a tripartite framework of hardware, software and humanware.
INVESTIGATING IRANIAN EFL LEARNERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD TEACHERS’ CODE SWITCHING
Authors: ABDOLMANAFI ROKNI SEYED J. , KHONAKDAR MEHDI
Published: December 2021

Code switching is defined as change in language teaching to help learners understand the EFL points. Code switching can be enjoyed at different times in the EFL classes by the teachers and may be as a safe help to understand and comprehend the points and materials. The present paper is to analyze and study the Iranian learners’ attitudes toward teachers’ code switching in EFL classrooms. The researchers enjoyed a questionnaire adopted from a study done by Yao (2011). The questionnaire had 20 items in different topics. The learners’ attitudes toward the questionnaire’s items were stated in percentage form. The findings showed that most of the learners had a positive look toward code switching by their teachers because some EFL points are really difficult to understand and it is better to change the language of teaching and help learners achieve the EFL points.
LA MÚSICA EN EL ÁMBITO EDUCATIVO: LAS COMUNIDADES DE APRENDIZAJE
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ MARTÍNEZ ANA M.
Published: December 2021

A lo largo de la historia, la música se ha utilizado para mejorar el bienestar físico, psíquico y emocional. En este sentido, el sistema educativo, y dentro de él, las Comunidades de Aprendizaje2, también han apostado por la música como elemento formador. Así, en el presente artículo, repasaremos el papel que la música tiene dentro del sistema de enseñanza, sus posibilidades en cada nivel educativo y su inclusión dentro de las CCAA.
L2 WRITING DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF TWO HIGH-ACHIEVING AND TWO STRUGGLING COLLEGE-LEVEL STUDENTS
Authors: ZYAD HICHAM
Published: December 2021

Researchers and language practitioners have long been interested in the quest for theory-based, research-supported constructs that can adequately characterize L2 writing proficiency and development. The ongoing scholarly inquiry in this research area has led to the mounting recognition that complexity, accuracy and fluency (henceforth, CAF) constitute a conceptual framework capable of charting L2 writing proficiency and benchmarking development. Against this background, the present study aims to investigate four college-level semester-one students’ L2 writing development over a time frame of twelve weeks. Couched within the constructivist paradigm, which advocates learner independence, meaningful learning and collaboration, the study examines the extent and nature of the progress that two highachieving L2 students made as compared with two struggling peers with regard to their written productions. On the basis of case study methodology, a thick description is provided for each student on account of his measurable progress as assessed by theoretically motivated indices of complexity and accuracy. The paper also explores the time spent on online Moodle activities by the four participants to ascertain whether or not a relationship existed with the progress made. Complexity was measured by mean length of t-unit, mean length of clause and number of clauses per t-unit; accuracy was measured by mean number of error-free t-units and the ratio of error-free t-units to total number of t-units. The writing program in which the participants were engaged was based on the use of Moodle as a platform where students have access to myriad supplementary materials including website links, videos, PowerPoint slides, book chapters and exercises handouts. They were also required to post their written assignments in the Moodle-hosted blog and to participate in forums designed for the exchange of feedback. The implications of the results for L2 writing instruction are discussed.
LA FEMINIZACIÓN DE LA POBREZA EN ESPAÑA: UN ENFOQUE DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE GÉNERO
Authors: Espino García Soraya
Published: December 2021

El análisis de la pobreza en perspectiva de género en España resulta cada vez más necesario. Por ello, uno de los objetivos fundamentales es el de identificar, estudiar y analizar los factores de género que implican un diferencial de pobreza entre géneros en España, en detrimento de la mujer. Esta investigación analiza el acceso de la mujer al mercado de trabajo y cuál es la brecha de género tanto en el acceso al mercado laboral como en la participación en el mismo. La metodología utilizada en esta investigación ha sido la realización de un análisis cuantitativo utilizando los datos de la Encuesta de Población Activa (EPA) del Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) en el periodo temporal 2012-2021. Los principales resultados de la investigación muestran cómo la brecha por género es mucho más acusada en los periodos en los cuáles hay una crisis económica y la dificultad que tienen las mujeres para consolidarse plenamente en el mercado laboral en España, lo cual está llevando a un proceso continuo de feminización de la pobreza en España.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Ecological Vulnerability Based on Vulnerability Scoring Diagram Model in Shennongjia, China
Authors: Cao Jia-shuo , Yang Yu-qi , Deng Zheng-yu , Hu Yuan-dong
Published: December 2021

Background: Shennongjia is one of the most important ecological function areas and ecologically vulnerable zones in the world. With the rapid development of social economies, especially tourism, the ecological environment of Shennongjia has experienced profound changes. Results: (1) During the study period, the overall ecological vulnerability of Shennongjia is in a mild vulnerability level, exhibiting differentiation characteristics of high in the northeast and low in the southwest. High vulnerability zones are mainly distributed in the main towns and roads. (2) The risk of ecological vulnerability of the entire region presents the characteristics of continuous decline. (3) Land-use types, population density, and vegetation coverage are the main factors driving the evolution of ecological vulnerability. (4) A high level of coupling coordination exists between ecological vulnerability and landscape patterns.Conclusions: Analyses of the ecological vulnerability of Shennongjia shows that the entire region is in a mild vulnerability level. The extreme vulnerability risk of the ecological environment shows polarization. The evolution of ecological environment in Shennongjia is the result of the interaction between human activities and natural environment. This study offers an effective way to assess ecological vulnerability and provides some strategies and guidance for improving ecological security.
Physiological Changes in Chicken Embryos Inoculated with Drugs and Viruses Highlight the Need for More Standardisation of This Animal Model
Authors: Sommerfeld Simone , Mundim Antonio , Silva Rogério , Queiroz Jéssica , Rios Maisa , Notário Fabiana , Medeiros Alessandra , Beletti Marcelo , Franco Rodrigo , Espindola Foued , Goulart Luiz , Fonseca Belchiolina
Published: December 2021

Several works have been developed using the Gallus gallus embryo as an experimental model to study the toxicity of drugs and infections. Studies that seek to standardise the evaluated parameters are needed to better understand and identify the viability of chicken embryos (CE) as an experimental model. Therefore, we sought to verify whether macroscopic, histopathological, blood count, metabolites and/or enzymes changes and oxidative stress in CE of different ages are peculiar to the model. To achieve this goal, in ovo assays were performed injecting a virus (Gammacoronavirus) and two drugs (filgrastim and dexamethasone) that cause known changes in adult chickens and other animals. Embryo response to virus and drug challenges may not occur as expected for adult chickens and even different species. While macroscopic and microscopic damage was visible in the case of viral infections, the white blood cell count and inflammation biomarkers did not change. Filgrastim (FG) testing did not result in the expected effects for CE. On the other hand, with dexamethasone (DX), changes in blood parameters and biomarkers were inherent to the model and depended on the stage of CE development. Our work reinforces the importance of standardization and correct use of the model so that the results of infection, toxicity and pharmacokinetics are recorded.
Factors Associated with the Use of Insecticide-Treated Nets Among Women of Reproductive Age in Mozambique, 2018
Authors: Mausse Fabiao Mausse , Rossetto Erika Valeska , Baltazar Cynthia Semá , Candrinho Baltazar Neves , Zulliger Rose
Published: December 2021

Background: In 2018 there were approximately 228 million diagnosed cases of malaria and 405,000 deaths. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is one of the main malaria prevention interventions. Despite widescale distribution resulting in improved ITN access, use remains an important challenge. This study determined factors associated with the use of ITNs among women of reproductive age in Mozambique in 2018.Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) was implemented. Women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from households with at least one ITN were included in the analysis. Appropriately weighted descriptive analysis of sociodemographic characteristics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with ITN use. The highest frequency categories were used as reference variables for the variables age, province, type of place of residence and wealth quintile and the lowest frequency category was used for education level. Variables that had p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: Of 6,184 total women of reproductive age in the MIS, 5,587 women (90%) were in households with at least one ITN, of whom 88% (4,908/5,587) reported prior night use of ITNs. Most women were in the 15-19 age group of whom 81% (975/1,206) reported ITN use. The odds of ITN use were significantly higher in all other age groups compared to these women aged 15-19 years. The odds of ITN use were significantly lower in lower prevalence provinces in southern Mozambique. In adjusted analysis, there was no significant association between the odds of ITN use and malaria knowledge, exposure to malaria messages, literacy, or other sociodemographic variables.Conclusions:. Young women and those in southern Mozambique are demographic groups that would benefit from targeted communication interventions, along with those in rural areas where the burden of malaria is higher.
Knowledge and Perceptions of the Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Canadians
Authors: Cameron Laura , Casson Nora , Mauro Ian , Friesen-Hughes Karl , Rocque Rhéa
Published: December 2021

Background At a time of intersecting public health crises of COVID-19 and climate change, understanding public perceptions of the health risks of climate change is critical to inform risk communication and support the adoption of adaptive behaviours. In Canada, very few studies have explored public understandings and perceptions of climate impacts on health. Methods This study addresses this gap through a nationally-representative survey of Canadians (n=3,014) to explore public perceptions and awareness regarding the link between climate change and health in Canada. The 116-question survey measured awareness of the link between climate change and health, affective assessment of climate health impacts, unprompted knowledge of climate health impacts, and concern about a range of impacts. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test for differences in median values among sociodemographic groups. The survey also measured baseline climate opinion, which was used to segment the public into different audiences through a latent class analysis.Results Three climate opinion classes were identified in the sample (disengaged, concerned, and alarmed) and perceptions of climate health impacts were compared across these classes and other sociodemographic variables. Approximately half (53%) of respondents have considerable awareness of the link between climate change and health, and even more (61%) perceive climate change as bad for health. The majority of respondents (58%) can name one or more health impact without prompting. Concern about health impacts of climate change is highest among the alarmed and lowest among the disengaged, as compared to concerns about other categories of climate impacts such as economic. Across the survey, knowledge and concern are highest for water- and food-related health impacts.Conclusions The differential knowledge, awareness, and concern of climate health impacts across segments of the Canadian population can inform targeted communication and engagement to build broader support for adaptation and mitigation measures.
Characteristic Pollutants Purification Analysis of Modified Phosphogypsum Comprehensive Utilization
Authors: Wang Chao-Qiang , Xiong De-Ming , Chen Yu , Wu Kai , Wang Pei-Xin , Zhang Zhao-Ji , Zhou Lei
Published: December 2021

The waste product Phosphogypsum (PG) produces in phosphoric acid production processes. Its storage requires large amounts of land resources and exist serious environmental risks. In this work detailed experimental research was carried out to investigate the potential reuse of PG after calcination modification as a novel building material for cast-in-place concrete products. The calcination modification mechanism was studied and the environmental risk assessment of modified PG is presented. The calcination modification includes crystal phase transformation, removal of impurities and modifying the pH value. The calcination was carried out at 280℃ for 3-4 hours, where the resulting product is a pH value of 7.3, and the soluble fluorine and phosphorus removal rates reach up to 72.7% and 82.4% respectively. These removal rates meet the requirements of the national Phosphogypsum standard (GB/T 23456-2009). To ensure the environmental safety, ecological risk assessment methods for determining the leaching toxicity of the modified PG were employed. The toxicity of Ba and P elements in the modified PG products was assessed, as well as the leaching toxicity concentrations of all particular heavy metals, which were found well below the limits set by the national standards. All the results presented strongly suggest that the 280℃ modified PG presented here has excellent application potential as a raw component in building materials.
Multidimensional Measure of Instrumental Support in Transitional Care – Design and Pilot Test of a Questionnaire Assessing Instrumental Support Among Older Adults With Chronic Diseases
Authors: Yang Fengbo , Hua Jianing , Geng Guiling , Cui Min , Yang Wenwen , Geng Zihan
Published: December 2021

Background: Previous studies indicated that poor quantity and quality of instrumental support are one of the main barriers in the application of transitional care. Instrumental support, as one common function of social support, is the provision of financial assistance, material goods, or services. The purpose of our study is to develop a Instrumental Support in Transitional Care Questionnaire (ISTCQ), and use this questionnaire to make an assessment among older adults with chronic diseases. Methods: The draft questionnaire was examined by 18 experts from different professional fields performing three rounds of content validity testing with Delphi method. Afterwards, we conducted a pilot test recruiting 174 participants as a convenience sample in Nantong, China. The construct validity was confirmed via exploratory factor analysis and reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: The authority coefficient of experts was 0.74-0.99 and Kendall harmony coefficient W was 0.381. The exploratory factor analysis indicated that the questionnaire can be interpreted by three factors: namely, anticipated support (items 1, 2, 3, 4), received support (items 5, 6, 7, 8) and support satisfaction (items 9, 10, 11, 12). These three factors (eigenvalues > 1 and factor loading > 0.4) explained 69.128% of the total variance. Furthermore, the calculation of Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability have showed good reliability among each dimension of the 12-item questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.711–0.827, test-retest reliability 0.704-0.818). Conclusion: Results from the pilot test demonstrated excellent reliability and validity of ISTCQ through each dimension and as an entire.
Infants Hospitalized for Acute COVID-19: Disease Severity in a Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Merckx Joanna , Morris Shaun K. , Bitnun Ari , Gill Peter , Tal Tala El , Laxer Ronald M. , Yeh Ann , Yea Carmen , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Brenes-Chacon Helena , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Ivankovich-Escoto Gabriela , Soriano-Fallas Alejandra , de Mezerville Marcela Hernandez , Papenburg Jesse , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Nateghian Alireza , Aski Behzad Haghighi , Manafi Ali , Dwilow Rachel , Bullard Jared , Cooke Suzette , Dewan Tammie , Restivo Lea , Lopez Alison , Sadarangani Manish , Roberts Ashley , Barton Michelle , Petel Dara , Saux Nicole Le , Bowes Jennifer , Purewal Rupeena , Lautermilch Janell , Tehseen Sarah , Bayliss Ann , Wong Jacqueline K. , Viel-Thériault Isabelle , Piche Dominique , Top Karina A. , Leifso Kirk , Foo Cheryl , Panetta Luc , Robinson Joan
Published: December 2021

Age is the most important determinant of COVID-19 severity. Infectious disease severity by age is typically J-shaped, with infants and the elderly carrying a high burden of disease. We report on the comparative disease severity between infants and older children in a multicenter retrospective cohort study of children 0 to 17 year old admitted for acute COVID-19 February 2020 through May 2021 in 17 pediatric hospitals. We compare clinical and laboratory characteristics and estimate the association between age group and disease severity using ordinal logistic regression. We found that infants comprised one third of cases, but were admitted for a shorter period (median 3 days IQR 2-5 versus 4 days IQR 2-7), had a lower likelihood to have an increased C-reactive protein and had half the odds of older children of having severe or critical disease (OR 0.50 (95% Confidence Interval 0.32-0.78)).Conclusion: When compared to older children, there appeared to be a lower threshold to admit infants but their length of stay is shorter and they have a lower odds than older children of progressing to severe or critical disease.
Optimized LQR-PID Controller Using Squirrel Search Algorithm for Trajectory Tracking of a 6-DoF Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Choubey Chandan , Ohri Jyoti
Published: December 2021

In 6 Degree of Freedom (DOF) parallel manipulator, trajectory tracking is one of the main challenges. To obtain the desired trajectory, the DC motor needs to generate optimal torque. So to obtain optimal torque, an optimized Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional–Integral–Derivative (LQR-PID) controller is presented in this paper. For optimizing the Q, R and gain parameters of LQR-PID controller, Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA) is presented. In this algorithm, minimal cost function of LQR-PID controller is considered as objective function. The SSA based LQR-PID controller leads the motor to generate optimal torque that helps to attain the desired trajectory of 6-DOF parallel manipulator. Results of the work depicts that the SSA based LQR-PID controller achieves the best mean velocity, sum square error (SSE), integral square error (ISE) and integral absolute error (IAE).
Asymmetric Relationship of Global Human Obesity and Political Globalization Through World Human Development Levels
Authors: Munir Mubbasher , Zakaria Zahrah Tul Amani , Alhajj Reda , Salem Sultan , Arshed Noman
Published: December 2021

Background: Political globalization is a crucial and distinct component of strengthening global organizations. Obesity is a global epidemic in a few nations, and it is on the verge of becoming a pandemic that would bring plenty of diseases. The focus of this research is to see how the political globalization index affects worldwide human obesity in relation to global human development levels. Methods: In order to assess any cross-sectional dependence among observed 109 nations, the yearly period from 1990 to 2017 is analyzed using second generation panel data methods. KAO panel cointegration test and Feasible Generalized Least Square model were used to meet our objectives. Results: Low level of political Globalization tends to increase global human obesity because countries cannot sway international decisions and resources towards them. While the high level of political Globalization tends to reduce obesity because they can control and amends the international decisions. For the regression model, a feasible Generalized Least Square model was utilized. The study observed that the R squared values for all models are healthy, with a minimum of 87 percent variables explaining differences in global obesity at the country level. Conclusion: There is a very important to tackle globalization issue to reduce global human obesity. Simplicity of dietary options and the amount of physical labour they undergo in their agricultural duties, an increase in rural population percentage tends to lower the average national obesity value.
Dynamic Response and Chaotic Behavior of a Controllable Flexible Robot
Authors: Ban Caixia , Cai Ganwei , Wei Wei , Peng Sixu
Published: December 2021

Flexible robots with controllable mechanisms have advantages over common tandem robots in vibration magnitude, residual vibration time, working speed, and efficiency. However, abnormal vibration can sometimes occur during their use, affecting their normal operation. In order to better understand the causes of this abnormal vibration, our work takes a controllable flexible robot as a research object, and uses a combination of Lagrangian and finite element methods to establish its nonlinear elastic dynamics. The effectiveness of the model is verified by comparing the frequency of the numerical calculation and the test. The time-domain diagram, phase diagram, Poincaré map, and maximum Lyapunov exponent of the elastic motion of the robot wrist are studied, and the chaotic phenomena in the system are identified through the phase diagram, Poincaré map, and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The relationship between the parameters of the robot motion and the maximum Lyapunov exponent is discussed, including trajectory angular speed and radius. The results show that chaotic behavior exists in the controllable flexible robot, and that trajectory angular speed and radius all have an influence on the chaotic motion, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on the control and optimal design of the mechanism.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine Administation on Analgesic, Respiration and Inflammatory Responses in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Zhao Wenping , Sun Cong , Huang Zhihua , Zhan Lifang , Xiao Chunlin , Shan Reai , Lai Luying
Published: December 2021

BackgroundLocal anesthesia has been recommended for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in recent years; however, the efficacy, including oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions and ventilation effects, when intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) is administered during PELD has not been thoroughly described.MethodsSixty patients undergoing PELD were randomly allocated to either an intravenous DEX sedation group (Group A) or a normal saline group (Group B). Respiratory data, including minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV), and respiratory rate (RR), were recorded using a respiratory volume monitor (RVM), and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry. The visual analog score (VAS) and the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were also recorded to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.ResultsThere were no significant differences in RR, MV, TV and SpO2 between the two groups at any time point (p>0.05). Group B exhibited lower serum levels of GSH-PX (p<0.0001) and higher serum levels of MDA (p<0.0001) than Group A at the end of surgery. Twenty-four hours after surgery, Group B exhibited higher serum levels of IL-6 (p=0.0033), TNF-α(p=0.0002), and MDA (p<0.0001) and lower serum levels of GSH-PX (p<0.0001) than Group A. In addition, Group B exhibited lower VAS (p<0.0001) than Group A.ConclusionsDEX administration using an RVM not only provides convenient analgesia and ventilation but also alleviates oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in patients undergoing PELD .Trial registration ChiCTR2100044715(http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx)
Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) in the Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Study of a Highly Prescribed SNRI Drug for Depression and Its Application to Oral Extended Release Solid Dosage Formulations in Rabbits
Authors: Fazli Abdul Aala , Panigrahy Bala Krishna , Kumar Varinder , Raza Syed Naiem , Zarger Bilal Ahmad , Wani Taha Umair , Khuroo Arshad , Khan Nisar Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Preclinical pharmacokinetic (pK) studies in animal models during the formulation development phase give preliminary evidence and near clear picture of the pK behavior of drug and/or its dosage forms prior to clinical studies on humans and help in tailoring of the dosage form according to the expected and requisite clinical behavior. The present work reports first of its kind preclinical pK study on oral extended release (ER) solid dosage formulations of venlafaxine (VEN) in New Zealand White rabbits. The VEN is a highly prescribed and one of the safest and most effective therapeutic agents used in the treatment different types of depression disorders worldwide. The LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method developed for this purpose demonstrated enough reliability in simultaneously quantitating VEN and its equipotent metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) in rabbit plasma. The method described uses solid phase extraction for sample preparation followed by an ultra-fast LC-MS/MS analysis. The chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically with a predominantly polar mobile phase by employing RPLC. The triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS system operated in MRM mode used an ESI probe as an ion source in positive polarity. The validation results are within the permissible limits of US FDA recommendations and acceptance criteria for bioanalytical method validation.
Exploration of the Species-specific Dna Markers Based on the Complete Chloroplast Genome for Discriminating Curcuma Comosa Roxb. From Curcuma Latifolia Roscoe and Other Related Species
Authors: Wachananawat Bussarin , Kong Bobby Lim‐Ho , Shaw Pang‐Chui , Bongcheewin Bhanubong , Sangvirotjanapat Sunisa , Prombutara Pinidphon , Pornputtapong Natapol , Sukrong Suchada
Published: December 2021

Members of the Curcuma genus are among the most commonly used rhizomatous herbs worldwide. There are two species of Curcuma referred to as “Wan Chak Motluk” in Thai, C. comosa Roxb. and C. latifolia Roscoe, and their herbal materials are often confused. C. comosa is widely used as a traditional herbal remedy for its phytoestrogenic activity, but its morphology is highly similar to that of C. latifolia, which contains a compound that causes hepatotoxicity. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of these species were determined for the first time using Illumina sequencing. Our results showed that their cp genomes were 162,272 bp (C. comosa) and 162,289 bp (C. latifolia) in length. A total of 133 unique genes were identified, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative analyses with other species of Curcuma indicated high similarity in gene content and structural organization. The analyses also reveal variable hotspots in the genomes at ndhA, trnT-trnL, and ndhC-trnV that can serve as species-specific nucleotide barcodes. Indeed, mislabeling of these two species among samples sold at market was detected using these species-specific markers, indicating that cp genomes can provide more information for better elucidating and improving discriminatory power for species authentication.
Imaging Rhizosphere CO2 and O2 Concentration to Localize Respiration Hotspots Linked to Root Type and Soil Moisture Dynamics
Authors: Bereswill Sarah , Rudolph-Mohr Nicole , Oswald Sascha E
Published: December 2021

PurposeRhizosphere respiration strongly affects CO2 concentration within vegetated soils and resulting fluxes to the atmosphere. Respiration in the rhizosphere exhibits high spatiotemporal variability that may be linked to root type, but also to small-scale variation of soil water content altering gas transport dynamics in the soil. We address spatiotemporal dynamics of CO2 and O2 concentration in the rhizosphere via non-invasive in-situ imaging.MethodsOptodes sensitive to CO2 and O2 were applied to non-invasively measure in-situ rhizosphere CO2 and O2 concentration of white lupine (Lupinus albus) grown in slab-shaped glass rhizotrons. We monitored CO2 concentration over the course of 16 days at constant water content and also performed a drying-rewetting experiment to explore sensitivity of CO2 and O2 concentration to soil moisture changes. ResultsHotspots of respiration formed around cluster roots and CO2 concentration locally increased to > 20 % pCO2 (CO2 partial pressure). After rewetting the soil, cluster roots consumed available O2 significantly faster compared to non-cluster lateral roots. In wet soil, CO2 accumulation zones extended up to 9.5 mm from the root surface compared to 0.3-1 mm in dry soil.ConclusionResults from this imaging experiment indicate that respiratory activity differs substantially within the root system of a plant individual and that cluster roots are hotspots of respiration. As rhizosphere CO2 and O2 concentration was strongly sensitive to soil water content and its variation, we recommend monitoring the soil water content prior and during the measurement of rhizosphere respiration.
MiR-1301-3p Inhibits Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition via Targeting RhoA in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xinxue , Ren Zhangyong , Xu Junming , Chen Qing , Ma Jun , Liu Zhe , Kou Jiantao , Zhao Xin , Lang Ren , He Qiang
Published: December 2021

Micro(mi)RNAs play an essential role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in human cancers. This study aimed to uncover the regulatory mechanism of miR-1301-3p on EMT in pancreatic cancer (PC). The miRNA profilings from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE31568, GSE41372, and GSE32688) demonstrated the downregulation of miR-1301-3p in PC tissues, which was validated with 72 paired PC tissue samples through qRT-PCR detection. The low level of miR-1301-3p was associated with a poor prognosis for PC patients from the PC cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas and the validation cohort. Gene Ontology analyses indicated that the target genes of miR-1301-3p were involved in cell cycle and adherent junction regulation. In vitro assays revealed that miR-1301-3p suppressed the proliferation and migration abilities of PC cells. Western blotting and luciferase reporter assays suggested that miR-1301-3p inhibited RhoA expression by targeting its 3′-untranslated region; RhoA upregulated N-cadherin and vimentin level, however, downregulated E-cadherin level. In conclusion, our study showed that miR-1301-3p could serve as a prognostic biomarker for PC and suppress PC cell malignancy by targeting RhoA induced EMT process.
Functional Connectivity And Regional Homogeneity Alterations In Migraine Patients: A Protocol of Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cui Yu-Ling , Xu Qiang , Li Yu-Ting , Zhang Yang-Ming , Sun Jing-Ting , Li Ze-Yang , Ni Min-Hua , Ma Teng , Yan Lin-Feng , Cui Guang-Bin , Wang Wen , Chen Zhu-Hong
Published: December 2021

Objective: There are numerous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining the cerebral function of migraine patients using regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (FC) measurements. However, these studies generally report inconsistent conclusions. We will performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of this body of literature, aiming to identify consistent conclusions regarding cerebral functional changes in migraine patients and to describe potential future directions.Methods: Two investigators will independently screen studies published in online databases (i.e., Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) from the database inception to June 1, 2021. By discussing with a third investigator, any disagreement will be resolved and will attain consensus. A coordinate-based meta-analysis will then be performed with an activation likelihood estimate (ALE) random-effects model.Results: The cerebral FC and ReHo altered regions in migraine patients will be elucidated in this meta-analysis.Conclusion: This study will reveal cerebral functional changes of migraine patients based on current literature to identify consistent conclusions and to describe potential future direction.Registration number: CRD42021257300.
Effectiveness of Respectful Maternity Care Interventions for Women Using Maternal Health Care: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Kasaye Habtamu , Baird Kathleen , Sheehy Annabel , Scarf Vanessa , Cummins Allison
Published: December 2021

Background: Studies have indicated the mistreatment of women during maternal health care provision as being a driving factor for women eschewing professional care. The mistreatment of women is not only a violation of human rights, but also a significant contributor to poor-quality maternal care. Various strategies aimed at preventing the mistreatment of women and enhancing respectful maternity have been proposed, however, the positive effects and outcomes of these interventions necessitate further clarity. This systematic review will examine the effectiveness of respectful maternity care intervention programs in preventing the mistreatment of women whilst enhancing respectful maternity care in health facilities.Methods: A systematic review will be undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)2020. Both published and unpublished randomised, non-randomised controlled and observational studies obtained from PubMed, CINHAL, EMBASE, AJOL, and other databases and grey literature sources will be assessed against an inclusion and exclusion criteria to include in the review. Two independent reviewers will assess the papers selected for retrieval to ensure methodological validity. Standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) and Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) will be used. The data will be extracted from papers included in the review using two independent reviewers' standardised data extraction tool. Evidence synthesis and, wherever possible, meta-analysis will be performed. Certainty of the evidence will be assessed by using GRADE criteria. Systematic review protocol registration: Submitted to PROSPERO on 9th of November 2021 (ID. 287049).
Colonic Mucosa Barrier Defects in Collagenous and Ischemic Colitis
Authors: Sakellariou Stratigoula , Perdiki Μarina , Palamaris Kostas , Bamias Giorgos , Delladetsima Ioanna
Published: December 2021

Aims The subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs) and the subepithelial band of macrophages (SEBM) are major components of the colonic mucosa barrier. Although their role in homeostasis is widely recognized, their contribution to disease states is largely unknown. The aim of the study was to explore histological characteristics of SEMFs and SEBM in collagenous and ischemic colitis.Methods Ten colonic biopsies of collagenous colitis, 10 of ischemic colitis and 10 control biopsies of normal mucosa were examined. SEMFs, SEBM and lamina propria macrophages were identified immunohistochemically by aSMA and CD68 respectively.ResultsIn collagenous colitis, SEMFs were rarely detectable in the collagenous band while in the lower lamina propria cell processes were formed. SEBM was preserved in areas with a collagenous layer up to 20μm. In thicker layers, it was fragmented and gradually disappeared in parallel with engulfment of enlarged macrophages. In the lower lamina propria macrophages were usually increased.In ischemic colitis, rounding, disintegration and extinction of SEMFs constituted successive alterations coinciding with crypt shrinkage and denudation. SEBM displayed total or almost total abolishment in areas with crypt damage and stroma fibrosis but also in sights with minimal changes.ConclusionIn collagenous colitis, alterations of mucosa barrier are related to collagenous layer thickness. SEMFs changes probably reflect derangement of differentiation and migration while SEMB alterations seem to be compensated by macrophage activation and numerical increase in lamina propria. The striking damage of mucosa barrier in ischemic colitis is indicative of its high sensitivity to hypoxia and hypoperfusion. The histological differences between collagenous colitis and ischemic colitis may be proven of differential diagnostic significance.
Correlations for Melting Time and Melt Fraction for Bottom Charged Tube in Tube Phase Change Material Heat Exchanger
Authors: Raj Lanka Sandeep , Sreenivas Sane , Prasad Bandaru Durga
Published: December 2021

Multiple factors govern the Thermo-hydraulic behaviour of Latent heat storage devices. The correlation among these factors varies from case to case. In this work, a concentric tube in tube latent heat storage system is numerically modelled for the bottom charging case. Fixed grid enthalpy porosity approach is adopted to account for phase change. The numerical model’s independence is achieved by testing mesh size, time step, and maximum iterations per time step. The computational approach is validated against the experimental data. Non-dimensional parameters viz Rayleigh Number (3.04x105 to 65.75 x105), Stefan Number (0.2 to 1), Reynolds Number (600 to 3000), and L/D ratio (2 to 15) are varied in the respective ranges mentioned in parenthesis. Stefan number is found to have a major influence on the Melt Fraction and Melting time, compared to Rayleigh Number and Reynolds Number. Correlations are presented for quantifying the melt fraction and dimensionless melting time.
Health Literacy And Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease in Tagus Valley Regional Health Hospital, Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Winarni Wiwin , Amendoeira Jose , Esparteiro Maria Joao
Published: December 2021

Purpose The aims of this study were to examine the association between health literacy (HL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to investigate the possible determinants of both variables among patients with cardiovascular diseases in Tagus Valley Regional Health Hospital, Portugal.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 28 patients with CVD. A convenient sampling technique was used to enrol the study participants. Data were collected using a validated Portuguese version of Short Assessment of Health Literacy (SAHPLA-23) and a validated Portuguese version of Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2). The multiple linear regression was used to investigate the possible associated variables and the association between HL and HRQoL by using SPSS version 25.Results The results showed the majority of patients with CVD had inadequate HL (89.3%). The majority of the participants had poor HRQoL with Physical Component Score (PCS) scored lower (38.77±9.9) than the Mental Component Score (MCS) (44.13±9.9). Educational level was found to be associated with HL. Level of education, employment status, family history of CVD and history of readmission because of CVD were the variables found to be associated with the PCS. However, no variable was found to be associated with the MCS of QoL. HL was shown to be the best predictor of the PCS (β=0.518, p=0.002) while the history of readmission because of CVD was identified as the second-best predictor of the PCS (β=-0.373, p=0.022). Conclusions Health literacy was significantly associated with the PCS of HRQoL.
Correlation Research Between Gondola Car Body Structure And Weld Stress Based On Asymmetry Coefficient
Authors: Liu Wenfei , Zhang Li , He Liwen , Gao Zhixiong , Pu Xiongtao
Published: December 2021

In order to find out the root cause of cross bearer welds’ cracks on the general purpose gondola cars, the relationship between asymmetric structure and stress distribution is studied in this paper. Firstly, the concept of asymmetry coefficient is proposed, and the asymmetric coefficients’ calculation methods of independent and dependent variables are given respectively in two-dimensional space. Secondly, according to the different positions of side column 1 and side column 2, 30 local models are established, the cross bearer weld stresses are extracted after finite element simulation, and the stress distribution clusters are formed. Finally, the asymmetry coefficients of the side columns are calculated, and the correlation between the positions of the side columns and the weld stresses is studied by the methods of Pearson correlation coefficient and complex correlation coefficient. The results show that the correlation between the stress of cross bearer weld 2 and the positions of the side columns is much higher. This research can not only provide an important basis for the structural optimization of 80t gondola car body, and it also provides reference for the structural design of the gondola car body.
Lagged effects of rainfall on malaria: a case study of Meghalaya
Authors: Chungkham Holendro Singh , Marbaniang Strong P , Gogoi Hritiz
Published: December 2021

Background: Meghalaya contributes about twenty per cent of India's total malaria death and is one of the high malaria endemic states in India, very susceptible to malaria transmission mainly due to favorable climatic conditions that mostly facilitate the transmission. In the relationship between malaria and meteorological factors, existing studies mainly focus on the interaction between different climatic factors, while interaction within one specific climatic predictor at different ag times has been largely neglected. This paper aims to explore the interaction of lagged rainfalls and their impact on malaria incidence.
Methods: The district monthly malaria records from Jan 2005 to December 2017 was collected from the Department of Health Services (Malaria), Government of Meghalaya. The district monthly meteorological records from Jan 2005 to December 2017 was collected from the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, in which average temperature (℃), humidity (%) and rainfall (mm) had been recorded. Monthly malaria cases and three climatic variables of 4 districts in Meghalaya from 2015 to 2017 were analysed with the varying coefficient-distributed lag non-linear model. The missing climatic values were imputed using Kalman Smoothing on structural time series using the package imputeTS in R.
Results: During the period 2005-2017, a total of 309133 malaria cases were reported in all the districts under study. The monthly average rainfall ranges from a minimum of 181.79 mm in South Garo to a maximum of 367.87 in Jaintia. Also, South Garo and East Khasi are the hottest and the coolest place understudy with 26.96 and 16.86 degrees Celsius respectively. Rainfall levels in the first-month lag affect the non-linear patterns between the incidence of malaria and rainfall at each lag time. The low rainfall level at the first-month lag may promote malaria incidence as rainfall increases. However, for the high rainfall level at the first-month lag, malaria incidence decreases as rainfall increases.
Conclusion: The interaction effect between lagged rainfalls on malaria incidence was observed in this study, and highlights its importance for future studies to better understand and predict malaria transmission.
Group Penalized Logistic Regressions Predict Ovarian Cancer ∗
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Xie Ying , Yang Yanlin , Jiang Huifeng
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Ovarian cancer ranks fifirst among gynecological cancers in terms of the mortality rate. Accurately diagnosing ovarian benign tumors and malignant tumors is of immense important. The goal of this paper is to combine group LASSO/SCAD/MCP penalized logistic regression with machine learning procedure to further improve the prediction accuracy to ovarian benign tumors and malignant tumors prediction problem. Methods: We combine group LASSO/SCAD/MCP penalty with logistic regression, and propose group LASSO/SCAD/MCP penalized logistic regression to predict the benign and malignant ovarian cancer. Firstly, we select 349 ovarian cancer patients data and divide them into two sets: one is the training set for learning, and the other is the testing set for checking, and then choose 46 explanatory variables and divide them into 11 difffferent groups. Secondly, we apply the training set and group coordinate descent algorithm to obtain group LASSO/SCAD/MCP estimator, and apply the testing set to compute confusion matrix, accuracy, sensitivity and specifificity. Finally, we compare the prediction performance for group LASSO/SCAD/MCP penalized logistic regression with that for artifificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM). Results: Group LASSO/SCAD/MCP/ penalized logistic regression selects 6/4/1 groups. The prediction accuracy and AUC for group MCP/SCAD/LASSO penalized logistic regression/SVM/ANN is 93.33%/85.71%/82.26%/74.29%/72.38% and 0.892/0.852/0.823/0.639/0.789, respectively. Conclusions: Group MCP/SCAD/LASSO penalized logistic regression performs than SVM and ANN in terms of prediction accuracy and AUC. In particular, group MCP penalized logistic regression predicts the best. Therefore, we suggest group MCP penalized logistic regression to predict ovarian tumors.