bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Well-Overflow Prediction Algorithm Based on Semi-Supervised Learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Fu Jiasheng , Liang Yanchun , Cao Mengchen , Han Xiaosong
Published: June 2022

Oil drilling is the core process of oil and natural gas resources exploitation. Well overflow is one of the biggest threats to safety drilling. Prediction of the overflow in advance can effectively avoid the occurrence of this kind of accident. However, the drilling history has unbalanced distribution, and labeling data is a time-consuming and laborious job. To address this issue, an overflow-prediction algorithm based on semi-supervised learning is designed in this paper, which can accurately predict overflow 10 min in advance when the labeled data are limited. Firstly, a three-step feature-selection algorithm is conducted to extract 22 features, and the time series samples are constructed through a 500-width sliding window with step size 1. Then, the Mean Teacher model with Jitter noise is employed to train the labeled and unlabeled data at the same time, in which a fused CNN-LSTM network is built for time-series prediction. Compared with supervised learning and other semi-supervised learning frameworks, the results show that the proposed model based on only 200 labeled samples is able to achieve the same effect as supervised learning method using 1000 labeled samples, and the prediction accuracy can reach 87.43% 10 min in advance. With the increase in the proportion of unlabeled samples, the performance of the model can sustain a rise within a certain range.
Comparative Simulation Analysis of Selected Medium and High Voltage Surge Protection Devices
Authors: Borecki Michał , Kharchenko Yevhen
Published: June 2022

The aim of the article is to present and analyze the processes occurring as a result of installing a long flashover arrester (LFA) and a multi-chamber arrester (MCA) as overvoltage protection of power networks. The numerical models of LFA and MCA will be made in order to carry out simulations in the scope of selected structural elements of the considered overvoltage protection device. The above research is a significant supplement to the information on the selection of an effective solution for overvoltage protection.
Data Mining-Based Cyber-Physical Attack Detection Tool for Attack-Resilient Adaptive Protective Relays
Authors: Mohamed Nancy , Salama Magdy M. A.
Published: June 2022

Maintaining proper operation of adaptive protection schemes is one of the main challenges that must be considered for smart grid deployment. The use of reliable cyber detection and protection systems boosts the preparedness potential of the network as required by National Infrastructure Protection Plans (NIPPS). In an effort to enhance grid cyber-physical resilience, this paper proposes a tool to enable attack detection in protective relays to tackle the problem of compromising their online settings by cyber attackers. Implementing the tool first involves an offline phase in which Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate a training dataset. Using rough set classification, a set of If-Then rules is obtained for each relay and loaded to the relays at the initialization stage. The second phase occurs during online operation, with each updated setting checked by the corresponding relay’s built-in tool to determine whether the settings received are genuine or compromised. A test dataset was generated to assess tool performance using the modified IEEE 34-bus test feeder. Several assessment measures have been used for performance evaluation and their results demonstrate the tool’s superior ability to classify settings efficiently using physical properties only.
Quantifying Small-Scale Hyporheic Streamlines and Resident Time under Gravel-Sand Streambed Using a Coupled HEC-RAS and MIN3P Model
Authors: Mehedi Md Abdullah Al , Yazdan Munshi Md. Shafwat , Ahad Md Tanvir , Akatu Wisdom , Kumar Raaghul , Rahman Ashiqur
Published: June 2022

Distribution of the water flow path and residence time (HRT) in the hyporheic zone is a pivotal aspect in anatomizing the transport of environmental contaminants and the metabolic rates at the groundwater and surface water interface in fluvial habitats. Due to high variability in material distribution and composition in streambed and subsurface media, a pragmatic model setup in the laboratory is strenuous. Moreover, investigation of an individual streamline cannot be efficiently executed in laboratory experiments. However, an automated generation of water flow paths, i.e., streamlines in the hyporheic zone with a range of different streambed configurations could lead to a greater insight into the behavior of hyporheic water flow. An automated approach to quantifying the water flow in hyporheic zone is developed in this study where the surface water modeling tool, HER-RAS, and subsurface water flow modelling code, MIN3P, are coupled. A 1m long stream with constant water surface elevation of 2 cm to generate hydraulic head gradients and a saturated subsurface computational space with the dimensions of x:y:z = 1:0.1:0.1 m is considered to analyze the hyporheic exchange. Response in the hyporheic streamlines and residence time due to small-scale changes in the gravel-sand streambed were analyzed. The outcomes of the model show that the size, shape, and distribution of the gravel and sand portions have a significant influence on the hyporheic flow path and HRT. A high number and length of the hyporheic flow path are found in case of the highly elevated portion of gravel pieces. With the increase in the base width of gravel pieces, the length of hyporheic flow path and HRT decreases. In the case of increased amounts of gravel and sand portions on the streambed, both the quantity and length of the hyporheic flow path are reduced significantly.
Mechanical Properties of Low-Stiffness Out-of-Grade Hybrid Pine—Effects of Knots, Resin and Pith
Authors: Cherry Rebecca , Karunasena Warna , Manalo Allan
Published: June 2022

Out-of-grade pine timber is an abundant material resource that is underutilised because its mechanical properties are not well understood. Increasing trends toward shorter rotation times and fast-grown plantation pines around the world such as Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea var. hondurensis hybrid (PEE × PCH) mean low-stiffness corewood is becoming a larger portion of this out-of-grade population. This study characterised the modulus and strength properties in bending, compression parallel to grain (CParG) and compression perpendicular to grain (CPerpG), shear and tension strength of low-stiffness out-of-grade PEE × PCH. The effect of resin, knots and pith on these properties were also investigated. The results show that in clear wood, the MOE in bending, CParG, CPerpG and shear modulus are 6.9 GPa, 5.78 GPa, 0.27 GPa and 0.59 GPa, respectively, while strengths are 45.8 MPa, 29.4 MPa, 6.7 MPa, 5.7 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength is 32.4 MPa. Resin significantly increased density 45% higher than clear, but performed similar with the exception of CPerpG MOE and strength which were significantly different. Resin area ratio (RAR) has a moderate correlation with density with an R2 of 0.659 but low to no correlation for mechanical properties. Knots were significantly different to clear for all test types and within a range of 48% to 196%. Knots were high in CPerpG MOE and strength but lower for all other properties and had the largest negative impact on tensile strength. Knot area ratio (KAR) had low to moderate correlation with tension strength and CPerpG MOE with R2 of 0.48 and 0.35, respectively. Pith was within the range of 76% to 121% of non-pith samples for structural performance, some of which were significantly different, and pith samples were higher in density than non-pith. This new information is crucial for the effective establishment of grading rules, design optimisation and utilisation of low-stiffness out-of-grade PEE × PCH as a new material resource in civil engineering applications.
Analysis and Computations of Optimal Control Problems for Boussinesq Equations
Authors: Chierici Andrea , Giovacchini Valentina , Manservisi Sandro
Published: June 2022

The main purpose of engineering applications for fluid with natural and mixed convection is to control or enhance the flow motion and the heat transfer. In this paper, we use mathematical tools based on optimal control theory to show the possibility of systematically controlling natural and mixed convection flows. We consider different control mechanisms such as distributed, Dirichlet, and Neumann boundary controls. We introduce mathematical tools such as functional spaces and their norms together with bilinear and trilinear forms that are used to express the weak formulation of the partial differential equations. For each of the three different control mechanisms, we aim to study the optimal control problem from a mathematical and numerical point of view. To do so, we present the weak form of the boundary value problem in order to assure the existence of solutions. We state the optimization problem using the method of Lagrange multipliers. In this paper, we show and compare the numerical results obtained by considering these different control mechanisms with different objectives.
Effect of Cold- and Hot-Break Heat Treatments on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Currant Tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium) Pulp and Paste
Authors: Sridhar Kandi , Makroo Hilal A. , Srivastava Brijesh
Published: June 2022

Currant tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium), an underutilized wild species of modern tomato, was investigated to determine the physicochemical properties and understand the effect of cold- and hot-break heat treatments on physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, a new Arrhenius-type equation was used to model the temperature-dependent viscosity of currant tomato pulp and paste. The currant tomato’s porosity, surface area, and lycopene content were 40.96 ± 0.84%, 663.86 ± 65.09 mm2, and 9.79 ± 1.88 mg/100 g, respectively. Cold- and hot-break heat treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on tomato pulp and paste color change (0.09 to 0.26; 0.19 to 1.96), viscosity (0.06 to 0.02 Pa.s; 0.85 to 0.37 Pa.s), and lycopene content (9.70 to 9.07 mg/100 g; 9.60 to 9.37 mg/100 g), respectively. An Arrhenius-type equation described the temperature-dependent viscosity of currant tomato pulp and paste with activation energy (Ea) ranging from 7.54 to 11.72 kJ/mol and 8.62 to 8.97 kJ/mol, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a total of variance 99.93% in tomato pulp and paste as affected by the cold- and hot-break heat treatments. Overall, the findings may provide knowledge for design graders and process optimization to develop currant tomato-based products.
Co-Application of 1-MCP and Laser Microporous Plastic Bag Packaging Maintains Postharvest Quality and Extends the Shelf-Life of Honey Peach Fruit
Authors: Li Xuerui , Peng Sijia , Yu Renying , Li Puwang , Zhou Chuang , Qu Yunhui , Li Hong , Luo Haibo , Yu Lijuan
Published: June 2022

Honey peach (Prunus persica L.) is highly nutritious; it is an excellent source of sugars, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and mineral elements. However, it is a perishable climacteric fruit that is difficult to preserve. In this study, “Feicheng” honey peach fruit was used as a test material to investigate the synergistic preservation effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and laser microporous film (LMF). The peach fruits were fumigated for 24 h with 2 μL L−1 1-MCP, then packed in LMF. In comparison with the control treatment, 1-MCP + LMF treatment markedly decreased the respiration rate, weight loss, and rot rate of peach fruits. Moreover, the combination of 1-MCP and LMF suppressed the increase in soluble solids (SS) and reducing sugars (RS), as well as the decrease in titratable acid (TA) and ascorbic acid (AsA). The combined application also maintained a high protopectin content and low soluble pectin content; it reduced the accumulation of superoxide anions (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Except in a few samples, the catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were higher when treated by 1-MCP + LMF. Conversely, the phenylalanine deaminase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), lipase, lipoxygenase (LOX), polygalacturonase (PG), β-glucosidase, and cellulase (Cx) activities were lower than in the control. Furthermore, 1-MCP + LMF treatment reduced the relative abundances of dominant pathogenic fungi (e.g., Streptomyces, Stachybotrys, and Issa sp.). The combined treatment improved the relative abundances of antagonistic fungi (e.g., Aureobasidium and Holtermanniella). The results indicated that the co-application of 1-MCP and LMF markedly reduced weight loss and spoilage, delayed the decline of nutritional quality, and inhibited the physiological and biochemical metabolic activities of peach during storage. These changes extended its shelf-life to 28 days at 5 °C. The results provide a reference for the commercial application of this technology.
Fractal Properties of the Magnetic Polarity Scale in the Stochastic Hereditary αω-Dynamo Model
Authors: Vodinchar  Gleb , Feshchenko Lyubov
Published: June 2022

We study some fractal properties of the hereditary αω-dynamo model in the two-mode approximation. The phase variables of the model describe the temporal dynamics of the toroidal and poloidal components of the magnetic field. The hereditary operator of the quenching the α-effect by field helicity in numerical simulation is determined using the Riemann–Liouville fractional differentiation operator. The model also includes a stochastic term. The structure of this term corresponds to the effect of coherent structures from small-scale magnetic field and velocity modes. A difference scheme and a program code for numerical simulation have been developed and verified. A series of computational experiments with the model has been carried out. The Hausdorff dimension of the polarity scale in the model and the distribution of polarity intervals are calculated. It is shown that the Hausdorff dimension of the polarity scale is less than 1, i.e., this scale is a fractal. The numerical value of the dimension for some values of the control parameters is 0.87, which is consistent with the dimension of the real geomagnetic polarity scale. The distribution histogram of polarity intervals in the model has a pronounced power-law tail, which also agrees with the properties of real polarity scales.
Bioinformatic Prioritization and Functional Annotation of GWAS-Based Candidate Genes for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Asefa Nigus G. , Kamali Zoha , Pereira Satyajit , Vaez Ahmad , Jansonius Nomdo , Bergen Arthur A. , Snieder Harold
Published: June 2022

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent glaucoma subtype, but its exact etiology is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to prioritize the most likely ‘causal’ genes and identify functional characteristics and underlying biological pathways of POAG candidate genes. Methods: We used the results of a large POAG genome-wide association analysis study from GERA and UK Biobank cohorts. First, we performed systematic gene-prioritization analyses based on: (i) nearest genes; (ii) nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms; (iii) co-regulation analysis; (iv) transcriptome-wide association studies; and (v) epigenomic data. Next, we performed functional enrichment analyses to find overrepresented functional pathways and tissues. Results: We identified 142 prioritized genes, of which 64 were novel for POAG. BICC1, AFAP1, and ABCA1 were the most highly prioritized genes based on four or more lines of evidence. The most significant pathways were related to extracellular matrix turnover, transforming growth factor-β, blood vessel development, and retinoic acid receptor signaling. Ocular tissues such as sclera and trabecular meshwork showed enrichment in prioritized gene expression (>1.5 fold). We found pleiotropy of POAG with intraocular pressure and optic-disc parameters, as well as genetic correlation with hypertension and diabetes-related eye disease. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glaucoma pathogenesis and have prioritized many novel candidate genes for functional follow-up studies.
Confirmation of a Phenotypic Entity for TSPEAR Variants in Egyptian Ectodermal Dysplasia Patients and Role of Ethnicity
Authors: Rabie Eman A. , Sayed Inas S. M. , Amr Khalda , Ahmed Hoda A. , Mostafa Mostafa I. , Hassib Nehal F. , El-Sayed Heba , Zada Suher K. , El-Kamah Ghada
Published: June 2022

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) are hereditary disorders characterized by the disturbance of the ectodermal development of at least two of four ectodermal tissues: teeth, hair, nails and sweat glands. Clinical classification of ED is challenged by overlapping features, variable expressivity, and low number of patients, hindering full phenotypic spectrum identification. Disease-causing variants in elements of major developmental pathways, e.g., Ectodysplasin/NFκB, Wnt, and Tp63 pathways, have been identified in fewer than half of ED phenotypes. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for ten Egyptian ED patients presenting with tooth agenesis, normal sweating, scalp hypotrichosis, and sharing characteristic facial features. WES was followed by in silico analysis of the effects of novel detected genetic variants on mRNA and protein structure. The study identified four novel rare pathogenic and likely pathogenic TSPEAR variants, a gene which was recently found to be involved in ectodermal organogenesis. A novel in-frame deletion recurred in eight patients from six unrelated families. Comparing our cohort to previously reported TSPEAR cohorts highlighted the influence of ethnicity on TSPEAR phenotypic affection. Our study expands the clinical and mutational spectrum of the growing TSPEAR associated phenotypes, and pinpoints the influence of WES and in silico tools on identification of rare disease-causing variants.
Tissue-Specific and Time-Dependent Expressions of PC4s in Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians irradians) Reveal Function Allocation in Thermal Response
Authors: Liu Ancheng , Hou Xiujiang , Zhang Junhao , Wang Wen , Dong Xuecheng , Li Jianshu , Zhu Xinghai , Xing Qiang , Huang Xiaoting , Hu Jingjie , Bao Zhenmin
Published: June 2022

Transcriptional coactivator p15 (PC4) encodes a structurally conserved but functionally diverse protein that plays crucial roles in RNAP-II-mediated transcription, DNA replication and damage repair. Although structures and functions of PC4 have been reported in most vertebrates and some invertebrates, the PC4 genes were less systematically identified and characterized in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians. In this study, five PC4 genes (AiPC4s) were successfully identified in bay scallops via whole-genome scanning through in silico analysis. Protein structure and phylogenetic analyses of AiPC4s were conducted to determine the identities and evolutionary relationships of these genes. Expression levels of AiPC4s were assessed in embryos/larvae at all developmental stages, in healthy adult tissues and in different tissues (mantles, gills, hemocytes and hearts) being processed under 32 °C stress with different time durations (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 6 d and 10 d). Spatiotemporal expression profiles of AiPC4s suggested the functional roles of the genes in embryos/larvae at all developmental stages and in healthy adult tissues in bay scallop. Expression regulations (up- and down-) of AiPC4s under high-temperature stress displayed both tissue-specific and time-dependent patterns with function allocations, revealing that AiPC4s performed differentiated functions in response to thermal stress. This work provides clues of molecular function allocation of PC4 in scallops in response to thermal stress and helps in illustrating how marine bivalves resist elevated seawater temperature.
Use of Neural Networks for Tsunami Maximum Height and Arrival Time Predictions
Authors: Rodríguez Juan F. , Macías Jorge , Castro Manuel J. , de la Asunción Marc , Sánchez-Linares Carlos
Published: June 2022

Operational TEWS play a key role in reducing tsunami impact on populated coastal areas around the world in the event of an earthquake-generated tsunami. Traditionally, these systems in the NEAM region have relied on the implementation of decision matrices. The very short arrival times of the tsunami waves from generation to impact in this region have made it not possible to use real-time on-the-fly simulations to produce more accurate alert levels. In these cases, when time restriction is so demanding, an alternative to the use of decision matrices is the use of datasets of precomputed tsunami scenarios. In this paper we propose the use of neural networks to predict the tsunami maximum height and arrival time in the context of TEWS. Different neural networks were trained to solve these problems. Additionally, ensemble techniques were used to obtain better results.
Globorotalia truncatulinoides in the Mediterranean Basin during the Middle–Late Holocene: Bio-Chronological and Oceanographic Indicator
Authors: Margaritelli Giulia , Lirer Fabrizio , Schroeder Katrin , Cloke-Hayes Angela , Caruso Antonio , Capotondi Lucilla , Broggy Teresa , Cacho Isabel , Sierro Francisco J.
Published: June 2022

The planktonic foraminiferal species Globorotalia truncatulinoides is widely used as a biostratigraphic proxy for the Quaternary in the Mediterranean region. High-resolution quantitative studies performed on sediment cores collected in the central and western Mediterranean Sea evidence a significant abundance of G. truncatulinoides during the Middle Holocene. The robust chronological frame allows us to date this bio-event to 4.8–4.4 ka Before Present (BP), very close to the base of the Meghalayan stage (4.2 ka BP). As a consequence, we propose that G. truncatulinoides can be considered a potential marker for the Middle–Late Holocene chronological subdivision. G. truncatulinoides is a deep-dwelling planktonic foraminifer and their distributional pattern in the central and western Mediterranean Sea provides a tool to monitor the onset of the regional deep vertical mixing of the water column. During the Holocene, the significant increase in the abundance of this species is in phase with the end of African Humid Period, which marks the transition from a more humid climate to the present-day semi-arid climate.
Large Displacement Finite Element Modelling of the Screw Driving Sounding Test in Sandy Soil Using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Method
Authors: Mirjafari Seyed Yasin , Orense Rolando P. , Das Raj
Published: June 2022

The Screw Driving Sounding (SDS) is a recently developed in-situ testing method for soil/site characterisation. To better understand the mechanism of testing, it is essential to create a simulation model for the SDS test to assist in better understanding the response and in improving the testing process, not to mention the development of empirical correlations to estimate geotechnical parameters for use in design. Complex problems involving large deformations are usually difficult to solve with the classical finite element (FE) method because large deformations can lead to large mesh distortions and contact problems. In this paper, a computational model using the finite element method is developed to simulate the drilling process involved in SDS tests; the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach is used to deal with large deformation problems. The SDS drilling process in a sandy deposit with defined stress states (i.e., relative density and effective confining pressure) is simulated, and the SDS-derived parameters are monitored. Based on the simulation results, a chart was established to correlate the measured SDS parameter with the internal friction angle for different vertical effective overburden stresses. The derived chart is validated with the results of laboratory tests performed on samples taken from several sites in Christchurch, NZ, adjacent to the locations of the SDS tests. The results show that the CEL FE framework can model complex physical processes encountered during the SDS drilling. Moreover, the developed chart can be used to estimate the friction angle of the sandy soil based on the SDS-measured torque at a given depth.
Content Analysis of YouTube Videos That Demonstrate Panoramic Radiography
Authors: Grillon Marlene , Yeung Andy Wai Kan
Published: June 2022

In this digital era, dental students often search for online resources for self-directed learning. YouTube is one of the most commonly sought online platforms for educational or instructional videos. No prior study has examined the validity of panoramic radiography videos available on YouTube. This study provides a content analysis of these YouTube videos. A search for relevant YouTube videos was conducted in April 2022. The search string was: (panoramic OR pan OR OPG) AND (dental OR dentistry OR X-ray). The first 100 videos that resulted from the search and their related videos were screened. Exclusion criteria included irrelevance (e.g., no demonstration of panoramic radiography procedures) and non-English videos. For each included video, the following parameters were recorded: image receptor type, patient age, patient type (real patient, animation, or phantom head), patient preparation procedures, machine preparation, patient positioning, and operator safety. The number of views, comments, likes, and channel subscribers were recorded, as well as the video duration and the age of the video. Forty videos were included and analyzed. Most of the videos demonstrated digital panoramic radiography with an adult patient. Procedures on the patient and machine preparations as well as patient positioning were generally explained well. However, most videos did not well-demonstrate operator safety details concerning the use of adequate personal protective equipment. View count, comment count, and channel subscriber count positively correlated with the like count. Clinicians and students should carefully critique the content of such instructional videos and refer to the contents from other sources such as user manuals and latest recommendations from local authorities.
The Veterans Choice Act and Technical Efficiency of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals
Authors: Oh Dongjin , Lee Keon-Hyung , Park Jongsun
Published: June 2022

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), responsible for providing 9 million veterans with quality healthcare, is not insulated from concerns about efficiency. In the aftermath of the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital scandal in 2014, Congress passed the Veterans Choice Act of 2014, which allows eligible veterans to use non-VA hospitals instead of VA hospitals. After analyzing 118 or 119 VA hospitals each year from 2012 through 2017 in the U.S, this paper evaluates the efficiency scores of VA hospitals and examines how the 2014 Act has influenced their technical efficiency over time. Slack analysis shows that inefficient VA hospitals can improve efficiency by reallocating input resources, and regression analysis demonstrates that the overall technical efficiency of VA hospitals decreased by 0.164 after the implementation of the Act. This means that as more veterans used non-VA hospitals under the 2014 Act, the technical efficiency of VA hospitals decreased considerably. Given that a substantial portion of veterans’ demands for healthcare transferred out to non-VA hospitals, the VHA should evaluate whether the current capacity of VA hospitals is appropriate and try to reduce wasted input resources to improve efficiency.
Sustainable Management of Diseases in Horticulture: Conventional and New Options
Authors: Scortichini Marco
Published: June 2022

To reduce the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment, there are relevant efforts to enhance the possibility of controlling plant diseases using environmentally friendly biocontrol agents or natural products that show pathogen control capacity. The European Union, FAO, and the United Nations largely promote and finance projects and programs in order to introduce crop protection principles that can attain sustainable agriculture. Preventive measures related to the choice of cultivars, soil fertility, integrated pest management (IPM), and organic farming strategies are still the basis for obtaining satisfactory crop yields and reducing classical pesticide utilisation through the application of commercially available and ecofriendly control agents. Effective pathogen detection at borders to avoid quarantine pathogens is mandatory to reduce the risk of future epidemics. New technical support for the development of sustainable pathogen control is currently being provided by forecasting models, precision farming, nanotechnology, and endotherapy. New biocontrol agents and natural products, disease management through plant nutrition, systemic resistance inducers, and gene-silencing technology will provide solutions for obtaining satisfactory disease control in horticulture. The “multi-stakeholder partnership” strategy can promote the implementation of sustainable crop protection.
Effect of Covering Crops between Rows on the Vineyard Microclimate, Berry Composition and Wine Sensory Attributes of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (Vitis vinifera L. cv.) Grapes in a Semi-Arid Climate of Northwest China
Authors: Peng Jing , Wei Wei , Lu Hao-Cheng , Chen Wu , Li Shu-De , Wang Jun , Duan Chang-Qing , He Fei
Published: June 2022

Covering crops was a commonly used viticultural technique to adjust the vineyard microclimate, thus affecting the grape and wine quality. In this two-year study, the purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) was used to cover the lands between rows in the vineyards located in the semi-arid Northwest China, Xinjiang. Results showed that the photosynthetically active radiation around the fruit zone and the temperature with the purslane covering treatment decreased. Compared with the clean tillage, covering purslane had lower TSS and higher TA in the grape berries, while lower alcohol content and higher TA was also found in their corresponding wines. Covering purslane treatment significantly increased the contents of anthocyanin and flavonol in the grapes and wines in the year 2018, but no significant effect on flavanols was observed in the wines. Norisoprenoids, esters, and C6 alcohols in the grapes and wines were increased in the purslane covering treatment, respectively. Additionally, compared to the clean tillage, the purslane covering treatment significantly improved the sensory value of the wines, especially the floral aroma and the complexity of the wines. This study helped us to better understand the feasibility of applying covering purslane in viticulture in the semi-arid climate of Northwest China.
Is the Association between Suicide and Unemployment Common or Different among the Post-Soviet Countries?
Authors: Seksenbayev Nursultan , Inoue Ken , Toleuov Elaman , Akkuzinova Kamila , Karimova Zhanna , Moldagaliyev Timur , Ospanova Nargul , Chaizhunusova Nailya , Dyussupov Altay
Published: June 2022

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) collapsed in 1991 and separated into the 15 post-Soviet countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The post-Soviet countries have faced many economic problems, including unemployment. The association between suicide and unemployment in post-Soviet countries has not been well studied. Here, we researched the annual suicide rate and the unemployment rate during the 28-year period from 1992 to 2019 in the 15 post-Soviet countries. We calculated the correlation coefficients between the suicide rate and the unemployment rate in each of the countries during this period, and we determined the association between the suicide rate and unemployment rate. Our major findings were that (1) the suicide rates among both males and females were significantly associated with the unemployment rate in nearly half of the 15 countries, and (2) for nearly 70% of the males in the entire set of 15 countries, there was an association between the suicide rate and the unemployment rate. Suicide-prevention researchers and organizations should be aware of our findings, and specific suicide-prevention measures based on these results are desirable.
Impacts of an Exercise Intervention on the Health of Pancreatic Beta-Cells: A Review
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wei Yaru , Wang Chunxiao
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing consensus that exercise is a medicine and that regular exercise can effectively improve and prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Islet cells are the endocrine of the pancreas and vital to the development of diabetes. Decades of developmental research in exercise intervention and the health of islet cells confirmed that exercise exerts beneficial effects on the function, proliferation, and survival rate of islet cells. However, the precise exercise reference scheme is still elusive. To accomplish this goal, we searched and analyzed relevant articles, and concluded the precise exercise prescription treatments for various species such as humans, rats, and mice. Each exercise protocol is shown in the tables below. These exercise protocols form a rich pipeline of therapeutic development for exercise on the health of islet cells.
Do Active Commuters Feel More Competent and Vital? A Self-Organizing Maps Analysis in University Students
Authors: Bachner Joachim , García-Massó Xavier , Castillo Isabel , Mess Filip , Molina-García Javier
Published: June 2022

University students represent a population that faces high risks regarding physical inactivity. Research suggests that a regular engagement in physical activity (PA) may be more likely established when it leads to the experience of subjective vitality. Subjective vitality, in turn, is more likely achieved through physical activities that individuals feel competent in, and that take place in natural outdoor environments. An activity that may fulfill these conditions is active commuting to and from university (ACU). To examine whether and in which form ACU can combine this promising pattern of aspects, a person-oriented analysis was conducted. The sample contained 484 university students (59.3% females). Leisure-time PA, ACU by walking, ACU by cycling, subjective vitality, PA-related competence and body mass index were included as input variables in a self-organizing maps analysis. For both female and male university students, the identified clusters indicated that students who intensively engaged in ACU did not exhibit subjective vitality levels above average. Consistently, they did not show elevated levels of PA-related competence, which suggests that ACU does not support the perception of their physical abilities. Considerations regarding urban university environments lacking sufficient natural elements finally add to the conclusion that engaging in ACU does not suffice to establish a vitality-supportive and thus sustainable PA behavior. Additionally, the identified clusters illustrate a large heterogeneity regarding the interaction between leisure-time PA, body mass index and subjective vitality.
Impact of Parental Beliefs on Child Developmental Outcomes: A Quasi-Experiment in Rural China
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Conghong , Jiang Dingjing , Zhang Siqi , Jiang Qi , Rozelle Scott
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the impact of parental beliefs on child development outcomes (for both cognitive and social–emotional skills) based on a three-wave longitudinal survey in rural China. The survey waves were conducted when the sample children were 18–30 months, 22–36 months, and 49–65 months, respectively. A total of 815 children and their primary caregivers who participated in all three wave surveys were enrolled in this study. Using difference-in-differences and propensity score matching approaches, the results indicate that strengthened parental beliefs have a positive and significant impact on child social–emotional development. Specifically, between the periods of the Wave 1 survey (when children were 18–30 months old) and the Wave 3 survey (when children were 49–65 months old), and between the Wave 2 survey (when children were 22–36 months old) and the Wave 3 survey, strengthened parental beliefs were causally associated with more favorable child social–emotional scores by 0.44 SD (p < 0.01) and 0.49 SD (p < 0.01), respectively. No significant impact, however, was found between the period of the Wave 1 survey and the Wave 2 survey. In contrast, weakened parental beliefs had a negative and significant impact on child social–emotional development. Specifically, weakened parental beliefs were causally associated with worse child social–emotional abilities by 0.35 SD (p < 0.01), 0.30 SD (p < 0.01), and 0.22 (p < 0.05) for the time period of the Wave 1 to Wave 2, Wave 1 to Wave 3, and Wave 2 to Wave 3, respectively. No significant impact of parental beliefs, however, was found on child cognitive development. In addition, the findings of the mediation analysis show that only a marginal impact of parental beliefs on child social–emotional development can be indirectly explained by parental beliefs through parenting practices. This study calls on policy makers to improve parental beliefs and parenting practices in the hope that it will lead to better child development in rural China.
The Relationship between the Color of Electronic Protectors and the Outcome in Taekwondo Matches: Is There Fairness in National Competitions?
Authors: Apollaro Gennaro , Moreira Pedro Vieira Sarmet , Rodríguez Yarisel Quiñones , Morales-Sánchez Verónica , Falcó Coral
Published: June 2022

Although research on the effect of color in taekwondo has involved several international competitions, no previous study has investigated the presence of this phenomenon in national-level competitions. The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the color protectors and success in 1155 taekwondo matches of the Italian and Uzbekistan Senior Championships (ITA-SC and UZB-SC) (2019 and 2021). The results showed no relationship between the color protectors and the match outcome, in both ITA-SC and UZB-SC (p = 0.71, V = 0.01; p = 0.61, V = 0.02). Moreover, no relationship emerged between the color protectors and the match outcome in the four editions of the SC. Stratifying analyses by weight category and sex, males showed positive relationships between the color blue/red and winning the match in 3 and 1 of 16 weight categories, respectively. Contrary, females showed positive relationships between the color blue/red and winning the match in 1 and 3 of 16 weight categories, respectively. Analyzing the two national contexts found that, in both the Italian and Uzbek contexts, matches in 2 and 2 of 16 weight categories were won by athletes wearing blue and red protectors, respectively. Significant relationships emerged between the color blue and winning the match with small asymmetry in the men’s UZB-SC and between the color red and winning the match with large asymmetry in the female ITA-SC. The implementation of the electronic point recording system for the body and head has had a positive impact on fairness in national taekwondo competitions, did not detect any effect of color related to cultural context, and did not allow for the color red to tip the scales between losing and winning in matches between athletes of similar ability and strength.
Prevalence of Patients Receiving Urate-Lowering Medicine in Greenland and Denmark: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study
Authors: Hull Sidsel Dan , Andersen Marianne Welzel , Bengtsson Jessica , Skovgaard Nils , Backe Marie Balslev , Pedersen Michael Lynge
Published: June 2022

This study estimates the age- and sex-specific prevalence of patients receiving urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in Greenland and compares the results with estimates in Denmark. Characteristics of patients receiving ULT in Greenland were compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study was designed as a cross-sectional case–control study based on nationwide data from medical and population registers in Greenland and Denmark. The prevalence of patients receiving ULT was significantly lower in Greenland (0.55%) compared to Denmark (1.40%) (p < 0.001). In both countries, the prevalence increased with age and was higher among men compared to women. In Greenland, patients receiving ULT were more often overweight, and more frequently received blood glucose-, lipid-, and blood pressure-lowering medicine including diuretics compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of patients receiving ULT was significantly lower in Greenland compared to Denmark. Common life-style related risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout were observed frequently among ULT-treated patients compared to controls. Along with an increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases in Greenland, the prevalence of patients receiving ULT may increase in the years to come. More focus on detection and management of hyperuricemia and gout in Greenland is warranted to improve quality of health care.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hajissa Khalid , Islam Md Asiful , Hassan Siti Asma , Zaidah Abdul Rahman , Ismail Nabilah , Mohamed Zeehaida
Published: June 2022

A reliable estimate of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is increasingly important to track the spread of infection and define the true burden of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted with the objective of estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa. A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar electronic databases was conducted. Thirty-five eligible studies were included. Using meta-analysis of proportions, the overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was calculated as 16% (95% CI 13.1–18.9%). Based on antibody isotypes, 14.6% (95% CI 12.2–17.1%) and 11.5% (95% CI 8.7–14.2%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM, respectively, while 6.6% (95% CI 4.9–8.3%) were tested positive for both IgM and IgG. Healthcare workers (16.3%) had higher seroprevalence than the general population (11.7%), blood donors (7.5%) and pregnant women (5.7%). The finding of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) may not accurately reflect the true seroprevalence status of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa, hence, further seroprevalence studies across Africa are required to assess and monitor the growing COVID-19 burden.
A Cross-Tissue Investigation of Molecular Targets and Physiological Functions of Nsun6 Using Knockout Mice
Authors: Wang Wen , Huang Hengjun , Jiang Hao , Tian Chi , Tang Yisen , Gan Diwen , Wen Xiaozhen , Song Zhenyu , He Yuhao , Ou Xijun , Fang Liang
Published: June 2022

The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification on an mRNA molecule is deposited by Nsun2 and its paralog Nsun6. While the physiological functions of Nsun2 have been carefully studied using gene knockout (KO) mice, the physiological functions of Nsun6 remain elusive. In this study, we generated an Nsun6-KO mouse strain, which exhibited no apparent phenotype in both the development and adult stages as compared to wild-type mice. Taking advantage of this mouse strain, we identified 80 high-confident Nsun6-dependent m5C sites by mRNA bisulfite sequencing in five different tissues and systematically analyzed the transcriptomic phenotypes of Nsun6-KO tissues by mRNA sequencing. Our data indicated that Nsun6 is not required for the homeostasis of these organs under laboratory housing conditions, but its loss may affect immune response in the spleen and oxidoreductive reaction in the liver under certain conditions. Additionally, we further investigated T-cell-dependent B cell activation in KO mice and found that Nsun6 is not essential for the germinal center B cell formation but is associated with the formation of antibody-secreting plasma cells. Finally, we found that Nsun6-mediated m5C modification does not have any evident influence on the stability of Nsun6 target mRNAs, suggesting that Nsun6-KO-induced phenotypes may be associated with other functions of the m5C modification or Nsun6 protein.
Distinct Roles of NANOS1 and NANOS3 in the Cell Cycle and NANOS3-PUM1-FOXM1 Axis to Control G2/M Phase in a Human Primordial Germ Cell Model
Authors: Ilaslan Erkut , Kwiatkowska Krystyna , Smialek Maciej Jerzy , Sajek Marcin Piotr , Lemanska Zaneta , Alla Matisa , Janecki Damian Mikolaj , Jaruzelska Jadwiga , Kusz-Zamelczyk Kamila
Published: June 2022

Nanos RNA-binding proteins are critical factors of germline development throughout the animal kingdom and their dysfunction causes infertility. During evolution, mammalian Nanos paralogues adopted divergent roles in germ cell biology. However, the molecular basis behind this divergence, such as their target mRNAs, remains poorly understood. Our RNA-sequencing analysis in a human primordial germ cell model-TCam-2 cell line revealed distinct pools of genes involved in the cell cycle process downregulated upon NANOS1 and NANOS3 overexpression. We show that NANOS1 and NANOS3 proteins influence different stages of the cell cycle. Namely, NANOS1 is involved in the G1/S and NANOS3 in the G2/M phase transition. Many of their cell cycle targets are known infertility and cancer-germ cell genes. Moreover, NANOS3 in complex with RNA-binding protein PUM1 causes 3′UTR-mediated repression of FOXM1 mRNA encoding a transcription factor crucial for G2/M phase transition. Interestingly, while NANOS3 and PUM1 act as post-transcriptional repressors of FOXM1, FOXM1 potentially acts as a transcriptional activator of NANOS3, PUM1, and itself. Finally, by utilizing publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets, we show that the balance between FOXM1-NANOS3 and FOXM1-PUM1 expression levels is disrupted in testis cancer, suggesting a potential role in this disease.