bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Risk Model for Patients with PSA-Only Recurrence (Biochemical Recurrence) Based on PSA and PSMA PET/CT: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: von Eyben Rie , Kapp Daniel S. , Hoffmann Manuela Andrea , Soydal Cigdem , Uprimny Christian , Virgolini Irene , Tuncel Murat , Gauthé Mathieu , von Eyben Finn E.
Published: November 2022

An individual patient meta-analysis followed 1216 patients with PSA-only recurrence (biochemical recurrence, BCR) restaged with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT before the salvage treatment for median 3.5 years and analyzed the overall survival (OS). A new risk model included a good risk group with a prescan PSA < 0.5 ng/mL (26%), an intermediate risk group with a prescan PSA > 0.5 ng/mL and a PSMA PET/CT with 1 to 5 positive sites (65%), and a poor risk group with a prescan PSA > 0.5 ng/mL and a PSA PET/CT with > 5 positive sites (9%) (p < 0.0001, log rank test). The poor risk group had a five-year OS > 60%. Adding a BCR risk score by the European Association of Urology did not significantly improve the prediction of OS (p = 0.64). In conclusion, the restaging PSMA PET/CT markedly predicted the 5-year OS. The new risk model for patients with PSA-only relapse requires a restaging PSMA PET/CT for patients with a prescan PSA > 0.5 ng/mL and has a potential use in new trials aiming to improve the outcome for patients with PSA-only recurrence who have polysites prostate cancer detected on PSMA PET/CT.
Expression of Intermediate Filaments in the Developing Testis and Testicular Germ Cell Cancer
Authors: Camacho-Moll Maria E. , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , Donat Roland , Shukla Chitranjan J. , Jørgensen Anne , Mitchell Rod T.
Published: November 2022

Cytokeratin and desmin expression have been associated with Sertoli cell maturity and the development of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). Thus, the present study aimed to characterize the expression of these intermediate filaments in normal testis development and TGCC. Cytokeratin and desmin were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in human fetal, and adult testis and tissue from patients with pre-invasive germ cell neoplasia in-situ (GCNIS) or invasive TGCC. Desmin was expressed in Sertoli cells of the human fetal testis, and the proportion of desmin expressing Sertoli cells was significantly reduced in the second trimester, compared with the first trimester (31.14% vs. 6.74%, p = 0.0016). Additionally, Desmin was expressed in the majority of Sertoli cells in the adult testis and TGCC samples. Cytokeratin was detected in Sertoli cells of human fetal testis but was not expressed in Sertoli cells of human adult testis. In patients with TGCC, cytokeratin was not expressed in Sertoli cells in tubules with active spermatogenesis but was detected in Sertoli cells in tubules containing GCNIS cells in patients with both pre-invasive and invasive TGCC. In conclusion, desmin was not associated with Sertoli cell maturation or progression to TGCC. However, cytokeratin appeared to be an indicator of impaired Sertoli cell maturation.
Enhanced Dynamic Performance in Hybrid Power System Using a Designed ALTS-PFPNN Controller
Authors: Lu Kai-Hung , Hong Chih-Ming , Cheng Fu-Sheng
Published: November 2022

The large-scale, nonlinear and uncertain factors of hybrid power systems (HPS) have always been difficult problems in dynamic stability control. This research mainly focuses on the dynamic and transient stability performance of large HPS under various operating conditions. In addition to the traditional synchronous power generator, wind-driven generator and ocean wave generator, the hybrid system also adds battery energy storage system and unified power flow controller (UPFC), making the system more diversified and more consistent with the current actual operation mode of the complex power grid. The purpose of this study is to propose an adaptive least squares Petri fuzzy probabilistic neural network (ALTS-PFPNN) for UPFC installed in the power grid to enhance the behavior of HPS operation. The proposed scheme improves the active power adjustment and dynamic performance of the integrated wave power generation and offshore wind system under a large range of operating conditions. Through various case studies, the practicability and robustness of ALTS-PFPNN method are verifying it by comparison and analysis with the damping controller based on the designed proportional integral differential (PID) and the control scheme without UPFC. Time-domain simulations were performed using Matlab-Simulink to validate the optimal damping behavior and efficiency of the suggested scheme under various disturbance conditions.
Enhancement of Heat Transfer in a Microchannel via Passive and Active Control of a Jet Issued from the Circular Cylinder
Authors: Xin Zhiqiang , Kong Xiangyu , Chen Jing
Published: November 2022

The heat transfer enhancement of a jet issued from the circular cylinder placed in a three-dimensional microchannel at low Reynolds numbers were studied systematically by using the numerical simulation. The effects of the jet on thermal efficiency were evaluated by varying injection ratios (I) and jet angles (θ). The physical mechanism of heat transfer was revealed through the analyses of vorticity dynamic and temperature field. The results showed that the thermal efficiency was proportional to the injection ratio at Re = 100 and 200. However, at Re = 300, the thermal efficiency did not increase monotonically with the injection ratio, and the local maximum value of heat transfer efficiency, slightly less than the highest thermal efficiency, appeared at I = 1.5. This was a result of the jet inducing the vortex generated on the cylinder to become unstable. Furthermore, the change of jet angle had a better effect on heat transfer performance compared to the increase in the injection ratio. The separation point of the flow over cylinder and the vortices in the near field were adjusted by the change in jet angle. At the appropriate range of the jet angle, the wake vortices in the near field transitioned from quasi-steady to unsteady in the far field. The instability of wake vortices can disturb the thermal boundary layer near the wall so as to improve the heat transfer performance.
Teaching–Learning–Based Optimization (TLBO) in Hybridized with Fuzzy Inference System Estimating Heating Loads
Authors: Kok Foong Loke , Nguyen Le Binh
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, since large amounts of energy are consumed for a variety of applications, more and more emphasis is placed on the conservation of energy. Recent investigations have experienced the significant advantages of using metaheuristic algorithms. Given the importance of the thermal loads’ analysis in energy-efficiency buildings, a new optimizer method, i.e., the teaching–learning based optimization (TLBO) approach, has been developed and compared with alternative techniques in the present paper to predict the heating loads (HLs). This model is applied to the adaptive neuro–fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) in order to overcome its computational deficiencies. A literature-based dataset acquired for residential buildings is used to feed these models. According to the results, all the applied models can appropriately predict and analyze the heating load pattern. Based on the value of R2 calculated for both testing and training (0.98933, 0.98931), teaching–learning-based optimization can help the adaptive neuro–fuzzy interface system to enhance the results’ correlation. Also, the high R2 value means that the model has high accuracy in the HL prediction. In addition, according to the estimated RMSE, the training error of TLBO–ANFIS in the testing and training stages was 0.07794 and 0.07984, respectively. The low value of root–mean–square error (RMSE) indicates that the TLBO–ANFIS method acts favorably in the estimation of the heating load for residential buildings.
Flexural Properties of Multiple Bamboo Beams with Connection Joints
Authors: Zhou Hui , Yan Yan , Su Na , Fang Changhua , Liu Huanrong , Zhang Xiubiao , Fei Benhua , Ma Xinxin
Published: November 2022

Bamboo is a natural material widely used in buildings and bridges that has good mechanical properties. However, the longitudinal connection of bamboo culms is a major problem for the bamboo industry. In this study, sleeve-nailed bamboo specimens were produced, which contained three bamboo pieces. Two bamboo pieces with similar diameters were longitudinally joined by inserting a short bamboo culm with a smaller diameter, fixed with nails. The flexural performance of single beams and two-culm beams were studied. The load-displacement curves and fracture behavior of the specimens were investigated. The results show that the flexural bearing capacity of the single connected bamboo specimen was relatively smaller than that of an unconnected one, while the flexural bearing capacity of the two-culm beam was improved significantly. It can be seen that the lateral connection of bamboo specimens can improve the bearing capacity of the combined bamboo culms. This study provides a basis for promoting the application of sleeve-type nailed connections for bamboo.
Diversity and Distribution of Forest Insects
Authors: Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J.
Published: November 2022

When we ponder or discuss present-day challenges faced by entomology, we focus first of all on climate change, since the warming climate contributes to a dramatic extension in the ranges of many invertebrate species [...]
Impact of Tree Species and Substrates on the Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Reclaimed Mine Soil in the Novel Ecosystems
Authors: Pietrzykowski Marcin , Misebo Amisalu Milkias , Pająk Marek , Woś Bartłomiej , Sroka Katarzyna , Chodak Marcin
Published: November 2022

Evaluating how different tree species and substrates affect the microbial and physicochemical properties of technosols from combustion wastes and reclaimed mine soil (RMS) is vital in species selection to enhance restored ecosystem services. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of pioneer and N-fixing tree species and substrates on the post-mining soil microbial and physicochemical properties. Common birch (Betula pendula Roth) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), as the commonly introduced species on reclaimed mine soils (RMS) in eastern and central Europe, were selected as pioneer species, whereas black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L) Gaernt.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) were selected as N-fixer species. Soil samples were collected from different RMS developed from three substrates (fly ashes, clay, and sand) and measured for the content of total nitrogen (Nt), organic carbon (Corg), exchangeable calcium (Ca2+), exchangeable potassium (K+), exchangeable magnesium (Mg2+), C to N ratio (C:N), basal respiration rate (RESP), and microbial biomass carbon (Cmic). The research indicated that tested tree species influenced water holding capacity (WHC), Nt, C:N, and RESP value. The highest Nt accumulation in soil was observed under N-fixing, but it did not transfer into higher organic carbon content under N-fixers. The soil under pine had a greater C:N ratio than the soil under birch, alder, and locust. The RESP rate was highest under birch. In terms of substrate type, RMS developed on Miocene clays exhibited higher carbon and macronutrient contents followed by ashes, whereas sands exhibited the lowest values of both physicochemical and microbial properties. The study suggested that both tree species and substrates affect microbial activities and physicochemical properties of RMS; however, the substrate effect is stronger.
Differential Response of Soil Respiration and Total Belowground Carbon Allocation to Simulated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deposition in Moso Bamboo Forests
Authors: Li Jingji , Yang Zhihan , Tang Xiaolu , Liu Liang , Lai Yunsen , Lei Junjie , Zeng Changli , Ma Xinshan , Du Manyi , Cai Chunju , Fan Shaohui
Published: November 2022

Elevated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) depositions have greatly affected belowground carbon processes in forest ecosystems. However, open questions still remained on the effects of N and P depositions on belowground carbon processes, including soil respiration (RS), its source components—autotrophic respiration (RA) and heterotrophic respiration (RH), and total belowground carbon allocation (TBCA) in Moso bamboo forests—one of the most important forest types with wide distributions in subtropical China. To fill this knowledge gap, a two-year N, P, and NP experiment was conducted in Moso bamboo forests. Results showed that RS, RA, and RH had a strong seasonal variability and were exponentially correlated with soil temperature. N and P depositions did not change RS and RA. However, P deposition increased RH due to the stimulation of microbial activities, indicating a significant soil carbon loss under P deposition. N and P depositions did not affect TBCA. However, NP deposition significantly increased root carbon-use efficiency. Net ecosystem production (NEP) varied from 198 ± 104 to 529 ± 225 g C m−2 year−1, indicating that Moso bamboo is an important carbon sink. P deposition marginally decreased NEP, while N and NP depositions did not affect NEP, which indicates that N deposition alleviated the suppression of P deposition on NEP. These findings highlight the inconsistent responses of RA, RH, and NEP to N, P, and NP depositions, which should be differently considered to increase the accuracy of predicting belowground carbon dynamics.
Impact of Root Distribution Characteristics on the Overturning Resistance of Leucaena leucocephala Forest in Debris-Flow Accumulation Area, Dawazi Gully, Yunnan, China
Authors: Jin Ke , Chen Jiangang , Chen Xiaoqing , Cui Wenrong , Li Xiangning , Huang Min
Published: November 2022

Tree resistance to overturning is crucial in forestry hazard applications and management. Tree anchorage varies considerably with species, tree age, and site conditions. We investigate the relationship between the root characteristics of the overturning slip surface and the role of roots (regarding different diameters in overturning). Four Leucaena leucocephala were fully excavated by a quadrate monolith to establish root distribution characteristics, and 19 L. leucocephala were uprooted until the trees completely overturned to measure the anchoring resistance to overturning. A model was developed to improve the descriptions of root characteristics in the mechanical processes for tree overturning. The results show that the distribution characteristics of the root system were well described by the model. For the root–soil plate radius, the thickest root diameter and the root biomass of different diameters at the overturning slip surface increased with the diameter at the breast height. The root biomass affected the strength of the overturning slip surface; the root density may be a key factor in identifying the location of the overturning slip surface. The model could predict the overturning moment of most overturned trees; although it overestimated the overturning moment for small diameters at breast height trees, the results will be useful for understanding the influence of root distribution characteristics in overturning.
Prescribed Fire First-Order Effects on Oak and Maple Reproduction in Frequently Burned Upland Oak–Hickory Forests of the Arkansas Ozarks
Authors: Bataineh Mohammad , Portner Brant , Pelkki Matthew , Ficklin Robert
Published: November 2022

Alteration of the fire regime in upland oak–hickory (Quercus L. spp.–Carya Nutt. spp.) forests of the Central Hardwood Region is a major factor for the current shifts in species’ composition and oak recruitment and regeneration failures. The reintroduction of fire into these ecosystems requires a better understanding of fire effects on oak and co-occurring competitors. First-order (i.e., during and immediately after) fire effects on oak and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) topkill and resprouting at neighborhood scales were evaluated in frequently burned upland oak–hickory forests. A groundline threshold of 5 cm provided oaks with high (60%) survival probability (p < 0.001). White (Quercus alba L.) and post (Quercus stellata Wangenh.) oak survival odds were 21 and 14 times higher than that of red maple (p = 0.01 and 0.03), respectively. Three and twelve months after burn, oaks had three to six times more sprouts per clump than red maple. Frequent fires may continue to topkill the maples, while maintaining oak dominance in the reproduction pool and, thus, providing higher recruitment potential into the overstory. Burns with fire behavior that is very low to low in these frequently burned systems may provide greater control in favoring oaks and selecting against red maple, especially if groundline diameter thresholds are considered.
The Complex World of Emaraviruses—Challenges, Insights, and Prospects
Authors: Rehanek Marius , Karlin David G. , Bandte Martina , Al Kubrusli Rim , Nourinejhad Zarghani Shaheen , Candresse Thierry , Büttner Carmen , von Bargen Susanne
Published: November 2022

Emaravirus (Order Bunyavirales; Family Fimoviridae) is a genus comprising over 20 emerging plant viruses with a worldwide distribution and economic impact. Emaraviruses infect a variety of host plants and have especially become prevalent in important long-living woody plants. These viruses are enveloped, with a segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome and are transmitted by eriophyid mites or mechanical transmission. Emaraviruses have four core genome segments encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a glycoprotein precursor, a nucleocapsid protein, and a movement protein. They also have additional genome segments, whose number varies widely. We report here that the proteins encoded by these segments form three main homology groups: a homolog of the sadwavirus Glu2 Pro glutamic protease; a protein involved in pathogenicity, which we named “ABC”; and a protein of unknown function, which we named “P55”. The distribution of these proteins parallels the emaravirus phylogeny and suggests, with other analyses, that emaraviruses should be split into at least two genera. Reliable diagnosis systems are urgently needed to detect emaraviruses, assess their economic and ecological importance, and take appropriate measures to prevent their spread (such as routine testing, hygiene measures, and control of mite vectors). Additional research needs include understanding the function of emaravirus proteins, breeding resistant plants, and clarifying transmission modes.
Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469-Fermented Wheat Bran and Spirulina maxima in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Abdella Asmaa , Elbadawy Mohamed , Irmak Sibel , Alamri Eman
Published: November 2022

Hyperlipidemia is a leading cause of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic effect of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469-fermented wheat bran extract and Spirulina maxima extract on Sprague–Dawley rats fed a regular or high-fat diet compared to rosuvastatin as a reference drug. Treatment with Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469-fermented wheat bran and Spirulina maxima resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG.), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05). That combination also improved liver functions. It also resulted in the improvement of liver oxidative biomarkers and decreased the production of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-1β). In addition, a significant reduction in inflammation of liver tissues was observed after that treatment. Lactobacilluscasei ATCC 7469-fermented wheat bran extract and Spirulina maxima extract had additive effects on the lipid profile, liver functions and immune system of rats similar to rosuvastatin.
Reliable Application Layer Routing Using Decentralized Identifiers
Authors: Alsubhi Khalid , Alzahrani Bander , Fotiou Nikos , Albeshri Aiiad , Alreshoodi Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Modern internet of things (IoT) applications can benefit from advanced communication paradigms, including multicast and anycast. Next-generation internet architectures, such as information-centric networking (ICN), promise to support these paradigms, but at the same time they introduce new security challenges. This paper presents a solution that extends an ICN-like architecture based on software-defined networking (SDN) that supports those communication paradigms. Using the proposed solution, the underlying architecture is enhanced with a novel security mechanism that allows content “advertisements” only from authorized endpoints. This mechanism prevents “content pollution”, which is a significant security threat in ICN architectures. The proposed solution is lightweight, and it enables identity sharing as well as secured and controlled identity delegation.
Prx1 Regulates Thapsigargin-Mediated UPR Activation and Apoptosis
Authors: Kim Eun-Kyung , Kim Yosup , Yang Jun Young , Jang Ho Hee
Published: November 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling via the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins. ER stress leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are necessary to maintain redox homeostasis in the ER. Although peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) is an antioxidant enzyme that regulates intracellular ROS levels, the link between Prx1 and ER stress remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Prx1 in X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) activation, the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway, and apoptosis in response to ER stress. We observed that Prx1 overexpression inhibited the nuclear localization of XBP-1 and the expression of XBP-1 target genes and CHOP after thapsigargin (Tg) treatment to induce ER stress. In addition, Prx1 inhibited apoptosis and ROS production during ER stress. The ROS scavenger inhibited ER stress-induced apoptosis but did not affect XBP-1 activation and CHOP expression. Therefore, the biological role of Prx1 in ER stress may have important implications for ER stress-related diseases.
Using DNA Metabarcoding to Characterize the Prey Spectrum of Two Co-Occurring Themisto Amphipods in the Rapidly Changing Atlantic-Arctic Gateway Fram Strait
Authors: Dischereit Annkathrin , Wangensteen Owen S. , Præbel Kim , Auel Holger , Havermans Charlotte
Published: November 2022

The two congeneric hyperiids Themisto libellula and T. abyssorum provide an important trophic link between lower and higher trophic levels in the rapidly changing Arctic marine ecosystem. These amphipods are characterized by distinct hydrographic affinities and are hence anticipated to be impacted differently by environmental changes, with major consequences for the Arctic food web. In this study, we applied DNA metabarcoding to the stomach contents of these Themisto species, to comprehensively reveal their prey spectra at an unprecedented-high-taxonomic-resolution and assess the regional variation in their diet across the Fram Strait. Both species feed on a wide variety of prey but their diet strongly differed in the investigated summer season, showing overlap for only a few prey taxa, such as calanoid copepods. The spatially structured prey field of T. libellula clearly differentiated it from T. abyssorum, of which the diet was mainly dominated by chaetognaths. Our approach also allowed the detection of previously overlooked prey in the diet of T. libellula, such as fish species and gelatinous zooplankton. We discuss the reasons for the differences in prey spectra and which consequences these may have in the light of ongoing environmental changes.
Physiological and Molecular Responses of Barley Genotypes to Salinity Stress
Authors: Jadidi Omid , Etminan Alireza , Azizi-Nezhad Reza , Ebrahimi Asa , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza
Published: November 2022

Among cereals, barley is tolerant to high levels of salinity stress; however, its performance and global production are still dramatically affected by salinity. In this study, we evaluated the behavior of a set of advanced genotypes of barley with aim of assessing the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in salinity tolerance. The experiment was conducted using a hydroponic system at optimal growing temperature and photoperiod conditions. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant effects for salinity treatments and genotypes in terms of all measured traits. Salinity stress significantly increased the root and shoot Na+ contents and root-to-shoot Na+ and K+ translocations. In contrast, other physiological features, gas exchange-related traits, as well as root and shoot biomasses were significantly decreased due to salinity stress. Based on the results of the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI) as a multiple-traits method, G12 and G14 were identified as the superior salt-tolerant advanced genotypes. In the molecular analysis, salinity stress significantly increased the mean relative expression of HvSOS1, HvSOS3, HvHKT2, HvHKT3, HvNHX1, and HvNHX3 genes by 12.87-, 3.16-, 3.65-, 2.54-, 2.19-, and 3.18-fold more than the control conditions, respectively. The results of heatmap-based correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear association pattern among measured traits and expression data. Indeed, these associations confirmed relationships between tolerance pathways and physiological functions. In conclusion, the genotype G14 (D10*2/4/Productive/3/Roho//Alger/Ceres362-1-1) responded well to salinity stress and showed a better expression pattern of studied genes than other genotypes. Hence, this promising genotype can be a candidate for further assessments before commercial introduction.
From Processivity to Genome Maintenance: The Many Roles of Sliding Clamps
Authors: Mulye Meenakshi , Singh Manika Indrajit , Jain Vikas
Published: November 2022

Sliding clamps play a pivotal role in the process of replication by increasing the processivity of the replicative polymerase. They also serve as an interacting platform for a plethora of other proteins, which have an important role in other DNA metabolic processes, including DNA repair. In other words, clamps have evolved, as has been correctly referred to, into a mobile “tool-belt” on the DNA, and provide a platform for several proteins that are involved in maintaining genome integrity. Because of the central role played by the sliding clamp in various processes, its study becomes essential and relevant in understanding these processes and exploring the protein as an important drug target. In this review, we provide an updated report on the functioning, interactions, and moonlighting roles of the sliding clamps in various organisms and its utilization as a drug target.
Indigenous Social Enterprises and Health and Wellbeing: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Hudson Sara , Foley Dennis , Cargo Margaret
Published: November 2022

Indigenous people and communities are establishing social enterprises to address social disadvantage and overcome health inequities in their communities. This review sought to characterize the spectrum of Indigenous social enterprises in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States to identify the operational models and cultural values that underpin them and their impact on Indigenous health and wellbeing. The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage methodological framework with recommended enhancements by Levac et al. underpinned by Indigenous Standpoint Theory, and an Indigenous advisory group to provide cultural oversight and direction. Of the 589 documents screened 115 documents were included in the review. A conceptual framework of seven different operational models of Indigenous social enterprises was developed based on differing levels of Indigenous ownership, control, and management: (1) individual, (2) collective, (3) delegative, (4) developmental, (5) supportive, (6) prescriptive and (7) paternalistic. Models with 100% Indigenous ownership and control were more likely to contribute to improved health and wellbeing by increasing self-determination and strengthening culture and promoting healing than others. Indigenous social enterprises could offer a more holistic and sustainable approach to health equity and health promotion than the siloed, programmatic model common in public health policy.
The Psychosocial Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in LMIC Contexts: Toward a Holistic Approach
Authors: Wessells Michael G. , Kostelny Kathleen
Published: November 2022

Work on the mental health impacts of intimate partner violence in low-and middle-income countries has focused primarily on clinical disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse. This paper analyzes how non-clinical, psychosocial impacts from everyday stressors, particularly economic hardships and concern over one’s children, cause extensive suffering and damage women survivors’ well-being, influencing the development and expression of clinical disorders. Using a social ecological framework, the paper analyzes how psychosocial impacts arise at multiple levels, including societal levels where social norms often devalue women and privilege men, and how the stressor accumulation increases the harm caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) against women (IPVAW). Drawing on survivors’ narratives and studies from diverse low and middle income country (LMIC) settings, including armed conflict and natural disaster settings, the paper underscores the importance of understanding both clinical impacts and the non-clinical, psychosocial impacts, which interact with and complement one another. Recognizing the interplay also between IPVAW and other forms of violence against girls and women, the paper calls for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the impacts of IPVAW. Recognizing the enormous variety within and across countries that are considered to be LMIC settings, the paper cautions against universalized approaches to understanding the effects of IPVAW and helping to support survivors.
MGCAF: A Novel Multigraph Cross-Attention Fusion Method for Traffic Speed Prediction
Authors: Ma Tian , Wei Xiaobao , Liu Shuai , Ren Yilong
Published: November 2022

Traffic speed prediction is an essential part of urban transportation systems that contributes to minimizing the environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions. The existing traffic speed prediction studies have achieved good results, but some challenges remain. Most previously developed methods only account for road network characteristics such as distance while ignoring road directions and time patterns, resulting in lower traffic speed prediction accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a novel model that utilizes multigraph and cross-attention fusion (MGCAF) mechanisms for traffic speed prediction. We construct three graphs for distances, position relationships, and temporal correlations to adequately capture road network properties. Furthermore, to adaptively aggregate multigraph features, a multigraph attention mechanism is embedded into the network framework, enabling it to better connect the traffic features between the temporal and spatial domains. Experiments are performed on real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate that our method achieves positive performance and outperforms other baselines.
On Serendipitous Campus Meetings: A User Survey
Authors: Jansz Sascha Naomi , Mobach Mark , van Dijk Terry , de Vries Esther , van Hout Roeland
Published: November 2022

With campuses opening up and stimulating interactions among different campus users more and more, we aim to identify the characteristics of successful meeting places (locations) on campus. These can help practitioners such as campus managers and directors to further optimize their campus to facilitate unplanned or serendipitous meetings between academic staff and companies. A survey on three Dutch campuses, including questions on both services and locations, was analyzed both spatially and statistically using principal component (PC) and regression analysis. Four PCs were found for services (Relax, Network, Proximity and Availability) and three PCs were found for locations (Aesthetics, Cleaned and Indoor Environment). Personal characteristics as explanatory variables were not significant or only had very small effect sizes, indicating that a campus’ design does not need to be tailored to certain user groups but can be effective for all. The pattern of successful locations is discussed, including the variables in each PC. These PCs provide a framework for practitioners who want to improve their campus’ design to further facilitate unplanned meetings, thus contributing to cooperation between campus users, hopefully leading to further innovation.
Dynamic Linkages among Climate Change, Mechanization and Agricultural Carbon Emissions in Rural China
Authors: Yang Taifeng , Huang Xuetao , Wang Yue , Li Houjian , Guo Lili
Published: November 2022

Climate change has become a major environmental issue facing all countries, having a significant effect on all aspects of agricultural production, such as the agricultural mechanization process and fertilizer use. Greenhouse gases produced by agricultural machinery and fertilizers during agricultural production are an important cause of climate change. On the basis of the above facts, researching the connection between agricultural mechanization, climate change, and agricultural carbon emissions is crucial for the development of low-carbon agriculture and for addressing climate change. We used a variety of econometric models and methods to analyze data from China’s multiple provinces (cities) covering the years 2000 through 2019, in order to meet the research objectives. Furthermore, we utilized rainfall and sunlight as variables to assess climate change and adopted Granger tests to establish the link between rainfall, sunlight, agricultural mechanization, and carbon emissions in farming. The findings indicate a bidirectional causality relationship between rainfall, sunlight, agricultural mechanization, and carbon emissions in farming. Rainfall and sunlight are Granger causes of agricultural mechanization. Furthermore, agricultural mechanization has favorable effects on carbon emissions of agriculture, and climate change has long-term implications on agricultural mechanization and carbon emissions of agriculture. Finally, this paper investigated the green path suitable for the low-carbon development of Chinese agriculture, arguing that the government should formulate low-carbon agricultural policies by region and actively promote the upgrading of agricultural machinery.
When Virtual Assistants Meet Teledermatology: Validation of a Virtual Assistant to Improve the Quality of Life of Psoriatic Patients
Authors: Roca Surya , Almenara Manuel , Gilaberte Yolanda , Gracia-Cazaña Tamara , Morales Callaghan Ana M. , Murciano Daniel , García José , Alesanco Álvaro
Published: November 2022

Teledermatology has given dermatologists a tool to track patients’ responses to therapy using images. Virtual assistants, the programs that interact with users through text or voice messages, could be used in teledermatology to enhance the interaction of the tool with the patients and healthcare professionals and the overall impact of the medication and quality of life of patients. As such, this work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using a virtual assistant for teledermatology and its impact on the quality of life. We conducted surveys with the participants and measured the usability of the system with the System Usability Scale (SUS). A total of 34 participants (30 patients diagnosed with moderate-severe psoriasis and 4 healthcare professionals) were included in the study. The measurement of the improvement of quality of life was done by analyzing Psoriasis Quality of Life (PSOLIFE) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. The results showed that, on average, the quality of life improved (from 63.8 to 64.8 for PSOLIFE (with a p-value of 0.66 and an effect size of 0.06) and 4.4 to 2.8 for DLQI (with a p-value of 0.04 and an effect size of 0.31)). Patients also used the virtual assistant to do 52 medical consultations. Moreover, the usability is above average, with a SUS score of 70.1. As supported by MMAS-8 results, adherence also improved slightly. Our work demonstrates the improvement of the quality of life with the use of a virtual assistant in teledermatology, which could be attributed to the sense of security or peace of mind the patients get as they can contact their dermatologists directly within the virtual assistant-integrated system.
Parents’ Perceived Social Support and Children’s Approaches to Learning in Rural China: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Yan Zhonglian , Ren Jing , Lin Wenqi , Wu Jianfen
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parents’ perceived social support (PSS) and young children’s approaches to learning (ATLs) in rural China, as well as the mediating effect of the home learning environment (HLE) and the moderating effect of parental negative emotions (PNE). Using the cluster random sampling method, 2714 kindergarteners (Mage = 52.99 months, SD = 10.28; 52.00% boys; 27.43% only child) were recruited from rural areas of eight provinces in China. With questionnaires, parents reported their PSS and PNE, HLE, and the children’s ATLs. The results indicated that: (1) parents’ PSS positively predicted children’s ATLs; (2) the HLE partially mediated the relationship between parents’ PSS and children’s ATLs; and (3) PNE moderated the relationship between parents’ PSS and children’s ATLs. Thus, the results supported a moderated mediation model on the relationship between parents’ PSS and young children’s ATLs, with the HLE as a mediator and the parents’ PSS as a moderator. These findings offer new avenues for intervening and supporting the development of young children’s ATLs.
Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion
Authors: Chorão Ana Luz , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Pires Raquel
Published: November 2022

Although parenting stress has been identified as one of the most important and highly acceptable targets for postadoption psychological intervention, knowledge regarding the modifiable factors that contribute to explaining this outcome among adoptive parents remains scarce. This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent adoptive parents’ mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion contribute to explaining parenting stress and to analyze whether this contribution varies according to children’s age, time passed since the adoptive placement, and the parents’ gender. Cross-sectional data from 302 Portuguese adoptive parents with children between 1 and 17 years old were collected online through self-response questionnaires. Controlling for a wide range of child-, adoption-, and parent-related variables, lower levels of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion were associated with higher levels of parenting stress. These associations were not moderated by children’s age, time passed since the adoptive placement, or the parents’ gender. The final regression model explained 50% of the variance in parenting stress. These results allow us to reflect on new guidelines for both preventive and remedial interventions with adoptive parents, given the apparent added value of promoting these psychological resources.
Are Attitudes towards COVID-19 Pandemic Related to Subjective Physical and Mental Health?
Authors: Khachatryan Kristine , Beutel Manfred E. , Stöbel-Richter Yve , Zenger Markus , Berth Hendrik , Brähler Elmar , Schmidt Peter
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between a person’s psychological distress, subjective physical health and their attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation was performed on the basis of data from two waves of the Saxon Longitudinal Study, carried out in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021. The number of study participants in both waves was 291. We tested in autoregressive cross-lagged models the stability of the respondents’ health status before and during the pandemic and reviewed their influence on attitudes towards COVID-19. Our results show that COVID-19-related concerns are controlled by subjective physical health, while pandemic denial is linked to psychological distress. In an unknown and critical situation, with limited control over the situation, the strategy of avoidance or suppression may be used by individuals for protection by psychologically downplaying the stressor and danger.
Influence of Palliative Care Qualifications on the Job Stress Factors of General Practitioners in Palliative Care: A Survey Study
Authors: Peter Sophie , Volkert Anna Maria , Radbruch Lukas , Rolke Roman , Voltz Raymond , Pfaff Holger , Scholten Nadine
Published: November 2022

Due to demographic change, the number of patients in palliative care (PC) is increasing. General Practitioners (GPs) are important PC providers who often have known their patients for a long time. PC can be demanding for GPs. However, there are few studies on the job stress factors of GPs performing PC and the potential influence of their PC training. To get more insights, a postal survey was performed with GPs in North Rhine, Germany. The questionnaire was based on a literature search, qualitative pre-studies, and the Hospital Consultants’ Job Stress & Satisfaction Questionnaire (HCJSSQ). Participants state that a high level of responsibility, conflicting demands, and bureaucracy are the most important stressors they experienced in PC. The influence of PC qualification level on their perceived job stress factors is low. Only advanced but not specialist qualification shows a correlation with renumeration-related stress. Gender and work experience are more dominant influences. In our study, female GPs and physicians with more work experience tend to be more stressed. In conclusion, organisational barriers, such as administration, should be reduced and renumeration should be increased to facilitate the daily work of GPs.
Selecting the Best Surgical Treatment Methods in Oro-Antral Communications
Authors: Bereczki-Temistocle Despina Luciana , Gurzu Simona , Jung Ioan , Cosarca Adina , Beresescu Gabriela , Golu Vlad , Petrovan Cecilia , Ormenisan Alina
Published: November 2022

Introduction: an oro-antral communication is defined as a permanent pathological connection between the maxillary sinus and the septic oral cavity. Several flaps can be used for the closure (buccal flap, palatal flap, combination techniques) but relapses occur often in case of a large defects and underlying general conditions. Bichat fad pad flap is a multipotent pedicled fatty tissue that is easily accessible from the oral cavity that can be used for the closure of medium-sized defects, even in immunocompromised patients due to its stem cell capacity. Materials and methods: the medical information of the patients diagnosed with oro-antral communications who were admitted and treated in the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Clinic Targu Mures, between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed. A database containing general information, reported causes, associated diseases, surgical methods used during admission, and relapses, was created. The information was statistically processed. The written consent and ethical approval were obtained. Results: the study shows that from a total of 140 cases, 72 were treated using buccal advancement flap, 49 using Bichat fat pad flap, and 19 using palatal flaps. The dimensions of the communications ranged between 0.3 cm and 1.5 cm. Several statistically significant results could be found when comparing the surgical methods. Of the 72 patients treated with buccal advancement flaps, 25 presented relapses as opposed to the patients treated with Bichat fat pad flaps who showed no complications, p < 0.05. Analysing this aspect further, all large defects (10 cases) ranging from 0.6 cm to 1.5 cm treated with advancement buccal flaps (Rehrmann flaps) showed relapses (p < 0.05). Considering the general conditions, out of 7 patients who received radiotherapy 4 presented relapses, as opposed to the healthy patients, p < 0.05. Regarding the reintervention for the relapsed cases, the majority of the cases treated a second time with buccal advancement flap (5 out of 7 cases) failed as opposed to the Bichat fat pad flap with no further relapses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the most frequently used surgical treatment is the buccal flap, which also has the highest relapse rate. Both primary treatment with Bichat fat-pad flap and re-treatment of relapses using this flap have had 100% success rates, even in patients with general associated conditions, in contrast with patients treated by using the buccal flap. The dimensions of the oro-antral communication and general conditions are crucial factors for the success of the surgical treatment.
Implementation and Effectiveness of a Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-Up Service for People with Tuberculosis in Primary Healthcare
Authors: Lara-Júnior Célio Rezende , Ahouagi Ana Emília de Oliveira , Pinto Isabela Vaz Leite , Braga Debora Gontijo , Andrade Thiago Rabelo , Ramalho-de-Oliveira Djenane , Nascimento Mariana Martins Gonzaga do
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of great relevance, responsible for 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Therefore, actions to control TB are necessary, and pharmacists may play an important role, especially in primary healthcare (PHC), where the diagnosis and management of this infection occurs. In a large Brazilian city, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in PHC has been offered by pharmacists to people with TB since 2018. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of this service though a longitudinal type 1 effectiveness–implementation hybrid study. Data were collected from January 2018 to February 2020 in the pharmaceutical services system. The service indicators were described and effectiveness was evaluated using Poisson regression analysis to compare the incidence of cure among patients using and not using the service. The service was performed in 148 PHC units by 82 pharmacists. Of the total of 1076 treatments, 721 were followed up by pharmacists, and TB was cured more frequently in these cases (90.4% attended vs. 73.5% unattended). The adjusted hazard ratio of cure among patients enrolled in the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up service was 2.71 (2.04–3.61; p < 0.001). Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for people with TB significantly increased the incidence of cure and should be encouraged.