bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Nozzle Orifice Shapes on Water Droplet Characteristics for Sprinkler Irrigation
Authors: Hua Lin , Jiang Yue , Li Hong , Qin Longtan
Published: June 2022

In common irrigation systems, sprinklers are mounted with circular nozzles, but innovative noncircular nozzles can save water and energy by improving fragmentation in a low–intermediate pressure irrigation system. In order to investigate the effects of nozzle orifice shapes (circular, square, and equilateral triangular) on droplet characteristics, experiments using high-speed photography and water droplet spectrum measurement were performed. Using ImageJ to observe with the overlapped droplets and using the self-compiled programs of MATLAB to observe the morphology of droplets, we extracted the outlines of droplets. In addition, several empirical formulas for the prediction of droplets were obtained by way of a regression analysis of the experimental data. In particular, the shape coefficient of the nozzle orifice and the operating pressure of the nozzle were added to these formulas as variable factors to make them applicable to a variety of nozzles and working conditions. The results show that with the increase in shape coefficient, the jet atomization intensifies, and the droplets breaking from the jet will be dense and uniform. The velocity distribution of the droplets conforms to exponential functions (R2 > 0.7). The prediction formulas of diameter and kinetic energy were established with coefficients of determination exceeding 0.95. In low pressure conditions, the specific power multiplies at the end of spraying, and the maximum is proportional to the nozzle orifice coefficient. The impact-driven arm compensates for the disadvantage of the noncircular nozzles with the high irrigation-specific power, by producing a wider diameter gradient of droplets. Therefore, innovative sprinklers based on noncircular nozzles can be applied in a low–intermediate pressure system to increase water use efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and reduce costs.
Monthly Rainfall Prediction at Catchment Level with the Facebook Prophet Model Using Observed and CMIP5 Decadal Data
Authors: Hossain Md Monowar , Anwar A. H. M. Faisal , Garg Nikhil , Prakash Mahesh , Bari Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Early prediction of rainfall is important for the planning of agriculture, water infrastructure, and other socio-economic developments. The near-term prediction (e.g., 10 years) of hydrologic data is a recent development in GCM (General Circulation Model) simulations, e.g., the CMIP5 (Coupled Modelled Intercomparison Project Phase 5) decadal experiments. The prediction of monthly rainfall on a decadal time scale is an important step for catchment management. Previous studies have considered stochastic models using observed time series data only for rainfall prediction, but no studies have used GCM decadal data together with observed data at the catchment level. This study used the Facebook Prophet (FBP) model and six machine learning (ML) regression algorithms for the prediction of monthly rainfall on a decadal time scale for the Brisbane River catchment in Queensland, Australia. Monthly hindcast decadal precipitation data of eight GCMs (EC-EARTH MIROC4h, MRI-CGCM3, MPI-ESM-LR, MPI-ESM-MR, MIROC5, CanCM4, and CMCC-CM) were downloaded from the CMIP5 data portal, and the observed data were collected from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. At first, the FBP model was used for predictions based on: (i) the observed data only; and (ii) a combination of observed and CMIP5 decadal data. In the next step, predictions were performed through ML regressions where CMIP5 decadal data were used as features and corresponding observed data were used as target variables. The prediction skills were assessed through several skill tests, including Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC), Anomaly Correlation Coefficient (ACC), Index of Agreement (IA), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Upon comparing the skills, this study found that predictions based on a combination of observed and CMIP5 decadal data through the FBP model provided better skills than the predictions based on the observed data only. The optimal performance of the FBP model, especially for the dry periods, was mainly due to its multiplicative seasonality function.
Life Cycle Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Haider Husnain , AlMarshod Sulaiman Yousef , AlSaleem Saleem S. , Ali Ahmed AbdelMonteleb M. , Alinizzi Majed , Alresheedi Mohammad T. , Shafiquzzaman Md.
Published: June 2022

Extensive construction augmenting the infrastructure and real estate projects underpin Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of sustainable cities. A part of this struggle involves the transformation of the existing infrastructure together with new construction, which generates a large amount of construction and demolition waste (CDW). In the absence of a structured life cycle assessment (LCA) framework, the waste management companies are planning future scenarios (phased expansions of material recovery facilities to improve the recycling rate) primarily on economic grounds. This study assesses the environmental impacts of the existing and planned CDW management practices of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company in Riyadh City by dint of LCA. Impact 2002+ performs life cycle impact assessment of the base case (45% recycling), four treatments (61, 76, 88, and 100% recycling), and zero waste scenarios. The study demonstrates the benefits of current CDW (mixed soil, concrete blocks, clay bricks, glazed tiles, and asphalt) recycling in terms of avoided impacts of non-renewable energy, global warming, carcinogens, non-carcinogens, and respiratory inorganics potentially generated by landfilling. For the treatment scenario of 100% recycling, CDW conversion into a wide range of aggregates (0–50 mm) can replace 10–100% virgin aggregates in backfilling, precast concrete manufacturing, encasements and beddings of water mains and sewers, manholes construction, non-load bearing walls, and farm-to-market roads. To achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability, municipalities need to improve source segregation, handling, and storage practices to enhance the existing (45%) recycling rate to 100% in the next five years and approach the zero-waste scenario by 2030. The findings of the present study motivate the generators for source reduction as well as encourage the recycling companies and concerned organizations in the continuous performance improvement of the CDW management systems across Saudi Arabia on environmental grounds, as an addition to the perceived economic benefits.
Reaching Frail Elderly Patients to Optimize Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation (REAFEL): A Feasibility Study of a Cross-Sectoral Shared-Care Model
Authors: Ladegaard Caroline Thorup , Bamberg Carsten , Aalling Mathias , Jensen Dorthea Marie , Kamstrup-Larsen Nina , Madsen Christoffer Valdorff , Kamil Sadaf , Gudbergsen Henrik , Saxild Thomas , Schiøtz Michaela Louise , Grew Julie , Castillo Luana Sandoval , Frølich Anne , Domínguez Helena
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) management in primary care often requires a referral to cardiology clinics, which can be strenuous for frail patients. We developed “cardio-share” (CS), a new cross-sector collaboration model, to ease this process. General practitioners (GPs) can use a compact Holter monitor (C3 from Cortrium) to receive remote advice from the cardiologist. Objective: To test the feasibility and acceptability of the CS model to manage suspected AF in frail elderly patients. Methods: We used a mixed methods design, including the preparation of qualitative semistructured interviews of GPs and nurses. Results: Between MAR-2019 and FEB-2020, 54 patients were consulted through the CS model, of whom 35 underwent C3 Holter monitoring. The time from referral to a final Holter report was shortened from a mean (SD) of 117 (45) days in usual care to 30 days (13) with the CS model. Furthermore, 90% of the patients did not need to attend visits at the cardiology clinic. The GPs and nurses highlighted the ease of using the C3 monitor. Their perception was that patients were confident in the GPs’ collaboration with cardiologists. Conclusions: The CS model using a C3 monitor for AF is both feasible and seems acceptable to GPs. The elapsed time from referral to the Holter report performed for the diagnosis was significantly reduced.
Relationship between Family Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds, Parenting Practices and Styles, and Adolescent Eating Behaviors
Authors: Monroe-Lord Lillie , Anderson Alex , Jones Blake L. , Richards Rickelle , Reicks Marla , Gunther Carolyn , Banna Jinan , Topham Glade L. , Lora Karina R. , Wong Siew Sun , Ballejos Miriam , Hopkins Laura , Ardakani Azam
Published: June 2022

Obesity is more prevalent among racial minority children in the United States, as compared to White children. Parenting practices can impact the development of children’s eating behaviors and habits. In this study, we investigated the relationships among racial/ethnic backgrounds, parenting practices and styles, and eating behaviors in adolescents. Fifty-one parent–adolescent dyads were interviewed to characterize parenting practices and styles, as well as the consumption of dairy, fruits and vegetables, and unhealthy snacks. Height and weight were measured to calculate parent BMI and adolescent BMI-for-age percentiles. Three parenting practice categories—modeling, authoritative, and authoritarian—were found to be related to race/ethnicity. A higher score in authoritarian parenting practices was related to higher BMI percentiles among African American adolescents, whereas a higher score in monitoring practices was related to lower BMI percentiles among non-Hispanic White adolescents. Modeling, reasoning, and monitoring led to higher consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents; however, the consumption of unhealthy snacks was higher with rule-setting and lower with reasoning and authoritative practices. Finally, an analysis of the relationships between environmental factors and snack intake showed that adolescents consumed significantly more unhealthy snacks when performing other activities while eating. In conclusion, the findings from this study suggest that families’ racial heritages are related to their parenting practices, BMI percentiles, and their adolescents’ food consumption and eating behaviors. The results of this study can be used to develop and improve adolescent nutrition education and interventions with consideration of their racial/ethnic backgrounds.
The Impact of Legal Recycling Constraints and Carbon Trading Mechanisms on Decision Making in Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Wang Yuyan , Yu Tingting , Zhou Rui
Published: June 2022

To investigate how legal constraints on the recycling rate of used products and carbon trading mechanisms affect the profits and other decisions of supply chain system members, this paper develops and solves a two-cycle game model in which the manufacturer dominates while the retailer takes a secondary position; the manufacturer produces only non-low-carbon new products in the first cycle and both new and low-carbon remanufactured products in the second cycle. Simultaneously, the effects of parameters such as recovery rate, unit carbon trading price, and carbon emission reduction factor on the decision making of members of the supply chain system are also discussed. Finally, the conclusions are verified by numerical analysis: (1) When carbon reduction is low, the manufacturer will choose the highest recycling rate to obtain the highest profit, and when carbon reduction is high, manufacturers tend to choose not to recycle when the minimum recycling rate bound by law harms the interests of manufacturers. (2) Under the implementation of the carbon trading mechanism, the unit carbon trading price affects the profits of the members of the supply chain system depending on the size of the carbon emission reduction, and the two are negatively correlated at lower carbon emission reductions and positively correlated at higher carbon emission reductions. (3) From the perspective of supply chain system members’ interests, legal constraints and the existence of carbon trading mechanisms are not always conducive to increasing the margins of members of the supply chain system, both relevant to the size of carbon emission reductions. (4) From the perspective of environmental benefits, supply chain members do not need to pay economic costs in all cases to contribute to environmental benefits, and the existence of minimum recycling rate constraints and carbon trading mechanisms are conducive to achieving carbon reduction targets.
Effects of Postural Interventions on Physical and Psychological Aspects of Children in Terms of Secondary Sexual Characteristics
Authors: Maekawa Maki
Published: June 2022

Children with secondary sexual characteristics who experience considerable physical, psychological, and social development are prone to physical and mental imbalances. The effects of postural intervention on physical and psychological aspects in junior high school students in terms of secondary sexual characteristics were investigated in this study. Of the 30 participants in this study, 21 (10 boys, 11 girls) with complete measurements were included. The postural intervention consisted of 1 month of direct muscle stretching for postural maintenance and breathing as well as activities to orient the spinal curvature. The participants’ body arrangement, spinal curvature, and General Health Questionnaire 30 (GHQ) scores were compared before and after the postural intervention. The intervention improved postural alignment (e.g., head–neck angle t20 = 2.33, p < 0.05, 95%CI [0.30, 5.36]) and GHQ scores (e.g., GHQ total t20 = 3.36, p < 0.01, 95%CI [0.79, 3.40]). The postural intervention improved the posture of the students as well as positively affected their mental health. This study showed that students with secondary sexual characteristics can receive physical and psychological care without the use of special facilities or techniques.
Analysis of the Characteristics of CH4 Emissions in China’s Coal Mining Industry and Research on Emission Reduction Measures
Authors: Zhu Anyu , Wang Qifei , Liu Dongqiao , Zhao Yihan
Published: June 2022

CH4 is the second-largest greenhouse gas and has a significant impact on global warming. China has the largest amount of anthropogenic coal mine methane (CMM) emissions in the world, with coal mining emissions (or gas emissions) accounting for 90% of total energy industry emissions. The results of CH4 emission inventories from previous studies vary widely, with differences in the spatial and temporal dimensions of gas emission factors of belowground mining being the main points of disagreement. Affected by the policies of “eliminating backward production capacity” and “transferring energy base to the northwest”, China’s coal production layout has changed greatly in the past ten years, but the closely related CH4 emission factors have not been dynamically adjusted. This paper investigated 23 major coal producing provinces in China, obtained CH4 emission data from coal mining, calculated CH4 emission factors in line with current production conditions, and studied the reduction measures of coal mine gas emission. According to the CH4 emission data of China’s coal mines in 2018, 15.8 Tg of methane is released per year in the coal mining industry in China, and 11.8 Tg after deducting recycling. Shanxi Province’s CH4 emissions are much higher than those of other provinces, accounting for 35.5% of the country’s total emissions. The weighted CH4 emission factor of coal mining in China is 6.77 m3/t, of which Chongqing is the highest at approximately 60.9 m3/t. Compared with the predicted value of the IPCC, the growth trend of CCM has slowed significantly, and the CH4 utilization rate has gradually increased. This change may be aided by China’s coal industry’s policy to resolve excess capacity by closing many high-gas and gas outburst coal mines. In addition, the improvement of coal mine gas extraction and utilization technology has also produced a relatively significant effect. This paper determines the distribution of methane emissions and emission sources in China’s coal mining industry, which is useful in formulating CCM emission reduction targets and adopting more efficient measures.
Can Land Policy Promote Farmers’ Subjective Well-Being? A Study on Withdrawal from Rural Homesteads in Jinjiang, China
Authors: Liang Fachao , Wang Zehua , Lin Sheng-Hau
Published: June 2022

Urbanization and aging populations are threatening the sustainability of rural development around the world. Improving the happiness of rural residents is closely related not only to rural development but also to the harmony and stability of a country. Sustainable development has become an important strategy for China’s rural areas. Although withdrawal from rural homesteads is an important issue in rural land policy, few researchers have examined the determinants of the subjective well-being of farmers following withdrawal. The current paper investigated 315 rural residents under three models of the “withdrawal from homestead” policy in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, China. The application of the orderly probit model revealed how satisfaction with economic, social, environment, cultural, and policy factors impacted their subjective well-being. The pooled results showed that satisfaction with cultural and policy factors had no significant impact; however, the other aspects significantly promoted their subjective well-being. The empirical model with interaction terms indicated the significant positive impact of economic, environmental, and social factors on subjective well-being under the index replacement model, while only environment and social factors exerted a significant positive impact under the asset replacement and monetary compensation models. Corresponding policy implications are discussed.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Safe Working in Confined Space among Male Water Services Workers in the Central Region of Malaysia
Authors: Ngah Hamiza , Mohd Hairon Suhaily , Hamzah Nurul Ainun , Noordin Shahronizam , Shafei Mohd Nazri
Published: June 2022

Employee performance in terms of knowledge of job scope, safe working practices, and safety-related attitude at work are used to measure an organization’s success in managing employee welfare and safety to prevent workplace injury and death. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on safe working in confined space among water services workers. A cross-sectional study involving a randomly selected 207 water services workers working in a confined space was performed in the central region of Malaysia. The assessment was performed using a validated Malay self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and Logistic regression were used for data analyses. The study’s participants were all men, with a mean (SD) age of 35.2 (8.83) years. The average working duration was 10.8 years. Overall, 67.1% of participants had good knowledge, while 65.7% had a positive attitude. The majority of the workers (60.4%) were found to follow safe working practices. Regression analysis revealed that significant predictors for knowledge were age [Adjusted odds ratio (Adj. OR) 2.793; 95% CI: 1.310, 5.955; p = 0.008] and attitude (Adj. OR 2.127; 95% CI: 1.011, 4.526; p = 0.048). Attitude was influenced by marital status (Adj. OR 4.126; 95% CI: 2.079, 8.186; p < 0.001) and knowledge level (Adj. OR 2.224; 95% CI: 1.025, 4.824; p = 0.043). A positive attitude was the sole predictor influencing the safe practice (Adj. OR; 1.878; 95% CI: 1.041, 3.388; p = 0.036). In conclusion, the workers’ levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were relatively satisfactory. Extensive investment in workplace safety and health programs, appropriate training, growth opportunities, and effective employee performance evaluation methodologies may assist workers in performing at their best.
Overlapping Crises: Climate Disaster Susceptibility and Incarceration
Authors: Cowan Kristen N. , Peterson Meghan , LeMasters Katherine , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: June 2022

Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent all over the world; however, there is significant variability in the impact of disasters, including which specific communities are the most vulnerable. The objective of this descriptive study was to examine how climate disaster susceptibility is related to the density of incarceration at the county level in the United States. Percent of the population incarcerated in the 2010 census and the Expected Annual Loss (EAL) from natural hazards were broken into tertiles and mapped bivariately to examine the overlap of areas with high incarceration and susceptibility to climate disasters. Over 13% of counties were in the highest tertile for both incarceration and EAL, with four states containing over 30% of these counties. The density of incarceration and climate disaster susceptibility are overlapping threats that must be addressed concurrently through (1) decarceration, (2) developing standardized guidance on evacuated incarcerated individuals during disasters, and (3) more deeply understanding how the health of everyone in these counties is jeopardized when prisons suffer from climate disasters.
Self-Regulation in Adolescents: Polish Adaptation and Validation of the Self-Regulation Scale
Authors: Gajda Maja , Małkowska-Szkutnik Agnieszka , Rodzeń Wojciech
Published: June 2022

Self-regulation is associated with life satisfaction, well-being, and life success. For adolescents, who may be exposed to peer pressure and engage in risky behaviors, the ability to self-regulate or control emotions, thoughts, and behaviors is crucial for healthy development. While self-regulatory skills have long been recognized as important for many areas of life, instruments to measure self-regulation remain limited, especially in Poland. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Self-Regulation Scale in the Polish adolescent sample. The data for this study were obtained as part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children 2021/2022 pilot study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that the instrument has satisfying psychometric properties. A three-factor structure of the instrument was obtained with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional subscales, which corresponds to the original instrument and theoretical assumptions. The final version of instrument contains 24 items, and based on the statistical analysis, it is concluded that it is suitable to be used in adolescent samples.
Effects of Nordic Walking Training on Anthropometric, Body Composition and Functional Parameters in the Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Grigoletto Alessia , Mauro Mario , Oppio Alberto , Greco Gianpiero , Fischetti Francesco , Cataldi Stefania , Toselli Stefania
Published: June 2022

Nordic walking (NW) is an easy physical exercise that is usually proposed for clinical populations and for the elderly. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a period of NW training in a non-clinical middle-aged population on anthropometric, body composition and functional parameters. A pre-test/post-test study design was conducted on 77 participants: 56 women (72.7%, age 55.53 ± 9.73 years) and 21 men (27.3%, age 60.51 ± 8.15 years). The measurements were carried out with physical tests at the baseline and at the follow up. Participants did two weekly NW training sessions of about 60 min each. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate their feelings after the training period. Paired Students’ test was carried out to evaluate the pre–post differences, and the analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the questionnaire. Participants had significantly less stress and anxiety after the NW training. Body fat parameters showed a significant decrease, especially for women. Phase angle and strength of lower body presented a significant increase in both sexes after the training period. In conclusion, NW shows many potential benefits also for the nonclinical population and could be an important exercise to remain active and to maintain a good health condition.
Spatial Pattern of Technological Innovation in the Yangtze River Delta Region and Its Impact on Water Pollution
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Li Heng , Jiao Guoxin , Wang Jiayi , Li Jingjing , Li Mengzhen , Jiang Haining
Published: June 2022

The impact of technological innovation on water pollution is an important parameter to determine and monitor while promoting and furthering a region’s economic development. Here, exploratory spatial data analysis was used to analyze: the spatial patterns of technological innovation and water pollution in the Yangtze River, the changes in technical innovation and the resulting changes in water pollution, and the impact of technological innovation on water pollution. The following major inferences were drawn from the obtained results: (1) The spatial pattern of innovation input has a single-center structure that tends to spread. The patent innovation output has evolved, from a single spatial pattern with Shanghai as the core to a diffusion structure with three cores-Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Nanjing. (2) The aggregation mode of water pollution has evolved from the original “Z” mode to a new mode of core agglomeration, and water pollution is constantly being reduced. (3) The trends of change in patent innovation output and innovation input are roughly the same, while the trends of both and that of water pollution are contrary to each other. (4) The correlations between innovation input, patented innovation output, and water pollution are relatively low. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the number of cities with medium and high levels of gray correlation with water pollution is the same.
Management for Caries Prevention in ADHD Children
Authors: Paszynska Elzbieta , Krahel Anna , Pawinska Malgorzata , Dmitrzak-Węglarz Monika , Perczak Aleksandra , Słopień Agnieszka , Gawriolek Maria
Published: June 2022

Emotional Dysregulations (ED) represent a major health risk present in about 5% of children and are associated with diverse forms of childhood psychiatric disorders and symptoms such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [...]
Clinical Benefits of Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy as an Alternative of Conventional Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy—A Pilot Study
Authors: Chung Wen-Chen , Huang Chiung-Fang , Feng Sheng-Wei
Published: June 2022

Minimally invasive procedures were introduced in periodontics, which could enhance clinical outcomes and reduce post-operative discomfort. However, minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal therapy (MINST) as an alternative modality of conventional non-surgical root surface debridement has not been clearly evaluated by randomized controlled clinical trial. The present study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and patients’ comfort feedback of MINST compared to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy (CNST). Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were included. Nine out of ten patients were recruited and completed the post-treatment re-evaluation in this study. Randomized split-mouth design, CNST and MINST on each side, was performed. Clinical parameters, including periodontal probing depth (PD), gingival recession (REC), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP), were recorded on baseline, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. PD, REC, CAL, and BOP were improved after treatment in both CNST and MINST groups. Comfort feedback and gingival recession showed better outcomes in the MINST group than in the CNST group. No statistical significance of parameters was found between CNST and MINST. Within the limitations, minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal therapy could be an alternative modality of conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy. Further studies are required to establish clinical protocol and evidence of MINST.
The Involvement of Bangladeshi Girls and Women in Sex Work: Sex Trafficking, Victimhood, and Agency
Authors: Huda Md. Nazmul , Hossain Syeda Zakia , Dune Tinashe Moira , Amanullah A. S. M. , Renzaho Andre M. N.
Published: June 2022

In Bangladesh, traffickers have trapped socially and economically marginalised girls and women and sold them into sex work. Furthermore, multiple sociocultural factors shape women’s forced and voluntary movement into sex work. However, there are limited peer-reviewed studies of how sex work operators and sociocultural and economic factors shape women’s forced and voluntary engagement in sex work in Bangladesh and worldwide. This study examines how sex work operators and various factors shape Bangladeshi women’s forced and voluntary involvement in sex work. This study used a qualitative approach by employing in-depth interviews with 10 female sex workers (FSWs) and 8 other stakeholders who work in a Bangladeshi brothel context. This study also used field notes to document how sex work operators and various factors shape women’s engagement in sex work. The interview transcripts and field notes were coded and analysed thematically. Participants’ accounts reveal two key themes about how sex work operators and sociocultural factors shape women’s engagement in sex work. Findings suggest that sex work operators (e.g., traffickers, pimps, madams, house owners) forced girls and women into sex work by putting them in situations in which they had limited power. Furthermore, various economic (poverty, limited employment opportunities) and sociocultural (rape, harassment, exploitation, divorce, limited support from family members and friends, feeling of disempowerment, desire to be autonomous) factors shaped their voluntary engagement in sex work by creating a condition of victimhood in which women felt limited agency and obligated to work for madams as bonded sex workers. However, some women supported by an FSW-led organisation had more agency than others to work and earn in the brothel area. We suggest three important strategies that are likely to benefit brothel-based women and their families, children, and the wider community.
School Food Environment in Urban Zambia: A Qualitative Analysis of Drivers of Adolescent Food Choices and Their Policy Implications
Authors: Mukanu Mulenga Mary , Thow Anne Marie , Delobelle Peter , Mchiza Zandile June-Rose
Published: June 2022

Identifying context specific points for reforming policy to promote healthier food environments and consumer behavior in critical life stages like adolescence is crucial in addressing the double burden of malnutrition. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted 20 focus group discussions with grade 10 pupils from ten secondary schools in Lusaka. Turner’s framework which conceptualizes the food environment into two domains—the external domain (availability, pricing, vendor and product properties, and marketing and regulation of food) and the internal domain (accessibility, affordability, convenience, and desirability of food)—was used to guide thematic data analysis and results interpretation. Adolescents stated their food choices are largely based on personal preference linked to the need for social acceptability among peers. Adolescents felt their food choice is limited to ‘cheap junk foods’ which are affordable and readily available at school. Healthy foods like fruits were said to be inaccessible and unaffordable by the majority of adolescents. Some adolescents stated they were attracted to certain foods by adverts they see on TV and social media. School food environments in urban Lusaka do not support healthy food choices. Policy reforms are required to increase access to affordable healthy food options in schools, and to curb the indiscriminate marketing of unhealthy foods to adolescents.
A Study of Mobile Medical App User Satisfaction Incorporating Theme Analysis and Review Sentiment Tendencies
Authors: Zhai Yunkai , Song Xin , Chen Yajun , Lu Wei
Published: June 2022

Mobile medicine plays a significant role in optimizing medical resource allocation, improving medical efficiency, etc. Identifying and analyzing user concern elements from active online reviews can help to improve service quality and enhance product competitiveness in a targeted manner. Based on the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic model, this study carries out a topic-clustering analysis of users’ online comments and builds an evaluation index system of mobile medical users’ satisfaction by using grounded theory. After that, the evaluation information of users is obtained through an emotional analysis of online comments. Then, in order to fully consider the uncertainty of decision makers’ evaluations, rough number theory and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method are used to confirm the conclusions of experts and indicators and to evaluate the satisfaction of mobile medical users. The empirical results show that users are satisfied with the service quality and content quality of mobile medical apps, and less satisfied with the management and technology qualities. Therefore, this paper puts forward corresponding countermeasures from the aspects of strengthening safety supervision, strengthening scientific research, strengthening information audit, attaching importance to service quality management and strengthening doctors’ sense of gain. This study uses text mining for index extraction and satisfaction analysis of online reviews to quantitatively evaluate user satisfaction with mobile medical apps, providing a reference for the improvement of mobile medical apps. However, there are still certain shortcomings in the current study, and subsequent studies can screen false reviews for a deeper study of online review information.
Risk of Anorectal Cancer Associated with Benign Anal Inflammatory Diseases: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Chae Wonjeong , Kang Seung Yeon , Jang Sung-In , Han Yoon Dae
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between benign anal inflammatory diseases and anorectal cancer and assess its risk factors. Methods: A retrospective matched cohort study was conducted that included data from 2002 to 2013. The National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data from 2002 to 2013 was used for the study. Of a total study population of 143,884 individuals, 28,110 individuals with anal fissures were assigned to the case group, while 115,774 individuals without anal fissures were assigned to the control group based on the 1:4 propensity score matching age, sex, and year (case: diagnosed year, control: health service received year). Results: The risk of anorectal cancer was higher in the case group (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–2.53) compared to the control group. After grouping anorectal cancers into anal cancer and rectal cancer, the risk remained higher in the case group (anal cancer HR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.48–5.27; rectal cancer HR: 1.82, 95% CI; 1.37–2.42). The case group was further categorized into patients with fissures and patients with fistulas; patients with fissures showed a higher risk of developing anorectal cancer than patients with fistulas (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.53–2.73 vs. HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.13–2.66). Study participants in their 30s and 40s had a 4.19- and 7.39-times higher risk of anorectal cancer compared to those in the higher age groups (0.64–1.84), while patients who did not have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a higher risk of developing anorectal cancer (HR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.56–2.80). Conclusions and Relevance: Patients with anal fistulas or fissures have an increased risk of being diagnosed with anorectal cancer, especially at a young age and even without IBD.
NMDA and P2X7 Receptors Require Pannexin 1 Activation to Initiate and Maintain Nociceptive Signaling in the Spinal Cord of Neuropathic Rats
Authors: Bravo David , Zepeda-Morales Katherine , Maturana Carola J. , Retamal Jeffri S. , Hernández Alejandro , Pelissier Teresa , Barra Rafael , Sáez-Briones Patricio , Burgos Héctor , Constandil Luis
Published: June 2022

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) is involved in the spinal central sensitization process in rats with neuropathic pain, but its interaction with well-known, pain-related, ligand-dependent receptors, such as NMDA receptors (NMDAR) and P2X7 purinoceptors (P2X7R), remains largely unexplored. Here, we studied whether NMDAR- and P2X7R-dependent nociceptive signaling in neuropathic rats require the activation of Panx1 channels to generate spinal central sensitization, as assessed by behavioral (mechanical hyperalgesia) and electrophysiological (C-reflex wind-up potentiation) indexes. Administration of either a selective NMDAR agonist i.t. (NMDA, 2 mM) or a P2X7R agonist (BzATP, 150 μM) significantly increased both the mechanical hyperalgesia and the C-reflex wind-up potentiation, effects that were rapidly reversed (minutes) by i.t. administration of a selective pannexin 1 antagonist (10panx peptide, 300 μM), with the scores even reaching values of rats without neuropathy. Accordingly, 300 μM 10panx completely prevented the effects of NMDA and BzATP administered 1 h later, on mechanical hyperalgesia and C-reflex wind-up potentiation. Confocal immunofluorescence imaging revealed coexpression of Panx1 with NeuN protein in intrinsic dorsal horn neurons of neuropathic rats. The results indicate that both NMDAR- and P2X7R-mediated increases in mechanical hyperalgesia and C-reflex wind-up potentiation require neuronal Panx1 channel activation to initiate and maintain nociceptive signaling in neuropathic rats.
Single-Cell Proteomics: The Critical Role of Nanotechnology
Authors: Arias-Hidalgo Carlota , Juanes-Velasco Pablo , Landeira-Viñuela Alicia , García-Vaquero Marina L. , Montalvillo Enrique , Góngora Rafael , Hernández Ángela-Patricia , Fuentes Manuel
Published: June 2022

In single-cell analysis, biological variability can be attributed to individual cells, their specific state, and the ability to respond to external stimuli, which are determined by protein abundance and their relative alterations. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics (e.g., SCoPE-MS and SCoPE2) can be used as a non-targeted method to detect molecules across hundreds of individual cells. To achieve high-throughput investigation, novel approaches in Single-Cell Proteomics (SCP) are needed to identify and quantify proteins as accurately as possible. Controlling sample preparation prior to LC-MS analysis is critical, as it influences sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility. Several nanotechnological approaches have been developed for the removal of cellular debris, salts, and detergents, and to facilitate systematic sample processing at the nano- and microfluidic scale. In addition, nanotechnology has enabled high-throughput proteomics analysis, which have required the improvement of software tools, such as DART-ID or DO-MS, which are also fundamental for addressing key biological questions. Single-cell proteomics has many applications in nanomedicine and biomedical research, including advanced cancer immunotherapies or biomarker characterization, among others; and novel methods allow the quantification of more than a thousand proteins while analyzing hundreds of single cells.
Serum Metabolomics Reveals Distinct Profiles during Ischemia and Reperfusion in a Porcine Model of Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion
Authors: Goetzman Eric , Gong Zhenwei , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Muzumdar Ishan , Goodchild Traci , Lefer David , Muzumdar Radhika
Published: June 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Early identification of ischemia and establishing reperfusion remain cornerstones in the treatment of MI, as mortality and morbidity can be significantly reduced by establishing reperfusion to the affected areas. The aim of the current study was to investigate the metabolomic changes in the serum in a swine model of MI induced by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, and to identify circulating metabolomic biomarkers for myocardial injury at different phases. Female Yucatan minipigs were subjected to 60 min of ischemia followed by reperfusion, and serum samples were collected at baseline, 60 min of ischemia, 4 h of reperfusion, and 24 h of reperfusion. Circulating metabolites were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach. A bioinformatic approach revealed that serum metabolites show distinct profiles during ischemia and during early and late reperfusion. Some notable changes during ischemia include accumulation of metabolites that indicate impaired mitochondrial function and N-terminally modified amino acids. Changes in branched-chain amino-acid metabolites were noted during early reperfusion, while bile acid pathway derivatives and intermediates predominated in the late reperfusion phases. This indicates a potential for such an approach toward identification of the distinct phases of ischemia and reperfusion in clinical situations.
The Periventricular Nucleus as a Brain Center Containing Dopaminergic Neurons and Neurons Expressing Individual Enzymes of Dopamine Synthesis
Authors: Ugrumov Michael V. , Pavlova Ekaterina N. , Kolacheva Anna A. , Dil’mukhametova Liliya K. , Bogdanov Vsevolod V. , Blokhin Victor , Pronina Tatiana S.
Published: June 2022

Since the 1980s, the concept of dopamine-rich brain centers as clusters of only dopaminergic neurons has been fundamentally revised. It has been shown that, in addition to dopaminergic neurons, most of these centers contain neurons expressing one of the enzymes of dopamine synthesis: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We have obtained convincing evidence that in rats, the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus (PeVN) is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. Indeed, using double immunostaining for TH and AADC, the PeVN was shown to contain almost three thousand dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. According to high-performance liquid chromatography, PeVN contains L-DOPA and dopamine, which, apparently, are synthesized in monoenzymatic TH neurons and bienzymatic neurons, respectively. According to confocal microscopy, neurons (cell bodies, fibers), which were immunopositive only to TH, only to AADC, or both, are in close topographic relationships with each other and with the 3rd ventricle. These data suggest the mutual regulation of the neurons, as well as the delivery of dopamine and L-DOPA to the third ventricle, which is confirmed by their detection in the cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, evidence has been obtained that PeVN is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers of the brain, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons.
Comparison of Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) Composites Prepared from Different Components of Corn Straw Fiber
Authors: Qi Zhongyu , Wang Baiwang , Sun Ce , Yang Minghui , Chen Xiaojian , Zheng Dingyuan , Yao Wenrui , Chen Yang , Cheng Ruixiang , Zhang Yanhua
Published: June 2022

In recent years, under the pressure of resource shortage and white pollution, the development and utilization of biodegradable wood-plastic composites (WPC) has become one of the hot spots for scholars’ research. Here, corn straw fiber (CSF) was chosen to reinforce a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix with a mass ratio of 3:7, and the CSF/PLA composites were obtained by melt mixing. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the corn straw fiber core (CSFC) and corn straw fiber skin (CSFS) loaded PLA composites were stronger than those of the CSFS/PLA composites when the particle size of CSF was low. The tensile strength and bending strength of CSFS/CSFC/PLA are 54.08 MPa and 87.24 MPa, respectively, and the elongation at break is 4.60%. After soaking for 8 hours, the water absorption of CSF/PLA composite reached saturation. When the particle size of CSF is above 80 mesh, the saturated water absorption of the material is kept below 7%, and CSF/PLA composite has good hydrophobicity, which is mainly related to the interfacial compatibility between PLA and CSF. By observing the microstructure of the cross section of the CSF/PLA composite, the research found that the smaller the particle size of CSF, the smoother the cross section of the composite and the more unified the dispersion of CSF in PLA. Therefore, exploring the composites formed by different components of CSF and PLA can not only expand the application range of PLA, but also enhance the application value of CSF in the field of composites.
The Inositol Phosphate System—A Coordinator of Metabolic Adaptability
Authors: Tu-Sekine Becky , Kim Sangwon F.
Published: June 2022

All cells rely on nutrients to supply energy and carbon building blocks to support cellular processes. Over time, eukaryotes have developed increasingly complex systems to integrate information about available nutrients with the internal state of energy stores to activate the necessary processes to meet the immediate and ongoing needs of the cell. One such system is the network of soluble and membrane-associated inositol phosphates that coordinate the cellular responses to nutrient uptake and utilization from growth factor signaling to energy homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the coordinated interactions of the inositol polyphosphates, inositol pyrophosphates, and phosphoinositides in major metabolic signaling pathways to illustrate the central importance of the inositol phosphate signaling network in nutrient responses.
NSCLC as the Paradigm of Precision Medicine at Its Finest: The Rise of New Druggable Molecular Targets for Advanced Disease
Authors: Michelotti Anna , de Scordilli Marco , Bertoli Elisa , De Carlo Elisa , Del Conte Alessandro , Bearz Alessandra
Published: June 2022

Standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) historically consisted of systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy until the early 2000s, when precision medicine led to a revolutionary change in the therapeutic scenario. The identification of oncogenic driver mutations in EGFR, ALK and ROS1 rearrangements identified a subset of patients who largely benefit from targeted agents. However, since the proportion of patients with druggable alterations represents a minority, the discovery of new potential driver mutations is still an urgent clinical need. We provide a comprehensive review of the emerging molecular targets in NSCLC and their applications in the advanced setting.
Cannabidiol Interacts Antagonistically with Cisplatin and Additively with Mitoxantrone in Various Melanoma Cell Lines—An Isobolographic Analysis
Authors: Marzęda Paweł , Wróblewska-Łuczka Paula , Drozd Małgorzata , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena , Załuska-Ogryzek Katarzyna , Łuszczki Jarogniew J.
Published: June 2022

The medical application of cannabidiol (CBD) has been gathering increasing attention in recent years. This non-psychotropic cannabis-derived compound possesses antiepileptic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties. Recent studies report that it also exerts antineoplastic effects in multiple types of cancers, including melanoma. In this in vitro study we tried to reveal the anticancer properties of CBD in malignant melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL 28, A375, FM55P and FM55M2) administered alone, as well as in combination with mitoxantrone (MTX) or cisplatin (CDDP). The effects of CBD on the viability of melanoma cells were measured by the MTT assay; cytotoxicity was determined in the LDH test and proliferation in the BrdU test. Moreover, the safety of CBD was tested in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) in LDH and MTT tests. Results indicate that CBD reduces the viability and proliferation of melanoma-malignant cells and exerts additive interactions with MTX. Unfortunately, CBD produced antagonistic interaction when combined with CDDP. CBD does not cause significant cytotoxicity in HaCaT cell line. In conclusion, CBD may be considered as a part of melanoma multi-drug therapy when combined with MTX. A special attention should be paid to the combination of CBD with CDDP due to the antagonistic interaction observed in the studied malignant melanoma cell lines.