bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image-Based Pain Intensity Estimation Using Parallel CNNs with Regional Attention
Authors: Ye Xinting , Liang Xiaokun , Hu Jiani , Xie Yaoqin
Published: December 2022

Automatic pain estimation plays an important role in the field of medicine and health. In the previous studies, most of the entire image frame was directly imported into the model. This operation can allow background differences to negatively affect the experimental results. To tackle this issue, we propose the parallel CNNs framework with regional attention for automatic pain intensity estimation at the frame level. This modified convolution neural network structure combines BlurPool methods to enhance translation invariance in network learning. The improved networks can focus on learning core regions while supplementing global information, thereby obtaining parallel feature information. The core regions are mainly based on the tradeoff between the weights of the channel attention modules and the spatial attention modules. Meanwhile, the background information of the non-core regions is shielded by the DropBlock algorithm. These steps enable the model to learn facial pain features adaptively, not limited to a single image pattern. The experimental result of our proposed model outperforms many state-of-the-art methods on the RMSE and PCC metrics when evaluated on the diverse pain levels of over 12,000 images provided by the publicly available UNBC dataset. The model accuracy rate has reached 95.11%. The experimental results show that the proposed method is highly efficient at extracting the facial features of pain and predicts pain levels with high accuracy.
Hypothermic Preservation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as a Viable Solution for the Storage and Distribution of Cell Therapy Products
Authors: Branco André , Tiago Ana L. , Laranjeira Paula , Carreira Maria C. , Milhano João C. , dos Santos Francisco , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Paiva Artur , da Silva Cláudia L. , Fernandes-Platzgummer Ana
Published: December 2022

Cell and gene therapies (CGT) have reached new therapeutic targets but have noticeably high prices. Solutions to reduce production costs might be found in CGT storage and transportation since they typically involve cryopreservation, which is a heavily burdened process. Encapsulation at hypothermic temperatures (e.g., 2–8 °C) could be a feasible alternative. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC(AT)) expanded using fetal bovine serum (FBS)- (MSC-FBS) or human platelet lysate (HPL)-supplemented mediums (MSC-HPL) were encapsulated in alginate beads for 30 min, 5 days, and 12 days. After bead release, cell recovery and viability were determined to assess encapsulation performance. MSC identity was verified by flow cytometry, and a set of assays was performed to evaluate functionality. MSC(AT) were able to survive encapsulated for a standard transportation period of 5 days, with recovery values of 56 ± 5% for MSC-FBS and 77 ± 6% for MSC-HPL (which is a negligible drop compared to earlier timepoints). Importantly, MSC function did not suffer from encapsulation, with recovered cells showing robust differentiation potential, expression of immunomodulatory molecules, and hematopoietic support capacity. MSC(AT) encapsulation was proven possible for a remarkable 12 day period. There is currently no solution to completely replace cryopreservation in CGT logistics and supply chain, although encapsulation has shown potential to act as a serious competitor.
Three-Dimensional Bioprinting with Alginate by Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels with Tunable Physical Properties and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Zhu Yuanjia , Stark Charles J. , Madira Sarah , Ethiraj Sidarth , Venkatesh Akshay , Anilkumar Shreya , Jung Jinsuh , Lee Seunghyun , Wu Catherine A. , Walsh Sabrina K. , Stankovich Gabriel A. , Woo Yi-Ping Joseph
Published: December 2022

Extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging technology that allows for rapid bio-fabrication of scaffolds with live cells. Alginate is a soft biomaterial that has been studied extensively as a bio-ink to support cell growth in 3D constructs. However, native alginate is a bio-inert material that requires modifications to allow for cell adhesion and cell growth. Cells grown in modified alginates with the RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate) motif, a naturally existing tripeptide sequence that is crucial to cell adhesion and proliferation, demonstrate enhanced cell adhesion, spreading, and differentiation. Recently, the bioprinting technique using freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) has revolutionized 3D bioprinting, enabling the use of soft bio-inks that would otherwise collapse in air. However, the printability of RGD-modified alginates using the FRESH technique has not been evaluated. The associated physical properties and bioactivity of 3D bio-printed alginates after RGD modification remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the physical properties, printability, and cellular proliferation of native and RGD-modified alginate after extrusion-based 3D bioprinting in FRESH. We demonstrated tunable physical properties of native and RGD-modified alginates after FRESH 3D bioprinting. Sodium alginate with RGD modification, especially at a high concentration, was associated with greatly improved cell viability and integrin clustering, which further enhanced cell proliferation.
Diabetes-Induced Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: Impact on Heart Function and Prognosis
Authors: Sudo Susumu Z. , Montagnoli Tadeu L. , Rocha Bruna de S. , Santos Aimeé D. , de Sá Mauro P. L. , Zapata-Sudo Gisele
Published: December 2022

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a severe complication of the advance stage of diabetes. More than 50% of diabetic patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy will have CAN, with clinical manifestations including tachycardia, severe orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and physical exercise intolerance. Since the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, a concomitant increase in CAN is expected and will reduce quality of life and increase mortality. Autonomic dysfunction is associated with reduced baroreflex sensitivity and impairment of sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation. Various autonomic function tests are used to diagnose CAN, a condition without adequate treatment. It is important to consider the control of glucose level and blood pressure as key factors for preventing CAN progression. However, altered biomarkers of inflammatory and endothelial function, increased purinergic receptor expression, and exacerbated oxidative stress lead to possible targets for the treatment of CAN. The present review describes the molecular alterations seen in CAN, diagnosis, and possible alternative treatments.
Sustainable Removal of Ammonia from the Anaerobic Digester Supernatant Line Using a Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) Composite Adsorbent
Authors: Nativ Paz , Derbew Zenebu Abera , Dagan-Jaldety Chen , Aviezer Yaron , Ben-Asher Raz , Lahav Ori
Published: December 2022

This paper reports on the physico-chemical removal of NH4+ from the supernatant line in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), using zinc-hexa-cyano-ferrate (ZnHCF) beads. The work is divided into three parts: First, the characteristics of three (Zn-, Co-, Ni-) types of HCF beads were determined, with a finding that ZnHCF was the most suitable for the purpose of this work. Second, synthetic and actual supernatant wastewater was passed through a ZnHCF column for many cycles until apparent steady-state results were attained. Due to the very high affinity of the beads toward NH4+ and the much lower affinity toward competing cations, the same regeneration solution could be used for many cycles (20 cycles in this work) without affecting the following adsorption breakthrough curve efficiency and the operational capacity, which was >88% at the end of all adsorption steps. Finally, a cost analysis was performed, revealing that the cost of removing ~500 mg/L of ammonia from the supernatant line is ~$0.02 per m3 of raw wastewater flowing into the plant if the ammonia is recaptured and sold as NH4Cl. This may be cost-effective when the WWTP receives a higher-than-planned load, and an incentive exists for alleviating the ammonia load on the oxidation reactor.
Internal Ileal Diversion as Treatment for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 1-Associated Graft Inflammation and Steatosis after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kavallar Anna M. , Messner Franka , Scheidl Stefan , Oberhuber Rupert , Schneeberger Stefan , Aldrian Denise , Berchtold Valeria , Sanal Murat , Entenmann Andreas , Straub Simon , Gasser Anna , Janecke Andreas R. , Müller Thomas , Vogel Georg F.
Published: December 2022

Background: Progressive Familial Intrahepatic cholestasis type I (PFIC1) is a rare congenital hepatopathy causing cholestasis with progressive liver disease. Surgical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation, e.g., surgical biliary diversion (SBD) can slow down development of liver cirrhosis. Eventually, end stage liver disease necessitates liver transplantation (LT). PFIC1 patients might develop diarrhea, graft steatosis and inflammation after LT. SBD after LT was shown to be effective in the alleviation of liver steatosis and graft injury. Case report: Three PFIC1 patients received LT at the ages of two, two and a half and five years. Shortly after LT diarrhea and graft steatosis was recognized, SBD to the terminal ileum was opted to prevent risk for ascending cholangitis. After SBD, inflammation and steatosis was found to be reduced to resolved, as seen by liver biochemistry and ultrasounds. Diarrhea was reported unchanged. Conclusion: We present three PFIC1 cases for whom SBD to the terminal ileum successfully helped to resolve graft inflammation and steatosis.
Characteristic Sequence of Strongly Minimal Directed Single Graphs of 1-Arity
Authors: Albalahi Abeer M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we will classify the strongly minimal directed single graphs of 1-arity by axiomatizing the theory of characteristic sequence of such a graph. Then we will show this theory is complete by using Łos-Vaught test. Complete theory is important to capture all the models of the theory and hence can be applied on mathematical structures which meet such a theory. The theory of algebraically closed fields with a given characteristic is complete. Thus, in this paper we will classify the strongly minimal directed single graphs of 1-arity with given characteristic sequence which can be applied on many mathematical structures not only algebraically closed fields.
Update on Procedures to Improve Quality of Published Papers
Authors: Berardesca Enzo
Published: December 2022

Scientific research in cosmetics is growing, and there is significant interest in new data related to active molecules, basic science, methods, and product development in this field [...]
Selection of Take-Off and Landing Sites for Firefighter Drones in Urban Areas Using a GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Model
Authors: Kim Min-Seok , Hong Won-Hwa , Lee Yoon-Ha , Baek Seung-Chan
Published: December 2022

Currently, firefighter drones in Republic of Korea underperform due to the lack of take-off site reservations in advance. In order to address this issue, this study proposes a GIS-based multi-criteria model for selecting take-off and landing sites for firefighter drones in urban areas. Seven criteria were set for the selection of take-off and landing sites based on building roofs. Buildings at 318 sites in the target area that satisfy all seven criteria were extracted and grouped according to the geographical location. Among the grouped buildings, 11 sites were reselected through network analysis and central feature methods. In addition, two more sites were selected through the relaxation of criteria for take-off and landing sites for firefighter drones. Validation was performed using the data of building fires that occurred in the target area in the past. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the method applied in this study, as potential responses could be verified for ≥95% of the buildings with a past fire incidence. By introducing a simple methodology in which a multi-criteria model is built through spatial information, this study contributes to the literature on improving operational firefighting strategies and provides practitioners and policymakers with valuable insights to support decision-making.
A Sustainable Approach towards Fisheries Management: Incorporating the High-Seas Fisheries Issues into the BBNJ Agreement
Authors: Qu Yunfeng , Liu Ruiyang
Published: December 2022

The issue of high-seas fisheries is the main threat to biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The BBNJ Agreement, which focuses on biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, is under vigorous discussion. Subject to the “not undermine” requirement and considerations of practical interests, it is highly possible that the BBNJ Agreement may not address the issue of fisheries on the high seas. The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the high-seas fisheries issue and the BBNJ Agreement for the purposes of the conservation of marine biodiversity, the unity of the marine ecosystem, and the consistency of regulations. It maintains that from the perspective of protecting the oceans, enacting legislation in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and transforming marine management mode, the issue of high-seas fisheries should be included in the BBNJ Agreement. In the future, the BBNJ agreement needs to clarify its scope of application, resolve overlapping issues through general regulations and conflict rules, clarify the methods and contents of international cooperation, and establish international law obligations for integrated ocean management.
The Improvement of Dispersion Stability and Bioaccessibility of Calcium Carbonate by Solid/Oil/Water (S/O/W) Emulsion
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Gongwei , Cao Yanping , Xu Duoxia
Published: December 2022

Solid/oil/water (S/O/W) emulsion loaded with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was constructed to raise the dispersion stability and bioaccessibility. In the presence or absence of sodium caseinate (NaCas), the particle size, Zeta-potential, physical stability, and apparent viscosity of stabilized S/O/W emulsions with different gelatin (GEL) concentrations (0.1~8.0 wt%) were compared. Combined with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), cryoscanning electron microscope (Cryo-SEM), and interfacial adsorption characteristics, the stabilization mechanism was analyzed. The bioavailability of CaCO3 was investigated in a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model. The S/O/W-emulsion droplets prepared by the NaCas–GEL composite have a smaller particle size, higher Zeta-potential, larger apparent viscosity, and better physical stability compared with GEL as a single emulsifier. CLSM results confirmed that CaCO3 powder was encapsulated in emulsion droplets. The Cryo-SEM results and interfacial adsorption characteristics analysis indicated that the NaCas–GEL binary composite could effectively reduce the interfacial tension, and the droplets form a denser three-dimensional network space structure with a shell–core structure which enhanced the stability of the system. GIT studies showed that the droplets presented higher CaCO3 bioaccessibility than the CaCO3 powder. This study enriched the theory of the S/O/W transfer system and provided theoretical support for the development of CaCO3 application in liquid food.
Quality Change in Camellia Oil during Intermittent Frying
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Wang Shuo , Yu Yong , Zhang Xu , Chen Jieyu , Zhang Han
Published: December 2022

Camellia oil with a high oleic acid content is widely used for frying. To comprehensively describe the quality change in camellia oil during frying, the changes in composition, deterioration indicators, and volatile profiles were investigated. The results showed that tocopherols mainly degraded in the early stage of frying, followed by unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). This caused the carbonyl value and total polar compounds level to significantly increase. Moreover, frying promoted the accumulation of volatile compounds in terms of type and abundance, especially aldehydes, which are related to the degradation of UFA. Principal component analysis showed that the frying of camellia oil was divided into three stages. First, the camellia oil with a heating time of 2.5–7.5 h showed excellent quality, where tocopherol played a major role in preventing the loss of UFA and was in the degradation acceleration stage. Subsequently, as tocopherol entered the degradation deceleration stage, the quality of camellia oil heated for 10.0–15.0 h presented a transition from good to deteriorated. Finally, tocopherol entered the degradation stagnation stage, and the quality of camellia oil heated for 17.5–25.0 h gradually deteriorated, accompanied by a high level of volatile compounds and deterioration indicators. Overall, this work comprehensively determined the deterioration of camellia oil during intermittent frying and offered valuable insights for its quality evaluation.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates from Asian Green Mussel: Molecular Characteristics, Virulence and Their Inhibition by Chitooligosaccharide-Tea Polyphenol Conjugates
Authors: Palamae Suriya , Mittal Ajay , Yingkajorn Mingkwan , Saetang Jirakrit , Buatong Jirayu , Tyagi Anuj , Singh Prabjeet , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: December 2022

Fifty isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were tested for pathogenicity, biofilm formation, motility, and antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial activity of chitooligosaccharide (COS)-tea polyphenol conjugates against all isolates was also studied. Forty-three isolates were randomly selected from 520 isolates from Asian green mussel (Perna viridis) grown on CHROMagarTM Vibrio agar plate. Six isolates were acquired from stool specimens of diarrhea patients. One laboratory strain was V. parahaemolyticus PSU.SCB.16S.14. Among all isolates tested, 12% of V. parahaemolyticus carried the tdh+trh− gene and were positive toward Kanagawa phenomenon test. All of V. parahaemolyticus isolates could produce biofilm and showed relatively strong motile ability. When COS-catechin conjugate (COS-CAT) and COS-epigallocatechin-3-gallate conjugate (COS-EGCG) were examined for their inhibitory effect against V. parahaemolyticus, the former showed the higher bactericidal activity with the MBC value of 1.024 mg/mL against both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. Most of the representative Asian green mussel V. parahaemolyticus isolates exhibited high sensitivity to all antibiotics, whereas one isolate showed the intermediate resistance to cefuroxime. However, the representative clinical isolates were highly resistant to nine types of antibiotics and had multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.64. Thus, COS-CAT could be used as potential antimicrobial agent for controlling V. parahaemolyticus-causing disease in Asian green mussel.
Information Security Behavior in Health Information Systems: A Review of Research Trends and Antecedent Factors
Authors: Sari Puspita Kencana , Handayani Putu Wuri , Hidayanto Achmad Nizar , Yazid Setiadi , Aji Rizal Fathoni
Published: December 2022

This study aims to review the literature on antecedent factors of information security related to the protection of health information systems (HISs) in the healthcare organization. We classify those factors into organizational and individual aspects. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Academic articles were sourced from five online databases (Scopus, PubMed, IEEE, ScienceDirect, and SAGE) using keywords related to information security, behavior, and healthcare facilities. The search yielded 35 studies, in which the three most frequent individual factors were self-efficacy, perceived severity, and attitudes, while the three most frequent organizational factors were management support, cues to action, and organizational culture. Individual factors for patients and medical students are still understudied, as are the organizational factors of academic healthcare facilities. More individual factors have been found to significantly influence security behavior. Previous studies have been dominated by the security compliance behavior of clinical and non-clinical hospital staff. These research gaps highlight the theoretical implications of this study. This study provides insight for managers of healthcare facilities and governments to consider individual factors in establishing information security policies and programs for improving security behavior.
Research on the Impact of Regular Exercise Behavior of College Students on Academic Stress and Sleep Quality during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yuan Ming-Zhu , Chen Chao-Chien , Chen I-Shen , Yang Cheng-Chia , Hsu Chin-Hsien
Published: December 2022

When college students face the COVID-19 pandemic and new learning challenges simultaneously, how to reduce or alleviate their own academic stress has become a topic of concern to students and their parents. The psychological and physiological benefits of regular exercise have been confirmed by related studies. This study aimed to explore the impact of college students’ regular exercise behavior on academic stress and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a purposive sampling method to collect data through online questionnaires posted to relevant college student groups in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands. A total of 320 questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 91.4%; based on 304 valid questionnaires. The validity rate was 95%. The obtained data were entered in SPSS 24.0 statistical software, and the correlation between variables was analyzed with AMOS 24.0 statistical software. The results show that hypothesis 1 is established, that is, regular exercise behavior of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant negative impact on academic stress, meaning that during the COVID-19 pandemic, if college students can use their spare time to make exercise part of their life, such a regular schedule will help reduce their academic stress. In addition, the empirical results show that hypothesis 2 is established, that is, regular exercise behavior of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant positive impact on sleep quality. A possible reason is that under the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficiency of the body to absorb oxygen is increased through regular exercise, which reduces pressure and improves sleep quality. Hypothesis 3 is also confirmed, that is, the academic stress of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant negative impact on sleep quality. The reason may be that many leisure and social activities have been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus college students exercised and studied during the time they originally intended for leisure and social activities, which reduced their academic stress, stabilized their mood, and improved their sleep quality.
What Motivates People to Receive Continuous COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots? An Expectation Confirmation Theory Perspective
Authors: Liu Jingfang , Lu Shuangjinhua , Lu Caiying
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Abundant evidence has shown that the COVID-19 vaccine booster is highly effective against the Omicron variant. It is of great practical significance to explore the factors influencing the intention to receive COVID-19 booster shots. (2) Methods: We introduced expectation confirmation theory as the basis to construct a model of the factors of the vaccination intention for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. We obtained two batches of questionnaires through Chinese social platforms, with a valid sample size of 572. To test the model, we used SmartPLS3.0 software for empirical analysis. (3) Results: In terms of the characteristics of the vaccine itself, perceived vaccine efficacy and perceived vaccine safety had significant positive effects on expectation confirmation. Regarding vaccination services, perceived vaccination convenience also had a significant positive effect on expectation confirmation. Expectation confirmation positively affected the vaccination intention for the COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Furthermore, the results showed two moderating effects: first, health consciousness negatively moderated the positive effect of perceived vaccine safety on expectation confirmation; second, the time interval since the last dose negatively moderated the positive effect of perceived vaccine efficacy on expectation confirmation. (4) Conclusions: Our research demonstrated that there is an expectation confirmation process for previous COVID-19 vaccines before people consider whether to obtain a booster shot. Perceived vaccine efficacy and perceived vaccine safety remained important factors in receiving COVID-19 booster shots, and our conclusions were consistent with previous literature. In this study, multiple dimensions such as distance and cost were used to measure perceived vaccination convenience. This new variable improve the explanatory power of the convenience of the vaccination service and enrich the variables of the factor model of vaccination intention. In addition, the moderating effects of health consciousness and time interval were found. The findings can provide a theoretical reference for public health institutions to help them understand the formation process of people’s intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Quality of Work Life of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almugren Ghadah F. , Zedan Haya S.
Published: December 2022

Quality of Work Life is a multi-dimensional discipline that is concerned with the quality of life in the workplace. This study aimed to assess quality of work–life level and identify the correlation between its dimensions and Job and Career Satisfaction. The study used the 32-item WRQoL-2 tool, a questionnaire consisting of 6 subscales: Job and Career Satisfaction, Control at Work, Home–Work Interface, General Wellbeing, Stress at Work, and Work Conditions, to assess for these correlations. 57 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (MRITs) (100%) responded to the questionnaire. The study found a high level of QWL among MRITs (66.2%, 3.31/5). The level of the JCS was high (71.6%, 3.59/5), with significant correlations between JCS and WCS, CAW, HWI, and GWB. An inverse relationship was noted between SAW and JCS. Further research on QWL is advised to diagnose and provide recommendation to resolve issues that may adversely affect the quality of healthcare service provision.
Mortar Characterization and Radiocarbon Dating as Support for the Restoration Work of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate (Lecce, South Italy)
Authors: Vasco Giovanna , Serra Antonio , Buccolieri Giovanni , Manno Daniela , Calcagnile Lucio , Quarta Gianluca , Buccolieri Alessandro
Published: December 2022

During the restoration work promoted by the FAI foundation (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) of the abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate (Lecce, Apulia, South Italy), multidisciplinary analyses have been realized to support conservators and art historians for the safeguard and valorization of the most important byzantine evidence (12th–13th century) in Apulia. In this paper, mortar samples have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize the observed materials, directing conservators for the integration interventions with compatible realizations. Moreover, the samples were compared with specimens taken from local quarries and the nearest coastline area, and vegetal fibers, embedded into the mortars were analyzed by applying radiocarbon dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). It was thus possible to give a contribution to the historical-artistic research related to the building techniques, the ratio aggregates/binder and the employed materials of the mortars and the dating of the mural paintings between the end of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century.
Response of Nutritional Status and Tea Quality to the Rate and Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Organic Manure
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Zhu Yun , Geng Saipan , Ruan Jianyun
Published: December 2022

Proper fertilization is important to sustainable tea production. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the response of quality components in a chlorotic tea variety (Zhonghuang-2) to rates of fertilizers and the substitution ratio of chemical fertilizers by organic manure based on rapeseed cake. Chlorotic tea varieties have unique metabolic characteristics and produce superior tea containing high contents of free amino acids. Results showed that fertilization significantly increased yield and contents of free amino acid (TFAA) but reduced contents of total polyphenol (TP) and the ratio of TP/TFAA. Contents of TFAA and TP and the TP/TFAA ratio were closely related to nitrogen (N) concentrations in plant tissues in response to the rate of N fertilizers. The results suggest that the quality-related components in the chlorotic tea variety respond to fertilizers in a similar way as normal tea varieties. The optimal rates of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium fertilizers were discussed and recommended based on the response of quality components of tea and the contents of nutrients in plants and soil. The full substitution of chemical fertilizers by organic manure showed no special benefit on tea quality and had lower N and P agronomic use efficiency due to a low bioavailability of nutrients. The partial substitution of chemical fertilizers by organic manure significantly improved tea yield, quality, profit, and economic and environmental sustainability.
Extraction Optimization of Crocin from Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis)Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology and Quality Evaluation of Foam-Mat Dried Powder
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Minh , Nhu Pham Huynh , Tai Ngo Van , Minh Vo Quang
Published: December 2022

The crocin in gardenia, as a medical plant, has drawnthe attention of researchers and scientists due to its color and high antioxidant activity. To optimize the extraction parameters of crocin from gardenia fruits, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed.The effects of four independent variables, namely extraction temperature (45–55 °C), time (40–60 min), percentage of gardenia fruits(15–25%), and ethanol concentration (50–60%),on a crocin compound were investigated. The extract from the gardenia fruit was dried at different temperatures (55–70 °C) by the foam-mat drying method. The optimal extraction parameters were an extraction temperature of 55 °C, time of 57 min, percent of fruits in solvent at 24%, and an ethanol concentration of 56%. The results showed that the dried gardenia powder had maintained the crocin content well(6.64 mg/g), and the product with low water activity and moisture content of 0.33 and 5.72%, respectively, is suitable for storage. The foam-mat dried product also maintains the natural color and characteristics inherent in the raw materials, which could also be used as supplemental ingredients for other food industries.
Organic Substrates Differentially Affect Growth and Macronutrient Concentrations of Lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) Seedlings
Authors: Trejo-Téllez Libia Iris , Gómez-Merino Fernando Carlos , García-Albarado J. Cruz , Peralta-Sánchez María Guadalupe
Published: December 2022

We tested the effect of varying percentages (v/v) of peatmoss and compost (60/40, T1; 40/60, T2; and 20/80, T3) on growth and macronutrient concentration of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) seedlings in a completely randomized experiment with ten replicates under greenhouse conditions. Lulo seedlings displayed higher plant height and stem diameter when grown in T1 and T2, as compared to T3. In root tissues, N concentration was higher in plants grown in T1, and the same trend was observed in leaves, though differences were not significant in the latter. All other nutrient concentrations analyzed in root tissues were higher in plants under T3. These results are directly related to a higher biomass production in roots as compared to shoots (52.5% higher) found in T3. In leaf tissues, however, significant increases in plants exposed to T3 were only evident for Ca and S concentrations (i.e., 10.6 and 2.6 g kg−1 DBW). Considering dry biomass weight (DBW), lulo plants exhibited a significant and positive correlation between shoot (ShDBW) and total dry biomass (TDBW), whereas low and negative correlations were observed between root DBW and ShDBW. Therefore, a peatmoss/compost ratio of 0.66 (40/60, T2) results in a better plant growth performance, ensuring a good plant nutrient status for lulo seedlings.
Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Vaccinium uliginosum in China Based on the Maxent Niche Model
Authors: Li Qian , Qi Ying , Wang Qi , Wang Delu
Published: December 2022

Vaccinium uliginosum L. is a wild fruit tree, mainly distributed in the extremely cold climate region of China, such as the Greater Khingan Mountains, Lesser Khingan Mountains, and Changbai Mountains. Most fruit trees are largely unsustainable in these regions, but wild V. uliginosum thrives in the region. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the precious wild V. uliginosum resources. With the effect of global warming, the suitable habitat of V. uliginosum has also changed. A total of 287 pieces of data with 22 environmental variables were collected on the geographical distribution of wild V. uliginosum. The Maxent model was applied to predict the potential distribution of V. uliginosum in China under different climate scenarios (Socioeconomic Pathways 1-2.6 (SSP1-2.6), SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) in the current and future two periods (the 2050s and 2070s). The predicted results show that the distribution and area of the suitable area-change range is small. The results show that the cumulative contribution rates of BIO07 (annual temperature range), BIO12 (annual precipitation), and BIO10 (mean temperature of warmest quarter) reach 74.1%, indicating that temperature and precipitation are the key factors affecting the distribution of V. uliginosum. This study can provide a reference for relevant departments to take conservation measures with respect to climate change and the adaptation of V. uliginosum to habitat changes.
A Retrospective Evaluation of the Predictive Value of Newborn Screening for Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Symptomatic Infants Below 1 Year of Age
Authors: Ljungblad Ulf Wike , Lindberg Morten , Eklund Erik A. , Sæves Ingjerd , Sagredo Carlos , Bjørke-Monsen Anne-Lise , Tangeraas Trine
Published: December 2022

Background: The sensitivity of newborn screening (NBS) in detecting infants that later develop symptomatic vitamin B12 deficiency is unknown. We evaluated the predictive value using NBS algorithms in detecting infants that later were clinically diagnosed with symptomatic B12 deficiency. Furthermore, we investigated whether being born in a hospital using nitrous oxide (N2O) as pain relief in labor may have had an impact on total homocysteine at NBS. Methods: We retrospectively retrieved NBS data and analyzed total homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and methyl citrate on stored NBS dried blood spots (DBS) of 70 infants diagnosed with symptomatic B12 deficiency and compared them to 646 matched and 434 unmatched DBS controls to evaluate the Austrian and Heidelberg B12 NBS algorithms. Results: The sensitivity of NBS in detecting infants later diagnosed with symptomatic B12 deficiency at median age 10.9 weeks was ≤10%. Total homocysteine was higher in DBS for the unmatched controls who were born in hospitals providing N2O compared to in hospitals not providing N2O, with median total homocysteine 4.0 µmol/L compared to 3.5 µmol/L (n = 434, 95% CI 0.04–0.87, p = 0.03). Conclusion: NBS algorithms were unable to identify most infants diagnosed with symptomatic B12 deficiency after the neonatal period. Being born in hospitals providing N2O may impact total homocysteine at NBS.
Weight Loss and Competition Weight in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Athletes
Authors: Peacock Corey A. , French Duncan , Sanders Gabriel J. , Ricci Anthony , Stull Charles , Antonio Jose
Published: December 2022

Previous research has demonstrated that professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes employ a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete at given weight classes. Although there is much literature demonstrating weight manipulation methods, minimal research exists analyzing how much weight MMA athletes lose prior to the official weigh-in. Moreover, there is minimal research examining how much weight professional MMA athletes gain between the official weigh-in and competition. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to analyze weight loss/regain in professional MMA athletes. Data collected from 616 professional MMA athletes (31.1 ± 4.0 yrs.; 177.1 ± 4.7 cm) competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) between 2020 and 2022 were used for the study. The athlete’s weight was obtained 72 h, 48 h, and 24 h prior to the official weigh-in, at the official weigh-in, and prior to competition. Random effects analysis was utilized to compare weight at a variety of time points between different weight classes. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There is a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference between weight classes and time points in professional MMA. MMA athletes decrease body weight significantly prior to the official weigh-in. MMA athletes increase body weight significantly between official weigh-in and competition. Based on these data, it appears that MMA athletes average a weight loss of nearly 7% within 72 h prior to the official weigh-in. The data also suggest that athletes gain nearly 10% of total weight between the official weigh-in and competition.
Fully Automated Segmentation Models of Supratentorial Meningiomas Assisted by Inclusion of Normal Brain Images
Authors: Hwang Kihwan , Park Juntae , Kwon Young-Jae , Cho Se Jin , Choi Byung Se , Kim Jiwon , Kim Eunchong , Jang Jongha , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Kim Sangsoo , Kim Chae-Yong
Published: December 2022

To train an automatic brain tumor segmentation model, a large amount of data is required. In this paper, we proposed a strategy to overcome the limited amount of clinically collected magnetic resonance image (MRI) data regarding meningiomas by pre-training a model using a larger public dataset of MRIs of gliomas and augmenting our meningioma training set with normal brain MRIs. Pre-operative MRIs of 91 meningioma patients (171 MRIs) and 10 non-meningioma patients (normal brains) were collected between 2016 and 2019. Three-dimensional (3D) U-Net was used as the base architecture. The model was pre-trained with BraTS 2019 data, then fine-tuned with our datasets consisting of 154 meningioma MRIs and 10 normal brain MRIs. To increase the utility of the normal brain MRIs, a novel balanced Dice loss (BDL) function was used instead of the conventional soft Dice loss function. The model performance was evaluated using the Dice scores across the remaining 17 meningioma MRIs. The segmentation performance of the model was sequentially improved via the pre-training and inclusion of normal brain images. The Dice scores improved from 0.72 to 0.76 when the model was pre-trained. The inclusion of normal brain MRIs to fine-tune the model improved the Dice score; it increased to 0.79. When employing BDL as the loss function, the Dice score reached 0.84. The proposed learning strategy for U-net showed potential for use in segmenting meningioma lesions.
A Framework for Enabling Unpaired Multi-Modal Learning for Deep Cross-Modal Hashing Retrieval
Authors: Williams-Lekuona Mikel , Cosma Georgina , Phillips Iain
Published: December 2022

Cross-Modal Hashing (CMH) retrieval methods have garnered increasing attention within the information retrieval research community due to their capability to deal with large amounts of data thanks to the computational efficiency of hash-based methods. To date, the focus of cross-modal hashing methods has been on training with paired data. Paired data refers to samples with one-to-one correspondence across modalities, e.g., image and text pairs where the text sample describes the image. However, real-world applications produce unpaired data that cannot be utilised by most current CMH methods during the training process. Models that can learn from unpaired data are crucial for real-world applications such as cross-modal neural information retrieval where paired data is limited or not available to train the model. This paper provides (1) an overview of the CMH methods when applied to unpaired datasets, (2) proposes a framework that enables pairwise-constrained CMH methods to train with unpaired samples, and (3) evaluates the performance of state-of-the-art CMH methods across different pairing scenarios.
Latest Developments and Insights of Orthopedic Implants in Biomaterials Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Authors: Abdudeen Asarudheen , Abu Qudeiri Jaber E. , Kareem Ansar , Valappil Anasmon Koderi
Published: December 2022

The additive manufacturing (AM) process is used for joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, contrary to subtractive manufacturing methods. This technology plays a significant role in fabricating orthopedic implants, especially parts of hip implants (HI), such as femoral head, stem, neck, polyethylene linear, acetabular shell, and so on, using biomaterials. These biodegradable resources are those that can be utilized as tissue substitutes since they are accepted by live tissues. Here, the study is to examine the most preferable AM process and biomaterial used for making HI, including its manufacturing methods, compositions, types, advantages, and defects and cross-examining the limitations to bring some new technology in the future. Then we elaborate on the outlook of the most preferable material, followed by evaluating its biocompatibility, detailed application, and structural defects occurring while using it as an HI. Subsequently, the physical characteristics and design constraints are also reviewed in the paper. We assess the current stage of the topology optimization technique (TO) with respect to the characteristics of newly designed implants. The review concludes with future perspectives and directions for research.
Is China’s Fishing Capacity Management Sufficient? Quantitative Assessment of China’s Efforts toward Fishing Capacity Management and Proposals for Improvement
Authors: Yang Hyun-Joo , Peng Daomin , Liu Honghong , Mu Yongtong , Kim Do-Hoon
Published: December 2022

As the country with the world’s largest fishing capacity, China suffers from the depletion of living marine resources, mainly caused by overexploitation, the effects of which also distinctly influence global sustainable utilization of marine resources and maritime order. The country has implemented a series of measures to control its national fishing capacity, notably since the late 1980s, and strongly expressed its responsibility and commitment to sustainable resource utilization in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). This study quantitatively assesses the effect of China’s fishing capacity management efforts by examining changes in the fishing capacity of marine capture fisheries by region from 1979 to 2019 in Chinese waters, based on window data envelopment analysis (DEA), and further proposes directions for policy adjustment. The results suggest that China’s coastal and offshore fisheries are still subject to overcapacity of approximately 20%, despite major corrective efforts invested in past decades. This implies that China needs to further improve its fishing capacity management and set clear objectives, as determined by the availability of resources and regional features. Global fisheries management’s focus is shifting from input to output control, but overcapacity still threatens the sustainable use of fisheries resources in China and poses obstacles to other systems.
Nexus between Regulatory Sandbox and Performance of Digital Banks—A Study on UK Digital Banks
Authors: Washington Patrick Bernard , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Lee Ernesto
Published: December 2022

It is debatable whether the regulatory Sandbox contributes to financial institutions’ growth. We used a panel sample of 24 challenger banks from the UK. This study has reviewed digital banks’ adoption of a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation in financial sectors. We assessed the regulatory tools that encourage FinTech innovations, focusing on the aims of financial stability. Therefore, we exploit the introduction of the Sandbox as a catalyst for digital banking and its heterogeneous effects on the financial performance of digital banks. Our research showed that regulatory sandboxes have a detrimental impact on the financial performance of digital banks, increasing compliance costs and efficiency costs. This study will contribute to the limited literature on regulatory Sandbox and its policy implication for the growth and performance of digital banks. The recommendation of this study would help to improve the regulation of the development of digital technologies in the UK.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Using CiteSpace: The Perspective of China
Authors: Chen Jie , Guo Zhen , Xu Shaogui , Law Rob , Liao Chenmei , He Wenqin , Zhang Mu
Published: December 2022

Tourism development is an effective way to protect intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Research on the relationship between these two factors and related issues is of great significance to promoting the sustainable development of ICH. Based on literatures collected from the CNKI database (381 articles) and the Web of Science core collection (545 articles), this study used CiteSpace analysis software to analyze the published volume of ICH tourism research and extract hot keywords and hotspot research topics. Results showed that the number of articles published in Chinese and foreign journals had three stages, namely, steady development, rapid growth, and fluctuating decline. Judging from the research keywords, “cultural tourism”, “authenticity”, “sustainable development” and “protection (or conservation)” are common topics at home and abroad, whereas “loyalty”, “motivation” “conservation” and “quality” are the emerging keywords of foreign journals in recent years. In terms of content, research on the relationship between ICH protection and tourism development, research on the development model, and stakeholder research in tourism development are the focus of Chinese academic circles. This study systematically summarizes the ICH tourism research under different cultural backgrounds and proposes suggestions for the future development of ICH tourism in China.
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of Micro/Nano-Structured LiFePO4 Electrode Materials with Improved Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Qiao Yuqing , Liu Ying , Zhu Jianguo , Jia Peng , Zhang Liqiao , Zhou Wei , Jiao Tifeng
Published: December 2022

As an electrode material, LiFePO4 has been extensively studied in the field of energy conversion and storage due to its inexpensive cost and excellent safety, as well as good cycling stability. However, it remains a challenge to obtain LiFePO4 electrode materials with acceptable discharge capacity at low temperature. Here, micro/nano-structured LiFePO4 electrode materials with grape-like morphology were fabricated via a facile solvothermal approach using ethanol and OA as the co-solvent, the surfactant as well as the carbon source. The structure and electrochemical properties of the LiFePO4 material were investigated with x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the formation mechanism of the self-assembled micro/nano-structured LiFePO4 was discussed as well. The micro/nano-structured LiFePO4 electrode materials exhibited a high discharge capacity (142 mAh·g−1) at a low temperature of 0 °C, and retained 102 mAh·g−1 when the temperature was decreased to −20 °C. This investigation can provide a reference for the design of micro/nano-structured electrode materials with improvement of the electrochemical performance at low temperature.