bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Positioning and Energy-Efficient Path Planning for Disaster Scenarios in 5G-Assisted Multi-UAV Environments
Authors: Khan Adil , Zhang Jinling , Ahmad Shabeer , Memon Saifullah , Qureshi Haroon Akhtar , Ishfaq Muhammad
Published: July 2022

The integration of fifth-generation (5G) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies has become a promising solution for providing seamless communication in applications, such as disaster management, because of its bandwidth availability, cost-efficacy, and mobile nature. The state-of-the-art research in UAV communication concentrates on effective positioning and path planning. Despite this, these systems performed poorly due to a lack of dynamic control and external factors, such as weather. The solution presented in this paper addresses the problems listed above by using dynamic positioning and energy-efficient path planning for disaster scenarios in the 5G-assisted multi-UAV environments (Dynamic-UAV) to maximize the performance metrics. The lightweight gated recurrent unit (LGRU) is used for weather and event prediction to determine the disaster and non-disaster area and the context of the disaster. The density-based optics clustering (DBOC) algorithm is used to achieve reliability during communication with cluster IoT devices in disaster and non-disaster regions. The satellite determines the number of UAVs required and positions the UAVs using the dynamic positioning-based soft actor–critic (DPSAC) algorithm to achieve maximum throughput. Moreover, the UAVs’ path planning is performed using the shuffled shepherd optimization with dynamic-window method (SSO-DWM) to reduce energy consumption. The proposed approach is simulated using the NS 3.26 simulator and validated by comparing the results with existing techniques regarding the quality of service (QoS), reliability, and energy efficiency. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method achieved maximum throughput (1.59 bit/s), packet delivery ratio (0.88), coverage probability (0.82), number of collected packets (7109–5875), energy efficiency (1.544), minimum delay (16.4 ms–18.5 ms), and energy consumption (7.48 KJ).
A Track-and-Hold Circuit with Tunable Non-Linearity and a Calibration Loop for PAM-8 SerDes Receivers
Authors: Di Pasquo Alessio , Monaco Enrico , Ghittori Nicola , Nani Claudio , Fanucci Luca
Published: July 2022

In this brief, we propose a 60 GS/s high-linearity two-stage 8 × 8 time-interleaved track-and-hold circuit where it is possible to tune the static non-linearities of the second-stage buffer by applying a proper bias voltage. This allows us to maximize the static linearity of the buffer or introduce effects that counterbalance the non-linearities of other blocks of the analog front-end. To validate the proposed circuit, a prototype in TSMC 5 nm technology is designed and a linearity calibration loop is proposed for a Pulse Amplitude Modulation SerDes receiver. For the analog buffer, circuit-level simulations are performed in Cadence Virtuoso, while the calibration loop is simulated in MATLAB. The optimal bias voltage value can be found by modeling the track-and-hold linearity using a Taylor series and implementing the linearity calibration loop in MATLAB. By applying this result to the circuit-level simulation, we obtain a total harmonic distortion of over 50 dB, which matches with the maximum value achievable across the complete bias voltage control range. Lastly, the linearity of the system is also verified using a PAM-8 pseudorandom stream signal.
Culturable Endophytic Fungi in Fraxinus excelsior and Their Interactions with Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Barta Marek , Pastirčáková Katarína , Ostrovský Radovan , Kobza Marek , Kádasi Horáková Miriam
Published: July 2022

The species diversity of culturable endophytic fungi was studied in the leaves and twigs of symptomatic and asymptomatic Fraxinus excelsior trees. Endophytic mycobiota was dominated by Ascomycota species, with Pleosporales (44.17%) and Diaporthales (23.79%) endophytes being the most frequently observed in the tree samples. The number of endophytic isolates and species richness varied depending on the sampling date (May and October) and tissue location. Of the 54 species identified based on ITS sequences, 14 were classified as dominant. The most frequently isolated species were Diaporthe eres, followed by Alternaria alternata, Dothiorella gregaria, and Fraxinicola fraxini. The inhibitory effect of 41 species (75 isolates) of endophytes on the radial growth of a Hymenoscyphus fraxineus isolate was studied under in vitro conditions (dual cultures). The radial growth of H. fraxineus was the most inhibited by four endophytic fungi from twigs (Fusarium lateritium, Didymella aliena, Didymella macrostoma, and Dothiorella gregaria). The inhibitory effect of the four isolates was also studied under in planta conditions. The isolates artificially inoculated into the trunks of ash trees reduced the length of necroses formed by H. fraxineus co-inoculated in the same trunks. This effect depended on the isolate, and the inhibition was most prominent only on trunks inoculated with F. lateritium and D. aliena. Although the total length of necrotic lesions formed by the H. fraxineus infection was shorter in the ash trunks co-inoculated with the endophytes, the difference was not significant.
Enhancement of Antioxidant Activities in Black Soy Milk through Isoflavone Aglycone Production during Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation
Authors: Leksono Benediktus Yudo , Cahyanto Muhammad Nur , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Yanti Rini , Utami Tyas
Published: July 2022

Black soybeans contain high antioxidant compounds such as isoflavone but mainly in glucoside form, with low antioxidant activities. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can enhance the antioxidant properties, but its ability is strain-dependent. This study aims to study the ability of Indonesian indigenous LAB, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WGK 4, Streptococcus thermophilus Dad 11, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad 13, to enhance the antioxidant properties during black soy milk fermentation. Fermentation was carried out at 37 °C for 24 h. Viable cell, acid production, Folin–Ciocalteu assay, antioxidant activity (DPPH), isoflavone aglycone daidzein and genistein, and β-glucosidase activity were measured every six hours. All LAB strains could grow well during the fermentation of black soy milk. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WGK 4 produced the highest acid (1.50%). All three LAB strains could enhance antioxidant activity (DPPH) from 24.90% to 31.22–38.20%, followed by increased isoflavone aglycone. All strains could increase daidzein and genistein content, ranging from 61% to 107% and 81% to 132%, respectively. All three Indonesian indigenous LAB enhanced antioxidant properties of black soy milk relatively at the same level and potentially could be used as a starter culture of black soy milk fermentation.
Identifying the Origin of Turbulence Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Brown Justin , Zimny Jacqueline , Radko Timour
Published: July 2022

Though turbulence is often thought to have universal behavior regardless of origin, it may be possible to distinguish between the types of turbulence generated by different sources. Prior work in turbulence modeling has shown that the fundamental “constants” of turbulence models are often problem-dependent and need to be calibrated to the desired application. This has resulted in the introduction of machine learning techniques to attempt to apply the general body of turbulence simulations to the modeling of turbulence at the subgrid-scale. This suggests that the inverse is likely also possible: that machine learning can use the properties of turbulence at small scales to identify the nature of the original source and potentially distinguish between different classes of turbulence-generating systems, which is a novel pursuit. We perform numerical simulations of three forms of turbulence—convection, wake, and jet—and then train a convolutional neural network to distinguish between these cases using only a narrow field of view of the velocity field. We find that the network is capable of identifying the correct case with 86% accuracy. This work has implications for distinguishing artificial sources of turbulence from natural ones and aiding in identifying the mechanism of turbulence in nature, permitting more accurate mixing models.
Edible Films Made of Dried Olive Leaf Extract and Chitosan: Characterization and Applications
Authors: Famiglietti Michela , Savastano Alessandro , Gaglione Rosa , Arciello Angela , Naviglio Daniele , Mariniello Loredana
Published: July 2022

Nowadays a possible strategy in food preservation consists of the use of active and functional packaging to improve safety and ensure a longer shelf life of food products. Many studies refer to chitosan-based films because of the already-known chitosan (CH) antibacterial and antifungal activity. In this work, we developed CH-based films containing Dried Olive Leaf Extract (DOLE) obtained by Naviglio extractor, with the aim to investigate the polyphenols yield and the antioxidant activity of this extract entrapped in CH-based-edible films. Olive tree cultivation produces a huge amount of byproducts that are usually simply burned. Phenolic compounds are already studied for their beneficial effects on human health. Some studies reported that phenols isolated from olive leaves have been shown to inhibit the growth of different strains of microorganisms. Thus, the antimicrobial effect of DOLE-containing films against bacterial strains (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC® 14028, Salmonella enteritidis RIVM 706, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212) was tested in vitro. The DOLE component of the films is effective in inhibiting all the bacteria tested in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, it was demonstrated that these edible films can act as active bioplastics when used to wrap hamburgers in substitution for baking paper, which is normally used.
Effects of Drying Methods on the Volatile Compounds of Alliummongolicum Regel
Authors: Zhang Ledao , Cao Shiying , Li Junfang , Wang Guoze
Published: July 2022

Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) is a traditional Mongolian food. Various drying methods play an important role in foodstuff flavor. However, the effect of different drying methods on AMR is limited. In this study, freeze drying (FD), vacuum drying (VD), and hot-air drying (HAD) were applied to dry fresh AMR to a moisture content of 8% (wet basis); headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry was adopted to identify volatile compounds in AMR; and principal component analysis and fingerprint similarity analysis based on the Euclidean distance was used to distinguish the fresh and three dried treatments. In total, 113 peaks were detected and 102 volatile compounds were identified. Drying causes significant changes to the amounts of volatile compounds in AMR, and the drying method plays a key role in determining which volatile compounds appear. Compared to FD, VD and HAD were more appropriate for drying AMR because the volatile compounds after VD and HAD were closer to those of fresh AMR. These findings can provide a scientific basis to help to preserve future seasonal functional food and aid in Mongolian medicine production.
Antidiarrheal Effect of Fermented Millet Bran on Diarrhea Induced by Senna Leaf in Mice
Authors: Chen Shujun , Hao Minquan , Zhang Lizhen
Published: July 2022

Bacillus natto is a kind of probiotic with various functional characteristics, which can produce a lot of nutrients during growth and reproduction. Bacillus natto was used as strain, the number of viable bacteria and the content of soluble dietary fiber in millet bran were used as indexes to study the effects of inoculum size, fermentation time, and fermentation temperature on the fermentation effect, and the optimal fermentation conditions were determined by a response surface experiment. The antidiarrhea effect of fermented millet bran prepared under the best technological conditions was evaluated. The results showed that the optimum fermentation conditions were as follows: inoculum size was 7.48%, fermentation time was 47.04 h, and fermentation temperature was 36.06 °C. Under the optimal fermentation conditions, the viable bacteria count of millet bran was 8.03 log CFU/mL and the soluble dietary fiber content was 12.14%. The fermented millet bran can significantly reduce the intestinal thrust rate and serum levels of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, and significantly increase the secretion of SIgA in the intestinal mucosa, which can relieve diarrhea induced by senna leaf in mice. The results of this study can provide the scientific basis for deep processing of millet bran and efficient utilization of fermented millet bran, and also provide the theoretical basis for clinical treatment of diarrhea.
Effects of Spray Drying and Freeze Drying on Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities of Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) Skin Hydrolysates
Authors: Dong Ye , Yan Wen , Zhang Yi-Qi
Published: July 2022

The physicochemical, structural properties, antioxidant, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of fish skin protein hydrolysate (SPH) that were freeze-dried (SPH-FD) and spray-dried (SPH-SD) were investigated. SPH-SD showed abundant volatile compounds, higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferrous iron chelating activity than SPH-FD, while the ABTS radical scavenging activity and ACE inhibitory activity were not influenced by the drying method. Amino acid compositions showed a higher proportion of proline and hydroxyproline residues in SPH-FD. The major molecular weights were both distributed below 1000 Da. SPH-SD had spherical structures, while SPH-FD had glass shard-like structures. The results indicated that the drying method could affect the physicochemical properties of hydrolysates, and SPH-SD showed potential prospects in developing functional fortified foods.
Effects of Calcium Lactate-Enriched Pumpkin on Calcium Status in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Wawrzyniak Natalia , Gramza-Michałowska Anna , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek Ewa , Sassek Maciej , Suliburska Joanna
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enriched pumpkin on calcium status in ovariectomized rats. The study was conducted in sixty female Wistar rats, which were divided into six groups: a group fed a standard diet (C) and five ovariectomized groups fed a standard diet (OVX_C) or a diet with calcium lactate (CaL), with calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin (P_CaL), with calcium lactate and alendronate (CaL_B), or with calcium lactate-enriched pumpkin with alendronate (P_CaL_B). After 12 weeks of the intervention, the rats were sacrificed, and their blood and tissues were collected. The calcium concentrations in serum and in tissues were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Serum concentrations of procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (PINP), parathyroid hormone PTH, estrogen (ES), and osteocalcin (OC) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was found that enriched pumpkin increased the calcium level in the kidneys (194.13 ± 41.01 mg) compared to the C (87.88 ± 12.42 mg) and OVX_C (79.29 ± 7.66 mg) groups. The addition of alendronate increased the calcium level in the femurs (267.63 ± 23.63 mg) and more than six times in the kidneys (541.33 ± 62.91 mg) compared to the OVX_C group (234.53 ± 21.67 mg and 87.88 ± 12.42 mg, respectively). We found that the CaL, P_CaL, and CaL_B groups had significantly lower PINP serum concentrations (4.45 ± 0.82 ng/mL, 4.14 ± 0.69 ng/mL, and 3.77 ± 0.33 ng/mL) and higher PTH serum levels (3.39 ± 0.54 ng/dL, 3.38 ± 0.57 ng/dL, and 3.47 ± 0.28 ng/dL) than the OVX_C group (4.69 ± 0.82 ng/mL and 2.59 ± 0.45 ng/dL, respectively). In conclusion, pumpkin enriched with calcium lactate affects calcium status and normalizes PINP and PTH serum levels in ovariectomized rats. Diet with enriched pumpkin and alendronate increase calcium concentration in the femur. Enriched pumpkin causes calcium to accumulate in the kidneys of ovariectomized rats; alendronate significantly exacerbates this effect.
Chiral Supramolecular Hydrogel Loaded with Dimethyloxalyglycine to Accelerate Chronic Diabetic Wound Healing by Promoting Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Cai Weijie , Ren Zun , Lu Yuxiang , Hamushan Musha , Cheng Pengfei , Xu Zhengyu , Shen Hao , Zhao Changli , Han Pei , Zhong Wanrun
Published: July 2022

Chronic refractory wounds are one of the most serious complications of diabetes, and the effects of common treatments are limited. Chiral hydrogel combined with dimethyloxalyglycine (DMOG) as a dressing is a promising strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds. In this research, we have developed a DMOG-loaded supramolecular chiral amino-acid-derivative hydrogel for wound dressings for full-thickness skin regeneration of chronic wounds. The properties of the materials, the ability of sustained release drugs, and the ability to promote angiogenesis were tested in vitro, and the regeneration rate and repair ability of full-thickness skin were tested in vivo. The chiral hydrogel had the ability to release drugs slowly. It can effectively promote cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro, and promote full-thickness skin regeneration and angiogenesis in vivo. This work offers a new approach for repairing chronic wounds completely through a supramolecular chiral hydrogel loaded with DMOG.
A Brief Evaluation of Pore Structure Determination for Bioaerogels
Authors: Horvat Gabrijela , Pantić Milica , Knez Željko , Novak Zoran
Published: July 2022

This review discusses the most commonly employed methods for determining pore size and pore size distribution in bioaerogels. Aerogels are materials with high porosity and large surface areas. Most of their pores are in the range of mesopores, between 2 and 50 nm. They often have smaller or larger pores, which presents a significant challenge in determining the exact mean pore size and pore size distribution in such materials. The precision and actual value of the pore size are of considerable importance since pore size and pore size distribution are among the main properties of aerogels and are often directly connected with the final application of those materials. However, many recently published papers discuss or present pore size as one of the essential achievements despite the misinterpretation or the wrong assignments of pore size determination. This review will help future research and publications evaluate the pore size of aerogels more precisely and discuss it correctly. The study covers methods such as gas adsorption, from which BJH and DFT models are often used, SEM, mercury porosimetry, and thermoporometry. The methods are described, and the results obtained are discussed. The following paper shows that there is still no precise method for determining pore size distribution or mean pore size in aerogels until now. Knowing that, it is expected that this field will evolve in the future.
Urinary Sodium Excretion Enhances the Effect of Alcohol on Blood Pressure
Authors: Jiang Xiyun , Anasanti Mila D. , Drenos Fotios , Blakemore Alexandra I. , Pazoki Raha
Published: July 2022

Alcohol consumption is linked to urinary sodium excretion and both of these traits are linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The interplay between alcohol consumption and sodium on hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is not well-described. Here, we used genetically predicted alcohol consumption and explored the relationships between alcohol consumption, urinary sodium, hypertension, and CVDs. Methods: We performed a comparative analysis among 295,189 participants from the prospective cohort of the UK Biobank (baseline data collected between 2006 and 2010). We created a genetic risk score (GRS) using 105 published genetic variants in Europeans that were associated with alcohol consumption. We explored the relationships between GRS, alcohol consumption, urinary sodium, blood pressure traits, and incident CVD. We used linear and logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards (PH) models and Mendelian randomization in our analysis. Results: The median follow-up time for composite CVD and stroke were 6.1 years and 7.1 years respectively. Our analyses showed that high alcohol consumption is linked to low urinary sodium excretion. Our results showed that high alcohol GRS was associated with high blood pressure and higher risk of stroke and supported an interaction effect between alcohol GRS and urinary sodium on stage 2 hypertension (Pinteraction = 0.03) and CVD (Pinteraction = 0.03), i.e., in the presence of high urinary sodium excretion, the effect of alcohol GRS on blood pressure may be enhanced. Conclusions: Our results show that urinary sodium excretion may offset the risk posed by genetic risk of alcohol consumption.
German Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) Questionnaire
Authors: Brune Carolin Sophie , Toporowski Gregor , Rölfing Jan Duedal , Gosheger Georg , Fresen Jana , Frommer Adrien , Laufer Andrea , Roedl Robert , Vogt Bjoern
Published: July 2022

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures are gaining increasing importance in clinical research and quality control. Clinical impairment through limb deformities can appear in various forms. This study aimed at translating and culturally adaptating the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) into German by following the scientific rigor of the cross-cultural adaptation process as well as ensuring the reliability of the translated version. The LD-SRS is applicable in children and adults. Methods: The translation was performed in accordance with the creators of the LD-SRS following the Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines for translation and cultural adaptation. Two forward translations were performed, and after a consensus meeting, a professional translator translated the PROM back to English. The creators reviewed the back translation of the preliminary German version. Thirty patients with upper and lower limb deformities participated in cognitive debriefing interviews. The version was proofread and, finally, the test-retest reliability was estimated. Results: The mean age was 19 years (range 6–61). Twenty-six patients (87%) completed the retest after 6 days (range 3–26). The internal consistency was estimated with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96 (range 0.94–0.97), and the intraclass correlation was 0.92 (range 0.89–0.94), indicating an excellent reliability. The scores were normally distributed. Thereafter, the German version was proofread and finalized. Conclusions: The German translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the LD-SRS score resulted in a high reliability and internal consistency. The German LD-SRS score is readily usable and may be applied in future studies of German-speaking limb deformity patients.
Effects of Different Forms of Tagetes erecta Biofumigation on the Growth of Apple Seedlings and Replanted Soil Microbial Environment
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Li Kang , Xu Shaozhuo , Duan Yanan , Wang Haiyan , Yin Chengmiao , Chen Xuesen , Mao Zhiquan , Xiang Kun
Published: July 2022

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a common soil disease that occurs in apple-growing areas around the world, causing root tip rot and necrosis, plant growth retardation and even plant death. Biofumigation is a promising strategy for controlling ARD due to its advantages of convenient application and being environmentally friendly. Tagetes erecta is an effective biological fumigant, but its effect on ARD is unclear. In the present study, we used Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings as the test material to detect the mitigating effects of different forms of T. erecta: air-dried sample (DS), fresh samples (FS) and fresh sample infusion solution (IS) on ARD. The effects of different forms of T. erecta on the growth of apple seedlings, leaf photosynthesis, root antioxidant enzyme, soil enzymatic activity and microbial environment were investigated. Compared with the CK treatments, DS, FS, and IS treatments all significantly increased the biomass of apple seedlings and promoted root growth under replanting conditions. Among them, DS showed the best results. The activity of antioxidant enzyme including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased in roots grown in soils treated with T. erecta. Moreover, T. erecta treatment also increased the activity of soil urease, phosphatase, sucrase and catalase enzyme, significantly altered the abundance of soil fungal communities and, in particular, reduced the abundance of Fusarium oxysporum, the main causal fungus of ARD. Therefore, our results suggest that biofumigation of different forms of T. erecta enhanced the resistance of ARD by regulating root reactive oxygen levels and improving the soil fungal communities.
A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Residential Housing Tenants’ Concerns about Property Habitability and the Implementation of Habitability Laws in Southern Nevada
Authors: Marquez Erika , Coughenour Courtney , Gakh Maxim , Tu Tiana , Usufzy Pashtana , Gerstenberger Shawn
Published: July 2022

Housing is a key health determinant. Habitability laws set minimum standards for adequate housing. However, accessing them to ensure adequate housing may be a challenge for many tenants. This paper explores the need for rental housing policy that would better support adequate and safe housing, particularly for low-income renters. A mixed-methods approach assessed residential tenant habitability concerns in Clark County, Nevada, through calls relayed to the Clark County Landlord–Tenant Hotline (CCLTH). Of the 2865 calls, 74.3% were from ZIP codes that were 80% of the median income and below. There was a significant relationship between the ZIP code-level income and the reporting of at least one essential habitability concern. Of the 266 participants that responded to a follow-up call, 34.6% reported that their complaint was resolved and there was no association between resolution and income. Qualitative data analysis from phone interviews revealed two central themes: (1) resources to navigate landlord–tenant laws are limiting and (2) housing policies need to be strengthened to help tenants and keep people housed. Understanding tenant concerns regarding substandard housing and related inequities can help inform rental housing policy and its implementation to promote healthy homes and improve health outcomes for communities burdened by poor rental housing conditions.
The Prevalence and Development of Neck and Lower Back Pain and Associated Factors in Dentistry Students—A Long-Term Prospective Study
Authors: Hodačová Lenka , Pilbauerová Nela , Čermáková Eva , Machač Stanislav , Schmidt Jan , Hodač Jan , Kapitán Martin
Published: July 2022

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational burden for dentists and dentistry students. This study aimed to assess the five-year development of most common musculoskeletal complaints among dentistry students during the whole length of their studies and to analyze the impact of some potentially associated risk factors. A longitudinal questionnaire survey regarding the occurrence of MSDs was conducted among a total of 73 dentistry students between 2014 and 2021. The same students enrolled in three consecutive years were monitored throughout their entire studies. Statistical analysis was performed using methods of descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, McNemar test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The most frequent areas of complaints were neck (61.6%) and lower back (49.3%). The increase in self-reported complaints between the first and the fifth year was statistically significant for neck pain (increase by 15%, p = 0.043) but not for lower back pain (by 6.8%, p = 0.44). According to our data, age, performing top-level sport, and participating in regular sporting activities had a statistically significant influence on neck and/or back pain. The results of this longitudinal prospective study showed that neck, as well as lower back pain, are significant problems for dentistry students.
A Digital Workflow for the Fabrication of a Milled Removable Partial Denture
Authors: Piao Xing-Yu , Jeon Jeongho , Shim June-Sung , Park Ji-Man
Published: July 2022

Complete dentures fabricated with the additive or subtractive method have been widely used and proven to be clinically acceptable. However, fabrication of removable partial dentures (RPDs) using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing is limited by its technique sensitivity as the pink resin, which encases part of metal framework, cannot be fabricated digitally. This article introduces a digital workflow to fabricate an RPD with the subtractive method. A complex structure of the offset metal framework and denture base with teeth sockets was milled with this technique. Artificial teeth were milled with a resin disk according to the computer-aided design data, resulting in the customized occlusal surface. This digital technique can be an alternative to the analog fabrication method as the RPD was fabricated digitally, keeping the original structures and reducing resin shrinkage on the intaglio surface.
The Association between Perceived Discrimination and Mental Health of Wage Workers with Disabilities: Findings from the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled 2016–2018
Authors: Lee Hyeon Ji , Jeong Wonjeong , Chon Doukyoung , Kim Jae-Hyun , Moon Jong Youn
Published: July 2022

Despite efforts to integrate society, persons with disabilities (PWD) still experience considerable discrimination. Therefore, this study examined the association between experiences of discrimination and stress/depressive symptoms in wage working PWD. This study used data from the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled 2016–2018 in South Korea. This study included 1566 wage working PWD aged 15–64. The dependent variable was stress and depressive symptoms, and the independent variable was the experience of discrimination due to disability in daily life (Never, Rarely, Often, and Regularly) and the experience of discrimination at the workplace (0, 1, 2, ≥3). This study used a generalized estimating equations model to consider the repeated measurement data. Wage working PWD who experienced more discrimination in their daily life due to disability and at workplaces showed a higher odds ratio (OR) of stress and depressive symptoms than those who did not experience discrimination. As a result of the analysis including both discrimination experiences, those who always experienced discrimination due to disability in daily life had the highest OR to stress and depression (OR = 2.64, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.37–5.08; OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.58–9.56, respectively). According to the experience at workplaces, wage working PWD who faced discrimination by two factors (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22–2.25) had the highest OR of stress, and those who experienced three or more factors had the highest OR of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.83–2.11). Discrimination due to disability in daily life was more associated with the mental distress of working PWD than discrimination at workplaces. For the mental health of working PWD, not only policies or systems to eliminate discrimination in the workplace, but also overall social integration efforts based on improving awareness, are needed so that they do not experience discrimination in their daily life.
A Narrative Literature Review of Natural Language Processing Applied to the Occupational Exposome
Authors: Schoene Annika M. , Basinas Ioannis , van Tongeren Martie , Ananiadou Sophia
Published: July 2022

The evolution of the Exposome concept revolutionised the research in exposure assessment and epidemiology by introducing the need for a more holistic approach on the exploration of the relationship between the environment and disease. At the same time, further and more dramatic changes have also occurred on the working environment, adding to the already existing dynamic nature of it. Natural Language Processing (NLP) refers to a collection of methods for identifying, reading, extracting and untimely transforming large collections of language. In this work, we aim to give an overview of how NLP has successfully been applied thus far in Exposome research. Methods: We conduct a literature search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for scientific articles published between 2011 and 2021. We use both quantitative and qualitative methods to screen papers and provide insights into the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We outline our approach for article selection and provide an overview of our findings. This is followed by a more detailed insight into selected articles. Results: Overall, 6420 articles were screened for the suitability of this review, where we review 37 articles in depth. Finally, we discuss future avenues of research and outline challenges in existing work. Conclusions: Our results show that (i) there has been an increase in articles published that focus on applying NLP to exposure and epidemiology research, (ii) most work uses existing NLP tools and (iii) traditional machine learning is the most popular approach.
Change in Blink Rate in the Metaverse VR HMD and AR Glasses Environment
Authors: Kim Jungho , Hwang Leehwan , Kwon Soonchul , Lee Seunghyun
Published: July 2022

Blink rate, a major physiological response in humans, directly affects ocular diseases such as keratitis and dry eye. The blink rate in normal eyes appears at a constant frequency of 6–30 times per minute and is constant for each individual. In a previous study, the blink rate decreased when viewing content with high intensity and realism. Therefore, we tried to investigate the change in blink rate when viewing the content in VR HMD (virtual reality head-mounted display) and AR (augmented reality) glasses environments. We compared and analyzed the blink rate in four environments: natural state, viewing monitor, viewing VR HMD, and viewing AR glasses. Twenty-one participants (age, 26.87 ± 3.31 years) viewed the content for 1 min in four environments. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the blink rate changes. The study showed that the blink rate was decreased in the monitor, VR HMD, and AR glasses environments compared to that in the natural environment. Comparing the VR HMD environment with the AR glasses environment showed that the blink rate decreased in the VR HMD environment. The results of this study can be used for content use safety recommendations (guidelines for safe use of contents due to decreased blink rate) in the VR HMD and AR glasses environments, which are currently attracting attention in the metaverse.
Research Trends in Crop–Livestock Systems: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Yang Guoting , Li Jing , Liu Zhen , Zhang Yitao , Xu Xiangbo , Zhang Hong , Xu Yan
Published: July 2022

Agricultural straw waste and livestock manure are often misplaced resources. The separation of planting and breeding has induced significant pressure on the environment. Thus, there is a growing need for a system that can integrate crop and livestock farming to improve resource efficiency. To clarify the current state of crop–livestock systems in China and elsewhere, a bibliometric analysis was conducted for a total of 18,628 published English and 3460 published Chinese research articles and dissertations on circular agriculture. The published research papers were taken from the ISI Web of Science and CNKI database to explore research hotpots, research methods, theme trends, and mainstream technical models of crop–livestock systems from 1981 to 2021. Recent progress in crop–livestock systems was analyzed from ecological, economic, social benefits, and stakeholder perspectives. The research results showed that compared with traditional agricultural models, crop–livestock systems had far more ecologic and social benefits, including gaining higher net income and input-output ratio, improving soil quality, and mitigating global warming. The drivers of crop–livestock systems’ development were also analyzed from stakeholders’ perspectives. The study provides insights into the development of circular agriculture by reducing the pollution risks of agricultural waste and improving both ecological and economic benefits of the system.
Randomised Controlled Study on Measures to Increase Vaccination Rates among German Armed Forces Soldiers
Authors: Arnold Jana Nele , Gundlach Nils , Böckelmann Irina , Sammito Stefan
Published: July 2022

Vaccination is one of the most effective medical measures for preventing infectious diseases. Even though there are recommendations for specific occupational groups that have an increased risk of infection, e.g., armed forces personnel, there are gaps in the vaccination rates of this personal. We conducted a randomised and controlled cohort study to examine whether a computerised reminder system would increase the vaccination rates of active soldiers over a period of twelve months. A total of 506 soldiers with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.5 years (experimental group (EG)) and 27.9 ± 6.3 years (control group (CG)) were included in our study. Only 26.2% of the EG and 31.3% of the CG had received the required vaccinations at the beginning of our study. The vaccination rates for influenza (50.5% and 49.1%) and tick-borne encephalitis (57.1% and 60.7%) were particularly low, for measles, mumps, and rubella they were high (94.3% and 97.8%). A highly significant increase (p < 0.001) in vaccination rates was observed for both groups during our study. The results revealed considerable vaccination gaps among German armed forces soldiers. Despite a highly significant increase in vaccination rates during the study, there is still a clear need for action.
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Based on High-Trust Non-Landslide Point Selection
Authors: Zhang Yizhun , Yan Qisheng
Published: July 2022

Landslide susceptibility prediction has the disadvantages of being challenging to apply to expanding landslide samples and the low accuracy of a subjective random selection of non-landslide samples. Taking Fu’an City, Fujian Province, as an example, a model based on a semi-supervised framework using particle swarm optimization to optimize extreme learning machines (SS-PSO-ELM) is proposed. Based on the landslide samples, a semi-supervised learning framework is constructed through Density Peak Clustering (DPC), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Random Forest (RF) models to expand and divide the landslide sample data. The landslide susceptibility was predicted using high-trust sample data as the input variables of the data-driven model. The results show that the area under the curve (AUC) valued at the SS-PSO-ELM model for landslide susceptibility prediction is 0.893 and the root means square error (RMSE) is 0.370, which is better than ELM and PSO-ELM models without the semi-supervised framework. It shows that the SS-PSO-ELM model is more effective in landslide susceptibility. Thus, it provides a new research idea for predicting landslide susceptibility.
Effect of Pre-Processing Storage Condition of Cell Culture-Conditioned Medium on Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Wright Adrienne , Snyder Orman L. , Christenson Lane K. , He Hong , Weiss Mark L.
Published: July 2022

EVs can be isolated from a conditioned medium derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), yet the effect of the pre-processing storage condition of the cell culture-conditioned medium prior to EV isolation is not well-understood. Since MSCs are already in clinical trials, the GMP-grade of the medium which is derived from their manufacturing might have the utility for preclinical testing, and perhaps, for clinical translation, so the impact of pre-processing storage condition on EV isolation is a barrier for utilization of this MSC manufacturing by-product. To address this problem, the effects of the pre-processing storage conditions on EV isolation, characterization, and function were assessed using a conditioned medium (CM) derived from human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUC-MSCs). Hypothesis: The comparison of three different pre-processing storage conditions of CM immediately processed for EV isolation would reveal differences in EVs, and thus, suggest an optimal pre-processing storage condition. The results showed that EVs derived from a CM stored at room temperature, 4 °C, −20 °C, and −80 °C for at least one week were not grossly different from EVs isolated from the CM immediately after collection. EVs derived from an in pre-processing −80 °C storage condition had a significantly reduced polydispersity index, and significantly enhanced dot blot staining, but their zeta potential, hydrodynamic size, morphology and size in transmission electron microscopy were not significantly different from EVs derived from the CM immediately processed for isolation. There was no impact of pre-processing storage condition on the proliferation of sarcoma cell lines exposed to EVs. These data suggest that the CM produced during GMP-manufacturing of MSCs for clinical applications might be stored at −80 °C prior to EV isolation, and this may enable production scale-up, and thus, and enable preclinical and clinical testing, and EV lot qualification.
Celiac Disease and Targeting the Molecular Mechanisms of Autoimmunity in COVID Pandemic
Authors: Ailioaie Laura Marinela , Ailioaie Constantin , Litscher Gerhard , Chiran Dragos Andrei
Published: July 2022

Celiac disease (CD) comprises over 1% of the world’s population and is a chronic multisystem immune-mediated condition manifested by digestive and/or extradigestive symptoms caused by food intake of gluten. This review looked at the risk of children diagnosed with CD developing SARS-CoV-2 infection and possible severe forms of COVID-19. A better understanding of the interaction and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in CD is very important, as is the role of environmental and genetic factors, but especially the molecular mechanisms involved in modulating intestinal permeability with impact on autoimmunity. CD inspired the testing of a zonulin antagonist for the fulminant form of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and paved the way for the discovery of new molecules to regulate the small intestine barrier function and immune responses. Original published works on COVID-19 and CD, new data and points of view have been analyzed because this dangerous virus SARS-CoV-2 is still here and yet influencing our lives. Medical science continues to focus on all uncertainties triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequences, including in CD. Although the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be gradually extinguishing, there is a wealth of information and knowledge gained over the last two years and important life lessons to analyze, as well as relevant conclusions to be drawn to deal with future pandemics. Zonulin is being studied extensively in immunoengineering as an adjuvant to improving the absorption of new drugs and oral vaccines.
Cardiac Troponin Biosensor Designs: Current Developments and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Campu Andreea , Muresan Ilinca , Craciun Ana-Maria , Cainap Simona , Astilean Simion , Focsan Monica
Published: July 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is considered as one of the main causes of death, threating human lives for decades. Currently, its diagnosis relies on electrocardiography (ECG), which has been proven to be insufficient. In this context, the efficient detection of cardiac biomarkers was proposed to overcome the limitations of ECG. In particular, the measurement of troponins, specifically cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT), has proven to be superior in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of myocardial damage. As one of the most life-threatening conditions, specific and sensitive investigation methods that are fast, universally available, and cost-efficient to allow for early initiation of evidence-based, living-saving treatment are desired. In this review, we aim to present and discuss the major breakthroughs made in the development of cTnI and cTnT specific biosensor designs and analytical tools, highlighting the achieved progress as well as the remaining challenges to reach the technological goal of simple, specific, cheap, and portable testing chips for the rapid and efficient on-site detection of cardiac cTnI/cTnT biomarkers in order to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases at an incipient stage.
Central Kisspeptin Does Not Affect ERK1/2 or p38 Phosphorylation in Oxytocin Neurons of Late-Pregnant Rats
Authors: Abbasi Mehwish , Augustine Rachael A. , Iremonger Karl J. , Brown Colin H.
Published: July 2022

Oxytocin is secreted by hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) oxytocin neurons to induce uterine contractions during parturition. Increased activation of oxytocin neurons at parturition involves a network of afferent inputs that increase oxytocin neuron excitability. Kisspeptin fibre density increases around oxytocin neurons during pregnancy, and central kisspeptin administration excites oxytocin neurons only in late pregnancy. Kisspeptin signals via extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38. Therefore, to determine whether kisspeptin excites oxytocin neurons via ERK1/2-p38 signalling in late-pregnant rats, we performed immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) in oxytocin neurons of non-pregnant and late-pregnant rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) kisspeptin administration (2 µg) did not affect pERK1/2 or p-p38 expression in SON and PVN oxytocin neurons of non-pregnant or late-pregnant rats. Furthermore, ICV kisspeptin did not affect pERK1/2 or p-p38 expression in brain areas with major projections to the SON and PVN: the nucleus tractus solitarius, rostral ventrolateral medulla, locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, median preoptic nucleus, subfornical organ, anteroventral periventricular nucleus, periventricular nucleus and arcuate nucleus. Hence, kisspeptin-induced excitation of oxytocin neurons in late pregnancy does not appear to involve ERK1/2 or p38 activation in oxytocin neurons or their afferent inputs.
Function and Application of Flavonoids in the Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Min Yeong , Kim Yoonjung , Ha Sang Eun , Kim Hun Hwan , Bhosale Pritam Bhangwan , Abusaliya Abuyaseer , Jeong Se Hyo , Kim Gon Sup
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is one of the top causes of death, particularly among women, and it affects many women. Cancer can also be caused by various factors, including acquiring genetic alteration. Doctors use radiation to detect and treat breast cancer. As a result, breast cancer becomes radiation-resistant, necessitating a new strategy for its treatment. The approach discovered by the researchers is a flavonoid, which is being researched to see if it might help treat radiation-resistant breast cancer more safely than an approved medicine already being used in the field. As a result, this study focuses on the role of flavonoids in breast cancer suppression, breast cancer gene anomalies, and the resulting apoptotic mechanism.