bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccine Enthusiasm and Hesitancy in Cancer Patients and the Impact of a Webinar
Authors: Kelkar Amar H. , Blake Jodian A. , Cherabuddi Kartikeya , Cornett Hailee , McKee Bobbie L. , Cogle Christopher R.
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Vaccine hesitancy and rejection are major threats to controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is a paucity of information about the attitudes of cancer patients towards vaccinations and the role of clinical oncologists in influencing vaccination acceptance. (2) Methods: Cancer patients and caregivers were invited to participate in a webinar and two surveys (pre- and post-webinar) assessing intention and thought processes associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccines. (3) Results: Two hundred and sixty-four participants participated in the webinar and registered to take at least one survey. Participants reported receiving most of their COVID-19 vaccine information from their doctor, clinic, or hospital. Before the webinar, 71% of participants reported the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 24% were unsure, and 5% had no intention of receiving a vaccine. The strongest predictors of vaccine enthusiasm were (a) planning to encourage the vaccination of family, friends, co-workers, and community, and (b) physician recommendation. The chief reason for vaccine hesitancy was a fear of side effects. After the webinar, 82.5% reported the intention to receive a vaccine, 15.4% were still unsure, and 2% stated that they had no intention of receiving a vaccine. The webinar shifted the attitude towards vaccine enthusiasm, despite an already vaccine-enthusiastic population. Communicating about vaccines using positive framing is associated with greater vaccine enthusiasm. (4) Conclusions: Patient education programs co-hosted by multiple stakeholders and delivered by oncologists can increase cancer patient enthusiasm for COVID-19 vaccination.
Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Menstrual Distress during Clinical Practice: A Q-Methodology Study
Authors: Fu Ya-Lin , Yang Chia-Ling , Yu Shu-Chuan , Lin Yun-Hsuan , Hsu Hsiao-Pei , Huang Chiu-Mieh
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to explore the cluster patterns of female nursing students’ perceptions of the effects of menstrual distress during clinical practice. This study adopted the Q-methodology study design. We recruited female nursing students from a college in northern Taiwan. Forty-seven Q-statements were constructed to explore participants’ experiences of the impact of menstrual distress on clinical learning. In total, 58 participants subjectively ranked Q-statements concerning menstrual distress experiences during clinical practice and were classified. After Q-sorting, the subjective ranking process PQ Method (version 2.35, Schmolck, Emmendingen, Germany) was employed for factor analysis. Four patterns of shared perspectives, accounting for 46.6% of the total variance, were identified: (a) influencing clinical learning and making good use of painkillers; (b) responsible attitudes and diversified relief of discomfort; (c) seeking peer support and effect on mood; (d) negative impact on learning ability and conservative self-care. Clinical practice is a major component of nursing education; menstrual distress affects female nursing students’ clinical learning and performance. The exploration of clustering different nursing students’ perceptions may facilitate customized strategies to enable more appropriate assistance.
Informal Dementia Caregivers: Current Technology Use and Acceptance of Technology in Care
Authors: Wójcik Daniel , Szczechowiak Katarzyna , Konopka Patrycja , Owczarek Mateusz , Kuzia Agata , Rydlewska-Liszkowska Izabela , Pikala Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Given the increased social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by informal dementia caregivers have increased. An increasing use of technology, both in care and dementia clinical trials, depends upon caregivers’ abilities as a user. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to verify the current technology (smartphone and computer) use and acceptance in care, regarding socio-demographic variables; (2) Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 102 dementia caregivers, mostly of patients with moderate dementia; (3) Results: The majority of participants were women (63%), and large number of them used technological devices such as a smartphone (91%) or computer (81%). Results revealed differences between age, gender, and education level on technology acceptance. Interestingly, smartphone use and acceptance seemed to be feasible, regardless of age, whereas computer use was negatively correlated with age. Technology was perceived by respondents as most useful for patients’ activities including locomotion, toileting, and meals; (4) Conclusions: The future of technology use in dementia care should indicate solutions tailored to individual characteristics such as new technology solutions (GPS trackers, smartphone apps, dietary intervention, and meal planning apps).
Determinants of US University Students’ Willingness to Include Whole Grain Pasta in Their Diet
Authors: Wongprawmas Rungsaran , Sogari Giovanni , Menozzi Davide , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Lefebvre Michele , Gómez Miguel I. , Mora Cristina
Published: March 2021

College students’ lifestyle and eating habits strongly affect their health. Among many healthy eating behaviors, including whole grain food in the diet is known as providing health benefits such as maintaining a steady blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and since it is rich in fiber and minerals, it is essential for the well-being. However, consumers’ intakes of whole grain products remain below recommendation, including college students. This study aims to evaluate determinant factors contributing to college students’ willingness to include whole grain pasta in their diets. A sample of 499 students enrolled in a US college participated in this study. Most students perceived whole grain pasta as healthy and filling and somewhat tasty. Availability and price were not barriers for consumption. Logistic regression results suggested that factors affecting students’ willingness to consume whole grain pasta in the future were the desire to eat, cognitive and affective attitudes, perception of whole grain pasta, as well as having already chosen pasta thanks to its availability at the dining. Two student segments were identified according to their healthy eating perception: Uninvolved and Health-conscious. Cognitive attitudes such as beneficial and essential had positive effects on consumption in both segments, suggesting that information provision covering specific health/nutritional benefits of whole grains for students is crucial.
Multivariate Exploratory Comparative Analysis of LaLiga Teams: Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Casal Claudio A. , Losada José L. , Barreira Daniel , Maneiro Rubén
Published: March 2021

The use of principal component analysis (PCA) provides information about the main characteristics of teams, based on a set of indicators, instead of displaying individualized information for each of these indicators. In this work we have considered reducing an extensive data matrix to improve interpretation, using PCA. Subsequently, with new components and with multiple linear regression, we have carried out a comparative analysis between the best and bottom teams of LaLiga. The sample consisted of the matches corresponding to the 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. The results showed that the best teams were characterized and differentiated from bottom teams in the realization of a greater number of successful passes and in the execution of a greater number of dynamic offensive transitions. The bottom teams were characterized by executing more defensive than offensive actions, showing fewer number of goals and a greater ball possession time in the final third of the field. Goals, ball possession time in the final third of the field, number of effective shots and crosses are the main discriminating performance factors of football. This information allows us to increase knowledge about the key performance indicators (KPI) in football.
Dose-Response Association of Tai Chi and Cognition among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Mei-Lan , Wotiz Stephanie B. , Banks Starr M. , Connors Sabine A. , Shi Yuyin
Published: March 2021

Previous studies indicated that Tai Chi might be an effective way to improve or prevent cognitive impairments in older populations. However, existing research does not provide clear recommendations about the optimal dose of Tai Chi practice, which is the most effective in improving cognitive function in older adults. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the dose–response relationship between Tai Chi and cognition in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 16 studies with 1121 subjects were included in this study. Meta-regression analyses of Tai Chi duration (Tai Chi session duration, Tai Chi practice duration per week, study duration, and Tai Chi practice duration for the entire study) on the study effect size (ES) were performed to examine the dose–response association of Tai Chi and cognition. The results showed that there was a positive effect of Tai Chi on cognitive function, but there were no statistically significant dose duration effects on cognition. The findings suggest that Tai Chi has beneficial effects on cognitive function, but a longer duration was not associated with larger effects. In order to establish evidence-based clinical interventions using Tai Chi, future research should clearly demonstrate intervention protocol, particularly the style and intensity of Tai Chi.
Correction: Critchlow, N., et al. Adolescents’ Reactions to Adverts for Fast-Food and Confectionery Brands That Are High in Fat, Salt, and/or Sugar (HFSS), and Possible Implications for Future Research and Regulation: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey of 11–19 Year Olds in the United Kingdom. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1689
Authors: Critchlow Nathan , Newberry Le Vay Jessica , MacKintosh Anne Marie , Hooper Lucie , Thomas Christopher , Vohra Jyotsna
Published: March 2021

It has come to our attention that there are two errors in our recent article [...]
Evaluating the Relationships between Riparian Land Cover Characteristics and Biological Integrity of Streams Using Random Forest Algorithms
Authors: Park Se-Rin , Kim Suyeon , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: March 2021

The relationships between land cover characteristics in riparian areas and the biological integrity of rivers and streams are critical in riparian area management decision-making. This study aims to evaluate such relationships using the Trophic Diatom Index (TDI), Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index (BMI), Fish Assessment Index (FAI), and random forest regression, which can capture nonlinear and complex relationships with limited training datasets. Our results indicate that the proportions of land cover types in riparian areas, including urban, agricultural, and forested areas, have greater impacts on the biological communities in streams than those offered by land cover spatial patterns. The proportion of forests in riparian areas has the greatest influence on the biological integrity of streams. Partial dependence plots indicate that the biological integrity of streams gradually improves until the proportion of riparian forest areas reach about 60%; it rapidly decreases until riparian urban areas reach 25%, and declines significantly when the riparian agricultural area ranges from 20% to 40%. Overall, this study highlights the importance of riparian forests in the planning, restoration, and management of streams, and suggests that partial dependence plots may serve to provide insightful quantitative criteria for defining specific objectives that managers and decision-makers can use to improve stream conditions.
Salivary Biomarkers and Work-Related Stress in Night Shift Workers
Authors: Briguglio Giusi , Teodoro Michele , Italia Sebastiano , Verduci Francesca , Pollicino Manuela , Coco Manuela , De Vita Annalisa , Micali Elvira , Alibrandi Angela , Lembo Giuseppe , Costa Chiara , Fenga Concettina
Published: March 2021

Work organization, such as shifts and night work, can interfere with the perception of work-related stress and therefore on the development of pathological conditions. Night shift work, particularly, can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing by interfering with the biological sphere. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between work activities, shift work effects and stress-related responses in 106 dock workers enrolled in southeast Italy. Dock workers’ tasks consist of complex activities that seemed to affect more sleep quality than work-related stress. An analysis of salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, α-amylase, melatonin and lysozyme was performed along with validated psycho-diagnostic questionnaires. Alpha-amylase showed a significant negative correlation with the effort/reward imbalance score; thus, the measurement of salivary α-amylase is proposed as a sensitive and non-invasive biomarker of work-related stress. This study may provide new insights into developing strategies for the management of night shift work. Salivary biomarkers should be further investigated in the future in order to develop simple and effective tools for the early diagnosis of work-related stress or its outcomes.
Beyond the Normative Family Meal Promotion: A Narrative Review of Qualitative Results about Ordinary Domestic Commensality
Authors: Le Moal Fairley , Michaud Maxime , Hartwick-Pflaum Carol , Middleton Georgia , Mallon Isabelle , Coveney John
Published: March 2021

There exists a normative representation of family meals in contemporary Western societies which is promoted as imperative through public health programs, larger discourses and by some studies in the nutritional and public health research fields. Family meals, also called domestic commensality, are represented as convivial events and are associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes but there is minimal evidence to show they are beneficial for family members and it is not known which aspect of the family meal could be responsible for these alleged benefits. This normative family meal image is based on a representation of the family as a peaceful unit exempt from external constraints. This narrative literature review of qualitative studies of family meals seeks to put forward the underlying premises of this representation and compare it with reports about actual practices. The results emphasize that eating together is still practiced and remains valued by family members, which is in contrast to discourses lamenting the decline of the family meal. However, the valorisation and recurrence of family meals depends on class, gender and cultural positions. There is a gap between the norm of healthy or convivial and achievable family meals, which can reinforce the so-called “mental load” and “emotion work” of those in charge of feeding the family and heighten inequalities within the household. In fact, there are many challenges to family meals which originate from external constraints or are inherent aspects of family life. The results from this review suggest that we should focus on family meals by taking into account the food work surrounding it and focussing on the interactional aspects of family meals. Ethnographic methods allow the researcher to observe the diversities and complexities of commensality as well as family dynamics and, in doing so, could provide more realistic representations of eating within the family.
Dynamic Network Analysis of COVID-19 with a Latent Pandemic Space Model
Authors: Chu Amanda M. Y. , Chan Thomas W. C. , So Mike K. P. , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose a latent pandemic space modeling approach for analyzing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic data. We developed a pandemic space concept that locates different regions so that their connections can be quantified according to the distances between them. A main feature of the pandemic space is to allow visualization of the pandemic status over time through the connectedness between regions. We applied the latent pandemic space model to dynamic pandemic networks constructed using data of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 164 countries. We observed the ways in which pandemic risk evolves by tracing changes in the locations of countries within the pandemic space. Empirical results gained through this pandemic space analysis can be used to quantify the effectiveness of lockdowns, travel restrictions, and other measures in regard to reducing transmission risk across countries.
Insomnia Associated with Tinnitus and Gender Differences
Authors: Richter Kneginja , Zimni Melanie , Tomova Iva , Retzer Lukas , Höfig Joachim , Kellner Stefanie , Fries Carla , Bernstein Karina , Hitzl Wolfgang , Hillemacher Thomas , Miloseva Lence , Acker Jens
Published: March 2021

Chronic tinnitus causes a decrease in well-being and can negatively affect sleep quality. It has further been indicated that there are clinically relevant gender differences, which may also have an impact on sleep quality. By conducting a retrospective and explorative data analysis for differences in patients with tinnitus and patients diagnosed with tinnitus and insomnia, hypothesized differences were explored in the summed test scores and on item-level of the validated psychometric instruments. A cross-sectional study was conducted collecting data from a sample of tinnitus patients (n = 76). Insomnia was diagnosed in 49 patients. Gender differences were found on aggregated test scores of the MADRS and BDI with men scoring higher than women, indicating higher depressive symptoms in men. Women stated to suffer more from headaches (p < 0.003), neck pain (p < 0.006) and nervousness as well as restlessness (p < 0.02). Women also reported an increase in tinnitus loudness in response to stress compared to men (p < 0.03). Male individuals with tinnitus and insomnia have higher depression scores and more clinically relevant depressive symptoms than women, who suffer more from psychosomatic symptoms. The results indicate a need for a targeted therapy of depressive symptoms in male patients and targeted treatment of psychosomatic symptoms, stress-related worsening of insomnia and tinnitus in women.
Is It Possible to Be Happy during the COVID-19 Lockdown? A Longitudinal Study of the Role of Emotional Regulation Strategies and Pleasant Activities in Happiness
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cobo María José , Megías-Robles Alberto , Gómez-Leal Raquel , Cabello Rosario , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to longitudinally analyze the role played by two emotional regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), through the mediating effect of engagement in pleasant activities during lockdown, in changes in affective and cognitive happiness in comparison with pre-pandemic levels. Eighty-eight participants from a community sample were evaluated at two timepoints. At timepoint 1 (before the COVID-19 pandemic), participants were evaluated on emotional regulation and cognitive and affective happiness. At timepoint 2 (during the COVID-19 lockdown), participants were evaluated on cognitive and affective happiness and the frequency with which they engaged in pleasant activities. We found an optimal fit of the proposed model in which cognitive reappraisal was significantly related to engagement in more pleasant activities during the lockdown. In turn, these pleasant activities were related to more affective happiness during the lockdown (compared with pre-pandemic levels), and this affective happiness was associated with greater cognitive happiness. In conclusion, cognitive reappraisal was a protective factor for affective and cognitive happiness through the mediating role of engagement in pleasant activities during lockdown. Limitations and future lines of investigation are discussed.
Development of Structural Model on Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents’ Exposure to Violence
Authors: Kim Jeoung Mi
Published: March 2021

Purpose: This study developed and examined a structural model and influencing factors of suicidal ideation by path analysis of family violence exposure, school violence exposure, anger, aggression, depression, hopelessness, and ego resilience among adolescents. Methods: A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of general strain theory developed by Agnew, as well as a review of studies in the literature related to suicidal ideation in adolescents in terms of violence exposure. The subjects were 1150 middle school students located in P city and K province. The model included 8 concepts and 24 paths. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from September 2 to 20, 2013, and analyzed using the IBM SPSS and AMOS 21.0 programs. Results: Family violence exposure, school violence exposure, anger, depression, hopelessness, and ego resilience showed a direct effect, while aggression showed an indirect effect on suicidal ideation in adolescents. These factors accounted for 45% of the variance of suicidal ideation in middle school students in terms of violence exposure. Conclusions: The results suggest that suicidal ideation of adolescents who are exposed to violence could be decreased by increasing ego resilience and reducing family violence exposure. It is necessary to develop an intervention strategy to prevent suicidal ideation.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba: Graphic Analysis of Interior Perspectives by Girault de Prangey around 1839
Authors: Gámiz-Gordo Antonio , Cantizani-Oliva Juan , Reinoso-Gordo Juan Francisco
Published: March 2021

The work of Philibert Girault de Prangey, who was a draughtsman, pioneering photographer and an Islamic architecture scholar, has been the subject of recent exhibitions in his hometown (Langres, 2019), at the Metropolitan Museum (New York, 2019) and at the Musée d’Orsay (Paris, 2020). After visiting Andalusia between 1832 and 1833, Prangey completed the publication “Monuments arabes et moresques de Cordoue, Seville et Grenada” in 1839, based on his own drawings and measurements. For the first time, this research analyses his interior perspectives of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Spain). The novel methodology is based on its comparison with a digital model derived from the point cloud captured by a 3D laser scanner. After locating the different viewpoints, the geometric precision and the elaboration process are analysed, taking into account historic images by various authors, other details published by Prangey and the architectural transformations of the building. In this way, the veracity and documentary interest of some beautiful perspectives of a monument inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO is valued.
Pleiotropic Effects of PCSK-9 Inhibitors
Authors: Basiak Marcin , Kosowski Michał , Cyrnek Marcin , Bułdak Łukasz , Maligłówka Mateusz , Machnik Grzegorz , Okopień Bogusław
Published: March 2021

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors are a group of drugs whose main mechanism of action is binding to the PCSK-9 molecule, which reduces the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and, hence, increases the uptake of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) from the bloodstream as well as reducing its concentration. The effectiveness of three monoclonal antibodies, namely, alirocumab (human IgG1/κ monoclonal antibody, genetically engineered in Chinese hamster ovary cells), evolocumab (the first fully human monoclonal antibody), and bococizumab (humanized mouse antibody), in inhibiting the action of PCSK-9 and reducing LDLc levels has been confirmed. The first two, after clinical trials, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are used primarily in the treatment of autosomal familial hypercholesterolemia and in cases of statin intolerance. They are currently used both as monotherapy and in combination with statins and ezetimibe to intensify therapy and achieve therapeutic goals following the American Heart Association (AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. However, the lipid-lowering effect is not the only effect of action described by researchers that PCSK-9 inhibitors have. This paper is a review of the literature describing the pleiotropic effects of PCSK-9 inhibitors, which belong to a group of drugs that are being increasingly used, especially when standard lipid-lowering therapy fails. The article focuses on activities other than lipid-lowering, such as the anti-atherosclerotic effect and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque, the anti-aggregation effect, the anticoagulant effect, the antineoplastic effect, and the ability to influence the course of bacterial infections. In this publication, we try to systematically review the current scientific data, both from our own scientific work and knowledge from international publications.
Biocomposites of Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Poly(lactic acid) Modified with Natural Fillers (Part I)
Authors: Masek Anna , Cichosz Stefan , Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to prepare sustainable and degradable elastic blends of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) that were reinforced with flax fiber (FF) and montmorillonite (MMT), simultaneously filling the gap in the literature regarding the PLA-containing polymer blends filled with natural additives. The performed study reveals that FF incorporation into ENR/PLA blend may cause a significant improvement in tensile strength from (10 ± 1) MPa for the reference material to (19 ± 2) MPa for the fibers-filled blend. Additionally, it was found that MMT employment in the role of the filler might contribute to ENR/PLA plasticization and considerably promote the blend elongation up to 600%. This proves the successful creation of the unique and eco-friendly PLA-containing polymer blend exhibiting high elasticity. Moreover, thanks to the performed accelerated thermo-oxidative and ultraviolet (UV) aging, it was established that MMT incorporation may delay the degradation of ENR/PLA blends under the abovementioned conditions. Additionally, mold tests revealed that plant-derived fiber addition might highly enhance the ENR/PLA blend’s biodeterioration potential enabling faster and more efficient growth of microorganisms. Therefore, materials presented in this research may become competitive and eco-friendly alternatives to commonly utilized petro-based polymeric products.
Megalocytivirus Induces Complicated Fish Immune Response at Multiple RNA Levels Involving mRNA, miRNA, and circRNA
Authors: Wu Qian , Ning Xianhui , Sun Li
Published: March 2021

Megalocytivirus is an important viral pathogen to many farmed fishes, including Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, we examined megalocytivirus-induced RNA responses in the spleen of flounder by high-throughput sequencing and integrative analysis of various RNA-seq data. A total of 1327 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 368 novel miRNAs, were identified, among which, 171 (named DEmiRs) exhibited significantly differential expressions during viral infection in a time-dependent manner. For these DEmiRs, 805 differentially expressed target mRNAs (DETmRs) were predicted, whose expressions not only significantly changed after megalocytivirus infection but were also negatively correlated with their paired DEmiRs. Integrative analysis of immune-related DETmRs and their target DEmiRs identified 12 hub DEmiRs, which, together with their corresponding DETmRs, formed an interaction network containing 84 pairs of DEmiR and DETmR. In addition to DETmRs, 19 DEmiRs were also found to regulate six key immune genes (mRNAs) differentially expressed during megalocytivirus infection, and together they formed a network consisting of 21 interactive miRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) pairs. Further analysis identified 9434 circular RNAs (circRNAs), 169 of which (named DEcircRs) showed time-specific and significantly altered expressions during megalocytivirus infection. Integrated analysis of the DETmR-DEmiR and DEcircR-DEmiR interactions led to the identification of a group of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) constituted by interacting triplets of circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA involved in antiviral immunity. Together these results indicate that complicated regulatory networks of different types of non-coding RNAs and coding RNAs are involved in megalocytivirus infection.
Lighting Direction Affects Leaf Morphology, Stomatal Characteristics, and Physiology of Head Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Mengzhao , Wei Hao , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: March 2021

Plants are exposed to numerous biotic and abiotic stresses, and light is one of the most important factors that influences the plant morphology. This study was carried out to examine how the lighting direction affected the plant morphology by investigating the growth parameters, epidermal cell elongation, stomatal properties, and physiological changes. Seedlings of two head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars, Caesar Green and Polla, were subjected to a 12 h photoperiod with a 300 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) provided by light emitting diodes (LEDs) from three directions: the top, side, and bottom, relative to the plants. Compared with the top and side lighting, the bottom lighting increased the leaf angle and canopy by stimulating the epidermal cell elongation in leaf midrib, reduced the leaf number and root biomass, and induced large stomata with a low density, which is associated with reduced stomatal conductance and carbohydrate contents. However, the proline content and quantum yield exhibited no significant differences with the different lighting directions in both cultivars, which implies that the plants were under normal physiological conditions. In a conclusion, the lighting direction had a profound effect on the morphological characteristics of lettuce, where the plants adapted to the changing lighting environments.
Five-Year Comparative Efficacy of Everolimus-Eluting vs. Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Koni Endrin , Wanha Wojciech , Ratajczak Jakub , Zhang Zhongheng , Podhajski Przemysław , Musci Rita , Sangiorgi Giuseppe , Kaźmierski Maciej , Buffon Antonio , Kubica Jacek , Wojakowski Wojciech , Navarese Eliano
Published: March 2021

Among drug-eluting stents (DESs), the durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (EES) and resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES) are widely used in clinical practice and have contributed to improve the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Few studies addressed their long-term comparative performance in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to investigate the 5 year comparative efficacy of EES and R-ZES in ACS. We queried ACTION-ACS, a large-scale database of ACS patients undergoing PCI. The treatment groups were analyzed using propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, repeat PCI, and definite or probable stent thrombosis, which was addressed at the five-year follow-up. A total of 3497 matched patients were analyzed. Compared with R-ZES, a significant reduction in the primary endpoint at 5 years was observed in patients treated with EES (hazard ratio (HR) [95%CI] = 0.62 [0.54–0.71], p < 0.001). By landmark analysis, differences between the two devices emerged after the first year and were maintained thereafter. The individual endpoints of mortality (HR [95%CI] = 0.70 [0.58–0.84], p < 0.01), MI (HR [95%CI] = 0.55 [0.42–0.74], p < 0.001), and repeat PCI (HR [95%CI] = 0.65 [0.53–0.73], p < 0.001) were all significantly lower in the EES-treated patients. Stroke risk did not differ between EES and R-ZES. In ACS, a greater long-term clinical efficacy with EES vs. R-ZES was observed. This difference became significant after the first year of the ACS episode and persisted thereafter.
Quantification of Microplastics in North-Western Mediterranean Harbors: Seasonality and Biofilm-Related Metallic Contaminants
Authors: Tesán Onrubia Javier A. , Djaoudi Kahina , Borgogno Franco , Canuto Susanna , Angeletti Bernard , Besio Giovanni , Capello Marco , Cutroneo Laura , Stocchino Alessandro , Mounier Stéphane , Lenoble Véronique
Published: March 2021

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most impacted basins in terms of microplastics pollution. Land-based activities are the major sources of plastic litter to the ocean, with harbors probably representing significant hotspots. In the framework of the SPlasH! project (Stop alle Plastiche in H2O, Interreg Marittimo project), microplastics were sampled in three north-western Mediterranean harbors during summer and winter. In this study, the areal concentrations of microplastics ranged from 5576 to 379,965 items·km−2. A decreasing gradient was observed from the inner to the outer zones of the studied harbors, pointing out these enclosed systems as hotspots regarding microplastic pollution. During summer, the areal concentrations of microplastics were higher than in winter, which could be explained by an enhancement of port activities leading to MPs production. The investigation of microplastics size classes distribution in the surface waters revealed that microplastics within the size range between 300 µm and 500 µm were the least represented. In this study, we assessed trace metal (Pb, Fe, Cu, V, Cd and As) bioaccumulation by the biofilm which developed on the surface of microplastics. The results highlighted that concentrations within the biofilm were higher than those in the surrounding waters. This result strongly suggested trace metal bioaccumulation on microplastics through biofilm formation. When trace metal concentrations were normalized over the corresponding surface of microplastics and macroplastics, higher values were obtained for microplastics, evidencing their enhanced capacities to bioaccumulate contaminants when compared to macroplastics.
Application Research of Digital Twin-Driven Ship Intelligent Manufacturing System: Pipe Machining Production Line
Authors: Wu Qingcai , Mao Yunsheng , Chen Jianxun , Wang Chong
Published: March 2021

Digital twin has aroused extensive attention of international academia and industry to support future interaction with the physical and virtual world. Although the research and application of digital twin spring up continuously, the concept in the manufacturing domain remains in its infancy. In this context, this paper first reviews the applications of digital twins for intelligent manufacturing. Then it presents an innovative application framework of a digital twin-driven ship intelligent manufacturing system and analyzes its operation mechanism. The application framework of a digital twin-driven ship intelligent manufacturing system mainly includes five parts: the physical layer, model layer, data layer, system layer, and application layer. Finally, key enabling techniques, as well as a case study in a pipe machining production line, are constructed and studied to validate the proposed approach. Meanwhile, system design and implementation, the twin modeling construction, application process, and implementation effect of the pipe machining production line are described in detail to provide a reference for enterprises.
Addressing the Differences in Farmers’ Willingness and Behavior Regarding Developing Green Agriculture—A Case Study in Xichuan County, China
Authors: Li Yingchao , Fan Zhiyuan , Jiang Guanghui , Quan Zhuo
Published: March 2021

The development of green agriculture is an effective way to realize the sustainable development of agriculture, which is of great significance for guaranteeing national food security, improving the supply ability of agricultural products, promoting the healthy development of cultivated land, and realizing green development. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has proposed the establishment of a green-development-oriented agricultural support system, which intends to reverse the worsening of the agricultural ecological environment; however, in 2019, the input of agricultural chemical fertilizer still exceeded the international limit of the safe application of chemical fertilizer. In recent years, agriculture has surpassed industry to become the largest non-point source pollution industry in China, seriously affecting the rural ecological civilization construction and the advancement of green sustainable development coordinated. To analyze the key factors affecting the development of green agriculture, in this study, logistic binary regression analysis was used to measure the main factors affecting farmers’ green agricultural production willingness and green agricultural production behavior. The results show that a farmer’s age, land type, compensation for land transfer, technical service organization, related training, and economic and technological subsidies had significant effects on their green agricultural production willingness. The age of farmers, number of staff, risk of green agricultural production technology, technical service organization, and economic and technological subsidies were shown to have significant effects on the green agricultural production behavior of farmers, where the different factors influenced the behavior to different degrees. Based on the above findings, it is suggested that the Chinese government should help farmers to carry out agricultural green transformation through technical training, policy popularization, economic subsidies, and educational support.
Infrastructure Investment and Regional Economic Growth: Evidence from Yangtze River Economic Zone
Authors: Zhang Jinrui , Zhang Ruilian , Xu Junzhuo , Wang Jie , Shi Guoqing
Published: March 2021

To better understand the impacts of infrastructure investment on economic growth and, we used Cobb-Douglas production function model to develop the stock of public infrastructure capital into the economic growth model. It applies spatial panel data model effect analysis to statistical data of the Yangtze River Economic Zone with 131 cities from 2003 to 2016 and investigates the relationship between different types of public infrastructure capital stock and regional economic growth in different periods. The empirical results show that (1) the economic growth of the cities in the Yangtze River Economic Zone has characteristics of significant spatial dependence, the degree and significance of spatial dependence are gradually declining, and the spatial agglomeration of the economic growth in the cities in the region is relatively stable. (2) Different types of public infrastructure capital stock have distinct spatial effects on regional economic growth. The capital stock of energy infrastructure significantly promotes global economic growth. The capital stock of transportation infrastructure significantly stimulates the local economic growth and inhibits the economic growth of the adjacent areas. The capital stock of water-related infrastructure restrains local economic growth and promotes economic growth in adjacent areas. These findings indicate that increasing investment in public infrastructure development in the Yangtze River Economic Zone remains an effective measure to promote regional economic growth. Under the premise of limited resources, taking full account of the effects of various types of investment can promote the mutual benefit of the economies in the region and effectively achieve the strategic objectives for the Yangtze River Economic Zone.
Variable Modality in Pintupi-Luritja Purposive Clauses
Authors: Gray James
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the modal and non-modal uses and readings of the purposive suffix in the Western Desert (Pama-Nyungan) language Pintupi-Luritja. It is shown that the suffix is associated with a range of root-modal readings, with some variability in modal force. The modal readings are investigated in a variety of non-upward-entailing environments and compared with those of other variable modal force languages as described in the literature. I suggest that the purposive suffix does not behave in the same way as in these languages, which suggests that the typology of variable force modality is not uniform. I conclude by suggesting a connection to the modality described in non-finite and nominalised environments in a number of other languages.
A Gel Polymer Electrolyte Reinforced Membrane for Lithium-Ion Batteries via the Simultaneous-Irradiation of the Electron Beam
Authors: Hou Jian , Park In Kee , Cha Woo Ju , Lee Chang Hyun
Published: March 2021

In this research, a series of innovative and stable cross-linked gel polymer reinforced membranes (GPRMs), were successfully prepared and investigated for application in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a gel directly within the commercial polyethylene (PE) separator is supported via electron-beam simultaneous irradiation cross-linking of commercial liquid electrolyte and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) oligomers. The physical and electrochemical properties of the GPRMs were characterized by SEM, TEM, mechanical durability, heating shrinkage, and ion conductivity, etc. The GPRMs demonstrated excellent mechanical durability and high ion conductivity compared with traditional PE membranes. Moreover, coin-typed cells were assembled and cycle performance was also studied compared with same-typed cells with commercial PE membrane and liquid electrolyte. As a result, the coin-typed cells using GPRMs also showed a relatively good efficiency on the 50th cycles at a high 1.0 C-rate. These GPRMs with excellent properties present a very promising material for utilization in high-performance lithium-ion batteries with improved safety and reliability.
Ecological and Biotechnological Aspects of Pigmented Microbes: A Way Forward in Development of Food and Pharmaceutical Grade Pigments
Authors: Chatragadda Ramesh , Dufossé Laurent
Published: March 2021

Microbial pigments play multiple roles in the ecosystem construction, survival, and fitness of all kinds of organisms. Considerably, microbial (bacteria, fungi, yeast, and microalgae) pigments offer a wide array of food, drug, colorants, dyes, and imaging applications. In contrast to the natural pigments from microbes, synthetic colorants are widely used due to high production, high intensity, and low cost. Nevertheless, natural pigments are gaining more demand over synthetic pigments as synthetic pigments have demonstrated side effects on human health. Therefore, research on microbial pigments needs to be extended, explored, and exploited to find potential industrial applications. In this review, the evolutionary aspects, the spatial significance of important pigments, biomedical applications, research gaps, and future perspectives are detailed briefly. The pathogenic nature of some pigmented bacteria is also detailed for awareness and safe handling. In addition, pigments from macro-organisms are also discussed in some sections for comparison with microbes.
Isolation and Characterization of Potential Starter Cultures from the Nigerian Fermented Milk Product nono
Authors: Fagbemigun Olakunle , Cho Gyu-Sung , Rösch Niels , Brinks Erik , Schrader Katrin , Bockelmann Wilhelm , Oguntoyinbo Folarin A. , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: March 2021

Nono, an important traditional fermented dairy food produced from cow’s milk in Nigeria, was studied for microbial diversity and for starter culture development for industrial production. On the basis of a polyphasic approach, including phenotypic and genotypic methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, repetitive element PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprinting metagenomics, and whole genome sequencing, we identified Lactobacillus (Lb.) helveticus, Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum, Lb. delbrueckii, and Streptococcus (S.) thermophilus as predominant bacterial species involved with milk fermentation during traditional nono production in Nigeria, while the predominant yeast species in nono was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using metagenomics, Shigella and potential pathogens such as enterobacteria were detected at low levels of abundance. Strains of the predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were selected for starter cultures combination on the basis of their capacities for rapid growth in milk and reduction of pH below 4.5 and their gelling characteristic, which was demonstrated noticeably only by the S. thermophilus strains. Whole genome sequence analysis of selected bacterial strains showed the largest assembled genome size to be 2,169,635 bp in Lb. helveticus 314, while the smallest genome size was 1,785,639 bp in Lb. delbrueckii 328M. Genes encoding bacteriocins were not detected in all the strains, but all the LAB possessed genes potentially involved in diacetyl production and citrate metabolism. These bacteria isolated from nono can thus be used to improve the microbial safety quality of nono in Nigeria, in addition to improving technological parameters such as gelling viscosity, palatability, and product consistency.
Risk of Low Energy Availability in National and International Level Paralympic Athletes: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Pritchett Kelly , DiFolco Alicia , Glasgow Savannah , Pritchett Robert , Williams Katy , Stellingwerff Trent , Roney Patricia , Scaroni Susannah , Broad Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the symptoms of low energy availability (LEA) and risk of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) symptoms in para-athletes using a multi-parameter approach. (2) Methods: National level para-athletes (n = 9 males, n = 9 females) completed 7-day food and activity logs to quantify energy availability (EA), the LEA in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to assess bone mineral density (BMD), and hormonal blood spot testing. (3) Results: Based on EA calculations, no athlete was at risk for LEA (females < 30 kcal·kg−1 FFM·day−1; and males < 25 kcal·kg−1 FFM·day−1; thresholds for able-bodied (AB) subjects). Overall, 78% of females were “at risk” for LEA using the LEAF-Q, and 67% reported birth control use, with three of these participants reporting menstrual dysfunction. BMD was clinically low in the hip (<−2 z-score) for 56% of female and 25% of male athletes (4) Conclusions: Based on calculated EA, the risk for RED-S appears to be low, but hormonal outcomes suggest that RED-S risk is high in this para-athlete population. This considerable discrepancy in various EA and RED-S assessment tools suggests the need for further investigation to determine the true prevalence of RED-S in para-athlete populations.
Association between Dietary Patterns and Serum Hepatic Enzyme Levels in Adults with Dyslipidemia and Impaired Fasting Plasma Glucose
Authors: Lin Li-Yin , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Chiou Hung-Yi , Lee Hsiu-An , Hsu Li-Ming , Chang Po-Ya , Kurniawan Adi Lukas , Chao Jane C.-J.
Published: March 2021

We investigated the association between dietary patterns and serum hepatic enzyme levels in adults with dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glucose in Taiwan. A total of 15,005 subjects (5452 men and 9553 women) aged 35–69 years were selected. Two major dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis: Western dietary pattern and Mediterranean dietary pattern. Subjects in the highest quartile (Q4) of the Western dietary pattern showed an increased risk of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.45, p-trend = 0.01). Fur-thermore, in the highest quartile of the Western dietary pattern, subjects with high waist circum-ference were observed to have a greater risk for developing abnormal serum ALT levels compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04–1.97, p-trend = 0.01). In the highest quartile of the Western dietary pattern, only women were at an increased risk for having abnormal serum ALT levels (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.59, p-trend = 0.03). By contrast, in the highest quartile of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, only men were at a reduced risk for having abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53–0.97, p-trend = 0.048). We report a positive association between the Western dietary pattern and abnormal serum ALT levels.