bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping and Prioritizing Potential Illegal Dump Sites Using Geographic Information System Network Analysis and Multiple Remote Sensing Indices
Authors: Karimi Nima , Ng Kelvin Tsun Wai
Published: November 2022

Due to rapid urbanization and population growth, identification and management of illegal dump sites has been a global challenge. In this study, satellite imagery and geographic information system were used to map potential illegal dump sites (PIDS). An original analytical approach was developed to identify PIDS using a set of remote sensing indices and vector files. The Network Analysis tool was used to prioritize PIDS considering driving distance between PIDS and neighboring populated points. A total of five variables (Landfills, LST, HCHO, Highways, and EVI) were considered. A study area in Saskatchewan, Canada, was selected, and the identified PIDS account for about 37.3% of the total area. Road network intensity and accessibility appear important to the occurrence of PIDS. Overall road densities in identified PIDS ranged from 0.098 to 0.251 km/km2. All five variables have observable effects on the occurrence of PIDS; however, LST and highways are recommended for future studies due to their higher membership grade and spatial sensitivity. The combination of multiple remote sensing indices and network analysis on PIDS prioritization is advantageous. The proposed PIDS mapping and prioritization method can be easily employed elsewhere.
The Effect of Group Work on Expressive-Artistic Activities for the Emotional Regulation of University Students
Authors: Vega-Ramírez Lilyan , Vidaci Andreea , Hederich-Martínez Christian
Published: November 2022

The purpose of higher education is the development of basic and professional skills to prepare students for the following stages of life. Social abilities and emotional regulation are considered to be part of these skills and could be improved through a group-work method. The aim of this study is to describe the emotional regulation process perceived by university students after group work is realised in expressive-artistic activities. The 69 participants (28 women and 41 men) aged between 19 and 26 (mean age 20.5, SD 2.1) were all second-year students of a Physical Activity and Sport Science degree. The data were collected through the questionnaire AIRE (Adaptative Instrument for Regulation of Emotions) applied by online form. The results revealed that the main goal of the students was to enjoy and have fun during the group work and gain new ideas from their peers. The biggest struggle was the schedule because some of them presented other personal or family commitments that limited their availability to practice. Overall, most of the participants affirmed that there are completely satisfied with the group project. In conclusion, group work within expressive-artistic activities improves social interaction and social skills but could be influenced by external factors (family, work, and other social commitments).
High-Precision Real-Time Forest Fire Video Detection Using One-Class Model
Authors: Yang Xubing , Wang Yang , Liu Xudong , Liu Yunfei
Published: November 2022

Machine learning-base fire detection methods play a vital role in the current forest fire monitoring systems. In the literature, fire detection is usually viewed as a two-class (or multi-class) classification task. However, this violates the most foundational hypothesis in machine learning, e.g., independent and identical distribution (i.i.d.), especially for the non-fire samples drawn from a complex forest background. Moreover, for omni-directional video -monitoring, the background is also always changing, which leads this violation to a worse situation. In this work, by relaxing the i.i.d. of non-fire samples, we aim to learn a one-class model that just relies on the fire samples. Considering the requirements of high-precision and real-time detection, training samples are directly constructed on the fire pixels without a complex feature transformation. Additionally, we also provide a batch decision-making strategy to speed up fire detection. This work also includes an extensive experimental comparison on the public forest fire videos, obtained by ground- or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-monitoring cameras. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the results show the superiority of our proposal in terms of a high-fire detection rate, low-error warning rate, accurate fire location positioning, and real-time detection.
Effects of Rhus typhina Invasion on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Carbon Emissions in Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Wang Zihan , Wu Junjie , Zhang Dan , Gong Chao , Wang Qiong , Zhai Chang , Dai Xinzhu
Published: November 2022

Alien plants invasion have become a hot issue in the field of ecology. The invasion of alien plants is usually accompanied by changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil, the ensuing negative feedback creates a favorable environment for its own growth and expansion. Invasive plans have a strong ability to sequester carbon, which can greatly affect the original local ecological environment. In this study, we selected Rhus typhina, an invasive plant widely used for greening, as the experimental subject and natural growing grassland as the control. The aims were to investigate the effects of different degrees of invasion of R. typhina on soil physicochemical properties and carbon emissions, and to explore the influential factors on carbon emission. The results showed that R. typhina invasion significantly increased soil pH, total nitrogen content, easy extraction of glomalin-related soil protein (EEG) and cumulative CO2 emissions (CEM). It is worth noting that the CEM increased significantly during the severe invasion by R. typhina. The significant increase in soil NH4+-N content and the decrease in soil NO3−-N content indicate that the soil after the invasion of R. typhina has better uptake of NH4+-N. Temperature and soil moisture content had significant direct effects on CEM, while NH4+-N, NO3−-N, EEG and temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon mineralization Q10 (30 °C/20 °C) had a direct but non-significant effect on CEM. The above findings suggest that R. typhina can generate positive feedback by influencing the physicochemical properties and CEM of the soil, opening the way for its own expansion, which can be targeted to prevent the destruction of local ecosystems during the introduction of cultivation and subsequent management.
Grape Pomace in Ewes Diet Affects Metagenomic Profile, Volatile Compounds and Biogenic Amines Contents of Ripened Cheese
Authors: Bennato Francesca , Di Domenico Marco , Ianni Andrea , Di Gialleonardo Luigina , Cammà Cesare , Martino Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the development of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the accumulation of biogenic amines (BAs) in relation to the dynamic of microbial population composition in fresh and ripened cheese produced from raw milk of ewes fed a diet containing grape pomace (GP+) and fed a standard diet (Ctrl). Genomic DNA was extracted from the cheeses at 2 (T2), 60 (T60), 90 (T90) and 120 (T120) days of ripening and prepared for 16S rRNA-gene sequencing to characterize the cheese microbiota; furthermore, VOCs were determined via solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and biogenic amines by HPLC analyses. Diet did not affect the relative abundance of the main phyla identified, Proteobacteria characterized T2 samples, but the scenario changed during the ripening. At genus level, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium and Acinetobacter were the dominant taxa, however, a lower percentage of Pseudomonas was detected in GP+ cheeses. Enterococcus became dominant in ripened cheeses followed in Ctrl cheeses by Lactobacillus and in GP+ cheeses by Lactococcus. The diet affected the development of carboxylic acids and ketones but not of aldehydes. Low levels of esters were identified in all the samples. In total, four biogenic amines were determined in cheeses samples and their levels differed between the two groups and during ripening time. In 60, T90 and T120 GP+ cheeses, a lower amount of 2-phenylethylamine was found compared to Ctrl. Putrescine was detected only in GP+ samples and reached the highest level at 120 days. Conversely, the amount of cadaverine in GP+ samples was invariable during the ripening. The concentration of tyramine in GP+ samples was compared to Ctrl during the ripening. Overall, significant positive correlations between some families of bacteria and the formation of VOCs and BAs were found.
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation on Metabolites in Lotus Leaf Based on Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yubao , Lin Bingjun , Li Zhengxu
Published: November 2022

The lotus leaf is a raw material commonly used in slimming herbal products, but the deep processing technology is insufficient. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation is an effective method to improve the efficacy of plant materials. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–HR-MS) was used to explore the differential metabolites of a lotus leaf aqueous extract before and after fermentation. Information about the metabolites in the water extract of lotus leaves before and after fermentation was collected in positive- and negative-ion modes, and the metabolites identified before and after fermentation were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 91 different metabolites were obtained. They included flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids and derivatives, terpenoids, fatty acids and fatty acyls, phenols, amino acid derivatives and others. Compared with the metabolites’ levels before fermentation, the relative contents of 68 metabolites were upregulated after fermentation, and the relative contents of 23 metabolites were downregulated. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified 25 metabolic pathways, of which flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, citrate cycle and flavonoid biosynthesis were the main metabolic pathways. The results of this study can provide a basis for further research and the development of products containing lotus leaves fermented by LAB.
Study on the Suppression Effect of Cryogenic Cooling on Thermal Runaway of Ternary Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Li Zheng , Wang Hongyu , Yuan Diping
Published: November 2022

To solve the misfire problem of lithium-ion batteries in storage and transportation, a method of using cryogenic control to prevent thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries is proposed, and a serial of tests of thermal runaway of ternary lithium-ion batteries under the effect of cryogenic cooling are carried out. The results show that cryogenic cooling can weaken the energy release of a lithium-ion battery after thermal runaway by reducing its internal reaction activity and then blocking the chain propagation of thermal runaway between battery packs. The lower the temperature of a lithium-ion battery, the more difficult it is for the battery to develop thermal runaway; when the temperature drops to −20 °C, thermal runaway propagation does not occur. The highest CO concentration and mass loss in the test chamber were reduced by 83.1% and 75.9%, respectively, compared with the normal temperature group. When the temperature dropped below −30 °C, the battery that was directly punctured did not develop thermal runaway. This discovery can be used in the transportation and storage of lithium batteries.
Impact of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin on Bovine Milk Composition and Fatty Acidome: A Multidose Longitudinal Study
Authors: Barreiro Rocío , Lamas Alexandre , Miranda José M. , Franco Carlos M. , Cepeda Alberto , Regal Patricia
Published: November 2022

Somatotropin is a species-specific polypeptide hormone produced in the pituitary gland of vertebrates. When administered exogenously to cattle, it can increase milk yield. However, the trade and administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) to farm animals have been banned in the European Union (EU). Aside from food safety issues, very little is known about the effects of this hormone on milk composition and quality. In this work, a wide profile of fatty acids (the so-called fatty acidome) was determined by GC-FID in raw milk collected from control and rbST-treated lactating cows in a multidose longitudinal study. Milk composition (lactose, protein, fat, dry matter), including minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P), was also determined, and milk yield was recorded. A tendency toward a less saturated profile was observed in the milk collected from animals treated with rbST, with higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, less calcium and potassium and more lactose and protein content were observed in milk from treated animals than in regular milk. As a result of this multicomponent profiling of milk, a clear impact of somatotropin treatment on milk quality was observed. The obtained results should be particularly interesting for those countries that permit the use of this hormone in dairy production.
Co-Encapsulation of Tannic Acid and Resveratrol in Zein/Pectin Nanoparticles: Stability, Antioxidant Activity, and Bioaccessibility
Authors: Liang Xiao , Cheng Wanting , Liang Zhanhong , Zhan Yiling , McClements David , Hu Kun
Published: November 2022

Hydrophilic tannic acid and hydrophobic resveratrol were successfully co-encapsulated in zein nanoparticles prepared using antisolvent precipitation and then coated with pectin by electrostatic deposition. The encapsulation efficiencies of the tannic acid and resveratrol were 51.5 ± 1.9% and 77.2 ± 3.2%, respectively. The co-encapsulated nanoparticles were stable against aggregation at the investigated pH range of 2.0 to 8.0 when heated at 80 °C for 2 h and when the NaCl concentration was below 50 mM. The co-encapsulated tannic acid and resveratrol exhibited stronger in vitro antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, as determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH·) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylberizothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS+·) scavenging assays. The polyphenols-loaded nanoparticles significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in peroxide-treated human hepatoma cells (HepG2). An in vitro digestion model was used to study the gastrointestinal fate of the nanoparticles. In the stomach, encapsulation inhibited tannic acid release, but promoted resveratrol release. However, in the small intestine, it led to a relatively high bioaccessibility of 76% and 100% for resveratrol and tannic acid, respectively. These results suggest that pectin-coated zein nanoparticles have the potential for the co-encapsulation of both polar and nonpolar nutraceuticals or drugs.
Impact of Thermal Processing on the Composition of Secondary Metabolites of Ginger Rhizome—A Review
Authors: Zagórska Justyna , Czernicka-Boś Lidia , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Szalak Radosław , Koch Wojciech
Published: November 2022

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is both a commonly used spice, and an ingredient of various dietary supplements and medications. Its diverse applications result from the range of health benefits that this plant brings thanks to the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) in the matrix. Even if several studies underline a stronger pharmacological activity of fresh ginger rhizomes, the unprocessed plant is relatively rarely used. Ginger rhizomes are subjected to thermal processing, such as boiling, blanching, steam drying and others, at different temperature and time settings. Additionally, freeze-drying of the rhizomes is used as the first step in the preparation of raw material. It was proved that the composition of secondary metabolites of the Zingiber officinale rhizome changes upon the influence of temperature. Therefore, the aim of the review was to put together scientific results on the impact of traditional and unconventional methods of heat treatment on ginger rhizomes and to show the compositional differences that they induce in the plant matrix. Variations in the content and the transformation of some compounds into other metabolites will be also discussed, with particular attention paid to two major groups of secondary metabolites present in the plant, namely, phenolics and terpenes.
CaSO4 Increases Yield and Alters the Nutritional Contents in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. italica) Microgreens under NaCl Stress
Authors: Zeng Wenjing , Yang Jing , Yan Guochao , Zhu Zhujun
Published: November 2022

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. italica) microgreens are rich in various nutrients, especially sulforaphane. NaCl application is an effective method to reduce nitrate content, and to improve sulforaphane content; however, NaCl application is associated with a risk in productivity reduction. Ca application is a well-known approach to cope with salt stress. Thus, we hypothesized that adding CaSO4 may mitigate the adverse effects of NaCl stress, and enhance the quality of broccoli microgreens. In this study, we conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of a combined treatment of NaCl and CaSO4 on the fresh yield, glucosinolates (GS), sulforaphane, nitrate, and mineral element contents of broccoli microgreens. The results showed that the incorporation of CaSO4 into NaCl solution unexpectedly increased the yield of the leaf area. Moreover, the addition of CaSO4 ameliorated the decline in GS under NaCl stress, and induced the accumulation of Ca and S. The nitrate content decreased more than three times, and sulforaphane content also decreased in the combined treatment of NaCl and CaSO4. This study proposes that the incorporation of CaSO4 into NaCl solution increases the yield, and alleviates the unfavorable effects induced by NaCl stress on the quality of broccoli microgreens. This study provides a novel approach for microgreens production.
Typical Characterization of Commercial Camellia Oil Products Using Different Processing Techniques: Triacylglycerol Profile, Bioactive Compounds, Oxidative Stability, Antioxidant Activity and Volatile Compounds
Authors: Zeng Jing , Wang Weifei , Chen Ying , Liu Xuan , Xu Qingqing , Qi Suijian , Lan Dongming , Wang Yonghua
Published: November 2022

The processing technique is one of the key factors affecting the quality of camellia oil. In this study, camellia oils were obtained using four different processing techniques (cold-pressed, roast-pressed, fresh-pressed, and refined), and their triacylglycerols (TAGs) profile, bioactive compound (tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols) level, oxidative stability, and volatile compounds were analyzed and compared. To further identify characteristic components in four camellia oil products, the TAG profile was analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-MSE. Five characteristic markers were identified, including OOO (m/z 902.8151), POL (m/z 874.7850), SOO (m/z 904.8296), PPL (m/z 848.7693), PPS (m/z 852.7987). Regarding the bioactive compound level and antioxidant capacity, the fresh-pressed technique provided higher α-tocopherols (143.15 mg/kg), β-sitosterol (93.20 mg/kg), squalene (102.08 mg/kg), and polyphenols (35.38 mg/kg) and showed stronger overall oxidation stability and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, a total of 65 volatile compounds were detected and identified in four camellia oil products, namely esters (23), aldehydes (19), acids (8), hydrocarbons (3), ketones (3), and others (9), among which pressed oil was dominated by aldehydes, acid, and esters, while refined oil had few aroma components. This study provided a comprehensive comparative perspective for revealing the significant influence of the processing technique on the camellia oil quality and its significance for producing camellia oil of high quality and with high nutritional value.
The Effect of a Nonlocal Thermoelastic Model on a Thermoelastic Material under Fractional Time Derivatives
Authors: Hobiny Aatef , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

This article develops a novel nonlocal theory of generalized thermoelastic material based on fractional time derivatives and Eringen’s nonlocal thermoelasticity. An ultra-short pulse laser heats the surface of the medium’s surrounding plane. Using the Laplace transform method, the basic equations and their accompanying boundary conditions were numerically solved. The distribution of thermal stress, temperature and displacement are physical variables for which the eigenvalues approach was employed to generate the analytical solution. Visual representations were used to examine the influence of the nonlocal parameters and fractional time derivative parameters on the wave propagation distributions of the physical fields for materials. The consideration of the nonlocal thermoelasticity theory (nonlocal elasticity and heat conduction) with fractional time derivatives may lead us to conclude that the variations in physical quantities are considerably impacted.
Synchronization of Fractional-Order Uncertain Delayed Neural Networks with an Event-Triggered Communication Scheme
Authors: Hymavathi M. , Syed Ali M. , Ibrahim Tarek F. , Younis B. A. , Osman Khalid I. , Mukdasai Kanit
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the synchronization of fractional-order uncertain delayed neural networks with an event-triggered communication scheme is investigated. By establishing a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and inequality techniques, sufficient conditions are obtained under which the delayed neural networks are stable. The criteria are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Based on the drive–response concept, the LMI approach, and the Lyapunov stability theorem, a controller is derived to achieve the synchronization. Finally, numerical examples are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the main results.
Human Factors in Road Design: A Review of Italian Design Standards
Authors: Paliotto Andrea , Meocci Monica , Branzi Valentina
Published: November 2022

Human Factors are stable psychological, psychophysical, and physiological limits that influence the performance and safety of technical systems managed by humans. Roads are made for human use, but nowadays not completely on a human scale. Many studies demonstrate that Human Factors are a key factor in accident occurrence and thus it is mandatory to consider them in the definition of design standards. This research provides a methodological approach to reviewing design standards based on Human Factors. The methodology identifies which Human Factors aspects are relevant for each specific design feature. The reviewer is then able to judge if those aspects are considered using checklists. Moreover, the paper presents a review of the Italian design standards using the proposed methodology. This identifies to what extent Human Factors are considered in the Italian design standards, analyzing if they match the requirements of the three rules of Human Factors proposed by PIARC (Permanent International Association of Road Congresses). The results identify where Italian design standards consider Human Factors and where they do not. This is where further improvements should be made so that engineering solutions could match psychological requirements, for safer and ergonomic road infrastructures. The proposed approach provides a structured and systematic procedure for the analysis which has been found to be suitable also for road safety audits procedures.
Heuristic Pairwise Alignment in Database Environments
Authors: Lipták Panna , Kiss Attila , Szalai-Gindl János Márk
Published: November 2022

Biological data have gained wider recognition during the last few years, although managing and processing these data in an efficient way remains a challenge in many areas. Increasingly, more DNA sequence databases can be accessed; however, most algorithms on these sequences are performed outside of the database with different bioinformatics software. In this article, we propose a novel approach for the comparative analysis of sequences, thereby defining heuristic pairwise alignment inside the database environment. This method takes advantage of the benefits provided by the database management system and presents a way to exploit similarities in data sets to quicken the alignment algorithm. We work with the column-oriented MonetDB, and we further discuss the key benefits of this database system in relation to our proposed heuristic approach.
Understanding the Roles of the NSD Protein Methyltransferases in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Murali Madhavi , Saloura Vassiliki
Published: November 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent non-skin cancer in the world. While immunotherapy has revolutionized the standard of care treatment in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, more than 70% of patients do not respond to this treatment, making the identification of novel therapeutic targets urgent. Recently, research endeavors have focused on how epigenetic modifications may affect tumor initiation and progression of HNSCC. The nuclear receptor binding SET domain (NSD) family of protein methyltransferases NSD1-NSD3 is of particular interest for HNSCC, with NSD1 and NSD3 being amongst the most commonly mutated or amplified genes respectively in HNSCC. Preclinical studies have identified both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing properties across NSD1, NSD2, and NSD3 within the context of HNSCC. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding of the contribution of the NSD family of protein methyltransferases to the pathogenesis of HNSCC, underscoring their promise as novel therapeutic targets in this devastating disease.
Integrated Characterization and Analysis of a Slow-Moving Landslide Using Geotechnical and Geophysical Methods
Authors: Kiernan Michael , Xuan Mengwei , Montgomery Jack , Anderson J. Brian
Published: November 2022

Slope failures in roadway embankments are common occurrences and can lead to traffic disruptions and large costs to repair damage. In areas with high-plasticity clays, special attention must be paid to characterizing both the stratigraphy and the potential for strength loss. This study demonstrates the use of an integrated site characterization approach, which seeks to utilize results from geotechnical and geophysical tests to understand the behavior of a landslide in west Alabama. The timing and mechanism of the initial failure causing the preexisting shear plane at this site are not known. Results from electrical resistivity and seismic geophysical tests are integrated with information from borings and index tests to develop a representative cross-section for the landslide, and torsional ring shear results are used to measure the drained fully softened and residual strengths. Both the limit equilibrium (LEM) and strength reduction method (SRM) analyses are used to examine possible failure mechanisms. The results show good agreement between noncircular LEM and SRM analyses and indicate that the initial failure was likely due to undrained loading of the clay. Analyses utilizing the residual drained strength envelopes produce FS values significantly lower than 1 indicating the slope to be unstable when soil on the failure plane exists at the residual state. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the combined effect of lowering the water table and strength recovery may explain the intermittent nature of movements.
Effectiveness of Physical Exercise Interventions on Pulmonary Function and Physical Fitness in Children and Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: García-Pérez-de-Sevilla Guillermo , Yvert Thomas , Blanco Ángela , Sosa Pedreschi Alicia Irene , Thuissard Israel J. , Pérez-Ruiz Margarita
Published: November 2022

Objective: Physical exercise is associated with several benefits in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), associated with a reduction in patient mortality. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of exercise interventions on physical condition and lung function in children and adults with CF to establish the most appropriate type and dose of physical exercise used so far. Methods: The studies included were randomized controlled trials with physical exercise interventions performed with children or adults with CF, analyzing the effects on pulmonary function, cardiorespiratory capacity, and muscle strength. The variables analyzed in at least four studies in the same population (children or adults) with the same measuring test were included in the meta-analysis. Results:Pulmonary function: There were no changes in the forced expiratory volume 1 s, but mouth expiratory/inspiratory pressures were improved in some studies. Physical fitness: In children, the interventions did not manage to improve the VO2peak (SMD = 0.22; 95%CI: −0.25 to 0.68; p = 0.73) but improved muscle strength. In adults, physical exercise interventions based on high-intensity aerobic training showed positive results in the VO2peak, and in some muscle strength outcomes. Conclusions: Exercise interventions in children and adults with CF are effective in improving muscle strength, cardiovascular capacity, and respiratory muscle function. However, they do not achieve improvements in lung function. The most effective programs are those using strength training or cardiovascular high-intensity interval training, although to date there have been few such interventions.
Using Sigmoid Growth Models to Simulate Greenhouse Tomato Growth and Development
Authors: Fang Shih-Lun , Kuo Yu-Hsien , Kang Le , Chen Chu-Chung , Hsieh Chih-Yu , Yao Min-Hwi , Kuo Bo-Jein
Published: November 2022

Mathematical modeling has been used to describe the characteristics of crop growth. Establishing a growth model can help to better understand the responses of crops to their environment and improve the efficiency of agricultural production. This study establishes empirical growth models to predict the growth of greenhouse tomato. In this study, we collected beef tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘993′) growth data over two crop seasons in Taiwan and established growth models by employing the commonly used Gompertz and Logistic curves. Days after transplanting (DAT) and growing degree-days (GDD) were introduced as independent variables and their relationships with five traits, i.e., plant height, leaf area index, stem dry matter, leaves dry matter, and fruits dry matter were determined. The performances of GDD models were slightly better than those of the DAT models. In addition, we inferred five critical points with biological meaning based on the proposed growth models. The critical points estimated by the Logistic model are closer to our expectation than those of the Gompertz model, and they were applicable for the ‘993′ tomato in Taiwan. These results can be used to predict tomato growth and adjust the fieldwork schedule to improve the efficiency of the greenhouse production of tomatoes.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of USP Gene Family in Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Xu Tao , Chen Tianchi , Zhang Tianye , Shen Leyi , Chen Zhe , Xu Yue , Wu Yueyan , Yang Jian
Published: November 2022

With the frequent occurrence of extreme natural disasters, unfavorable growth environment is a common phenomenon in the life cycle of plants. In recent years, universal stress proteins (USPs) have attracted extensive attention in the field of plant science for their expression patterns and functional analysis. However, the characterization of the USP family remains unclear in grape. In this study, we identified 30 VvUSPs in the grape genome, which could be divided into three classes according to their encoded protein sequences, and this classification was reflected by the distribution of conserved motifs. Gene duplication analysis demonstrated that segmental duplication was an important pathway in the expansion of the VvUSP family. The expression patterns of 12 VvUSPs were significantly different between tissues, implying they had different functions in various tissues. Cis-acting element and expression analysis showed that most of the promoter regions of VvUSPs contained sequences responsive to hormones and stress elements, especially the promoter region of VIT_16s0013g01920. In conclusion, our findings provide comprehensive information for the further investigation of the genetics and protein functions of the USP gene family in grape.
How Do We Know Co-Created Solutions Work Effectively within the Real World of People Living with Dementia? Learning Methodological Lessons from a Co-Creation-to-Evaluation Case Study
Authors: Smith Grahame , Dixon Chloe , Neiva Ganga Rafaela , Greenop Daz
Published: November 2022

Living Labs (LL) are a novel and potentially robust way of addressing real-life health challenges, especially within the dementia field. Generally, LLs focus on co-creating through implementing the quadruple helix partnership as a user-centric approach to co-creating. In the context of this paper, the users were people with dementia and their informal carers. LL are not necessarily environments that evaluate these co-created innovations within the real world. Considering this disconnect between co-creation and real-world evaluation, this paper, as a critical commentary, will reflect on the methodological lessons learnt during the development of an LL model aimed at addressing this discrepancy. The LL at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) was commissioned to co-create and then evaluate a new Dementia Reablement Service. The case study findings revealed that the Dementia Reablement Service had a positive impact on the quality of life of people with dementia, suggesting that the service is a catalyst for positive change. In addition, the critical learning from this case study highlights the potential role of LLs in seamlessly co-creating and then evaluating the co-created solution within the real world. A benefit of this way of working is that it provides opportunities for LLs to secure access to traditional research funding.
Accelerated Digitalization of the Epidemiological Measures: Overcoming the Technological and Process Complexities of Establishing the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Slovenia
Authors: Stanimirovic Dalibor , Tepej Jocic Lucija
Published: November 2022

Objective: In order to facilitate free movement of EU citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, in early 2021 the European Commission proposed the establishment of an EU Digital COVID Certificate. By 1 July 2021, all EU Member States have successfully implemented the EU Digital COVID Certificate. The technological and procedural complexities encountered while establishing the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Slovenia are reviewed in this article. Methods: This research employs a case study methodology. Controlled focus group sessions comprising eighteen eminent experts (not including medical and other expert groups involved in the epidemiological measures) in charge of the EU Digital COVID Certificate and other national eHealth services in Slovenia were used as the primary data collection technique. Focus group discussions were preceded by an all-encompassing review of the literature and the examination of numerous materials covering the EU Digital COVID Certificate-related content. Results: The study findings reveal that the technological and process complexities are associated with the fragmented data sources and complicated and abundant business rules used for the generation and verification of the EU Digital COVID Certificate. However, despite the technological, process and other impediments that arose during the establishment of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Slovenia, it can be argued that the approach used and stakeholder commitment, especially in critical pandemic conditions, offered the much-desired harmonisation and application of this digital service at the EU level. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of a sound and coherent model for the impending establishment of cross-border eHealth services and suggests that the ad hoc implementation of such challenging and delicate digital solutions in the future will only be feasible with the prior construction of robust and interoperable digital health infrastructures across the EU Member States.
Comparing the Therapeutic Efficacies of Lung Cancer: Network Meta-Analysis Approaches
Authors: Chang Chuan-Hsin , Chang Yue-Cune
Published: November 2022

Background: In recent years, reduction of nuclear power generation and the use of coal-fired power for filling the power supply gap might have increased the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to explore the most effective treatment for different stages of lung cancer patients. Methods: We searched databases to investigate the treatment efficacy of lung cancer. The network meta-analysis was used to explore the top three effective therapeutic strategies among all collected treatment methodologies. Results: A total of 124 studies were collected from 115 articles with 171,757 participants in total. The results of network meta-analyses showed that the best top three treatments: (1) in response rate, for advanced lung cancer were Targeted + Targeted, Chemo + Immuno, and Targeted + Other Therapy with cumulative probabilities 82.9, 80.8, and 69.3%, respectively; for non-advanced lung cancer were Chemoradio + Targeted, Chemoradi + Immuno, and Chemoradio + Other Therapy with cumulative probabilities 69.0, 67.8, and 60.7%, respectively; (2) in disease-free control rate, for advanced lung cancer were Targeted + Others, Chemo + Immuno, and Targeted + Targeted Therapy with cumulative probabilities 93.4, 91.5, and 59.4%, respectively; for non-advanced lung cancer were Chemo + Surgery, Chemoradio + Targeted, and Surgery Therapy with cumulative probabilities 80.1, 71.5, and 43.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The therapeutic strategies with the best effectiveness will be different depending on the stage of lung cancer patients.
Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with Running in Metro Vancouver: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Harden Stella R. , Schuurman Nadine , Keller Peter , Lear Scott A.
Published: November 2022

Running can improve physical health and psychological wellbeing. However, the characteristics of conducive running environments are relatively unknown. This study determines neighborhood factors that attract running and explores how age and gender mediate built environment preferences. Spatial patterns of runners in Metro Vancouver were identified using crowdsourced fitness data from Strava, a popular application for tracking physical activities. The influence of socio-economic status (SES), green and/or blue space, and urbanicity on route popularity was assessed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM). The influence of these neighborhood variables was also calculated for runners by age and gender. The results show high neighborhood SES, the presence of green and/or blue space, and high population density are associated with increased running activities in all age and gender groups. This study contributes a novel approach to understanding conducive running environments by demonstrating the utility of crowdsourced data in combination with data about urban environments. The patterns of this large group of runners can be used to inform planning for cities that promote running, as well as seek to encourage equal participation among different ages and genders.
Hyaluronic Acid: A New Approach for the Treatment of Gingival Recession—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mehta Vini , Kaçani Gerta , Moaleem Mohammed M. Al , Almohammadi Anwar Abdulkarim , Alwafi Malak Mohammed , Mulla Abduljabbar Khalil , Alharbi Shahad Owaidh , Aljayyar Abdullah Waleed , Qeli Etleva , Toti Çeljana , Meto Agron , Fiorillo Luca
Published: November 2022

This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the clinical treatment outcomes of patients with gingival recession. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies up to 15 August 2022. Two reviewers separately selected the papers for eligibility after conducting a thorough search. The study includes randomized controlled clinical trials in which participants were given HA in addition to periodontal treatment surgical procedures. The changes following the treatment protocol were evaluated for complete and mean root coverage as a primary outcome and gingival recession gain as the secondary outcome. Three articles met the eligibility criteria out of 557 titles. In periodontal surgery, HA exhibited better results in complete root coverage and mean root coverage when compared to the control group. Gingival recession reduction, clinical attachment level, and keratinized tissue gain were significantly increased compared to the control groups. However, the comparison presented in the following study might show heterogeneity among the studies and risk of bias in general. Given the scope of this analysis, results suggest that adjunctive treatment with HA gel for root coverage could be clinically beneficial.
Effectiveness of a Co-Production with Dialogue Program for Reducing Stigma against Mental Illness: A Quasi-Experimental Study with a Pre- and Post-Test Design
Authors: Nakanishi Eiichi , Tamachi Masahiro , Hashimoto Takeshi
Published: November 2022

For people with mental illnesses, stigma represents a barrier to social participation. Health professionals, including students, often hold stigma toward such individuals, Further, people with a mental illness often have self-stigma. This study aimed to both develop and examine the effectiveness of a new program based on co-production with dialogue for reducing stigma among both health science students and people with mental illnesses. This was a quasi-experimental study, with a pre- and post-test design and no control group. The sample comprised 28 university students majoring in occupational therapy and 20 community-dwelling people with mental illnesses. The Co-Production with Dialogue Program for Reducing Stigma (CPD-RS) was administered to this sample. Link’s Devaluation Discrimination Scale (DDS) was used to assess whether the program reduced stigma. Compared to their preintervention scores, the students’ postintervention DDS scores significantly decreased, persisting for at least one month, but those of people with mental illnesses showed no significant change. Both the students and the people with mental illnesses evaluated the program as “positive” through a questionnaire administered two months after the intervention. These results suggest that the CPD-RS reduces health science students’ stigma toward people with mental illnesses and fosters mutual understanding between the two groups.
A Qualitative Analysis of Attrition in Parent–Child Interaction Therapy
Authors: Ufford Amber , Wigod Tali , Shen Joy , Miller Alec , McGinn Lata
Published: November 2022

Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is one of the strongest evidence-based treatments for young children with behavior problems. Despite the efficacy of PCIT, many families fail to complete treatment, with attrition rates ranging from 30 to 69 percent. Preliminary research on attrition in PCIT treatment studies has linked maternal distress, negative verbal behavior (critical and sarcastic comments towards the child), lower socioeconomic status (SES), and fewer child major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnoses with premature termination from PCIT. However, more research is still needed to identify the range of reasons for treatment discontinuation. The purpose of the present study was to explore the range of reasons for premature termination from PCIT by conducting in-depth interviews with parents who discontinued PCIT using a qualitative design methodology. Results yielded eight themes, which were organized into three constructs: child-directed interaction (CDI) successes, difficulties with treatment, and the need for more clarity and orientation. Several existing treatment strategies that emerged from the data could be applied to PCIT to further enhance it and potentially reduce dropout (e.g., reconceptualizing dropout from PCIT, micro-orienting strategies used in other cognitive and behavioral therapies and dialectical behavior therapy). Understanding the reasons why parents drop out of PCIT and exploring different adaptations that can be made can further enhance this evidence-based treatment and increase its accessibility.
Transition from Depression to Suicidal Attempt in Young Adults: The Mediation Effect of Self-Esteem and Interpersonal Needs
Authors: Liu Xingyun , Liu Miao , Li He , Mo Liuling , Liu Xiaoqian
Published: November 2022

Background: Depression increases the risk of suicide. Depression and suicide attempts are significantly impacted by low self-esteem and interpersonal needs (i.e., thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB)). More research is required to clarify how these factors affected the change from depression to suicidal attempts, which would dramatically lower the suicide fatality rate. We sought to examine the mediating roles of self-esteem, TB, and PB in Chinese young adults, since previous research shows that self-esteem has a strong relationship with TB, while TB and PB have strong relationships with suicide attempts. Methods: Measures on depression, interpersonal needs, and attempted suicide were completed by a sample of 247 Chinese social media users who had stated suicidal ideation online. Results: The findings showed that people who attempted suicide had significantly higher levels of TB and PB. Suicidal attempts were also impacted by depression via the mediational chains, which included self-esteem, TB, and PB. Conclusions: Our findings might contribute to the expansion of the interpersonal theory of suicide and have an impact on effective suicide prevention.
European IoT Use in Homes: Opportunity or Threat to Households?
Authors: D’Adamo Idiano , Di Vaio Assunta , Formiconi Alessandro , Soldano Antonio
Published: November 2022

The residential sector is characterized by new digital challenges. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key-driver of innovation and operations management. This study aims to measure and assess IoT devices at the level of individuals, which are households, in European countries. For this scope, through the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), we analyse data from Eurostat providing a mix of indicators allowing information to be aggregated at the level of individual Europeans and disaggregated by age group. The results highlight that only four countries (Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Malta) are classified as a high cluster in the examined scenarios. The 16–24 age group is the most involved in the uses of IoT devices, but the previous three northern European countries also show very high values for the 35–44 age group. IoT devices serve as a springboard for achieving a powerful propulsion toward technological innovation in the new business models, identifying opportunities and being a way to make many routine tasks more agile. Training programs and awareness campaigns are policy suggestions for the development of IoT devices favouring a cultural change on their use. However, there is an emerging need for studies that monitor environmental health impacts to prevent possible threats.