bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestión de la calidad del servicio administrativo como política pública para el sector salud del Seguro Campesino de la Provincia de Manabí
Authors: Vera-Sánchez Paola , Liccioni Edith
Published: November 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación se basó en analizar la auditoria de calidad de facturación de servicios de salud de los prestadores externos del Seguro Social Campesino, y como esto incide en los pagos durante el período 2021-2022. Se aplicó una metodología con diseño no experimental con un tipo de investigación de campo, de nivel  explicativo, y apoyada en una investigación documental, la muestra utilizada y a quien se les aplico encuesta fueron el personal de área de prestadores externos de la coordinación del SSC de Manabí y al departamento financiero-contable correspondiente al departamento de prestadores externos de salud (14 funcionarios), y los prestadores externos de salud de la Red Pública Integral de Salud y Red Complementaria Privada (62 prestadores). De igual manera, se complementó con imágenes comparativos sobre pagos de deuda y liquidaciones a prestadores externos en el año 2021 y 2022. En los resultados obtenidos se concluye que es necesario que se optimicen y estandaricen los procesos de Auditoria de la Calidad de Facturación para mejorar los tiempos de liquidación, de pago de deuda a los prestadores externos, quienes necesitan de estos recursos para mejorar y atender oportunamente a los afiliados al IESS en especial a los del SSC. Asimismo, se observó que la capacitación del personal encargado de esta Auditoría debe ser constante y los sistemas informáticos deben ser verificados con el propósito de evitar fraudes en los cobros de facturas por parte de los prestadores externos de salud.
A review of the historical origins of Korean-Chinese proverbs
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Inkyung
Published: November 2023

Korea, which used Chinese characters as characters in the past, has maintained a close relationship geographically and historically for a long time. As a result, various Chinese cultural elements influenced the exchange of language and culture between the two countries, such as the introduction of Korean classical literature, literary works, and proverbs. This can also be seen in the fact that Korean and Chinese proverbs have more similarities in expression and meaning than differences. In addition, from the 17th century to the 2nd century in the late Joseon Dynasty, some writers collected Korean proverbs and left a collection of Chinese-translated proverbs that translated them into Chinese characters. This is the result of the positive will of some intellectuals at the time to accept lower-class culture reflected in the consciousness of those who compiled a collection of Chinese-translated proverbs, and furthermore, the opportunity and driving force for Korean proverbs to be recognized as one of our classics that must be inherited and preserved in the modern era. It can be seen that this has happened.
The Influence of Empathic Response of Watching SNS Broadcasting Clip on the Curiosity and Viewing Intention of Live program
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeon Mihyang
Published: November 2023

This study analyzes the effect of empathic response of watching SNS broad- casting clips on the Curiosity and viewing intention of live program. Results indicated that empathetic understanding, identification, and vicarious emotional response have immediate effects on Curiosity. The Curiosity for the main broadcast had a positive effect on the viewing intention of live program, thus the mediating effect was verified. This shows that empathic response plays significant roles in developing Curiosity and viewing intention of watching the main show while viewing SNS broadcasting clips.
Analysis of Lecture Consulting Cases to Improve the Teaching Support Program for Newly Appointed Professors at the University.: Focusing on A University's Newly Appointed Professors’ Lecture Consulting Cases
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Seo Yonghee
Published: November 2023

The research aimed to determine the significance of lecture consulting experiences for newly appointed professors at A University and to understand its positive impact on efforts to enhance their teaching competence. The study revealed the following results: Firstly, newly appointed professors engaged in self-reflection on their teaching through lecture consulting. Secondly, there was a shift in their perception of lecture consulting. Newly appointed professors came to regard lecture consulting as a challenging yet worthwhile activity, one that is beneficial for their teaching. Thirdly, newly appointed professors held a positive view of the teaching support program designed to enhance their teaching competence. They recognized the necessity of such support programs, with a particular emphasis on their high interest and active participation in research on innovative teaching methods and activities related to its implementation.
A Study on Mobility Reproduced in Pre-modern and Modern Narrative Literature
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Song MyungJin
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the transformation process of mobility reproduced in Korean narrative literature. First, in the tale, various worlds are depicted as coexisting in one space. Therefore, the heavenly world and the earthly world, which were understood as continuous spaces, were imagined as being movable through visualized mobility. On the other hand, in old novels, various worlds were recognized as heterogeneous spaces. Therefore, the heavenly world and the earthly world became spaces that could only be moved through the mobility of reincarnation, or were expressed as being only possible to move through mobility that shared the characteristics of both worlds. Meanwhile, modern mobility was an object of wonder in that it enabled new experiences of time and space, but it was also an object of fear in that it destroyed existing areas of daily life. The above discussion has the significance of expanding the research on mobility, which was limited to the concept of modernity, to pre-modern narrative literature.
A Study on Album Cover as Paratext: Focusing on the Beatles' Album Covers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Park Joohyang
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the implicit and metaphorical communication of musical messages on album covers and discusses the ultimate role of album covers: the visual communication of music. For this purpose, first of all, the album cover is examined from the point of view of music and listener's interface, and the function of the album cover as paratext is examined. Album covers have the effect of creating a new experience for the listener, drawing attention to the shared properties of music and image through the image on the cover. In this sense, the album cover acts as a paratextual representation of a text as another text, creating a place for new interpretations to emerge. Based on this, I analyze the changes in the Beatles' musical style reflected in their album covers in relation to their genres and works. Through this study, it is expected that new musical thinking will be established through convergence with visuals, recognizing that album covers, which are visual materials, are also important materials that make up music.
The Surreality of Soundscape in Luis Buñuel’s Film: Focusing on L'âge d'or
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Noh Shihun
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between soundscapes and surrealist aesthetics in Buñuel's films, focusing on L'âge d'or. As a result of the examination, it can be seen that in this film music is used to express motifs of the film and paradoxically attack elements that hinder the realization of desire, and dialogue and other sound are used to reinforce the realness of visual images or to oppose the music. In addition, as a result of analyzing the soundscape composition of this film, we were able to identify the characteristics that most of the sounds in this film are everyday sounds, silence is used appropriately, and there is no inversion between music as the background and dialogue and other sound as the foreground. These soundscapes realize the aesthetics of the unconscious by expressing the ambiguity of dreams through metaphorical suggestion (music) or omission (silence) in this film, and create an aesthetics of “dépaysement” (unfamiliarity) by surrounding fantastic visual images with everyday sounds to induce disharmony. So, it can be said that these soundscapes are consistent with surrealist aesthetics.
The Ideology of Tolerance in King Abdullah’s Speeches: A Critical Discourse Analysis Study
Authors: Al-Khawaldeh Nisreen ,  Al-Nusairat Roa’a , Rababah Luqman , Al-Khawaldeh Sami
Published: November 2023

This paper elucidates the ideology of tolerance underlying speeches delivered by HM King Abdullah II. Three speeches were analysed according to Fairclough’s framework (1989). The analysis has revealed the underlying ideological outlook emphasised and constructed in King Abdullah’s speeches to consolidate the value of tolerance, such as eliminating all types of ethnic, religious, and social intolerance; spreading mutual respect, compassion, and peace; and supporting equality and anti-terrorism. Semantic features encompassing presupposition, metaphor, modality, lexical choices, and repetition have been employed to clarify His Majesty’s ideology of tolerance and rebut the claims of extremism, advocating a peaceful and prosperous world for humanity and creating a positive mental image of Islam. The findings show that tolerance discourse is a discourse of power that plays as a persuasive communication of ideological propositions. The findings could benefit researchers, linguists, and students who are interested in interpreting texts of various genres.
Interpreting and Power: Re-articulating Colonial Memories in Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible
Authors: Shureteh Halla , Al-Khalili Raja
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the damage enforced on interpreters in colonial and postcolonial settings. It explores the subordination of an African interpreter working for an American missionary in the Congo, as presented in Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible (1998). This is an unexplored area in the novel, and the article shows how the interpreter falls amongst the subaltern groups. The intertwined narratives about the colonization of the Congo and the oppression of women parallel the marginalization of the interpreter. The latter evokes former colonial memories of the subjugation, even the enslavement of translators in the former Portuguese Empire. Theoretically, the article is underpinned by Micheal Cronin’s ideas on translation and power and Lawrence Venuti’s poststructuralist views, which devalue symmetrical approaches to translation. Finally, this work argues how translation can be a means of subordination by the oppressor and empowerment by the oppressed. Ultimately, the interpreter’s independent voice becomes a symbolic revelation of the means marginalized groups should use to overcome dominance and imperialism.
A large-scale survey on epidemiology and underreporting of needlestick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in China
Authors: Tonghui Wang , Ying Liang , Xiaolu Wu , Ming Hao
Published: November 2023

Background

Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSI) carry the risk of transmitting numerous bloodborne pathogens, leading to both health and economic burdens. The underreporting of NSIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a global issue of concern, as timely treatment and prevention of complications rely on proper reporting. Underreporting further impedes accurate surveillance and appropriate resource allocation, with developed and developing nations facing disparities due to differences in healthcare policy.

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the epidemiology of NSIs and NSI underreporting, as well as to identify the determinants associated with the occurrence of NSIs and the underreporting of such injuries.

Method

A retrospective online survey was conducted from January 15 to January 31, 2022 among healthcare workers (HCWs) across Gansu Province, China.

Results

A total of 7,283 healthcare workers (HCWs) from various institutions participated in this study. After quality assurance checks, 6,464 (88.77%) responses were included in the final analysis. Results revealed a 32.86% self-reported needlestick and sharp injury (NSI) incidence among respondents, with 28.53% of NSIs going unreported. Contrary to common belief, more experienced HCWs exhibited higher rates of both NSIs and underreporting compared to their less experienced peers. The primary reasons cited for NSIs and underreporting were lapses in concentration and not perceiving patients as infectious. Multivariate regression analysis exposes the significant influence of training frequency, occupation, department and years of services on the occurrence of NSIs. Conversely, the reporting of NSIs is primarily influenced by training, reimbursement,occupation, department and hospital grade. Compared to HCWs with no training, those who received ≥3 training sessions per year showed a 12.16% lower NSI incidence (27.12% vs. 39.28%, p < 0.001) and a 55.68% lower underreporting rate (14.61% vs. 70.29%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a pressing need for enhanced surveillance, tailored training programs, and more efficient reporting mechanisms to combat this significant occupational health challenge.
Effects of Magnetic Field Gradient on the Performance of a Magnetically Shielded Hall Thruster
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Yong , Hu Yanlin , Mao Wei
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a magnetic field gradient on the performance of a magnetically shielded Hall thruster. The Particle-in-cell with Monte Carlo collision method (PIC-MCC) is used to simulate the discharge process of the thruster. The performance and plasma characteristics are obtained in conditions with different magnetic field gradients by numerical simulations. As the maximum of the gradient is increased from 1.2 to 3.33 T/m, the electron number density near the channel exit decreases, which leads to less ionization and a weaker radial electric field. As a result, the thrust and specific impulse are decreased, while the plume divergence angle is reduced.
The Impact of Distillers Dried Yeast on the Production Performance and Fecal Microbiome of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Rybarczyk Artur , Bogusławska-Wąs Elżbieta , Sierżant Kamil , Tobolska Izabella
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research was to assess the influence of partially substituting post-extraction soybean meal with distillers dried yeast on the efficiency of broiler chicken fattening and the intestinal microflora.I Inactive distillers dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cultivated on wheat extract, was employed in the study. The research was conducted on 112 Ross 308 line cockerels subjected to a 35-day fattening period, during which they were fed Starter (days 1–10), Grower (days 11–27), and Finisher (days 28–35) diets. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups: control and three experimental groups with varying levels of distillers dried yeast—3%, 6%, and 9%. Cockerels in the control group (Starter diet) exhibited higher feed consumption compared to those receiving 3% yeast in their diet. Cockerels in the group receiving 3% yeast (Grower diet) demonstrated better feed conversion compared to those receiving 9% yeast in their diet. The study revealed that regardless of the broiler chicken fattening period, there was a decrease in the overall number of isolated microorganisms in the feces with an increase in the proportion of distillers dried yeast in the diet. This was confirmed by the total number of bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, Enterococcus sp., and S. aureus. Based on cluster analysis (dendrogram), it was observed that only a 9% addition of yeast to the diet significantly influenced the quantitative and qualitative composition of the fecal microbiota of broiler chickens. In summary, a properly balanced feed with distillery yeast can be used as a good source of energy and protein in feed mixtures for broilers, serving as a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal. However, for optimal production results and feed costs, the inclusion of yeast in the feed should not exceed 3%.
Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance and Multidrug Resistance Prevalence of Clinical Isolates in a Regional Hospital in Northern Greece
Authors: Tsalidou Maria , Stergiopoulou Theodouli , Bostanitis Ioannis , Nikaki Christina , Skoumpa Kalypso , Koutsoukou Theofani , Papaioannidou Paraskevi
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study aimed to estimate antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug resistance prevalence of clinical isolates in a regional hospital in Northern Greece during the last 6 years by analyzing the annual reports of the Laboratory of Microbiology. A total of 12,274 strains of certain bacteria were isolated from both hospitalized and ambulatory patients from biological products, mainly urine (range 63–78% during the study period). E. coli was the most frequent pathogen found (37.4%). A significant increase in the number of the main pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium) was found in the time period of 2021–2023 compared to 2018–2020 (p < 0.0001). In total, 1767 multidrug-resistant bacterial strains were isolated, most of them belonging to Acinetobacter baumannii (36.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.6%), and were located in the intensive care unit (ICU) (59.8%). Extensively drug resistance (XDR) and pan drug resistance (PDR) were significantly higher in 2021–2023 than in 2018–2020 (XDR: 641/1087 in 2021–2023 vs. 374/680 in 2018–2020 and PDR: 134/1087 in 2021–2023 vs. 25/680 in 2018–2020, p < 0.0001), resulting in an urgent need to establish certain strategies in order to eliminate this threatening condition.
Chemometrics-Driven Variability Evaluation of Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and α-Glucosidase Inhibition of Sorbus aucuparia L. Fruits from Poland: Identification of Variability Markers for Plant Material Valorization
Authors: Rutkowska Magdalena , Owczarek-Januszkiewicz Aleksandra , Magiera Anna , Gieleta Mateusz , Olszewska Monika A.
Published: November 2023

Sorbus aucuparia L. (rowan tree) is a widely distributed European plant, valued for its nutritional and medicinal qualities. The medicinal application of rowanberries, relying particularly on their antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, is closely connected with the presence of numerous phenolic compounds. However, the broad geographical occurrence of rowan trees may contribute to fluctuations in fruit composition, influencing their biological properties. This study aimed to identify the constituents most involved in this variability to facilitate effective quality control. The investigation encompassed 20 samples collected from diverse locations across Poland, evaluated in terms of the variation in composition and bioactivity. The UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn study identified 45 different constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acid and flavon-3-ols. The detected compounds were quantitatively assessed by HPLC-PDA, alongside spectrophotometric evaluation of total phenolic content and the content of high-molecular-weight proanthocyanidins (TPA). Additionally, •OH scavenging capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition were included as bioactivity parameters. Chemometric analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, revealed geographically dependent variability, with low to moderate variation observed for most factors (variation coefficients 20.44–44.97%), except for flavonoids (variation coefficients 45–76%). They also enabled the selection of seven constituents and TPA as the key markers of variability and biological activity of rowanberries. These markers could be employed for quality control of the fruits, offering a more efficient and cost-effective approach compared to full phytochemical analysis.
Denoising of Raman Spectra Using a Neural Network Based on Variational Mode Decomposition, Empirical Wavelet Transform, and Encoder-Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Zhang Xuyi , Bai Yang , Ma Yuan , He Peidong , Tang Yinhui , Lv Xiaoning
Published: November 2023

Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in numerous fields including bioanalysis, disease diagnosis, and molecular recognition, owing to its unique advantages of being non-invasive, rapid, and highly specific. However, the acquisition of Raman spectral data is often susceptible to various noise interferences, such as shot noise from the internal detector and dark current noise from the instrument. As a result, the weak Raman signals typically become arduous to discern, which affects the localization and identification of characteristic spectral peaks. This study investigates variational mode decomposition (VMD), empirical wavelet transform (EWT), and integrated encoder-bidirectional long short-term memory (EBiLSTM) modules to propose a neural network algorithm for adaptive denoising of Raman spectra. By combining VMD and EWT, the Raman spectra are decomposed into several sub-sequences, which solves the problem of mode mixing between high-frequency signals and noise in empirical mode decomposition, and significantly reduces the complexity of the original Raman spectral lines. The correlation coefficient between each modal component and the original signal is calculated along with the zero-crossing rate index to categorize the noise and signal sequences. Leveraging the linear differences between the ideal spectral lines and the noisy spectral curves, an encoder-bidirectional long short-term memory (EBiLSTM) denoising network is constructed for hierarchical denoising to extract valid spectral feature information from the high-frequency components, realizing refined adaptive denoising of the Raman spectra. Industry standard objective evaluation metrics on the signal-to-noise ratio and root mean square error are utilized to conduct simulation experiments comparing state-of-the-art algorithms, including empirical mode decomposition, VMD, sliding window averaging, and wavelet thresholding. The experimental results demonstrate that the Raman spectral denoising algorithm combining variational mode decomposition and neural networks improves the denoising performance by 13.38% to 72%, exhibiting higher accuracy and reliability.
Mechanical Performance Prediction Model of Steel Bridge Deck Pavement System Based on XGBoost
Authors: Wei Yazhou , Ji Rongqing , Li Qingfu , Song Zongming
Published: November 2023

Steel bridges are widely used in bridge engineering. In the structural design of steel bridge deck pavement systems, engineers focus on obtaining mechanical properties by calculating design parameters and are keen to establish a quick and accurate solution method. Because of the complex knowledge system involved in the numerical calculation method, it is difficult for the general engineering designer to master it. Researchers have started using artificial intelligence algorithms to solve problems in civil engineering. This study developed an XGBoost-based mechanical performance prediction model for steel bridge deck pavement systems. First, numerical simulation tests are conducted at unfavorable load locations using a finite element model to establish a dataset. Then, an XGBoost model is built using this dataset, and its parameters are optimized and compared with traditional machine learning models. Finally, an explanatory analysis of the model is performed using SHAP, an interpretable machine learning framework. The results indicate that the developed XGBoost model accurately predicts the mechanical properties of steel bridge deck pavement systems.
Wind Speed Spectrum of a Moving Vehicle under Turbulent Crosswinds
Authors: Duan Qingsong
Published: November 2023

Wind loads have become one of the key influencing factors for the running safety of vehicles and comfort of passengers. The investigation of the wind speed spectrum characteristics of a moving vehicle under turbulent crosswinds is of great importance. Expressions of the wind speed spectrum of a moving vehicle were obtained from the von Kármán spectrum, based on Taylor’s frozen flow hypothesis. The influencing factors, including the ratio of the vehicle speed to the wind speed and wind yaw angles, were analyzed. The change rules of the wind speed spectrum peak and its corresponding frequency were also studied. The results show that the wind speed spectrum peak values of the moving vehicle were larger than those of the static vehicle. The wind speed spectrum peak values corresponding to the moving vehicle were first increased and then decreased, as the wind yaw angles increased. Some of the frequencies corresponding to the longitudinal wind speed spectrum values of the moving vehicle were smaller than those of the static vehicle. Therefore, the energy had been transferred to the lower frequency. For the moving vehicle, the frequency values corresponding to the longitudinal wind speed spectrum peak were first increased and then decreased, as the ratio of the vehicle speed to the wind speed and the wind yaw angle increased.
Third Molar Eruption in Dental Panoramic Radiographs as a Feature for Forensic Age Assessment—Presentation of a New Non-Staging Method Based on Measurements
Authors: Timme Maximilian , Bender Jostin , Steffens Laurin , Shay Denys , Schmeling Andreas
Published: November 2023

The evaluation of third molar eruption in dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) constitutes an evidence-based approach for forensic age assessment in living individuals. Existing methodologies involve staging morphological radiographic findings and comparing them to reference populations. Conversely, the existing literature presents an alternative method where the distance between third molars and the occlusal plane is measured on dental plaster models. The aim of this study was to adapt this measurement principle for DPRs and to determine correlation between eruption and chronological age. A total of 423 DPRs, encompassing 220 females and 203 males aged 15 to 25 years, were examined, including teeth 38 [FDI] and 48. Two independent examiners conducted the measurements, with one examiner providing dual assessments. Ultimately, a quotient was derived by comparing orthogonal distances from the mesial cementoenamel junctions of the second and third molars to a simplified radiological occlusal plane. This quotient was subsequently correlated with the individual’s age. We estimated correlations between age and quotients, as well as inter- and intra-rater reliability. Correlation coefficients (Spearman’s rho) between measurements and individuals’ ages ranged from 0.555 to 0.597, conditional on sex and tooth. Intra-rater agreement (Krippendorf’s alpha) ranged from 0.932 to 0.991, varying according to the tooth and sex. Inter-rater agreement ranged from 0.984 to 0.992, with distinctions drawn for different teeth and sex. Notably, all observer agreement values fell within the “very good” range. In summary, assessing the distance of third molars from a simplified occlusal plane in DPRs emerges as a new and promising method for evaluating eruption status in forensic age assessment. Subsequent reference studies should validate these findings.
The Role of Macrophages in Sarcoma Tumor Microenvironment and Treatment
Authors: Zając Agnieszka E. , Czarnecka Anna M. , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: November 2023

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant mesenchymal tumors, including soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, involved in immunosuppression and leading to tumor development, are called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are very important in modulating the microenvironment of sarcomas by expressing specific markers and secreting factors that influence immune and tumor cells. They are involved in many signaling pathways, such as p-STAT3/p-Erk1/2, PI3K/Akt, JAK/MAPK, and JAK/STAT3. TAMs also significantly impact the clinical outcomes of patients suffering from sarcomas and are mainly related to poor overall survival rates among bone and soft tissue sarcomas, for example, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. This review summarizes the current knowledge on TAMs in sarcomas, focusing on specific markers on sarcoma cells, cell–cell interactions, and the possibly involved molecular pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical significance of macrophages in sarcomas as a potential target for new therapies, presenting clinical relevance, possible new treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials using TAMs in sarcoma treatment.
Antioxidant Properties of Chokeberry Products—Assessment of the Composition of Juices and Fibers
Authors: Olechno Ewa , Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Soroczyńska Jolanta , Socha Katarzyna , Cyuńczyk Monika , Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta
Published: November 2023

Chokeberry fruits are a rich source of bioactive ingredients and their beneficial effect on the body has been proven in the literature. They contain antioxidants such as polyphenols (anthocyanins, procyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonols and flavanols) but also other essential substances with health-promoting potential, such as vitamin C and elements. Providing the right amount of these ingredients is very important for maintaining health and preventing the effects of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to assess the content of antioxidant elements (magnesium—Mg) and trace elements (copper—Cu, iron—Fe, manganese—Mn, selenium—Se and zinc—Zn), with the antioxidant potential being measured using the FRAP method, along with total anthocyanin, total flavonoid and total polyphenol content (TPC) in 25 chokeberry juices and 6 chokeberry fibers sourced from conventional and organic farming. All chokeberry juices and chokeberry fibers available on the Polish market at that time were ordered for testing. The studied juices came from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). Taking into account the mineral content, it was shown that both chokeberry juices and fibers contained the highest amount of Mg and the lowest amount of Se. The FRAP value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in organic juices compared to conventional ones as well as being higher (p < 0.05) in NFC juices compared to FC juices. NFC juices were also characterized by their higher concentrations of TPC, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin levels (p < 0.05) compared to FC juices. Consumption of 100 g of chokeberry juice can cover from 149.5 to 3177.0% of the daily requirement for Cu, 6.8–32.4% for Mn, 2.8–6.1% for Mg, 0.9–7.4% for Se, 0.2–3.7% for Fe, 0.3–1.2% for Zn and 8.3–34.5% for vitamin C. In turn, the consumption of 10 g of fiber can cover 4.3–32.0% of the daily requirement for Fe, 0.6–9.0% for Se, 3.7–8.2% for Cu, 2.2–3.8% for Mg, 0.6–9.0% for Se, 0.9–8.5% for Zn and 0.5–0.7%% for vitamin C. Chokeberry products can be a valuable component of a healthy diet.
Determinants of Consumption of Vegetables among the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lucha-López María Orosia , Hidalgo-García César , Lucha-López Ana Carmen , Monti-Ballano Sofía , Márquez-Gonzalvo Sergio , Ferrández-Laliena Loreto , Tricás-Vidal Héctor José , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel
Published: November 2023

The consumption of vegetables is one of the fundamentals of a healthy diet. The purposes of the present study were to describe the frequency of consumption of vegetables in the general Spanish population and to explore the relations between the consumption of vegetables and sex, age, cohabitation circumstances, educational level, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was accomplished based on data from the European Health Survey in Spain (2020). Results: A total of 20,745 (52.1% women) subjects with a median age of 54 years old were included. Only 2.8% of them ate vegetables at least three times a day. The adjusted generalized linear model showed that being a woman increased the odds of consuming vegetables at least three times a day by 1.666 times (p < 0.001). Not cohabiting as a couple decreased the odds by 0.783 (p < 0.001). Having studied at a university increased the odds by 1.812 times (p < 0.001) and possessing a certificate of higher education by 1.408 (p = 0.030). Being overweight decreased the odds by 0.924 (p = 0.006). For every additional year of age, the odds of consuming vegetables at least three times a day increased by 1.3% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The vast majority of the general Spanish population did not consume an optimal amount of vegetables. Women, people with higher levels of education, and older individuals reported having a more frequent intake of vegetables. Not cohabiting as a couple and being overweight were related to a less frequent intake of vegetables.
Use of Doehlert Matrix as a Tool for High-Throughput Screening of Organic Acids and Essential Oils on Miniaturized Pork Loins, Followed by Lab-Scale Validation That Confirmed Tested Compounds Do Not Show Synergistic Effects against Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Resendiz-Moctezuma Cristina , Fonville Arianna P. L. , Harsh Bailey N. , Stasiewicz Matthew J. , Miller Michael J.
Published: November 2023

The many possible treatments and continuously changing consumer trends present a challenge when selecting antimicrobial interventions during pork processing. Thirty-five potential antimicrobials were screened at commercial working concentrations by individually adding them to miniaturized (69 cm3) disks of pork loin ends, followed by inoculation with Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 19585. Two organic acids and nine essential oils significantly inhibited Salmonella counts on pork (p < 0.05). However, six compounds that represent different levels of significance (p < 0.05–p < 0.0001) were selected as independent variables to build a Response Surface Methodology model based on a Doehlert matrix (Doehlert Matrix—RSM): lactic acid 1.25%, formic acid 0.25%, cumin 0.25%, clove 0.25%, peppermint 0.5%, and spearmint 0.5%. The goal of the Doehlert Matrix—RSM was to study single and paired effects of these antimicrobials on the change in Salmonella over 24 h. The Doehlert Matrix—RSM model predicted that lactic acid, formic acid, cumin, peppermint, and spearmint significantly reduced Salmonella when added alone, while no significant interactions between these antimicrobials were found. A laboratory-scale validation was carried out on pork loin end slices, which confirmed the results predicted by the model. While this screening did not identify novel synergistic combinations, our approach to screening a variety of chemical compounds by implementing a miniaturized pork loin disk model allowed us to identify the most promising antimicrobial candidates to then formally design experiments to study potential interactions with other antimicrobials.
Decoding Spontaneous Informal Spaces in Old Residential Communities: A Drone and Space Syntax Perspective
Authors: Zhang Ran , Cao Lei , Liu Yiqing , Guo Ru , Luo Junjie , Shu Ping
Published: November 2023

Old residential communities are integral parts of urban areas, with their environmental quality affecting residents’ well-being. Spontaneous informal spaces (SIS) often emerge within these communities. These are predominantly crafted by the elderly using discarded materials and negatively impact the environmental quality of communities. Understanding SIS emergence patterns is vital for enhancing the environmental quality of old communities; however, methodologies fall short in terms of the quantification of these emergence patterns. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach, merging drone oblique photography technology with space syntax theory, to thoroughly analyze SIS types, functions, and determinants in five Tianjin communities. Utilizing drones and the Depthmap space syntax tool, we captured SIS characteristics and constructed topological models of residences and traffic patterns. We further explored the intrinsic relationships between architectural layout, road traffic, and SIS characteristics via clustering algorithms and multivariate correlation analysis. Our results reveal that architectural layout and road traffic play decisive roles in shaping SIS. Highly accessible regions predominantly feature social-type SIS, while secluded or less trafficked zones lean towards private-type SIS. Highlighting the elderly’s essential needs for greenery, interaction, and basic amenities, our findings offer valuable insights into the revitalization of outdoor spaces in aging communities, into the fostering of urban sustainability and into the nurturing of a balanced relationship between humans and their surroundings.
Long-Term Assessment of Treatment Timing for Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Facemask Therapy Followed by Fixed Appliances: A Multicenter Retro-Prospective Study
Authors: Rutili Valentina , Quiroga Souki Bernardo , Nieri Michele , Farnese Morais Carlos Ana Luiza , Pavoni Chiara , Cozza Paola , McNamara James A. , Giuntini Veronica , Franchi Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

Background: to determine the role of treatment timing in the long-term effects produced by rapid maxillary expansion and facemask therapy (RME/FM) in Class III patients. Methods: This study compared two sample groups treated with RME/FM followed by fixed appliances: the early prepubertal group (EPG) (17 patients; mean age before treatment (T0), 5.8 ± 0.7 years; range, 4.3–6.9 years) and the late prepubertal group (LPG) (17 patients; mean age at T0, 10.1 ± 0.8 years; range, 9.0–11.1 years). Lateral cephalograms for the two groups were examined before treatment (T0) and at a long-term observation (T1) (EPG, 19.8 ± 1.0 years; LPG, 21.0 ± 2.1 years). Independent sample t-tests were performed to compare the two groups at T0 and T1. Results: No statistically significant differences were found for any of the cephalometric variables at T0, except for the total mandibular length, overjet, and inclination of the maxillary incisors to the palatal plane, which were greater in the LPG. At T1, no statistically significant differences were detected for any of the cephalometric variables. Conclusions: There were no significant long-term differences when treating Class III patients with RME/FM, either during an early prepubertal phase (≤7 years of age) or during a late prepubertal phase (≥9 years of age).
Evaluating the Suitability of the Plantaris Tendon for Sports Trauma Reconstruction and a Predictive Model of Tendon Length Based on Height and Leg Length
Authors: Park JeongHyun , Park Kwang-Rak , Kwon Hyung-Wook , Choi Yu-Jin , Lee Mijeong , Kim Digud , Choi Sung Wook , Cho Jaeho
Published: November 2023

This study evaluates the suitability of the plantaris tendon (PT) as a tendon graft donor for sports trauma reconstruction and proposes a predictive model for estimating PT length by using an individual’s height and leg length. Anatomical dissection of 50 cadavers (32 males and 18 females) yielded precise measurements of PT length and width while also recording height and leg length. Among the lower limbs, 89% were suitable for at least one recommended graft suitability criterion. In addition, PT length exhibited robust positive correlations with height and leg length. Predictive equations were established for estimating the PT length based on leg length and height with consistency across sexes and sides: PT length = 0.605 + 0.396 × leg length (r = 0.721) and PT length = 1.480 + 0.193 × height (r = 0.626). This study underscores the grafting potential of the PT, providing a predictive tool that can aid surgeons in addressing tendon graft challenges within sports trauma scenarios.
Urban Development Boundary Setting Versus Ecological Security and Internal Urban Demand: Evidence from Haikou, China
Authors: Pu Luoman , Xia Qi
Published: November 2023

Amidst rapid urbanization, the conflict between urban population and land is intensifying due to ecological degradation and imbalanced supply and demand of land resources in and around cities. Demarcating the urban development boundary is a specific measure to regulate the scale and form of urban expansion while considering internal urban demand as well as ecological security. This study took Haikou City, China, as the study area, exploring a new way to take into account the external constraints and endogenous mechanisms of urban expansion, constructing a comprehensive ecological security pattern (ESP) using the MCR model, demarcating recent rigid development boundaries, and demarcating future elastic development boundaries using the CA–Markov model. The results were the following: (1) By identifying the current urban boundary in 2020, the urban land area of Haikou City was found to be 261.64 km2. (2) Using the MCR model to construct comprehensive ESP and demarcate a rigid development boundary revealed that the total area within the boundary was 398.37 km2, with an additional growth potential of up to 136.73 km2. (3) Demarcating elastic boundaries for Haikou City in 2030, 2040 and 2050 using the CA–Markov model while considering natural and socio-economic driving factors and constraints showed the internal areas within these boundaries to be calculated at 451.80, 489.46 and 523.37 km2, respectively, which were higher than that in 2020 by 190.16, 227.82 and 261.73 km2. (4) Some suggestions, such as establishing a comprehensive technical system, ensuring robust policy support and legal protection, and improving the responsibility management system, were proposed in the implementation of urban development boundaries. Scientifically and reasonably demarcating the recent rigid urban development boundary and future elastic urban development boundaries can ensure sustainable urban development while preserving the ecological environment and satisfying urban development demand.
Size Effect of Graphene Oxide on Graphene-Aerogel-Supported Au Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Shen Shuling , Pan Xuecong , Wang Jin , Bao Tongyu , Liu Xinjuan , Tang Zhihong , Xiu Huixin , Li Jing
Published: November 2023

The lateral size of graphene nanosheets plays a critical role in the properties and microstructure of 3D graphene as well as their application as supports of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reactions (CRRs). Here, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with different lateral sizes (1.5, 5, and 14 µm) were utilized as building blocks for 3D graphene aerogel (GA) to research the size effects of GO on the CRR performances of 3D Au/GA catalysts. It was found that GO-L (14 µm) led to the formation of GA with large pores and a low surface area and that GO-S (1.5 µm) induced the formation of GA with a thicker wall and isolated pores, which were not conducive to the mass transfer of CO2 or its interaction with catalysts. Au/GA constructed with a suitable-sized GO (5 µm) exhibited a hierarchical porous network and the highest surface area and conductivity. As a result, Au/GA-M exhibited the highest Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO (FECO = 81%) and CO/H2 ratio at −0.82 V (vs. a Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE)). This study indicates that for 3D GA-supported catalysts, there is a balance between the improvement of conductivity, the adsorption capacity of CO2, and the inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during the CRR, which is related to the lateral size of GO.
Controlled-Release Materials for Remediation of Trichloroethylene Contamination in Groundwater
Authors: Zhao Shan , Wang Jianhua , Zhu Wenjin
Published: November 2023

Groundwater contamination by trichloroethylene (TCE) presents a pressing environmental challenge with far-reaching consequences. Traditional remediation methods have shown limitations in effectively addressing TCE contamination. This study reviews the limitations of conventional remediation techniques and investigates the application of oxidant-based controlled-release materials, including encapsulated, loaded, and gel-based potassium permanganate since the year 2000. Additionally, it examines reductant controlled-release materials and electron donor-release materials such as tetrabutyl orthosilicate (TBOS) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The findings suggest that controlled-release materials offer a promising avenue for enhancing TCE degradation and promoting groundwater restoration. This study concludes by highlighting the future research directions and the potential of controlled-release materials in addressing TCE contamination challenges.
The Influence of Internally Cooled Drill Bits on Cutting Dynamics and Workpiece Hardness Monitoring in Stone Machining
Authors: Klaić Miho , Brezak Danko , Šlankovič Matej , Staroveški Tomislav
Published: November 2023

Drill bits with internal cooling capabilities are still not employed in stone machining practices within shop floor environments. Therefore, a conventional industrial drill bit used in stone machining was subject to a redesign wherein an axial cooling channel was machined throughout its body. A comparison was drawn between the standard drill bit without cooling capabilities and the redesigned drill bit, which used compressed air as a cooling medium. The experiment was performed by drilling three types of stone samples varying in hardness with nine combinations of cutting speed and feed rate. During the machining process, two types of process signals were continuously measured—namely, cutting forces and vibrations. Additionally, the cutting edges of the drill bits were inspected after a specific number of drilling cycles using a vision system. The primary objective of this study was to compare the cutting forces and tool wear dynamics achieved by those two drill bits. Furthermore, the usage of vibration signals in the classification of stone hardness during machining with an internally cooled drill bit was additionally analyzed. The results of this study unveiled improvement in minimizing cutting forces, vibrations, and the intensity of tool wear when utilizing an internally cooled drill bit. Even though the machining system generally exhibited lower vibrations, vibration signals again demonstrated commendable efficacy in classifying stone hardness.
On the Convergence of the Randomized Block Kaczmarz Algorithm for Solving a Matrix Equation
Authors: Xing Lili , Bao Wendi , Li Weiguo
Published: November 2023

A randomized block Kaczmarz method and a randomized extended block Kaczmarz method are proposed for solving the matrix equation AXB=C, where the matrices A and B may be full-rank or rank-deficient. These methods are iterative methods without matrix multiplication, and are especially suitable for solving large-scale matrix equations. It is theoretically proved that these methods converge to the solution or least-square solution of the matrix equation. The numerical results show that these methods are more efficient than the existing algorithms for high-dimensional matrix equations.