bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Infrared Thermography (IRT) in Burns Depth Assessment: A Diagnostic Accuracy Meta-Analysis
Authors: Asif Aqua , Poyiatzis Constantinos , Raheman Firas J. , Rojoa Djamila M.
Published: September 2022

Background: The timely diagnosis of burns depth is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery and delays in adequate management of patients with burn injuries. Whilst it is mostly a clinical diagnosis, indocyanine green, laser Doppler imaging and infrared thermography have been used alongside clinical findings to support the diagnosis. Infrared thermography is a noninvasive technique which uses temperature differences to diagnose tissue burn depth. Our study aims to assess its use in differentiating between superficial and deep burns. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis using electronic databases. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity and developed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves. Results: We identified 6 studies reporting a total of 197 burns, of which 92 were proven to be deep burns. The reference standard was clinical assessment at the time of injury and burn healing time. The pooled estimates for sensitivity and specificity were 0.84 (95% CI 0.71–0.92) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.56–0.89), respectively. Conclusions: IRT is a promising burns assessment modality which may allow surgeons to correctly classify burn injuries at the time of presentation. This will allow a more efficient management of burns and timely surgical intervention.
Accelerated Growth of Peer-to-Peer Lending and Its Impact on the Consumer Credit Market: Evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Taujanskaitė Kamilė , Milčius Eugenijus
Published: September 2022

The paper analyses development and drivers of accelerated growth of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in Lithuania and its impact on the consumer credit market with a focus on related sustainability issues. Legislative discrepancies between the P2P and banking segments are analysed and their role in predetermining the different development trends within the segments is highlighted. The research is composed of several steps, where each step analyses a certain problem with the aim to compare the processes in both segments, and is using two different approaches based on macroeconomic data and legislative environment analysis. The applied setup of the research allows for distinguishing and quantitative evaluation of the impact on the segments caused by various internal and external factors, such as macroeconomics, technological advantages of P2P platforms, and discrepancies within business regulation. The obtained results could fill in the scientific literature gaps by providing quantitative evidence of the influence the analysed internal and external drivers have on the growth rate of the consumer credit market segments in Lithuania and how this could affect the performance of the whole market, including its sustainability. Conclusions made could be of interest to researchers and practitioners in other countries too, especially those which have similar legislation and regulations within the consumer credit market. Methods used: a scientific literature analysis and generalisation, comparative analysis, statistical data analysis, correlation–regression analysis, mathematical modelling.
Mathematics Teachers’ Encouragement of Their Students’ Metacognitive Processes
Authors: Daher Wajeeh , Hashash Iman
Published: September 2022

Researchers have conducted little research into teachers’ practices to encourage their students’ metacognition. The present research attempted to address this issue quantitatively by suggesting a questionnaire that measured teachers’ encouragement of students’ planning, monitoring, regulating, and evaluating. We present the results of the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. In addition, using a one-sample t-test, the results of the research revealed “normal”, “good”, and “very good” levels of teachers’ encouragement of their students’ metacognitive practices. The present research utilized an independent-sample t-test to investigate the significance of the difference in teachers’ metacognitive practices due to gender and to academic qualification. The results indicated that the metacognitive practices for male and female teachers were significantly different in planning and regulating, while the differences were not significant in monitoring and evaluating. In addition, the research results indicated that the participating teachers’ practices related to students’ metacognitive processes did not differ significantly due to the teachers’ academic qualification. When utilizing a one-way ANOVA test to investigate the significance of the difference in teachers’ metacognitive practices due to years of experience, this difference was not significant for any of the factors of metacognitive practices.
A More Effective Zero-DCE Variant: Zero-DCE Tiny
Authors: Mu Weiwen , Liu Huixiang , Chen Wenbai , Wang Yiqun
Published: September 2022

The purpose of Low Illumination Image Enhancement (LLIE) is to improve the perception or interpretability of images taken in low illumination environments. This work inherits the work of Zero-Reference Deep Curve Estimation (Zero-DCE) and proposes a more effective image enhancement model, Zero-DCE Tiny. First, the new model introduces the Cross Stage Partial Network (CSPNet) into the original U-net structure, divides basic feature maps into two parts, and then recombines it through the structure of cross-phase connection to achieve a richer gradient combination with less computation. Second, we replace all the deep separable convolutions except the last layer with Ghost modules, which makes the network lighter. Finally, we introduce the channel consistency loss into the non-reference loss, which further strengthens the constraint on the pixel distribution of the enhanced image and the original image. Experiments show that compared with Zero-DCE++, the network proposed in this work is more lightweight and surpasses the Zero-DCE++ method in some important image enhancement evaluation indexes.
A Solar Radiation Forecast Platform Spanning over the Edge-Cloud Continuum
Authors: Frincu Marc , Penteliuc Marius , Spataru Adrian
Published: September 2022

The prediction of PV output represents an important task for PV farm operators as it enables them to forecast the energy they will produce and sell on the energy market. Existing approaches rely on a combination of satellite/all-sky images and numerical methods which for high spatial resolutions require considerable processing time and resources. In this paper, we propose a hybrid egde–cloud platform that leverages the performance of edge devices to perform time-critical computations locally, while delegating the rest to the remote cloud infrastructure. The proposed platform relies on novel metaheuristics algorithms for cloud dynamics detection and proposes to forecast irradiance by analyzing pixel values taken with various filters/bands. The results demonstrate the scalability improvement when using GPU-enabled devices and the potential of using pixel information instead of cloud types to infer irradiance.
Machine-Learning-Based Compact Modeling for Sub-3-nm-Node Emerging Transistors
Authors: Woo SangMin , Jeong HyunJoon , Choi JinYoung , Cho HyungMin , Kong Jeong-Taek , Kim SoYoung
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present an artificial neural network (ANN)-based compact model to evaluate the characteristics of a nanosheet field-effect transistor (NSFET), which has been highlighted as a next-generation nano-device. To extract data reflecting the accurate physical characteristics of NSFETs, the Sentaurus TCAD (technology computer-aided design) simulator was used. The proposed ANN model accurately and efficiently predicts currents and capacitances of devices using the five proposed key geometric parameters and two voltage biases. A variety of experiments were carried out in order to create a powerful ANN-based compact model using a large amount of data up to the sub-3-nm node. In addition, the activation function, physics-augmented loss function, ANN structure, and preprocessing methods were used for effective and efficient ANN learning. The proposed model was implemented in Verilog-A. Both a global device model and a single-device model were developed, and their accuracy and speed were compared to those of the existing compact model. The proposed ANN-based compact model simulates device characteristics and circuit performances with high accuracy and speed. This is the first time that a machine learning (ML)-based compact model has been demonstrated to be several times faster than the existing compact model.
A Review of Research on Signal Modulation Recognition Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Xiao Wenshi , Luo Zhongqiang , Hu Qian
Published: September 2022

Since the emergence of 5G technology, the wireless communication system has had a huge data throughput, so the joint development of artificial intelligence technology and wireless communication technology is one of the current mainstream development directions. In particular the combination of deep learning technology and communication physical layer technology is the future research hotspot. The purpose of this research paper is to summarize the related algorithms of the combination of Automatic Modulation Recognition (AMR) technology and deep learning technology in the communication physical layer. In order to elicit the advantages of the modulation recognition algorithm based on deep learning, this paper firstly introduces the traditional AMR method, and then summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional algorithm. Then, the application of the deep learning algorithm in AMR is described, and the identification method based on a typical deep learning network is emphatically described. Afterwards, the existing Deep Learning (DL) modulation identification algorithm in a small sample environment is summarized. Finally, DL modulation is discussed, identifying field challenges, and future research directions.
Comparisons of Ramie and Corn Stover Silages: Effects on Chewing Activity, Rumen Fermentation, Microbiota and Methane Emissions in Goats
Authors: Tian Xu , Gao Cheng , Hou Zhengping , Wang Rong , Zhang Xiumin , Li Qiushuang , Wei Zhongshan , Wu Duanqin , Wang Min
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to investigate the nutritional value of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) silage, and its consequences for chewing activity, rumen fermentation, and enteric methane (CH4) emissions in goats, by comparing it with corn stover (CS) silage. An in vitro ruminal experiment was firstly performed to investigate the substrate degradation and fermentation of CS and ramie silage. The ramie silage diet was formulated by replacing 60% of CS silage with ramie silage (dry matter (DM) basis). Eight female Xiangdong Black goats (a local breed in Southern China, 1 to 1.2 years of age) with BW of 21.0 ± 1.05 kg were used for this experiment and were randomly assigned to either one of the two dietary treatments in a cross-over design. The ramie silage had higher crude protein (CP) and ash content and lower hemicellulose content, together with decreased (p < 0.05) nutrient degradation and methane production and increased (p < 0.05) acetate molar percentage and acetate to propionate ratio through in vitro ruminal fermentation. Feeding the ramie silage diet did not alter feed intake (p > 0.05), decreased (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility, and increased (p < 0.05) chewing activity and rumination activity, with reductions (p < 0.05) in eating activity and idle activity. Although feeding the ramie silage diet caused a greater (p < 0.05) molar percentage of acetate and lower molar percentage of propionate, it decreased the rumen-dissolved CH4 concentration and enteric CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). Feeding the ramie silage diet did not alter (p > 0.05) the population of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi; it increased the 16S rRNA gene copies of Ruminococcus flavefaciens (p < 0.05). Further 16SrRNA gene amplicon analysis indicated a distinct bacterial composition between the two treatments (p < 0.05). Feeding the ramie silage diet led to a lower abundance of genera Lawsonibacter, Sedimentibacter, Saccharofermentans, Sediminibacterium, and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). Ramie can be an alternative forage resource to stimulate chewing activity and reduce CH4 emissions in ruminants.
Novel Technologies for Seaweed Polysaccharides Extraction and Their Use in Food with Therapeutically Applications—A Review
Authors: Lomartire Silvia , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: September 2022

The use of seaweed for therapeutic purposes is ancient, but only in the last decade, with advanced technologies, has it been possible to extract seaweed’s bioactive compounds and test their potential properties. Algal metabolites possess nutritional properties, but they also exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities, which allow them to be involved in several pharmaceutical applications. Seaweeds have been incorporated since ancient times into diets as a whole food. With the isolation of particular seaweed compounds, it would be possible to develop new types of food with therapeutically properties. Polysaccharides make up the majority of seaweed biomass, which has triggered an increase in interest in using seaweed for commercial purposes, particularly in the production of agar, carrageenan, and alginate. The bio-properties of polysaccharides are strictly dependent to their chemical characteristics and structure, which varies depending on the species, their life cycles, and other biotic and abiotic factors. Through this review, techniques for seaweed polysaccharides extraction are reported, with studies addressing the advantages for human health from the incorporation of algal compounds as dietary supplements and food additives.
Isolation, Purification and Structure Identification of a Calcium-Binding Peptide from Sheep Bone Protein Hydrolysate
Authors: Hu Guanhua , Wang Debao , Sun Lina , Su Rina , Corazzin Mirco , Sun Xueying , Dou Lu , Zhang Min , Zhao Lihua , Su Lin , Jin Ye
Published: September 2022

To isolate a novel peptide with calcium-binding capacity, sheep bone protein was hydrolyzed sequentially using a dual-enzyme system (alcalase treatment following neutrase treatment) and investigated for its characteristics, separation, purification, and structure. The sheep bone protein hydrolysate (SBPH) was enriched in key amino acids such as Gly, Arg, Pro, Leu, Lys, Glu, Val, and Asp. The fluorescence spectra, circular dichroism spectra, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that adding calcium ions decreased the α-helix and β-sheet content but significantly increased the random and β-turn content (p < 0.05). Carboxyl oxygen and amino nitrogen atoms of SBPH may participate in peptide–calcium binding. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry results showed that SBPH had strong calcium-chelating ability and that the peptide–calcium complex (SBPH–Ca) combined with calcium to form a spherical cluster structure. SBPH was separated and purified gradually by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry identified the amino acid sequences as GPSGLPGERG (925.46 Da) and GAPGKDGVRG (912.48 Da), with calcium-binding capacities of 89.76 ± 0.19% and 88.26 ± 0.25%, respectively. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the preparation of a new type of calcium supplement and high-value utilization of sheep bone.
The Effects of the Microbial Biostimulants Approved by EU Regulation 2019/1009 on Yield and Quality of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Fusco Giovanna Marta , Nicastro Rosalinda , Rouphael Youssef , Carillo Petronia
Published: September 2022

The use of microbial biostimulants such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has gained popularity in recent years as a sustainable approach to boost yield as well as the quality of produce. The beneficial effects of microbial biostimulants have been reported numerous times. However, information is missing concerning quantitative assessment of the overall impact of microbial biostimulants on the yield and quality of vegetable crops. Here we provide for the first time a comprehensive, semi-systematic review of the effects of microbial biostimulants allowed by Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, including microorganisms belonging to the AMF (phylum Glomeromycota), or to Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Rhizobium genera, on vegetable crops’ quality and yield, with rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the PRISMA method. We identified, selected and critically evaluated all the relevant research studies from 2010 onward in order to provide a critical appraisal of the most recent findings related to these EU-allowed microbial biostimulants and their effects on vegetable crops’ quality and yield. Moreover, we highlighted which vegetable crops received more beneficial effects from specific microbial biostimulants and the protocols employed for plant inoculation. Our study is intended to draw more attention from the scientific community to this important instrument to produce nutrient-dense vegetables in a sustainable manner. Finally, our semi-systematic review provides important microbial biostimulant application guidelines and gives extension specialists and vegetable growers insights into achieving an additional benefit from microbial biostimulant application.
Evolution of Volatile Compounds during Ripening and Final Sensory Changes of Traditional Raw Ewe’s Milk Cheese “Torta del Casar” Maturated with Selected Protective Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Martín Irene , Rodríguez Alicia , García Carmen , Córdoba Juan J.
Published: September 2022

In traditional soft ripened cheeses made with raw milk, the use of protective cultures is infrequent. In the present work, the effect of selected (for their activity against Listeria monocytogenes) protective cultures of Lactocaseibacillus casei 116 and Lactococcus garvieae 151 was evaluated, on the evolution of volatile compounds throughout the ripening and on the final sensory characteristics of traditional soft ripened “Torta del Casar” cheese. For this, both strains were separately inoculated in raw cheeses and ripened for 90 days. The selected LAB strains did not affect physicochemical parameters, including texture and color of the ripened cheeses. However, they could have a positive effect on the aroma, for the generation of methyl branched acids and for the reduction in compounds derived from β-oxidation of fatty acids. Thus, these protective cultures, in addition to contributing to their safety, could improve quality of the ripened cheeses.
Effects of Microbial Communities on Volatile Profiles and Biogenic Amines in Beef Jerky from Inner Mongolian Districts
Authors: Sun Xueying , Sun Lina , Su Lin , Wang Huiting , Wang Dan , Liu Jianlin , Sun Erke , Hu Guanhua , Liu Chang , Gao Aiwu , Jin Ye , Zhao Lihua
Published: September 2022

Beef jerky is a traditional fermented meat product from Inner Mongolia, handcrafted by artisans. We investigated the bacteria of the microbial community, volatile flavor components, and biogenic amines of Inner Mongolia beef jerky via high-throughput sequencing, solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Thirty-three bacteria were identified, predominantly from the genera Pseudomonas (45.4%), Ralstonia (13.4%), and Acinetobacter (7.3%). Fifty-nine volatile flavor compounds and eight biogenic amines were detected. Based on Spearman’s correlation coefficient, 20 bacterial genera were significantly associated with the dominant volatile compounds in the beef jerky samples (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that beef jerky may be toxic due to cadaverine, putrescine, and histamine; moreover, the amounts of putrescine and cadaverine were positively correlated with the abundance of unclassified_f_Enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.05). These findings shed light on the formation of the microbial community, flavor components, and biogenic amines of beef jerky, thereby providing a basis for improving its quality.
Synergistic Antibacterial Mechanism of Mannosylerythritol Lipid-A and Lactic Acid on Listeria monocytogenes Based on Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiayu , Pang Xinxin , Wu Yansha , Wu Yajing , Shi Ying , Zhang Xinglin , Chen Qihe
Published: September 2022

Mannosylerythritol lipids-A (MEL-A) is a novel biosurfactant with multiple biological effects. The synergistic antibacterial activity and mechanism of MEL-A and lactic acid (LA) against Listeria monocytogenes were investigated. The synergistic effect resulted in a significant increase in the antibacterial rate compared to LA treatment alone. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis was applied to deeply investigate the synergistic antibacterial mechanism. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the synergy between MEL-A and LA affected many potential cellular responses, including the sugar phosphotransferase system, carbohydrate transport, and ribosomes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the PTS system and ribosome-related pathways were significantly enriched. In addition, synergistic treatment affected locomotion and membrane-related cellular responses in GO enrichment analysis and carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways in KEGG enrichment analysis compared to LA treatment alone. The accuracy of the transcriptome analysis results was verified by qPCR (R2 = 0.9903). This study will provide new insights for the prevention and control of L. monocytogenes.
Suitability of Solvent-Assisted Extraction for Recovery of Lipophilic Phytochemicals in Sugarcane Straw and Bagasse
Authors: Teixeira Francisca S. , Pimentel Lígia L. , Vidigal Susana S. M. P. , Costa Paula T. , Pintado Manuela E. , Rodríguez-Alcalá Luís M.
Published: September 2022

Sugarcane is primarily harvested to meet up to 80% of global sugar demand. Recently, lipids recovered from their biomass (straw and bagasse) have attracted much attention due to their possible utilisation in biofuel production but also by the presence of health-promoting compounds as phytosterols (i.e., improvement of cardiovascular function) or 1-octacosanol (i.e., anti-obesity). Although this fraction is commonly obtained through solid–liquid isolation, there is scarce information about how different solvents affect the composition of the extracts. This research work aimed to study whether, in sugarcane straw and bagasse samples, Soxtec extraction with widely used dichloromethane (DCM) would be suitable to recover most of the lipid classes when compared to other available solvents such as food grade ethanol (EtOH) or solvents without regulation restrictions for food and drug applications (i.e., acetone and ethyl acetate). The obtained results allow concluding that sugarcane waxes from straw and bagasse are complex lipid mixtures of polar and non-polar compounds. According to the extraction yield, the best results were obtained with ethanol (5.12 ± 0.30% and 1.97 ± 0.31%) for both straw and bagasse, respectively. The extractant greatly influenced the lipid composition of the obtained product. Thus, DCM enriched the isolates in glycerolipids (mono-, di- and triglycerides), free fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty aldehydes, phytosterols and hydrocarbons. On the other hand, EtOH resulted in polar isolates rich in glycolipids. Therefore, depending on the application and objectives of future research studies, the solvent to recover such lipids needs to be carefully selected.
Effect of Drying Methods on Volatile Compounds of Citrus reticulata Ponkan and Chachi Peels as Characterized by GC-MS and GC-IMS
Authors: Yu Xiangying , Chen Xiaochun , Li Yuting , Li Lin
Published: September 2022

To reflect the volatile differences of dried citrus peel as affected by cultivars and drying methods, the volatile compounds of dried citrus peel of two cultivars (Citrus reticulata “Chachi” and Citrus reticulata “Ponkan”), prepared under three drying methods (sun-drying (SD), hot-air-drying (AD), and freeze-drying (FD)), were analyzed by GC-MS, odor activity values (OAVs), and GC-IMS. GC-MS data indicated that SD was favorable to preserve terpenic alcohols (linalool, α-terpineol and terpinene-4-ol), β-cymene, methyl methanthranilate, and monoterpenes; while AD was favorable to preserve aliphatic aldehydes and sesquiterpenes; and SD was more similar with AD in GC-MS analysis of volatile profile (of higher MW) for both cultivars from the PCA outcome. Furthermore, significant difference in volatile isomeric composition of different samples was also clearly demonstrated through extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) by GC-MS analysis. GC-IMS analysis showed the favorability of FD to preserve ketones, phenols, esters, and aromatic aldehydes; and SD was more similar with FD in GC-IMS analysis of volatile profile (of smaller MW) for both cultivars from the PCA outcome. Moreover, the OAVs indicate that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol contributed much to the flavor of dried Ponkan peel, while 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, methyl methanthranilate, and methyl anthranilate played an important role in the flavor of dried Chachi peel; and the highest OAVs for monoterpenes were observed at SD for both cultivars. Thus, the combination of GC-MS and GC-IMS analyses with PCA in this paper suggested the superiority of SD to preserve volatiles and characteristic aroma in dried citrus peel, and that SD contributed much to the quality of dried Chachi peel.
Comparison and Characterization of the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Three Citrus Fibers: Effect of Ball Milling Treatment
Authors: Jiang Zhanmei , Zhang Minghan , Huang Yuxuan , Ma Chenglong , Mu Sinan , Li Hongyu , Liu Xianqi , Ma Yue , Liu Yue , Hou Juncai
Published: September 2022

Effects of ball milling (BM) on the structure and physicochemical properties of three types of citrus fibers were investigated. With the extension of the grinding time, the particle size of citrus fibers significantly decreased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the three citrus fibers had similar chemical groups, and more -OH and phenolic acid groups were exposed after BM, and pectin and lignin were not degraded. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the appearance of particles changed from spherical to fragmented, irregular shapes. The water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), and water swelling capacity (WSC) of citrus fibers LM, JK, and FS reached the maximum value after BM of 2 h (increasing by 18.5%), 4 h (increasing by 46.1%), and 10 h (increasing by 38.3%), respectively. After 10 h BM, citrus fibers FS and JK had the highest adsorption capacity of cholesterol and sodium cholate, increasing by 48.3% and 48.6%, respectively. This indicates that BM transforms the spatial structure of citrus fibers and improves their physicochemical properties.
Impacts of Self-Efficacy on Food and Dietary Choices during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in China
Authors: Jiao Wen , Liu Matthew Tingchi , Schulz Peter Johannes , Chang Angela
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health emergency, increasing the prevalence of emotional distress, and potentially leading to altered diet behavior. Self-efficacy measures various aspects of perceiving and understanding emotions. The present study was carried out with the objective of understanding the effect of emotional self-efficacy on dietary behavior and quality. It also shed light on which elements contributed to the link between food-related behavior and perceived dietary quality during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the factor analysis of nineteen food groups, choices, consumption, and socioeconomic status were examined in a sample of 441 Chinese participants. Multiple linear regression examined the association between food consumption, dietary quality, and self-efficacy. Contrary to prior research, the intake of salty snacks and alcoholic beverages dropped by 3.3% and 2.8%, respectively, during the first lockdown. Emotional self-efficacy negatively mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and dietary quality. In conclusion, emotional self-efficacy is a well-established tool for evaluating how Chinese people cope with negative emotions. As an individual’s dietary quality was affected during the imposed lockdown, the present study offers valuable insight into psychosocial factors that may contribute to health disparities by advocating for organized nutritional support in future epidemic-related quarantines.
Simultaneous Cryogenic Radical and Oxidative Coupling Polymerizations to Polyaniline/Polyacrylamide Conductive Cryogels for Gas Sensing
Authors: Guo Xiao-Xiao , Hou Shi-Chang , Li Hui-Juan , Chen Jun , Haleem Abdul , He Wei-Dong
Published: September 2022

The macro-porous structure of polymer cryogels provides an appropriate channel for the adsorption and transport of substances, endowing its application in the field of electrochemical sensing. The combination mode of a polymer matrix and electro-active substance, particularly the distribution of an electro-active substance in the matrix, has an important effect on the overall performance of the sensor. In this work, through the simultaneous oxidation coupling polymerization of aniline (ANI) and radical polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) under cryogenic condition, conductive composite cryogels were prepared, aiming for the uniform distribution of PANI in the PAAm matrix. The possibility of simultaneous polymerizations was symmetrically investigated, and the obtained PANI/PAAm cryogels were characterized. Due to the acid-doping of PANI, the electrical conductivity of PANI/PAAm cryogels could be modulated with acidic and basic gases. Thus, the performance of the gas sensor was studied by making conductive PANI/PAAm cryogel sheets as resistive sensor electrodes. We found that the content of PANI, the sheet thickness and the dry/wet state of the cryogel influenced the response sensitivity and rate as well as the recovery properties. The response duration for HCl and NH3 gas was shorter than 70 and 120 s, respectively. The cyclic detection of HCl gas and the alternate detection of NH3/HCl were achieved. This gas sensor with advantages, including simple preparation, low cost and high sensitivity, would have great potential for the application to monitor the leakage of acidic and basic gases.
An Ecological Analysis of Hospitalization Patterns for Diseases of the Nervous System in England and Wales over the Last 20 Years
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y. , Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Al-Daghastani Tamara , Alwafi Hassan , Abu Hamdah Sawsan , Alsairafi Zahra K. , Alsaleh Fatemah M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hospitalization pattern of nervous system diseases from 1999 to 2019. Methods: This is ecological research based on data from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database in Wales, both of which are publicly available. Data on hospital admissions were collected between April 1999 and March 2019. Diagnostic codes (G00–G09: inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, G10–G14: systemic atrophies primarily affecting the central nervous system, G20–G26: extrapyramidal and movement disorders, G30–G32: other degenerative diseases of the nervous system, G35–G37: demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, G40–G47: episodic and paroxysmal disorders, G50–G59: nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders, G60–G65: polyneuropathies and other disorders of the peripheral nervous system, G70–G73: diseases of myoneural junction and muscle, G80–G83: cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes, and G89–G99: other disorders of the nervous system) from the tenth edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) were used to identify hospital admissions. A Poisson model was used to examine the trend in hospital admissions. Results: During the study period, hospital admission rate increased by 73.5% (from 474.44 (95% CI 472.58–476.31) in 1999 to 823.37 (95% CI 821.07–825.66) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.01). The most prevalent diseases of the nervous system hospital admissions causes were episodic and paroxysmal disorders, nerve, nerve root, and plexus disorders, and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system which accounted for 37.4%, 22.1%, and 9.3%, respectively. Hospital admission rate between females increased by 79.1% (from 495.92 (95% CI 493.25–498.58) in 1999 to 888.33 (95% CI 884.97–891.68) in 2019 per 100,000 persons). Hospital admission rate between males was increased by 67.5% (from 451.88 (95% CI 449.28–454.49) in 1999 to 756.82 (95% CI 753.69–759.96) in 2019 per 100,000 persons). Conclusion: In the United Kingdom, hospital admissions for diseases of the nervous system are on the rise. Future research is needed to identify high-risk groups and suggest effective interventions to reduce the prevalence of these disorders.
Leveraging mHealth and Wearable Sensors to Manage Alcohol Use Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Betancourt Jose A. , Madrid Stephanie , Lindsey Christopher William , Wall Vanessa
Published: September 2022

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition prevalent in many countries around the world, and the public burden of its treatment is close to $130 billion. mHealth offers several possible interventions to assist in the treatment of AUD. Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of mHealth and wearable sensors to manage AUD from evidence published over the last 10 years. Methods: Following the Kruse Protocol and PRISMA 2020, four databases were queried (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Science Direct) to identify studies with strong methodologies (n = 25). Results: Five interventions were identified, and 20/25 were effective at reducing alcohol consumption. Other interventions reported a decrease in depression and an increase in medication compliance. Primary barriers to the adoption of mHealth interventions are a requirement to train users, some are equally as effective as the traditional means of treatment, cost, and computer literacy. Conclusion: While not all mHealth interventions demonstrated statistically significant reduction in alcohol consumption, most are still clinically effective to treat AUD and provide a patient with their preference of a technologically inclined treatment Most interventions require training of users and some technology literacy, the barriers identified were very few compared with the litany of positive results.
Time to Treatment Intensification to Reduce Diabetes-Related Complications: A Post Hoc Study
Authors: Kaewbut Piranee , Kosachunhanun Natapong , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Chinwong Dujrudee , Hall John J. , Chinwong Surarong
Published: September 2022

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be affected by clinical inertia, leading to abysmal results. Studies on a suitable timeframe for treatment intensification remain scarce—especially outside of developed countries. This study aimed to explore the association between time to treatment intensification and diabetes-related complications. A database from a tertiary care hospital in Thailand was retrieved in order to conduct a retrospective cohort study for the years 2011–2017. This study comprised outpatients with T2DM presenting an HbA1c of ≥7.0%. Eligible patients were divided into three groups based on the time of treatment intensification: no delayed treatment intensification, treatment intensification within 6 months, and treatment intensification after 6 months. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association between time to treatment intensification and diabetes-related complications. A total of 686 patients were included in the final analysis. During 6.5 years of median follow-up, the group with treatment intensification within 6 months was more strongly associated with diabetic nephropathy compared to the group with no delayed treatment intensification (adjusted HR 2.35; 95%CI 1.35–4.09). Our findings reveal that delaying treatment intensification by even 6 months can increase the likelihood of diabetic nephropathy compared to no delayed treatment intensification. We suggest that patients with T2DM whose blood glucose levels are outside the target range promptly receive treatment intensification.
It’s What We Do: Experiences of UK Nurses Working during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Practice, Identity and Resilience
Authors: Davey Zoe , Srikesavan Cynthia , Cipriani Andrea , Henshall Catherine
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic increased pressure on a nursing workforce already facing high levels of stress, burnout, and fatigue in the United Kingdom (UK) and internationally. The contribution of nurses to keeping the public safe was widely recognised as they met the challenges of delivering complex patient care during the healthcare crisis. However, the psychological impact of this on nurses’ health and wellbeing has been substantial, and the number of nurses leaving the profession in the UK is rising. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of this on their psychological health, wellbeing and resilience. The study is part of a wider project to develop and pilot an online resilience intervention for nurses during COVID-19. Five focus groups with 22 nurses were carried out online. Data was analysed thematically using the Framework Method. Four key themes relating to positive and negative impacts of working during the pandemic were identified: Rapid changes and contexts in flux; loss and disruption; finding opportunities and positive transformation; and reinforcing and strengthening identity. Implications for coping and resilience in nursing, nursing identities and workforce development are discussed.
Experience of Elderly Korean Women with Diabetes and Multimorbidity in Elderly Couple Households: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kim Oksoo , Dan Hyunju
Published: September 2022

Elderly women with multimorbidity in elderly couple households face the double burden of managing their diseases while fulfilling their gender roles. This study aimed to investigate the daily life experiences of elderly women with diabetes and multimorbidity living as part of couple households in Korea. Ten women aged 65 or more with diabetes and multimorbidity and living as part of elderly couple households participated in this phenomenological qualitative study. The data were analyzed with van Manen’s method of study of analytical phenomena. Four essential themes were identified. Participants regarded diabetes and multimorbidity as a part of the aging process and continued to function as caregivers for their husbands and themselves, avoiding becoming a burden to their adult children. The findings of this study could help healthcare providers better understand elderly women with diabetes and multimorbidity and assist in improving the health of such women.
The Comparative Analysis for the New Approach to Three Tourism-Oriented Heritage Districts in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Awad Jihad , Arar Mohammad , Jung Chuloh , Boudiaf Bouzid
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the tourism-oriented heritage districts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explores a new approach to fostering heritage tourism. This is envisaged through conducting a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to detect the characteristics of the tourism-oriented heritage districts from the residents and tourists. The systematic evaluation of opinions is based on indicators developed by UNESCO and ICOMOS international principles. According to the survey results, it is found that Dubai’s approach was successful at reuniting people with their history via modern materials in the restoration works. This has preserved the heritage value and increased their culture and national identity. The social goal to reconnect residents to their cultural history has been realized despite the inconsistencies compared to the specification of the World Heritage Convention, which requires technical authenticity and integrity. People perceived the identities of tourism-oriented heritage districts in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman differently. Based on the POE survey, the Shindagha area and Al Fahidi Historical Area in Dubai were perceived as traditional destinations for tourist attractions. The Heart of Sharjah area was perceived as cultural and educational tourism, and the Ajman Heritage District area was perceived as community tourism.
The Influence of SNS on Policy Support to Mitigate Public Health Crises: The Mediating Role of General and Personal Risk Perceptions
Authors: Kim Soohee
Published: September 2022

Recent evidence suggests that social networking sites (SNS) motivate people, in the form of civic engagement, in times of crisis. Yet, there is a lack of empirical investigations that help to understand how SNS use increases civic judgment or participatory behavior. In this study, we examine how the use of SNS in a public health crisis is related to policy support for effective mitigation of risk, particularly focusing on the role of two distinct types of risk perceptions—general and personal risk perceptions. Using an online survey conducted on the issue of fine dust pollution in South Korea (N = 510), this study found that reliance on SNS for learning (i.e., SNS learning dependency) is positively associated with general risk perception, which, in turn, promotes policy support. Moreover, the results revealed a serial mediation process in which SNS learning dependency increases general risk perception, which ultimately increases personal risk perception and policy support. Overall, this study suggests that SNS has the potential to facilitate public engagement in a crisis and that individual motivation to engage with a crisis is not just a function of individual or societal-level risk perception but can be a simultaneous function of different levels of risk perceptions.
Optimal Portfolios of National Currencies, Commodities and Fuel, Agricultural Commodities and Cryptocurrencies during the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
Authors: Kyriazis Nikolaos A.
Published: September 2022

This study sets out to explore the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on worldwide financial markets by considering a large array of national currencies, precious metals and fuel, agricultural commodities and cryptocurrencies. Estimations span the period since the Russian invasion until the takeover of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Optimal portfolios are constructed for separate categories of financial assets for different levels of risk-aversion by investors. The Chinese yuan, gold, corn, soybeans, sugar and Bitcoin prove to be safe haven investments while the Japanese yen, natural gas, wheat and the combination of Bitcoin and Ethereum offer profit opportunities for risk-seekers. Notably, the agricultural commodities’ portfolio is the best performing while the cryptocurrency portfolio generates the worst risk-return trade-off. National currencies could act as safe havens in the place of gold when all types of assets can be combined. Natural gas is revealed to be the most reliable profit generator. Overall, high risk appetite does not result in large improvement in portfolios’ returns. This study sheds light on investors’ optimal decision-making during elevated geopolitical uncertainties and provides a compass for improving welfare.
Development of a Novel Highly Granular Hadronic Calorimeter with Scintillating Glass Tiles
Authors: Du Dejing , Liu Yong
Published: September 2022

Based on the particle-flow paradigm, a new hadronic calorimeter (HCAL) with scintillating glass tiles is proposed to address major challenges from precision measurements of jets at the future lepton colliders, such as the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC). Tiles of high-density scintillating glass, with a high-energy sampling fraction, can significantly improve the hadronic energy resolution in the low-energy region (typically below 10 GeV for major jet components at Higgs factories). The hadronic energy resolution of single hadrons and the effects of key parameters of scintillating glass have been evaluated in the Geant4 full simulation, followed by the physics benchmark studies on the Higgs boson with jets in the final state. R&D efforts of scintillating glass materials are ongoing within a dedicated collaboration since 2021 with the aim to achieve a high light yield, a high density, and a low cost. Measurements have been performed for the first batches of scintillating glass samples including the light yield, emission and scintillation spectra, scintillation decay times, and cosmic responses. An optical simulation model of a single scintillating glass tile has been established to provide guidance in the development of scintillating glass. Highlights of the expected detector performance and the latest scintillating glass developments are presented in this contribution.
Management of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest during COVID-19: A Tale of Two Cities
Authors: Lim Shir Lynn , Kumar Lekshmi , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Shahidah Nur , Al-Araji Rabab , Ng Qin Xiang , Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Arulanandam Shalini , Leong Benjamin Sieu-Hon , Liu Nan , Siddiqui Fahad Javaid , McNally Bryan , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: September 2022

Variations in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been reported. We aimed to, using population-based registries, compare community response, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) interventions and outcomes of adult, EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA in Singapore and metropolitan Atlanta, before and during the pandemic. Associations of OHCA characteristics, pre-hospital interventions and pandemic with survival to hospital discharge were analyzed using logistic regression. There were 2084 cases during the pandemic (17 weeks from the first confirmed COVID-19 case) and 1900 in the pre-pandemic period (corresponding weeks in 2019). Compared to Atlanta, OHCAs in Singapore were older, received more bystander interventions (cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): 65.0% vs. 41.4%; automated external defibrillator application: 28.6% vs. 10.1%), yet had lower survival (5.6% vs. 8.1%). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, OHCAs in Singapore and Atlanta occurred more at home (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.05 and 2.03, respectively) and were transported less to hospitals (aOR 0.59 and 0.36, respectively) during the pandemic. Singapore reported more witnessed OHCAs (aOR 1.96) yet less bystander CPR (aOR 0.81) during pandemic, but not Atlanta (p < 0.05). The impact of COVID-19 on OHCA outcomes did not differ between cities. Changes in OHCA characteristics and management during the pandemic, and differences between Singapore and Atlanta were likely the result of systemic and sociocultural factors.