bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CP12 fine-tunes the Calvin-Benson cycle and carbohydrate metabolism in cyanobacteria
Authors: Lucius Stefan , Theune Marius , Arrivault Stéphanie , Hildebrandt Sarah , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Gutekunst Kirstin , Hagemann Martin
Published: October 2022

The regulatory protein CP12 can bind glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapDH) and phosphoribulokinase (PRK) in oxygenic phototrophs, thereby switching on and off the flux through the Calvin-Benson cycle (CBC) under light and dark conditions, respectively. However, it can be assumed that CP12 is also regulating CBC flux under further conditions associated with redox changes. To prove this hypothesis, the mutant Δcp12 of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was compared to wild type and different complementation strains. Fluorescence microscopy showed for the first time the in vivo kinetics of assembly and disassembly of the CP12-GapDH-PRK complex, which was absent in the mutant Δcp12. Metabolome analysis revealed differences in the contents of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, the products of the CP12-regulated enzymes GapDH and PRK, between wild type and mutant Δcp12 under changing CO2 conditions. Growth of Δcp12 was not affected at constant light under different inorganic carbon conditions, however, the addition of glucose inhibited growth in darkness as well as under diurnal conditions. The growth defect in the presence of glucose is associated with the inability of Δcp12 to utilize external glucose. These phenotypes could be complemented by ectopic expression of the native CP12 protein, however, expression of CP12 variants with missing redox-sensitive cysteine pairs only partly restored the growth with glucose. These experiments indicated that the loss of GapDH-inhibition via CP12 is more critical than PRK association. Measurements of the NAD(P)H oxidation revealed an impairment of light intensity-dependent redox state regulation in Δcp12. Collectively, our results indicate that CP12-dependent regulation of the CBC is crucial for metabolic adjustment under conditions leading to redox changes such as diurnal conditions, glucose addition, and different CO2 conditions in cyanobacteria.
Response of the fine root morphological and chemical traits of Tamarix chinensis to water and salt changes in coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Sun Jia , Xia Jiangbao , Shao Pengshuai , Ma Jinzhao , Gao Fanglei , Lang Ying , Xing Xianshuang , Dong Mingming , Li Chuanrong
Published: October 2022

To explore the adaptation of the fine root morphology and chemical characteristics of Tamarix chinensis to water–salt heterogeneity in the groundwater–soil system of a coastal wetland zone, T. chinensis forests at different groundwater levels (high: GW1 0.54 m and GW2 0.83 m; medium: GW3 1.18 m; low: GW4 1.62 m and GW5 2.04 m) in the coastal wetland of the Yellow River Delta were researched, and the fine roots of T. chinensis standard trees were excavated. The fine roots were classified by the Pregitzer method, and the morphology, nutrients, and nonstructural carbohydrate characteristics of each order were determined. The results showed that the groundwater level had a significant indigenous effect on the soil water and salt conditions and affected the fine roots of T. chinensis. At high groundwater levels, the specific root length and specific surface area of fine roots were small, the root tissue density was high, the fine root growth rate was slow, the nutrient use efficiency was higher than at low groundwater levels, and the absorption of water increased with increasing specific surface area. With decreasing groundwater level, the N content and C/N ratio of fine roots first decreased and then increased, and the soluble sugar, starch, and nonstructural carbohydrate content of fine roots first increased and then decreased. At high and low groundwater levels, the metabolism of fine roots of T. chinensis was enhanced, and their adaptability to high salt content and low water content soil environments improved. The first- and second-order fine roots of T. chinensis were mainly responsible for water and nutrient absorption, while the higher-order (from the third to fifth orders) fine roots were primarily responsible for the transportation and storage of carbohydrates. The fine root morphology, nutrients, nonstructural carbohydrate characteristics, and other aspects of the water and salt environment heterogeneity cooperated in a synergistic response and trade-off adjustment.
Applications of mobile learning on college students’ water leisure sports in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Chen Ko-Chia , Lou Shi-Jer , Tsai Chih-Cheng
Published: October 2022

This study explored the relationship and influence of college students’ participation in water leisure sports, as well as the technology acceptance model (TAM). With the rapid development of the economy, the government is promoting various water leisure sports centered on the concept and policy of a maritime- and ocean-based nation. Based on the TAM, this study investigated the relationships among its ease of use, usefulness, water leisure involvement, benefits, barriers, and intentions to participate in water activities in connection with college students participating in water leisure sports. A total of 420 college students who participated in water leisure activities were sampled. There were 370 valid questionnaires, and the recovery rate of valid questionnaires was 82.2%. The data were analyzed by the structural equation modeling of the partial least squares method (PLS-SEM). The results show that the ease of use of water facilities had a positive effect on the usefulness, involvement, and participation in water activities; the usefulness of water facilities had a positive and significant impact on the intention to participate in water activities; water leisure involvement had a positive and significant impact on the benefits and the intention to participate in water activities; the intention to participate in water activities had a positive and significant impact on the benefits of water leisure activities. Furthermore, the study found that the intention to participate in water activities had a mediating effect between water leisure involvement and water leisure benefits; water leisure involvement had a mediating effect between the ease of use of water facilities and the intention to participate in water activities; the usefulness of water facilities had a mediating effect between the ease of use of water facilities and the intention to participate in water activities. In addition, the interaction between water leisure involvement and water leisure constraints had an interfering effect on water leisure benefits. Accordingly, recommendations for promotion and implementation are provided. Based on the TAM, the study provided suggestions for implementing water leisure sports to promote college students’ participation behavior in water leisure sports.
Comparative study on consumers’ choice behaviors in selecting pork in rational and irrational scenarios
Authors: Xu Lingling , Yu Meidan , Chen Xiujuan
Published: October 2022

To better understand the purchasing decision-making process of humane pork, and examine the internal relationship between consumers’ preferences in rational consumption and irrational decoy scenarios, 405 consumers in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, and China were surveyed. Attributes were set for breeding time, breeding mode, diet cleanliness label, and price, and the first three among them reflect animal welfare conditions. The results show that in the rational consumption scenarios, consumers pay the most attention to the price attribute, followed by the attribute of diet cleanliness label, breeding mode, and breeding time. In the irrational decoy scenarios, consumers are most likely to be affected by the attribute decoy of diet cleanliness label, which have the utility of avoiding food safety risks. In addition, the decoy effect triggered by the price attribute which owned the highest degree of rational preference among consumers is also substantially higher, but lower than that of the diet cleanliness label attribute. The decoy effect caused by the breeding time attribute with the lowest degree of consumers’ rational preference is also the lowest. Therefore, the government should strengthen the publicity of the humane treatment of pigs before slaughter, and improve the certification and management system of pigs’ diet cleanliness. Besides, marketers are suggested to emphasis the product attributes that customer’s value the most in their advertising.
COVID-19 related conspiracy beliefs and their relationship with defense strategies, emotions, powerlessness, attitudes, and time perspective
Authors: Celia Giovanna , Lausi Giulia , Girelli Laura , Cavicchiolo Elisa , Limone Pierpaolo , Giannini Anna Maria , Cozzolino Mauro
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted individual’s life and society, and such an emergency has increased the likelihood of recurring conspiratorial thinking. There is much research on broader conspiratorial thinking and studies on COVID-19-related conspiratorial thinking has been growing worldwide, moreover, the negative consequences of COVID-19 specific conspiratorial beliefs for people’s health are clear. However, person-centered research aiming at identify groups of individuals who share patterns of relations between COVID-19 specific conspiratorial beliefs and other psychological features is still scarce. A sample of 1.002 people (18–40 years old, M = 23; SD = 5.19) responded to a questionnaire administered online. The aim was to identify groups of individuals based on their beliefs about COVID-19 conspiracy theories and to compare the groups identified in terms of psychological characteristics associated such as automatic defense mechanisms, coping strategies, powerlessness, emotions, emotional regulation, attitudes toward the COVID-19, social distancing discontent, perceptions of COVID-19 severity and temporal perspective. A k-mean cluster analysis identified the groups of Believers (22.26%), Ambivalent believers (34.3%), and Non-believers (43.21%). The three groups differ particularly in terms of defense mechanisms, and time perspective. Results suggested the need to tailor interventions for individuals believing in COVID-19 conspiratorial theories based on differences in the psychological characteristics among the three groups.
Aspects of self-regulated learning and their influence on the mathematics achievement of fifth graders in the context of four different proclaimed curricula
Authors: Říčan Jaroslav , Chytrý Vlastimil , Medová Janka
Published: October 2022

Metacognition is a part of the models of self-regulated learning. The consideration of a broader context resonates with a social cognitive perspective approach to learning which dominates the educational academic field with the theory of self-regulated learning. Metacognition is considered a crucial factor influencing mathematics achievement. Furthermore, the affective field including pupils' self-efficacy, interest and motivation are the phenomena involved in mathematical problem-solving. On the other hand, metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulations are not a regular part of mathematics education in the Czech Republic. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relation between pupils' attitude toward mathematics; metacognitive knowledge; self-efficacy and motivation; metacognitive monitoring; and their achievement in solving mathematical problems. All together 1,133 students of Grade 5 from four types of Czech schools participated in the study. There were traditional schools; schools teaching mathematics by genetic constructivism, i.e., Hejný's method; Montessori schools; and Dalton schools were involved. The assessed variables, namely relation to mathematics; metacognitive knowledge; self-efficacy and motivation; metacognitive monitoring; and mathematical achievement were used as an input to regression analysis. Item-response theory was used for assessing the performance of the students and demands of the tasks. The metacognitive monitoring was detected as the most significant predictor of mathematics achievement for higher- and lower-performing students as well as for the item with high and low demands. The study reveals how the different mathematics curricula (un)support the metacognitive processes involved in mathematical problem-solving. The information allows teachers to spend sufficient time with particular types of mathematics problems whose solutions is determined by activation of metacognitive processes. This demonstrates the importance of including the activities for development of metacognitive monitoring in mathematics education.
An assessment of influential factors developing the intention to use social media sites: A technology acceptance model based approach
Authors: Bashir Tayyeba , Zhongfu Tan , Sadiq Burhan , Niaz Uzma , Anjum Faiza , Mahmood Hassan
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to elaborate the different factors which attract users to use social media sites. These main factors are subjective norms, image, efficiency and satisfaction along with the mediating role of perceived usefulness. Survey method was used to collect data from B2B fashion brands in Pakistan. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from targeted respondents. Collected data was analyzed using Smart-PLS 3.3 version. Results express that subjective norms, image, efficiency and satisfaction have positive and significant impact on perceived usefulness and intention to use social media sites in B2B context within Pakistani fashion brands. Results further reveal that perceived usefulness partially mediates the relationship between subjective norms, image, efficiency, satisfaction and intention to use social media sites. This study will enhance the available literature in the area of technology acceptance model (TAM) and will provide useful insights to B2B managers to use efficiently use social media sites for the promotion of their brands. This study is limited to fashion brands, future researchers can expand this model to other area of business.
Choices of (in)action in obesity: Implications for research on treatment and prevention
Authors: Arend Isabel , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Yuen Kenneth
Published: October 2022

The obesity epidemic has crossed social-demographic barriers and is a matter of significant concern. Why do individuals fail to restrain from eating high-calorie foods and fail to follow treatment routines that reduce the risk of health complications? These questions have been addressed through behavioral and brain imaging studies on prefrontal cortex inhibitory mechanisms. Failure to inhibit undesirable behaviors has become a hallmark of obesity. In many life situations, obesity risk is increased by inaction (e.g., not taking blood pressure medication, not following a healthy diet). Risk by inaction has been defined as passive risk-taking, and it is correlated with traits such as procrastination, future time perspective, and cognitive avoidance. To the present, passive tendencies, specifically in the context of risk-taking behaviors, have not been addressed in the obesity literature. We introduce a framework in which active and passive risk-taking behaviors are integrated within the scope of bidirectional models of obesity that describe the brain as both the cause and the consequence of obesity vulnerability. The present perspective aims to foster new research on treatment and prevention, and also on the neurobiology of passive behaviors in obesity and other metabolic conditions.
Rural migration, governance, and public health nexus: Implications for economic development
Authors: Yang Kewen , Fahad Shah
Published: October 2022

With the deepening of rural aging and the increasing role of human capital in the non-agricultural employment labor market, this paper uses the data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variable method (IV) to try to examine the impact of rural migrant workers' education on their parents' health. Since a rural family may include more than one child, a sample of migrant workers with a high education level is used in the benchmark regression, and a sample of migrant workers with a low education level is used to test the robustness of the relationship. The results showed that the education of migrant workers had a significant positive impact on parents' health. The sample with the least education was used for the robustness, and the results did not change. The IV-probit method is used to address potential endogeneity, and the results remain stable. Heterogeneity analysis shows that there are significant differences in the impact of migrant workers' education on the health of parents from different groups. This positive effect has a greater impact on the health of parents who are older, less educated, and do not live with their children. Mediation analysis shows that children's economic ability, captured by income and work type, and their parents' health behavior, captured by sleep, alcohol consumption, and physical examinations, mediate this relationship. Thus, migrant workers' education affects their parents' health mainly through relaxing budget constraints and improving their parents' health production efficiency. In addition, this paper also found that education of migrant workers may significantly increase parental depression. Based on the above analysis, this paper argues that increasing investment in rural education is conducive to improving the health of migrant farmers' parents, thereby promoting the transfer of rural labor to non-agricultural industries and cities, curbing the rapid rise in labor costs, and promoting the healthy development of the economy.
Association of high PM2.5 levels with short-term and medium-term lung function recovery in patients with pulmonary lobectomy
Authors: Liu Yi-tong , Xiao Yi , Huang Jian , Hu Hao , Wang Xina , Chen Yueming , Huang Zhiqing , Yang Xiongwen
Published: October 2022

The association between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and short- and medium-term lung function recovery (LFR) in patients undergoing lobectomy remains uncertain. This study investigated the associations between PM2.5 concentrations and LFR in adult patients (n = 526) who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy in Guangzhou, China between January 2018 and June 2021. All patients underwent at least two spirometry tests. Environmental PM2.5 concentrations in the same period were collected from the nearest monitoring station. A multiple linear regression (MLR) model was employed to investigate the associations between changes in PM2.5 concentrations and LFR in patients who underwent lobectomy after adjusting for potential confounders. We assessed short- and medium-term LFR in patients who underwent lobectomy. The three- and 6-month average PM2.5 concentrations in each patient's residential area were divided into regional mild pollution (PM2.5 <25 μg/m3), moderate pollution (25 μg/m3 ≤ PM2.5 <35 μg/m3), and severe pollution (35 μg/m3 ≤ PM2.5) periods. The MLR model confirmed that PM2.5 was an independent risk factor affecting short-term forced lung capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity (MEF50) recovery (adjusted P = 0.041, 0.014, 0.016, respectively). The MLR model confirmed that PM2.5 was an independent risk factor affecting medium-term MEF50 recovery (adjusted P = 0.046). Compared with the moderate and severe pollution periods, the short- and medium-term LFR (FVC, FEV1, MEF50) of patients in the mild pollution period were faster and better (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.048, P = 0.010, P = 0.013, respectively). Thus, exposure to high PM2.5 levels was associated with significantly reduced speed and degree of short- and medium-term LFR in patients who underwent lobectomy.
Physical activity and mental health in sports university students during the COVID-19 school confinement in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Yufei , Li Youqiang
Published: October 2022

Background

In 2022, Shanghai was seriously affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The government implemented citywide static management for 2 months, as well as all universities in Shanghai, which changed the normal learning and living style of sports students and led to a decline in physical activity level. As the physical activity has a strong correlation with mental health, this study aimed to investigate the current state of physical activity (PA) and mental health of the students in Shanghai University of Sport. It will try to reveal the correlation between PA and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, fear of COVID-19 and smartphone addiction.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 400 students who came from six different majors in May 2022 at the Shanghai University of Sport. Respondents completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Chinese version of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Chinese version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Chinese version of the COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV- 19S), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV). Demographics, PA, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, fear of COVID-19, and smartphone addiction were compared. A binary logistic regression model was used for the further analysis.

Results

A total of 376 college students were included in the final analysis. Binary logistics analysis showed that moderate physical activity (MPA) was negatively correlated with depression (OR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.93–0.98), anxiety (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.95–0.99), fear of COVID 19(OR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.98–0.99)and smartphone addiction (OR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.9–0.98) (all P < 0.05). Sedentary behavior was positively correlated with smartphone addiction (OR = 1.01, P < 0.01, 95%CI = 1.001–1.004).

Conclusion

There was an association between the presence of MPA and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, fear of COVID-19, smartphone addiction, and sedentary behavior associated with smartphone addiction levels. Clarifying the causal relationship between PA and mental health will require further research.
Evaluation of Mexican poverty reduction policies under the COVID-19 pandemic impacts
Authors: Shuying Gou , Xuedong Liu
Published: October 2022

From 2019 to 2020, the Mexican economy declined for two consecutive years, especially in the last one when it was hit by a decline of 8.4% before the COVID-19 pandemic impacts which was not only one of the worst in the OECD club, but also the deepest economic recession since 1932 in the national history. At the same time, both the number of people in poverty and poverty rate in 2020 have increased compared with those registered in 2018. Through the analysis, we can find that the current Mexican government has increased the intensity and scope of the implementation of social relief policies adhered to the principal of “for the good of all, first the poor (Por el bien de todos, Primero los pobres).” However, in the context of recession caused by the COVID-19, neither the general decrease in residents' income could be avoided, nor the number of people in poverty has been reduced. Besides, in accordance with the benefits obtained by the distinct household deciles based on the income and expenditure survey published by INEGI, it showed that the implementation of government relief measures has relatively reduced the support for the low-income people and further aggravated the deterioration of poverty due to its indifferent application with respect to high-income households and the low-income ones. Therefore, the deficiencies in the response implemented in the face of the epidemic, especially poverty alleviation actions and social relief policies, have further enhanced the poverty problem at least partially. In this sense, recover and improve the economic growth rate as soon as possible will not enough to reduce the poverty, and it should be accompanied by the necessary adjustments in the poverty alleviation measures and social relief policies, especially with a focalized approach inclined to the low-income segments of the population.
Key determinants to school breakfast program implementation in Philadelphia public schools: Implications for the role of SNAP-Ed
Authors: Fornaro Elisabeth G. , McCrossan Erin , Hawes Peter , Erdem Ebru , McLoughlin Gabriella Maria
Published: October 2022

Background

Policies addressing food insecurity are only effective if they are implemented successfully, serving those most at risk. Universal school meals provide a key intervention to schools that serve predominantly low-income families by providing free school breakfast and lunch to all. Unfortunately, low uptake of such provisions among students is concerning especially regarding school breakfast, warranting key implementation support for schools to ensure student nutrition needs are met. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the determinants of implementing two different school breakfast programs and pragmatic strategies for serving breakfast in ways that maximize student participation.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 within the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) comprising surveys, interviews, and observations to assess contextual determinants of two distinctive breakfast models: Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) and Cafeteria after the Bell (CAB). Principals and lead kitchen staff completed surveys to assess determinants of breakfast model adoption. Principals, lead kitchen staff, classroom teachers, climate (i.e., social emotional wellbeing), and facilities staff subsequently participated in interviews to discuss implementation determinants (i.e., facilitators and challenges) and strategies for maximizing student participation. Observations provided rich data to triangulate interviews and survey data. Survey data were analyzed using frequency analysis, and observation and interview data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Presentation of themes was framed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Results highlighted several positive determinants to participation including addressing student and family needs, making data-informed decisions, and providing hot meals and fruit based on student tastes. Negative determinants to implementation comprised challenges to SNAP-Ed-funded policy changes to promote student breakfast participation, lack of communication between administration, and staff and turnover among food service staff. Strategies included modifying school entrance procedures and combining breakfast with other education-related tasks to minimize instructional time lost through breakfast after the bell schedules.

Discussion

Data highlight the need to include implementation partner expertise when designing interventions for increasing reach and effectiveness of school meal programs. Future research that directly tests implementation strategies and key outcomes of reach/participation, among others, is critical to bridging the policy to practice gap in school nutrition programs.
Characteristics of Graves' disease in children and adolescents in Nanjing: A retrospective investigation study
Authors: Xie Hang , Chen Dandan , Zhang Ju , Yang Ruize , Gu Wei , Wang Xu
Published: October 2022

Objective

This cross-sectional study analyzed the clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed Graves' disease (GD) in children and adolescents to provide clinical evidence for the early diagnosis of GD.

Method

From 2013 to 2019, information on children and adolescents with newly diagnosed GD admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, was collected, including clinical features and laboratory tests. The data were summarized and statistically analyzed.

Result

This study included 204 cases of newly diagnosed GD, with 158 females and 46 males. The average age at initial diagnosis was 8.9 ± 2.9 years. A total of 132 cases (64.7%) had symptoms before puberty, and 72 cases (35.3%) had symptoms during puberty. Goiter was detected in 193 cases (94.6%). There were 140 cases (68.6%) of exophthalmos, and 21.4% (30/140) were infiltrative. At initial diagnosis, 10 cases (4.9%) reported leukopenia, 18 cases (8.8%) reported neutropenia, and 15 cases (7.4%) reported mild anemia. There was 1 (0.5%) case of thrombocytopenia and 1 (0.5%) case of agranulocytosis. Fifty-four cases (26.5%) had impaired liver function.

Conclusion

GD is more common in female children and adolescents. Parents may ignore their children's hypermetabolic symptoms in the early stages of GD. Routine blood and liver function tests are recommended at initial diagnosis to exclude abnormal hemogram and liver function.
Prediction of telomere length and telomere attrition using a genetic risk score: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Castro-Diehl Cecilia , Smith Jennifer A. , Zhao Wei , Wang Xu , Mukherjee Bhramar , Seeman Teresa , Needham Belinda L.
Published: October 2022

Background: Short telomere length (TL) and telomere attrition (TA) have been associated with age-related diseases.

Objective: We assessed whether a genetic risk score for short TL (GRS-TL) combining seven TL-associated genetic variants identified in a European-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) was associated with TL and TA over 10 years.

Methods: Relative TL (T/S ratio) was measured by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method for a sample of white, African American, and Hispanic participants, who attended Exam 1 and/or 5 of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Our final sample included 1,227 participants for the TL analysis and 1,138 for the TA analysis. Participants were 45–84 years at Exam 1. We used a linear mixed effects model and adjusted for age, sex, and population structure. Models were stratified by race/ethnicity.

Results: In the TL analysis, higher GRS-TL significantly predicted shorter TL (estimates = -0.18 [S.E. = 0.08], p = 0.02 for white; -0.18 [0.07], p < 0.01 for African American; and -0.13 [0.05], p = 0.02 for Hispanic) in fully adjusted models. In the TA analysis, no association between GRS-TL and TA over 10 years was found.

Conclusion: Although GRS-TL was developed in European-ancestry populations, it was significantly associated with TL (but not TA) in all three race/ethnic groups examined.
Intersemiotic translation of contracts into digital environments
Authors: Loddo Olimpia Giuliana , Addis Andrea , Lorini Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

An intersemiotic translation is any form of translation that involves at least two different semiotic codes; for example, the translation from words to images, to numerical code, or to non-verbal sounds. One of the most widespread examples of intersemiotic translation in the contemporary world is transposing natural language into machine language in digital environments. In this case, if the source text is a legal text, we encounter a particular type of intersemiotic translation, namely an intersemiotic legal translation in a digital environment. This paper will focus on the intersemiotic legal translation of contracts in digital environments, and is divided into two parts. In the first part (Section Ways of intersemiotically translating a contract using digital tools), we will analyze four possible uses of the intersemiotic translation of contracts in a digital context. In particular, we will highlight the technical characteristics of intersemiotic translation, its limitations, and its potential in different phases of contract management, namely the drafting of the document, the agreement, the archiving of the document, and the execution of contractual clauses. We will examine different digital tools that exploit intersemiotic translation, such as contract drafting tools and online platforms that allow for the conclusion of electronic contracts, document archiving in blockchains, and building smart contracts. When analyzing these uses of intersemiotic translation in the digital environment, we will highlight four types of output that can represent the product of intersemiotic translation in the digital environment: epistemic effects, legal effects, digital effects, and economic effects. In the second part (Section A tool for translating the contract intersemiotically), we will describe a hypothetical prototype that, in light of the four potential uses of intersemiotic translation, could represent a support tool to simplify the communication between professionals and clients through the drafting of legal documents with the aid of dynamic forms and, eventually, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Beyond facilitating the dialogue between legal professionals and their clients, we use interfaces to allow clients to create their own drafts of their documents and the lawyer to work on the drafts drawn up by the customer, correct them, and structure them in order to guarantee the validity of the document. The system can also be designed to archive legal documents and private deeds securely and entrust them to a professional by using blockchain technology and automating the execution of some contractual clausesviasmart contract protocols.
Recent progress with observations and models to characterize the magnetic fields from star-forming cores to protostellar disks
Authors: Maury Anaëlle , Hennebelle Patrick , Girart Josep Miquel
Published: October 2022

In this review article, we aim at providing a global outlook on the progresses made in the recent years to characterize the role of magnetic fields during the embedded phases of the star formation process. Thanks to the development of observational capabilities and the parallel progress in numerical models, capturing most of the important physics at work during star formation; it has recently become possible to confront detailed predictions of magnetized models to observational properties of the youngest protostars. We provide an overview of the most important consequences when adding magnetic fields to state-of-the-art models of protostellar formation, emphasizing their role to shape the resulting star(s) and their disk(s). We discuss the importance of magnetic field coupling to set the efficiency of magnetic processes and provide a review of observational works putting constraints on the two main agents responsible for the coupling in star-forming cores: dust grains and ionized gas. We recall the physical processes and observational methods, which allow to trace the magnetic field topology and its intensity in embedded protostars and review the main steps, success, and limitations in comparing real observations to synthetic observations from the non-ideal MHD models. Finally, we discuss the main threads of observational evidence that suggest a key role of magnetic fields for star and disk formation, and propose a scenario solving the angular momentum for star formation, also highlighting the remaining tensions that exist between models and observations.
Feasibility of transoral robotic selective neck dissection with or without a postauricular incision for papillary thyroid carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Tae Kyung , Choi Hae Won , Ji Yong Bae , Song Chang Myeon , Park Jung Hwan , Kim Dong Sun
Published: October 2022

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transoral robotic selective neck dissection (SND) with or without a postauricular incision for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We studied 14 patients with PTC who underwent robotic SND via the transoral or combined transoral and postauricular approaches.

Results

The transoral approach was performed on 10 patients for dissection of levels III and IV. An additional postauricular incision was made on 4 patients for dissection of level II in addition to levels III, IV, and V. The operation was completed successfully in 13 patients, except 1 patient with the procedure conversion due to uncontrolled bleeding from the internal jugular vein. The mean numbers of removed lymph nodes in the lateral compartment were 23.1 ± 9.4 and 38.3 ± 8.5 in the transoral and combined groups. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient, transient hypoparathyroidism in 3 patients, and chyle leakage in 1 patient. There were no hematomas, mental nerve injuries, surgical space infections, or CO2 embolisms.

Conclusion

Transoral robotic SND is feasible with or without a postauricular incision.
Meta-analysis of robotic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy in all patients and pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Fu Yibo , Qiu Jiangdong , Yu Yiqi , Wu Danning , Zhang Taiping
Published: October 2022

Purposes

To compare perioperative outcomes of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) using evidence from cohort studies.

Methods

Outcomes of interest include operative time, blood loss, R0 resection rate, lymph nodes harvested, overall complication rate, pancreatic fistula rate, delayed gastric emptying rate and 90-day mortality.

Results

6 prospective studies and 15 retrospective studies were included. Five of these studies were limited to patients with pancreatic cancer. Operative time was significantly longer in RPD (WMD: 64.60 min; 95% CI: 26.89 to 102.21; p = 0.001). Estimated blood loss was lower in RPD (WMD: −185.44 ml; 95% CI: −239.66 to −131.21; p < 0.001). Overall complication rates (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.97; p < 0.001) and pancreatic fistula rate (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.82; p < 0.001) were both lower in RPD. Length of hospital stay was longer in OPD (WMD: −1.90; 95% CI: −2.47 to −1.33). 90-day mortality was lower in RPD [odds ratio (OR): 0.77; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.95; p = 0.025].

Conclusion

At current level of evidence, RPD is a safer alternative than OPD with regard to post-operative outcomes and blood loss. However, in terms of oncological outcomes RPD show no advantage over OPD, and the cost of RPD was higher. In general, RPD is now considered a reliable technology, but high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies are still needed to support this conclusion.
Genetic diversity of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in cattle in France between 2018 and 2020
Authors: Rivas José , Hasanaj Alesia , Deblon Caroline , Gisbert Philippe , Garigliany Mutien-Marie
Published: October 2022

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is one of the main pathogens that affects ruminants worldwide, generating significant economic losses. Like other RNA viruses, BVDV is characterized by a high genetic variability, generating the emergence of new variants, and increasing the risk of new outbreaks. The last report on BVDV genotypes in France was in 2008, since which there have been no new information. The goal of this study is to determine the genetic diversity of BVDV strains currently circulating in France. To this aim, samples of cattle were taken from different departments that are part of the main areas of livestock production during the years 2018 to 2020. Using the partial sequence of the 5'UTR region of the viral genome, we identified and classified 145 samples corresponding to Pestivirus A and one sample corresponding to Pestivirus D. For the Pestivirus A samples, the 1e, 1b, 1d, and 1l genotypes, previously described in France, were identified. Next, the 1r and 1s genotypes, not previously described in the country, were detected. In addition, a new genotype was identified and was tentatively assigned as 1x genotype. These results indicate an increase in the genetic diversity of BVDV in France.
Investigation and analysis of etiology associated with porcine respiratory disease complex in China from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Sun Qi , Yu Xuexiang , He Dongxian , Ku Xugang , Hong Bo , Zeng Wei , Zhang Haifeng , He Qigai
Published: October 2022

Porcine respiratory diseases complex (PRDC) is a highly serious threat to the pig industry. In the present study, we investigated and analyzed the etiology associated with PRDC and explored the role of viruses in respiratory bacterial infections. From 2017 to 2021, clinical samples were collected from 1,307 pigs with typical respiratory symptoms in 269 farms in China and screened for pathogens related to PRDC by PCR and bacterial isolation. The results indicated that PRRSV (41.16%, 95%CI: 38.49~43.83%), PCV2 (21.58%,95%CI: 19.35~23.81%), S. suis (63.50%, 95%CI: 60.89~66.11%), and G. parasuis (28.54%, 95%CI: 26.09~30.99%) were the most commonly detected pathogens in pigs with PRDC in China. The dominant epidemic serotypes (serogroups) of S. suis, G. parasuis, and P. multocida were serotype 2, serotype 1, and capsular serogroups D, respectively. Pigs of different ages exhibited different susceptibilities to these pathogens, e.g., PRRSV, PCV2, and G. parasuis had the highest detection rates in nursery pigs, whereas fattening pigs had the highest detection rates of P. multocida and A. pleuropneumoniae. Among the 1,307 pigs, the detection rates of S. suis, G. parasuis, P. multocida, and B. bronchiseptica were higher in virus-positive pigs, especially G. parasuis and P. multocida were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in virus-negative pigs. In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between coinfection by PRRSV and G. parasuis (OR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.12~2.14), PRRSV and P. multocida (OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.12~2.14), PCV2 and P. multocida (OR = 2.27, 95%CI: 1.33~3.87), PRRSV-PCV2 and S. suis (OR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.29~2.60), PRRSV-PCV2 and G. parasuis (OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 2.42~4.74), and PRRSV-PCV2 and P. multocida (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.46~3.00). In summary, PRRSV, PCV2, S. suis, and G. parasuis were the major pathogens in pigs with PRDC, and coinfections of two or more PRDC-related pathogens with strong positive correlations were common in China, such as PRRSV and G. parasuis, PRRSV and P. multocida, PCV2 and P. multocida, and also PRRSV-PCV2 and G. parasuis and PRRSV-PCV2 and P. multocida.
Deciphering Driver of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Development
Authors: Handoko  , Louisa Melva , Permata Tiara Bunga Mayang , Gondhowiardjo Soehartati A.
Published: October 2022

A great deal of progress has been made on understanding nasopharyngeal cancer in recent decades. Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies have enabled us to gain a deeper understanding on the biology of nasopharyngeal cancer, and though this new information is elaborate and detailed, an overall picture of the driver of nasopharyngeal cancer that includes all this information is lacking. This review will focus on providing a broad overview, with plausible and simple language, on nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis based on current updated information. This will help readers to gain a broad understanding, which may be necessary to provide common ground for further research on nasopharyngeal cancer.
Deep Learning Process and Application for the Detection of Dangerous Goods Passing through Motorway Tunnels
Authors: Sisias George , Konstantinidou Myrto , Kontogiannis Sotirios
Published: October 2022

Automated deep learning and data mining algorithms can provide accurate detection, frequency patterns, and predictions of dangerous goods passing through motorways and tunnels. This paper presents a post-processing image detection application and a three-stage deep learning detection algorithm that identifies and records dangerous goods’ passage through motorways and tunnels. This tool receives low-resolution input from toll camera images and offers timely information on vehicles carrying dangerous goods. According to the authors’ experimentation, the mean accuracy achieved by stage 2 of the proposed algorithm in identifying the ADR plates is close to 96% and 92% of both stages 1 and 2 of the algorithm. In addition, for the successful optical character recognition of the ADR numbers, the algorithm’s stage 3 mean accuracy is between 90 and 97%, and overall successful detection and Optical Character Recognition accuracy are close to 94%. Regarding execution time, the proposed algorithm can achieve real-time detection capabilities by processing one image in less than 2.69 s.
Phenotypic Plasticity in Bud Fruitfulness Expressed in Two Distinct Wine Grape Cultivars Grown under Three Different Pedoclimatic Conditions
Authors: Nicolosi Elisabetta , Sicilia Angelo , Ferlito Filippo , Bonfante Antonello , Monaco Eugenia , Lo Piero Angela Roberta
Published: October 2022

The effects of interactions between the genotype and environmental conditions are expressed in the phenotype. Comparing the performances of genotypes under the same range of environmental conditions allows for relative measurements to be made of the different levels of plasticity among those genotypes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the different responses of two wine grape cultivars, native Aglianico and international Cabernet Sauvignon, under different pedoclimatic conditions in terms of the functional traits that govern grapevine bud fruitfulness, vegetative growth, and yield development. The study was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2020 and 2021), in six commercial Vitis vinifera L. vineyards, located in three distinct viticultural regions of central-southern Italy (Molise, Campania, and Sicily). In each experimental vineyard, the bud fruitfulness, number of leaves, total leaf area per vine, midday vine water status, and fruit yield were measured. The obtained results showed that bud fruitfulness was higher for Aglianico than for Cabernet Sauvignon in each experimental site, while the variability of plant responses between the vineyards was lower for Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar compared to those for Aglianico. The genetic × environmental interactions were expressed predominantly during berry ripening stages, while plasticity was generally greater in Aglianico than in Cabernet Sauvignon.