bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Scientometric Analysis and Review of the Emissions Trading System
Authors: Hu Yu-Jie , Yang Lishan , Duan Fali , Wang Honglei , Li Chengjiang
Published: June 2022

As a vital market mechanism to mitigate global warming, the emissions trading system (ETS) has critical research and practice value. According to articles from Web of Science’s core collection, quantitative statistics are used to analyze the ETS, including statistics on the number of articles, distributions of time and geography, journals and subjects, productive authors and institutions, academic collation, article citations, and hot topics. Moreover, this paper presents a qualitative analysis of research on the ETS, exploring hot issues, including its origin, allowance allocation, the impact of allowance allocation, and the ETS in the power sector. The results show that it is necessary to launch ETS to mitigate climate change effectively and reduce emissions at a low cost. Allowance allocation as its critical component has also caused heated discussion among scholars. In allowance allocation, exploring a desire to assign the future allowable carbon emissions reasonably and efficiently is vital, yet scholars widely do not accept this. Moreover, free allocation can only be applied to the transitional stage, and auctioning will be inevitable. In addition, scholars have studied the impact of different allowance allocation schemes from macro and micro perspectives and take the power sector, namely the largest emitter, as an example, by linear programming, equilibrium modeling, and multi-agent modeling. However, the quota allocation scheme needs improvement due to firms’ accuracy of emission data. Finally, governments are encouraged to launch the ETS to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The ETS should be improved gradually, including aspects such as cap setting, covering sectors, and the allocation method. Additionally, some key emission sectors and regions can be taken as the research and practice objects in the initial stage of the ETS.
Time-Dependent Stagnation Point Flow of Water Conveying Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Aggregation on Rotating Sphere Object Experiencing Thermophoresis Particle Deposition Effects
Authors: Madhukesh Javali , Prasannakumara Ballajja , Khan Umair , Madireddy Sunitha , Raizah Zehba , Galal Ahmed
Published: June 2022

The notion of thermophoretic particle deposition is used in a number of applications, including thermal exchanger walls. It is important to identify the transport processes in action in systems such as thermal precipitators, exhaust devices, optical transmission fabrication processes, and so on. Based on these application points of view, the present work studies the performance of nanoparticle aggregation stagnation point flow over a rotating sphere during the occurrence of thermophoretic particle deposition. The nonlinear governing equations are transformed into the ordinary differential equation by utilizing suitable similarity variables. The numerical outcomes of the reduced equations along with boundary conditions are solved by the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 (RKF-45) order method with shooting procedure. The numerical results are shown with the assistance of graphs. The impacts of various dimensionless constraints on velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles are studied under the occurrence and absence of nanoparticle aggregation. The study reveals that the primary velocity is enhanced with increasing values of the acceleration parameter, but secondary velocity diminishes. The impressions of the rotation parameter will improve the primary velocity. The concentration profiles will diminish with an improvement in the thermophoretic parameter. The surface drag force is greater in nanoparticles with aggregation than nanoparticles without aggregation in the Cfx case but a reverse behavior is seen in the Cfz case. Further, the rate of heat distribution increases with a rise in the solid volume fraction, whereas the rate of mass distribution grows as the thermophoretic parameter grows.
Techno-Environmental Mission Evaluation of Combined Cycle Gas Turbines for Large Container Ship Propulsion
Authors: Alzayedi Abdulaziz M. T. , Batra Amit , Sampath Suresh , Pilidis Pericles
Published: June 2022

The stringent regulations set by the International Maritime Organization on pollutant emissions combined with the rise in fuel prices have stimulated research on cleaner fuels and new propulsion systems. This study describes a new method for evaluating alternative technologies and cleaner fuels that can be utilised in the marine sector to replace heavy fuel oil and diesel engines, and thus improve their performance while lowering carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. The proposed techno-environmental technique allows consistent evaluation of simple intercooler/reheat gas and steam combined cycles fuelled by marine diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas, instead of a two-stroke diesel engine fuelled by marine diesel fuel, as a propulsion system of a large container ship. The implementation of the enhanced combined gas and steam cycles, and combined gas and steam cycles, fuelled by liquefied natural gas, increases the engine’s efficiency by 11% as compared with that of two-stroke diesel engines that run on marine diesel oil, while decreasing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 44.7% and 76.3%, respectively. In addition, the advantages of using a gas and steam combined cycle to burn LNG over the gas and steam combined cycle for burning marine diesel oil are demonstrated.
Review on Interpretable Machine Learning in Smart Grid
Authors: Xu Chongchong , Liao Zhicheng , Li Chaojie , Zhou Xiaojun , Xie Renyou
Published: June 2022

In recent years, machine learning, especially deep learning, has developed rapidly and has shown remarkable performance in many tasks of the smart grid field. The representation ability of machine learning algorithms is greatly improved, but with the increase of model complexity, the interpretability of machine learning algorithms is worse. The smart grid is a critical infrastructure area, so machine learning models involving it must be interpretable in order to increase user trust and improve system reliability. Unfortunately, the black-box nature of most machine learning models remains unresolved, and many decisions of intelligent systems still lack explanation. In this paper, we elaborate on the definition, motivations, properties, and classification of interpretability. In addition, we review the relevant literature addressing interpretability for smart grid applications. Finally, we discuss the future research directions of interpretable machine learning in the smart grid.
A Novel Forked-Finger Electrode-Structured Thermoelectric Module with High Output Power
Authors: Li Yuemei , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Haojie , Gu Xueliang , Chang Shaolong
Published: June 2022

Thermoelectric harvesting technology is a clean and friendly energy-conversion technology. In the π-type traditional thermoelectric module (TEM), n- and p-type thermoelectric legs are electrically connected in a series to generate large temperature differences in the heat flow direction and to achieve a better module performance. However, damages to one thermoelectric leg could lead to the failure of the thermoelectric system. This work proposes a novel forked-finger electrode-structured thermoelectric module (FFTEM), which enables a simultaneous parallel electrical connection and thermal transfer in a homogeneous material’s thermoelectric leg set. The four thermoelectric legs share a common pair of electrodes, and this parallel structure makes the FFTEM benefit from low internal resistance, a high operating current, and high output power. The internal resistance and output power of the TEM are 4.25 mΩ and 1.766 mW, respectively, at a temperature difference of 40 °C. The internal resistance of the FFTEM is reduced to 0.81 mΩ, and the output power is increased to 13.81 mW. The FFTEM’s maximum output power achieved under temperature-dependent conditions is nine times that of the TEM’s output power. This FFTEM design provides a configuration to obtain a much higher output power, which could benefit future applications of thermoelectric devices.
SNP Detection in Pinus pinaster Transcriptome and Association with Resistance to Pinewood Nematode
Authors: Modesto Inês , Inácio Vera , Novikova Polina , Carrasquinho Isabel , Van de Peer Yves , Miguel Célia M.
Published: June 2022

Pinewood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which severely affects Pinus pinaster stands in southwestern Europe. Despite the high susceptibility of P. pinaster, individuals of selected half-sib families have shown genetic variability in survival after PWN inoculation, indicating that breeding for resistance can be a valuable strategy to control PWD. In this work, RNA-seq data from susceptible and resistant plants inoculated with PWN were used for SNP discovery and analysis. A total of 186,506 SNPs were identified, of which 31 were highly differentiated between resistant and susceptible plants, including SNPs in genes involved in cell wall lignification, a process previously linked to PWN resistance. Fifteen of these SNPs were selected for validation through Sanger sequencing and 14 were validated. To evaluate SNP-phenotype associations, 40 half-sib plants were genotyped for six validated SNPs. Associations with phenotype after PWN inoculation were found for two SNPs in two different genes (MEE12 and PCMP-E91), as well as two haplotypes of HIPP41, although significance was not maintained following Bonferroni correction. SNPs here detected may be useful for the development of molecular markers for PWD resistance and should be further investigated in future association studies.
Magnetic Treatment Improves the Seedling Growth, Nitrogen Metabolism, and Mineral Nutrient Contents in Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Wang Lu , Ma Fengyun , Guo Jianyao , Zhu Hong , Meng Shiyuan , Bi Sisheng , Wang Huatian
Published: June 2022

This pot experiment was carried out to investigate the mechanism underlying nutrient metabolism and seedling growth responses to magnetic treatment following exposure to cadmium (Cd) stress. A magnetic device of 300 Gs was applied during Cd(NO3)2 solution treatment at 0 and 100 mM·L−1. One-year-old seedlings of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ were treated with different Cd(NO3)2 solutions in the presence or absence of magnetic treatment for 30 days. Seedling growth and physiological–biochemical indexes were measured under Cd stress. The contents of ammonium (NH4+–N), nitrate (NO3––N), and total nitrogen (TN) in leaves, as well as NH4+–N and TN in roots, were increased by magnetic treatment combined with Cd stress, although the NO3––N content was decreased. The activities of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) in leaves and the activities of NR, glutamine synthetase (GS), and GOGAT in roots were stimulated by magnetic treatment; conversely, the NiR activity in roots was inhibited by magnetic effects. Magnetic treatment improved the synthesis of cysteine (Cys) and glutamine (Gln) in leaves and reduced the contents of glutamic acid (Glu) and glycine (Gly), while the contents of Cys, Glu, Gln, and Gly were increased in roots. The contents of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in leaves were increased by magnetic treatment under Cd stress, whereas the content of K was reduced. In roots, the contents of K, Ca, and Fe were increased by magnetic treatment under Cd stress, but the contents of Na, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu were decreased. Magnetization could regulate the uptake of mineral nutrients by roots and translocation from the roots to the aboveground parts by affecting root morphology. Magnetic treatment could also improve nitrogen assimilation and the synthesis of free amino acids by stimulating the activities of key enzymes.
Audio-Visual Preferences for the Exercise-Oriented Population in Urban Forest Parks in China
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Muchun , Gu Ziyang , Xie Yongle , Jia Ningrui
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the audio-visual preferences of exercisers in urban forest parks in China and to make practical suggestions for park landscape design. Taking Beigushan Forest Park in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province as a case, based on field research and questionnaire survey, this study analyzed the audio-visual preference characteristics of exercisers in the park, revealed the correlation between audio-visual preference and exercisers’ behaviors and individual characteristics, and explored the influence of audio-visual preferences on exercise feelings by establishing a structural equation model. It was found that (1) the forest and its avenue landscape and birdsong are most preferred by exercisers; (2) the audio-visual preferences of people with different exercise forms differ, for example, people who slowly walk, run, and briskly walk have stronger preferences for natural soundscape and visual landscape, while people who use fitness equipment have stronger inclusiveness for human activity sound and prefer public facility-based landscapes. In addition, some individual characteristics such as exercise intensity and exercise frequency significantly affect exercisers’ audio-visual preferences; (3) visual landscape preferences have a greater direct impact on exercise feelings, with natural waterscape having the greatest direct impact, but overall soundscape preferences do not have a high degree of direct impact on exercise feelings, with natural sound still having a strong positive impact. These findings provide a more quantitative basis for the landscape design of urban forest parks from the perspective of exercise behavior.
Change Analysis of Urban Tree Canopy in Miami-Dade County
Authors: Hochmair Hartwig H. , Benjamin Adam , Gann Daniel , Juhász Levente , Olivas Paulo , Fu Zhaohui J.
Published: June 2022

This study mapped and analyzed urban tree canopy change between 2014 and 2019 within the Urban Development Boundary of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The goal was to identify local areas of tree canopy gain or loss over this 5-year period. The comparison is based on land cover maps delineated from WorldView-2 satellite data applying a random forest classification algorithm, in combination with publicly available vector data of infrastructure (roads, railroads) and land use maps (water, cropland). Existing urban tree canopy (EUTC) was computed for census block groups and municipalities to compare tree canopy cover loss or gain to support strategic planning of equitable urban reforestation. For the entire study area, the percentage of EUTC did not change significantly between 2014 (19.9 ± 1.2%) and 2019 (20.1 ± 1.5%). However, some municipalities experienced changes in EUTC by over 10%. Comparison of Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared satellite imagery between both periods identified land cover change patterns that were associated with an increase or decrease in surface temperature. A significantly negative relationship between percentage of African American population and tree canopy in 2014 turned statistically insignificant in 2019, whereas the negative relationship with percentage of Hispanic population further strengthened in 2019 compared to 2014.
Identification and Functional Evaluation of Three Polyubiquitin Promoters from Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Xin Shichao , Udayabhanu Jinu , Dai Xuemei , Hua Yuwei , Fan Yueting , Huang Huasun , Huang Tiandai
Published: June 2022

Hevea brasiliensis is an economically important tree species that provides the only commercial source of natural rubber. The replacement of the CaMV35S promoter by endogenous polyubiquitin promoters may be a viable way to improve the genetic transformation of this species. However, no endogenous polyubiquitin promoters in Hevea have been reported yet. Here, we identified three Hevea polyubiquitin genes HbUBI10.1, HbUBI10.2 and HbUBI10.3, which encode ubiquitin monomers having nearly identical amino acid sequences to that of AtUBQ10. The genomic fragments upstream of these HbUBI genes, including the signature leading introns, were amplified as putative HbUBI promoters. In silico analysis showed that a number of cis-acting elements which are conserved within strong constitutive polyubiquitin promoters were presented in these HbUBI promoters. Transcriptomic data revealed that HbUBI10.1 and HbUBI10.2 had a constitutive expression in Hevea plants. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that these three HbUBI genes were expressed higher than the GUS gene driven by CaMV35S in transgenic Hevea leaves. All three HbUBI promoters exhibited the capability to direct GFP expression in both transient and stable transformation assays, although they produced lower protoplast transformation efficiencies than the CaMV35S promoter. These HbUBI promoters will expand the availability of promoters for driving the transgene expression in Hevea genetic engineering.
Increasing Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency Using Food-Waste-Based Biochar
Authors: Shin Dong-Chul , Kim I-Tae , Jung Jinhong , Jeong Yoonah , Lee Ye-Eun , Ahn Kwang-Ho
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of methane production by anaerobic digestion (AD), during which energy is generated from organic waste, can be increased in various ways. Recent research developments have increased the volume of gas production during AD using biochar. Previous studies have used food waste itself in AD, or, added wood-biochar or sewage sludge charcoal as an accelerant of the AD process. The application of food-waste biochar in AD using activated sludge has not yet been studied and is considered a potential method of utilizing food waste. Therefore, this study investigated the use of biochar prepared by the thermal decomposition of food waste as an additive to AD tanks to increase methane production. The addition of food-waste biochar at 1% of the digestion tank volume increased the production of digestion gas by approximately 10% and methane by 4%. We found that food-waste biochar served as a medium with trace elements that promoted the proliferation of microorganisms and increased the efficiency of AD.
Trawl Fishing Fleet Operations Used to Illustrate the Life Cycle of the Southern Brown Shrimp: Insights to Management and Sustainable Fisheries
Authors: Peixoto Ualerson I. , Mello-Filho Adauto S. , Bentes Bianca , Isaac Victoria J.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to better understand the life cycle of brown shrimp along the Amazon Continental Shelf by using spatial and temporal trawl fleet activities. A total of 208,121 specimens and 1281 trawls were studied throughout the course of 13 years of shrimp size composition. To investigate differences in length composition between fishing grounds, months, and depth, a PERMANOVA analysis was employed. A geographic information system was developed for environmental characterisation and spatiotemporal trawl fleet distribution. Our findings show that the industrial trawl shrimp fleet has a close relationship with shrimp biological characteristics, following shrimp migration patterns in different months, locations, and depths during different stages of their life cycle, and that this fleet acts on two-yearly cohorts. The management measures of limiting effort (number of vessels) appear enough to avoid overcapitalisation, but the closed period and a proposed no-take fishing zone appear insufficient for what was originally proposed. Ecosystem-based management strategies should be addressed immediately because they would be far more effective than traditional fishery-based management measures in promoting sustainable fishing.
Hydrodynamic Interaction of Two Self-Propelled Fish Swimming in a Tandem Arrangement
Authors: Yang Dewu , Wu Jie
Published: June 2022

Collective locomotion in biological systems is ubiquitous and attracts much attention, and there are complex hydrodynamics involved. The hydrodynamic interaction for fish schooling is examined using two-dimensional numerical simulations of a pair of self-propelled swimming fish in this paper. The effects of different parameters on swimming speed gain and energy-saving efficiency are investigated by adjusting swimming parameters (initial separation distance d0, tail beat amplitude A, body wavelength λ, and period of oscillation T) at different phase difference δϕ between two fish. The hydrodynamic interaction performance of fish swimming in a tandem arrangement is analyzed with the help of the instantaneous vorticity contours, pressure contours, and mean work done. Using elementary hydrodynamic arguments, a unifying mechanistic principle, which characterizes the fish locomotion by deriving a scaling relation that links swimming speed u to body kinematics (A, T, and λ), arrangement of formation (d0), and fluid properties (kinematic viscosity ν), is revealed. It is shown that there are some certain scaling laws between similarity criterion number (Reynolds number (Re) and Strouhal number (St)) and energy-consuming coefficient (CE) under different parameters (Δ). In particular, a generality in the relationships of St–Re and CE–(Re ·Δ) can emerge despite significant disparities in locomotory performance.
Supervised Neural Network Procedures for the Novel Fractional Food Supply Model
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Sabir Zulqurnain , Umar Muhammad , Alam Mir Waqas
Published: June 2022

This work presents the numerical performances of the fractional kind of food supply (FKFS) model. The fractional kinds of the derivatives have been used to acquire the accurate and realistic solutions of the FKFS model. The FKFSM system contains three types, special kind of the predator L(x), top-predator M(x) and prey populations N(x). The numerical solutions of three different cases of the FKFS model are provided through the stochastic procedures of the scaled conjugate gradient neural networks (SCGNNs). The data selection for the FKFS model is chosen as 82%, for training and 9% for both testing and authorization. The precision of the designed SCGNNs is provided through the achieved and Adam solutions. To rationality, competence, constancy, and correctness is approved by using the stochastic SCGNNs along with the simulations of the regression actions, mean square error, correlation performances, error histograms values and state transition measures.
Effects of Fly Ash Dosage on Shrinkage, Crack Resistance and Fractal Characteristics of Face Slab Concrete
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Zhiqiang , Liu Bo , Zhao Feng , Tang Shengwen , Jin Minmin
Published: June 2022

The crack resistance of face slab concretes to various shrinkages is crucial for the structural integrity and the normal operation of concrete-faced rockfill dams (CFRDs). In this work, the effects of fly ash with four dosages (i.e., 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) on the drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage and the cracking resistance of face slab concrete were studied. Besides, the difference in shrinkage behavior due to fly ash addition was revealed from the viewpoint of the pore structure and fractal dimension of the pore surface (Ds). The findings demonstrate that (1) the incorporation of 10–40% fly ash could slightly reduce the drying shrinkage by about 2.2–13.5% before 14 days of hydration, and it could reduce the drying shrinkage at 180 days by about 5.1–23.2%. By contrast, the fly ash addition could markedly reduce the autogenous shrinkage at early, middle and long-term ages. (2) Increasing fly ash dosage from 0 to 40% considerably improves the crack resistance of concrete to plastic shrinkage. Nevertheless, the increase in fly ash dosage increases the drying-induced cracking risk under restrained conditions. (3) The pore structures of face slab concrete at 3 and 28 days become coarser with the increase in fly ash dosage up to 40%. At 180 days, the pore structures become more refined as the fly ash dosage increases to 30%; however, this refinement effect is not as appreciable as the fly ash dosage increases from 30% to 40%. (4) The Ds of face slab concrete is closely related with the concrete pore structures. The Ds of face slab concrete at a. late age increases from 2.902 to 2.946 with increasing of the fly ash dosage. The pore structure and Ds are closely correlated with the shrinkage of face slab concrete. (5) The fly ash dosage around 30% is optimal for face slab concretes in terms of lowering shrinkage and refining the pore structures, without compromising much mechanical property. However, the face slab concretes with a large fly ash dosage should be well cured under restrained and evaporation conditions at an initial hydration age.
Analytical and Numerical Solutions for a Kind of High-Dimensional Fractional Order Equation
Authors: Lu Chang-Na , Hou Cun-Juan , Zhang Ning
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a (4+1)-dimensional nonlinear integrable Fokas equation is studied. It is rarely studied because the order of the highest-order derivative term of this equation is higher than the common generalized (4+1)-dimensional Fokas equation. Firstly, the (4+1)-dimensional time-fractional Fokas equation with the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is derived by the semi-inverse method and variational method. Further, the symmetry of the time-fractional equation is obtained by the fractional Lie symmetry analysis method. Based on the symmetry, the conservation laws of the time fractional equation are constructed by the new conservation theorem. Then, the G′G-expansion method is used here to solve the equation and obtain the exact traveling wave solutions. Finally, the spectral method in the spatial direction and the Gru¨nwald–Letnikov method in the time direction are considered to obtain the numerical solutions of the time-fractional equation. The numerical solutions are compared with the exact solutions, and the error results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed numerical method.
In Silico ADME Profiling of Salubrinal and Its Analogues
Authors: Zadorozhnii Pavlo V. , Kiselev Vadym V. , Kharchenko Aleksandr V.
Published: June 2022

This work reports on a complex in silico assessment of the ADME properties of Salubrinal (S1) and 54 of its structural analogues containing a cinnamic acid residue (S2–S40) or a quinoline ring (S41–S55). In the work for (Q)SAR forecast, the online servers SwissADME, ADMETlab, admetSAR 2.0, Molinspiration, ALOGPS 2.1, pkCSM, SuperCYPsPred, and Vienna LiverTox were used. In addition, using AutoDock Vina, molecular docking studies were performed with transporter proteins and metabolic enzymes, which were intended to interact with the test compounds. In silico assessment of the ability of the S1–S55 compounds to be absorbed in the intestine was carried out using the SAR classification models implemented in these servers, as well as on the basis of two empirical rules—Lipinski’s and Veber’s. Most of the studied compounds had moderate lipophilicity (MLogP ˂ 4.15) and a polar surface area of less than 140 Å2. They complied with Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, and are predicted to have good intestinal absorption. In silico analysis of the distribution of the S1–S55 compounds throughout the body, the volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss), the ability to bind to blood plasma proteins and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were taken into account. Most compounds are predicted to have low or medium Vdss and the ability to cross the BBB. Molecular docking studies were carried out with the structures most important for drug binding of blood plasma proteins, human serum albumin (HSA), and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The studies showed that these substances can effectively bind to blood plasma proteins. When assessing metabolism, the prediction of inhibitory and substrate activity to cytochromes P450 (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) was carried out. For most of these enzymes, the analyzed compounds are likely to be potential inhibitors, as indicated by the molecular docking data. For all studied compounds, a low total clearance (CLtot. ˂ 5 mL/min/kg) and a half-life time (T1/2 ˂ 3 h) are predicted.
Investigation of Dombrock Blood Group Alleles and Genotypes among Saudi Blood Donors in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Halawani Amr J. , Mansor Abdullah S. , Assaggaf Hamza M. , Almasmoum Hibah A. , Abu-Tawil Hisham I. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Dobie Gasim , Habibullah Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2022

The Dombrock (DO) blood group system has two primary antigens, Doa and Dob, which can cause delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. The paucity of specific monospecific antibodies can hamper the typing based on these antigens. Thus, blood group genotyping (BGG) was investigated as a possible solution. Sequence-specific primers were designed to target a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs11276) on the ART4 gene encoding the DO*A and DO*B alleles. Blood samples (n = 150) from randomly selected volunteer donors were used. DNA was extracted and resulting PCR products were purified and sequenced. The allelic frequencies of DO*A and DO*B were (n = 122, 40.67%) and (n = 178, 59.33%), respectively. The distributions of DO genotypes were as follows: DO*A/DO*A (n = 20), 13.33%; DO*B/DO*B (n = 48), 32.00%; and DO*A/DO*B (n = 82), 54.67%. In conclusion, this study reports on the allelic frequencies of DO*A and DO*B of the DO blood group system in Jazan Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this study reports on the prevalence of each genotype, of which DO*A/DO*B was the most abundant. This study contributes significantly to build the current blood donor database in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it may assist in providing safe blood to polytransfused patients and reduce the risk of the red cell alloimmunization.
Strategy to Estimate Sample Sizes to Justify the Association between MMP1 SNP and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kao Chung-Cheng , Hsu Hsiang-En , Lai Jen-Chieh , Chen Hsiang-Cheng , Chuang Su-Wen , Lee Meng-Chang
Published: June 2022

Background: the impact of knee osteoarthritis (OA) poses a formidable challenge to older adults. Studies have reported that genetic factors, such as MMP1, are one of important risk factors for knee OA. Although the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of MMP1 rs1799750 and the risk of knee OA has been explored, conclusions have been nonunanimous and pending due to research sample sizes, one of determinants in studying genetic polymorphisms associated with disease. Objective: to establish a model to assess whether the genetic polymorphism of MMP1 rs1799750 is associated with knee OA based on an estimation of sample sizes. Methods: samples were collected from a case–control and meta-analysis study. In the case–control study, patients who underwent knee X-ray examinations based on the Kellgren–Lawrence Grading System (KL) as diagnostic criteria were recruited at the Health Examination Center of the Tri-Service General Hospital from 2015 to 2019. Gene sequencing was conducted using iPLEX Gold. Those with unsuccessful gene sequencing were excluded. Finally, there were 569 patients in the knee OA group (KL ≥ 2) and 534 participants in the control group (KL < 2). In the meta-analysis, we used the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane to search for studies on the relationship between MMP1 rs1799750 and knee OA. Next, we adopted the trial sequential analysis (TSA) method to assess whether sample sizes were sufficient or not to determine the risk of the genetic polymorphism of MMP1 rs1799750 on knee OA in Caucasians and Asians. Results: in Caucasians, the MMP1 rs1799750 was not significantly associated with knee OA with an odds ratios (OR) of 1.10 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.45–2.68). Some extra 8559 samples were needed to conclude this relationship in Caucasians by the TSA model. In Asians, neither our case–control study results (n = 1103) nor a combination of samples from the case–control and meta-analysis results showed an association between MMP1 rs1799750 and knee OA. The OR (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.81–1.49) in a combination of Asian samples. Some extra 5517 samples were needed to justify this relationship in Asians by the TSA model. Conclusions: this research shows that an extra 8559 and 5517 samples are needed in Caucasians and Asians, respectively, in order to justify the association between MMP1 rs1799750 and knee OA.
Elevated All-Cause Mortality among Overweight Older People: AI Predicts a High Normal Weight Is Optimal
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Yuno Mariko
Published: June 2022

It has been proposed that being overweight may provide an advantage with respect to mortality in older people, although this has not been investigated fully. Therefore, to confirm that and elucidate the underlying mechanism, we investigated mortality in older people using explainable artificial intelligence (AI) with the gradient-boosting algorithm XGboost. Baseline body mass indexes (BMIs) of 5699 people (79.3 ± 3.9 years) were evaluated to determine the relationship with all-cause mortality over eight years. In the unadjusted model, the first negative (protective) BMI range for mortality was 25.9–28.4 kg/m2. However, in the adjusted cross-validation model, this range was 22.7–23.6 kg/m2; the second and third negative BMI ranges were then 25.8–28.2 and 24.6–25.8 kg/m2, respectively. Conversely, the first advancing BMI range was 12.8–18.7 kg/m2, which did not vary across conditions with high feature importance. Actual and predicted mortality rates in participants aged <90 years showed a negative-linear or L-shaped relationship with BMI, whereas predicted mortality rates in men aged ≥90 years showed a blunt U-shaped relationship. In conclusion, AI predicted that being overweight may not be an optimal condition with regard to all-cause mortality in older adults. Instead, it may be that a high normal weight is optimal, though this may vary according to the age and sex.
3D Reconstruction & Modeling of the Traditional Greek Trechadiri: “Aghia Varvara”
Authors: Arapakopoulos Andreas , Liaskos Orestis , Mitsigkola Sofia , Papatzanakis Georgios , Peppa Sofia , Remoundos Georgios , Ginnis Alexandros , Papadopoulos Christos , Mazis Dimitrios , Tsilikidis Odysseas , Yighourtakis Yannis
Published: June 2022

3D modeling techniques have grown increasingly prevalent in a variety of disciplines, including cultural heritage and ship design. The methodology used in the 3D reconstruction of a traditional Greek boat with the Trechadiri hull type named “Aghia Varvara” is presented in this study. The original boat was built in 1925 and is characterized as a modern cultural heritage monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The digital reconstruction of the boat is explained in detail, including 3D laser scanning and computer aided geometric design (CAGD), as well as the description of the 3D printing process. The boat’s 3D digital model has been used for the enrichment of the NAVS Project’s digital library, demonstrating the unique geometrical, typological, and cultural characteristics of Greek traditional shipbuilding, a living craft which listed on Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
History of the Humanities
Authors: Bod Rens
Published: June 2022

This paper provides an introduction to the burgeoning field of the “history of the humanities”. It discusses the scope, goals, and challenges of this new discipline. While histories of separate humanities disciplines have been written since the early twentieth century, it is only over the last decade or so that we have witnessed works that ask the question: how do these separate histories fit together to form the history of the humanities? After an introduction to the origins and the development of the new discipline, we question why the history of the humanities emerged so late, especially compared to the history of science. We make a case for a comprehensive history of the humanities, and we discuss several problems and challenges for the field, i.e., the problems of eurocentrism and triumphalism, and the challenges of the global, comparative, polycentric, and multidisciplinary histories of the humanities. The paper concludes with a discussion about the future of the field, arguing that it should be opened up to the history of the non-academic humanities as well as the colonial humanities.
Association of Smartphone Use Duration with Physical Fitness among University Students: Focus on Strength and Flexibility
Authors: Li Wang , Cui Yufei , Gong Qiang , Zhu Zhihong
Published: June 2022

High-frequency smartphone use leads to physical inactivity and may consequently cause the loss of physical fitness. Although the relationship between smartphone usage and physical fitness has been investigated, most of these studies focused on partial physical fitness, and the evaluation of the duration of smartphone use was insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the time period of using smart phones and physical fitness in Chinese university students. In this cross-sectional study, 8977 college students (5189 men and 3788 women) were enrolled. The assessment of smartphone usage was performed using a self-reported questionnaire. Physical fitness was measured in a sports facility, consisting of grip strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach test. The post adjustment relationship between smartphone use duration and physical fitness was examined by using the ANCOVA test. In the final adjusted model, an inverse association was observed between the smartphone use duration and grip strength in male and female participants (p = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively). The smartphone use duration was also negatively associated with standing long jump in both sexes (p = 0.003 for male and = 0.026 for female). In male participants, the longer the period of using smartphones, the lower their flexibility (p = 0.026). In conclusion, this study investigated the association between the duration of smartphone use and physical fitness. The results showed that longer durations of smartphone use were associated with weaker grip strength, a shorter standing long jump, and lower flexibility. Controlling smartphone-use duration might be beneficial for physical fitness among university students.
A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health
Authors: Wang Chengju , Wang Juan , Norbäck Dan
Published: June 2022

Energy use in buildings can influence the indoor environment. Studies on green buildings, energy saving measures, energy use, fuel poverty, and ventilation have been reviewed, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The database PubMed was searched for articles published up to 1 October 2020. In total, 68 relevant peer-reviewed epidemiological or exposure studies on radon, biological agents, and chemicals were included. The main aim was to assess current knowledge on how energy saving measures and energy use can influence health. The included studies concluded that buildings classified as green buildings can improve health. More efficient heating and increased thermal insulation can improve health in homes experiencing fuel poverty. However, energy-saving measures in airtight buildings and thermal insulation without installation of mechanical ventilation can impair health. Energy efficiency retrofits can increase indoor radon which can cause lung cancer. Installation of a mechanical ventilation systems can solve many of the negative effects linked to airtight buildings and energy efficiency retrofits. However, higher ventilation flow can increase the indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Finally, future research needs concerning energy aspects of buildings and health were identified.
Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Sediments of Typical Lakes in Southeastern Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wu Chao , Wu Xiaodong , Ge Xuguang , Feng Lian , Tan Ya , Yang Jiuyun , Ren Weixiang , Zou Min
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to reveal the distribution characteristics and sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sediments of typical lakes in the southeastern of the Hubei province and provide a reference for pollution control of eutrophic lakes. The sediments of four typical lakes (Liangzi, Baoan, Daye, and Qingshan) in the southeastern of the Hubei Province were investigated in May 2019. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and excitation-emission matrixes characteristics of DOM were obtained by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, the DOM fluorescence components were resolved by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The results showed that: (1) The absorption coefficient a350 in surface sediments followed the order: Baoan Lake (16.99 ± 3.82 m−1) > Qingshan Lake (15.37 ± 3.8 m−1) > Liangzi Lake (12.54 ± 5.58 m−1) > Daye Lake (12.43 ± 1.43 m−1). Specifically, with increasing depth in the sediment cores, a350 increased and then gradually decreased in Daye Lake and Baoan Lake, but fluctuated in Liangzi Lake and Qingshan Lake with a roughly decreasing trend. (2) Two humic-like components (C1, C2) and one protein-like component (C3) were identified via PARAFAC. This analysis also showed that the surface sediment fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) was dominated by protein-like, while the sediment core FDOM was dominated by humic-like in Liangzi Lake. The proportion of humic-like in FDOM was higher than protein-like in surface sediments and sediment cores of Baoan, Daye, and Qingshan Lakes. (3) The DOM of surface sediments in the Liangzi Lake comprised mostly autochthonous components, mainly produced by the vital activities of aquatic organisms. The DOM of surface sediments in Baoan Lake and Qingshan Lake showed weak humic and moderate autochthonous characteristics. The humification of DOM in sediment cores of Liangzi, Baoan, and Qingshan Lakes gradually decreased from depth to the surface. The DOM in surface sediments of Daye Lake had strong humic and moderate autochthonous characteristics. (4) In general, the DOM of lake sediments in southeastern Hubei Province has dual-contribution characteristics representing terrigenous and endogenous sources. In the restoration and treatment of lake ecology, both internal and terrestrial pollution should be considered. At the same time, it is noteworthy that cyanobacteria depletion and aquatic residues caused potential internal pollution.
Caring for Frail Older People Living Alone in Italy: Future Housing Solutions and Responsibilities of Family and Public Services, a Qualitative Study
Authors: Melchiorre Maria Gabriella , D’Amen Barbara , Quattrini Sabrina , Lamura Giovanni , Socci Marco
Published: June 2022

When frail older people age alone in place, with increasing functional limitations, they require support in performing daily living activities. In this respect, it is important to assess their preferences in terms of future housing solutions, and their opinions/orientations on the care responsibilities of both family and public services. The present study aimed to explore these aspects in Italy. Qualitative interviews were carried out in 2019 within the “Inclusive ageing in place” (IN-AGE) research project, involving 120 frail older people who lived at home in three Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, and Calabria). A content analysis was conducted, and some quantifications of interviewees’ statements were provided. The results revealed that the majority of seniors prefer ageing at home, at least with a personal care assistant (PCA), whereas moving to a nursing home is typically deemed as a last option. Moreover, they considered the family to be primarily responsible for taking care of them, even with the support of public services. In addition, some territorial differences emerged. Strengthening an integrated model of long-term care (LTC) for older people, where both formal and informal supports allow frail older people to age at home, seems thus a good overall policy solution to pursue, with interventions based also on the needs and preferences of both seniors and their respective families.
Usability and Effects of a Combined Physical and Cognitive Intervention Based on Active Video Games for Preschool Children
Authors: Liu Ze-Min , Chen Chuang-Qi , Fan Xian-Li , Lin Chen-Chen , Ye Xin-Dong
Published: June 2022

Executive functions (EFs) are essential for early childhood development, and effective programs to improve EFs in preschool education are becoming increasingly crucial. There is rising evidence that combined physical–cognitive intervention training utilizing active video games (exergames) could be a viable strategy to improve EFs. However, there is a shortage of empirical evidence on the application of this approach in preschool education. The effectiveness of exergame intervention training in preschools must be evaluated. This study conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of exergames intervention training on preschool children’s EFs. A total of 48 participants aged 4–5 years were enrolled; 24 were randomly allocated to receive exergames physical activity training, and the remaining 24 received conventional physical activity training. After a four-week intervention, the children who received the exergames intervention training exhibited considerably greater gains in all three EFs tasks than children who received the conventional physical activity program. Follow-up interviews revealed that the children accepted the exergames well. The results demonstrate the viability of incorporating exergames into preschool education to improve children’s EFs, supporting prior findings and offering more empirical evidence from early childhood research.
A Qualitative Investigation of the Experiences of Tobacco Use among U.S. Adults with Food Insecurity
Authors: Kim-Mozeleski Jin E. , Shaw Susan J. , Yen Irene H. , Tsoh Janice Y.
Published: June 2022

Background: Low-income U.S. adults experiencing food insecurity have a disproportionately high prevalence of cigarette smoking, and quantitative studies suggest that food insecurity is a barrier to quitting. To guide effective tobacco control strategies, this study aimed to understand the experiences, perceptions, and context of tobacco use and cessation among low-income populations experiencing food insecurity. Methods: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 23 adults who were currently smoking cigarettes and were experiencing food insecurity, mostly living in rural settings. Participants were recruited through food-pantry-based needs assessment surveys and study flyers in community-based organizations. The interview guide explored participants’ histories of smoking, the role and function of tobacco in their lives, their interest in and barriers to quitting, as well as lived experiences of food insecurity. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze transcribed interviews. Results: Within a broader context of structural challenges related to poverty and financial strain that shaped current smoking behavior and experiences with food insecurity, we identified the following five themes: smoking to ignore hunger or eat less; staying addicted to smoking in the midst of instability; smoking being prioritized in the midst of financial strain; life stressors and the difficulty of quitting smoking and staying quit; and childhood adversity at the intersection of food insecurity and tobacco use. Conclusion: The context of tobacco use among adults with food insecurity was highly complex. To effectively address tobacco-related disparities among those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, tobacco control efforts should consider relevant lived experiences and structural constraints intersecting smoking and food insecurity. Findings are applied to a conceptualization of clustering of conditions contributing to nicotine dependence, food insecurity, and stress.