bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Present and Future Role of Microfluidics for Protein and Peptide-Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Authors: Weaver Edward , Uddin Shahid , Cole David K. , Hooker Andrew , Lamprou Dimitrios A.
Published: April 2021

The implementation of peptide-based molecules within the medical field has vast potential, owing to their unique nature and predictable physicochemical profiles. However, peptide therapeutic usage is hindered by delivery-related challenges, meaning that their formulations must be altered to overcome these limitations. This process could be propelled by applying microfluidics (MFs) due to its highly controllable and adaptable attributes; however, therapeutic research within this field is extremely limited. Peptides possess multifunctional roles within therapeutic formulations, ranging from enhancing target specificity to acting as the active component of the medicine. Diagnostically, MFs are well explored in the field of peptides, as MFs provide an unsullied platform to provide fast yet accurate examinations. The capacity to add attributes, such as integrated sensors and microwells, to the MF chip, only enhances the attractiveness of MFs as a diagnostic platform. The structural individuality of peptides makes them prime candidates for diagnostic purposes, for example, antigen detection and isolation. Therefore, this review provides a useful insight into the current applications of MFs for peptide-based therapy and diagnostics and highlights potential gaps in the field that are yet to be explored or optimized.
Mechanical and Durability Properties of Mortars Incorporating Red Mud, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, and Electric Arc Furnace Dust
Authors: Sabzi Javad , Asadi Shamsabadi Elyas , Ghalehnovi Mansour , Hadigheh S. Ali , Khodabakhshian Ali , Brito Jorge de
Published: April 2021

This research studies the properties of mortars incorporating waste materials including red mud (RM), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with equal contents of RM, GGBFS, and EAFD at different ratios by weight (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50%). Slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, electrical resistivity, water absorption, resistance to freeze–thaw cycles, and durability under sodium sulphate and sulphuric acid attacks were investigated. Moreover, the microstructure of mortars cured in tap water and exposed to sulphuric acid was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). Cement replacement up to 20% led to a slight increase in compressive strength at 7, 28, and 120 days, while the results of durability tests showed that only up to 10% cement substitution could improve the durability of the mortar. A microstructural analysis showed that small waste grain portions in the matrix improved the whole mix density and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregates and paste. The results of this study showed that there is an optimum replacement ratio of about 10%, beyond which the incorporation of these waste powders can cause degradation of concrete properties.
Research on Multipath Correlated Imaging with the Grayscale Target in Endoscopic Applications
Authors: Liu Jiejie , Bai Yanfeng , Huang Xianwei , Tan Wei , Nan Suqin , Zou Xuanpengfan , Fu Xiquan
Published: April 2021

The application of correlated imaging in endoscope, one of the research hotspots, may lead to multipath effect in the closed endoscopic environment. The model of multipath correlated imaging with a grayscale object is given, where the mismatch ratio and the reflection ratio are two key factors affecting imaging quality. The theoretical and experimental results show that multipath effect has an influence on the grayscale distribution and imaging quality of the reconstructed image, and the effect of the mismatch ratio is stronger than that of the reflection ratio. The conditions that the disturbance from multipath effect can be ignored in endoscopic applications are given.
Classification of Retail Products: From Probabilistic Ranking to Neural Networks
Authors: Hafez Manar Mohamed , Fernández Vilas Ana , Redondo Rebeca P. Díaz , Pazó Héctor Olivera
Published: April 2021

Food retailing is now on an accelerated path to a success penetration into the digital market by new ways of value creation at all stages of the consumer decision process. One of the most important imperatives in this path is the availability of quality data to feed all the process in digital transformation. However, the quality of data are not so obvious if we consider the variety of products and suppliers in the grocery market. Within this context of digital transformation of grocery industry, Midiadia is a Spanish data provider company that works on converting data from the retailers’ products into knowledge with attributes and insights from the product labels that is maintaining quality data in a dynamic market with a high dispersion of products. Currently, they manually categorize products (groceries) according to the information extracted directly (text processing) from the product labelling and packaging. This paper introduces a solution to automatically categorize the constantly changing product catalogue into a 3-level food taxonomy. Our proposal studies three different approaches: a score-based ranking method, traditional machine learning algorithms, and deep neural networks. Thus, we provide four different classifiers that support a more efficient and less error-prone maintenance of groceries catalogues, the main asset of the company. Finally, we have compared the performance of these three alternatives, concluding that traditional machine learning algorithms perform better, but closely followed by the score-based approach.
X-ray Phase-Contrast Computed Tomography for Soft Tissue Imaging at the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) of the Australian Synchrotron
Authors: Arhatari Benedicta D. , Stevenson Andrew W. , Abbey Brian , Nesterets Yakov I. , Maksimenko Anton , Hall Christopher J. , Thompson Darren , Mayo Sheridan C. , Fiala Tom , Quiney Harry M. , Taba Seyedamir T. , Lewis Sarah J. , Brennan Patrick C. , Dimmock Matthew , Häusermann Daniel , Gureyev Timur E.
Published: April 2021

The Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) is a superconducting multipole wiggler-based beamline at the 3 GeV Australian Synchrotron operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The beamline delivers hard X-rays in the 25–120 keV energy range and offers the potential for a range of biomedical X-ray applications, including radiotherapy and medical imaging experiments. One of the imaging modalities available at IMBL is propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PCT). PCT produces superior results when imaging low-density materials such as soft tissue (e.g., breast mastectomies) and has the potential to be developed into a valuable medical imaging tool. We anticipate that PCT will be utilized for medical breast imaging in the near future with the advantage that it could provide better contrast than conventional X-ray absorption imaging. The unique properties of synchrotron X-ray sources such as high coherence, energy tunability, and high brightness are particularly well-suited for generating PCT data using very short exposure times on the order of less than 1 min. The coherence of synchrotron radiation allows for phase-contrast imaging with superior sensitivity to small differences in soft-tissue density. Here we also compare the results of PCT using two different detectors, as these unique source characteristics need to be complemented with a highly efficient detector. Moreover, the application of phase retrieval for PCT image reconstruction enables the use of noisier images, potentially significantly reducing the total dose received by patients during acquisition. This work is part of ongoing research into innovative tomographic methods aimed at the introduction of 3D X-ray medical imaging at the IMBL to improve the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Major progress in this area at the IMBL includes the characterization of a large number of mastectomy samples, both normal and cancerous, which have been scanned at clinically acceptable radiation dose levels and evaluated by expert radiologists with respect to both image quality and cancer diagnosis.
Energy-Efficient Power Allocation and User Association in Heterogeneous Networks with Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Kai , Chan Kun-Lin , Chien Feng-Tsun
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the problem of joint power allocation and user association in wireless heterogeneous networks (HetNets) with a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based approach. This is a challenging problem since the action space is hybrid, consisting of continuous actions (power allocation) and discrete actions (device association). Instead of quantizing the continuous space (i.e., possible values of powers) into a set of discrete alternatives and applying traditional deep reinforcement approaches such as deep Q learning, we propose working on the hybrid space directly by using the novel parameterized deep Q-network (P-DQN) to update the learning policy and maximize the average cumulative reward. Furthermore, we incorporate the constraints of limited wireless backhaul capacity and the quality-of-service (QoS) of each user equipment (UE) into the learning process. Simulation results show that the proposed P-DQN outperforms the traditional approaches, such as the DQN and distance-based association, in terms of energy efficiency while satisfying the QoS and backhaul capacity constraints. The improvement in the energy efficiency of the proposed P-DQN on average may reach 77.6% and 140.6% over the traditional DQN and distance-based association approaches, respectively, in a HetNet with three SBS and five UEs.
Novel Methodology toward Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Renovation: Cost-Effective Balance Approach as a Pre-Step to Cost-Optimal Life Cycle Cost Assessment
Authors: Antonov Yovko Ivanov , Heiselberg Per Kvols , Pomianowski Michal Zbigniew
Published: April 2021

Reaching environmental targets set by the European Union (EU) requires a constant renovation of the existing building stock to nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in a cost-optimal manner. Studies show that the renovation rate of the existing building stock is more than two times less than what is necessary to reach the targets. Furthermore, the majority of performed renovations across the EU reach just a small amount of energy savings, whereas NZEB renovations are rarely achieved. This paper proposes a methodology for the evaluation of renovation measures, aiming to provide decision support related to the selection of what to renovate and to what extent. The proposed method is rooted in the well-established cost-optimal methodology, yet it suggests a pre-step to package evaluation. This is done by means of a simplified cost-effective parameter (CEP), linking cost, lifetime, and energy savings. The methodology is demonstrated using a case study building in Denmark. The results show that the CEP provides good grounds for the compilation of single actions to packages. Further developments could focus on the sensitivity of the model inputs and integration of additional evaluation parameters to cost, such as environmental, architectural, comfort, risk, etc.
A Fractional-in-Time Prey–Predator Model with Hunting Cooperation: Qualitative Analysis, Stability and Numerical Approximations
Authors: Carfora Maria , Torcicollo Isabella
Published: April 2021

A prey–predator system with logistic growth of prey and hunting cooperation of predators is studied. The introduction of fractional time derivatives and the related persistent memory strongly characterize the model behavior, as many dynamical systems in the applied sciences are well described by such fractional-order models. Mathematical analysis and numerical simulations are performed to highlight the characteristics of the proposed model. The existence, uniqueness and boundedness of solutions is proved; the stability of the coexistence equilibrium and the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation is investigated. Some numerical approximations of the solution are finally considered; the obtained trajectories confirm the theoretical findings. It is observed that the fractional-order derivative has a stabilizing effect and can be useful to control the coexistence between species.
Cardamonin Attenuates Experimental Colitis and Associated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: James Shirley , Aparna Jayasekharan S. , Babu Anu , Paul Aswathy Mary , Lankadasari Manendra Babu , Athira Subha R. , Kumar Sreesha S. , Vijayan Yadu , Namitha Narayanan N. , Mohammed Sabira , Reshmi Girijadevi , Harikumar Kuzhuvelil B.
Published: April 2021

Cardamonin is a naturally occurring chalcone, majorly from the Zingiberaceae family, which includes a wide range of spices from India. Herein, we investigated the anti-inflammatory property of cardamonin using different in vitro and in vivo systems. In RAW 264.7 cells, treatment with cardamonin showed a reduced nitrous oxide production without affecting the cell viability and decreased the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6, and inhibited NF-kB signaling which emphasizes the role of cardamonin as an anti-inflammatory molecule. In a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, cardamonin treatment protected the mice from colitis. Subsequently, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of this chalcone in a colitis-associated colon cancer model. We performed microRNA profiling in the different groups and observed that cardamonin modulates miRNA expression, thereby inhibiting tumor formation. Together, our findings indicate that cardamonin has the potential to be considered for future therapy against colorectal cancer.
Characterization and Safety Profile of Transfer Factors Peptides, a Nutritional Supplement for Immune System Regulation
Authors: Polonini Hudson , Gonçalves Any Elisa de Souza Schmidt , Dijkers Eli , Ferreira Anderson de Oliveira
Published: April 2021

Imuno TF® is a nutritional supplement composed of isolated transfer factors (TF) from porcine spleen. It is composed of a specific mixture of molecules that impact functions of the biological systems and historically is linked to the immune system regulation. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time its proteomic analysis, nutritional composition, and safety profile in terms of mutagenic potential and acute oral dose (LD50). The obtained analysis indicated the product is a complex set of oligo- and polypeptides constituted of 163 different peptides which can potentially act on multiple mechanisms on the immune system pathways. The chemical composition showed low fat and low sugar content, saturated fatty acids-free, and the presence of 10 vitamins and 11 minerals. No mutagenic effect was observed, and the LD50 was 5000 mg kg−1 body weight. This accounts for a safe product to be used by the oral route, with potential benefits for the immune system.
Whole Cell Recognition of Staphylococcus aureus Using Biomimetic SPR Sensors
Authors: Idil Neslihan , Bakhshpour Monireh , Perçin Işık , Mattiasson Bo
Published: April 2021

Over the past few decades, a significant increase in multi-drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been of great concern and directed the research subject to the challenges that the distribution of resistance genes represent. Globally, high levels of multi-drug resistance represent a significant health threat and there is a growing requirement of rapid, accurate, real-time detection which plays a key role in tracking of measures for the infections caused by these bacterial strains. It is also important to reduce transfer of resistance genes to new organisms. The, World Health Organization has informed that millions of deaths have been reported each year recently. To detect the resistant organisms traditional detection approaches face limitations, therefore, newly developed technologies are needed that are suitable to be used in large-scale applications. In the present study, the aim was to design a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with micro-contact imprinted sensor chips for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus. Whole cell imprinting was performed by N-methacryloyl-L-histidine methyl ester (MAH) under UV polymerization. Sensing experiments were done within a concentration range of 1.0 × 102–2.0 × 105 CFU/mL. The recognition of S. aureus was accomplished by the involvement of microcontact imprinting and optical sensor technology with a detection limit of 1.5 × 103 CFU/mL. Selectivity of the generated sensor was evaluated through injections of competing bacterial strains. The responses for the different strains were compared to that of S. aureus. Besides, real experiments were performed with milk samples spiked with S. aureus and it was demonstrated that the prepared sensor platform was applicable for real samples.
Special Issue: New Trends in Photo (Electro)catalysis: From Wastewater Treatment to Energy Production
Authors: Palmas Simonetta
Published: April 2021

This Special Issue aimed at focusing on photo- and photo-electrocatalytic processes specifically devoted to present both new catalytic materials and possible applications in environmental and energetic fields [...]
Editorial: Special Issue on Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Materials (PNMs)
Authors: Bahnemann Detlef W. , Emeline Alexei V. , Rudakova Aida V. , Bulanin Kirill M. , Mikhaylov Ruslan V.
Published: April 2021

This Special Issue titled “Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Materials” (PNMs) is devoted to the research into new-generation PNMs, particularly for the processes of solar radiation energy conversion with its focus lying on the physicochemical principles of creating new materials with purposeful properties for their specific applications [...]
Factors Associated with “Survivor Identity” in Men with Breast Cancer
Authors: Dalton Kathryn L. , Garland Sheila N. , Miller Peggy , Miller Bret , Ambrose Cheri , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: April 2021

Cancer patients vary in their comfort with the label “survivor”. Here, we explore how comfortable males with breast cancer (BC) are about accepting the label cancer “survivor”. Separate univariate logistic regressions were performed to assess whether time since diagnosis, age, treatment status, and cancer stage were associated with comfort with the “survivor” label. Of the 70 males treated for BC who participated in the study, 58% moderately-to-strongly liked the term “survivor”, 26% were neutral, and 16% moderately-to-strongly disliked the term. Of the factors we explored, only a longer time since diagnosis was significantly associated with the men endorsing a survivor identity (OR = 1.02, p = 0.05). We discuss how our findings compare with literature reports on the comfort with the label “survivor” for women with BC and men with prostate cancer. Unlike males with prostate cancer, males with BC identify as “survivors” in line with women with BC. This suggests that survivor identity is more influenced by disease type and treatments received than with sex/gender identities.
Applying MRI Intensity Normalization on Non-Bone Tissues to Facilitate Pseudo-CT Synthesis from MRI
Authors: Hou Kuei-Yuan , Lu Hao-Yuan , Yang Ching-Ching
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to facilitate pseudo-CT synthesis from MRI by normalizing MRI intensity of the same tissue type to a similar intensity level. MRI intensity normalization was conducted through dividing MRI by a shading map, which is a smoothed ratio image between MRI and a three-intensity mask. Regarding pseudo-CT synthesis from MRI, a conversion model based on a three-layer convolutional neural network was trained and validated. Before MRI intensity normalization, the mean value ± standard deviation of fat tissue in 0.35 T chest MRI was 297 ± 73 (coefficient of variation (CV) = 24.58%), which was 533 ± 91 (CV = 17.07%) in 1.5 T abdominal MRI. The corresponding results were 149 ± 32 (CV = 21.48%) and 148 ± 28 (CV = 18.92%) after intensity normalization. With regards to pseudo-CT synthesis from MRI, the differences in mean values between pseudo-CT and real CT were 3, 15, and 12 HU for soft tissue, fat, and lung/air in 0.35 T chest imaging, respectively, while the corresponding results were 3, 14, and 15 HU in 1.5 T abdominal imaging. Overall, the proposed workflow is reliable in pseudo-CT synthesis from MRI and is more practicable in clinical routine practice compared with deep learning methods, which demand a high level of resources for building a conversion model.
Selecting an Effective Entropy Estimator for Short Sequences of Bits and Bytes with Maximum Entropy
Authors: Contreras Rodríguez Lianet , Madarro-Capó  Evaristo José , Legón-Pérez  Carlos Miguel , Rojas Omar , Sosa-Gómez Guillermo
Published: April 2021

Entropy makes it possible to measure the uncertainty about an information source from the distribution of its output symbols. It is known that the maximum Shannon’s entropy of a discrete source of information is reached when its symbols follow a Uniform distribution. In cryptography, these sources have great applications since they allow for the highest security standards to be reached. In this work, the most effective estimator is selected to estimate entropy in short samples of bytes and bits with maximum entropy. For this, 18 estimators were compared. Results concerning the comparisons published in the literature between these estimators are discussed. The most suitable estimator is determined experimentally, based on its bias, the mean square error short samples of bytes and bits.
New Image Encryption Algorithm Using Hyperchaotic System and Fibonacci Q-Matrix
Authors: Hosny Khalid M. , Kamal Sara T. , Darwish Mohamed M. , Papakostas George A.
Published: April 2021

In the age of Information Technology, the day-life required transmitting millions of images between users. Securing these images is essential. Digital image encryption is a well-known technique used in securing image content. In image encryption techniques, digital images are converted into noise images using secret keys, where restoring them to their originals required the same keys. Most image encryption techniques depend on two steps: confusion and diffusion. In this work, a new algorithm presented for image encryption using a hyperchaotic system and Fibonacci Q-matrix. The original image is confused in this algorithm, utilizing randomly generated numbers by the six-dimension hyperchaotic system. Then, the permutated image diffused using the Fibonacci Q-matrix. The proposed image encryption algorithm tested using noise and data cut attacks, histograms, keyspace, and sensitivity. Moreover, the proposed algorithm’s performance compared with several existing algorithms using entropy, correlation coefficients, and robustness against attack. The proposed algorithm achieved an excellent security level and outperformed the existing image encryption algorithms.
Reputation System for Increased Engagement in Public Transport Oriented-Applications
Authors: García-Retuerta David , Rivas Alberto , Guisado-Gámez Joan , Antoniou Eleni , Chamoso Pablo
Published: April 2021

Increasing user engagement is one of the biggest challenges when a new application is developed. An engaged user is one who finds a product valuable; highly engaged users generate profit. This study focuses on increasing user engagement in a transport application, via a user reputation score feature. The score is to reward application users and activity organisers, as well as to motivate beginners by offering a high reputation score in the first days of use. The algorithms are based on exponential and logarithmic functions, and were first tested on synthetic data. Real-world tests have shown that the algorithms behave as expected, but the COVID-19 pandemic created a disturbance which prevented any user from achieving the maximum score and many users from registering altogether. Data show positive results, although the real number of users is not sufficient to certify a correct behaviour. Further tests will be carried out when transport activities return to normal.
Foodborne TiO2 Nanoparticles Induced More Severe Hepatotoxicity in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Mice via Exacerbating Oxidative Stress-Mediated Intestinal Barrier Damage
Authors: Zhao Yu , Tang Yizhou , Liu Shanji , Jia Tiantian , Zhou Donggen , Xu Hengyi
Published: April 2021

The hazard of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in diseased population should be given focus due to the huge number of these NPs in foods and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the stronger biological adverse effect of oral exposure to TiO2 NPs in a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome mouse model. Compared to the normal mice, low-dose (2 mg/kg) TiO2 NPs did not cause severe hepatotoxicity. However, high-dose (20 mg/kg) TiO2 NPs induced aggravated hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, with substantial alteration of related biochemical parameters in the mouse model. Moreover, significantly increased Ti and lipopolysaccharide burden were observed in metabolic syndrome murine liver and serum, which possibly worsened the portend intestinal leakage. The expression of tight junction-related protein showed that TiO2 NPs induced further increase in serious intestinal permeability. The intestinal inflammatory and oxidative stress response in the model were also assessed. Results showed that TiO2 NPs caused more severe intestinal inflammatory injury by intensifying the oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome mice and then induced further liver injury. This work provides information on the insights into the toxic effect of TiO2 NPs in sub-healthy population.
Thermal Effects at Continent-Ocean Transform Margins: A 3D Perspective
Authors: Schmid Daniel W. , Iyer Karthik , Hartz Ebbe H.
Published: April 2021

Continental breakup along transform margins produces a sequence of (1) continent-continent, (2) continent-oceanic, (3) continent-ridge, and (4) continent-oceanic juxtapositions. Spreading ridges are the main sources of heat, which is then distributed by diffusion and advection. Previous work focused on the thermal evolution of transform margins built on 2D numerical models. Here we use a 3D FEM model to obtain the first order evolution of temperature, uplift/subsidence, and thermal maturity of potential source rocks. Snapshots for all four transform phases are provided by 2D sections across the margin. Our 3D approach yields thermal values that lie in between the previously established 2D end-member models. Additionally, the 3D model shows heat transfer into the continental lithosphere across the transform margin during the continental-continental transform stage ignored in previous studies. The largest values for all investigated quantities in the continental area are found along the transform segment between the two ridges, with the maximum values occurring near the transform-ridge corner of the trailing continental edge. This boundary segment records the maximum thermal effect up to 100 km distance from the transform. We also compare the impact of spreading rates on the thermal distribution within the lithosphere. The extent of the perturbation into the continental areas is reduced in the faster models due to the reduced exposure times. The overall pattern is similar and the maximum values next to the transform margin is essentially unchanged. Varying material properties in the upper crust of the continental areas has only a minor influence.
Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021)
Authors: Loconsole Daniela , Centrone Francesca , Morcavallo Caterina , Campanella Silvia , Sallustio Anna , Accogli Marisa , Fortunato Francesca , Parisi Antonio , Chironna Maria
Published: April 2021

Epidemiological and virological studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are emerging globally, including in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of B.1.1.7-lineage SARS-CoV-2 in southern Italy from December 2020–March 2021 through the detection of the S gene target failure (SGTF), which could be considered a robust proxy of VOC B.1.1.7. SGTF was assessed on 3075 samples from week 52/2020 to week 10/2021. A subset of positive samples identified in the Apulia region during the study period was subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A descriptive and statistical analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases according to SGTF status was performed. Overall, 20.2% of samples showed SGTF; 155 strains were confirmed as VOC 202012/01 by WGS. The proportion of SGTF-positive samples rapidly increased over time, reaching 69.2% in week 10/2021. SGTF-positive cases were more likely to be symptomatic and to result in hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Despite the implementation of large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as the closure of schools and local lockdowns, a rapid spread of VOC 202012/01 was observed in southern Italy. Strengthened NPIs and rapid vaccine deployment, first among priority groups and then among the general population, are crucial both to contain the spread of VOC 202012/01 and to flatten the curve of the third wave.
Quantifying Child-Appeal: The Development and Mixed-Methods Validation of a Methodology for Evaluating Child-Appealing Marketing on Product Packaging
Authors: Mulligan Christine , Potvin Kent Monique , Vergeer Laura , Christoforou Anthea K. , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: April 2021

There is no standardized or validated definition or measure of “child-appeal” used in food and beverage marketing policy or research, which can result in heterogeneous outcomes. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to develop and validate the child-appealing packaging (CAP) coding tool, which measures the presence, type, and power of child-appealing marketing on food packaging based on the marketing techniques displayed. Children (n = 15) participated in a mixed-methods validation study comprising a binary classification (child-appealing packaging? Yes/No) and ranking (order of preference/marketing power) activity using mock breakfast cereal packages (quantitative) and focus group discussions (qualitative). The percent agreement, Cohen’s Kappa statistic, Spearman’s Rank correlation, and cross-classification analyses tested the agreement between children’s and the CAP tool’s evaluation of packages’ child-appeal and marketing power (criterion validity) and the content analysis tested the relevance of the CAP marketing techniques (content validity). There was an 80% agreement, and “moderate” pairwise agreement (κ [95% CI]: 0.54 [0.35, 0.73]) between children/CAP binary classifications and “strong” correlation (rs [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.63, 0.89]) between children/CAP rankings of packages, with 71.1% of packages ranked in the exact agreement. The marketing techniques included in the CAP tool corresponded to those children found pertinent. Pilot results suggest the criterion/content validity of the CAP tool for measuring child-appealing marketing on packaging in accordance with children’s preferences.
Impacts on Children and Adolescents’ Lifestyle, Social Support and Their Association with Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhu Shimin , Zhuang Yanqiong , Ip Patrick
Published: April 2021

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health-related behaviors among children and adolescents are likely to be profound and long-lasting. This study aimed to investigate the changes in lifestyle and social support and their associations with negative impacts due to the pandemic. A classroom survey using stratified random sampling and structured questionnaire was conducted among Hong Kong primary and secondary school students. The paper-and-pen survey, administered by well-trained research assistants, was completed by 2863 participants aged 9–17 years old (M = 12.6, SD = 1.3) at a brief school reopening six months after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. About 48% and 37% of the participants stated that they paid increased attention to physical and mental health, respectively. About 20% to 40% stated that they found more support from their friends and family members; only a small percentage reported decreased social support. Around 25% to 50% spent more time to rest, relax, and exercise. The aforementioned changes varied among genders, education groups, and socio-economic status. In general, higher perceived vulnerability, feeling more stressed, apprehensive, and helpless were associated with more reported positive lifestyle changes, including more social/family support, increased mental health awareness, and a positive lifestyle. These positive changes serve as important cushions against the negative impacts of COVID-19.
The Influence of Internet Usage Frequency on Women’s Fertility Intentions—The Mediating Effects of Gender Role Attitudes
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Cao Jingjing , Nie Wenjie , Wang Xiaojie , Tian Yani , Ma Cheng
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to verify the influence of internet usage frequency on women’s fertility intentions and to examine the mediating effects of gender role attitudes, under the influence of internet usage frequency that affects women’s fertility intentions, combined with the specific Chinese cultural context. A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using a sample of 3113 women of childbearing age in the Chinese General Social Survey in 2017 (CGSS2017). The results of the negative binomial regression model showed that, under the premise of controlling individual characteristic variables, the higher the frequency of internet usage, the lower the fertility intention (p < 0.01). The results of the mediating effect model show that the more frequently women use the internet, the lower their fertility intentions, and the less they agree with Chinese traditional gender roles, which are “men work outside to support the family while women stay at home to take care of the family”. These findings have implications in formulating public policies aimed at increasing the fertility rate; that is, it is not enough to increase women’s fertility intentions under China’s universal two-child policy. Moreover, public policy formulators need to consider gender role attitudes and the influence of the internet as a method for dissemination of information.
Health Promoting Sports Club in Practice: A Controlled Evaluation of the GAA Healthy Club Project
Authors: Lane Aoife , Murphy Niamh , Regan Colin , Callaghan David
Published: April 2021

Sport is a developing setting and a relevant system in health promotion but there are few examples of settings-based initiatives and systems thinking in sport. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Healthy Club Project (HCP) adopts a settings approach delivered through and by grassroots clubs who respond to local needs while working within a national support system. The aim of this evaluation was to assess and describe the health promotion impact and experience of the HCP. Healthy Clubs (n = 23) and Control Clubs (n = 10) completed a Healthy Club Questionnaire at the start and end of the 20-month HCP and Healthy Clubs took part in focus group discussions. Healthy Clubs, using the structures of the HCP, a commitment to health and community engagement, demonstrated a significant improvement in their overall orientation to health promotion, which was not apparent in Control Clubs. The health promotion message is pervading into many aspects of the GAA club apart from that which relates to the day to day business of coaching and providing physical activity for all. The HCP represents health promotion activity embedded within and across systems, with further development and evaluation recommended to measure delivery and impact at the individual level, organisational, and wider societal levels.
Protocol of a Single-Blind Two-Arm (Waitlist Control) Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study for mHealth App among Incontinent Pregnant Women
Authors: Jaffar Aida , Mohd Sidik Sherina , Foo Chai Nien , Muhammad Noor Azimah , Abdul Manaf Rosliza , Fadhilah Ismail Siti Irma , Suhaili Nazhatussima
Published: April 2021

Background: The delivery of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) through mHealth apps has been shown to produce promising results in improving pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence (UI). However, there is limited evidence on mHealth apps designed for pregnant women who are at high risk of developing UI. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial for a newly developed PFMT app among pregnant women in Malaysia. Methods: This is a prospective, single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled pilot feasibility study: The Kegel Exercise Pregnancy Training app (KEPT-app) Trial. Sixty-four incontinent pregnant women who attended one primary care clinic for the antenatal follow-up will be recruited and randomly assigned to either intervention or waitlist control group. The intervention group will receive the intervention, the KEPT-app developed from the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) theory with Persuasive Technology and Technology Acceptance Model. Discussion: This study will provide a fine-tuning for our future randomised control study on the recruitment feasibility methods, acceptability, feasibility, and usability of the KEPT-app, and the methods to reduce the retention rates among pregnant women with UI. Trial registration: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 19 February 2021 (NCT04762433) and is not yet recruiting.
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds in Car Dust: A Pilot Study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Nadeem , Kadi Mohammad W. , Ali Albar Hussain Mohammed Salem , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz , Chandrasekaran Sivaraman , Summan Ahmed Saleh , de Wit Cynthia A. , Malarvannan Govindan
Published: April 2021

People may spend a significant amount of their daily time in cars and thus be exposed to chemicals present in car dust. Various chemicals are emitted from during car use, contaminating the car dust. In this study, we compiled published and unpublished data on the occurrence of phthalates, flame retardants (FRs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Saudi car dust. Phthalates, a class of chemical commonly used as plasticizers in different car parts, were the major pollutants found in car dust, with a median value of ∑phthalates 1,279,000 ng/g. Among other chemicals, organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) were found to be between 1500–90,500 ng/g, which indicates their use as alternative FRs in the car industry. The daily exposure to Saudi drivers (regular and taxi drivers) was below the respective reference dose (RfD) values of the individual chemicals. However, the estimated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values due to chronic exposure to these chemicals was >1 × 10−5 for taxi drivers for phthalates and PAHs, indicating that the long-term exposure to these chemicals is a cause of concern for drivers who spend considerable time in cars. The study has some limitations, due to the small number of samples, lack of updated RfD values, and missing cancer slope factors for many studied chemicals. Despite these limitations, this study indicates the possible range of exposure to drivers from chemicals in car dust and warrants further extensive studies to confirm these patterns.
Socio-Emotional Skills in Adolescence. Influence of Personal and Extracurricular Variables
Authors: Portela-Pino Iago , Alvariñas-Villaverde Myriam , Pino-Juste Margarita
Published: April 2021

Social-emotional skills have been an important object of study in recent years due to their relationship with academic, personal and professional success. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between these skills and different influential variables. The participants had a mean age of 14.18 years. The instruments used were the Social Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ) and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PACQ-A). Generally, the results indicated gender differences and no influence of age. Those who engaged in after-school activities scored higher on social awareness. In addition, artistic and musical extracurricular activities were associated with social-emotional skills, whereas sports activities were not. It was also found that the physical activity index was not related to socioemotional factors, except in self-awareness and in a negative way. It is necessary to analyse the quality of the extracurricular programmes offered and the training of the professionals in charge of their development. It also seems important to take into account the gender perspective in competence work, increasing self-management in girls and relationship management in boys.
Empathy and Hormonal Changes as Predictors of Sensitive Responsiveness towards Infant Crying: A Study Protocol
Authors: Kaźmierczak Maria , Pawlicka Paulina , Anikiej-Wiczenbach Paulina , Łada-Maśko Ariadna B. , Kiełbratowska Bogumiła , Rybicka Magda , Kotłowska Alicja , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: April 2021

Sensitive responsiveness refers to parents’ ability to recognize and respond to infants’ cues and has been linked to parental empathy. Additionally, oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hormones important for sensitivity and empathy. The aim of this study is to test the links between dispositional empathy along with changing OT and AVP levels and responsiveness to a life-like doll in couples and to verify whether these factors are predictors of responsiveness to a child’s cues. Exploratory analyses include predictors of sensitive responsiveness: polymorphisms of OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes, personal characteristics and relational factors. The project employs standardized experimental settings that can be used with non-parents and the assessment of parental sensitive responsiveness towards their child. The participants are couples expecting their first child (111) and childless couples (110). The procedure involves caretaking of a life-like doll. Salivary samples and questionnaire data are collected in a planned manner. In the second part, the expectant couples are invited for the assessment of their sensitivity to their own child (Free Play episodes). Parental sensitivity is assessed using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. This paper presents an interdisciplinary research project that reaches beyond the questionnaire measurement, considering many factors influencing the dynamics of adult–infant interaction.
Digital Terrain Models Generated with Low-Cost UAV Photogrammetry: Methodology and Accuracy
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Sergio Iván , Ojeda-Bustamante Waldo , Marcial-Pablo Mariana , Enciso Juan
Published: April 2021

Digital terrain model (DTM) generation is essential to recreating terrain morphology once the external elements are removed. Traditional survey methods are still used to collect accurate geographic data on the land surface. Given the emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with low-cost digital cameras and better photogrammetric methods for digital mapping, efficient approaches are necessary to allow rapid land surveys with high accuracy. This paper provides a review, complemented with the authors’ experience, regarding the UAV photogrammetric process and field survey parameters for DTM generation using popular commercial photogrammetric software to process images obtained with fixed-wing or multicopter UAVs. We analyzed the quality and accuracy of the DTMs based on four categories: (i) the UAV system (UAV platforms and camera); (ii) flight planning and image acquisition (flight altitude, image overlap, UAV speed, orientation of the flight line, camera configuration, and georeferencing); (iii) photogrammetric DTM generation (software, image alignment, dense point cloud generation, and ground filtering); (iv) geomorphology and land use/cover. For flat terrain, UAV photogrammetry provided a horizontal root mean square error (RMSE) between 1 to 3 × the ground sample distance (GSD) and a vertical RMSE between 1 to 4.5 × GSD, and, for complex topography, a horizontal RMSE between 1 to 7 × GSD and a vertical RMSE between 1.5 to 5 × GSD. Finally, we stress that UAV photogrammetry can provide DTMs with high accuracy when the photogrammetric process variables are optimized.
Non-Stationary Modeling of Microlevel Road-Curve Crash Frequency with Geographically Weighted Regression
Authors: Wang Ce , Li Shuo , Shan Jie
Published: April 2021

Vehicle crashes on roads are caused by many factors. However, the influence of these factors is not necessarily homogenous across locations, which is a challenge for non-stationary modeling approaches. To address this problem, this paper adopts two types of methods allowing parameters to fluctuate among observations, that is, the random parameter approach and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) approach. With road curvature, curve length, pavement friction, and traffic volume as independent variables, vehicle crash frequencies are modeled by two non-spatial methods, including the negative binomial (NB) model and random parameter negative binomial (RPNB), as well as three spatial methods (GWR approach). These models are calibrated in microlevel using a dataset of 9415 horizontal curve segments with a total length of 1545 kilometers for a period of three years (2016–2018) over the State of Indiana. The results revealed that the GWR approach can capture spatial heterogeneity and therefore significantly outperforms the conventional non-spatial approach. Based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AICc), geographically weighted negative binomial regression (GWNBR) was proved to be a superior approach for statewide microlevel crash analysis.
Association between Microbiota and Nasal Mucosal Diseases in terms of Immunity
Authors: Tai Junhu , Han Mun Soo , Kwak Jiwon , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: April 2021

The pathogenesis of nasal inflammatory diseases is related to various factors such as anatomical structure, heredity, and environment. The nasal microbiota play a key role in coordinating immune system functions. Dysfunction of the microbiota has a significant impact on the occurrence and development of nasal inflammation. This review will introduce the positive and negative roles of microbiota involved in immunity surrounding nasal mucosal diseases such as chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. In addition, we will also introduce recent developments in DNA sequencing, metabolomics, and proteomics combined with computation-based bioinformatics.
Mitochondria: Insights into Crucial Features to Overcome Cancer Chemoresistance
Authors: Genovese Ilaria , Carinci Marianna , Modesti Lorenzo , Aguiari Gianluca , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: April 2021

Mitochondria are key regulators of cell survival and are involved in a plethora of mechanisms, such as metabolism, Ca2+ signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitophagy and mitochondrial transfer, fusion, and fission (known as mitochondrial dynamics). The tuning of these processes in pathophysiological conditions is fundamental to the balance between cell death and survival. Indeed, ROS overproduction and mitochondrial Ca2+ overload are linked to the induction of apoptosis, while the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism can have a double-faceted role in the decision between cell survival and death. Tumorigenesis involves an intricate series of cellular impairments not yet completely clarified, and a further level of complexity is added by the onset of apoptosis resistance mechanisms in cancer cells. In the majority of cases, cancer relapse or lack of responsiveness is related to the emergence of chemoresistance, which may be due to the cooperation of several cellular protection mechanisms, often mitochondria-related. With this review, we aim to critically report the current evidence on the relationship between mitochondria and cancer chemoresistance with a particular focus on the involvement of mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling, oxidative stress, and metabolism to possibly identify new approaches or targets for overcoming cancer resistance.