bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of zein/soluble soybean polysaccharide nanoparticle‐stabilized Pickering emulsions
Authors: Gao Jin , Liang Hongshan , Li Shugang , Zhou Bin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPickering emulsions have received wide attention due to their “surfactant‐free” character and the ability of delivery bioactive compounds. In the current work, zein and soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) food‐grade composite nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated as Pickering stabilizers. The particle size of the composite NPs varied with the concentration of zein and SSPS, consequently leading to larger hydrodynamic diameters compared with zein nanoparticles (ZPs) in all formulations, also seen from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. At pH 4.0, the dispersions of ZPs exhibited a positive ζ‐potential (around at +12 mV); however, zein/SSPS NPs obtained at the same pH had much lower ζ‐potential (about –2 mV) further proving that there was electrostatic interaction between SSPS and zein. The composite nanoparticles (NPs) were well dispersed through the results of polydispersity index (PDI). The physical properties and stability of zein/SSPS NPs stabilized Pickering emulsions were evaluated at a fixed oil phase volume (30%, v/v). On the surface of the oil droplets, a densely packed interface layer was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which could prevent oil droplets from coalescence and Ostwald ripening. At zein concentration of 6 mg/mL and SSPS concentration of 1 mg/mL, the formed Pickering emulsions had higher stability at 25 °C.Practical ApplicationThe findings of this study can be utilized and integrated to further extend the application of zein in foods, medicine, or cosmetics field. This study showed that the food‐grade composite colloidal particles formed by electrostatic interaction can significantly improve the emulsification properties of zein and soluble soybean polysaccharides, and stability. The Pickering emulsions have been observed in long‐term testing.
Modeling Impacts of Nutrient Loading, Warming, and Boundary Exchanges on Hypoxia and Metabolism in a Shallow Estuarine Ecosystem
Authors: Testa Jeremy M. , Basenback Nicole , Shen Chunqi , Cole Kelly , Moore Amanda , Hodgkins Casey , Brady Damian C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe sought to investigate the impacts of nutrient loading, warming, and open‐water boundary exchanges on a shallow estuary through idealized numerical model experiments. We performed these simulations using a stand‐alone implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System‐Row‐Column AESOP biogeochemical model in the Chester River estuary, a tributary estuary within the Chesapeake Bay estuarine complex. We found that metabolic rates were elevated in the shallow tributary creeks of the estuary relative to open waters and that rates of gross primary production, respiration, and net ecosystem metabolism were a function of both water temperature and local phytoplankton biomass. Warming 0.75°C and 1.25°C led to reductions in dissolved oxygen concentrations throughout the estuary. Reductions (50%) in dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus loading did not substantially alter hypoxic volumes in this turbid, nutrient‐rich estuary, but warming increased hypoxic volumes by 20%–30%. Alterations of the open‐water boundary that represent improved oxygen concentrations in the adjacent Chesapeake Bay mainstem led to more substantial relief of hypoxia in model simulations than nutrient reductions (~50% reductions in hypoxia). These simulations reveal the complex interplay of watershed nutrient inputs and horizontal exchange in a small tributary estuary, including the finding that future warming and nutrient reduction effects on Chesapeake Bay hypoxia will be translated to some tributary estuaries like the Chester River.
A Scalable Earth Observations‐Based Decision Support System for Hydropower Planning in Africa
Authors: Koppa Akash , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Hopson Thomas M. , Riddle Emily , Boehnert Jennifer , Broman Daniel P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHydropower is a key part of the increasing shift in power production from nonrenewables to renewable energy. In regions such as Africa, hydropower reservoirs are vital for achieving several sustainable development goals, including clean water, energy, and poverty elimination. However, the operations of hydropower reservoirs are often suboptimal due to the lack of hydrologic data for generating reliable inflow forecasts. Here, we present a decision support system (DSS) framework for hydropower planning at daily to seasonal time scales by combining data from earth observation satellites (EOS) with ensemble climate forecasts from dynamical models and hydrologic modeling. The large uncertainty inherent in satellite‐based datasets is overcome by using a data validation framework which does not require ground‐based measurements. In addition, an EOS evapotranspiration product is used as a proxy for streamflow in calibrating hydrologic models. Compared to a DSS forced with a climatological forecast (zero‐skill), the hydropower production with the new DSS increased by 20%. The study highlights the advantage of using data from EOS in overcoming the issue of data scarcity in water resources applications, particularly in developing regions of the world such as Africa.
Growth Inhibition and Oxidative Stress in Two Green Algal Species Exposed to Erythromycin
Authors: Ma Zhihua , Yang Fangshe , Ren Jingya , Fan Rong , Duan Qiannan , Guo Jipu , Guo Jiahua 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Raphidocelis subcapitata (R. subcapitata) are two model algal species applied for the testing of chemicals, whereas a considerable variation in their sensitivity to antibiotics has been reported. The difference in species sensitivity may be attributed to the xenobiotic‐induced oxidative stress in algal cells. Thus, this study compared the responses of these two model green algae toward the exposure of erythromycin (ERY), a macrolide antibiotic, at the concentration levels of 0, 20, 40, 60 μg/L, and elucidated the toxic mechanism of action from the point of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense. To achieve this, effects on the endpoints of algal growth, malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GP], glutathione, and glutathione S‐transferase), and photosynthetic pigment contents were evaluated. After exposing for seven days, the growth of R. subcapitata was significantly stimulated at ERY 20 μg/L but inhibited at the higher exposure level of 60 μg/L. Contrarily, hormesis in C. vulgaris exposed to all ERY treatments was detected. With the increase in ERY exposure, MDA content, and the antioxidant activity of SOD, CAT, GP in R. subcapitata were gradually enhanced. In C. vulgaris, a declining trend in the MDA content and the activity of SOD, CAT, and GP was detected. These results provide insights into the ERY‐altered production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant responses in two algae.
Retinal nerve fibre layer/ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness ratio in patients with systemic hypertension
Authors: Lee Woo Hyuk , Lee Min‐Woo , Lim Hyung‐Bin , Kim Min‐Su , Ryu Cheon Kuk , Han Yong‐Seop , Kim Jung‐Yeul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeAcute and chronic hypertension may have different pathophysiological mechanisms in the retina. Here, we compared the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL)/ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness ratios of patients with ‘relieved’ severe hypertensive retinopathy (relieved HTNR) and chronic hypertension without retinopathy (chronic HTN) to those of normal controls.MethodsWe performed cross‐sectional study. The eyes were divided into the following groups: normal controls (Group A, age ≥50 years; Group D, age <50 years); chronic HTN (Group B, <10 years of HTN; TNHT; Group C, ≥10 years of HTN); and relieved HTNR (previously diagnosed with grade IV HTNR and relieved retinopathy for >1 year; Group E), and the RNFL/GC‐IPL thickness ratio was compared among Groups A–C and between Groups D and E.ResultsA total of 379 eyes were included in this study. Groups A–E consisted of 145, 59, 63, 60 and 52 eyes, respectively. The RNFL/GC‐IPL thickness ratios were 1.161 ± 0.093, 1.158 ± 0.082 and 1.162 ± 0.089 in groups A–C, respectively, and did not showed a statistically difference (p = 0.966). The RNFL/GC‐IPL thickness ratio of groups D and E were 1.169 ± 0.080 and 1.221 ± 0.080, respectively, and showed a statistically difference (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe RNFL/GC‐IPL thickness ratios of the chronic HTN group did not show a difference compared with the normal controls. However, relieved HTNR patients showed a higher ratio than the normal controls. Physicians should be aware that acute hypertensive injury could affect the RNFL/GC‐IPL thickness ratio.
Impacts of rock climbing on cliff vegetation: A methods review and best practices
Authors: Boggess Laura M. , Harrison Georgia R. , Bishop Giovanna 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuestionsCliff vegetation is diverse, understudied, and threatened by increased human disturbance. The growing popularity of rock climbing heightens the need for science‐based management to balance recreational use and conservation of cliff ecosystems. What has existing research revealed about the impact of climbing on vegetation? Are the conclusions consistent across the literature? If not, how can research methods be streamlined and standardized to produce more consistent results and reliable conclusions?MethodsWe present a review of vegetation‐focused climbing‐impact studies written in English. We compare study design and climbing‐specific considerations in 19 studies and report the impact of rock climbing on richness and abundance of lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants. We then propose a set of best practices to guide design of future studies.ResultsOur work reveals that existing studies have employed widely differing methods for data collection and analysis. The effects of climbing on vegetation also varied among studies. Standardizing methods, such as pairing climbed and unclimbed transects or including a metric for climbing use, will generate more reliable and useful conclusions about the effect of climbing on vegetation.ConclusionsClimbing will increasingly disturb cliff ecosystems. Our proposed best practices for climbing study methods are one way to produce more accurate information to inform climbing management plans, ultimately enhancing cliff conservation.
Treating severe asthma: Targeting the IL‐5 pathway
Authors: Principe Stefania , Porsbjerg Celeste , Bolm Ditlev Sisse , Kjærsgaard Klein Ditte , Golebski Korneliusz , Dyhre‐Petersen Nanna , van Dijk Yoni E. , van Bragt Job J.M.H. , Dankelman Lente L.H. , Dahlen Sven‐Erik , Brightling Christopher E. , Vijverberg Susanne J.H. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSevere asthma is a heterogeneous disease with different phenotypes based on clinical, functional or inflammatory parameters. In particular, the eosinophilic phenotype is associated with type 2 inflammation and increased levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13). Monoclonal antibodies that target the eosinophilic inflammatory pathways (IL‐5R and IL‐5), namely mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab, are effective and safe for severe eosinophilic asthma. Eosinophils threshold represents the most indicative biomarker for response to treatment with all three monoclonal antibodies. Improvement in asthma symptoms scores, lung function, the number of exacerbations, history of late‐onset asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, low oral corticosteroids use and low body mass index represent predictive clinical markers of response. Novel Omics studies are emerging with proteomics data and exhaled breath analyses. These may prove useful as biomarkers of response and non‐response biologics. Moreover, future biomarker studies need to be undertaken in paediatric patients affected by severe asthma. The choice of appropriate biologic therapy for severe asthma remains challenging. The importance of finding biomarkers that can predict response continuous an open issue that needs to be further explored. This review describes the clinical effects of targeting the IL‐5 pathway in severe asthma in adult and paediatric patients, focusing on predictors of response and non‐response.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the grains and oilseeds sector: 12 months later
Authors: Brewin Derek Gerald 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBrewin (2020) was optimistic about the fate of the Canadian grains and oilseeds sector in 2020 as the COVID‐19 pandemic descended on the world. The sector did generate a large crop and, towards the end of 2020, saw a lift in prices. This contributed to record farm income in Canada in 2020. The pace of grain and oilseed exports in Canada and ethanol demand in the east were affected by COVID‐19, but the forecast of a “near normal” 2020 was relatively accurate. Production and prices stayed on track, largely because the world did not impose significant new barriers to trade in cereals and oilseeds and because these sectors have distanced labor in virtually every step of the supply chain which protected these markets from this pandemic. The dominant price factor for the sector remains global demand that had been growing before 2020 relative to the pace of production and may have been stimulated by deficit budgets around the world. Compared to the tight global stocks, COVID‐19 had a minor impact on grain prices which led to steady production worldwide and in Canada. We are still waiting for more evidence to assess the role of federal coordination in the success of the grains and oilseed sector in 2020, but Canada's past participation in trade and safety protocols based on science allowed the grains and oilseed sector in Canada to earn a very good income in 2020.
A nurse‐led, community‐based self management program for people living with type 2 diabetes in Western Ethiopia: A feasibility and pilot study protocol
Authors: C. Diriba Dereje , Leung Doris Y. P. , Suen Lorna K. P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo develop and examine the preliminary effects of a nurse‐led, community‐based diabetes self management education and support program on clinical outcomes, self care behaviours, quality of life and family support through a pilot randomized controlled trial among adults living with type 2 diabetes in Western Ethiopia.MethodsA two‐arm parallel‐group pilot randomized controlled trial involving participant–caregiver dyads will be conducted. A total of 76 dyads will be recruited, with 38 dyads randomly allocated to the intervention arm receiving six sessions of the diabetes self management education and support program supported by an educational handbook, flier and video on top of the usual care; the control arm will continue to receive the usual care. The intervention will be guided by social cognitive theory and related international guidelines for diabetes management, addressing misconceptions, using culturally tailored foods and involving family members in the intervention. Participants will be recruited at Nekemte Specialized Hospital over 2 months. Nurses will deliver the intervention in the community in Nekemte, western Ethiopia. Diabetes self​ care behaviour, quality of life, family support, glycosylated haemoglobin, body mass index, blood pressure and lipid profiles will be assessed. Descriptive statistics will summarize the sociodemographic variables of the dyads; people living with diabetes' clinical outcomes, self care behaviours, quality of life and the level of family support; family caregivers' behaviours; and the acceptability level. Cohen's d will be computed to estimate the effect size.Trial registrationThe Chinese Clinical Trial Registry prospectively registered the trial, and the registration number was ChiCTR2000040292.
A taxonomy of energy optimization techniques for smart cities: Architecture and future directions
Authors: Tanwar Sudeep , Popat Aarti , Bhattacharya Pronaya , Gupta Rajesh , Kumar Neeraj 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThere is a drastic increase in urbanization over the past few years, which requires energy‐efficient and optimized solutions for transportation, governance, quality of life in a smart city among all the citizens. The Internet‐of‐Energy (IoE) ecosystem offers many sophisticated and ubiquitous applications for smart cities. The energy demand of IoE applications is increased while IoE devices continue to grow. Therefore, smart city solutions must have the ability to utilize energy and handle the associated challenges efficiently. Moreover, energy Optimization (EO) techniques can be used to reduce energy consumption to meet the sustainability goals in IoE. Different techniques have been proposed for EO in various fields by researchers worldwide. Computing systems also need energy optimization. The energy consumption in the data center, clouds, and blockchain (BC)‐based architectures are a point of concern at the current time. Due to the enormous energy demands of these systems, we cannot take advantage of the latest technologies to their fullest. Due to the emergence of new technologies and some limitations of proposed techniques, we can still not optimize energy usage more than some extent. There is minimal exploration done in energy optimization in BC‐based systems. In this paper, we have proposed a survey on the energy optimization techniques in various systems, including the optimization techniques in BC‐based systems. We have proposed a taxonomy that classifies energy optimization techniques. We have also proposed an energy‐efficient consensus mechanism, Proof‐of‐High Performance optimization (named as PoHPo), for High‐Performance Computing (HPC) based ecosystems. The open issues and challenges are then discussed in EO. The survey intends to propose future directions for industry professionals, green‐energy stakeholders, and researchers worldwide to explore this topic further.
Deformation and failure characteristics of sandstone subjected to true‐triaxial unloading: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Xiao Fan , Jiang De‐Yi , Wu Fei , Chen Jie , Zhang Jian‐Zhi , Liu Wei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this research, we conducted both laboratory experiments and discrete element simulations to investigate the influence of maximum principal stress level on true‐triaxial unloading behaviors of sandstone samples. The results show that as the level of σ1 at the unloading point increases, the ultimate bearing capacity of sandstone sample is increasingly strengthened, while the sample collapses more easily during the unloading process, and the failure mode of sample changes from mixed tensile‐shear failure to shear failure. With the increase in the level of σ1, the accumulative micro‐cracks at the unloading point and micro‐crack generation rate during the unloading phase exhibit increasing trends, while the ratio between the number of tensile micro‐cracks and shear micro‐cracks generally shows a downward trend. The formation of macro fracture in sandstone sample is closely related to the material inhomogeneity and true‐triaxial stress state.
Supporting digitally enhanced learning through measurement in higher education: Development and validation of a university students' digital competence scale
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Wang Zhuo , Wang Qiyun , Chen Wenli , Pi Zhongling 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDigital competence is critical for university students to adapt to and benefit from digitally enhanced learning. Prior studies on its measurement mostly focus on educators and relied on factor analyses. However, there is a lack of valid and convenient tools to measure university students' digital competence. This study aimed to develop a digital competence scale for university students (DC‐US) in digitally enhanced learning with robust psychometric properties. An initial DC‐US with 23 items was proposed to measure the single latent trait of digital competence. It was validated and refined continuously through a pilot study, a main study and a predictive validity study in three datasets involving 825 participants altogether, using factor analyses, Rasch analyses and the partial least squares modelling. The final DC‐US turned out to comprise two subscales: technical literacy and digital skills, with 10 items retained, and manifested high internal consistency, unidimensionality and measurement invariance. The scale also demonstrated strong predictive validity, with technical literacy greatly predicting digital skills, which negatively predicted technostress. The DC‐US enables instructors and school administrators to conveniently obtain preliminary information of university students' digital competence, informing their digital class preparation and development of timely interventions for addressing digital deficiencies.
Prognostic Indicators of Delayed Surgical Recovery in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Gomes do Carmo Thalita , Ferreira Santana Rosimere , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venicios , Mendes Nunes Marília , Maciel Diniz Camila , Rabelo‐Silva Eneida Rejane , Dantas Cavalcanti Ana Carla 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic capacity of the clinical indicators of a delayed surgical recovery nursing diagnosis throughout the hospital stay of patients having cardiac surgery.DesignA prospective cohort design was adopted. A sample of inpatients undergoing elective cardiac surgery was followed during the immediate preoperative period and hospitalization. This research was conducted in the southeast region of Brazil at a national reference institution that treats highly complex diseases and performs cardiac surgeries. Data were collected from July 2017 to July 2018.MethodsAt the end of 1 year of data collection, 181 patients were followed in this study. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to calculate the survival time related to delayed surgical recovery. In addition, an extended Cox model of time‐dependent covariates was adjusted to identify the clinical signs that influenced the change in the nursing diagnosis status.ResultsA delayed surgical recovery nursing diagnosis was present in 23.2% of the sample studied. With an expected length of stay of 8 to 10 days, most new cases of delayed surgical recovery were observed on the 10th postoperative day, and the survival rate after this day was decreased until the 29th postoperative day, when the nursing diagnosis no longer appeared. Interrupted healing of the surgical area, loss of appetite, and atrial flutter were indicators related to an increased risk for delayed surgical recovery.ConclusionsTimely recognition of selected clinical indicators demonstrates a promising prognostic capacity for delayed surgical recovery.Clinical RelevanceAccurate identification of prognostic factors allows nurses to identify early signs of postoperative complications. Consequently, the professional can develop an individualized plan of care, aiming at the satisfactory clinical recovery of the patient.