bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Community Pharmacy Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention (PAMSI)
Authors: Hayes Catherine V. , Lecky Donna M. , Pursey Fionna , Thomas Amy , Ashiru-Oredope Diane , Saei Ayoub , Thornley Tracey , Howard Philip , Dickinson Aimi , Ingram Clare , Allison Rosalie , McNulty Cliodna A. M.
Published: July 2022

The community pharmacy antimicrobial stewardship intervention (PAMSI) is multi-faceted and underpinned by behavioural science, consisting of the TARGET Antibiotic Checklist, staff e-Learning, and patient-facing materials. This mixed-method study evaluated the effect of PAMSI on community pharmacy staffs’ self-reported antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) behaviours. Data collection included staff pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, qualitative interviews, and TARGET Antibiotic Checklists. Quantitative data were analysed by a multivariate ordinal linear mixed effect model; qualitative data were analysed thematically. A total of 101 staff participated from 66 pharmacies, and six completed semi-structured interviews. The statistical model indicated very strong evidence (p < 0.001) that post-intervention, staff increased their antibiotic appropriateness checks and patient advice, covering antibiotic adherence, antibiotic resistance, infection self-care, and safety-netting. Staff reported feeling empowered to query antibiotic appropriateness with prescribing clinicians. The TARGET Antibiotic Checklist was completed with 2043 patients. Topics patients identified as requiring advice from the pharmacy team included symptom duration, alcohol and food consumption guidance, antibiotic side-effects, and returning unused antibiotics to pharmacies. Pharmacy staff acknowledged the need for improved communication across the primary care pathway to optimise antimicrobial use, and PAMSI has potential to support this ambition if implemented nationally. To support patients not attending a pharmacy in person, an online information tool will be developed.
Hematologic Complications in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Lin Elisa , Araj Ellen , Markantonis John , Luu Hung , Chen Mingyi
Published: July 2022

Introduction: This review summarizes data from patients with COVID-19 requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The goals of this study are to showcase some morphological anomalies found in peripheral blood smears from COVID-19 patients and to bring attention to how some hematologic abnormalities in COVID-19 that correspond to disease severity and mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of hematologic parameters using peripheral blood smear analysis from 31 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between April 2021 and January 2022. Results: We found abnormal morphology that has not been previously reported. We also report that severe lymphopenia, neutrophilia, acute hemolysis, hematologic malignancies, and increased LDH are associated with ICU admissions, respiratory failure requiring intubation, and poor clinical outcome. Conclusion: We propose these recommendations in the management of COVID-19 patients: 1. Early diagnosis and follow-up of DIC; 2. Optimization of thromboprophylaxis regimen.
Family Social Support and Weight-Related Behaviors of School-Age Children: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Delaney Colleen L. , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: July 2022

Families are a key provider of support that may encourage positive weight-related behaviors. Yet little is known about the relation of family support to children’s performance of weight-related behaviors. Mothers (N = 524) who completed an online survey were categorized as having low, moderate, or high family support for fruit/vegetable intake, breakfast intake, limiting sugar-sweetened beverage intake, physical activity, limiting sedentary screentime, and sleep. ANOVA revealed that children in families with high support for breakfast ate this meal significantly more often. Additionally, children in families with low support for limiting sugar-sweetened beverages had significantly greater intake. Surprisingly, families with moderate support for physical activity and sleep tended to have children with lower physical activity level, sleep duration, and sleep quality, and fewer days/week with set bedtimes than those with low and high support. Binomial logistic regression revealed that high family support for eating breakfast, limiting sugar-sweetened beverages, and getting sufficient sleep had greater odds of meeting recommendations for these behaviors. Findings suggest that greater family support for healthy weight-related behaviors tends to be associated with children’s performance of these behaviors. Future interventions should further examine the impact of different types of family support on weight-related behaviors to better understand this complex interplay.
Fear of Falling in Older Adults Treated at a Geriatric Day Hospital: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Melendo-Azuela Eva M. , González-Vaca Julia , Cirera Eva
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: The fear of falling (FOF) is a geriatric syndrome that causes a decrease in daily activities and personal autonomy. Its prevalence is highly variable as are the methodologies used to assess it. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and describing the main determinants of FOF in older adults attending a geriatric day hospital. (2) Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of individuals aged ≥70 years, who attended an ambulatory functional rehabilitation group in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. FOF was assessed using the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. Other recorded outcomes were: sex, age, marital status, living alone, level of education, degree of autonomy, pain, previous falls, visual acuity, and signs of depression. Prevalence was estimated overall and according to the possible determinants. (3) Results: The study included 62 individuals (66.1% women), with a prevalence of fear of falling of 38.7% (95% CI 26.2–51.2%). The identified determinants were pain (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 1.4–39.7), a history of falls (OR = 25.3, 95% CI 2.1–303.4), poor visual acuity (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 1.0–29.8), and signs of depression (OR = 19.3, 95% CI 1.4–264.3). (4) Conclusions: The prevalence and determinants of fear of falling in older adults attending geriatric day hospitals were similar to those described in those dwelling in the community.
Evaluation of Candidiasis in Upper-Aerodigestive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients—A Clinico-Mycological Aspect
Authors: Debta Priyanka , Swain Santosh Kumar , Sahu Mahesh Chandra , Abuderman Abdulwahab A. , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Qureshi Ahtesham Ahmad , Bakri Mohammed Mousa H. , Sarode Gargi S. , Patro Sangram , Siddhartha Saswati , Patil Shankargouda
Published: July 2022

Candida is a commensal yeast. It can be infective when the host’s defense mechanism is weakened, as in the case of squamous cell carcinoma patients. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical mycological manifestation of candidiasis in 150 cancer cases comprised of preoperative and post-operative (with or without radiotherapy) upper aerodigestive squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 150 patients suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the Upper Aero-Digestive Tract (UADT) were divided into preoperative (n = 48), post-operative without radiotherapy (n = 29) and post-operative with radiotherapy (n = 73). Samples were collected using cotton swabs and cultured. Candida species were identified according to color pigmentation on Candida Differential Agar (CDA) plate. The clinico-mycological association of patients was evaluated by the chi-square test, and 98 out of 150 patients showed the presence of various Candida species. The major species isolated was Candida albicans (53%), followed by Candida tropicalis (16%). There was a significant statistical difference between patients who showed mycological associations and patients who did not have any such association (p = 0.0008). The prevalence of oral candidiasis was found to be 65.33% among total cases of upper aero-digestive squamous cell carcinoma. Chronic erythematous cases of candidiasis were mainly seen in preoperative squamous cell carcinoma cases, whereas the acute erythematous type of candidiasis was mainly seen in post-operative cases who received radiotherapy. The clinicomycological assessment can help to correlate the signs and symptoms with the presence of candidiasis in upper aerodigestive squamous cell carcinoma patients. Meticulous testing and examination can help in the early detection of candidiasis. Future studies are needed to develop advance scientific preventive strategies for high-risk cases.
A Study on Nurse Manager Competency Model of Tertiary General Hospitals in China
Authors: Wang Sitong , Tong Jiayu , Wang Yang , Zhang Dan
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: The nurse manager competency model is widely used in hospitals in the management of nursing human resources. This study aimed to construct a scientific and practical model of nurse manager competency, which can be used as a tool by hospitals to select nurse managers. (2) Methods: The nurses’ competency indicators were first collected through a literature review and behavioral event interview, and the preliminary screening of competency elements was based on the Delphi method. Then, questionnaires and statistical analyses were used to determine the elements of the model. The reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. Factor analysis was used to delineate the dimensions of the model. (3) Results: The results of the factor analysis show that the 22 competency elements were grouped into the four dimensions of leadership and management ability, personal traits, professional quality, and professional ability. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the four dimensions ranged from 0.745 to 0.885, which indicated a high level of reliability. The result of the factor analysis indicated a high structural validity and fitting effect. (4) Conclusions: Our study indicates that the nurse manager competency model of tertiary general hospitals is an instrument with fair reliability and validity that fully reflects the characteristics of nurses in Chinese public hospitals.
From Bystanders to Upstanders: Supporters and Key Informants for Victims of Gender Violence
Authors: Puigvert Lidia , Soler-Gallart Marta , Vidu Ana
Published: July 2022

Scientific literature has presented relevant evidence about the existence of gender violence in science and has evaluated some programs and actions against this problem. Although many researchers have identified the importance of those intervention programs to overcome this harassment, it is still a predominant reality in institutions, surrounded by the law of silence. Emerging lines of research are studying which of those programs are successful in this endeavor, and their transferability to other contexts. This research has analyzed one program: Programme of Women’s Dialogic Action (ProWomenDialogue). To gather evidence for expressing whether or not ProWomenDialogue has an impact, and whether it constitutes a successful action against harassment, the SIOR (Social Impact Open Repository) criteria, emerging from the FP7 IMPACT-Project, have been used for the evaluation of this research’s social impact. Drawing on SIOR, ProWomenDialogue shows unprecedented transformations in academia through six lines of action. The political impact led to legislation that made compulsory the creation of equality committees and protocols against sexual harassment. Social impact, aligned with SDG 5, inspires the reduction of GBV, while encouraging the career promotion of female researchers. ProWomenDialogue embodies a Successful Action platform against violence, presenting their features as recommendations to be implemented in other settings.
Monitoring of Heavy Metals and Pesticide Residues of Herbal Decoctions in Traditional Korean Medicine Clinics in Korea
Authors: Jeong Hye In , Han Ji-Eun , Shin Byung-Cheul , Jang Soo Bin , Won Jae-Hee , Kim Kyeong Han , Sung Soo-Hyun
Published: July 2022

In this study, we investigated whether the levels of heavy metal and pesticide residues in herbal decoctions in Korea in 2019 were within normal limits. In total, 30 decoctions composed of multi-ingredient traditional herbs were sampled from traditional Korean medicine (TKM) clinics, TKM hospitals, and external herbal dispensaries in 2019. The decoctions were analyzed for heavy metal content such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. For mercury, an automatic mercury analyzer based on the gold amalgamation process was used. For pesticide residues, gas chromatography with electron capture detection and gas chromatography with mass selective detection were used for the analyses. Based on the testing, heavy metals were identified in most of the decoctions (Cd: 0.000–0.003 ppm, Pb: 0.003–0.023 ppm, As: 0.000−0.016 ppm, Hg: 0.000–0.002 ppm). Pesticide residues (e.g., total DDT, total BHC, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin) were not detected at all. All of these were no more than the limit values in preceding studies. Therefore, this study confirms that the contents of heavy metals and pesticides in herbal decoctions are within safe levels based on a previous study and provides evidence for establishing safety management standards for herbal decoctions in Korea.
Notifications on Pesticide Residues in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)
Authors: Pigłowski Marcin
Published: July 2022

Pesticides are commonly used to protect plants against various pests and to preserve crops, but their residues can be harmful for human health. They are the third most widely reported hazard category in the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). The purpose of the study was to identify the most frequently notified pesticides in the RASFF in 1981–2020, considering: year, notification type, product category, origin country, notifying country, notification basis, distribution status and action taken. The data from the RASFF database was processed using: filtering, transposition, pivot tables and then subjected to cluster analysis: joining (tree clustering) and two-way joining methods. Pesticides were most commonly reported in fruits and vegetables and herbs and spices following border controls and rejections. The products usually came from India or Turkey and were not placed on the market or were not distributed and then destroyed. The effectiveness of the European Union border posts in terms of hazards detection and mutual information is important from the point of view of protecting the internal market and ensuring public health. It is also necessary to increase the awareness of pesticide users through training and the activity of control authorities in the use of pesticides.
Carpooling Systems for Commuting among Teachers: An Expert Panel Analysis of Their Barriers and Incentives
Authors: Rey-Merchán María del Carmen , López-Arquillos Antonio , Pires Rosa Manuela
Published: July 2022

Sustainable mobility is a current challenge in our society. Research shows that carpooling systems are potential solutions that could mitigate environmental pollution and urban congestion and provide cost savings for their users. Despite their potential benefits, the levels of carpooling practices among some occupations could be improved. Teachers are suitable for carpooling experiences due to their specific working conditions (e.g., timetables, destinations changes, path matches); however, there is no research solely focused on teachers. Thus, the current research aimed to analyze the barriers and incentives for teachers using carpooling systems for commuting. A panel member was selected following the staticized group technique. Panelists were surveyed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of carpooling. Results showed that fuel savings were considered by the expert panel as the most important incentive for carpooling. For short distances, carpooling was not considered the best commuting option. Additionally, the increase in travel time and loss of personal independence were identified as relevant barriers. Based on the opinions of experts, it can be concluded that carpooling barriers outweigh the incentives for the commuting of teachers. To promote carpooling practices, institutional mobility plans with advantages for carpoolers could improve the teachers’ perceptions about carpooling. Future carpooling strategies should consider these results to promote incentives and address the identified barriers.
Scientometric Analysis of Hiking Tourism and Its Relevance for Wellbeing and Knowledge Management
Authors: Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Llanos-Herrera Gonzalo R. , García-Salirrosas Elizabeth Emperatriz , Simón-Isidoro Selene , Álvarez-Herranz Agustín Pablo , Álvarez-Becerra Rina , Sánchez Díaz Lisette C.
Published: July 2022

Hiking is a sports activity that takes place in the natural environment. From the point of view of well-being, it is an aerobic activity that prevents and improves cardiovascular diseases. According to data provided by the United Nations, within the framework of the International Year of Mountains, mountain tourism represents around 15% to 20% of total world tourism revenue. This approach aims to critically analyze the scientific production on trail tourism (HT) with contributions from authors from around the world from 1991 to 2022, in order to respond to the connection between this research, knowledge management and the sustainable development of the industry. Key knowledge contributions are examined using a scientometric approach as a method (spatial, production, impact, and relational) based on registry data stored in the Web of Science (JCR and ESCI). Regarding the results, there has been an increase in scientific production in the last decade, which is manifested in the quality of the publications.
TAVR for All? The Surgical Perspective
Authors: Zhang Xiling , Puehler Thomas , Frank Derk , Sathananthan Janarthanan , Sellers Stephanie , Meier David , Both Marcus , Blanke Philipp , Seoudy Hatim , Saad Mohammed , Müller Oliver J. , Sondergaard Lars , Lutter Georg
Published: July 2022

In spite of the noninferiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high- and intermediate-risk patients, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome before the procedure is further expanded and clinically integrated. The lack of evidence on the long-term durability of the bioprostheses used for TAVR remains of particular concern. In addition, surgery may be preferred over TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or with concomitant pathologies such as other valve diseases (mitral regurgitation/tricuspid regurgitation), aortopathy, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we discuss and summarize relevant data from clinical trials, current trends, and remaining obstacles, and provide our perspective on the indications for the expansion of TAVR.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Significance in Prenatal Diagnosis—Case Series
Authors: Poenaru Mircea-Octavian , Hamoud Bashar Haj , Sima Romina-Marina , Valcea Ionut-Didel , Chicea Radu , Ples Liana
Published: July 2022

The persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a congenital heart anomaly reported in 0.3–0.5% of the general population and can be associated with congenital heart diseases in up to 8% of cases. Prenatal identification of PLSVC is important to prompt an extended cardiac and extracardiac fetal examination. We retrospectively reevaluated anomaly scans performed in our unit in a 2-year interval according to the national guidelines to evaluate the incidence of PLSVC and its association with prenatal morbidity. In our population, the incidence of PLSVC was 0.31%, and we found a low association with cardiac and extracardiac anomalies. The standard sections (three-vessel and trachea view, four-chamber view and outflow tract’s view) are insufficient to exclude cardiac anomalies whenever PLSVC is found. In our case series, only one newborn required postnatal surgery for total pulmonary vein anomaly, and at 2 years of life all babies had a normal evolution. Prenatal diagnosis of PLSVC can raise counseling issues; therefore, awareness of its good outcome when isolated and need for an extended examination to rule out other anomalies is very important.
ddRAD Sequencing-Based Scanning of Genetic Variants in Sargassum fusiforme
Authors: Lin Lidong , Wang Fei , Wu Mingjiang , Wang Shengqin
Published: July 2022

Sargassum fusiforme is a commercially important brown seaweed that has experienced significant population reduction both from heavy exploitation and degradation of the environment. Cultivated breed strains are also in a state of population mixing. These population stressors make it necessary to investigate the population genetics to discover best practices to conserve and breed this seaweed. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of S. fusiforme were investigated by the genome-wide SNP data acquired from double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). We found a low genetic diversity and a slight population differentiation within and between wild and cultivated populations, and the effective population size of S. fusiforme had experienced a continuous decline. Tajima’s D analysis showed the population contraction in wild populations may be related to copper pollution which showed a consistent trend with the increase of the sea surface temperature. The potential selection signatures may change the timing or level of gene expression, and further experiments are needed to investigate the effect of the mutation on relevant pathways. These results suggest an urgent need to manage and conserve S. fusiforme resources and biodiversity considering the accelerating change of the environment.
A Discourse on Foresight and the Valuation of Explicit and Tacit Synergies in Strategic Collaborations
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: July 2022

One of the most important questions in business partners’ collaboration is whether their strategies create a collaborative synergy and thus add market value. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that will be useful for scholars and practitioners in developing foresight for explicit synergies and valuing tacit synergy in strategic collaborative ventures. The paper comprises a novel theoretical and empirical contribution to the foresight that is required for an explicit competence-based synergy in collaborative ventures from a resource-based view. It employs the ARCTIC framework and values a tacit competence-based synergy using simple and compound real options. Moreover, the paper makes several theoretical and empirical contributions to the study of strategic management, international business, and corporate finance disciplines. Finally, the paper discusses research limitations and future work.
Neoliberal Urban Development vs. Rural Communities: Land Management Challenges in San Andrés Cholula, Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez Juárez Eduardo , Kurjenoja Anne Kristiina , Schumacher Melissa , Guizar Villalvazo María , Gonzalez Meza Edwin , Durán-Díaz Pamela
Published: July 2022

Since the 1980s, the municipality of San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, has been a territory with constant clashes between its rural population and the official land use policy. In this context, the rural community and its millenary bio-cultural traditions have collided with neoliberal political and economic interests, new urbanism, and land speculation, commodification of local culture and privatization of the public space. The above-mentioned facts represent a challenge for sustainable land management of the territory and for socio-spatial justice, as a large portion of the land is becoming a private asset, meanwhile the large extension of rural land has been for communal use. The present work aims to discuss the processes triggered by neoliberal urban development logic in the area, and how these dynamics have affected the identity of the place, endangered its bio-cultural heritage and jeopardized the local communal right to the land. It will also examine the possibilities for a creation of a collaborative instrument to enhance the participation of the local community (or pueblos originarios—original people—as they identify themselves), in sustainable land management processes, in order to obtain a balance between the community, the public policy and the economic forces in urban development.
Assessment of Forest Cover Changes in Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka: Implications for the Establishment of Subnational Forest Reference Emission Level
Authors: Vijitharan Sharaniya , Sasaki Nophea , Venkatappa Manjunatha , Tripathi Nitin Kumar , Abe Issei , Tsusaka Takuji W.
Published: July 2022

Assessment of forest cover changes is required to establish the forest reference emission level (FREL) at any scale. Due to civil conflict, such assessments have not yet been undertaken in Sri Lanka, especially in the conflict zone. Here, we assessed the forest cover changes in Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka, from 2001 to 2020, using a combination of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and the phenology-based threshold classification (PBTC) method. Landsat 5 TM data for 2001, 2006, and 2010, and Landsat 8 OLI data for 2016 and 2020 were used to classify forest cover by categories, and their related changes could be assessed by four categories, namely dry monsoon forest, open forest, other lands, and water bodies. With an overall average accuracy of 87% and an average kappa coefficient of 0.83, forest cover was estimated at 57.6% of the total land area in 2020. There was an increase of 0.46% per annum for the entire district between 2001 and 2010, but a drastic loss of 0.60% per year was observed between 2010 and 2020. Specifically, the dry monsoon forest lost 0.30%, but open forest gained 3.62% annually over the same period. Loss and gain of forest cover resulted in carbon emissions and removals of 165,306.6 MgCO2 and 24,064.5 MgCO2 annually, respectively, over the same period. Our findings could be used to set the baseline trend of deforestation, based on which, a subnational forest reference emission level can be established as an emission benchmark, against which comparisons of carbon emissions following the implementation of REDD+ activities can be made, and result-based payment can be claimed under the Paris Agreement.
Volcanic Landforms and Landscapes of the East Carpathians (Romania) and Their Geoheritage Values
Authors: Szakács Alexandru , Kovacs Marinel
Published: July 2022

The Neogene–Quaternary volcanic range running along the East Carpathians in Romania, extends from the Oaș Mountains, in the north-west, to the South Harghita Mountains and the Perșani Mountains, in the south-east, as part of the broader volcanic province of the Carpathian–Pannonian Region. It resulted from intense volcanic activity during the 15–0.1 Ma time interval, generating huge volumes of effusive and explosive products and a variety of volcanic edifices and primary landforms from large composite volcanoes to small-sized domes/dome-coulées/lava flows and volcaniclastic plateaus around them. The present-day landforms were shaped by various syn-volcanic deformation processes (such as volcano spreading), post-volcanic erosion of various degrees and types (including glacial erosion on the highest-elevation parts and relief inversion in the peripheral areas) and modern anthropic intervention. Developed on this diverse volcanic substrate, the present-day landscape shows a large variety of aspects due to further factors (original topography, elevation, vegetation cover, distance from settlements, anthropic activities, and degradation processes). This volcanic range hosts many geoheritage-relevant sites of various spatial extent (from hundreds of km2 to limited areas of a few 10 m2) and of protection status (from national parks, natural or scientific reserves, natural monuments, and protected areas to areas with no protection at all). Despite its high geoheritage potential, geoparks are still absent, geotrails are sparse, and geotourism is in its infancy in the East Carpathian volcanic range.
Imaging Inflammation in Atherosclerosis with CXCR4-Directed [68Ga]PentixaFor PET/MRI—Compared with [18F]FDG PET/MRI
Authors: Lu Xia , Calabretta Raffaella , Wadsak Wolfgang , Haug Alexander , Mayerhöfer Marius , Raderer Markus , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Jingle , Hacker Marcus , Li Xiang
Published: July 2022

(1) This study compared [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake in active arterial segments with corresponding [18F]FDG arterial uptake as well as the relationship with cardiac [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake. (2) Method: Tracer uptake on atherosclerotic lesions in the large arteries was measured and target-to-background ratios (TBR) were calculated to adjust background signals with two investigators blinded to the other PET scan. On a patient-based and lesion-to-lesion analysis, TBR values of two tracers were compared and the relationship with cardiac inflammation was further explored. Furthermore, two cardiovascular risk-related groups were divided to explore the value of risk stratification of the two tracers in atherosclerosis. (3) Results: [68Ga]PentixaFor PET/MRI identified more lesions (88% vs. 48%; p < 0.001) and showed higher uptake than [18F]FDG PET/MRI (TBR, 1.90 ± 0.36 vs. 1.63 ± 0.29; p < 0.001). In the patient-based analysis, the TBR of [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake was also significantly higher than [18F]FDG uptake (1.85 ± 0.20 vs. 1.42 ± 0.19; p < 0.001). The TBR of active lesions for [68Ga]PentixaFor was significantly increased in the high-risk group (n = 9), as compared to the low-risk group (n = 10) (2.02 ± 0.15 vs. 1.86 ± 0.10, p = 0.015), but not for [18F]FDG (1.85 ± 0.10 vs. 1.80 ± 0.07, p = 0.149). (4) Conclusion: [68Ga]PentixaFor PET/MRI identified many more lesions than [18F]FDG PET/MRI. Patients with high-risk cardiovascular factors illustrated an increased uptake of [68Ga]PentixaFor. There was a correlation between the elevated uptake of [68Ga]PentixaFor in the active arterial segments and heart.
Resistance Induction and Direct Antifungal Activity of Some Monoterpenes against Rhizoctonia solani, the Causal of Root Rot in Common Bean
Authors: Derbalah Aly , Shebl Asmaa Mohamed , Elgobashy Samah Fawzy , Ahmad Abdelmonim Ali , Ramadan Noha Eldesoky , Behiry Said I. , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Kamran Muhammad , Elsharkawy Mohsen Mohamed
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate eco-friendly control agents (carvone, cuminaldehyde, and linalool) against Rhizoctonia solani, which causes root rot disease either by induction of defense response or direct antifungal activity. The induction of resistance was examined by detecting the transcription of defense genes and the effect of the tested control agents on the growth and the yield of common bean plants. The growth of R. solani was significantly inhibited after treatment with the tested compounds compared to the untreated control under laboratory conditions. The disease severity of root rot was decreased in common bean plants treated with the tested compounds compared to untreated control plants under greenhouse conditions. Common bean plants treated with the tested control agents expressed defense genes (Phenylalanine ammonia lyase and β-1,3-Glucanase) involved in jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways with 2–5 fold higher than the control. Treatment of common beans with the tested control agents and fungicide significantly improved the growth and yield characteristics of common bean. Therefore, the use of monoterpenes could be a novel strategy to control this pathogen and consider the first report.
Numerical Model of Mixed Lubrication and Experimental Study of Reciprocating Seal Based on Inverse Lubrication Theory
Authors: Zhang Miaotian , Feng Yu
Published: July 2022

Based on the sealing mechanism of the reciprocating seal, the inverse-hydrodynamic-lubrication (IHL) method was adopted in this study to solve the Reynolds equation, and a multi-field coupled reciprocating seal mixed lubrication numerical model was established. Considering seals used for aircraft actuators as an example, we obtained sealing performance parameters such as leakage and friction at different oil pressures, reciprocating speeds, and temperatures. According to the actual situation, the influence of different working condition parameters on the sealing performance of the reciprocating seal system were analyzed. A reciprocating seal test bench was designed and built, and the friction data for the reciprocating seal system under different working conditions were experimentally obtained. Through a comparative analysis of experimental data and theoretical numerical results, the numerical model and calculation results for reciprocating seal mixed lubrication were verified.
A DFT-Based Quantitative and Geometric Analysis of the Effect of Pressure on Boron Arsenate
Authors: Grima-Cornish James N. , Vella-Żarb Liana , Grima Joseph N. , Evans Kenneth E.
Published: July 2022

Boron arsenate, BAsO4, is a β-cristobalite-like crystal which has been reported to exhibit the rather unusual property of negative linear compressibility behaviour at elevated pressures, that is expanding rather than shrinking in a linear dimension when subjected to pressure. This work proposes a ‘geometry—deformation mechanism’-based mathematical model to aid the discernment of the manner how this anomalous pressure behaviour is achieved. The model makes use of data obtained from DFT simulations over an extended range of pressures, including extreme pressure conditions, and rigorously explains the macroscopic properties of this material in terms of the nanoscale deformations. More specifically, through this model, it was possible to decipher the different contributions to the deformation mechanism and compressibility properties of BAsO4. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown that a rule related to the sum of angles of tetrahedrally coordinated atoms is so robust that it applies at the extreme pressures studied here.
New Insight into the Gas Phase Reaction Dynamics in Pulsed Laser Deposition of Multi-Elemental Oxides
Authors: Yao Xiang , Schneider Christof W. , Wokaun Alexander , Lippert Thomas
Published: July 2022

The gas-phase reaction dynamics and kinetics in a laser induced plasma are very much dependent on the interactions of the evaporated target material and the background gas. For metal (M) and metal–oxygen (MO) species ablated in an Ar and O2 background, the expansion dynamics in O2 are similar to the expansion dynamics in Ar for M+ ions with an MO+ dissociation energy smaller than O2. This is different for metal ions with an MO+ dissociation energy larger than for O2. This study shows that the plume expansion in O2 differentiates itself from the expansion in Ar due to the formation of MO+ species. It also shows that at a high oxygen background pressure, the preferred kinetic energy range to form MO species as a result of chemical reactions in an expanding plasma, is up to 5 eV.
Magnetic Evaluation of Heat-Resistant Martensitic Steel Subjected to Microstructure Degradation
Authors: Li Yi , Sun Chao , Liu Kai , Xu Tong , He Binbin
Published: July 2022

The present paper investigates the use of the magnetic hysteresis loop technique to nondestructively evaluate microstructural degradation in heat-resistant martensitic (HRM) steels. The degradation impairs the safe operation of thermal power plants and it is thus essential to periodically assess it using nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. In this contribution, HRM steels are thermally aged up to 16,000 h at 675 °C to simulate the microstructural degradation, then the changes in the magnetic coercivity, hardness, and microstructure are systematically characterized and the relations between them are determined. Both coercivity and hardness decrease with thermal aging duration, which can be interpreted in terms of the microstructure parameters’ evolution based on the pinning of crystal defects on domain walls and dislocations. Coercivity and hardness share the same softening trend with aging time, and good linear relations between coercivity, hardness, and microstructure parameters are found. These results provide a key to understanding the magnetic parameter evolution in HRM steels and suggest the possibility of using magnetic technologies for the NDE of microstructure degradation in thermal power plants.
A Fault Localization Method Based on Metrics Combination
Authors: Ajibode Adekunle , Shu Ting , Said Kabir , Ding Zuohua
Published: July 2022

Spectrum-Based Fault Localization (SBFL) is one of the most effective fault localization techniques, and its performance closely depends on the program spectra and the ranking formula. Despite the numerous proposed approaches for fault localization, there are still great demands for fault localization techniques that can help guide developers to the locations of faults. Therefore, this paper defines four metrics from the program spectrum, which can become essential components of ranking formulas to mitigate spectrum-based fault localization problems. These metrics are further combined to propose a new heuristic, Metrics Combination (MECO), which does not require any prior information on program structure or semantics to locate faults effectively. The evaluation experiments are conducted on the Defects4J and SIR datasets, and MECO is compared with the 18 maximal formulas. The experimental result shows that MECO is more efficient in terms of Precision, Accuracy, and Wasted Efforts than the compared formulas. An empirical evaluation also indicates that two of the defined metrics, Assumption Proportion and Fault Assumption, when combined with the existing formulas, improve the localization effectiveness, especially the precision of ER5a-c (77.77%), GP02 (41%), and GP19 (27.22%), respectively.
A Model for the Proliferation–Quiescence Transition in Human Cells
Authors: Mapfumo Kudzanayi Z. , Pagan’a Jane C. , Juma Victor Ogesa , Kavallaris Nikos I. , Madzvamuse Anotida
Published: July 2022

The process of revitalising quiescent cells in order for them to proliferate plays a pivotal role in the repair of worn-out tissues as well as for tissue homeostasis. This process is also crucial in the growth, development and well-being of higher multi-cellular organisms such as mammals. Deregulation of proliferation-quiescence transition is related to many diseases, such as cancer. Recent studies have revealed that this proliferation–quiescence process is regulated tightly by the Rb−E2F bistable switch mechanism. Based on experimental observations, in this study, we formulate a mathematical model to examine the effect of the growth factor concentration on the proliferation–quiescence transition in human cells. Working with a non-dimensionalised model, we prove the positivity, boundedness and uniqueness of solutions. To understand model solution behaviour close to bifurcation points, we carry out bifurcation analysis, which is further illustrated by the use of numerical bifurcation analysis, sensitivity analysis and numerical simulations. Indeed, bifurcation and numerical analysis of the model predicted a transition between bistable and stable states, which are dependent on the growth factor concentration parameter (GF). The derived predictions confirm experimental observations.
A Cross-Country Comparison of Students’ Graphs Understanding and Perceived Mental Effort
Authors: Radulović Branka , Zajkov Oliver , Gegovska-Zajkova Sonja , Stojanović Maja , Sliško Josip
Published: July 2022

Students’ graph understanding was chosen for the research because teachers, especially physics teachers, tend to use graphs as a second language, assuming that their students can extract most of the information from them. This research aims to determine the differences between Serbian and North Macedonian students’ graph understanding of kinematics and their perceived mental effort. Differences in physics curricula in the Republic of Serbia and Republic of North Macedonia are taken into account and compared as well as students’ achievement on the TUG-K knowledge test to find explanations of potential differences and guidelines for change in the approaches to physics teaching. The sample includes 630 first-grade grammar school students (313 students from Serbia and 317 from North Macedonia) from randomly selected classes. Mann–Whitney U-test determined possible differences in student achievement and perceived mental effort. The main results indicate a difference in students perceived mental effort. North Macedonian students perceived less mental effort than Serbian ones, which leads to higher instructional efficiency of teaching approaches applied in North Macedonia than in Serbia. Based on the results, the recommendation for improving the Serbian education system lies in reducing mental effort through efficient allocation of teaching hours.
Regular Partial Residuated Lattices and Their Filters
Authors: Sheng Nan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

To express wider uncertainty, Běhounek and Daňková studied fuzzy partial logic and partial function. At the same time, Borzooei generalized t-norms and put forward the concept of partial t-norms when studying lattice valued quantum effect algebras. Based on partial t-norms, Zhang et al. studied partial residuated implications (PRIs) and proposed the concept of partial residuated lattices (PRLs). In this paper, we mainly study the related algebraic structure of fuzzy partial logic. First, we provide the definitions of regular partial t-norms and regular partial residuated implication (rPRI) through the general forms of partial t-norms and partial residuated implication. Second, we define regular partial residuated lattices (rPRLs) and study their corresponding properties. Third, we study the relations among commutative quasi-residuated lattices, commutative Q-residuated lattices, partial residuated lattices, and regular partial residuated lattices. Last, in order to obtain the filter theory of regular partial residuated lattices, we restrict certain conditions and then propose special regular partial residuated lattices (srPRLs) in order to finally construct the quotient structure of regular partial residuated lattices.
A Statistical Comparison of Metaheuristics for Unrelated Parallel Machine Scheduling Problems with Setup Times
Authors: Antunes Ana Rita , Matos Marina A. , Rocha Ana Maria A. C. , Costa Lino A. , Varela Leonilde R.
Published: July 2022

Manufacturing scheduling aims to optimize one or more performance measures by allocating a set of resources to a set of jobs or tasks over a given period of time. It is an area that considers a very important decision-making process for manufacturing and production systems. In this paper, the unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem with machine-dependent and job-sequence-dependent setup times is addressed. This problem involves the scheduling of tasks on unrelated machines with setup times in order to minimize the makespan. The genetic algorithm is used to solve small and large instances of this problem when processing and setup times are balanced (Balanced problems), when processing times are dominant (Dominant P problems), and when setup times are dominant (Dominant S problems). For small instances, most of the values achieved the optimal makespan value, and, when compared to the metaheuristic ant colony optimization (ACOII) algorithm referred to in the literature, it was found that there were no significant differences between the two methods. However, in terms of large instances, there were significant differences between the optimal makespan obtained by the two methods, revealing overall better performance by the genetic algorithm for Dominant S and Dominant P problems.
Monotonicity Results for Nabla Riemann–Liouville Fractional Differences
Authors: Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Baleanu Dumitru , Jan Rashid , Abualnaja Khadijah M.
Published: July 2022

Positivity analysis is used with some basic conditions to analyse monotonicity across all discrete fractional disciplines. This article addresses the monotonicity of the discrete nabla fractional differences of the Riemann–Liouville type by considering the positivity of ∇b0RLθg(z) combined with a condition on g(b0+2), g(b0+3) and g(b0+4), successively. The article ends with a relationship between the discrete nabla fractional and integer differences of the Riemann–Liouville type, which serves to show the monotonicity of the discrete fractional difference ∇b0RLθg(z).
Influence of Variable-Diameter Structure on Gas–Solid Heat Transfer in Vertical Shaft Cooler
Authors: Qi Tengfei , Li Haifeng , Zhang Yongjie , Shao Lei
Published: July 2022

In order to improve the heat transfer between high-temperature sinter and cooling gas in a vertical shaft cooler, a new furnace type with variable-diameter structure was proposed, and the influence of variable-diameter structure on gas–solid heat transfer in vertical-shaft cooler was studied by CFD-DEM coupling method in the current work. The results show that variable-diameter structure can increase the quantity of low-temperature sinter as well as the outlet cooling gas temperature, and can improve the uniformity of sinter and cooling gas temperature along the width, at the cost of significantly increasing the cooling gas pressure. By changing the parameters of the variable-diameter structure, it was found that a smaller width of the vertical section or a larger angle of the contraction section led to a better sinter–gas heat transfer. The influence of vertical section width on cooling gas pressure was more obvious. It is suggested that when designing and using the vertical shaft cooler with variable-diameter structure, consideration should be given to the effect of sinter–gas heat exchange and the pressure of cooling gas. Furthermore, the occurrence of material blockage and excessive equipment height should be avoided.
Evaluation on Temperature-Dependent Transient VT Instability in p-GaN Gate HEMTs under Negative Gate Stress by Fast Sweeping Characterization
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Hui , Hou Qianyu , Lei Jianming , Wang Jin , Xue Junjun , Liu Bin , Chen Dunjun , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: July 2022

In this work, temperature-dependent transient threshold voltage (VT) instability behaviors in p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, with both Schottky gate (SG) and Ohmic gate (OG), were investigated systematically, under negative gate bias stress, by a fast voltage sweeping method. For SG devices, a concave-shaped VT evolution gradually occurs with the increase in temperature, and the concave peak appears faster with increasing reverse bias stress, followed by a corresponding convex-shaped VT recovery process. In contrast, the concave-shaped VT evolution for OG devices that occurred at room temperature gradually disappears in the opposite shifting direction with the increasing temperature, but the corresponding convex-shaped VT recovery process is not observed, substituted, instead, with a quick and monotonic recovery process to the initial state. To explain these interesting and different phenomena, we proposed physical mechanisms of time and temperature-dependent hole trapping, releasing, and transport, in terms of the discrepancies in barrier height and space charge region, at the metal/p-GaN junction between SG and OG HEMTs.