bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Common Food Labels on Consumer Liking in Vanilla Yogurt
Authors: Li Theresa , Dando Robin
Published: November 2019

As competition on super market shelves is higher than ever, the importance of product concepts, communicated through labels, can dictate a product’s success or failure. However, it is possible for labels to affect a consumer’s experience, changing the overall response to the product. In this study, we tested samples of vanilla yogurt with one of four commonly used labeling concepts (high-protein, low-fat, made with stevia and all-natural) on sensory perception, consumer liking, expected consumption amount, and willingness to pay (WTP) in a consumer test (n = 108). Each participant evaluated five samples of the same vanilla yogurt identified with one of the labels, or an unlabeled control. Results showed panelists liked the samples labeled with low-fat and high-protein to the greatest degree, with all-natural scoring the lowest. Those more concerned with protein content found the samples less satiating, dependent on sex. Sweetness was also perceived more highly in younger panelists, with panelists WTP dependent on their liking of the labels. Results highlight the importance of labeling as an extrinsic cue affecting liking ratings, with potential ramification for ultimate product success. Understanding consumers’ response to labels, as well as their attitudes, has broad implications for food marketing, as well as public health and the study of eating habits.
Socio-Economic Impacts of Cyclone Aila on Migrant and Non-Migrant Households in the Southwestern Coastal Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Subhani Rizwana , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed
Published: November 2019

In 2009, the tropical cyclonic storm Aila hit 11 southwestern coastal districts in Bangladesh, which triggered migration. Many studies were conducted on the impact of Aila on southwestern coastal communities; however, no comparative study was done on migrant and non-migrant households. Therefore, this article set out to assess the impact of cyclone Aila on the socio-economic conditions of migrant and non-migrant households. The households that could not cope with the impact, resulting in at least one household member having to migrate to seek an alternative source of income, were considered migrant households. On the other hand, non-migrant households were considered as those where no one migrated. The unit of analysis was the households. The research was conducted in the Koyra and Shymnagar sub-districts of Khulna and Satkhira, respectively. Mixed-method analysis was carried out using quantitative data collected from 270 households through a survey and qualitative data through 2 focus group discussions, 12 key informant interviews, and informal discussions. Data were analyzed through a comparative analysis of the migrant and non-migrant households. The findings showed that migrant households were better equipped to recover from losses in terms of income, housing, food consumption, and loan repayments than non-migrant households. It can be argued that the options of migration or shifting livelihood are better strategies for households when dealing with climatic events. Furthermore, the outcome of this research could contribute to the growing body of knowledge in an area where there are evident gaps. The findings could support policymakers and researchers to understand the impacts of similar climatic events, as well as the necessary policy interventions to deal with similar kinds of climatic events in the future. The study could be useful for developing and refining policies to recover from losses as a result of the same types of climatic events.
Influence of Cardiorespiratory Clinical Placements on the Specialty Interest of Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Torres Sánchez Irene , López López Laura , Rodríguez Torres Janet , Prados Román Esther , Granados Santiago María , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: November 2019

Clinical placements are an important part of health students’ training. Whilst much value is placed on the clinical environment as a place to learn, there is a paucity of direct evidence about its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the competence, importance, and interest in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy of students before and after one month of clinical practice. A pre- and post-placement questionnaire about students’ interest in different physiotherapy subspecialties was used. The students with a cardiorespiratory clinical placement showed a significant change in their perception about the importance of the cardiorespiratory specialty (0.348 ± 1.01; p < 0.001), while no significant change was observed in the students without cardiorespiratory placement (−0.014 ± 0.825; p = 0.883). The presence or absence of clinical placements seems to have a definitive impact on students’ choice of a specialty. This implies the need for developing a set of clinical placements in all the subareas of physiotherapy in order to give undergraduate students the opportunity to make a better decision.
Design and Psychometric Evaluation of the ‘Clinical Communication Self-Efficacy Toolkit’
Authors: Hernández-Padilla José Manuel , Cortés-Rodríguez Alda Elena , Granero-Molina José , Fernández-Sola Cayetano , Correa-Casado Matías , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , López-Rodríguez María Mar
Published: November 2019

Nursing students experience difficulties when communicating in clinical practice. Their self-efficacy in clinical communication should be explored as part of their competence assessment before they are exposed to real human interactions in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to design and psychometrically evaluate a toolkit to comprehensively assess nursing students’ self-efficacy in clinical communication. The study followed an observational cross-sectional design. A sample of 365 nursing students participated in the study. The ‘Clinical Communication Self-Efficacy Toolkit’ (CC-SET) was comprised of three tools: the ‘Patient-Centered Communication Self-efficacy Scale’ (PCC-SES), the ‘Patient clinical Information Exchange and interprofessional communication Self-Efficacy Scale’ (PIE-SES), and the ‘Intrapersonal communication and Self-Reflection Self-Efficacy Scale’ (ISR-SES). The tools’ reliability, validity (content, criterion, and construct) and usability were rigorously tested. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the three tools comprising the CC-SET was very high and demonstrated their excellent reliability (PCC-SES = 0.93; PIE-SES = 0.87; ISR-SES = 0.86). The three tools evidenced to have excellent content validity (scales’ content validity index > 0.95) and very good criterion validity. Construct validity analysis demonstrated that the PCC-SES, PIE-SES, and ISR-SES have a clear and theoretically-congruent structure. The CC-SET is a comprehensive toolkit that allows the assessment of nursing students’ self-efficacy in interpersonal, interprofessional, and intrapersonal communication.
Predictors and Trend in Attendance for Breast Cancer Screening in Lithuania, 2006–2014
Authors: Kriaucioniene Vilma , Petkeviciene Janina
Published: November 2019

In Lithuania, a Nationwide Breast Cancer (BC) Screening Program was launched in 2005, offering mammography for women aged 50 to 69 years, every other year. This study aimed to determine the trend in the attendance for mammography screening during 2006–2014 and to identify the factors that are predictive for participation in it. The study sample consisted of 1941 women aged 50–64 years, who participated in five cross-sectional biennial postal surveys of Lithuanian Health Behavior Monitoring, carried out in independent national random samples. The attendance for screening was identified if women reported having had a mammogram within the last two years. The proportion of women attending the screening was continuously increasing from 20.0% in 2006 up to 65.8% in 2014. The attendance for BC screening was associated with the participation in cervical cancer screening. A higher level of education, living in a city, frequent contact with a doctor, and healthy behaviors (fresh-vegetable consumption, physical activity, and absence of alcohol abuse) were associated with higher participation rates in BC screening. To increase BC screening uptake and to reduce inequalities in attendance, new strategies of organized BC screening program using systematic personal invitations are required in Lithuania.
Association between Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Missing Teeth in Adolescents
Authors: Nakagawa Kang Junka , Unnai Yasuda Yuko , Ogawa Takuya , Sato Miri , Yamagata Zentaro , Fujiwara Takeo , Moriyama Keiji
Published: November 2019

Tooth agenesis and disturbance of tooth eruption is the most prevalent oral defect, and is possibly caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that prenatal factors may affect tooth development. The objective of this study was to examine whether smoking during pregnancy was associated with missing teeth in the offspring during adolescence. The study population comprised pregnant women and their children registered (N = 1052) at Koshu city, Japan. When the expectant mothers visited the city office for pregnancy registration, a survey was conducted to ascertain their lifestyle habits. Data on missing teeth in the children were obtained from the compulsory dental health checkup during junior high school years. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between missing teeth and lifestyle habits. A total of 772 children were studied. The prevalence of missing teeth in these children was 4.9%. Children whose mothers smoked six cigarettes or more per day were 4.59 (95% CI: 1.07–19.67) times more likely to present with missing teeth than those children whose mothers did not smoke, after adjustment for possible confounders. Our findings indicate that smoking during pregnancy can be a risk factor for missing teeth in the offspring.
Professional and Volunteer Refugee Aid Workers–Depressive Symptoms and Their Predictors, Experienced Traumatic Events, PTSD, Burdens, Engagement Motivators and Support Needs
Authors: Borho Andrea , Georgiadou Ekaterini , Grimm Theresa , Morawa Eva , Silbermann Andrea , Nißlbeck Winfried , Erim Yesim
Published: November 2019

In 2016, the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy of the University Hospital of Erlangen started conducting training for professional and voluntary aid workers. In total, 149 aid workers took part in the training courses, of which 135 completed the corresponding questionnaires. Engagement motivators, perceived distress in refugee work and training needs were examined. Moreover, depressive symptoms, the prevalence of traumatic experiences and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were explored. Participants named helping others as the highest motivating factor for their work with refugees and communication problems as the main burden. Thirteen aid workers (10.1%) showed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. In total, 91.4% of refugee aid workers had experienced at least one traumatic event personally or as a witness but only three (3.6%) fulfilled the psychometric requirements of a PTSD diagnosis. These three participants all belonged to the professional aid workers (6.3%). More severe symptoms of depression were significantly associated with female gender (β = 0.315, p = 0.001), higher perceived burdens of refugee work (β = 0.294, p = 0.002), and a larger number of experienced traumatic events (β = 0.357, p < 0.001). According to our results, we recommend psychological trainings and regular screenings for psychological stress in order to counteract possible mental illnesses.
Special Issue: “Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications”
Authors: Scarfì Maria Rosaria , Mattsson Mats-Olof , Simkó Myrtill , Zeni Olga
Published: November 2019

The last decades have seen a huge increase in applications and devices using and emitting non-ionizing radiation, otherwise referred to as “electromagnetic fields” (EMF) [...]
Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases at Baseline and Their Short-Term Changes in a Workplace Cohort in Singapore
Authors: Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Dunleavy Gerard , Soljak Michael , Visvalingam Nanthini , Nazeha Nuraini , Divakar Ushashree , Bajpai Ram , Thach Thuan-Quoc , Cheung Kei , Vries Hein , Soh Chee-Kiong , Christopoulos Georgios , Car Josip
Published: November 2019

We aimed to examine the behavioural and clinical risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at baseline and their changes over 12 months in a workplace cohort in Singapore. A total of 464 full-time employees (age ≥ 21 years) were recruited from a variety of occupational settings, including offices, control rooms, and workshops. Of these, 424 (91.4%) were followed-up at three months and 334 (72.0%) were followed up at 12 months. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data on health behaviours and clinical measurements were performed by trained staff using standard instruments and protocols. Age-adjusted changes in risk factors over time were examined using generalized estimating equations or linear mixed-effects models where appropriate. The mean age of the participants at baseline was 39.0 (SD: 11.4) years and 79.5% were men. Nearly a quarter (24.4%) were current smokers, slightly more than half (53.5%) were alcohol drinkers, two-thirds (66%) were consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and 23.1% were physically inactive. More than two-thirds (67%) were overweight or obese and 34.5% had central obesity. The mean follow-up was 8.6 months. After adjusting for age, over 12 months, there was a significant increase in the proportion consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day by 33% (p = 0.030), who were physically inactive by 64% (p < 0.001), and of overweight or obese people by 15% (p = 0.018). The burden of several key NCD risk factors at baseline was high and some worsened within a short period of time in this working population. There is a need for more targeted strategies for behaviour change towards a healthy lifestyle as part of the ongoing health and wellness programs at workplaces in Singapore.
Variations in the Distribution of Chl-a and Simulation Using a Multiple Regression Model
Authors: Deng Jiancai , Chen Fang , Hu Weiping , Lu Xin , Xu Bin , Hamilton David P.
Published: November 2019

Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) is an important indicator of algal biomass in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, monthly monitoring data for Chl-a concentration were collected between 2005 and 2015 at four stations in Meiliang Bay, a eutrophic bay in Lake Taihu, China. The spatiotemporal distribution of Chl-a in the bay was investigated, and a statistical model to relate the Chl-a concentration to key driving variables was also developed. The monthly Chl-a concentration in Meiliang Bay changed from 2.6 to 330.0 μg/L, and the monthly mean Chl-a concentration over 11 years was found to be higher at sampling site 1, the northernmost site near Liangxihe River, than at the three other sampling sites. The annual mean Chl-a concentration fluctuated greatly over time and exhibited an upward trend at all sites except sampling site 3 in the middle of Meiliang Bay. The Chl-a concentration was positively correlated with total phosphorus (TP; r = 0.57, p < 0.01), dissolved organic matter (DOM; r = 0.73, p < 0.01), pH (r = 0.44, p < 0.01), and water temperature (WT; r = 0.37, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with nitrate (NO3−-N; r = −0.28, p < 0.01), dissolved oxygen (DO; r = −0.12, p < 0.01), and Secchi depth (ln(SD); r = −0.11, p < 0.05). A multiple linear regression model integrating the interactive effects of TP, DOM, WT, and pH on Chl-a concentrations was established (R = 0.80, F = 230.7, p < 0.01) and was found to adequately simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of the Chl-a concentrations in other regions of Lake Taihu. This model provides lake managers with an alternative for the control of eutrophication and the suppression of aggregations of phytoplankton biomass at the water surface.
Validity and Reliability of the Emergency Severity Index in a Spanish Hospital
Authors: Cairós-Ventura Luis , de las Mercedes Novo-Muñoz Maria , Rodríguez-Gómez José , Ortega-Benítez Ángela , Ortega-Barreda Elena , Aguirre-Jaime Armando
Published: November 2019

Saturation in hospital emergency departments is one of the main safety problems for the patient, which can generate negative consequences for their health. In response to this issue, triage systems are developed to organize the flow of patients in order to allow the most urgent ones to be treated first. The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is the most used triage system in the USA and it has been implemented in the General Hospital of La Palma since 2010. The objective of this study is the validation of the ESI adapted to our hospital through the study of its degree of reliability, as well as the criterion validity. The sample consisted of 240 randomly selected cases, with proportional representation of emergencies attended in 2015 and their fraction of urgent ones (Levels 1 and 2). Criterion validity was estimated by sensitivity, specificity, and predictive result values. For reliability, the degree of agreement among the nurses was studied by means of the adapted kappa index kc2. Criterion validity showed a sensitivity of 89% (85–93%) and a specificity of 97% (94–99%), with a positive predictive value of 68% (62–74%) and a negative predictive value of 99% (98–100%) for the discrimination of urgent cases. The reliability analysis showed a kc2 = 0.94 (0.84–0.99) index, a very good agreement according to Landis-Koch criteria. The results of our study have shown adequate validity and reliability in the adaptation and implementation of an ESI triage system suited to the specific conditions of a hospital emergency service in Spain.
Specific Eccentric–Isokinetic Cluster Training Improves Static Strength Elements on Rings for Elite Gymnasts
Authors: Schärer Christoph , Tacchelli Lisa , Göpfert Beat , Gross Micah , Lüthy Fabian , Taube Wolfgang , Hübner Klaus
Published: November 2019

In gymnastics, coaches are constantly searching for efficient training methods in order to improve the athletes’ performance. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the effects of a novel, four-week, gymnastic-specific, eccentric–isokinetic (0.1 m/s) cluster training on a computer-controlled training device on the improvement of two static strength elements on rings (swallow and support scale). Nine elite male gymnasts participated in this study. Outcome parameters were maximum strength and strength endurance in maintaining the static position of both elements. After four weeks of training, specific maximum strength increased significantly (swallow: +4.1%; d = 0.85; p = 0.01; support scale: +3.6%; d = 2.47; p = 0.0002) and strength endurance tended to improve (swallow: +104.8%; d = 0.60; p = 0.07; support scale: +26.8%; d = 0.27; p = 0.19). Our results demonstrate that top athletes can considerably improve ring-specific strength and strength endurance in only four weeks. We assumed that the high specificity but also the unfamiliar stimulus of slow eccentric movements with very long times under maximal muscle tension led to these improvements. We suggest to use this type of training periodically and during phases in which the technical training load is low.
Stem Cells: The Game Changers of Human Cardiac Disease Modelling and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Parrotta Elvira Immacolata , Scalise Stefania , Scaramuzzino Luana , Cuda Giovanni
Published: November 2019

A comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis and mechanisms underlying cardiac diseases is mandatory for the development of new and effective therapeutic strategies. The lack of appropriate in vitro cell models that faithfully mirror the human disease phenotypes has hampered the understanding of molecular insights responsible of heart injury and disease development. Over the past decade, important scientific advances have revolutionized the field of stem cell biology through the remarkable discovery of reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These advances allowed to achieve the long-standing ambition of modelling human disease in a dish and, more interestingly, paved the way for unprecedented opportunities to translate bench discoveries into new therapies and to come closer to a real and effective stem cell-based medicine. The possibility to generate patient-specific iPSCs, together with the new advances in stem cell differentiation procedures and the availability of novel gene editing approaches and tissue engineering, has proven to be a powerful combination for the generation of phenotypically complex, pluripotent stem cell-based cellular disease models with potential use for early diagnosis, drug screening, and personalized therapy. This review will focus on recent progress and future outcome of iPSCs technology toward a customized medicine and new therapeutic options.
Connexin43 Is Required for the Effective Activation of Spleen Cells and Immunoglobulin Production
Authors: Huang Yanru , Mao Zhimin , Zhang Xiling , Yang Xiawen , Sawada Norifumi , Takeda Masayuki , Yao Jian
Published: November 2019

Gap junctions (Gjs), formed by specific protein termed connexins (Cxs), regulate many important cellular processes in cellular immunity. However, little is known about their effects on humoral immunity. Here we tested whether and how Gj protein connexin43 (Cx43) affected antibody production in spleen cells. Detection of IgG in mouse tissues and serum revealed that wild-type (Cx43+/+) mouse had a significantly higher level of IgG than Cx43 heterozygous (Cx43+/−) mouse. Consistently, spleen cells from Cx43+/+ mouse produced more IgG under both basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated conditions. Further analysis showed that LPS induced a more dramatic activation of ERK and cell proliferation in Cx43+/+ spleen cells, which was associated with a higher pro-oxidative state, as indicated by the increased NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), TXNIP, p38 activation and protein carbonylation. In support of a role of the oxidative state in the control of lymphocyte activation, exposure of spleen cells to exogenous superoxide induced Cx43 expression, p38 activation and IgG production. On the contrary, inhibition of NOX attenuated the effects of LPS. Collectively, our study characterized Cx43 as a novel molecule involved in the control of spleen cell activation and IgG production. Targeting Cx43 could be developed to treat certain antibody-related immune diseases.
Serious Game iDO: Towards Better Education in Dementia Care
Authors: Maskeliūnas Rytis , Damaševičius Robertas , Lethin Connie , Paulauskas Andrius , Esposito Anna , Catena Mauro , Aschettino Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

We describe the iDO serious game developed during implementation of the Innovative Digital Training Opportunities on Dementia for Direct Care Workers (IDO) project. The project targets formal and informal caregivers of persons with dementia in order to improve caregiver knowledge and competences skills with a non-traditional source of training. This paper describes the steps faced to define the iDO caregiver behavior improvement model, design of game mechanics, development of game art and game characters, and implementation of gameplay. Furthermore, it aimed to assess the direct impact of the game on caregivers (n = 48) and seniors with early signs of dementia (n = 14) in Lithuania measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS). The caregivers’ GDS scores showed a decrease in negative answers from 13.4% (pre-game survey) to 5.2% (post-game survey). The seniors’ GDS scores showed a decrease in negative answers from 24.9% (pre-game survey) to 10.9% (post-game survey). The overall DAS scores increased from 6.07 in the pre-game survey to 6.41 in the post-game survey, statistically significant for both caregivers and seniors (p < 0.001), respectively. We conclude that the game aroused positive moods and attitudes for future caregivers of persons with dementia, indicating a more relaxed status and a decreased fear in accomplishing the caring process.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Immune Competence in Hemolymph of Bombyx mori Pupa Parasitized by Silkworm Maggot Exorista sorbillans
Authors: Xu Ping-Zhen , Zhang Mei-Rong , Gao Li , Wu Yang-Chun , Qian He-Ying , Li Gang , Xu An-Ying
Published: November 2019

The silkworm maggot, Exorista sorbillans, is a well-known larval endoparasitoid of the silkworm Bombyx mori that causes considerable damage to the silkworm cocoon crop. To gain insights into the response mechanism of the silkworm at the protein level, we applied a comparative proteomic approach to investigate proteomic differences in the hemolymph of the female silkworm pupae parasitized by E. sorbillans. In total, 50 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were successfully identified, of which 36 proteins were upregulated and 14 proteins were downregulated in response to parasitoid infection. These proteins are mainly involved in disease, energy metabolism, signaling pathways, and amino acid metabolism. Eight innate immune proteins were distinctly upregulated to resist maggot parasitism. Apoptosis-related proteins of cathepsin B and 14-3-3 zeta were significantly downregulated in E. sorbillans-parasitized silkworm pupae; their downregulation induces apoptosis. Quantitative PCR was used to further verify gene transcription of five DEPs, and the results are consistent at the transcriptional and proteomic levels. This was the first report on identification of possible proteins from the E. bombycis-parasitized silkworms at the late stage of parasitism, which contributes to furthering our understanding of the response mechanism of silkworms to parasitism and dipteran parasitoid biology.
Should We Offer In Vitro Fertilization to Couples with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Authors: Kirshenbaum Michal , Orvieto Raoul
Published: November 2019

In clinical practice, empirical treatments are often offered to couples with recurrent pregnancy loss, including in vitro fertilization. Given that most patients with recurrent pregnancy loss are fertile, the scientific rationale of in vitro fertilization for these couple is debatable. This review will discuss the potential benefits of using in vitro fertilization in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss, such as shortening the time to conceive, optimizing the timing of conception, improving gamete and embryo quality, endometrial receptivity and the use of “adds-on”. At present, there is not enough evidence to justify IVF as a treatment option in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.
Advanced MRI Assessment during Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy Added to Standard Treatment Against Glioblastoma
Authors: Cuccarini Valeria , Aquino Domenico , Gioppo Andrea , Anghileri Elena , Pellegatta Serena , Schettino Carla , Mazzi Federica , Finocchiaro Gaetano , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Eoli Marica
Published: November 2019

Evaluating changes induced by immunotherapies (IT) on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is difficult because those treatments may produce inflammatory responses. To explore the potential contribution of advanced MRI to distinguish pseudoprogression (PsP) and true tumor progression (TTP), and to identify patients obtaining therapeutic benefit from IT, we examined aMRI findings in newly diagnosed glioblastoma treated with dendritic cell IT added to standard treatment. We analyzed longitudinal MRIs obtained in 22 patients enrolled in the EUDRACT N° 2008-005035-15 trial. According to RANO criteria, we observed 18 TTP and 8 PsP. Comparing MRI performed at the time of TTP/PsP with the previous exam performed two months before, a difference in cerebral blood volume ΔrCBVmax ≥ 0.47 distinguished TTP from PsP with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 75% (p = 0.004). A decrease in minimal apparent diffusion coefficient rADCmin (1.15 vs. 1.01, p = 0.003) was observed after four vaccinations only in patients with a persistent increase of natural killer cells (response effectors during IT) in peripheral blood. Basal rADCmin > 1 was independent predictor of longer progression free (16.1 vs. 9 months, p = 0.0001) and overall survival (32.8 vs. 17.5 months, p = 0.0005). In conclusion, rADC predicted response to immunotherapy and survival; Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV) modifications over time help differentiating PsP from TTP at onset.
Effects of Non-Invasive Ventilation Combined with Oxygen Supplementation on Exercise Performance in COPD Patients with Static Lung Hyperinflation and Exercise-Induced Oxygen Desaturation: A Single Blind, Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Koopman Maud , Spruit Martijn A. , Franssen Frits M.E. , Delbressine Jeannet , Wouters Emiel F.M. , Mathew Denny , Vink Anton , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W.
Published: November 2019

The effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in addition to supplemental oxygen on exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with hyperinflation and exercise-induced desaturation (EID) remain unclear. We hypothesized that these patients would benefit from NIV and that this effect would be an add-on to oxygen therapy. Thirteen COPD patients with a residual volume >150% of predicted, normal resting arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and carbon-dioxide pressure (PaCO2) and EID during a six-minute walk test were included. Patients performed four constant work-rate treadmill tests, each consisting of two exercise bouts with a recovery period in between, wearing an oronasal mask connected to a ventilator and oxygen supply. The ventilator was set to the following settings in fixed order with clockwise rotation: Sham (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 2 cm H2O, FiO2 21%), oxygen (CPAP 2 cm H2O, FiO2 35%), NIV and oxygen (inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) 14 cm H2O/expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) 6 cm H2O, inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) 35%), intermittent (walking: Sham setting, recovery: NIV and oxygen setting). During the first exercise, bout patients walked further with the oxygen setting compared to the sham setting (225 ± 107 vs 120 ± 50 meters, p < 0.05), but even further with the oxygen/NIV setting (283 ± 128 meters; p < 0.05). Recovery time between two exercise bouts was shortest with NIV and oxygen. COPD patients with severe static hyperinflation and EID benefit significantly from NIV in addition to oxygen during exercise and recovery.
Welfare Effect Evaluation of Land-Lost Farmers’ Households under Different Livelihood Asset Allocation
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Xie Hualin
Published: November 2019

Based on research into the theory of household assets and the welfare of farmers, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-entropy weight method and cloud model were used to study the welfare level of land-lost farmers’ households under the different livelihood assets of Taohuayi Village, Taohuasan Village and Taohuawu Village in Taohua Town, Nanchang City. The results show that (1) The comprehensive welfare level of asset-deficient farmers’ households is between the “bad” and “medium” levels and is closer to the “bad” level. The comprehensive welfare level of asset-balanced farmers’ households is between “general” and “good” and is closer to the “good” level. (2) Judging from the various functional activity indicators that affect the welfare of the land-lost farmers, after the asset-deficient farmers’ households lose their land, the welfare level of the family’s financial situation, social security, living environment, mental status, development opportunities, and political participation are generally at low to medium-low levels, and only living conditions are at medium-to-high levels. (3) The welfare level of the living environment of the asset-balanced farmers’ households is at a moderately low level, and the welfare of the remaining functional activities is at a medium to a medium-high level. We then propose corresponding policy recommendations. After losing land, it is necessary to implement a differentiated circulation guarantee and support policies to achieve targeted compensation and support for the land-lost farmers’ households to improve the welfare level of land-lost farmers’ households under different living asset allocation.
Improving the Mechanical and Surface Properties of Aramid Fiber by Grafting with 1,4-Dichlorobutane under Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Jia Chuyuan , Yuan Chengce , Ma Zhenyu , Du Yunzhe , Liu Li , Huang Yudong
Published: November 2019

The mechanical and surface properties of aramid fiber were simultaneously improved by grafting with 1,4-dichlorobutane in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). 1,4-dichlorobutane was penetrated and reacted with heterocyclic an aromatic polyamide backbone along with supercritical CO2 fluids. The surface roughness and surface energy of the modified aramid fiber—which were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the dynamic contact angle (DCA) test, respectively—significantly increased. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) measurements indicated that the crystallinity of the aramid fiber obviously increased after treatment in scCO2 under stretching. A single fiber tensile test showed that the tensile strength of the aramid fiber greatly enhanced after the modification due to its improved crystallinity characteristics. Moreover, the monofilament pull-out tests indicated that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) test of the aramid fiber/epoxy composite increased by 24.3% from 51.30 to 63.91 MPa after the modification. This research provides a novel method for the simultaneous surface modification and mechanical improvement of aramid fiber properties.
Microstructure Evolution in ZrCx with Different Stoichiometries Irradiated by Four MeV Au Ions
Authors: Wei Boxin , Wang Dong , Wang Yujin , Zhang Haibin
Published: November 2019

ZrCx ceramics with different stoichiometries were irradiated under a four MeV Au ion beam in doses of 2 × 1016 ions/cm2 at room temperature, corresponding to ~130 dpa. Grazing incidence, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were performed to study the radiation damage and microstructure evolution in ZrCx ceramics. With the decrease in C/Zr ratio, the expansion of ZrCx lattice became smaller after irradiation. Some long dislocation lines formed at the near-surface, while, in the area with the greatest damage (depth of ~400 nm), large amounts of dislocation loops formed in ZrC, ZrC0.9 and ZrC0.8. With the increase in carbon vacancy concentration, the size of the dislocation loops gradually decreased. Few dislocation loops were found in ZrC0.7 after irradiation, and only black-dot defects were found in the area with the greatest damage. For the non-stoichiometric ZrCx, with the increase of the intrinsic vacancies, the number of C interstitials caused by irradiation decreased, and the recombination barrier of C Frenkel pairs reduced. The above factors will reduce the total number of C interstitials after cascade cooling, suppressing the formation and growth of dislocation loops, which is significant for the enhancement of the tolerance of radiation damage.
In Vitro Effects of Cyclic Dislodgement on Retentive Properties of Various Titanium-Based Dental Implant Overdentures Attachment System
Authors: Kang Tae-Yun , Kim Jee-Hwan , Kim Kwang-Mahn , Kwon Jae-Sung
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in the retentive forces of four different titanium-based implant attachment systems during the simulation of insert–removal cycles in an artificial oral environment. Five types of titanium-based dental implant attachment systems (Locator, Kerator, O-ring, EZ-Lock, and Magnetic) were studied (n = 10). The specimens underwent insert–removal cycles in artificial saliva, and the retentive force was measured following 0, 750, 1500, and 2250 cycles. Significant retention loss was observed in all attachment systems, except the magnetic attachments, upon completion of 2250 insertion and removal cycles, compared to the initial retentive force (p < 0.05). A comparison of the initial retentive forces revealed the highest value for Locator, followed by the Kerator, O-ring, EZ-Lock, and Magnetic attachments. Furthermore, Kerator demonstrated the highest retentive loss, followed by Locator, O-ring, EZ-Lock, and Magnetic attachments after 2250 cycles (p < 0.05). In addition, the Locator and Kerator systems revealed significant decrease in retentive forces at all measurement points (p < 0.05). The retention force according to the insert–removal cycles were significantly different according to the types of dental implant attachment systems.
Loading and Sustained Release of Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (BAC) in Nano-Clays
Authors: Yue Xianfeng , Zhang Rong , Li Huairui , Su Minglei , Jin Xiaobei , Qin Daochun
Published: November 2019

Benzyl ammonium chloride (BAC) is a broad-spectrum bactericide, but vulnerable to leaching by water. In this paper, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and montmorillonite (MMT) were used as drug carriers to load BAC, in order to achieve good anti-mildew activity and long-term sustained release properties. The HNT and MMT nano-composites were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption. XRD results showed that BAC intercalated the interlayer of MMT, and expanded the interlayer spacing from 1.15 nm to 1.75 nm. Pore analysis showed that BAC decreased the cavity of halloysite nanotubes to a certain extent, which indicated that BAC loaded inside the lumen of HNT successfully. TG analysis showed that the loading capacity of MMT to BAC was higher than HNT. The accelerated-release experiments revealed both two clays have significant sustained-release effects on BAC, and the releasing rate of HNT was relatively lower. Both HNT and MMT have promising application prospects as sustained-release carriers. The inhibition test showed that BAC in nano-clay has good anti-mildew resistance performance.
Influence of Nanostructuration on PbTe Alloys Synthesized by Arc-Melting
Authors: Gainza Javier , Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Biskup Neven , Nemes Norbert Marcel , Martínez José Luis , Fernández-Díaz María Teresa , Alonso José Antonio
Published: November 2019

PbTe-based alloys have the best thermoelectric properties for intermediate temperature applications (500–900 K). We report on the preparation of pristine PbTe and two doped derivatives (Pb0.99Sb0.01Te and Ag0.05Sb0.05Pb0.9Te, so-called LAST18) by a fast arc-melting technique, yielding nanostructured polycrystalline pellets. XRD and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data assessed the a slight Te deficiency for PbTe, also yielding trends on the displacement factors of the 4a and 4b sites of the cubic Fm-3m space group. Interestingly, SEM analysis shows the conspicuous formation of layers assembled as stackings of nano-sheets, with 20–30 nm thickness. TEM analysis shows intra-sheet nanostructuration on the 50 nm scale in the form of polycrystalline grains. Large numbers of grain boundaries are created by this nanostructuration and this may contribute to reduce the thermal conductivity to a record-low value of 1.6 Wm−1K−1 at room temperature. In LAST18, a positive Seebeck coefficient up to 600 μV K−1 at 450 K was observed, contributing further towards improving potential thermoelectric efficiency.
Study on the Forming Process and Deformation Behavior of Inner Ring in the Wheel Hub Bearing Based on Riveting Assembly
Authors: Xiong Wei , Wang You , Li Xiao-Ping , Mei Song , Tian Zhu-Xin
Published: November 2019

The orbital riveting process has been successively adopted in the assembly of wheel hub bearing, due to its special merits of high efficiency, low cost, and so on. The forming process and deformation behavior of the inner ring have significant influence on the axial clamping force and bearing clearance, however, which haven’t been addressed yet. In this study, a numerical simulation platform for the assembly of the hub bearing is established by the joint use of the static implicit and dynamic explicit algorithms. Based on the platform, the deformation process and deformation behavior of the inner ring are investigated, along with the interference assembly and riveting assembly on the loading process of the inner ring. Finally, relevant experimental verifications are carried out to consolidate the simulation results. The research findings could be used to guide the design and optimization of the axial clamping force and bearing clearance.
ANN-Based Fatigue Strength of Concrete under Compression
Authors: Abambres Miguel , Lantsoght Eva O.L.
Published: November 2019

When concrete is subjected to cycles of compression, its strength is lower than the statically determined concrete compressive strength. This reduction is typically expressed as a function of the number of cycles. In this work, we study the reduced capacity as a function of a given number of cycles by means of artificial neural networks. We used an input database with 203 datapoints gathered from the literature. To find the optimal neural network, 14 features of neural networks were studied and varied, resulting in the optimal neural net. This proposed model resulted in a maximum relative error of 5.1% and a mean relative error of 1.2% for the 203 datapoints. The proposed model resulted in a better prediction (mean tested to predicted value = 1.00 with a coefficient of variation 1.7%) as compared to the existing code expressions. The model we developed can thus be used for the design and the assessment of concrete structures and provides a more accurate assessment and design than the existing methods.
Multi-Response Optimization of Porous Asphalt Mixtures Reinforced with Aramid and Polyolefin Fibers Employing the CRITIC-TOPSIS Based on Taguchi Methodology
Authors: Slebi-Acevedo Carlos J. , Pascual-Muñoz Pablo , Lastra-González Pedro , Castro-Fresno Daniel
Published: November 2019

For the optimum design of a Porous Asphalt (PA) mixture, different requirements in terms of functionality and durability have to be fulfilled. In this research, the influence of different control factors such as binder type, fiber content, and binder content were statistically investigated in terms of multiple responses such as total air voids, interconnected air voids, particle loss in dry conditions, particle loss in wet conditions, and binder drainage. The experiments were conducted based on a Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. The best parametric combination per each response was analyzed through signal to noise ratio values. Multiple regression models were employed to predict the responses of the experiments. As more than one response is obtained, a multi-objective optimization was performed by employing Criteria Importance through Criteria Inter-Correlation (CRITIC) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodologies. The weights for the selection of the functional and mechanical performance criteria were derived from the CRITIC approach, whereas the ranking of the different experiments was obtained through the TOPSIS technique. According to the CRITIC-TOPSIS based Taguchi methodology, the optimal multiple-response was obtained for a polymer modified binder (PMB) with fiber and binder contents of 0.15% and 5.0%, respectively. In addition, good results were obtained when using a conventional 50/70 penetration grade binder with a 5.0% binder content and 0.05% fiber content.
Blended Root Finding Algorithm Outperforms Bisection and Regula Falsi Algorithms
Authors: Sabharwal Chaman Lal
Published: November 2019

Finding the roots of an equation is a fundamental problem in various fields, including numerical computing, social and physical sciences. Numerical techniques are used when an analytic solution is not available. There is not a single algorithm that works best for every function. We designed and implemented a new algorithm that is a dynamic blend of the bisection and regula falsi algorithms. The implementation results validate that the new algorithm outperforms both bisection and regula falsi algorithms. It is also observed that the new algorithm outperforms the secant algorithm and the Newton–Raphson algorithm because the new algorithm requires fewer computational iterations and is guaranteed to find a root. The theoretical and empirical evidence shows that the average computational complexity of the new algorithm is considerably less than that of the classical algorithms.
Absence of Global Solutions for a Fractional in Time and Space Shallow-Water System
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Kirane Mokhtar , Samet Bessem
Published: November 2019

An initial boundary value problem for a fractional in time and space shallow-water system involving ψ -Caputo fractional derivatives of different orders is considered. Using the test function method, sufficient criteria for the absence of global in time solutions of the system are obtained.
Long Term Memory Assistance for Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Črepinšek Matej , Liu Shih-Hsi , Mernik Marjan , Ravber Miha
Published: November 2019

Short term memory that records the current population has been an inherent component of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs). As hardware technologies advance currently, inexpensive memory with massive capacities could become a performance boost to EAs. This paper introduces a Long Term Memory Assistance (LTMA) that records the entire search history of an evolutionary process. With LTMA, individuals already visited (i.e., duplicate solutions) do not need to be re-evaluated, and thus, resources originally designated to fitness evaluations could be reallocated to continue search space exploration or exploitation. Three sets of experiments were conducted to prove the superiority of LTMA. In the first experiment, it was shown that LTMA recorded at least 50 % more duplicate individuals than a short term memory. In the second experiment, ABC and jDElscop were applied to the CEC-2015 benchmark functions. By avoiding fitness re-evaluation, LTMA improved execution time of the most time consuming problems F 03 and F 05 between 7% and 28% and 7% and 16%, respectively. In the third experiment, a hard real-world problem for determining soil models’ parameters, LTMA improved execution time between 26% and 69%. Finally, LTMA was implemented under a generalized and extendable open source system, called EARS. Any EA researcher could apply LTMA to a variety of optimization problems and evolutionary algorithms, either existing or new ones, in a uniform way.
Retrospective Evaluation of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Progressing on 1st Line Chemotherapy
Authors: Vilhonen Heikki , Kurki Samu , Laitinen Tarja , Hirsjärvi Samuli
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives: Evaluation of data from electronic health care records could help in guiding towards more rational drug treatments. This single center study evaluated clinical characteristics that could be associated with disease progression. Methods: This was a real world data (RWD) study using existing data from the registries of a university hospital. Patients had lung adenocarcinoma and they had received 1st line treatment. Treatment patterns and survival parameters were characterized and clinical characteristics of the patients were evaluated together with their association with disease progression. Results: 80 stage III/IV patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were identified. Mean age was 62 years and 61% were men. In total, 65% were current smokers and 82% had performance status (ECOG) 0/1. Median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) for stage III and IV patients were 8.5 and 5.4 months, and 21.9 and 8.6 months, respectively. The study found that 69% of patients progressed within 9 months from the start of the 1st line treatment. Poor performance status (ECOG 3), male gender, and smoking suggested faster disease progression. Most had received cis/carboplatin-based treatment in the 1st line. Cisplatin regimens were associated with more complete responses and better PFS and OS than the carboplatin ones. Conclusions: By combining algorithmic and manual validation of electronic health care records, clinically valid characteristics and outcomes could be evaluated and presented. This approach forms a basis for tools such as quality registries that can guide treatment decisions.