bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic career behaviours among hybrid workers: testing a general European model
Authors: Hildred Kiall , Piteira Margarida , Cervai Sara , Pinto Joana Carneiro
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the antecedents and consequences of strategic career management behaviours in a sample.

Methods

A total of 739 employees (Male = 442, 59.8%) with a mean age of 27.64 years (SD = 8.48; Range = [18, 70]), working mostly full-time (n = 398, 53.9%) and with 46.35% of their work being done hybrid-like participated in this study. The study tested perceived self-efficacy, desire for career control and perceived organizational support as predictors of strategic career behaviours. And tested strategic career behaviours as predictors of perceived career control, objective and subjective career success, and career satisfaction.

Results

Results indicate objective career success was not related to the antecedent variables of strategic career behaviours and hence was removed from the model. Regression and mediation analyses demonstrated that perceived self-efficacy and desire for career control are good predictors of the use of strategic career behaviours, but perceived organizational support is not; strategic career behaviours are reasonable predictors of perceived control, and very strong predictors of subjective career success and career satisfaction.

Discussion

Strategic Career Behaviours were found to play only a partial mediating role in the present model suggesting that further analysis is required to determine whether they play a central role in the relationships between the antecedents and consequences in the present model, or whether they should be considered a contributing but merely parallel factor. These results will support career management programs, accounting for idiosyncrasies of hybrid work.
Emotional regulation and suicidal ideation—Mediating roles of perceived social support and avoidant coping
Authors: Gupta Soham , Fischer Jonathan , Roy Sakhi , Bhattacharyya Atreyee
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Recent research has uncovered a wide prevalence variation of suicidal ideation in university students ranging from 9.7% to 58.3%. India has witnessed a 4.5% increase in suicide rates in the year 2021. The interplay between cognitive reappraisal of a stressful situation, suppression of emotional expression, and coping strategies for suicidal ideation of Indian University students is yet to be explored. We aim to determine whether suicidal ideation would differ across different types of family units, and to predict the extent to which perceived social support and avoidant coping could mediate the relation between emotion regulation processes and suicidal ideation.

Methods

Two hundred randomly selected University students (Mean age = 19.9, SD = 1.43) participated. Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and GLM mediation model were computed.

Results and discussion

Lifetime suicidal ideation significantly differed between those who stay alone and those who live in a nuclear family (p < 0.01), and also those who stay in a joint family (p < 0.05). Cognitive reappraisal predicted a reduction in suicidal ideation mediated by perceived social support (B = −0.06, p < 0.05) and avoidant coping (B = −0.07, p < 0.05). Whereas, expressive suppression predicted induced levels of suicidal ideation through perceived social support (B = 0.05, p < 0.05), and avoidant coping (B = 0.06, p < 0.05) as mediators.

Conclusion

Though our sample size restricts the generalization, our findings implied the importance of regular psychological consultation regarding the efficacy of the said coping processes in dealing with suicidal ideation.
Assessing cognitive impairment in home-dwelling Chinese elders aged 80+: a detailed survey of 13,000 participants focusing on demographic factors, social engagement, and disease prevalence
Authors: Bian Sensen , Tian Xiaobing , Meng Fanli , Xu Chunjie , Zhao Yan , Gao Qian , Bian Chengzhi
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cognitive Impairment (CI) in the elderly, encompassing conditions ranging from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to dementia, represents a growing public health concern globally. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and correlates of CI among individuals aged 80 and above.

Methods

The study conducts 13,027 elderly individual’s door-to-door surveys, followed by the cross-tabulation of analysis data, logistic regression analysis, and health condition assessments to examine various determinants of CI.

Results

The current study’s key findings demonstrate sub-statical correlations between CI and various factors, including educational attainment, marital status, and gender. Pronounced differences are evident between urban and rural demographics. Furthermore, aspects of social engagement, notably communication proficiency and sensory capabilities, exhibit a strong association with CI. Logistic regression analysis highlights that residing in rural areas (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.637) and being female (OR = 0.71) are linked to a decreased risk of CI. In contrast, behavioral and health-related variables present a complex picture. Specifically, aggressive behavior (Adjusted OR = 1.881) and symptoms of depression (Adjusted OR = 0.549) contrast with conditions such as asthma (OR= 2.857) and cerebral infarction (OR=1.348), which elevate the risk of CI. Intriguingly, hyperlipidemia (OR= 0.671) appears to confer a protective effect against CI.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complexity of factors affecting CI in the elderly, advocating for a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing cognitive health.
One size does not fit all: notable individual variation in brain activity correlates of antidepressant treatment response
Authors: van der Wijk Gwen , Enkhbold Yaruuna , Cnudde Kelsey , Szostakiwskyj Matt W. , Blier Pierre , Knott Verner , Jaworska Natalia , Protzner Andrea B.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To date, no robust electroencephalography (EEG) markers of antidepressant treatment response have been identified. Variable findings may arise from the use of group analyses, which neglect individual variation. Using a combination of group and single-participant analyses, we explored individual variability in EEG characteristics of treatment response.

Methods

Resting-state EEG data and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) symptom scores were collected from 43 patients with depression before, at 1 and 12 weeks of pharmacotherapy. Partial least squares (PLS) was used to: 1) identify group differences in EEG connectivity (weighted phase lag index) and complexity (multiscale entropy) between eventual medication responders and non-responders, and 2) determine whether group patterns could be identified in individual patients.

Results

Responders showed decreased alpha and increased beta connectivity, and early, widespread decreases in complexity over treatment. Non-responders showed an opposite connectivity pattern, and later, spatially confined decreases in complexity. Thus, as in previous studies, our group analyses identified significant differences between groups of patients with different treatment outcomes. These group-level EEG characteristics were only identified in ~40-60% of individual patients, as assessed quantitatively by correlating the spatiotemporal brain patterns between groups and individual results, and by independent raters through visualization.

Discussion

Our single-participant analyses suggest that substantial individual variation exists, and needs to be considered when investigating characteristics of antidepressant treatment response for potential clinical applicability.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00519428.
Comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance in the Southwest Indian Ocean: focus on WHO critical and high priority pathogens
Authors: Hoarau Axel O. G. , Mavingui Patrick , Miltgen Guillaume
Published: April 2024

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global concern, and the islands of the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) are not exempt from this phenomenon. As strategic crossroads between Southern Africa and the Indian subcontinent, these islands are constantly threatened by the importation of multidrug-resistant bacteria from these regions. In this systematic review, our aim was to assess the epidemiological situation of AMR in humans in the SWIO islands, focusing on bacterial species listed as priority by the World Health Organization. Specifically, we examined Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. resistant to carbapenems, and Enterococcus spp. resistant to vancomycin. Our main objectives were to map the distribution of these resistant bacteria in the SWIO islands and identify the genes involved in their resistance mechanisms. We conducted literature review focusing on Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion Island, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Zanzibar. Our findings revealed a growing interest in the investigation of these pathogens and provided evidence of their active circulation in many of the territories investigated. However, we also identified disparities in terms of data availability between the targeted bacteria and among the different territories, emphasizing the need to strengthen collaborative efforts to establish an efficient regional surveillance network.
Antecedents and outcomes of cyberbullying among Chinese university students: verification of a behavioral pathway model
Authors: Ye Jian-Hong , Yang Xiantong , Nong Weiguaju , Wang Mengqin , Lee Yi-Sang
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cyberbullying is a commonly-seen and hotly-debated social topic around the globe. This negative behavior is the source of many disastrous events, and so leading government bodies, organizations, schools and social communities attach great importance to addressing this topic. However, there is still much work to do in order to be clear about the causes of cyberbullying.

Methods

The previous research cases were mostly viewed from the victims’ perspectives; however, there is no comprehensive understanding of the perpetrators’ viewpoints. Therefore, based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and analysis of discussion in the literature, the following six variables were chosen as the focus of this study: overconfidence, excessive moral sense, cyberbullying, perceived value, happiness, and continued cyberbullying intention. This study established a research model of continued cyberbullying intention, which was verified by Structural Equation Modeling. In order to achieve the aims of the study, Chinese university students with an average age of 20.29 (SD = 1.43) were recruited as participants, from whom 1,048 valid questionnaires were collected.

Results

The research results are as follows: 1. Overconfidence and excessive moral sense positively predicted cyberbullying behaviors; 2. Overconfidence positively predicted excessive moral sense; 3. Cyberbullying positively predicted perceived value and sense of happiness; and 4. Perceived value and sense of happiness positively predicted continued cyberbullying intentions.

Conclusion

Students’ biased self-perception significantly predicts their cyberbullying behaviors and continued cyberbullying intention. What is more, it is interesting to learn that perpetrators will continue to exhibit cyberbullying behaviors when they believe that what they do (cyberbullying) is valuable or allows them to experience positive feelings; this requires our attention.
Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms after ending China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy: a cross-sectional survey of frontline nursing staff in Chinese hospitals
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chi Chenru , Liu Qingwei , Zhou Ningying , Zhou Zhiqing , Tao Xiubin , Xuan Bin , Liu Huan
Published: April 2024

Background

After the Chinese government announced the end of the dynamic zero-COVID policy on January 8, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic peaked. Frontline nursing staff are at high risk of infection transmission due to their frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. In addition, due to the ending of China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy, frontline nursing staff have grappled with increased workload, fatigue, and more. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff and its influencing factors following the end of the policy.

Methods

Between January and February 2023, this study was conducted by the Wenjuanxing platform to survey frontline nursing staff in a hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. All the nursing staff included in this study had a COVID-19 infection. The questionnaires included the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), PC-PTSD-5 Chinese Version Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, The 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-2) Scale, and the burden of COVID-19 Scale. Binary logistic regression methods were used to identify variables associated with insomnia symptoms.

Results

Among the 694 frontline nursing staff, 74.5% (517/694) exhibited insomnia symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), the burden of COVID-19 (p < 0.05), PTSD (p < 0.001), and higher technical titles (p < 0.008) were highly correlated with insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff. Psychological resilience (p < 0.001) was a protective factor for insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff.

Conclusion

After ending China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff is generally higher. This study highlights the association between insomnia symptoms and PTSD, fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 burden, and resilience. Psychological assistance is needed for frontline nursing staff to prevent insomnia symptoms and protect the mental health of frontline nursing staff after the end of China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy.
The associated factors for physical activity-related injuries among first-year university students in southern China from a biopsychosocial perspective
Authors: Xu Lingyu , Chen Shangmin , Gao Dongna , Fang Ying , Li Liping
Published: April 2024

Background

Understanding the diverse factors influencing physical activity-related injuries is crucial for developing effective interventions that enable individuals to participate in physical activity (PA) while minimizing injury risk. Currently, research evidence on the multiple factors associated with PA-related injuries is inadequate. This study aimed to examine the associations between PA-related injuries and various biological, psychological, and social factors among first-year university students in China.

Methods

We recruited first-year university students from Shantou University in Guangdong Province, China, to participate in our study. Data collection employed a structured self-administered questionnaire, gathering information on PA-related injuries, as well as relevant biological, psychological, and social factors. Binary logistic regression, using a stepwise modeling approach, was employed for the data analysis.

Results

Among 1,051 first-year university students, 28.16% reported having experienced PA-related injuries in the past year. Most of the injuries reported were minor, with the knee or lower leg being the most frequently injured part of the body. Improper posture, environmental conditions, and excessive physical load were the leading causes of PA-related injuries. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female students (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47–0.94, p = 0.022) had reduced odds of PA-related injuries. Conversely, high neuroticism (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07–2.41, p = 0.022), being a member of a sports team (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.34–3.27, p < 0.001), PA on the wet ground (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.18–2.54, p = 0.005) increased the odds of PA-related injuries.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the intricate interplay of various factors contributing to PA-related injuries. Identifying high-risk individuals based on physiological and psychological characteristics, coupled with targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors, is crucial for effective prevention.
Optimization of land use to accommodate nutritional transformation of food systems: a case study from the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Gu Zhuoyuan , Han Ze , Li Zhihui
Published: April 2024

The transformation and reconstruction of China’s food system not only faces many risks, such as the unceasing growth of food consumption on the demand side and the structural imbalance of dietary nutrition, but also must address serious challenges, such as constraints of resources, environment, and production capacity on the supply side. The optimal allocation of land use structure is an important method to realizing a transformation of sustainable food systems, achieving the goal of nutrition security, and guiding coordinated spatial development. This study takes the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region as an example, analyzing the development trends of the region’s dietary nutrition structure clarifies the objectives for improving dietary nutrition. This study uses comprehensive optimization model and dynamic land system model, exploring land use optimization schemes under different nutritional goals and development scenarios. The result show that the dietary structure in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is transitioning from “food based” to “intake balance” and gradually evolved to “intake diversity,” with the main objectives being to maintain stable calorie intake while moderately increasing protein intake and reducing fat intake. Achieving this goal will gradually increase demand for cultivated land and intensify spatial competition for land use. However, by optimizing land use allocation, it is possible to free up more spatial resources to balance economic development and ecological protection and reduce land use fragmentation, thereby significantly enhancing regional economic benefits and the value of ecosystem services based on improvements in dietary nutrition.
Both yields of maize and soybean and soil carbon sequestration in typical Mollisols cropland decrease under future climate change: SPACSYS simulation
Authors: Liang Shuo , Sun Nan , Longdoz Bernard , Meersmans Jeroen , Ma Xingzhu , Gao Hongjun , Zhang Xubo , Qiao Lei , Colinet Gilles , Xu Minggang , Wu Lianhai
Published: April 2024

Although Mollisols are renowned for their fertility and high-productivity, high carbon (C) losses pose a substantial challenge to the sustainable provision of ecosystem services, including food security and climate regulation. Protecting these soils with a specific focus on revitalizing their C sequestration potential emerges as a crucial measure to address various threats associated with climate change. In this study, we employed a modeling approach to assess the impact of different fertilization strategies on crop yield, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, and C sequestration efficiency (CSE) under various climate change scenarios (baseline, RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5). The process-based SPACSYS model was calibrated and validated using data from two representative Mollisol long-term experiments in Northeast China, including three crops (wheat, maize and soyabean) and four fertilizations (no-fertilizer (CK), mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), manure only (M), and chemical fertilizers plus M (NPKM or NM)). SPACSYS effectively simulated crop yields and the dynamics of SOC stock. According to SPACSYS projections, climate change, especially the increased temperature, is anticipated to reduce maize yield by an average of 14.5% in Harbin and 13.3% in Gongzhuling, and soybean yield by an average of 10.6%, across all the treatments and climatic scenarios. Conversely, a slight but not statistically significant average yield increase of 2.5% was predicted for spring wheat. SOC stock showed a decrease of 8.2% for Harbin and 7.6% for Gonghzuling by 2,100 under the RCP scenarios. Future climates also led to a reduction in CSE by an average of 6.0% in Harbin (except NPK) and 13.4% in Gongzhuling. In addition, the higher average crop yields, annual SOC stocks, and annual CSE (10.15–15.16%) were found when manure amendments were performed under all climate scenarios compared with the chemical fertilization. Soil CSE displayed an exponential decrease with the C accumulated input, asymptotically approaching a constant. Importantly, the CSE asymptote associated with manure application was higher than that of other treatments. Our findings emphasize the consequences of climate change on crop yields, SOC stock, and CSE in the Mollisol regions, identifying manure application as a targeted fertilizer practice for effective climate change mitigation.
Variation in Pen-Level Prevalence of BRD Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Following Feedlot Arrival in Beef Calves
Authors: Abi Younes Jennifer N. , Campbell John R. , Otto Simon J. G. , Gow Sheryl P. , Woolums Amelia R. , Jelinski Murray , Lacoste Stacey , Waldner Cheryl L.
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobials are crucial for treating bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in beef feedlots. Evidence is needed to support antimicrobial use (AMU) decisions, particularly in the early part of the feeding period when BRD risk is highest. The study objective was to describe changes in prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of BRD bacterial pathogens at feedlot processing (1 day on feed (1DOF)), 12 days later (13DOF), and for a subset at 36DOF following metaphylactic antimicrobial treatment. Mixed-origin steer calves (n = 1599) from Western Canada were managed as 16 pens of 100 calves, receiving either tulathromycin (n = 1199) or oxytetracycline (n = 400) at arrival. Deep nasopharyngeal swabs collected at all time points underwent culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Variability in the pen-level prevalence of bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were observed over time, between years, and metaphylaxis options. Susceptibility to most antimicrobials was high, but resistance increased from 1DOF to 13DOF, especially for tetracyclines and macrolides. Simulation results suggested that sampling 20 to 30 calves per pen of 200 reflected the relative pen-level prevalence of the culture and AST outcomes of interest. Pen-level assessment of antimicrobial resistance early in the feeding period can inform the evaluation of AMU protocols and surveillance efforts and support antimicrobial stewardship in animal agriculture.
Clinical Management in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yan Amy , Torpey Andrew , Morrisroe Erin , Andraous Wesam , Costa Ana , Bergese Sergio
Published: April 2024

Traumatic brain injury is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is one of the major public healthcare burdens in the US, with millions of patients suffering from the traumatic brain injury itself (approximately 1.6 million/year) or its repercussions (2–6 million patients with disabilities). The severity of traumatic brain injury can range from mild transient neurological dysfunction or impairment to severe profound disability that leaves patients completely non-functional. Indications for treatment differ based on the injury’s severity, but one of the goals of early treatment is to prevent secondary brain injury. Hemodynamic stability, monitoring and treatment of intracranial pressure, maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure, support of adequate oxygenation and ventilation, administration of hyperosmolar agents and/or sedatives, nutritional support, and seizure prophylaxis are the mainstays of medical treatment for severe traumatic brain injury. Surgical management options include decompressive craniectomy or cerebrospinal fluid drainage via the insertion of an external ventricular drain. Several emerging treatment modalities are being investigated, such as anti-excitotoxic agents, anti-ischemic and cerebral dysregulation agents, S100B protein, erythropoietin, endogenous neuroprotectors, anti-inflammatory agents, and stem cell and neuronal restoration agents, among others.
Deep Learning Detection and Segmentation of Facet Joints in Ultrasound Images Based on Convolutional Neural Networks and Enhanced Data Annotation
Authors: Wu Lingeer , Xia Di , Wang Jin , Chen Si , Cui Xulei , Shen Le , Huang Yuguang
Published: April 2024

The facet joint injection is the most common procedure used to release lower back pain. In this paper, we proposed a deep learning method for detecting and segmenting facet joints in ultrasound images based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and enhanced data annotation. In the enhanced data annotation, a facet joint was considered as the first target and the ventral complex as the second target to improve the capability of CNNs in recognizing the facet joint. A total of 300 cases of patients undergoing pain treatment were included. The ultrasound images were captured and labeled by two professional anesthesiologists, and then augmented to train a deep learning model based on the Mask Region-based CNN (Mask R-CNN). The performance of the deep learning model was evaluated using the average precision (AP) on the testing sets. The data augmentation and data annotation methods were found to improve the AP. The AP50 for facet joint detection and segmentation was 90.4% and 85.0%, respectively, demonstrating the satisfying performance of the deep learning model. We presented a deep learning method for facet joint detection and segmentation in ultrasound images based on enhanced data annotation and the Mask R-CNN. The feasibility and potential of deep learning techniques in facet joint ultrasound image analysis have been demonstrated.
Green Information Systems—A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Radu Laura-Diana , Popescul Daniela
Published: April 2024

This review investigates the evolution of green information systems (ISs) based on an examination of the literature spanning the years 2000 to 2023. Using bibliographic analysis, a method that enables the study of a large volume of sources, this paper establishes connections among pertinent concepts in the green ISs field, outlining the authors’ interests in the analysed period. Based on the identification of key trends, primary directions, interdisciplinary initiatives, and emerging areas, the assessment reveals that the interest in minimizing the negative impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the environment is a relevant research topic, with significant evolution in the analysed period. On this basis, this study emphasizes the need for the integration of environmental protection in all stages of the IS life cycle and in all industries, a holistic approach we consider essential for the sustainable growth of the ICT-based societal domains.
Containerization in Edge Intelligence: A Review
Authors: Urblik Lubomir , Kajati Erik , Papcun Peter , Zolotová Iveta
Published: April 2024

The onset of cloud computing brought with it an adoption of containerization—a lightweight form of virtualization, which provides an easy way of developing and deploying solutions across multiple environments and platforms. This paper describes the current use of containers and complementary technologies in software development and the benefits it brings. Certain applications run into obstacles when deployed on the cloud due to the latency it introduces or the amount of data that needs to be processed. These issues are addressed by edge intelligence. This paper describes edge intelligence, the deployment of artificial intelligence close to the data source, the opportunities it brings, along with some examples of practical applications. We also discuss some of the challenges in the development and deployment of edge intelligence solutions and the possible benefits of applying containerization in edge intelligence.
Impact Analysis of High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Coupling Effects on Power Grid Protection Relays
Authors: Thotakura Naga Lakshmi , Wu Yuru , Mignardot David , Zhang Liang , Qiu Wei , Markel Lawrence C. , Liao Dahan , McConnell Benjamin W. , Liu Yilu
Published: April 2024

Protection relays are important equipment used for protection, control, and metering functions in the power grid. These relays are used to protect critical and difficult-to-replace equipment, like generators, transformers, and capacitor banks. Once the protection devices are disturbed or damaged, a high risk of power generation interruption occurs. Therefore, it is important and necessary to study the relay’s immunity to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) events. As a preliminary step toward empirical experimentation on actual equipment, this manuscript outlines an economical and efficient methodology for evaluating the impact of an EMP. An impedance measurement strategy was employed to model the equipment, setting the stage for subsequent immunity analyses. These analyses included the pulse current injection (PCI) method, which utilized an injecting probe to introduce the transient, and frequency domain electromagnetic (FEKO) simulation, which integrated electromagnetic coupling effects into the transient simulation. The impedance measurement and simulation results in this paper provide a reliable basis for gauging equipment performance in the face of HEMP threats. The results obtained using the PCI and FEKO simulations demonstrated the performance of different port responses under a high-altitude EMP, indicating the requirement for some protection to ensure the reliable operation of relays.
Distinction between Arcing Faults and Oil Contamination from OLTC Gases
Authors: Bustamante Sergio , Martinez Lastra Jose L. , Manana Mario , Arroyo Alberto
Published: April 2024

Power transformers are the most important and expensive assets in high-voltage power systems. To ensure an adequate level of reliability throughout the transformer’s lifetime, its maintenance strategy must be well defined. When an incipient fault occurs in the transformer insulation, a gas concentration pattern, representative of the type of fault, is generated. Fault-identification methods use gas concentrations and their ratios to identify the type of fault. None of the traditional or new fault-identification methods attempt to detect transformer oil contamination from on-load tap changer (OLTC) gases. In this study, from dissolved gas analysis (DGA) samples of transformers identified as contaminated in a previous study, fault-identification methods based on graphical representations were used to observe the patterns of results. From such patterns, Duval’s triangle and pentagon methods were modified to include a new zone indicating oil contamination (OC) from OLTC gases. Finally, the proposed modifications were validated using 75 DGA samples extracted from previous studies that were identified as D1 or D2 faults or contaminated from OLTC. This validation showed that only 14.7% and 13.3% of the DGA samples fell within the new OC zone of the proposed triangle and pentagon, respectively.
Influence of Particle Size on the Mechanical Properties of Single-Layer Particleboards
Authors: Engehausen Nick , Benthien Jan Thore , Lüdtke Jan
Published: April 2024

While most of the influences on the mechanical properties of particleboard appear to have been investigated, there is a lack of knowledge about the influence of particle size or particle dimensions due to the absence of a suitable particle measuring technique. The introduction of laser-based 3D scanning technology makes it possible to automatically determine the dimensions, surface area, and volume of particles. In this study, the influence of particle size on the mechanical properties of particleboards was investigated. To isolate potentially overlapping influences, single-layer particleboards with a uniform density profile were produced and analyzed. The amount of adhesive specific to the surface of the (fine) face layer particles and (coarse) core layer particles was adjusted utilizing 3D scanning of the surface areas to ensure comparability despite changes in particle size. It was found that with increasing particle size, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) increase, while the internal bond strength (IB) decreases. It is considered whether these effects result from a particle-size-dependent orientation of the particles in the board. Furthermore, it is shown that all the aforementioned properties increase with increasing surface-specific adhesive amounts. Examples are provided to demonstrate how such fundamental relationships can be utilized to enhance the particleboard production process.
Fatty Acids and Starch Identification within Minute Archaeological Fragments: Qualitative Investigation for Assessing Feasibility
Authors: Ordoñez-Araque Roberto , Ramos-Guerrero Luis , Vargas-Jentzsch Paul , Romero-Bastidas Martha , Rodríguez-Herrera Nicolás , Vallejo-Holguín Rubén , Fuentes-Gualotuña Camila , Ruales Jenny
Published: April 2024

Within the realm of archaeology, the analysis of biomolecules assumes significant importance in elucidating historical dietary patterns and their implications for contemporary contexts. To achieve this, knowledge and tools of both chemistry and archaeology are essential to yield objective outcomes and conduct analyses of archaeological materials for the detection of biomolecules. Usually, only minuscule remnants of ceramic fragments are retrieved from excavations, which limits the feasibility of comprehensive laboratory analysis. This study aimed to establish a protocol for analyzing fatty acids and starch from archaeological food utensils with minimal sample quantities. Various experiments were conducted to replicate preparations that might have occurred in archaeological vessels, aiming to establish the optimal protocol. The analyses were performed using clay griddles, subjecting vegetable oil to varying temperatures for fatty acid assessment. For starch analysis, a series of experiments encompassed diverse forms of potato preparations (pulp, chuño, tortilla, carbonization, and freeze-drying) and maize (flour, tortilla, and carbonization). The verification of the experiments was confirmed by conducting identical analyses, as developed in the current study, on authentic archaeological fragments. The principal outcomes of this investigation include the successful extraction of both types of biomolecules using only 0.25 g of the sample, obtained through direct scraping from the vessel. Soxhlet extraction was identified as the most efficient strategy to recover fatty acids. Additionally, a comprehensive protocol for the identification of starch extraction was developed. This study has, for the first time, elucidated two detailed methodologies for the extraction of fatty acids and starch in scenarios in which researchers can obtain limited quantities of archaeological food utensil fragments.
Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil and Dietary Intervention Improved Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters in Children with Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1 in Jordan: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Subih Hadil S. , Qudah Reem A. , Janakat Sana , Rimawi Hanadi , Elsahoryi Nour Amin , Alyahya Linda
Published: April 2024

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a group of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, most of which are inherited in autosomal recessive patterns. GSDs are of two types: those that have to do with liver and hypoglycaemia (hepatic GSDs) and those that are linked to neuromuscular presentation. This study aims to assess the impact of dietary intervention, including medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, on anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis and metabolic parameters among Jordanian children and is expected to be the first in the country. A sample of 38 children with glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD-1) (median age = 6.4 years) were on a diet that included uncooked cornstarch therapy and a fructose-, sucrose- and lactose-restricted diet. Patients started to take MCT oil along with the prescribed diet after the first body composition test. Patients’ nutritional status was re-evaluated three months later. The study results show that the percentage of patients who suffered from hypoglycaemia at the beginning of the study decreased significantly from 94.7% to 7.9% (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and lactate decreased significantly after three months of intervention (100–71.1%, 73.7–21.1%, 97.4–52.6% and 94.7–18.4%, respectively). In contrast, there was no statistical difference in neutrophil count. Regarding clinical parameters, liver span was significantly reduced from (16.01 ± 2.65 cm) to (14.85 ± 2.26 cm) (p < 0.0001). There were significant improvements in growth parameters, including height-for-age and BMI-for-age for children aged ≥2 years (p = 0.034 and p = 0.074, respectively). Significant improvements in skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral content were also noticed at the end of the trial (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, medium-chain triglyceride therapy is found to improve biochemical and growth parameters in children with GSD-1 in Jordan.
Detecting Structured Query Language Injections in Web Microservices Using Machine Learning
Authors: Peralta-Garcia Edwin , Quevedo-Monsalbe Juan , Tuesta-Monteza Victor , Arcila-Diaz Juan
Published: April 2024

Structured Query Language (SQL) injections pose a constant threat to web services, highlighting the need for efficient detection to address this vulnerability. This study compares machine learning algorithms for detecting SQL injections in web microservices trained using a public dataset of 22,764 records. Additionally, a software architecture based on the microservices approach was implemented, in which trained models and the web application were deployed to validate requests and detect attacks. A literature review was conducted to identify types of SQL injections and machine learning algorithms. The results of random forest, decision tree, and support vector machine were compared for detecting SQL injections. The findings show that random forest outperforms with a precision and accuracy of 99%, a recall of 97%, and an F1 score of 98%. In contrast, decision tree achieved a precision of 92%, a recall of 86%, and an F1 score of 97%. Support Vector Machine (SVM) presented an accuracy, precision, and F1 score of 98%, with a recall of 97%.
Anemia and Its Connections to Inflammation in Older Adults: A Review
Authors: Wacka Eryk , Nicikowski Jan , Jarmuzek Pawel , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Anemia is a common hematological disorder that affects 12% of the community-dwelling population, 40% of hospitalized patients, and 47% of nursing home residents. Our understanding of the impact of inflammation on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis is still lacking. In older adults, anemia can be divided into nutritional deficiency anemia, bleeding anemia, and unexplained anemia. The last type of anemia might be caused by reduced erythropoietin (EPO) activity, progressive EPO resistance of bone marrow erythroid progenitors, and the chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state. Overall, one-third of older patients with anemia demonstrate a nutritional deficiency, one-third have a chronic subclinical pro-inflammatory state and chronic kidney disease, and one-third suffer from anemia of unknown etiology. Understanding anemia’s pathophysiology in people aged 65 and over is crucial because it contributes to frailty, falls, cognitive decline, decreased functional ability, and higher mortality risk. Inflammation produces adverse effects on the cells of the hematological system. These effects include iron deficiency (hypoferremia), reduced EPO production, and the elevated phagocytosis of erythrocytes by hepatic and splenic macrophages. Additionally, inflammation causes enhanced eryptosis due to oxidative stress in the circulation. Identifying mechanisms behind age-related inflammation is essential for a better understanding and preventing anemia in older adults.
Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus between Present and Future
Authors: Ignat Mariana Daniela , Balta Alexia Anastasia Stefania , Barbu Raisa Eloise , Draganescu Miruna Luminita , Nechita Luiza , Voinescu Doina Carina , Nechita Aurel , Stefanopol Ioana Anca , Busila Camelia , Baroiu Liliana
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze the results of clinical trials regarding long-term antiviral therapies in chronic hepatitis with HBV to compare current therapeutic protocols and to analyze the results of preliminary studies with new antiviral therapies for HBV. Methods: Clinical studies and meta-analyses from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate from 2011 to 2024 were analyzed on patients undergoing chronic antiviral therapy for HBV, and a retrospective observational study performed in our clinic on a group of 76 patients undergoing chronic therapy with entecavir was presented. Also, a summary of the results of preliminary studies with various innovative antiviral molecules for HBV was performed. Results: The results of extensive clinical trials reveal that current therapies for chronic HBV are well tolerated and maintain good viral suppression if the patient is adherent to therapy. Innovative therapies aim to eliminate HBsAg and, thus, significantly shorten the duration of treatment, and the preliminary results of the studies are promising. Conclusions: Being an asymptomatic condition that requires life-long therapy, adherence to therapy is a real problem. Also, the risk of decompensation of liver cirrhosis and adenocarcinoma remains important in these patients. Future research is needed to perfect some antiviral therapy schemes that shorten the treatment period but also decrease the rate of progression towards decompensated cirrhosis and liver adenocarcinoma.
Continuous Long-Term Assessment of Heart Rate Variability in Adults with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease after Surgical Repair
Authors: Pieringer Felix , Suleiman Mathieu N. , Kaemmerer-Suleiman Ann-Sophie , Dewald Oliver , Freiberger Annika , Huntgeburth Michael , Nagdyman Nicole , Neidenbach Rhoia , von Scheidt Fabian , Kaemmerer Harald , Ewert Peter , Weyand Michael , Freilinger Sebastian , Harig Frank
Published: April 2024

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is an established, non-invasive parameter for the assessment of cardiac autonomic nervous activity and the health status in general cardiology. However, there are few studies on HRV in adults with congenital heart defects (CHDs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of long-term continuous HRV measurement for the assessment of global health status in adults with cyanotic CHD. Methods: This prospective study included 45 adults (40% female, mean age = 35.2 ± 9.2 [range: 19–58] years) after cardiac surgical repair. HRV parameters were calculated from continuous 24 h measurements using a Bittium Faros 180 sensor (Bittium Corp., Oulu, Finland). Results: Postoperative patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) (n = 18) achieved significantly higher values of standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (175.4 ± 59.9 ms vs. 133.5 ± 40.6 ms; p = 0.013) compared with patients with other conotruncal anomalies (n = 22). Comparing patients with TGA after a Senning–Brom or Mustard operation (n = 13) with all other heart surgery patients (n = 32), significantly higher HRV parameters were found after atrial switch (root mean square of successive RR interval differences: 53.6 ± 20.7 ms vs. 38.4 ± 18.3 ms; p = 0.019; SDNN: 183.5 ± 58.4 ms vs. 136.3 ± 45.3 ms; p = 0.006). A higher SDNN was also measured after Senning–Brom or Mustard operations than after a Rastelli operations (n = 2) (SDNN: 183.5 ± 58.4 ms vs. 84.5 ± 5.2 ms; p = 0.037). When comparing atrial switch operations (n = 3) with Rastelli operations, the SDNN value was significantly shorter in the Rastelli group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results suggest that continuous HRV monitoring may serve as a marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in adults with cyanotic CHD after surgical repair. Impaired cardiac autonomic nervous activity may be associated with an increased risk of adverse reactions in patients with repaired CHD. Therefore, a longitudinal assessment of HRV patterns and trends may provide a deeper insight into dynamic changes in their autonomic regulation and disease progression, lifestyle changes, or treatments. As each person has individual variability in heart rate, HRV may be useful in assessing intra-individual disease progression and may help to improve personalized medicine. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore the full potential of HRV analysis to optimize medical care for ACHDs.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Ecosystem Provisioning Service and Its Correlation with Food Production in the Songhua River Basin, Northeastern China
Authors: Zhao Yuhan , Yang Hui , Zhu Chunyu , Cao Jiansheng
Published: April 2024

Provisioning services are essential components of ecosystem services. Food production is usually a driver of land use change, which has the effect on altering the provisioning services of ecosystems. As one of the main areas of food production in China, the provisioning services of the Songhua River Basin (SHRB) should be taken seriously. In view of this, it is urgent to carry out a study on the assessment of provisioning services in the SHRB to provide data support and scientific reference for the optimization of the spatial pattern of land use in the basin, the sustainable development of agriculture, and the formulation of differentiated protection policies. In this study, based on the equivalent factor method for the unit area value and spatial autocorrelation with the Moran’s I, we assessed the provisioning services values (PSV) of the SHRB every ten years during the period of 2000–2020 under different land use types and analyzed the relationships between different PSV and the production of four different food types, including rice, wheat, corn, and soja. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the area of paddy fields in the SHRB increased and then decreased, while the area of dry lands continued to increase. The land use transfer matrix showed a significant expansion of paddy fields (+0.55 × 104 km2), shrinkage of grassland (−0.72 × 104 km2), and loss of water body (−0.43 × 104 km2) in the SHRB from 2000 to 2020; (2) The PSV in the SHRB showed an increasing trend from 2000 to 2020, growing by 16.73 × 1010 RMB, with the growth in 2010–2020 being greater than in 2000–2010. The order of increase in each type of PSV was: water supply > food supply > raw material supply; (3) Spatially, the increase in PSV per unit and total PSV in the SHRB was lesser in the center and greater in the east and west. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of various PSV showed that the value of unit area food supply was higher in the central and eastern plains, while the raw material supply and water supply were higher in the western and eastern hilly areas. (4) In terms of spatial correlation, the distribution of soja production with the total PSV, food supply, raw materials supply, and water supply services values were positively spatially correlated. However, the production of rice, wheat, and corn with the total PSV, food supply, and raw materials supply services values were negatively spatially correlated. Cluster analysis revealed that changing the crop cultivation structure could protect the ecosystem and increase the value of ecosystem services.