bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Features and Tribological Properties of Detonation Gun Sprayed Ti–Si–C Coating
Authors: Rakhadilov Bauyrzhan , Buitkenov Dastan , Sagdoldina Zhuldyz , Seitov Bekbolat , Kurbanbekov Sherzod , Adilkanova Meruyert
Published: January 2021

The paper considers the research results of structural-phase state and tribological characteristics of detonation coatings based on Ti–Si–C, obtained at different filling volumes of the explosive gas mixture barrel of a detonation gun. The results analysis indicates that the phase composition and properties of detonation coatings strongly depend on the technological parameters of spraying. With an increase of the explosive mixture in the filling volume of the detonation barrel up to 70% of the coatings consist mainly of the TiC phase, because high temperature leads to a strong decomposition of Ti3SiC2 powders. Thus, the XRD results confirm that at 70% of the explosive gas mixture’s filling volume, partial decomposition and disintegration of the powders occurs after detonation spraying. We established that detonation coatings based on titanium carbosilicide obtained at the explosive gas mixture’s filling volume at 60% are characterized by high wear resistance and adhesive strength. Thermal annealing was performed after spraying in the temperature range of 700–900 °C for 1 h to reduce microstructural defects and improve the Ti–Si–C coating characteristics. As a result of the heat treatment in the Ti–Si–C system at 800 °C, we observed that an increase in the volume fraction of the Ti3SiC2 and TiO2 phases led to a 2-fold increase in microhardness. This means that the after-heat-treatment can provide a sufficient reaction time for the incomplete reaction of the Ti–Si–C (TSC) coating during the detonation gun spraying. Thus, annealing can provide an equal distribution of elements in the coatings.
Improvement in the Figure of Merit of ITO-Metal-ITO Sandwiched Films on Poly Substrate by High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Hui , Gao Ying-Jie , Yuan Shuo-Huang , Wuu Dong-Sing , Wu Wan-Yu , Zhang Sam
Published: January 2021

High-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) was used to deposit ITO/Ag/ITO (IAgI) and ITO/Cu/ITO (ICuI) sandwiched films on polyethylene naphthalate substrate at room temperature as flexible transparent conductive materials. The hybrid layers were constructed with 40 nm ITO bottom and top layers, and a 5–20 nm Ag or Cu interlayer. The microstructure and optoelectrical properties were estimated for these films with various thicknesses of the metal interlayer. Thanks to the high-power density and highly ionized plasma in the HiPIMS process, the IAgI and ICuI sandwich structures exhibited good crystallinity and smooth surfaces with high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance. The optimal figure of merit was obtained as 101.16 × 10−3·Ω−1 for the IAgI film and 4.83 × 10−3·Ω−1 for the ICuI film with the metal interlayer thickness of 10 nm, both of which are higher than that from a similar structure reported via sputtering at room temperature. These results indicate that HiPIMS is a promising technique to deposit transparent conductive films onto soft substrates for applications in flexible optoelectronic devices.
Born out of Fire and Ice: Polymorph Studies of the Antiviral Famciclovir
Authors: Vella-Zarb Liana , Baisch Ulrich
Published: January 2021

There is much interest and focus on solid forms of famciclovir. However, in spite of the abundance of reported differences in oral bioavailability, compressibility, and other physical–chemical properties of the various crystal forms of this drug, very little precise structural analysis is available in the literature to date. The form used in the commercial formulation is the anhydrous form I. Patents and patent applications report three different anhydrous crystalline forms on the basis of unindexed powder diffraction patterns. Single-crystal and variable-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments using the commercially available anhydrous form of famciclovir were carried out and led not only to the crystal structure determination of the anhydrous form I, but also to discovery of a new crystal form of anhydrous famciclovir from powder data.
Analysis of Lyα Dielectronic Satellites to Characterize Temporal Profile of Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Ryazantsev Sergey N. , Skobelev Igor Y. , Martynenko Artem S. , Alkhimova Maria A. , Mishchenko Mikhail D. , Sedov Maksim V. , Pikuz Tatiana A. , Fukuda Yuji , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Pirozhkov Alexander S. , Pikuz Sergey A.
Published: January 2021

In the paper, an X-ray spectroscopy-based approach on laser pulse temporal profile characterization is described. The structure of dielectronic satellites to H-like Lyα lines strongly depends on a plasma electron density, so it can be applied for diagnostics. These spectral lines are mainly emitted during initial stage of laser plasma expansion. It means that plasma parameters obtained via them characterizes matter conditions in a region surrounding a spot of laser-matter interaction. In the case when a laser contrast is high enough, the radiation interacts with cold matter, which had not been preliminary perturbed by a laser prepulse, and the satellites structure shape corresponding to high densities should be observed. It allows us to consider the satellites as a diagnostic tool for the laser temporal profile quality. In the paper dependencies of the dielectronic satellites structure on electron densities obtained from detailed kinetic calculations in the wide range of plasma parameter for different elements are under discussion. Fundamental theoretical aspects of plasma diagnostic based on the feature of satellite structures shape in hot dense plasma, which led to development of the proposed method, are also explained.
Green Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Palladium Nanoparticles by Coleus amboinicus and Its Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Mallikarjuna Koduru , Reddy Lebaka Veeranjaneya , Al-Rasheed Sarah , Mohammed Arifullah , Gedi Sreedevi , Kim Woo Kyoung
Published: January 2021

Novel reduced graphene oxide-supported palladium nanoparticles (RGO-PN) were synthesized under ultrasonication, a method that utilizes Coleus amboinicus as a bio-reduction agent. Green synthesized RGO-PN nanoparticles with a crystallite size in the range of 40–50 nm were confirmed in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. RGO-PN show an absorption peak at 220 nm while reduced graphene oxide (RGO) shows its maximal absorbance at 210 nm. The scanning electron microscope image revealed that 40-nm-sized spherical-shaped palladium nanoparticles stick well to reduced graphene oxide sheets, which is consistent and correlated well with the XRD pattern. Moreover, a high-resolution morphological image of RGO-PN100 was obtained by TEM analysis, which shows the anchoring of palladium nanoparticles (PN) on RGO nanosheets. Green synthesized RGO-PN100 nanoparticles from Coleus amboinicus show better reduction kinetics for 4-nitrophenol at 40 min, suggesting that RGO-PN prepared from Coleus amboinicus serve as an excellent catalytic reducing agent. Furthermore, they show remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Thus, green synthesized RGO-supported palladium nanoparticles demonstrated that enhanced catalytic activity and antibacterial activity both play an important role in the environmental and medical disciplines.
Collective Strategy Condensation: When Envy Splits Societies
Authors: Gros Claudius
Published: January 2021

Human societies are characterized by three constituent features, besides others. (A) Options, as for jobs and societal positions, differ with respect to their associated monetary and non-monetary payoffs. (B) Competition leads to reduced payoffs when individuals compete for the same option as others. (C) People care about how they are doing relatively to others. The latter trait—the propensity to compare one’s own success with that of others—expresses itself as envy. It is shown that the combination of (A)–(C) leads to spontaneous class stratification. Societies of agents split endogenously into two social classes, an upper and a lower class, when envy becomes relevant. A comprehensive analysis of the Nash equilibria characterizing a basic reference game is presented. Class separation is due to the condensation of the strategies of lower-class agents, which play an identical mixed strategy. Upper-class agents do not condense, following individualist pure strategies. The model and results are size-consistent, holding for arbitrary large numbers of agents and options. Analytic results are confirmed by extensive numerical simulations. An analogy to interacting confined classical particles is discussed.
Endogenous Eye Blinking Rate to Support Human–Automation Interaction for E-Learning Multimedia Content Specification
Authors: Mwambe Othmar Othmar , Tan Phan Xuan , Kamioka Eiji
Published: January 2021

As intelligent systems demand for human–automation interaction increases, the need for learners’ cognitive traits adaptation in adaptive educational hypermedia systems (AEHS) has dramatically increased. AEHS utilize learners’ cognitive processes to attain fair human–automation interaction for their adaptive processes. However, obtaining accurate cognitive trait for the AEHS adaptation process has been a challenge due to the fact that it is difficult to determine what extent such traits can comprehend system functionalities. Hence, this study has explored correlation among learners’ pupil size dilation, learners’ reading time and endogenous blinking rate when using AEHS so as to enable cognitive load estimation in support of AEHS adaptive process. An eye-tracking sensor was used and the study found correlation among learners’ pupil size dilation, reading time and learners’ endogenous blinking rate. Thus, the results show that endogenous blinking rate, pupil size and reading time are not only AEHS reliable parameters for cognitive load measurement but can also support human–automation interaction at large.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education in 2020
Authors:   EJIHPE Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
A Broadband Asymmetrical GaN MMIC Doherty Power Amplifier with Compact Size for 5G Communications
Authors: Cheng Peisen , Wang Quan , Li Wei , Jia Yeting , Liu Zhichao , Feng Chun , Jiang Lijuan , Xiao Hongling , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a broadband asymmetrical monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) Doherty power amplifier (DPA) using 0.25-μm gallium-nitride process with a compact chip size of 2.37 × 1.86 mm2 for 5G communication. It adopts an unequal Wilkinson’s power divider with a ratio of 2.5:1, where 71.5% of the total power is transferred to the main amplifier for higher gain. Different input matching networks are used to offset phase difference while completing impedance conversion. This design also applies a novel topology to solve the problem of large impedance transformer ratio (ITR) in conventional DPA, and it optimizes the ITR from 4:1 to 2:1 for wider band. Moreover, most of the components of the DPA including power divider and matching networks use lumped inductors and capacitors instead of long transmission line (TL) for a smaller space area. The whole circuit is designed and simulated using Agilent’s advanced design system (ADS). The simulated small-signal gain of DPA is 8–11 dB and the saturation output power is more than 39.5 dBm with 800 MHz band from 4.5 GHz to 5.3 GHz. At 6-dB output power back-off, the DPA demonstrates 38–41.3% power added efficiency (PAE), whereas 44–54% PAE is achieved at saturation power.
Portable DC Supply Based on SiC Power Devices for High-Voltage Marx Generator
Authors: Rąbkowski Jacek , Łasica Andrzej , Zdanowski Mariusz , Wrona Grzegorz , Starzyński Jacek
Published: January 2021

The paper describes major issues related to the design of a portable SiC-based DC supply developed for evaluation of a high-voltage Marx generator. This generator is developed to be a part of an electromagnetic cannon providing very high voltage and current pulses aiming at the destruction of electronics equipment in a specific area. The portable DC supply offers a very high voltage gain: input voltage is 24 V, while the generator requires supply voltages up to 50 kV. Thus, the system contains two stages designed on the basis of SiC power devices operating with frequencies up to 100 kHz. At first, the input voltage is boosted up to 400 V by a non-isolated double-boost converter, and then a resonant DC-DC converter with a special transformer elevates the voltage to the required level. In the paper, the main components of the laboratory setup are presented, and experimental results of the DC supply and whole system are also shown.
The Road to Developing Economically Feasible Plans for Green, Comfortable and Energy Efficient Buildings
Authors: Mousavi Motlagh Seyedeh Farzaneh , Sohani Ali , Djavad Saghafi Mohammad , Sayyaadi Hoseyn , Nastasi Benedetto
Published: January 2021

Owing to the current challenges in energy and environmental crises, improving buildings, as one of the biggest concerns and contributors to these issues, is increasingly receiving attention from the world. Due to a variety of choices and situations for improving buildings, it is important to review the building performance optimization studies to find the proper solution. In this paper, these studies are reviewed by analyzing all the different key parameters involved in the optimization process, including the considered decision variables, objective functions, constraints, and case studies, along with the software programs and optimization algorithms employed. As the core literature, 44 investigations recently published are considered and compared. The current investigation provides sufficient information for all the experts in the building sector, such as architects and mechanical engineers. It is noticed that EnergyPlus and MATLAB have been employed more than other software for building simulation and optimization, respectively. In addition, among the nine different aspects that have been optimized in the literature, energy consumption, thermal comfort, and economic benefits are the first, second, and third most optimized, having shares of 38.6%, 22.7%, and 17%, respectively.
Cable Connection Optimization for Heterogeneous Offshore Wind Farms via a Voronoi Diagram Based Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization with Local Search
Authors: Qi Yuanhang , Hou Peng , Liu Guisong , Jin Rongsen , Yang Zhile , Yang Guangya , Dong Zhaoyang
Published: January 2021

Offshore wind energy, as one of the featured rich renewable energy sources, is getting more and more attention. The cable connection layout has a significant impact on the economic performance of offshore wind farms. To make better use of the wind resources of a given sea area, a new method for optimal construction of offshore wind farms with different types of wind turbines has emerged in recent years. In such a wind farm, the capacities of wind turbines are not identical which brings new challenges for the cable connection layout optimization. In this work, an optimization model named CCLOP is proposed for such wind farms. The model incorporates both the cable capital cost and the cost of power losses associated with the cables in its objective function. To get an optimized result, a Voronoi diagram based adaptive particle swarm optimization with local search is proposed and applied. The simulation results show that the proposed method can help find a solution that is 12.74% outperformed than a benchmark.
Technical Loss Calculation in Distribution Grids Using Equivalent Minimum Order Networks and an Iterative Power Factor Correction Procedure
Authors: Moreira Rodrigues Carlos Eduardo , de Lima Tostes Maria Emilia , Holanda Bezerra Ubiratan , Mota Soares Thiago , Ortiz de Matos Edson , Serra Soares Filho Lázaro , dos Santos Silva Elaine Cristina , Ferreira Rendeiro Michel , Jeferson da Silva Moura Carlos
Published: January 2021

Energy losses are a fundamental issue in the electricity distribution sector, being an inevitable consequence of transporting energy from supplying sources to consumers’ installations and are becoming one of the factors to be considered in planning and operation of electrical distribution networks. So, electrical distribution losses must be continuously monitored so that they are kept within acceptable levels to ensure the business profitability as well as the good power quality of supplied energy. In this context, this work introduces a modified methodology for technical losses calculation with the application of the concept of reduced equivalent networks, via definition of an Equivalent Operational Impedance, taking as a starting point the electrical network modeling in the Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS). The losses calculation also considers customer’s energy billing measurement data, measurements of injected energy and power factor at the feeder’s coupling bus at the substation, also considering measurement campaigns to characterize the load consumption profiles for working days, Saturdays and Sundays. The proposed methodology disaggregates energy injections in billed energy, technical and non-technical losses parcels, and presents, as the results have demonstrated, a good precision in the proposed calculation procedures.
Fire and Mechanical Forest Management Treatments Support Different Portions of the Bird Community in Fire-Suppressed Forests
Authors: Roberts Lance Jay , Burnett Ryan , Fogg Alissa
Published: January 2021

Silvicultural treatments, fire, and insect outbreaks are the primary disturbance events currently affecting forests in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, a region where plants and wildlife are highly adapted to a frequent-fire disturbance regime that has been suppressed for decades. Although the effects of both fire and silviculture on wildlife have been studied by many, there are few studies that directly compare their long-term effects on wildlife communities. We conducted avian point counts from 2010 to 2019 at 1987 in situ field survey locations across eight national forests and collected fire and silvicultural treatment data from 1987 to 2016, resulting in a 20-year post-disturbance chronosequence. We evaluated two categories of fire severity in comparison to silvicultural management (largely pre-commercial and commercial thinning treatments) as well as undisturbed locations to model their influences on abundances of 71 breeding bird species. More species (48% of the community) reached peak abundance at moderate-high-severity-fire locations than at low-severity fire (8%), silvicultural management (16%), or undisturbed (13%) locations. Total community abundance was highest in undisturbed dense forests as well as in the first few years after silvicultural management and lowest in the first few years after moderate-high-severity fire, then abundance in all types of disturbed habitats was similar by 10 years after disturbance. Even though the total community abundance was relatively low in moderate-high-severity-fire habitats, species diversity was the highest. Moderate-high-severity fire supported a unique portion of the avian community, while low-severity fire and silvicultural management were relatively similar. We conclude that a significant portion of the bird community in the Sierra Nevada region is dependent on moderate-high-severity fire and thus recommend that a prescribed and managed wildfire program that incorporates a variety of fire effects will best maintain biodiversity in this region.
Predicting the Potential Geographic Distribution of Sirex nitobei in China under Climate Change Using Maximum Entropy Model
Authors: Gao Tai , Xu Qiang , Liu Yang , Zhao Jiaqiang , Shi Juan
Published: January 2021

Sirex nitobei, an Asian native wood wasp species, is a major pest in coniferous commercial forestry, infesting and weakening conifers through its obligate mutualism with a wood-rotting fungus species. The combination of wood wasp larvae and obligate mutualistic fungus causes the breakdown of plant vascular tissue, leading to the weakening of the plant and eventually to death, as well as a high economic cost in commercial forestry. Since it was first recorded in China in the early 1980s, S. nitobei has widely spread and become successfully established. Despite its extensive distribution range, little is known about the factors influencing current and future distribution patterns for potential pest control and monitoring. We used a maximum entropy model in conjunction with climate variables and shared socio-economic pathways to predict the current and future distribution of S. nitobei in China. We used the jackknife method and correlation analysis to select the bioclimatic and environmental variables that influence the geographic distribution of S. nitobei, which resulted in the inclusion of the monthly total precipitation in July (prec7), the monthly average maximum temperature in February (tmax2), the monthly average minimum temperature in July (tmin7), the monthly total precipitation in December (prec12), and isothermality (bio3). We found that precipitation and temperature influenced the potentially suitable areas, as predicted by the maximum entropy model. Moreover, the association of the fungus, the wood wasp, and the host plant impacts are related to availability of moisture and temperature, where moisture affects the growth of the fungus, and temperature influences the emergence, development and growth of larvae. Under the current climate conditions, the total potential suitable areas increased by 18.74%, while highly suitable and moderately suitable areas increased by 28.35 and 44.05%, respectively, under the 2081–2100 ssp245, 370 scenarios. Favorable conditions under climate change, low rainfall, and high temperature will favor the speedy larval development, the growth of its obligate nutritional fungal mutualist and the ability of S. nitobei to rapidly spread in previously unsuitable areas.
Modeling Climatic Influences on Three Parasitoids of Low-Density Spruce Budworm Populations. Part 2: Meteorus trachynotus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Régnière Jacques , Saint-Amant Rémi , Thireau Jean-Claude , Therrien Pierre , Hébert Christian , Martel Véronique
Published: January 2021

This is the second article of a series of three where we develop temperature-driven models to describe the seasonal interactions between parasitoids and their hosts which we use to explore the impact of climate on their spatiotemporal biology. Here, we model the biology of Meteorus trachynotus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with an individual-based model of its daily interactions with two host species. This model predicts the performance of the parasitoid in response to temperature affecting its seasonal development and that of the two hosts. We compare model output with an extensive set of field observations from natural host populations. The predicted activity of the first adult parasitoid generation closely matches the seasonal pattern of attack on the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) within the limitations of available data. The model predicts 1–4 full generations of M. trachynotus per year in eastern North America, with generations well synchronized with larvae of a known overwintering host, the obliquebanded leafroller Choristoneura rosaceana. The model predicts the observed density dependence of parasitism on spruce budworm. Predicted performance exhibits spatial variation caused by complex life-history interactions, especially synchrony with the overwintering host. This leads to a better performance in warm but not hot environments at middle latitudes and elevations. The model’s predicted spatial patterns correspond closely to our field observations on the frequency of parasitism on spruce budworm. Under climate change, the model predicts that the performance of M. trachynotus populations will improve in the northern portion of its range.
Introduction to the Special Issue: “Advance in Recovery and Application of Bioactive Compounds from Seafood”
Authors: Jacobsen Charlotte , Holdt Susan L.
Published: January 2021

Due to increased focus on a circular bioeconomy, full utilization of marine biomass, including side streams from the seafood processing industry as well as utilization of biomass that has not been used to a great extent in the Western world (e.g., seaweed), is receiving increased attention from both academia and industry. [...]
The First Report of the Prion Protein Gene (PRNP) Sequence in Pekin Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica): The Potential Prion Disease Susceptibility in Ducks
Authors: Jeong Min-Ju , Kim Yong-Chan , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: January 2021

Pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc), converted from normal prion protein (PrPC), causes prion disease. Although prion disease has been reported in several mammalian species, chickens are known to show strong resistance to prion diseases. In addition to chickens, the domestic duck occupies a large proportion in the poultry industry and may be regarded as a potential resistant host against prion disease. However, the DNA sequence of the prion protein gene (PRNP) has not been reported in domestic ducks. Here, we performed amplicon sequencing targeting the duck PRNP gene with the genomic DNA of Pekin ducks. In addition, we aligned the PrP sequence of the Pekin duck with that of various species using ClustalW2 and carried out phylogenetic analysis using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis X (MEGA X). We also constructed the structural modeling of the tertiary and secondary structures in avian PrP using SWISS-MODEL. Last, we investigated the aggregation propensity on Pekin duck PrP using AMYCO. We first reported the DNA sequence of the PRNP gene in Pekin ducks and found that the PrP sequence of Pekin ducks is more similar to that of geese than to that of chickens and mallards (wild ducks). Interestingly, Pekin duck PrP showed a high proportion of β-sheets compared to that of chicken PrP, and a high aggregation propensity compared to that of avian PrPs. However, Pekin duck PrP with substitutions of chicken-specific amino acids showed reduced aggregation propensities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic characteristics of the PRNP sequence in Pekin ducks.
How Would the Potential Collapse of the Cumbre Vieja Volcano in La Palma Canary Islands Impact the Guadeloupe Islands? Insights into the Consequences of Climate Change
Authors: Arnaud Gael E. , Krien Yann , Abadie Stéphane , Zahibo Narcisse , Dudon Bernard
Published: January 2021

Tsunamis are among the deadliest threats to coastal areas as reminded by the recent tragic events in the Indian Ocean in 2004 and in Japan in 2011. A large number of tropical islands are indeed exposed due to their proximity to potential tsunami sources in tectonic subduction zones. For these territories, assessing tsunamis’ impact is of major concern for early warning systems and management plans. The effectiveness of inundation predictions relies, among other things, on processes engaged at the scale of the local bathymetry and topography. As part of the project C3AF that aimed to study the consequences of climate change on the French West Indies, we used the numerical model SCHISM to simulate the propagation of several potential tsunamis as well as their impacts on the Guadeloupe islands (French West Indies). Working from the findings of the most recent studies, we used the simulations of four scenarios of collapse of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma, Canary islands. We then used FUNWAVE-TVD to simulate trans-Atlantic wave propagation until they reached the Guadeloupe archipelago where we used SCHISM to assess their final impact. Inundation is quantified for the whole archipelago and detailed for the most exposed areas. Finally, in a climate change perspective, inundation is compared for different sea levels and degrees of vegetation cover deterioration using modified friction coefficients. We then discuss the results showing that climate change-related factors would amplify the impact more in the case of smaller inundation along with model limitations and assumptions.
Memoirs in Miniature: CM/1 Forms and Fragmentary Understandings of the Holocaust
Authors: Weston Nathaniel Parker
Published: January 2021

This article examines the Care and Maintenance (CM/1) form of Paula Bettauer for what it reveals about her memories of surviving the Holocaust and her husband’s murder in Auschwitz. The record includes a personal narrative, chronologies of her employment status and vital documents, as well as other details, all of which offer a view of navigating Vienna following the Nazi annexation and later deportation of the vast majority of the city’s Jewish population. This article reports on these crucial pieces of information and analyzes various blank spaces in comprehending the Holocaust through an individual’s postwar memories.
Debriefing and Learning Strategies: A Comparison between Two Reflective Analysis Styles with/without a Graphical Record of Strengths/Weaknesses
Authors: Escribano Sánchez Guillermo , Ruzafa-Martínez María , Leal-Costa César , Díaz-Agea José Luis , Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , García Sánchez Alfonso
Published: January 2021

Background: Clinical simulation efficiently complements the training of Nursing Degree students. The debriefing phase is the most important feature of simulation-based learning, where the students are able to acquire the necessary competences. It is at this stage where learning strategies and motivation play a crucial role. The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between the style of debriefing utilized in the simulation sessions, and the learning strategies of Nursing Degree students who participated in a high-fidelity clinical simulation. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted with a sample of 200 students in their third and fourth years at university. To obtain the data, an evaluation Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Learning Strategies of University Students (CEVEAPEU) was utilized, as well as two different types of structured debriefing styles, namely, with or without a graphical representation of the strengths/weaknesses during the analytical phase. The data analysis was performed with the SPSS® v25 program. Results: Statistically significant differences were found, with higher scores obtained when utilizing debriefing with a graphical representation, on both scales of the questionnaire (affective and cognitive), on the motivational, metacognitive and processing, and use of information subscales, and twelve learning strategies mostly belonging to the subscales of motivation; searching, collecting, and selecting information; and processing and using information. Conclusion: Debriefing with a graphical representation is deemed, a priori, as the most adequate approach for our context, based on the greater number of learning strategies utilized by our students. The use of a written graphical record of the strengths and weaknesses in the analytical phase is recommended.
A Nurse-Led Education Program for Pneumoconiosis Caregivers at the Community Level
Authors: Kin Cheung , Tsang Chun Yuk Jason , Zhang Lillian Weiwei , Chan Sandy Kit Ying
Published: January 2021

Pneumoconiosis is an irreversible chronic disease. With functional limitations and an inability to work, pneumoconiosis patients require support from family caregivers. However, the needs of pneumoconiosis caregivers have been neglected. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led education program, which involved four weekly 90-min workshops led by an experienced nurse and guided by Orem’s self-care deficit theory. A single-group, repeated-measure study design was adopted. Caregivers’ mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS, four single items for stress, worriedness, tiredness, and insufficient support), caregiving burdens (caregiving burden scale, CBS), and unmet direct support and enabling needs (Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool, CSNAT) were measured at the baseline (T0), immediately after (T1), and one month after intervention (T2); 49, 41, and 28 female participants completed the T0, T1, and T2 measurements. Mean age was 65.9 years old (SD 10.08) with a range between 37 and 85 years old. The program improved the caregivers’ mental wellbeing, and reduced their caregiving burdens and their unmet support and enabling needs, both immediately (T1) and one-month after the intervention (T2). In particular, the intervention improved the caregivers’ mental wellbeing significantly, specifically depression symptoms, stress, and tiredness immediately after the intervention; and reduced most of their unmet support needs and unmet enabling needs one-month after the intervention. This was the first nurse-led program for pneumoconiosis caregivers and should serve as a foundation for further studies to test the program with robust designs.
COVID-19 and Pediatric Asthma: Clinical and Management Challenges
Authors: Boechat José Laerte , Wandalsen Gustavo Falbo , Kuschnir Fabio Chigres , Delgado Luís
Published: January 2021

Asthma is the most frequent chronic condition in childhood and a current concern exists about asthma in the pediatric population and its risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although all ages can be affected, SARS-CoV-2 infection has lower clinical impact on children and adolescents than on adults. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms and signs in children; wheezing has not been frequently reported. Published studies suggest that children with asthma do not appear to be disproportionately more affected by COVID-19. This hypothesis raises two issues: is asthma (and/or atopy) an independent protective factor for COVID-19? If yes, why? Explanations for this could include the lower IFN-α production, protective role of eosinophils in the airway, and antiviral and immunomodulatory proprieties of inhaled steroids. Additionally, recent evidence supports that allergic sensitization is inversely related to ACE2 expression. Obesity is a known risk factor for COVID-19 in adults. However, in the childhood asthma–obesity phenotype, the classic atopic Th2 pattern seems to predominate, which could hypothetically be a protective factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with both conditions. Finally, the return to school activities raises concerns, as asymptomatic children could act as vectors for the spread of the disease. Although this is still a controversial topic, the identification and management of asymptomatic children is an important approach during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Focus on asthma control, risk stratification, and medication adherence will be essential to allow children with asthma to return safely to school.
Family Context Assessment in Middle Childhood: A Tool Supporting Social, Educational, and Public Health Interventions
Authors: Barreto-Zarza Florencia , Sánchez de Miguel Manuel , Ibarluzea Jesús , González-Safont Llúcia , Rebagliato Marisa , Arranz-Freijo Enrique B.
Published: January 2021

Quality of the family context has an important role in the physical and mental health of children; that is why it is important to have reliable and updated tools. This study aims to design and validate a new tool, the Haezi Etxadi Family Assessment Scale 7–11 (HEFAS 7–11), to assess family context quality in middle childhood. A sample of two cohorts of 772 Spanish families with children aged between 7 and 11 (M = 9.39 years; SD = 1.57; 51.2% girls), participated in the study. Results showed good psychometric properties for the instrument and the confirmatory factor analysis showed a five individual subscales structure: 1. Promotion of Cognitive and Linguistic Development (α = 0.79); 2. Promotion of Socio Emotional Development (α = 0.83); 3. Organization of Physical Environment and Social Context (α = 0.73); 4. Parental Stress & Conflict (α = 0.75); and 5. Parental Profile Fostering Child Development (α = 0.80). The association between HEFAS 7–11 and Trial Making Test was also analyzed to determine the concurrent validity of the instrument. The new scale shows its potential in the fields of research, social and educational, to know those variables that need to be promoted under the approach of positive parenting from a public health perspective.
Thermal Characteristics of Breast Surface Temperature in Healthy Women
Authors: Lubkowska Anna , Chudecka Monika
Published: January 2021

Thermography is widely used in the medical field, including in the detection of breast disorders. The aim of the research was to characterize the range of breast surface temperature values, taking into account the entire area of the mammary gland and, independently, the nipple, in healthy women. An additional aim was to assess the symmetry of the breast temperature distribution (using an IR camera) and the correlation of temperatures with the content of adipose tissue. Thermograms were made for the right and left breasts, each time delineating the area of the entire breast and a separate area of the nipple, chest, and abdomen. Analyzing the intergroup differences in temperature of selected body areas (Tmean), it was shown that, in all cases, they were significantly higher in younger women. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between breast and nipple temperatures in relation to the body sides. The highest temperatures within the mammary gland were recorded for the nipple area. The use of the high-resolution digital infrared thermal imaging method in early and screening preventive diagnoses of changes in the mammary gland requires individual interpretation of the results, taking into account the assessment of the physiological pattern of temperature distribution in both breasts.
Women’s Participation in Decision-Making in Maternity Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Clients’ Health Literacy Skills and Needs for Support
Authors: Murugesu Laxsini , Damman Olga C. , Derksen Marloes E. , Timmermans Danielle R. M. , de Jonge Ank , Smets Ellen M. A. , Fransen Mirjam P.
Published: January 2021

Shared decision-making requires adequate functional health literacy (HL) skills from clients to understand information, as well as interactive and critical HL skills to obtain, appraise and apply information about available options. This study aimed to explore women’s HL skills and needs for support regarding shared decision-making in maternity care. In-depth interviews were held among women in Dutch maternity care who scored low (n = 10) and high (n = 13) on basic health literacy screening test(s). HL skills and perceived needs for support were identified through thematic analysis. Women appeared to be highly engaged in the decision-making process. They mentioned searching and selecting general information about pregnancy and labor, constructing their preferences based on their own pre-existing knowledge and experiences and by discussions with partners and significant others. However, women with low basic skills and primigravida perceived difficulties in finding reliable information, understanding probabilistic information, constructing preferences based on benefit/harm information and preparing for consultations. Women also emphasized dealing with uncertainties, changing circumstances of pregnancy and labor, and emotions. Maternity care professionals could further support clients by guiding them towards reliable information. To facilitate participation in decision-making, preparing women for consultations (e.g., agenda setting) and supporting them in a timely manner to understand benefit/harm information seem important.
Seafarers’ Occupational Noise Exposure and Cardiovascular Risk. Comments to Bolm-Audorff, U.; et al. Occupational Noise and Hypertension Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 6281
Authors: David Lucas , Brice Loddé , Richard Pougnet , Jean Dominique Dewitte , Dominique Jégaden
Published: January 2021

A German team published a new meta-analysis on the topic, “Occupational noise and hypertension risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [...]
Morphological and Physical Profile of a Collegiate Water Skier
Authors: Woodgate Michael A. , Gann Joshua J. , Hey William , Jung Hyun Chul
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to examine morphological and physical fitness profile in collegiate water skiers and to identify the potential morphological and physical fitness factors, important for success in the slalom, trick, and jump events. Twenty collegiate water skiers were subject to anthropometric, somatotype measurements and a battery of physical tests inclusive of water ski-specific fitness variables. An independent t-test was used to compare the gender differences of dependent variables. Partial correlation and linear regression analyses were used to identify the factors that are associated with water ski performance. Male water skiers were lower in endomorphic component and better in power, speed, and cardiorespiratory fitness than female water skiers (p < 0.05). Somatotype such as mesomorphic (r = −0.48) and ectomorphic components (r = −0.60), sum of hand-grip strength (r = 0.98), and muscular endurance including posterior extension (r = 0.59) and left lateral flexion (r = 0.63) were significantly correlated with water skiing performance score (p < 0.05). The results of regression analyses showed that mesomorphic component (r2 = 0.24, p = 0.04), sum of hand-grip strength (r2 = 0.95, p = 0.001), and muscular endurance (r2 = 0.30, p = 0.03), appear to be crucial factors associated with water ski performance in slalom, trick (hands pass), and the jump events, respectively. Our study suggests that different morphological and fitness components are required to succeed in each tournament water skiing event. Coaches and athletes can utilize the battery of physical tests and design a specialized training regimen for each tournament water skiing event.
Adherence of Healthcare Workers to Saudi Management Guidelines of Heat-Related Illnesses during Hajj Pilgrimage
Authors: Almuzaini Yasir , Abdulmalek Nour , Ghallab Sujoud , Mushi Abdulaziz , Yassin Yara , Yezli Saber , Khan Anas A.
Published: January 2021

Heat-related illnesses (HRIs), such as heatstroke (HS) and heat exhaustion (HE), are common complications during Hajj pilgrims. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) developed guidelines on the management of HRIs to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) adherence to the updated national guidelines regarding pre-hospital and in-hospital management of HRIs. This was a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire based on the updated HRI management interim guidelines for the Hajj season. Overall, compliance with HE guidelines scored 5.5 out of 10 for basic management and 4.7 out of 10 for advanced management. Medical staff showed an average to above average adherence to pre-hospital HS management, including pre-hospital considerations (7.2), recognition of HS (8.1), case assessment (7.7), stabilizing airway, breathing, and circulation (8.7), and cooling (5). The overall compliance to in-hospital guidelines for HS management were all above average, except for special conditions (4.3). In conclusion, this survey may facilitate the evaluation of the adherence to Saudi HRIs guidelines by comparing annual levels of compliance. These survey results may serve as a tool for the Saudi MoH to develop further recommendations and actions.
Optimization of a Method for Extraction and Determination of Residues of Selected Antimicrobials in Soil and Plant Samples Using HPLC-UV-MS/MS
Authors: Kokoszka Klaudia , Kobus Agnieszka , Bajkacz Sylwia
Published: January 2021

The residues of antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine are popular pollutants of anthropogenic origin. The main sources of introducing antimicrobials into the environment are sewage treatment plants and the agricultural industry. Antimicrobials in animal manure contaminate the surrounding soil as well as groundwater, and can be absorbed by plants. The presence of antimicrobials in food of plant origin may pose a threat to human health due to their high biological activity. As part of the research, a procedure was developed for the extraction and determination of ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, cefuroxime, nalidixic acid and metronidazole in environmental samples (soil and parsley root). An optimized solid-liquid extraction (SLE) method was used to separate antimicrobials from the solid samples and a mixture of citrate buffer (pH = 4): methanol (1:1; v/v) was used as the extraction solvent. Solid phase extraction (SPE) with OASIS® HLB cartridges was used to purify and pre-concentrate the sample. The recovery of the developed method was in the range of 55–108%. Analytes were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an ultraviolet (UV) detector and a tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-UV-MS/MS). The procedure was validated and applied to the determination of selected antimicrobials in soil and parsley root samples. Five types of soil and five types of parsley roots of different origins were analyzed. The presence of nalidixic acid in the parsley root samples was found in the concentration range of 0.14–0.72 ng g−1. It has been shown that antimicrobials are absorbed by the plant and can accumulate antimicrobials in its edible parts.
Food Insecurity among Low-Income Food Handlers: A Nationwide Study in Brazilian Community Restaurants
Authors: Fideles Ingrid C. , Akutsu Rita de Cassia Coelho de Almeida , Barroso Rosemary da Rocha Fonseca , Costa-Souza Jamacy , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Raposo António , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção
Published: January 2021

This study aims to evaluate food insecurity (FI) among Brazilian Community restaurant food handlers and its associated factors. This cross-sectional study was performed with a representative sample of 471 food handlers working in community restaurants (CR) from all Brazilian regions. Participants are mostly female (62.2%), ≤40 years old (67.7%), with a partner (52.0%), and with up to eight years of education (54.1%). Predictors of participants’ socioeconomic status and CR geographic location are associated with the household food insecurity categories (p < 0.05). The predictors of socioeconomic conditions are associated with mild and moderate/severe FI category. Workers with less education are twice as likely to belong to the category with the highest FI severity. Lower per capita household income increased the chances of belonging to the mild insecurity category by 86%. It more than doubled the chance to be in the category of moderate/severe insecurity. Predictors of health status, lifestyle, and work are not associated with any multinomial outcome categories. However, working in the South, Southeast, or Midwest regions of Brazilian decreased the chances of belonging to one of the FI categories, with significance only for the mild category. Variables that show an association for this population are per capita household income for the different levels of FI and the CR region for mild FI. A high prevalence of FI in this population points to the need for more studies with low-income workers to prevent FI and its health consequences.