bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Cleaning as a Tool in Combating COVID-19: A Content Validity Study for Malaysian Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Kamaruddin A. , Zainol N.N. , Sulaiman M.A. , Sukereman A.S , Hashim H.A
Published: October 2022

Today’s healthcare industry continues to advance its efforts on cleaning and disinfecting while also effectively addressing COVID-19 and other harmful organisms. However, excessive exposure to hazardous cleaning and disinfecting products can itself endanger health. Many of the ingredients used in cleaning products could be very detrimental to the health of the cleaning workers, patients and the environment. Thus, green cleaning practice plays an important role in combating COVID-19 while protecting human health and environment. This study aims to determine the components of green cleaning for healthcare facilities in Malaysia and how green cleaning contributes to human health and prevent common environmental consequences of conventional cleaning practices. A content validity study was conducted which involves eight panels of green cleaning experts. This paper is anticipated to provide an initial guideline as a basis for healthcare facilities in Malaysia in a structured way in practicing green cleaning during the pandemic.
Challenges in Privatization Development Projects under Local Government in Malaysia
Authors: Saron N.N.M. , Jaafar M.N. , Sukereman A.S.
Published: October 2022

In Malaysia’s development plan, privatization continued to be an important part of the overall strategy to enhance the role of the private sector in the country’s economic development. For several years, local governments in Malaysia had used privatization to expand facilities, which made local governments a significant player in the economic development of cities. However, studies had also shown that the privatization programmes among local governments in Malaysia are not entirely successful. Some of privatization development failed not achieving project goals. There are some criteria which lead the privatization into failure. The effectiveness of privatization requires efficiency and transparency in its implementation. Therefore, the study explores the challenges that have been studied in the development of privatization projects among local governments. By adopting a qualitative approach, the primary data are obtained using semi-structured interviews, where 16 respondents are selected using Purposive Stratified Sampling from five local authorities that actively implemented privatization in development projects. Thematic network analysis was adopted in analyzing the primary data. Finding transpired that there are eight critical challenges: political interferences, internal company problems, communication between parties, current financial situation, existing experts, compliance with prescribed conditions, land status issues, and objection and complaints from the community.
Experimental Form-finding: A review
Authors: Baroš T , Kabošová L , Baroš M , Katunský D
Published: October 2022

This paper deals with the review and categorization of form-finding techniques. Their utilization in architectural design, consisting of realized as well as theoretical concepts, is studied. Employing experiments, parametric and simulation-based designing, or artificial intelligence in the design process provides a platform for novel, architecturally unique, unexpected structures.
Life cycle assessment of residential buildings and scenarios for prolonged life span
Authors: Blichova Z , Vilcekova S , Kridlova Burdova E , Katunský D
Published: October 2022

This study deals with determination of the share of building materials impacts in whole building life cycle considering longer life span. Our aim is to investigate differences between widely used 50-year life span compared to100 and 150 years. Purpose of this study is thinking about aging residential building fond in Slovakia and their future. It is needs to be said that highest peak in building development occurred between 1955 till 1983 when prefabricated residential buildings were mostly made. These buildings take almost 38% share of all buildings finished till 2020 and youngest of them are almost 40 years old in 2022. It is needed to re-evaluate 50-year life span in all cases. Based on this situation this work focuses on residential buildings located in Slovak republic. For the assessment One Click LCA software was used, boundaries were set for cradle to grave. The functional unit was chosen 1 m2 of the total floor area in duration of determined life span. Results are presented for modelled scenarios which investigates changes in global warming potential impact category.
Economic efficiency: yield on cost as core tool of benchmarking
Authors: Pagac S
Published: October 2022

The aim of the paper is to introduce and evaluate the yield of cost as tool of measurement and comparison in construction economy. Yield on cost evaluates the ratio of investment or development costs to project income over given period. Evaluation of effect time indexation and discount rates on comparative metrics is required. As result the base equation is proposed to use in comparing economic performance of peer project across development industry
Digital preservation of the Jesuitas Church in Valencia (Spain) using 3D laser scanning
Authors: Moreno-Puchalt J , Almerich-Chulia A , Laumain X
Published: October 2022

The urgent need to improve the quality in the refurbishment of historical buildings has led to the adoption of many innovative technologies. 3D laser scanning is a non-destructive technique used in the study of architectural heritage. It consists of producing millions of accurate 3D points with a very high point density in a short time. To get the complete 3D model, multiple shots must be taken from different directions that provide data from all sides of the building. These scans are integrated into a common reference system so that through a process of aligning the information obtained in all the stations, a complete model is achieved in a single file. This model faithfully reproduces the current volume of the temple, including its deformations and collapses, and provides very precise information from which to make its geometric survey. The refurbishment project of the Jesuitas Church in Valencia (Spain) has been realized thanks to the help of 3D laser scanning carried out three times during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The results obtained have not only served to make a very precise graphic survey but have also been applied in the necessary structural calculation.
Corrosion Acceleration Test on Weathering Steel and Paint-coated Steel for Bridge Structural Members
Authors: Liu J , Ojima K , Jiang F , Hirohata M , Nakayama T , Sakamoto T
Published: October 2022

A new accelerated corrosion test authorized as ISO16539 Method B in 2013 has shown a good correlation with corrosion behavior in an actual corrosive atmospheric environment. This study aims to extend the application of this method to steel bridge members. The corrosion acceleration tests by the ISO 16539 Method B to weathering steel without anti-corrosive coating and paint-coated steel were conducted through 6 months of the test periods. A series of fundamental studies were conducted to clarify the characteristics of this test in the durability evaluation of the steel used for bridge structural members by comparing the results of the atmospheric exposure test. The accelerated test of 168 days produced the thickness reduction by 10 to 14 times larger than the exposure test of 365 days to the weathering steel. The blister area of the paint-coating as a measure of the paint degradation by the accelerated test was 11 to 14 times larger than the exposure test of 365 days to paint-coated steel. These results showed the effectiveness of the accelerated test by ISO16539 Method B to evaluate the degradation characteristics of the weathering steel and the paint-coated steel.
Green roofs on buildings – different view on its construction solution
Authors: Kováč M
Published: October 2022

The need of green in cities or the increase of its ratio is very requested in this time of global warming. Buildings in combination with traffic cause so called urban heat islands. The high surface temperature on the facade of buildings causes the increase of surrounding air temperature in the towns. This situation creates the discomfort for their citizens. Also we have to consider with higher operating costs for cooling systems in buildings. The solution how to help is the using of green architecture for each new building but also for reconstructed existing buildings. Green roofs and walls are not new and we have different construction solutions. But this article brings different view on the construction solution of green roofs. It should be the solution that can decrease the heat load of building. This proposed solution allows using the area of flat roof for installation of air handling units and their ducts. The design of space on the flat roof overarched by greens creates better conditions for the operations of air handling units during the hot summer days when the fresh air is sucked from the shaded space that is not overheated by solar radiation.
The impact of the exterior green wall on the summer regime in the building – energy simulation
Authors: Kováč M
Published: October 2022

The analysis is based on the results of computer simulation by using DesignBUILDER software. In the analysis is the multi dwelling house assessed. There are standard building constructions used like as the brick wall with polystyrene thermal insulation, Windows with plastic frame and double glazing and the flat roof with thermal insulation from polystyrene without the gravel layer. In this thermal simulation is considered with so called green walls, that are localized at eastern, southern, and western facade of the building. The light steel frame construction with the net from thin steel ropes creates the area for the climbing plants like a ivy. The function of the used green walls with climbing plants is to shade the external walls of the building in order to reduce the impact of solar radiation on the building facade during the hot summer days. We can these green walls in combination with external blinds consider like a effectively solution in order to reduce the energy consumption for cooling system in the building. By the way the used green walls help to reduce the air temperature surrounding the buildings and so they create the better town climate for their citizens.
Use of synthetic Fe3O4-rich tribofilms to investigate the effect of microconstituents, temperature and atmosphere on the friction coefficient during pin-on-disc tribotest
Authors: Rodrigues A C P , Feller A H , Jácome L Agudo , Azevedo C R F
Published: October 2022

This work investigates the effect of the tribotesting parameters (temperature, atmosphere, and third body chemical composition) on the coefficient of friction (CoF) during pin-on-disc dry (PoD) sliding tribotests using artificial third bodies. The third body comprised nanometric Fe3O4-based binary to quaternary chemical compositions containing copper, graphite, and zirconia. These mixtures were manually or ball-milled prepared, and pin-on-disc tribotests were conducted at 23 °C and 400 °C under air or nitrogen atmospheres. Combining PoD and artificial third body to create synthetic tribofilms might be useful for testing new formulations of Cu-free friction materials. Microstructural characterisation of the tribofilms was used to study the stability of the Fe3O4, copper, and graphite nanoparticles under different testing conditions to understand their effects on the CoF. For the Fe3O4-C-ZrO2-X systems, the ball milling mixing promoted the formation of turbostratic graphite in the tribofilm, impairing the lubricating effect of the graphite under air atmosphere at 23 °C. The formation of monoclinic CuO in the tribofilms during tribotests at 400 °C under air and N2 atmospheres promoted a lubricating effect.
Anisotropic laser-pulse-induced magnetization dynamics in van der Waals magnet Fe3GeTe2
Authors: Lichtenberg Tom , Schippers Casper F , van Kooten Sjoerd C P , Evers Stijn G F , Barcones Beatriz , Guimarães Marcos H D , Koopmans Bert
Published: October 2022

Femtosecond laser-pulse excitation provides an energy efficient and fast way to control magnetization at the nanoscale, providing great potential for ultrafast next-generation data manipulation and nonvolatile storage devices. Ferromagnetic van der Waals materials have garnered much attention over the past few years due to their low dimensionality, excellent magnetic properties, and large response to external stimuli. Nonetheless, their behaviour upon fs laser-pulse excitation remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the ultrafast magnetization dynamics of a thin flake of Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) and extract its intrinsic magnetic properties using a microscopic framework. We find that our data is well described by our modeling, with FGT undergoing a slow two-step demagnetization, and we experimentally extract the spin-relaxation timescale as a function of temperature, magnetic field and excitation fluence. Our observations indicate a large spin-flip probability in agreement with a theoretically expected large spin–orbit coupling, as well as a weak interlayer exchange coupling. The spin-flip probability is found to increase when the magnetization is pulled away from its quantization axis, opening doors to an external control over the spins in this material. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics van der Waals materials upon fs laser-pulse excitation, paving the way towards two-dimensional materials-based ultrafast spintronics.
A novel heart sound segmentation algorithm via multi-feature input and neural network with attention mechanism
Authors: Guo Yang , Yang Hongbo , Guo Tao , Pan Jiahua , Wang Weilian
Published: October 2022

Objective. Heart sound segmentation (HSS), which aims to identify the exact positions of the first heart sound(S1), second heart sound(S2), the duration of S1, systole, S2, and diastole within a cardiac cycle of phonocardiogram (PCG), is an indispensable step to find out heart health. Recently, some neural network-based methods for heart sound segmentation have shown good performance. Approach. In this paper, a novel method was proposed for HSS exactly using One-Dimensional Convolution and Bidirectional Long-Short Term Memory neural network with Attention mechanism (C-LSTM-A) by incorporating the 0.5-order smooth Shannon entropy envelope and its instantaneous phase waveform (IPW), and third intrinsic mode function (IMF-3) of PCG signal to reduce the difficulty of neural network learning features. Main results. An average F1-score of 96.85 was achieved in the clinical research dataset (Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital heart sound dataset) and an average F1-score of 95.68 was achieved in 2016 PhysioNet/CinC Challenge dataset using the novel method. Significance. The experimental results show that this method has advantages for normal PCG signals and common pathological PCG signals, and the segmented fundamental heart sound(S1, S2), systole, and diastole signal components are beneficial to the study of subsequent heart sound classification.
Research on dynamic characteristics of arc under electrode relative motion
Authors: DONG Keliang , WU Guangning , QIAN Pengyu , XU Zhilei , MA Yaguang , YANG Zefeng , GAO Guoqiang , WEI Wenfu
Published: October 2022

The relative motion of the electrodes is a typical feature of sliding electrical contact systems. The system fault caused by the arc is the key problem that restricts the service life of the sliding electrical contact system. In this paper, an arcing experimental platform that can accurately control the relative speed and distance of electrodes is built, and the influence of different electrode speeds and electrode distances on arc motion characteristics is explored. It is found that there are three different modes of arc root motion: single arc root motion mode, single and double arc roots alternating motion mode, and multiple arc roots motion mode. The physical process and influence mechanism of different arc root motion modes are further studied, and the corresponding relationship between arc root motion modes and electrode speed is revealed. In addition, to further explore the distribution characteristics of arc temperature and its influencing factors, an arc magnetohydrodynamic model under the relative motion of electrodes is established, and the variation law of arc temperature under the effect of different electrode speeds and electrode distances is summarized. Finally, the influence mechanism of electrode speed and electrode distance on arc temperature, arc root distance, and arc root speed is clarified. The research results enrich the research system of arc dynamic characteristics in the field of sliding electrical contact, and provide theoretical support for restraining arc erosion and improving the service life of the sliding electrical contact system.
Adiabatic theory of the polaron spectral function
Authors: Kabanov V V
Published: October 2022

An analytic theory for the spectral function for electrons coupled with phonons is formulated in the adiabatic limit. In the case when the chemical potential is large and negative μ → − ∞ the ground state does not have the adiabatic deformation and the spectral function is defined by the standard perturbation theory. In this limit we use the diagram technique in order to formulate an integral equation for the renormalized vertex. The spectral function was evaluated by solving the Dyson’s equation for the self-energy with the renormalized vertex. The moments of the spectral function satisfy the exact sum rules up to the 7th moment. In the case when the chemical potential is pinned at the polaron binding energy the spectral function is defined by the ground state with a nonzero adiabatic deformation. We calculate the spectral function with the finite polaron density in the adiabatic limit. We also demonstrate how the sum rules for higher moments may be evaluated in the adiabatic limit. Contrary to the case of zero polaron density the spectral function with the finite polaron concentration has some contributions which are characteristic for polarons.
Ecosystem services of ‘Trees Outside Forests (TOF)’ and their contribution to the contemporary sustainability agenda: a systematic review
Authors: Peros Colin Scott , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Estoque Ronald C , Basu Mrittika
Published: October 2022

Trees Outside Forests (TOF) were recognized in the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s 2000 Global Forest Resource Assessment as an essential component of sustainable development. Today, however, TOF remain an undervalued resource, with no comprehensive review of the wide spectrum of ecosystem services that are provided by TOF nor of the diversity of tree species that comprises TOF globally. Thus, a global analysis of TOF is vital to quantify their contribution to sustainable development and international climate initiatives. We reviewed the scientific literature to (1) classify and compile a repository of information on TOF resources, including the types of ecosystem services provided by TOF, geographic distribution, land-use type, and spatial pattern; and (2) document the diversity of tree species that comprises TOF globally. After screening the literature, 203 species of TOF were investigated across 20 countries in the 28 articles that we analyzed; another 15 articles across 57 countries did not include taxonomic information. Our results showed that the global distribution of TOF studies was biased toward Europe, revealing data deficiencies across the Global South, despite its contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem services. We also observed a bias in ecosystem service type toward regulating and supporting services, with studies lacking in cultural and provisioning services provided by TOF. Furthermore, studies conducted in urban areas were also lacking. To realize the full potential of TOF for sustainable development and climate initiatives, we conclude that a more holistic understanding of their ecosystem services must be established under national and intergovernmental reporting mechanisms.
Impact of atomic defects in the electronic states of FeSe

1−x

S

x

superconducting crystals
Authors: Aragón Sánchez Jazmín , Amigó María Lourdes , Belussi Cristian Horacio , Ale Crivillero María Victoria , Suárez Sergio , Guimpel Julio , Nieva Gladys , Esteban Gayone Julio , Fasano Yanina
Published: October 2022

The electronic properties of Fe-based superconductors are drastically affected by deformations on their crystal structure introduced by doping and pressure. Here we study single crystals of FeSe

1
−
x

S
x
and reveal that local crystal deformations such as atomic-scale defects impact the spectral shape of the electronic core level states of the material. By means of scanning tunneling microscopy we image S-doping induced defects as well as diluted dumbbell defects associated with Fe vacancies. We have access to the electronic structure of the samples by means of x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and show that the spectral shape of the Se core levels can only be adequately described by considering a principal plus a minor component of the electronic states. We find this result for both pure and S-doped samples, irrespective that in the latter case the material presents extra crystal defects associated to doping with S atoms. We argue that the second component in our XPS spectra is associated with the ubiquitous dumbbell defects in FeSe that are known to entail a significant modification of the electronic clouds of surrounding atoms.
Characterization and modeling of spiking and bursting in experimental NbO
x
neuron
Authors: Drouhin Marie , Li Shuai , Grelier Matthieu , Collin Sophie , Godel Florian , Elliman Robert G , Dlubak Bruno , Trastoy Juan , Querlioz Damien , Grollier Julie
Published: October 2022

Hardware spiking neural networks hold the promise of realizing artificial intelligence with high energy efficiency. In this context, solid-state and scalable memristors can be used to mimic biological neuron characteristics. However, these devices show limited neuronal behaviors and have to be integrated in more complex circuits to implement the rich dynamics of biological neurons. Here we studied a NbO
x
memristor neuron that is capable of emulating numerous neuronal dynamics, including tonic spiking, stochastic spiking, leaky-integrate-and-fire features, spike latency, temporal integration. The device also exhibits phasic bursting, a property that has scarcely been observed and studied in solid-state nano-neurons. We show that we can reproduce and understand this particular response through simulations using non-linear dynamics. These results show that a single NbO
x
device is sufficient to emulate a collection of rich neuronal dynamics that paves a path forward for realizing scalable and energy-efficient neuromorphic computing paradigms.
Global solutions for the generalized SQG equation and rearrangements
Authors: Cao Daomin , Qin Guolin , Zhan Weicheng , Zou Changjun
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study the existence of rotating and traveling-wave solutions for the generalized surface quasi-geostrophic (gSQG) equation. The solutions are obtained by maximization of the energy over the set of rearrangements of a fixed function. The rotating solutions take the form of co-rotating vortices withNN-fold symmetry. The traveling-wave solutions take the form of translating vortex pairs. Moreover, these solutions constitute the desingularization of co-rotatingNNpoint vortices and counter-rotating pairs. Some other quantitative properties are also established.
Free actions of groups on separated graph 𝐶*-algebras
Authors: Ara Pere , Buss Alcides , Costa Ado
Published: October 2022

In this paper we study free actions of groups on separated graphs and their

C
∗

C^*

-algebras, generalizing previous results involving ordinary (directed) graphs.

We prove a version of the Gross-Tucker Theorem for separated graphs yielding a characterization of free actions on separated graphs via a skew product of the (orbit) separated graph by a group labeling function. Moreover, we describe the

C
∗

C^*

-algebras associated to these skew products as crossed products by certain coactions coming from the labeling function on the graph. Our results deal with both the full and the reduced

C
∗

C^*

-algebras of separated graphs.

To prove our main results we use several techniques that involve certain canonical conditional expectations defined on the

C
∗

C^*

-algebras of separated graphs and their structure as amalgamated free products of ordinary graph

C
∗

C^*

-algebras. Moreover, we describe Fell bundles associated with the coactions of the appearing labeling functions. As a byproduct of our results, we deduce that the

C
∗

C^*

-algebras of separated graphs always have a canonical Fell bundle structure over the free group on their edges.
Reliable Cognitive Decline in Late-Life Major Depression
Authors: Manning Kevin J , Wu Rong , McQuoid Douglas R , Steffens David C , Potter Guy G
Published: October 2022

Objective

Major depression in older adults increases the statistical likelihood of dementia. It is challenging to translate statistical evidence of cognitive decline at the group level into knowledge of individual cognitive outcomes. The objective of the current study is to investigate 2-year reliable cognitive change in late-life depression (LLD), which will enhance understanding of cognitive changes in LLD and provide a means to assess individual change.

Methods

In a sample of non-depressed cognitively normal older adults or NDCN (n = 113), we used linear regression to predict tests of global cognition, processing speed-executive functioning, and memory administered 1 and 2 years later. Stepwise regression was used to select covariates among demographics and raw test scores (either baseline or year 1) and we cross-validated the final models using the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS). We then derived a z-change score from the difference between actual and predicted follow-up scores and investigated the proportion of LLD patients (n = 199) and NDCN adults who experienced reliable “decline” (a z-score < −1.645), “stability” (z-scores between + − 1.645), and “improvement” (z scores > +1.645).

Results

A greater proportion LLD compared with NDCN experienced cognitive decline in processing speed/executive functioning and global cognition over 2 years. When compared to NDCN, a greater proportion of LLD also significantly improved on one test of processing speed over 2 years.

Conclusions

Older adults with LLD are at risk of meaningful cognitive decline over a relatively short period, particularly in the domain of executive functioning and processing speed. This study provides a series of reliable change equations for common neuropsychological tests that can be applied clinically.
Comparison of six frailty instruments in adults with heart failure: a prospective cohort pilot study
Authors: McDonagh Julee , Ferguson Caleb , Prichard Roslyn , Chang Sungwon , Philips Jane L , Davidson Patricia M , Newton Phillip J , Macdonald Peter S
Published: October 2022

Aims

To compare the frailty prevalence and predictive performance of six frailty instruments in adults with heart failure and determine the feasibility of study methods.

Methods and results

Prospective cohort pilot study. Adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The Frailty Phenotype; the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI); St Vincent’s Frailty instrument; St Vincent’s Frailty instrument plus cognition and mood; The Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of Weight (FRAIL) scale; and the Deficit Accumulation Index (DAI) were compared. Multiple logistic regression was used to develop six frailty instrument models to evaluate the association between each frailty instrument and composite all-cause rehospitalization and mortality at 12 months. One hundred and thirty-one patients were included with a mean age of 54 [± 14(SD)]. Frailty prevalence ranged from 33 to 81%. All instruments except one (the FRAIL scale) appeared to signal an increased odds of rehospitalization and/or mortality, yet these results were non-significant. The six frailty instrument models displayed sensitivity between 88–92% and C-statistic values of 0.71–0.73, suggesting satisfactory discrimination.

Conclusion

The prevalence of frailty varied across six frailty instruments yet was in the higher range despite a ‘younger’ heart failure cohort. Further research is required to confirm the psychometric properties of these instruments for routine clinical use in an adequately powered and more diverse heart failure cohort.
Introducing multiple-gene mutations in Pleurotus ostreatus using a polycistronic tRNA and CRISPR guide RNA strategy
Authors: Xu Haibo , Nakazawa Takehito , Zhang Yufan , Oh Minji , Bao Dapeng , Kawauchi Moriyuki , Sakamoto Masahiro , Honda Yoichi
Published: October 2022

The white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus is an agaricomycete that is frequently used in molecular genetics studies as many useful tools are applicable to the fungus. In particular, efficient gene targeting using homologous recombination and CRISPR/Cas9 enables the introduction of a mutation in the gene of interest for functional analysis. Multiple genes encoding various lignocellulose-degrading enzymes are predicted to be present in the genome; therefore, analyses of multiple-gene mutants are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying lignocellulose degradation by P. ostreatus. Conventional tools for generating multiple-gene mutations in P. ostreatus are laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, more efficient and practical methods are needed. In this study, we introduced CRISPR/Cas9-assisted multiple-gene mutations using a polycistronic tRNA and CRISPR guide RNA approach. The frequency (triple-gene mutation in fcy1, vp2, and   62347) was only 3.3% when a tetracistronic tRNA-sgRNA containing four different sgRNAs targeting fcy1, vp2, vp3, or   62347 was expressed. It increased to 20% (triple-gene mutation in vp1, vp2, and vp3) after a tricistronic tRNA-sgRNA was expressed with replaced/modulated promoter and tRNA sequences. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the applicability of a strategy to induce multiple-gene mutations in P. ostreatus in a transformation experiment.
Resorcinol alleviates alpha-terpineol-induced cell death in Schizosaccharomyces pombe via increased activity of the antioxidant enzyme Sod2
Authors: Agus Hizlan Hincal , Cetin Ahsen , Ozdemir Nurcan , Ozbay Melis Gulay , Caglar Muhammet Ali , Sariyildiz Mehmet Ali , Yildiz Umut
Published: October 2022

Alpha-terpineol, popular monoterpenoid alcohol, is known to cause cytotoxicity in a few cancer cells or to have antioxidant activity, but underlying mechanisms or apoptotic processes in yeast cell death should be understood. We used the fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as a unicellular model to monitor cellular toxicology and physiological mechanisms for the involvement of alpha-terpineol in cell death. Alpha-terpineol caused Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and following cytotoxicity and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of oxidative stress was proved using sod1 and sod2 mutants (antioxidant-limited cells), and the results showed that apoptosis was caused by alpha-terpineol-driven oxidation. In addition, resorcinol, a herbal extract from medicinal plants, showed protective activity against alpha-terpineol cytotoxicity. Survival rates, apoptotic cell death ratios, oxidation levels, and antioxidant gene expressions were completely altered; surprisingly sod1 and sod2 levels dramatically increased. However, sod2 was highly upregulated in response to resorcinol treatment with alpha-terpineol. The potential role of the Sod2 enzyme was proved using sod2 mutant cells that do not have a mitochondrial radical-clearing activity. Consequently, the dose-dependent and ROS-mediated cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of alpha-terpineol and the Sod2-dependent protective and antioxidant effects of resorcinol were demonstrated in unicellular model organism S. pombe by this study.
Widowhood and Mortality Among Chinese Older Adults in Singapore: The Roles of Gender and Perceived Social Support
Authors: Barrenetxea Jon , Feng Qiushi , Gu Danan , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Although the association between widowhood and mortality is well established, the impact of widowhood on mortality could differ by social support, gender, and widowhood duration. We studied the association between widowhood and mortality among older Chinese adults in Singapore and analyzed how social support, gender, and widowhood duration may modify this association.

Methods

We used data from 15,858 participants aged 61–96 years from the third follow-up of the population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study in 2014–2016. Mortality data were obtained through linkage with the national death registry through 31st December 2018, and social support was measured with the Duke Social Support Scale. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between widowhood and mortality risk.

Results

Compared with those married, widowed adults had a higher mortality risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01–1.38), and this risk was higher for those who were either recently widowed (<5 years; HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00–1.63) or long-term widowed (>10 years; HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07–1.54). Among men, those recently widowed had the highest mortality risk (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.06–2.13), whereas, among women, those long-term widowed had the highest mortality risk (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.99–1.60). In the analysis stratified by social support, widowhood was associated with mortality among those with low social support (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05–1.54), but not among those with high social support (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.76–1.33).

Discussion

Widowhood was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly among recently widowed men and long-term widowed women. Having adequate social support could attenuate the adverse effects of widowhood among older adults.
Covid-19-Stress Associated With Worse Sleep Quality, Particularly With Increasing Age
Authors: Lee Kyoungeun , Sayre Brialisse , Martin Sophia , James Taylor A , Duarte Audrey
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Based on socioemotional selectivity theory, one might predict that older adults’ well-being would be less negatively affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-stress, as with other stressors, than younger people. However, whether sleep quality, which is negatively affected by aging, is similarly protected from the negative consequences of Covid-19-stress with age is unknown. Here, we examined the association between Covid-19-stress, above and beyond general-stress, and sleep quality and how it varies by age.

Method

From December 2020 to April 2021, 386 adults reported their Covid-19-stress, sleep quality, and resilience in an online study.

Results

While older age was related to lower Covid-19-stress, Covid-19-stress was associated with worse sleep quality with greater age.

Discussion

These results suggest that at least some aspects of one’s well-being may be more susceptible to the negative consequences of stress with increasing age. Our results might be better understood via the strength and vulnerability integration model, which posits that older adults have increased susceptibility to prolonged and unavoidable stress.
The Health and Well-being Impacts of Community Shared Meal Programs for Older Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Middleton Georgia , Patterson Karen A , Muir-Cochrane Eimear , Velardo Stefania , McCorry Fidelma , Coveney John
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

There are social and economic benefits to supporting individuals to live independently for as long as possible. Structured shared meal programs provide opportunities for older individuals to connect in their communities and likely impact their health and well-being. Research in this area has not been summarized in recent years. This scoping review was undertaken to explore the impact shared meal programs may have for older community-dwelling adults.

Research Design and Methods

Nine databases were systematically searched in 2020, and 5,996 unique studies were identified. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full text for inclusion. Reference lists of included papers were hand searched, and the search was updated in 2021. Eighteen studies were included in the final review.

Results

Studies were published between 1980 and 2021 and most were published in the United States. Most studies were cross-sectional, two adopted a qualitative design, one a cohort design. Significant associations were reported between shared meal programs and improved dietary intake; however, minimal improvements were reported for physical health measures. The programs had a positive impact on attendees’ social networks and perceived well-being.

Discussion and Implications

Structured shared meal programs show promise in supporting the health and well-being of older adults in the community. They provide additional nutrition, opportunities for social connection, and are perceived to contribute to perceived well-being. More investigation is required to understand how these programs work to facilitate health and well-being, and how they can best be used to improve health outcomes for older populations.
Bone cyst surgery robot with bendable drilling and remote control
Authors: Solzbacher Rene M , Kim Seunguk , Lee Subin , Kim Hyeonwook , Joung Sanghyun , Lee Hyun-Joo , Hong Jaesung
Published: October 2022

Limited by rigid instruments, traditional open curettage of bone cysts requires large incisions and the removal of substantial amounts of healthy bone tissue to approach the lesion. This causes a lengthy recovery period with an increased risk for complications. While other less invasive methods have been suggested, none have been accepted as standard treatment modalities, and many of them have not been applied beyond academic studies. We propose a fully robotic compliant joint-based endoscopic surgery system capable of the minimally invasive removal of bone cysts. A drilling robot optimized to bend removes the lesion, while an endoscopic robot provides visual feedback as well as suction and irrigation for cleaning the inner bone. Two leader devices are used to precisely control the movement of each robot in a leader–follower configuration. The performance of the proposed system was evaluated in a series of experiments on animal femurs.
Community pharmacists’ perception and attitudes toward independent prescribing in the United Arab Emirates: an exploratory study
Authors: Sadeq Ayah , AlAhmad Mohammad M , Zain Alabdin Sham , Abdelsabour Moatasem , Muhaisen Attaallah , Fathelrahman AlBaraa , AbuRuz Salahdein
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To evaluate and investigate the perception and attitudes of community pharmacists (CPs) toward community pharmacist independent prescribing (CPIP) and their perceived ability to diagnose and manage common health problems.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on licensed CPs in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September to December 2019. A sample of 220 participants was randomly selected from the database of 980 licensed pharmacists working in Al-Ain. Pharmacists were asked to complete a questionnaire that includes five sections: demographic characteristics, pharmacists’ confidence, perceived requirements and barriers for the CPIP process and perceived competence to manage common medical conditions.

Key findings

Two hundred CPs were enrolled (response rate 91%) in this study (mean age 30.7 ± 7.2 years old); majority were females 60.3% (n = 121) and 90.0% (n = 190) had minimum bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Most of the participants had long-standing experience in the community pharmacy field (10 years). The majority of the pharmacists were confident in their ability to practice (CPIP) (70.0%, n = 140). However, they were least confident in their current knowledge and skills for practicing CPIP (58%, n = 116). More than 70.0% (n = 140) of the respondents were required to have a well-prepared consultation area, get proper access to patients’ records and provide recommendations. The main perceived barrier to CPIP was physicians’ acceptance (57.0%, n = 114). Around 75.0% (n = 140) of the CPs believed they are skilful in managing minor ailments such as acute back pain and acne, however, they reported lower perceived competence for the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension and asthma.

Conclusions

Most CPs have a positive attitude toward implementing CPIP, especially on minor ailments. The main perceived barrier was physicians’ acceptance and the majority of pharmacists were required to have access to patients’ medical records and a well-prepared consultation area.
Radical cystectomy, bilateral lymphadenectomy and native ureteral ligation in a patient with history of kidney transplantation
Authors: Basiri Abbas , Dadpour Mehdi , Madani Mohammad Hamidi , Amini Erfan
Published: October 2022

We reported radical cystectomy (RC), bilateral lymphadenectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction in a patient with history of kidney transplant. A 71-year-old man was referred to us with bladder tumor, elevated serum creatinine (1.9 mg/dl), hydroureteronephrosis in transplanted kidney and a 5–6-cm sessile mass in the right bladder wall with involvement of transplanted ureter orifice. The patient was candidate for RC. The native ureters were ligated permanently. Extended lymphadenectomy in left side and limited lymphadenectomy in right side were performed. The patient underwent ileal orthotopic neobladder reconstruction, and the graft ureter was reimplanted to ascending loop of the pouch with end-to-end anastomosis. In conclusion, bilateral lymphadenectomy is feasible in patients with a history of kidney transplantation during RC. Permanent ligation of native ureters is better to perform to reduce the time of surgery and prevent late probable morbidities due to uretero-intestinal reimplantation complications.
Adult EEG
Authors: Britton Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, Artifacts and the EEG, common artifacts affecting electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and interpretation are covered in detail. Artifacts can arise from several physiologic sources—including the eyes, heart, respiration, sweat glands, and movements of the body due to volitional activity and clinical phenomena such as tremors. They can also arise from equipment such as those due to abnormal electrode integrity or impedance, the manner in which the equipment is hooked up, filter settings, and more. Finally, factors in the patient’s environment, such as facility electricity, devices such as bed oscillators and intravenous pumps, and the act of patient care can cause artifact. Artifacts can alter the readability of the recording and mimic EEG abnormalities. Knowledge and recognition of artifacts is essential in order to provide accurate EEG interpretation.
Pediatric EEG
Authors: Nickels Katherine C.
Published: October 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important part of the evaluation of many disorders in infants and children. However, differentiating abnormalities from normal maturational changes and benign variants can be challenging. There are also age-specific recording requirements, including acceptable duration of recording, as well as need for recording of additional physiological variables. In preterm and term infants, it is essential to determine conceptional age to determine whether the EEG patterns are appropriate for age and record at least two physiological variables in addition to the EEG. In infants and children, there is considerable variability regarding the amount of alpha, theta, and delta present, requiring an understanding of the broad ranges of normal backgrounds for each age group. Finally, as the child matures and transitions to adulthood, there are benign variants that can easily be misinterpreted as potentially epileptiform. To be able to correctly identify EEG abnormalities in children, one must be aware of the normal EEG patterns for each age group.
Computer-Assisted Ambulatory Electroencephalography
Authors: Tatum William O.
Published: October 2022

The usage of ambulatory electroencepholographic (EEG) monitoring has grown in popularity due to technological advances, including miniaturization and portability of smaller devices, accessibility and affordability, and similarities to inpatient video-EEG results. Ambulatory EEG is recorded in the patient’s environment and natural surroundings, which may serve as event triggers. Ambulatory EEG may be interpreted through secure wireless connections at sites distant from the hospital to enhance accessibility for interpretation. Prolonged recording increases the yield of capturing interictal epileptiform discharges or an event. Practical benefits include providing a definitive diagnosis, classification of seizure types or epilepsy syndromes, quantification of spike and seizure burdens including those experiencing seizures without self-awareness, and rarely to augment a presurgical evaluation in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Recording EEG through normal ultradian and circadian rhythms makes ambulatory EEG a logical choice compared with standard EEG; its prolonged recording may identify patient-specific patterns associated with sleep, menses, or other triggers. Ambulatory EEG may be used to evaluate response to antiseizure drug or assessing risk associated with a trial of medication withdrawal. Compared with inpatient video-EEG, ambulatory EEG is cost effective and easier to arrange with busy schedules. Currently ambulatory EEG is coupled with seizure and spike detection algorithms for assessment of prolonged time. Chronic intracranial ambulatory EEG is being evaluated coupled with responsive neuromodulation. Future attempts to provide diagnostic ambulatory EEG monitoring with therapy is emerging; efforts to move toward mobile health are ongoing. This chapter focuses on diagnostic applications of ambulatory EEG in patients suspected of epilepsy.
EEG Trend Analysis in the ICU
Authors: Crepeau Amy Z.
Published: October 2022

Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at an increased risk for subclinical seizures or nonconvulsive status epilepticus. These seizures can be the cause of encephalopathy and potentially result in secondary neuronal injury. Though routine electroencephalograms (EEGs) can be of assistance in detection, continuous EEG monitoring has been shown to increase the yield of detecting subclinical seizures and is critical in the management of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. EEG monitoring in the ICU presents challenges not routinely encountered in the outpatient EEG laboratory or the epilepsy monitoring unit. These challenges include multiple sources of artifact, need for imaging-compatible electrodes, and a robust information technology support system. Once EEG monitoring is established, rhythmic and periodic patterns of indeterminate significance are encountered, challenging the electroencephalographer and the care team. There is much debate regarding the clinical significance of these patterns; ultimately, clinical correlation is always required. Special techniques can be employed in the application and analysis of ICU EEG monitoring. EEG allows for a window into cerebral activity, and it has been of assistance in monitoring for ischemia, prognosis, and depth of medication-induced suppression. Quantitative EEG can also be utilized to assist in rapid seizure detection and to monitor for subtle changes in cerebral function that occur over hours. EEG monitoring is an important tool in the ICU for the purposes of seizure detection and cerebral monitoring. The special environment, however, requires close attention to technical considerations and thoughtful interpretations of indeterminate patterns.