bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise comparativa da distribuição dos sedimentos em duas praias da província da Zambézia, Moçambique
Authors: Nhatsave Geraldo Valente , Machaieie Helder Arlindo
Published: July 2021

A zona costeira é uma unidade territorial de transição entre o domínio marinho e terrestre; caracterizada pela deposição dos sedimentos que podem ser distinguidos pelo seu tamanho, forma e composição. Esses sedimentos são controlados pelos fatores hidrodinâmicos governantes no ambiente. Este trabalho objetiva-se analisar a variação da distribuição sedimentar das praias de Madal e Zalala, localizadas na Província da Zambézia, Moçambique, visando compreender o padrão de transporte de sedimentos ao longo da praia, e inferir a energia de agitação marítima típica que chega às praias com base na distribuição dos sedimentos. Foram coletadas dezoito amostras de sedimentos em ambas as praias, ao longo de três níveis definidos: Linha Alta da Maré, Zona Intermédia e Linha Baixa da Maré. As amostras foram submetidas a análises granulométricas e determinação de parâmetros estatísticos. Os sedimentos dos ambientes são maioritariamente finos a muito finos, moderadamente a bem selecionados, de assimetria variando de negativaa muito positiva e com predominância de curvas mesocúrticas a platicurticas nas linhas Alta e Baixa da Maré, e mesocurtica na Zona Intermédia da Maré. Os agentes de transporte como ondas, correntes e ventos fazem a seleção dos sedimentos ao longo das praias, destacando-se mais as ondas, que fazem a remoção das partículas mais finas durante o fluxo e refluxo da onda, em sincronismo com a variação da maré, depositando os sedimentos mais finos na Linha Alta da Maré.
Awareness for Atmospheres
Authors: Foerster Desiree
Published: July 2021

In this essay I reflect on the meaning of atmospheres while the human world has been overwhelmed by a respiratory disease. In an auto-ethnographic gesture I reflect different ways of sensing and becoming sensitive to the atmospheric changes in my home during self-isolation. This self-questioning is directly related to the conceptualisation of air in view of its potential risk of carrying infectious virus particles. The air we breathe is currently stylised as a cloud on the micro level of aerosols, which gives reason to think anew about the status of the atmospheric with regard to our being in the world. Through combining philosophical reflection with aesthetic practice, I explore how an attunement towards the ways air flows through our habitats can open a new perspective on processes of subjectivation in a time of ongoing crisis. I argue that becoming sensitive towards air flow not only heightens our sensitivity for the affectivity of atmospheric processes but also for the different registers of our experience able to capture these effects.
Foreword: (Re)Connect, (Re)Establish a Bond
Authors: Elali Louise , Ramirez Ricardo
Published: July 2021

In this issue, Excursions Journal invited researchers to (re)connect. The articles assembled here speak about this wide variety of possible approaches and perspectives, highlighting the (re)connections that shape our social and individual lives.
How Science Communication Helped Me Find my Identity as a Scientist
Authors: Milbourne Sophie
Published: July 2021

-
Beyond Bench to Bedside: Empowerment, Engagement, and Advocacy
Authors: Saunders Stephanie
Published: July 2021

-
Architecture Insight of Bifidobacterial α-L-Fucosidases
Authors: Curiel José Antonio , Peirotén Ángela , Landete José M. , Ruiz de la Bastida Ana , Langa Susana , Arqués Juan Luis
Published: July 2021

Fucosylated carbohydrates and glycoproteins from human breast milk are essential for the development of the gut microbiota in early life because they are selectively metabolized by bifidobacteria. In this regard, α-L-fucosidases play a key role in this successful bifidobacterial colonization allowing the utilization of these substrates. Although a considerable number of α-L-fucosidases from bifidobacteria have been identified by computational analysis, only a few of them have been characterized. Hitherto, α-L-fucosidases are classified into 3 families, GH29, GH95 and GH151 based on their catalytic structure. However, bifidobacterial α-L-fucosidases belonging to a particular family show significant differences in their sequence. Because this fact could underlie distinct phylogenetic evolves, here extensive similarity searches and comparative analyses of the bifidobacterial α-L-fucosidases identified were carried out with the assistance of previous physicochemical studies available. This work reveals 4 and 2 paralogue bifidobacterial fucosidase groups within GH29 and GH95 families, respectively. Moreover, Bifidobacterium logum subsp. infantis species exhibited the greatest number of phylogenetic lineages in their fucosidases clustered in every family GH29, GH95 and GH151. Since α-L-fucosidases phylogenetically descended from other glycosyl hydrolase families, we hypothesized that could exhibit additional glycosidase activities other than fucosidase, raising the possibility about their application to transfucosylate other substrates than lactose in order to synthesis novel prebiotics.
A Comparison of the Capacity of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Cartilage Regeneration Depending on Collagen-Based Injectable Biomimetic Scaffold Type
Authors: Sevastianov Victor , Basok Yulia , Kirsanova Ludmila , Grigoriev Alexey , Kirillova Alexandra , Nemets Evgeniy , Subbot Anastasiya , Gautier Sergey
Published: July 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown a high potential for cartilage repair. Collagen-based scaffolds are used to deliver and retain cells at the site of cartilage damage. The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of the capacity of the MSCs from human adipose tissue to differentiate into chondrocytes in vitro and to stimulate the regeneration of articular cartilage in an experimental model of rabbit knee osteoarthrosis when cultured on microheterogenic collagen-based hydrogel (МCH) and the microparticles of decellularized porcine articular cartilage (DPC). The morphology of samples was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and histological staining methods. On the surface of the DPC, the cells were distributed more uniformly than on the MCH surface. On day 28, the cells cultured on the DPC produced glycosaminoglycans more intensely compared to the MCH with the synthesis of collagen type II. However, in the experimental model of osteoarthrosis, the stimulation of the cartilage regeneration was more effective when the MSCs were administered to the MCH carrier. The present study demonstrates the way to regulate the action of the MSCs in the area of cartilage regeneration: the MCH is more conducive to stimulating cartilage repair by the MSCs, while the DPC is an inducer for a formation of a cartilage-like tissue by the MSCs in vitro.
Hospitalist Perceptions of Barriers to Lung Ultrasound Adoption in Diverse Hospital Environments
Authors: Maw Anna M. , Ho P. Michael , Morris Megan A. , Glasgow Russell E. , Huebschmann Amy G. , Barnard Juliana G. , Metter Robert , Tierney David M. , Mathews Benji K. , Havranek Edward P. , Kissler Mark , Fleshner Michelle , Burian Barbra K. , Platz Elke , Soni Nilam J.
Published: July 2021

Despite the many advantages of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis and management of patients with dyspnea, adoption among hospitalists has been slow. We performed semi-structured interviews of hospitalists from 4 diverse health systems in the US to understand determinants of adoption within a range of clinical settings. We used the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to guide a framework analysis of the data. Of 27 hospitalists invited, we performed in-terviews of 22 from 4 hospitals of diverse types. Median years post-residency of interviewees was 10.5 [IQR:5-15]. Four main themes emerged: 1) There are important clinical advantages to LUS despite operator dependence, 2) LUS enhances patient and clinician experience, 3) Investment of clinician time to learn and perform LUS is a barrier to adoption but yields improved efficiency for the health system and 4) Mandated training and use may be necessary to achieve broad adoption as monetary incentives are less effective. Despite perceived benefits of LUS for patients, clinicians and health systems, an important barrier to broad LUS adoption is the experience of time scarcity by hospitalists. Future implementation strategies should focus on changes to the clinical environment that address clinician barriers to learning and adoption of new skills.
The use of soy protein isolate in meatballs and its effect on the quality and shelf life of the product
Authors: Hermanianto Joko , Sari Dhita , Edhi Suyatma Nugraha
Published: July 2021

Beef meatballs are in great demand by the public because of their non- porous texture, juicy, and chewy characteristics, as well as their ability to be stable at cooking temperatures with a long shelf life. The use of Isolated Soy Protein (ISP) shapes the character of meatballs because of its functional properties, including good water holding capacity and emulsion stability formation in a mixture of processed meat products. This research aims to technically determine the multiple emulsion properties of ISP at doses of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% and obtain a meatball formulation with a long shelf life that suits the target consumer. The tests include the ISP emulsification, meatball peel formation, product stability, Arrhenius shelf life method, and the sensory evaluation of the hedonic test. Subsequently, data were processed in a completely randomized 1x5 and a 4x3 factorial design using SPSS. The emulsification properties of ISP were determined by producing OE (Oil Emulsion) and PG (Purine Gel). Furthermore, ISP was discovered to change the percentage of meat consumed by approximately 2% as the characteristics of meatball products desired by consumers were achieved. The best formulation of meatballs was achieved with 2% dry ISP in the first mixing and was conducted at a boiling point of 65°C
Who Cares? Faculty Members and their Self-Care
Authors:   Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Valdez-Reyes Geraldine
Published: July 2021

There is no profession more pressured by society than teachers who are highly expected to hone the total human person to fit the human resource needs of the future. This herculean task has taken its toll in the higher prevalence of health problems among teachers. This research looked into the profile of teachers, their self-care practices and the interaction between these two variables. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed questionnaire from faculty members of a selected higher education institution. Demographically, more than one-half of the faculty members are female, middle aged, with 13 to 22 units of academic load, only few have administrative designations, with P15,001 to P25,000 monthly income, married, with 1 to 2 children, with normal body mass index, with diagnosed chronic diseases, not taking maintenance medications at the moment, and with first degree relatives who also have diagnosed chronic diseases. Further, the faculty members usually practiced self-care measures on diet, physical activity, rest and recreation, and always practiced self-care measures on habits. Ordinal regression results showed that most of the demographic characteristics of the faculty members are predictors of their self-care practices.
Toward a New Strategic Public Health Science for Policy, Practice, Impact, and Health Equity
Authors: Bunnell Rebecca , Ryan Juliet , Kent Charlotte ,   the CDC Office of Science and CDC Excellence in Science Committee
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and its social and health impact have underscored the need for a new strategic science agenda for public health. To optimize public health impact, high-quality strategic science addresses scientific gaps that inform policy and guide practice.

At least 6 scientific gaps emerge from the US experience with COVID-19: health equity science, data science and modernization, communication science, policy analysis and translation, scientific collaboration, and climate science. Addressing these areas within a strategic public health science agenda will accelerate achievement of public health goals.

Public health leadership and scientists have an unprecedented opportunity to use strategic science to guide a new era of improved and equitable public health.
Potential antioxidant effects of Narcissus tazetta phenolic compounds against cadmium chloride induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Ben-Abdallah Saoussen , Sefi Mediha , Soudani Nejla , Hamdi Amel , Bejaoui Safa , Issaoui Hela , Cafsi Mhamed El , Karray-Bouraoui Najoua
Published: July 2021

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant, widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Adult Swiss mice were exposed either to CdCl2 (0.16 mg/kg bw) or to Narcissus tazetta extract (100 or mg/kg bw) or to their combination. Cadmium chloride and Narcissus tazetta flower extracts were given by intraperitoneal injection and gavage respectively for eight consecutive days. Results indicated that ethanolic flower extracts contained high levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents along with a strong total antioxidant and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activities. High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis identified eight phenolic compounds, including rutin, Kaempferol glycosides and chlorogenic acids. The extract also exhibited marked hepato-protective effects against CdCl2 toxicity by reducing hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, hydrogen peroxide, metallothioneins and DNA degradation. Additionally, co-administration of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts lowered the plasma activities of transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase, and increased hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, non-protein thiols, vitamin C, and catalase activity. The hepatoprotective effects of the extract were demonstrated by histopathological improvement of liver disorders. The current study provided ethnopharmacological application of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts against CdCl2 induced oxidative stress, suggesting its chemoprevention role of its phenolic compounds as a natural antioxidant.
Neural correlates of extrinsic and intrinsic outcome processing during learning in individuals with TBI: a Pilot Investigation
Authors: Dobryakova Ekaterina , Zuckerman Suzanne , Sandry Joshua
Published: July 2021

Objective: Outcome processing, the ability to learn from feedback, is an important component of adaptive behavior and rehabilitation. Evidence from healthy adults implicates the striatum and dopamine in outcome processing. Animal research shows that damage to dopaminergic pathways in the brain can lead to a disruption of dopamine tone and transmission. Such evidence thus suggests that persons with TBI experience deficits in outcome processing. However, no research has directly investigated outcome processing and associated neural mechanisms in TBI. Here, we examine outcome processing in individuals with TBI during learning. Given that TBI negatively impacts striatal and dopaminergic systems, we hypothesize that individuals with TBI exhibit deficits in learning from outcomes. Methods: To test this hypothesis, individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI and healthy adults were presented with a declarative paired-associate word learning task. Outcomes indicating performance accuracy were presented immediately during task performance and in the form of either monetary or performance-based feedback. Two types of feedback provided the opportunity to test whether extrinsic and intrinsic motivational aspects of outcome presentation play a role during learning and outcome processing. Results: Our results show that individuals with TBI exhibited impaired learning from feedback compared to healthy participants. Additionally, individuals with TBI exhibited increased activation in the striatum during outcome processing. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that outcome processing and learning from immediate outcomes is impaired in individuals with TBI and might be related to inefficient use of neural resources during task performance as reflected by increased activation of the striatum.
Roles of OsSOQ1 in photoprotection and fatty acid metabolism of rice
Authors: Kang Zhen-Hui , Gou Yang , Deng Qi-Rui , Hu Zi-yu , Li Guan-Rong
Published: July 2021

Presented here is the function analysis of a homolog of Arabidopsis SOQ1, OsSOQ1 in rice. Homozygous mutants (ossoq1) were obtained by CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout OsSOQ1. The mutants showed significant lower plant height, tiller number, panicle length, effective panicle, and grain number per panicle compared to the wild-type (WT). Western blot analysis showed that OsSOQ1 is a thylakoid membrane protein, with the thioredoxin-like (Trx-like) domain facing the lumen. Loss of OsSOQ1 did not significantly affect the protein level of photosystem II (PSII) subunits, but down-regulated the content of a non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) player PsbS, resulting in a low NPQ under high light intensity in the mutant. UPLC-MS/MS experiments showed that OsSOQ1 is involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway of rice. The Trx-like domain possessed redox activity in vitro as shown by insulin assay; and in the yeast two-hybrid experiment, it was found that the Trx-like domain interacted with the chloroplast lipocalin OsLCNP, which usually binds lipid molecules. These findings revealed that the role of OsSOQ1 is to maintain the photochemical efficiency of PSII under high light intensity and regulate fatty acid metabolism in rice.
The Deceleration of Radio/Light Transmission; A Collision Mechanism Dependent Radio Signal Emission, Transmission, and Reception
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: July 2021

The fast and slow fading of radio signal transmissions or laser beam itself and its spare light confirm the presence of two kinds of collisions --- electron-photon and photon-photon collision. Photon transmissions of radio signals are either in consecutive dense photon groups in slow fading process or widespread group pattern in fast fading form. The photon transmission shapes are irregular and dynamical changes. The radio frequency shift and the wavelength reduction by the calculation demonstrate decelerations of radio/light transmission speeds due to the gradual reduced distance between two consecutive photon groups along the transmission pathway. Photons from radio signals are able to affect electron movements in radio signal receiving process and electrons able to kick photons into space during radio signal emission. The pattern of free electron movement under the influence of local electromagnetic force in antenna is consistent with the randomly dynamic changes of radio signal in space. The fast fading is due to the collision of consecutive photon groups of signals in slow fading with free photons in space. The shape changes of radio signal peaks suggest photons able to remain in transmission photon groups after photon-photon collision, leading to deceleration transmissions in slow fading. The mathematical equation for the relationship between light/radio transmission speeds before and after photons collisions is established. The equation is confirmed by the calculations of well-known difference of light transmission speeds in different media. The gravities from Earth and Sun play little role during light/radio transmission.
Fuzzy Clustering Optimal k Selection Method Based on Multi-objective Optimization
Authors: Lisong Wang , Guonan Cui , Xinye Cai
Published: July 2021

Because of the complexity of data sets from the real world, it is difficult to classify the data sets clearly and effectively, thus we prefer to adopt fuzzy clustering approaches to analyze the data sets. However, due to the variety of fuzzy clustering algorithms, and the different number of clusters will lead to different clustering results. The number of clusters is closely related to the clustering division, so how to determine the number of fuzzy clustering (k ) has become a problem. Until now, many researchers have proposed utilizing fuzzy clustering validity indexes to deal with this kind of problem. However, the effectiveness index of fuzzy clustering can only be evaluated on the basis of the fuzzy clustering algorithm FCM to divide the clusters. When the range of k value is too large, FCM's clustering for different k values is quite time-consuming. From this perspective, this paper proposes a fuzzy clustering optimal k selection method based on multi-objective optimization (FMOEA-K). Different from the traditional methods, this method combines the fuzzy clustering effectiveness index with multi-objective optimization algorithm (MOEA), and uses multi-objective optimization algorithm to search the appropriate cluster center concurrently. Because of the concurrency of the multi-objective optimization algorithm, the calculation time is shortened. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional method, the FMOEA-K can shorten the calculation time and improve the accuracy of calculating the optimal k value.
Organizational Factors Associated with Health Worker Protection: A Participatory Mixed-Method Cross-Sectional Analysis in Four Provinces of South Africa
Authors: Zungu Muzimkhulu , Voyi Kuku , Mlangeni Nosimilo , Moodley Saiendhra , Ramodike Jonathan , Claassen Nico , Wilcox Elizabeth , Thunzi Nkululeko , Yassi Annalee , Spiegel Jerry , Malotle Molebogeng
Published: July 2021

Background: Health workers, in short supply in many low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during their employment. This study aimed to assess how South Africa, an LMIC, prepared to protect its health workers from SARS-CoV-2. Methods: This was a participatory mixed method study conducted in four provinces of South Africa. We used a semi-structured questionnaire and a walkthrough survey to collect data on occupational safety and health (OSH) systems in 45 hospitals across four provinces to identify factors associated with health worker protection. Adapting the International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Health Organization (WHO) HealthWISE tool, we compiled compliance scores through walkthrough surveys. For the questionnaire, the participants were provincial OSH managers. For the walkthrough survey, they were frontline health workers, facility managers, and OSH and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) professionals. We used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between readiness indicators and the actual implementation of protective measures. We also evaluated the association between OSH compliance and hospital infection rates.Results: We found that health facilities in all four provinces had SARS-CoV-2 plans for the general population but no comprehensive OHS plan for health workers. Province A and D Provincial Department of Health (PDoH) had an OSH SARS-CoV-2 provincial coordinating team and a dedicated budget for occupational health. Province A had an occupational health doctor and an occupational health nurse, while Province B had an occupational health nurse. Province A and D PDoHs had functional OSH committees, and Province D had conducted some health risk assessments specific to SARS-CoV-2. However, none of the assessed health facilities had an acceptable HealthWISE compliance score (≥ 75%) due to poor ventilation and inadequate administrative control measures. While the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) was adequate, PPE was often not worn properly. Our study found that having an OSH SARS-CoV-2 policy was significantly associated with higher PPE and ventilation scores. In addition, our analysis showed that hospitals with higher compliance scores had significantly lower infection rates (IRR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.98).Conclusions: Despite some initial preparedness, greater effort to protect health workers is still warranted. LMICs may need to pay more attention to OSH systems and consider using tools, such as ILO/WHO HealthWISE tool, to protect health workers' health.
Identifying Gene Mutations in Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias and Extending the Mutational Spectrum in China
Authors: Chen Xueping , Yuan Xiaoqin , Wei Qian-Qian , Ou RuWei , Cao Bei , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Shang Huifang
Published: July 2021

Background: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are heterogeneous, complex, disabling neurodegenerative diseases characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance and cerebellar ataxia. Numerous mutations are described in several populations. However, in China, few data are available concerning ARCA. In this study, we aimed to identify ARCA-associated ataxia by targeted next-generation sequencing or whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese cohort, trying to determine clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with ARCA.Results: We identified 15 different mutations in 7 unrelated patients, of which 12 were novel, including seven missense mutations, three frameshift mutations, two splicing mutations, two nonsense mutations, and one inframe deletion mutation. The most frequent gene was ATM (3 patients), followed by SACS (2 patients), SYNE1 (2 patients), and SETX (1 patient). Specifically, 1 patient harbored mutations in both ATM and SYNE1. The phenotype was mainly cerebellar ataxia in all these cases. However, peripheral neuropathy, dystonia, oculomotor abnormalities, pyramidal tract dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and epilepsy were also revealed. Patients who harbored different gene mutations showed mutational heterogeneity. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ARCA-associated gene mutations are uncommon with additional clinical features in the Chinese population, and advanced sequencing is required to aid the diagnosis of undetermined cerebellar ataxia in Chinese patients.
SIS-BAM Algorithm for Angular Parameter Estimation of 2-D Incoherently Distributed Sources
Authors: Liu Fulai , Tang Kai , Qin Hao
Published: July 2021

For two-dimensional (2-D) incoherently distributed sources, this paper presents an effective angular parameter estimation method based on shift invariant structure (SIS) of the beamspace array manifold (BAM), named as SIS-BAM algorithm. In the proposed method, a shift invariance structure (SIS) of the observed vectors is firstly established utilizing a generalized array manifold of an uniform linear orthogonal array (ULOA). Secondly, based on Fourier basis vectors and the SIS, a beamspace transformation matrix can be performed. It projects received signals into the corresponding beamspace, so as to carry out dimension reduction of observed signals in beamspace domain. Finally, according to the SIS of beamspace observed vectors, the closed form solutions of the nominal azimuth and elevation are derived. Compared with the previous works, the presented SIS-BAM method provides better estimation performance, for example: 1) the computational complexity is reduced due to dealing with low-dimension beamspace signals and avoiding spectral search; 2) it can not only improve the angular parameter estimation accuracy but also have excellent robustness to the change of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and snapshot number. The theoretical analysis and simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Under-Informed Policy Interventions and Long-Run Damage to Industrialization (An Analysis of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhyaan)
Authors: Majeed Mehak , Mushtaq Saeed Owais , Khan Javaid Iqbal
Published: July 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic came as a major shock to the economies around the world. To buy some time in order to plan, execute and implement measures to prevent and face the pandemic around 50 nations across globe implemented lockdown. India announced the spring lockdown in March 2020. Given the agile healthcare system, huge population and under-development the nation had to extend the lockdown. One of the worst hit sectors because of the lockdown were the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs). The sector looked forward for economic incentives and packages from the government. In June 2020 the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhyaan’ (self-sufficient India campaign) was launched. The paper using the Annual Survey of Industries data examines in detail how the package was not sufficient to meet the needs and expectations of the MSMEs sector. The paper establishes that the MSMEs sector is the face of industrialization process in India. We argue that the package failed to address the actual problems in the sector and instead came up with the policies that may well deteriorate the sector further and harm the overall industrialization process. The major policy recommendation established by the research is strong and honest leadership relying on quadruple-loop learning model.
Job satisfaction vs. organizational climate: cross-sectional study in brazilian nursing professionals
Authors: Yamassake Ricardo Toshio , Baptista Patricia Campos Pavan , Albuquerque Vinicius Anselmo , Rached Chennyfer Dobbins Abi
Published: July 2021

Background

The organizational climate is one of the relevant constructs in the field of organizational behavior, being a construct investigated over the years. Considering the concerns that permeate the health of nursing workers and, believing that the organizational climate can interfere with job satisfaction, the present study seeks to relate the job satisfaction of the nursing team and the organizational climate in a University Hospital.
Methods

cross-sectional, quantitative study. EQUATOR checklist used to report the study is SQUIRE 2.0. The sample consisted of 226 nursing workers from a university hospital on the west side of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. A Socio-demographic and Professional Characterization Questionnaire, Organizational Climate Scale for Health Organizations (ECOOS), and Work Satisfaction Questionnaire (S20 / S23) were been applied.
Results

There is no correlation between Organizational Climate and Job Satisfaction and the higher the Organizational Climate score, the higher the Work Satisfaction score. The relationship between job satisfaction and organizational climate is complex and is associated with each individual's experience and the way they interpret these experiences.
Conclusion

There is a correlation between job satisfaction and organizational climate; it was verified through the applied instruments that several dimensions and sub-dimensions are associated with this relationship. Leadership was one of the most prominent dimensions. Implications for Health Policy: understanding the relationship between organizational climate and job satisfaction provides subsidies for the elaboration of strategies to mitigate the processes of exhaustion, illness, and incapacity of workers, as well as helping to improve the productivity and effectiveness of the nursing work process.
Cognitive Screening in HTLV-1 Infected People Using a Self-Perceived Memory Score and Auditory P300
Authors: de Castro Aline Rejane Rosa , Labanca Ludimila , de Resende Luciana Macedo , de Sousa Marjore Rhaissa , Dias Rafael Teixeira Scoralick , Caporali Júlia Fonseca de Morais , Gonçalves Denise Utsch
Published: July 2021

Background: The HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is the most common neurological manifestation associated with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection. Although cognitive impairment has been highlighted in the spectrum of HTLV-1 neurological manifestations, it may go unnoticed in those who do not spontaneously report it. We aimed at evaluating the applicability of a self-perceived memory score (SMS) and the cognitive event-related potential (P300) for the early detection of cognitive impairment in HTLV-1-infected people. Methods: The SMS was measured by a 0-10 visual analog scale combined with a sad-happy faces rating scale. The higher the number, the better was the SMS. The P300 was obtained through an oddball paradigm with a mental counting task. The participants were 15(21,4%) individuals with HAM/TSP, 20(28,6%) HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers, and 35(50%) seronegative controls. Results: SMS (p<0.001) and P300 latency (p<0.001) got progressively worse from asymptomatic to HAM/TSP. A SMS <7.2 points and a P300 latency >369.0 milliseconds were considered as altered result and indicated cognitive impairment. The HAM/TSP group showed the highest prevalence of altered P300 (80%) and SMS (87%). Interestingly, the asymptomatic group also presented significant higher prevalence of altered SMS (60%) and P300 (35%) when compared to controls (<10%). The frequency of cognitive impairment was 16 times higher in the asymptomatic group and 69 times higher in the HAM/TSP group when compared to controls. Conclusion: The use of SMS in the medical consultation was a useful and easy-to-apply method to screen HTLV-1 infected subjects for everyday memory complaints.
Insulin resistance and other risk factors of cardiovascular disease in abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Shehata Hannah , Berry Abigail , Riba Christopher , Salcedo Andrea Cristine
Published: July 2021

Background

Studies indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with uterine fibroids and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Investigators were interested in examining the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and the independent predictors of insulin resistance (IR) among women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Methods

This observational study examined 77 premenopausal subjects with AUB. Their medical history, body mass index, waist hip ratio, fasting insulin level, hemoglobin A1C, creatinine level, and lipid panel were evaluated. The participants were then subdivided using insulin levels and further compared. IR was defined at two different fasting insulin levels: >10µU/mL and > 15µU/mL.
Results

Of the 77 data sets analyzed, 91% of participants were current or former smokers, 62% had a waist hip ratio > 0.80, 45% were obese, and the majority of participants had dyslipidemia, with high total cholesterol (68%) and elevated LDL (38%) being the most prevalent. 66% of participants were insulin resistant as defined by the lower fasting insulin and 38% were insulin resistant as defined by the upper fasting insulin level. At the lower cutoff, the insulin resistant group was significantly more likely to have a waist hip ratio > 0.8, be obese, and have low HDL levels. At the upper fasting insulin cutoff, the insulin resistant group was significantly more likely to have low HDL levels, elevated triglyceride levels, a waist hip ratio > 0.8, and be obese. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant associations between IR in women with AUB and body mass index, waist hip ratio, and HDL for both fasting insulin cutoffs. Multivariate analysis using the lower fasting insulin cutoff revealed that body mass index and waist hip ratio were significant independent predictors of IR in a woman with AUB.
Conclusions

This study reveals the prevalence of IR and other predictors of cardiovascular disease are greater in women with AUB in this population than the general population. Body mass index and waist hip ratio are independent predictors of IR in women with AUB. Low HDL levels, elevated triglyceride levels, and ethnicity are also significantly associated with IR in women with AUB depending on the definition used.
Combined Toxicity and Toxicity Persistence of Antidepressants Citalopram and Mirtazapine to Zooplankton Daphnia Magna
Authors: Ma Yunfeng , Li Chenyang , Wei Shu , Guo Ruixin , Li Yang , Chen Jianqiu , Liu Yanhua
Published: July 2021

Citalopram (CTP) and mirtazapine (MTP) are two typical psychoactive drugs used for the treatment of depression. As emerging pollutants, CTP and MTP are of widely concern because they are active substances for organisms. However, the studies about the toxicity potential of CTP/MTP pollution to aquatic organisms were limited. In the present study, the effects of CTP and MTP on the feeding behavior, heartbeat, nutritional enzymes and related gene expressions of Daphnia magna were investigated under single and mixed environmental stress. Meanwhile, the recovery of exposed D. magna was studied to analyze the toxic persistence of those pollutants. After 24 h of exposure, the ingestion rate decreased significantly under 1.45 mg/L of CTP. In the mixed treatment groups, no significant synergistic effect of CTM and MTP on daphnia’ feeding inhibition was found. After 24 h of recovery, the feeding behavior of D. magna was stimulated by compensatory stimulation. At exposure period, the heartbeat rate of exposed D. magna increased significantly, and was recovered during the recovery period. The activity of α-amylase (AMS) and trypsin, and their relative gene expression were significantly changed in most of the exposed daphnia, both in the exposure period and recovery period. But there were different responses between gene transcription with enzyme activity. In general, psychoactive drugs have an obvious toxic threat to aquatic organisms, and after acute exposure, the physiological function of D. magna could be recovered to a certain extent. The results were helpful to evaluate the ecological risk of psychotropic drugs in aquatic environments.
Modification of Random Vibration Theory for the Near-fault Region
Authors: Phung Van-Bang , Abrahamson Norm
Published: July 2021

Standard random vibration theory (RVT) methods for estimating the horizontal spectral acceleration (PSA) amplitudes given the Fourier spectral amplitude (FAS) and ground-motion duration underestimate the PSA values for near-fault ground motions from large magnitudes. An empirical model that is unbiased for near-fault ground motions is developed using the statistical moments of the FAS and the duration as model input parameters, similar to standard RVT, but with a modification to also include magnitude and distance as input parameters. The data set used for the regression includes strong-motion recordings from active crustal regions in the NGA-West2 Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) database from California earthquakes (M3.0-7.25) and global earthquakes (M5.0 – 7.9). The zeroth, first, and second spectral moments of the FAS of the 5%-damped oscillator response are used in the empirical model. The scaling with the moments of the FAS replaces the peak factor terms used in RVT. A parametric model for the 5-80% duration that depends on magnitude and distance is also developed to simplify the application of the model. Compared to the standard RVT approach, the conditional model significantly improves the estimation of near-fault PSA values estimated from the FAS. The conditional model is appropriate for use in converting non-ergodic FAS GMMs to non-ergodic PSA GMMs.
A fractional-order total variation-based model for image color transfer
Authors: Kang Myeongmin , Jung Miyoun
Published: July 2021

The color transfer problem aims at generating an image by changing the colors of a target image with new colors of a given reference image. In this manuscript, we introduce a novel fractional-order total variation-based model for the color transfer problem. The proposed model extends the total generalized variation-based model, by adding a new data fidelity term and changing the regularization term. These terms enable the reduction of color artifacts and keep the structures of a target image well. To solve our model, we adopt the forward--backward splitting algorithm, and the alternating direction method of multipliers is used for solving subproblems. Numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed model compared to the existing methods.
Lipid Accumulation Product: An Obtainable and Accurate Marker for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Liu Chan , Zheng Yitao , Wang Xiaoping , Wu Yanqin , Chen Chuanbao , Duan Wenjuan , Yuan Xiaopeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common in kidney transplant recipients(KTRs) and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. There is a need for accurate, non-invasive methods to predict MS in this population. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is an effective marker of central lipid accumulation related to high risk of MS, cardiovascular disease(CVD) and diabetes. This study aims to assess the ability of LAP as a marker of MS in KTRs.
Methods

A total of 92 KTRs were included in this study. The general anthropometries and blood biochemical indexes were measured. Body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), LAP, HOMA-IR and Framingham risk scores(FRS) were calculated.
Results

The prevalence of MS was 57.8 % in KTRs. Respectively, 64.1%, 16.3%, and 19.6% of patients with KTRs were at low, intermediate, and high risk of CVD according to FRS categorization. KTRs with MS had significantly higher LAP levels compared to those without MS. LAP was highly correlated with lipid metabolism, abdominal obesity, glucose metabolism and inflammatory factor in KTRs. Our analyses revealed that LAP is an independent risk factor for development of MS. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that LAP was a significant discriminator for prediction of MS in KTRs. The optimal cutoff value for LAP in predicting MS was 39.72 (80.8 % sensitivity, 90 % specificity).
Conclusion

Our study revealed all adiposity measures of interest present themselves as easy and practical tools for evaluating MS in KTRs and LAP is the best index for the determination of MS in KTRs among them.
Geometric Calibration of Rotational Vision System for Dynamic Exterior Orientation
Authors: Qiu Mouze , Zhang Jin , Xiong Xiaonan , Zheng Kai , Yang Ze , Xia Haojie
Published: July 2021

Rotational vision system (RVS) is a common type of active vision with only rotational freedom. Typically, the rotational freedom is provided by turntable and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ). Or eye in hand (EIH) structure in an articulated arm robot. The ideal assumption that rotation axes are perfectly aligned with the coordinate axes of the local camera is mostly violated due to assembling deviations and limitations of manufacturing accuracy. To solve this problem, we propose a generalized deviation model for a specified rotation axis that relates the rotation motion of the platform to the exterior orientation (EO) of the camera. Based on it we put heuristic estimation algorithms through minimizing global reprojection error and fitting a circle in space respectively for rotating platform with or without accurate angle measurements with constrained global optimization. Implemented experiments on a servo pan-tilt turntable validate the accuracy and efficiency of the above models and calibration technique.
Effect of Grain Husk Microfibers on Physicochemical Properties of Carboxymethyl Polysaccharides-based Composite
Authors: Wilpiszewska Katarzyna , Antosik Adrian Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Preparation of the novel biodegradable composite based on carboxymethylated starch and cellulose matrix and plant fillers have been described. As a filler milled cereal husks of various origin: rye, spelt, and rice were used. Additionally, softwood flour was used for comparison. Introducing natural filler beneficially affected the mechanical parameters of the CMS/CMC system, as moisture absorption as well as solubility in water decreased (e.g. by ca. 7% and 6%, respectively for CMS/CMC with rice husk filler when compared to the neat system). Moreover the mechanical properties, i.e. Young's modulus and tensile strength increased. The chemical composition and size of natural fillers are essential factors determining the physicochemical properties of obtained composites, and cereal husks are promising raw materials for filling hydrophilic polysaccharide matrix.
Protocol For The Systematic Review Of Return-To-Activity Criteria In Adolescent Patients Following An Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Romanchuk Nicholas J. , Livock Holly , Lukas Kenneth J. , Bel Michael J. Del , Benoit Daniel , Carsen Sasha
Published: July 2021

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a debilitating knee injury associated with sequela such as joint instability and progressive degeneration. Unfortunately, following surgical ACL reconstruction in adolescents the rates of either ACL graft failure or contralateral ACL rupture ranges from 17–30%. A contributing factor to the high re-injury rate in this population may be the limited evidence regarding appropriate criteria for allowing unrestricted return-to-activities (RTA) post-operatively. Several systematic reviews have already sought to develop a consensus on what criteria should be utilized for releasing patients to unrestricted sports activities; however, these reviews have focused on adult populations, a group at much lower risk for re-injury. Our objective is to systematically examine the literature and identify the criteria used in existing research when determining unrestricted RTA following an ACL reconstruction in an adolescent population.
Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search will be performed of the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus electronic database. Searches will be conducted from January 1st, 2000 until submission of the final review. Studies will be identified that include adolescent patients (≤ 18 years old) undergoing a primary ACL reconstruction, and which have specified the criteria used to determine RTA. Each article will be independently screened by two reviewers. To supplement the electronic database search, citations within all included studies will be manually reviewed. Reviewers will record the RTA assessment utilized and the rates of ACL re-injury through a standardized data extraction sheet. Reviewers will resolve full-text screening and data extraction disagreements through discussion. Synthesis of the collected data will focus on compiling and mapping the most commonly used types of RTA criteria.
Discussion

This systematic review will clarify the existing evidence on RTA in adolescent patients post-ACL reconstruction. This will help future interventions build more effective adolescent-specific RTA assessments through the validation of current RTA criteria as well as the implementation of new criteria according to the identified literature gaps.