bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Cues on Learning and Attention in Immersive 360-Degree Video: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Liu Rui , Xu Xiang , Yang Hairu , Li Zhenhua , Huang Guan
Published: January 2022

Immersive 360-degree video has become a new learning resource because of its immersive sensory experience. This study examined the effects of textual and visual cues on learning and attention in immersive 360-degree video by using eye-tracking equipment integrated in a virtual reality head-mounted display. Participants (n = 110) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) no cues, (2) textual cues in the initial field of view (FOV), (3) textual cues outside the initial FOV, and (4) textual cues outside the initial FOV + visual cues. The results showed that the cues (annotations or annotations + arrows) helped learners achieve better learning outcomes and spend more time focusing on the areas with cues. In addition, the study found a serious imbalance in the distribution of learners’ attention in each region of the video. The attention directed to textual cues in the initial FOV is much higher than the attention directed to textual cues outside the initial FOV. Adding visual cues can effectively direct attention to textual cues outside the initial FOV and alleviate the imbalance of attention distribution. Consequently, adding cues to immersive 360-degree video can be an appropriate approach to promote learning and guide attention in immersive 360-degree video learning environments. This study provided new insights into the design and development of immersive 360-degree video instructional resources.
Untying the Influence of Advertisements on Consumers Buying Behavior and Brand Loyalty Through Brand Awareness: The Moderating Role of Perceived Quality
Authors: Zhao Jin , Butt Rehan Sohail , Murad Majid , Mirza Farhan , Saleh Al-Faryan Mamdouh AbdulAziz
Published: January 2022

Consumer buying behavior is an important aspect in every marketing strategy to produce maximum output from the market. This study aims to determine how advertisement affects consumer buying behavior and brand loyalty by considering a mediator between brand awareness and the moderating role of perceived quality. For this purpose, this study targets the rising cosmetics industry. This study used the purposive sampling technique to collect data from 300 respondents with the help of an online survey method via Google doc. The partial least squares structural equation modeling PLS-SEM was applied to verify the hypotheses relationships. The findings have confirmed that advertisements substantially predicted brand awareness, brand loyalty, and consumer buying behavior. Furthermore, brand awareness partially mediated the association of advertisement with brand loyalty and consumer buying behavior. Also, perceived quality is significantly moderated on the association of brand awareness with brand loyalty and consumer buying behavior. Based on such findings, this study has contributed to the literature and provided new insights into the practical implications alongside the future roadmap of the survey.
On the Iranian English as Foreign Language Novice and Experienced Teachers’ Attributional Styles and Professional Identity
Authors: Kalali Sani Seyed Farzad , Motallebzadeh Khalil , Khodabakhshzadeh Hossein , Zeraatpisheh Mitra
Published: January 2022

Teacher professional identity (TPI) is a characteristic of a teacher, which should be developed in a long, consistent, and progressive process and usually shapes in any specific educational and social context. In addition to several factors influencing TPI, such as university education and empowerment courses, experience seems to play a significant role. Moreover, the role of psychological factors is highly undeniable in the formation and development of TPI. Attributional style (AS) is defined as the consistent way by which people can explain the reasons for the occurrence of good or bad events. Besides considering ASs as one of the crucial variables for academic success, it can be regarded as one of the aspects of shaping one’s identity in general and the teacher’s identity in particular. In order to study the relationship between AS and TPI of teachers regarding their experience, two questionnaires were distributed among 317 Iranian English as foreign language (EFL) teachers, and about 80% returned them. The researchers ran correlational analyses and they came up with a positive and significant relationship (p = 0.04) between TPI and teacher attributional styles (TASs) of teachers. Moreover, experienced teachers proved to have a significant difference from novice teachers regarding their TPIs. The findings of this study would hopefully be advantageous for teacher educators to educate pre-service teachers by ways of constructing identity, and they may be applicable for Iranian EFL teachers to know and focus on different aspects of their professional identity. Moreover, they learn how to manage the intervening factors and shape and empower different domains of their PI, such as teaching experience, by means of exploring and knowing their ASs.
Teaching the Concept of Computational Thinking: A STEM-Based Program With Tangible Robots on Project-Based Learning Courses
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Chia , Pan Hui-Chun , Hsieh Sheng-Wen , Hsu Meng-Jun , Chou Shih-Wei
Published: January 2022

The twenty-first century is arguably the century of computing. In such a world saturated by computing, Computational Thinking is now recognized as a foundational competency for being an informed citizen and being successful in STEM work. Nevertheless, how to effectively import different types of teaching methods in university courses (lecture based learning, project based learning) is subjected to further evaluation. Currently, the arguments in favor of tangible robots including high interaction, great practicality, and specific operation results make themselves to be often used as a teaching medium and tool for teaching activities between teachers and students. Hence, in addition to cultivating students with computational thinking ability, this paper discussed how to integrate tangible robots into project-based learning courses of thinking skills training to improve the learning performance of the computational thinking ability. This study conducted in one semester on the 105 students from three classes. Experimental results show that the project-based learning method integrated with the teaching material of robotic visual programs approach had significantly better effectiveness in improving students' learning achievements than the traditional teaching method integrated with paper practice teaching materials approach. Analysis of the questionnaire results showed that the proposed learning approach did not increase the students' cognitive burden. In sum, the proposed approach helps students' learning achievement and cognitive load.
Behavioral and Neuroimaging Research on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): A Combined Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Recent Findings
Authors: Subara-Zukic Emily , Cole Michael H. , McGuckian Thomas B. , Steenbergen Bert , Green Dido , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien CM , Lust Jessica M. , Abdollahipour Reza , Domellöf Erik , Deconinck Frederik J. A. , Blank Rainer , Wilson Peter H.
Published: January 2022

Aim

The neurocognitive basis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; or motor clumsiness) remains an issue of continued debate. This combined systematic review and meta-analysis provides a synthesis of recent experimental studies on the motor control, cognitive, and neural underpinnings of DCD.

Methods

The review included all published work conducted since September 2016 and up to April 2021. One-hundred papers with a DCD-Control comparison were included, with 1,374 effect sizes entered into a multi-level meta-analysis.

Results

The most profound deficits were shown in: voluntary gaze control during movement; cognitive-motor integration; practice-/context-dependent motor learning; internal modeling; more variable movement kinematics/kinetics; larger safety margins when locomoting, and atypical neural structure and function across sensori-motor and prefrontal regions.

Interpretation

Taken together, these results on DCD suggest fundamental deficits in visual-motor mapping and cognitive-motor integration, and abnormal maturation of motor networks, but also areas of pragmatic compensation for motor control deficits. Implications for current theory, future research, and evidence-based practice are discussed.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020185444.
Examining Effectiveness and Predictors of Treatment Response of Pivotal Response Treatment in Autism: An Umbrella Review and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Uljarević Mirko , Billingham Wesley , Cooper Matthew N. , Condron Patrick , Hardan Antonio Y.
Published: January 2022

The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current evidence on the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore predictors of treatment response. We conducted a systematic review of the following electronic databases and registers: PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ERIC, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts. Six systematic reviews were identified, two with meta-analytic component. Identified reviews varied widely in terms of their aims, outcomes, and designs which precluded a unified and consistent set of conclusions and recommendations. Ten RCTs were identified. Eight of identified RCTs reported at least one language and communication-related outcome. Statistically significant effects of PRT were identified across a majority of identified RCTs for a range of language and communication skills. However, evidence for positive treatment effects of PRT on outcome measures assessing other domains was less robust and/or specific. Overall, both previous systematic reviews and new meta-analysis of the RCTs suggest that PRT shows promise for improving language and communication. Only four RCTs examined the association between baseline child characteristics and treatment outcomes, however, no consistent pattern emerged. This review has identified several key methodological and design improvements that are needed to enable our field to fully capitalize on the potential of RCT designs and characterize detailed profiles of treatment responders. These findings are essential for informing the development of evidence-based guidelines for clinicians on what works for whom and why.
Associations of Depressive Symptoms, COVID-19-Related Stressors, and Coping Strategies. A Comparison Between Cities and Towns in Germany
Authors: Meyer Caroline , El-Haj-Mohamad Rayan , Stammel Nadine , Lotzin Annett , Schäfer Ingo , Knaevelsrud Christine , Böttche Maria
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a wide range of stressors related to depressive symptoms. Prevention measures like physical distancing have burdened the general population, especially in highly urbanized areas. However, little is known about the associations between pandemic-related stressors, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms in highly urbanized vs. less urbanized environments.

Methods

Participants were recruited in a cross-sectional online survey in Germany. Propensity score matching yielded a matched sample of city (n = 453) and town (n = 453) inhabitants. Depressive symptoms, COVID-19-related stressors, and coping strategies were compared between cities and towns. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine associations between pandemic-related stressors and depressive symptoms for the two groups separately.

Results

City inhabitants showed significantly higher depression scores than town inhabitants (t = 2.11, df = 897.95, p = 0.035). Seven coping strategies were more often used by the city sample. Depressive symptoms were associated with “restricted physical social contact” and “difficult housing conditions” (adjusted R2= 0.19, F[9,443] = 12.52, p < 0.001) in city inhabitants, and with “fear of infection” and “difficult housing conditions” (adjusted R2= 0.20, F[9,443] = 13.50, p < 0.001) in town inhabitants.

Limitations

The data were collected at the end of the first wave and represent a snapshot without causal inferences. Pandemic-related stressors were measured with a newly developed scale.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms, perceived stressors, and approach/avoidance coping strategies differed between city vs. town inhabitants. These differences should be considered in policy-making and mental health care.
A Year Into the Pandemic: The Diversity of Experience Amongst People With Severe Mental Ill Health
Authors: Peckham Emily , Spanakis Panagiotis , Heron Paul , Crosland Suzanne , Johnston Gordon , Newbronner Elizabeth , Wadman Ruth , Walker Lauren , Gilbody Simon
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified pre-existing health inequalities and people with severe mental ill health (SMI) are one of the groups at greatest risk. In this study, we explored the effects of the pandemic and pandemic restrictions on people with SMI during the first year of the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study in a sample of people with SMI. The inception survey was carried out between July and December 2020. Participants were then re-surveyed between January and March 2021. People were contacted by telephone and invited to take part in the study over the phone, online or by postal questionnaire. Across both waves we asked participants about their physical and mental health, health risk behaviors, well-being, loneliness, and employment status.

Results

Three hundred and sixty-seven people with SMI completed the inception survey and 249 people completed the follow up. Whilst some people reported no change in their physical (77, 31%) or mental health (60, 24%) over the course of the pandemic 53 (21%) reported a continuing decline in physical health and 52 (21%) reported a continuing decline in mental health. Participants who maintained a daily routine or reported no decline in physical health were found to be associated with no deterioration in mental health (Daily routine OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.11–4.64; no reported physical health decline OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.17–0.70). Participants were less likely to be occupationally active in the first phase of the pandemic compared to before the pandemic and in the second phase of the pandemic. However, there was no one single experience of people with SMI and similar to studies in the general populations a range of different scenarios was experienced.

Conclusions

We observed a series of factors that might amplify pre-existing health inequalities. Health systems should be mindful of this, and should redouble efforts to set in place changes to practice and policy, which can mitigate these inequalities. Examples might include; raising awareness of the importance of ensuring that people with SMI receive an annual physical health check and supporting people to maintain a daily routine.
Life Habits and Mental Health: Behavioural Addiction, Health Benefits of Daily Habits, and the Reward System
Authors: Fujiwara Hironobu , Tsurumi Kosuke , Shibata Mami , Kobayashi Kei , Miyagi Takashi , Ueno Tsukasa , Oishi Naoya , Murai Toshiya
Published: January 2022

In this review, the underlying mechanisms of health benefits and the risk of habitual behaviours such as internet use and media multitasking were explored, considering their associations with the reward/motivation system. The review highlights that several routines that are beneficial when undertaken normally may evolve into excessive behaviour and have a negative impact, as represented by “the inverted U-curve model”. This is especially critical in the current era, where technology like the internet has become mainstream despite the enormous addictive risk. The understanding of underlying mechanisms of behavioural addiction and optimal level of habitual behaviours for mental health benefits are deepened by shedding light on some findings of neuroimaging studies to have hints to facilitate better management and prevention strategies of addictive problems. With the evolution of the world, and the inevitable use of some technologies that carry the risk of addiction, more effective strategies for preventing and managing addiction are in more demand than before, and the insights of this study are also valuable foundations for future research.
Depression During COVID-19 Quarantine in South Korea: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Kim Yongjoo , Kwon Hye-Young , Lee Seungyoung , Kim Chang-Bo
Published: January 2022

Background

Quarantine, a public health measure used to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has been linked to an increased risk of developing adverse psychological sequelae. This study sought to investigate whether quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with depression among Koreans.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Seoul COVID-19 Study of Quarantine (SCS-Q) and the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). Using propensity scores estimated based on sociodemographic and health conditions, 919 individuals undergoing quarantine in the SCS-Q were matched with 919 individuals who did not experience quarantine in the 2019 KCHS. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), where major depression is defined as a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Results

Depression prevalence was higher in quarantined individuals than in the control group (7.8 vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that quarantining was associated with higher likelihoods of having major depression [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49, 3.51] after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Limitations

Due to the online nature of the SCS-Q, this study included a limited number of elderly participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings to the general Korean population.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that Koreans undergoing COVID-19 quarantine are at higher risk of depression. While further investigation is warranted, public health measures to control infectious disease outbreaks, such as quarantine, would benefit from incorporating strategies to address unintended adverse psychological effects, such as depression.
Social Media Use, eHealth Literacy, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Chinese College Students in the Phase of Regular Epidemic Prevention and Control: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Qin Ning , Shi Shuangjiao , Duan Yinglong , Ma Guiyue , Li Xiao , Shen Zhiying , Zhang Shuhua , Luo Aijing , Zhong Zhuqing
Published: January 2022

Background

College students are at a high risk of being infected with COVID-19, and they are one of the key population clusters that should be vaccinated. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 vaccination among Chinese college students, and to determine the relationships among social media use, eHealth literacy, and KAP toward COVID-19 vaccination among Chinese college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering questionnaires to evaluate KAP toward COVID-19 vaccination, social media use, and eHealth literacy in one of the groups of Chinese college students. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association among social media use, eHealth literacy, and KAP regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Among the 3,785 validated questionnaires collected from Chinese college students, male students accounted for 59.74%, and the mean age of the college students was (20.90 ± 3.14) years. More than four-fifths (83.43%) of the college students spent <2 h a week on social media, and the official and public social media were most common social media types. Additionally, the scores for KAP toward COVID-19 vaccination ranging from 0 to 48 among college students were high (39.73 ± 5.58), lowest for knowledge domain (3.07 ± 0.76), and the highest for practice domain (3.47 ± 0.63). Female college students who were in good health status and who spent more time browsing social media, frequently used official and public social media, rarely used aggregated social media, and had a relatively strong self-perception of eHealth literacy and information acquisition of eHealth literacy were more likely to have high levels of KAP regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Overall, Chinese college students have excellent KAP toward COVID-19 vaccination. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that health counseling regarding COVID-19 vaccination should target male students and those with inferior health status. Dissemination of health education regarding COVID-19 vaccination should be purposely conducted, and cooperation with official and public social media platforms should be promoted. Finally, eHealth literacy, which is one of the predictors of the level of KAP regarding COVID-19 vaccination, should be emphasized.
Microbial Characteristics and Genomic Analysis of an ST11 Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Carrying blaKPC−2 Conjugative Drug-Resistant Plasmid
Authors: Zeng Lingyi , Zhang Jisheng , Hu Kewang , Li Jie , Wang Jianmin , Yang Chengru , Huang Wan , Yin Lining , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: January 2022

Background

The sequence type 11 (ST11) carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) carrying blaKPC−2 has been widespread all over the world, and it has been reported frequently in China. The blaKPC−2 located on the mobile genetic element brings tremendous pressure to control the spread and outbreak of resistant bacteria. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology can comprehensively and in-depth display the molecular characteristics of drug-resistant bacteria, providing a basis for evaluating the genetic diversity within the CRKP genome.

Methods

The ST11 CRKP in this study was collected in the intensive care unit of a major teaching hospital. PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the existence of blaKPC−2. The AST-GN card and the microbroth dilution test were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The transferability of plasmid was verified by a conjugation test. The whole genome is sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology.

Results

The studied strain was named CRKP63, which is a multi-drug resistance bacteria, which carries blaKPC−2 and blaSHV−182. Its genome consists of a circular chromosome of 5,374,207 bp and an IncFII plasmid named pKPC-063001 of 359,625 bp. In the drug-resistant plasmid pKPC-063001, the key carbapenem resistance gene blaKPC−2 was located in the genetic context with insertion sequence ISKpn27 upstream and ISKpn6 downstream and bracketed by IS26. The three copies of the IS26–ISKpn27–blaKPC−2–ISKpn6–IS26 unit were present in tandem. blaKPC−2 can be transferred horizontally between other species by conjugation, the complete type IV secretion system (T4SS) structure helps to improve the adaptability of bacteria to the external environment, strengthen the existence of drug-resistant bacteria, and accelerate the spread of drug resistance.

Conclusion

High-throughput sequencing has discovered the different surrounding environments of blaKPC−2, which provides a new idea for further revealing the transmission and inheritance of blaKPC−2 at the molecular level. In order to control the further spread and prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, we should pay close attention to the changes in the genetic environment of blaKPC−2 and further study the transcription and expression of T4SS.
Workplace Bullying and Its Associated Factors Among Medical Doctors in Residency Training in a Tertiary Health Institution in Plateau State Nigeria
Authors: Afolaranmi Tolulope O. , Hassan Zuwaira I. , Gokir Benjamin M. , Kilani Abdulrahman , Igboke Raphael , Ugwu Kainechukwu G. , Amaike Chikwendu , Ofakunrin Akinyemi O. D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Bullying is public health problem globally in workplaces with untold deleterious effects on the health and well-being of individuals at the receiving end. Bullying has been found to disrupt social interaction at workplace thereby creating an unhealthy and seemingly unproductive work environment. Studies have reported varying rates of workplace bullying as high as 83% in Europe, 65% in the Americas and 55% in Asia with very little documented in the contemporary African setting and Nigeria in particular. It therefore became imperative to assess the level of bullying and its associated factors among medical doctors in residency training in a tertiary health institution in Plateau state Nigeria.

Methodology

This was a cross sectional study conducted among resident doctors in Jos University Teaching Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020 using quantitative method of data collection and SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Crude and adjusted odds ratios as well as 95% confidence interval were used in this study with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 32.3 ± 3.9 years with 78 (62.9%) being 31 years and above. Bullying was currently being experienced by 74 (59.7%) of the respondents with verbal aggression and threats as well as insult and use of derogatory remarks being the forms of bullying experienced by 85.1 and 74.3% of the respondents, respectively. Furthermore, witnessing a colleague being bullied was the sole factor found to be significantly associated with workplace bullying (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.068–0.449; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Workplace bullying has been found to be in existence and relatively high among medical doctors in residency training in this setting with witnessing someone being bullied as its sole associated factor.
A Review of Pretreatment Methods to Improve Agri-Food Waste Bioconversion by Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Authors: Peguero Daniela A. , Gold Moritz , Vandeweyer Dries , Zurbrügg Christian , Mathys Alexander
Published: January 2022

As the world population increases, food demand and agricultural activity will also increase. However, ~30–40% of the food produced today is lost or wasted along the production chain. Increasing food demands would only intensify the existing challenges associated with agri-food waste management. An innovative approach to recover the resources lost along the production chain and convert them into value-added product(s) would be beneficial. An alternative solution is the use of the larvae of the black soldier fly (BSFL), Hermetia illucens L., which can grow and convert a wide range of organic waste materials into insect biomass with use as animal feed, fertilizer and/or bioenergy. However, the main concern when creating an economically viable business is the variability in BSFL bioconversion and processing due to the variability of the substrate. Many factors, such as the nutritional composition of the substrate heavily impact BSFL development. Another concern is that substrates with high lignin and cellulose contents have demonstrated poor digestibility by BSFL. Studies suggest that pretreatment methods may improve the digestibility and biodegradability of the substrate by BSFL. However, a systematic review of existing pretreatment methods that could be used for enhancing the bioconversion of these wastes by BSFL is lacking. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review on the potential pretreatment methods that may improve the digestibility of substrates by BSFL and consequently the production of BSFL. These processes include but are not limited to, physical (e.g., mechanical and thermal), chemical (alkaline treatments), and biological (bacterial and fungal) treatments.
Adding Consolidation Capecitabine to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Comparative Study
Authors: Fang Yifang , Sheng Chengmin , Ding Feng , Zhao Weijie , Guan Guoxian , Liu Xing
Published: January 2022

Aim

To determine whether adding consolidation capecitabine chemotherapy without lengthening the waiting period influences pathological complete response (pCR) and short-term outcome of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT).

Method

Totally, 545 LARC who received NCRT and radical resection between 2010 and 2018 were enrolled. Short-term outcome and pCR rate were compared between patients with and without additional consolidation capecitabine. Logistic analysis was performed to identify predictors of pCR.

Results

After propensity score matching, 229 patients were matched in both NCRT and NCRT-Cape groups. Postoperative morbidity was comparable between groups except for operation time, which is lower in the NCRT group (213.2 ± 67.4 vs. 227.9 ± 70.5, p = 0.025). Two groups achieved similar pCR rates (21.8 vs. 22.7%, p = 1.000). Tumor size (OR = 0.439, p < 0.001), time interval between NCRT and surgery (OR = 1.241, p = 0.003), and post-NCRT carcinoembryonic antigen (OR = 0.880, p = 0.008) were significantly correlated with pCR in patients with LARC. A predictive nomogram was constructed with a C-index of 0.787 and 0.741 on internal and external validation.

Conclusion

Adding consolidation capecitabine chemotherapy without lengthening CRT-to-surgery interval in LARC patients after NCRT does not seem to impact pCR or short-term outcome. A predictive nomogram for pCR was successful, and it could support treatment decision-making.
Use of the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index as a Prognostic Indicator for Patients With Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Huasheng , Ding Fadian , Lin Meitai , Shi Zheng , Mei Zhengzhou , Chen Shaoqin , Jiang Chao , Qiu Huabin , Zheng Zhenhua , Chen Youting , Zhao Peng
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) as a prognostic indicator for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and construct a prognostic nomogram based on ALI.

Methods

A total of 97 CCA patients who received radical resection were included. The optimal cut-off point for ALI was identified by X-tile analysis. COX regression analysis were used to identify risk factors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A predictive nomogram for DFS was constructed.

Results

The optimal cut-off value for preoperative ALI was 31.8. 35 (36.1%) patients were categorized into the low-ALI group and 62 (63.9%) patients into the high-ALI group. Low ALI was independently associated with hypoproteinemia and lower body mass index (BMI) (all P < 0.05). COX regression analysis revealed that preoperative ALI level (HR = 0.974, P = 0.037) and pathological TNM stage (HR = 7.331, P < 0.001) were independently correlated with OS for patients with CCA, and preoperative ALI level (HR = 0.978, P = 0.042) and pathological T stage (HR = 1.473, P = 0.035) remained to be independent prognostic factors for DFS in CCA patients. Using time-dependent ROC analysis, we found that ALI was better at predicting prognosis than other parameters, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in terms of OS and DFS. A nomogram predicting DFS was built (C-index: 0.73 95%CI: 0.67–0.79).

Conclusions

ALI may be useful for prognosis assessment for patients with CCA.
Quercetin Regulates Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism Through the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Broilers
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Shanshan , Ding Manyi , Lu Han , Wu Hao , Li Yao
Published: January 2022

This study intended to explore the effect and mechanism of different doses of dietary quercetin on calcium and phosphorus metabolism to provide an experimental basis for preventing leg disease in broilers. A total of 480 1-day-old healthy Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into four groups (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06%) for 42 days. Compared with control, 0.06% quercetin significantly increased the unit weight and the relative weight of tibia in broilers (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, phosphorus content and bone mineral density (BMD) were significantly increased by 0.06% dietary quercetin supplementation in tibia (P < 0.05). Ash of tibia was significantly increased by 0.04 and 0.06% quercetin in broilers (P < 0.05). In addition, 0.06% quercetin significantly increased the content of serum calcium-binding protein (CB), estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and calcitonin (CT) (P < 0.05); 0.04% quercetin significantly increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) (P < 0.05) content in serum of broilers. The content of serum parathyroid (PTH) was significantly decreased by 0.02 and 0.06% quercetin (P < 0.05) in broilers. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the Wnt signaling pathway was a key signaling pathway of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in broilers which was significantly regulated by quercetin. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from transcriptome sequencing were validated with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In conclusion, 0.06% dietary quercetin supplementation improved calcium and phosphorus metabolism by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway in broilers.
Practical Application of Nanotechnology Solutions in Pavement Engineering: Construction Practices Successfully Implemented on Roads (Highways to Local Access Roads) Using Marginal Granular Materials Stabilised with New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME)
Authors: Jordaan Gerrit J. , Steyn Wynand J. vdM.
Published: January 2022

The introduction of any new disruptive technology in a traditionally well-established industry, such as the road construction industry, is usually associated with considerable resistance. This is especially relevant when the new technology is based on the use of granular materials traditionally considered to be of an unacceptable quality in combination with relatively new concepts such as New-age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME). In such cases, the fact that the material design methods are based on fundamental scientific principles and have been proven in both laboratories and through Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) may be of little influence. However, the general acceptance of new disruptive technologies, e.g., telecommunications and Information Technologies (IT), have been based on the considerable advantages it presented. The same principles are applicable to the general acceptance and use of the NME stabilisation/enhancement of materials in the road construction industry. This article is aimed at the practical cost-effective demonstration of the general application of the use of nanos-silane-modified emulsions in the construction of the highest order roads, i.e., inter-city multi-lane highways, lower-order roads (including Low-Volume Roads (LVR)), and even local accesses to farms and in villages/townships. The implementation of NME technologies is directly associated with ease of use, time, and cost savings, and with the addressing and reduction of risks applicable to the use thereof.
AFM Characterization of Track-Etched Membranes: Pores Parameters Distribution and Disorder Factor
Authors: Golovanova Alina V. , Domnina Mariia A. , Arzhanov Artem I. , Karimullin Kamil R. , Eremchev Ivan Yu. , Naumov Andrey V.
Published: January 2022

The structural characteristics of polymer track-etched membranes (TM) were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) for a set of samples (polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, with average pore diameters ~183, 375, and 1430 nm, respectively). The analysis of AFM experimental data was performed by using a specially developed technique for computer analysis of AFM images. The method allows one to obtain such parameters of TM as distribution of pore diameters, distribution of the minimum distances between the nearest pores, pore surface density, as well as to identify defective pores. Spatial inhomogeneities in the distribution of pore parameters were revealed. No anisotropy (some specific selected direction) was found in the surface distribution of the pores in the samples under study.
Designation of the Quality of EGNOS+SDCM Satellite Positioning in the Approach to Landing Procedure
Authors: Krasuski Kamil , Mrozik Magda , Wierzbicki Damian , Ćwiklak Janusz , Kozuba Jarosław , Ciećko Adam
Published: January 2022

The main aim of this paper is to present the results of research on the application of a modified mathematical model to determine the quality parameters of SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) satellite positioning in aviation. The authors developed a new calculation strategy to determine the resultant values of the parameters of accuracy, continuity, availability and integrity of SBAS positioning. To achieve it, a weighted mean model was used for the purposes of developing a mathematical algorithm to determine the resultant values of SBAS positioning. The created algorithm was implemented for two SBAS supporting systems, i.e., EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) and SDCM (System of Differential Correction and Monitoring). The algorithm was tested in a flight test conducted with a Diamond DA 20-C airplane in north-eastern Poland in 2020. The conducted research revealed that the resultant error of the position in 3D space determined with use of the proposed weighted mean model improved by, respectively, 1–7% in comparison to the standard arithmetic mean model and by 1–37% in comparison to a single SBAS/EGNOS solution. Moreover, the application of the Multi-SBAS positioning algorithm results in an increase in the nominal results of continuity and availability by 50% in comparison to the arithmetic mean model. Apart from that, the values of the integrity parameters determined with use of the proposed weighted mean model improved by 62–63% in comparison to the standard arithmetic mean model.
Cadmium and Cadmium/BDE (47 or 209) Exposure Affect Mitochondrial Function, DNA Damage/Repair Mechanisms and Barrier Integrity in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Albano Giusy Daniela , Bonanno Anna , Montalbano Angela Marina , Di Sano Caterina , Anzalone Giulia , Gagliardo Rosalia , Ruggieri Silvia , Profita Mirella
Published: January 2022

Heavy metals and Brominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (BDEs) often coexist in the environment and are capable of inducing injury, cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in human epithelial cells of the lung. We studied the effects of single Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) or CdCl2/BDE (47 or 209) mixtures in airway epithelial cells, using A549 cell line cultured at submerged conditions and air–liquid interface (ALI) (an in vitro model described as physiologically relevant in vivo-like). We evaluated cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage/repair (Comet assay, γH2AX phosphorylation ser139), mitochondrial redox balance (NOX-4, Nrf2 and TFAM) and cell barrier integrity (TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1, E-cadherin-1) in A549 cells exposed to CdCl2 (1 nM to 10 µM), or to CdCl2 (100 nM)/BDEs (47 or 209) (100 nM). CdCl2 (10 μM) reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. CdCl2 (100 nM) significantly affected DNA-damage/repair (Olive Tail length production), γH2AX phosphorylation and oxidative stress (ROS/JC-1 production) in submerged cell cultures. CdCl2 (100 nM) decreased viability, TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin-1 mRNA expression, and Nrf2 and TFAM while increased NOX-4, in ALI culture of cells. In both cell culture approaches, the cells stimulated with Cadmium/BDEs mixtures did not show a significant increase in the effects observed in the cells treated with CdCl2 alone. CdCl2 inhalation might exert cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, playing a pivotal role in the uncontrolled oxidative stress, damaging DNA and gene expression in airway epithelial cells. No additional or synergistic adverse effects of CdCl2/BDEs mixture were observed in comparison to CdCl2 alone in lung epithelium.
Update on Management Recommendations for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: García-Foncillas Jesús , Tejera-Vaquerizo Antonio , Sanmartín Onofre , Rojo Federico , Mestre Javier , Martín Salvador , Azinovic Ignacio , Mesía Ricard
Published: January 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, the incidence of which has risen over the last years. Although cSCC rarely metastasizes, early detection and treatment of primary tumours are critical to limit progression and local invasion. Several prognostic factors related to patients’ clinicopathologic profile and tumour features have been identified as high-risk markers and included in the stratification scales, but their association with regional control or survival is uncertain. Therefore, decision-making on the diagnosis and management of cSCC should be made based on each individual patient’s characteristics. Recent advances in non-invasive imaging techniques and molecular testing have enhanced clinical diagnostic accuracy. Surgical excision is the mainstay of local treatment, whereas radiotherapy (RT) is recommended for patients with inoperable disease or in specific circumstances. Novel systemic treatments including immunotherapies and targeted therapies have changed the therapeutic landscape for cSCC. The anti-PD-1 agent cemiplimab is currently the only FDA/EMA-approved first-line therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or RT. Given the likelihood of recurrence and the increased risk of developing multiple cSCC, close follow-up should be performed during the first years of treatment and continued long-term surveillance is warranted.
Patterned-Liquid-Crystal for Novel Displays
Authors: Yin Kun , Tan Guanjun , Liu Shuxin , Geivandov Artur , Shrivastav Gaurav P.
Published: January 2022

The “Patterned-Liquid-Crystal for Novel Displays” is a Special Issue focused on new insights and explorations in the field of liquid crystals arranged in a periodic patterned way [...]
Research on Color Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Bit-Plane and Chen Chaotic System
Authors: Xu Jiangjian , Zhao Bing , Wu Zeming
Published: January 2022

In response to the problems of high complexity and the large amount of operations of existing color image encryption algorithms, a low-complexity, low-operation color image encryption algorithm based on a combination of bit-plane and chaotic systems is proposed that is interrelated with plaintext information. Firstly, three channels of an RGB image are extracted, and the gray value of each pixel channel can be expressed by an eight-bit binary number. The higher- and lower-four bits of the binary gray value of each pixel are exchanged, and the position of each four-bit binary number is scrambled by a logistic chaotic sequence, and all the four-bit binary numbers are converted into hexadecimal numbers to reduce the computational complexity. Next, the position of the transformed image is scrambled by a logistic chaotic sequence. Then, the Chen chaos sequence is used to permute the gray pixel values of the permuted image. Finally, the gray value of the encrypted image is converted into a decimal number to form a single-channel encrypted image, and the three-channel encrypted image is synthesized into an encrypted color image. Through MATLAB simulation experiments, a security analysis of encryption effects in terms of a histogram, correlation, a differential attack, and information entropy is performed. The results show that the algorithm has a better encryption effect and is resistant to differential attacks.
Generalized Extreme Value Statistics, Physical Scaling and Forecasts of Oil Production from All Vertical Wells in the Permian Basin
Authors: Saputra Wardana , Kirati Wissem , Patzek Tadeusz
Published: January 2022

We analyze nearly half a million vertical wells completed since the 1930s in the most prolific petroleum province in the U.S., the Permian Basin. We apply a physics-guided, data-driven forecasting approach to estimate the remaining hydrocarbons in these historical wells and the probabilities of well survival. First, we cluster the production data set into 192 spatiotemporal well cohorts based on 4 reservoir ages, 6 sub-plays, and 8 completion date intervals. Second, for each cohort, we apply the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) statistics to each year of oil production from every well in this cohort, obtaining historical well prototypes. Third, we derive a novel physical scaling that extends these well prototypes for several more decades. Fourth, we calculate the probabilities of well survival and observe that a vertical well in the Permian can operate for 10–100 years, depending on the sub-play and reservoir to which this well belongs. Fifth, we estimate the total field production of all existing vertical wells in the Permian by replacing historical production from each well with its prototype. We then time-shift and sum up these prototypes together, obtaining 34 billion barrels of oil as estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). Our most notable finding is that the rate of finding big reservoirs in the Permian has been declining drastically and irreversibly since the 1970s. Today, operators need to drill wells that are twice as deep as the 1930s’ wells, yet they produce 4–12 times less.
A Comparative Analysis of the Hydraulic Strategies of Non-Native and Native Perennial Forbs in Arid and Semiarid Areas of China
Authors: Dong Yanjun , Li Zongshan , Keyimu Maierdang , Chen Ying , Gao Guangyao , Wang Cong , Wang Xiaochun
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Water transport systems play an important role in maintaining plant growth and development. The plasticity responses of the xylem anatomical traits of different species to the environment are different. Studies have shown that there are annual growth rings in the secondary root xylem of perennial herbaceous species. Studies on xylem anatomical traits, however, have mainly focused on woody species, with little attention given to herbaceous species. (2) Methods: We set 14 sampling sites along a rainfall gradient in arid and semiarid regions, and collected the main roots of native (Potentilla) and non-native (Medicago) perennial forbs. The xylem anatomical traits of the plant roots were obtained by paraffin section, and the relationships between the xylem traits of forbs were analyzed by a Pearson correlation. (3) Results: In the fixed measurement area (850 μm × 850 μm), the vessel number (NV) of Potentilla species was higher than that of Medicago species, while the hydraulic diameter (Dh) and mean vessel area (MVA) of Potentilla species were lower than those of Medicago species. With the increase in precipitation along the rainfall gradient, the Dh (R2 = 0.403, p = 0.03) and MVA (R2 = 0.489, p = 0.01) of Medicago species increased significantly, and NV (R2 = 0.252, p = 0.09) decreased, while the hydraulic traits of Potentilla species showed no significant trend with regard to the rainfall gradient. (4) Conclusions: The hydraulic efficiency of non-native Medicago forbs was higher than that of native Potentilla forbs, and the hydraulic safety of native Potentilla forbs was higher than that of non-native Medicago forbs. With the decrease in precipitation, the hydraulic strategies of non-native Medicago forbs changed from efficiency to safety, while native Potentilla forbs were not sensitive to variations in precipitation.