bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical essay on salt pipes (wells) of Seregovo saltworks (17th–19th centuries)
Authors:   Institute of Geology FRC Komi SC UB RAS, Mityusheva T.P.
Published: July 2022

The article presents the features of drilling and construc¬tion of salt pipes (wells) for the extraction of brines at the Seregovo saltworks – the first industrial enterprise in the Komi Region during the 17th–19th centuries. On the basis of historical and archival research, it was established that the brine-lifting pipes had a depth of 158–331 m and were in operation from 20 to 200 or more years. The drilling of dislocated Permian rocks and the equipment of wells with casing pipes could last up to 18 years. Each of the production salt pipes was re-equipped many times. The design of the wooden (pine or larch) casing strings of the wells was of the same type. The drilling and casing of the first ancient pipes were carried out by pipe makers of the saltworks in accordance with the old Russian instructions for salt pipes drilling of the 16th–17th centuries. The arti¬cle presents the first data on of the chemical composition of Seregovo underground brines. The mineralization of Permian sodium chloride brines, which were used for salt production, varied from 15 to 140 g/l.
Depressão, ansiedade e estresse em profissionais da linha de frente da COVID-19
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Cavalcante Fernanda Lúcia Nascimento Freire , Negreiros Bárbara Teixeira Campos ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Maia Rodrigo da Silva ,   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Maia Eulália Maria Chaves ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Published: July 2022

Introdução: A pandemia de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) representa um desafio à saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde que atuam na assistência direta ao paciente. Dados de pesquisas são necessários para auxiliar a implementação de intervenções e medidas de proteção. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores relacionados à ansiedade, depressão e estresse na equipe de saúde de um hospital de referência no atendimento a pacientes com COVID-19 quatro meses após o primeiro caso confirmado no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, correlacional e quantitativo com enfermeiros, técnicos de enfermagem, fisioterapeutas e médicos. Foi utilizado um questionário sociodemográfico e sobre os aspectos profissionais relacionados a COVID-19. Para a avaliação da ansiedade, depressão e estresse foi utilizada a escala DASS-21. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 112 pessoas, das quais 52,68% apresentaram sintomas de depressão, 57,14% de ansiedade e 78,57% de estresse. Houve associação da depressão com o cargo de enfermeiro, com o fato de estar em acompanhamento psicológico anterior a pandemia, com a ausência de participação em treinamento para assistência. A ansiedade apresentou associação com o sexo feminino e com o medo de adoecer. O estresse foi associado a idade mais jovem, 30 a 39 anos e ao estado civil casado ou em união estável. Conclusão: Durante a fase inicial do surto de COVID-19 houve uma alta prevalência de transtornos mentais nos profissionais de assistência direta ao paciente e os sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse se manifestaram na maioria dos participantes de forma moderada e grave.
Ansiedade em Acadêmicos de Enfermagem e de Medicina de uma Universidade Pública: Estudo Transversal
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Júnior Sérgio Alves Dias , Soares Evelise Aline ,   Faculdade de Medicina na Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Resck Zélia Marilda Rodrigues ,   Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Nogueira Denismar Alves ,   Instituto de Ciências Exatas na Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Monteiro Cristiane Aparecida Silveira ,   Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Terra Fábio de Souza ,   Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Alfenas
Published: July 2022

Introdução: A universidade é a instituição formadora de profissionais de distintas áreas e a conquista de uma vaga no Ensino Superior traz mudanças em vários aspectos do cotidiano e a necessidade de adaptações, podendo gerar estresse, sentimentos de preocupação, angústia e elevação dos níveis de ansiedade. Objetivo: avaliar a ansiedade dos acadêmicos do curso de enfermagem e de medicina de uma universidade pública. Método: estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, realizado com 272 acadêmicos de enfermagem e de medicina. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio do Google forms, utilizando um questionário sociodemográfico e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (subescala de ansiedade). As análises foram realizadas por meio de frequência absoluta e relativa. Resultados: constatou-se que houve predomínio do sexo feminino (72,1%), faixa etária de até 22 anos (48,9%), estado civil solteiro(a) (93,4%), não tabagistas (94,1%) e originários(as) de outros municípios (92,6%). Além disso, 92,3% estão satisfeitos com o curso, 97,1% se identificam com o curso, 90,4% mantinham-se financeiramente com a ajuda de familiares, 66,5% realizavam atividades extracurriculares e 71,0% vivenciaram algum evento marcante na vida no último ano. Dentre a totalidade de participantes, 58,1% foram classificados com ansiedade, sendo que para os participantes do curso de enfermagem obteve-se 58,4% e para medicina 57,9%. Conclusão: As instituições de ensino superior devem atentar-se aos aspectos que envolvem a ansiedade dos acadêmicos, implementando ações de apoio que auxiliem e promovam a melhoria da qualidade psíquica desta população.
Avaliação do impacto da primeira vaga da pandemia COVID-19 nos utentes seguidos num hospital de dia de psiquiatria
Authors:   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal., Simião Hugo Canas , Moreira Marta ,   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal., Fialho Isabel ,   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal., Estrela João ,   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal., Andrade Sandra ,   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal., Duarte Paula ,   Serviço de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental. Portugal.
Published: July 2022

Introdução: Com a pandemia COVID-19, foi necessária uma restruturação das intervenções do Hospital de Dia de Psiquiatria (HD) de um centro hospitalar. Objetivos: Os nossos objetivos foram: 1) identificar o impacto subjetivo das condições inerentes à pandemia ao nível da saúde mental dos utentes; 2) identificar o impacto subjetivo da alteração da dinâmica de funcionamento do HD e na relação com esta estrutura; e 3) obter feedback quanto à metodologia de trabalho e de intervenção dos técnicos do HD. Métodos: Realizámos um estudo transversal analítico misto. Enviámos questionários aos utentes em dois períodos: (1) um mês após o confinamento (Avaliação geral do período de confinamento; Satisfação com a atividade Despertar (e-mail); Satisfação com a atividade Serenar (online); Escala de Ansiedade do SCL-90-R); e (2) um mês após o início do novo modelo de funcionamento presencial do HD (Avaliação geral; Escala de Ansiedade do SCL-90-R). Resultados: Obtivemos a participação de 12 utentes. A intervenção e as atividades implementadas durante o confinamento foram percecionadas como positivas e permitiram a manutenção do vínculo ao HD; foi destacado negativamente a perda do apoio presencial e as dificuldades tecnológicas. Conclusões: Verificou-se uma tendência para a agudização de sintomas de ansiedade com o início do confinamento, tendo esta sido mantida após o retorno ao funcionamento presencial.
Contexto familiar e sofrimento mental em adolescentes: uma revisão integrativa
Authors:   Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Sousa Maria das Graças de Melo , Lima Luisa Helena de Oliveira ,   Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Rodrigues Malvina Thais Pacheco ,   niversidade Federal do Piauí., Mascarenhas Márcio Dênis Medeiros ,   niversidade Federal do Piauí., Moura Joana Célia Ferreira ,   Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Leal Iracynetta Passos de Sousa ,   Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Piauí
Published: July 2022

Contexto: A adolescência é um período de fragilidade que pode potencializar o surgimento de eventos estressores e crises. Diversos fatores têm sido associados a problemas de saúde mental no adolescente, sendo a família, um eixo fundamental a ser avaliado, pois pode apresentar fatores de proteção e risco para o adolescente. Objetivo: Identificar situações do contexto familiar que ocasionam sofrimento mental em adolescentes. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa norteada pelas recomendações do modelo PRISMA, realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e SciELO, com publicações de 2014 a 2019, utilizando os descritores “adolescent”, “mental health” e “family relations”. Resultados: Foram incluídos 19 estudos, predominando publicações internacionais. As situações do contexto familiar que se associam ao sofrimento mental de adolescentes são o estilo parental, sofrimento mental dos pais, conflito e violência intrafamiliar, abuso de substâncias psicoativas por familiares, divórcio, migração e encarceramento parental. O sofrimento mental dos adolescentes foi evidenciado por uma série de sintomas internalizantes e externalizantes, risco aumentado de automutilação e tentativa de suicídio, além do uso nocivo de substâncias psicoativas. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos reforçam a vulnerabilidade dos adolescentes ao sofrimento mental e apontam a necessidade de desenvolver intervenções eficazes no enfrentamento desse importante problema de saúde pública além do fortalecimento das redes de apoio aos adolescentes e famílias.
Evidências da utilização do treino metacognitivo na pessoa com psicose: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors:   Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve. Portugal., Gonzalez Iria Sazatornil , Nunes Lucília ,   Instituto politécnico de Setúbal. Portugal.
Published: July 2022

Contexto: Numa sociedade com grande carga global de doença associada às perturbações mentais, é primordial o desenvolvimento de intervenções psicoterapêuticas como o treino metacognitivo para pessoas com psicose, coadjuvante do tratamento psicofarmacológico. Objetivo: Analisar as evidências da utilização do treino metacognitivo na pessoa com psicose. Metodologia: Formulada a questão PICO, pesquisaram-se artigos publicados entre dezembro de 2017 e dezembro de 2020, nas bases de dados: Complementary index; MEDLINE complete, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, ScienceDirect e eBook Index. O processo de avaliação metodológica foi realizado por dois revisores independentes, com recurso aos instrumentos de avaliação do Joanna Briggs Institute. Foram definidos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, obtendo no total 8 artigos para a revisão. Resultados: Como principais resultados, após análise dos artigos incluídos, concluímos que, o treino metacognitivo aplicado em grupo, em pessoas com psicose, em contexto comunitário, demonstra eficácia quanto à redução da sintomatologia positiva (delírios e alucinações) e aumento dos níveis de insight clínico e cognitivo. Conclusão: O treino metacognitivo demonstra ser uma intervenção eficaz em pessoas com psicose, devendo por essa razão, ser desenvolvido em contexto da prática clínica de enfermagem de saúde mental e psiquiátrica. Sendo uma intervenção com recente implementação, emerge a necessidade contínua de investigação dos seus efeitos na população com sintomatologia psicótica, maiormente, nas variáveis da afetividade, funcionamento social, risco suicidário e recaídas.
Ionic exchange membranes in the pharmaceutical industry – Review
Authors: Morais Ana , Batanero Belen , Rijo Patrícia , Nicolai Marisa
Published: July 2022

In line with the longer life expectancy, the pharmaceutical sector, responsible for the continuous development, production and supply of new drugs to cope with the population’s healthcare, has been consistently growing. This scenario illustrates the use of some innovative technologies in industrial processes as the major contributing factor. Amongst these technologies, membrane separation technology stands out. This technique affords the filtration and separation of biological molecules at the nanoscale, resulting in a more expedited manufacturing process and a higher purified end product. Depending on the driving force applied, the separation process involves different approaches, feed stages, different pores’ sizes or permeates. In the scope of membrane separation technology, electrodialysis (ED) uses an electrical potential difference as the driving force to separate ions based on their charge. In this sense, ion-exchange membranes are the most widely used separation materials in purifying systems as they have the advantage of partitioning species of different charges. The present study evaluates two ion-exchange membranes' aptitude as separators for ED filtration of some industrial chemical processes. Keywords: Ionic-exchange membranes, separation technology, pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment, electrodialysis
LOAFING: A CASE OF EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE ISSUE
Authors:   Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Roswald M. Tugonon Leo ,   College of Graduate Studies (CGS), Palompon Institute of Technology, Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
Published: July 2022

Employees are expected to be at work on time and perform their tasks to be productive. Otherwise, it is a performance issue, unauthorized absenteeism, or loafing. It is not only prevalent in private entities but also in government agencies. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the Philippine context is a government agency that discouraged loafing during work hours and limits the use of official time for non-related government tasks. The study utilized an observational research technique using a single case method where the participant was closely observed in the most natural settings in the workplace. The study investigates the performance of the employee and shows solutions to how the management addressed the issue. This case study presents an instance wherein an employee was reported by his co-employee (an informant) who committed loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during office hours. Three alternative solutions are offered. First, refer the case to the Human Resource Management Officer who is a trained adjudicator, mediator, and conciliator. Second, determine the root cause of the problem and suggest an alternative course of action; and third, instead of imposing a harsh penalty of suspension or dismissal as the case may be, it would be appropriate for the management to subject the problem employee to an intervention program. There is a need to act with compassion and justice to ensure no repetitive action that may happen in the future.
Anemia da Doença Renal Crónica: O Estado da Arte
Authors: Farinha Ana , Robalo Nunes António , Mairos João , Fonseca Cândida
Published: July 2022

O envelhecimento populacional tem-se traduzido no aumento de prevalência de doenças crónicas como a doença renal crónica. A anemia é uma das complicações mais frequentes da doença renal crónica, com impacto não só na qualidade de vida como no prognóstico do doente e nos custos associados. O conhecimento nesta área terapêutica tem aumentado de forma significativa: desde o aparecimento da eritropoietina recombinante em 1989, passando pelo uso de doses crescentes de ferro parentérico e, mais recentemente, a novas moléculas como os inibidores do hypoxia-inducible factor. Os autores pretendem rever, de uma forma pragmática, o estado da arte da anemia associada à doença renal crónica, desde a epidemiologia, à fisiopatologia, ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento.
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF INCREASING THERMAL PROTECTION OF MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS TO MODERN EUROPEAN REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Deshko Valerii , Buyak Nadiya , Bilous Inna , Naumchuk Olena
Published: July 2022

According to the plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ukraine, there is a need to replace traditional energy sources and, accordingly, types of fuel. The paper highlights the main differences between the current regulatory documents in the field of energy efficiency of buildings, analyzes the dynamics of the energy demand of a public building during its thermal modernization to the normative indicators in force in Ukraine and Europe, and the regulation of the heating and ventilation schedule. The energy consumption assessment is based on the results of calculations in accordance with the current standard DSTU A.2.2 - 12:2015 and the building model in the DesignBuilder software environment. Using DesignBuilder helps evaluate new and existing building environmental performance, energy and comfort, HVAC, daylighting, cost, design optimization, CFD, BREEAM/LEED credits and reports that meet multiple national building codes and certification standards.

The influence of the economic indicators of Ukraine and Europe on the overall sensitivity of the project to increase the thermal protection of a public building is studied, taking into account the historical increase in energy prices in the countries under consideration. The work is the basis for further analysis and development of the concept of buildings with almost zero energy consumption in Ukraine.
Main Agro-ecological Structure, MAS: An Index for Evaluating Agro-biodiversity in Agro-ecosystems
Authors: Quintero Ingrid , Daza-Cruz Yesica Xiomara , León-Sicard Tomás  Enrique
Published: July 2022

The agro-biodiversity present in agro-ecosystems is fundamental in guaranteeing sustainability and resilience. However, there are very few proposals for evaluating it and, even less, ones that include indicators to analyze the influence of the structural and spatial configuration of a landscape in order to favor agro-biodiversity connectivity to productive systems, management and conservation practices, and the producer (farmer)’s perceptions, awareness and ability to favor it on his farm. The Main Agro-ecological Structure MAS is redefined as an environmental agro-biodiversity index. New indicators are established for a total of 10 criteria and 29 indicators of systems that describe the agro-biodiversity of agro-ecosystems. Methodologies for its evaluation are also described, and the possibility of adapting certain indicators according to the ecological and cultural contexts where the farms are located is discussed.
Assembly and Disassembly Mechanics of a Spherical Snap Fit
Authors: Xiaolin Guo , Bohua Sun
Published: July 2022

The snap fit is a common mechanical mechanism. We have studied the spherical snap fit carefully for its physical asymmetry which is easy to assemble but difficult to disassemble, and obtained the general law.Because of the complexity of spherical structure, it is difficult to get a theoretical formula to describe its physical asymmetry.In this paper, through the method of combining theory, simulation and experiment, and based on the general rule of cylindrical snap fit obtained in the early stage, pushing assembly and pulling disassembly of spherical snap fit are studied,we not only get the theoretical formula of spherical snap fit, but also further verify the correctness of previous research conclusions on cylindrical snap fit.This research provides strong theoretical support and basis for the optimization design and further research of snap fit.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Food Assistance: A Scoping Review of Machine Learning Tools
Authors: Martin Nina M. , Sedoc Joao , Poirier Lisa , Rosenblum Andrew J. , Reznar Melissa M. , Gittelsohn Joel , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: July 2022

Background: Machine learning has revolutionized situational awareness during disaster management by classifying, clustering, and predicting impacted locations and people. Despite its importance, no review has been conducted on machine learning tools for food assistance efforts during emergency or non-emergency situations. The purpose of this scoping review is to address that gap. Methods: Keywords were defined within the concepts of food assistance and machine learning. After the database searches, PRISMA guidelines were followed to perform a partnered, two-round scoping literature review. Text mining and Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling algorithms were used to determine trends. Results: 28 articles met criteria and were included in the analysis. The types of study designs included: model development (42.9%), non-study (i.e., text and opinion) (28.6%), qualitative research (14.3%), case study (10.7%), and meta-analysis (3.6%). There were no quantitative studies. The machine learning tools’ main functions were improving SNAP programs (32.1%), detecting needs and resources (25%), predicting food insecurity (21.4%), and situational awareness of current food insecurity issues (21.4%). None of these studies took place during a disaster or explicitly addressed emergency mitigation, preparedness, or recovery. All of the studies were in early phases of development and implementation. Conclusion: Machine learning tools for improving situational awareness, resource allocation, policymaking, and prediction have the potential to improve food assistance, but there is a lack of implementation and evaluation during all disaster phases. Also needed is more formative work on generating food-related queries and defining variables and features of food security.
Potential Benefit of Early Treatment with Sotrovimab in Patients With High Risk for Severe COVID-19 Carrying BA.2 Infection
Authors: Degli Antoni Melania , Giagulli Cinzia , Messali Serena , Amadasi Silvia , Caccuri Francesca , Castelli Francesco , Caruso Arnaldo , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide as a severe pandemic. The Omicron BA.2 became the predominant variant and the protagonist of the ongoing surge. As the virus continues to mutate, using of approved drugs or developing new therapeutic or prophylactic therapies against COVID-19 could be more complex. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the conserved epitope on the spike protein receptor; the most recent studies observed that it has substantially decreased in vitro activity against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, but real-life data are still scarce. We describe the outcome of a case series of outpatients with BA.1 or BA.2 infection treated with sotrovimab. We conducted a retrospective observational study including all non-hospitalized adult patients treated with sotrovimab, for which a Sanger sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 was performed within a regional genomic surveillance program. Eleven (50%) patients with BA.1 infection and eleven (50%) with BA.2 infection were considered. Most patients were immunocompromised. During the follow-up period, no patient died and only one with BA.1 infection was hospitalized for severe COVID-19 pneumonia onset. One month after treatment, 90.9% of patients were completely asymptomatic in each group. We demonstrated that patients carrying the BA.2 variant treated with sotrovimab did not evolve to severe COVID-19, showing a similar outcome to BA.1 infected patients. Further studies are needed to prove that vaccination or the presumably high doses of mAbs used can protect this group of patients at high risk of progression.
Promoting Earth Buildings for Residential Construction in New Zealand
Authors: Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Falk Stephanie
Published: July 2022

The construction of earth buildings, both throughout history and in the current day, is well-established worldwide. Despite New Zealand's pre- and post-colonial history of earth construction, earth buildings as residential homes have not been well-received or popularised throughout present-day New Zealand. This research aims to identify the reasons for this lack of awareness and to determine methods that promote earth buildings in New Zealand. This research is based on data collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with subject matter experts and via an online questionnaire completed by members of the Earth Building Association New Zealand (EBANZ). The data collected revealed the experiences and perceptions of all participants regarding the advantages, challenges and promotion of earth buildings specific to New Zealand. Upon analysing these responses, key reoccurring themes were identified and compared. Regarding New Zealand's lack of awareness of earth buildings, interview and questionnaire participants responded that this shortcoming was due to earth construction being a very niche market and lacking commercial marketing. Education was the most frequently reoccurring theme raised by all participants as the top promotional tool for raising awareness of earth buildings. The results of this research can be applied to future work regarding obstacles that limit the growth of New Zealand's earth building industry, as well as research on the role of New Zealand's education system in exposing the next generation of builders, designers, and consumers to earth construction.
Design of LLC resonant converter with silicon carbide MOSFET switches and nonlinear adaptive sliding controller for brushless DC motor system
Authors: Merlin Suba G. , Kumaresan M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction. The high voltage gain DC-DC converters are increasingly used in many power electronics application systems, due to their benefits of increased voltage output, reduced noise contents, uninterrupted power supply, and ensured system reliability. Most of the existing works are highly concentrated on developing the high voltage DC-DC converter and controller topologies for goal improving the steady state response of brushless DC motor driving system and also obtain the regulated voltage with increased power density and reduced harmonics, the LLC resonant DC-DC converter is implemented with the silicon carbide MOSFET switching devices Problem. Yet, it facing the major problems of increased switching loss, conduction loss, error outputs, time consumption, and reduced efficiency. Also the existing works are mainly concentrating on improving the voltage gain, regulation, and operating performance of the power system with reduced loss of factors by using the different types of converters and controlling techniques. The goal of this work is to obtain the improved voltage gain output with reduced loss factors and harmonic distortions. Method. Because, this type of converter has the ability to generate the high gain DC output voltage fed to the brushless DC motor with reduced harmonics and loss factors. Also, the nonlinear adaptive sliding controller is implemented to generate the controlling pulses for triggering the switching components properly. For this operation, the best gain parameters are selected based on the duty cycle, feedback DC voltage and current, and gain of silicon carbide MOSFET. By using this, the controlling signals are generated and given to the converter, which helps to control the brushless DC motor with steady state error. Practical value. The simulation results of the proposed LLC silicon carbide MOSFET incorporated with nonlinear adaptive sliding controller controlling scheme are validated and compared by using various evaluation indicators.
Data-constrained analytical model for the propagation of a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture under true triaxial stresses
Authors: Feng Runhua , Sarout Joel , Dautriat Jeremie , Zhang Jiecheng , Roshan Hamid , Rezaee Reza , Sarmadivaleh Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a coupled multi-physics and scale-dependent process requiring an extensive numerical-laboratory appraisal to assess feasibility in the field. Developing a robust model of hydraulic fracture propagation requires knowledge of the time evolution of the fracture’s geometrical attributes, e.g., width/aperture and length/radius. However, it is inherently challenging to directly measure even the simplest fracture attribute (i.e., radius) within a rock sample subjected to in-situ stresses in the laboratory, let alone in the field. In this study, an analytical model is developed to predict the time evolution of the radius for a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture. This model (Rd) predicts the fracture opening and internal pressure gradient using Poiseuille’s law and assuming a self-similar propagation. Scaling laws and dimensional analysis are used to define propagation regimes; and non-linear hydro-mechanical coupling is accounted for in the near-tip region. We also quantify the growth of the fracture radius using linear elastic fracture growth model (RE); and tip asymptotic solutions (RV and RT). A comparison of the three analytical models with published experimental data reveal that (i) the asymptotic solutions are limited to linearly elastic and homogeneous materials, i.e., PMMA; (ii) the performance of the linear elastic model (RE) poorly matches the experimental data, especially for unstable propagation situations; (iii) the new Rd model takes advantage of a robust reconstruction of the temporal radius growth of hydraulic fracture problems under realistic stress conditions, and including multiscale propagation regimes, cohesive effects, as well as stable and unstable propagation regimes of geomaterials.
The effect of volunteer-led activities on the quality of life of volunteers, residents, and employees of a long-term care institution: a cohort study
Authors: de Sandes-Guimarães Luisa Veras , Santos Patrícia Carla dos , Alves Carla Patricia Grossi Palácio , Cervato Carina Junqueira , Silva Ana Paula Alves , Leão Eliseth Ribeiro
Published: July 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted long-term care facilities by restricting visiting and circulation, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of older adults living in these institutions. Volunteer activities, essential for older adults’ daily life, were also interrupted and potentially negatively impacted the QoL of older adults, volunteers themselves, and also employees in these institutions, although this three-fold effect was not yet investigated. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the return of volunteer-led activities in a long-term care institution on the QoL of older adult residents, employees, and volunteers. Methods: This study used a pre-test and post-test design within the same group. The first round of data collection was conducted before volunteer-led activities return and the second round after one month of return. The instrument used to assess QoL was the EUROHIS-QoL-8 scale. This study was conducted within a nursing home in São Paulo, Brazil, created in 1937 by members of the Israeli community living in Brazil. Volunteer-led activities were part of residents’ daily life before the COVID-19 pandemic, when these activities were interrupted for about 20 months. A total of 79 individuals participated in both rounds (pre and post), of which: 29 residents, 27 volunteers, and 23 employees of the long-term care institution. Results: Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the analyses indicated improvements after the one month return in different QoL aspects for the three groups. Volunteers improved their personal relationships (Z -2.332, p< .05), residents their overall health (Z -2.409, p< .05) and employees in their overall QoL perception (Z -2.714, p< .05). Influencing factors for residents were the number of activities (3 or more), gender (male), and education (undergraduate/graduate). For employees, those who assumed additional activities due to the volunteer-led activities interruption had a significant impact on their overall QoL. Conclusions: Evidence from this study suggests that volunteers’ return positively impacted different QoL aspects for volunteers, residents, and employees.
25-Hydroxycholesterol Regulates Lysosome AMPK Activation and Metabolism Reprograming to Educate Immunosuppressive Macrophages
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Xiao Jun , Wang Shuang , Chen Longlong , Tang Huiru , Ding Xinyu , Ye Youqiong , Yang Dan , Zheng Yuxiao , Li Na , Dong Chen , Shen Huan , Hu Miao , Li Weiyun , Wei Bin
Published: July 2022

Different macrophage subsets exhibit anti-tumor or immunosuppression to regulate tumor progression. Cholesterol metabolism is vital to manipulate macrophage function. Here, we screened cholesterol enzymes and metabolites in three types of immunosuppressive macrophages, which all upregulated cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (Ch25h) expression to cause 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) accumulation. scRNA-seq data confirmed that MARCO+ and LYVE1+ macrophage subsets from various human cancers were Ch25hhigh subsets, correlated to lower survival rates. TEM including lactic Acid, Acidic pH and IL4/IL13 enhanced Ch25h expression, and targeting Ch25h abrogated macrophage immunosuppressive function to convert cold tumor into hot tumor, which also synergized with anti-PD1 therapy to improve antitumor efficacy. Critically, 25HC accumulation in lysosome acted as a novel AMPKα agonist, which enhances mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation. We therefore propose Ch25h as an immunometabolic checkpoint and a drug target for tumor immunotherapy, which manipulates macrophage polarization and reshapes TME.
Computerized text and voice analysis - a quantitative single case study of seven chronically schizophrenic patients in art therapy
Authors: Sprotte Yvonne
Published: July 2022

This explorative study of chronic schizophrenic patients aims to clarify whether group art therapy followed by a therapist-guided picture review could influence the patients' communication behavior. Characteristics of voice and speech were obtained via objective technological instruments and selected as indicators of communication behavior. Seven patients were recruited to participate in weekly group art therapy over a period of six months. Three days after each group meeting, they talked about their last picture during a standardized interview that was digitally recorded. The audio documents were evaluated using validated computer-assisted procedures, the transcribed texts using the German version of LIWC2015, and the voices using the audio analysis software VocEmoApI. The dual methodological approach was intended to form an internal control of the study results. An exploratory factor analysis of the complete sets of output parameters was carried out in the expectation of obtaining disease typical characteristics in speech and voice that map barriers to communication. The parameters of both methods were thus processed into five factors each, i.e., into a quantitative digitized classification of the texts and voices. The scores of the factors were subjected to a linear regression analysis to capture possible process-related changes. Most patients continued to participate in the study. This resulted in high quality data sets for statistical analysis. In answer to the study question, two results were summarized: A text analysis factor called presence proved a potential surrogate parameter for positive language development. Quantitative changes in vocal emotional factors were detected, demonstrating differentiated activation patterns of emotions. These results can presumably be interpreted as an expression of a cathartic healing process. The methods presented in this study make a potentially significant contribution to quantitative research into the effectiveness and mode of action of art therapy.Trial Registration: ISRCTN12365070Acronym: Linguistic and Voice inquiry of patients talking about their own Pictures (LiVoPict)
Addressing the effect of meteorological factors and agricultural subsidy on agricultural productivity in India: A roadmap towards environmental sustainability
Authors: Baig Imran Ali , Irfan Muhammad , Salam Md. Abdus , Işik Cem
Published: July 2022

In the last two decades, the extensive literature that has measured agricultural productivity and growth rate remains controversial and provides few strategies about its main determinants. The present study aims to find out the key determinants of food grain yield (FGY) and examine the role of climate change and agricultural subsidy (SUB) in the context of India using annually data spanning from 1991 to 2018. The current study applied the ARDL modelling to investigate the impacts of climatic factors (average rainfall (RF), mean temperature (AT), and carbon emission (CO2) and agricultural subsidy (SUB) on food grain yield (FGY) in the short-and long-term in India. The estimated outcomes indicate that climatic factors such as RF have a positive impact while AT and CO2 have a negative effect on FGY. Similarly, non-climate variables such as gross capital formation (GCF) and fertilizer usage (FERT) positively contributed to FGY, while the area under crop (LUC), SUB, and employment (AL) negatively affected FGY in India. The results from Granger causality divulge that climatic and non-climatic elements are the main determinants of food grain yield, which have been playing play a significant role in enhancing food grain production and ensuring food security in India. Based on empirical outcomes and findings, some key policy implications emerged. Precisely, government and policy developers should focus on technological innovation and precision agriculture to increase agriculture production and productivity. Government should create funds to curb the climate change problem and promote eco-friendly renewable energy.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a New Web-based Cognitive Training Platform for Older Adults: the Breakfast Task
Authors: Simon Sharon Sanz , Ben-Eliezer Daniel , Pondikos Maria , Stern Yaakov , Gopher Daniel
Published: July 2022

Background: Developing efficient cognitive training for the older population is a major public health goal due to its potential cognitive benefits. A promising training target is executive control, critical for multitasking in everyday life. The aim of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training in older adults, a new web-based cognitive training platform that simulates real-life multitasking demands. Methods: A community-based sample of 24 cognitively healthy participants aged between 60 and 75 ( M = 69.12, SD = 3.83) underwent 5-session cognitive training protocol, delivered online. Each session lasted 45 minutes and occurred twice a week at participant’s homes. Performance was recorded, and participants completed questionnaires at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Feasibility metrics showed overall high recruitment (82.7%), adherence and retention rates (100%). Acceptability was considered good based on participant`s quantitative and qualitative responses. On average, participants rated the game as interesting, enjoyable and did not report difficulties in accessing the game online without supervision or in understanding the instructions. Participants showed a learning curve across sessions, suggesting improvement in the game outcomes and potential benefits from the emphasis change training approach. The study identified relevant areas that need improvements and adjustments, such as technical issues, session’s structure and dose. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training platform in cognitively healthy older adults, with promising potential cognitive benefits. Results suggest the value of further research investigating the Breakfast Task training features and dose-response relationship, as well as its potential efficacy in older adults via larger randomized controlled trials. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT04195230 (Registered 11 December 2019). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04195230
Improving the Photovoltaic Characteristics for n-CdS/p-Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 Solar Cells by annealing: Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties
Authors: Aboraia A. M. , Saad Mohamed , ALMohiy Hussain , Shaaban E. R.
Published: July 2022

Owing to its direct bandgap in the range to be used as an absorbent material and due to its high absorption rate, kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a p-type prospective absorber material for solar cell applications. Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films were prepared using the thermal evaporation technique. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was first performed for the (CZTS) nanoparticles. The (CZTS) thin films were annealed at different annealing temperatures chosen according to TGA analysis in the range of (400oC, 450oC, 475oC, and 500oC). The influence of annealing temperatures on the structural, morphology and optical properties of the CZTS was studied. The XRD patterns and Raman spectra have exposed the creation of CZTS thin with a high-quality crystal structure. The refractive index n, and extinction coefficient, k therefore energy gap are assessed from mathematical model of spectroscopic ellipsometry. The n and k values of the CZTS /glass films established from SE model rise with increasing the annealing temperature owing to the growth of the crystallites size. It is observed that the direct optical transition with energy gap is compressed from 1.73 eV at RT to 1.51 eV at maximum crystallization 500 oC. The photovoltaic traits of the fabricated n-CdS/p-CZTS junction were investigated for a solar cell. The heterojunction of Ni/n-CdSe/p-CdTe/Pt has been well constructed. The dark and illumination (current-voltage) traits of assembled heterojunctions had been recommended at distinctive different annealing of CZTS layer and the voltages ranging from − 2 to 2 volts.
Evaluation of strategies for the occupational health risk assessment of chemical toxicants in the workplace based on a quantitative analysis model
Authors: Cao Yiyao , Zou Hua , Zhang Meibian , Xu Lingtong , Ren Hong , Wang Peng , Yuan Weiming , Shao Xincun , Zhou Zhen , Xu Qiuliang
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The commonly used methods for the occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) of chemical toxicants cannot fully meet the needs of practical work. This study evaluated OHRA strategies for chemical toxicants in the workplace by establishing a quantitative analysis model. Methods: Five typical industries in China that implement OHRA using the six common models (the Environmental Protection Agency, Australian, Romanian, Singaporean, International Council on Mining and Metals, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health models) were selected as the research objects. We established a quantitative analysis model to compare the six models and applied it to compare the results obtained using each model and preliminarily analyze the advantages, limitations, and application scope of each method. Results: The risk ratio (RR) values of the six methods decreased in the following order: RR EPA > RR COSHH > RR ICMM > RR Australia > RR Singaporean > RR Romanian (P < 0.05). Among the six models, the Singaporean model had the strongest RR correlation with the other models (P < 0.01). The sequence of RRs obtained from the Singaporean, ICMM, Australian, and Romanian models in the five industries was consistent with the sequence of the three inherent risk levels in those industries. Only the Romanian model could distinguish between the RRs of all five industries. The EPA and Singaporean models could effectively distinguish the differences in inherent risk for four hazard factors (manganese and inorganic compounds, benzene, xylene, and ethyl acetate), with the assessment accuracy being higher for the EPA model.Conclusions: The EPA model had the highest accuracy in assessing chemical toxicants followed by the Singaporean model. The EPA and Romanian models were strongest in differentiating the differences in toxicity risk.
Establishment of a scoring model for the differential diagnosis of white coat hypertension and sustained hypertension
Authors: Cai Peng , Lin Qingshu , Zhang Jing , Lv Dan , Wang Yan , Wang Xukai
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to establish a scoring model for the differential diagnosis of white coat hypertension (WCH) and sustained hypertension (SHT). 553 adults with elevated office blood pressure, normal renal function and no antihypertensive drugs were included in this study. 17 parameters, such as gender and age, were obtained by questionnaire investigation and biochemical detection. WCH and SHT were distinguished by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Participants were randomly divided into a training set (445 cases) and a validation set (108 cases). In the training set, the above parameters were screened by LASSO regression and univariate logistic regression analysis, then, the scoring model was constructed through multivariate logistic regression analysis. ROC curve and calibration curve were used to discuss the discrimination and calibration of this scoring model respectively. 6 parameters were finally selected, namely isolated systolic hypertension, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, serum creatinine, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the scoring model. The R2 and AUC of the scoring model in the training set were 0.163 and 0.705, respectively. In the validation set, the R2 of the scoring model was 0.206, and AUC was 0.718. The calibration test results showed that the scoring model had good stability in both training set and validation set (MSE = 0. 001, MAE = 0. 014; MSE = 0. 001, MAE = 0. 025, respectively). A stable scoring model for distinguishing WCH can be established, which can assist clinician to identify WCH at the first diagnosis.
Nano-composite based Smart Electrochromic Device with escalated transmittance
Authors: Talukdar Silpee , Dhar Rudra Sankar
Published: July 2022

Nanocomposites based Electrochromic Membrane Device (EMD) is fabricated by using DC sputtering with differently doped nanomembranes WO3 doped Ag NW and Li+, PEO, and H+Nb2O5 which undergoes optical and electrochemical characteristics so as to be capabale for smart applications. Highest bleaching transmittance of this device is evaluated to be 96.1% at 549nm and 93.1% at 825nm in the visible and IR spectra. Average colouration transmittance is observed to be 11.1% over visible range and 2.6% over IR range. A comparison with existing devices are also studied and analysed to understand the benefit of the EMD device. Dimming fastness of EMD on 500, 550 and 600nm upon a certain wavelength counted as 105, 111 and 150sec, respectively. Both transmittance modulation and optical density are also computed as 85% and 0.94. Cyclic voltammetry of each film and the whole nanostructured device arrangement is carried out for 50mV/s over +1.5V to 1.5V in the standard environment, which overlayed the understanding of the quantum tunnelling and carrier confinement effects in the device that leads to enhanced device performance. Whole experimentation of EMD stands out as an imperative accomplishment for standard requirements to be fit for future smart applications.