bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conhecendo o campo sobre food experience: uma revisão bibliométrica dos últimos 20 anos na base web of Science
Authors: De Oliveira Cardoso Laura , Leocádio Ferreira Frederico , Magalhães Christino Juliana Maria , Silva Noronha Ana Luíza
Published: February 2022

Objetivo do estudo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é realizar uma revisão bibliométrica sobre “Food Experience” visando a um mapeamento da área, até então pouco explorada e em um estágio embrionário no Brasil. Metodologia/Abordagem: O estudo teve como intervalo de tempo um período de vinte anos, de 1999 a 2019. A busca na base Web of Science resultou em 187 artigos, e não houve nenhuma filtragem. Por fim, os resultados foram extraídos da base de dados e baixados para o CiteSpace.Originalidade/Relevância: O trabalho tem sua originalidade ao fornecer um panorama de pesquisa, que pode incentivar estudos futuros sobre Food Experience, guiando-os sobre as principais tendências sobre o conceito. Para além, o termo Food Experience ainda não possui uma definição clara e se insere em um campo de estudo disperso, cujo mapeamento bibliométrico ajudaria a sua estruturação. Principais resultados: Percebe-se um aumento do volume de publicações nos últimos anos. Os principais autores que trabalham com o tema foram mapeados, e os estudos concentram-se nas áreas sobre qualidade e impacto do serviço, bem como satisfação do consumidor. A indexação ocorre principalmente nas áreas de administração, ciências sociais e turismo.Contribuições teórico-metodológicas: No ano de 2018, ocorreu um aumento gradativo de publicações acerca de Food Experience, o que indica uma contemporaneidade do tema. Sugere-se que novas pesquisas bibliométricas sejam realizadas com a base SCOPUS, bem como uma revisão sistemática para entender a fundo o conceito, as aplicações e as agendas de pesquisa dentro de Food Experience.
Análise da inadimplência em um programa sócio-torcedor: o uso do credit scoring como ferramenta de gestão esportiva
Authors: Borges Monteiro Vitor , Valls Pereira Pedro Luiz
Published: February 2022

Objetivo do estudo: Os programas de fidelização de torcedores são exemplos de como os clubes adaptaram ferramentas bem-sucedidas do mundo corporativo para impulsionarem suas marcas, visando uma alternativa perene de receitas. Porém, o ambiente de volatilidade passional dos torcedores se torna um desafio na gestão esportiva. Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho consiste em implementar uma metodologia de Credit Scoring para avaliar o comportamento de inadimplência em um programa de sócios. Metodologia/abordagem: O Credit Scoring é tradicionalmente difundido nas instituições bancárias para estudar o comportamento de inadimplência dos clientes, utilizando perfis cadastrais e de relacionamento para atribuir scores que mensuram o risco de inadimplência.Originalidade/relevância: Entender o comportamento do torcedor se torna fundamental para o gestor implementar medidas promocionais que visem potencializar a fidelização.Principais resultados: Os resultados apontam que os sócios com planos mais caros, idades mais elevadas, mesma cidade da realização dos jogos e proximidade ao estádio tem suas probabilidades de inadimplência reduzidas de forma significativa. Mesmo se tratando de um ambiente de maioria masculina, o sexo feminino se apresenta como um perfil de menor probabilidade de inadimplência. O fato do titular da conta de sócio possuir dependentes vinculados reduz a probabilidade de inadimplência, contrapondo-se à literatura de Credit Scoring bancário, onde o número de dependentes aumenta a probabilidade de inadimplência.Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: O trabalho utiliza técnicas de georreferenciamento para calcular a distância de cada sócio para o estádio, e utiliza técnica de estimação do Credit Scoring em dois estágios, com a base de perfis ativos e inativos.
How Parents and Friends Influence Student Preference in Selecting a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management in Hong Kong
Authors:   Assistant Professor at Department of Entertainment Management, I-Shou University, Taiwan, Ho Grace , Law Rob ,   Professor at School of Hotel & Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Published: February 2022

This study looks at the decision-making in selecting a higher education programme from a consumer behaviour perspective, and examines who influence students when making the decision on which hospitality and tourism Bachelor’s degree to pursue. Qualitative focus group interviews with current undergraduate students were conducted. The findings show that the most significant influencers are ‘friends and classmates’ followed by ‘family’ then ‘teachers’, while the cultural influence of Confucianism and collectivism might be the underlying basis for the decision process. Thus, higher education institutions can act accordingly based on these influences to achieve higher enrolment for their programmes
Managing Across or Within a Culture? Comparing Hotel Workers From China and Taiwan Using Hofstede’s Scales
Authors:   Information and Operations Management Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, Metters Richard , Stanworth James O. ,   Department of Business Administration, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan ROC
Published: February 2022

Potential cultural differences between China and Taiwan are explored using Hofstede’s Values Survey Module (VSM94). The focus is on workers in hotels that cater to Western visitors. Hofstede’s VSM was administered to hotel workers in Tainan, Taiwan, and Shanghai, China. A comparison shows worker attitudes to be, in general, highly similar. Differences, however, on some scales, especially Power Distance, indicate that different managerial styles will be successful in the two countries. Qualitative data from industry stakeholders corroborate and elaborate our findings
El principio de capacidad económica en los rendimientos de actividades económicas determinados con el método de estimación directa en el Impuestos sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas
Authors: Arribas García Verónica
Published: February 2022

Este trabajo plantea un análisis sobre el cumplimiento del principio de capacidad económica contemplado en el artículo 31.1 de la Constitución Española en el ámbito de los rendimientos netos de actividades económicas determinados con el método de estimación directa en el Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas. Para ello, se ha efectuado un estudio del principio de capacidad económica tratando su fundamento, significado y contenido, considerando la jurisprudencia y la doctrina existente hasta el momento. La finalidad es demostrar las posibles lesiones que la normativa vigente y las resoluciones administrativas y judiciales pueden estar infringiendo al derecho de contribuir con arreglo a su capacidad económica de los contribuyentes de actividades económicas, cuyo rendimiento neto se determina con el método de estimación directa, en relación a la estimación de la deducibilidad de gastos de suministros y derivados de la utilización de uso de vehículo turismo.
Violencia psíquica en violencia de género
Authors: Arroyo Blanco Alberto
Published: February 2022

La lesión psíquica es un reciente concepto penológico, a pesar de que está implícita en los conceptos genéricos de daño moral, sufrimiento u otras acepciones que aparecen en el derecho comparado. No pasan inadvertidos los problemas probatorios que presenta esta clase de violencia, de ahí que se conozca también como «maltrato invisible». La agresión psíquica tiene entidad por sí misma y sus secuelas pueden ser incluso mucho más graves que las producidas por atentados meramente físicos. Entre los principales problemas que plantea la prueba de la violencia psíquica destaca la falta de formación del personal de los juzgados, la fiscalía y los abogados intervinientes. La práctica de la prueba en los procesos seguidos ante los Juzgados de Violencia sobre la Mujer presenta múltiples dificultades probatorias y una problemática diversa y compleja ya que, en la mayoría de los casos, se trata de delitos cometidos dentro del ámbito doméstico, en la intimidad del domicilio familiar. Se hace necesario que los Juzgados de Violencia sobre la Mujer cuenten con Unidades de Valoración Forense Integral (UVFI). Lo relevante a efectos probatorios no es solo objetivar el menoscabo psíquico global de la persona, sino establecer una relación o nexo de causalidad entre las conductas lesivas y el daño.
CALAS EN LA LITERATURA ESPAÑOLA DEL SIGLO DE ORO. José Romera Castillo (Madrid; Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia,1998, 536 págs.)
Authors: Romero López Dolores
Published: February 2022

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Incident Cancer Detection During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Eskander Antoine , Li Qing , Yu Jiayue , Hallet Julie , Coburn Natalie G. , Dare Anna , Chan Kelvin K.W. , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Hanna Timothy P. , Finelli Antonio , Louie Alexander V. , Look Hong Nicole , Irish Jonathan C. , Witterick Ian J. , Mahar Alyson , Noel Christopher W. , Urbach David R. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Enepekides Danny , Sutradhar Rinku
Published: February 2022

Background: Resource restrictions were established in many jurisdictions to maintain health system capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disrupted healthcare access likely impacted early cancer detection. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on weekly reported cancer incidence. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based study involving individuals diagnosed with cancer from September 25, 2016, to September 26, 2020, in Ontario, Canada. Weekly cancer incidence counts were examined using segmented negative binomial regression models. The weekly estimated backlog during the pandemic was calculated by subtracting the observed volume from the projected/expected volume in that week. Results: The cohort consisted of 358,487 adult patients with cancer. At the start of the pandemic, there was an immediate 34.3% decline in the estimated mean cancer incidence volume (relative rate, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.57–0.75), followed by a 1% increase in cancer incidence volume in each subsequent week (relative rate, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.001–1.017). Similar trends were found for both screening and nonscreening cancers. The largest immediate declines were seen for melanoma and cervical, endocrinologic, and prostate cancers. For hepatobiliary and lung cancers, there continued to be a weekly decline in incidence during the COVID-19 period. Between March 15 and September 26, 2020, 12,601 fewer individuals were diagnosed with cancer, with an estimated weekly backlog of 450. Conclusions: We estimate that there is a large volume of undetected cancer cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidence rates have not yet returned to prepandemic levels.
Estrategias de marca y posicionamiento en la carrera hacia las estrellas Michelin: Análisis de casos paradigmáticos
Authors: Jiménez-Marín Gloria , Bellido-Pérez Elena , Muñoz-Placín Elena Elisa
Published: February 2022

El interés por el sector gastronómico en los últimos años se ha visto incrementado, cuestión que se ha observado mediáticamente en cómo los restaurantes de alta cocina cada vez están más interesados en crear marcas claramente diferenciadas que ofrezcan a su público algo más que la experiencia gastronómica tradicional. En este contexto, el objetivo de este artículo es, por un lado, indagar en la importancia de la definición de un concepto creativo que guíe la estrategia de la marca-restaurante y, por el otro, Identificar las acciones de comunicación más relevantes dentro y fuera del restaurante. Se ha seguido una investigación cualitativa con enfoque descriptivo basado en la observación no participante y la entrevista en profundidad, siguiendo un muestreo por conveniencia. La observación tuvo lugar entre los meses de enero a diciembre de 2020. La entrevista se realizó a cinco chefs y gestores de marca de restaurantes galardonados con Estrella Michelin. Los datos apuntan a una relación obligatoria entre el producto (el concepto de alta cocina) y el concepto de marca, que supone un valor intangible que el consumidor valora como parte de la experiencia de consumo. Todas las acciones realizadas están dirigidas a crear un universo de marca coherente y a crear experiencias de producto/servicio completas, aunque se aprecia una falta de aprovechamiento del universo online y las posibilidades que las redes sociales brindan con carácter corporativo y empresarial.
Contestações ao contrato geral do tabaco português pelos açorianos (2ª metade do século XIX)
Authors: Machado Maria Margarida
Published: February 2022

A organização em monopólio do comércio do Tabaco em Portugal, mercê do seu grande potencial fiscal, levou à criação de regras rígidas que mantiveram os Açores fora da produção e do comércio direto deste produto. Estas interdições geraram a curto prazo, o contrabando e, a longo prazo motivou um movimento contra o monopólio real e a favor da liberdade de produção e industrialização do tabaco nos Açores, principalmente na segunda metade de oitocentos. Este artigo tem como objectivo estudar esta época de descontentamento e perceber quão fortes ou não foram estas contestações
Vacuum pressure measurement based on 6Li cold atoms in a magneto-optical trap
Authors: Zhang Su-Zhao , Sun Wen-Jun , Dong Meng , Wu Hai-Bin , Li Rui , Zhang Xue-Jiao , Zhang Jing-Yi , Cheng Yong-Jun ,   Science and Technology on Vacuum Technoloy and Physics Laboratory, Lanzhou Institute of Physics, Lanzhou 730000, China,   State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
Published: February 2022

Ultra-high vacuum measurement and extremely high vacuum (UHV/XHV) measurement play an important role in high-tech fields such as deep space exploration, particle accelerators, and nanoscience; with the continuous extension of the lower limit of measurement, especially when it reaches the order of 10–10 Pa, higher requirements are placed on the accuracy of the measurement. At present, in the field of UHV/XHV measurement, ionization gauges based on the principle of neutral gas ionization are commonly applied to the vacuum measurement. However, traditional ionization vacuum gauges during use can create electronic excitation desorption effects, soft X-rays, and the effect of hot cathode outgassing, thereby affecting the accuracy of measurement and limiting the lower limit of measurement. Compared with the traditional measurement technology, this method uses the relationship between the loss rate and pressure caused by the collision of cold atoms trapped in the trap depth with the background gas to calculate the gas density and inversely calculate the vacuum pressure. Based on the intrinsic quantum mechanical properties of cold atom collisions, this method is expected to be developed into a new vacuum traceability standard. In this paper, based on the small-angle approximation and impulse approximation under the quantum scattering theory, the loss rate coefficient of the collision of 6Li cold atoms with background gas molecules is calculated. According to the ideal gas equation, the pressure inversion formula is obtained. The collision loss rate is extracted by accurately fitting the loss curve of the cold atom. In order to improve the accuracy of vacuum inversion and reduce the influence of quantum diffractive collision on loss rate measurement, the trap depth under the conditions of a certain cooling laser intensity, detuning, and magnetic field gradient is determined by the photoassociation method. Finally, in a range of 1 × 10–8–5 × 10–6 Pa, the inverted pressure value is compared with the measured value of the ionization meter, proving that this method has good accuracy and reliability in the inversion of vacuum pressure. At present, the main factor restricting the improvement of accuracy is the influence of the collision between the excited atoms in the magneto-optical trap and the background gas on the loss rate measurement. In the future, with the proportion of excited atoms and the excited state C6 coefficient to be precisely determined, the uncertainty of vacuum pressure measurement can be further reduced.
Grain and grain boundary behaviors and electrical transport properties of TiO2 nanowires under high pressure
Authors: Wang Yue , Shao Bo-Huai , Chen Shuang-Long , Wang Chun-Jie , Gao Chun-Xiao ,   College of Physical Science and Technology, Bohai University, Jinzhou 121013, China,   State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
Published: February 2022

In this work, anatase Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowires are synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and its grain and grain boundary behaviors and electrical properties are investigated by alternating current (AC) impedance method under high pressure (up to 34.0 GPa). The relationship between the frequency dependence of impedance Z'' and pressure indicate that the conduction mechanism of anatase phase TiO2 nanowires in the test pressure range is electronic conductivity. It should be noted that the characteristic peaks of Z'' move toward high frequency region with pressure increasing, demonstrating that the effect of grain interior on impedance becomes apparent. Additionally, the overall variation trends of grain and grain boundary resistance go downward with pressure increasing, and the descent rate of grain boundary is larger than those of grain before and after phase transition. However, in a range of phase transition (8.2–11.2 GPa, from anatase to baddeleyite phase), grain boundary resistance shows a discontinuously change (increases to 11.2 GPa and then decreases). Based on the different variation trends of grain and grain boundary resistance, it becomes obvious that the phase transition from anatase to baddeleyite phase first occurs at the surface of grain, and then extends to the interior of grain gradually. Also, as an intrinsic characteristic, the relaxation frequency is independent of the geometrical parameters. The pressure dependence of activation energy is obtained by fitting the pressure dependence of relaxation frequency. The activation energy of grain and grain boundary decrease with pressure increasing, implying that the contribution of pressure on the conductivity of sample is positive. Furthermore, the space charge potential for the whole test pressure range is positive, which is determined by the relationship between pressure and relaxation frequency. This fact illustrates that the anion defects are easily formed in the space charge region, and the oxygen defects are the main inducement for TiO2 phase transformation.
Adverse childhood experiences and resilience among adult women: A population-based study
Authors: Daníelsdóttir Hilda Björk , Aspelund Thor , Thordardottir Edda Bjork , Fall Katja , Fang Fang , Tómasson Gunnar , Rúnarsdóttir Harpa , Yang Qian , Choi Karmel W , Kennedy Beatrice , Halldorsdottir Thorhildur , Lu Donghao , Song Huan , Jakobsdóttir Jóhanna , Hauksdóttir Arna , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna
Published: February 2022

Background:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have consistently been associated with elevated risk of multiple adverse health outcomes, yet their contribution to coping ability and psychiatric resilience in adulthood is unclear.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data were derived from the ongoing Stress-And-Gene-Analysis cohort, representing 30% of the Icelandic nationwide female population, 18–69 years. Participants in the current study were 26,198 women with data on 13 ACEs measured with the ACE-International Questionnaire. Self-reported coping ability was measured with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and psychiatric resilience was operationalized as absence of psychiatric morbidity. Generalized linear regression assuming normal or Poisson distribution were used to assess the associations of ACEs with coping ability and psychiatric resilience controlling for multiple confounders.

Results:

Number of ACEs was inversely associated with adult resilience in a dose-dependent manner; every 1SD unit increase in ACE scores was associated with both lower levels of coping ability (β = −0.14; 95% CI-0.15,–0.13) and lower psychiatric resilience (β = −0.28; 95% CI-0.29,–0.27) in adulthood. Compared to women with 0 ACEs, women with ≥5 ACEs had 36% lower prevalence of high coping ability (PR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.59,0.70) and 58% lower prevalence of high psychiatric resilience (PR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.39,0.45). Specific ACEs including emotional neglect, bullying, sexual abuse and mental illness of household member were consistently associated with reduced adult resilience. We observed only slightly attenuated associations after controlling for adult socioeconomic factors and social support in adulthood.

Conclusions:

Cumulative ACE exposure is associated with lower adult resilience among women, independent of adult socioeconomic factors and social support, indicating that adult resilience may be largely determined in childhood.

Funding:

This work was supported by the European Research Council (Consolidator grant; UAV, grant number 726413), and the Icelandic Center for Research (Grant of excellence; UAV, grant number 163362-051). HBD was supported by a doctoral grant from the University of Iceland Research Fund.
Charting brain growth and aging at high spatial precision
Authors: Rutherford Saige , Fraza Charlotte , Dinga Richard , Kia Seyed Mostafa , Wolfers Thomas , Zabihi Mariam , Berthet Pierre , Worker Amanda , Verdi Serena , Andrews Derek , Han Laura KM , Bayer Johanna MM , Dazzan Paola , McGuire Phillip , Mocking Roel T , Schene Aart , Sripada Chandra , Tso Ivy F , Duval Elizabeth R , Chang Soo-Eun , Penninx Brenda WJH , Heitzeg Mary M , Burt S Alexandra , Hyde Luke W , Amaral David , Wu Nordahl Christine , Andreasssen Ole A , Westlye Lars T , Zahn Roland , Ruhe Henricus G , Beckmann Christian , Marquand Andre F
Published: February 2022

Defining reference models for population variation, and the ability to study individual deviations is essential for understanding inter-individual variability and its relation to the onset and progression of medical conditions. In this work, we assembled a reference cohort of neuroimaging data from 82 sites (N=58,836; ages 2–100) and used normative modeling to characterize lifespan trajectories of cortical thickness and subcortical volume. Models are validated against a manually quality checked subset (N=24,354) and we provide an interface for transferring to new data sources. We showcase the clinical value by applying the models to a transdiagnostic psychiatric sample (N=1985), showing they can be used to quantify variability underlying multiple disorders whilst also refining case-control inferences. These models will be augmented with additional samples and imaging modalities as they become available. This provides a common reference platform to bind results from different studies and ultimately paves the way for personalized clinical decision-making.
Comment on ‘Unexpected plasticity in the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei’
Authors: Matthews Keith R , Larcombe Stephen
Published: February 2022

Schuster et al. make the important observation that small numbers of trypanosomes can infect tsetse flies, and further argue that this can occur whether the infecting parasites are developmentally ‘slender’ or ‘stumpy’(Schuster et al., 2021). We welcome their careful experiments but disagree that they require a rethink of the trypanosome life-cycle. Instead, the study reveals that stumpy forms are more likely to successfully infect flies, the key limit on parasite transmission, and we predict this advantage would be greatly amplified in tsetse infections in the field. Further, we argue that stumpy forms are defined by a suite of molecular adaptations for life-cycle progression, with morphology being a secondary feature. Finally, their dominance in chronic infections means most natural tsetse infections would involve stumpy forms, even in small numbers. Our interpretation does not require re-evaluation of the obligatory life cycle of the parasite, where stumpy forms are selected to sustain transmission.
A single full-length VAR2CSA ectodomain variant purifies broadly neutralizing antibodies against placental malaria isolates
Authors: Doritchamou Justin YA , Renn Jonathan P , Jenkins Bethany , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Dicko Alassane , Fried Michal , Duffy Patrick E
Published: February 2022

Placental malaria (PM) is a deadly syndrome most frequent and severe in first pregnancies. PM results from accumulation of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) that express the surface antigen VAR2CSA and bind to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) in the placenta. Women become PM-resistant over successive pregnancies as they develop anti-adhesion and anti-VAR2CSA antibodies, supporting VAR2CSA as the leading PM-vaccine candidate. However, the first VAR2CSA subunit vaccines failed to induce broadly neutralizing antibody and it is known that naturally acquired antibodies target both variant-specific and conserved epitopes. It is crucial to determine whether effective vaccines will require incorporation of many or only a single VAR2CSA variants. Here, IgG from multigravidae was sequentially purified on five full-length VAR2CSA ectodomain variants, thereby depleting IgG reactivity to each. The five VAR2CSA variants purified ~0.7% of total IgG and yielded both strain-transcending and strain-specific reactivity to VAR2CSA and IE-surface antigen. In two independent antibody purification/depletion experiments with permutated order of VAR2CSA variants, IgG purified on the first VAR2CSA antigen displayed broad cross-reactivity to both recombinant and native VAR2CSA variants, and inhibited binding of all isolates to CSA. IgG remaining after depletion on all variants showed significantly reduced binding-inhibition activity compared to initial total IgG. These findings demonstrate that a single VAR2CSA ectodomain variant displays conserved epitopes that are targeted by neutralizing (or binding-inhibitory) antibodies shared by multiple parasite strains, including maternal isolates. This suggests that a broadly effective PM-vaccine can be achieved with a limited number of VAR2CSA variants.
Differential modulation of behavior by infraslow activities of different brain regions
Authors: Sihn Duho , Kim Sung-Phil
Published: February 2022

The oscillation phase of electroencephalograms (EEGs) is associated with behavioral performance. Several studies have demonstrated this association for relatively fast oscillations (>1 Hz); a similar finding has also been reported for slower oscillations, showing that behavioral performance is correlated with the phase of infraslow activity (ISA, 0.01–0.1 Hz) of electroencephalography (EEG). However, the previous study only investigated ISA in a local brain region using a relatively simple task (somatosensory discrimination task), leaving it difficult to determine how the EEG ISA for various brain regions is associated with behavioral performance. In addition, it is not known whether the EEG ISA phase modulates more complex behavioral task performance. In the present study, we analyzed the ISA of whole-brain EEG of participants performing various behaviors while playing video games. We found that behavior was associated with the specific oscillation phase of EEG ISA when that behavior was independent of other behaviors. In addition, we found that the EEG ISA oscillation phases modulating the different behaviors varied across brain regions. Our results suggest that the EEG ISA for different brain regions modulates behavioral performance in different ways and such modulation of EEG ISA can be generalized to diverse behaviors. This study may deepen the understanding of how EEG ISA modulates behavior and increases the applicability of EEG ISA.
A black intruder into the Pandemic: Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis Complicating COVID-19
Authors: Sahoo Radha Madhab , Samant Swati , Chakrabarti Keya , Baral Purabi , Mohanty Subhashis , Pasa Golak N , Dhar Srikant Kumar , Sahoo Abhay Kumar
Published: February 2022

There is an increased incidence of rhino orbital mucormycosis during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic attributed to diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid usage and immunocompromise caused by COVID-19. In this series, seven biopsy proven cases of mucormycosis (six male patients and one female patient) are presented from a tertiary care center in Eastern India from (May 2021 to June 2021). Empirical systemic liposomal amphotericin B, radical sinus surgery with orbital decompression and irrigation of sinus and orbit with amphotericin B was performed. The mean age of the patients were 42.71±7.34 years with a male preponderance (85.7%). Five patients had orbital involvement (71.42%), and two had cerebral involvement (28.6%). All of them had elevated blood glucose levels, though only three (42.85%) were known cases of type 2 diabetes. The most common manifestations were sinus tenderness (100%), paresthesia (100%), facial swelling (71.42%) and nasal discharge (28.57%). Follow-up at two months showed zero mortality. Timely diagnosis, appropriate management with intravenous amphotericin B and endoscopic radical sinus surgery, debridement of the necrotic tissue proved to be necessary for a good outcome in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.
Eutrophication of a River Impacted by Agricultural Activities (N’zi River, Côte D’ivoire)
Authors: Soro Maley-Pacôme , Ouattara Ahbeauriet Ahmed , N’Goran Koffi Martin , Yao Koffi Marcellin , Berenger Kouassi N’guessan Louis , Diaco Thomas
Published: February 2022

Water eutrophication is a global environmental problem. In Côte d'Ivoire, no data is available to predict this phenomenon in rivers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of agricultural activities on the eutrophication phenomenon of the N'zi River in Côte d'Ivoire. The approach used focused on two points. The first one was to determine the different dissolved forms of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water of the N'zi River using AFNOR methods. The second focused on the mobility of phosphorus in sediments using the sequential extraction procedure of Williams. Results show that the inorganic phosphorus concentrations (IP) in sediments decrease in favor of contents in the water. Moreover, nitrate ions (NO3-) quantitatively dominates the nitrogenous forms in water. These results are attributable to the intensive use of fertilizers in agriculture, the leaching of cropland and/or contamination by human or animal waste. The phosphorus sequential extraction shows that 29 to 72% of the iron-bound bioavailable P (Fe-P) in sediments is likely to be mobilized into the water column and contributes to the N'zi River eutrophication. Therefore, an awareness and monitoring program must be put in place to reduce the nutrients inputs in the N'zi River upstream.
Alveolar Ridge Splitting Technique with Simultaneous Implant Placement in Anterior Mandible for Removable Mandibular Implant Supported Prosthesis
Authors: Abou Hamdan Houssam , Aoun Georges
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of the alveolar ridge split technique in a series of surgical cases in anterior mandible for two-implant retained overdenture. Twelve patients were included in this study. The surgeries took place under local anesthesia and consisted of a mid-crestal incision and subsequent bone management with a piezoelectric system. Once the approximately 3 mm expansion had been achieved, the implants were installed and present defects were filled with autogenous bone harvested from the bone crest with a bone scraper. There was a fracture of the bone plate in 3 cases, the fractured plates stabilized with osteosynthesis screws. In each case the implants were simultaneously placed. A total of 24 implants were placed. In the second surgery no implants were lost. It can be concluded that the bone splitting/expansion seem to be a reliable, predictable, relatively non-invasive technique and presenting limited intraoperative complications to correct narrow edentulous ridges.
Development of a quasi‐humanoid phantom to perform dosimetric and radiobiological measurements for out‐of‐field doses from external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Kruszyna‐Mochalska Marta , Skrobala Agnieszka , Romanski Piotr , Ryczkowski Adam , Suchorska Wiktoria , Kulcenty Katarzyna , Piotrowski Igor , Borowicz Dorota , Matuszak Natalia , Malicki Julian
Published: February 2022

Our understanding of low dose, out‐of‐field radiation and their radiobiological effects are limited, in part due to the rapid technological advances in external beam radiotherapy, especially for non‐coplanar and dynamic techniques. Reliable comparisons of out‐of‐field doses produced by advanced radiotherapy techniques are difficult due to the limitations of commercially available phantoms. There is a clear need for a functional phantom to accurately measure the dosimetric and radiobiological characteristics of out‐of‐field doses, which would in turn allow clinicians and medical physicists to optimize treatment parameters. We designed, manufactured, and tested the performance of a quasi‐humanoid (Q‐H) adult phantom. To test the physics parameters, we used computed tomography (CT) scans of assembled Q‐H phantom. Static open field and dynamic techniques were measured both in‐ and out‐of‐field with ionization chambers and radiochromic films for two configurations (full solid and with water‐filled containers). In the areas simulating soft tissues, lung, and bones, median Hounsfield units and densities were, respectively: 129.8, ‐738.7, 920.8 HU and 1.110, 0.215, 1.669 g/cm3. Comparison of the measured to treatment planning systems (TPS) in‐field dose values for the sample volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) (6 MV flattening filter‐free (FFF)) plan, 96.4% of analyzed points passed the gamma evaluation criteria (L2%/2 mm, threshold (TH) 10%) and less than 1.50% for point dose verification. In the two phantom configurations: full poly(methyl) methacrylate (PMMA) and with water container, the off‐axis median doses for open field, relative to the central axis of the beam (CAX) were similar, respectively: 0.900% versus 0.907% (15 cm distance to CAX); 0.096% versus 0.120% (35 cm); 0.018% versus 0.018% (52 cm); 0.009% versus 0.008% (74 cm). For VMAT 6 MV FFF, doses relative the CAX were, respectively: 0.667% (15 cm), 0.062% (35 cm), 0.019% (52 cm), 0.016% (74 cm). The Q‐H phantom meets the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) and American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recommended phantom criteria, providing medical physicists with a reliable, comprehensive system to perform dose calculation and measurements and to assess the impact on radiobiological response and on the risk of secondary tumor induction.
Ultra‐Stretchable and Fast Self‐Healing Ionic Hydrogel in Cryogenic Environments for Artificial Nerve Fiber
Authors: Wang Chan , Liu Ying , Qu Xuecheng , Shi Bojing , Zheng Qiang , Lin Xubo , Chao Shengyu , Wang Changyong , Zhou Jin , Sun Yu , Mao Gengsheng , Li Zhou
Published: February 2022

Self‐healing materials behave with irreplaceable advantages in biomimetic intelligent robots (BIR) for avoiding or reducing safety hazards and economic losses from accidental damage during service. However, the self‐healing ability is unreservedly lost and even becomes rigid and fragile in the cryogenic environment where BIR are precisely needed. Here, the authors report a versatile ionic hydrogel with fast self‐healing ability, ultra‐stretchability, and stable conductivity, even at −80 °C. The hydrogel is systematically optimized to improve a hydrogen‐bonded network nanostructure, coordinated achieving a quick self‐healing ability within 10 min, large deformation tolerance of over 7000%, superior conductivity of 11.76 S cm−1 and anti‐freezing ability, which is difficult to obtain simultaneously. Such a hydrogel provides new opportunities for artificial electronic devices in harsh environments. As a prospective application, they fabricate an artificial nerve fiber by mimicking the structure and functions of the myelinated axon, exhibiting the property of fast and potential‐gated signal transmission. This artificial nerve fiber is integrated into a robot for demonstrating a real‐time high fidelity and high throughput information interaction under big deformation and cryogenic temperature. The hydrogel and bionic device will bring pioneering functions for robots and open a broad application scenario in extreme conditions.
A Reconfigurable Two‐WSe2‐Transistor Synaptic Cell for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wang Yasai , Zhuge Fuwei , Guo Jianmiao , Ma Sijie , Wang Jingli , Tang Zijian , Li Yi , Miao Xiangshui , He Yuhui , Chai Yang
Published: February 2022

Reward‐modulated spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (R‐STDP) is a brain‐inspired reinforcement learning (RL) rule, exhibiting potential for decision‐making tasks and artificial general intelligence. However, the hardware implementation of the reward‐modulation process in R‐STDP usually requires complicated Si complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) circuit design that causes high power consumption and large footprint. Here, a design with two synaptic transistors (2T) connected in a parallel structure is experimentally demonstrated. The 2T unit based on WSe2 ferroelectric transistors exhibits reconfigurable polarity behavior, where one channel can be tuned as n‐type and the other as p‐type due to nonvolatile ferroelectric polarization. In this way, opposite synaptic weight update behaviors with multilevel (>6 bit) conductance states, ultralow nonlinearity (0.56/−1.23), and large Gmax/Gmin ratio of 30 are realized. By applying positive/negative reward to (anti‐)STDP component of 2T cell, R‐STDP learning rules are realized for training the spiking neural network and demonstrated to solve the classical cart–pole problem, exhibiting a way for realizing low‐power (32 pJ per forward process) and highly area‐efficient (100 µm2) hardware chip for reinforcement learning.
Organic Single‐Crystal Actuators and Waveguides that Operate at Low Temperatures
Authors: Lan Linfeng , Li Liang , Di Qi , Yang Xuesong , Liu Xiaokong , Naumov Panče , Zhang Hongyu
Published: February 2022

Applications in extreme conditions, such as those encountered in space exploration, require lightweight materials that can retain their elasticity in extremely cold environments. However, cryogenic treatment of most soft polymeric and elastomeric materials results in complete loss of their ability for elastic flow, whereby such materials that are normally ductile become stiff, brittle, and prone to cracking. Here, a facile method for preparation of hybrid organic crystalline materials that are not only cryogenically robust but are also capable of large, recoverable, and reversible deformation at low temperatures is reported. To that end, flexible organic crystals are first mechanically reinforced by a polymer coating and combined with a thermally responsive polymer. The resulting hybrid materials respond linearly and reversibly to temperatures from −15 to −120 °C without fatigue in air as well as in cold vacuum. The approach proposed here not only circumvents one of the main drawbacks that are inherent to the amorphous nature and has thus far limited the applications of polymeric materials at low temperatures, but it also provides a cost‐effective access to a myriad of lightweight sensing, electronic, optical or actuating devices that can operate in low‐temperature environmental settings.
Associating cognitive reserve and brain‐wide gene expression regarding Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kang Seokhee , Kim Hye Ryun , Seong Joon‐Kyung
Published: February 2022

Background

Cognitive reserve (CR) is susceptibility to brain damages, which impacts the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Whereas CR is associated with certain subnetworks of brain connectivity, little research has been done on identifying genes that contribute to these subnetworks. In this study, we linked these subnetworks to regional variation in brain‐wide gene expression. We utilized Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) in that it comprises gene expression data spanning the whole brain.

Method

We extracted a binary subnetwork regarding CR from AD patients. Then we drew out gene expression patterns in the subnetwork’s regions of interest (ROIs) and constructed a gene network through Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). To research the distinctive trait of this sub‐region gene network (SGN), we also constructed a whole‐brain gene network (WGN). We detected modules (clusters of highly interconnected genes) of each network and identified their hub genes (genes with high intra‐modular connectivity). We sought non‐preserved, unique modules in SGN compared to WGN using the median rank statistic. Finally, the biological process ontology of the hub genes was investigated by functional enrichment analysis.

Result

We constructed gene networks based on gene expression data of 10544 genes. WGN consisted of 90 nodes of whole‐brain regions and SGN consisted of 49 nodes of the subnetwork ROIs. While 18 modules were detected in SGN, modules yellow, magenta, red and black were identified as unique modules. Module magenta included novel co‐expressed gene clusters, and the other modules combined genes that were classified as different modules in WGN. Apoptotic process, including apoptosis‐regulation and neuron death, was enriched distinctively in the 4 non‐preserved modules. Neuronal death due to apoptosis is a common pathological feature in the brains of AD patients.

Conclusion

We identified brain‐wide gene co‐expression modules that have unique specific connectivity patterns related to the CR subnetwork. This non‐preservation highlights the relevance of CR and gene expression patterns. Moreover, the modules were enriched for AD risk genes, further demonstrating the functional context of CR in AD. This study will provide the groundwork for novel insights and extensive research to associate brain‐wide gene expression and connectome‐wide phenotype regarding AD.
Executive control network (ECN) and default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity in older adults with remitted depression, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s dementia, or normal cognition
Authors: Rashidi‐Ranjbar Neda
Published: February 2022

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). The present study aims to understand risk for AD by comparing resting state functional connectivity (FC) in putatively shared vulnerability networks; executive control network (ECN) or default mode network (DMN) among older adults who are either healthy or have a history of MDD, MCI, or AD.

Method

We assessed brain functional alterations in ECN and DMN in five groups at‐risk for dementia: remitted MDD, non‐amnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI), MDD+naMCI, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and MDD+aMCI. The analysis also included individuals with AD and healthy controls (HC). Resting‐state functional MRI data were acquired on the same 3T scanner. Following quality control (n=330), dual regression was conducted. The ECN and DMN group‐ICA (independent component analysis) were selected from the Smith atlas. Next, the group difference in the functional connectivity (FC) of each network was calculated using PALM (Permutation Analysis of Linear Models).

Result

For within‐network FC in the ECN or DMN, we found no difference between participant groups. For between‐network FC, we found a significant difference between the DMN and the superior parietal lobe (SPL); post‐hoc tests showed decreased anti‐correlation between the AD group compared to the MDD and HC groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The between‐network difference in DMN among groups was driven by the AD group. There was minimal distinction among those with remitted MDD or MCI. It is possible that remitted MDD may not act as mechanistic risk for AD in ECN or DMN networks.
The effect of receiving a diagnosis of dementia on social engagement among older adults
Authors: Amano Takashi , Jia Yuane , Reynolds Addam , Scher Clara
Published: February 2022

Background

Early diagnosis has been recognized as a key strategy to improve outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, due to the stigmatization of these disorders, practitioners need to recognize and weigh the relative dis/advantages of receiving a diagnosis on patients’ well‐being. Despite this need, the social consequences of receiving a diagnosis have not been well investigated. This study closes this gap by examining if receiving a diagnosis of dementia influences social engagement among older adults.

Method

Data from Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2012, 2014, and 2016), a nationally representative sample of people who are 51 years or older in the United States, were utilized. Social engagement is measured with a previously developed scale using five social activities (e.g. volunteering, attending educational courses, attending clubs). Dementia diagnosis was measured by asking respondents or their proxy whether they had ever been told by a doctor that they had dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Propensity score weighted Poisson regression was utilized with adjustment (doubly robust) to control for potential systematic selection of receiving a diagnosis of dementia such as functional, sociodemographic, and health service‐related factors.

Result

Receiving a new diagnosis of dementia statistically significantly reduced the score of social engagement two years later (b = ‐0.360, p = 0.031, 95% CI = [‐0.686, ‐0.033]). The effect of receiving a diagnosis was more salient in the model which adjusted for socioeconomic factors (b = ‐0.649, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [‐0.866, ‐0.432]). An interaction between receiving a diagnosis of dementia and household income was significant, indicating that the effect of receiving a diagnosis varies depending on the household income of the recipient.

Conclusion

Results suggest that receiving a new diagnosis of dementia may discourage people from maintaining their level of social engagement, regardless of their abilities to participate in activities. The significant interaction term implies that people with lower household income may be more susceptible to the negative impact of receiving a diagnosis of dementia on staying socially engaged. Practical attention should be paid especially to social disengagement among people with disadvantaged socioeconomic status after receiving a diagnosis of dementia.