bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between fatty liver disease markers and physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Julian Valérie , Bergsten Peter , Ennequin Gael , Forslund Anders , Ahlstrom Hakan , Ciba Iris , Dahlbom Marie , Furthner Dieter , Gomahr Julian , Kullberg Joel , Maruszczak Katharina , Morwald Katharina , Olsson Roger , Pixner Thomas , Schneider Anna , Pereira Bruno , Ring-Dimitriou Susanne , Thivel David , Weghuber Daniel
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To compare patterns of sedentary (SED) time (more sedentary, SED+ vs less sedentary, SED-), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time (more active, MVPA+ vs less active, MVPA-) and combinations of behaviors (SED-/MVPA+, SED-/MVPA-, SED+/MVPA+, SED+/MVPA-) regarding nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) markers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 134 subjects (13.4±2.2yrs, body mass index (BMI) 98.9±0.7 percentile, 48.5% females) who underwent 24h/7day accelerometry, anthropometric and biochemical markers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), AST/ALT and Fatty Liver Index (FLI)). A subgroup of 39 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging-liver fat content (MRI-LFC).Results: Hepatic health was better in SED- [lower ALT, GGT and MRI-LFC (p<0.05), higher AST/ALT (p<0.01)] vs SED+ and in MVPA+ [lower ALT (p<0.05) and FLI (p=0.001), higher AST/ALT (p<0.01)] vs MVPA- groups after adjustment for age, gender and Tanner stages. SED-/MVPA+ group had the best hepatic health. SED-/MVPA- group had lower ALT and GGT and higher AST/ALT (p<0.05) in comparison with SED+/MVPA+ group independently of BMI. SED time was positively associated with biochemical (high ALT, low AST/ALT ratio) and imaging (high MRI-LFC) markers independently of MVPA. MVPA time was associated with biochemical markers (low ALT, FLI, high AST/ALT) but these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for SED time, except for FLI (p<0.001). Conclusions: Lower SED time is associated with better hepatic health independently of MVPA. Reducing SED time might be a first step in the management of pediatric obesity NAFLD when increasing MVPA is not possible.
Insights for crystal mush storage utilizing mafic enclaves from the 2011-12 Cordón Caulle eruption
Authors: Winslow Heather , Ruprecht Philipp , Gonnermann Helge , Phelps Patrick , Muñoz-Saez Carolina , Delgado Francisco , Pritchard Matthew , Amigo Alvaro
Published: February 2022

Two distinct types of rare crystal-rich mafic enclaves have been identified in the rhyolite lava flow from the 2011-12 Cordón Caulle eruption (Southern Andean Volcanic Zone, SVZ). The majority of mafic enclaves are coarsely crystalline with interlocking olivine-clinopyroxene-plagioclase textures and irregular shaped vesicles filling the crystal framework. These enclaves are interpreted as pieces of crystal-rich magma mush underlying a crystal-poor rhyolitic magma body that has fed recent silicic eruptions at Cordón Caulle. A second type of porphyritic enclaves, with restricted mineral chemistry and spherical vesicles, represents small-volume injections into the rhyolite magma. Both types of enclaves are basaltic endmembers (up to 9.3 wt% MgO and 50-53 wt% SiO2) in comparison to enclaves erupted globally. The Cordón Caulle enclaves also have one of the largest compositional gaps on record between the basaltic enclaves and the rhyolite host at 17 wt% SiO2. Interstitial melt in the coarsely-crystalline enclaves is compositionally identical to their rhyolitic host, suggesting that the crystal-poor rhyolite magma was derived directly from the underlying basaltic magma mush through efficient melt extraction. We suggest the 2011-12 rhyolitic eruption was generated from a primitive basaltic crystal-rich mush that short-circuited the typical full range of magmatic differentiation in a single step.
Research on Tissue Structure Enhancement Method of Medical Endoscope Images
Authors: Zhang Guo , Lin Jinzhao , Cao Enling , Pang Yu , Sun Weiwei
Published: February 2022

Background:In clinical surgery, the quality of endoscopic images is degraded by noise. Noise is mainly caused by blood, illumination changes, specular reflection, smoke, etc., which will significantly reduce the quality of the image in the occluded area. Affect the doctor's judgment, prolong the operation time and increase the operation risk.Methods:This paper proposes an improved weighted guided filtering algorithm to enhance endoscopic image tissue. An unsharp mask algorithm and an improved weighted guided filter are used to enhance vessel details and contours in endoscopic images. An overall scheme of endoscopic image processing is proposed, which includes detail enhancement, contrast enhancement, brightness enhancement and highlight area removal.Results:Compared with several other algorithms, it is better than other algorithms in maintaining edges and reducing halo, and its effectiveness is proved by experiments. The peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity of endoscopic images obtained by the improved algorithm in this paper are the largest. The foreground-background value Detail Variance-Background Variance has been improved.Conclusion:Our algorithm has a stronger ability to suppress noise, and is more able to maintain the structure of the original endoscopic image, which improves the details of tissue blood vessels. This paper can provide guidelines for the development of endoscopy devices.
Improved outcomes in blood-culture proven sepsis by using high susceptibility empiric antibiotics based on local cumulative antibiograms: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Hsieh Ming-Shun , Yang Chi-Ju , Meng Yu-Hsiang , Li Tung-Ying , Chen Pau-Chung
Published: February 2022

Background: Empiric antibiotic therapy is important and urgent in sepsis patients in the emergency department (ED). However, there is little research to prove the relationship between empiric antibiotic therapy and local antibiograms in sepsis patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of empiric antibiotic therapy on different degrees of appropriateness based on local cumulative antibiograms in blood culture-proven sepsis patients in ED. Methods: This retrospective study included adult sepsis patients with positive blood culture in ED from February 2016 to December 2018. The empiric antibiotic therapy which was first received in the emergency department was matched to the local cumulative antibiograms of the prior half year intervals before this admitting to ED. According to the isolated pathogens and empiric antibiotic therapy, patients categorized into 2 groups using the cutoff of 70% susceptibility of empiric antibiotics. The multivariate regression analysis and several sensitivity analyses were performed.Results: 1055 sepsis patients with positive blood culture were included. These patients (median [interquartile range] age, 78 [66-87] years; 582 [55.2%] men), 80 (7.6%) died in the hospital. Those receiving empiric antibiotics with a past overall susceptibility 70 and above were associated with reduced inhospital death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28 – 0.77) and 30-day mortality (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 – 0.86). They were more likely to have a decreased length of ICU stay by 1.60 days (95% CI -3.00 – -0.20). In the sensitivity analysis, inhospital mortality was lower in those receiving antibiotics with overall susceptibility higher than 90 (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26 – 0.97). Conclusions: Empiric antibiotic therapy with a higher susceptibility of 70% based on local antibiograms has lower mortality in blood culture proven sepsis patients in ED. The higher susceptibility of empiric antibiotics leads to lower mortality in sepsis patients.
The relationship between root growth, soil resources, and productivity in an apple–soybean irrigated agroforestry system in northwest China
Authors: Shen Lei , Wang Xiuyuan , Liu Tingting , Wei Wenwen , Zhang Shuai , Li Luhua , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2022

Background and aims Understanding the relationship between roots, soil moisture, and nutrients in agroforestry systems in irrigated orchards is critical for optimizing orchard management in arid regions. However, there are still many knowledge gaps in this area. Our goals were to (i) explore the spatiotemporal distribution of fine roots for two species under irrigated conditions; (ii) investigate the relationship between fine roots, soil moisture, and nutrients; and (iii) evaluate the productivity of irrigated agroforestry systems.Methods An orchard with soybeans and apples as intercropping materials was established, including single-cropping soybean, single-cropping apple, and apple–soybean intercropping treatments. Data were collected on the spatiotemporal distribution of fine roots and soil resources under apple monocropping and soybean–apple intercropping treatments in 2020–2021, soybean and apple yield, and yield components.Results Compared with apple monocropping, apple–soybean intercropping increased the richness of fine roots in the field. Apple fine roots decreased in the shallow layer and increased in the deep layer in the area where the species overlapped, which increased the soil water content, decreased the nitrate nitrogen content, decreased the effects of soil moisture and nitrate nitrogen on fine roots，increased soybean plant height and leaf area, decreased stem diameter, increased the number of pods per plant and grains per pod, and decreased the 100-grain weight. The LER (land equivalent ratio) = 1.41.Conclusions Irrigated agroforestry increased the richness of fine roots under soybean–apple intercropping, reduced the dependence of root growth on soil resources, eased competition among species, and achieved higher productivity.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale (POIQOLS): Development and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Golezar Samira , Keshavarz Zohreh , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Ebadi Abbas , Zayeri Farid , Golezar Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2022

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency is menopause before the age of 40. It can affect the quality of life of afflicted women. Because there is no instrument available for measuring the quality of life of these women, the present study was carried out to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the quality of life scale for women with primary ovarian insufficiency.Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed method study was performed in two phases. In the qualitative phase (item generation), semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women having primary ovarian insufficiency, and a literature review was performed to generate initial items pool. In the quantitative phase (psychometric evaluation), the face, content, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), as well as reliability (internal consistency and test-retest methods), were evaluated. Besides, the responsiveness and interpretability were investigated.Results: During the first phase of the study, the initial item pool was generated with 132 items. After the face and content validity, the number of items was reduced to 40. The results of exploratory factor analysis yielded a 28 item scale with six factors. These factors explained 58.55% of the total variance. The Cronbach’s alpha for each factor was more than 0.7. Furthermore, the intraclass correlation coefficient for the entire scale was 0.95.Conclusions: The primary ovarian insufficiency quality of life scale (POIQOLS) is a valid and reliable tool for accessing the quality of life of women with primary ovarian insufficiency.
The Korean Undiagnosed Diseases Program Phase I: Expansion of the Nationwide Network and the Development of Long-term Infrastructures
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Lee Seungbok , Woo Hyewon , Han Jiyeon , Ko Young Jun , Shim Youngkyu , Park Soojin , Jang Se Song , Lim Byung Chan , Ko Jung Min , Kim Ki Joong , Cho Anna , Kim Hunmin , Hwang Hee , Choi Ji Eun , Kim Man Jin , Moon Jangsup , Seong Moon-Woo , Park Sung Sup , Choi Sun Ah , Lee Ji Eun , Kwon Young Se , Sohn Young Bae , Kim Jon Soo , Kim Won Seop , Lee Yun Jeong , Kwon Soonhak , Kim Young Ok , Kook Hoon , Cho Yong Gon , Cheon Chong Kun , Kang Ki-Soo , Song Mi-Ryoung , Kim Young-Joon , Cha Hyuk-Jin , Choi Hee-Jung , Kee Yun , Park Sung-Gyoo , Baek Seung Tae , Choi Murim , Ryu Dong-Sung , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: February 2022

Background: Phase I of the Korean Undiagnosed Diseases Program (KUDP), which was performed for 3 years, has been completed. The Phase I program aimed to solve the problem of undiagnosed patients throughout the country and develop infrastructures, including a data management system and functional core laboratory, for long-term translational research. Herein, we shared the clinical experiences of the Phase I program and introduced the activities of the functional core laboratory and data management system.Results: During the program (2018-2020), 458 patients were finally enrolled and classified into 3 groups according to the following criteria: I) those with a specific clinical diagnosis that required direct testing first (32 patients); II) those with a clinical diagnosis with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity (353 patients); and III) those with atypical presentations or unknown diseases thus far (73 patients). All patients underwent individualized diagnostic processes by the decision of an expert consortium. Confirmative diagnoses were obtained for 242 patients (52.8%). The diagnostic yield was different for each group: 81.3% for Group I, 53.3% for Group II, and 38.4% for Group III. Diagnoses were made by next-generation sequencing for 204 patients (84.3%) and other genetic testing for 35 patients (14.5%). Three patients (1.2%) were finally diagnosed with nongenetic disorders. The KUDP functional core laboratory with a group of experts organized a streamlined research pipeline covering various resources, including animal models, stem cells, structural modeling and metabolic and biochemical approaches. Among the 40 genes without identified causality for human Mendelian disorders to date, six different genes are on track for functional research. We also developed a web-based database system that supports clinical cohort management and provides a matchmaker exchange protocol based on a matchbox, expecting reinforcement of the nationwide clinical network and further international collaboration.Conclusions: The KUDP evaluated the unmet needs of undiagnosed patients and established infrastructures for a data sharing system and functional research. The advancement of the KUDP may initiate sustainable bench-to-bedside research in Korea and contribute to ongoing international collaboration.
Hepatic HRC induces hepatocyte pyroptosis and HSCs activation via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway
Authors: Wu Jingwen , Zhang Mingyu , Xia Suhong , Han Ping , Zhao Kai , Peng Kaixin , Zhou Wangdong , Tian Dean , Liao Jiazhi , Liu Jingmei
Published: February 2022

The histidine-rich calcium-binding protein (HRC) is a regulator of Ca2 + homeostasis and it plays a significant role in liver fibrosis. Pyroptosis, a specific inflammatory cell death, can lead to HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. However, the role of HRC in pyroptosis has not been explored. In this study, we demonstrated that HRC, mainly located in the hepatocyte, was overexpressed in fibrotic liver tissues. We further found that enforced expression of HRC in hepatocytes induced pyroptosis and HMGB1 release, and subsequently led to HSCs activation by NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. In addition, the proliferation and migration of HSCs were also enhanced by HRC overexpression in hepatocytes. Furthermore, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 and caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 alleviated hepatic HRC-mediated hepatocytes pyroptosis and HSCs activation. This study demonstrated that hepatic HRC promoted HSCs activation by inducing hepatocyte pyroptosis, which suggests HRC may be a promising therapeutic target to prevent liver fibrosis.
SEPT2 Protein Crotonylation Promotes Metastasis and Recurrence Through AKT Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is Associated with Poor Survival
Authors: Zhang XinYue , Liu ZeXian , Zhang YiFan , Xu LiXia , Chen MengKe , Zhou YuFeng , Yu Jun , Li XiaoXing , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis and recurrence lead to therapy failure. Posttranslational modification (PTM) mechanisms in HCC, especially those of recently discovered PTMs, such as lysine crotonylation (Kcr), are still poorly understood.
Methods
Kcr protein levels in HCC cell lines of MHCC-97H (highly invasive) cells and MHCC-97L (minimally invasive) were detected through stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The differentially crotonylated proteins in these two cell lines were identified through bioinformatics analysis. Protein Kcr was confirmed by immunoprecipitation (IP) and western blotting (WB). The function of Septin2 (SEPT2) crotonylated at K74 (SEPT2-K74cr) in metastasis was examined in vivo and in vitro. The clinical significance of SEPT2-K74cr in HCC patients was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay.
Results
The crotonylation rate was higher in highly invasive cells, and higher crotonylation level in HCC cells facilitated cell migration and invasion. The crotonylated protein SEPT2 was significantly hypercrotonylated in highly invasive cells, and the de-crotonylated mutation of K74 in SEPT2 impaired SEPT2 GTPase activity and inhibited HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SIRT2 decrotonylated SEPT2, and P85α was found to be the downstream effector of SEPT2. SEPT2-K74R facilitated P85α degradation, suppressing PI3K pathway and inhibiting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. SEPT2-K74cr was correlated with poor prognosis and recurrence in HCC patients.
Conclusions
We revealed the role of nonhistone protein crotonylation in regulating HCC metastasis and invasion. Crotonylation facilitated cell invasion through the crotonylated SEPT2-K74 (cr)-P85α-AKT pathway. High SEPT2-K74 crotonylation predicted poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate in HCC patients.
Sleep Disturbances In Adults With Untreated Primary Brain Tumors: Prevalence And Effect On Quality Of Life
Authors: Lin Pei-Ching , Chen Pin-Yuan , Wei Kuo-Chen , Lin Jian-her , Lin Mei-Ru , Wang Huan-Chih , Chiu Hsiao-Yean
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of sleep disturbances and their effects on the quality of life of adults with untreated primary benign and malignant brain tumors.Methods: This prospective study recruited 68 and 35 patients with newly diagnosed benign and malignant brain tumors, respectively. All participants completed the Chinese versions of Athens Insomnia Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and EORTC-QLQ-BN20 and the Taiwanese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory. An actigraph was used to measure sleep parameters, namely total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and dichotomy index (I<O), for at least 3 consecutive days before treatment.Results: The majority of the patients with benign and malignant tumors had meningioma (57.4%) and glioblastoma (40%), respectively. In patients with primary brain tumors, the prevalence of insomnia, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness was 59.2%, 77.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. Only 36 participants completed actigraphic assessments (I<O = 95.4), and 61.1% of them experienced circadian disruption (I<O ≤ 97.5). Insomnia was the only sleep parameter that significantly affected quality of life after controlling for potential confounders (B = 0.55, p = 0.02, adjusted R2 = 0.60).Conclusion: More than 60% of the patients with primary malignant and benign brain tumors experienced insomnia, poor sleep quality, and circadian disruption. Insomnia independently correlated to quality of life before cancer-related treatment. Health-care providers can apply these findings to design effective interventions targeting sleep disturbances to improve quality of life in this population.
Research on Constant Force Polishing Method of Curved Mold Based on Position Adaptive Impedance Control
Authors: Chang Guangsheng , Pan Ri , Xie Yinhui , Yang Jinxing , Yang Yong , Li Jun
Published: February 2022

The quality and life of the injected product is affected by curved mold surface quality, so the polishing of the mold is essential. Small polishing tool are controlled by constant displacement polishing in the conventional method. The force will vary when polishing the mold with small polishing tool, thus affecting the surface quality of the mold. The robot constant force polishing method is proposed to solve this problem, which is achieved by a position-based impedance control algorithm. The proposed method can produce continuous and stable force. The effect of the constant force control method on the surface quality is analyzed by simulating this paper, proving the correctness of the constant force control method. The initial roughness of the mold surface is 1.912 μm , the result is 1.419 μm in the traditional method, however the result of constant force polishing is 0.807 μm . The percentage of the decrease in surface roughness is 25.78% in the conventional method, whereas the reduce percentage is 57.79% in the constant force control(CFCP) polishing method. The feasibility of the constant force controlled polishing method is verified.
clicSANDMac for OSeMOSYS: a user-friendly interface for macOS users using open-source optimisation software for energy system planning
Authors: Cannone Carla , de Wet Nicki , Shivakumar Abhishek , Kell Alex , Tan Naomi , Yeganyan Rudolf , To Long Seng , Harrison John , Howells Mark
Published: February 2022

clicSAND is a user interface for OSeMOSYS users to analyse energy system models in terms of investment planning and optimal allocation of resources. The first version was only available for Windows users with at least 8 GB RAM and an installed Windows Access database to visualise the results. This paper presents an updated version of the software called clicSANDMac, which was specifically developed for macOS OSeMOSYS users and overcomes the previous limitations – as described in Section 1. The main changes to the software, its functionalities, and configuration are presented in Section 2. The paper ends with Section 3, which provides suggestions for future work and the potential impact of the clicSANDMac software.
Nuclear Excitation by Muon Capture
Authors: Gargiulo Simone , Gu Ming , Carbone Fabrizio , Madan Ivan
Published: February 2022

Efficient excitation of nuclei via exchange of a real or virtual photon has a fundamental importance for nuclear science and technology development. Here, we present a new mechanism of nuclear excitation based on the capture of a free muon into the atomic orbits (NEμC). The cross section of such a new process is evaluated using the Feshbach projection operator formalism and compared to other known excitation phenomena, i.e. photo-excitation and nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC), showing up to ten orders of magnitude increase in cross section. NEμC is particularly interesting for MeV excitations that become accessible thanks to the stronger binding of muons to the nucleus. The binding energies of muonic atoms have been calculated introducing a state of the art modification to the Flexible Atomic Code (FAC). An analysis of an experimental scenarios in the context of modern muon production facilities shows that the effect can be detectable for selected isotopes. The total probability of NEμC is predicted to be $ P \approx \SI{1e-6}{}$ per incident muon in a beam-based scenario. Given the high transition energy provided by muons, NEμC can have important consequences for isomer feeding and particle-induced fission.
A-One Health Approach on the Evaluation of COVID-19 Risk Perception and Factors Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Ejeh Francis Enenche , Buba Deborah Maigawu , Reuben Rine Christopher , Jajere Saleh Mohammed , Denue Ballah A , Abunike Sarah Adamma , Malgwi Bashir Usman
Published: February 2022

Background
Effective elimination of the COVID-19 pandemic is dependent on the COVID-19 vaccines that are readily available and acceptable to the public. This study evaluated the COVID-19 risk perception and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Nigeria.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey with a structured questionnaire employing a Snowball sampling method was administered among Nigerian adults from the beginning of COVID-19 mass vaccination in March 2021 till December 2021. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and multivariable regression. Participants’ general knowledge regarding COVID-19, willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines, perception of seriousness, susceptibility of COVID-19 were assessed.
Results
From the 402 responses received, the mean age of the respondents was 35.1 ± 11.9 years, with the majority being males (288 (71.6%)) and non-health workers (349 (86.8%)). Overall, COVID-19 knowledge was good, with a mean score of 6.2 ± 0.19 (range 0–8) and a COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate of 65.67%. We found a consistent positive relationship between respondents’ COVID-19 knowledge and their willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Respondents who believed that the 5G network is not the cause of COVID-19 were two times more likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR 2.38; 95%CI 1.05–5.36; p = 0.04). Furthermore, our comparisons of respondents’ age groups and marital status revealed higher odds of being willing to accept COVID-19 vaccines among respondents who were age 50 ≥ years old (aOR 7.35; 95% CI: 1.69–31.93; p = 0.008) and those who were singles (aOR 4.39; 95% CI: 1.86–10.33; p = 0.001), respectively. However, non-healthcare workers with high income and educational status were unwilling to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Surprisingly, although 303 (75.4%) of the respondents believed COVID-19 is a severe disease, only 119 (45.1%) are confident of contracting the COVID-19 should they fail to adhere to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Conclusion
the study revealed that the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine varied across demographic characteristics, level of education, income and employment status, and perceived severity and susceptibility to COVID-19. We recommend continuous public health education on the risk of COVID-19 and the vital role vaccine will play in ending this pandemic.
Research through action: Study design and protocol on the implementation of an integrated place-based primary intervention in a multicultural context
Authors: Maillet Lara , Manceau Luiza Maria , Desjardins France , Gagnon Suzanne , Naraziah Lavanyah , Malham Sabina Abou
Published: February 2022

Our project specifically aims at improving the adaptation capacity of primary services in order to answer the complex needs of vulnerable people. The aim is to co-build, with our collaborators and partners, environment-based strategies enabling the coordination of primary services offered by health, social and community responders all the while ensuring the continuity of care (informational, relational and contact) of vulnerable people, especially refugees. A particular attention is brought toward the experiential knowledge of the health system users. This is why at least three citizen-partners are part of the research team since the beginning of the project.Goals: This research-action aims at implementing a “meshing innovation”, meaning an intervention that is integrated, lasting and based on the needs of a community located in a Sherbrooke neighbourhood in order to improve the care of refugee people in a continuum of primary services. To reach this goal, we have 5 specific objectives. The overall goal of this project is to improve the services trajectory in the health and social services network for refugee people in Quebec. The implementation of a meshing innovation, through this pilot project, is a first step toward this overall goal. Method: This project falls within a participative research approach, based on the symmetry principle of the researchers and field stakeholders’ knowledge. To do so, we choose three distinct sources of data: (1) literature review, (2) focus group (N=9 twice), and (3) semi-structured interviews (N=10).Expected results: Concretely, an Implementation guide of establishment strategies for integrated interventions enabling the improvement of primary care for refugees will be written and will constitute the basis for an appropriation workshop for the members of the two joint research networks focused on primary practices (RRAPPL) (Université de Laval and Université de Sherbrooke) and, eventually, in other fields interested in adapting and implementing these strategies. In addition to this guide, we wish to facilitate the care of refugees by family practitioners of the territory; this is why many of them are part of the project. Explicit ties will help raising awareness toward other family practitioners working in medical clinics of the territory while trying to facilitate a specific attribution to these practitioners through the Quebec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF). With this project, we strongly hope to promote the vulnerability factors of refugees to the Health and Social Services Department (MSSS) and to the Quebec General Practitioners Federation (FMOQ) in order to change the priority at the GAMF. Finally, a scientific publication will be written for an international journal.
Surface Functionalization of Organosilica Nanoparticles with Au Nanoparticles inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Death in 4T1 Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells for DNA and Mitochondrial-synergized Damage in Radiotherapy
Authors: Mochizuki Chihiro , Kayabe Yukihito , Nakamura Junna , Kato Shigeki , Igase Masaya , Mizuno Takuya , Nakamura Michihiro
Published: February 2022

Radiotherapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments. Au nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most used X-ray sensitizing materials however the effective small sub-nm size of Au NPs used for X-ray sensitizers is disadvantageous for cellular uptake. Here, we propose the surface functionalization of organosilica NPs (OS) with Au NPs (OS/Au), which combined the 100 nm size of OS and the sub-nm size of Au NPs, and synthesized effective Au materials as an X-ray sensitizer. The X-ray sensitizing potential for 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cells was revealed using a multifaceted evaluation combined with a fluorescence microscopic cell imaging assay. The number of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified OS (OS/PEI) and OS/Au (OS/Au/ PEI) uptake per 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cell was the same; however, 4T1 cells treated with OS/Au/PEI exhibited significant inhibition of cell proliferation and increases in cell death by X-ray irradiation at 8Gy. The non-apoptotic death of OS/Au/PEI-treated 4T1 cells was increased by DNA and mitochondrial-synergized damage increase and showed potential applications in radiotherapy.
Structural Equation Model on Creativity and Innovation of Library Personnel in Davao Region
Authors: Fajagutana MAEdLS Archie B. , Guhao Jr Eugenio S.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of the study was to establish the best fit model of creativity and innovation as influenced by organizational commitment, employee engagement and work environment of library personnel in Davao Region. A total of 400 library personnel were selected using the universal sampling technique. Structural equation modelling was used to find the best fit model. The results showed that organizational commitment, employee engagement and work environment have a significant relationship with creativity and innovation of library personnel. Moreover, the best fit Model 4 depicted the direct causal relationship of organizational commitment, employee engagement and work environment was found to be the final and best fit model on creativity and innovation of library personnel.
A new target-oriented imperialist competitive-based algorithm to solve target coverage problem in directional sensor networks
Authors: Saadati Mahshad , fard Mojtaba Mousavi , Mohamadi Hosein
Published: February 2022

Today, directional sensor networks (DSNs) have received a great deal of attention. A DSN is composed of several self-configurable directional sensors with adjustable spherical sectors of limited angles, which can provide coverage on several targets distributed randomly within a defined area. One of the most significant problems associated with this type of networks, which has been already proved as an NP-hard problem, is monitoring the maximum number of targets by means of minimum number of sensors. Another aspect of the problem is how to extend the lifetime of such networks concerning the limited power source of the sensors. An appropriate solution to this problem is the use of scheduling technique in environments with densely-distributed sensors. In this paper, we proposed an imperialist competitive-based scheduling algorithm capable of providing near-optimal coverage through determining the priority of the targets that can be monitored by fewer sensors. To evaluate the proposed algorithm performance, the obtained results were compared to those of a target-oriented greedy-based algorithm already proposed in the literature. The final results showed the acceptable competency of the proposed algorithm in terms of solving the problem in hand.
Degradable Mulch as an Alternative to Polyethylene for Watermelon Production
Authors: Othman Yahia A. , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: February 2022

Polyethylene mulch is widely used for vegetable production in the United States as a tool to conserve water, control weeds, and produce earlier and cleaner products (i.e., less attached soil). However, the increasing labor costs for mulch removal and disposal after harvest and soil environmental pollution are major concerns. The objective of this study was to assess fruit yield and quality, mulch deterioration, soil microbial activity, and nutrient changes in ‘Stargazer’ watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) grown with degradable plastic mulch. The deterioration rates of degradable mulch were 7%, 37%, 57%, and 92% after 120, 210, 300, and 365 days, respectively, of placing the mulch in the field. However, the extra difference in using degradable mulch was calculated as $58.6/acre (polyethylene $600.9/acre vs. degradable $659.5/acre), including all costs associated with laying and disposing. One year after placing mulch in the field, the nitrate content and total and active fungi numerically increased (P = 0.08) in soils with the degradable mulch compared with polyethylene mulch. However, there were no statistical differences in soil phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and total and active bacteria. Extra-large fruit size yield (category >24.0 lb) from the polyethylene mulch treatment was higher than that from degradable mulch, whereas the 18.0- to 24.0-lb category was lower than that with degradable mulch. However, total yield and total soluble solids from both mulches were statistically similar. Considering the complete deterioration (less waste), mulch removal cost (not required), microbial associations (higher fungi abundance and activity), and similar yield and fruit quality of degradable mulch compared with polyethylene, the implementation of degradable mulches in commercial watermelon field practices is promising.
Percepção dos Discentes do Curso de Ciências Contábeis sobre a Absorção e Domínio do Conteúdo da Disciplina de Análise das Demonstrações Contábeis
Authors: Venturini Lauren Dal Bem , Vilanova Brenda Marcadenti , Bianchi Márcia
Published: February 2022

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a percepção dos discentes do curso de Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul sobre a absorção e o domínio do conteúdo da disciplina de análise das demonstrações contábeis. A pesquisa é classificada como quantitativa, descritiva e de levantamento, por meio de um questionário aplicado em maio de 2019 aos discentes que estavam cursando ou que já cursaram a disciplina, obtendo uma amostra de 99 respondentes. Os resultados demonstraram que os discentes presumem possuir maior conhecimento em Análises Vertical e Horizontal (3,70), seguido dos Indicadores de Liquidez ou Solvência (3,23) e menos conhecimento em Alavancagem Financeira (2,91) e Alavancagem Operacional (2,98). Quanto ao efetivo domínio do conteúdo, destacam-se os Indicadores de rentabilidade, com 65% de acertos, seguido dos Indicadores da Estrutura de Capital, com 63% de acertos e das Análises Horizontal e Vertical, com 55%. Os discentes não se sentem suficientemente preparados para atuar no mercado de trabalho, tanto elaborando pareceres sobre a estrutura de capital e a situação econômica e financeira de uma empresa, com média de concordância de 2,27 do total de 5 escalas, quanto aplicando metodologias de análises das demonstrações contábeis de empresas, com média de 2,40. O assunto é importante na formação profissional dos discentes, pois influencia na qualidade de trabalhos referentes à interpretação de dados e informações contábeis. Ainda, é possível inferir que o desempenho abaixo do esperado implica em necessidade de alterações na metodologia de ensino adotada, bem como maior dedicação e esforço dos discentes.
Fatores Determinantes no Disclosure do Capital Intelectual das Empresas Brasileiras
Authors: Santos Rayane Farias dos , Silva Junior Francisco José da , Santos Marcos Igor da Costa , Leite Filho Paulo Amilton Maia
Published: February 2022

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo verificar os fatores determinantes na divulgação do Capital Intelectual (CI) de empresas brasileiras. Considerando-se que evidenciar informações sobre o CI é uma importante estratégia empresarial, por abranger a natureza dos ativos intangíveis e sustentáveis, compreende-se como uma vantagem competitiva. Isso pode estimular os stakeholders a adicionar valor aos negócios, gerando futuros benefícios. Dessa forma a literatura aponta que alguns fatores podem ser determinantes para a evidenciação do CI. Para tanto, compôs-se uma amostra de 32 empresas, não financeiras, que fazem parte do Índice Brasil 50 (IBrX 50) da Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão – B3, no período de 2016 a 2018. Para o alcance do objetivo, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo, assim como a regressão com dados em painel balanceado, de efeitos aleatórios com robustez, cujos dados foram coletados nas Demonstrações Financeiras Padronizadas, Notas Explicativas, Relatórios da Administração, Relatórios de Sustentabilidade e na Base de Dados Thomson Reuters Eikon®. O resultado do estudo demonstrou que as empresas apresentaram um nível médio de divulgação de informações relativas ao CI. Quanto às hipóteses formuladas, foi possível observar que o disclosure de informações acerca do CI sofre influência de variáveis como endividamento, governança e setor de atuação, pois apresentaram tanto relações significativas positivas como negativas. Conclui-se que as empresas têm uma preocupação média na divulgação de informações sobre o CI, associadas a influência de fatores determinantes que impulsionam esse tipo de disclosure.
Inovação em Serviços Públicos: Evidências no Ministério Público do Estado da Paraíba
Authors: Costa Vanías De Oliveira , Machado André Gustavo Carvalho
Published: February 2022

O objetivo central deste artigo foi analisar os fatores que influenciam o processo de inovação nos serviços ofertados pelo Ministério Público do Estado da Paraíba. Especificamente, buscou-se evidenciar as principais inovações (incluindo suas características e implicações) e averiguar os fatores que atuam como condicionantes e barreiras do processo de inovação. Para identificar ações inovadoras dentre o conjunto de ações executadas pela instituição foi adotado o modelo de Djellal, Gallouj e Miles (2013). A estratégia de pesquisa foi de estudo de caso único e os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, análise de documentos e observações. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio de técnicas de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados evidenciaram inovações com características incrementais, radicais, por recombinação e por formalização. Entre os condicionantes para as inovações, destacam-se o desenvolvimento e capacitação de pessoal; trabalho em equipe; crise como oportunidade; apoio da liderança; tecnologia; e cultura organizacional. Alternância política, insuficiência de recursos, burocracia, leis e regulamentações, escassez e natureza contratual de pessoal, e cultura organizacional foram as principais barreiras à inovação identificadas. Sob a perspectiva da prática, as evidências podem auxiliar os servidores públicos a identificarem oportunidades que possam ser exploradas por meio da inovação. Sob o ponto de vista teórico, em complemento a pesquisas que se limitam a apresentar as inovações e suas características nos casos estudados, o presente estudo se distingue dos demais na medida em que também discutiu as implicações das inovações após a sua implementação.
Gravity without averaging
Authors: Blommaert Andreas , Kruthoff Jorrit
Published: February 2022

We present aspects of a gravitational theory that interpolates
between JT gravity, and a gravity theory with a fixed boundary
Hamiltonian. For this, we consider a matrix integral with the insertion
of a Gaussian with variance \sigma^2σ2,
centered around a matrix \textsf{H}_0𝖧0.
Tightening the Gaussian renders the matrix integral less random, and
ultimately it collapses the ensemble to one Hamiltonian
\textsf{H}_0𝖧0.
This model provides a concrete setup to study factorization, and what
the gravity dual of a single member of the ensemble is. Perturbatively
around infinite \sigmaσ
we find that the JT gravity dilaton potential is modified, and
ultimately the gravity theory goes through a series of phase
transitions, corresponding to a proliferation of extra macroscopic holes
in the spacetime. A good gravitational description at small values of
\sigmaσ
remains elusive. Furthermore, we observe that in the Efetov model
approach to random matrices, the non-averaged factorizing theory is
described by one simple saddle point.
Topological Frustration can modify the nature of a Quantum Phase Transition
Authors: Marić Vanja , Torre Gianpaolo , Franchini Fabio , Giampaolo Salvatore Marco
Published: February 2022

Ginzburg-Landau theory of continuous phase transitions implicitly assumes that microscopic changes are negligible in determining the thermodynamic properties of the system.
In this work we provide an example that clearly contrasts with this assumption.
We show that topological frustration can change the nature of a second order quantum phase transition separating two different ordered phases.
Even more remarkably, frustration is triggered simply by a suitable choice of boundary conditions in a 1D chain.
While with every other BC each of two phases is characterized by its own local order parameter, with frustration no local order can survive.
We construct string order parameters to distinguish the two phases, but,
having proved that topological frustration is capable of altering the nature of a system's phase transition, our results pose a clear challenge to the current understanding of phase transitions in complex quantum systems.
Biologically Active Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Produced by Rhizospheric Actinobacteria Strains Inhibit the Growth of the Phytopathogen Colletotrichum musae
Authors: de Brito Maria , Fonseca Wéverson , Mafezoli Jair , Barbosa Francisco , Nunes Fátima , de Mattos Marcos , dos Santos João , Araujo Francisca , Vieira Regimara , Magalhães Hilton , Muniz Celli , Garruti Deborah , Ootani Marcio , Souza Netto José , Pinto Licarion , Viana Francisco , Oliveira Maria
Published: February 2022

The antifungal potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by actinobacterial strains Streptomyces sp. (ACTB-77) and Amycolatopsis sp. (ACTB-290) from the rhizosphere of Caatinga plants against Colletotrichum musae was investigated. VOCs produced by these microorganisms (axenic and co-culture) were investigated using headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although no exclusive VOC peaks were observed in the co-culture with ACTB-77, the same experiment involving ACTB-290 yielded five new peaks, including two identified alcohols, suggested as bioreductive products of the corresponding ketones by the fungus. Statistical analysis revealed that co-culture ACTB-77/C. musae has a closer similarity to the fungus than to the actinobacteria, while the co‑culture ACTB-290/C. musae showed closer similarity to the actinobacteria. These confirmed the more pronounced antifungal activity of the ACTB-290 strain, as observed in the fungus growth inhibition experiments. The antifungal activity of ACTB-290 was associated to its sulfur-containing metabolites, while linalool was suggested as responsible for the ACTB-77 activity.
Fighting for water in South Africa: public participation, water rights claiming and strengthening governance
Authors: Masiangoako Thato , Khunou Kelebogile , Potter Alana
Published: February 2022

Communities in South Africa employ a diverse range of strategies to actively claim their right to water. This paper examines two rights claiming strategies – protest and litigation – through the lens of two case studies. The first case study examines the struggles of the residents of Makhanda, a small town in the predominantly rural Eastern Cape Province, who formed a coalition to advocate for the dissolution of the municipal council for failing to fulfil its constitutional mandate to provide basic services. The second case examines the struggles of the residents of Marikana, an informal settlement in the City of Cape Town, where residents are forced to live in unlit, unhygienic and undignified conditions as a result of inadequate services provision. Although access to water is a justiciable right in South Africa, there is a curious paucity of legal rights mobilisation, with only one court case reaching the Constitutional Court. The article presents the following findings. First, communities employ different methods to claim their water rights, including engagement with government through formal channels, mobilisation, protest, litigation and self-supply. Water is a justiciable human right. Second, litigation is a valuable component of rights-claiming but is most effective if used alongside other strategies like community organisation and protest. Third, water rights can be achieved alongside struggles to secure other rights, like the right to housing, or holding local government accountable. In the two case studies, the legal tools of land expropriation and provincial intervention were employed to indirectly gain access to water services. Finally, community mobilisation, combined with strategic partnerships, plays a critical role in sustaining long-term efforts to claim water rights.
Developing a novel tool for assessing water service sustainability in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mvongo Victor Dang , Defo Célestin , Tchoffo Martin
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to develop a tool for assessing water service sustainability in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This tool is called the ‘Water Service Assessment Tool’ (WaSAT) and is based on the Water Service Sustainability Index (WSSI) which consists of 21 indicators grouped into six dimensions (economic, environmental, social, technical, institutional, and governance). The WaSAT was developed using Microsoft Excel and PowerApps platforms. This tool provides a solid baseline on the sustainability of water services and identifies priority actions to be taken to move services toward sustainability.