bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Infiltration and Ventilation Rates in an Office Room with 145mm-Diameter Circular Openings using the Occupant-Generated Carbon Dioxide Tracer Gas Method
Authors: Seol Hyeonji , Arztmann Daniel , Kim Naree , Balderrama Alvaro
Published: April 2023

Natural ventilation in a building is an effective way to achieve acceptable indoor air quality. Ventilation dilutes contaminants such as bio-effluents generated by occupants, substances emitted from building materials, and water vapor generated by occupants' activities. In a building that requires heating and cooling, adequate ventilation is crucial to minimize energy consumption while maintaining healthy indoor air quality. However, measuring the actual magnitude of the ventilation rate, including infiltration through the building envelope and airflow through building openings, is not always feasible. In this study, the occupant-generated carbon dioxide (CO2) tracer gas decay method was applied to estimate the ventilation rates in an office room in Seoul, South Korea, from summer to winter. Using the method, real-time ventilation rates can be calculated by monitoring indoor and outdoor CO2 concentrations without injecting a tracer gas. 145mm-diameter circular openings on the fixed glass were used for natural ventilation in the test room. As a result, firstly, the indoor CO2 concentrations were used as an indicator to evaluate how much the indoor air quality deteriorated when all the windows were closed in an occupied office room compared to international standards for indoor air quality. Moreover, we found out the estimated ventilation rates varied depending on various environmental conditions, even with the same openings for natural ventilation. Considering the indoor and outdoor temperature differences and outdoor wind speeds as the main factors influencing the ventilation rates, we analyzed how they affected the ventilation rates in different seasons of South Korea. When the wind speeds were calm, the temperature difference played as a factor that influences the estimated ventilation rates. On the other hands, when the temperature differences were low, the wind speed was the primary factor. This study raises awareness about the risk of poor indoor air quality in office rooms that could lead to health problems or unpleasant working environments. This study presents an example of estimating the ventilation rates in an existing building. In the same way, the ventilation rate in an existing building can be simply estimated while using the building as usual, and appropriate ventilation strategies for the building can be determined to maintain desired indoor air quality.
Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on Au Nanoparti-Cles/Organosilica-Containing Polyelectrolyte Composite
Authors: Su Pi-Guey , Hsu Chih-Chang
Published: April 2023

A novel flexible humidity sensor, incorporating gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and a trifunctional organosilica compound, has been developed through the integration of sol-gel processing, free radical polymerization, and self-assembly techniques. The trifunctional organosilica was initially synthesized by modifying (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (thiol-MPTMS) with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (vinyl-TMSPMA). Subsequently, a hydrophilic polyelectrolyte, [3(methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC), was grafted onto the MPTMS-TMSPMA gel. The Au NPs were assembled onto the thiol groups present in the MPTMS-TMSPMA-MAPTAC gel network. The compositional and microstructural properties of the Au NPs/MPTMS-TMSPMA-MAPTAC composite film were investigated utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of thiol groups and mesoporous silica skeletons ensured the stability of the humidity-sensing film on the substrate under highly humid conditions, while the hydrophilic groups functioned as humidity-sensitive sites. This innovative humidity sensor demonstrated high sensitivity, acceptable linearity, minimal hysteresis, and rapid response time across a broad range of working humidity levels. Based on the complex impedance spectra analysis, hydronium ions (H3O+) were determined to govern the conductance process of the flexible humidity sensor.
Comparison of Identification and Quantification of Polyphe-Nolic Compounds in Skins and Seeds of Four Grape Varieties
Authors: Chengolova Zlatina , Ivanov Yavor , Godjevargova Tzonka
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify and quantify polyphenolic compounds in skin extracts from four Bulgarian grape varieties and compare to those of seed extracts. The values of total phenolic contents (TPC), flavonoids, anthocyanins, procyanidins, ascorbic acid in grape skin extracts were determined. The antioxidant capacities of skin extracts were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC methods. The TPC values of skin extracts were 2-3 times lower than those of seed extracts. The significant difference between total parameters values of individual grape varieties were also found. According to the TPC and antioxidant capacity of skin extracts the different grape varieties were in the following order: Marselan ≥ Pinot Noir ˃ Cabernet Sauvignon ˃ Tamyanka. The individual compounds in the grape skin extracts were determined by RP-HPLC and compared with those of seed extracts. The determined composition of skin extracts was significant different from seed extracts composition. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the procyanidins and catechins in the skins were carried out. A correlation between phenolic contents, individual composition and antioxidant capacity of different extracts was found. The studied grape extracts have a potential to be applied as natural antioxidants in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Azimuth Angle Detection Method Combining AKAZE Features and Optical Flow for Measuring Movement Accuracy
Authors: Tobita Kazuteru , Mima Kazuhiro
Published: April 2023

In recent years, autonomous robots have been practically used outdoors for transportation, delivery, and other applications. To ensure safety and reliability, it is necessary to measure and evaluate the accuracy of a robot’s movement from the outside. In this study, we develop a device to externally measure the coordinates and azimuth angle of a robot by combining image processing and distance measurement. In this study, an azimuth angle detection method that combines coarse-angle detection using AKAZE feature detection and small-angle detection using optical flow is proposed. The experimental results show that the azimuth angle can be detected with a standard deviation of σ=0.70° indoors and σ=0.99° outdoors.
Welding Line Detection Using Point Clouds from Optimal Shooting Position
Authors: Takubo Tomohito , Miyake Erika , Ueno Atsushi , Kubo Masaki
Published: April 2023

A method for welding line detection using point cloud data is proposed to automate welding operations combined with a contact sensor. The proposed system targets a fillet weld, in which the joint line between two metal plates attached vertically is welded. In the proposed method, after detecting the position and orientation of two flat plates regarding a single viewpoint as a rough measurement, the flat plates are measured from the optimal shooting position in each plane in detail to detect a precise weld line. When measuring a flat plate from an angle, the 3D point cloud obtained by a depth camera contains measurement errors. For example, a point cloud measuring a plane has a wavy shape or void owing to light reflection. However, by shooting the plane vertically, the point cloud has fewer errors. Using these characteristics, a two-step measurement algorithm for determining weld lines was proposed. The weld line detection results show an improvement of 5 mm compared with the rough and precise measurements. Furthermore, the average measurement error was less than 2.5 mm, and it is possible to narrow the range of the search object contact sensor for welding automation.
Satisfaction with Packaging and Price to Purchase Decision and Repurchase Intention
Authors: Asmoro Indriani Putri , Tuti Meylani
Published: April 2023

Customers use their purchasing decision as a barometer when choosing items and as a catalyst for further purchases. This study set out to determine how packaging and pricing satisfaction affected consumers' decisions to buy and their willingness to do so again. With the use of smart PLS, this study analyzes structural equation models. 184 respondents were shoppers who made purchases in December 2022, as determined by the incidental sampling approach. The findings indicate that price satisfaction affects both the choice to buy and the desire to buy again. However, the packaging only influences the choice to buy and does not influence the urge to make more purchases. and the urge to make another buy is influenced by the outcome of the purchasing choice
The Effect of E-Service Quality and E-Trust on E-Loyalty with E-Satisfaction as an Intervening for Mobile Banking User
Authors: Melinda Elsha , Osly Usman  , Shandy Aditya
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of e-Service Quality and e-Trust on e-Loyalty with e-Satisfaction as an Intervening on m-BCA customers. This study uses a quantitative method with a survey instrument. Data was collected using a non-probabilty sampling technique, namely purposive sampling by taking a sample of 150 respondents who had used m-BCA at least three times in the last six months. Then the respondents' answers that have been obtained are processed using the Partial Least Square-Path Modeling method using SmartPLS 3.0 software. From hypothesis testing in this study, the results showed that 1) e-Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on e-Satisfaction, 2) e-Trust has a positive and significant effect on e-Satisfaction, 3) e-Satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on e-Loyalty, 4) e-Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on e-Loyalty, 5) e-Trust has a positive and significant effect on e-Loyalty, 6) e-Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on e-Loyalty through e-Satisfaction and 7) e-Trust has a positive and significant effect on e-Loyalty through e-Satisfaction. This means that e-Service Quality and e-Trust can be improved so that it will have an impact on e-Satisfaction so that it can also have an impact on the e-Loyalty of customers who use m-BCA.

keywords: e-loyalty, e-satisfaction, e-service quality, e-trust, m-bca
AOA Critical Issues: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Makhni Eric C. , Hennekes Mary E. , Baumhauer Judith F. , Muh Stephanie J. , Spindler Kurt
Published: April 2023

Patient-centered care is essential to providing high-quality value-based care. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are arguably the best tools available to orthopaedic providers for providing patient-centered care. Many clinical opportunities exist for the implementation of PROMs into routine practice, such as shared decision-making, mental health screening, and prediction of postoperative disposition. Routine use of PROMs is also an adjunct to the streamlining of documentation, patient intake, and telemedicine visits, and hospitals can aggregate PROMs for the purpose of risk stratification. Physicians can harness the power of PROMs for quality improvement initiatives and improvement of the patient experience. Despite these numerous applications, PROMs are frequently underutilized tools. Understanding the many benefits of PROMs may allow orthopaedic practices to justify investing in these valuable tools.
Effects of adult and egg predators on hatching plasticity of the pulmonate limpet
Authors: Wada Yoko , Iwasaki Keiji , Yusa Yoichi
Published: April 2023

In response to predation risks during the embryonic period, prey animals from various taxonomic groups acquire plasticity in hatching time. In theory, the predators of the adult prey as well as the egg predators can influence hatching time. Similarly, not only the embryos but also the parents of the prey can regulate hatching time. However, research on the effects of adult and egg predators and factors that influence egg-hatching time is limited. To the best of our knowledge, no study has explored this phenomenon in marine invertebrates under natural conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of life stage-specific predators (i.e., adult and egg predators) on the hatching time of the pulmonate limpet (Siphonaria sirius) on an intertidal rocky shore. Although the presence of predators of adult prey did not affect the prey hatching time, the presence of egg predators accelerated their hatching. Moreover, the presence of egg predators following egg-laying accelerated hatching time. This indicates that embryos, rather than their parents, determine hatching time in response to their own predation risk. Siphonaria sirius is likely to have evolved plasticity in hatching time in response to high but fluctuating egg predation risk.
Provision for Energy: A Resource Allocation Problem in Federated Learning for Edge Systems
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Rajamanickam Leelavathi
Published: April 2023

The article explores an energy-efficient method for allocating transmission and computation resources for federated learning (FL) on wireless communication networks. The model being considered involves each user training a local FL model using their limited local computing resources and the data they have collected. These local models are then transmitted to a base station, where they are aggregated and broadcast back to all users. The level of accuracy in learning, as well as computation and communication latency, are determined by the exchange of models between users and the base station. Throughout the FL process, energy consumption for both local computation and transmission must be taken into account. Given the limited energy resources of wireless users, the communication problem is formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of minimizing overall system energy consumption while meeting a latency requirement. To address this problem, we propose an iterative algorithm that takes into account factors such as bandwidth, power, and computational resources. Results from numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can reduce energy consumption compared to traditional FL methods up to 51% reduction.
Tooth Brushing Practice in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sahile Addisu Tadesse , Wondimu Mitiku , Fikrie Endeshaw
Published: April 2023

Background: Oral hygiene refers to taking care and maintaining the cleanness of gum and teeth; a good oral hygiene practice promotes better oral health in general. Oral hygiene is the top public health concern of the population. Tooth brushing is a technique to keep oral hygiene from related complications. Therefore, this study provides the pooled prevalence of tooth brushing practice in Ethiopia.
Methods: Databases searched for articles systematically across PubMed, Google Scholar, Hinari, EMBASE, and African Journals Online. Two reviewers independently conducted the selection, screening, reviewing, and data extraction using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and used the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tools to assess the quality of evidence. All studies conducted in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2020, reporting tooth-brushing practices extracted for and imported into the Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0 for further analysis. Beggs and Eggers’s tests evaluated for publication bias with Higgins’s method evaluated for heterogeneity. A random-effects meta-analysis model with a 95% confidence interval was computed to estimate the pooled effect size (prevalence). Furthermore, the authors employed subgroup analysis based on the study area and sample size.
Results and Conclusion: After reviewing 36, 10 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of tooth brushing practice was 12.2 % (95% CI: 7.6%-19.2%). The review reported a lower level of tooth-brushing practice in Ethiopia. We recommended that special attention should be given to the oral hygiene of the Ethiopian people.
Invasive versus noninvasive management of older patients with non-ST elevation ACS: A retrospective analysis
Authors: zhai xinrong , zhang shuyi , chen yang , guan shaofeng , shi kailei , ye maoqing , qu xinkai , han wenzheng
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of invasive versus noninvasive management in patients aged 80 years or older with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS).
Methods: All 220 included patients were at least 80 years old at the time of diagnosis. We compared the prognoses of patients in the invasive group and the noninvasive group. The primary endpoint was all-causemortality, and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of events, including readmission or visit to a chest pain center due to a myocardial ischemic event, heart failure or major bleeding.
Results: The median age was 84 years (IQR 83-87), and older patients were more likely to receive noninvasiveinterventions (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.92). The mortality HR when comparing noninvasive management with invasive management was 5.52 (95% CI1.80-16.92). When adjusted for diagnosis (UA or NSTEMI), the mortality HR increased to 6.17 (95% CI 2.04-18.64). Noninvasive management was associated with a higher incidence of events (HR 2.96, 95% CI1.51-5.82). However, no significant differences were observed in mortality or event HR when comparing complete revascularization with culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Conclusions: For patients aged 80 years or older with NSTEACS, invasive management might be a better choice than noninvasive management. In terms of PCI strategy, culprit-only PCI could be considered.
The Experience of Psychiatry Residents with Individual Supervision in an ACGME-I Accredited Program in Qatar
Authors: Makki Ibrahim , Ouanes Sami , Carpio Shane Atienza , Ghuloum Suhaila
Published: April 2023

Objectives
The policies on resident supervision in the psychiatry training program at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar, meet the requirements of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I). Unlike clinical supervision, little is known about how residents perceive individual supervision and its impact on their training.
The purpose of this study was to explore psychiatry residents’ feedback on weekly individual supervision, focusing on frequency, content, and perceived quality.
Method
We conducted an anonymous survey among all residents in the psychiatry department of HMC, exploring the number and content of individual supervision sessions received during the previous six months, and their satisfaction with supervision provided.
Results
Out of 25 residents, 20 responded to the survey. The results showed that 95% (n=19) of those who responded had received some form of supervision during the previous six-month period, 15% (n=3) had it consistently on a weekly basis, and only 5% (n=1) received no supervision at all. “Topics selected by the resident and/or the supervisor” was the most frequently provided response by the residents to highlight the content of supervision. The percentage of residents satisfied was proportional to the number of individual supervision sessions received.
Conclusion
Action must be taken to improve the standard of individual supervision to include training of faculty, time protection during supervision, and ongoing support from program leadership.
An approach for analysing the coupling effects between dynamics and tooth surface wear in a helical gear transmission system
Authors: XU Li Xin , Shi Yuan , Du Zhengzhu , Deng Shuzhi
Published: April 2023

An approach for analysing the coupling effects between dynamics and tooth surface wear in a helical gear transmission is proposed by integrating gear dynamics with modified Archard wear theory and the tooth time-varying meshing stiffness calculations. In this approach, the tooth time-varying meshing stiffness and dynamic backlash considering non-uniform wear are calculated and introduced into the dynamic model of a gear system to obtain the meshing force. The equivalent contact load from the meshing force using the Miner rule is brought into the wear model to predict tooth wear depths. The updated stiffness and backlash values caused by cumulative wear amount are re-submitted to the governing dynamic equation to perform a new round of calculations. Based on this analysis strategy, the coupling effects among dynamics, tooth non-uniform wear, time-varying meshing stiffness and backlash in a helical gear transmission is studied. The results indicate that the wear distributed across the tooth surface of a helical gear is non-uniform. With the increase in the cumulative amount of wear, the tooth meshing stiffness decreases and the tooth backlash converted from the accumulated wear amount is increased, which further decrease the dynamic performance of the transmission system.
Soil nitrous oxide emissions from sugarcane field affected by nitrogen fertilizer rate and inhibitors of urea hydrolysis and nitrification process
Authors: welutung phatchariya , pengthamkeerati patthra , Kachenchart Boonlue
Published: April 2023

Reducing the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and inhibitors of urea hydrolysis and the nitrification process (UIs and NIs, respectively) could be the key to the successful mitigation of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, such information is limited for non-Annex I countries. This study focused on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and bare soil fields to evaluate the growth potential of the fertilizer rate with UIs, NIs and their combinations (UINIs) on soil N2O emissions. The N fertilizer rates applied were based on standard farmer practice (F) and soil analysis (S). The synthetic UI and NI used in this study were N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), the UIs and NIs from plants were garlic (Allium sativum L.) and ground neem seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. var. siamensis Valeton), and praxelis (Praxelis clematidea (Griseb.) R.M. King & H. Rob). The results showed that compared to F, reducing the N fertilizer rate and adding NIs in the sugarcane field decreased soil N2O emissions by up to 19.1%, followed by UINIs and UIs (17.0 and 15.9%, respectively), while there was 18.9% N2O reduction with praxelis. When applying the dressing, all inhibitors seem to have potential to inhibit microbial activity but there was an inconsistent significant difference on mitigated cumulative N2O. The use of inhibitors decreased soil N2O emission factor (EF) values in the sugarcane plots by 1.1–1.6%, compared to 1.8% for S treatment. Notably, F had a lower soil N2O EF (0.6%), possibly due to the relatively high N fertilizer rate applied in this study. The findings suggested that reducing N fertilizer use and applying UIs, NIs and UINIs had great potential to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil. These results regarding the use of soil N2O EFs in a sugarcane field could provide supporting data for the national GHG inventory and be adopted for mitigation measures in Thailand.
Beyond the Active Site: The addition of a remote loop reveals a new complex biological function for chitinase enzymes.
Authors: Kozome Dan , Sljoka Adnan , Laurino Paola
Published: April 2023

Loops are small secondary structural elements that play a crucial role in the emergence of new enzyme functions. However, our understanding of loop functions is mainly limited to the catalytic loops. To understand the function of remote loops in enzymes, we studied Glycoside hydrolase family 19 (GH19) chitinase - an essential enzyme family for pathogen degradation in plants. By revealing the evolutionary history and loops appearance of GH19 chitinase, we discovered that one loop which is remote from the catalytic site, is necessary to acquire the new antifungal activity. We demonstrated that this remote loop directly accesses the fungal cell wall, and surprisingly, it needs to adopt a defined structure supported by long-range intramolecular interactions to perform its function. Our findings prove that Nature applies this new strategy at the molecular level to achieve a complex biological function while maintaining the original activity one in the catalytic pocket, suggesting an alternative way to design new enzyme function.
Efficacy of interventions for orthodontically induced white spot lesions: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Dandan , Zhang Qin , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhou Zheng
Published: April 2023

Enamel demineralization in the vicinity of orthodontic brackets is more likely during fixed appliance orthodontic therapy. On the basis of a greater knowledge of the dynamic nature of white spot lesions, a variety of methods have been recommended, but the most successful ones are still up for debate. We searched three electronic databases: Central, PubMed, and Ovid EMBASE. Data abstraction and article selection were done in duplicate. There were no time limits nor language constraints. Microhardness value measurements was the main outcome. Ten randomised clinical trials with 468 samples were included in network meta-analysis. For efficacy, resin infiltration (RR:121.50, 95%CI: 51.45-191.55) and laser (RR: 55.54, 95%CI: 13.72-97.36) and asein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (RR:49.69, 95%CI: 0.87-98.51) were more favorable than control group, while resin infiltration was superior than fluoride varnish (RR: 103.39, 95%CI: 13.86,192.93) and had the highest cumulative ranking for the microhardness value (95.7%), according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value. resin infiltration, laser and asein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate have significantly microhardness value than control or no treatment, resin infiltration has significantly higher masking effect than fluoride varnish treatment. Because this conclusion is based on few high-quality trials, this finding should be viewed with caution.
Unraveling the Effects of Nitric Oxide Precursor and Inhibitor on Cerebellar Morphology in Female Wistar Rats: A Histological Investigation
Authors: Chegini Hamidreza , Chegini Azin , Gholamzad Amir , Sadeghi Hadis , Mougahi Seyed Mohammad Hossein Noori
Published: April 2023

Background
In this study, the quantitative and qualitative effects of nitrogen monoxide on cerebellar histopathology, by increasing or decreasing in vivo production of this substance, were investigated.
Result
This study reports that there were no significant differences in cerebellar weight among the groups, but the L-Arg group showed an increase in cerebellar volume. In the L-Arg group, there were slight thickening and hyperchromatization of the granular and molecular layers of the cerebellum, and also Purkinje cell accumulation with lymphocytic invasion.
Conclusion
The findings of this study infer that L-Arginine may lead to histopathological changes in cerebellar tissue by elevating NO levels in the cerebellum. It is noteworthy that this study is unique as the injection of L-NAME did not cause any significant histopathological change, deviating from similar studies conducted previously
Sociobiome - Individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status influence the gut microbiome in a multi-ethnic population in the US
Authors: Ahn Jiyoung , Kwak Soyoung , Usyk Mykhaylo , Beggs Dia , Choi Heesun , Ahdoot Dariush , Wu Feng , Maceda Lorraine , Li Huilin , Im Eun-Ok , Han Hae-Ra , Lee Eunjung , Wu Anna , Hayes Richard
Published: April 2023

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is related to increased incidence and mortality due to chronic diseases in adults. Association between SES variables and gut microbiome variation has been observed in adults at the population level, suggesting that biological mechanisms may underlie the SES associations; however, there is a need for larger U.S. studies that consider individual- and neighborhood-level measures of SES in racially diverse populations. In 825 participants from a multi-ethnic cohort, we investigated how SES shapes the gut microbiome. We determined the relationship of a range of several individual- and neighborhood-level SES indicators with the gut microbiome. Individual education level and occupation were self-reported by questionnaire. Geocoding was applied to link participants’ addresses with neighborhood census tract socioeconomic indicators, including average income and social deprivation in the census tract. Gut microbiome was measured using 16SV4 region rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. We compared α-diversity, β-diversity, and taxonomic and functional pathway abundance by socioeconomic status. Lower SES was significantly associated with greater α-diversity and compositional differences among groups, as measured by β-diversity. Several taxa related to low SES were identified, especially an increasing abundance of Genus Catenibacterium and Prevotella copri. The significant association between SES and gut microbiota remained even after considering the race/ethnicity in this racially diverse cohort. Together, these results showed that lower socioeconomic status was strongly associated with compositional and taxonomic measures of the gut microbiome, suggesting that SES may shape the gut microbiota.
Machine learning analysis and future risk prediction of weather-sensitive cardiovascular disease mortality during summer in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Ohashi Yukitaka , Ihara Tomohiko , Oka Kazutaka , Takane Yuya , Kikegawa Yukihiro
Published: April 2023

Climate-sensitive diseases developing from heat or cold stress threaten human health. Therefore, the future health risk induced by climate change and aging societies worldwide should be assessed. In this study, we developed the prediction model for mortality of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, which are known weather- or climate-sensitive diseases, using machine learning techniques. We targeted daily mortality of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease in the 23 wards of Tokyo and in Osaka City, Japan during summer. The significance of delayed effects of daily maximum temperature and other weather elements on mortality was previously demonstrated using a distributed lag nonlinear model. We conducted machine learning (ML) including specified lag days, with important features of several temperature-related elements and air pressure-related elements for the mortality risk of IHD and cerebrovascular disease during the previous summers, respectively. These models, learned the past data, were used to evaluate the future risk of IHD mortality in Tokyo’s 23 wards owing to climate change by applying transfer learning architecture (TL). The ML incorporating TL predicted that the daily IHD mortality risk in Tokyo was averagely increased 29% and 35% at the 95th and 99th percentiles using a high-level warming climate scenario in 2045–2055, compared to the risk simulated using ML in 2009–2019.
Combination therapy; a novel strategy for effective eradication of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro
Authors: baseri milad , memar mohammad yousef , zohdi mahsa , samiei mohammad , torab ali , dizaj solmaz maleki , naseri amirreza , radmand faraz
Published: April 2023

Background: this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the intracanal medicines including Calcium hydroxide (CH), Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), Pantoprazole (PP), and Chlorhexidine (CHX) on Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis) in the individual and combinatorial form in in-vitrodesign in order to introduce an effective medicine for eradication of E.faecalis.
Methods: E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) was used for bacterial assays. The powder and gel forms of the tested compounds were used in the analysis. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the medicines were evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination using the broth microdilution method. The anti-biofilm effect of medicines were assessed by minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC).The antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of antimicrobial agent combinations were detected using the checkerboard assay and determination of Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI). Time-kill kinetics were done at zero, 2, 4, 6, 8 10, 12, and 24 h.
Results: Except the MIC of the NaOCl which was significantly lower than CH, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in MIC, and MBIC. Only the mixture of chlorhexidine and zinc oxide nanoparticles (CHX-nZnO) and the mixture of pantoprazole and zinc oxide nanoparticles (PP-nZnO) had synergic effect against planktonic and biofilm form of the E.faecalis. Except for CHX and nZnO in gel form, other medicines did not show significant anti-biofilm effects against E.faecalis. Furthermore, CHX-nZnO in the gel form showed stronger anti-biofilm effects.
Conclusion: Combination therapy would lead to higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against E.faecaliscomparing to conventional intracanal medicaments. Among these medicines, CHX-nZnO showed promising results.
Characterization of three artworks attributed to the Costa Rican painter Fausto Pacheco: analysis of physical components and assessment of chemical and antimicrobial components of pictorial palette
Authors: Rivera-Romero M. C. , Varela-Mejía B. E. , Ugalde-Campos L. , Jaikel-Víquez D. , Calderón-Mesén P. , Ureña-Alvarado K. , Rojas-González A. M , Cubero-Campos M. , Redondo-Solano M. , Herrera-Sancho O.A.
Published: April 2023

The use of analytical techniques in cultural heritage research represents an amazing multidisciplinary collaboration. In heritage studies, it is important to pay attention to authenticating, dating, and determining the origin of works of art. Three watercolors were analyzed: Paisaje con árbol, Paisaje con casa campesina and El puente, belonging to the collection of the Central Bank of Costa Rica and attributed to the national artist Fausto Pacheco Hernández. Employing multispectral imaging and innovative computational tools, we determined the state of conservation and biodeterioration of the works evaluated. By using spectroscopic techniques such as Fiber Optics Reflectance (FORS), X–Ray Fluorescense (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscope–Energy Dispersive X–Ray (SEM–EDX) we identified and compared different pigments in the artworks. Also, we determined the creative process of the artist. Based on our results, Paisaje con árbol was the most likely, of the three paintings, to be attributed to Costa Rican artist Fausto Pacheco, followed by Paisaje con casa campesina and lastly El puente. Finally, we studied the antibacterial and antifungal properties of two of the pigments identified in the paintings (ultramarine blue and yellow ochre). Both the bacterial and fungal isolates were more susceptible to the latter. Applying these kind of studies help to increase the database on the Costa Rican artist and his historical period, providing a better understanding of creative techniques and palettes, in order to strengthen the database for future works.
A stakeholder-developed logic model to improve utilization of pharmacy-prescribed contraception in Utah
Authors: Simmons Rebecca G. , Baayd Jami , Tak Casey , Turok David K. , Elliott Sarah , Smith Justin D.
Published: April 2023

Background: Currently, 17 states have passed policies allowing pharmacists to prescribe short-acting hormonal contraception, including pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Yet, utilization of these services remains limited. The purpose of this study was to a) assess barriers and facilitators of pharmacy contraceptive dispensing among contraceptive users, pharmacists, and healthcare providers in Utah; and b) adapt and propose an evidence-based contraceptive intervention in the pharmacy environment.
Methods: We conducted 6 focus groups among contraceptive users, pharmacists and healthcare providers assessing current barriers and facilitators to pharmacy prescribing. We coded transcripts of these focus groups to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 (CFIR) and characterized the findings based on the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Barrier-Busting tool. Based on the CFIR findings and ERIC strategies output, we adapted an existing evidence-based intervention (a contraceptive access initiative) to the Utah pharmacy environment. We then convened a pharmacy stakeholder meeting and presented elements of an Implementation Research Logic Model and obtained feedback. We coded this feedback to the CFIR framework to finalize an Implementation Research Logic Model for a proposed implementation approach to improving contraceptive prescribing.
Results: Initial focus group responses clustered around specific implementation barriers including financial barriers (cost for patients, as well as lack of reimbursement for pharmacist’s time); lack of awareness of the service (on the part of patients, pharmacists and health care providers); need for updated tools for contraceptive counseling and scheduling; and need for increased pharmacists education to conduct contraceptive counseling. Proposed adaptations to the existing contraceptive access intervention included development of a technology-based patient/pharmacist screener tool and a healthcare provider/pharmacist contraceptive referral network. Stakeholders identified pharmacist reimbursement as the top priority for improving utilization.
Conclusions: Elements of contraceptive access initiatives mapped well as proposed implementation strategies to improving utilization of contraceptive prescribing in pharmacies.
The space cold atom interferometer for testing the equivalence principle in the China Space Station
Authors: Chen Xi , He Meng , Li Jinting , Zhang Danfang , Fang Jie , Ge Guiguo , Wang Wenzhang , Zhou Yang , He Chuan , Zhou Lin , Wang Yibo , Li Xiao , Xu Rundong , Xiong Zongyuan , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhong Jiaqi , Chen Qunfeng , Sun Huanyao , Lei Qin , Chen Zhiyong , Li Kuo , Zheng Guo , Peng Weihua , Wang Jin , Zhan Mingsheng , Wang yan , Cai Zhendi , Jiang Junjie
Published: April 2023

The precision of the weak equivalence principle (WEP) test using atom interferometers (AIs) is expected to be extremely high in microgravity environment. The microgravity scientific laboratory cabinet (MSLC) in the China Space Station (CSS) can provide a higher-level microgravity than the CSS itself, which provides a good experimental environment for scientific experiments that require high microgravity. We designed and realized a payload of a dual-species cold rubidium atom interferometer. The payload is highly integrated and has a size of 460 mm × 330 mm × 260 mm. It will be installed in the MSLC to carry out high-precision WEP test experiment. In this article, we introduce the constraints and guidelines of the payload design, the compositions and functions of the scientific payload, the expected test precision in space, and some results of the ground test experiments.
Field Tested: Assessing the Transferability of Behavioral Interventions
Authors: Saccardo Silvia , Dai Hengchen , Han Maria , Vangala Sitaram , Hoo Juyea , Fujimoto Jeffrey
Published: April 2023

Applied behavioral science has grown rapidly in the past few decades as organizations and governments seek to incorporate research on human behavior into policy decisions1. At the same time, there is a growing recognition of the need to examine the robustness of empirical findings and their transferability to consequential behaviors2,3,4. Here, focusing on an important policy domain—COVID-19 booster uptake—we investigate the transferability of findings a) from prediction surveys and hypothetical experiments to field settings; and b) from one field context at one point in time to another after evolving circumstances. Across three preregistered randomized controlled trials (RCTs, total N=317,175), we tested text-based interventions that either were expected to work by behavioral scientists and laypeople (RCT1), successfully elevated vaccination intentions in online studies (RCT1 and RCT2), or effectively increased vaccination rates in prior field work (RCT3). Our research highlights the importance of field-testing interventions, as findings based on predictions and intentions fail to transfer to our real-world setting. We also find that despite repeated exposure to COVID-19 messaging in our population, reminders and psychological ownership framing still increased booster uptake. These findings have theoretical and practical implications, as they can contribute to refining both theories of behavior change and experts’ predictions about what interventions are likely to have an impact in the field.
Ambroxol hydrochloride spray (Luo Runchang®) in the treatment of acute respiratory infectious diseases: A prospective, multicenter, open label, randomized controlled study
Authors: Cheng Lu , Liu Min , Wang Rong , Cao Sufen , Li Rui , Su Bo , Wei Hongyan , Yang Haijuan , Hou Lingyun , Ge Chunyu , Han Yuling , Yang Tianrui
Published: April 2023

Purpose Cough and sputum are the most common clinical symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection. Ambroxol is a mucolytic expectorant commonly used in clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and compliance of ambroxol hydrochloride spray (Luo Runchang ®) for the treatment of acute respiratory tract diseases in children.Methods In this multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled study, 154 subjects were randomized and included in the analysis. The experimental group received ambroxol hydrochloride sprays, and the control group received ambroxol hydrochloride oral solutions. The primary endpoint was the change in cough symptom scores from baseline. Secondary endpoints include changes in cough severity score, quality of life, adherence, and adverse events.Results The mean change of total cough symptom score of the spray group at the end of treatment was − 4.7(1.54) compared to -4.2(1.62) in the solution group (P = 0.0005). The mean change of cough severity score was − 5.7(2.09) in the spray group compared to -5.2(2.04) in the solution group (P = 0.012). Quality of life scores significantly improved in the spray group (P < 0.0001). Medication adherence markers were significantly better in the spray group (P < 0.0001). The incidence of adverse events in the experimental group (1.33%) was lower than that in the control group (6.33%), but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant.Conclusion Ambroxol hydrochloride spray significantly improved cough symptom score, cough severity score, and quality of life score compared to ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution.
ISSI2022+Simulation study on repair welding residual stress of CrMo steel high-temperature pressure pipe weldment after extended service
Authors: Yang Bin , Xiu Minghao , Jiang Wenchun , Peng Wei
Published: April 2023

Repair welding is a common method to mitigation of damaged parts including creep voids and cracks in high temperature pressure pipelines. However, new cracks may be created due to the mechanical property degradation of aging material and excessive repair welding residual stress. In order to make a scientific and reasonable life extension or replacement decision, this paper carried out a feasibility study on the repair welding of an aged CrMo steel high temperature pressure pipe weldment. Firstly, the modified Kachanov-Rabotonov creep damage constitutive equation was used to predict the creep damage distribution of the weldment served for 26 years, and the most serious damage location for scarfing is determined. Then, the simulation study of welding residual stress was carried out with focus on the influence of material performance degradation and excavation methods. The results show that the maximum creep damage of the CrMo steel pipe weldment is concentrated in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the adjacent base metal (BM).In total, the repair welding stress simulated with the degraded mechanical properties are lower than that with the initial mechanical properties. But, the stress discontinuity at the interface between the repair welding zone and BM is more severe due to the high level mismatch of mechanical properties, which is a key risk inducing repair welding cracks.The step repair method is recommended for engineering application based on the consideration from aspects of avoidance of the stress concentration inside the weld, and weaken the stress discontinuity of the weld boundary.
Spatio-temporal variation of toxin-producing gene abundance in Microcystis aeruginosa from Poyang Lake
Authors: Wu Lin , Zhang Li , Yuan Lijuan , Liao Qiegen , Xiang Jianjun , Zhang Dawen , Qiu Tong , Liu Jutao , Guo Junhui
Published: April 2023

Microcystis aeruginosa causes massive blooms in eutrophic freshwater and releases microcystin. Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and has kept at a mid-nutrient level in recent years. However, there is little research on microcystins production in Poyang Lake. In this study, water and sediment samples from ten sampling sites in Poyang Lake were collected from May to December in 2020, and from January to April in 2021 respectively. Microcystis genes (mcyA,mcyB,16s rDNA) were quantified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis,and then the spatial and temporal variation of mcy genes, physicochemical factors and bacterial population structure in the lake was analyzed. The relationship between the abundance of mcy genes and physicochemical factors in water column were also revealed. Results indicated that the microcystin-producing genes mcyA and mcyB showed significant differences in spatial and temporal levels as well, which is closely related to the physicochemical factors especially the water temperature(p < 0.05) and the nitrogen content(p < 0.05). The abundance of mcy genes in the sediment in December affected the abundance of mcy genes in the water column in the next year, while the toxic Microcystis would accumulate in the sediment. In addition to the toxic Microcystis, we also found a large number of non-toxic Microcystis in the water column and sediment, the ratio of toxic to non-toxic species can also affect the toxicity production of Microcystis aeruginosa. Overall, the results showed that Microcystis aeruginosa toxin-producing genes in Poyang Lake distributed spatially and temporally which related to the physicochemical factors of Poyang Lake.