bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implications of EFL/ESL Teachers' Emotions in Their Professional Identity Development
Authors: Cheng Ling
Published: September 2021

The leading implementers of the curriculum and educational system are teachers, so the success and failure of the educational system depend mainly on its teachers. If teachers have an established professional identity, it leads to the success of the educational system. Professional identity, like other aspects of the teaching and learning process, is influenced by various factors. Investigating this concept requires identifying the factors affecting it. One of the most important factors that influence teachers' professional identity is teachers' emotions. Teachers' emotions also can have a significant impact on teachers' performance. After searching the databases, this review article examines the role of teachers' emotions and their professional identities in English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL) classrooms. This review paper unpacks that factors such as teachers' pedagogical beliefs, their positive and negative emotional experiences, their environmental and cultural factors, and their perceptions and expectations of these conditions could affect their emotions as well as their professional identity. Teachers' identity is shaped through ongoing negotiation and interaction that encompasses their personal and professional lives. Taking these factors into account in teacher training courses might notify teachers of the challenges that they might have in their classrooms and provide them with practical solutions.
Serum Amyloid Biomarkers, Tau Protein and YKL-40 Utility in Detection, Differential Diagnosing, and Monitoring of Dementia
Authors: Wilczyńska Karolina , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Zalewska Anna , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of dementia is one of the greatest challenges in contemporary health care. The widespread use of dementia biomarkers would improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the economic costs of the disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of proteins related to the Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis—amyloid beta isoform (Aβ) and total tau protein (t-tau), as well as the quite recently discovered marker YKL-40 in the most common types of dementia.

Methods: 60 dementia (AD—Alzheimer's disease, VaD—vascular dementia, MxD—mixed dementia) and 20 cognitively normal subjects over 60 years old were examined. Subjects with dementia of etiology different than AD or VaD and with neoplastic or chronic inflammatory diseases were excluded. Concentrations of Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau, and YKL-40 were measured in serum using ELISA kits on admission and after 4 weeks of inpatient treatment. ANOVA and Tukey's test or Dunn's test were used to perform comparison tests between groups. Correlations were measured using Pearson's coefficient. Biomarker diagnostic utility was assessed with ROC analysis.

Results: YKL-40 differentiates between cognitively normal and mild dementia patients with 85% sensitivity and specificity and t-tau with 72% sensitivity and 70% specificity. YKL-40 and t-tau concentrations correlate with each other and with the severity of clinically observed cognitive decline.

Conclusions: YKL-40 is a sensitive and specific biomarker of early dementia and, to a lesser extent, of dementia progression, however, many comorbidities may influence its levels. In such conditions, less specific but still reliable t-tau may serve as an alternative marker. Obtained results did not confirm the diagnostic utility of amyloid biomarkers.
Rubella Serosurvey Among Future Healthcare Workers
Authors: Trevisan Andrea , Mason Paola , Nicolli Annamaria , Maso Stefano , Bertoncello Chiara
Published: September 2021

Objective: Rubella is a very diffusive but relatively benign infectious disease unless contracted during pregnancy, when it causes congenital rubella syndrome. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence and titer of antirubella antibodies in a population of future healthcare workers (students at the school of medicine).

Methods: The cohort consisted of 11,022 students who underwent antibody analysis after the presentation of a vaccine certificate.

Results: Vaccination compliance was very high, particularly in younger students (born after 1995), reaching almost 100% (at least one dose). Unvaccinated students born before 1990 had high seropositivity (>95%), but this percentage dropped to zero among the youngest students. Variables affecting antibody titer included year of birth and sex. Considering only vaccinated students, a greater antibody response was observed if the vaccine was administered between 8 and 10 years of age. Female sex was associated with more significant (p < 0.0001) positivity and higher antibody titer after one and two doses. However, this difference appeared less consistent in relation to year of birth.

Conclusions: The studied population exhibited excellent vaccination compliance, high seropositivity, and high antibody titer. Vaccine and immune coverage were higher than what is deemed necessary to achieve herd immunity.
A Deep Neural Network-Based Interference Mitigation for MIMO-FBMC/OQAM Systems
Authors: Bedoui Abla , Et-tolba Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Offset quadrature amplitude modulation-based filter bank multicarrier (FBMC/OQAM) is among the promising waveforms for future wireless communication systems. This is due to its flexible spectrum usage and high spectral efficiency compared with the conventional multicarrier schemes. However, with OQAM modulation, the FBMC/OQAM signals are not orthogonal in the imaginary field. This causes a significant intrinsic interference, which is an obstacle to apply multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology with FBMC/OQAM. In this paper, we propose a deep neural network (DNN)-based approach to deal with the imaginary interference, and enable the application of MIMO technique with FBMC/OQAM. We show, by simulations, that the proposed approach provides good performance in terms of bit error rate (BER).
Radial Sizes and Expansion Behavior of ICMEs in Solar Cycles 23 and 24
Authors: Mishra Wageesh , Doshi Urmi , Srivastava Nandita
Published: September 2021

We attempt to understand the influence of the heliospheric state on the expansion behavior of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their interplanetary counterparts (ICMEs) in solar cycles 23 and 24. Our study focuses on the distributions of the radial sizes and duration of ICMEs, their sheaths, and magnetic clouds (MCs). We find that the average radial size of ICMEs (MCs) at 1 AU in cycle 24 is decreased by ∼33% (∼24%) of its value in cycle 23. This is unexpected as the reduced total pressure in cycle 24 should have allowed the ICMEs in cycle 24 to expand considerably to larger sizes at 1 AU. To understand this, we study the evolution of radial expansion speeds of CME-MC pairs between the Sun and Earth based on their remote and in situ observations. We find that radial expansion speeds of MCs at 1 AU in solar cycles 23 and 24 are only 9% and 6%, respectively, of their radial propagation speeds. Also, the fraction of radial propagation speeds as expansion speeds of CMEs close to the Sun are not considerably different for solar cycles 23 and 24. We also find a constant (0.63 ± 0.1) dimensionless expansion parameter of MCs at 1 AU for both solar cycles 23 and 24. We suggest that the reduced heliospheric pressure in cycle 24 is compensated by the reduced magnetic content inside CMEs/MCs, which did not allow the CMEs/MCs to expand enough in the later phase of their propagation. Furthermore, the average radial sizes of sheaths are the same in both cycles, which is also unexpected, given the weaker CMEs/ICMEs in cycle 24. We discuss the possible causes and consequences of our findings relevant for future studies.
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization for Incompatible Cross-Match Cases in the Feline AB Blood Group System
Authors: Uno Yumiko , Yaguchi Masami , Kobayashi Tasuku , Onozawa Eri , Ochiai Kazuhiko , Yoshida Karin , Nakamura Chihiro , Udagawa Chihiro , Omi Toshinori
Published: September 2021

The feline AB blood group system (blood types A, B, and AB) encoding the cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene is the most significant in transfusion medicine and hemolysis of the newborn for cats. Blood typing and cross-matching in pre-transfusion testing are crucial to determining blood compatibility and thus prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. We here performed serological and genetic investigations to characterize blood samples from cats with discordant results for card agglutination (CARD) and the alloantibody agglutination test for blood typing in two cats (subjects K and R). Subject K showed incompatible cross-matching in pre-transfusion testing. Red blood cells from subjects K and R determined blood type B from the CARD method showed blood type AB by alloanti-A and alloanti-B antibodies in agglutination testing. Genomic DNA sequencing of the coding region (exons 1a to 14) for the cat CMAH gene showed that subject K had four mutations with heterozygosity at c.139C>T, c.179G>T, c.327A>C, and c.364C>T. Similarly, the CMAH gene of subject R carried six mutations with heterozygosity at c.142G>A, c.187A>G, c.268T>A, c.327A>C, c.773G>A and c.1603G>A, representing a new diplotype including a novel synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 7 (c.773 G>A: Arg258Gln). The CMAH diplotype in subjects K and R was different from major diplotype in blood type B cats. This study is the first to report CMAH variants in cats with discordant blood types between CARD and TUBE methods. These results could assist in the classification of feline AB blood types for transfusion medicine to avoid blood incompatibilities.
Adversarial Attack and Defense on Deep Neural Network-Based Voice Processing Systems: An Overview
Authors: Chen Xiaojiao , Li Sheng , Huang Hao
Published: September 2021

Voice Processing Systems (VPSes), now widely deployed, have become deeply involved in people’s daily lives, helping drive the car, unlock the smartphone, make online purchases, etc. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that those systems based on deep neural networks are vulnerable to adversarial examples, which attract significant attention to VPS security. This review presents a detailed introduction to the background knowledge of adversarial attacks, including the generation of adversarial examples, psychoacoustic models, and evaluation indicators. Then we provide a concise introduction to defense methods against adversarial attacks. Finally, we propose a systematic classification of adversarial attacks and defense methods, with which we hope to provide a better understanding of the classification and structure for beginners in this field.
Strictly Convex Banach Algebras
Authors: Yost David
Published: September 2021

We discuss two facets of the interaction between geometry and algebra in Banach algebras. In the class of unital Banach algebras, there is essentially one known example which is also strictly convex as a Banach space. We recall this example, which is finite-dimensional, and consider the open question of generalising it to infinite dimensions. In C∗-algebras, we exhibit one striking example of the tighter relationship that exists between algebra and geometry there.
Novel Insights into the Antagonistic Effects of Losartan against Angiotensin II/AGTR1 Signaling in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Panza Salvatore , Malivindi Rocco , Caruso Amanda , Russo Umberto , Giordano Francesca , Győrffy Balázs , Gelsomino Luca , De Amicis Francesca , Barone Ines , Conforti Francesca Luisa , Giordano Cinzia , Bonofiglio Daniela , Catalano Stefania , Andò Sebastiano
Published: September 2021

New avenues for glioblastoma therapy are required due to the limited mortality benefit of the current treatments. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exhibits local actions and works as a paracrine system in different tissues and tumors, including glioma. The glioblastoma cell lines U-87 MG and T98G overexpresses Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) signaling, which enhances in vitro and in vivo local estrogen production through a direct up-regulation of the aromatase gene promoters p I.f and p I.4. In addition, Ang II/AGTR1 signaling transactivates estrogen receptor-α in a ligand-independent manner through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. The higher aromatase mRNA expression in patients with glioblastoma was associated with the worst survival prognostic, according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). An intrinsic immunosuppressive glioblastoma tumor milieu has been previously documented. We demonstrate how Ang II treatment in glioblastoma cells increases programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression reversed by combined exposure to Losartan (LOS) in vitro and in vivo. Our findings highlight how LOS, in addition, antagonizes the previously documented neoangiogenetic, profibrotic, and immunosuppressive effects of Ang II and drastically inhibits its stimulatory effects on local estrogen production, sustaining glioblastoma cell growth. Thus, Losartan may represent an adjuvant pharmacological tool to be repurposed prospectively for glioblastoma treatment.
Recent Advances in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Cancer Diagnosis, Target Drug Delivery, and Treatment
Authors: Anjum Sumaira , Hashim Mariam , Malik Sara Asad , Khan Maha , Lorenzo José M. , Abbasi Bilal Haider , Hano Christophe
Published: September 2021

Cancer is regarded as one of the most deadly and mirthless diseases and it develops due to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. To date, varieties of traditional medications and chemotherapies have been utilized to fight tumors. However, their immense drawbacks, such as reduced bioavailability, insufficient supply, and significant adverse effects, make their use limited. Nanotechnology has evolved rapidly in recent years and offers a wide spectrum of applications in the healthcare sectors. Nanoscale materials offer strong potential for curing cancer as they pose low risk and fewer complications. Several metal oxide NPs are being developed to diagnose or treat malignancies, but zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have remarkably demonstrated their potential in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique physico-chemical attributes. ZnO NPs showed cancer cell specific toxicity via generation of reactive oxygen species and destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential, which leads to the activation of caspase cascades followed by apoptosis of cancerous cells. ZnO NPs have also been used as an effective carrier for targeted and sustained delivery of various plant bioactive and chemotherapeutic anticancerous drugs into tumor cells. In this review, at first we have discussed the role of ZnO NPs in diagnosis and bio-imaging of cancer cells. Secondly, we have extensively reviewed the capability of ZnO NPs as carriers of anticancerous drugs for targeted drug delivery into tumor cells, with a special focus on surface functionalization, drug-loading mechanism, and stimuli-responsive controlled release of drugs. Finally, we have critically discussed the anticancerous activity of ZnO NPs on different types of cancers along with their mode of actions. Furthermore, this review also highlights the limitations and future prospects of ZnO NPs in cancer theranostic.
Gene Signatures Induced by Ionizing Radiation as Prognostic Tools in an In Vitro Experimental Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Calaf Gloria M. , Crispin Leodan A. , Roy Debasish , Aguayo Francisco , Muñoz Juan P. , Bleak Tammy C.
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to analyze the expression of genes involved in radiation, using an Affymetrix system with an in vitro experimental breast cancer model developed by the combined treatment of low doses of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation α particle radiation and estrogen yielding different stages in a malignantly transformed breast cancer cell model called Alpha model. Altered expression of different molecules was detected in the non-tumorigenic Alpha3, a malignant cell line transformed only by radiation and originally derived from the parental MCF-10F human cell line; that was compared with the Alpha 5 cell line, another cell line exposed to radiation and subsequently grown in the presence 17β-estradiol. This Alpha5, a tumorigenic cell line, originated the Tumor2 cell line. It can be summarized that the Alpha 3 cell line was characterized by greater gene expression of ATM and IL7R than control, Alpha5, and Tumor2 cell lines, it presented higher selenoprotein gene expression than control and Tumor2; epsin 3 gene expression was higher than control; stefin A gene expression was higher than Alpha5; and metallothionein was higher than control and Tumor2 cell line. Therefore, radiation, independently of estrogen, induced increased ATM, IL7R, selenoprotein, GABA receptor, epsin, stefin, and metallothioneins gene expression in comparison with the control. Results showed important findings of genes involved in cancers of the breast, lung, nervous system, and others. Most genes analyzed in these studies can be used for new prognostic tools and future therapies since they affect cancer progression and metastasis. Most of all, it was revealed that in the Alpha model, a breast cancer model developed by the authors, the cell line transformed only by radiation, independently of estrogen, was characterized by greater gene expression than other cell lines. Understanding the effect of radiotherapy in different cells will help us improve the clinical outcome of radiotherapies. Thus, gene signature has been demonstrated to be specific to tumor types, hence cell-dependency must be considered in future treatment planning. Molecular and clinical features affect the results of radiotherapy. Thus, using gene technology and molecular information is possible to improve therapies and reduction of side effects while providing new insights into breast cancer-related fields.
The Evolving Role of Ferroptosis in Breast Cancer: Translational Implications Present and Future
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Ho Hui-Wen , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Wei Chun-Jui , Chu Pei-Yi
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. The discovery of regulated cell death processes has enabled advances in the treatment of BC. In the past decade, ferroptosis, a new form of iron-dependent regulated cell death caused by excessive lipid peroxidation has been implicated in the development and therapeutic responses of BC. Intriguingly, the induction of ferroptosis acts to suppress conventional therapy-resistant cells, and to potentiate the effects of immunotherapy. As such, pharmacological or genetic modulation targeting ferroptosis holds great potential for the treatment of drug-resistant cancers. In this review, we present a critical analysis of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks involved in ferroptosis, the potential physiological functions of ferroptosis in tumor suppression, its potential in therapeutic targeting, and explore recent advances in the development of therapeutic strategies for BC.
Understanding MNPs Behaviour in Response to AMF in Biological Milieus and the Effects at the Cellular Level: Implications for a Rational Design That Drives Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy toward Clinical Implementation
Authors: Egea-Benavente David , Ovejero Jesús G. , Morales María del Puerto , Barber Domingo F.
Published: September 2021

Hyperthermia has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapies and in fact, traditional hyperthermia is now commonly used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery during cancer treatment. Nevertheless, non-specific application of hyperthermia generates various undesirable side-effects, such that nano-magnetic hyperthermia has arisen a possible solution to this problem. This technique to induce hyperthermia is based on the intrinsic capacity of magnetic nanoparticles to accumulate in a given target area and to respond to alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) by releasing heat, based on different principles of physics. Unfortunately, the clinical implementation of nano-magnetic hyperthermia has not been fluid and few clinical trials have been carried out. In this review, we want to demonstrate the need for more systematic and basic research in this area, as many of the sub-cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with this approach remain unclear. As such, we shall consider here the biological effects that occur and why this theoretically well-designed nano-system fails in physiological conditions. Moreover, we will offer some guidelines that may help establish successful strategies through the rational design of magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia.
Effects of Various Corrosive Ions on Metakaolin Concrete
Authors: Chen Xupeng , Sun Zhuowen , Pang Jianyong
Published: September 2021

In order to study and verify if the three corrosive irons of SO42−, Mg2+, and Cl− could promote or inhibit each other in concrete corrosion as time goes by, we take Metakaolin (MK) as the research object to explore the interaction mechanism among ions by testing the physical and mechanical properties, the ion content, the phase composition, and the microstructural changes of the MK concrete under the action of various ion combinations. The results show that during the initial and middle stages of the corrosion (40–80 days), SO42− and Mg2+ are in reciprocal inhibition relation, Cl− could inhibit the action of SO42−, and Mg2+ could promote the diffusion of Cl−. However, at the final stage of corrosion (120 days), SO42− and Mg2+ could mutually promote each other, and both irons could promote the diffusion of Cl−. Mg2+ could mainly produce magnesium hydroxide and M-S-H inside the concrete, SO42− mainly generates the ettringite and gypsum, while Cl− mainly produces Friedel salt and NaCl crystal.
Performance Analysis and Four-Objective Optimization of an Irreversible Rectangular Cycle
Authors: Gong Qirui , Ge Yanlin , Chen Lingen , Shi Shuangshaung , Feng Huijun
Published: September 2021

Based on the established model of the irreversible rectangular cycle in the previous literature, in this paper, finite time thermodynamics theory is applied to analyze the performance characteristics of an irreversible rectangular cycle by firstly taking power density and effective power as the objective functions. Then, four performance indicators of the cycle, that is, the thermal efficiency, dimensionless power output, dimensionless effective power, and dimensionless power density, are optimized with the cycle expansion ratio as the optimization variable by applying the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and considering four-objective, three-objective, and two-objective optimization combinations. Finally, optimal results are selected through three decision-making methods. The results show that although the efficiency of the irreversible rectangular cycle under the maximum power density point is less than that at the maximum power output point, the cycle under the maximum power density point can acquire a smaller size parameter. The efficiency at the maximum effective power point is always larger than that at the maximum power output point. When multi-objective optimization is performed on dimensionless power output, dimensionless effective power, and dimensionless power density, the deviation index obtained from the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) decision-making method is the smallest value, which means the result is the best.
Comparative Analysis of Solar Panels with Determination of Local Significance Levels of Criteria Using the MCDM Methods Resistant to the Rank Reversal Phenomenon
Authors: Bączkiewicz Aleksandra , Kizielewicz Bartłomiej , Shekhovtsov Andrii , Yelmikheiev Mykhailo , Kozlov Volodymyr , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to present an innovative approach based on two newly developed Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods: COMET combined with TOPSIS and SPOTIS, which could be the basis for a decision support system (DSS) in the problem of selecting solar panels. Solar energy is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly energy sources because of the enormous potential of directly converting available solar radiation everywhere into electricity. Furthermore, ever-lower prices for photovoltaic systems make solar electricity more competitive with power from conventional energy sources, increasing interest in solar panels among companies and households. This fact generates the need for a user-friendly, objective, fully automated DSS to support the multi-criteria selection of solar panels. Both MCDM methods chosen for this purpose are rank-reversal-free and precise. First, the objective entropy weighting method was applied for determining criteria weights. Final rankings were compared by two ranking correlation coefficients: symmetrical rw and asymmetrical WS. Then the sensitivity analysis providing local weights of alternatives for decision criteria was performed. The obtained results prove the adequacy and practical usefulness of the presented approach in solving the problem of solar panels selection.
From Words to Deeds: The Impact of Pro-Environmental Self-Identity on Green Energy Purchase Intention
Authors: Grębosz-Krawczyk Magdalena , Zakrzewska-Bielawska Agnieszka , Flaszewska Sylwia
Published: September 2021

This study examines the mechanism by which pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) affects green energy purchase intention (GEPI) through different dimensions of consumption values. The concept of pro-environmental self-identity is rarely discussed in the context of green energy purchase intention. Additionally, the amount of research concerning consumers’ attitudes and behaviours towards photovoltaic panels is limited. We fill this cognitive gap by testing a relation between pro-environmental self-identity and green energy purchase intention. The data collection was carried out based on an indirect method of gathering information—using an online survey. Research was conducted among 250 Polish customers. The partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was applied. The research results show that the relations between PESI and GEPI is mediated totally by social and partially by emotional values. The mediating impact of functional values was not confirmed. The results of this study illustrate the importance of intangible—social and emotional—values and its impact on the consumer behaviour toward green energy. This study can help marketers more efficiently promote the installation of photovoltaic panels in European countries.
Analysis of Hybrid Hetero-Homo Junction Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells by SCAPS Simulator
Authors: Salem Marwa. S. , Shaker Ahmed , Zekry Abdelhalim , Abouelatta Mohamed , Alanazi Adwan , Alshammari Mohammad T. , Gontand Christian
Published: September 2021

In this work, we report on the effect of substituting the active intrinsic i-layer on a conventional pin structure of lead-free perovskite solar cell (PSC) by a homo p-n junction, keeping the thickness of the active layer constant. It is expected that when the active i-layer is substituted by a p-n homo junction, one can increase the collection efficiency of the photo-generated electrons and holes due to the built-in electric field of the homo junction. The impact of the technological and physical device parameters on the performance parameters of the solar cell have been worked out. It was found that p-side thickness must be wider than the n-side, while its acceptor concentration should be slightly lower than the donor concentration of the n-side to achieve maximum efficiency. In addition, different absorber types, namely, i-absorber, n-absorber and p-absorber, are compared to the proposed pn-absorber, showing a performance-boosting effect when using the latter. Moreover, the proposed structure is made without a hole transport layer (HTL) to avoid the organic issues of the HTL materials. The back metal work function, bulk trap density and ETL material are optimized for best performance of the HTL-free structure, giving Jsc = 26.48, Voc = 0.948 V, FF = 77.20 and PCE = 19.37% for AM1.5 solar spectra. Such results highlight the prospective of the proposed structure and emphasize the importance of using HTL-free solar cells without deteriorating the efficiency. The solar cell is investigated by using SCAPS simulator.
Role of Ultrasonic Shot Peening in Environmental Hydrogen Embrittlement Behavior of 7075-T6 Alloy
Authors: Safyari Mahdieh , Moshtaghi Masoud
Published: September 2021

The effect of ultrasonic shot peening on the environmental hydrogen embrittlement behavior of the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy is investigated. The 7075-T6 tensile specimens were treated by ultrasonic shot peening for 50 s. Surface residual stress and the depth of residual stress under the surface were evaluated using an X-ray diffractometer. Then, the specimens were tensile tested in humid air and dry nitrogen gas by the slow strain rate technique. The results showed that the ultrasonic shot-peened specimen has a superior hydrogen embrittlement resistance. Further, the ultrasonic shot peening changes the fracture mode from an intergranular fracture mode to the transgranular one. It was suggested that ultrasonic shot-peening has two effects on hydrogen embrittlement behavior; the distribution of hydrogen inside the surface layer by introducing dislocations/vacancies as hydrogen traps and reducing the normalized amount of hydrogen trapped per unit length of the grain boundary.
Gambling-Related Harms for Affected Others: A Finnish Population-Based Survey
Authors: Castrén Sari , Lind Kalle , Hagfors Heli , Salonen Anne H.
Published: September 2021

Aims This study explores the prevalence of being a past-year affected other (AO) of a problem gambler by gender. The aims were to study the amount and type of gambling-related harms (GRHs) for subgroups of AOs and to distinguish GRH profiles for AO subgroups. Methods A total of 7186 adults aged 18 years and over participated in the Gambling Harms Survey evaluating year 2016. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results Of all respondents, 12.9% were defined as past-year AOs (women 13.7%; men 12.1%). The proportion of affected non-family members (ANFs) was 8.4%, and 5.6% were affected family members (AFMs). AFMs were usually women, and ANFs were usually men. Emotional, relationship, and financial harms were the most common types of harm. The odds of experiencing financial harm were highest for the 18- to 34-year-olds (OR 1.82) and for those whose partner/ex-partner had a gambling problem (OR 3.91). Having a parent/step-parent (OR 1.93) and child/stepchild (OR 3.64) increased the odds of experiencing emotional harm, whereas male gender (OR 0.50) and being an ANF (OR 0.58) decreased emotional harm. Relationship harm was evident for partners/ex-partners (OR 1.97–5.07). Conclusions GRH profiles for AO subgroups varied, which emphasizes the need for effective harm minimization strategies for those in need.
Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fila-Witecka Karolina , Senczyszyn Adrianna , Kołodziejczyk Agata , Ciułkowicz Marta , Maciaszek Julian , Misiak Błażej , Szcześniak Dorota , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: September 2021

Students worldwide have been impacted by nationwide safety closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an environment with loss of interaction with colleagues, social isolation, boredom, and economic uncertainty. Since university students were considered uniquely vulnerable to mental health problems even before the pandemic, this study aimed to investigate lifestyle and behavioral changes experienced by this population due to the epidemiological situation and their effect on their mental health. Data were collected via an online survey conducted among university students across Poland. The survey addressed recent lifestyle changes that were a result of the pandemic as well as psychological distress, symptoms of insomnia and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The results indicate that protective factors include maintaining a daily routine, staying physically active, following a usual eating pattern and taking care of sleep hygiene. Changes in behavior contributing to poorer mental health included giving up a daily routine, neglecting meals, tidiness, hygiene as well as social relationships, changes in food intake, sleeping schedule, a decrease in physical activity and the onset of sexual dysfunctions. A history of psychiatric treatment and an increase in self-harm as well as an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption were also found to be associated with psychological distress. Experienced lifestyle and behavioral changes and their impact on mental health were apparent throughout the obtained data, highlighting the need for psychological support in the studied population. Based on the results we were able to establish a list of protective and risk factors influencing the everyday life and psychological wellbeing of students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which could also be translated into life skills.
Pre-Frailty and Frailty in Dialysis and Pre-Dialysis Patients: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Biochemical Markers
Authors: Pereira Ana , Midão Luís , Almada Marta , Costa Elísio
Published: September 2021

Patients under dialysis are known to be more vulnerable to frailty, a dynamic geriatric syndrome defined as a state of vulnerability to stressors, due to numerous metabolic changes. With rise of life expectancy globally, it is important to understand the complexity of the pathophysiology of frailty and identify possible markers that can help with the prognosis and diagnosis of frailty. The aim of this systematic review is to give an overview of the knowledge regarding clinical and biochemical markers associated with pre-frailty and frailty in dialysis and pre-dialysis patients. In November 2020, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched. Studies regarding biomarkers associated with (pre-)frailty in (pre-)dialysis patients were included. This systematic review identified clinical and biochemical markers in pre-frail and frail patients under dialysis or pre-dialysis published in the literature. This study shows that more investigation is necessary to identify markers that can differentiate these processes to be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in routine care and management of geriatric needs. Interventions that can improve health outcomes in pre-frail and frail older adults under dialysis or pre-dialysis are essential to improve not only the individual’s quality of life but also to reduce the burden to the health systems.
Tracking Fecal Bacterial Dispersion from Municipal Wastewater to Peri-Urban Farms during Monsoon Rains in Hue City, Vietnam
Authors: Prayoga Windra , Nishiyama Masateru , Praise Susan , Pham Dung Viet , Duong Hieu Van , Pham Lieu Khac , Dang Loc Thi Thanh , Watanabe Toru
Published: September 2021

Disease outbreaks attributed to monsoon flood-induced pathogen exposure are frequently reported, especially in developing cities with poor sanitation. Contamination levels have been monitored in past studies, yet the sources, routes, and extents of contamination are not always clear. We evaluated pollution from municipal wastewater (MWW) discharge and investigated fecal contamination by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in three agricultural fields on the outskirts of Hue City, Vietnam. After E. coli concentration was determined in irrigation water (IRW), MWW, soil, vegetables (VEG), and manure, its dispersion from MWW was tracked using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and phylogenetic analyses during the wet and dry seasons. IRW was severely contaminated; 94% of the samples were positive with E. coli exceeding the stipulated standards, while VEG contamination was very low in both seasons. The confirmed total number of isolates was comparable between the seasons; however, results from MLST and phylogenetic clustering revealed more links between the sites and samples to MWW during the wet season. The wet season had four mixed clusters of E. coli isolates from multiple locations and samples linked to MWW, while only one mixed cluster also linking MWW to IRW was observed during the dry season. The most prevalent sequence type (ST) complex 10 and two others (40 and 155) have been associated with disease outbreaks, while other STs have links to major pathotypes. Irrigation canals are significant routes for E. coli dispersion through direct links to the urban drainage-infested river. This study clarified the genotype of E. coli in Hue city, and the numerous links between the samples and sites revealed MWW discharge as the source of E. coli contamination that was enhanced by flooding.
A Pilot Study on the Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Elite Australian Football Athletes
Authors: Carmichael Mikaeli A. , Thomson Rebecca L. , Moran Lisa J. , Dunstan Joel R. , Nelson Maximillian J. , Mathai Michael L. , Wycherley Thomas P.
Published: September 2021

The effect of the menstrual cycle on athlete performance, wellbeing and perceived exertion and fatigue is not well understood. Furthermore, it has not been investigated specifically in Australian Football athletes. This pilot study aimed to explore how naturally menstruating Australian Football athletes may be affected by menstrual cycle phase. The data collected from the routine monitoring of five naturally menstruating athletes (average menstrual cycle length of 28 ± 3 [SD] days) in one team (athlete age range 18–35 years) competing in the Women’s Australian Football League during the 2019 season were retrospectively analysed to compare performance (countermovement jump parameters and adductor squeeze pressure), perceived exertion, perceived fatigue and wellbeing (perceived sleep quality, stress and soreness) outcomes between the follicular and luteal phases. Performance, perceived exertion, stress and soreness did not appear to be affected by menstrual cycle phase (p > 0.17). However, perceived fatigue appeared to be significantly greater (p = 0.042) and sleep quality worse (p = 0.005) in the luteal phase. This pilot study suggests further research focusing on the effect of menstrual cycle phase on subjective fatigue and wellbeing is warranted.
Non-Linear Effects of the Built Environment and Social Environment on Bus Use among Older Adults in China: An Application of the XGBoost Model
Authors: Wang Lanjing , Zhao Chunli , Liu Xiaofei , Chen Xumei , Li Chaoyang , Wang Tao , Wu Jiani , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2021

Global aging has raised increasing concerns on the health and well-being of older adults. Public transport is a viable option to improve the mobility and quality of life among older adults. However, policies that promote the public transport use among older adults are rare. This study utilizes the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) decision tree to explore the non-linear associations of the built and social environment with bus use among older adults in China. The bus use of older adults was obtained from the Zhongshan Household Travel Survey (ZHTS) in 2012. Results show that non-linear relationships exist among all built environment and social environment characteristics. Within certain thresholds, the percentage of green space land use, land use mixture, bus-stop density, and dwelling unit density are positively related to bus use among older adults. Likewise, one social environment variable, the proportion of older adults in a neighborhood, is the key social environment variable. Furthermore, the dwelling unit density and proportion of older adults appear to have an inverse U-shaped relationship. Additionally, age, ownership of motorcycles, and distance from home to the nearest bus stop also show non-linearity. The findings presented in this paper facilitate effective planning interventions to promote bus use among older adults.
Effectiveness of Therapeutic Gardens for People with Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murroni Veronica , Cavalli Raffaele , Basso Andrea , Borella Erika , Meneghetti Chiara , Melendugno Andrea , Pazzaglia Francesca
Published: September 2021

This paper is a systematic review of quantitative studies conducted on the benefits of visiting gardens and gardening therapy for people with dementia (PWD) in an effort to assess the effectiveness of such treatments and obtain information on the most appropriate garden design for this population. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were searched (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus), with no time limits. Out of a total of 480 articles considered, 16 studies were selected for review. In all but two of the studies examined, gardening therapy and the use of therapeutic gardens induced psychophysiological improvements in PWD. The areas showing the greatest effects were Engagement, Agitation, Depression/Mood, Stress, and Medication. It also emerged that interest in this sphere has been growing in the last decade, but there is still a shortage of empirical evidence of the beneficial effects of therapeutic gardens in relation to the type and severity of dementia, and of garden design guidelines. Despite the limited number of studies investigated, the review confirmed the benefits of gardening and therapeutic gardens in PWD. There is nonetheless a need to conduct more quantitative research to support currently-available evidence and generate more information, focusing on garden design criteria, in-garden activities, the type and severity of dementia examined, and effects on caregivers as well as on PWD.
Psychometric Testing of the Bahasa Version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire among Indonesians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rias Yohanes Andy , Abiddin Andi Hayyun , Huda Nuh , Handayani Sri , Sirait Healthy Seventina , Pien Li-Chung , Weng Shuen-Fu , Tsai Hsiu-Ting
Published: September 2021

The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) has been recommended to validate illness perception. Nevertheless, this measurement has yet to be validated with an assessment of the construct and convergent validities and reliability in Indonesia. Our study aimed to psychometrically test the 8-item B-IPQ among Indonesians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data included 294 patients with T2DM with stratified multistage clustering. The 36-item Short Form Survey, 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were used to examine convergence and divergence. The validity analysis included the construct and convergent validities with significant person correlations. Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE) were used to assess reliability. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses indicated a multidimensional structure, including cognitive with a five-item structure and emotional illness representation with a three-item structure, with an acceptable goodness of model fit. The tool revealed good internal consistency for the cognitive, emotional, and overall domains and was positively moderately correlated with FBG, stress, anxiety, and depression but negatively correlated with the overall quality of life and mental and physical component scores. Findings provide empirical evidence that the Bahasa version of the B-IPQ showed adequate internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory, and thus is valid and reliable for illness perception assessments among Indonesians with T2DM.
Hypertension in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome—Age, Weight Status, and Disease Severity
Authors: Chuang Hai-Hua , Hsu Jen-Fu , Wang Chao-Yung , Chuang Li-Pang , Chen Min-Chi , Chen Ning-Hung , Huang Yu-Shu , Li Hsueh-Yu , Lee Li-Ang
Published: September 2021

Older age, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are known to increase the risk of hypertension in adults. However, data for children are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hypertension, age, weight status, and disease severity in 396 children with OSAS. The prevalence rates of hypertension, obesity, and severe OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index ≥10) were 27.0%, 28.0%, and 42.9%, respectively. Weight z-score and apnea-hypopnea index were independently correlated with systolic blood pressure z-score, and minimal blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) was independently associated with diastolic blood pressure z-score. Overall, late childhood/adolescence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.05–2.81), obesity (OR, 2.58, 95% CI = 1.58–4.22), and severe OSAS (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.48–3.81) were independent predictors of pediatric hypertension. Furthermore, late childhood/adolescence (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.10–5.71) and abnormal SpO2 (mean SpO2 < 95%; OR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.81–13.27) independently predicted hypertension in obese children, and severe OSAS (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.27–4.10) independently predicted hypertension in non-obese children. In conclusion, obesity, OSAS severity, and abnormal SpO2 are potentially modifiable targets to improve hypertension while treating children with OSAS.
Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Strains Isolated from Sewage of Slaughterhouses Located in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Facciolà Alessio , Virga Antonino , Gioffrè Maria Eufemia , Laganà Pasqualina
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is presently one of the most public health critical concerns. The frequent and often incorrect use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to the spread of antimicrobial resistance in this setting. Wastewater from slaughterhouses can be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, representing a possible cross-contamination route. We evaluated the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater samples from slaughterhouses located in an Italian region. Specifically, 18 slaughterhouses were included in the study. Of the tested samples, 40 bacterial strains were chosen, identified, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Aeromonas spp., and Citrobacter spp. were the most detected genera. The most resistant strains were on average those belonging to Enterobacter spp. The highest resistance rate was recorded for macrolides. Among β-lactams, penicillins and cephalosporins were by far the molecules towards which the highest resistance was detected. A very interesting finding is the difference found in strains detected in wastewater from poultry slaughterhouses, in which higher levels for almost all the considered drugs were detected compared to those from ungulates slaughterhouses. Our results indicate wastewater from slaughterhouses as a potential vehicle of resistant bacteria and highlight the importance of correct management of these kinds of waters.