bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicomponent intervention for frail and pre‐frail older adults with acute cardiovascular conditions: The TARGET‐EFT randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fountotos Rosie , Ahmad Fayeza , Bharaj Neetika , Munir Haroon , Marsala John , Rudski Lawrence G. , Goldfarb Michael , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospitalization for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be complicated by hospital‐acquired disability (HAD) and subsequently poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). While frailty has been shown to be a risk factor, it has yet to be studied as a therapeutic target to improve outcomes.

Objectives

This trial sought to determine the effects of an in‐hospital multicomponent intervention targeting physical weakness, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and anemia on patient‐centered outcomes compared to usual care.

Methods

A single‐center parallel‐group randomized clinical trial was conducted in older patients with acute CVD and evidence of frailty or pre‐frailty as measured by the Essential Frailty Toolset (EFT). Patients were randomized to usual care or a multicomponent intervention. Outcomes were HRQOL (EQ‐5D‐5L score) and disability (Older Americans Resources and Services score) at 30 days post‐discharge and mood disturbances (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at discharge.

Results

The trial cohort consisted of 142 patients with a mean age of 79.5 years and 55% females. The primary diagnosis was heart failure in 29%, valvular heart disease in 28%, ischemic heart disease in 14%, arrhythmia in 11%, and other CVDs in 18%. The intervention improved HRQOL scores (coefficient 0.08; 95% CI 0.01, 0.15; p = 0.03) and mood scores (coefficient −1.95; 95% CI −3.82, −0.09; p = 0.04) but not disability scores (coefficient 0.18; 95% CI −1.44, 1.81; p = 0.82). There were no intervention‐related adverse events.

Conclusion

In frail older patients hospitalized for acute CVDs, an in‐hospital multicomponent intervention targeted to frailty was safe and led to modest yet clinically meaningful improvements in HRQOL and mental well‐being. The downstream impact of these effects on event‐free survival and functional status remains to be evaluated in future research, as does the generalizability to other healthcare systems.

Clinical registration number: NCT04291690.
A cross‐sectional study of the association between periodontitis and physical activity in the Japanese population
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Yoshihara Akihiro , Suwama Kana , Zaitsu Takashi , Suzuki Seitaro , Ihira Hikaru , Sawada Norie , Aida Jun
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activity (PA) is associated with periodontitis in the Japanese population.

Background

The potential association between PA and periodontitis has not been thoroughly investigated in the Japanese population.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study for the Next‐Generation Oral Health Study. Periodontitis was determined by a full‐mouth periodontal examination. PA was assessed using a validated questionnaire. We performed multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of total PA (the first quintile was set as the reference category) with periodontitis (three categories: no/mild, moderate, and severe), stratified by sex. The associations of periodontitis with domain‐ and intensity‐specific PA were also studied in separate logistic regression models.

Results

This study included 2160 Japanese adults [1414 women and 746 men; mean (standard deviation) age 58.1 (9.6) years]. After adjusting for potential confounders, total PA was inversely associated with the presence and severity of periodontitis in women. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for periodontitis in the second to fifth quintiles (compared with the first quintile) of total PA were 0.81 (0.59–1.12), 0.74 (0.53–1.02), 0.77 (0.55–1.06), and 0.64 (0.46–0.89), respectively (p for trend = .01). We did not find different results when we further investigated the associations of periodontitis with domain‐ and intensity‐specific PA. By contrast, PA was not associated with periodontitis in men.

Conclusion

Total PA had an inverse, linear association with the presence and severity of periodontitis in Japanese women but not in Japanese men. Further prospective studies are required to determine the association between PA and periodontitis.
A model‐free approach to continuous‐time finance
Authors: Chiu Henry , Cont Rama
Published: January 2023

We present a pathwise approach to continuous‐time finance based on causal functional calculus. Our framework does not rely on any probabilistic concept. We introduce a definition of continuous‐time self‐financing portfolios, which does not rely on any integration concept and show that the value of a self‐financing portfolio belongs to a class of nonanticipative functionals, which are pathwise analogs of martingales. We show that if the set of market scenarios is generic in the sense of being stable under certain operations, such self‐financing strategies do not give rise to arbitrage. We then consider the problem of hedging a path‐dependent payoff across a generic set of scenarios. Applying the transition principle of Rufus Isaacs in differential games, we obtain a pathwise dynamic programming principle for the superhedging cost. We show that the superhedging cost is characterized as the solution of a path‐dependent equation. For the Asian option, we obtain an explicit solution.
Application of gender‐ablated semen during timed artificial insemination following oestrous synchronization in dairy and beef cows
Authors: Magopa Thabang Luther , Mphaphathi Masindi Lottus , Mulaudzi Thendo
Published: January 2023

The objectives of this study were to compare oestrous synchronization expression and conception rate following timed artificial insemination (TAI) with frozen–thawed X‐sexed or unsexed semen in dairy and beef cows. For this study, 227 cows (dairy, n = 130 and beef, n = 97) were assigned to a 9‐day Ovsynch + controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR) protocol. All cows were TAI using X‐sexed or unsexed semen from 8 sires. Each semen type was obtained from 4 sires [2 dairy (Holstein Friesian) and 2 beef (Angus)]. Pregnancy detection was performed on Days 35, 65 and 95 following TAI by transrectal ultrasonography and hand palpation. The proportion of oestrus expression was higher in dairy (85.3%) cows compared with beef (65.0%) cows (p < .05). Overall, dairy (X‐sexed, 61.9% and unsexed, 62.0%) cows had greater conception rates on Day 35 compared to beef (X‐sexed, 56.0% and unsexed, 52.2%) cows (p < .05). Concurrently, on Day 95, overall conception rates in dairy (X‐sexed, 41.4% and unsexed, 48.5%) cows were greater than beef (X‐sexed, 38.0% and unsexed, 37.0%) cows (p < .05). Pregnancy/embryo losses between Days 35 and 65 in dairy (X‐sexed, 33.3% and unsexed, 18.2%) cows and beef (X‐sexed, 28.6% and unsexed, 29.2%) cows were recorded (p < .05). Dairy (X‐sexed, 7.7% and unsexed, 8.3%) cows had higher incidence of pregnancy losses between Days 66 and 95 when compared to beef (X‐sexed, 5.0% and unsexed, 0.0%) cows (p < .05). Oestrous expression and conception rates in dairy and beef cows were satisfactory. Advanced reproductive biotechnologies can successfully utilize gender‐ablated semen in organized emerging cattle farming systems.
Reproductive performance and progeny sex ratio of female Chukar (Alectoris chukar) breeder partridges reared on restricted feeding regimens
Authors: Nasrollahi Banafsheh , Akhlaghi Amir , Rezvani Mohammad Reza , Jafarzadeh Shirazi Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Arman , Taghipour Mohsen , Babaei Sedigheh , Peebles Edgar David
Published: January 2023

A hypothesis was tested that quantitative feed restriction affects the reproductive performance and offspring sex ratio of female Chukar breeder partridges. A total of 160 2.5‐year‐old male and female partridges were randomly allotted to four treatment groups. The birds in the control group were fed ad libitum, whereas those in treatments G95, G90, and G85 received 26.1, 24.7, and 23.3 g of feed per bird/day to provide 95%, 90%, and 85% of ad libitum feeding level, respectively. The reproductive performances of female Chukar partridges including egg production, egg quality, fertility rate, duration of fertility, hatchability, chick quality, mortality rate, and offspring sex ratio (using a PCR procedure) were investigated. Feed restriction of all levels decreased the body weight and egg production compared with the ad libitum birds; however, restricted feeding had no significant effect on the egg quality traits. Non‐significant effects of treatment on fertility and hatchability rate were found. The restricted feeding reduced the duration of fertility. Furthermore, maternal restricted feeding resulted in decreased chick weights. The results of this study showed that embryonic mortality was not affected by the restricted feeding of Chukar breeder partridges. Interestingly, restricted feeding was associated with a decreased proportion of male offspring. Overall, body weight, egg production, duration of fertility, progeny chick weight, and sex ratio were responsive to restricted feeding where their changes make the restricted feeding regimens to not be practically recommended in breeder partridge production. These results are in contrast to the conventional restricted feeding program implemented in broiler breeder industry.
Origin, evolution and systematics of the genusPoecilimon(Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)—An outburst of diversification in the Aegean area
Authors: Borissov Simeon B. , Heller Klaus‐Gerhard , Çıplak Battal , Chobanov Dragan P.
Published: January 2023

Our study focuses on the origin, dispersal patterns, evolutionary strategies and systematics ofPoecilimon, the largest bush‐cricket genus in the Palaearctic with over 150 taxa described. We employ phylogenetic and divergence time estimation analyses based on multilocus sequence data (ND2 + COI + 12 S + 16 S + ITS+28 S), perform ancestral area reconstruction, and track the evolution of behavioural (evolution of sound communication) and morpho‐physiological traits (body size and shape, and spermatophore size) in this genus. Based on our results, we propose a revised systematics ofPoecilimon, including description of a new species,P. nivalissp. n., and hypothesize three stages in the evolution ofPoecilimon. (1) In the early evolution of the genus in Tortonian, when open dry habitats appeared in the Eastern Mediterranean, diversification rates were low and speciation was possibly induced by vicariance and habitat fragmentation; physiology and morphology during this period retained their ancestral states but the evolution of main lineages may have been accompanied by behavioural specializations. (2) Climate cooling and aridification during the Messinian induced dispersals and adaptation to new habitats, followed by physiological and behavioural adaptations; major clades formed or started diversifying. (3) Starting at the end of Messinian and continuing through the Plio‐ and Pleistocene, a few dispersal events from Anatolia to the Balkans took place and climatic oscillations were followed by allo‐ and parapatric divergence of habitat specialists, while ecological adaptations enhanced song diversity and led to morpho‐physiological changes.
Predicting the presence of E. coli in tap water using machine learning in Nepal
Authors: Kuroki So , Ogata Ryuji , Sakamoto Maiko
Published: January 2023

Within developing countries, a multitude of problems that affect the water supply process can result in the contamination of water taps. While machine learning applications have become popular for attaining efficient water quality predictions, acquiring the necessary data for modelling for developing countries is challenging. This study constructs water quality prediction models by machine learning with a pseudo‐pipeline network to complement the missing data of the water supply process. Using both water source and water tap quality information measured by the Government of Nepal, we apply the three machine learning models: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and LightGBM. Furthermore, we also apply a traditional statistical method—logistic regression (LR)—to the prediction of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in water taps. With some input variables (such as the length from the nearest sources) obtained from the pseudo‐pipeline network, the results show that SVM has stable and high accuracy for both the 26 cities (70%) and for the 25 cities except for Kathmandu (79%). LR performed a significantly lower accuracy for all cities (61%) than for 25 cities (79%). Additionally, we show that our method can be applied to other regions where a water quality survey has not yet been conducted.
The last two decades of computer vision technologies in water resource management: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Iqbal Umair , Riaz Muhammad Zain Bin , Barthelemy Johan , Perez Pascal , Idrees Muhammad Bilal
Published: January 2023

Efficient management of water resources is an important task given the significance of water in daily lives and economic growth. Water resource management is a specific field of study which deals with the efficient management of water resources towards fulfilling the needs of society and preventing from water‐related disasters. Many activities within this domain are getting benefitted with the recent technological advancements. Within many others, computer vision‐based solutions have emerged as disruptive technologies to address complex real‐world problems within the water resource management domain (e.g., flood detection and mapping, satellite‐based water bodies monitoring, monitoring and inspection of hydraulic structures, blockage detection and assessment, drainage inspection and sewer monitoring). However, there are still many aspects within the water resource management domain which can be explored using computer vision technologies. Therefore, it is important to investigate the trends in current research related to these technologies to inform the new researchers in this domain. In this context, this paper presents the bibliometric analysis of the literature from the last two decades where computer vision technologies have been used for addressing problems within the water resource management domain. The analysis is presented in two categories: (a) performance analysis demonstrating highlighted trends in the number of publications, number of citations, top contributing countries, top publishing journals, top contributing institutions and top publishers and (b) science mapping to demonstrate the relation between the bibliographic records based on the co‐occurrence of keywords, co‐authorship analysis, co‐citation analysis and bibliographic coupling analysis. Bibliographic records (i.e., 1059) are exported from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database using a comprehensive query of keywords. VOSviewer opensource tool is used to generate the network and overlay maps for the science mapping of bibliographic records. Results highlighted important trends and valuable insights related to the use of computer vision technologies in water resource management. An increasing trend in the number of publications and focus on deep learning/artificial intelligence (AI)‐based approaches has been reported from the analysis. Further, flood mapping, crack/fracture detection, coastal flood detection, blockage detection and drainage inspections are highlighted as active areas of research.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition does not improve the acute pressure natriuresis response in rats with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jones Natalie K. , Costello Hannah M. , Monaghan Marie‐Louise T. , Stewart Kevin , Binnie David , Marks Joanne , Bailey Matthew A. , Culshaw Geoffrey J.
Published: January 2023

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) leads to serious complications including premature cardiovascular and kidney disease. Hypertension contributes importantly to these adverse outcomes. The renal pressure natriuresis (PN) response, a key regulator of blood pressure (BP), is impaired in rats with T1DM as tubular sodium reabsorption fails to down‐regulate with increasing BP. We hypothesised that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which reduce cardiovascular risk in kidney disease, would augment the PN response in T1DM rats. Non‐diabetic or T1DM (35–50 mg/kg streptozotocin i.p.) adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were anaesthetised (thiopental 50 mg/kg i.p.) and randomised to receive either dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle. Baseline sodium excretion was measured and then BP was increased by sequential arterial ligations to induce the PN response. In non‐diabetic animals, the natriuretic and diuretic responses to increasing BP were not augmented by dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin induced glycosuria, but this was not influenced by BP. In T1DM rats the PN response was impaired. Dapagliflozin again increased urinary glucose excretion but did not enhance PN. Inhibition of SGLT2 does not enhance the PN response in rats, either with or without T1DM. SGLT2 makes only a minor contribution to tubular sodium reabsorption and does not contribute to the impaired PN response in T1DM.
Relationship between Diagnostic Method and Pathogen Detection, Healthcare Resource Use, and Cost in U.S. Adult Outpatients Treated for Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis
Authors: Moon Rena C. , Bleak Tammy C. , Rosenthal Ning A. , Couturier Brianne , Hemmert Rachael , Timbrook Tristan T. , Brown Harold , Fang Ferric C.
Published: January 2023

A retrospective observational study was performed to assess the relationship between diagnostic method (traditional work-up [TW], multiplex PCR panel with < 12 target pathogens [PCR < 12], or multiplex PCR panel with ≥ 12 target pathogens [PCR12]), and diagnostic yield, health care resource use (HRU), and cost in adult outpatients visiting U.S. hospitals for acute infectious gastroenteritis (AGE). Using data from PINC AI Healthcare Database during January 1, 2016–June 30, 2021, we analyzed adult patients with an AGE diagnosis and stool testing performed during an outpatient visit.
Biotechnology Data Analysis Training with Jupyter Notebooks
Authors: Liebal Ulf W. , Schimassek Rafael , Broderius Iris , Maaßen Nicole , Vogelgesang Alina , Weyers Philipp , Blank Lars M.
Published: January 2023

Biotechnology has experienced innovations in analytics and data processing. As the volume of data and its complexity grow, new computational procedures for extracting information are being developed.
An Inducible T7 Polymerase System for High-Level Protein Expression in Diverse Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Greenwich Jennifer L. , Alakavuklar Melene A. , Fuqua Clay
Published: January 2023

A broad host range (BHR)-inducible T7 RNA polymerase system was developed, enabling induction with isopropyl-β-
d
-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), similar to the
Escherichia coli
strain BL21(DE3) protocol, but it is now applicable in a wide range of bacteria. This system allows for high protein yields and purification from diverse Gram-negative bacteria, including the native host.
The Short-chain Fatty Acid Propionic Acid Activates the Rcs Stress Response System Partially through Inhibition of
d-
Alanine Racemase
Authors: Harshaw Nathaniel S. , Meyer Mitchell D. , Stella Nicholas A. , Lehner Kara M. , Kowalski Regis P. , Shanks Robert M. Q.
Published: January 2023

The Rcs bacterial stress response system responds to envelope stresses by globally altering gene expression to profoundly impact host-pathogen interactions, virulence, and antibiotic tolerance. In this study, a luminescent Rcs-reporter plasmid was used to screen a library of compounds for activators of Rcs.
Weight loss induces changes in adaptive thermogenesis in female and male physique athletes
Authors: Isola Ville , Hulmi Juha J. , Petäjä Pirita , Helms Eric R. , Karppinen Jari E. , Ahtiainen Juha P.
Published: January 2023

Physique athletes lose substantial weight preparing for competitions, potentially altering systemic metabolism. We investigated sex differences in body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and appetite-regulating and thyroid hormone changes during a competition preparation among drug-free physique athletes. The participants were female (10 competing (COMP) and 10 nondieting controls (CTRL)) and male (13 COMP and 10 CTRL) physique athletes. COMP were tested before they started their diet 23 weeks before competing (PRE), during their diet one week before competing (MID), and 23 weeks after competing (POST), whereas CTRL were tested at similar intervals but did not diet. Measurements included body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle size, and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFA) by ultrasound, REE by indirect calorimetry, circulating ghrelin, leptin T3, and T4 hormone analysis. Fat mass (FM) and SFA decreased in both sexes ( p < 0.001), while males ( p < 0.001) lost more lean mass (LM) than females ( p < 0.05). Weight loss, decreased energy intake, and increased aerobic exercise ( p < 0.05) led to decreased LM- and FM-adjusted REE ( p < 0.05), reflecting metabolic adaptation. Absolute leptin levels decreased in both sexes ( p < 0.001) but more among females ( p < 0.001) due to higher baseline leptin levels. These changes occurred with similar decreases in T3 ( p < 0.001) and resting heart rate ( p < 0.01) in both sexes. CTRL, who were former or upcoming physique athletes, showed no systematic changes in any measured variables. In conclusion, while dieting, female and male physique athletes experience REE and hormonal changes leading to adaptive thermogenesis. However, responses seemed temporary as they returned toward baseline after the recovery phase. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04392752).
Model trees and stepwise regressions for accurate in-plane shear strength predictions of partially grouted masonry walls
Authors: Izquierdo Karren , Mohsenijam Arash , Cruz-Noguez Carlos
Published: January 2023

The behaviour of partially grouted (PG) masonry shear walls is complex due to masonry's anisotropic nature and the nonlinear interactions among its constituents. Currently available code- and research-based shear strength equations provide highly variable results when predicting the in-plane shear strength of PG masonry walls. It is crucial to develop a greater understanding in this area, as sudden shear failures of masonry walls can lead to catastrophic losses of human life and property. This study presents the development of several new in-plane shear strength models for PG masonry walls using stepwise regression and model trees with data compiled from 292 experimentally tested walls. The models are found to significantly outperform existing code- and research-based shear strength equations. It was found that, of the variables studied, the most significant ones are the axial load, wall geometry, compressive strength of mortar, and area of interior vertical reinforcement.
Scalar field as a perfect fluid: thermodynamics of minimally coupled scalars and Einstein frame scalar-tensor gravity
Authors: Faraoni Valerio , Giardino Serena , Giusti Andrea , Vanderwee Robert
Published: January 2023

We revisit the analogy between a minimally coupled scalar field in general relativity and a perfect fluid, correcting previous identifications of effective temperature and chemical potential. This provides a useful complementary picture for the first-order thermodynamics of scalar-tensor gravity, paving the way for the Einstein frame formulation (which eluded previous attempts) and raises interesting questions to further develop the analogy.
Critical Role of the NiO–Ni(OH)2 Species Loaded Onto TiO2 Photocatalyst in the Enhancement of H2 Evolution Activity
Authors: Sudrajat Hanggara , Susanti Ari
Published: January 2023

One of the bottlenecks in photocatalysis is to obtain reasonably cheap co-catalysts beneficially contributing to efficient photophysical and photochemical processess. Herein, we prepare a co-catalyst system consisting of Ni species embedded in anatase TiO2. We focus on clarifying its role in regulating electron behavior, and hence, photocatalytic activity. Based on the transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure, and X-ray absorption fine structure, the surface-loaded Ni species are found to exist as crystalline NiO, together with a small fraction of amorphous Ni(OH)2. Using a combination of transient microwave conductivity and static infrared absorption spectroscopy, we show that electron transfer to the Ni species instead of electron trapping by structural defects, such as oxygen vacancies or reduced titanium cations, is key mechanism responsible for the prolonged lifetime of photoexcited electrons. The prolonged electron lifetime due to an efficient electron extractionby the Ni species are behind the increased H2 evolution activity. We demonstrate that the NiO-Ni(OH)2 co-catalyst system, which works as a H2 evolution site, is auspicious to make photoexcited electrons abundantly available on the surface by localizing them, and thus, readily accessible for the desired surface reactions.
Influence of Mixing Process on the Performance of Electrodes Made by a Dry Coating Method
Authors: Wang Ming , Uzun Kubra , Frieberg Bradley R. , Hu Jiazhi , Li Anita , Huang Xiaosong , Cheng Yang-Tse
Published: January 2023

Thick NMC-LMO blend positive electrodes were manufactured using dry-powder electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) to avoid the use of unwanted solvents. The effects of two dry powder mixing processes prior to ESD on the dry-made electrodes were investigated by peel tests, electrochemical techniques, and microscopic analyses. Electrodes made using high-speed mixing had a dense carbon black/binder layer on the active materials (AM), limiting their contact area with the electrolyte and decreasing the ionic conductivity. Electrodes made using ball mill mixing exhibited a porous structure, enabling more AM-electrolyte contact, thus improving ionic conductivity and lowering charge transfer resistance.
The Sonoelastography and Functional Outcome of Upper Extremity after Kinesiotaping on the Spastic Forearm in Patients with Subacute Stroke
Authors: Lai Shih-Jung , Huang Yu-Chi , Chen Po-Cheng , Wu Jia-Ying , Leong Chau-Peng
Published: January 2023

Objectives. This study is aimed at exploring the feasibility of sonoelastography on muscle stiffness of spastic forearm and evaluating the improvement of functional performance in patients with poststroke spasticity (PSS) after receiving kinesiotaping (KT) and rehabilitation. Methods. According to the spastic levels (using modified Ashworth scale (MAS)) of the affected upper extremity, 59 patients with stroke were allocated into two groups, group A (MAS 0–1): 31 patients (14 men and 17 women; mean age: 60 years) and group B (MAS 1+–2): 28 patients (22 men and 6 women; mean age: 51 years). The Brunnstrom motor recovery stage at the wrist/distal parts in groups A and B was stage 3/3.5 and stage 2.75/3. We evaluated the Brunnstrom stage, spastic levels by MAS and modified Tardieu scale (MTS), and Fugl‐Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA‐UE). We also evaluated the muscle spasticity of flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscles using sonoelastography with shear wave velocity (SWV). We applied KT for 20 patients in group B, comparing the changes in sonoelastography and functional outcomes between KT and without KT interventions. Results. Both the MAS and MTS scales were moderately correlated with the SWV in forearm muscles on hemiplegic side (r = 0.336–0.554) After KT intervention, the SWV in FCR decreased (p = 0.028). Muscle spasticity was reduced (p < 0.01), and distal part of the Brunnstrom stage and FMA‐UE were increased (p = 0.045 and p = 0.001). In patients without KT intervention, only the MTS degree reduced (p = 0.026). Conclusions. The SWV of sonoelastography could objectively assess the reduction of muscle stiffness of the affected forearms in patients with PSS after KT intervention. Advances in Knowledge. Sonoelastography could be a quantitative method to follow up for therapeutic effect of the spastic forearm.
Personalized Mobile Health for Elderly Home Care: A Systematic Review of Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Pahlevanynejad Shahrbanoo , Niakan Kalhori Sharareh R. , Katigari Meysam Rahmani , Eshpala Rahil Hosseini
Published: January 2023

Mobile health as one of the new technologies can be a proper solution to support care provision for the elderly and provide personalized care for them. This study is aimed at reviewing the benefits and challenges of personalized mobile health (PMH) for elderly home care. With a systematic review methodology, 1895 records were retrieved by searching four databases. After removing duplicates, 1703 articles remained. Following full-text examination, 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria were studied in detail, and the output was presented in different tables. The results indicated that 25% of the challenges were related to privacy, cybersecurity, and data ownership (10%), technology (7.5%), and implementation (7.5%). The most frequent benefits were related to cost-saving (17.5%), nurse engagement improvement (10%), and caregiver stress reduction (7.5%). In general, the number of benefits in this study was slightly higher than the challenges, but in order to use PMH technologies, the challenges presented in this study must be carefully considered and a suitable solution must be adopted. Benefits can also be helpful in persuading individuals and health-care providers. This study shed light on those points that need to be highlighted for further work in order to convert the challenges toward benefits.
Coseismic Deformation Responses due to Geometrical Structure and Heterogeneity of the Accretionary Wedge: Study Case 2010 Mentawai Earthquake, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Kuncoro Alvina K. , Srigutomo Wahyu , Fauzi Umar
Published: January 2023

The assumption of a homogeneous elastic half-space model is widely used to model the earth’s deformation. However, the homogeneous assumption would not accurately reflect the complexity of the shallow crust. We performed a 3D coseismic deformation model using the finite element method and referred to the 2010 Mentawai earthquake. The 2010 tsunami earthquake was located at the Mentawai segment, which is a part of the accretionary wedge in the Sumatra subduction zone. This active accretionary wedge is identified as the most complicated structure on earth and lies along the Sumatra subduction zone, at which most destructive earthquakes happen in this region. We examined the impact of the accretionary wedge geometry and material properties by considering the wedge as a single different property separated from the continental plate. Various geometrical features, such as topography and wedge dimension, as well as physical properties, were simulated. Those features are then observed for their responses on the surface deformation. The topography affected the magnitude of the horizontal deformation up to 10% but only the pattern of the vertical deformation. The wedge dimension seems to have an insignificant influence on the surface deformation compared to the topography. Different physical properties of the accretionary wedge affect not only the magnitude of the horizontal deformation up to 40% but also the orientation. The direction of the lateral movement is seemingly affected by the material under the GPS station and by the source. On the other hand, the variations in the physical properties resulted in discrepancies of 0.5 meters in the vertical deformation near the source. These results indicated that regional physical property information and geometrical features are critical in estimating coseismic deformation, leading to more accurate slip inversion and earthquake and tsunami hazard prediction, particularly in regions with significant inhomogeneity.
Theoretical Investigation of the Nonlinear Optical and Charge Transport Properties of N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene) Isonicotinohydrazone and Some of Its Derivatives: A DFT and TD-DFT Study
Authors: Tedjeuguim Charly Tsapi , Tasheh Stanley Numbonui , Julius Numbonui Ghogomu
Published: January 2023

Here, we report the findings from a study on the charge transport and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of N-(4-methoxybenzylidene) isonicotinohydrazone (INH) and some of its derivatives named INH1-INH15. The density functional theory (DFT) approach was used for ground state computations at the B3LYP-D/6-311G (d,p) level of theory, while the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) was carried out at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) level. The results show that the energy gaps of all the studied compounds range from 3.933 to 4.645 eV. INH3 and INH4 have the lowest electron and hole reorganization energies (i.e., 0.409 and 0.634 eV, respectively) and can thus be classified as moderate electron and hole-carrying materials for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications. TD-DFT computations demonstrate that an extension of the conjugation (in INH2 and INH3) increases the oscillator strength, improving the NLO response. According to the NLO data, INH2 and INH3 have higher static isotropic polarizabilities (38.509 and 37.986 × 10−24 esu, respectively) and second hyperpolarizabilities (54.440 and 57.598 × 10−36 esu, respectively), while INH4 and INH13 have higher first hyperpolarizability values (11.944 and 10.939 × 10−30 esu, respectively). The results reveal that INH derivatives with different groups are viable alternatives for OLED and NLO applications.
Antibiofilm Activity and Synergistic Effects of Thymol-Loaded Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles with Amikacin against Four Salmonella enterica Serovars
Authors: Kuaté Tokam Christian Ramsès , Bisso Ndezo Borel , Boulens Nathalie , Allémann Eric , Delie Florence , Dzoyem Jean Paul
Published: January 2023

Background. Salmonella species are frequently linked to biofilm-associated infections. Biofilm formation intensively reduces the efficacy of antibiotics and the host immune system. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed. Thymol, the main monoterpene phenol found in Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to possess potent antibiofilm activity. Our previous findings showed that thymol enhanced the antibiofilm activity of aminoglycosides against Salmonella enterica serovars. However, the clinical potential of thymol has not yet been realized due to its low aqueous solubility and high volatility. Nano-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a novel strategy to resolve these problems. This study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of thymol-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (TH-NPs) and their synergism when used in combination with amikacin antibiotics. Methods. The antibacterial activity of TH-NPs was evaluated using the broth microdilution method. Biofilm formation and antibiofilm assays were performed by the miniaturized microtiter plate method. Interaction studies between TH-NPs and amikacin against biofilm were determined using the checkerboard method. Results. TH-NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against planktonic cells of S. enterica serovars that were more efficient (8 to 32 times) than free thymol alone. S. Typhimurium and S. Choleraesuis isolates were considered strong biofilm producers. The combination of TH-NPs with amikacin showed synergistic activity in the inhibition and eradication of S. enterica serovar biofilm. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of amikacin were reduced by 32 to 128-fold when used in combination with TH-NPs. Time-kill kinetic studies showed that the combination of TH-NPs with amikacin possesses bactericidal action. Conclusion. This study suggests that the combination of TH-NPs with amikacin can be an alternative to overcome biofilm-associatedSalmonella diseases and therefore should be further explored as a model to search for new antibiofilm drugs.
Factors within the Developing Embryo and Ovarian Microenvironment That Influence Primordial Germ Cell Fate
Authors: Laronda Monica M.
Published: January 2023

Background: Primordial germ cell (PGC) fate is dictated by the designation, taxis, and influence of the surrounding embryonic somatic cells. Whereas gonadal sex determination results from a balance of factors within the tissue microenvironment. Summary: Our understanding of mammalian ovary development is formed in large part from developmental time courses established using murine models. Genomic tools where genes implicated in the PGC designation or gonadal sex determination have been modulated through complete or conditional knockouts in vivo, and studies in in situ models with inhibitors or cultures that alter the native gonadal environment have pieced together the interplay of pioneering transcription factors, co-regulators and chromosomes critical for the progression of PGCs to oocytes. Tools such as pluripotent stem cell derivation, genomic modifications, and aggregate differentiation cultures have yielded some insight into the human condition. Additional understanding of sex determination, both gonadal and anatomical, may be inferred from phenotypes that arise from de novo or inherited gene variants in humans who have differences in sex development. Key Messages: This review highlights major factors critical for PGC specification and migration, and in ovarian gonad specification by reviewing seminal murine models. These pathways are compared to what is known about the human condition from expression profiles of fetal gonadal tissue, use of human pluripotent stem cells, or disorders resulting from disease variants. Many of these pathways are challenging to decipher in human tissues. However, the impact of new single-cell technologies and whole-genome sequencing to reveal disease variants of idiopathic reproductive tract phenotypes will help elucidate the mechanisms involved in human ovary development.
High Response Rate to Carboplatin-Paclitaxel-Cetuximab and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chauffert Bruno , Zhou Yuedan , Medjkoune Liza , Ouikene Abdenour , Galez Agnes , Belkhir Farid , Saint-Germain Pierre , Youssef Ali , Chehimi Mohamad
Published: January 2023

The management of R/M HNSCC is rapidly evolving with new available treatment molecules and combination modalities. Anti-EGFR cetuximab (CTX) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can be used either alone or in combination with conventional platinum-based doublet chemotherapy (with taxanes or fluorouracil). No data have been reported to date on the association of doublet chemotherapy concomitantly with both CTX and ICI. We present a case series of patients treated with 4 cycles of quadritherapy, every 3 weeks, including paclitaxel 175 mg/m2, carboplatin AUC 5, pembrolizumab 200 mg, and weekly 250 mg/m2 CTX. All patients achieved an objective response (6 complete responses, 2 partial responses). Clinical response was fast, so 1 patient avoided an emergency tracheostomy for laryngeal dyspnea. Four patients furtherly benefited from cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy on residual tumor sites after the response to quadritherapy. Adverse events were manageable, except for an ICI-related liver toxicity in a patient. Overall, this short series indicates that a quadruple therapy with carboplatin-paclitaxel-CTX and pembrolizumab seems to be safe and active in patients with R/M HNSCC. This observation could be confirmed through further clinical trials.
Role of social factors, self-efficacy and technological support on the use of virtual learning environment among teachers
Authors: Ahmad Noor Lela , Yahaya Rusliza , Ab Wahid Hariyaty , Fazil Nadhirah Syafiqah Mohd
Published: January 2023

Virtual learning environment (VLE) has been introduced in educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities to encourage a systematic online teaching and learning platform. This paper aims to examine the effect of social factors, self-efficacy, and technological support on the utilization of VLE in the educational process. A quantitative approach was employed and the data was collected through a set of questionnaires administered to selected respondents. A total of 356 accounting teachers from secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia were chosen as the samples. A reflective measurement model in partial least square-structural equation modeling was utilized to measure the effect of the exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable. Results indicated that social factors namely (colleagues, administrators, and school culture) significantly affect the use of VLE among teachers. Further, self-efficacy and technological support namely (facilities quality, internet access, and technical support) positively influence teachers to apply VLE during teaching. The quality of technological facilities in schools needs to be developed to promote effective educational processes and motivate teachers to use digital technology. Further, it is strongly suggested that teachers need to be given appropriate training and ongoing support to develop their skills in using digital technology.
Stop bullying: Evidence from an exploratory factor analysis of dominant bullying behaviors among Malaysian adolescent
Authors: Busthami Nur Abdul Hamid , Azid Nurulwahida , Md-Ali Ruzlan , Nakman Siti Jaizah , Kiong Tee Tze , Heong Yee Mei
Published: January 2023

Bullying, a recurring aggressive and substantial antisocial behavior characterized by a power imbalance can be destructive, and persistent and causes harm. Bullying is a negative behavior on individuals or groups of individuals who are considered weak that occurs more frequently among adolescents between the ages of 13–16. Bullying in schools is a violence that can result in students feeling threatened and powerless. This study was conducted to identify constructs that measure physical, verbal, anti-social, and cyberbullying. A total of 677 samples from a total of 23 secondary schools in the northern peninsula of Malaysia were involved in this cross-sectional survey research design that used a questionnaire to collect the data. Exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that four factors namely, physical bully, verbal bullying, antisocial bully, and cyberbullying were prevalent among Malaysian adolescents. The reliability value for each factor was high, which ranged from .73 to .89. Out of four bullying constructs in the study, physical bullying has the highest factor loading. In conclusion, this study has proven that Malaysian adolescents also face bullying where the most dominant bullying behavior for Malaysian adolescents is physical bullying. The data imply that school leaders, the Malaysian Ministry of Education, and the community should view this matter seriously and Malaysian youths should be educated on the dangers of bullying behavior that can have a negative impact on the development of society as a whole.
The instrument development to measure the verbal ability of prospective high school students
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad Rais , Hadi Samsul , Jailani Jailani , Retnawati Heri
Published: January 2023

An alternative for determining an accurate major for prospective high school students is not only based on academic scores but also on the results of the scholastic aptitude test (SAT). Verbal ability is an SAT subtest that assesses language management, vocabulary, and problem-solving abilities through a complete language study. This study developed a verbal ability test instrument for junior high school students consisting of the ability of synonyms, antonyms, and analogies. The data was collected from 300 junior high school students in grade nine who took a test with dichotomous data. The data analysis approach used one-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with correlation factors. The results showed that CFA with correlation factors indicated the construct validity of the instrument was valid with the index criteria value =446.80, df=389, p-value=0.02267, root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.022, goodness of fit index (GFI)=0.91, adjusted goodness-of-fit (AGFI)=0.89, and comparative fit index (CFI)=0.98. Then, construct reliability has good reliability with coefficient values for each dimension of 0.93, 0.95, and 0.84. As for the composite reliability of 0.88. It shows that using the verbal ability test instrument is feasible and has a reliable scale to measure the ability of junior high school students.
Relationship between level of scientific creativity and scientific attitudes among prospective chemistry teachers
Authors: Nursiwan Wimbi Apriwanda , Hanri Chuzairy
Published: January 2023

Scientific creativity and scientific attitude are important things that must be passed on in science learning. That is because the level of scientific creativity and scientific attitude could influence the performance in learning. As the same crucial components in learning, this research aimed to study the relationship between the level of scientific creativity and scientific attitudes. This study involved 92 prospective chemistry teachers in Pekanbaru, Indonesia who were selected using sample-simple random sampling. The data was collected through a chemistry scientific creativity test (CSCT) in form of open-ended questions, and a scientific attitude questionnaire. The data further was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 with a calculation of spearman correlation. The result showed that there was no relationship between the level of scientific creativity and scientific attitudes with Sig. 2-tailed=0.193, rs=0.137. It indicated that the level of scientific attitude was not the dominant factor that could influence the level of scientific creativity among prospective chemistry teachers in this study. Thus, this finding could be a consideration for educational stakeholders to explore the dominant factor that affected scientific creativity.
Teachers’ attitude towards education for sustainable development: A descriptive research
Authors: Peedikayil Joshith Vazhayil , Vijayan Vrinda , Kaliappan Thiyagu
Published: January 2023

Teachers are the torch bearers of sustainable development, promoting social change and maintaining balance between two important concepts development and sustainability. They have a pivotal role in promoting education for sustainable development (ESD) perpetuating social change leading to progressive development and a futuristic growth in the society. ESD is one of the millennium development goals acknowledged globally and need to get practiced widely. Teachers play prominent role in inculcating the knowledge, spreading values, and enriching skills that are needed for sustainability to cope with the change in attributes of workplace. The central theme of the study was to determine the attitude of high school teachers concerning ESD. For this, the normative survey method (N=150) was used to collect data. The data were collected by an attitude scale entitled “ESD attitude scale”. This investigation examined teachers’ attitude towards ESD based on teachers’ gender, subject of teaching, and type of management of the institution. To achieve the objectives of the study, item-based assessment with percentage analysis, t-values and F-values were calculated. Research findings showed that teachers have a favorable attitude towards ESD. Gender and management of the institution were not found to change attitudes towards ESD of high school teachers, whereas the subject of teaching was found to change the same. With these pieces of evidence from the present study, educationalists can reform the existing high school education system for sustainable development.