bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Constructive Role of Teacher Enthusiasm and Clarity in Reducing Chinese EFL Students’ Boredom
Authors: Song Yang
Published: April 2022

With the rise of positive psychology, the role of teachers’ emotions and interpersonal communication skills has been recently highlighted in the literature. However, the preventive role of teacher enthusiasm and clarity in reducing EFL students’ boredom has not caught sufficient attention among L2 scholars. Against this gap, this article, first, presented the definitions, dimensions, and conceptualizations of teacher enthusiasm, clarity, and students’ boredom. Next, theoretical and empirical backgrounds were provided to support the claim that enthusiasm and clarity of EFL teachers can stop students’ classroom boredom. Additionally, the study presented the implications and future directions of this line of research for different people such as EFL teachers, teacher trainers, and L2 scholars. The ideas can improve their awareness of teachers’ positive emotions, interpersonal skills, and their roles in L2 education.
Therapeutic Garden With Contemplative Features Induces Desirable Changes in Mood and Brain Activity in Depressed Adults
Authors: Olszewska-Guizzo Agnieszka , Fogel Anna , Escoffier Nicolas , Sia Angelia , Nakazawa Kenta , Kumagai Akihiro , Dan Ippeita , Ho Roger
Published: April 2022

The therapeutic values of contact with nature have been increasingly recognized. A growing body of evidence suggests that a unique subcategory of “contemplative landscapes” is particularly therapeutic. Previous studies predominantly focused on observational designs in non-clinical populations. It is not known if these effects can be extrapolated to populations suffering from depression, and experimental designs need to be utilized to establish causality. We examined the effects of in-situ passive exposure to three urban spaces on brain activity, namely a Therapeutic Garden with high Contemplative Landscape scores (TG), Residential Green (RG) and Busy Downtown (BD), and self-reported momentary mood in adults aged 21–74 (n = 92), including 24 clinically depressed and 68 healthy participants. Portable, multimodal electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems were used to record brain activity, and a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire was used to record mood before and after exposure. We tested the interactions between the site, time and group for the mood, and between site and group for the neuroelectric oscillations and brain hemodynamics. Self-reported pre- post-mood was significant only at the TG (p = 0.032) in both groups. The lowest Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) was reported at TG and the highest in BD (p = 0.026). Results from fNIRS indicated marginally significant lower oxy-Hb in the frontal region at TG as compared to BD (p = 0.054) across both groups. The marginally significant effect of site and group was also observed (p = 0.062), with the Clinical group showing much lower oxy-Hb at TG than Healthy. The opposite pattern was observed at BD. EEG results showed differences between Healthy and Clinical groups in the Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA) pattern across the sites (p = 0.04), with more frontal alpha right in the Clinical sample and more left lateralization in the Healthy sample at TG. Temporal Beta Asymmetry (TBA) analyses suggested that patients displayed lower bottom-up attention than Healthy participants across all sites (p = 0.039). The results suggest that both healthy and depressed adults benefitted from exposure to TG, with possibly different pathways of mood improvement. Visiting therapeutic nature with contemplative features may provide valuable support for the treatment of depression in clinical populations and a self-care intervention in non-clinical populations.
Dental Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Frequency and Associated Variables
Authors: Park Ye , Guzick Andrew G. , Schneider Sophie C. , Fuselier Madeleine , Wood Jeffrey J. , Kerns Connor M. , Kendall Philip C. , Storch Eric A.
Published: April 2022

Dental anxiety seems to be elevated in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and may be associated with feelings of helplessness, loss of control, and sensory overload. Dental anxiety, a primary contributor to dental avoidance, can lead to unwanted long-term oral hygiene consequences. This manuscript characterizes the frequency and correlates of dental anxiety in children with ASD. Specifically, this study examined associations between child-reported dental anxiety and parent-reported autism symptom severity, anxiety symptom severity, sensory sensitivity, and internalizing/externalizing symptom severity. Participants included 76 children without cognitive impairment (age in years M = 9.9, SD = 1.8) who took part in a cognitive behavioral therapy study for children with ASD and co-occurring anxiety disorders. Elevated dental anxiety was found in 68% of participants based on a cut-off score from a dental anxiety measure, with fears related to pain being the most commonly endorsed concern; over half of youth endorsed feeling scared about pinching feelings or having a tooth pulled out at the dentist. No significant correlations between dental anxiety and other variables of interest were found, including overall anxiety severity, ASD symptoms, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and sensory sensitivities. The findings contextualize the frequency of dental anxiety and its relationship to various variables, which may be useful in tailoring existing treatments to reduce dental anxiety in children with ASD.
Deep Brain Stimulation in Drug Addiction Treatment: Research Progress and Perspective
Authors: Chang Rui , Peng Jionghong , Chen Yunfan , Liao Hailin , Zhao Size , Zou Ju , Tan Sijie
Published: April 2022

Drug addiction is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug-using behavior, and a tremendous socioeconomic burden to society. Current pharmacological and psychosocial methods have shown limited treatment effects for substance abuse. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a novel treatment for psychiatric disease and has gradually gained popularity in the treatment of addiction. Addiction is characterized by neuroplastic changes in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key structure in the brain reward system, and DBS in this region has shown promising treatment effects. In this paper, the research progress on DBS for drug addiction has been reviewed. Specifically, we discuss the mechanism of NAc DBS for addiction treatment and summarize the results of clinical trials on DBS treatment for addiction to psychoactive substances such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, opioids and methamphetamine/amphetamine. In addition, the treatment effects of DBS in other brain regions, such as the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and insula are discussed.
Coping With Anxiety: Brain Structural Correlates of Vigilance and Cognitive Avoidance
Authors: Günther Vivien , Jahn Salome , Webelhorst Carolin , Bodenschatz Charlott Maria , Bujanow Anna , Mucha Simone , Kersting Anette , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Egloff Boris , Lobsien Donald , Suslow Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background

Individuals differ in their dispositional coping behavior when they are confronted with anxiety-provoking situations. Cognitive avoidance is characterized by a withdrawal from threatening information, whereas vigilance denotes the intensive search for threat-related information. Functional neuroimaging studies indicate alterations in brain responsivity to emotional stimuli as a function of cognitive avoidant and vigilant coping, but findings are partially discrepant. Studies on structural correlates of coping styles are scarce.

Materials and Methods

By using structural magnetic resonance imaging, the present study examined the relationship between brain gray matter volume and coping strategies in 114 healthy individuals. Individual differences in vigilance and cognitive avoidance were measured by the Mainz Coping Inventory.

Results

Exploratory whole-brain analyses were conducted. Cognitive avoidant coping significantly predicted reduced gray matter volume in the bilateral thalamus, whereas vigilant coping was associated with volumetric increases in the bilateral thalamus. These relationships remained significant when controlling for a potential influence of age, sex, depressive symptoms, and trait anxiety.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that dispositional strategies to deal with anxiety-provoking situations are related to volumetric alterations in the thalamus, a brain structure that has been implicated in the mediation of attentional processes and alertness, and the anticipation of harm. The dispositional tendency to monitor the environment for potential threats (i.e., vigilance), appears to be associated with volumetric increases in the thalamus, whereas the dispositional inclination to divert one’s attention away from distressing stimuli (i.e., cognitive avoidance) seems to go along with reductions in thalamic gray matter density.
Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on Medical Services Among Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Tur-Sinai Aviad
Published: April 2022

The upturn in life expectancy and its consequence, population aging, are challenging labor, pension, and social-security systems throughout the developed world. The focal aim of this study is to measure the extent of out-of-pocket funding of healthcare services by the older adult population. The study has three objectives: to profile the healthcare services for which older adults pay out of pocket, profile the older adults who pay out of pocket for medical services and detect changes over the years, and identify predictors of out-of-pocket healthcare services funding by older adults. The study is predicated on the SHARE-Israel database (SHARE—Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe). Relating to information yielded by the last two waves of SHARE-Israel (Wave 7 and Wave 8), it sheds light on the characteristics of those who reported having paid out-of-pocket for medical services. A large majority of the older-adult population in Israel that consumes healthcare services is asked to pay for services out of pocket. Having supplemental health insurance, personal state of health and changes in it, and economic resources are found to have the strongest effect on the probability of out-of-pocket funding. The motive of financial and/or social support that older adults receive from and/or give to their immediate surroundings makes it more likely that they will pay out of pocket for healthcare services. The probability of such funding varies between nationalities and immigration statuses. It is found with emphasis that the share of out-of-pocket funding of healthcare in older adult households' total annual income is trending upward. Furthermore, economic motives are central in determining whether such expenditure will stabilize over time. The findings stress the need to enhance the healthcare system's awareness of the profile of older adults who find it necessary to pay out of pocket for healthcare services.
Association Between Natural/Built Campus Environment and Depression Among Chinese Undergraduates: Multiscale Evidence for the Moderating Role of Socioeconomic Factors After Controlling for Residential Self-Selection
Authors: Yang Haoran , Cui Xiangfen , Dijst Martin , Tian Senlin , Chen Jie , Huang Jianhong
Published: April 2022

Aim

Evidence on the association between natural-built environments and depression is largely derived from the general population and prone to residential self-selection bias because of the nature of cross-sectional research design. Despite emerging adulthood, which includes the university years, is a critical stage for forming life-long health habits, studies on this topic focusing on undergraduate students are limited. The current study aims to illustrate the underlying mechanisms for how the campus-based environments affect depression in undergraduate students.

Methods

Based on a nationwide representative analytical sample of 22,009 Chinese undergraduates in 2018, we examined participants' reports of depression and campus-centered natural/built environments within multiple buffer sizes including 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 km. After disentangling residential self-selection, we explored the moderating role of the socioeconomic attributes of undergraduates. The depression outcome was measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9). Indicators of exposure to green and blue space, transportation infrastructure, and food environments were objectively assessed using different circular buffers around each campus address.

Results

Modeling results indicated that campus neighborhoods with more scattered trees (0.5 km), water (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 km), and street intersections (1.0 and 2.5 km) were protective against depression. In contrast, those living near denser distributions of outlets serving take-away sweets and fast food (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 km) were susceptible to depression. These associations were modified by undergraduates' socioeconomic attributes (e.g., grade, Hukou status, and ethnicity) and varied according to geographical scales and exposure metrics.

Conclusion

To deliver effective environmental interventions to curb the prevalence of depression among undergraduate students, further planning policies should focus on the careful conception of the campus-based environment, especially regarding different spatial scales.
Ending Neonatal Deaths From Hypothermia in Sub-Saharan Africa: Call for Essential Technologies Tailored to the Context
Authors: Brambilla Pisoni Giorgia , Gaulis Christine , Suter Silvan , Rochat Michel A. , Makohliso Solomzi , Roth-Kleiner Matthias , Kyokan Michiko , Pfister Riccardo E. , Schönenberger Klaus
Published: April 2022

Neonatal death represents a major burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the main conditions triggering mortality, such as prematurity, labor complications, infections, and respiratory distress syndrome, are frequently worsened by hypothermia, which dramatically scales up the risk of death. In SSA, the lack of awareness on the procedures to prevent hypothermia and the shortage of essential infant devices to treat it are hampering the reduction of neonatal deaths associated to hypothermia. Here, we offer a snapshot on the current available medical solutions to prevent and treat hypothermia in SSA, with a focus on Kenya. We aim to provide a picture that underlines the essential need for infant incubators in SSA. Specifically, given the inappropriateness of the incubators currently on the market, we point out the need for reinterpretation of research in the field, calling for technology-based solutions tailored to the SSA context, the need, and the end-user.
The Impact of Working Environment on Nurses' Caring Behavior in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Arsat Norkiah , Chua Bee Seok , Wider Walton , Dasan Norsimah
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aims to investigate 5 types of work environment influencing nurses' caring behavior, namely (i) participation in hospital affairs, (ii) foundations for quality of care, (iii) manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses, (iv) staffing and resource adequacy, and (v) nurse-physician relations.

Design

This research is a cross-sectional study using the survey method.

Methods

Data were collected from 3,532 nurses working in public hospitals and health clinics within Sabah, Malaysia in 2015. The hypothesized model was evaluated using partial least squares method.

Results

The findings reveal that all forms of work environment have a positive effect on nurses' caring behavior except for staffing and resource adequacy which shows a negative effect on caring behavior.

Conclusion

Overall, this study has added to theoretical contributions in the academic and research fields as well as in practical implications in the field of nursing practice by addressing the influence of work environments on caring behavior.

Implications for Nursing Management

The present research has provided convergent evidence on the role of the working environment in influencing the behavior of nurses working in hospitals and health clinics in Sabah, Malaysia.
Psychological Health and Sleep Quality of Medical Graduates During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Post-epidemic Era
Authors: Wu Honglin , Li Huiyan , Li Xixi , Su Weijie , Tang Hongxin , Yang Jia , Deng Zhong , Xiao Lihua , Yang Lixuan
Published: April 2022

Recently, a COVID-19 virus variant spread rapidly in Guangzhou, China, causing public panic. This study aimed to understand the psychological and sleep-related consequences of the secondary outbreak of the pandemic on medical students. In this cross-sectional survey-based study, participants anonymously completed structured questionnaires online from June 8–22, 2021. We collected participants' demographic and general information. Anxiety, depression, and sleep quality were measured using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Protective factors were assessed using the Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed examining factors associated with mental health and sleep quality problems. During the second wave of the pandemic in local outbreak areas in Guangzhou, China, more than one-third of medical students' mental health and sleep quality were affected. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality were 27.54%, 27.58%, and 18.19%, respectively. Students belonging to the Class of 2019, aged over 29 years, those with siblings, and those whose hometowns were in other provinces were more prone to the three health problems. Factors associated with an increased risk of mental health problems were vaccination status (adjusted odds ratio 1.603–1.839) and diet status (adjusted odds ratio 1.62–1.929). Positive coping styles served as protective factors (p < 0.05). We discovered that completed vaccination status, good diet, and positive coping styles were related to good mental health and sleep quality.
Bacterial Biofilms: Did You Know They Can Help Us?
Authors: Gudynaite Diana , Arnaouteli Sofia , Bamford Natalie C. , Kalamara Margarita , Stanley-Wall Nicola R.
Published: April 2022

Bacteria are tiny organisms that we cannot see with our naked eye. In nature they live in social groups called biofilms. To build biofilms bacteria produce a sticky material that works like a glue, called the biofilm matrix, that helps the bacteria stick to each other and to surfaces. Although some types of biofilms can be harmful, a lot of biofilms are very useful for humans. In this article we will give you examples of the amazing things biofilms can do for us, from helping remove oil spills in the oceans to helping our plants and crops stay healthy! There is an animation you can watch and an illustration you can explore. We hope you enjoy learning about beneficial biofilms.
The Lost Social Context of Recovery Psychiatrization of a Social Process
Authors: Topor Alain , Boe Tore Dag , Larsen Inger Beate
Published: April 2022

From being a concept questioning the core of psychiatric knowledge and practice, recovery has been adopted as a guiding vison for mental health policy and practice by different local, national, and international organizations. The aim of this article is to contextualize the different understandings of recovery and its psychiatrization through the emergence of an individualizing and de-contextualized definition which have gained a dominant position. It ends with an attempt to formulate a new definition of recovery which integrates people in their social context. Research results from various follow-up studies showing the possibility of recovery from severe mental distress have stressed the importance of societal, social and relational factors as well of the person's own agency when facing their distress and reactions from their environment. These researches were published in the 1970s and 80s; a period of struggle for liberation from colonialism, of struggle by women and black people for their civil rights, and a time of de-institutionalization of services directed toward the poor, elderly, handicapped, prisoners, and people with mental health problems. Recovery research pointed at the central role of individuals in their recovery journey and it was understood as a personal process in a social context. However, with neo-liberal political agenda, the personal role of individuals and their own responsibility for their well-being was stressed, and contextual understandings and the role of social, material and cultural changes to promote recovery faded away. Thus, during recent decades recovery has been mostly defined as an individualistic journey of changing the persons and their perception of their situation, but not of changing this situation. Contextual aspects are almost absent. The most quoted definition accepts the limits posed by an illness-based model. This kind of definition might be a reason for the wide acceptance of a phenomenon that was initially experienced as a break with the bio-medical paradigm. Recently, this dominant individualized understanding of recovery has been criticized by service users, clinicians and researchers, making possible a redefinition of recovery as a social process in material and cultural contexts.
Sulfur- and Iron-Rich Mineralogical Features Preserved in Permafrost in the Canadian High Arctic: Analogs for the Astrobiological Exploration of Mars
Authors: Lau Graham E. , Trivedi Christopher B. , Grasby Stephen E. , Spear John R. , Cosmidis Julie , Templeton Alexis S.
Published: April 2022

Elliptical sulfate-rich features, stained red by the presence of iron oxides, are set within permafrost and carbonate rock at Borup Fiord Pass in the Canadian High Arctic. These features, which vary in diameter from ∼0.5 to 3 m, exhibit the co-localization of sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) minerals, with S and Fe both preserved in multiple oxidation states. Through application of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microspectroscopy, we find that these features appear to encapsulate central cores with abundant pyrite while S0, gypsum, and iron-bearing secondary minerals such as jarosite, goethite, and hematite have formed from oxidative weathering of the pyrite. These features appear similar to terrestrial gossans, mineral features representative of weathered sulfide ores in the near-surface. We use Raman microspectroscopy and scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) to show that organic carbon is associated with the minerals within these features. The origin of this carbon remains enigmatic; however, we consider the possibility that this carbon, along with etching of the pyrite grains and accumulation of encrusted filaments detected in the features, may be indicative of preserved biological activity during alteration of the pyrite. We also consider how such geological sulfide emplacements and their weathered surface expressions may provide a target for future surface and remote sensing studies of Mars and in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Understanding the Effects of Cardamom Cultivation on Its Local Environment Using Novel Systems Thinking Approach-the Case of Indian Cardamom Hills
Authors: Murugan Muthusamy , Ashokkumar Kaliyaperumal , Alagupalamuthirsolai M. , Anandhi Aavudai , Ravi Raju , Dhanya M. K. , Sathyan Thiravidamani
Published: April 2022

Intensive cardamom cultivation in Indian Cardamom hills (ICH) has been related to severe ecological and environmental implications that can challenge the long-term sustainability of cardamom. This research study and analysis proposes a novel system approach for sustainable agroecological production of cardamom in southern India. The effects of intensive cardamom cultivation on its forest environment had been significant. A considerable increase in surface air temperature was observed in the ICH during the last three decades (1990–2020). The climate of the Cardamom hill reserves (CHR) has a very high variability of daily cycles (surface air temperature and relative humidity) compared to low variability of yearly cycles, which helped minor and major pests and diseases occur and spread throughout the season. The current hydrothermal condition of the soil fostered the occurrence of soil insect pests, resulting in higher pesticide use. Epiphytes peculiar to the CHR forest have been eliminated due to repeated, intense shade lopping of each tree. Variability occurred in cardamom growth and development and yield can be attributed to changes in the microclimatic environment prevailing in the micro habitats of the sloping hillsides. This study has revealed the possible link and various dimensions between the intensive growing practices that were positively reflected in its local climate and production system. The 75% shade level under the cardamom canopy influences the cardamom microclimatic conditions, the relative humidity close proximity with panicles was maximum (88.9%), and the mean air temperature was minimum (18.4°C). On the contrary, the relative humidity at canopy top was reduced (78.7%) but the mean air temperature was still high (27.4°C). This study also suggests that future energy transfers in the CHR production system must be understood for improving the long-term agricultural sustainability of cardamom cultivation in the ICH.
Impact of High-Pressure Treatment on Amino Acid Profile, Fatty Acid Compositions, and Texture of Yellowfin Seabream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) Filets
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Habeebullah Sabeena Farvin K. , Alagarsamy Surendraraj , Mulla Mehraj Z. , Thomas Linu
Published: April 2022

This work describes the optimization of the pressure–time combination for the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in fish medium using a wide range of pressure (225–525 MPa) and holding time (5–30 min). Thereafter, the yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) filets (100 g each) were subjected to high-pressure (HP) treatment at the optimum pressure/time combination, and the impact of HP on the amino acid profile, fatty acid profiles, color, and texture was assessed. Glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine were recorded as the major amino acids, which did not change significantly after pressurization. Conversely, alanine—the leading free amino acid—dropped significantly after treatment. The fatty acid analysis indicated that oleic acid and palmitic acid accounted for 29.88 and 25.59% of the total fatty acids, respectively. Pressurization did not influence the fatty acid profiles, nutritional quality indices, and hardness of yellowfin seabream fish. The color pigments of filets, measured as a* and b*, changed significantly after the treatment. Overall, this work indicates that HP treatment can be utilized to maintain the nutritional quality of seabream filets; however, further research is needed to maintain the visual color of the fish.
Developments and Emerging Trends in the Global Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis From 2001 to 2020: A Systematic Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhou Fangwei , Zhang Tian , Jin Ying , Ma Yifei , Xian Zhipeng , Zeng Mengting , Yu Guodong
Published: April 2022

Background

Research on the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has increased in recent decades. We undertook a bibliometric and visualization analysis of studies on CRS treatment to track research trends and highlight current research “hotspots”.

Methods

Original publications related to CRS treatment were obtained from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) of Clarivate Analytics between 2001 and 2020. The country/region, institution, author, journal, references, and keywords involved in this topic were extracted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to identify and analyze the research focus and trends in this field.

Results

In the previous two decades (especially after 2015), the number of publications on CRS treatment has grown markedly. With regard to publications and access to collaborative networks, the leading country was the USA. High-frequency keywords were “CRS,” “endoscopic sinus surgery,” “sinusitis,” “nasal polyps,” “asthma,” “rhinosinusitis,” “management,” “diagnosis,” “outcomes,” and “quality of life.” Inspection of keyword bursts suggested that “clinical practice guideline,” “adult CRS,” “innate lymphoid cell,” “recurrence,” and “mepolizumab” are the emerging research hotspots. The timeline view of the cluster map revealed that biologic agents have become an up-and-coming “hot topic” in CRS treatment in recent years.

Conclusion

Academic understanding of CRS treatment has improved markedly over the past 20 years. We study analyzed the papers objectively, methodically, and comprehensively, and identified hotspots and prospective trends in the field of CRS treatment. These results will aid rhinologists in gaining greater insight into CRS treatment strategies and identifying the changing dynamics of CRS research.
Early Ambulation to Prevent Delirium After Long-Time Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Kim Jeong Heon , Lee Yoon Se , Kim Yong Han , Cho Ki Ju , Jung Young Ho , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: April 2022

Objective

Postoperative delirium is known to have various adverse effects on head and neck surgery patients. This study was designed to identify possible risk factors of delirium following long periods of head and neck cancer surgery and to help prevent postoperative delirium.

Methods

We enrolled 197 patients who underwent long-time (>6 h) head and neck surgery at the Asan Medical Center from January 2017 to December 2018 in this study. Clinical covariates that may be associated with delirium were analyzed retrospectively using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Delirium occurred in 18 patients (9.1%). Within the first 7 days, 16 patients (88.9%) experienced delirium. Upon univariate analysis, delirium was associated with old age (≥75, p = 0.001), past neurological history (p = 0.019), time to ambulation (p = 0.014), and postoperative hospital day (p = 0.048). In multivariate analysis, old age (≥75, odds ratios (OR) 6.16, CI 2.00–19.00, p = 0.002), time to ambulation (OR 1.04, CI 1.01–1.07, p = 0.017), and past neurological history (OR 5.26, CI 1.09–25.37, p = 0.039) were significant risk factors associated with postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

Older patients or patients with neurologic history must be attended with care, especially early after surgery. Encouraging early ambulation might lower the incidence of postoperative delirium and, subsequently, reduce adverse effects. This result could benefit patients by helping them avoid undesirable outcomes.
Effects of Maternal Factors and Postpartum Environment on Early Colonization of Intestinal Microbiota in Piglets
Authors: Li Yongshi , Liu Yadan , Ma Yijia , Ge Xusheng , Zhang Xiaona , Cai Chunbo , Yang Yang , Lu Chang , Liang Guoming , Guo Xiaohong , Cao Guoqing , Li Bugao , Gao Pengfei
Published: April 2022

Intestinal microbiota significantly influences the intake, storage, and utilization of body nutrients, as well as animal growth and development. The establishment of microbiota is affected by many factors, such as delivery and feeding modes, antibiotics, disease, and the surrounding environment. In this study, we selected Chinese indigenous Mashen and Jinfen White pigs as the study subjects. To explore the source and factors affecting the piglet intestinal microbiota, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze the microbial composition of the feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, and colostrum of parturient sows, feces and saliva of newborn piglets, and surrounding environment samples. The results showed that the microbiota of the saliva of sows and piglets is structurally similar to that of the environment and is dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria, including Acinetobacter, Actinomyces, and Pseudomonas. The core genus in the vaginal secretions and colostrum of sows was Pseudomonas. Among the fecal samples, the core bacterial genera in sows before and after delivery were Clostridium sensu_stricto_1 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, while in piglets at 1 d of age, Pseudomonas and Escherichia-Shigella were most abundant. These results indicate that microbiota in feces, colostrum, and vaginal secretions of sows more easily colonized piglet intestines through a symbiotic effect. The environmental and salivary microbiota could also affect the early colonization and succession of the intestinal microbiota of piglets to some extent. This study provides a theoretical basis for sow delivery protection and early nursing of piglets and background for the research and development of microbial agents to improve piglet intestinal health.
Stakeholders' Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions on the Control of Taenia solium in Kamuli and Hoima Districts, Uganda
Authors: Ngwili Nicholas , Thomas Lian , Githigia Samuel , Johnson Nancy , Wahome Raphael , Roesel Kristina
Published: April 2022

Taenia (T.) solium is a zoonotic parasite causing three diseases: Taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans and porcine cysticercosis in pigs. Although biomedically, the transmission of the parasite can be easily interrupted at six points along the life cycle, the contextual factors that may influence the adoption of these control strategies in Uganda remain unclear. This study assessed the stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions relating to the six control strategies for T. solium infections in Kamuli and Hoima districts, Uganda. A total of 22 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with pig farmers, community leaders, pig/pork traders, animal health assistants, and human health assistants. In addition, nine key informant interviews were held with senior officials in the ministries of agriculture and health and other relevant agencies at the district level. The results showed differential, limited, and fragmented knowledge on T. solium infections among stakeholders. Pig farmers, community leaders, and pig/pork traders had almost no knowledge and were often confused regarding the differences existing between T. solium and other gastro-intestinal infections in pigs and humans. Pig confinement, pit latrine construction, coverage, maintenance, and sustained use are influenced by cultural, socio-economic, and physical/ environmental factors of the study population and area. Proper sensitisation programmes and health education interventions should target all, but with appropriately focused material to suit the different stakeholder categories. Reminders or nudges may be needed to ensure that increase in knowledge translates to changes in practise. Intervention programmes should also aim to overcome challenges created by the various contextual factors operating in the specific endemic areas.
Quantification of Unmethylated Insulin DNA Using Methylation Sensitive Restriction Enzyme Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: van de Leemkolk Fenna E. M. , Nell Rogier J. , Versluis Mieke , de Koning Eelco J. P. , Huurman Volkert A. L. , Alwayn Ian P. J. , Ploeg Rutger J. , van der Velden Pieter A. , Engelse Marten A.
Published: April 2022

Assessment of specific β-cell death can be used to determine the quality and viability of pancreatic islets prior to transplantation and hence predict the suitability of the pancreas for isolation. Recently, several groups have demonstrated that unmethylated insulin (INS)-DNA is correlated to β-cell death in type 1 diabetes patients and during clinical islet isolation and subsequent transplantation. Here, we present a step-by-step protocol of our novel developed method for quantification of the relative amount of unmethylated INS-DNA using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme digital polymerase chain reaction This method provides a novel and sensitive way to quantify the relative amount of β-cell derived unmethylated INS-DNA in cellular lysate. We therefore suggest that this technique can be of value to reliably determine the purity of an islet preparation and may also serve as a measure of the quality of islets prior to transplantation measuring unmethylated INS-DNA as a reflection of the relative amount of lysed β-cells.
Neuroevolution for Parameter Adaptation in Differential Evolution
Authors: Stanovov Vladimir , Akhmedova Shakhnaz , Semenkin Eugene
Published: April 2022

Parameter adaptation is one of the key research fields in the area of evolutionary computation. In this study, the application of neuroevolution of augmented topologies to design efficient parameter adaptation techniques for differential evolution is considered. The artificial neural networks in this study are used for setting the scaling factor and crossover rate values based on the available information about the algorithm performance and previous successful values. The training is performed on a set of benchmark problems, and the testing and comparison is performed on several different benchmarks to evaluate the generalizing ability of the approach. The neuroevolution is enhanced with lexicase selection to handle the noisy fitness landscape of the benchmarking results. The experimental results show that it is possible to design efficient parameter adaptation techniques comparable to state-of-the-art methods, although such an automatic search for heuristics requires significant computational effort. The automatically designed solutions can be further analyzed to extract valuable knowledge about parameter adaptation.
Cloud Computing in Free Route Airspace Research
Authors: Szabó Peter , Ferencová Miroslava , Železník Vladimír
Published: April 2022

We use technical documentation, data structures, data, and algorithms in our research. These objects support our work, but we cannot offer a unique citation for each object. This paper proposes a method (for citation and reference management) to cite such supportive resources using Cloud Computing. According to the method, the publication cites only one source in the Cloud, and this source contains the Cloud schema, which describes the Cloud infrastructure. When we make a citation using the Cloud schema, we can pinpoint a cited object exactly. The proposed method supports open research; all research—Cloud items—is freely available. To illustrate the method, we applied it in the case of free route airspace (FRA) modelling. FRA is a new concept of Air Traffic Management and it is also the subject of our research.
Electroelastic Coupled-Wave Scattering and Dynamic Stress Concentration of Triangular Defect Piezoceramics
Authors: Lin Jiang , Ji Huawei , Zhou Chuanping , Fan Jiawei , Han Xiao , Bao Junqi , Gong Yongping , Ni Jing , Zhou Weihua
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a method to calculate the dynamic stress concentration around the triangular defect of piezoelectric material under electroelastic coupling is studied and applied to the promising barium calcium zirconate titanate. Firstly, the electroelastic governing equation is decomposed by decoupling technique, and the analytical solutions of elastic wave field and electric field are obtained by wave function expansion method. Then, the conformal transformation is used to simplify the triangle boundary into a circular boundary, and the corresponding modal coefficients are determined according to the simplified boundary conditions. Finally, the analytical solution of the dynamic stress concentration factor can be obtained according to the constitutive equation. Substitute the relevant material parameters of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 and set different temperatures, Ce doping amount, and incident wave number for numerical simulation. The numerical results show that the incident wave number, piezoelectric properties, and the shape parameters and deflection angle of the triangular defect have a great influence on the dynamic stress around the defect, and some meaningful laws are summarized through analysis.
The Pitch: Some Face-to-Face Minutes to Build Trust
Authors: Guimtrandy Fabien , Burger-Helmchen Thierry
Published: April 2022

The pitch is an important part of the entrepreneur–investor relationship. To come to an agreement, entrepreneurs and investors need to trust each other. However, how does trust arise between them, and how does trust evolve during the few minutes of a pitch? With the aim to develop propositions, we build on previous studies in entrepreneurship and venture funding. Therefore, we rely on the main concepts of trust useful to analyze the interpersonal relationship during a pitch: behavioral trust and transformative trust. We discuss the place of formal documents diffused prior to the pitch and the importance of the oral presentation. We conclude by suggesting testable proposition on the evolution of trust during the pitch.
Orbit-Injection Strategy and Trajectory-Planning Method of the Launch Vehicle under Power Failure Conditions
Authors: Diao Yin , Pu Jialun , Xu Hechuan , Mu Rongjun
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the problem of autonomous decision making and trajectory planning (ADMTP) for launch vehicles under power failure conditions, the target degradation order strategy (TDOS) and the trajectory online planning method were studied in this paper. Firstly, the influence of power failure on the orbit-injection process was analyzed. Secondly, the TDOS was proposed according to the mission attribute, failure mode, and multi-payload combination. Then, an online planning method based on the adaptive target update iterative guidance method (ATU-IGM) and radial basis neural network (RBFNN) was proposed, where the ATU-IGM adopted the basic TDOS criterion for generating optimal orbit-injection samples and online guidance instructions, and the RBFNN was used for orbit-injection samples training and online generation of orbital missions. Finally, the comparative simulation analysis was performed under multi-failure conditions. The results showed that the TDOS proposed in this paper could meet the requirements of the mission decision making under different failures, target orbit types, orbit-injection methods, and payload compositions. The online trajectory-planning capability deviation was less than 5%, and the mission decision-making and trajectory-planning time were less than 10 ms. This study provides theoretical support for autonomous decision making and planning of space launch missions.
Performance Assessment of an Integrated Environmental Control System of Civil Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Viola Nicole , Ferretto Davide , Fusaro Roberta , Scigliano Roberto
Published: April 2022

This paper discloses the architecture and related performance of an environment control system designed to be integrated within a complex multi-functional thermal and energy management system that manages the heat loads and generation of electric power in a hypersonic vehicle by benefitting from the presence of cryogenic liquid hydrogen onboard. A bleed-less architecture implementing an open-loop cycle with a boot-strap sub-freezing air cycle machine is suggested. Hydrogen boil-off reveals to be a viable cold source for the heat exchangers of the system as well as for the convective insulation layer designed around the cabin walls. Including a 2 mm boil-off convective layer into the cabin cross-section proves to be far more effective than a more traditional air convective layer of approximately 60 mm. The application to STRATOFLY MR3, a Mach 8 waverider cruiser using liquid hydrogen as propellant, confirmed that presence of cryogenic tanks provides up to a 70% reduction in heat fluxes entering the cabin generated outside of it but inside the vehicle, by the propulsive system and other onboard systems. The effectiveness of the architecture was confirmed for all Mach numbers (from 0.3 to 8) and all flight altitudes (from sea level to 35 km).
Responses of Lactation, Rumen Fermentation and Blood Biochemical Parameters with Increasing Dietary Inulin Supplementation in Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows
Authors: Zhao Yiguang , Wang Yue , Nan Xuemei , Jiang Linshu , Wang Yapin , Liu Jun , Yao Junhu , Rahman Md. Tanvir , Xiong Benhai
Published: April 2022

Effects of dietary supplementation of inulin in dairy cows were investigated in this study. Thirty-six mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into six groups with six cows per group and offered a total mixed ration supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 150, 200, 250 and 350 g/d inulin per head, respectively. The animals were pre-fed for 2 weeks before rumen fluid, milk and blood samples were collected weekly for 3 weeks. With increasing inulin doses, milk yield (p < 0.01) and milk fat concentration (p = 0.04) were linearly increased, while milk urea nitrogen (p < 0.01) and somatic cell count (p = 0.04) were linearly decreased. Linear increases were also detected in the proportions of milk saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.04); however, milk monounsaturated fatty acids were linearly decreased (p = 0.04). The ruminal concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate increased, while the ruminal pH and the concentration of NH3-N reduced at a decreasing rate with increasing inulin doses (p < 0.01). Moreover, the concentrations of lactic acid (p = 0.03) and total volatile fatty acids (p < 0.01) were linearly upregulated. There were linear increases in the serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.02), immunoglobin G (p < 0.01), immunoglobin M (p = 0.04), interleukin-2 (p < 0.01) and interleukin-10 (p = 0.04); quadratic increases in serum total protein (p < 0.01) and albumin (p = 0.02) and linear decreases in serum total cholesterol (p = 0.02), triglyceride (p < 0.01) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.01). The results indicated that inulin increased milk production, shifted milk fatty acid profile, upregulated rumen volatile fatty acid concentration, and enhanced antioxidant and immunity function in dairy cows in a dose-dependent manner.
Measuring Food Loss and Waste Costs in the Italian Potato Chip Industry Using Material Flow Cost Accounting
Authors: Amicarelli Vera , Roe Brian E. , Bux Christian
Published: April 2022

Material flow cost accounting (MFCA) represents an innovative tool to identify inefficiencies in the use of resources in agribusiness, measuring either mass flows or costs incurred along the entire supply chain. The purpose of the article is to estimate the meso-level ecological and economic impacts of food loss and waste in the Italian salty snack sector before and during the COVID-19 lockdown by applying MFCA. Furthermore, in the light of the European Commission Delegated Decision 2019/1597, it aims to assess whether MFCA is a suitable tool to support food waste management along the entire food supply, discussing implications for researchers, academics and managers, as well as for public authorities. The research explores potato chip production from the agricultural stage (either considering plant cultivation and harvest) to the final consumption stage. The functional unit is 1 ton of unpackaged chips produced. The Italian lockdown spurred an intense upsurge in snacking activities (i.e., the consumption of salty snacks), justifying the need to investigate an agri-food segment often overlooked from an economic, resources and waste management perspective. It emerges that the “chips system” generates production valued at EUR 461 million (78%) and costs associated with food loss and waste that exceed EUR 131 million (22%), revealing an economically important potential for savings through a reduction in undesirable negative material flows, or through the valorization of previously hidden material losses according to circular economy paradigms. This suggests that the company-level adoption of appropriate material and financial accounting systems could enhance both internal savings and collective benefits towards sustainable resources and waste management.