bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of roasting and storage conditions as a strategy to improve the sensory characteristics and shelf life of coffee
Authors: Barrera-López Jenny , González-Barrios Andrés Fernando , Vélez Luis Fernando , Tarquino Luis Fernando , López Hugo , Hernandez-Carrión María
Published: December 2022

Coffee is one of the most consumed products worldwide. Among the varieties of this product, specialty coffee is a type of coffee that has been growing in the world market. This paper aims to assess the effects that the conditions derived from coffee roasting at different altitude levels have on the quality of the product. It was discovered that processing coffee at a higher altitude level yielded a smaller increase in bitterness. This led to a better Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) score in cupping and, consequently, to better preservation of the coffee quality. The storage time affected the aroma by associating roaster aromas with older coffees. Although the assessed origins had the same NIR spectra, differences in peak intensity lead to variations in the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Furthermore, although green beans prolong quality allowing a SCA score of 84.73 ± 2.81 after 4 months of storage, roasted coffee at higher altitudes could also maintain the quality between production and consumption (SCA score of 80.22 ± 0.91 after 2 months). Finally, this research found that the instrumental equipment helped to find minor changes in the sensorial profile, and with these changes correlated with the sensorial panel, the best conditions to preserve coffee quality were found.
Development, characterisation and sensory qualities of probiotic beverage from provitamin A cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) starch hydrolysate with free and encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Oguntoye Modupeola A , Ezekiel Olufunke O
Published: December 2022

The suitability of hydrolysate (ready-to-drink beverage) from provitamin A cassava (PAC) starch as a carrier for probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ( LGG) was evaluated. PAC starch was hydrolysed by α-amylase and glucoamylase. The PAC starch hydrolysate, fermented with free or alginate-encapsulated LGG (at 37 °C, 48 hours), was evaluated for lactic acid production (using high-performance liquid chromatography), descriptive sensory attributes on a 9-point hedonic scale and total viable counts of LGG cells in PAC hydrolysate during fermentation and storage (4 °C, 60 days). Analysis of variance was conducted and statistical significance was accepted at p< 0.05. Lactic acid was significantly (p< 0.05) produced in PAC hydrolysate with LGG during fermentation (1980–5480 mg/L), and storage (up to 13676.90 mg/L). LGG maintained significant viability in PAC hydrolysate after fermentation (9 log CFU/mL) and 60 days of storage (5 log CFU/mL). LGG-fermented PAC hydrolysate showed significant overall acceptability of 49.56–56.33% in sensory attributes. PAC hydrolysate with LGG showed significant acceptability and offered adequate support for the metabolism of LGG, evidenced by a significant production of lactic acid during fermentation and refrigerated (4 °C) storage, with adequate viability. Therefore, PAC is a suitable non-dairy carrier for probiotic LGG.
Crafting professionals: Skills and resources for graduates entering the craft economy
Authors: England Lauren
Published: December 2022

There is growing interest in creative graduate skillsets, but so far there has been limited investigation of the specific skills and resource requirements of early-career crafts graduates. Drawing on qualitative interviews and quantitative rankings of skills and resources conducted with 25 graduates from four higher education providers in England, this article examines the role and relative priority of different skills and resources in establishing a professional practice. It is identified that the skills and resources key to professional practice are highly interrelated, and proposed that the diverse requirements for professional practice should be understood as an amalgam rather than isolated components, with the acquisition of skills and resources seen as accumulative. The potential for a lack of key resources to exacerbate inequalities in who can enter and work in the craft economy is discussed and recommendations made for initiatives that could help to address an unequal distribution of resources.
Longitudinal effects of direct and extended intergroup contact in multi-ethnic communities in Croatia
Authors: Pehar Lana , Čorkalo Biruški Dinka , Jelić Margareta
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the reciprocal longitudinal associations between different measures of direct and extended intergroup contact and various intergroup outcomes among majority and minority adolescents from four intergroup contexts in the Republic of Croatia. The research was carried out in two waves on a sample of 1,150 elementary and high school students, members of Croatian majority, and Serbian, Hungarian, Czech, and Italian minority. Cross-lagged path analysis revealed that direct contacts predict less social distance and more prosocial behavior, while extended contacts predict lower ingroup bias over time. However, we found even more effects in the reversed temporal direction. Lower initial bias and social distance, as well as greater prosocial behavior predicted more direct and extended contacts over time. Furthermore, none of the examined longitudinal associations differed between majority and minority members or across the four intergroup contexts.
Encounters with public art in teacher education: Timely pedagogies disrupting colonial relations with place
Authors: Beltran-Sellitti Elaine , Shayan Tahmina
Published: December 2022

Public art is placed in relation to its surroundings, conveying messages that are open to interpretation and thus proposing conversations between art/aesthetics, geography, histories and the subjectivity of the viewer. As such, it can engender possibilities to ‘politicize our relations with place’. Embracing the vision of a multidisciplinary assignment for an introductory course on place relations for first-year students in a Canadian teaching university, the authors designed an assignment of living inquiry with public art. The students placed themselves in relation to the art piece by studying the surrounding area of the artwork, embracing the propositions of the piece, and responding to those propositions artistically and through writing. What does it mean to live on Indigenous land? It was imperative to introduce conversations about the different but interconnected concepts of place and land that house public art pieces. The authors envisioned teacher education beyond the limits of a positivist dominant developmental lens that constrains holistic and critical possibilities to embrace decolonial acts. They asked: How might pre-service education disrupt the colonial inheritance and practices rooted in early childhood education? The students critically reflected on their geopolitical position, the contemporary issues of our time and the implications for their journey of becoming educators.
Restoring the river, restoring relations: on Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore’s stone series, Replenishment
Authors: Latulippe Nicole
Published: December 2022

In his work and creative practice, Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore shows that materials have language and rock tells a story. Belmore’s land-based installation on Manitoulin Island, a three-part granite series titled, Replenishment, tells a story about place that is activated by relationship and reciprocity between people and with the Earth. It reinscribes Indigenous presence on the land, rewrites settler-colonial narratives about place, and broadens the scope and intent of ecological restoration. Drawing on my interactions with the artist and his work during the 2017 Manitoulin Island Summer Historical Institute, a field school on Anishinaabe history, I explore the circulation of knowledge and agency in an Anishinaabe world and consider relationship as essential to decolonizing geography’s engagement with Indigenous peoples and territories. Through rock as mnemonic device, Belmore demonstrates the restorative power of subtle and not so subtle acts of interconnection and relationship.
Experimental investigation of the laminar boundary layer vortex-shedding noise by an airfoil within a closed-vein wind tunnel
Authors: Redonnet Stéphane , Schmidt Thomas G
Published: December 2022

This study concerns the experimental characterization of trailing edge noise, the understanding of which is crucial for mitigating acoustic pollution across major industries. An aeroacoustic experiment is carried out using a closed-vein wind tunnel to investigate the laminar boundary layer vortex-shedding (LBL-VS) noise of a symmetric NACA0021 airfoil in low Reynolds number flows (Re ≤ 163,500). Steady aerodynamic and acoustic measurements are performed, with numerous conditions covered (flow velocity from 10 m/s to 24.5 m/s, airfoil incidence from −10° to 10°). The aerodynamic results reveal that, in the pre-stall regime, the airfoil’ suction side exhibits both a laminar separation bubble (LSB) and a trailing edge detached flow – which both make LBL-VS noise likely to occur. The acoustic results reveal that, when at low speed and moderate incidence, the airfoil emits one to two tones, which can be both attributed to LBL-VS noise. In particular, their respective frequency is seen to scale as the 0.8th power of the flow velocity, whereas varying linearly with the incidence. At higher speeds, these two tones vanish to the profit of other, more intense tonal emissions, whose frequency does not scale with the velocity nor the incidence. These tones are attributed to resonance effects coming from a retroaction of the reverberant environment onto the LBL-VS noise emission, which then locks-on to some of the duct resonant frequencies via an acoustic feedback loop. Revealing indirectly the presence of the pre-existing LBL-VS noise, these resonant tones emerge only when the flow velocity and incidence obey specific conditions, namely a roughly linear relationship.
Pierre Sancan: “Master of the Masterclass”
Authors: Leung Halina , Burwell Kim
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the life and work of Pierre Sancan (1916–2008), an exemplary piano teacher who, like many masters in the apprenticeship tradition, is chiefly remembered today by his pupils alone. An all-round musician, Sancan had early success as a composer when he won the Prix de Rome in 1943, and enjoyed a flourishing career in solo and ensemble piano performance. His applied studio practices were based on the French school but extended beyond it by drawing on Russian approaches to technique, a study of anatomy, and the influence of jazz improvisation. However, at the height of his creative career, hailed as ‘one of the biggest names in French music today’, Sancan became professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire, increasingly devoting his expertise and energies to the musical lives of his pupils and influencing generations of pianists and piano teachers around the world. In this study, Sancan’s musical career is examined through archival material including institutional documents, interviews and personal memorabilia, alongside an interview and survey study with former pupils including Jean-Philippe Collard and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic inflammatory factor in sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Jeong Junhui
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has recently been investigated in terms of chronic inflammation. In this study, the associations of immunologic inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and hematologic inflammatory factors (white blood cell [WBC] count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR]) with prognosis of SSNHL were evaluated. Methods: Fifteen patients with SSNHL were prospectively enrolled and followed. For the analysis of the prognostic factors for SSNHL, the patients were divided into two groups according to the final hearing threshold of the affected ear: ‘complete or partial recovery group’ and ‘slight improvement or no recovery group’. The CRP, ESR, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, NLR, and PLR obtained at the initial visit were compared. Results There were no significant differences in CRP, ESR, WBC count, and PLR between the two groups. In contrast, neutrophil percentage and NLR were significantly lower in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.005 and 0.013, respectively). Lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher in the complete or partial recovery group than in the slight improvement or no recovery group ( p = 0.019). Conclusion NLR may be a useful prognostic inflammatory biomarker of SSNHL. Further evaluation of the association of immunologic and hematologic inflammatory factors with the prognosis of SSNHL is necessary with respect to inflammation to reveal additional significant biomarkers because inflammation is related to SSNHL.
Narratives of Volunteering and Social Change in Wartime Ukraine
Authors: Boichak Olga , McKernan Brian
Published: December 2022

Ukraine’s efforts to resist the Russian invasion have sparked unprecedented levels of civic engagement. While the more tangible efforts to alleviate immediate needs have been prominently featured in mass media and elsewhere, the norms and values that shaped this large-scale collective effort often remain behind the scenes. Approaching narratives of volunteering through a critical cultural sociology lens, we find that wartime involvement constitutes a shift from duty-based norms in which citizens are required or expected to engage in civic activities, to forms of engaged citizenship which contribute not just to the state, but also to the wellbeing of those in need. In this context, volunteering facilitates the emergence of civil society that often occupies the space outside of the currently defined institutional contexts and works through the collective shaping and contestation of social norms and values. Documenting these dynamics provides valuable new insights into the important role volunteerism plays in broader sociopolitical transformations, especially in non-Western and postcolonial contexts where the processes of civil society development take many forms and may be easily overlooked.
Growth mindset matters: Influences of socioeconomic status on Chinese secondary vocational students’ learning engagement
Authors: Fang Zuozhi , Chang Baorui , Dang Junhua
Published: December 2022

Two studies carried out in China examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and learning engagement and explored the roles of psychological needs satisfaction and growth mindset in this relationship. Study 1 investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and learning engagement among 280 secondary vocational students by manipulating their perceptions of their relative socioeconomic rank. We found that Chinese secondary vocational students primed with high socioeconomic status scored significantly higher in learning engagement measurements than did those primed with low socioeconomic status. Study 2 consisted of 1,146 secondary vocational students (686 boys and 460 girls) who completed questionnaires assessing socioeconomic status, growth mindset, psychological needs satisfaction, and learning engagement. The results showed that psychological needs satisfaction mediated whereas growth mindset moderated the positive relationship between socioeconomic status and learning engagement. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Danshen in the Treatment of Concurrent Ischemic Heart Disease and Depression Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Liu Zhiyao , Huang Hailiang , Yu Ying , Jia Yuqi , Dang Xiaowen , Wang Yajie , Huang Lei
Published: December 2022

Objective: This study aimed to explore the potential targets and mechanism of action of Danshen in treating concurrent ischemic heart disease (IHD) and depression using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Methods: The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to obtain active ingredients and targets of Danshen. Candidate targets for IHD and depression were obtained from the Genecards and DisGeNet databases. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and the Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using the Metascape database and the GlueGO package of the Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock 1.5.6 and Vina, and the MDS was completed using GROMACS 5.1.2. Results: We obtained 65 active ingredients of Danshen with 131 candidate targets and 39 intersection targets of the active ingredients and diseases. Luteolin, tanshinone IIA, and salviolone were the core active ingredients, and AKT1, TNF, IL-6, MMP9, CASP3, IL-10, PTGS2, STAT3, PPARG, IL-4, EGFR, MAPK14, NOS3, and EDN1 were the core targets. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the intersection targets were mainly enriched in positive regulation of protein phosphorylation, blood circulation, IL-17 signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking revealed that the core active ingredients had a good affinity for the core targets. The results of MDS revealed that the protein-ligand complexes were stable. Conclusions: This study used network pharmacology to analyze the potential mechanism of action of Danshen in the treatment of concurrent IHD and depression. Additionally, the study provided a theoretical basis for further studying the pharmacological mechanisms and targets of Danshen.
Efficiency of pain inhibition and facilitation of fibromyalgia patients is not different from healthy controls: Relevance of sensitivity-adjusted test stimuli
Authors: Staud Roland , Godfrey Melyssa M , Riley Joseph L , Fillingim Roger B
Published: December 2022

Background

Pain is a dynamic phenomenon dependent on the balance of endogenous excitatory and inhibitory systems, which can be characterized by quantitative sensory testing. Many previous studies of pain modulatory capacity of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) have reported decreased pain inhibition or increased pain facilitation. This is the first study to assess pain modulation, including conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal pain summation, in the same healthy control (HC) and FM participants.

Methods

Only sensitivity-adjusted stimuli were utilized for testing of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal pain summation in 23 FM patients and 28 HC. All subjects received sensitivity-adjusted ramp-hold (sRH) during testing of pain facilitation (temporal summation) and pain inhibition (CPM). CPM efficacy was evaluated with test stimuli applied either concurrently or after application of the conditioning stimulus. Finally, the effects of CPM on pressure pain thresholds were tested.

Results

FM subjects required significantly less intense test and conditioning stimuli than HC participants to achieve standardized pain ratings of 50 ± 10 numerical rating scale (NRS) ( p = 0.03). Using such stimuli, FM subjects’ temporal pain summation and CPM efficacy was not significantly different from HC (all p > 0.05), suggesting similar pain facilitation and inhibition. Furthermore, the CPM efficacy of FM and HC participants was similar regardless of whether the test stimuli were applied during or after the conditioning stimulus ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Similar to previous studies, FM participants demonstrated hyperalgesia to heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli. However, using only sensitivity-adjusted stimuli during CPM and temporal summation testing, FM patients demonstrated similarly effective pain inhibition and facilitation than HC, suggesting that their pain modulation is not abnormal.
Acceptance of digital health applications in non-pharmacological therapies in German statutory healthcare system: Results of an online survey
Authors: Frey Silke , Kerkemeyer Linda
Published: December 2022

Objective

On the way to a modern digital healthcare system, Germany becomes a driver of innovation by integrating digital health applications (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGAs)) into standard care. Although all insured persons of the statutory health insurance are eligible for a registered DiGA, utilisation has been rather restrained so far. There seems to be a lack of acceptance among healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to analyse the acceptance of DiGAs in non-pharmacological therapies.

Methods

A total of 150 therapists from the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in an online survey. The questionnaire captured knowledge, intention to use, opinions on advantages and disadvantages of DiGA usage as well as general technology acceptance and commitment.

Results

About 36% of the therapists knew DiGAs, while about 64% had not yet heard of these offers. In addition, 87% of the respondents can imagine integrating DiGAs into their treatment or were already doing so at the time of the survey. Potentials for using DiGAs are seen especially in the quality improvement of therapy, in the increase of the sustainability of the therapy and in promotion of patients’ health literacy. The therapists stated barriers in the lack of technical infrastructure and in the patients’ insufficient digital health literacy.

Conclusion

The results indicate the potential for DiGAs to be further implemented in non-pharmacological therapies. The facilitators and barriers identified allow recommendations to be derived for relevant stakeholders.
Implementation of a novel mHealth application for the management of people with diabetes and recently healed foot ulceration: A feasibility study
Authors: Haycocks Samantha , Cameron Rory , Edge Mark , Budd Jayne , Chadwick Paul
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Faster referral to specialist clinics is associated with a reduced risk of severe DFUs. The INTELLIN® diabetes management platform is a novel mHealth application for the management of recently healed DFUs and other complications, promoting engagement and expediting self-referral.

Methods

To determine the acceptability, suitability, and usability of the INTELLIN® platform, time until reulceration, site, ischemia, neuropathy, bacterial infection, and depth (SINBAD) score and incidence of self-referral for recurrence were assessed in patients from the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Patients and clinic staff also assessed platform usability. A Markov cost-utility model was used for the health economics and outcomes research analysis.

Results

197 patients were assessed for eligibility and 15 entered the full analysis set (FAS). Through Week 52, 8/15 patients experienced recurrence, with a mean SINBAD score of 2.1 and mean duration of 2.6 days. Mean time to recurrence was 273.0 days (95% confidence interval 74.0, 484.0). No patients self-referred. Initial qualitative data showed high platform usability. The INTELLIN® platform only required a relative reduction in recurrence of 5% versus standard of care (SoC) for an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, suggesting potential for significant cost savings upon wider adoption. The barriers to enrollment encountered demonstrate the impact of socioeconomics on mHealth.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the INTELLIN® platform is required to provide only a small reduction in recurrence compared to SoC to be a cost-effective strategy for prevention of recurrent DFUs.
Accelerated wear testing shows that thermoplastic bushings could be a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional bearings for wheelchair caster use
Authors: Fried Jack J , Pearlman Jon L , Mhatre Anand A
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Wheelchair caster bearings often suffer high-risk failures that lead to adverse consequences such as user injuries, suggesting that design improvements are necessary. This study aimed to compare thermoplastic bushings to standard roller bearings for potential improvements in durability and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

The durability and cost-effectiveness of two thermoplastic bushing models and two metallic ball-bearing models were tested using a standard lab-based accelerated wear testing protocol. Bushings and bearings were installed on a standard 8″ caster, and four samples per model underwent testing (16 total samples).

Results

All failures were experienced by the stem rolling element. The thermoplastic bushings experienced higher mean durability than the standard ball-bearings. There were significant differences in durability across the tested models, F(3,12) = 3.88, p = 0.04. The durability of thermoplastic bushing #2 was higher than the standard type ZZ shielded deep groove ball bearings, p < 0.05. There were significant differences in cost-effectiveness across the tested models, F(3,12) = 7.64, p = 0.004. The cost-effectiveness of both thermoplastic bushings were significantly higher compared to type 2RS sealed deep groove bearings, p < 0.05.

Conclusions

The use of thermoplastic bushings can lower product cost and potentially reduce caster failures in the community that are associated with adverse consequences including user injuries.
The Positive Feedback Loop of Empathy and Interpersonal Synchronisation: Discussing a Theoretical Model and its Implications for Musical and Social Development
Authors: Tzanaki Persefoni
Published: December 2022

The positive prosocial outcomes deriving from interpersonal synchronisation, as well as the contribution of social skills in attaining synchronisation with others in musical group interactions, are commonly explored independently, overlooking the possibility of a simultaneous bidirectional relationship between musical and social behaviour. This article focuses on the relationship between empathy and interpersonal synchronisation, critically reviewing each directionality of this intriguing link, namely, how empathy contributes to the socio-cognitive skills required to achieve synchronisation with others, and how this synchronised interaction lays the groundwork for the development of empathy. Following this review and building upon relevant research in music and social psychology, a theoretical framework is proposed, arguing that during a musical group interaction, empathy and interpersonal synchronisation create a positive feedback loop, enhancing one another in a reciprocal and simultaneous manner. The circumstances that encourage or obstruct this feedback loop, as well as its significant implications, are discussed. Finally, the present work highlights the importance of switching the research focus from unilateral to bidirectional relationships in order to gain a deeper understanding of the interrelation between musical and social behaviour.
The effect of students’ readiness and achievement in online learning integrates problem-based learning pedagogy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ge Shigang , Leng Chin Hai , Nizam Shaharom Mohd Shahril
Published: December 2022

This study aims to use the Problem-based Learning (PBL) method associated with social constructivism to enhance student readiness and achievement for high school English in online learning in China. Considering those in the context of the pandemic, teaching is shifting to online but lacking in more effective interaction. This pedagogy is applied in quasi-experiment research in Guiyang city, Guizhou province. Paired sample t-test is conducted in the experiment on students’ readiness and results show a positive increase ( M = 6.24) after the intervention t (49) = 6.77, p = .001 ( p < .05), and a significantly raising in dimensions of social competencies with classmates are M = 3.56, t (49) = 6.89, p = .001, communication competencies are M = 2.38, t (49) = 5.81, p = .001 respectively. Furthermore, a significant difference is found in students’ achievement post-test when covariate the pre-test, F (1, 97) = 11.46, p = .001, partial eta squared = .11. Students’ readiness can be improved when adopting the PBL techniques and activities through online learning. This approach has proven helpful, adaptable, and beneficial to learn English, especially for high school students who are forced to study online.
Moral Development at the Workplace through Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Dhaka Himanshu , Gupta Rajen K. , Sharma Tanuja
Published: December 2022

This study aims to examine how Buddhist mindfulness meditation influences the ethical temperament of its practitioner at the workplace. By adopting a constructivist grounded theory approach, we found six elements of Buddhist mindfulness meditation and three mechanisms underlying the ethical temperament of the participants at the workplace. Our findings suggest that Buddhist mindfulness meditation helps practitioners pursue a spiritual purpose guided by moral principles. Moreover, it helps them to overcome temptations and pressures against moral actions and makes them sensitive to the wellbeing of others. This study advances the literature of Buddhist principles and workplace ethics by identifying the mechanism of ethical behavior at the workplace influenced by mindfulness meditation.
The Combination of Sensor Digital Kariasa Early Detection Prototype and Health Education for Self-Management in Preventing Recurrent Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kariasa I Made , Nurachmah Elly , Setyowati S. , Koestoer Raldi Artono
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Recurrent stroke is one of the concerns that not only causes functional disability but also economic and psychosocial problems. Self-management is one of the indicators to predict recurrent stroke. Field observations indicate there is currently no tool to increase the survivors' self-awareness.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate if an early detection tool and health education can improve patient self-awareness toward self-management in ischemic stroke patients in order to prevent recurrent ischemic stroke.

Methods

This study consisted of two stages. In the first stage, the study used research and development methods to develop a digital sensor tool named Sensor Digital Kariasa (SenDiKa). In the second stage, the study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group involving 44 postischemic stroke patients who were selected by using consecutive sampling. The subjects were divided into intervention and control groups, and the length of the intervention was 12 weeks.

Results

This study found a significant difference between the two groups ( P < .001). The intervention group who used the early detection tool and received health education showed better self-management compared to the control group. The use of SenDiKa early detection prototype and health education for self-management was perceived useful and gave positive effect to the improvement of self-management in poststroke patients to prevent recurrent stroke.

Conclusion

The combination of SenDiKa early detection prototype and health education for self-management can be used for patients to identify the major risk factors of recurrent stroke, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Meeting the Challenge of Entrepreneurship with Social Media: The Case of Tunisian Women Entrepreneurs
Authors: Chaker Hajer , Zouaoui Samia
Published: December 2022

Despite the large numbers of digital women entrepreneurs around the world, the role of social media in helping them meeting the challenge of entrepreneurship is still unclear. Through semi-structured interviews, we explored the role social media plays in the businesses of eight Tunisian digital women entrepreneurs. As a part of the Middle East and North Africa region, Tunisia was an interesting context of study characterised by an interesting presence of women in all fields, especially in entrepreneurship. And yet the number of studies carried out in this context on this effect remains limited despite the high adoption rates of social media platforms. Going from the theoretical approach to data analysis, the findings show that social media helped women entrepreneurs meeting the challenge of entrepreneurship and impacted their professional lives positively.
Epidermal politics: Control, violence and dissent at the biometric border
Authors: Glouftsios Georgios , Casaglia Anna
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we critically interrogate the registration of migrants in pan-European, large-scale biometric databases, like Eurodac (European Asylum Dactyloscopy Database). We employ the notion of “epidermal politics”, which analytically captures how human bodies – and skin in particular – become sites of identification, violent control, and contestation. Thinking through epidermal politics allows us to understand how the development of technologies that render skin visible and analysable, such as fingerprint scanners and biometric matching algorithms, are entangled in relations of power, structural racism, and subjugation. Drawing on the work of Simone Browne (2015) and her elaboration of Franz Fanon’s theory of epidermisation, we argue that migration control in Europe, and its violent and racialising effects, are embedded within data infrastructures that “stigmatise” (Van Der Ploeg 1999) post-colonial “others” with codes to control their mobilities. We unpack this argument in three stages. First, we discuss the governmental rationales that inform the use of Eurodac for the management of migration and asylum in Europe. Second, we discuss how biometric control is related to different forms of state violence, including deportation, prolonged detention, and physical violence associated with the forced registration of migrants’ fingerprints. Third, we attend to strategies employed by migrants to contest biometric control, focusing specifically on fingertip burning and mutilation, which we interpret as acts of dissent and self-determination to escape control. Overall, our goal is to emphasise the need to pay closer attention to dynamics of violence and racialisation that emerge at biometric and other kinds of “hi-tech” borders.
Physician-led in-hospital multidisciplinary team conferences with multiple medical specialities present - A scoping review
Authors: Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Ennis Zandra Nymand , Panou Vasiliki , Hangaard Jørgen , Jensen Per Bruno , Johansson Sofie Lock , Nagarajah Subagini , Poulsen Marianne Kjær , Rothmann Mette Juel , Schousboe Karoline , Bugge Stine Jorstad , Jessen Louise Brügmann , Schneider Ida Ransby , Olsen Zwisler Ann Dorthe , Højlund Kurt , Damkier Per
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Multidisciplinary Team Conferences (MDTs) are complex interventions in the modern healthcare system and they promote a model of coordinated patient care and management. However, MDTs within chronic diseases are poorly defined. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to summarise the current literature on physician-led in-hospital MDTs in chronic non-malignant diseases.

Method

Following the PRISMA-ScR guideline for scoping reviews, a search on MDT interventions in adult patients, with three or more medical specialties represented, was performed.

Results

We identified 2790 studies, from which 8 studies were included. The majority of studies were non-randomised and focused on a single disease entity such as infective endocarditis, atrial fibrillation, IgG4-related disease, or arterial and venous thrombosis. The main reason for referral was confirmation or establishment of a diagnosis, and the MDT members were primarily from medical specialties gathered especially for the MDT. Outcomes of the included studies were grouped into process indicators and outcome indicators. Process indicators included changes in diagnostic confirmation as well as therapeutic strategy and management. All studies reporting process indicators demonstrated significant changes before and after the MDT.

Conclusion

MDTs within chronic diseases appeared highly heterogeneous with respect to structure, reasons for referral, and choice of outcomes. While process indicators, such as change in diagnosis, and treatment management/plan seem improved, such have not been demonstrated through outcome indicators.
Zero-Dimensional Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl) Single Crystal Films with Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Yao Junjie , Zhou Zhicheng , Li Lutao , Chen Yuan , Wang Chen , Wang Xiangyi , Lu Zheng , Bai Zhongchao , Zhang Qiang , Huangfu Xuefeng , Sun Yinghui , Xu Hao , Zou Guifu
Published: December 2022

The development of atomically thin single crystal films is necessary to potential applications in the 2D semiconductor field, and it is significant to explore new physical properties in low-dimensional semiconductors. Since, zero-dimensional (0D) materials without natural layering are connected by strong chemical bonds, it is challengeable to break symmetry and grow 0D Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl) single crystal thin films. Here, we report the successful growth of 0D Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl) single crystal films using a solvent evaporation crystallization strategy. Their phases and structures are both well evaluated to confirm 0D Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl) single crystal films. Remarkably, the chemical potential dependent morphology evolution phenomenon is observed. It gives rise to morphology changes of Cs3BiBr6 films from rhombus to hexagon as BiBr3 concentration increased. Additionally, the robust second harmonic generation signal is detected in the Cs3BiBr6 single crystal film, demonstrating the broken symmetry originated from decreased dimension or shape change.
Growth, physiological, and temperature characteristics in chinese cabbage pakchoi as affected by Cd- stressed conditions and identifying its main controlling factors using PLS model
Authors: Li Lantao , Guo Binglin , Feng Chenchen , Liu Haitao , Lin Di
Published: December 2022

Background

Although hormesis induced by heavy metals is a well-known phenomenon, the involved biological mechanisms are not fully understood. Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent heavy metal in the environment. Exposure of Cd, via intake or consumption of Cd-contaminated air or food, poses a huge threat to human health. Chinese cabbage pakchoi (Brassica chinensisL.) is widely planted and consumed as a popular vegetable in China. Therefore, studying the response of Chinese cabbage pakchoi to Cd- stressed conditions is critical to assess whether cabbage can accumulate Cd and serve as an important Cd exposure pathway to human beings. In this study, we investigated the influence of Cd stress on growth, photosynthetic physiology, antioxidant enzyme activities, nutritional quality, anatomical structure, and canopy temperature in Chinese cabbage pakchoi. A partial least squares (PLS) model was used to quantify the relationship between physical and chemical indicators with Cd accumulation in cabbage, and identify the main controlling factors.

Results

Results showed that Cd stress significantly inhibited cabbage’s growth and development. When Cd stress was increased, the phenotypic indicators were significantly reduced. Meanwhile, Cd stress significantly enhanced the oxidative stress response of cabbage, such as the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves. Such a change tended to increase fenestrated tissues’ thickness but decrease the thickness of leaf and spongy tissues. Moreover, Cd stress significantly increased soluble sugar, protein, and vitamin C contents in leaves as well as the temperature in the plant canopy. The PLS model analysis showed that the studied phenotypic and physicochemical indicators had good relationships with Cd accumulation in roots, shoots, and the whole plant of cabbage, with high coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.891, 0.811, and 0.845, and low relative percent deviation (RPD) values of 3.052, 2.317, and 2.557, respectively. Furthermore, through analyzing each parameter’s variable importance for projection (VIP) value, the SOD activity was identified as a key factor for indicating Cd accumulation in cabbage. Meanwhile, the effects of CAT on Cd accumulation in cabbage and the canopy mean temperature were also high.

Conclusion

Cd stress has significant inhibitory effects and can cause damage cabbage’s growth and development, and the SOD activity may serve as a key factor to indicate Cd uptake and accumulation in cabbage.
Factors associated with mortality in hospitalised, non-severe, older COVID-19 patients – the role of sarcopenia and frailty assessment
Authors: Piotrowicz Karolina , Ryś Monika , Perera Ian , Gryglewska Barbara , Fedyk-Łukasik Małgorzata , Michel Jean-Pierre , Wizner Barbara , Sydor Wojciech , Olszanecka Agnieszka , Grodzicki Tomasz , Gąsowski Jerzy
Published: December 2022

Background

COVID-19 has affected older persons the most. The propensity to have severe COVID-19 or die of the infection was especially prevalent among older subjects with multimorbidity, frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of our study was to check which of the simple clinical biomarkers, including the assessment of muscle and frailty, would associate with the survival and the length of hospital stay in older patients with COVID-19. An additional aim was to report the influence of chronic diseases, chronic medication use, and COVID-19 signs and symptoms on the aforementioned outcome measures.

Methods

The CRACoV study was a prospective single-center (University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland) observational study of clinical outcomes in symptomatic COVID-19 patients that required hospital treatment. We analysed data of persons aged ≥ 65 years. We assessed muscular parameters in accordance with EWGSOP2, frailty with the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale. We used the data of the initial and 3-month assessment. Demographic characteristics, past medical history, and baseline laboratory values were gathered as a part of routine care. We calculated sex and age, and additionally number-of-diseases adjusted odds ratios of mortality associated with studied factors and betas of the relation with these factors and the length of hospital stay.

Results

The mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 163 participants (44.8% women, 14.8% died) was 71.8 (5.6) years, age range 65–89 years. One score greater SARC-F was associated with 34% (p = 0.003) greater risk of death, and 16.8 h longer hospital stay (p = 0.01). One score greater Rockwood was associated with 86% (p = 0.002) greater risk of death, but was unrelated to the length of hospital stay. Hand grip strength and dynapenia were unrelated to mortality, but dynapenia was related to longer hospital stay. Probable sarcopenia was associated with 441% (p = 0.01) greater risk of death.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the patient assessment with SARC-F and the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale may significantly improve the prediction of outcomes in older patients with COVID-19 and by extension might be of use in other acute severe infections. This, however, requires further research to confirm.
Associations among health-promoting lifestyle, self-care agency and health-related quality of life in Bai older adults with hypertension in Yunnan China
Authors: Du Mengqi , Kong Hongqian , Ran Lingyun , Ran Yuanyuan , Bai Leixao , Du Yongxue , Guan Hongxue , Dong Yong , Zhao Ying
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous Chinese studies focused on the prevalence and influential factors of hypertension; however, little is known about their self-care literacy and quality of life among the Bai older adults with hypertension. The purpose of this research was to explore the associations among health-promoting lifestyle, self-care agency, and health-related quality of life in Bai ethnic older patients with hypertension, as well as the related factors of hypertension self-care abilities.

Methods

A total of 472 Bai ethnic hypertension older adults aged 60 and above were enrolled in this study voluntarily from 5 rural communities of the Bai ethnic group. The Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCAS) was employed to assess the Self-care ability of hypertension for the subjects, the Health-promoting lifestyle profile II(HPLP-II) was utilized to evaluate the health behavior, and MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was chosen to assess the HRQOL for the studying population. All descriptive analyses, including demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and clinical characteristics were stratified by Bai hypertensive elderly. Pearson correlation analysis model was used to examine the associations among health-promoting lifestyle, self-care agency, and health-related quality of life in Bai ethnic elderly with hypertension.

Results

The HPLP-II, ESCA, and of HRQOL levels of the subjects were low, and the mean HPLP and ESCA scores had no significant statistical variance among different age groups. Significant statistical differences were found in Bai elderly subjects in the domain of PF and PH as well as the overall score in SF-36(all P< 0.01), 60–64 year group had the highest score of the above three domains in SF-36 than other age groups. The SF-36 scores were positively associated with HPLP and ESCA levels.

Conclusion

The HPLP-II, ESCA, and of HRQOL levels of the Bai subjects were poor in the Bai ethnic hypertensive elderly. The HRQOL scores of subjects were positively connected with HPLP-II and ESCA abilities. More attention should be paid to lifestyle, healthy behaviors, and self-care abilities improvements to enhance the better HRQOL of Bai minority older adults with hypertension.
Preliminary study on brain resting-state networks and cognitive impairments of patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome
Authors: He Yaqing , Shen Junkang , Wang Xiang , Wu Qiaozhen , Liu Jiacheng , Ji Yiding
Published: December 2022

Background

To investigate functional changes in brain resting-state networks (RSNs) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and their correlations with sleep breathing disorders and neurocognitive performance.

Methods

In this study, 18 OSAHS patients and 18 matched healthy controls underwent neurocognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Group-level independent component analysis (ICA) and statistical analyses were used to explore between-group differences in RSNs and the relationship between functional changes in RSNs, sleep breathing disorders and neurocognitive performance.

Results

The OSAHS patients performed worse on neuropsychological tests than the healthy controls. Eight RSNs were identified, and between-group analyses showed that OSAHS patients displayed significantly decreased functional connectivity in the bilateral posterior cingulate gyri (PCC) within the default mode network (DMN), the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) within the dorsal attention network (DAN), and the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) within the ventral attention network (VAN), and increased functional connectivity in the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) within the salience network (SN). Further correlation analyses revealed that the average ICA z-scores in the bilateral PCC were correlated with sleep breathing disorders.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the DMN, SN, DAN, and VAN are impaired during the resting state and are associated with decreased functionally distinct aspects of cognition in patients with OSAHS. Moreover, the intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation caused by OSAHS are likely to be the main influencing factors.