bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Hole Transport Layer for Perovskite-Based Solar Cells
Authors: Asare Joseph , Sanni Dahiru M. , Agyei-Tuffour Benjamin , Agede Ernest , Oyewole Oluwaseun Kehinde , Yerramilli Aditya S. , Doumon Nutifafa Y.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the effect of a composite poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate PEDOT:PSS and copper-doped nickel oxide (Cu:NiOx) hole transport layer (HTL) on the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Thin films of Cu:NiOx were spin-coated onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates using a blend of nickel acetate tetrahydrate, 2-methoxyethanol and monoethanolamine (MEA) and copper acetate monohydrate. The prepared solution was stirred at 65 °C for 4 h and spin-coated onto the FTO substrates at 3000 rpm for 30 s in a nitrogen glovebox. The Cu:NiOx/FTO/glass structure was then annealed in air at 400 °C for 30 min. A mixture of PEDOT:PSS and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (in 1:0.05 wt%) was spun onto the Cu:NiOx/FTO/glass substrate at 4000 rpm for 60 s. The multilayer structure was annealed at 130 °C for 15 min. Subsequently, the perovskite precursor (0.95 M) of methylammonium iodide (MAI) to lead acetate trihydrate (Pb(OAc)2·3H2O) was spin-coated at 4000 rpm for 200 s and thermally annealed at 80 °C for 12 min. The inverted planar perovskite solar cells were then fabricated by the deposition of a photoactive layer (CH3NH3PbI3), [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and a Ag electrode. The mechanical behavior of the device during the fabrication of the Cu:NiOx HTL was modeled with finite element simulations using Abaqus/Complete Abaqus Environment CAE. The results show that incorporating Cu:NiOx into the PSC device improves its density–voltage (J–V) behavior, giving an enhanced photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of ~12.8% from ~9.8% and ~11.5% when PEDOT:PSS-only and Cu:NiOx-only are fabricated, respectively. The short circuit current density Jsc for the 0.1 M Cu:NiOx and 0.2 M Cu:NiOx-based devices increased by 18% and 9%, respectively, due to the increase in the electrical conductivity of the Cu:NiOx which provides room for more charges to be extracted out of the absorber layer. The increases in the PCEs were due to the copper-doped nickel oxide blend with the PEDOT:PSS which enhanced the exciton density and charge transport efficiency leading to higher electrical conductivity. The results indicate that the devices with the copper-doped nickel oxide hole transport layer (HTL) are slower to degrade compared with the PEDOT:PSS-only-based HTL. The finite element analyses show that the Cu:NiOx layer would not extensively deform the device, leading to improved stability and enhanced performance. The implications of the results are discussed for the design of low-temperature solution-processed PSCs with copper-doped nickel oxide composite HTLs.
Changes in the Market of Precious Wood: A Case Study of Submission System in Poland
Authors: Zastocki Dariusz , Oktaba Jarosław , Lachowicz Hubert
Published: April 2021

A timber market occupies a very particular position within the economic reality. Trading of commodities such as precious timber is, indeed, strongly conditioned by the carrying capacity and the silvicultural potential of the forest ecosystem. Timber markets in Poland are characterized by a controlling position of the State Forests, and one of the possible forms of wood sale is the system of submission. A submission usually implies that small quantities of wood with unusual features are being offered to a specific group of customers. The paper presents the sale results and prices of veneer wood commercialized in submission systems and in other forms of timber sale in the territory of Krosno during the years 2000−2019. It is one of the oldest submission markets in Poland, where the most expensive log ever in Poland was sold (13,000 USD/log—close to 7000 USD/m3). The Regional Directorate of State Forest (RDSF) of Krosno is located in the south-eastern part of Poland and manages a forest area of approximately 400,000 hectares. Annual timber harvesting amounts to 2 million m3, of which less than 2000 m3 annually is allocated to the submissions. The data cover a 20-year continuous time series and allow tracing changes in the wood volume offered to the market, the species population structure, and price trends for individual species. The data are being discussed against the background of the economic situation and in relation to the average prices obtained from other methods of sale. Beech was the most sold, but the demands for oak and sycamore appeared to be particularly high during the period of observation. The unity prices can be very variable even for wood from the same species, especially for sycamore. The prices are generally demand-driven and show strong influences from furniture industries and fashion. A rising demand for high quality timber and logs of big dimensions has been noticed. The submission system results in substantial economic benefits for the forest management and the region as a whole.
Closed-Form Solution Procedure for Simulating Debonding in FRP Strips Glued to a Generic Substrate Material
Authors: Martinelli Enzo
Published: April 2021

The present paper proposes a useful closed-form solution for a wide class of mechanical problems, among which one of the most relevant and debated is the deboning process of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strips glued to generic materials and possibly intended as a mode-II fracture process. Specifically, after outlining well-known equations, a novel piecewise analytical formulation based on a cascading solution process is proposed with the aim of keeping the mathematical expressions of the relevant mechanical quantities as simple as possible. Although other analytical solutions and numerical procedures are already available in the literature, the present one is capable of handling the softening or snap-back response deriving from the full-range simulation of the depending process with no need for complex numerical techniques. This is obtained by considering the slip at the free end of the strip as the main displacement control parameter. After some comparisons between the proposed closed-form solution and experimental results available in the literature, some mechanical considerations are highlighted by elaborating on the results of a parametric study considering the variation of the main geometric and mechanical quantities. The numerical code implemented as part of the present study is available to readers in Open Access.
An Analysis of Acoustic Cavitation Thresholds of Water Based on the Incubation Time Criterion Approach
Authors: Smirnov Ivan , Mikhailova Natalia
Published: April 2021

Researchers are still working on the development of models that facilitate the accurate estimation of acoustic cavitation threshold. In this paper, we have analyzed the possibility of using the incubation time criterion to calculate the threshold of the onset of acoustic cavitation depending on the ultrasound frequency, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature of a liquid. This criterion has been successfully used by earlier studies to calculate the dynamic strength of solids and has recently been proposed in an adapted version for calculating the cavitation threshold. The analysis is carried out for various experimental data for water presented in the literature. Although the criterion assumes the use of macroparameters of a liquid, we also considered the possibility of taking into account the size of cavitation nuclei and its influence on the calculation result. We compared the results of cavitation threshold calculations done using the incubation time criterion of cavitation and the classical nucleation theory. Our results showed that the incubation time criterion more qualitatively models the results of experiments using only three parameters of the liquid. We then discussed a possible relationship between the parameters of the two approaches. The results of our study showed that the criterion under consideration has a good potential and can be conveniently used for applications where there are special requirements for ultrasound parameters, maximum negative pressure, and liquid temperature.
Derivation of a Viscous Serre–Green–Naghdi Equation: An Impasse?
Authors: Dutykh Denys , Le Meur Hervé V.J.
Published: April 2021

In this article, we present the current status of the derivation of a viscous Serre–Green–Naghdi system. For this goal, the flow domain is separated into two regions. The upper region is governed by inviscid Euler equations, while the bottom region (the so-called boundary layer) is described by Navier–Stokes equations. We consider a particular regime binding the Reynolds number and the shallowness parameter. The computations presented in this article are performed in the fully nonlinear regime. The boundary layer flow reduces to a Prandtl-like equation that we claim to be irreducible. Further approximations are necessary to obtain a tractable model.
Performance of an U-Shaped Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter Device under Oblique Incident Waves
Authors: Trivedi Kshma , Koley Santanu , Panduranga Kottala
Published: April 2021

The present study deals with the performance of an U-shaped oscillating water column device under the action of oblique incident waves. To solve the associated boundary value problem, the dual boundary element method (DBEM) is used. Various physical parameters associated with the U-shaped OWC device, such as the radiation susceptance and conductance coefficients, and the hydrodynamic efficiency, are analyzed for a wide range of wave and structural parameters. The study reveals that the resonance in the efficiency curve occurs for smaller values of wavenumber with an increase in chamber length, submergence depth of the front wall and opening duct, and width of the opening duct. It is observed that with appropriate combinations of the angle of incidence and incident wavenumber, more than 90% efficiency in the U-shaped OWC device can be achieved.
Approximate Analytical Analysis of Unsteady MHD Mixed Flow of Non-Newtonian Hybrid Nanofluid over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Rehman Ali , Salleh Zabidin
Published: April 2021

This paper analyses the two-dimensional unsteady and incompressible flow of a non-Newtonian hybrid nanofluid over a stretching surface. The nanofluid formulated in the present study is TiO2 + Ag + blood, and TiO2 + blood, where in this combination TiO2 + blood is the base fluid and TiO2 + Ag + blood represents the hybrid nanofluid. The aim of the present research work is to improve the heat transfer ratio because the heat transfer ratio of the hybrid nanofluid is higher than that of the base fluid. The novelty of the recent work is the approximate analytical analysis of the magnetohydrodynamics mixed non-Newtonian hybrid nanofluid over a stretching surface. This type of combination, where TiO2+blood is the base fluid and TiO2 + Ag + blood is the hybrid nanofluid, is studied for the first time in the literature. The fundamental partial differential equations are transformed to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with the guide of some appropriate similarity transformations. The analytical approximate method, namely the optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM), is used for the approximate analytical solution. The convergence of the OHAM for particular problems is also discussed. The impact of the magnetic parameter, dynamic viscosity parameter, stretching surface parameter and Prandtl number is interpreted through graphs. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are explained in table form. The present work is found to be in very good agreement with those published earlier.
Germinated Buckwheat: Effects of Dehulling on Phenolics Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Buckwheat Seeds
Authors: Živković Andrej , Polak Tomaž , Cigić Blaž , Požrl Tomaž
Published: April 2021

The aim was to investigate the effects of the cold dehulling of buckwheat seeds on their germination, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and phenolics composition. Cold dehulling had no negative effects on germination rate and resulted in faster rootlet growth compared to hulled seeds. Although the dehulling of the seeds significantly decreased TPC and AA, the germination of dehulled seeds resulted in 1.8-fold and 1.9-fold higher TPC and AA compared to hulled seeds. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry identified several phenolic compounds in free and bound forms. Rutin was the major compound in hulled seeds (98 µg/g dry weight), orientin and vitexin in 96-h germinated dehulled seeds (2205, 1869 µg/g dry weight, respectively). During germination, the increases in the major phenolic compounds were around two orders of magnitude, which were greater than the increases for TPC and AA. As well as orientin and vitexin, high levels of other phenolic compounds were detected for dehulled germinated seeds (e.g., isoorientin, rutin; 1402, 967 µg/g dry weight, respectively). These data show that dehulled germinated seeds of buckwheat have great potential for use in functional foods as a dietary source of phenolic compounds with health benefits.
Consumer Perception of Red Wine by the Degree of Familiarity Using Consumer-Based Methodology
Authors: Yang Jiyun , Lee Jeehyun
Published: April 2021

Capturing and understanding consumers’ perceptions is not a simple quest, particularly for wine, which is one of the most complex beverages. In contrast to the increasing amount of wine import and consumption, studies on how Korean consumers perceive wine characteristics are limited. In this study, two different consumer-based questionnaires, check-all-that-apply (CATA) and rating, were used to compare the discrimination ability of samples and attributes. Consumer data were analyzed and compared to investigate whether the difference in the degree of familiarity with consumption frequency affects wine perception and preference. Consumers discriminated samples and attributes by sample using both scales, CATA and rating. It was confirmed that the CATA citation frequency reflected the rated intensity of the attributes in this study. Consumers who checked or did not check the CATA response rated the intensity of attributes differently. Different consumer subgroups based on familiarity also discriminated the samples effectively. However, users had a higher configuration similarity between the two questionnaires than non-users. Furthermore, the preference for wine might be affected by the degree of familiarity.
Diversifying the Utilization of Maize at Household Level in Zambia: Quality and Consumer Preferences of Maize-Based Snacks
Authors: Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Olaniyan Bukola , Maziya-Dixon Busie
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the nutritional, antinutritional properties, and consumer preferences of five maize-based snacks at the household level. The physical, nutritional, and antinutritional properties were analyzed with standard laboratory methods, while a structured questionnaire was used for the data collection on consumer preferences of the maize products. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the proximate parameters of the maize snack samples. Antinutritional properties among maize snacks all fell within the permissible range. Respondents from all districts showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences in maize chin-chin variants’ and maize finger variants’ except for Serenje and Mkushi districts where maize chin-chin and maize finger showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in their sensory ratings. However, across districts, the most rated maize finger variant was the spiced 100% maize finger. In conclusion, maize-based snacks enriched with soybean flour have proven nutritious with a reasonable acceptability level.
Characterizing the Rheological and Bread-Making Properties of Wheat Flour Treated by “Gluten FriendlyTM” Technology
Authors: Lamacchia Carmela , Landriscina Loretta , Severini Carla , Caporizzi Rossella , Derossi Antonio
Published: April 2021

After discovering an innovative technology for the reshaping of gluten proteins—the “Gluten FriendlyTM” system—that confers to wheat flour some unprecedented characteristics, such as reduced epitope antigenicity and a positive modulation of the gut microbiota, its effects on the production and quality of bread have been studied. Mainly, we have investigated the chemical, rheological and pasting properties of Gluten Friendly Flour (GFF) and of control flour (CF) with the aim of analyzing and interpreting potential differences. Furthermore, the bread made from GFF and CF was evaluated in terms of microstructure properties and sensory quality. The experiments demonstrated that GFF became soluble in aqueous solution, making it unfeasible to isolate using the Glutomatic apparatus. Although the water absorption of GFF increased by 10% compared to CF, dough elasticity was reduced, and dough stability decreased from 5 to 2 min. A significant increase in the alveograph index (P/L) from 0.63 to 6.31 was detected, whereas pasting properties did not change from the control flour. Despite these profound modifications in the rheological properties, GFF exhibited a high ability to shape dough and to produce bread with high quality and negligible differences from the control bread in terms of appearance, taste, aroma, color and texture.
Equilibrium Swelling of Biocompatible Thermo-Responsive Copolymer Gels
Authors: Drozdov Aleksey D.
Published: April 2021

Biomedical applications of thermo-responsive (TR) hydrogels require these materials to be biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and non-immunogenic. Due to serious concerns regarding potential toxicity of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), design of alternative homo- and copolymer gels with controllable swelling properties has recently become a hot topic. This study focuses on equilibrium swelling of five potential candidates to replace PNIPAm in biomedical and biotechnological applications: poly(N-vinylcaprolactam), poly(vinyl methyl ether), poly(N,N-dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate), and two families of poly(2-oxazoline)s, and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates). To evaluate their water uptake properties and to compare them with those of substituted acrylamide gels, a unified model is developed for equilibrium swelling of TR copolymer gels with various types of swelling diagrams. Depending on the strength of hydrophobic interactions (high, intermediate, and low), the (co)polymers under consideration are split into three groups that reveal different responses at and above the volume phase transition temperature.
A Functional Form for Fine Sediment Interception in Vegetated Environments
Authors: Stein Samuel , Wingenroth Jordan , Larsen Laurel
Published: April 2021

The body of literature seeking to evaluate particle interception in vegetated, aquatic environments is growing; however, comparing the results of these studies is difficult due to large variation in flow regime, particle size, vegetation canopy density, and stem configuration. In this work, we synthesize data from these studies and develop a functional form of particle interception efficiency (η) as a function of stem Reynolds number (Rec), stem diameter, vegetation frontal area, particle–collector diameter ratio, flow velocity, and kinematic viscosity. We develop this functional relationship based on a dimensional analysis and hypothesize that the coefficients would exhibit regimes within different Rec ranges. We test this hypothesis by synthesizing data from 80 flume experiments reported in the literature and in-house flume experiments. Contrary to our hypothesis, data from different Rec ranges follow a single functional form for particle interception. In this form, η varies strongly with collector density and particle–collector diameter ratio, and weakly with Rec and particle–fluid density ratio. This work enables more accurate modeling of the flux terms in sedimentation budgets, which can inform ongoing modeling and management efforts in marsh environments. For example, we show that by integrating the new functional form of particle interception into established models of marsh elevation change, interception may account for up to 60% of total sedimentation in a typical silt-dominated marsh ecosystem with emergent vegetation.
Mechanism of the Effect of High-Intensity Training on Urinary Metabolism in Female Water Polo Players Based on UHPLC-MS Non-Targeted Metabolomics Technique
Authors: Wang Lei-lei , Chen An-ping , Li Jian-ying , Sun Zhuo , Yan Shi-liang , Xu Kai-yuan
Published: April 2021

Objective: To study the changes in urine metabolism in female water polo players before and after high-intensity training by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and to explore the biometabolic characteristics of urine after training and competition. Methods: Twelve young female water polo players (except goalkeepers) from Shanxi Province were selected. A 4-week formal training was started after 1 week of acclimatization according to experimental requirements. Urine samples (5 mL) were collected before formal training, early morning after 4 weeks of training, and immediately after 4 weeks of training matches, and labeled as T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The samples were tested by LC-MS after pre-treatment. XCMS, SIMCA-P 14.1, and SPSS16.0 were used to process the data and identify differential metabolites. Results: On comparing the immediate post-competition period with the pre-training period (T3 vs. T1), 24 differential metabolites involved in 16 metabolic pathways were identified, among which niacin and niacinamide metabolism and purine metabolism were potential post-competition urinary metabolic pathways in the untrained state of the athletes. On comparing the immediate post-competition period with the post-training period (T3 vs. T2), 10 metabolites involved in three metabolic pathways were identified, among which niacin and niacinamide metabolism was a potential target urinary metabolic pathway for the athletes after training. Niacinamide, 1-methylnicotinamide, 2-pyridone, L-Gln, AMP, and Hx were involved in two metabolic pathways before and after the training. Conclusion: Differential changes in urine after water polo games are due to changes in the metabolic pathways of niacin and niacinamide.
Woman’s Needs and Satisfaction Regarding the Communication with Doctors and Midwives during Labour, Delivery and Early Postpartum
Authors: Baranowska Barbara , Pawlicka Paulina , Kiersnowska Iwona , Misztal Alicja , Kajdy Anna , Sys Dorota , Doroszewska Antonina
Published: April 2021

The study aimed to identify the difference in communication needs of women giving birth and women during early postpartum. An additional goal includes the analysis of the experience and communication needs through the context of a woman’s approach to childbirth. The study is a cross-sectional, self-report survey; 521 women between 5 and 10 days after birth participated in the study. Women perceived information provided by the medical staff as the most helpful aspect of verbal communication both during labour and early postpartum. Maintaining eye contact with the medical staff was perceived as the most helpful aspect of non-verbal communication. Women were more satisfied with communication during labour and birth than in the maternity ward and those after non-instrumental childbirth were more satisfied with communication compared to the instrumental birth group. Women perceiving childbirth as the natural, physiological process considered verbal and non-verbal communication during and after childbirth as less helpful than women perceiving birth as more risky and requiring interventions. The results of the study emphasize the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication during birth and early postpartum and at the same time different communication needs during these two time points. It also showed that women who perceive labour as a physiological process seem to be less dependent on the communication with the medical staff than women who accept medical interventions during labour and birth as necessary.
The Use of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) by Children: A Correlational Study between Parent’s Perception and Their Children’s Use Reported by Parents
Authors: Kim Jihye , Park Jang-Kyung , Park Jung-Youn , Lee Eun-Jin , Sung Soo-Hyun
Published: April 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the correlation between parents’ perception and their children’s traditional Korean medicine (TKM) use reported by parents in order to discover policy intervention points and provide a reference for establishing generalized TKM policies. Participant data from a 2017 national survey on TKM usage was divided into two groups based on the children’s TKM use reported by parents. The female participants’ children had a higher rate of experience in using TKM (8.1%; p = 0.029). Additionally, 91.4% of the parent group with a child who used TKM turned out to have used TKM, which was higher than 71.9% of the parents whose children never used TKM (p < 0.001). As for the awareness on the use of TKM, 44.0% of the parents with a child who experienced TKM answered they were aware of it, while only 35.3% of the parent group whose child never experienced TKM did so (p = 0.033). The present study suggests that parental experience in using TKM could have an impact on the children’s TKM use reported by parents. Further study is necessary to assess which parental factor (awareness level, medical disorder to be treated, therapy, therapeutic efficacy, the purpose of visit, sex, age, etc.) has a close relationship with TKM usage experience of their children.
Limited Clinical and Diagnostic Utility of Circulating Tumor DNA Detection in Patients with Early-Stage Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Comparison with Benign Thyroid Nodules and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Suh Yong Joon , Kwon Mi Jung , Noh Hye-Mi , Lee Hong Kyu , Ra Yong Joon , Kim Nan Young
Published: April 2021

Limited data are available on the diagnostic utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in early-stage thyroid cancers for BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutations, which are known detectable markers for thyroid cancers. Here, we analyzed the above driver mutations in ctDNA and matched neoplastic tissues from patients with early-stage thyroid cancers in order to investigate diagnostic utility of circulating markers in distinguishing from other mimicking thyroid lesions and healthy individuals. In total, 73 matched neoplastic tissue and plasma samples [thyroid cancers (n = 62), benign thyroid disorders (n = 8), and parathyroid lesions (n = 3)] and 54 plasma samples from healthy individuals (as controls) were analyzed for BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutations using peptide nucleic acid clamp real-time PCR. Although only one patient with an indeterminate lesion on thyroid cytology showed KRAS mutation (codon 146) in the preoperative plasma, that KRAS mutation was not identified in the stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue. In the remaining 72 plasma samples, no other mutations were identified in BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter genes. The concordance rates of mutational results between the plasma and tumor tissue or metastatic lymph node were very low. One (1.9%) of the 54 healthy individuals harbored a KRAS mutation in the plasma samples. The ctDNA results did not represent the mutational profile of primary or metastatic thyroid cancers, warranting a caution for interpretation. The clinical utility of BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutation analysis on ctDNA appears to be limited to early-stage thyroid cancers.
Effectiveness of Antipsychotics in Reducing Suicidal Ideation: Possible Physiologic Mechanisms
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , De Luca Vincenzo , Dai Nasia , Asmundo Alessio , Di Nunno Nunzio , Monda Marcellino , Villano Ines
Published: April 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether any specific antipsychotic regimen or dosage is effective in managing suicidal ideation in schizophrenia. Four comparisons were conducted between: (1) clozapine and other antipsychotics; (2) long-acting injectable and oral antipsychotics; (3) atypical and typical antipsychotics; (4) antipsychotics augmented with antidepressants and antipsychotic treatment without antidepressant augmentation. Methods: We recruited 103 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Participants were followed for at least six months. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) was used to assess the severity of suicidal ideation at each visit. We performed a multiple linear regression model controlling for BSS score at study entry and other confounding variables to predict the change in the BSS scores between two visits. Results: Overall, there were 28 subjects treated with clozapine (27.2%), and 21 subjects with depot antipsychotics (20.4%). In our sample, 30 subjects experienced some suicidal ideation at study entry. When considering the entire sample, there was a statistically significant decrease in suicidal ideation severity in the follow-up visit compared to the study entry visit (p = 0.043). Conclusions: To conclude, our preliminary analysis implies that antipsychotics are effective in controlling suicidal ideation in schizophrenia patients, but no difference was found among alternative antipsychotics’ classes or dosages.
More Frequent Internet Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic Associates with Enhanced Quality of Life and Lower Depression Scores in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Wallinheimo Anna-Stiina , Evans Simon L.
Published: April 2021

Concerns have been raised regarding middle-aged and older adults’ mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the current study was to characterise associations between internet use (frequency and purpose), depression symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL) during the pandemic, in individuals aged 55–75. Data (N = 3491) were drawn from the English longitudinal study of ageing (ELSA) cohort study collected in June/July 2020 (while social distancing measures were in place). Associations with frequency of use were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVAS), controlling for covariates such as wealth and education. Type of internet use (for communication, information search) was also analysed amongst frequent users. Significant effects of frequency of use were observed (p = 0.01 for depression, p < 0.001 for QoL), with lower depression symptoms and higher QoL scores amongst more frequent users. Regarding purpose of use, those who reported using the internet for communication purposes had higher QoL. However, use for health-related or Government services information searching was associated with more depression symptoms. Results provide important information regarding the potential benefits of internet use for middle-aged and older people, suggesting that strategies to increase internet usage (particularly for communication) might benefit middle-aged and older adults’ mental health and counter isolation as the coronavirus crisis continues to evolve.
Immune Responses after Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Cytokine Concentrations in Hangover-Sensitive and Hangover-Resistant Drinkers
Authors: van de Loo Aurora JAE , Raasveld S. Jorinde , Hogewoning Anna , Zeeuw Raymond de , Bosma Else R , Bouwmeester Noor H , Lukkes Melanie , Knipping Karen , Mackus Marlou , Kraneveld Aletta D , Brookhuis Karel A , Garssen Johan , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C
Published: April 2021

This study investigated immunological changes during an alcohol hangover, and the possible difference between hangover-resistant and hangover-sensitive drinkers in terms of immune reactivity. Using a semi-naturalistic design, N = 36 healthy social drinkers (18 to 30 years old) provided saliva samples on a control day (after drinking no alcohol) and on a post-alcohol day. Hangover severity was rated directly after saliva collection. Cytokine concentrations, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and hangover severity were compared between both test days and between hangover-sensitive and -resistant drinkers. Data from N = 35 drinkers (17 hangover-sensitive and 18 hangover-resistant) were included in the statistical analyses. Relative to the control day, there were significant increases in saliva IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations on the post-alcohol day. No significant differences in cytokine concentrations were found between hangover-sensitive and hangover-resistant drinkers, nor did any change in cytokine concentration correlate significantly with hangover severity. In line with previous controlled studies assessing cytokines in blood, the current naturalistic study using saliva samples also demonstrated that the immune system responds to high-level alcohol intake. However, further research is warranted, as, in contrast to previous findings in blood samples, changes in saliva cytokine concentrations did not differ significantly between hangover-sensitive and hangover-resistant drinkers, nor did they correlate significantly with hangover severity.
Effect of Acute Ramadan Fasting on Muscle Function and Buffering System of Male Athletes
Authors: Fashi Mohamad , Ahmadizad Sajad , Nobari Hadi , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Oliveira Rafael , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute Ramadan fasting (RF) on the muscle function and buffering system. Twelve male athletes with 8 years of professional sports experience (age, 23.2 ± 1.3 years, body mass index: 24.2 ± 2.2 kg/m2) participated in this study. The subjects were tested twice, 3 weeks after the beginning of RF and 2 weeks after the end RF. Muscle function, buffering capacity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during and after RF by using the Biodex isokinetic machine, blood gas analyzer, and RPE 6–20 Borg scale, respectively. Venous blood samples for pH and bicarbonate (HCO3−) were measured during and after RF by using the Biodex isokinetic machine, blood gas analyzer, and RPE 6–20 Borg scale, respectively. Venous blood samples for pH and bicarbonate (HCO3−) were taken immediately after 25 repetitions of isokinetic knee flexion and extension. Measures taken during isokinetic knee extension during RF were significantly lower than those after RF in extension peak torque (t = −4.72, p = 0.002), flexion peak torque (t = −3.80, p = 0.007), extension total work (t = −3.05, p = 0.019), extension average power (t = −4.20, p = 0.004), flexion average power (t = −3.37, p = 0.012), blood HCO3− (t = −2.02, p = 0.041), and RPE (Z = −1.69, p = 0.048). No influence of RF was found on the blood pH (t = 0.752, p = 0.476). RF has adverse effects on muscle function and buffering capacity in athletes. It seems that a low-carbohydrate substrate during RF impairs muscle performance and reduces the buffering capacity of the blood, leading to fatigue in athletes.
The ICF Classification as a Simple Tool to Aid in the Assessment of Healthcare Services in a Non-COVID-19 Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lucki Mateusz , Wareńczak Agnieszka , Chlebuś Ewa , Daroszewski Przemysław , Lisiński Przemysław
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the operation of medical facilities. In this period, they have seen increased absence of medical staff from work, a decrease in the number of hospitalizations and in the value of healthcare services provided. We assess the impact of this pandemic on the operation of a non-COVID-19 orthopedic and rehabilitation hospital using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) categories. The authors analyzed these parameters in relation to the operation of a non-COVID-19 orthopedic, rehabilitation and rheumatological hospital in Q1 2020 compared to Q1 2019. For the analysis, the categories and qualifiers of the ICF were used, allowing for a simple and easily readable data analysis. In March 2020, in comparison to March 2019, the average working time of medical workers (p < 0.001) and the number of hospitalizations (p < 0.034) decreased significantly. In April 2020, compared to April 2019, the average working time of medical workers (<0.001) and the number of hospitalizations (0.002) also decreased significantly. In addition, in April 2020, the percentage value of the contracted services provided decreased significantly (p = 0.017), which was not observed in March of that year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the operation of a non-COVID-19 hospital, causing an increase in staff absences from work, a decrease in the number of hospitalizations and a decrease in the value of the revenue generated from health services provided. The ICF is a useful tool for the evaluation of a hospital’s healthcare services.
Factors That Affect Symptoms of Injection Site Infection among Japanese Patients Who Self-Inject Insulin for Diabetes
Authors: Yoshida Yuko , Sumikawa Masuko , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Yano Rika
Published: April 2021

In Japan, skin disinfection is typically considered necessary before an insulin injection to prevent infection at the injection site. This cross-sectional study evaluated factors that influenced symptoms of injection site infection among 238 Japanese patients who self-injected insulin for diabetes between October 2015 and January 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding skin disinfection practices, infection symptoms at the injection site, frequency of injections, environment at the time of injection, and hygiene habits. The majority of patients (83.2%) performed skin disinfection before the self-injection. Logistic regression analysis revealed that infection at the injection site was positively associated with skin disinfection before injection, age, and performing injections outside home. It was speculated that omitting skin disinfection before administering subcutaneous insulin injection was not the factor that affected the symptoms of injection site infection. The greatest contributor to infection symptoms was injections performed outside the home. Future studies focusing on the environment, in which patients administer insulin injections, to assess its influence on symptoms of injection site infections are warranted.
Characteristics of Departments That Provided Primary Support for Households with Complex Care Needs in the Community: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yoshioka-Maeda Kyoko , Fujii Hitoshi
Published: April 2021

To prevent emergency admissions and save medical costs, support should be provided to households that include people with complex care needs to allow them to continue living in their own homes. This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to (1) identify which departments that public health nurses (PHNs) worked have been the primary providers of support for households with complex care needs and (2) clarify the length of time required by each department to resolve primary health problems. We analyzed 148 households with complex care needs that were registered in City A from April 2018 to July 2019. Four types of departments were the primary support providers for complex care households: the department supporting persons with disabilities (n = 54, 36.5%), public/community health centers (n = 47, 31.8%), department of older adults (n = 29, 19.6%), and welfare offices (n = 18, 12.2%). The Mantel–Cox test showed that welfare offices mainly supported households in economic distress and needed significantly less time to resolve their primary health issues than other departments. For early detection and resolution of primary health problems for households with complex care needs, PHNs and healthcare professionals should focus on their economic distress and enhanced multidisciplinary approaches.
The Accuracy of On-Call CT Reporting in Teleradiology Networks in Comparison to In-House Reporting
Authors: Storjohann Svea , Kirsch Michael , Rosenberg Britta , Rosenberg Christian , Lange Sandra , Syperek Annika , Schweikhard Frank Philipp , Hosten Norbert
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: We aimed to compare the accuracy of after-hours CT reports created in a traditional in-house setting versus a teleradiology setting by assessing the discrepancy rates between preliminary and final reports. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective study to determine the number and severity of discrepancies between preliminary and final reports for 7761 consecutive after-hours CT scans collected over a 21-month period. CT exams were performed during on-call hours and were proofread by an attending the next day. Discrepancies between preliminary and gold-standard reports were evaluated by two senior attending radiologists, and differences in rates were assessed for statistical significance. (3) Results: A total of 7209 reports were included in the analysis. Discrepancies occurred in 1215/7209 cases (17%). Among these, 433/7209 reports (6%) showed clinically important differences between the preliminary and final reports. A total of 335/5509 of them were in-house reports (6.1%), and 98/1700 were teleradiology reports (5.8%). The relative frequencies of report changes were not significantly higher in teleradiology. (4) Conclusions: The accuracy of teleradiology reports was not inferior to that of in-house reports, with very similar clinically important differences rates found in both reporting situations.
A Subset of Primary Polydipsia, “Dipsogneic Diabetes Insipidus”, in Apparently Healthy People Due to Excessive Water Intake: Not Enough Light to Illuminate the Dark Tunnel
Authors: Venkatesan Krishnaraju , Chidambaram Kumarappan , Paulsamy Premalatha , Ramaiah Ramasubbamma , Al-Qahtani Ali , Venkatesan Kumar , Pappiya Ester Mary , Devidi Swetha , Krishnaraju Kalpana
Published: April 2021

Dipsogenic diabetes insipidus (DDI) is a subtype of primary polydipsia (PP), which occurs mostly in healthy people without psychiatric disease. In contrast, PP is characterized by a polyuria polydipsia syndrome (PPS) associated with psychiatric illness. However, the pathogenesis of DDI is not well established and remains unexplored. In order to diagnose DDI, the patient should exhibit excessive thirst as the main symptom, in addition to no history of psychiatric illness, polyuria with low urine osmolality, and intact urine concentrating ability. Treatment options for DDI remain scarce. On this front, there have been two published case reports with successful attempts at treating DDI patients. The noteworthy commonalities in these reports are that the patient was diagnosed with frequent excessive intake of water due to a belief that drinking excess water would have pathologic benefits. It could therefore be hypothesized that the increasing trend of excessive fluid intake in people who are health conscious could also contribute to DDI. Hence, this review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, with a special emphasis on habitual polydipsia and DDI.
Submandibular Push Exercise Using Visual Feedback from a Pressure Sensor in Patients with Swallowing Difficulties: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hwang Jong-Moon , Jung Hyunwoo , Kim Chul-Hyun , Lee Yang-Soo , Lee Myunghwan , Hwang Soo Yeon , Kim Ae-Ryoung , Park Donghwi
Published: April 2021

Objectives: We aimed to determine the usefulness and effectiveness of a submandibular push exercise with visual feedback from a pressure sensor in patients with dysphagia through continuous exercise sessions. Methods: Twelve patients with dysphagia of various etiologies were included. A total of five exercise sessions (every 3 or 4 days) over three weeks were conducted. During the submandibular push exercise, patients were instructed to maintain a maximum force for 3 s, repeated for 1 min to measure the number of exercises, the maximum pressure, and the area of the pressure-time graph. We statistically compared the values of each exercise trial. Results: Among the 12 patients, eight completed the exercise sessions. As the number of exercise trials increased, the maximum pressure and the area in the pressure-time graph showed a significant increase compared to the previous attempt (p < 0.05). The maximum pressure and the area of the pressure-time graph improved from the first to the fourth session (p < 0.05). The values were maintained after the fourth session, and there was no significant difference between the fourth and the fifth exercise (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between successful and non-successful groups, except for the Modified Barthel Index (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Through repetitive exercise training, the submandibular push exercise using visual feedback from a pressure sensor can be applied as an exercise method to strengthen swallowing related muscles, such as the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. However, additional studies including more patients and a long-term study period are warranted to evaluate the effects of the exercise for improvement of dysphagia.
Participatory Mapping as a Didactic and Auxiliary Tool for Learning Community Integration, Technology Transference, and Natural Resource Management
Authors: Eaton-González Ricardo , Andrade-Sánchez Jorge , Montaño-Soto Tatiana , Andrade-Tafoya Paola , Brito-Jaime Diana , González-Estupiñán Krystal , Guía-Ramírez Andrea , Rodríguez-Canseco Jesús , Teon-Vega Argelia , Balderas-López Silvia
Published: April 2021

Participatory mapping is a tool for community work linked to natural resource management. It is an auxiliary for diagnosis and data acquisition from communities and their natural resources. In Baja California, there are several indigenous communities, some close to urban areas but still unknown to most people in cities as well as visitors. These communities are fighting to restore and maintain their language, tradition, territory, biological, and cultural diversity. This work was carried out by linking members of the indigenous community of San Jose de la Zorra with bachelor’s and graduate degree students, to obtain information on the biological, cultural, and economic activities of the community through participatory mapping. The learning experience was significant for all participants; although it was not the intention in this study, students had the unique opportunity to exchange information and learn culture and biodiversity from indigenous people. The indigenous community was involved in field data acquisition and the use of some information and communication technology resources developed for this approach, and used it for natural resource management and decision making. The main results of this experience were wide format printed maps that were placed on several sites inside and outside the community, digital mapping that gave information about natural, cultural, and economic resources of the community for local and foreign visitors, and technology transference to solve problems identified by the community.