bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Occupant Behaviour on the Energy Performance Gap in Residential Buildings
Authors: Far Claire , Ahmed Iftekhar , Mackee Jamie
Published: June 2022

Buildings are an important part of worldwide efforts to reduce energy consumption and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Despite recent technological developments in the area of energy consumption reduction, energy use is on the rise, highlighting the significance of considering occupant behavior with regard to controlling energy consumption and supporting climate resilience. Energy performance of residential buildings is a function of various aspects such as properties of the building envelope, climatic location characteristics, HVAC system, and, more importantly, occupant behavior and activities towards energy utilization. This study carries out a comprehensive review of the impact of occupant behavior on reducing the energy performance gap in residential buildings since residential buildings account for 70% of building floor area around the globe. Findings have revealed that a dearth of literature on occupants’ behavior scholarship leads to inaccurate simplifications in building modeling and design. Thus, there is a strong need to obtain appropriate occupant behavioral data to develop strategies to close the energy performance gap as much as possible to achieve better energy efficiency in residential buildings to contribute to resilience and sustainability. Findings have also revealed a lack of objective and subjective data on occupants’ behavior towards energy efficiency in residential buildings. In response to these gaps, the current paper has proposed a conceptual framework for occupant behavior toward a modification of thermal comfort to reduce energy use. Based on the findings of this paper, understanding the variety of factors influencing occupants’ behavior should be considered a major influential factor in the design and retrofit of residential buildings with a view toward long-term resilience and sustainability.
On r-Ideals and m-k-Ideals in BN-Algebras
Authors: Gemawati Sri , Musraini Musnis , Hadi Abdul , Zakaria La , Fitria Elsi
Published: June 2022

A BN-algebra is a non-empty set X with a binary operation “∗” and a constant 0 that satisfies the following axioms: (B1) x∗x=0, (B2) x∗0=x, and (BN) (x∗y)∗z=(0∗z)∗(y∗x) for all x, y, z ∈X. A non-empty subset I of X is called an ideal in BN-algebra X if it satisfies 0∈X and if y∈I and x∗y∈I, then x∈I for all x,y∈X. In this paper, we define several new ideal types in BN-algebras, namely, r-ideal, k-ideal, and m-k-ideal. Furthermore, some of their properties are constructed. Then, the relationships between ideals in BN-algebra with r-ideal, k-ideal, and m-k-ideal properties are investigated. Finally, the concept of r-ideal homomorphisms is discussed in BN-algebra.
Perceived Intensification in Harmful Algal Blooms Is a Wave of Cumulative Threat to the Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Kazmi Syed Shabi Ul Hassan , Yapa Neelamanie , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Suwannarach Nakarin
Published: June 2022

Aquatic pollution is considered a major threat to sustainable development across the world, and deterioration of aquatic ecosystems is caused usually by harmful algal blooms (HABs). In recent times, HABs have gained attention from scientists to better understand these phenomena given that these blooms are increasing in intensity and distribution with considerable impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Many exogenous factors such as variations in climatic patterns, eutrophication, wind blowing, dust storms, and upwelling of water currents form these blooms. Globally, the HAB formation is increasing the toxicity in the natural water sources, ultimately leading the deleterious and hazardous effects on the aquatic fauna and flora. This review summarizes the types of HABs with their potential effects, toxicity, grazing defense, human health impacts, management, and control of these harmful entities. This review offers a systematic approach towards the understanding of HABs, eliciting to rethink the increasing threat caused by HABs in aquatic ecosystems across the world. Therefore, to mitigate this increasing threat to aquatic environments, advanced scientific research in ecology and environmental sciences should be prioritized.
Beyond the Backbone: The Next Generation of Pathwalking Utilities for Model Building in CryoEM Density Maps
Authors: Hryc Corey F. , Baker Matthew L.
Published: June 2022

Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) has become an indispensable tool for studying structure and function in macromolecular assemblies. As an integral part of the cryoEM structure determination process, computational tools have been developed to build atomic models directly from a density map without structural templates. Nearly a decade ago, we created Pathwalking, a tool for de novo modeling of protein structure in near-atomic resolution cryoEM density maps. Here, we present the latest developments in Pathwalking, including the addition of probabilistic models, as well as a companion tool for modeling waters and ligands. This software was evaluated on the 2021 CryoEM Ligand Challenge density maps, in addition to identifying ligands in three IP3R1 density maps at ~3 Å to 4.1 Å resolution. The results clearly demonstrate that the Pathwalking de novo modeling pipeline can construct accurate protein structures and reliably localize and identify ligand density directly from a near-atomic resolution map.
Cognitive Impairment, Sleep Disturbance, and Depression in Women with Silicone Breast Implants: Association with Autoantibodies against Autonomic Nervous System Receptors
Authors: Tocut Milena , Halpert Gilad , Tsur Avishai M. , Sharif Kassem , Heidecke Harald , Levy Yair , Watad Abdulla , Amital Howard , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: June 2022

Background: Silicone breast implants (SBIs) has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we aimed to explore the potential association between circulating autoantibodies against the autonomic nervous system and cognitive impairment, memory deficit, and depressive symptoms reported by women with SBIs. Methods: ELISA assays were used to quantify anti-adrenergic receptors (α1, α2, β1, β2), anti-muscarinic receptors (M1-M5), anti-endothelin receptor type A, and anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor titers in the sera of 93 symptomatic female subjects with SBIs and 36 age-matched healthy female controls. Results: A significant difference was detected in the level of autoantibodies against the autonomic nervous system receptors in women with SBIs who reported memory impairment, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbance as compared with both women with SBIs who did not complain of these symptoms or with healthy individuals without SBIs. Conclusions: Clinical symptoms such as depression, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances were found to be associated with dysregulation of the levels of circulating autoantibodies targeting the autonomous nervous system receptors in women with SBIs. These autoantibodies may have diagnostic significance in diseases associated with breast implants.
Structure Elucidation and Anti-Tumor Activities of Trichothecenes from Endophytic Fungus Fusariumsporotrichioides
Authors: Wang Ya-Jing , Ma Nan , Lu Yong-Fu , Dai Si-Yang , Song Xue , Li Chang , Sun Yi , Pei Yue-Hu
Published: June 2022

The secondary metabolites of Fusarium sporotrichioides, an endophytic fungus with anti-tumor activity isolated from Rauvolfia yunnanensis Tsiang, were investigated. Five trichothecenes, including one previously undescribed metabolite, were isolated and identified. Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods; the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by the ECD method. Surprisingly, 8-n-butyrylneosolaniol (3) exhibited stronger anti-tumor activity than T-2 toxin against Huh-7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 265.9 nM. 8-n-butyrylneosolaniol (3) promoted apoptosis induction in Huh-7 cells. Moreover, cell cycle analysis showed that cell cycle arrest caused by 8-n-butyrylneosolaniol (3) at the G2/M phase resulted in cell proliferation inhibition and pro-apoptotic activity. Further studies showed a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and a significant increase in ROS generation, which led to the activation of caspase cascades and subsequent cleavage of PARP fragments. In conclusion, 8-n-butyrylneosolaniol (3) induced cell apoptosis in Huh-7 cells via the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway, which could be a leading compound for anti-tumor agents.
Transducer Technologies for Biosensors and Their Wearable Applications
Authors: Polat Emre Ozan , Cetin M. Mustafa , Tabak Ahmet Fatih , Bilget Güven Ebru , Uysal Bengü Özuğur , Arsan Taner , Kabbani Anas , Hamed Houmeme , Gül Sümeyye Berfin
Published: June 2022

The development of new biosensor technologies and their active use as wearable devices have offered mobility and flexibility to conventional western medicine and personal fitness tracking. In the development of biosensors, transducers stand out as the main elements converting the signals sourced from a biological event into a detectable output. Combined with the suitable bio-receptors and the miniaturization of readout electronics, the functionality and design of the transducers play a key role in the construction of wearable devices for personal health control. Ever-growing research and industrial interest in new transducer technologies for point-of-care (POC) and wearable bio-detection have gained tremendous acceleration by the pandemic-induced digital health transformation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of transducers for biosensors and their wearable applications that empower users for the active tracking of biomarkers and personal health parameters.
Causal Analysis and Prevention Measures for Extreme Heavy Rainstorms in Zhengzhou to Protect Human Health
Authors: Xu Qingwei , Han Liu , Xu Kaili
Published: June 2022

This study focused on the extreme heavy rainstorm that occurred in Zhengzhou in July 2021; approximately 380 people were killed or missing as a result of this storm. To investigate the evolution behaviors of this rainstorm and take corresponding prevention measures, several methods and models were adopted, including cloud modeling, preliminary hazard analysis (PHA), fault tree analysis (FTA), bow-tie modeling, and chaos theory. The main reasons for this rainstorm can be divided into the following three aspects: force majeure, such as terrain and extreme weather conditions, issues with city construction, and insufficient emergency rescue. The secondary disasters caused by this rainstorm mainly include urban water logging, river flooding, and mountain torrents and landslides. The main causes of the subway line-5 accident that occurred can be described as follows: the location of the stabling yard was low, the relevant rules and regulations of the subway were not ideal, insufficient attention was given to the early warning information, and the emergency response mechanism was not ideal. Rainstorms result from the cross-coupling of faults in humans, objects, the environment, and management subsystems, and the evolution process shows an obvious butterfly effect. To prevent disasters caused by rainstorms, the following suggestions should be adopted: vigorously improve the risk awareness and emergency response capabilities of leading cadres, improve the overall level of urban disaster prevention and mitigation, reinforce the existing reservoirs in the city, strengthen the construction of sponge cities, and improve the capacity of urban disaster emergency rescue.
Biomarkers of Venous Thromboembolism Recurrence after Discontinuation of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Treatment for Cancer-Associated Thrombosis (HISPALIS-Study)
Authors: Otero Remedios , Solier-López Aurora , Sánchez-López Verónica , Oto Julia , Arellano Elena , Marín Samira , Jara-Palomares Luis , Elías Teresa , Asencio María Isabel , Blasco-Esquivias Isabel , Rodríguez de la Borbolla María , Sánchez-Díaz José María , Real-Domínguez Macarena , García-Cabrera Emilio , Rodríguez-Martorell Francisco Javier , Medina Pilar
Published: June 2022

The most appropriate duration of anticoagulant treatment for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAT) remains unclear. We have conducted a prospective multicenter study in CAT patients with more than 6 months of anticoagulant treatment to predict the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence after anticoagulation discontinuation. Blood samples were obtained when patients stopped the anticoagulation, at 21 days and at 90 days. In each sample we assessed different coagulation-related biomarkers: D-dimer (DD), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), P-selectin (PS), phospholipids, soluble tissue factor, factor VIII and the thrombin generation test. It was evaluated 325 CAT patients and 166 patients were included in the study, mean age 64 ± 17 years. VTE recurrence until 6 months after stopping anticoagulation treatment was 9.87% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6–15]. The biomarkers sub-distribution hazard ratios were 6.32 for ratio DD basal/DD 21 days > 2 (95% CI: 1.82–21.90), 6.36 for hs-CRP > 4.5 (95% CI: 1.73–23.40) and 5.58 for PS > 40 (95% CI: 1.46–21.30) after 21 days of stopping anticoagulation. This is the first study that has identified the DD ratio, hs-CRP and PS as potential biomarkers of VTE recurrence in cancer patients after the discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment. A risk-adapted strategy may allow the identification of the optimal time to withdraw the anticoagulation in each CAT patient.
Electro-Catalytic Properties of Palladium and Palladium Alloy Electro-Catalysts Supported on Carbon Nanofibers for Electro-Oxidation of Methanol and Ethanol in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Selepe Cyril Tlou , Gwebu Sandile Surprise , Matthews Thabo , Mashola Tebogo Abigail , Sikeyi Ludwe Luther , Zikhali Memory , Mbokazi Siyabonga Patrick , Makhunga Thobeka Sipho , Adegoke Kayode Adesina , Maxakato Nobanathi Wendy
Published: June 2022

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) supported by Pd and Pd-Sn electro-catalysts were prepared by the chemical reduction method using ethylene glycol as the reducing agent. Their physicochemical characteristics were studied using high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Bruanaer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. FTIR revealed that oxygen, hydroxyl, carboxylic and carbonyl functional groups facilitated the dispersion of Pd and Sn nanoparticles. The doping of Pd with Sn to generate PdSn alloy was also confirmed by XPS data. The amorphous nature of CNFs was confirmed by XRD patterns which exhibited the Pd diffraction peaks. When Sn was added to Pd/CNFs, the diffraction peaks moved to lower angles. HRTEM images revealed that the CNFs with cylindrical shape-like morphology and also Pd-Sn nanoparticles dispersed on carbon support. The catalytic activity and stability towards alcohol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium at room temperature was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The obtained Pd-Sn/CNFs electro-catalyst exhibited a better electro-catalytic activity than Pd/CNFs and Pd/C electro-catalysts for both methanol and ethanol oxidation. The improvement of the electrochemical performance was associated with the synergistic effect via the addition of Sn which modified the Pd atom arrangement, thereby promoting oxidation through a dehydrogenation pathway. Furthermore, SnO2 generates abundant OH species which helps with increasing the rate of the oxidative removal of carbon monoxide (CO) intermediates from Pd sites.
Visible Light Induced Nano-Photocatalysis Trimetallic Cu0.5Zn0.5-Fe: Synthesis, Characterization and Application as Alcohols Oxidation Catalyst
Authors: Ghazzy Asma , Yousef Lina , Al-Hunaiti Afnan
Published: June 2022

Here, we report a visible light-induced-trimetallic catalyst (Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) prepared through green synthesis using Tilia plant extract. These nanomaterials were characterized for structural and morphological studies using powder x-ray diffraction (P-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The spinel crystalline material was ~34 nm. In benign reaction conditions, the prepared photocatalyst oxidized various benzylic alcohols with excellent yield and selectivity toward aldehyde with 99% and 98%; respectively. Aromatic and aliphatic alcohols (such as furfuryl alcohol and 1-octanol) were photo-catalytically oxidized using Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, LED light, H2O2 as oxidant, 2 h reaction time and ambient temperature. The advantages of the catalyst were found in terms of reduced catalyst loading, activating catalyst using visible light in mild conditions, high conversion of the starting material and the recyclability up to 5 times without loss of the selectivity. Thus, our study offers a potential pathway for the photocatalytic nanomaterial, which will contribute to the advancement of photocatalysis studies.
A Unique Spectrum of Spontaneous Tumors in Dino Knockout Mice Identifies Tissue-Specific Requirements for Tumor Suppression
Authors: Marney Christina , Anderson Erik , Baum Rachel , Schmitt Adam
Published: June 2022

Here, we report that Dino, a lncRNA required for p53 signaling, suppresses spontaneous tumorigenesis in mice. Dino−/− mice develop significantly more malignant tumors than Dino+/+ littermate controls, consisting predominantly of sarcomas, B cell lymphomas and additional rare tumors. While the prevalence of lymphomas and sarcomas in Dino−/− mice is similar to that of mice with p53 loss, important distinctions emerged. p53-null mice predominantly develop T cell lymphomas; however, no spontaneous T cell lymphoma was observed in Dino−/− mice. Rather than being a phenocopy of the p53-null tumor spectrum, spontaneous tumors in Dino−/− mice resemble the spectrum of human cancers in which DINO is recurrently silenced by methylation in a manner that is mutually exclusive with TP53 alterations, suggesting that similar tissues in human and mouse require DINO for tumor suppression. Consistent with a tissue-specific role for Dino in tumor suppression, loss of Dino had no impact on the development of radiation-induced T cell lymphoma and oncogene-driven medulloblastoma, tumors that are accelerated by the loss of p53. Taken together, these data indicate that Dino serves as a potent tumor suppressor molecule specific to a select subset of tissues in mice and humans.
Autophagy Protects against Eosinophil Cytolysis and Release of DNA
Authors: Esnault Stephane , Fichtinger Paul S. , Barretto Karina T. , Fogerty Frances J. , Bernau Ksenija , Mosher Deane F. , Mathur Sameer K. , Sandbo Nathan , Jarjour Nizar N.
Published: June 2022

The presence of eosinophils in the airway is associated with asthma severity and risk of exacerbations. Eosinophils deposit their damaging products in airway tissue, likely by degranulation and cytolysis. We previously showed that priming blood eosinophils with IL3 strongly increased their cytolysis on aggregated IgG. Conversely, IL5 priming did not result in significant eosinophil cytolysis in the same condition. Therefore, to identify critical events protecting eosinophils from cell cytolysis, we examined the differential intracellular events between IL5- and IL3-primed eosinophils interacting with IgG. We showed that both IL3 and IL5 priming increased the eosinophil adhesion to IgG, phosphorylation of p38, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased the phosphorylation of cofilin. However, autophagic flux as measured by the quantification of SQSTM1-p62 and lipidated-MAP1L3CB over time on IgG, with or without bafilomycin-A1, was higher in IL5-primed compared to IL3-primed eosinophils. In addition, treatment with bafilomycin-A1, an inhibitor of granule acidification and autophagolysosome formation, enhanced eosinophil cytolysis and DNA trap formation in IL5-primed eosinophils. Therefore, this study suggests that increased autophagy in eosinophils protects from cytolysis and the release of DNA, and thus limits the discharge of damaging intracellular eosinophilic contents.
The Annotation of Zebrafish Enhancer Trap Lines Generated with PB Transposon
Authors: Jia Wenzhu , Guan Zhongxia , Shi Shasha , Xiang Kuilin , Chen Peihong , Tan Fen , Ullah Numan , Diaby Mohamed , Guo Mengke , Song Chengyi , Gao Bo
Published: June 2022

An enhancer trap (ET) mediated by a transposon is an effective method for functional gene research. Here, an ET system based on a PB transposon that carries a mini Krt4 promoter (the keratin4 minimal promoter from zebrafish) and the green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) has been used to produce zebrafish ET lines. One enhancer trap line with eye-specific expression GFP named EYE was used to identify the trapped enhancers and genes. Firstly, GFP showed a temporal and spatial expression pattern with whole-embryo expression at 6, 12, and 24 hpf stages and eye-specific expression from 2 to 7 dpf. Then, the genome insertion sites were detected by splinkerette PCR (spPCR). The Krt4-GFP was inserted into the fourth intron of the gene itgav (integrin, alpha V) in chromosome 9 of the zebrafish genome, with the GFP direction the same as that of the itgav gene. By the alignment of homologous gene sequences in different species, three predicted endogenous enhancers were obtained. The trapped endogenous gene itgav, whose overexpression is related to hepatocellular carcinoma, showed a similar expression pattern as GFP detected by in situ hybridization, which suggested that GFP and itgav were possibly regulated by the same enhancers. In short, the zebrafish enhancer trap lines generated by the PB transposon-mediated enhancer trap technology in this study were valuable resources as visual markers to study the regulators and genes. This work provides an efficient method to identify and isolate tissue-specific enhancer sequences.
Prediction Model of Aluminized Coating Thicknesses Based on Monte Carlo Simulation by X-ray Fluorescence
Authors: Li Zhuoyue , Wang Cheng , Ju Haijuan , Li Xiangrong , Qu Yi , Yu Jiabo
Published: June 2022

An aluminized coating can improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of turbine blades, but the inter-diffusion of elements renders the coating’s thickness difficult to achieve in non-destructive testing. As a typical method for coating thickness inspection, X-ray fluorescence mainly includes the fundamental parameter method and the empirical coefficient method. The fundamental parameter method has low accuracy for such complex coatings, while it is difficult to provide sufficient reference samples for the empirical coefficient method. To achieve accurate non-destructive testing of aluminized coating thickness, we analyzed the coating system of aluminized blades, simulated the spectra of reference samples using the open-source software XMI-MSIM, established the mapping between elemental spectral intensity and coating thickness based on partial least squares and back-propagation neural networks, and validated the model with actual samples. The experimental results show that the model’s prediction error based on the back-propagation neural network is 4.45% for the Al-rich layer and 16.89% for the Al-poor layer. Therefore, the model is more suitable for predicting aluminized coating thickness. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulation method can provide a new way of thinking for materials that have difficulty in fabricating reference samples.
Functional Data Analysis for Imaging Mean Function Estimation: Computing Times and Parameter Selection
Authors: Arias-López Juan A. , Cadarso-Suárez Carmen , Aguiar-Fernández Pablo
Published: June 2022

In the field of medical imaging, one of the most extended research setups consists of the comparison between two groups of images, a pathological set against a control set, in order to search for statistically significant differences in brain activity. Functional Data Analysis (FDA), a relatively new field of statistics dealing with data expressed in the form of functions, uses methodologies which can be easily extended to the study of imaging data. Examples of this have been proposed in previous publications where the authors settle the mathematical groundwork and properties of the proposed estimators. The methodology herein tested allows for the estimation of mean functions and simultaneous confidence corridors (SCC), also known as simultaneous confidence bands, for imaging data and for the difference between two groups of images. FDA applied to medical imaging presents at least two advantages compared to previous methodologies: it avoids loss of information in complex data structures and avoids the multiple comparison problem arising from traditional pixel-to-pixel comparisons. Nonetheless, computing times for this technique have only been explored in reduced and simulated setups. In the present article, we apply this procedure to a practical case with data extracted from open neuroimaging databases; then, we measure computing times for the construction of Delaunay triangulations and for the computation of mean function and SCC for one-group and two-group approaches. The results suggest that the previous researcher has been too conservative in parameter selection and that computing times for this methodology are reasonable, confirming that this method should be further studied and applied to the field of medical imaging.
Oncology Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Granek Leeat , Nakash Ora
Published: June 2022

The paper begins by reviewing the literature on oncology healthcare professionals’ (HCP) mental health. We summarize and present the current data on HCP mental health in order to understand the baseline state of oncology HCPs’ mental health status prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. At each juncture, we will discuss the implications of these mental health variables on the personal lives of HCPs, the healthcare system, and patient care. We follow by reviewing the literature on these parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the overall mental health of HCPs working in oncology. By reviewing and summarizing the data before and after the start of the pandemic, we will get a fuller picture of the pre-existing stressors facing oncology HCPs and the added burden caused by pandemic-related stresses. The second part of this review paper will discuss the implications for the oncology workforce and offer recommendations based on the research literature in order to improve the lives of HCPs, and in the process, improve patient care.
Visualization of Type-1 Macular Neovascularization Secondary to Pachychoroid Spectrum Diseases: A Comparative Study for Sensitivity and Specificity of Indocyanine Green Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Güran Beğar Pınar , Yanık Özge , Batıoğlu Figen , Özmert Emin
Published: June 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in detecting type-1 macular neovascularization (MNV) in pachychoroid spectrum diseases. Methods: Patients with pachychoroid characteristics who had undergone ICGA and OCTA imaging at the same visit, were recruited. The diagnosis of MNV was made by a senior retina specialist using multimodal imaging techniques. Afterward, both ICGA and OCTA images were separately reviewed by a masked-independent senior retina specialist with regard to the presence of MNV. The specificity, sensitivity, positive, and negative predictive values of ICGA and OCTA were analyzed. Results: OCTA was able to detect MNV with 97.2% sensitivity, failing to detect MNV only in one eye. The sensitivity of ICGA to detect MNV was 66.76%. The negative predictive value of OCTA was 94.7%; however, this value was 60% for ICGA. Multimodal imaging and OCTA were in almost perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 0.95). Conclusion: OCTA shows greater sensitivity when detecting type-1 MNV than ICGA in pachychoroid neovasculopathy cases. OCTA is a non-invasive and quick imaging modality that can be preferred to dye angiography in the visualization of type-1 MNV in pachychoroid neovasculopathy.
Rapid Evidence Assessment: Mentoring Interventions for/by Students with Disabilities at Third-Level Education
Authors: Cardinot Adriana , Flynn Paul
Published: June 2022

The number of students with disabilities enrolling in higher education has shown an increase across the world. Despite this, many students with disabilities still encounter several barriers in transitioning to third-level education. Educational mentoring programmes have emerged as interventions that have the potential to provide peer support and reduce isolation in higher education. However, there is little understanding of how this intervention could benefit students with disabilities in mentor and mentee roles. This systematic review aimed to collate, synthesise, and compare empirical studies describing mentoring programmes, interventions, or initiatives in which undergraduates with disabilities acted as mentors or mentees. The study employs a rapid evidence assessment methodology to gather, analyse, and compare relevant publications describing mentoring interventions involving students with disabilities. The search was limited to studies published between 2010 and 2021. In total, eleven studies met the PICO criteria established in this review. The results obtained in this study present evidence of the multiple benefits and key elements of mentoring programmes for/by students with disabilities to facilitate the transition to higher education in social and academic engagement. In particular, it was found that mentoring programmes can have an impact on mentors and mentees, such as the feeling of empowerment, a sense of belonging in the university, normalising academic challenges, and increased empathy and awareness of disabilities. Key recommendations for designing mentoring interventions involving students with disabilities are also outlined.
Modelling STEM Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the Framework of the Refined Consensus Model: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mientus Lukas , Hume Anne , Wulff Peter , Meiners Antoinette , Borowski Andreas
Published: June 2022

Science education researchers have developed a refined understanding of the structure of science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), but how to develop applicable and situation-adequate PCK remains largely unclear. A potential problem lies in the diverse conceptualisations of the PCK used in PCK research. This study sought to systematize existing science education research on PCK through the lens of the recently proposed refined consensus model (RCM) of PCK. In this review, the studies’ approaches to investigating PCK and selected findings were characterised and synthesised as an overview comparing research before and after the publication of the RCM. We found that the studies largely employed a qualitative case-study methodology that included specific PCK models and tools. However, in recent years, the studies focused increasingly on quantitative aspects. Furthermore, results of the reviewed studies can mostly be integrated into the RCM. We argue that the RCM can function as a meaningful theoretical lens for conceptualizing links between teaching practice and PCK development by proposing pedagogical reasoning as a mechanism and/or explanation for PCK development in the context of teaching practice.
Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Musculoskeletal Risk Factors Related to Swimmer’s Shoulder
Authors: Tavares Nuno , Dias Gonçalo , Carvalho Paulo , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Castro Maria António
Published: June 2022

Background: Therapeutic exercise seems to minimize musculoskeletal risk factors related to swimmer’s shoulder. However, there is an absence of a qualitative evaluation of these programs and a great variability regarding the characteristics of exercises. The objective of this review was to identify, evaluate, and compare exercise programs used to minimize musculoskeletal risk factors related to swimmer’s shoulder. Methods: PubMed, CochraneLibrary, ScienceDirect, and Medscape were searched during January 2022. The research was limited to meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and RCTs written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese without publication time. The researched papers had swimmers as the population, compared an exercise program with another program or without intervention, and had as outcomes musculoskeletal risk factor variables. Results: Eleven articles were considered for analysis. There were three positive effects of strength programs on shoulder rotators’ strength and endurance, two positive effects of strength and stretching programs on shoulder posture, and one positive effect of a stretching program on shoulder ROM and a plyometric program on proprioception. Conclusions: There is high heterogeneity and little methodological quality evidence about the theme. However, strength programs with five or fewer OKC exercises performed out of the water seems to lead to better results in the swimmer’s shoulder prevention.
On Wide-Area IoT Networks, Lightweight Security and Their Applications—A Practical Review
Authors: Goulart Ana , Chennamaneni Anitha , Torre Damiano , Hur Byul , Al-Aboosi Fadhil Y.
Published: June 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows users to collect sensor data, control devices, and analyze collected data over the Internet. IoT devices are located in diverse environments and support many applications. To protect IoT systems from cyber threats, Confidentiality, Integrity, and Authentication—the CIA triad—must be supported. However, IoT devices have limited energy and computational resources. Lightweight encryption algorithms have been proposed for IoT, and have been reviewed by previous studies. Some cover communication protocols, while others cover lightweight security or review the challenges in implementing a secure IoT system. The aim of this literature review is to combine the first two topics: communication protocols and lightweight security. They will be approached from a practitioner’s standpoint. Several applications are provided that help readers with a minor background in security to understand these technologies and which elements of the CIA triad have more priority. This paper describes wide-area IoT networks, such as LoRAWAN, Sigfox, and NB-IoT, and their security. It also describes applications throughout the world, and how to enhance their security by implementing emerging lightweight security—specifically, approaches to make well-known ciphers such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) more lightweight.
Transient CFD Modelling of Air–Water Two-Phase Annular Flow Characteristics in a Small Horizontal Circular Pipe
Authors: Yao Jun , Yao Yufeng
Published: June 2022

The liquid film formed around the inner walls of a small horizontal circular pipe often exhibits non-uniform distributions circumferentially, where the film is thinner at the top surface than the bottom one. Even with this known phenomenon, the problem remains a challenging task for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict the liquid film formation on the pipe walls, mainly due to inaccurate two-phase flow models that can induce an undesirable ‘dry-out’ phenomenon. Therefore, in this study, a user-defined function subroutine (ANNULAR-UDF) is developed and applied for CFD modelling of an 8.8 mm diameter horizontal pipe, in order to capture transient flow behaviour, flow pattern formation and evolving process and other characteristics in validation against experiments. It is found that CFD modelling is able to capture the liquid phase friction pressure drop about maximum of 30% in deviation, consistent to the correlated experimental data by applying an empirical correlation of Chisholm. Due to the gravity effect, the liquid film is generally thicker at the bottom wall than at the top wall and this trend can be further enhanced by increasing the superficial air–water velocity ratios. These findings could be valuable for HVAC industry applications, where some desirable annular flow features are necessary to retain to achieve high efficiency of heat transfer performance.
The Influence of the Hydroxyl Type on Crosslinking Process in Cyclodextrin Based Polyurethane Networks
Authors: Peptu Cristian , Diaconu Alexandra-Diana , Danu Maricel , Peptu Catalina A. , Cristea Mariana , Harabagiu Valeria
Published: June 2022

The influence of the hydroxyl groups (OH) type on the polyaddition processes of isocyanates represents a critical approach for the design of multicomponent polyurethane systems. Herein, to prove the effect of hydroxyl nature on both the isocyanate-OH polyaddition reactions and the structure/properties of the resulting networks, two structurally different cyclodextrins in terms of the primary and secondary groups’ ratio were analyzed, namely native β-cyclodextrin (CD) and its derivative esterified to the primary hydroxyl groups with oligolactide chains (CDLA). Thus, polyurethane hydrogels were prepared via the polyaddition of CD or CDLA to isophorone diisocyanate polyethylene glycol-based prepolymers (PEG-(NCO)2). The degradable character of the materials was induced by intercalating oligolactide short sequences into the polymer chains composing the polymer network. In order to establish the influence of the OH type, the synthesis of polyurethane hydrogels was analyzed by a rheological investigation of the overall system reactivity. Materials properties such as swelling behavior, thermal properties and hydrolytic degradation were influenced by the reaction feed. Specifically, the presence of primary OH groups leads to more compact networks with similar water uptake, disregarding the CD content, while the predominance of secondary OH groups together with the presence of oligolactide spacers leads to the fine tuning of the water swelling properties.
Moringa oleifera: Miracle Plant with a Plethora of Medicinal, Therapeutic, and Economic Importance
Authors: Prajapati Chirag , Ankola Meera , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Sharangi Amit Baran , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Al-Saeed Fatimah A. , Muzammil Khursheed , Saeed Mohd
Published: June 2022

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is one of the most essential medicinal plants primarily found in the rainforest area and forest ecosystem, but is now well-adapted in an organized cultivation system. Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is well-known as Drumstick tree, Moringa kai, color, Marengo, Moringe, mulangay, Sahjan, and Sajna, which are its native names commonly used. It has nourishing, beneficial, and preventive effects when taken as food and has an extensive scope of high restorative properties with huge dietary benefits. Different parts of the M. oleifera plants, such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and roots, contain a significant amount of protein, ß-carotene, amino acids, important minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Because of its multifarious health benefits for its therapeutic value, it is considered an essential plant. The plant is found to be blessed with several medicinal characteristics such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, cholesterol-level down, cell reinforcement, and hepatoprotective. Moreover, it is used traditionally in the local curative system against cardiac problems, and the antifungal properties are efficiently utilized for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The present review article was designed to explore the nutritional and economic benefits, medicinal and therapeutic applications, and the future biomedical prospects of Moringa with a view towards human wellbeing.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Be Vaccinated against COVID-19 in Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale Abayomi Samuel
Published: June 2022

Vaccines have been historically used to address some pressing health problems in the world. COVID-19 presents no exception, although vaccine hesitancy remains a major bottleneck in some countries. This study analyzed the factors influencing willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Nigeria. The data are from the 10th wave of COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (COVID-19 NLPS) that was conducted in 2021. The data were analyzed with Logit regression. The result showed that the national acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine was 85.29%. The North East had the highest acceptance rate (96.14%), while the South East (71.80%) had the lowest value. Rural areas had higher vaccine acceptance rates of 87.80% as compared against 81.41% for urban areas. Logit regression result showed that urban residents in the South East zone and the South South zone were not too worried about contracting COVID-19 or not worried at all about contracting COVID-19, saw COVID-19 as not much of a threat to household finance or COVID-19 as not a threat at all to households’ finances, which significantly reduced the log odds of residents’ willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.05). However, age, the COVID-19 preventive compliance index and needing medical services significantly increased the log odds of the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria through vaccination requires significant interventions for ensuring regional and sectoral balances in vaccine acceptability through interventions and programmes for promoting individuals’ perception of health risk and vulnerability.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Acute Graft Pyelonephritis with Bacteremia Due to Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli among Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sabé Núria , Maristany Marta , Tuells Manel , Favà Alexandre , Melilli Edoardo , Tubau Fe , Cruzado Josep Maria , Carratalà Jordi
Published: June 2022

Acute graft pyelonephritis (AGP) is the leading cause of bloodstream infection in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The prevalence of urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli is increasing. This 14-year prospective observational study sought to determine the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of AGP with bacteremia due to MDR Gram-negative bacilli. Overall, 278 episodes of AGP with bacteremia due to MDR Gram-negative and non-MDR Gram-negative bacilli were identified and compared in 214 KT recipients; MDR Gram-negative bacilli were the cause in 28.4%. Overall 30-day mortality was low (1.1%). Risk factors independently associated with AGP due to MDR Gram-negative bacilli were male sex (OR 3.08; 95%CI 1.60–5.93), previous episode of bacteremic AGP (OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.09–4.09), prior antibiotic therapy in the preceding month (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.33–4.57), and nosocomial acquisition (OR 2.03, 95%CI 1.14–3.62). Forty-three percent of MDR Gram-negative episodes received inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy. The risk factors identified in this study may help physicians when selecting empirical antibiotic treatment for AGP. Previous antibiotic use was the main modifiable factor. Its presence highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotics in order to bring down the high rates of MDR Gram-negative bacilli infections in this population.
Gluteus Maximus Transfer following Total Hip Arthroplasty Does Not Improve Abductor Moment: A Case-Control Gait Analysis Study of 15 Patients with Gluteus Medius Disruption
Authors: Zügner Roland , Hjelmberg Natalie , Rolfson Ola , Strömberg Christer , Saari Tuuli
Published: June 2022

Gluteus maximus flap transfer (GMT) is a surgical technique used to improve gait kinematics and kinetics, as well as to reduce and ameliorate the functional outcome in patients with hip abductor deficiency following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the gait pre- and postoperatively and examine whether GMT increases the abduction moment. Materials and Methods: A gait analysis based on reflective markers and force plates was performed in 15 patients who underwent GMT and were examined using an optical tracking system before and at a minimum of 13 months after the operation. The median follow-up time was 24 (13–60) months. The primary outcome was hip abduction moment (Nm/kg) during gait. The control group consisted of 15 female subjects without any gait pathology. Results: The mean adduction moment was significantly higher compared with controls before the operation (p = 0.02), but this did not apply to the abduction moment (p = 0.60). At the group level, the abduction moment did not improve postoperatively (p = 0.30). Only six of fifteen patients slightly improved their hip abduction moment postoperatively. However, speed (0.74 to 0.80 m/s) and cadence (94 to 105 steps/min) were improved (p < 0.03). Discussion: The results of this study showed no improvement in the hip abduction moment after GMT surgery. In our experience, abduction deficiency following primary THA is still a difficult and unsolved problem.
Changes in the Oswestry Disability Index after a 3-Week In-Patient Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program in Adults with Obesity
Authors: Bayartai Munkh-Erdene , Luomajoki Hannu , De Micheli Roberta , Tringali Gabriella , Marazzi Nicoletta , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the short-term changes in disability after an inpatient, multidisciplinary body weight reduction program (BWRP) in adults with obesity. A total of 160 individuals (males: 52, females: 108, BMI > 35 kg/m2) hospitalized for a 3-week multidisciplinary BWRP were recruited into the study. Body composition, lower limb muscle power, fatigue severity, and disability were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention by means of bioimpedance analysis, a stair climbing test (SCT), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI), respectively. At the end of the 3-week BWRP, an average body weight reduction of 5.0 kg (CI 95% −5.3; −4.6, p < 0.001) was determined, as well as an improvement in all parameters measured. Clinically meaningful reductions in disability were observed in the moderate disability (Δ = −11.8% CI 95% −14.3; −9.3, p < 0.001) and severe disability (Δ = −15.9% CI 95% −19.6; −12.2, p < 0.001) groups. Reductions in disability were explained only by improvements in the SCT (Δ = −2.7 CI 95% −4.1; −1.4, p < 0.001) and the FSS (Δ = −0.3% CI 95% −0.4; −0.1, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the importance of incorporating approaches into a BWRP that increase lower limb muscle power and decrease fatigue severity and thus reduce disability in adults with obesity.