bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Injury and Illness in the Final 4 Weeks before a Trail Running Competition
Authors: Gajardo-Burgos Rubén , Monrroy-Uarac Manuel , Barría-Pailaquilén René Mauricio , Norambuena-Noches Yessenia , van Rensburg Dina Christa Janse , Bascour-Sandoval Claudio , Besomi Manuela
Published: May 2021

We aimed to (i) determine self-reported injury and illness frequency in trail runners 4 weeks preceding competition; (ii) compare athletes with and without injury/illness by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and competition distance; (iii) describe mechanism of injury, anatomical region (injury)/organ system (illness) involved, consequences of injury on preparation and self-perception of injury severity; (iv) compare anatomical region (injury) and organ system (illness) by sex. A total of 654 trail runners (age 36.2, IQR 30.6–43.0; 36.9% females) participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study by completing a self-reported questionnaire. Injury and illness frequency rates were 31.3% (n = 205, CI: 27.7–35.0%) and 22.3% (n = 146, CI: 19.1–25.7%), respectively. No significant difference was found between injured vs. non-injured or ill vs. non-ill study participants by sex, age, BMI and competition distance. Regarding injuries, gradual onset (41.6%) and knee (33.2%) were the most indicated mechanism and anatomical region of injury. At least 85.4% of trail runners changed their training following injury and 79% indicated that their injury would affect their competition performance. Regarding illness, the respiratory tract was the most frequent organ system involved (82.9%). Male and female participants reported similar proportions of anatomical regions (injury) and organ systems (illness) affected. These results could help to generate education strategies and appropriate medical support before and during these competitions.
Hypertension in the United States Fire Service
Authors: Khaja Saeed U. , Mathias Kevin C. , Bode Emilie D. , Stewart Donald F. , Jack Kepra , Moffatt Steven M. , Smith Denise L.
Published: May 2021

Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cardiac remodeling and is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac events, the leading cause of duty-related death in the fire service. We assessed systemic blood pressures and prevalence of hypertension among US firefighters by decade of life. Medical records of career firefighters (5063 males and 274 females) from four geographically diverse occupational health clinics were assessed. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. Results from the firefighter sample were compared to the US general population (2015–2016 and 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys). Among the total sample, 69% of firefighters met the criteria for hypertension and 17% were taking antihypertensive medications. Percentages of hypertensive male and female firefighters were 45% and 11% among 20–29 years old, respectively, and increased to 78% and 79% among 50–59 years old, respectively. Compared to the general population, male firefighters had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.05) across all age groups (11–16% higher). In order to improve firefighter health and protect against sudden incapacitation in this public safety occupational group, increased efforts are necessary to screen for and manage high blood pressure.
The Influence of Green Entrepreneurship on Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia: The Role of Formal Institutions
Authors: Alwakid Wafa , Aparicio Sebastian , Urbano David
Published: May 2021

This study explores the influence of green entrepreneurial activity on sustainable development, using institutional economics as a theoretical framework. Also, the role of entrepreneurship policy is analysed in the context of Saudi Arabia. Using information from the General Authority for Statistics from 13 Saudi Arabian cities, the main findings show that green entrepreneurship positively contributes to the economic, social, and environmental components of sustainable development during the period 2012–2017. These results demonstrate a measurable indication of sustainable development outcomes, whereby Saudi Arabian institutions align entrepreneurial activities with a positive triple bottom line effect. Accordingly, these findings contribute new evidence to justify government commitment to supporting green entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and encourage future domestic policies.
Linking Self- and Other-Focused Emotion Regulation Abilities and Occupational Commitment among Pre-Service Teachers: Testing the Mediating Role of Study Engagement
Authors: Mérida-López Sergio , Extremera Natalio , Chambel Maria José
Published: May 2021

This investigation aimed to explore the mediator role of study engagement (i.e., study vigor and dedication) in the association between self- and other-focused emotion regulation abilities and occupational commitment in a sample of pre-service teachers. The sample was comprised of 249 students (65.5% female; Mage = 27 years) of a master’s degree in teacher training for secondary education. Results showed the relationship between self-focused emotion regulation ability and occupational commitment to be fully mediated by levels of vigor. No significant results were found regarding a mediator model involving other-focused emotion regulation as predictor. Although these findings warrant prospective replication, they provide evidence that development of self-focused emotion regulation skills (rather than other-focused skills) may facilitate occupational commitment among beginning teachers through desirable states that facilitate energy and reduce the likelihood of fatigue at work. These results are discussed in terms of their practical implications for developing interventions to improve pre-service teachers’ well-being and commitment.
Comparison of Updated Methods for Legionella Detection in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Toplitsch Daniela , Platzer Sabine , Zehner Romana , Maitz Stephanie , Mascher Franz , Kittinger Clemens
Published: May 2021

The difficulty of cultivation of Legionella spp. from water samples remains a strenuous task even for experienced laboratories. The long incubation periods for Legionellae make isolation difficult. In addition, the water samples themselves are often contaminated with accompanying microbial flora, and therefore require complex cultivation methods from diagnostic laboratories. In addition to the recent update of the standard culture method ISO 11731:2017, new strategies such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) are often discussed as alternatives or additions to conventional Legionella culture approaches. In this study, we compared ISO 11731:2017 with qPCR assays targeting Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila, and Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. In samples with a high burden of accompanying microbial flora, qPCR shows an excellent negative predictive value for Legionella pneumophila, thus making qPCR an excellent tool for pre-selection of negative samples prior to work-intensive culture methods. This and its low limit of detection make qPCR a diagnostic asset in Legionellosis outbreak investigations, where quick-risk assessments are essential, and are a useful method for monitoring risk sites.
Phonological Awareness as the Foundation of Reading Acquisition in Students Reading in Transparent Orthography
Authors: Milankov Vesela , Golubović Slavica , Krstić Tatjana , Golubović Špela
Published: May 2021

Phonological skills have been found to be strongly related to early reading and writing development. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the development of phonological awareness facilitates reading acquisition in students learning to read a transparent orthography. Our research included 689 primary school students in first through third grade (Mean age 101.59 months, SD = 12,690). The assessment tools used to conduct this research include the Phonological Awareness Test and the Gray Oral Reading Test. According to the results from the present study, 13.7% of students have reading difficulties. Students with reading difficulties obtained low scores in phonological awareness within each subscale compared to students who do not have reading difficulties (p < 0.01). Components of phonological awareness which did not singled out as strongly related to early reading success include Phoneme Segmentation, Initial Phoneme Identification, and Syllable Merging. Thus, understanding the nature of the relationship between phonological awareness and reading should help effective program design that will be aimed at eliminating delayed development in children’s phonological awareness while they are still in preschool.
The Impact of Caregiving Burden on Mental Well-Being in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Caregivers: The Mediatory Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Singh Solorzano Claudio , Leigh Elizabeth , Steptoe Andrew , Ronaldson Amy , Kidd Tara , Jahangiri Marjan , Poole Lydia
Published: May 2021

An increase in caregiver burden and a decrease in social support have both been identified as predictors of poor caregiver psychological distress. However, little is known about the role of these factors in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) caregivers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether change in perceived social support from pre to post surgery mediated the relationship between change in caregiver burden and caregiver depressive symptoms and subjective well-being post surgery. A sample of 101 caregivers of elective CABG patients were assessed 28 days before and 62 days after patients’ surgery. Caregivers completed the Oberst Burden Scale, the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease (ENRICHD) Social Support Instrument, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realisation, and Pleasure (CASP-19) scale. Simple mediation analyses showed that change in social support significantly mediated both the relationship between change in caregiver burden and post-surgery depressive symptoms (unstandardised β = 0.041, 95% CI (0.005, 0.112)) and the relationship between change in caregiver burden and post-surgery subjective well-being (unstandardised β = 0.071, 95% CI (0.001, 0.200)). Psychological interventions aimed at the CABG caregiver population should promote social support to deal with the increase of caregivers’ tasks and demands after the patients’ surgery.
The Tumor Microenvironment in Follicular Lymphoma: Its Pro-Malignancy Role with Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Watanabe Takashi
Published: May 2021

In the follicular lymphoma (FL) microenvironment, CXCR5+ICOS+PD1+BCL6+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which closely correlate with FL B cells in neoplastic follicles, play a major role in supporting FL. Interleukin-4 secreted by Tfh cells triggers the upregulation of the lymphocyte chemoattractant CXCL12 in stromal cell precursors, in particular by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). In turn, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be committed to FRC differentiation in the bone marrow and lymph nodes involved by FL. Noteworthy, MSCs can promote the differentiation of Tfh cells into highly immunosuppressive T-follicular regulatory cells. The tumor suppressor HVEM is highly mutated in FL cells, and its deficiency increases Tfh cell frequency. In contrast, PI3Kδ inhibition impedes the recruitment of Tfh/regulatory T cells and impairs the proliferation of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and FDC-induced angiogenesis. Since TIGIT ligands are expressed by FDCs, the immune checkpoint receptor TIGIT plays an important role in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Thus, TIGIT blockade might invigorate cytotoxic T cells in the FL microenvironment. Given their potential to simultaneously reduce the neoplastic B cells, Tfh, and TFR cells could also reinforce the effects of the cytotoxic T cells. This combinatory strategy should be explored as a treatment option to tackle FL.
Biological and Host Range Characteristics of Lysathia flavipes (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a Candidate Biological Control Agent of Invasive Ludwigia spp. (Onagraceae) in the USA
Authors: Reddy Angelica M. , Pratt Paul D. , Grewell Brenda J. , Harms Nathan E. , Cibils-Stewart Ximena , Cabrera Walsh Guillermo , Faltlhauser Ana
Published: May 2021

Exotic water primroses (Ludwigia spp.) are aggressive invaders in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. To date, management of exotic Ludwigia spp. has been limited to physical and chemical control methods. Biological control provides an alternative approach for the management of invasive Ludwigia spp. but little is known regarding the natural enemies of these exotic plants. Herein the biology and host range of Lysathia flavipes (Boheman), a herbivorous beetle associated with Ludwigia spp. in Argentina and Uruguay, was studied to determine its suitability as a biocontrol agent for multiple closely related target weeds in the USA. The beetle matures from egg to adult in 19.9 ± 1.4 days at 25 °C; females lived 86.3 ± 35.6 days and laid 1510.6 ± 543.4 eggs over their lifespans. No-choice development and oviposition tests were conducted using four Ludwigia species and seven native plant species. Lysathia flavipes showed little discrimination between plant species: larvae aggressively fed and completed development, and the resulting females (F1 generation) oviposited viable eggs on most plant species regardless of origin. These results indicate that L. flavipes is not sufficiently host-specific for further consideration as a biocontrol agent of exotic Ludwigia spp. in the USA and further testing is not warranted.
Low Dose Chest CT and Lung Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19
Authors: Finance Julie , Zieleskewicz Laurent , Habert Paul , Jacquier Alexis , Parola Philippe , Boussuges Alain , Bregeon Fabienne , Eldin Carole
Published: May 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to use low- and non-radiating chest imaging techniques on a large scale in the context of an infectious disease, which has never been done before. Previously, low-dose techniques were rarely used for infectious diseases, despite the recognised danger of ionising radiation. Method: To evaluate the role of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and lung ultrasound (LUS) in managing COVID-19 pneumonia, we performed a review of the literature including our cases. Results: Chest LDCT is now performed routinely when diagnosing and assessing the severity of COVID-19, allowing patients to be rapidly triaged. The extent of lung involvement assessed by LDCT is accurate in terms of predicting poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19-infected patients. Infectious disease specialists are less familiar with LUS, but this technique is also of great interest for a rapid diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 and is effective at assessing patient prognosis. Conclusions: COVID-19 is currently accelerating the transition to low-dose and “no-dose” imaging techniques to explore infectious pneumonia and their long-term consequences.
Data-Driven Services in Insurance: Potential Evolution and Impact in the Swiss Market
Authors: Pugnetti Carlo , Seitz Mischa
Published: May 2021

Using real-time customer data holds great potential for the insurance industry. The frequency and relevance of interactions can be improved to provide assistance in real time. Better prevention and risk management can significantly improve pricing and reduce losses. These changes, however, hold the potential for structural changes in the industry. This research aims at understanding the potential path of the development of services in insurance and the challenges faced by insurers. A panel of industry experts provided the industry’s view, which was then compared with the responses of 1542 Swiss retail customers. We find that customers have high trust in insurance companies and are open to purchasing additional services, particularly for prevention and assistance. Insurance companies, however, are currently focusing on cost improvement measures. Customers are open to sourcing services from other providers, suggesting that insurance companies need to evolve their approach to take advantage of the current market window.
COVID-19 and Religious Freedom: Some Comparative Perspectives
Authors: Martínez-Torrón Javier
Published: May 2021

The government’s measures against COVID-19 have raised, in virtually all contemporary democracies, important issues regarding the proportionality of limitations on fundamental rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This paper analyses some of those issues with particular reference to religious freedom, in the light of the experiences of various European and American countries. It also examines the cooperation (or lack of) between governments and religious communities in the fight against the pandemic, as well the response of religious communities to anti-COVID-19 rules, which has included recently some litigation alleging the unequal treatment of religion in comparison with other activities or institutions. The author argues that more dialogue and reciprocal cooperation between governments and religious communities (and civil society in general) is needed in this type of crisis, as well a strict scrutiny of restrictions imposed on freedom of religion from the perspective of proportionality and equality.
Crack Propagation Analysis of Compression Loaded Rolling Elements
Authors: Dlhý Pavol , Poduška Jan , Berer Michael , Gosch Anja , Slávik Ondrej , Náhlík Luboš , Hutař Pavel
Published: May 2021

The problem of crack propagation from internal defects in thermoplastic cylindrical bearing elements is addressed in this paper. The crack propagation in these elements takes place under mixed-mode conditions—i.e., all three possible loading modes (tensile opening mode I and shear opening modes II and III) of the crack are combined together. Moreover, their mutual relation changes during the rotation of the element. The dependency of the stress intensity factors on the crack length was described by general parametric equations. The model was then modified by adding a void to simulate the presence of a manufacturing defect. It was found that the influence of the void on the stress intensity factor values is quite high, but it fades with crack propagating further from the void. The effect of the friction between the crack faces was find negligible on stress intensity factor values. The results presented in this paper can be directly used for the calculation of bearing elements lifetime without complicated finite element simulations.
Inverse Thermoelastic Analysis of a Cylindrical Tribo-Couple
Authors: Kushnir Roman , Yasinskyy Anatoliy , Tokovyy Yuriy , Hart Eteri
Published: May 2021

Within the framework of the one-dimensional model for a tribo-couple consisting of two elastic cylinders accounting for the frictional heat generation on the interface due to the roughness of the contacting dissimilar materials, a problem on the identification of the unknown temperature on one of the limiting surfaces of either inner or outer cylindrical layers is formulated and reduced to an inverse thermoelasticity problem via the use of the circumferential strain given on the other surface. To solve the latter problem, a semi-analytical algorithm is suggested, and its stability with respect to the small errors in the input data is analyzed. The efficiency of the proposed solution algorithm is validated numerically by comparing its results with the solution of a corresponding direct problem. The temperature and thermal stresses in the tribo-couple are analyzed.
(Ti,Al)O2 Whiskers Grown during Glow Discharge Nitriding of Ti-6Al-7Nb Alloy
Authors: Szymkiewicz Krzysztof , Morgiel Jerzy , Maj Łukasz , Pomorska Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

Plasma nitriding of titanium alloys is capable of effective surface hardening at temperatures significantly lower than gas nitriding, but at a cost of much stronger surface roughening. Especially interesting are treatments performed at the lower end of the temperature window used in such cases, as they are least damaging to highly polished parts. Therefore identifying the most characteristic defects is of high importance. The present work was aimed at identifying the nature of pin-point bumps formed at the glow discharged plasma nitrided Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy using plan-view scanning and cross-section transmission electron microscopy methods. It helped to establish that these main surface defects developed at the treated surface are (Ti,Al)O2 nano-whiskers of diameter from 20 nm to 40 nm, and length up to several hundreds of nanometers. The performed investigation confirmed that the surface imperfection introduced by plasma nitriding at the specified range should be of minor consequences to the mechanical properties of the treated material.
Flexural Strength and Hardness of Filler-Reinforced PMMA Targeted for Denture Base Application
Authors: Alhotan Abdulaziz , Yates Julian , Zidan Saleh , Haider Julfikar , Silikas Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work was to evaluate the flexural strength and surface hardness of heat-cured Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) modified by the addition of ZrO2 nanoparticles, TiO2 nanoparticles, and E-glass fibre at different wt.% concentrations. Specimens were fabricated and separated into four groups (n = 10) to measure both flexural strength and surface hardness. Group C was the control group. The specimens in the remaining three groups differed according to the ratio of filler to weight of PMMA resin (1.5%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). A three-point bending test was performed to determine the flexural strength, while the surface hardness was measured using the Vickers hardness. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was employed to observe the fractured surface of the specimens. The flexural strength was significantly improved in the groups filled with 3 wt.% ZrO2 and 5 and 7 wt.% E-glass fibre in comparison to Group C. All the groups displayed a significantly higher surface hardness than Group C, with the exception of the 1.5% TiO2 and 1.5% ZrO2 groups. The optimal filler concentrations to enhance the flexural strength of PMMA resin were between 3–5% ZrO2, 1.5% TiO2, and 3–7% E-glass fibre. Furthermore, for all composites, a filler concentration of 3 wt.% and above would significantly improve hardness.
Marginal and Internal Precision of Zirconia Four-Unit Fixed Partial Denture Frameworks Produced Using Four Milling Systems
Authors: Lehmann Karl Martin , Weyhrauch Michael , Bjelopavlovic Monika , Scheller Herbert , Staedt Henning , Ottl Peter , Kaemmerer Peer W. , Wentaschek Stefan
Published: May 2021

Background: CAD/CAM systems enable the production of fixed partial dentures with small and reproducible internal and marginal gaps. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the marginal and internal adaptations of four-unit fixed partial denture frameworks produced using four CAD/CAM systems. Materials and Methods: Prepared dies of a master model that simulated the loss of the first left molar were measured. Fifteen frameworks were manufactured using four CAD/CAM systems (A–D). The internal fit was determined by the replica technique, and the marginal gap was determined by microscopy. ANOVA was carried out to detect significant differences, and the Bonferroni adjustment was performed. The global level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean gap size ranged from 84 to 132 µm (SD 43–71 µm). The CAD/CAM systems showed significant variance (p < 0.001), and system A (VHF) showed the smallest gaps. The smallest gaps for each system were in the molar part and in the marginal region of the frameworks (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CAD/CAM systems showed significantly different gap sizes, particularly between premolars and molars and among the marginal, axial and occlusal regions. All of the systems are suitable for clinical application.
Influence of Texture on the Mechanical Properties of a Mg-6Al-1Zn-0.9Sn Alloy Processed by ECAP
Authors: Xu Hong , Guo Zhi-Peng , Zhang Ping-Yu , Zhou You , Ma Pin-Kui
Published: May 2021

The microstructure and mechanical properties of a Mg-6Al-1Zn-0.9Sn alloy processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at temperatures of 250 °C and 300 °C were investigated. It was found that the refinement of the microstructure was very dependent on the processing temperature. The main reason for the difference in grain refinement was the precipitation of secondary-phase particles. Texture information obtained by electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) showed the gradual formation of a 45° texture during the ECAP process, while the maximum intensity was different for processing temperatures at 250 °C and 300 °C. By calculating the contribution from different strengthening mechanisms, it was found that a 45° texture had a huge influence on grain boundary strengthening and thus the yield strength.
POF-Based Solar Concentrators Incorporating Dyes and Europium Chelates
Authors: Vieira Ander , Arrue Jon , García-Ramiro Begoña , Jiménez Felipe , Illarramendi María Asunción , Zubia Joseba
Published: May 2021

In this paper, useful models that enable time-efficient computational analyses of the performance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are developed and thoroughly described. These LSCs are based on polymer optical fibers codoped with organic dyes and/or europium chelates. The interest in such dopants lies in the availability of new dyes with higher quantum yields and in the photostability and suitable absorption and emission bands of europium chelates. Time-efficiency without compromising accuracy is especially important for the simulation of europium chelates, in which non-radiative energy transfers from the absorbing ligands to the europium ion and vice versa are so fast that the discretization in time, in the absence of some simplifying assumptions, would have to be very fine. Some available experimental results are also included for the sake of comparison.
Principal Component Analysis as a Statistical Tool for Concrete Mix Design
Authors: Kobaka Janusz
Published: May 2021

With the recent and rapid development of concrete technologies and the ever-increasing use of concrete, adapting concrete to the specific needs and applications of civil engineering is necessary. Due to economic considerations and care for the natural environment, improving the methods currently used in concrete design is also necessary. In this study, the author used principal component analysis as a statistical tool in the concrete mix design process. Using a combination of PCA variables and 2D and 3D factors has made it possible to refine concrete recipes. Thirty-eight concrete mixes of different aggregate grades were analyzed using this method. The applied statistical analysis showed many interesting relationships between the properties of concrete and the content of its components such as the clustering of certain properties, showing dependence between the properties and the quantities of certain ingredients in concrete, and reducing noise in the data, which most importantly simplifies interpretation. This method of analysis can be used as an aid for concrete mix design.
Factorial Analysis of Fiber Laser Fusion Cutting of AISI 304 Stainless Steel: Evaluation of Effects on Process Performance, Kerf Geometry and Cut Edge Roughness
Authors: Mahrle Achim , Borkmann Madlen , Pfohl Peer
Published: May 2021

Factorial Design-of-Experiment analyses were applied for conventional and beam oscillation fiber laser cutting of 10 mm thick AISI 304 stainless steel. Considered factors in case of the conventional process with a static beam involve both laser and cutting gas parameters, in particular the laser power, the focal plane position, the cutting gas pressure, the nozzle stand-off distance as well as the nozzle diameter. The conducted trials were evaluated with respect to the achievable cutting speed, the cut kerf geometry and the cut edge roughness. Noticeable correlations between cut edge roughness and cut kerf geometry stimulated the development of a corresponding Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the cutting gas flow through the kerf. A specific approach of data synchronization revealed that the experimentally determined roughness values do well correlate with numerically computed values of the backward directed component of the gas-induced shear stress and that the cut kerf geometry as internal process-inherent boundary condition influences relevant cutting characteristics more than controllable external cutting gas parameters. Finally, effects of circular beam oscillation were investigated by an additional factorial analysis considering the laser power, the focal plane position, the oscillation frequency and the oscillation amplitude as factors. The results demonstrate the potential of beam oscillation techniques for quality improvements in laser cutting.
Stroke Patients’ Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes: A Pre-Post COVID-19 Comparison Study
Authors: Loh Hong Chuan , Neoh Kar Keong , Tang Angelina Siing Ngi , Chin Chen Joo , Suppiah Purnima Devi , Looi Irene , Goh Khang Wen , Tan Ching Siang , Ming Long Chiau
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant disruption to established medical care systems globally. Thus, this study was aimed to compare the admission and outcome variables such as number of patient and its severity, acute recanalisation therapy given pre-post COVID-19 at a primary stroke centre located in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included adult ischaemic stroke patients. Variables of the study included the number of ischaemic stroke patients, the proportions of recanalisation therapies, stroke severity during admission based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, functional outcome at discharge based on the modified Rankin Scale, and relevant workflow metrics. We compared the outcome between two six-month periods, namely the pre-COVID-19 period (March 2019 to September 2019) and the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to September 2020). Results: There were 131 and 156 patients, respectively, from the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 period. The median door-to-scan time and the median door-to-reperfusion time were both significantly shorter in the COVID-19 period (24.5 min versus 12.0 min, p = 0.047) and (93.5 min versus 60.0 min, p = 0.015), respectively. There were also significantly more patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (7.6% versus 17.3%, p = 0.015) and mechanical thrombectomy (0.8% versus 6.4%, p = 0.013) in the COVID-19 period, respectively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic may not have caused disruptions of acute stroke care in our primary stroke centre. Our data indicated that the number of ischaemic stroke events remained stable, with a significant increase of recanalisation therapies and better in-hospital workflow metrics during the COVID-19 pandemic period. However, we would like to highlight that the burden of COVID-19 cases in the study area was very low. Therefore, the study may not have captured the true burden (and relevant delays in stroke patient management) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic crisis is ongoing and both pre-hospital and in-hospital care systems must continue to provide optimal, highly time-dependent stroke care services.
Influence of the Active Layer Structure on the Photovoltaic Performance of Water-Soluble Polythiophene-Based Solar Cells
Authors: Lanzi Massimiliano , Quadretti Debora , Marinelli Martina , Ziai Yasamin , Salatelli Elisabetta , Pierini Filippo
Published: May 2021

A new side-chain C60-fullerene functionalized thiophene copolymer bearing tributylphosphine-substituted hexylic lateral groups was successfully synthesized by means of a fast and effective post-polymerization reaction on a regioregular ω-alkylbrominated polymeric precursor. The growth of the polymeric intermediate was followed by NMR spectrometry in order to determine the most convenient reaction time. The obtained copolymer was soluble in water and polar solvents and was used as a photoactive layer in single-material organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells. The copolymer photovoltaic efficiency was compared with that of an OPV cell containing a water-soluble polythiophenic homopolymer, functionalized with the same tributylphosphine-substituted hexylic side chains, in a blend with a water-soluble C60-fullerene derivative. The use of a water-soluble double-cable copolymer made it possible to enhance the control on the nanomorphology of the active blend, thus reducing phase-segregation phenomena, as well as the macroscale separation between the electron acceptor and donor components. Indeed, the power conversion efficiency of OPV cells based on a single material was higher than that obtained with the classical architecture, involving the presence of two distinct ED and EA materials (PCE: 3.11% vs. 2.29%, respectively). Moreover, the synthetic procedure adopted to obtain single material-based cells is more straightforward and easier than that used for the preparation of the homopolymer-based BHJ solar cell, thus making it possible to completely avoid the long synthetic pathway which is required to prepare water-soluble fullerene derivatives.
Recent Developments in Ion-Sensitive Systems for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Rudko Michał , Urbaniak Tomasz , Musiał Witold
Published: May 2021

Stimuli-responsive carriers of pharmaceutical agents have been extensively researched in recent decades due to the possibility of distinctively precise targeted drug delivery. One of the potentially beneficial strategies is based on the response of the medical device to changes in the ionic environment. Fluctuations in ionic strength and ionic composition associated with pathological processes may provide triggers sufficient to induce an advantageous carrier response. This review is focused on recent developments and novel strategies in the design of ion-responsive drug delivery systems. A variety of structures i.e., polymeric matrices, lipid carriers, nucleoside constructs, and metal-organic frameworks, were included in the scope of the summary. Recently proposed strategies aim to induce different pharmaceutically beneficial effects: localized drug release in the desired manner, mucoadhesive properties, increased residence time, or diagnostic signal emission. The current state of development of ion-sensitive drug delivery systems enabled the marketing of some responsive topical formulations. Concurrently, ongoing research is focused on more selective and complex systems for different administration routes. The potential benefits in therapeutic efficacy and safety associated with the employment of multi-responsive systems will prospectively result in further research and applicable solutions.
Tire Wear Reduction Based on an Extended Multibody Rear Axle Model
Authors: Schütte Jan , Sextro Walter
Published: May 2021

To analyze the influence of suspension kinematics on tire wear, detailed simulation models are required. In this study, a non-linear, flexible multibody model of a rear axle system is built up in the simulation software MSC Adams/View. The physical model comprises the suspension kinematics, compliance, and dynamics as well as the non-linear behavior of the tire using the FTire model. FTire is chosen because it has a separate tire tread model to compute the contact pressure and friction force distribution in the tire contact patch. To build up the simulation model, a large amount of data is needed. Bushings, spring, and damper characteristics are modeled based on measurements. For the structural components (e.g., control arms), reverse engineering techniques are used. The components are 3D-scanned, reworked, and included as a modal reduced finite element (FE)-model using component mode synthesis by Craig–Bampton. Finally, the suspension model is validated by comparing the simulated kinematic and compliance characteristics to experimental results. To investigate the interaction of suspension kinematics and tire wear, straight line driving events, such as acceleration, driving with constant velocity, and deceleration, are simulated with different setups of wheel suspension kinematics. The influence of the setups on the resulting friction work between tire and road is examined, and an exemplarily calculation of tire wear based on a validated FTire tire model is carried out. The results demonstrate, on the one hand, that the chosen concept of elasto-kinematic axle leads to a relatively good match with experimental results and, on the other hand, that there are significant possibilities to reduce tire wear by adjusting the suspension kinematics.
An Innovatory Surgical Technique for Submacular Hemorrhage Displacement by Means of a Bioengineering Perspective
Authors: Pappas George , Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Kounali Vasiliki , Korlos Apostolos
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this case report is to present a new surgical technique for the treatment of large Subretinal Hemorrhage (SRH) secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Considering the biomechanics of foam evolution theory, bubble coarsening effect, and gas–liquid biphasic absorption, an SRH due to an AMD case was treated with vitrectomy. The treatment was implemented by subretinal injection of air bubbles combined with rtPA followed by air fluid exchange. The air bubbles helped mess up and remove the blood from the macula area, and no complications occurred. Two weeks postoperatively, there was no sign of hemorrhage and the Central Macular Thickness (CMT) was sharply decreased from 443 μm to 317 μm. At the five-month follow-up, the CMT remained at 267 μm and the patient’s visual acuity improved from light perception to 20/70 according to the Snellen chart. The combination of injecting multiple air bubbles and submacular rtPA, followed by air fluid exchange, was able to displace more than (90%) of the subretinal blood just two weeks postoperatively. Our technique is a promising alternative surgical approach for the displacement of SMH due to AMD, with a clear visual and anatomical benefit seen in the early follow-up period.
The Effect of Phragmites australis Dieback on Channel Sedimentation in the Mississippi River Delta: A Conceptual Modeling Study
Authors: Hu Kelin , Meselhe Ehab , Nyman J. Andrew
Published: May 2021

Phragmites australis is a globally distributed wetland plant. At the mouth of the Mississippi River, P. australis on natural levees of the network of distributary channels appears to increase the flow in the deep draft navigation channel, which, in turn, may reduce the sedimentation and benefit the navigation dredging. For several years, P. australis has been dying in the Mississippi River’s Bird’s Foot Delta, which appears to be shortening the distributary channels and increasing the lateral flow from the remaining portions. A conceptual model based on D-FLOW FM was applied to calculate channel sedimentation in a series of idealized deltaic systems to predict the consequences of P. australis dieback and other factors that diminish the delta complexity, such as sea-level rise and subsidence, on sedimentation in the distributary channels. Channel complexity in each system, which was quantified with an index ranging from 0 to 10 that we developed. Model results indicate that sedimentation was insensitive to the channel complexity in simple deltas but was sensitive to the channel complexity in complex deltas, such as the current Mississippi River Delta with extensive P. australis. Channel sedimentation remains stable from 0 until the channel complexity index reaches 6. In more complex deltas, the sedimentation decreases rapidly as the channel complexity increases. The sedimentation is also affected by waves, river discharge, sediment concentration, grain sizes, and bed level. River managers in Louisiana may benefit from new models based on bathymetric data throughout the Bird’s Foot Delta; data on the effects of the P. australis belowground biomass on bank erodibility across a range of current velocities; and data on the effects of P. australis stem density, diameter, and height on the lateral flow across a range of river stages and tidal stages to help them decide how much to respond to Phragmites dieback. Options include increased navigation dredging, increased restoration of the channel complexity via a thin layer of sediment deposition on natural levees and the planting of more salt-tolerant vegetation on natural levees.
Delineation of a Quaternary Aquifer Using Integrated Hydrogeological and Geophysical Estimation of Hydraulic Conductivity on the Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Tran Tuong Vi , Buckel Johannes , Maurischat Philipp , Tang Handuo , Yu Zhengliang , Hördt Andreas , Guggenberger Georg , Zhang Fan , Schwalb Antje , Graf Thomas
Published: May 2021

Groundwater is the most unexplored element of the hydrologic cycle on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) due to harsh climate conditions. This study aims at delineating and characterizing the unexplored Zhanongtang–Ganmanong aquifer, situated in the Zhagu subcatchment of the Nam Co catchment, south-central TP. Multiple hydrogeophysical and lithological in situ field and laboratory methods are applied: depth-to-water-table measurements, grain size analysis, hydraulic empirical and field methods to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K), and analysis of electrical resistivity tomography profiles. Integration of these methods revealed the existence of a Quaternary hydrostratigraphic unit that was found to be unconsolidated, laterally heterogeneous and homogeneous over depth. The results revealed consistent K ranges of three K zones, which is in accordance with local lithology. The K ranges are applicable to other locations within the Nam Co catchment with similar lithology as in the study area without further field experiments. Permafrost was found to be absent in the study area ranging from 4730 m a.s.l. to 5200 m a.s.l. altitude. These results provide insight into the hydrogeological conditions of the TP and are useful for conceptual and numerical groundwater flow modeling to predict future changes of water fluxes and water budgets caused by climatic change, especially in remote areas.
Moment Analysis for Modeling Soil Water Distribution in Furrow Irrigation: Variable vs. Constant Ponding Depths
Authors: Kazemi Honeyeh , Sadraddini Ali Ashraf , Nazemi Amir Hossein , Sanchez Charles A
Published: May 2021

Despite increasing use of pressurized irrigation methods, most irrigation projects worldwide still involve surface systems. Accurate estimation of the amount of infiltrating water and its spatial distribution in the soil is of great importance in the design and management of furrow irrigation systems. Moment analysis has previously been applied to describe the subsurface water distribution using input data from numerical simulations rather than field measured data, and assuming a constant ponding depth in the furrow. A field experiment was conducted in a blocked-end level furrow at Maricopa Agricultural Center, Arizona, USA, to study the effect of time-variable ponding depths on soil water distribution and the resulting wetting bulb under real conditions in the field using moment analysis. The simulated volumetric soil water contents run with variable and constant (average) ponding depths using HYDRUS 2D/3D were almost identical, and both compared favorably with the field data. Hence, only the simulated soil water contents with variable ponding depths were used to calculate the moments. It was concluded that the fluctuating flow depth had no significant influence on the resulting time-evolving ellipses. This was related to the negligible 10-cm variation in ponding depths compared to the high negative matric potential of the unsaturated soil.
Activación de vínculos de vecindad y amistad.
Authors: Luján David
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se recuperan aportes de la categoría de trabajo político y estudios

socioantropológicos del clientelismo para poner de relieve, a partir de un trabajo de

campo etnográfico, las estrategias de algunos candidatos a concejal en Chile para obtener el voto popular durante las elecciones municipales de 2016, así como sus interacciones con distintos operadores y potenciales votantes, profundizando en la campaña

de un candidato a concejal por la Democracia Cristiana (DC). Los hallazgos animan

a mejorar nuestra comprensión de los recursos, destrezas y habilidades implicados

en la conquista del voto, la conexión entre organización electoral y tramas locales, así

como el modo en que se dan las relaciones entre electores, intermediarios y candidatos.
Reframing the timeless debate about the legal implications of transexuality
Authors: Atienza-Macías Elena
Published: May 2021

By virtue of the existing laws and regulations in Spain (i.e., Law 3/2007, of 15 March, regulating the register rectification of the entry related to a person’s sex) any person of Spanish nationality, of legal age and with sufficient capacity to do so, may request the register rectification for sex change. A new aspect regarding the legal age was introduced not long ago. In this regard, the Constitutional Court of Spain in judgment 99/2019, 18 July 2019, declared unconstitutional article 1.1 of the aforementioned Law 3/2007 since it does not allow the sex change in the registry (and, consequently, the name) to minors, who, however, have sufficient maturity and live in a steady state of transsexuality. The Court states that this prohibition implies a disproportionate interference in minors right to privacy and it is contrary to the principle that guarantees them a space for the free development of his/her identity. Under the pretext of the mentioned landmark case-law we will highlight a series of controversial issues concerning sexual rights. Obviously, this question is still subject to debate and has lost none of its urgency.
Algunos apuntes acerca de la contribución del Profesor Manuel Calvo a la introducción y consolidación de la sociología jurídica en España
Authors: Gracia Ibáñez Jorge
Published: May 2021

En este artículo, en homenaje a la figura del Catedrático de Filosofía del Derecho y Sociología Jurídica Manuel Calvo Garcia de la Universidad de Zaragoza, se realizan algunos apuntes y consideraciones acerca de su contribución a la introducción y consolidación de la sociología jurídica en España. En primer lugar, se señalan algunos aspectos destacados acerca de sus aportaciones teóricas sobre la naturaleza y el papel de la sociología jurídica en el estudio y análisis del derecho como fenómeno social. Después, se describen algunas de sus contribuciones en el campo desde dos espacios institucionales y académicos: el Instituto Internacional de Sociología Jurídica de Oñati y el Laboratorio de Sociología Jurídica de la Universidad de Zaragoza. Finalmente, se analizan algunos aspectos de su trabajo, tanto desde el punto de vista teórico como empírico, en relación con la violencia de género, que ejemplifican su concepción de una sociología jurídica crítica y transformadora.
The metamorphosis of the discourse on infancy and crime in Argentina
Authors: Colombero Paola Victoria
Published: May 2021

This research reviews the manufacture process of legal discourse concerning under-age alleged offenders in Argentina. After describing the legislative framework of the Infant-Juvenile Criminal System the article explores that courts have dealt with much more than just the normative texts. It aims to explain the role taken by a variety of discourses and arguments which emerge from the political, scientific, and journalist fields, and converge in the process of creating the legal discourse. This is exposed in landmark judicial decisions: the Maldonado case, the Fundación Sur case – Argentine Supreme Court – and the Mendoza case – IACHR –. Furthermore, the study analyses a series of political discourses that contributed to establish the hegemonic stance calling to lower the age of criminal responsibility. Finally, the article develops the concept of governing through crime as a type of power intended for harshening punishment and, about BG&A, allows cruel and inhuman punishments.