bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Body Perception, Preworkout Meal Habits and Bone Resorption in Child Gymnasts
Authors: Amato Alessandra , Proia Patrizia , Caldara Gaetano Felice , Alongi Angelina , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Baldassano Sara
Published: February 2021

The beneficial effects of physical activity on body image perception and bone are debated among artistic gymnasts. Gymnasts seem to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and osteoporosis due to inadequate nutrition and attention to the appearance of the body. The objective of this work was to investigate the association between the artistic gymnast and a more favorable body image compared to their sedentary peers and if a preworkout high-carbohydrate meal (HCM; 300 kcal, 88% carbohydrates, 9% protein, 3% fat) or high-protein meal (HPM; 300 kcal, 55% carbohydrates, 31% protein, 13% fat) is able to attenuate bone resorption in young rhythmic gymnasts. Twenty-eight preadolescent female gymnasts were examined. Self-esteem tests were used to analyze body image perception. Preworkout eating habits were examined by short food frequency questions (FFQ) validated for children. The biomarker of the bone resorption C-terminal telopeptide region of collagen type 1 (CTX) was measured in the urine (fasting, postmeal and postworkout). Gymnasts reported higher satisfaction with their body appearance compared to sedentary peers. Of the gymnasts, 30% did not have a preworkout meal regularly, and the timing of the consumption was variable. Bone resorption was decreased by the HCM, consumed 90 min before the training, with respect to the HPM. The study suggests that playing artistic gymnastics is associated with a positive body self-perception in a child. The variability in preworkout meal frequency and timing need attention to prevent inadequate eating habits in light of the ability of the HCM to reduce acute bone resorption.
Cluster Analysis of the Combined Association of Sleep and Physical Activity with Healthy Behavior and Psychological Health in Pregnant Women
Authors: Lee Hyejung , Kim Ki-Eun , Kim Mi-Young , Park Chang Gi
Published: February 2021

The purposes of the study were to (1) identify clusters based on patterns of sleep quality and duration and physical activity levels of healthy Korean pregnant women, and (2) subsequently investigate the association of identified clusters with pre-pregnancy healthy behaviors, depressive symptoms, and pregnancy stress. Two hundred eighty-four pregnant women participated in the study while attending a prenatal education program provided by a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. The survey questionnaire consisted of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. We used the Latent GOLD to identify distinct clusters and the chi-square test and ANOVA to compare clusters. We identified three clusters: ‘good sleeper’ (63.4%), ‘poor sleeper’ (24.6%), and ‘low activity’ (12.0%). Women in the good-sleeper cluster were more likely to have higher education and income levels and reported more healthy behaviors before pregnancy. Poor-sleeper and low-activity clusters were more likely to report higher scores in depressive symptoms and pregnancy stress (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Tailored intervention for pregnant women who are physically inactive or sleep poorly may promote their psychological well-being as well as bringing good obstetric outcomes.
Determinants of Pain Intensity in Physical Education Teachers Focusing on Dance Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wanke Eileen M. , Haenel Jasmin , Schoettker-Koeniger Thomas , Groneberg David A.
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Dance teachers (DT) are dependent on their functional body. Pain can hardly be avoided during the professional practice of dance. Pain can become so intense that it impairs, or even prevents, the professional practice. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of pain intensity of the most severely affected body regions of DT in pain during the three-month period prior to the survey. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by an online survey. A total of 166 DT participated in the study; 143 of the DT were in pain during the three-month period and were included in the analysis. Using multiple linear regression, the determinants of pain intensity were identified from population parameters, occupational data, pain localisation, and temporal pain course. (3) Results: Regions of the lower extremity and head/trunk regions were most frequently indicated as the body regions with the most severe pain. The multiple regression model generated with the factors “functional impairment”, “biomechanical exposure”, and “pain at rest” explains a statistically significant, moderate proportion of the variance in pain intensity (R2 = 0.22, F (3, 106) = 10.04, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Intensity of pain in DT seems to be related to the physical demands of professional practice.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedic Surgery in Three Centers from Romania
Authors: Vermeşan Dinu , Todor Adrian , Andrei Diana , Niculescu Marius , Tudorache Emanuela , Haragus Horia
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous burden on healthcare systems. As a direct consequence, many elective procedures were cancelled and available resources were relocated to emergencies and COVID-19 patients. We aimed to analyze the impact on orthopedic surgery in Romania. We performed a retrospective analysis of orthopedics and trauma cases admitted over the first six months of 2019 and 2020 in three representative clinics. In total, there were 1900 patients: 1241 from Timisoara, 216 from Cluj-Napoca, and 443 from Bucharest. In April, activity for all cases in the regional trauma center dropped to 23.8% and stopped in the other two. No arthroscopies or elective joint replacements were performed in April. By June, hospital admissions resumed for trauma cases while arthroscopies and joint replacements still lagged behind.
Association of CX3CR1 Gene Polymorphisms with Fractalkine, Fractalkine Receptor, and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Kidney Failure
Authors: Woźny Łukasz , Żywiec Joanna , Gosek Katarzyna , Kuźniewicz Roman , Górczyńska-Kosiorz Sylwia , Trautsolt Wanda , Śnit Mirosław , Grzeszczak Władysław
Published: February 2021

Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a chemokine that plays a significant role in inflammation, one of the pathophysiological processes underlying end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Genetic factors are significantly involved in cytokine expression and have been studied as potential risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the association of CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms rs3732378 and rs3732379 with the levels of CX3CL1, CX3CL1 receptor (CX3CR1), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients and methods: We enrolled 198 participants, including 106 patients with ESRD and 92 controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from each patient for genetic (rs3732378 and rs3732379 polymorphisms) and immunoenzymatic (fractalkine, CX3CR1, CRP) tests. Results: CX3CR1 and CRP levels were higher in patients with ESRD than in controls (p < 0.05). Fractalkine levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients who were homozygous for the G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and for the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism than in homozygous controls. Moreover, carriers of these alleles among patients with ESRD had significantly higher CX3CR1 levels than controls. Conclusions: The G allele of the rs3732378 polymorphism and the C allele of the rs3732379 polymorphism of the CX3CR1 gene are associated with higher CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 levels. Our study suggests that CX3CR1 gene polymorphisms could be potentially involved in the pathogenesis of ESRD, but the study needs to be replicated in a larger population with a longitudinal follow-up study. Identification of genetic factors associated with inflammation in ESRD may contribute to the development of targeted gene therapies in the future.
Fuzzy Controller Structures Investigation for Future Gas Turbine Aero-Engines
Authors: Mohammadi Doulabi Fard Seyed Jalal , Jafari Soheil
Published: February 2021

The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) Flight Path 2050 focuses on ambitious and severe targets for the next generation of air travel systems (e.g., 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer, a 90% reduction in NOx emissions, and 65% reduction in noise emission of flying aircraft relative to the capabilities of typical new aircraft in 2000). In order to meet these requirements, aircraft engines should work very close to their operating limits. Therefore, the importance of advanced control strategies to satisfy all engine control modes simultaneously while protecting them from malfunctions and physical damages is being more crucial these days. In the last three decades, fuzzy controllers (FCs) have been proposed as a high potential solution for performance improvement of the next generation of aircraft engines. Based on an analytic review, this paper divides the trend of FCs design into two main lines including pure FCs (PFC) and min–max FCs (MMFC). These two main architectures are then designed, implemented on hardware, and applied in a case study to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each structure. The analysis of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation results shows that the pure FC structure would be a high potential candidate for maneuverability and response time indices improvement (e.g., military applications); while min–max FC architecture has a great potential for future civil aero-engines where the fuel consumption and steady-state responses are more important. The simulation results are also compared with those of industrial min–max controllers to confirm the feasibility and reliability of the fuzzy controllers for real-world application. The results of this paper propose a general roadmap for fuzzy controllers’ structure selection for new and next generation of aircraft engines.
Analysis of Composite Structures in Curing Process for Shape Deformations and Shear Stress: Basis for Advanced Optimization
Authors: Kumbhare Niraj , Moheimani Reza , Dalir Hamid
Published: February 2021

Identifying residual stresses and the distortions in composite structures during the curing process plays a vital role in coming up with necessary compensations in the dimensions of mold or prototypes and having precise and optimized parts for the manufacturing and assembly of composite structures. This paper presents an investigation into process-induced shape deformations in composite parts and structures, as well as a comparison of the analysis results to finalize design parameters with a minimum of deformation. A Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method was used to generate the required random points of the input variables. These variables were then executed with the Ansys Composite Cure Simulation (ACCS) tool, which is an advanced tool used to find stress and distortion values using a three-step analysis, including Ansys Composite PrepPost, transient thermal analysis, and static structural analysis. The deformation results were further utilized to find an optimum design to manufacture a complex composite structure with the compensated dimensions. The simulation results of the ACCS tool are expected to be used by common optimization techniques to finalize a prototype design so that it can reduce common manufacturing errors like warpage, spring-in, and distortion.
Spatially Distributed Sea Wave Measurements
Authors: Bergamasco Filippo , Benetazzo Alvise
Published: February 2021

In recent years, there has been growing interest in remote and proximal observation of sea surface waves [...]
Perioperative Management of Chronic Antithrombotic Agents in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Santana Daniel C. , Hadad Matthew J. , Emara Ahmed , Klika Alison K. , Barsoum Wael , Molloy Robert M. , Krebs Viktor E. , Bloomfield Michael R. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: February 2021

Total hip and knee arthroplasty are common major orthopedic operations being performed on an increasing number of patients. Many patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are on chronic antithrombotic agents due to other medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or acute coronary syndrome. Given the risk of bleeding associated with TJAs, as well as the risk of thromboembolic events in the post-operative period, the management of chronic antithrombotic agents perioperatively is critical to achieving successful outcomes in arthroplasty. In this review, we provide a concise overview of society guidelines regarding the perioperative management of chronic antithrombotic agents in the setting of elective TJAs and summarize the recent literature that may inform future guidelines. Ultimately, antithrombotic regimen management should be patient-specific, in consultation with cardiology, internal medicine, hematology, and other physicians who play an essential role in perioperative care.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Finds Increased Blood Levels of All Forms of Ghrelin in Both Restricting and Binge-Eating/Purging Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Seidel Maria , Markmann Jensen Signe , Healy Darren , Dureja Aakriti , Watson Hunna J. , Holst Birgitte , Bulik Cynthia M. , Sjögren Jan Magnus
Published: February 2021

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric condition associated with high mortality and chronicity. The hunt for state, trait, subtyping, and prognostic biomarkers is ongoing and the orexigenic hormone ghrelin and its different forms, acyl ghrelin and desacyl ghrelin, have been proposed to be increased in AN, especially in the restrictive subtype. A systematic literature search was performed using established databases up to 30 November 2020. Forty-nine studies met inclusion criteria for cross-sectional and longitudinal meta-analyses on total ghrelin, acyl ghrelin, and desacyl ghrelin. All forms of ghrelin were increased in the acute stage of anorexia nervosa during fasting compared to healthy controls. Previous notions on differences in ghrelin levels between AN subtypes were not supported by current data. In addition, a significant decrease in total ghrelin was observed pre-treatment to follow-up. However, total ghrelin levels at follow-up were still marginally elevated compared to healthy controls, whereas for acyl ghrelin, no overall effect of treatment was observed. Due to heterogeneity in follow-up designs and only few data on long-term recovered patients, longitudinal results should be interpreted with caution. While the first steps towards a biomarker in acute AN have been completed, the value of ghrelin as a potential indicator of treatment success or recovery status or its use in subtype differentiation are yet to be established.
Augmented Therapeutic Potential of Glutaminase Inhibitor CB839 in Glioblastoma Stem Cells Using Gold Nanoparticle Delivery
Authors: Giesen Beatriz , Nickel Ann-Christin , Barthel Juri , Kahlert Ulf Dietrich , Janiak Christoph
Published: February 2021

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are studied as delivery systems to enhance the effect of the glutaminase1 inhibitor CB839, a promising drug candidate already in clinical trials for tumor treatments. Au NPs were synthesized using a bottom-up approach and covered with polymers able to bind CB839 as a Au-polymer-CB839 conjugate. The drug loading efficiency (DLE) was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and characterization of the CB839-loaded NPs was done with various microscopic and spectroscopic methods. Despite the chemical inertness of CB839, Au NPs were efficient carriers with a DLE of up to 12%, depending on the polymer used. The therapeutic effect of CB839 with and without Au was assessed in vitro in 2D and 3D glioblastoma (GBM) cell models using different assays based on the colony formation ability of GBM stem cells (GSCs). To avoid readout disturbances from the Au metal, viability methods which do not require optical detection were hereby optimized. These showed that Au NP delivery increased the efficacy of CB839 in GSCs, compared to CB839 alone. Fluorescent microscopy proved successful NP penetration into the GSCs. With this first attempt to combine CB839 with Au nanotechnology, we hope to overcome delivery hurdles of this pharmacotherapy and increase bioavailability in target sites.
Illumination Calibration for Computational Ghost Imaging
Authors: Yan Song-Ming , Sun Ming-Jie , Chen Wen , Li Li-Jing
Published: February 2021

We propose a fast calibration method to compensate the non-uniform illumination in computational ghost imaging. Inspired by a similar procedure to calibrate pixel response differences for detector arrays in conventional digital cameras, the proposed method acquires one image of an all-white paper to determine the non-uniformity of the illumination, and uses the information to calibrate any further reconstructed images under the same illumination. The numerical and experimental results are in a good agreement, and the experimental results showed that the root mean square error of the reconstructed image was reduced by 79.94% after the calibration.
Disentangling Self-Atomic Motions in Polyisobutylene by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Khairy Yasmin , Alvarez Fernando , Arbe Arantxa , Colmenero Juan
Published: February 2021

We present fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on polyisobutylene (PIB) in a wide temperature range above the glass transition. The cell is validated by direct comparison of magnitudes computed from the simulation and measured by neutron scattering on protonated samples reported in previous works. Once the reliability of the simulation is assured, we exploit the information in the atomic trajectories to characterize the dynamics of the different kinds of atoms in PIB. All of them, including main-chain carbons, show a crossover from Gaussian to non-Gaussian behavior in the intermediate scattering function that can be described in terms of the anomalous jump diffusion model. The full characterization of the methyl-group hydrogen motions requires accounting for rotational motions. We show that the usually assumed statistically independence of rotational and segmental motions fails in this case. We apply the rotational rate distribution model to correlation functions calculated for the relative positions of methyl-group hydrogens with respect to the carbon atom at which they are linked. The contributions to the vibrational density of states are also discussed. We conclude that methyl-group rotations are coupled with the main-chain dynamics. Finally, we revise in the light of the simulations the hypothesis and conclusions made in previously reported neutron scattering investigations on protonated samples trying to address the origin of the dielectric β-process.
Wind Effects for Floating Algae Dynamics in Eutrophic Lakes
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Loiselle Steven , Shi Kun , Han Tao , Zhang Min , Hu Minqi , Jing Yuanyuan , Lai Lai , Zhan Pengfei
Published: February 2021

Wind-speed decline is an important impact of climate change on the eastern Asian atmospheric circulation. Although wind does not determine algae biomass in eutrophic lakes, it is a decisive factor in the formation and severity of algae blooms. Based on 2000–2018 MODIS images, this study compared the effects of wind speed on algal blooms in three typical eutrophic lakes in China: Lake Taihu, Lake Chaohu and Lake Dianchi. The results indicate that climate change has different effects on the wind speed of the three lakes, but a common effect on the vertical distribution of algae. A wind speed of 3.0 m/s was identified as the critical threshold in the vertical distribution of chlorophyll-a concentrations in the three study lakes. The basic characteristics of the periodic variation of wind speed were different, but there was a significant negative correlation between wind speed and floating algal bloom area in all three lakes. In addition, considering lake bathymetry, wind direction could be used to identify locations that were particularly susceptible to algae blooms. We estimated that algal bloom conditions will worsen in the coming decades due to the continuous decline of wind, especially in Lake Taihu, even though the provincial and national governments have made major efforts to reduce eutrophication drivers and restore lake conditions. These results suggest that early warning systems should include a wind-speed threshold of 3.0 m/s to improve control and mitigation of algal blooms on these intensively utilized lakes.
How Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change Can Help Coastal Communities through a Participatory Approach
Authors: Vasseur Liette
Published: February 2021

Coastal rural communities worldwide face many challenges not only related to climate change but also extreme events, environmental degradation, population growth or aging, and conflict usage of the ecosystem. Historically, the economies of coastal communities have been based on the exploitation of natural resources, thus shaping its socioeconomic development. This has led to some limitations in the way these communities can now adapt to climate change. In Canada, coastal communities are increasingly dealing with climate change consequences. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing frequency in storm surges threaten the fragility of both natural and human systems. Various approaches have been used to try to reduce the vulnerability and improve adaptive capacity of communities. One approach, promoted by many organizations including the United Nations, is ecosystem-based adaptation. This approach is part of the series of nature-based solutions that help social–ecological systems become more resilient; by promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, this approach also relates to principles of community engagement and supports adaptive governance and social inclusion. This paper describes and analyzes these principles and considers strategies for ensuring community engagement. Combining ecosystem-based adaptation with a strong community engagement can enhance the long-term sustainability of the social-ecological system.
Geosites Inventory in Liguria Region (Northern Italy): A Tool for Regional Geoconservation and Environmental Management
Authors: Ferrando Andrea , Faccini Francesco , Poggi Flavio , Coratza Paola
Published: February 2021

The Liguria Region in Northern Italy is characterized by a wide geological and geomorphological variety, encompassing an important and valuable geoheritage. The Ligurian regional law (L.R. 39/2009) protects and enhances geodiversity and geosites, establishing the Regional Inventory of Geosites; however, an approved official inventory is still lacking. In this work, a first reasoned inventory of 120 geosites is proposed for the Liguria Region on the basis of field surveys and literature review. A quantitative assessment of the value and the degradation risk of geosites has been carried out: the value assessment takes into account scientific, additional and potential-for-use values; the degradation risk assessment considers geosites’ fragility and vulnerability. The results, providing knowledge on the Ligurian geoheritage, can serve as the basis for the Regional Inventory of Geosites and can be useful tools for the implementation of any regional geoconservation strategy or environmental management plan.
Housing Buildings’ Characterization at Corvo Village (Azores) Historical Center: Towards a Sustainable Rehabilitation Process
Authors: Salvador Ana , Mouraz Catarina , Catarino Lídia , Mestre Victor , Silva José
Published: February 2021

Corvo is the smallest island of the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores and an unexplored territory, with one single village. Scarce studies have been conducted regarding its built heritage, and deep knowledge of the constructions is necessary for conservation actions to be carried out. This article presents the architectonic and constructive characterization of housing building features that compose Corvo village’s historical center, focusing on its characteristics, dissonances, and conservation state. A case study regarding one housing building is presented. This research intends to contribute to a deeper knowledge of these buildings’ identity, constituting the first step towards future rehabilitation processes that can improve the inhabitants’ quality of life and simultaneously value the territory’s singularity.
Scholars’ Identity Transition and Its Impact on Spin-Offs’ R&D Input
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Yang Daozhou , Zhao Wu
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the academic entrepreneur’s identity transition and its impact on spin-off’s innovative input. Central to this study is the factors that influence scholars’ position-holding behavior and their impact on spin-offs. Based on the data of the 2005–2010 SME Innovation Fund and 14 interviews, we investigate the influence of scholars’ role embeddedness on their entrepreneurial role-taking behavior from the perspective of identity theory. Empirical results show that scholars with higher embeddedness in academia are less likely to hold a spin-offs’ CEO position. Besides, follow-up research found that scholars holding CEO positions can increase a spin-off’s R&D input, which reveals the influence of scholars’ career imprinting and its scientific logic on role-taking behaviors and spin-offs’ innovation input. We also empirically test the effect of scientific logic and business logic on a spin-off’s innovation input, concluding that conflicts between these two logics are detrimental to a firm’s innovation input. This paper contributes to existing literature by providing a new perspective for identity theory and has implications for scholars’ entrepreneurial practice. Additionally, it provides a theoretical basis for technology transfer and open innovation policy.
The Use of Crop Yield Autocorrelation Data as a Sustainable Approach to Adjust Agronomic Inputs
Authors: Koutsos Thomas M. , Menexes Georgios C. , Mamolos Andreas P.
Published: February 2021

Agricultural fields have natural within-field soil variations that can be extensive, are usually contiguous, and are not always traceable. As a result, in many cases, site-specific attention is required to adjust inputs and optimize crop performance. Researchers, such as agronomists, agricultural engineers, or economists and other scientists, have shown increased interest in performing yield monitor data analysis to improve farmers’ decision-making concerning the better management of the agronomic inputs in the fields, while following a much more sustainable approach. In this case, spatial analysis of crop yield data with the form of spatial autocorrelation analysis can be used as a practical sustainable approach to locate statistically significant low-production areas. The resulted insights can be used as prescription maps on the tractors to reduce overall inputs and farming costs. This aim of this work is to present the benefits of conducting spatial analysis of yield crop data as a sustainable approach. Current work proves that the implementation of this process is costless, easy to perform and provides a better understanding of the current agronomic needs for better decision-making within a short time, adopting a sustainable approach.
From Nature-Based to Nature-Driven: Landscape First for the Design of Moeder Zernike in Groningen
Authors: Roggema Rob
Published: February 2021

Global climate change impacts the future of urbanism. The future is increasingly uncertain, and current responses in urban planning practice are often human-centered. In general, this is a way to respond to change that is oriented towards improving the life of people in the short term, often extracting resources from the environment at dangerous levels. This impacts the entire ecological system, and turns out to be negative for biodiversity, resilience, and, ultimately, human life as well. Adaptation to climatic impacts requires a long-term perspective based in the understanding of nature. The objective of the presented research is to find explorative ways to respond to the unknown unknowns through designing and planning holistically for the Zernike campus in Groningen, the Netherlands. The methods used in this study comprise co-creative design-led approaches which are capable of integrating sectoral problems into a visionary future plan. The research findings show how embracing a nature-driven perspective to urban design increases the adaptive capacity, the ecological diversity, and the range of healthy food grown on a university campus. This study responds to questions of food safety, and growing conditions, of which the water availability is the most pressing. Considering the spatial concept, this has led to the necessity to establish a novel water connection between the site and the sea.
A Review of Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP): The Role of Enzyme Kinetics
Authors: Ahenkorah Isaac , Rahman Md Mizanur , Karim Md Rajibul , Beecham Simon , Saint Christopher
Published: February 2021

Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a relatively new bio-cementation technique for ground improvement. In EICP, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation occurs via urea hydrolysis catalysed by the urease enzyme sourced from plants. EICP offers significant potential for innovative and sustainable engineering applications, including strengthening of soils, remediation of contaminants, enhancement of oil recovery through bio-plugging and other in situ field applications. Given the numerous potential applications of EICP, theoretical understanding of the rate and quantity of CaCO3 precipitation via the ureolytic chemical reaction is vital for optimising the process. For instance, in a typical EICP process, the rate and quantity of CaCO3 precipitation can depend significantly on the concentration, activity and kinetic properties of the enzyme used along with the reaction environment such as pH and temperature. This paper reviews the research and development of enzyme-catalysed reactions and its applications for enhancing CaCO3 precipitation in EICP. The paper also presents the assessment and estimation of kinetic parameters, such as the maximal reaction velocity (Vmax) and the Michaelis constant (Km), that are associated with applications in civil and geotechnical engineering. Various models for evaluating the kinetic reactions in EICP are presented and discussed, taking into account the influence of pH, temperature and inhibitors. It is shown that a good understanding of the kinetic properties of the urease enzyme can be useful in the development, optimisation and prediction of the rate of CaCO3 precipitation in EICP.
Quantum Fisher Information and Bures Distance Correlations of Coupled Two Charge-Qubits Inside a Coherent Cavity with the Intrinsic Decoherence
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Baset A. , Khalil Eied. M. , Selim Mahmoud M. , Eleuch Hichem
Published: February 2021

The dynamics of two charged qubits containing Josephson Junctions inside a cavity are investigated under the intrinsic decoherence effect. New types of quantum correlations via local quantum Fisher information and Bures distance norm are explored. We show that we can control the quantum correlations robustness by the intrinsic decoherence rate, the qubit-qubit coupling as well as by the initial coherent states superposition. The phenomenon of sudden changes and the freezing behavior for the local quantum Fisher information are sensitive to the initial coherent state superposition and the intrinsic decoherence.
Two-Dimensional Divisor Problems Related to Symmetric L-Functions
Authors: Huang Jing , Liu Huafeng , Xu Fuxia
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study two-dimensional divisor problems of the Fourier coefficients of some automorphic product L-functions attached to the primitive holomorphic cusp form f(z) with weight k for the full modular group SL2(Z). Additionally, we establish the upper bound and the asymptotic formula for these divisor problems on average, respectively.
Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA for Cosmetic Treatments in the Neck, and Middle and Lower Areas of the Face: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galadari Hassan , Galadari Ibrahim , Smit Riekie , Prygova Inna , Redaelli Alessio
Published: February 2021

AbobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) has been used for various cosmetic purposes, including minimization of moderate to severe lines, or other cosmetic indications, in the face and neck. We carried out a systematic review to identify all relevant evidence on the treatment approaches and outcomes of aboBoNT-A as a cosmetic treatment of the middle and lower areas of the face, and the neck. Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, congress proceedings and review bibliographies were searched for relevant studies. Identified articles were screened against pre-specified eligibility criteria. Of 560 unique articles identified, 10 were included for data extraction (three observational studies, 1 randomized controlled trial [with two articles] and five non-randomized trials). The articles provided data on gummy/asymmetric smile (2), marionette lines (5), masseter muscle volume (2), nasal wrinkles (2), perioral wrinkles (3) and the platysma muscle (4). All articles reporting on efficacy of aboBoNT-A demonstrated positive results, including reduction of wrinkles (5), reduction of masseter muscle (2) and degree of gummy smile (1) compared with before treatment. No serious adverse events were reported and patient satisfaction was high. In conclusion, positive findings support further research of aboBoNT-A for the middle and lower areas of the face, and in the neck, which are largely unapproved indications.
On the Prevalence and Potential Functionality of an Intrinsic Disorder in the MERS-CoV Proteome
Authors: Alshehri Manal A. , Manee Manee M. , Alqahtani Fahad H. , Al-Shomrani Badr M. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: February 2021

Middle East respiratory syndrome is a severe respiratory illness caused by an infectious coronavirus. This virus is associated with a high mortality rate, but there is as of yet no effective vaccine or antibody available for human immunity/treatment. Drug design relies on understanding the 3D structures of viral proteins; however, arriving at such understanding is difficult for intrinsically disordered proteins, whose disorder-dependent functions are key to the virus’s biology. Disorder is suggested to provide viral proteins with highly flexible structures and diverse functions that are utilized when invading host organisms and adjusting to new habitats. To date, the functional roles of intrinsically disordered proteins in the mechanisms of MERS-CoV pathogenesis, transmission, and treatment remain unclear. In this study, we performed structural analysis to evaluate the abundance of intrinsic disorder in the MERS-CoV proteome and in individual proteins derived from the MERS-CoV genome. Moreover, we detected disordered protein binding regions, namely, molecular recognition features and short linear motifs. Studying disordered proteins/regions in MERS-CoV could contribute to unlocking the complex riddles of viral infection, exploitation strategies, and drug development approaches in the near future by making it possible to target these important (yet challenging) unstructured regions.
HACIA UNA COMPRENSIÓN DEL CONFLICTO EN JUSTICIA ALTERNATIVA
Authors: Silva-Hernández Francisca
Published: February 2021

El conflicto es un proceso de manifestación de pensamiento y conducta a partir de situaciones socioculturales en toda sociedad. Está visto como una situación compleja suscitada entre dos o más personas. Sin embargo, en justicia alternativa la perspectiva del conflicto tiene una comprensión, gestión y solución basada en el diálogo y comunicación entre las personas involucradas, lo que propicia protagonismo, empoderamiento y legitimación de las personas para resolver su propio conflicto. Este documento pretende abordar las generalidades del conflicto con el fin de afianzar una cultura de paz, convivencia y bienestar entre los sujetos inmersos en una sociedad en el que la gestión y solución del conflicto sea aplicado de forma constructiva y colaborativa para la construcción de ciudadanos capaces de realizar la transición de una mejor sociedad.
ALCANCES DE UN MÉTODO DE ANÁLISIS DE LA BALANZA AGROALIMENTARIA DE MÉXICO
Authors: Martínez-Prats Germán
Published: February 2021

La información del intercambio comercial de mercancías agroalimentarias que se realiza en México se compila a través del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) el cual registra la Estadística de Comercio Exterior de México (ECEM), cuya información permite toma de decisiones en materia comercial y financiera. Sin embargo, no se ha desarrollado un método que permita validar los datos de volumen importado y exportado de las operaciones comerciales mediante un agente aduanal, por lo que existe un sobre registro de los datos. Por ello, la propuesta de establecer un método de validación de las importaciones y exportaciones agroalimentarias considerando los volúmenes por fracción arancelaria y unidad de medida, así como los incoterms, para generar un registro específico permitirá obtener información más confiable, la cual resultará de interés para la toma decisiones de los actores involucrados en el comercio exterior.
Pour une science de la diversité de la conscience : vers une redéfinition multidimensionnelle des états modifiés de conscience
Authors: Fortier Martin
Published: February 2021

A Plea for the Scientific Study of the Diversity of Consciousness : Towards a Multidimensional Definition of Altered States of Consciousness. Scientific studies of consciousness have been blooming within the last decades. The present article aims to widen and deepen this research program by highlighting the importance of the diversity of conscious states throughout lifetime and across cultures, practices, conditions and pharmacological manipulations. Some psychologists and neuroscientists have recently recognized that their investigations had so far only concerned a limited, non-representative and WEIRD sample of humans. Taking up this argument and applying it to the domain of consciousness, I argue that the scientific study of consciousness should be radically extended by going beyond the usual study of standard participants and standard states of consciousness. Although the study of altered states of consciousness (ASCs) is promising and should enable the science of consciousness to make significant discoveries, it must be acknowledged that the concept of ASC has long been plagued by both conceptual and empirical limitations. After having presented some of the classical models of ASCs and having shown their weaknesses and shortcomings, I introduce more recent models developed by neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, neuropsychologists and computational neuroscientists and I subsequently argue that these new multidimensional models of consciousness can help us redefine the concept of ASC in a satisfactory manner. Drawing upon these innovating models, I finally make a plea for a systematic study of consciousness which would account for the diversity of ASCs at a phenomenological, physiological and etiological level.
Pratiques mentales : vers une convergence épistémique de la méditation, de l'hypnose et de l'imagerie mentale
Authors: Braboszcz Claire
Published: February 2021

Cet article propose une synthèse des points communs et des différences du point de vue des mécanismes cognitifs et cérébraux ainsi que de la méthodologie d'étude des pratiques d'imagerie mentale, d'hypnose et de méditation. En effet, les recherches sur ces pratiques restent relativement indépendantes les unes des autres, alors même qu'elles semblent reposer sur des mécanismes en partie communs. Par exemple, l'imagerie mentale est une composante inhérente aux suggestions hypnotiques et à certaines pratiques méditatives, de même qu'un certain contrôle de l'attention et un repli introspectif apparaissent comme autant de dénominateurs communs à ces trois pratiques. Notre objectif est ainsi de proposer une vision globale de ces trois pratiques mentales afin d'enrichir la taxonomie existante des états de conscience et de favoriser la compréhension de ces phénomènes qui offrent une perspective originale et prometteuse sur les mécanismes cognitifs et la conscience humaine.
Du languaging au sens linguistique
Authors: Bottineau Didier
Published: February 2021

From Languaging to Linguistic Meaning. Enactive cognition rejects the notion of representation as an explanatory principle of cognitive activity. This immediately poses a problem for the study of human language, which is usually understood as the study of the relationships between symbolic forms, individual thought and a world of local perception and general knowledge. This study explores how the notion of linguistic meaning can be revised within the enactive paradigm and without presupposing the notions of world and thought as autonomous material and spiritual entities without a genesis of their own. It begins with languaging as energeia and embodied, interactive and situated activity, and details its contribution to the constitution of the experience of ordinary life as a production of meaning and empirical world, with or without the help of actual speech. It clarifies the difference between the analysis of language by linguistics, which views it as formal systems and objects, and the enactive approach, which considers it as an embodied and situated process. It proposes that because of this grounding, linguistic meaning must be viewed as an emerging and distinct phenomenon, which can be either merged with the immediate situation by its pragmatic role, or distinguished from it as an autonomous semantic creation ; and it introduces a typology of classes of linguistic meaning according to their degree of relative inscription or autonomy and how speaking subjects reflect upon it. It specifies how certain linguistic components of speech and discourse (syntax, prosody, lexicon, grammatical morphs), redefined as processes, participate in the constitution of meaning, and sketches out perspectives in linguistic typology. The conclusion elucidates the meaning of languaging as a vector of coevolution linking the species to its environment through language, languages and discourse.
Feasibility of Good Governance at Health Facilities: A Proposed Framework and its Application Using Empirical Insights From Kenya
Authors: Pyone Thidar , Mirzoev Tolib
Published: February 2021

Background: Governance is a social phenomenon which permeates throughout systemic, organisational and individual levels. Studies of health systems governance traditionally assessed performance of systems or organisations against principles of good governance. However, understanding key pre-conditions to embed good governance required for healthcare organisations is limited. We explore the feasibility of embedding good governance at healthcare facilities in Kenya. Methods: Our conceptualisation of organisational readiness for embedding good governance stems from a theory of institutional analysis and frameworks for understanding organisational readiness for change. Four inter-related constructs underpin to embed good governance: (i) individual motivations, determined by (ii) mechanisms for encouraging adherence to good governance through (iii) organisation’s institutional arrangements, all within (iv) a wider context. We propose a framework, validated through qualitative methods and collected through 39 semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers, county and national-level policy-makers in Kenya. Data was analysed using framework approach, guided by the four constructs of the theoretical framework. We explored each construct in relation to three key principles of good governance: accountability, participation and transparency of information. Results: Embedding good governance in healthcare organisations in Kenya is influenced by political and socio-cultural contexts. Individual motivations were a critical element of self-enforcement to embed principles of good governance by healthcare providers within their facilities. Healthcare providers possess strong moral incentives to self-enforce accountability to local populations, but their participation in decision-making was limited. Health facilities lacked effective mechanisms for enforcing good governance such as combating corruption, which led to a proliferation of informal institutional arrangements. Conclusion: Organisational readiness for good governance is context-specific so future work should recognise different interpretations of acceptable degrees of transparency, accountability and participation. While good governance involves collective social action, organisational readiness relies on individual choices and decisions within the context of organisational rules and cultural and historical environments.
Visualizing Emergency Department Admission through Data Mining
Authors: S Kalaivani , Dhiman Shalini , T.K.P. Rajagopal
Published: February 2021

Emergency Department (ED) boarding –the inability to transfer emergency patients to inpatient beds- is a key factor contributing to ED overcrowding. This paper presents a novel approach to improving hospital operational efficiency and, therefore, to decreasing ED boarding. Using the historic data of 15,000 patients, admission results and patient information are correlated in order to identify important admission predictor factors. For example, the type of radiology exams prescribed by the ED physician is identified as among the most important predictors of admission. Based on these  factors, a  real-time prediction  model is  developed which  is able  to correctly predict  the  admission  result  of  four  out  of  every  five  ED  patients.  The  proposed admission  model  can  be  used  by inpatient  units  to  estimate  the  likelihood  of ED patients’ admission, and consequently, the number of incoming patients from ED in the near future. Using  similar prediction models,  hospitals can evaluate their short-time needs for inpatient care more accurately Emergency Department (ED) boarding – the inability to transfer emergency patients to inpatient beds- is a key factor contributing to ED overcrowding. This paper presents a novel approach to improving hospital operational efficiency and, therefore, to decreasing ED boarding. Using the historic data of 15,000 patients, admission results and patient information are correlated in order to identify important admission predictor factors. For example, the type of radiology exams prescribed by the ED physician is identified as among the most important predictors of admission. The proposed admission model can be used by inpatient units to estimate the likelihood of ED patients’ admission, and consequently, the number of incoming patients from ED in the near future. Using similar prediction models, hospitals can evaluate their short-time needs for inpatient care more accurately. We use three algorithms to build the predictive models: (1) logistic regression, (2) decision trees, and Analytic tools (accuracy=80.31%, AUC-ROC=0.859) than the decision tree accuracy=80.06%, AUC-ROC=0.824) and the logistic regression model (accuracy=79.94%, AUC-ROC=0.849). Drawing on logistic regression, we identify several factors related to hospital admissions including hospital site, age, arrival mode, triage category, care group, previous admission in the past month, and previous admission in the past year. From a different perspective, the research focuses on mobility data instead of personal data in general using Structural Equation Modelling analysis method. Based on this research finding, we identified an unexplored factor that can be used to predict the intention to disclose mobility data, and the result also confirmed that context aspects such as demographics and different personal data categories.