bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on pesticide application among farmworkers from communities in western Catamarca Province, Argentina
Authors: Raimondo Enzo Emanuel , Costa Gutierrez Stefanie Bernardette , Cabrera Susana Edith , Benimeli Claudia Susana
Published: March 2022

Unsafe management practices and overuse of pesticides have led to environmental contamination and farmworkers poisoning. For this reason, the problem of pesticide exposure must be framed in the socio-cultural and environmental context of the affected communities, analyzing the factors that contribute to the greater risk of exposure of farmworkers and their families, in order to propose educational strategies and develop effective public health strategies. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding local pesticides handling of farmworkers from Singuil town, Catamarca province, northwestern Argentina, and the possible impact of these behavioral patterns on Singuil River. Farmworkers from Singuil town participated through a cross-sectional, face-to-face survey. Subsequently, samples from Singuil River were taken for determination of pesticides residues.
Approximately 83 % of those surveyed have worked with pesticides for more than 10 years. Although most workers prepare their pesticide formulations, 25 % of them never use any personal protective equipment, while the remaining 75 % usually use face masks and gloves to protect themselves. Post-spraying personal hygiene practices, such as changing clothes or showering, are often not applied. To reduce health risks, many respondents perform sprinkling at sunset (66.7 %) or early morning (50 %), and avoid it during windy and sunny weather. Besides, they usually burn (58.3 %) or stockpile (41.7 %) empty pesticide containers. In case of poisoning, 91.7 % of workers would go to hospital for medical attention. Glyphosate, mancozeb, and propamocarb are the most commonly used pesticides. Finally, no pesticide residues were detected in the water samples collected from Singuil River.
Curcumin Nanofibers: A Novel Approach to Enhance the Anticancer
Potential and Bioavailability of Curcuminoids
Authors: Ataei Mahshid , Roufogalis Basil D. , Majeed Muhammed , Shah Muhammad A. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2022

Development of novel treatment methods for cancer is needed given the limitations
of current treatment methods, including side effects and chemotherapeutic resistance,
which may provide new hope to cancer patients. Cancer is the second leading
cause of global mortality. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been used
since ancient times for various therapeutic purposes. Several studies have identified its activity
against cancer. Despite the established anticancer activity of curcumin, its low aqueous
solubility and bioavailability are barriers to its effectiveness. In an attempt to solve
this problem, many studies have formulated curcumin nanofiber preparations using a variety
of methods. Electrospinning is a simple and affordable method for the production of
nanofibers. Studies have shown increased curcumin bioavailability in nanofibers resulting
from their high surface/volume ratio and porosity. We have undertaken a detailed review
of studies on the anticancer effects of curcumin nanofibers. Curcumin acts by inhibiting
various biological cancer pathways, including NF-κB, mTOR, complex I, cytokines,
expression of p-p65, Ki67, and angiogenesis-associated genes. It also induces
apoptosis through activation of caspase pathways and ROS production in cancer cells.
Curcumin-loaded PLA50/PVP50/Cur15 nanofibers were investigated in breast cancer,
one of the most studied cancers, and was shown to have significant effects on the widely
used HeLa-cell line. Most of the studies undertaken have been performed in cell lines in
vitro, while relatively few animal studies have been reported. More preclinical and clinical
studies are needed to evaluate the anticancer activity of curcumin nanofibers.
Amongst studies undertaken, a variety of curcumin nanofibers of various formulations
have been shown to suppress a variety of cancer types. Overall, curcumin nanofibers
have been found to be more efficient than free curcumin. Thus, curcumin nanofibers
have been observed to improvise cancer treatment, offering great potential for effective
cancer management. Further studies, both in vitro and in vivo, involving curcumin nanofibers
have the potential to benefit cancer management.
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 regulates inflammatory response in endometriosis
Authors: Wei Xin , Liu Yihua , Li Weijia , Shao Xu
Published: March 2022

Background:

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) is known to play an important role in innate immunity, while the relationship between NOD1 and inflammatory response in endometriosis remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate the effects of NOD1 on inflammatory response in endometriosis.

Methods:

Immunohistochemistry staining, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were conducted to investigate the levels of NOD1 and inflammatory cytokines in the endometriotic lesions. A spearman’s rank correlation analysis was conducted to determine the correlations of NOD1 and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1). Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were isolated and incubated with peritoneal fluid with or without ML130. Cell viability was determined by using an MTT assay.

Results:

A significant elevation in NOD1 and inflammatory cytokine was observed in ectopic endometrium. Interestingly, a positive correlation between NOD1 and inflammatory cytokines was observed. In addition, treatment with ML130 significantly suppressed cell viability and the productions of inflammatory cytokines in the 20% peritoneal fluid treated ectopic HESCs.

Conclusions:

NOD1 is related to the inflammatory response that is involved in endometriosis.
Antioxidant and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of Athamanta sicula L.
Aqueous Extract
Authors: Loucif Karima , Benchikh Fatima , Benabdallah Hassiba , Bensouici Chawki , Amira Smain
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Overexpression of tyrosinase in humans causes an increase in melanin production
in the skin, which can result in hyperpigmentation consequences such as freckles, melasma,
age spots, and melanoma. Free radicals also play a significant role in the increase of the biosynthesis of
melanin. Tyrosinase inhibitors capable of inhibiting the biosynthesis of melanin are currently used in
various hyperpigmentation and cosmetic agents to control the formation of freckles. Several synthetic
tyrosinase inhibitors have been associated with several serious side effects. Also, synthetic antioxidants
have many toxicological side effects, including carcinogenicity. There is an increasing interest in the
search for natural tyrosinase inhibitors and antioxidant agents.

Aims:

The objective of this study is to evaluate total polyphenol and flavonoid contents as well as examine
the antioxidative and tyrosinase inhibitory effects of A. sicula L. aqueous extract.

Methods:

Antioxidant activities were evaluated using superoxide radical scavenging and reducing
power methods. Moreover, a tyrosinase inhibitory assay was used to determine anti-hyperpigmentation.

Results:

The results showed that this extract was rich in total polyphenols (58.01 ± 1.18 micrograms of
gallic acid equivalents per milligrams of extract) and flavonoids (17.91 ± 1.81 micrograms quercetin
equivalents per milligram of extract). A. sicula L. aqueous extract was capable of scavenging free radicals
(IC50 = 11.87 ± 0.13 μg/mL) and acting as a strong reducing agent (A 0.5= 6.37 ± 0.42 μg/mL). A.
sicula L. had a potent tyrosinase inhibitory potential (IC50= 12.63 ± 1.15 μg/mL), which was higher
compared to kojic acid used as a standard (IC50= 25,23 ± 0,78 μg/mL, p <0.001).

Conclusion:

These results support that A. sicula L. could be a new source of antioxidant and cosmetic
use. Further studies focusing on the isolation and characterization of active principles of antioxidant
and tyrosinase inhibitory activities are needed.
Analysis of business law principles from a sharia perspective
Authors: Riyanti Rika , Reski Indah Anjar
Published: March 2022

Business activities are the breath of human life. So, the Business must have rules and principles that regulate business people to achieve business goals. This study discusses the analysis of business law principles from Islamic law. This study is a study of business and economic law literacy. Our data search was carried out by examining several business communications that discuss business principles about the views of Islamic law, which are the source of this study. Our research efforts are processed through the deepening of data coding, in-depth analysis, and interpretation to take the essence of relevant and valid conclusions to answer the problem of this study. Based on existing data and supporting literature by our studies, it can be concluded that Islam offers business ethics with Islamic values ??that regulate business activities with firm principles, namely that Business is carried out correctly has an open, informative, truthfulness, and fairness. It is hoped that these findings will be beneficial for future studies with the theme of business ethics and principles following sharia.
EXPLORING STAKEHOLDERS EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES ON THE PRINTED MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING MODALITY AMIDST COVID19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   Philippine Normal University, Philippines, Palad Ingrid A.
Published: March 2022

The unprecedented outbreak of novel coronavirus brought disruptions to people's lives. Schools were closed due to the imposed different community quarantine. The Department of Education collaborates with different stakeholders to develop a Basic Learning Continuity Plan. Schools used different learning modalities based on the parent's and students' capacity. The study wants to find out the experiences, challenges or difficulties, and suggestions of five school stakeholders in the province of Quezon. This study used a qualitative method through semi-structured interviews. The researcher found out that training and seminars provided by the department of education to all teachers made them confident in implementing printed modular distance learning modality. Monitoring and evaluating learners' progress are some of the most challenging parts in implementing printed modular distance learning as claimed by the teacher-respondents. Communicating with students and parents is one of the challenges faced by the teachers due to limited internet signals in the area. The majority of the learners do not have gadgets like smartphones and laptops. Collaborations and strong partnerships with parents and colleagues helped the teachers cope with the mentioned challenges. For the parents, the most challenging part was establishing routine among their children in studying. Assistance from relatives, searching the internet and using other learning resources like books and asking for assistance from the teachers help the parents face the challenges they encountered. For the student's they find it hard to study alone the module. Some lesson needs to be explained to them to understand well. Performance tasks were among the student's preferences in implementing printed modular distance learning. Parents' and relatives' assistance helps the learner in doing activities. Using books and other supplementary materials and searching on the internet also help the learners do the activities stated in the modules.
HOW INTERACTIVITY OF INSTAGRAM ADS THROUGH HEDONIC MOTIVATION CAN AFFECT PURCHASE INTEREST
Authors:   School of Applied Science, Telkom University, Indonesia, Mustikasari Ati , Thaha Abdurrahman Rahim ,   School of Applied Science, Telkom University, Indonesia, Wulandari Astri ,   School of Applied Science, Telkom University, Indonesia
Published: March 2022

As the number of internet users and social media users grows, it has a beneficial influence on businesses in attracting various types of business possibilities to market and launch their products via the internet or social media. Instagram is a social network frequently used by businesses in Indonesia to launch, advertise, and update their customers about their products. The Instagram advertising function can give a new option for businesses to help sell their products. This study aimed to determine the effect of interactivity on advertising on social media Instagram through hedonic motivation on consumer purchase intention in the Bandung. The quantitative research approach utilized the SEM (Structural Equation Model) analytical methodology and SmartPLS software. This study's participants were 400 Instagram social media users in Bandung who had viewed advertising presented on Instagram. According to the findings of this study, the interaction that comes from advertising material via hedonic motivation has little influence on the purchase intention of Instagram users who have seen commercials promoted in Bandung. Further researchers can add more unknown factors to determine the impact of interaction on customer purchase intention in Instagram advertising via hedonic motivation. Furthermore, other researchers can do the same research but with other research objects, and the findings can be utilized to compare with this research.
THE EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND E-COMMERCE ON MARKETING PERFORMANCE WITH AGILITY AS INTERVENING VARIABLE
Authors:   Faculty of Economics Sultan Agung Islamic University Semarang, Indonesia, Nurcholis Lutfi , Suhendi Chrisna ,   Faculty of Economics Sultan Agung Islamic University Semarang, Indonesia, Utami Luci Delayani ,   Faculty of Economics Sultan Agung Islamic University Semarang, Indonesia
Published: March 2022

This study aims to give the research gap solution by adding agility as the intervening variable on the relationship between entrepreneurship and e-commerce with marketing performance. The population in this study is the owner or manager of Muslim Clothing SMEs in Central Java. The number of samples used by 100 respondents for data collection using a questionnaire. The data analysis used is Partial Least Squares (PLS). The study results reveal that entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and agility have a significant influence on marketing performance. Agility was proven as an intervening variable on the relationship between entrepreneurship and e-commerce with marketing performance. SMEs can improve marketing performance through entrepreneurship and e-commerce and will be more effective if done by SMEs through agility. This paper suggests that the next researcher increase the population and sample of Muslim Fashion SMEs in another area.
A MEDIATION ANALYSIS OF COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE CUSTOMER TRUST IN CUSTOMER LOYALTY TOWARDS E-MARKETPLACE
Authors:   Business Management, Management Department, Binus Business School Master Program, Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia, Hendriana Evelyn , Anjani Siti ,   Business Management, Management Department, Binus Business School Master Program, Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia, Dennison Alexander ,   Business Management, Management Department, Binus Business School Master Program, Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia, Subhan Zhafira Nur ,   Business Management, Management Department, Binus Business School Master Program, Bina Nusantara University, Indonesia
Published: March 2022

Studies have shown the importance of customer trust in determining customer loyalty. While the psychological theory states that customer trust has cognitive and affective dimensions, earlier studies tended to look at it aggregately. An evaluation of the customer trust dimensions may provide a deeper understanding of the relative importance of each dimension of customer loyalty. This study looks at the roles of cognitive and affective customer trust in the context of the e-marketplace. As perceived privacy and security are still issues in the e-marketplace of developing countries, this study tries to examine the roles of cognitive and affective trust in mediating the relationships between perceived privacy, perceived security, corporate reputation, and customer loyalty. A close-ended questionnaire survey was distributed to answer the research questions. Data from 426 respondents were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings support the hypotheses of the interrelationship between the two dimensions of customer trust. This study also found that cognitive and affective trust mediates the relationships between corporate reputation, perceived security, and customer loyalty. However, we failed to prove the effect of perceived privacy on cognitive and affective trust.
New radiation therapy for cancer using monochromatic X-rays and nanoparticles
Authors: Tamanoi Fuyuhiko
Published: March 2022

There are longstanding research efforts to improve treatments for cancers. Two treatment options are chemotherapy and radiation therapy but there is room for improvement and researchers at the Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Japan, have developed a new method that could
lead to the development of a new type of cancer radiation therapy and save lives. The research team is led by Professor Fuyuhiko Tamanoi who is principal investigator at the Tamanoi Laboratory at Kyoto University and leader of the Quantum Nano Medicine Research Center. The method involves
generating a cloud of electrons inside a cancer cell that causes DNA breaks, which has potential to eliminate cancer cells. This approach is built on the Auger effect which postulates that when high Z elements are irradiated with monochromatic X-rays, the energy from the X-rays are absorbed
by the K-shell electron, which leads to the release of multiple electrons, which have the capability to produce DNA double strand breaks. To achieve the necessary conditions, the team used nanoparticle design combined with state-of-the-art X-ray technology. The team is also developing a new
type of nanoparticle called Biodegradable periodic mesoporous organosilica (BPMO), which is a type of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN).
Development of Highly Reliable Secondary Batteries with Interfacial Ion Behaviour Control and Multivalent Ion Adoption – Project 2019R1A2C1009239
Authors: Yoo Jeeyoung
Published: March 2022

If the anode-electrolyte interface of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or LIBs can be controlled to make the anode of the Li metal battery suitable for liquid or solid electrolytes it would lead to an expansion of possible applications. Assistant Professor Jeeyoung Yoo, School of Energy
Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Korea, is experimenting with a layer called the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The Li metal anode has characteristics that make it suitable as an anode material for next-generation LIBS, but its SEI is unstable and Yoo wants to address this.
To do this, Yoo is applying an interlayer while maintaining an existing structure with a liquid electrolyte, and she and the team have found that carbon with a conjugated structure is the most effective interlayer material. This represents the very first in-situ formation of a semi ionic CF
(carbon-fluorine) bonding formation and suggests that the Li metal battery could be stabilised by simply applying a pencil to the separator. Yoo is also working to develop highly reliable secondary batteries with interfacial ion behaviour control and multivalent ion adoption. This research
involves developing a part that controls the side reaction between the metal anode and the aqueous electrolyte interface, and a cathode material suitable for the metal anode. The aim of this work is to help improve the stability of the secondary batteries and also lower price and resolve supply
issues.
Study of the Fabrication of Highly Functional Built-in SEI Anode, Applicable for High Performance Full Cells
Authors: Kim Sun-Jae
Published: March 2022

Professor Sun-Jae Kim, Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Engineering, Sejong University, South Korea, is working on the design and synthesis of materials that are low cost, easy to fabricate and have real-world applications. A specific focus for Kim's lab is the design
and development of advanced materials for energy storage applications, photocatalyst and hydrogen storage materials. In one line of investigation, the researchers are working to develop a high-performance anode material. As part of this, they have developed a technology to produce an in-situ
carbon-coated silicon oxide/carbon composite, where silicon oxide is produced by a simple synthesis method involving an alcoholysis reaction and low-temperature heat treatment. Kim and the team optimised the microstructure and composition of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) and developed
an electrode structure suitable for an actual battery. Much of this work is applicable for high performance lithium-ion batteries and could pave the way for high-speed charging in a short time and enable the development of safe electric vehicles.
Ultrasensitive MERS-CoV Biosensor Composed of Multi-functional DNA 3 Way-Junction Probe based on Electrochemical-Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (EC-SERS) Dual Detection System
Authors: Lee Taek
Published: March 2022

Professor Taek Lee, associate professor, Biomedical Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwangwoon University, South Korea, is working on the development of biosensors and in vitro diagnostic devices, nucleic acid nanoengineering-based therapy and biomolecular-based
bioelectronics for computation. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the novel coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Lee is investigating the potential of aptamers to be used in the detection of viruses such as MERS-CoV. This could assist with
diagnosis and treatment and protect peoples' health. In a world first, Lee and the team developed a MERS aptamer using the SELEX technique and then created the world's first MERS-nanovesicle biosensor composed of multi-functional DNA aptamer/graphene-MoS2 nanocomposite based on electrochemical
and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The biosensor can detect the virus in a buffer solution and in saliva and the researchers believe it could be applicable to the detection of other viruses such as COVID-19. So far, the team has developed 30 types of aptamer that have potential to be
used in biosensors and the researchers hope their work to establish a rapid virus detection system using fast SELEX and biosensor fabrication techniques will benefit health and wellbeing.
Looking back as we move forward: Celebrating Issue 50
Authors: Annette Lucy
Published: March 2022

Innovation, collaboration and technology are themes inherent to Science Impact owing to their importance to scientific research and progress. Celebrating research progress from the first spark of an idea to impactful implementation, Science Impact spans diverse topics including infectious
diseases, agricultural innovation, disaster mitigation and road transport. An important topic has been the COVID-19 pandemic and despite the hurdles it has brought about, it is important to reflect on the positives, including significant progress in research to better understand the virus,
the development and rollout of vaccines and the collaboration between different research fields, countries and global health experts that have united as one team to overcome the pandemic. Furthermore, lessons learned and progress made could prove vital for mitigating future health crises.
Another important topic is open science and the importance of the dissemination of scientific research in order to fuel progress and discovery. A further key theme is technological innovations which is perfectly illustrated by the concept of Society 5.0 in Japan which is harnessing technological
advances such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, AI and Big Data to develop solutions to societal challenges. Collaboration is another topic that is important to recognise, with multi- and transdisciplinary, cross-sector, cross-border and cross-cultural collaboration all inspiring
and facilitating discovery and, with the pandemic, digital collaboration moved forward and new, online collaborative tools advanced.
Development of core-shell nanomaterials for energy storage devices using chemical solution method
Authors: Ohno Tomoya , Hirai Shigeto
Published: March 2022

Professor Tomoya Ohno and Associate Professor Shigeto Hirai, Kitami Institute of Technology, Kitami, Japan, are collaborating on research on the composition and coating of catalysts used in rechargeable metal-air batteries. Ohno specialises in surface coatings and powder technology
and Hirai is an expert in electro- and solid-state chemistry and so these combined specialisms lend themselves well to the work. The researchers are developing long-life, high-performance bi-functional catalyst particles that can be mounted on rechargeable metal-air batteries, and are also
proposing positive particles coated with a solid electrolyte for use in all-solid state lithium-ion batteries. Due to the high density associated with the design of the metal-air battery, it has the potential to store a lot more energy than conventional batteries. This means that metal-air
batteries could prove transformative for industry, with the potential to be used in electric cars, national grid energy storage and other devices that require regular charging. However, the technology of the metal-air battery is still in progress and key concerns are the reliability of the
cathode as well as the harsh effects of charging at high cathodic potentials. Ohno and Hirai are working to overcome these challenges by using chemical reaction and powder engineering techniques to add thin films of protective materials for the potential catalysts that could help stabilise
the cathode. So far, the researchers have found that the protective layer on the bi-functional catalyst particles that were mounted on the metal-air secondary battery significantly improved the stability. They also found that the effect varies depending on the structure of the coating layer.
Study on dye molecules immobilised on the surface of titanium dioxide by a silane coupling agent
Authors: Takeshita Tatsuya
Published: March 2022

Dr Tatsuya Takeshita heads up a group of researchers at the Department of Applied Chemistry and Food Science, Fukui University of Technology, Japan, that is working to enhance the photocatalysts, which can accelerate chemical reactions and are therefore an important component in the
production and development of solar cells. Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising means of creating solar cells. In a study that could improve the photocatalytic activity of dye-sensitised titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or photovoltaic conversion efficiency of DSSCs, the
researchers are looking at the surface modification of TiO2 by using silane coupling agents (SCAs). It is known that the SCAs adsorbed onto the inorganic materials form highly oriented self-assembled monolayers (SAM) and Takeshita and the team believe the orientation of organic
dyes can be controlled along the SAM when binding the organic dyes to SCA-based SAM on the TiO2 surface. This would then mean that orientation control of organic dyes on the TiO2 by using SCAs could be applied to dye-sensitised TiO2 catalysts and DSSCs. The
researchers believe that by preventing dye aggregation and back electron transfer, the photocatalytic activity of dye-sensitised TiO2 and/or photovoltaic conversion efficiency of DSSCs will be improved.
Development of a micro-scale meteorology-air quality model using a grid nesting method and potential application
Authors: Park Soo-Jin
Published: March 2022

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) facilitates weather forecasting and is important for determining future climate changes and providing advance warning of natural hazards. Numerical models can also be used to measure air quality and pollutants in the air. Dr Soo-Jin Park, Supercomputer
Center, Pukyong National University, Korea, is using a grid nesting system in a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) model to improve the accuracy of urban weather and air quality prediction. Another goal of this work is to improve the efficiency of computing resources. Park's is applying the
grid nesting system to a microscale model, which is a unique approach. Using the micro-scale meteorology-air quality model using a grid nesting system in CFD, the researchers can monitor wind speeds and the concentration of gases in the atmosphere such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) and how these are affected by changes to topography. Using the model, Park and the team can perform numerical simulation of a larger area, as well as selectively high-resolution simulations for the target area. The researchers used the model to explore the effects
of wall- and tree-type fences on the airflow and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration around a school by simulating flows and pollutant dispersion and were able to provide detailed information regarding the air quality.
Discussion on erosion and accumulation behaviours in the process of soil-rock flow migration with deep learning experimental analysis method and numerical simulation
Authors: Chou Shih-Hao
Published: March 2022

The frequency of debris flows occurring has increased in Taiwan and mitigation strategies are important to protect property and save lives. Dr Shih-Hao Chou is a research scholar based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taiwan, is exploring how
AI and deep learning can be applied to the mitigation of debris flow. He is investigating the physical mechanisms of debris flow, as well as migration behaviour and the potential scale of future disasters, which includes analysing flow behaviour and comparing it with an occurrence model. In
their work, Chou and his collaborators are using a deep learning experimental analysis method to observe the current situation of debris flow in real time, and further predict the downstream debris flow behaviour. The researchers are also utilising numerical simulation in order to observe
the internal movement behaviour in the earth-rock flow field and the damage caused to engineering facilities. Chou is conducting this research in collaboration with Professor Hsiau Shusan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University. Chou is also looking at erosion
transport or sedimentation behaviour in the process of collapse and flow, responding to a knowledge gap in this area. This involves studying the erosion and sedimentation behaviour of an artificial dam-break particle flow field on the bottom bed and, following the dam break, studying the particles
in the collapse process using image and particle tracking technology and numerical simulation technology, looking at avalanche speed, avalanche time, erosion and sedimentation phenomena.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF B4C REINFORCED AA7075 COMPOSITE METALLIC FOAM
Authors: LÜLE ŞENÖZ Güzide Meltem , ÇINAR DAŞKESEN Rabia
Published: March 2022

In this study, the production and characterization of open-cell composite metal foam using the replica method, also known as polymer impregnation, was investigated. Composite powders were prepared by alloying in a planetary ball mill for 1 hour using AA7075 aluminum powder and 10% by weight B4C powder. Characterization and morphology analysis of the composite metal foam produced using the prepared composite powders were performed using XRD and SEM/EDS analyses. As a result of the analyses, it was observed that α-Al, B4C, C phase as a result of the polyurethane sponge not being completely removed from the structure, and secondary and tertiary phases such as Al3BC, AlB2, AlB12C2 and Al3B48C2 resulting from the sintering process were observed in the composite foam metal structure.
ASFALT BETON KAPLAMALARINDA TUNÇBİLEK UÇUCU KÜLÜNÜN FİLLER OLARAK KULLANILMASININ ARAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: TIMORI Mohd Ismaıl , TİGDEMİR Mesut
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışmada, atık olarak görülen Kütahya’nın Tavşanlı ilçesinde bulunan Tunçbilek Termik Santralinden çıkan uçucu külün (UK) asfalt betonunda filler malzemesi olarak kullanılabilirliği araştırılmıştır. Öncelikle çalışma için Superpave Tasarım Yöntemi’ne göre gradasyon sınırları içerisinde, agrega oranlarını değiştirerek üç tip agrega gradasyon eğrisi elde edilmiştir. Her gradasyonun optimum bitüm oranını belirlemek için UK filler içerisinde %25, %50, %75, %100 oranlarında kullanılmıştır. Daha sonra belirlenen bitüm yüzdesi kullanılarak Superpave Karışım Tasarım Yöntemine göre numuneler hazırlanmıştır. Hazırlanan numuneler AASHTO T283 standardına uygun olacak şekilde tasarlanmıştır. Tasarlanan numunelerin nem hassasiyetinin belirlenmesi için İndirekt Çekme Dayanım (ITS) Deneyi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar incelendiğinde UK kullanım ile herhangi bir katkı maddesi kullanılmayan sıcak karışım asfaltlara göre daha yüksek İndirekt Çekme Dayanım Oranı (TSR) elde edilmiştir. Yapılan bu çalışma sonuçlarına göre UK ile hazırlanan Bitümlü sıcak karışımların (BSK) neme karşı direncinin arttığı gözlenmiştir. Dolayısıyla UK ile hazırlanan BSK’ların şiddetli ve uzun süreli yağış alan bölgelerde kullanılmasının daha verimli sonuçlar verebileceği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca UK’nın yol üstyapısının, aşınma tabakasında kullanılması, çevresel kirlilikleri önlemekle birlikte ekonomik açıdan da büyük katkılar sağlayabilmektedir.
THE SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF b-VALUES OF THE AREA BETWEEN BODRUM AND FETHIYE DISTRICTS, THE SOUTH-WESTERN ANATOLIA, TURKEY
Authors: AKAR Fahriye , AKKOYUNLU Mehveş Feyza , BİLİM Funda
Published: March 2022

The estimation of the variation of the b-value, which is frequency distribution of a magnitude given in an earthquake data set of any region, is important parameter for interpretation of tectonic mechanism and seismic hazard assessment of that region. There is an inverse correlation between stress and b-value. The magnitude-frequency relationship is described by the well-known the Gutenberg-Richter relationship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the recent seismicity of the region between the Bodrum and Fethiye, the south-western Anatolia in Turkey. A total of 27357 earthquake data is taken into account in this study in the period between 2004 to 2020 with magnitude (Ml) larger than 2. The majority of focal depths of earthquakes are concentrated between 0 and 33 km. The b-value in the Gutenberg-Richter relationship was estimated by the maximum likelihood method in this study. The estimated b-values range between 0.5 and 2 in the study region. While the lower b-values (0.5-1) are located at the SE of the study area (mainly the Beydağları unit), higher values (1-2) are trending on the west-east direction along the fault zones. The highest b-values in the study area are possibly related with the brittle lower-mid crust, thermal regime, normal faults and young basins bounded by these faults.
Investigation of material degradation during multiple recycling loops of a glass fiber reinforced polypropylene compound to evaluate life cycle analysis based on mechanical properties
Authors: Pfisterer Ilka , Rinberg Roman , Kroll Lothar
Published: March 2022

In order to reduce the global warming potential of their vehicles, automotive manufacturers are increasingly striving to use recyclates. However, recyclates often have weaker mechanical properties than comparable virgin polymers. Structurally, the weaker material properties can be compensated by an additional material effort. In semi-structural components of the vehicle interior, the bending stiffness is particularly important, which can be increased by a higher wall thickness to compensate for poorer mechanical properties, leading to higher component weights. The question is to what extent recyclates with poorer mechanical properties than virgin polymer result in CO2-reductions in the overall life cycle.
In this work, long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene is recycled several times and the mechanical properties are determined. An LCA is carried out, based on bending stiffness as a functional unit to compare the advantages of recyclates with the disadvantages of higher component weights.
It turns out that in a vehicle with combustion engine only the first recycling loop results in a smaller GWP than the virgin polymer. For a vehicle with electric drive, this is the case for the second recycling loop.
Comparison of the Mental Burden on Nursing Care Providers With and Without Mat-Type Sleep State Sensors at a Nursing Home in Tokyo, Japan: Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Itoh Sakiko , Tan Hwee-Pink , Kudo Kenichi , Ogata Yasuko
Published: March 2022

Background

Increasing need for nursing care has led to the increased burden on formal caregivers, with those in nursing homes having to deal with exhausting labor. Although research activities on the use of internet of things devices to support nursing care for older adults exist, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions among formal caregivers in nursing homes.

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether mat-type sleep state sensors for supporting nursing care can reduce the mental burden of formal caregivers in a nursing home.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study at a nursing home in Tokyo, Japan. The study participants were formal caregivers who cared for residents in private rooms on the fourth and fifth floors of the nursing home. In the intervention group, formal caregivers took care of residents who used sleep state sensors on the fourth floor of the nursing home. The sleep state sensors were mat types and designed to detect body motion such as the frequency of toss and turning and to measure heartbeat and respiration. One sensor was placed on a bed in a private room. When body motion is detected, the information is instantly displayed on a monitor at a staff station. In addition, the mental condition of the formal caregivers was measured using a validated self-reported outcome measure—the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Short-Form, 2nd edition. Formal caregivers in both groups received the POMS at baseline, midpoint (week 4), and endpoint (week 8) to identify changes in these domains. The primary outcome was the difference in total mood disturbance (TMD) of the POMS at baseline and week 8.

Results

Of the 22 eligible formal caregivers, 12 (intervention group) utilized sleep state sensors for 8 weeks. The remaining 10 formal caregivers (control group) provided nursing care as usual. As for the primary outcome of the difference between TMD at baseline and week 8, TMD in the intervention group improved by –3.67 versus 4.70 in the control group, resulting in a mean difference of –8.37 (95% CI –32.02 to 15.29; P=.48) in favor of the intervention.

Conclusions

The present 8-week study showed that sleep state sensing for elderly residents might not be associated with reduced mental burdens on formal caregivers in nursing homes.
Viewpoint: Virtual and Augmented Reality in Basic and Advanced Life Support Training
Authors: Ricci Serena , Calandrino Andrea , Borgonovo Giacomo , Chirico Marco , Casadio Maura
Published: March 2022

The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for life support training is increasing. These technologies provide an immersive experience that supports learning in a safe and controlled environment. This review focuses on the use of AR and VR for emergency care training for health care providers, medical students, and nonprofessionals. In particular, we analyzed (1) serious games, nonimmersive games, both single-player and multiplayer; (2) VR tools ranging from semi-immersive to immersive virtual and mixed reality; and (3) AR applications. All the toolkits have been investigated in terms of application goals (training, assessment, or both), simulated procedures, and skills. The main goal of this work is to summarize and organize the findings of studies coming from multiple research areas in order to make them accessible to all the professionals involved in medical simulation. The analysis of the state-of-the-art technologies reveals that tools and studies related to the multiplayer experience, haptic feedback, and evaluation of user’s manual skills in the foregoing health care-related environments are still limited and require further investigation. Also, there is an additional need to conduct studies aimed at assessing whether AR/VR-based systems are superior or, at the minimum, comparable to traditional training methods.
Viewpoint: Virtual and Augmented Reality in Basic and Advanced Life Support Training (Preprint)
Authors: Ricci Serena , Calandrino Andrea , Borgonovo Giacomo , Chirico Marco , Casadio Maura
Published: March 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for life support training is increasing. These technologies provide an immersive experience that supports learning in a safe and controlled environment. This review focuses on the use of AR and VR for emergency care training for health care providers, medical students, and nonprofessionals. In particular, we analyzed (1) serious games, nonimmersive games, both single-player and multiplayer; (2) VR tools ranging from semi-immersive to immersive virtual and mixed reality; and (3) AR applications. All the toolkits have been investigated in terms of application goals (training, assessment, or both), simulated procedures, and skills. The main goal of this work is to summarize and organize the findings of studies coming from multiple research areas in order to make them accessible to all the professionals involved in medical simulation. The analysis of the state-of-the-art technologies reveals that tools and studies related to the multiplayer experience, haptic feedback, and evaluation of user’s manual skills in the foregoing health care-related environments are still limited and require further investigation. Also, there is an additional need to conduct studies aimed at assessing whether AR/VR-based systems are superior or, at the minimum, comparable to traditional training methods.
Real-World Effectiveness of Wearable Augmented Reality Device for Patients With Hearing Loss: Prospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Han Ul Gyu , Lee Jung-Yup , Kim Ga-Young , Jo Mini , Lee Jaeseong , Bang Kyoung Ho , Cho Young Sang , Hong Sung Hwa , Moon Il Joon
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Hearing loss limits communication and social activity, and hearing aids (HAs) are an efficient rehabilitative option for improving oral communication and speech comprehension, as well as the psychosocial comfort of people with hearing loss. To overcome this problem, over-the-counter amplification devices including personal sound amplification products and wearable augmented reality devices (WARDs) have been introduced.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of WARDs for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients (18 men and 22 women) with mild to moderate hearing loss were enrolled prospectively in this study. All participants were instructed to wear a WARD, Galaxy Buds Pro (Samsung Electronics), at least 4 hours a day for 2 weeks, for amplifying ambient sounds. Questionnaires including the Korean version of the abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (K-APHAB) and the Korean adaptation of the international outcome inventory for hearing aids (K-IOI-HA) were used to assess personal satisfaction in all participants. Audiologic tests, including sound field audiometry, sound field word recognition score (WRS), and the Korean version of hearing in noise test (K-HINT), were administered to 14 of 40 patients. The tests were performed under two conditions: unaided and aided with WARDs.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 55.4 (SD 10.7) years. After 2 weeks of the field trial, participants demonstrated a benefit of WARDs on the K-APHAB. Scores of 3 subscales of ease of communication, reverberation, and background noise were improved significantly (P<.001). However, scores regarding aversiveness were worse under the aided condition (P<.001). K-IOI-HA findings indicated high user satisfaction after the 2-week field trial. On audiologic evaluation, the K-HINT did not show significant differences between unaided and aided conditions (P=.97). However, the hearing threshold on sound field audiometry (P=.001) and the WRS (P=.002) showed significant improvements under the aided condition.

CONCLUSIONS

WARDs can be beneficial for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss as a cost-effective alternative to conventional hearing aids.
A syntactic information-based classification model for medical literature: algorithm development and validation study (Preprint)
Authors: TANG WENTAI , Wang Jian , Lin Hongfei , Zhao Di , Xu Bo , Zhang Yijia , Yang Zhihao
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The ever-increasing volume of medical literature necessitates the classification of medical literature. Medical relation extraction is a typical method of classifying a large volume of medical literature. With the development of arithmetic power, medical relation extraction models have evolved from rule-based models to neural network models. The single neural network model discards the shallow syntactic information while discarding the traditional rules. Therefore, we propose a syntactic information-based classification model that complements and equalizes syntactic information to enhance the model.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to complete a syntactic information-based relation extraction model for more efficient medical literature classification.

METHODS

We devised two methods for enhancing syntactic information in the model. First, we introduced shallow syntactic information into the convolutional neural network to enhance non-local syntactic interactions. Secondly, we devise a cross-domain pruning method to equalize local and non-local syntactic interactions.

RESULTS

We experimented with three datasets related to the classification of medical literature. The F1 values were 65.5% and 91.5% on the CPR and PGR datasets, and the accuracy was 88.7% on the PubMed dataset. Our model outperforms the current state-of-the-art baseline model in the experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model based on syntactic information effectively enhances the medical relation extraction. Furthermore, the results of the experiments show that shallow syntactic information helps obtain non-local interaction in sentences and effectively reinforces syntactic features. It also provides new ideas for future research directions.
Validation of symptom dimension subtypes by the response to cognitive behavioral therapy in obsessive compulsive disorder: a systemic review and meta-analysis study (Preprint)
Authors: Li Zhanjiang
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition without a conclusive subtype dimension.

OBJECTIVE

This study will focus on the meta-analysis of the clinical responses of OCD subtypes to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which might clarify this issue.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search and a meta-analysis for the studies of OCD subtypes and the response to CBT in PubMed, ScienceDirect, EmBase, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The selective criteria were the OCD without significant medical or psychiatric co-morbidities and pre-and post-treatment changes in scores of OCD dimension. Different subtypes of OCD in symptom dimension, such as symmetry, contamination, unacceptable thoughts and hoarding, were compared to each other to find the most significant subtype using the parameters of the treatment response by CBT. After restricted selection, 4 studies and 479 OCD subjects were enrolled. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.4 and only significant results were reported.

RESULTS

Among the OCD subtypes, the meta-analysis favors the hoarding subtype with poorer responses of CBT when compared to symmetry, contamination and unacceptable thoughts. The meta-analysis results were with negative mean differences, significant tests for overall effect and limited heterogeneities in the random effects model. In addition, when the hoarding subtype was compared with non-hoarding subtypes, the results were more significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The hoarding subtype might be the most significant representative subtype of OCD symptom dimension under the impression of unfavorable clinical response to CBT. However, future studies with more treatment parameters will be warranted to confirm this finding.