bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary CT Angiography Guided Medical Therapy in Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chow Alyssa L. S. , Alhassani Saad D. , Crean Andrew M. , Small Gary R.
Published: February 2021

The goals of primary prevention in coronary atherosclerosis are to avoid sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction or the need for revascularization procedures. Successful prevention will rely on accurate identification, effective therapy and monitoring of those at risk. Identification and potential monitoring can be achieved using cardiac computed tomography (CT). Cardiac CT can determine coronary artery calcification (CAC), a useful surrogate of coronary atherosclerosis burden. Cardiac CT can also assess coronary CT angiography (CCTA). CCTA can identify arterial lumen narrowing and highlight mural atherosclerosis hitherto hidden from other anatomical approaches. Herein we consider the role of CCTA and CAC-scoring in subclinical atherosclerosis. We explore the use of these modalities in screening and discuss data that has used CCTA for guiding primary prevention. We examine therapeutic trials using CCTA to determine the effects of plaque-modifying therapies. Finally, we address the role of CCTA and CAC to guide therapy as defined in current primary prevention documents. CCTA has emerged as an essential tool in the detection and management of clinical coronary artery disease. To date, its role in subclinical atherosclerosis is less well defined, yet with modern CT scanners and continued pharmacotherapy development, CCTA is likely to achieve a more prominent place in the primary prevention of coronary atherosclerosis.
Expanding the Role of Complement Therapies: The Case for Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Li Nicholas L. , Birmingham Daniel J. , Rovin Brad H.
Published: February 2021

The complement system is an innate immune surveillance network that provides defense against microorganisms and clearance of immune complexes and cellular debris and bridges innate and adaptive immunity. In the context of autoimmune disease, activation and dysregulation of complement can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and organ damage, especially to the kidney. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by loss of tolerance, autoantibody production, and immune complex deposition in tissues including the kidney, with inflammatory consequences. Effective clearance of immune complexes and cellular waste by early complement components protects against the development of lupus nephritis, while uncontrolled activation of complement, especially the alternative pathway, promotes kidney damage in SLE. Therefore, complement plays a dual role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Improved understanding of the contribution of the various complement pathways to the development of kidney disease in SLE has created an opportunity to target the complement system with novel therapies to improve outcomes in lupus nephritis. In this review, we explore the interactions between complement and the kidney in SLE and their implications for the treatment of lupus nephritis.
Comparison of Treatment Outcome between Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcutaneous Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Intractable Tinnitus
Authors: Bae Seong , Moon Seo , Lee Jeong , Yim Yun , Oh Hee , Han Dong , Moon In
Published: February 2021

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive treatments for chronic tinnitus based on neuromodulation of cortical activity. Both are considered effective, but with heterogeneous results due to lack of established protocols. Because the target groups for both modalities overlap, it is difficult to recommend one of them. We tried to unify the inclusion criteria and treatment schedules to compare the two modalities. The medical charts of 36 patients who underwent rTMS as part of clinical routine were reviewed and data for 34 patients who underwent tDCS about 7 years later were collected prospectively. Both groups had chronic unilateral tinnitus refractory to medication. Patients were treated for 5 consecutive days, and tinnitus symptoms were evaluated by survey both at the end of the treatment schedule and 1 month after the treatment. The ratio of responders who showed >20% reduction in tinnitus handicap inventory scores were compared. At the end of the treatment, the rTMS group showed a rapid response compared to the tDCS group (rTMS, 30.6%; tDCS, 12.1%; p = 0.054). However, both groups showed a significant and similar reduction in tinnitus symptoms 1 month after the treatment (rTMS, 47.2%; tDCS, 36.4%; p = 0.618). As both groups showed comparable results for tinnitus reduction, tDCS may be superior in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Study of Monitoring Method and Melt Flow Behavior in Compression Molding Process Using Thermoplastic Sheets Reinforced with Discontinuous Long-Fibers
Authors: Kobayashi Masatoshi
Published: February 2021

In compression molding using glass-fiber-mat-reinforced thermoplastic (GMT) sheets, a slightly longer compression waiting time from sheet placement on a lower mold to the start of sheet compression by an upper mold can cause incomplete filling due to a decrease in the sheet temperature. However, precise measurement techniques for compression waiting time have not been sufficiently established. A monitoring system was produced that includes pressure—temperature sensors mounted in a compression mold that can simultaneously measure the pressure and temperature of one local surface. Two types of distance sensors were also used to measure upper mold motion widely and precisely. Determination of compression waiting time was attempted by measuring the moment when the lower mold temperature slightly increases in response to contact with the melted GMT sheet and the moment when the melt pressure increases in response to compression by an upper mold. The results showed that compression waiting time could be precisely calculated using the profile data obtained. Moreover, it was also possible to observe the melt pressure overshoot that occurs depending on sheet stacking patterns and mold cavity shape, although in some cases, the overshoot was not observed. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the system is effective in monitoring the compression molding process widely and precisely.
Experimental Study on Motion Behavior and Longitudinal Stability Assessment of a Trimaran Planing Hull Model in Calm Water
Authors: Zou Jin , Lu Shijie , Sun Hanbing , Zan Liru , Cang Jiuyang
Published: February 2021

In this study, a high-speed planing trimaran hull form is designed, and the effects of different displacements and gravity longitudinal layouts on the performance of the trimaran planing hull in calm water are experimentally investigated in the towing tank of the China Special Vehicle Research Institute. Based on previous work, an innovative inner tunnel appendage hydroflap is mounted in the inner aft tunnel, located 1/8 L from the transom in the longitudinal direction with attack angles of 0° and 4°, respectively. Furthermore, a regular stern flap is mounted on the transom close to the chine. The towing test results show that, as the gravity center moves forward, the high-speed region resistance of the planing trimaran increases and the longitudinal stability is also strengthened. Further, the total resistance of the planing trimaran with a heavier displacement is larger while the average mass resistance declines; i.e., the resistance efficiency is improved. The results also indicate that the inner tunnel hydroflap and stern flap enhance the aft hull hydrodynamic lift and tunnel aerodynamic lift. As a result, mounting aft hull lift enhancement appendages can affect the bottom and inner tunnel pressure distribution and then cause a slight resistance decrease in the low-speed region. The value relationship of resistance between groups of appendages for the attached hull and bare hull is reversed at a speed of about Froude number 3.0. Although the aft hull lift enhancement appendages result in a higher resistance cost in the high-speed region, the longitudinal stability is effectively promoted and the occurrence speed of porpoising results in a delay of 1 to 2 m/s.
Trophic Diversity of a Fish Community Associated with a Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskål) Meadow in a Shallow Semi-Enclosed Embayment
Authors: Maidanou Maria , Koulouri Panayota , Karachle Paraskevi K. , Arvanitidis Christos , Koutsoubas Drosos , Dounas Costas
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the trophic diversity of fishes living in a meadow of Caulerpa prolifera on a bimonthly basis between May 2006 and April 2007 in a semi-enclosed coastal marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea (Elounda Bay, Crete Island). The study area is shallow and protected from waves, and it is covered by a C. prolifera bed, characterized by high organic input and a highly diverse macrobenthic community. Feeding patterns of the fish, investigated on the basis of stomach content analyses, were described in terms of numerical abundance and frequency of occurrence of prey taxa. A total of 1642 fish individuals, belonging to 17 species, were examined. In total, 45,674 prey individuals were identified belonging to 110 prey taxa, most of which were Malacostraca including their larvae and Copepoda (41,175 individuals identified to 71 taxa). Four different trophic groups were identified: herbivorous, pelagic, benthic (hyperbenthic) and piscivorous. Trophic diversity patterns of the fish species studied were also compared to the relative availability of macrobenthic and zooplanktonic taxa during the same period in the study area. The coexistence of many different, mostly benthic but also pelagic, fishes and their juveniles implies their high trophic flexibility, which is probably important for their survival in this particular habitat. Results of the present study provide basic knowledge on trophic diversity and interactions in the marine ecosystem and, therefore, some evidence as to the protection value of this particular habitat, which is essential for the implementation of a multispecies approach to decision-makers and managers of fisheries sources of the region.
Path-Following Control Method for Surface Ships Based on a New Guidance Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zhanshuo , Zhao Yuhan , Zhao Guang , Wang Hongbo , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2021

A new type of path-following method has been developed to steer marine surface vehicles along desired paths. Path-following is achieved by a new hyperbolic guidance law for straight-line paths and a backstepping control law for curved paths. An optimal controller has been improved for heading control, based on linear quadratic regulator (LQR) theory with nonlinear feedback control techniques. The control algorithm performance is validated by simulation and comparison against the requirements of International Standard IEC62065. Deviations are within the allowable range of the standard. In addition, the experimental results show that the proposed method has higher control accuracy.
Numerical Investigation on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Immersed Buoyant Platform
Authors: Yao Jinjiang , Zhen Xingwei , Huang Yi , Wang Wenhua
Published: February 2021

The Next Generation Subsea Production System (NextGen SPS) is considered as a competitive alternative system used for offshore petroleum production in ultra-deep sea based on the artificial seabed technology. The Immersed Buoyant Platform (IBP), which is located at a constant depth below the free surface of the water to minimize wave loading, provides a buoyant stable platform for supporting the well completion equipment. Therefore, the hydrodynamic characteristics of IBP in the currents play an essential role in determining the global responses of NextGen SPS. In this paper, aiming at acquiring an optimum structural form of IBP, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flow past the cylindrical IBP with different height-to-diameter ratios are systematically investigated by use of the large eddy simulation (LES) approach. The simulations with fifteen different height-to-diameter ratios (H/D) are investigated. The Reynolds numbers are ranged from 0.94×106 to 3.45×106. It can be verified that the separated fluid reattaches on the surface of the cylinder when the aspect ratio is between 0.1 and 0.4. Due to the specific shape ratio and obvious 3D effect of the cylindrical IBP, no significant vortex shedding has been clearly observed when the aspect ratio is between 0.1 and 0.4. In the case of 0.4≤H/D≤5.0, a series of regular and alternating vortex street shedding appear behind the circular cylinder. The simulation results also show that the recirculation region length behind the cylindrical IBP can be significantly reduced with the decreasing aspect ratio. It can be concluded that the cylindrical IBP performs the best hydrodynamic characteristics when the aspect ratio is between 0.3 and 0.4. The research findings will be of great significance to providing valuable reference and foundation to determine the optimum form of underwater structures, such as the buoyancy cans of the hybrid riser system.
Deep Learning for Deep Waters: An Expert-in-the-Loop Machine Learning Framework for Marine Sciences
Authors: Ryazanov Igor , Nylund Amanda T. , Basu Debabrota , Hassellöv Ida-Maja , Schliep Alexander
Published: February 2021

Driven by the unprecedented availability of data, machine learning has become a pervasive and transformative technology across industry and science. Its importance to marine science has been codified as one goal of the UN Ocean Decade. While increasing amounts of, for example, acoustic marine data are collected for research and monitoring purposes, and machine learning methods can achieve automatic processing and analysis of acoustic data, they require large training datasets annotated or labelled by experts. Consequently, addressing the relative scarcity of labelled data is, besides increasing data analysis and processing capacities, one of the main thrust areas. One approach to address label scarcity is the expert-in-the-loop approach which allows analysis of limited and unbalanced data efficiently. Its advantages are demonstrated with our novel deep learning-based expert-in-the-loop framework for automatic detection of turbulent wake signatures in echo sounder data. Using machine learning algorithms, such as the one presented in this study, greatly increases the capacity to analyse large amounts of acoustic data. It would be a first step in realising the full potential of the increasing amount of acoustic data in marine sciences.
Advances in Reconfigurable Vectorial Thrusters for Adaptive Underwater Robots
Authors: Fagundes Gasparoto Henrique , Chocron Olivier , Benbouzid Mohamed , Siqueira Meirelles Pablo
Published: February 2021

Manoeuvrability is one of the essential keys in the development of improved autonomous underwater vehicles for challenging missions. In the last years, more researches were dedicated to the development of new hulls shapes and thrusters to assure more manoeuvrability. The present review explores various enabling technologies used to implement the vectorial thrusters (VT), based on water-jet or propellers. The proposals are analysed in terms of added degrees of freedom, mechanisms, number of necessary actuators, water-tightness, electromagnetomechanical complexity, feasibility, etc. The usage of magnetic coupling thrusters (conventional or reconfigurable) is analysed in details since they can assure the development of competitive full waterproof reconfigurable thrusters, which is a frictionless, flexible, safe, and low-maintenance solution. The current limitations (as for instance the use of non conductive hull) are discussed and ideas are proposed for the improvement of this new generation of underwater thrusters, as extending the magnetic coupling usage to obtain a fully contactless vector thrust transmission.
Immune Sensing of Candida albicans
Authors: Bojang Ebrima , Ghuman Harlene , Kumwenda Pizga , Hall Rebecca A.
Published: February 2021

Candida albicans infections range from superficial to systemic and are one of the leading causes of fungus-associated nosocomial infections. The innate immune responses during these various infection types differ, suggesting that the host environment plays a key role in modulating the host–pathogen interaction. In addition, C. albicans is able to remodel its cell wall in response to environmental conditions to evade host clearance mechanisms and establish infection in niches, such as the oral and vaginal mucosa. Phagocytes play a key role in clearing C. albicans, which is primarily mediated by Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP)–Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) interactions. PRRs such as Dectin-1, DC-SIGN, and TLR2 and TLR4 interact with PAMPs such as β-glucans, N-mannan and O-mannan, respectively, to trigger the activation of innate immune cells. Innate immune cells exhibit distinct yet overlapping repertoires of PAMPs, resulting in the preferential recognition of particular Candida morphotypes by them. The role of phagocytes in the context of individual infection types also differs, with neutrophils playing a prominent role in kidney infections, and dendritic cells playing a prominent role in skin infections. In this review, we provide an overview of the key receptors involved in the detection of C. albicans and discuss the differential innate immune responses to C. albicans seen in different infection types such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and oral candidiasis.
Behavioral Characterizing of CD24 Knockout Mouse—Cognitive and Emotional Alternations
Authors: Nitzan Keren , Toledano Roni , Shapira Shiran , Arber Nadir , Doron Ravid
Published: February 2021

CD24 is a small, glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface protein, mostly investigated with respect to cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. CD24 knockdown or inhibition has been used to test various biochemical mechanisms and neurological conditions; however, the association between CD24 and behavioral phenotypes has not yet been examined. This study aims to characterize cognitive and emotional functions of CD24 knockout mice (CD24−/− )compared with CD24 wild-type mice at three time-points: adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood. Our results show that CD24−/− mice exhibited better cognitive performance and less anxiety-like behavior compared with WT mice, with no effect on depression-like behavior. This phenotype was constant from childhood (2 months old) to adulthood (6 months old). The results from our study suggest that CD24 may influence important behavioral aspects at the whole-organism level, which should be taken into consideration when using CD24 knockout models.
Movie Title Keywords: A Text Mining and Exploratory Factor Analysis of Popular Movies in the United States and China
Authors: Xiao Xingyao , Cheng Yihong , Kim Jong-Min
Published: February 2021

Unprecedented opportunities have been brought by advancements in machine learning in the prediction of the economic success of movies. The analysis of movie title keywords is one promising but rarely investigated direction of study. To address this gap, we performed a text mining and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the relationships between movie titles and their corresponding movies’ levels of success. Specifically, intragroup and intergroup analyses of 217 top hit movies in the United States and 245 top hit movies in China showed that successful movies in these two major movie markets with outstanding total lifetime grosses featured titles with similar and different patterns of most frequently used words, revealing useful information about viewers’ preferences in these countries. The findings of this study will serve to better inform the movie industry in giving more economically promising names to their products from a machine-learning perspective and inspire further studies.
Valuing Dynamic Capabilities-Based Synergies with Real Options
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: February 2021

Acquisition-based dynamic capabilities have become well established as a new imperative for organizing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) processes. However, understanding the full benefits and possible limits of real options applications to measure a dynamic capability-based synergy in M&A deals remains a challenge. This paper draws on real options theory to explore some of these benefits and limits to value a synergy in two highly strategic M&A deals. More specifically, the author develops the proposition that justifies the role of dynamic capabilities as antecedents of the success of M&A deals in the information and communications technology industry and demonstrates real options application to measure M&A synergies.
E.U. and China Trends in Trade in Challenging Times
Authors: Jindřichovská Irena , Uğurlu Erginbay
Published: February 2021

The sudden and abrupt rise of COVID-19 became a challenge for the world economy. In this paper, we investigate the changes in a trend of mutual trade between the EU-15 countries and China during the demanding times of the COVID-19 crisis. We use monthly data for Chinese exports to the E.U. (2018:01–2020:05) and imports from the E.U. (2018:01–2020:07) relying on the data from the open-source TradeMap developed by the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC). Overall, there is an obvious decline of 13–32 percent in worldwide trade as predicted by the WTO. This affected China as the main trading partner of electronic devices and medical supplies. The trade between the E.U. and China has decreased, but the major change in demand brought an alteration in commodities structures and the reorientation of Chinese export production. In the first five months of 2020, we witnessed the strong engagement of the Chinese economy in the production of goods newly in high demand—mainly articles strongly related to healthcare and medical equipment. Thus, we have observed that the Chinese were very flexible in changing the structure of their exports triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. This flexibility is worth further exploration, especially because the COVID-19 crisis is still not over and new data and changing results can be expected.
ESG Reporting and Analysts’ Recommendations in GCC: The Moderation Role of Royal Family Directors
Authors: Alazzani Abdulsamad , Wan-Hussin Wan Nordin , Jones Michael , Al-hadi Ahmed
Published: February 2021

This study examines whether financial analysts consider or incorporate the environmental, social and governance disclosures (thereafter ESG) in their recommendations. We then test whether royal family directors affect this relation. Using a dataset from six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, we find evidence that analysts’ recommendations are influenced by ESG information. Further, we find the political connection negatively moderates the relationship between sell-side analysts’ recommendations and ESG. This suggests that financial analysts may assess the ESG disclosure in those firms with the political connection of royalty, in GCC countries, as superficial compliance rather than a genuine commitment. Our results are robust when subjected to endogeneity tests.
How Climate Change and Land Use/Land Cover Change Affect Domestic Water Vulnerability in Yangambi Watersheds (D. R. Congo)
Authors: Chishugi David Ushindi , Sonwa Denis Jean , Kahindo Jean-Marie , Itunda Destin , Chishugi Josué Bahati , Félix Fiyo Losembe , Sahani Muhindo
Published: February 2021

In the tropics, the domestic water supply depends principally on ecosystem services, including the regulation and purification of water by humid, dense tropical forests. The Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (YBR) landscape is situated within such forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Surprisingly, given its proximity to the Congo River, the YBR is confronted with water issues. As part of its ecosystem function, the landscape is expected to reduce deterioration of water quality. However, environmental consequences are increasing due to conversion of its dense forest into other types of land use/land cover (LULC) in response to human activities. It is therefore important to check how the physicochemical quality parameters of water resources are influenced by landscape parameters—and to know if the population can adapt to this water vulnerability. To do this, we analyzed the watershed typology (including morphometric and LULC characteristics) and the physical and chemical parameters of water within the principal watershed’s rivers. We also analyzed data from surveys and the Yangambi meteorological station. We found that some landscape indices related to LULC significantly influence water quality deterioration in Yangambi. On average, each person in the Yangambi landscape uses 29–43 liters of water per day. Unfortunately, this falls short of World Health Organization standards regarding some parameters. The best fitted simple linear regression model explains the variation in pH as a function of edge density of perturbed forest, edge density of crop land and patch density of dense forest up to 94%, 92% and 90%, respectively. While many researchers have identified the consequences of climate change and human activities on these water resources, the population is not well-equipped to deal with them. These results suggest that water management policies should consider the specificities of the Yangambi landscape in order to develop better mitigation strategies for a rational management of water resources in the YBR in the context of climate change.
What about the “Stayers”? Examining China’s Resettlement Induced by Large Reservoir Projects
Authors: Jiang Tianhe , Wang Mark , Zhang Yingnan , Shi Guoqing , Yan Dengcai
Published: February 2021

Large reservoir projects typically occupy vast lots of rural land and trigger resettlement on a massive scale. In China’s reservoir context, increasing concerns have arisen regarding distant-resettlees (those who are resettled outside the reservoir area), while fewer studies have examined the nearby-resettlees (those who are resettled near the original area) and the non-movers (those who do not resettle). The significance of these two groups has been downplayed and their populations are in the millions (or more) in China. How and why they are impacted is under-researched and their relative position and intergroup nexus with the distant-resettlees remains unclear in the existing literature. To address this research gap, this paper incorporates the differences between nearby-resettlees and non-movers and collectively refers to them as the “stayers” as they are left behind in reservoir areas. Based on the background of reservoir-induced resettlement in present-day China, and a review of the project-induced impacts, we use Danjiangkou Reservoir as a case study. The findings indicate that the stayers are largely disadvantaged in terms of land assets, housing conditions, finance, infrastructure, industrialisation, livelihood strategies, and emotional impact, while many distant-resettlees are less affected or positively impacted in these aspects. Through the lens of the political nature of reservoir-induced resettlements, we interpret the gaps between the distant-resettlees and stayers. Finally, domestic and global policy implications and further comments are presented.
Spatiotemporal Evolution Analysis of Habitat Quality under High-Speed Urbanization: A Case Study of Urban Core Area of China Lin-Gang Free Trade Zone (2002–2019)
Authors: Chen Lisu , Wei Qiong , Fu Qiang , Feng Daolun
Published: February 2021

This paper, examining the Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-Gang Special Area in China (Shanghai), identifies the relationship between urban expansion and habitat change and analyzes the influence mechanism of habitat quality (HQ) on spatiotemporal distribution. The results show the following: (1) From 2002 to 2019, the HQ in the study area decreased significantly, and the spatial differences gradually expanded over time. The HQ was low in the southwest and high in the northeast, and low-level habitats gradually moved to the southwest. This spatiotemporal evolutionary law was consistent with the local government’s 2003–2020 plans, which are composed of the joint development of a logistics park in the north, the Lin-Gang industrial zone in the west, and Shanghai port in the south. (2) Due to the interspersed distribution of high and low habitats caused by urban development and expansion, Moran’s index in spatial autocorrelation decreased over time, which means the spatial agglomeration of HQ decreased and that homogeneity increased. (3) The spatial distribution of HQ was quantified by landscape analysis. The results showed that the fragmentation degree in high-level habitat areas increased with time, while the middle-level habitat areas first increased and then decreased, and the low-level habitat areas displayed the opposite change in trend to that of the middle habitat.
Land-Use Transition of Tourist Villages in the Metropolitan Suburbs and Its Driving Forces: A Case Study of She Village in Nanjing City, China
Authors: Chai Yibei , Qiao Weifeng , Hu Yi , He Tianqi , Jia Kaiyang , Feng Ting , Wang Yahua
Published: February 2021

In the context of the transition from “Native-rural China” to “Urban-rural China”, suburban villages have undergone rapid reconstruction of format, industry, and function. Aiming to reveal the evolution characteristics and driving forces, this study selected She Village, located in suburban areas of Nanjing, to analyze the changes of both dominant and recessive morphology of land use by employing participatory rural appraisal, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. The results showed that She Village witnessed three stages, including industrial development, ecological restoration, and service industry development, from 1980 to 2018, with more diversified management modes, multifunctional land use, and intensified land fragmentation. The drivers included natural resources, population growth, policy of Grain for Green, urban market demand, etc., the intensity of which showed trends of “increase–increase–increase”, “increase–decrease–decrease”, “periodically intermittent”, and “increase–decrease–increase” in turn. The tourist villages undergo three stages of industrial development, agricultural development, and service industry development, with periodical characteristics driven by top-down policies, the endogenous force of the village, and the radiation and diffusion of the city. This research deepens the understanding of the development process of suburban villages and provides a reference for land policy making and planning in other similar villages.
Facilitators and barriers to condom use among Filipinos: A systematic review of literature
Authors: De Torres Ryan Q.
Published: February 2021

Background: Between 2010 and 2018, the Philippines had a 203% increase in new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The use of condoms is an effective and practical means to prevent HIV transmission. The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to condom use among Filipinos guided by the Ecological Model of Health Promotion. Methods: A systematic review of literature using electronic databases was performed using the following keywords: "condom," "Filipinos," and "Philippines." To be included in this review, papers should be (1) research studies, (2) studies that examined condom use, and (3) studies that sampled Filipinos residing in the Philippines. The final sample comprised of 27 articles. Results: Multiple and interrelated factors at the individual and social environment levels influence condom use among different groups of Filipinos. Majority of these factors originated at the intrapersonal level. Some of the facilitators to condom use were knowledge on HIV, higher perceived HIV risk, peer support, positive manager attitude, health provider engagement, and city ordinances. In contrast, some of the barriers to condom use were discomfort and displeasure on condom use, low parental communication, lack of sex education, social stigma, and the high price of condoms. Conclusion: A collaborative, culturally-sensitive, and population-specific approach is essential to develop and implement acceptable, sustainable, and successful condom use interventions.
School as ideal setting to promote health and wellbeing among young people
Authors: Pulimeno Manuela , Piscitelli Prisco , Colazzo Salvatore , Colao Annamaria , Miani Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Background: Nowadays, young people face several health challenges. As children and teenagers spend most of their time in the classroom, schools may have the opportunity to positively influence students’ quality of life, playing a crucial role in fostering their health. The aim of this review was to analyze evidence that demonstrated why school is the ideal setting for thepromotion of young generations’ wellbeing. Methods: We have reviewed the available literature about health promotion in school setting, searching for articles and books published from 1977 to 2020. A total of 74 articles and 17books were selected and assessed. Results: The promotion of students’ wellbeing could reduce the prevalence of measurable unhealthy outcomes and improve their academic achievements. At least 80% of all cases of heart diseases, strokes, type 2 diabetes and one third of all cancers can be prevented through health education. In this perspective, primary prevention and health promotion should start as early as possible, finding in the school the ideal setting of action. Effective school-based preventive approaches should raise students’ motivation towards a personal interiorization of health knowledge and develop in young people a critical thinking about harmful consequences of the most common risky behaviours. Educators should receive adequate training concerning health topics and become expert in the most innovative approaches to effectively engage students in adopting healthy lifestyles. Conclusion: As primary educational institution, school should integrate students’ health promotion in its ordinary teaching and learning practices in the perspective of "better health through better schools".
Global policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: proportionate adaptation and policy experimentation: a study of country policy response variation to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dewi Arlina , Nurmandi Achmad , Rochmawati Erna , Purnomo Eko Priyo , Dimas Rizqi Muhammad , Azzahra Abitassha , Benedictos Samantha , Suardi Wahdania , Tri Kusuma Dewi Dyah
Published: February 2021

Background: Concern for the development of actions against COVID-19 has continued to grow since February 2020. Government responses remain a crucial part of preventing virus transmission through policy formulation and strengthening national capacity. Methods: This study has used quantitative analysis, using secondary data from 177 countries. The variables consist of Global Health Security (GHS) category and COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of the appropriateness of the government’s policy response in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out by comparing the two variables. Results: The study indicated a significant relationship between global health security category and pandemic score (P < 0.01). There were 37 countries out of 177 (20.9%) categorized as under-reaction and least-reaction. Conclusion: Pandemic COVID-19 score, rated based on doubling time, is directly significant with the health security category. The government should improve its responsiveness and preparation to improve national capacity during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Relationship of perceived environmental characteristics to self-efficacy and leisure time physical activity among Asian immigrants in the U.S.
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Mowen Andrew J. , Hickerson Benjamin D. , Graefe Alan , Bopp Melissa
Published: February 2021

Background: Given the high prevalence of physical inactivity among Asian immigrants and its potential negative effects on health, more attention should be paid to identifying factors that might affect their participation in leisure time physician activity (LTPA). This study examined how perceived environmental characteristics are related to self-efficacy and LTPA among Asian immigrants in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from an on-line survey administered through Qualtrics, a web-based survey software company. In the data analysis, 512 Asian immigrants were included. As independent variables, we assessed perceived environmental characteristics with regard to the perceived accessibility of LTPA-related sites and neighborhood quality. As mediating and outcome variables, we measured self-efficacy and LTPA, respectively. Using AMOS version 22, a path analysis was conducted to measure model fit. Results: The perceived accessibility of the LTPA-related sites (b = 0.10, P = 0.04) and self-efficacy(b = 0.26, P = 0.001) were positively related to LTPA. Perceived neighborhood quality (b = 0.11,P = 0.012 was positively associated with self-efficacy, yet not directly associated with LTPA. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between the perceived accessibility of LTPA-related sites and LTPA (estimate=0.036, 95% CI=0.015–0.067, P = 0.003). Conclusion: This study suggests that perceiving easy access to LTPA-related sites and living in quality neighborhoods can encourage people to participate in LTPA more often by increasing their self-efficacy toward LTPA. These findings highlight a need for public infrastructural investments to improve accessibility to LTPA-related resources and neighborhood quality, which can potentially increase self-efficacy and promote LTPA among Asian immigrants.
Investigating relationships among coping, personal growth, and life satisfaction among individuals with physical disabilities
Authors: Kim Junhyoung , Han Areum , Piatt Jennifer Ann , Kim Jaehyun
Published: February 2021

Background: It is well-documented that active coping strategies can lead to better positive adjustment and psycho-social outcomes among individuals with disabilities and illnesses. However, little information exists related to exploring how coping is related to health benefits such as personal growth and life satisfaction in an international context. Thus, this study examined how the use of coping strategies is associated with personal growth and life satisfaction among individuals with physical disabilities in non-Western settings. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we employed a nonprobability methodology, purposivesampling, to recruit 351 participants who adults over the age of 18 living with a physicaldisability and currently enrolled in the Korean Disability Association. A hierarchical linearregression analysis was conducted to determine which types of coping strategies predictedpersonal growth and life satisfaction, while controlling for the effects of the demographicvariables (i.e., gender and age). Results: With regard to personal growth, problem-solving coping strategy (β = 0.663, P < 0.001,95% CI [0.51, 0.70]) was the strongest predictor, followed by avoidance coping strategy(β = -0.263, P < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.37, -0.20]). As for life satisfaction, problem-solving copingstrategy (β = 0.268, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.18, 0.70]) was the strongest predictor, followed bysocial support seeking coping strategy (β = 0.264, P < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.19, 0.10]). Conclusion: Our study suggests that problem-focused and social support coping strategies playimportant roles in improving the personal growth and life satisfaction among Korean individualswith physical disabilities. This study provides implications for health professionals seeking waysto facilitate the personal growth and enhance the life satisfaction of individuals with physicaldisabilities.
Autonomy-supportive exercise behaviors promote breast cancer survivors’ well-being
Authors: Behzadnia Behzad , Kiani Arezou , Babaei Solmaz
Published: February 2021

Background: Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this pilot study aimed to test an autonomy-supportive exercise instructing style to promote hedonic (seeking comfort and pleasure) and eudaimonic (seeking to develop the best within one and pursue excellence)orientations, exercise motivation, and psychological well-being of breast cancer survivors. Methods: Twenty-four breast cancer survivors were randomized in either autonomy-supportive exercise instructing style (treatment condition) or usual exercise instructing style (control condition). The study consisted of a pre-intervention session followed by 22 exercise sessions and a post-intervention session. Hedonic and eudaimonic orientations, exercise motivation, and psychological well-being (subjective vitality) measured at baseline and post-intervention sessions. Results: As expected, participants in the treatment condition reported greater eudaimonic and hedonic orientations and subjective vitality compared to the participants in the control condition. The results showed no difference in exercise motivation across conditions. Conclusion: We concluded that the SDT-based intervention was successful in helping breast cancer survivors increase hedonic and eudaimonic orientations and subjective vitality. Practical and theoretical implications, along with limitations and future research suggestions are discussed inside.
Psychophysiological Characteristics of Aggression Associated with Depression before and after Successful Treatment with Sertraline: A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Farnam Alireza , Mehrara Arezoo , Aghayari Sheikh Neshin Saeideh , Zamanlu Masumeh , Nazari Mohammad Ali , Hassanzadeh Mohammadbagher , Dadashzadeh Hossein , Nouri-Vaskeh Masoud
Published: February 2021

Background: Depression associated with aggression can lead to violent behaviors. The present study was aimed to determine how sertraline, a standard medication for depression treatment, can efficiently decrease aggression and affect psychophysiological parameters in patients with depression. Methods: Patients with depression and aggression were included in a six-week trial with sertraline (50 100 mg/day). Depression diagnosis was confirmed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). Depression severity before and after treatment was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Aggression was evaluated by Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXIII). The BDI and STAXI-II were finally applied to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. For each patient, peripheral and central psychophysiological parameters were recorded using peripheral biofeedback apparatus and electroencephalogram in the initial and final stages of treatment. These recordings were attempted to assess variations of the autonomic nervous system and electrocortical activity in response to treatment. Results: Depressive and aggressive symptoms decreased significantly over the six-week treatment period, as measured by BDI and STAXI-II. Significant changes in some of the peripheral and central psychophysiological variables were observed. Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)/theta ratio (p=0.01) have decreased during a task, delta (p=0.02) and theta (p=0.008) wave activity and theta/alpha ratio (p=0.01) have increased during task, and theta/beta ratio has increased during both rest and task (p=0.02 for both). Among peripheral psychophysiological variables, skin conductance during task decreased significantly (p=0.03). Conclusion: Several numbers of psychophysiological parameters were influenced significantly after successful pharmacotherapy of aggressiveness in patients with depression.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Characterization and In Vitro Drug Release of Isoniazid Loaded Poly-ε-caprolactone Magnetite Nanocomposite
Authors: Khatibi Aram dokht khatibi , Eshaghi Zarrin , Mosaddeghi Hamid , Balarak Davoud
Published: February 2021

Background: This study reports on the development of a controlled-release isoniazid (INH) drug delivery system using poly-є-caprolactone (PCL) functionalized magnetite-nanoparticles (MNPs), as a theoretical potential tool for tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapy. Method: The magnetite Fe3O4 core was fabricated by the co-precipitation method and coated with PCL by emulsion polymerization. INH was loaded onto the PCL-MNP surface to shape an INH-PCL-MNP nanocomposite. Deposing the INH on the nanocomposite surface was demonstrated through the molecular dynamics simulations. To investigate the stability of the polymer, the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and the radius of gyration (Rg) were calculated. The composite was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles. The drug loading efficiency, drug content, and in-vitro release behavior of the INH-PCL-MNPs were evaluated by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Results: RMSD of PCL show that the structure of polymer after 40 ns is stable. INH molecules interested to spend more time close to the polymer. Rg of PCL indicated that PCL folded and radius of gyration changed near 1nm. The drug loading efficiency and drug content of the NPs were 720±46 mg/g and 69.3±3.8 (%), respectively. The compound showed a strong level of activity in-vitro. The amount of drug release at all times was above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (6 μg/ml). Conclusion: INH-PCL-MNP nanocomposite have been effectively used as a potential tool to treat TB infections and a magnetic drug carrier system.
Evaluation of the Effects of Human Beta-Interferon Scaffold Attachment Region (IFN-SAR) on Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Fc (VEGF-Fc) Fusion Protein Expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells
Authors: Naghneh Ehsan , Pourmaleki Es'hagh , Rahimpour Azam
Published: February 2021

Background: Recombinant anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins have been widely used for the effective treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. In this regard, VEGFR-Fc fusions, which act as strong VEGF inhibitors, have been approved for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Production of monoclonal antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins relies on mammalian host systems such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Application of genomic regulatory elements including scaffold/matrix attachment regions (SAR/MARs) can profoundly affect recombinant protein expression in CHO cells. Methods: To construct the VEGFR-Fc expression vectors, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene was replaced by the VEGFR-Fc coding sequence in pEGFP-SAR-puro and pEGFP-puro vectors. Recombinant plasmids were transfected to CHO-K1 cells using TurboFect transfection reagent. VEGFR-Fc expression was evaluated in transiently transfected cells as well as stable cell pools and clones using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: IFN-SAR showed no significant effect on transient expression of VEGFR-Fc during 72 h of culture. However, a 2.2-fold enhancement in VEGFR-Fc fusion protein titer was observed in IFN-SAR containing stable cell pools. Further evaluation of the VEGFR-Fc expression level in single-cell clones also indicated that clones with the highest VEGFR-Fc expression belonged to the pools transfected with IFN-SAR construct. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the incorporation of IFN-SAR in expression vector can increase the expression of VEGFR-Fc in stable cell pools as well as single-cell clones. In contrast, transient expression of the fusion protein was not affected by IFN-SAR. More studies are needed to investigate the mechanism underlying this effect, including the analysis of mRNA expression and gene copy number in stable cell pools as well as clonal cells.