bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Adhesive Layer Thickness and Tag Length Influence Short/Long-Term Bond Strength of Universal Adhesive Systems? An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Kharouf Naji , Ashi Tarek , Eid Ammar , Maguina Levi , Zghal Jihed , Sekayan Nairy , Bourgi Rim , Hardan Louis , Sauro Salvatore , Haikel Youssef , Mancino Davide
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: This study investigated the effect of the adhesive layer thickness and the length of resin tags on dentin bond strength of five universal adhesives applied in self-etch mode. (2) Methods: One hundred and fifty extracted human third molars were used. Five different universal adhesives were applied in self-etch mode on the dentin surface. Half of the specimens were subjected to an aging procedure for six months. A shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed and the results were statistically analyzed with a t-test and one-way ANOVA test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was executed to measure the adhesive layer thickness and tag depth. (3) Results: No statistical differences were found between the five adhesive systems after a 24 h storage period, regardless of layer thickness and tag depth (p < 0.05). After 6 months of aging in water at 37 °C, Iperbond Max and Scotchbond Universal preserved the bond strength over time (p < 0.05), whilst the SBS of Iperbond Ultra, FuturaBond M+, and Ibond Universal decreased significantly after the aging period. No relation was observed between the adhesive thickness or tags’ length on SBS. (4) Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, the stability over time of the bond strength of universal adhesives depends on their compositions regardless of the adhesive layer thickness and/or tags’ length.
Analysis of Bulb Turbine Hydrofoil Cavitation
Authors: Podnar Andrej , Hočevar Marko , Novak Lovrenc , Dular Matevž
Published: March 2021

The influence of a bulb runner blade hydrofoil shape on flow characteristics around the blade was studied. Experimental work was performed on a bulb turbine measuring station and a single hydrofoil in a cavitating tunnel. In the cavitation tunnel, flow visualization was performed on the hydrofoil’s suction side. Cavitation structures were observed for several cavitation numbers. Cavitation was less intense on the modified hydrofoil than on the original hydrofoil, delaying the cavitation onset by several tenths in cavitation number. The results of the visualization in the cavitation tunnel show that modifying the existing hydrofoil design parameters played a key role in reducing the cavitation inception and development, as well as the size of the cavitation structures. A regression model was produced for cavitation cloud length. The results of the regression model show that cavitation length is dependent on Reynolds’s number and the cavitation number. The coefficients of determination for both the existing and modified hydrofoils were reasonably high, with R2 values above 0.95. The results of the cavitation length regression model also confirm that the modified hydrofoil exhibits improved the cavitation properties.
A Review of Human–Computer Interaction and Virtual Reality Research Fields in Cognitive InfoCommunications
Authors: Katona Jozsef
Published: March 2021

Cognitive infocommunications (CogInfoCom) is a young and evolving discipline that is at the crossroads of information and communication technology (ICT) and cognitive sciences with many promising results. The goal of the field is to provide insights into how human cognitive capabilities can be merged and extended with the cognitive capabilities of the digital devices surrounding us, with the goal of enabling more seamless interactions between humans and artificially cognitive agents. Results in the field have already led to the appearance of numerous CogInfoCom-based technological innovations. For example, the field has led to a better understanding of how humans can learn more effectively, and the development of new kinds of learning environment have followed accordingly. The goal of this paper is to summarize some of the most recent results in CogInfoCom and to introduce important research trends, developments and innovations that play a key role in understanding and supporting the merging of cognitive processes with ICT.
Gulf Cooperation Council Countries’ Climate Change Mitigation Challenges and Exploration of Solar and Wind Energy Resource Potential
Authors: Alharbi Fahad Radhi , Csala Denes
Published: March 2021

Climate change mitigation is one of the most critical challenges of this century. The unprecedented global effects of climate change are wide-ranging, including changing weather patterns that threaten food production, increased risk of catastrophic floods, and rising sea levels. Adapting to these impacts will be more difficult and costly in the future if radical changes are not made now. This review paper evaluates the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ potential for solar and wind energy resources to meet climate change mitigation requirements and assesses the ability of the GCC region to shift towards low-carbon technologies. The review demonstrates that the GCC region is characterized by abundant solar energy resources. The northwestern, southeastern, and western mountains of the region are highlighted as locations for solar energy application. Oman displays the highest onshore wind speed range, 3–6.3 m s⁻1, and has the highest annual solar radiation of up to 2500 kWh/m2. Kuwait has the second highest onshore wind speed range of 4.5–5.5 m s⁻1. The western mountains and northwestern Saudi Arabia have a wind speed range of 3–6 m s⁻1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the second highest annual solar radiation, 2285 kWh/m2, while Saudi Arabia and the state of Kuwait have equal annual solar radiation at 2200 kWh/m2. This review demonstrates that abundant offshore wind energy resources were observed along the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf, as well as a potential opportunity for wind energy resource development in the Red Sea, which was characterized by high performance. In addition, the GCC countries will not be able to control and address the interrelated issues of climate change in the future if they do not eliminate fossil fuel consumption, adhere to the Paris Agreement, and implement plans to utilize their natural resources to meet these challenges.
Personalized Bone Reconstruction and Regeneration in the Treatment of Craniosynostosis
Authors: Tiberio Federica , Cacciotti Ilaria , Frassanito Paolo , Nocca Giuseppina , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Arcovito Alessandro , Lattanzi Wanda
Published: March 2021

Craniosynostosis (CS) is the second most prevalent craniofacial congenital malformation due to the premature fusion of skull sutures. CS care requires surgical treatment of variable complexity, aimed at resolving functional and cosmetic defects resulting from the skull growth constrain. Despite significant innovation in the management of CS, morbidity and mortality still exist. Residual cranial defects represent a potential complication and needdedicated management to drive a targeted bone regeneration while modulating suture ossification. To this aim, existing techniques are rapidly evolving and include the implementation of novel biomaterials, 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques, and advanced therapies based on tissue engineering. This review aims at providing an exhaustive and up-to-date overview of the strategies in use to correct these congenital defects, focusing on the technological advances in the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering implemented in pediatric surgical skull reconstruction, i.e., biodegradable bone fixation systems, biomimetic scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and cell-based approaches.
Effect of Rail Vehicle–Track Coupled Dynamics on Fatigue Failure of Coil Spring in a Suspension System
Authors: Sharma Sunil Kumar , Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Lee Jaesun
Published: March 2021

In a rail vehicle, fatigue fracture causes a significant number of failures in the coil spring of the suspension system. In this work, the origin of these failures is examined by studying the rail wheel–track interaction, the modal analysis of the coil springs and the stresses induced during operation. The spring is tested experimentally, and a mathematical model is developed to show its force vs. displacement characteristics. A vertical 10-degree-of-freedom (DOF) mathematical model of a full-scale railway vehicle is developed, showing the motions of the car body, bogies and wheelsets, which are then combined with a track. The springs show internal resonances at nearly 50–60 Hz, where significant stresses are induced in them. From the stress result, the weakest position in the innerspring is identified and a few guidelines are proposed for the reduction of vibration and stress in rail vehicles.
Exogenous 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Improves Vanadium Stress Tolerance in Brassica napus Seedling Shoots by Modulating Antioxidant Enzyme Activities
Authors: Gokul Arun , Fahiem Carelse Mogamat , Niekerk Lee-Ann , Klein Ashwil , Ludidi Ndiko , Mendoza-Cozatl David , Keyster Marshall
Published: March 2021

3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) belongs to a family of indole glucosinolate compounds that have been shown to improve Brassica napus growth through the modulation of reactive oxygen species when applied exogenously. The B. napus cultivar AV Garnet was previously identified as a vanadium-sensitive cultivar. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether exogenous DIM could improve the vanadium tolerance of AV Garnet. We performed the following experiments: seed germination assessment, dry weight assessment, cell viability assay, chlorophyll content assay, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, conjugated diene (CD) content assay, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content assay, superoxide (O2−) content determination, methylglyoxal (MG) content determination, hydroxyl radical (·OH) concentration determination, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay, glyoxalase I (Gly I) activity assay, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity assay and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis for vanadium content determination. Under vanadium stress, exogenous DIM increased the seed germination percentage, shoot dry weight, cell viability and chlorophyll content. Exogenous DIM also led to a decrease in MDA, CD, H2O2, O2−, MG and ·OH, under vanadium stress in the shoots. Furthermore, DIM application led to an increase in the enzymatic activities of APX, SOD, Gly I and GST under vanadium stress. Interestingly, under vanadium stress, DIM treatment did not alter vanadium content in B. napus shoots. Our results indicate that exogenous application of DIM can improve B. napus seedling shoot growth and biomass under vanadium stress by priming the antioxidant enzymes via reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling.
The Effect of Alendronate on Osteoclastogenesis in Different Combinations of M-CSF and RANKL Growth Factors
Authors: Hedvičáková Věra , Žižková Radmila , Buzgo Matěj , Rampichová Michala , Filová Eva
Published: March 2021

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are compounds resembling the pyrophosphate structure. BPs bind the mineral component of bones. During the bone resorption by osteoclasts, nitrogen-containing BPs are released and internalized, causing an inhibition of the mevalonate pathway. As a consequence, osteoclasts are unable to execute their function. Alendronate (ALN) is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Its administration could be associated with adverse effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate four different ALN concentrations, ranging from 10−6 to 10−10 M, in the presence of different combinations of M-CSF and RANKL, to find out the effect of low ALN concentrations on osteoclastogenesis using rat and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cytotoxic effect of ALN was evaluated based on metabolic activity and DNA concentration measurement. The alteration in osteoclastogenesis was assessed by the activity of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and actin ring formation. The ALN concentration of 10−6 M was cytotoxic. Low ALN concentrations of 10−8 and 10−10 M promoted proliferation, osteoclast-like cell formation, and CA II activity. The results indicated the induction of osteoclastogenesis with low ALN concentrations. However, when high doses of ALN were administered, their cytotoxic effect was demonstrated.
Advances in Nanomaterial-Mediated Photothermal Cancer Therapies: Toward Clinical Applications
Authors: Han Hwa Seung , Choi Ki Young
Published: March 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted extensive research attention as a noninvasive and selective treatment strategy for numerous cancers. PTT functions via photothermal effects induced by converting light energy into heat on near-infrared laser irradiation. Despite the great advances in PTT for cancer treatment, the photothermal therapeutics using laser devise only or non-specific small molecule PTT agents has been limited because of its low photothermal conversion efficiency, concerns about the biosafety of the photothermal agents, their low tumor accumulation, and a heat resistance of specific types of cancer. Using nanomaterials as PTT agents themselves, or for delivery of PTT agents, offers improved therapeutic outcomes with fewer side effects through enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency, accumulation of the PTT agent in the tumor tissue, and, by extension, through combination with other therapies. Herein, we review PTT’s current clinical progress and present the future outlooks for clinical applications. To better understand clinical PTT applications, we describe nanomaterial-mediated photothermal effects and their mechanism of action in the tumor microenvironment. This review also summarizes recent studies of PTT alone or in combination with other therapies. Overall, innovative and strategically designed PTT platforms are promising next-generation noninvasive cancer treatments to move closer toward clinical applications.
Effect of NIR Laser Therapy by MLS-MiS Source on Fibroblast Activation by Inflammatory Cytokines in Relation to Wound Healing
Authors: Genah Shirley , Cialdai Francesca , Ciccone Valerio , Sereni Elettra , Morbidelli Lucia , Monici Monica
Published: March 2021

The fine control of inflammation following injury avoids fibrotic scars or impaired wounds. Due to side effects by anti-inflammatory drugs, the research is continuously active to define alternative therapies. Among them, physical countermeasures such as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) are considered effective and safe. To study the cellular and molecular events associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of PBMT by a dual-wavelength NIR laser source, human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to a mix of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) followed by laser treatment once a day for three days. Inducible inflammatory key enzymatic pathways, as iNOS and COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE2, were upregulated by the cytokine mix while PBMT reverted their levels and activities. The same behavior was observed with the proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), involved in neovascularization of granulation tissue. From a molecular point of view, PBMT retained NF-kB cytoplasmatic localization. According to a change in cell morphology, differences in expression and distribution of fundamental cytoskeletal proteins were observed following treatments. Tubulin, F-actin, and α-SMA changed their organization upon cytokine stimulation, while PBMT reestablished the basal localization. Cytoskeletal rearrangements occurring after inflammatory stimuli were correlated with reorganization of membrane α5β1 and fibronectin network as well as with their upregulation, while PBMT induced significant downregulation. Similar changes were observed for collagen I and the gelatinolytic enzyme MMP-1. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the proposed NIR laser therapy is effective in controlling fibroblast activation induced by IL-1β and TNF-α, likely responsible for a deleterious effect of persistent inflammation.
Tuning Structural Properties of WO3 Thin Films for Photoelectrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Mohamedkhair Amar Kamal , Drmosh Qasem Ahmed , Qamar Mohammad , Yamani Zain Hassan
Published: March 2021

The preparation of tungsten oxide (WO3) thin film by direct current (DC) reactive sputtering magnetron method and its photoelectrocatalytic properties for water oxidation reaction are investigated using ultraviolet-visible radiation. The structural, morphological, and compositional properties of WO3 are fine-tuned by controlling thin film deposition time, and post-annealing temperature and environment. The findings suggest that the band gap of WO3 can be controlled by adjusting the post-annealing temperature; the band gap decreased from 3.2 to 2.7 eV by increasing the annealing temperature from 100 to 600 °C. The theoretical calculations of the WO3 bandgap and the density of state are performed by density functional theory (DFT). Following the band gap modification, the photoelectrocatalytic activity increased and the maximum photocurrent (0.9 mA/cm2 at 0.6 VSCE) is recorded with WO3 film heated at 500 °C. The WO3 film heated under air exhibits much better performance in photoelectrochemical water oxidation process than that of annealed under inert atmosphere, due to its structural variation. The change in sputtering time leads to the formation of WO3 with varying film thickness, and the maximum photocurrent is observed when the film thickness is approximately 150 nm. The electrical conductivity and charge transfer resistance are measured and correlated to the properties and the performance of the WO3 photoelectrodes. In addition, the WO3 photoelectrode exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical stability.
Visible-Light Photocatalyst to Remove Indoor Ozone under Ambient Condition
Authors: Su Jia Quan , Chang Yi-Chun , Wu Jeffrey C. S.
Published: March 2021

Ozone is a kind of hazardous gas in indoor areas and needs to be removed in order to protect the human respiratory system. Previous methods include physical adsorption, thermal treatment, electromagnetic radiation removal, catalysis and photocatalysis. However, they all have limited effects. This research introduced a novel milestone to remove indoor ozone by utilizing visible light photocatalysis technique under ambient condition. The modified sol–gel method was applied to prepare photocatalysts, strontium titanate (SrTiO3) and rhodium-doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3:Rh). In addition, the SrTiO3:Rh was further immersed in N3 dye to improve its photocatalytic performance. Batch system and continuous-flow system were used to quantify the removal rate of ozone and to measure the conversions of ozone, respectively. The results showed that SrTiO3:Rh possessed a higher ozone removal rate under a visible light condition compared with a commercial P25 TiO2 catalyst. In addition, SrTiO3:Rh based catalysts can also successfully perform visible light ozone photodecomposition in the continuous ozone flow system. Note that current ozone converters in aircraft utilize thermal-catalysts, which can only be operated at high temperature. This research reveals a promising catalysts and photo process, which can possibly replace the current aircraft ozone converters with visible-light driven converters, and boast higher performance under ambient condition.
One-Pot Synthesis of Copper Iodide-Polypyrrole Nanocomposites
Authors: Konakov Artem O. , Dremova Nadejda N. , Khodos Igor I. , Koch Marcus , Zolotukhina Ekaterina V. , Silina Yuliya E.
Published: March 2021

A novel one-pot chemical synthesis of functional copper iodide-polypyrrole composites, CuI-PPy, has been proposed. The fabrication process allows the formation of nanodimensional metal salt/polymer hybrid structures in a fully controlled time- and concentration-dependent manner. The impact of certain experimental conditions, viz., duration of synthesis, sequence of component addition and concentrations of the intact reagents on the structure, dimensionality and yield of the end-product was evaluated in detail. More specifically, the amount of marshite CuI within the hybrid composite can be ranged from 60 to 90 wt.%, depending on synthetic conditions (type and concentration of components, process duration). In addition, the conditions allowing the synthesis of nano-sized CuI distributed inside the polypyrrole matrix were found. A high morphological stability and reproducibility of the synthesized nanodimensional metal-polymer hybrid materials were approved. Finally, the electrochemical activity of the formed composites was verified by cyclic voltammetry studies. The stability of CuI-PPy composite deposited on the electrodes was strongly affected by the applied anodic limit. The proposed one-pot synthesis of the hybrid nanodimensional copper iodide-polypyrrole composites is highly innovative, meets the requirements of Green Chemistry and is potentially useful for future biosensor development. In addition, this study is expected to generally contribute to the knowledge on the hybrid nano-based composites with tailored properties.
Bilateral Diffuse Nodular Pulmonary Ossification Mimicking Metastatic Disease in a Patient with Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sutthatarn Pattamon , Morin Cara E. , Gartrell Jessica , Furman Wayne L. , Langham Max R. , Santiago Teresa , Murphy Andrew J.
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary ossification (PO) is a rare finding, characterized by mature bone formation in the lung parenchyma. We report a 20-year-old female patient diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) and bilateral diffuse nodular PO. The patient presented with a unifocal left liver mass and multiple bilateral pulmonary lesions, which were treated as metastatic disease. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by left hepatectomy, and bilateral staged thoracotomies for clearance of the pulmonary disease. The histology of the pulmonary nodules demonstrated nodular type PO. We present the history, the course of treatment, imaging, and histologic findings of this rare disease process that could mimic metastatic pulmonary disease.
Assessment of the Urban Heat Island Impact on Building Energy Performance at District Level with the EUReCA Platform
Authors: Romano Pierdonato , Prataviera Enrico , Carnieletto Laura , Vivian Jacopo , Zinzi Michele , Zarrella Angelo
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, the cooling energy demand in urban areas is increasing ever faster due to the global warming and the growth of developing economies. In this perspective, the urban building energy modelling community is focusing its research activities on innovative tools and policy actions to improve cities’ sustainability. This work aims to present a novel module of the EUReCA (Energy Urban Resistance Capacitance Approach) platform for evaluating the effects of the interaction between district’s buildings in the cooling season. EUReCA predicts the urban energy demand using a bottom-up approach and low computational resources. The new module allows us to evaluate the mutual shading between buildings and the urban heat island effects, and it is well integrated with the calculation of the energy demand of buildings. The analysis was carried out considering a real case study in Padua (Italy). Results show that the urban heat island causes an average increase of 2.2 °C in the external air temperature mainly caused by the waste heat rejected from cooling systems. This involves an increase in urban cooling energy and electricity demand, which can be affected between 6 and 8%. The latter is the most affected by the urban heat island (UHI), due to the degradation it causes on the HVAC systems’ efficiency.
Improving Compactness of 3D Metallic Microstructures Printed by Laser-Induced Forward Transfer
Authors: Gorodesky Niv , Sedghani-Cohen Sharona , Fogel Ofer , Silber Amir , Tkachev Maria , Kotler Zvi , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: March 2021

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) has been shown to be a useful technique for the manufacturing of micron-scale metal structures. LIFT is a high-resolution, non-contact digital printing method that can support the fabrication of complex shapes and multi-material structures in a single step under ambient conditions. However, LIFT printed metal structures often suffer from inferior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties when compared to their bulk metal counterparts, and often are prone to enhanced chemical corrosion. This is due mostly to their non-compact structures, which have voids and inter-droplet delamination. In this paper, a theoretical framework together with experimental results of achievable compactness limits is presented for a variety of metals. It is demonstrated that compactness limits depend on material properties and jetting conditions. It is also shown how a specific choice of materials can yield compact structures, for example, when special alloys are chosen along with a suitable donor construct. The example of printed amorphous ZrPd is detailed. This study contributes to a better understanding of the limits of implementing LIFT for the fabrication of metal structures, and how to possibly overcome some of these limitations.
Experimental Analysis and Mathematical Model of FSW Parameter Effects on the Corrosion Rate of Al 6061-T6-Cu C11000 Joints
Authors: Montes-González Félix Alan , Rodríguez-Rosales Nelly Abigaíl , Ortiz-Cuellar Juan Carlos , Muñiz-Valdez Carlos Rodrigo , Gómez-Casas Josué , Galindo-Valdés Jesús Salvador , Gómez-Casas Oziel
Published: March 2021

Friction stir welding is characterized as an ecological and low-cost process in comparison to traditional welding techniques, and due to its application in the solid state, it is a feasible option for joining similar and/or dissimilar materials. The present investigation seeks to determine the effect of friction stir welding’s parameters on the corrosion resistance of an Al 6061-T6–Cu C11000 dissimilar joint, with mathematical analysis to validate the results. After the welding process, the samples were exposed to a NaCl solution in an electrochemical cell to determine the corrosion rate via potentiodynamic tests. Microstructural characterization revealed a laminar structure, composed of aluminum and copper, as well as copper particles and the formation of intermetallic compounds distributed in the weld zone. The potentiodynamic tests showed that the corrosion rate increased with the rotational and traverse speeds. The mathematical model quantifies the relationship between corrosion rate and rotational and traverse speeds.
LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites
Authors: García-Bernalt Diego Juan , Fernández-Soto Pedro , Muro Antonio
Published: March 2021

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.
HCV Diagnosis and Sequencing Using Dried Blood Spots from Patients in Kinshasa (DRC): A Tool to Achieve WHO 2030 Targets
Authors: Carrasco Teresa , Barquín David , Ndarabu Adolphe , Fernández-Alonso Mirian , Rubio-Garrido Marina , Carlos Silvia , Makonda Benit , Holguín África , Reina Gabriel
Published: March 2021

The World Health Organization has established an elimination plan for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) access to diagnostic tools is limited, and a number of genotype 4 subtypes have been shown to be resistant to some direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study aims to analyze diagnostic assays for HCV based on dried blood spots (DBS) specimens collected in Kinshasa and to characterize genetic diversity of the virus within a group of mainly HIV positive patients. HCV antibody detection was performed on 107 DBS samples with Vidas® anti-HCV and Elecsys anti-HCV II, and on 31 samples with INNO-LIA HCV. Twenty-six samples were subjected to molecular detection. NS3, NS5A, and NS5B regions from 11 HCV viremic patients were sequenced. HCV seroprevalence was 12.2% (72% with detectable HCV RNA). Both Elecsys Anti-HCV and INNO-LIA HCV were highly sensitive and specific, whereas Vidas® anti-HCV lacked full sensitivity and specificity when DBS sample was used. NS5B/NS5A/NS3 sequencing revealed exclusively GT4 isolates (50% subtype 4r, 30% 4c and 20% 4k). All 4r strains harbored NS5A resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) at positions 28, 30, and 31, but no NS3 RAS was detected. Elecsys Anti-HCV and INNO-LIA HCV are reliable methods to detect HCV antibodies using DBS. HCV subtype 4r was the most prevalent among our patients. RASs found in subtype 4r in NS5A region confer unknown susceptibility to DAA.
Prognostic Value of TNFR2 and STAT3 among High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Survivors According to Platinum Sensitivity
Authors: Silva Raju Janisha , Abd. Aziz Nor Haslinda , Atallah Ghofraan Abdulsalam , Teik Chew Kah , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Mohd Saleh Muhammad Fakhri , Jeganathan Ravichandran , Md Zin Reena Rahayu , Kampan Nirmala Chandralega
Published: March 2021

This study’s goal was to determine the protein expression level of tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) tissues in relation to the platinum-based chemotherapy response and the prognosis outcome. A total of 25 HGSC patients underwent primary surgical debulking followed by first-line adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Tissue microarray (TMA) slides were constructed utilising archived formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE). The protein expression of TNFR2 and STAT3 were analysed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and subsequently were correlated to the clinicopathological characteristics, platinum sensitivity as well as the duration of progression-free survival. About 14 out of 25 patients (56.0%) were platinum-sensitive. The progression free survival was significantly longer in the platinum-sensitive (PS) group when compared to those with the platinum-resistant group (PR), p = 0.0001. Among patients with TNFR2 strong expression on ovarian tissue, there was a significantly longer progression-free survival interval of 540 days in the PS group compared to PR, p = 0.0001. Patients with STAT3 expression also showed significantly better progression-free survival of 660 days in the PS group when compared to the PR group, p = 0.0001. In conclusion, patients with strong TNFR2 and STAT3 expression in the ovarian tissue had significantly longer progression-free survival interval in the PS group. Nevertheless, further research with a larger number of tissues may be required to demonstrate further significant differences.
Alzheimer's dementia, cognitive impairment and decision making
Authors: Moreno Aurora , Alameda José R.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to know about how is the decision making in Alzheimer Type Dementia (ATD) the target is to see if the tendency at risk appears or not, and the relationship between performance and the cognitive status in each of the areas evaluated by the screening test for dementia cognitive. Ten ATD patients participated in this experiment, compared with ten control subjects. A Card Test (based on the Iowa Gambling Task) was used. Subjects had to choose among different options that implied more or less risk. Furthermore, a screening test was used. The results reflected the fact that subjects with ATD in an initial stage showed a tendency to risk in decision making and they did not develop any election strategy pattern. It seems that the way in which patients make their decisions is related to the cognitive damage and the degree in which Alzheimer affects the different brain areas.
Personality and Dementia: an Approach to Differential Profile of the Caregiver
Authors: de Andrés-Jiménez Elena , Limiñana-Gras Rosa Mª , Fernández-Ros Encarna
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the existence of a characteristic personality profile of family carers of people with dementia. The correct knowledge and use of psychological variables which affect the carer, helps to promote appropriate actions to mitigate the impact of care and improve the carer’s quality of life and likewise the one of the person cared for. The study population consists of 69 family carers of people with dementia, members of various associations and care centers. The results allow us to identify a characteristic personality profile for these carers and it reveals a specific psychological working in this sample, although we cannot directly relate it with the tasks of caring for people with this disease, this profile gives us very relevant information to pay more attention to the needs of this group. Moreover, the analysis of personality styles depends on the sex of the family carer, showing, once again, that the woman is in a situation of most vulnerability.
The Decision Making Process in Patients with Alzheimer Dementia Type
Authors: Alameda José R. , Salguero María P. , Merchán Ana , Domínguez Carmen Mª , Rodríguez Eva Mª
Published: March 2021

Making decisions is common in our daily lives and contributes to the adaptation to our environment. That is why is relevant to know the decisions-making processes and the possible dysfunctions due to the deterioration of these processes. The patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD) can have alterations in decisions-making in early stages, particularly in situations of uncertainty. These processes have been analyzed from different theories, although the somatic marker hypothesis, as well as the related IGT, is one of the most used. The aim of this study is to analyze the process of making decisions in AD patients, and evaluate the types of choices made under situations of uncertainty using a modified IGT, as well as check if the AD group’s responses are risk trends or not, and the relation between the performance of this group and the cognitive status in each of the areas evaluated with the cognitive mini-exam, the clock drawing test (TRC-TRO), and the Isaacs' Set Test of Verbal Fluency. Our results show that the performance of the AD group is not optimal, nor in the overall score or in the analysis of each sets of the test, and suggest a random strategy in the process of choose cards, suggest a tendency to risk, although the performances show some ability to learn along the sets.
Analysis of the “Big Five” Personality Factors in Students of the Older People's University of Almería
Authors: Pérez-Fuentes Mª del Carmen , Gázquez José J. , Molero Mª del Mar
Published: March 2021

The goal of the present study is to determine, through the administration of the NEO-FFI, the personality characteristics (as a function of variables such as age, gender, and civil status) of a specific group of 263 people over 50 years of age, who are part of an active ageing program such as the University Program for Older People “Science and Experience” of the University of Almería. Thus, as a function of gender, we only observed significant differences in the factor Neuroticism, with the women presenting higher levels than the men, with a considerable effect size (d = 0.61). With regard to civil status, the group of widowed people obtained the lowest scores in Factor A (Agreeableness), with significant differences with regard to the groups of married people and of divorced/separated people. Lastly, in the analysis as a function of age, we found significant differences in the following factors: Extraversion, Responsibility, Neuroticism, and Openness; the proportion of total variability attributable to age in the score of each variable was low.
The Impact of the Primary Caregiver in the Functional and Cognitive Impairment Hospitalized Elderly
Authors: Calero-García Mª José , Ortega Ana Raquel , Jiménez Carmen
Published: March 2021

At the present time there are more than 100.000 people over 85 and this progression will continue in the future. At the same time there is a motion of cares the context of the expense provokes the scarce development of the social and domiciliary attention services. In this contexture the influence of those person who take care of the elder people, as much at home as during the episode of hospital admission, can be decisive in the loss of and cognitive capacity of the elder person. Our aim is to analyze the influence of various people who work as the main caregiver at home and during the hospital admission in the functional and cognitive of the elder person. To reach the investigation results that have been proposed in this work a “quasi” experimental design of repeated measures. Among the results, the influence of the people who act as the main caregivers worth an especial mention, during the elder hospitalization, watching that those people accompanied by their couples and children suffer a softer functional loss, meanwhile their hospitalization. This difference means a great reveal as it makes manifest through the computation of the size of the effect that give us a value for the “d” of Cohen of 0`984. We stand out the novelty of including the type of the main caregiver person at the hospital as one of the factors of back dependence at home and a change of residence after the hospitalization.
Measuring the Quality of Teacher-Child Interaction in Autistic Disorder
Authors: Longobardi Claudio , Prino Laura Elvira , Pasta Tiziana , Gastaldi Francesca Giovanna Maria , Quaglia Rocco
Published: March 2021

The teacher-child relationship fulfils critical functions for the well being of the child, affecting emotive development, academic achievements, behavioral conducts and relationships with peers. The goal of the presented study is to compare the perceptions of the class teacher and of the support teacher concerning their relationship with subjects with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD; N=14; Mean age =90.07 months; SD=19.36) and with children of the control group (4 classmates per every subject of the experimental group, for a total of 56 pupils, Mean age = 80.36 months; SD=18.33). The perception by the teacher of the class, concerning the relationship with children with ASD, is characterized by higher levels of Conflict, and lower levels of Closeness, if compared with perceptions about the relationship with children of the control group (Conflict: t=-3.317; df= 14.931; p<0.01; Closeness: t= 5.638; df = 65; p < 0.001). The perception of the two teachers only correlates with regards to the Conflict dimension (r=0.769; p < 0.01). In reference to the child's adaptive skills only the social skills scale correlates with the Closeness. This is true in the perception of the support teacher (r=0.598; p<0.05). Finally, we take into account how the perception of the relationship relates with the socio-personal and professional data of the teachers and with the social features of the children.
School Aggression: Effects of Classroom Environment, Attitude to Authority and Social Reputation Among Peers
Authors: Estévez Estefanía , Inglés Cándido J. , Martínez-Monteagudo Mª Carmen
Published: March 2021

Several researches have demonstrated the relationship between social environment in the classroom and involvement in aggressive behaviours at school. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms explaining this link and intermediating factors that may be affecting such association. In this line, the aim of the present study was to examine the role played by attitude to authority and social reputation among peers; in other words, we analysed the influence of classroom environment, considering interactions with both teachers and other classmates, on aggressive behaviours at school, and treating attitude to authority and social reputation among peers as intermediating variables. The sample was composed of 1319 adolescents, ranging in age from 11 to 16 years (47% male). Participants were drawn from seven state secondary schools in Valencia (Spain). A structural equation model was tested using the EQS Program in order to analyse interactions among variables. Results revealed an indirect association between classroom environment and aggression through attitude to authority and social reputation, both of which were, in turn, directly related to school aggression. Practical implications of these findings are discussed in relation to school policies, teacher education programs and intervention practices with students in the classroom.
Self-Esteem, Empathy and Aggressive Behavior in Adolescent Victims of Bullying “Face-to-Face”
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite , Martínez-Valderrey Vanesa , Aliri Jone
Published: March 2021

Problems of coexistence at school are very obvious in the classroom, not only hindering the progress of teaching-learning processes but also having nefarious consequences for human development. Within this context, the study had three goals: 1) To analyze possible differences in victimization as a function of gender and socio-economic-cultural level; 2) To study the relations between victimization and other variables such as self-esteem, empathy, and aggressiveness, exploring possible differences between victims and non-victims in these variables; and 3) To identify predictors of victimization, that is, being a victim of “face-to-face” bullying. The sample is made up of 178 participants aged between 13 and 15 years. A correlational design was used, administering four assessment instruments. Results confirmed a similar level of victimization in males and females. Moreover, analogous victimization was confirmed in the three socio-economic-cultural levels (low-medium-high). Adolescents of both sexes scoring high in victimization had significantly lower levels of self-esteem. However, no significant correlations were found between victimization (i.e., being a victim of “face-to-face” bullying) and empathy, or between victimization and aggressiveness (either impulsive or premeditated). Furthermore, regression analysis revealed two predictors of victimization: low self-esteem and lower age
Extracurricular Activities and Academic Performance in Elementary School Students
Authors: Cladellas Pros Ramón , Muntada Mercè Clariana , Martín Mar Badia , Gotzens Busquets Concepción
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of extracurricular activities on the academic performance of elementary school students. Attendance or not attendance, type of extracurricular activities (recreational, cognitive or both) and the number of hours a week have been taken into account. The final sample consisted of a total of 721 elementary school students (366 boys and 355 girls) from various schools in the counties of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Parents of the students were provided with a questionnaire asking for the pupils’ grades in different academic subjects (mathematics, Catalan, Spanish and English languages, gymnastics and arts) and information about type and amount of extracurricular activities. The results show that performing any kind of extracurricular activity improves academic performance. More specifically, performance of some activity (whether recreational or cognitive, or a combination of both) significantly accounts for improvement in academic results, except for math, gymnastics and arts. Also, the study shows that a high number of hours of extracurricular activities (more than 10 hours a week) negatively affect the performance in all subjects except in gymnastics.
Violence at School and Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption in Students of Secondary Education
Authors: Moñino García Miriam , Piñero Ruiz Eugenia , Arense Gonzalo Julián , Cerezo Ramírez Fuensanta
Published: March 2021

Adolescence is a transitional process between childhood and adulthood (Antona, Madrid and Alaez, 2003), which involves physical, cognitive and social changes (Johnson, Roberts and Worrell, 1999). During this stage, risky behaviours are often developed, including alcohol and tobacco consumption. Alcohol is the most psychoactive substance consumed among adolescents, aged 14-18, followed by tobacco in Spain (DGPNSD, 2009). The teenagers who use alcohol and tobacco have a higher probability of having problems of aggresiveness and violence and it is also related to health problems (Bellis et al., 2005; Gil and Gil-Lacroix Lacroix, 2006; Room, Babor and Rehm, 2005). Several studies (Bond, Carlin, Thomas, Rubin and Patton, 2001; Cangas, Gázquez, Perez-Fuentes, Moldes and Rubio, 2007; Piñero-Ruiz, López-Espín, Cherry and Torres-Cantero, 2012) have linked the presence of violence at school disturbing the environment and having negative consequences for the health and behaviour to a higher frequency in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. In this study, 2552 questionnaires were collected with ages among 12-16 years from the Murcia Region. The results showed that students with aggressive behaviours at school have a higher frequency of alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Mobile Addiction in secondary school students: effects in coexistence
Authors: Flores Robaina Noelia , Jenaro Río Cristina , González Gil Francisca , Martín Pastor Elena , Poy Castro Raquel
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the patterns of mobile phone use among in secondary school students. Further, we assessed psychological (anxiety, depression) and behavioral correlates and association with school performance. To carry out the study we had 528 students, aged between 12 and 19 years, belonging to five schools, four public and one grant-aided private school. The instruments used were the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the low self-esteem and the school problems subscales of the MMPI-A Personality Questionnaire, and the Mobile Overuse Scale (COS). The results indicate that a significant percentage of students who abuse cell-phones show anxious and depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem. Of participants, 14.8% obtained scores placing them in a range of medium-high to high for school problems associated to pathological use of the mobile phone. All these results highlight the need to establish interventions to reduce maladjusted behavioural patterns and improve school coexistence.
Learning strategies in secondary school: a comparative study of the use between spanish and immigrant students
Authors: Lanza Escobedo David , Sánchez Souto Vanesa
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work is to know the use that students do of the learning strategies, seeing there are differences according to the national origin. To this end, it was applied the Learning Strategies Questionnaire (CEA) to 70 students –37 Spanish and 33 immigrants– of 1st and 4th grade of Secondary School from four different centers, publics and privates, located in Lugo (Galicia). For the statistic analysis we used the SPSS 15.0 program. Our results indicate that the students –Spanish and immigrants– show an adequate level in their use of the learning strategies, without significative differences registered in both groups. However, significative differences were found according to the gender. Specifically in the emotional control subscale, where the Spanish boys obtained a higher punctuation than immigrants. Moreover, if we consider the grade, we see that Spanish students of 1st grade achieve higher punctuations in the sensitization scale and emotional control subscale than immigrant boys of the same grade. On the other hand, although the immigrant students of 4th –males– obtain lower punctuations in the organization and transference subscales than their classmates of 1st grade, showing a greater emotional control.