bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Restorativeness in Improving the Psychological Well-Being of University Students
Authors: Yusli Nurul Ain Nabilla Mohd , Roslan Samsilah , Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Ghiami Zeinab , Ahmad Noorlila
Published: August 2021

Many university students experience high levels of study-related fatigue, hence, necessitating opportunities for restoration. They could potentially benefit from campus-based physical activities that provide them with effective restoration breaks and allow them to return to their studies cognitively refreshed. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between perceived restorativeness among postgraduates and their psychological well-being by using the four constructs of Kaplan's attention restoration theory (ART): fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. In this study, nature view windows were also used as a moderator. Malaysian postgraduate students [n = 192; 94 females; age in years (M = 30.64, SD = 2.73)] completed the Ryff's scale of psychological wellbeing (PWB) and perceived restorativeness scale for activity (PRAS). This study used the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to examine these relationships. The results demonstrate that three ART constructs, namely, being away, fascination, and compatibility, are significant predictors of psychological well-being across the sample size. Furthermore, for participants who reside in university dormitories, windows that overlook nature can enhance the relationship of being away, compatibility, and fascination to psychological well-being, compared with those with less natural views. Thus, this study confirmed the moderating effect of nature view windows and provided insight into the ART constructs that facilitate and enhance restorative experiences. By strengthening ART with additional factors, this study has also contributed toward the improvement of the psychological well-being of university students.
Deriving Mental Energy From Task Completion
Authors: Wang Xiang , Janiszewski Chris , Zheng Yanmei , Laran Juliano , Jang Wonseok Eric
Published: August 2021

Many tasks in everyday life (e.g., making an accurate decision, completing job tasks, and searching for product information) are extrinsically motivated (i.e., the task is performed to gain a benefit) and require mental effort. Prior research shows that the cognitive resources needed to perform an extrinsically motivated task are allocated pre-task. The pre-task allocation of mental resources tends to be conservative, because mental effort is costly. Consequently, there are mental energy deficits when the use of mental resources exceeds the allocated amount. This research provides evidence for post-task mental energy replenishment. The amount of resource replenishment is a function of the size of the mental energy deficit and the favorability of the cost-benefit trade-off experienced at the completion of the task (i.e., the value of the reward given the energy investment). The findings have implications for how cognitive resources management influences the availability of mental energy on a moment-to-moment basis.
Teachers’ and Learners’ Beliefs About Pronunciation Instruction in Tertiary English as a Foreign Language Education
Authors: Nguyen Loc Tan , Hung Bui Phu , Duong Uyen Thi Thuy , Le Tu Thanh
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have sought to describe and understand English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) teachers’ pronunciation teaching practices in different contexts, but much less research has examined how teachers and learners perceive pronunciation instruction at tertiary level, especially in EFL settings. The qualitative study reported in this paper extends this line of research by investigating the beliefs of teachers and learners with regard to pronunciation instruction in tertiary EFL education in Vietnam. Data were collected from individual semi-structured interviews with six EFL teachers and focus group interviews with 24 students (four students per group) at a Vietnamese university. The study adopted a content-based approach to qualitative data analysis. The findings show that both the teachers and students considered pronunciation instruction an important component in tertiary EFL programs, which deserves explicit and systematic delivery. The findings suggest that both groups of participants believed communicative pronunciation teaching to have the potential to improve learners’ pronunciation and facilitate their general communicative purposes. The study has implications for language curriculum design and L2 pronunciation teaching and learning.
Differences in Stress and Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Families With and Without Children With Developmental Disorders or Chronic Conditions
Authors: Martinsone Baiba , Tzivian Lilian
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To compare COVID-19-induced stress and coping in families with and without children diagnosed with developmental disorders or chronic conditions.

Methods: In this mixed-method design study, an online survey collected information on parental stress levels before and during COVID-19, sources of stress, and coping strategies using open-ended questions. Qualitative answers were categorized thematically. Multiple linear regression models were built for the association between changes in stress levels (during-before COVID-19) and sources of stress for parents of children of both groups.

Results: Answers of 1,827 parents were analyzed; of these, 186 (9.75%) had children with diagnosed problems. Changes in stress levels during vs. before COVID-19 were associated with the age of the parent, changes in working conditions, a total number of stressors, and distance learning of children. Stronger associations were found for parents of children with diagnoses. For example, for distance learning, the standardized beta (β) was 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.37; 1.00) for parents of children without problems and β = 0.73 (0.43; 1.03) for those with problematic children.

Conclusions: Parents of children with developmental disorders need specific attention in a pandemic.
Sclerosing Mesenteritis, a Rare Cause of Mesenteric Mass in a Young Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Piombino Eliana , D'Agata Costanza , Picardo Maria Carolina , Caltavuturo Claudia , Magro Gaetano , Colarossi Cristina , Memeo Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Sclerosing mesenteritis (SM) is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder that involves mesenteric adipose tissue, more frequently localized in the small intestine, with an insidious clinical presentation having symptoms related to mass effect, usually resulting in bowel obstruction, mesenteric ischemia, as well as rapid weight loss. We report a case of a 23-year-old male presenting with palpable abdominal mass, mesogastric pain, and a history of rapid weight loss, who underwent exploratory laparoscopy. A hemorrhagic and gelatinous nodular tumor mass of the mesentery was identified and the surgical procedure was converted to a laparotomic approach. Histologically, the mass was composed of a proliferation of bland-looking spindle cells with slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and elongated normochromatic nuclei with mild nuclear atypia, haphazardly set in a collagenized stroma; fat necrosis and inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, plasma-cells, and histiocytes) were also evident. The diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis was made. Our case emphasizes that histology remains pre-eminent for a correct diagnosis of SM, as pre-operative radiological-based diagnosis is non-specific.
Three-Dimensional Kinematic Motion of the Craniocervical Junction of Chihuahuas and Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Schikowski Lisa , Eley Nele , Kelleners Nicola , Schmidt Martin J. , Fischer Martin S.
Published: August 2021

All vertebrate species have a distinct morphology and movement pattern, which reflect the adaption of the animal to its habitat. Yet, our knowledge of motion patterns of the craniocervical junction of dogs is very limited. The aim of this prospective study is to perform a detailed analysis and description of three-dimensional craniocervical motion during locomotion in clinically sound Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers. This study presents the first in vivo recorded motions of the craniocervical junction of clinically sound Chihuahuas (n = 8) and clinically sound Labrador retrievers (n = 3) using biplanar fluoroscopy. Scientific rotoscoping was used to reconstruct three-dimensional kinematics during locomotion. The same basic motion patterns were found in Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers during walking. Sagittal, lateral, and axial rotation could be observed in both the atlantoaxial and the atlantooccipital joints during head motion and locomotion. Lateral and axial rotation occurred as a coupled motion pattern. The amplitudes of axial and lateral rotation of the total upper cervical motion and the atlantoaxial joint were higher in Labrador retrievers than in Chihuahuas. The range of motion (ROM) maxima were 20°, 26°, and 24° in the sagittal, lateral, and axial planes, respectively, of the atlantoaxial joint. ROM maxima of 30°, 16°, and 18° in the sagittal, lateral, and axial planes, respectively, were found at the atlantooccipital joint. The average absolute sagittal rotation of the atlas was slightly higher in Chihuahuas (between 9.1 ± 6.8° and 18.7 ± 9.9°) as compared with that of Labrador retrievers (between 5.7 ± 4.6° and 14.5 ± 2.6°), which corresponds to the more acute angle of the atlas in Chihuahuas. Individual differences for example, varying in amplitude or time of occurrence are reported.
GPS Telemetry Reveals a Zebra With Anthrax as Putative Cause of Death for Three Cheetahs in the Namib Desert
Authors: Portas Ruben , Aschenborn Ortwin H. K. , Melzheimer Joerg , Le Roux Manie , Uiseb Kenneth Heinrich , Czirják Gábor Árpád , Wachter Bettina
Published: August 2021

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that affects wildlife, livestock and also humans in different parts of the world. It is endemic in some parts of Africa, including Namibia, with species differing in their susceptibility to the disease. Carnivores are typically less susceptible to anthrax than herbivores. Most carnivore species survive infection and have high seroprevalence against anthrax, whereas most herbivore species have low seroprevalence and typically die quickly when infected. Several reports have shown that cheetahs, unlike most other large carnivores, are susceptible to anthrax leading to a sudden death. This finding was suggested to be linked to the low genetic variability of cheetahs which might reduce an adequate immune response and thus explain such a high susceptibility to the disease. Here, we report an incidence of three free-ranging cheetahs that died within 24 h after feeding on a mountain zebra that tested positive for anthrax in the Namib Desert. We were able to reconstruct this incidence with the data recorded in the GPS (Global Positioning System) collar worn by one of the cheetahs and retrieved in the field. It is very likely that the cheetahs died from anthrax, although Bacillus anthracis could not be isolated from tissue and soil samples by bacterial culturing. The mountain zebra is the first described case of a wild animal that tested positive for anthrax in this arid area in southwestern of Namibia. We discuss the negative laboratory results of the cheetahs in the light of new insights of their immune system and its potential to mount a response against this bacteria.
Ligand-Assisted Growth of Nanowires from Solution
Authors: Burlakov Victor M. , Goriely Alain
Published: August 2021

We consider the development of ligand-assisted growth processes for generating shape-anisotropic nanomaterials. Using statistical mechanics, we analyze the conditions under which ligand-assisted growth of shape-anisotropic crystalline nanomaterials from solution can take place. Depending on ligand-facet interaction energy and crystal facet area, molecular ligands can form compact layers on some facets leaving other facets free. The growth process is then restricted to free facets and may result in significant anisotropy in crystal shape. Our study uncovers the conditions for ligand-assisted growth of nanoplatelets and nanowires from isotropic or anisotropic seed nanocrystals of cuboid shape. We show that in contrast to nanoplatelets, ligand-assisted growth of nanowires requires certain anisotropy in the ligand-facet interaction energy.
Diagnosis of Wilson Disease and Its Phenotypes by Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Medici Valentina , Czlonkowska Anna , Litwin Tomasz , Giulivi Cecilia
Published: August 2021

WD is caused by ATP7B variants disrupting copper efflux resulting in excessive copper accumulation mainly in liver and brain. The diagnosis of WD is challenged by its variable clinical course, onset, morbidity, and ATP7B variant type. Currently it is diagnosed by a combination of clinical symptoms/signs, aberrant copper metabolism parameters (e.g., low ceruloplasmin serum levels and high urinary and hepatic copper concentrations), and genetic evidence of ATP7B mutations when available. As early diagnosis and treatment are key to favorable outcomes, it is critical to identify subjects before the onset of overtly detrimental clinical manifestations. To this end, we sought to improve WD diagnosis using artificial neural network algorithms (part of artificial intelligence) by integrating available clinical and molecular parameters. Surprisingly, WD diagnosis was based on plasma levels of glutamate, asparagine, taurine, and Fischer’s ratio. As these amino acids are linked to the urea–Krebs’ cycles, our study not only underscores the central role of hepatic mitochondria in WD pathology but also that most WD patients have underlying hepatic dysfunction. Our study provides novel evidence that artificial intelligence utilized for integrated analysis for WD may result in earlier diagnosis and mechanistically relevant treatments for patients with WD.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Interaction between Human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 and Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Variant
Authors: Antony Priya , Vijayan Ranjit
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a significant impact on people’s daily lives. The rapidly spreading B.1.617 lineage harbors two key mutations—L452R and E484Q—in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of its spike (S) protein. To understand the impact and structural dynamics of the variations in the interface of S protein and its host factor, the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), triplicate 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed using single (E484Q or L452R) and double (E484Q + L452R) mutant structures and compared to wild type simulations. Our results indicate that the E484Q mutation disrupts the conserved salt bridge formed between Lys31 of hACE2 and Glu484 of S protein. Additionally, E484Q, which could favor the up conformation of the RBD, may help in enhanced hACE2 binding and immune escape. L452R introduces a charged patch near the binding surface that permits increased electrostatic attraction between the proteins. An improved network of intramolecular interactions observed is likely to increase the stability of the S protein and conformational changes may prevent the binding of neutralizing antibodies. The results obtained from the molecular dynamics simulations suggest that structural and dynamic changes introduced by these variations enhance the affinity of the viral S protein to hACE2 and could form the basis for further studies.
Stable, Explicit, Leapfrog-Hopscotch Algorithms for the Diffusion Equation
Authors: Nagy Ádám , Omle Issa , Kareem Humam , Kovács Endre , Barna Imre Ferenc , Bognar Gabriella
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we construct novel numerical algorithms to solve the heat or diffusion equation. We start with 105 different leapfrog-hopscotch algorithm combinations and narrow this selection down to five during subsequent tests. We demonstrate the performance of these top five methods in the case of large systems with random parameters and discontinuous initial conditions, by comparing them with other methods. We verify the methods by reproducing an analytical solution using a non-equidistant mesh. Then, we construct a new nontrivial analytical solution containing the Kummer functions for the heat equation with time-dependent coefficients, and also reproduce this solution. The new methods are then applied to the nonlinear Fisher equation. Finally, we analytically prove that the order of accuracy of the methods is two, and present evidence that they are unconditionally stable.
Selected Quality Parameters of Air-Dried Apples Pretreated by High Pressure, Ultrasounds and Pulsed Electric Field—A Comparison Study
Authors: Wiktor Artur , Landfeld Aleš , Matys Aleksandra , Novotná Pavla , Dadan Magdalena , Kováříková Eliška , Nowacka Malgorzata , Mulenko Martin , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota , Strohalm Jan , Houška Milan
Published: August 2021

The aim of this work was to compare selected physicochemical properties of air dried ‘Golden Delicious’ apples, pretreated either by high-pressure processing (HPP), ultrasound (US) or pulsed electric field (PEF). Following parameters of pretreatment were used: HPP–400 MPa for 15 min, US–21 kHz, 180 W for 45 min, PEF–1 kV/cm, 3.5 kJ/kg. The quality of materials was evaluated by their rehydration properties, hygroscopicity, color and total phenolic content. To compare the effectiveness of the utilized methods, determined properties were expressed as relative comparison values against the reference sample obtained without any pretreatment in the same conditions. The performed research demonstrated that properties can be shaped by the application of proper pretreatment methods. For instance, PEF was shown to be the best method for improving water uptake during rehydration, whereas HPP was the most effective in decreasing hygroscopic properties in comparison with untreated dried apples. Among the investigated methods, HPP resulted in the deepest browning and thus total color difference, while the effects of US and PEF were comparable. For all pretreated dried apples, the total phenolic content was lower when compared with reference material, though the smallest drop was found in sonicated samples.
The Role of Permission, Supervision, and Precipitating Events in Childhood Pool/Spa Submersion Incidents, United States, 2000–2017
Authors: Anderson Kristina R. , Ramos William D. , Schuman James T.
Published: August 2021

Drowning is a leading cause of fatality among children in the United States, and pool/spa aquatic structures represent common locations of submersion incidents. This study employed narrative case review to understand characteristics related to permission, supervision, and precipitating events in childhood submersion incidents. Retroactive analysis of 1537 fatal and non-fatal submersion incidents among children age 13 years old and younger was conducted using the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission In-Depth Investigations dataset from 2000–2017. Narrative descriptions were coded according to the themes of permission, supervision, and precipitating events. In most (86%) incidents, the child did not have permitted water access, and 80% of narratives indicated the child was alone at time of incident. These attributes were significantly associated with a fatal outcome (No permission: OR 11.98, 95% CI 7.97–18.06; Alone: OR 34.93, 95% CI 19.69–61.96). The average length of inactive supervision time was 15.6 min; this duration significantly differed by non-fatal (3.2 min) and fatal (16.1 min) outcomes (p < 0.001). More than half of cases occurred under the supervision type of a parent (56%), followed by grandparents (14%) and childcare provider (10%). Submersion incidents with a non-parent supervisor were two times more likely to result in a fatal outcome (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.07–3.64). The most frequently occurring precipitating events included outdoor play (46%), a social gathering (36%), and previous water play (15%). Narrative excerpts further illustrate how tragic submersion events can unfold quickly and unpredictably. Education campaigns should target all adults that supervise children and reiterate key findings in that many submersion incidents occur (1) without permitted pool use, (2) without active supervision, and (3) when a caregiver is distracted. Multiple strategies should be utilized to add layers of projection against submersion injury.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Alcohol Use Behavior among Korean Adults and Related Factors: A Latent Class Growth Model
Authors: Baek Suyon , Choi Eun-Hi
Published: August 2021

This study classified the changes in alcohol use behavior among Korean adults and explored the related factors. The study used data from the 4th (2009) to 14th (2019) waves of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. The subjects were 8267 adults aged 19–60 years. Latent class growth analysis was used to classify the latent classes of alcohol use behavior among Korean adults, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the specific factors that form the classes. Additionally, the 11-year trajectories of major variables associated with alcohol use behavior for the derived classes were analyzed using growth mixture modeling. Four classes were identified according to the trajectories of alcohol use behavior. There were statistically significant differences in the trajectories of depression, self-esteem, satisfaction in family relationships, and satisfaction in leisure activities according to the class of alcohol use behavior. In particular, self-esteem and satisfaction in family relationships indicated distinctly decreasing trajectories in the low- to moderate-risk class, which suggested the need for longitudinal analysis of the factors that influence alcohol use behavior. Moreover, it is recommended that interventions for the prevention of high-risk drinking target not only individuals but also family units.
Hepatic Hydrothorax—An Independent Decompensating Event Associated with Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Matei Daniela , Craciun Rares , Crisan Dana , Procopet Bogdan , Mocan Tudor , Pasca Sergiu , Zaharie Roxana , Popovici Bogdan , Sparchez Zeno
Published: August 2021

Background: Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an understudied complication of decompensated cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with HH by comparing them with a matched non-HH group. Methods: This retrospective study included 763 consecutive patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. Ninety-seven patients with HH were matched for survival analysis with non-HH patients based on liver disease severity. Results: The prevalence of HH was 13.1%. Patients with HH had significantly worse overall liver function. Upon matching, patients with HH had a lower long-term survival (15.4% vs. 30.9% at 5 years) with a mean overall survival of 22.2 ± 2.2 months for the HH group vs. 27.1 ± 2.6 months for the non-HH group (Log Rank–0.05). On multivariate survival analysis using Cox regression, the MELD-Na score, ALBI grade, hepato-renal syndrome, and grade III ascites had a significant impact on mortality in patients with HH. In patients with HH, a MELD-Na score ≥ 16, ALBI grade III, hepato-renal syndrome, or severe ascites delineated high-mortality risk groups. Conclusions: HH is consistently associated with more advanced liver disease. Patients with HH have worse long-term survival, their prognosis being closely intertwined with overlapping decompensating events.
The Impact of ABO Blood Type on Developing Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Urabe Fumihiko , Kimura Shoji , Iwatani Kosuke , Yasue Keiji , Koike Yuhei , Tashiro Kojiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Sasaki Hiroshi , Kimura Takahiro , Egawa Shin
Published: August 2021

The impact of ABO blood type in the development of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients remains controversial. To develop a sense of the current opinion in this area, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. In March 2021, we performed a systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane library, and Scopus for studies that compared cancer patients who had a blood type of either O or non-O (A, B, and AB). Our objective was to use multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine how ABO blood type was associated with the development of venous thromboembolism. Our selection criteria were met by a total of nine studies in 25,884 patients for the systematic review and five studies in 22,777 patients for the meta-analysis. In cancer patients, we found that non-O blood type was associated with a nearly two-fold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism (pooled OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.44–2.10). Additionally, among the eligible patients, 21,889 patients were post-operative urological cancer patients. In these patients, the analysis also showed an association between non-O blood type and increasing risk of venous thromboembolism after pelvic surgery for malignancy (pooled OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.36–2.20). Our meta-analysis suggested that non-O blood type is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism among patients with cancer. As blood type is routinely determined preoperatively by objective and standardized methods, we anticipate that our results will be useful for managing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients, especially after pelvic surgery for urological cancers.
Qualitative Investigation of Damage Initiation at Meso-Scale in Spheroidized C45EC Steels by Using Crystal Plasticity-Based Numerical Simulations
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Qayyum Faisal , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Guk Sergey , Prahl Ulrich
Published: August 2021

This research uses EBSD data of two thermo-mechanically processed medium carbon (C45EC) steel samples to simulate micromechanical deformation and damage behavior. Two samples with 83% and 97% spheroidization degrees are subjected to virtual monotonic quasi-static tensile loading. The ferrite phase is assigned already reported elastic and plastic parameters, while the cementite particles are assigned elastic properties. A phenomenological constitutive material model with critical plastic strain-based ductile damage criterion is implemented in the DAMASK framework for the ferrite matrix. At the global level, the calibrated material model response matches well with experimental results, with up to ~97% accuracy. The simulation results provide essential insight into damage initiation and propagation based on the stress and strain localization due to cementite particle size, distribution, and ferrite grain orientations. In general, it is observed that the ferrite–cementite interface is prone to damage initiation at earlier stages triggered by the cementite particle clustering. Furthermore, it is observed that the crystallographic orientation strongly affects the stress and stress localization and consequently nucleating initial damage.
Investigations of Hydraulic Power Take-Off Unit Parameters Effects on the Performance of the WAB-WECs in the Different Irregular Sea States
Authors: Jusoh Mohd Afifi , Yusop Zulkifli Mohd , Albani Aliashim , Daud Muhamad Zalani , Ibrahim Mohd Zamri
Published: August 2021

Hydraulic power take-off (HPTO) is considered to be one of the most effective power take-off schemes for wave energy conversion systems (WECs). The HPTO unit can be constructed using standard hydraulic components that are readily available from the hydraulic industry market. However, the construction and operation of the HPTO unit are more complex rather than other types of power take-off, as many components parameters need to be considered during the optimization. Generator damping, hydraulic motor displacement, hydraulic cylinder and accumulator size are among the important parameters that influence the HPTO performance in generating usable electricity. Therefore, the influence of these parameters on the amount of generated electrical power from the HPTO unit was investigated in the present study. A simulation study was conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software, in which a complete model of WECs was developed using the Simscape fluids toolbox. During the simulation, each parameters study of the HPTO unit were separately manipulated to investigate its effects on the WECs performance in five different sea states. Finally, the simulated result of the effect of HPTO parameters on the amount of generated electrical power from the HPTO unit in different sea states is given and discussed.
Spatial and Species Variations of Bacterial Community Structure and Putative Function in Seagrass Rhizosphere Sediment
Authors: Ling Juan , Zhou Weiguo , Yang Qingsong , Yin Jianping , Zhang Jian , Peng Qiuying , Huang Xiaofang , Zhang Yuhang , Dong Junde
Published: August 2021

Seagrasses are an important part of the coral reef ecosystem, and their rhizosphere microbes are of great ecological importance. However, variations in diversity, composition, and potential functions of bacterial communities in the seagrass rhizosphere of coral reef ecosystems remain unclear. This study employed the high-throughput sequencing based on 16S rDNA gene sequences and functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa (FAPROTAX) analysis to investigate these variations based on seagrass species and sampling locations, respectively. Results demonstrated that the seagrass rhizosphere microbial community was mainly dominated by phylum Proteobacteria (33.47%), Bacteroidetes (23.33%), and Planctomycetes (12.47%), while functional groups were mainly composed of sulfate respiration (14.09%), respiration of sulfur compounds (14.24%), aerobic chemoheterotrophy (20.87%), and chemoheterotrophy (26.85%). Significant differences were evident in alpha diversity, taxonomical composition and putative functional groups based on seagrass species and sampling locations. Moreover, the core microbial community of all investigated samples was identified, accounting for 63.22% of all obtained sequences. Network analysis indicated that most microbes had a positive correlation (82.41%), and two module hubs (phylum Proteobacteria) were investigated. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the OTUs numbers obtained and the functional groups assigned for seagrass rhizosphere microbial communities (p < 0.01). Our result would facilitate future investigation of the function of seagrass rhizosphere microbes.
Is Preterm Birth a Risk Factor for Subsequent Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Febrile Seizure?—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Chien-Heng , Lin Wei-De , Chou I-Ching , Lee Inn-Chi , Hong Syuan-Yu
Published: August 2021

Febrile seizure (FS) is the most prevalent childhood seizure; it is significantly related to subsequent epilepsy and has possible links to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Separately, premature births are believed to increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, this study investigated whether preterm birth is a risk factor for subsequent epilepsy, ASD, and ADHD in children with FS. We retrospectively collected data for children aged < 5 years with FS from 1 January 2005, to 31 December 2013. We divided these children into two groups—the premature birth group and the full-term group—and compared their incidence rates of epilepsy, ASD and ADHD. The data of 426 patients with history of febrile convulsion were retrospectively collected. The premature birth group (FS+/preterm+) had 108 patients and the full-term group (FS+/preterm−) had 318 patients. The overall epilepsy risk in the FS+/preterm+ group was higher than in the FS+/preterm− group (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–5.58; p = 0.02). The overall risk of ADHD in the FS+/preterm+ group was higher than that in the FS+/preterm− group (OR, 6.41; 95% CI, 3.39–12.09; p = 0.0001). In addition, children with FS+/preterm+ had 16.9 times (95% CI, 4.79–59.7; p = 0.0001) higher odds of having ASD compared with those with FS+/preterm−. Preterm birth may be a risk factor for subsequent epilepsy, ASD and ADHD in children with FS.
Coupling Influence between Recycled Ceramics and Grazed Hollow Beads on Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Recycled Thermal Insulation Concrete
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Ben , Luo Dongmei
Published: August 2021

This paper investigated the influence of recycled ceramics and grazed hollow beads on the mechanical, thermal conductivity and material properties of concrete. The results showed that the concentration of recycled ceramics and grazed hollow beads has significant optimization on the workability and thermal properties of the concrete. However, the superabundant concentration can reduce the hydration degree of the concrete, which results in the suppressed production of C-S-H gel and the increase of material defects. In summary, considering the coordinated development of key factors such as thermal insulation properties, mechanical properties and microstructure, 10% RCE and 60% GHB are the optimal material system design methods.
Modeling Proportion Data with Inflation by Using a Power-Skew-Normal/Logit Mixture Model
Authors: Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Gomez Hector W. , Tovar-Falón Roger
Published: August 2021

Rate or proportion data are modeled by using a regression model. The considered regression model can be used for studying phenomena with a response on the (0, 1), [0, 1), (0, 1], or [0, 1] intervals. To connect the response variable with the linear predictor in the regression model, we use a logit link function, which guarantees that the obtained prediction ranges between zero and one in the cases inflated at zero or one (or both). The model is complemented with the assumption that the errors follow a power-skew-normal distribution, resulting in a very flexible model, and with a non-singular information matrix, constituting an advantage over other existing models in the literature. To explain the probability of point mass at the values zero and/or one (inflated part), we used a polytomic logistic model with covariates. The results of two illustrations showed that the proposed model is a better alternative compared to widely known models in the literature.
On the Aα-Eigenvalues of Signed Graphs
Authors: Pastén Germain , Rojo Oscar , Medina Luis
Published: August 2021

For α∈[0,1], let Aα(Gσ)=αD(G)+(1−α)A(Gσ), where G is a simple undirected graph, D(G) is the diagonal matrix of its vertex degrees and A(Gσ) is the adjacency matrix of the signed graph Gσ whose underlying graph is G. In this paper, basic properties of Aα(Gσ) are obtained, its positive semidefiniteness is studied and some bounds on its eigenvalues are derived—in particular, lower and upper bounds on its largest eigenvalue are obtained.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Off-Ball Screens in Elite Basketball Teams via Second-Order Markov Modelling
Authors: Stavropoulos Nikolaos , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Kolias Pavlos
Published: August 2021

In basketball, the offensive movements on both strong and weak sides and tactical behavior play major roles in the effectiveness of a team’s offense. In the literature, studies are mostly focused on offensive actions, such as ball screens on the strong side. In the present paper, for the first time a second-order Markov model is defined to evaluate players’ interactions on the weak side, particularly for exploring the effectiveness of tactical structures and off-ball screens regarding the final outcome. The sample consisted of 1170 possessions of the FIBA Basketball Champions League 2018–2019. The variables of interest were the type of screen on the weak side, the finishing move, and the outcome of the shot. The model incorporates partial non-homogeneity according to the time of the execution (0–24″) and the quarter of playtime, and it is conditioned on the off-ball screen type. Regarding the overall performance, the results indicated that the outcome of each possession was influenced not only by the type of the executed shot, but also by the specific type of screen that took place earlier on the weak side of the offense. Thus, the proposed model could operate as an advisory tool for the coach’s strategic plans.
Comparative Pan-Genome Analysis of Oral Veillonella Species
Authors: Mashima Izumi , Liao Yu-Chieh , Lin Chieh-Hua , Nakazawa Futoshi , Haase Elaine M. , Kiyoura Yusuke , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: August 2021

The genus Veillonella is a common and abundant member of the oral microbiome. It includes eight species, V. atypica, V. denticariosi, V. dispar, V. infantium, V. nakazawae, V. parvula, V. rogosae and V. tobetusensis. They possess important metabolic pathways that utilize lactate as an energy source. However, the overall metabolome of these species has not been studied. To further understand the metabolic framework of Veillonella in the human oral microbiome, we conducted a comparative pan-genome analysis of the eight species of oral Veillonella. Analysis of the oral Veillonella pan-genome revealed features based on KEGG pathway information to adapt to the oral environment. We found that the fructose metabolic pathway was conserved in all oral Veillonella species, and oral Veillonella have conserved pathways that utilize carbohydrates other than lactate as an energy source. This discovery may help to better understand the metabolic network among oral microbiomes and will provide guidance for the design of future in silico and in vitro studies.
Is it possible to build an effective program to promote the health and well-being of employees in the workplace in the Russia?
Authors: Rybakov Ivan Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2021

In 2019 The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation together with experts of the National Research Center of Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has developed programs to strengthen the health of employees, which include behavioral medicine practices aimed at changing lifestyle and correcting risk factors. Scientific evidence shows the effectiveness of such programs, and new components of programs aimed at improving the well-being of employees can increase the effectiveness of preventive measures. In this article, we will review the domestic and international experience of using comprehensive health and well-being promotion programs to improve the health of employees in Russia.
Mobile medicine (m-health) a potential reserve of the health care system in crisis situations as exemplified by the coronavirus epidemic COVID-19
Authors: Ivanova Liliya G. , Tatarintseva Raisa Y. , Migachev Dmitry V.
Published: August 2021

The article discusses new opportunities to improve the quality of medical care, including for older citizens, when organizing a system of remote dynamic monitoring using methods of preventive, predictive and personalized medicine, including during the epidemic and quarantine events. Objective: to study the benefits of using mobile medicine technologies (m-health) during the fight against coronavirus infection COVID-19. The research method is the analysis and meta-analysis of publications on this topic. The results of the study show the importance of using mobile medicine technologies (m-health) in the structure of medical care for patients at risk and the particular relevance of using these technologies in the development of organizational measures to prevent and control the epidemic, caused, inter alia, by unknown infectious agents.
Peculiarities of the reflection of the cost in the accounts of the developer in the construction of health care facilities
Authors: Tarasova O.N. , Bobrovsky P.I.
Published: August 2021

The modern tendencies of the real estate market and also the basic aspects of formation and reflection of the cost price of real estate objects sold in the field of medicine and health care on the accounts of bookkeeping are considered in the present work. The author raises the question of the accounting of the expenses accumulated when carrying out investment activity in construction and considers the order of their distribution on finished objects of real estate. The author also emphasizes the importance of the recognition of the cost of sales of the development company in the correct period and, guided by professional judgment, offers typical accounting entries for the reflection of the cost of production in the accounting.
Neutralizing currency risk in procurement via hedging
Authors: Anikieviсh A.M. , Prodanova N.A.
Published: August 2021

The article discusses the concept of currency risk arising in foreign trade procedures and defines currency risk types: operational, translational, economic and hidden risks. The main factors influencing exchange rate are determined: level of inflation, interest rates in different countries, state of current accounts, amount of public debt, terms of trade and political stability. Methods of assessing currency risk using the Value-at-Risk methodology are presented: historical modeling, variancecovariance model, Monte Carlo modeling. Exchange-traded and overthe-counter currency risk management tools, such as options, futures, forwards, swaps, debt contracts, and natural hedging methods, are described in detail. Practical examples of using these tools to neutralize currency risk are also given.
The Effect of Key Demographic Diversity Characteristics on Individual Action propensity in Determining Job Stress in Public Sector Hospitals of Lahore
Authors: Raza Basharat , Ahmed Alia , Ali Muhammad
Published: August 2021

A recently appeared continuum 'individual action propensity' that ranges from thinking beforeacting to acting before thinking has been identified to help understand, how individuals differ intheir approaches towards problems, particularly in situations where they lack knowledge and/orexperience. This study has explored and examined this construct in light of key demographicdiversity characteristics and has further studied its relationship with employee job stress. The resultsare based on a survey conducted on the 290 doctors and nurses through purposive sampling. Thestructural equation modelling (SEM) technique has been used, the results indicate that individualaction propensity is higher in women and decreases with higher formal education. Besides,individual action propensity has been found to be positively associated with job stress. The studyalso discusses practical and theoretical contributions; limitations and future directions
Keywords: Individual action propensity, job stress, individual characteristics, regulatory modetheory, demographic diversity at workplace
Towards Female Buying Behavior in Beauty and Grooming Industry of Pakistan: Modeling the mediating role of Purchase intentions
Authors: Rehman Waiza , Mian Asif Khurshid
Published: August 2021

Constructed upon female consumers' buying behaviour, this research study investigates the interrelationship of flow experience, hedonic values, utilitarian value, purchase intention and consumer buying behaviour. This study examines the role of purchase intentions as mediation and elaborated the study with the theoretical background of flow theory and consumer value theory. This study was conducted in the beauty & grooming industry, sampling 705 working women consumers of Pakistan and data was analyzed through SEM using Smart PLS. The findings supplement the creation of positive aspect in buying behaviour rather than letting consumer cashed by their psychological state and companies' tactics.
Keywords: Flow Experience, Hedonic Value, Utilitarian Value, Purchase Intention, Consumer Buying Behavior
Financial Fragility, Changing Face of Academia and Their Role in the Dissemination of Financial Literacy
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad , Hameed Syed Muhammad Ziyad , Aftab Rehan
Published: August 2021

Financial decision making is affected by financial literacy, having its implications spread across communities, countries and the societies in general. The importance and fragility of financial literacy has been the subject of previous studies. However, current study dived deep into public and private universities to find their contribution. Longitudinal survey approach employed withmultistage stratified random sampling technique, clustered to respondents' demographics. Financial literacy is evaluated based on simplicity, relevance, brevity and capacity of differentiation. Finding reveals that the students of the private sector became more capable of processing financial information after studying finance courses. Similarly, students having finance courses before joining universities were more financially literate as compared to others. Irrefutably, the study recommends improvement in curriculum design, teaching methodology and assessment. Higher educational institutions must improve curriculum and improvise teaching pedagogies. The findings of the study have paved the road for the dissemination of financial literacy for the growth of individuals, society and the economy
Keywords: Financial literacy, Financial fragility, Financial well being, Academia.
A Qualidade da colonoscopia de um serviço Brasileiro de alto fluxo medida através da taxa de detecção de adenomas
Authors: Coelho José Celso Cunha Guerra Pinto , Coelho Débora Lucciola , Vitarelli Vitor Turra Aleixo , Pires Ana Campos , Lima Jacqueline Araújo , Miseran Maria Paula Costa Lima de Castro , Campos Victor Guerra , Coelho Rafael Faleiro Guerra Pinto
Published: August 2021

INTRODUÇÃO. Evidências mostram que a maioria dos Cânceres Colorretais pós-colonoscopia de rastreio são atribuíveis a lesões não detectadas e/ou por polipectomia incompleta. A Taxa de Detecção de Adenomas (TDA) é definida pela prevalência em que pelo menos um adenoma é encontrado em colonoscopias de rastreio de pacientes assintomáticos e de risco habitual para o Câncer Colorretal (CCR), sendo um importante indicador de qualidade de colonoscopias de um colonoscopista ou de um serviço de colonoscopias. Devido a isso, a Sociedade Americana de Endoscopia Gastrointestinal (ASGE) e o Colégio Americano de Gastroenterologia (ACG) criou metas mínimas de TDA como referência de qualidade mínima de colonoscopias, sendo estabelecido uma TDA global mínima de 25%, de 30% para amostras de pacientes masculinos e 20% para amostras de pacientes femininos. Ainda, é estabelecido que TDAs mais elevadas se associam com um risco reduzido de CCR. OBJETIVOS. Este trabalho objetiva medir a TDA de um serviço de endoscopia brasileiro de alta demanda e comparar com os valores de referência propostos pela ASGE. MÉTODOS. Estudo transversal, descritivo e documental a partir de prontuários de pacientes da clínica Gastrocenter e do laboratório de Anatomia Patológica Virchow submetidos à colonoscopia no período de novembro de 2017 a novembro de 2018. Após avaliação de critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram avaliadas 757 colonoscopias de rastreio de CCR de pacientes entre 45 e 85 anos de risco habitual. Os exames foram realizados por 12 colonoscopistas. Após avaliação dos dados encontrados eles foram confrontados com a literatura. RESULTADOS. Das 757 colonoscopias avaliadas, 390 era de pacientes do sexo feminino e 367 eram de pacientes do sexo masculino. No total foram encontrados e avaliados 307 adenomas, sendo 162 em pacientes do sexo feminino e 145 em pacientes do sexo masculino. A TDA global foi calculada em 40,5%, sendo de 39,5% entre pacientes masculinos e de 41,5% entre pacientes femininos. Todos os valores foram superiores de forma estatisticamente significativa. DISCUSSÃO. Alguns aspectos em relação a elevada TDA do serviço podem ser ressaltadas como a elevada experiência em número de exames realizados pelo corpo médico do serviço, o baixo índice de preparos inadequados de cólon e a sedação realizada exclusivamente por médico anestesiologista. CONCLUSÃO. A TDA encontrada no serviço estudado neste trabalho foi consideravelmente maior que o piso da TDA estabelecido pela ASGE. Os resultados contaram com significância estatística tanto na comparação entre o TDA geral do trabalho e o TDA recomendado pela literatura, quanto na mesma comparação entre os TDAs de cada sexo individualmente.