bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosure of conventional and complementary medicine use to medical doctors and complementary medicine practitioners: A survey of rates and reasons amongst those with chronic conditions
Authors: Foley Hope , Steel Amie , McIntyre Erica , Harnett Joanna , Sibbritt David , Adams Jon
Published: November 2021

Chronic conditions are prolonged and complex, leading patients to seek multiple forms of care alongside conventional treatment, including complementary medicine (CM). These multiple forms of care are often used concomitantly, requiring patient-provider communication about treatments used in order to manage potential risks. In response, this study describes rates and reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure of conventional medicine use to CM practitioners, and CM use to medical doctors, by individuals with chronic conditions. A survey was conducted online in July and August 2017 amongst the Australian adult population. Participants with chronic conditions were asked about their disclosure-related communication with CM practitioners (massage therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath) and medical doctors. Patients consulting different professions reported varying disclosure rates and reasons. Full disclosure (disclosed ALL) to medical doctors was higher (62.7%-79.5%) than full disclosure to CM practitioners (41.2%-56.9%). The most strongly reported reason for disclosing to both MDs and CM practitioners was I wanted them to fully understand my health status, while for non-disclosure it was They did not ask me about my CM/medicine use. Reasons regarding concerns or expectations around the consultation or patient-provider relationship were also influential. The findings suggest that patient disclosure of treatment use in clinical consultation for chronic conditions may be improved through patient education about its importance, direct provider inquiry, and supportive patient-provider partnerships. Provision of optimal patient care for those with chronic conditions requires greater attention to patient-provider communication surrounding patients’ wider care and treatment use.
Social protection and informality in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Busso Matias , Camacho Juanita , Messina Julián , Montenegro Guadalupe
Published: November 2021

Latin American governments swiftly implemented income assistance programs to sustain families’ livelihoods during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. This paper analyzes the potential coverage and generosity of these measures and assesses the suitability of current safety nets to deal with unexpected negative income shocks in 10 Latin American countries. The expansion of pre-existing programs (most notably conditional cash transfers and non-contributory pensions) during the COVID-19 crisis was generally insufficient to compensate for the inability to work among the poorest segments of the population. When COVID-19 ad hoc programs are analyzed, the coverage and replacement rates of regular labor income among households in the first quintile of the country’s labor income distribution increase substantially. Yet, these programs present substantial coverage challenges among families composed of fundamentally informal workers who are non-poor, but are at a high risk of poverty. These results highlight the limitations of the fragmented nature of social protection systems in the region.
Health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria: Does age at first birth matter?
Authors: Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Fortune Effiong , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Olagunju Olalekan Seun , Nwagbara Ugochinyere Ijeoma , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: November 2021

Background

High maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been linked to inadequate medical care for pregnant women due to limited health facility delivery utilization. Thus, this study, examined the association between age at first childbirth and health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria.

Methods

The study used the most recent secondary dataset from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2018. Only women aged15-49 were considered for the study (N = 34,193). Bi-variate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between age at first birth and place of delivery. The results were presented as crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The results showed that the prevalence of health facility deliveries was 41% in Nigeria. Women who had their first birth below age 20 [aOR = 0.82; 95%(CI = 0.74–0.90)] were less likely to give birth at health facilities compared to those who had their first birth at age 20 and above.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the need to design interventions that will encourage women of reproductive age in Nigeria who are younger than 20 years to give birth in health facilities to avoid the risks of maternal complications associated with home delivery. Such interventions should include male involvement in antenatal care visits and the education of both partners and young women on the importance of health facility delivery.
Bioinformatics analysis of genes related to iron death in diabetic nephropathy through network and pathway levels based approaches
Authors: Hu Yaling , Liu Shuang , Liu Wenyuan , Zhang Ziyuan , Liu Yuxiang , Sun Dalin , Zhang Mingyu , Fang Jingai
Published: November 2021

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes. Iron death is a recently reported way of cell death. To explore the effects of iron death on diabetic nephropathy, iron death score of diabetic nephropathy was analyzed based on the network and pathway levels. Furthermore, markers related to iron death were screened. Using RNA-seq data of diabetic nephropathy, samples were clustered uniformly and the disease was classified. Differentially expressed gene analysis was conducted on the typed disease samples, and the WGCNA algorithm was used to obtain key modules. String database was used to perform protein interaction analysis on key module genes for the selection of Hub genes. Moreover, principal component analysis method was applied to get transcription factors and non-coding genes, which interact with the Hub gene. All samples can be divided into two categories and principal component analysis shows that the two categories are significantly different. Hub genes (FPR3, C3AR1, CD14, ITGB2, RAC2 and ITGAM) related to iron death in diabetic nephropathy were obtained through gene expression differential analysis between different subtypes. Non-coding genes that interact with Hub genes, including hsa-miR-572, hsa-miR-29a-3p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-208a-3p, hsa-miR-153-3p and hsa-miR-29c-3p, may be related to diabetic nephropathy. Transcription factors HIF1α, KLF4, KLF5, RUNX1, SP1, VDR and WT1 may be related to diabetic nephropathy. The above factors and Hub genes are collectively involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy, which can be further studied in the future. Moreover, these factors and genes may be potential target for therapeutic drugs.
EntropyHub: An open-source toolkit for entropic time series analysis
Authors: Flood Matthew W. , Grimm Bernd
Published: November 2021

An increasing number of studies across many research fields from biomedical engineering to finance are employing measures of entropy to quantify the regularity, variability or randomness of time series and image data. Entropy, as it relates to information theory and dynamical systems theory, can be estimated in many ways, with newly developed methods being continuously introduced in the scientific literature. Despite the growing interest in entropic time series and image analysis, there is a shortage of validated, open-source software tools that enable researchers to apply these methods. To date, packages for performing entropy analysis are often run using graphical user interfaces, lack the necessary supporting documentation, or do not include functions for more advanced entropy methods, such as cross-entropy, multiscale cross-entropy or bidimensional entropy. In light of this, this paper introduces EntropyHub, an open-source toolkit for performing entropic time series analysis in MATLAB, Python and Julia. EntropyHub (version 0.1) provides an extensive range of more than forty functions for estimating cross-, multiscale, multiscale cross-, and bidimensional entropy, each including a number of keyword arguments that allows the user to specify multiple parameters in the entropy calculation. Instructions for installation, descriptions of function syntax, and examples of use are fully detailed in the supporting documentation, available on the EntropyHub website– www.EntropyHub.xyz. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, EntropyHub is hosted on GitHub, as well as the native package repository for MATLAB, Python and Julia, respectively. The goal of EntropyHub is to integrate the many established entropy methods into one complete resource, providing tools that make advanced entropic time series analysis straightforward and reproducible.
Effect of dietary red grape pomace on growth performance, hematology, serum biochemistry, and meat quality parameters in Hy-line Silver Brown cockerels
Authors: Jonathan Ontiretse , Mnisi Caven Mguvane , Kumanda Cebisa , Mlambo Victor
Published: November 2021

Red grape (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace’s (RGP) beneficial bioactive compounds could improve growth and meat quality traits in chickens and thus valorize RGP waste that is usually disposed in landfills to the detriment of the environment. This study investigated the effect of RGP inclusion in diets of Hy-line Silver Brown cockerels on physiological and meat quality responses. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated by mixing a standard grower diet with RGP at 0 (G0), 15 (G15), 30 (G30), 45 (G45) and 60 g/kg (G60). A total of 250, 5-week-old cockerels (304.6 ± 6.57 g live-weight) were evenly allocated to 25 pens replicated 5 times per experimental diet. No linear and quadratic trends (P > 0.05) were observed for overall feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and meat quality traits as dietary RGP levels increased. Erythrocytes linearly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin and urea linearly increased (P < 0.05) with RGP levels. There were significant quadratic effects for glucose, phosphorus, total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol, from which a maximum RGP inclusion level was calculated to be 43 g/kg. In conclusion, dietary red grape pomace had no adverse effect on physiological parameters and meat quality traits of Hy-line Silver Brown cockerels. However, including red grape pomace beyond 43 g/kg could compromise serum biochemical parameters of the birds.
Mapping and situation analysis of basic WASH facilities at households in Bangladesh: Evidence from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Ahmed Md. Sabbir , Islam Md Irteja , Das Manik Chandra , Khan Arifuzzaman , Yunus Fakir Md
Published: November 2021

Background

Ensuring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities for households remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigated the current situation of basic WASH facilities for households in Bangladesh and drew a national coverage map.

Methods

We analyzed the publicly available nationally representative 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) dataset that was carried out by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) with support from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). A total of 61,209 households (weighted) were included in the analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine the relationships between independent variables (socio-demographic and economic status) and their distributions over outcome variables (basic water, sanitation, and hygiene). Further, the spatial distribution of WASH facilities at the household level was depicted.

Results

Coverage of access to basic water facilities at the household level was 99.5% (95% CI 99.4% to 99.6%), sanitation 60.7% (95% CI 60.0% to 61.5%), and hygiene 56.3% (95% CI 55.6% to 57.0%). However, coverage of combined access to all three components was 40.2% (95% CI 39.4% to 40.9%). Among all 64 administrative districts of Bangladesh, we found comparatively lower coverage of WASH facilities in the South and South-East regions and relatively higher in the households of the North and North-Western regions. An adjusted regression model revealed that richest households [AOR = 29.64, 95% CI 26.31 to 33.39], households in the rural areas [AOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.50 to 1.79], household heads with higher educational attainment [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI 2.09 to 2.49], and households with 5+ family members [AOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.56 to 1.71] had the higher likelihood to have basic WASH facilities.

Conclusion

Less than half of the Bangladeshi households had access to all three major WASH components (basic water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities); however, variation exists at the individual parameter of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. A comprehensive WASH approach may reduce the gap and improve the quality of WASH facilities in Bangladesh.
Myelination, axonal loss and Schwann cell characteristics in axonal polyneuropathy compared to controls
Authors: Placheta-Györi Eva , Brandstetter Lea Maria , Zemann-Schälss Jakob , Wolf Sonja , Radtke Christine
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Polyneuropathy is a debilitating condition characterized by distal sensory and motor deficits. Schwann cell dysfunction and axonal loss are integral factors in pathophysiology and disease progression of polyneuropathy.

Aims

The aim of this study was the assessment of Schwann cell characteristics, nerve fibers and myelination parameters in polyneuropathy patients compared to controls.

Methods

Nerve tissue was obtained from polyneuropathy patients (n = 10) undergoing diagnostic sural nerve biopsies. Biopsies of healthy peripheral nerves (n = 5) were harvested during elective sural nerve grafting for chronic peripheral nerve lesions. Exclusion criteria for the healthy control group were recent neurological trauma, diabetes, neurological and cardiovascular disease, as well as active malignancies and cytotoxic medication within the last 12 months. The over-all architecture of nerve sections and myelination parameters were histomorphometrically analyzed. Immunofluorescent imaging was used to evaluate Schwann cell phenotypes, senescence markers and myelination parameters.

Results

Histomorphometric analysis of nerve biopsies showed significant axonal loss in polyneuropathy patients compared to controls, which was in accordance with the neuropathological findings. Immunofluorescent staining of Schwann cells and myelin basic protein indicated a significant impairment of myelination and lower Schwann cell counts compared to controls. Phenotypic alterations and increased numbers of non-myelinating p75-positive Schwann cells were found in polyneuropathy patients.

Discussion

This study provided quantitative data of axonal loss, reduced myelination and Schwann cell dysfunction of polyneuropathy patients compared to neurologically healthy controls. Phenotypic alterations of Schwann cells were similar to those seen after peripheral nerve injury, highlighting the clinical relevance of Schwann cell dysfunction.
Assessing SDG indicator 6.4.2 ‘level of water stress’ at major basins level
Authors: Biancalani Riccardo , Marinelli Michela
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a method to disaggregate indicator 6.4.2 (level of water stress) by major river basins. The analysis was performed using the GlobWat soil water balance model and global geospatial data consistent with national statistics published in AQUASTAT, the FAO’s global information system on water and agriculture. When a river basin spans across more than one country, the water stress calculated by country can be very different from that calculated by the river basin as the counting of the renewable freshwater resources from one country to another is highly dependent on the official agreement and treaties that regulate the flow of those resources between countries. This problem is solved hydrologically once the accounting of the water resources is done on the major river basin as a whole. The disaggregation by the river basin allows the identification of hotspots where actions should be prioritised and reveals that the area affected by a high or critical water stress spans across all continents with the exception of Oceania. It also offers the possibility of an analysis of freshwater withdrawals by sector, which may become crucial for the definition of water management policies in the context of the economic development of a country.
Differential Influence of Imidazolium Ionic Liquid on Cellulase Kinetics in Saccharification of Cellulose and Lignocellulosic Biomass Substrate
Authors: Tantayotai Prapakorn , Gundupalli Marttin Paulraj , Panakkal Elizabeth Jayex , Sriariyanun Malinee , Rattanaporn Kittipong , Bhattacharyya Debraj
Published: November 2021

The effect of [Emim][OAc] on Celluclast 1.5 L, Accellerase 1500, and IL-tolerant (MSL2) cellulase during the saccharification of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Avicel (AV), rice straw (RS) was studied in one pot process (pretreatment and saccharification). The inhibition caused by [Emim][OAc] (0.5–2.0 M) with substrate loading (20–50 mg/mL) were also evaluated. In most cases, the inhibition mode of saccharification for CMC and AV was identified to be uncompetitive inhibition when the concentration of [Emim][OAc] was higher than 0.5 M. Under the influence of 0.5 M of [Emim][OAc], the Critical Concentration of Substrate (CCS) values of the Celluclast 1.5 L and Accellerase 1500 on CMC hydrolysis were determined to be at 26.59 and 33.65 mg/mL, respectively. Also, increasing in [Emim][OAc] concentration could increase in CCS values, suggesting the positive effect of [Emim][OAc] on the improvement of enzymatic saccharification. This study provides insight into the process optimization for integration of [Emim][OAc] in one pot process of biorefinery.
Designing for Self-Efficacy: E-Mentoring Training for Ethnic and Racial Minority Women in STEM
Authors: Gish-Lieberman Jaclyn Joy , Rockinson-Szapkiw Amanda , Tawfik Andrew A. , Theiling Teresa M.
Published: November 2021

Research indicates that peer mentoring is an effective solution for building ethnic and racial minority women’s self-efficacy to persist in STEM degrees and careers. What is not known, however, is how to design a training program grounded in learning theory to build mentoring knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in underrepresented populations in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). This instructional design case fulfills that gap by presenting details of design challenges and decisions made while developing an eight-week online training program for both mentors and mentees participating in a STEM peer mentoring program at two HBCUs. This design case is a second iteration of the training program following an initial pilot study. Stakeholder feedback, along with a conceptual framework, including Tinto’s Institutional Departure Model and Bandura’s Theory of Self-Efficacy, guided the design work.
Does Gender Diversity on Board Promote Corporate Social Responsibility? An Empirical Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Kota Hima Bindu , Sardana Varda , Singhania Shubham
Published: November 2021

Recent regulatory changes in India require the firms to improve the appointment of female directors on corporate boards, and it is believed that such a regulation would prove to be a boon in terms of strategic decision making. The Board Capital Theory advocates that the appointment of women directors on board shall enhance various dimensions of the board capital breadth and help in better decision making. With growing consciousness for sustainable practices throughout the globe, it is pertinent to see whether the gender diverse boards can promote corporate social responsibility and create a business case for their upsurge, as it would give room for policy implications. This study investigates the impact of gender diverse boards on promoting corporate social responsibility, using multivariate regression with a sample of NIFTY 50 Index for the period 2014-2019. The study found insignificant positive relation among gender-diverse boards and sustainability. To check for the robustness of the study, we have used two diversity indices, Blau & Shannon index, to supplement our results.
Green Investing: Impact of Pro-environmental Preferences on Stock Market Valuations During Turbulent Periods
Authors: Gupta Lovleen , Jham Juhi
Published: November 2021

The study addresses the growing popularity and need of green investing. Green investing have been shown to churn lesser yields and underperform general market portfolios. Rapid growth of green bonds, green funds and green theme indices worldwide indicate towards the growing segment within investment community. The ethical screens lead to crunching of investable universe as a result such funds are expected to lose on diversification benefits. The study attempts to investigate the performance of green and non-green portfolios during the crisis and validate the differential impact of crisis on their demand. It further examines the impact of market cycles on the returns of portfolios. The period is classified into pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis period. Asset pricing models believed to explain the returns on well diversified market portfolio have been applied on constructed green and non-green portfolios to measure the abnormal return. Green portfolios are noticed to be picking pace and outperforming market after the crisis surpassed. Indian investors are not penalizing companies for their green initiatives and such initiatives are believed to drive demand for the stock.
Their Control will Make or Break the Sustainable Clothing Deal-A Study of the Moderating Impact of Actual Behavioural Control on the Purchase Intention-Behaviour Gap for Sustainable Clothing in India
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Bhardwaj Neha
Published: November 2021

The area of the purchase intention and purchase behaviour gap for consumers buying environmentally sustainable products with respect to the Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework has been studied extensively in past literature. But literature is scant when one studies the impact of ‘Actual behavioural control’ on the Purchase intention (PI) and purchase behaviour (PB) gap for the consumption of environmentally sustainable clothing. The TPB theory formulated by Ajzen in 1991 assumes that the actual behavioural control (ABC) will impact the purchase intention in the TPB. As there was no validated scale on the ABC in the past literature. Sheeran et al in 2003 made an attempt in testing the impact of Actual behavioural control on the purchase intention and formulate scale of Proxy measure of actual control (PMAC) in their study. Further Carrington et al. in 2010 tested the impact of the Actual behavioural control as a moderator in the purchase intention-behaviour gap qualitatively. The Empirical testing of the ABC to test the impact as a moderator in the Purchase intention-behaviour gap has never been done in the past studies. This study is the first study which analyses the impact of “Actual behavioural control” through a scale of “Proxy measure of actual behaviour” as a moderator in the PI-PB gap in the framework of the TPB for the consumption of sustainable clothing in India. Data collection has been done from Millennials of India. The research method of Structural equation modeling (SEM) has been used to assess the moderation impact of ABC on the purchase intention-behaviour gap. The findings of the study have shown that the PMAC positively moderates the relation of purchase intention and purchase behaviour for environmentally sustainable clothing. The outcome of the study is important to generate some crucial insights for the marketing strategies for the environmentally sustainable brands in Indian and to predict the behaviour of the Indian consumer towards such products.
Auf dem Weg zum „Rettungsprogramm“ – das BKM-Sonderprogramm zur Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts
Authors: Schmidt Björn
Published: November 2021

Seit 2017 vergibt der Bund Fördergelder im Rahmen des Sonderprogramms zur Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts, dessen Umsetzung durch die Koordinierungsstelle für die Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts (KEK) erfolgt. Der Artikel bilanziert die bisherige Entwicklung des Programms und seine Bedeutung für die Bewahrung schriftlicher Originale in Archiven und Bibliotheken. Hierbei stehen Fragen nach der Antragslage, strukturellen Voraussetzungen, inhaltlicher Ausrichtung sowie zukünftigen Entwicklungsfeldern des Förderprogramms im Mittelpunkt.
Improving Regularization Techniques for Incompressible Fluid Flows via Defect Correction
Authors: Erkmen Dilek , Labovsky Alexander E.
Published: November 2021

We propose and investigate two regularization models for fluid flows at higher Reynolds numbers.
Both models are based on the reduced ADM regularization (RADM).
One model, which we call DC-RADM (deferred correction for reduced approximate deconvolution model), aims to improve the temporal accuracy of the RADM.
The second model, denoted by RADC (reduced approximate deconvolution with correction), is created with a more systemic approach.
We treat the RADM regularization as a defect in approximating the true solution of the Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) and then correct for this defect, using the defect correction algorithm.
Thus, the resulting RADC model can be viewed as a first member of the class that we call “LESC-reduced”, where one starts with a regularization that resembles a Large Eddy Simulation turbulence model and then improves it with a defect correction technique.
Both models are investigated theoretically and numerically, and the RADC is shown to outperform the DC-RADM model both in terms of convergence rates and in terms of the quality of the produced solution.
The corrosion behavior and cracking susceptibility of the disbonded coating in the X80 steel pipeline by theoretical simulations and experimental measurements
Authors: Zhao Bo , Zhao Zhijuan , Jin Dong , Li Na , Liu Linlin , Cao Xin , Shou Binan
Published: November 2021

The corrosion behavior and cracking susceptibility of the disbonded coating in the X80 steel pipeline were investigated by different methods. The oxygen content in the trapped solution decreased rapidly with the formation of an airtight disbonded area. The airtight system affected the electrode reaction process, resulting in the inhibition of corrosion in the center of the disbonded area and the more refined surface finish of the sample. The bottom of the disbonded area underwent a relatively intense and accelerated corrosion reaction controlled by the diffusion process. The cracking susceptibility of the X80 steel firstly decreased and then increased in the pointing direction.
The incomplete exponential
pRp
(α,β;z) function with applications
Authors: Pal Ankit , Kumar Jana Ranjan , Khammash Ghazi S. , Shukla Ajay K.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we are motivated to establish the generalization of a

R
q

p

⁢

(
α
,
β
;
z
)

{{}_{p}R_{q}(\alpha,\beta;z)}

function in terms of incomplete exponential functions and obtain some properties of an incomplete exponential

R
q

p

⁢

(
α
,
β
;
z
)

{{}_{p}R_{q}(\alpha,\beta;z)}

function. Further we give generating relations for incomplete exponential

R
q

p

⁢

(
α
,
β
;
z
)

{{}_{p}R_{q}(\alpha,\beta;z)}

function. Some applications related to ground water pumping (hydrology) modelling and probability theory are also discussed.
Advances in biopolymer composites and biomaterials for the removal of emerging contaminants
Authors: Stephen Dayana Priyadharhsini , Palanisamy Suresh Babu
Published: November 2021

Domestic, agriculture, and industrial activities contaminate the waterbodies by releasing toxic substances and pathogens. Removal of pollutants from wastewater is critical to ensuring the quality of accessible water resources. Several wastewater treatments are often used. Researchers are increasingly focusing on adsorption, ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, biodegradation, flocculation, and membrane filtration for the efficient reduction of pollutants. Biopolymers are a combination of two or more products produced by the living organisms used to give the desired finished product with a unique attribute. Biomaterials are also similar to traditional polymers by having higher flexibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and nontoxic secondary byproducts producing ability. Grafting, functionalization, and crosslinking will be used to enhance the characteristics of biopolymers. The present chapter will illustrate some of the important biopolymers and its compos that will impact wastewater treatment in the future. Most commonly used biopolymers including chitosan (CS), activated carbon (AC), carbon-nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) are discussed. Finally, the opportunities and difficulties for applying adsorbents to water pollution treatment are discussed.
Progress in the Application of Nano- and Micro-based Drug Delivery Systems in Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Authors: Ndebele Rejoice Thubelihle , Yao Qing , Shi Yan-Nan , Zhai Yuan-Yuan , Xu He-Lin , Lu Cui-Tao , Zhao Ying-Zheng
Published: November 2021

Nanotechnology is associated with the development of particles in the nano-size range that can be used in a wide range of applications in the medical field. It has gained more importance in the pharmaceutical research field particularly in drug delivery, as it results in enhanced therapeutic drug performance, improved drug solubility, targeted drug delivery to the specific sites, minimized side effects, and prolonged drug retention time in the targeted site. To date, the application of nanotechnology continues to offer several benefits in the treatment of various chronic diseases and results in remarkable improvements in treatment outcomes. The use of nano-based delivery systems such as liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles in pulmonary drug delivery have shown to be a promising strategy in achieving drug deposition and maintained controlled drug release in the lungs. They have been widely used to minimize the risks of drug toxicity in vivo. In this review, recent advances in the application of nano- and micro-based delivery systems in pulmonary drug delivery for the treatment of various pulmonary diseases, such as lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are highlighted. Limitations in the application of these drug delivery systems and some key strategies in improving their formulation properties to overcome challenges encountered in drug delivery are also discussed.
Epoxy Based Nanocomposite Material for Automotive Application- A Short Review
Authors: Sakib Md. Nazmus , Asif Iqba AKM
Published: November 2021

The automotive industry is a rapidly growing sector of the economy of most countries. Due to consumer and world population growth, the continuous necessity of a better, safe, and economical transportation approach increases with low emission. Researchers and producers face many challenges in the automobile industry for environmental issues, greenhouse gas emissions, boosting the fuel economy, weight minimization, and maintaining modern automobiles’ safety and performance. Several strategies towards developing innovative materials have been introduced to address the challenges and replace heavy metal with lightweight polymer composite. Lightweight polymer composite materials offer great potential for increasing vehicle efficiency, decreased fuel consumption, reduced vehicle weight, and corrosion avoidance perspective than heavier materials. Epoxy as a thermoset polymer added with filler material produces nanocomposite material, which increased mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties, high compatibility, low cost, and shrinkage played significant roles in this regard. This article summarises the material selection process and the application of lightweight polymer composite materials, especially epoxy nanocomposite material, in the automotive industry.
Performance Characteristics of a Small Poppet Valve Crankshaft Engine in Free-Piston Engine Mode
Authors: Hanipah Mohd Razali , M. Haziq Adham Rosli
Published: November 2021

The free-piston engine generator (FPEG) provides a novel method for electrical power generation in the range extender and hybrid electric vehicle application. In this paper, one-dimensional (1D) numerical simulations of a two-stroke poppet valve in crankshaft engine (CSE) and free-piston engine (FPE) modes are presented to illuminate the potential performance gain of a two-stroke poppet valve engine for free-piston engine generator application. The 1D numerical simulation for crankshaft and free-piston engine models focuses on the two-stroke engine performance response. Both models were subjected to variations of ignition and valve timings. The impact of lambda on engine performance was obtained. Finally, a single speed of 3000 rpm was chosen for detail performance behaviour of the free-piston engine model response. The results have shown that the CSE model has demonstrated traditional performance behaviour against ignition timing variation. In addition, FPE model performance is highly affected by both intake and exhaust valve timings as compared to the CSE model. Furthermore, CSE is superior to FPE across lambda variations for BSFC, brake thermal efficiency, brake power and bmep. These models have successfully portrayed realistic engine performance response as presented in the lambda variations simulation. When simulated at an intended operating speed of 50 Hz, the FPE model has shown poorer performance. The bmep and brake power of FPE model dropped by 3%, brake thermal efficiency dropped by 26%, and BSFC increased by 21%. This lower performance is attributed by 30% reduction in piston velocity suffers in FPE, which contributed to 13% reduction in peak cylinder pressure. Ignition delays promote better FPE performance which is able to match the CSE model. In conclusion, this paper has demonstrated the performance behaviour of a two-stroke free-piston engine model based on the baseline crankshaft engine model.
Hypercalcemia due to CYP24A1 mutations: a systematic descriptive review
Authors: Cappellani Daniele , Brancatella Alessandro , Morganti Riccardo , Borsari Simona , Baldinotti Fulvia , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Kaufmann Martin , Jones Glenville , Marcocci Claudio , Cetani Filomena
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

CYP24A1 encodes a 24-hydroxylase involved in vitamin D catabolism, whose loss-of-function results in vitamin D-dependent hypercalcemia. Since the identification of CYP24A1 variants as a cause of idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia, a large body of literature has emerged indicating heterogeneity in penetrance, symptoms, biochemistry, and treatments. The objectives of the present research work were to investigate the clinical heterogeneity of the disease, the possibility of a relevant phenotype for monoallelic carriers, and to compare the hypocalcemic effect of the available therapies.

Methods

Two reviewers searched different databases for studies published between the identification of CYP24A1 variants and December 31, 2020. Eligible studies included clinical trials and reports describing carriers of CYP24A1 variants.

Results

Fifty eligible studies were identified, accounting for 221 patients. Genetic data were retrieved and allele frequencies were calculated. Acute hypercalcemia was the typical presentation during the first year of life (76%, P = 0.0005), and nephrocalcinosis was more frequent in infancy (P < 0.0001). Pregnancy was associated with symptomatic hypercalcemia in 81.8% and high rates of obstetric complications. Monoallelic carriers displayed significant rates of nephrolithiasis (19.4%), nephrocalcinosis (4.9%), and symptomatic hypercalcemia (5.6%).

Conclusions

CYP24A1 loss-of-function results in an age-dependent phenotype, which can be exacerbated by triggering factors, such as pregnancy. Although biallelic carriers present more significant clinical and biochemical features, monoallelic carriers have an increased risk of calcium-related conditions. The highly variable tested therapeutic approaches did not allow to draw conclusions on preferable therapeutic regime.
Characterisation of the onset and severity of adrenal and thyroid dysfunction associated with CTLA4-related hypophysitis
Authors: Seejore Khyatisha , Giannoudi Marilena , Osborn Djoah , Lynch Julie M , Al-Qaissi Ahmed , Dunwoodie Elaine , Hook Jane , Marples Maria , Murray Robert D
Published: November 2021

Context

The use of the CTLA4 inhibitor, ipilimumab, has proven efficacious in the treatment of melanoma, renal carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer; however, it is associated with frequent immune-related adverse events (irAE). Ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis (IIH) is a well-recognised and not infrequent endocrine irAE.

Objective

To investigate the timing of onset and severity of adrenal and thyroid hormone dysfunction around the development of IIH in patients treated for melanoma.

Design

Aretrospective review of hormone levels in consecutive adult patients treated with ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) for advanced melanoma as monotherapy or in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor.

Results

Of 189 patients, 24 (13%; 13 males; 60.5 ± 12.2 years) presented with IIH at a median of 16.1 (range: 6.7–160) weeks after commencing treatment, occurring in 14 (58%) after the fourth infusion. At the presentation of IIH, corticotroph deficiency was characterised by an acute and severe decrease in cortisol levels to ≤83 nmol/L (≤3 μg/dL) in all patients, often only days after a previously recorded normal cortisol level. Free thyroxine (fT4) levels were observed to decline from 12 weeks prior to the onset of cortisol insufficiency, with the recovery of thyroid hormone levels by 12 weeks after the presentation of IIH. A median fall in fT4 level of 20% was observed at a median of 3 weeks (IQR: 1.5–6 weeks) prior to the diagnosis of IIH.

Conclusion

IIH is characterised by an acute severe decline in cortisol levels to ≤83 nmol/L at presentation. A fall in fT4 can herald the development of ACTH deficiency and can be a valuable early indicator of IIH.
Anticoagulation Therapy for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Cirrhosis in a Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Florescu Marieta Madalina , Costache Adrian , Iacob Speranta Maria , Pietrareanu Corina , Ester Carmen , Cerban Razvan , Dumitru Radu , Grasu Mugur , Lupescu Ioana , Gheorghe Liana
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: The evidence regarding the use of anticoagulant (AC) agents in portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is increasing and, most patients undergo chronic treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Nevertheless, there are no clear data about who should receive antithrombotic therapy, when to initiate it, how long and what dose should be used for this set of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis who received AC therapy, in terms of thrombus regression, bleeding events and survival rates.

Methods: This observational and retrospective study included 107 cirrhotic patients diagnosed with PVT in a single tertiary center between 2010-2019. 54 received low molecular weight heparin or vitamin K antagonist (AC treatment group) and 53 were untreated. All patients were periodically follow-up to assess the evolution of PVT (regression, progression, stable thrombus) and potential occurrence of bleeding events.

Results: The regression of portal vein thrombosis was significantly higher in the AC treatment group (OR=2.430; 95% CI=1.11-6.167; p=0.026), more than 50% of on-treatment patients experiencing regression of the thrombus. However, bleeding events were significantly more frequent in the AC treatment group (18.5% vs. 7.5%) and the risk of bleeding was associated with thrombocytes less than 50x103/mm3 (OR=8.266; 95%CI: 2.310-39.211; p=0.002). Survival was better in the AC treatment group (68.4% vs 48.7% at 5 years and 92.7% vs 77.8% at 1 year, p=0.038) and was lower in patients that experienced bleeding events (37.22% survival at 5 years, mean time survival 44 months, p=0.008).

Conclusions: In our cohort of cirrhotic patients with PVT more than 50% of patients receiving AC therapy presented regression of the thrombus; most of them obtained partial recanalization. The bleeding complication rate was higher than expected, reaching 18%. The overall mortality was lower in the treated group.
Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of Janus Kinase Inhibitor Therapies for Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease: Α Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Rokkas Theodoros , Ekmektzoglou Konstantinos , Niv Yaron
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: A number of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (tofacitinib, filgotinib, upadacitinib) have been tested for moderate and severe Crohn’s disease (CD) in randomized control trials (RCTs). However, data on their comparative efficacy and tolerability is lacking. We aimed to study their performance comparatively, by means of network meta-analysis (NWM).

Methods: We searched the Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant RCTs through March 2021 and data was extracted. A bayesian NWM was performed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the above JAK inhibitors and to explore their rank order in treating moderate and severe CD patients. The cumulative ranking probability for each intervention at the end of treatment period, was evaluated by means of surfaces under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) values.

Results: Four RCTs were entered into this NWM. They included 811 patients totally, randomized to 11 interventions, i.e. placebo, tofacitinib (1mg BID, 5mg BID, 10mg BID, 15mg BID), filgotinib 200 OD and upadacitinib (3 mg BID, 6 mg BID, 12 mg BID, 24 mg BID and 24mg OD). Two upadacitinib doses (6 mg BID and 24 mg BID) and filgotinib 200 OD, performed best as judged by the relevant forest plots, league matrixes, rankograms, SUCRA values (96.7%, 84,6 %and 78,7%, respectively) and the clustered ranking plots for efficacy and tolerability.

Conclusions: Upadacitinib 6 mg BID, upadacitinib 24 mg BID and filgotinib 200 OD performed better as induction therapies in comparison to control therapies. Consequently, these regimens may play a therapeutic role in CD and therefore they merit further evaluation with well-designed RCTs.
Urban Classification, Not COVID-19 Community Rates, Was Associated With Modes of Learning in US K–12 Schools?
Authors: Goldman Jennifer L. , Schuster Jennifer E. , Maier Vanessa F. , Anand Rohit , Hill Elizabeth E. , Butteris Sabrina M. , DeMuri Gregory P. , Omidfar Samantha A. , Brookhart M. Alan , Pak Joyce , Benjamin Daniel K. , Zimmerman Kanecia O.
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with the decision to provide in-person, hybrid, and remote learning in kindergarten through 12th grade school districts during the 2020–2021 school year.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study evaluating school district mode of learning and community coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) incidence and percentage positivity rates at 3 time points during the pandemic: (1) September 15, 2020 (the beginning of the school year, before Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance); (2) November 15, 2020 (midsemester after the release of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and an increase of COVID-19 cases); and (3) January 15, 2021 (start of the second semester and peak COVID-19 rates). Five states were included in the analysis: Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The primary outcome was mode of learning in elementary, middle, and high schools during 3 time points. The measures included community COVID-19 incidence and percentage positivity rates, school and student demographics, and county size classification of school location.

RESULTS

No relationship between mode of learning and community COVID-19 rates was observed. County urban classification of school location was associated with mode of learning with school districts in nonmetropolitan and small metropolitan counties more likely to be in-person.

CONCLUSIONS

Community COVID-19 rates did not appear to influence the decision of when to provide in-person learning. Further understanding of factors driving the decisions to bring children back into the classroom are needed. Standardizing policies on how schools apply national guidance to local decision-making may decrease disparities in emergent crises.
Reducing Fragmentation in University Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Hanke Erik , Hehner Stefanie , Bikner-Ahsbahs Angelika
Published: November 2021

We report insights from a design research study in higher education that aims at overcoming pre-service teachers’ experiences of fragmentation in their educational programmes. The design approach started from the assumption that fragmentation could be reduced by initiating and conducting boundary crossing between practices in subject matter and subject matter didactics courses at university. Following this assumption, the design principle of boundary crossing by design(ing) for interlinking subject matter and subject matter didactics (domain-specific pedagogy) was implemented in two subjects in pre-service teacher education at university, one in mathematics and one in English language teaching. The linking between subject matter and subject matter didactics we strive for is two-fold: On the one hand, it requires curricular and organisational dovetailing of the courses involved (boundary crossing by design); on the other hand, it requires a study space where students are urged to try to interlink the courses’ contents in their thinking and acting (boundary crossing by designing). Following this design principle, a nested design approach is developed in which students’ designs of teaching practice is interlocked with the design of courses at university level. In this paper, we illustrate two kinds of findings by empirical examples: a conditional model for the intertwined realisation of the two types of linking, and interlinking strategies as heuristics for the pre-service teachers’ thinking and acting.
Constructing a design framework and design methodology from educational design research on real-world educational technology development
Authors: Lehtonen Daranee
Published: November 2021

Educational design research (EDR) seeks to contribute to both practice and theory by developing solutions that improve educational practice and generating usable and generalisable knowledge. Most EDR researchers tend to focus on reporting their research contributions to educational practice. Therefore, there is a need for disseminating research that pays more attention to the theoretical contributions of EDR so that those outside a particular EDR project can benefit. This paper focuses on the theoretical contributions, particularly the design framework and design methodological knowledge, of a 6-year EDR enquiry that aimed to develop educational technologies that promote primary school mathematics learning and classroom practice. Informed by the literature and direct experiences of working in collaboration with teachers and various disciplines during this iterative study, a design framework for developing real-world educational technologies and guidelines for conducting EDR are proposed. The design framework highlights four essential aspects—content, pedagogy, practice, and technology—that should be considered when developing educational technologies to ensure their educational benefits, feasibility, and successful real-world utilisation and adoption. The proposed guidelines for conducting EDR, such as exploring design alternatives and employing appropriate design construction and evaluation methods, can assist other researchers, including a single doctoral student, in embracing opportunities and overcoming the challenges that may emerge.