bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Convergent Mixed Methods Study of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Young Blac k Men in the United States
Authors: Brawner Bridgette M. , Talley Lloyd M. , Baker Jillian L. , Bowleg Lisa , Dominique Tiffany B. , Robinson Daiquiri Y. , Riegel Barbara , Health Initiative The Black Men's
Published: July 2022

Background: An understanding of the fac­tors that influence cardiovascular (CVD) risk among young Black men is critically needed to promote cardiovascular health earlier in the life course and prevent poor outcomes later in life.Purpose: To explore how individual (eg, de­pression, racial discrimination) and environ­mental factors (eg, neighborhood resources) are associated with CVD risk factors among young Black men.Methods: We conducted a convergent mixed methods study (qualitative/quantita­tive, QUAL+quant) with Black men aged 18 to 30 years (N = 21; 3 focus groups). Participants completed a self-administered electronic survey immediately prior to the focus groups.Results: Participants (Mage = 23) reported: two or more CVD risk factors (75%; eg, high blood pressure); racial discrimination (32%); and depressive symptoms in the past 2 weeks (50%). Five themes emerged: 1) emergence and navigation of Black manhood stressors; 2) high expectations despite limited available resources; 3) heart disease socialization: explicit and vicarious experiences; 4) managing health care needs against fear, avoidance and toughing it out; and 5) camaraderie and social support can motivate or deter. The integrated qualita­tive and quantitative analyses highlight race, gender, and class intersectionality factors that are relevant to what it means to be young, Black, male and of lower socioeco­nomic status in the United States.Conclusion: Our findings help to identify modifiable, culturally specific and contextu­ally relevant factors that relate to CVD risk factors among young Black men. Such work is crucial to inform interventions, primary prevention efforts, policies, and social-struc­tural changes to thwart the development of CVD and advanced disease stages.Ethn Dis. 2022;32(3):169-184; doi:10.18865/ed.32.3.184
PROPERTIES OF OXYGEN AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO EINSTEIN'S SPECIAL RELATIVITY THEORY
Authors:   Ph.D, Director, IOP Specialists Sdn. Bhd., Klang, Malaysia, Low Kin Onn , Khoo Kee Tong ,   M.Sc., Department of Materials Engineering, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Koon Ying Yao ,   B. Eng, Director, Million Water Sdn. Bhd., Klang, Malaysia, Chua Jia Xin ,   B. Sc., Chemist, Million Water Sdn. Bhd., Klang, Malaysia
Published: July 2022

Oxygen has been shown able to be released from aqueous water when the water flows through magnetic fields. Such a production process is called magneto synthesis and it is successful when the principle of induced current took place. Oxygen produced from this newly discovered process possessed properties differently when compared to the photosynthesis process. This study can be made when the magneto synthesis process was carried out closed to the saturation point of oxygen dissolution equilibrium in aqueous water. At the saturation point, the exchange of oxygen atoms or molecules between these two processes has happened. This interchange state allowed a unique single steep-drop characteristic to be observed. The single steep-drop characteristic of the magneto synthesis process provides two pieces of evidence on the properties of oxygen; they are heavier by mass and higher by oxidative power. The unique properties as discovered are supported by Einstein’s Special Relativity Theory. In this matter, gamma-ray flashes are thought to produce when the hydrogen-electron pairs are formed. A mechanism where gamma-ray flashes could be produced was proposed and sufficient evidence for gamma-ray flashes to occur was outlined. The gamma-ray flashes are the clue in the inter-permutable between the mass and energy. This is the clue to let the special relativity theory take a place.
COMPLEX EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF URBAN CONSOLIDATION CENTERS AT THE MICRO LEVEL
Authors: SAVCHENKO Lidiia , GRYGORAK Mariya , POLISHCHUK Volodymyr , VOVK Yuriy , LYASHUK Oleg , VOVK Iryna , KHUDOBEI Roman
Published: July 2022

A methodical approach for the determination of economic and socio-environmental costs in the application of the city consolidation center at the micro level was proposed and tested on real data. Two options of urban delivery of small shipments are considered, in particular, for e-commerce - direct delivery and delivery through the micro-consolidation center. The system of indicators proposed in this work allows a detailed assessment of the economic component of direct and consolidated delivery, including transportation costs, the functioning of the consolidation center costs and costs for pedestrian delivery to the residential district customers. Socio-economic indicators allow considering the interests of other residents of the city, suffering from a dense traffic flow and harmful emissions from freight vehicles. The proposed method of integrated assessment was tested on real data of a micro district of the city. The results made it possible to estimate the proportion of each component of expenditures in the economic, socio-environmental and total costs for both delivery options. The analysis of the sensitivity of costs to changes in the input parameters showed the difference in the strength of influence, and the rating of influencing factors. The proposed method allows us to estimate the economic costs of all participants in the urban delivery process for small shipments, as well as to prove the rationality of using micro-consolidation to serve a micro district of a large city.
INFLUENCE STRUCTURE ON THE PLASTICITY OF CARBON STEEL OF THE RAILWAY WHEEL RIM IN OPERATION
Authors: VAKULENKO Igor Alex , VAKULENKO Leonid , BOLOTOVA Dariy , KURT Bulent , ASGAROV Hangardash , ÇÖLOVA Ömer
Published: July 2022

When simulating the operating conditions of the rim of a railway wheel, an analysis of change in the structural state from the possible degree of plastic deformation and the heating temperature of steel near the rolling surface was carried out. The development processes of spheroidization and coalescence of cementite during heating of the cold-worked steel change its ability to strain hardening. Substructure changes during heating to temperatures of 500-550°C deformed steel are accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in its ability to strain hardening and the level of plasticity. When heated above 500-550°C, the development of ferrite recrystallization processes provides a gradual transition of the metal from substructure hardening to hardening from grain boundaries with large angles of disorientation. It is shown that regardless of the nature of the main structural element, the ability of steel to strain hardening and the level of plasticity after heating are related by a proportional relationship.
SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC STATE ESTIMATION USING BREAKPOINT FLOW CALCULATION AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors: ÖZİNAL AVŞAR Yağmur , AVŞAR Ercan
Published: July 2022

Estimation of the state of road trafﬁc conditions is gaining increasing attention in recent intelligent transportation systems. Accurate and real-time estimation of traffic condition changes is critical in the management and control of road network systems. Thus, efforts are been made to predict short-term traffic conditions based on measured traffic data such as speed, flow and density. In this work, the state of the traffic is estimated through a three-step process. First, both speed and flow predictions for 15-minute ahead are made for a particular freeway segment. Four different regression models are used for the prediction task, namely, multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN), support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosted decision trees (GBDT), and k-nearest neighbors (kNN). Next, the breakpoint (BP) flow is calculated using the distribution of these predicted speed and flow values. In the final step, these predictions are classified as belonging to a “stable state” or “metastable state” by using the calculated BP as the threshold between these states. According to the experimental results, the values for MLPNN are the highest for speed (0.8564) and flow (0.9862) predictions. An identical BP, 1050 pc/15min, is calculated for actual data as well as all prediction methods.
COMPARISON OF THE ECONOMIC RESULTS AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES OF REGIONAL AIRPORTS IN CENTRAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (V4)
Authors: NOVÁK SEDLÁČKOVÁ Alena , REMENCOVÁ Tatiana
Published: July 2022

Airports were originally built as publicly owned organizations, and their main role was to provide services in the public interest. Over the years, the traditional ownership structure began to change and new models of ownership began to emerge. The main aim of the present work is to compare the relationship between the economic results of the regional airports in selected central European countries focused on the Visegrad Group (V4) and their ownership structure to determine whether changes in ownership structures have significantly benefited some airports. The issue of changes in ownership structures has also affected regional airports in recent years because their economic situation is complex due to ineffectiveness. Recently state governments have begun changing their state politics; development strategies and the results of this research can help them to prepare a new approach for this purpose.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRIC TRICYCLE FOR SERVICE COMPANIES AND LAST-MILE PARCEL DELIVERY
Authors: D’HONDT Jordi , JUWET Marc , DEMEESTER Eric , SLAETS Peter
Published: July 2022

In many city centres and some large urban areas, access restrictions are imposed on trucks and vans. On the other hand, the number of e-commerce packages to be delivered daily is increasing rapidly, and service companies of all kinds also have to serve their customers in these areas. The use of cargo bikes is seen as a possible solution. The direct reason for this research is the observation that there is still room for a new type of cargo bike that meets the needs of the outlined target groups. This article summarises how the quality function deployment (QFD) method has been used for the systematic development of an electric cargo tricycle that meets these needs. The developed tricycle distinguishes itself from existing cargo bikes mainly by its loading capacity, stability and manoeuvrability. The prototype tests performed by professional couriers were so positive that a pilot series was built.
APPLICATION OF ANTI-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MEASURES AND COVIDAUTOMAT IN PUBLIC WATER TRANSPORT
Authors: DÁVID Andrej , GALIERIKOVÁ Andrea , MAKO Peter
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the reduction of services, including transport services. Companies operating in public water passenger transport were not prepared for the implementation of restrictions because, in some countries, the general procedures for the safe operation of regular public water passenger transport were not known. The main contribution of this paper is to discuss the implementation of the current system of safe operation of regular public water transport services in the Netherlands and Spain to a generally applicable model for transport companies. This article links these measures with the general plan for the release and tightening of measures of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic known as COVIDAUTOMAT.
ANALISIS TERHADAP ANARKO-FEMINISME EMMA GOLDMAN
Authors: Syarif Mukhamad , Sari Lathifah Sekar
Published: July 2022

Anarchism, almost everyone when they hear the word in general must interpret it as a negative thing. Today anarchy is always interpreted as an act that smells of destructiveness, chaos, irregularity, freedom and even rebellion. Historically anarchy meant as a political theory aimed at creating anarchy or the absence of a master, without a ruling king. This research is library research, which seeks to examine the thinking of Emma Goldman, especially in the idea of Anarcho-feminism. The primary source of the study was Emma Goldman's book 'Anarchism & The Other Essay', published in 1910 by Mother Earth Publishing, New York which was translated by Bima Satria Putra as 'This Is Not My Revolution: A Collection of Anarcho-Feminism Essays' and emma Goldman's other books. Secondary data of this study is taken from various references such as books, journals, and articles relevant to this study. Primary data and secondary data are researched by descriptive methods, methods of understanding (verstehen) and interpretation.
Poxvirus Driven Human Diseases and Emerging Therapeutics
Authors: Srinivasan Kritika , Rao Mana
Published: July 2022

Poxviridae have been successful pathogens throughout recorded history, infecting humans among a variety of other hosts. Although eradication of the notorious smallpox has been a globally successful healthcare phenomenon, the recent emergence of Monkeypox virus, also belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus and causing human disease, albeit milder than smallpox, is a cause of significant public health concern. The ongoing outbreak of monkeypox, demonstrating human-human transmission, in previously non-endemic countries, calls for critical need into further research in the areas of viral biology, ecology and epidemiology to better understand, prevent and treat human infections. In the wake of these recent events, it becomes important to revisit poxviral infections, their pathogenesis and ability to cause infection across multiple non-human hosts and leap to a human host. The poxviruses that cause human diseases include Monkeypox virus, Molluscum contagiosum virus and Orf virus. In this review we summarize the current understanding of various poxviruses causing human diseases, provide insights into their replication and pathogenicity, disease progression and symptoms, preventive and treatment options and their importance in shaping modern medicine through application in gene therapy, oncolytic viral therapies for human cancers or as poxvirus vectors for vaccines.
Deep Learning for Robust Adaptive Inverse Control of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems: Improved Settling Time with an Autoencoder
Authors: Alwan Nuha A. S. , Hussain Zahir M.
Published: July 2022

An adaptive deep neural network is used in an inverse system identification setting to approximate the inverse of a nonlinear plant with the aim of constituting the plant controller by copying to the latter the weights and architecture of the converging deep neural network. This deep learning (DL) approach to the adaptive inverse control (AIC) problem is shown to outperform adaptive filtering techniques and algorithms normally used in adaptive control, especially when the plant is nonlinear. The deeper the controller the better the inverse function approximation, provided that the nonlinear plant have an inverse and that this inverse can be approximated. Simulation results prove the feasibility of this DL-based adaptive inverse control scheme. The DL-based AIC system is robust to parameter change of the nonlinear plant in that, under such change, the plant output reassumes the value of the reference signal considerably faster than with the adaptive filter counterpart of the deep neural network. Settling times and rise times of the step response are shown to improve in the DL-based AIC system.
The Role of E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Chloroplast Function
Authors: Hand Katherine A , Shabek Nitzan
Published: July 2022

Chloroplasts are ancient organelles responsible for photosynthesis and various biosynthetic functions essential to most life on Earth. Many of these functions require tightly controlled regulatory processes to maintain homeostasis at the protein level. One such regulatory mechanism is the ubiquitin-proteasome system whose fundamental role is increasingly emerging in chloroplasts. In particular, the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases as determinants in the ubiquitination and degradation of specific intra-chloroplast proteins. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the roles of plant E3 ubiquitin ligases in chloroplast function.
A Study of Design Change Management for Infrastructure Development Projects in New Zealand
Authors: Wang Rong , Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Skelton Lorraine , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: July 2022

Design changes seem inevitable in engineering, procurement and construction EPC projects. Such changes create a need for a proactive approach to adjusting project scope, cost and time (the triple constraints) for efficiency and effectiveness in overall delivery. This study investigates the causes and implications of design changes in order to improve design change management practices. Data for the study was obtained through online interviews with New Zealand industry practitioners. Thematic analysis was used to collate the results into meaningful data. The study found that design changes were predominantly caused by clients' inadequate strategic planning, insufficient attention to design, EPC contractors' inadequate design ability, and on-site variations. There were three categories of such design changes: direct impact on the project, the reciprocal and complementary effect on stakeholders, and the far-reaching impact on the community. The study concludes by suggesting improvements, such as strengthening the integration of project teams to enhance design quality, strategic alignment of stakeholders at the planning stage, early contractor involvement (ECI) between the planning and design phases, and improving collaboration between design and construction teams. Further, a combination of high technical skills (e.g. design ability) and soft skills (can-do attitude, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, documentation skills, etc.) are needed to effect the desired improvement in design change management.
Neurological Outcomes Following Mitoquinone Supplementation in Mice, 3 and 7 Days Post Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Reslan Mohammad Amine , Jammoul Maya , Nasrallah Leila , Tabet Maha , El-Kurdi Marya , Mekhjian Sarin , Nwaiwu Judith , Goli Mona , Mechref Yehia , Wang Kevin K , Kobeissy Firas , El Khoury Riyad
Published: July 2022

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion accounts for the bulk of all head injuries and represents a major health concern. Although an mTBI event may not manifest in neurobehavioral impairment, repeated injuries, known as repeated mTBI (rmTBI), can result in a cumulative effect that may progress to long-term cognitive and functional deficits. To date, there is no FDA-approved drug for TBI in general and rmTBI in particular. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the neuroprotective role of mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondrial antioxidant, in an open head injury model and a model of repeated mild TBI (rmTBI) at a chronic time point (30 days). In this work, we set out to assess the neuroprotective potential of MitoQ at acute (3 days) and subacute time points (7 days) post-injury in a controlled cortical impact model of rmTBI. C57BL/6 male mice were injected intraperitoneally with MitoQ (5 mg/kg) one hour after the first mTBI, and three days after the first injury in both the 3-day and 7-day MitoQ + rmTBI subgroups, with an additional injection four days after the second injection in the 7-day group. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) while gross and fine motor functions were evaluated by the pole climbing, grip strength, and ladder rung tests. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was performed to evaluate oxidative stress while qRT-PCR was used to measure the gene expression of different antioxidant enzymes. Also, immunofluorescence staining was performed on brain tissue to assess the degree of microgliosis and astrocytosis. Our results showed that MitoQ conferred significant protection on days 3 and 7 post-injury against fine motor function impairment induced by rmTBI. Moreover, MitoQ enhanced cognitive function and reduced astrogliosis, microgliosis, and levels of oxidative stress on day 7 post-injury. However, antioxidant gene expression generally remained unaffected. In light of our results, MitoQ administration may be considered a preventive approach that helps to alleviate the neurological manifestations associated with rmTBI early before symptoms progress to long-term deficits.
FACTOR FACTOR ANALYSIS AND FORMATION PROCESS OF HUMAN CAPITAL LECTURERS
Authors: Fadli Uus Mohammad
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that play a role in building Human Resources for Higher Education Lecturers and the process of their formation. This study uses a quantitative approach, collecting data using a questionnaire to 166 lecturers from higher education in Karawang Regency, West Java. Data analysis used factor analysis and dendogram analysis. The results of factor analysis showed that all indicators were analyzed from the basic components, moderators, supporters and outputs of Human Resources for Higher Education Lecturers. The results of the dendogram analysis inform that the process of forming the Human Capital for Higher Education Lecturers begins with educational activities and faculty skills. This research is still in the study of the identification of intellectual capital which is explained to individual university lecturers with a small sample area, so it is still necessary to develop the intellectual capital relationship of lecturers with other variables that reflect the university's business processes. The results of this study greatly contribute to explaining the potential of human capital as an intangible asset of higher education and the process of its formation, so that universities can understand how to develop lecturers' human capital so that its potential can be used for the development of higher education as a whole.
THE MEDIATING ROLE OF GREEN TRAINING TO THE INFLUENCE OF GREEN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE TO GREEN ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND GREEN EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
Authors: Lanatri Danirmala
Published: July 2022

At present, concern for the environment is being intensified by companies around the world. Employees in the organization are taught and provided with knowledge, learning, and real practice to care for the environment. Companies must have a competitive advantage to differentiate them from other companies. One way is to apply environmental care. In order to implement these goals, the company applies various ways to achieve them. Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) is an environmental management practice that is supported by human resources, because it can stimulate organizational success. This research used online survey on 211 respondents. Validity and reliability were tested by factor analysis using SPSS 15.0 software which stated that all items were valid and reliable. The hypothesis was tested using WarpPLS 7.0 software. All hypotheses are supported, green organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on green training, green training has a positive and significant effect on organizational citizenship behavior environment, green training has a positive and significant effect on green employee involvement, there is an indirect effect on organizational citizenship behavior environment and green employee involvement mediated by green training.
Hegemann's Disease Detected with a Traumatic Olecranon Fracture
Authors: Morito Takaki , Kida Yoshikazu , Takatsuji Kenta , Katsuyama Yusei , Takahashi Kenji
Published: July 2022

Case:

We describe a case of Hegemann's disease in a 10-year-old boy practicing karate. The disease was discovered by chance when evaluating a traumatic olecranon fracture. Radiography showed not only olecranon fracture but also a shortening of the epiphysis of the humeral trochlea and a segmental lesion with sclerosis. The trochlea lesion was considered asymptomatic Hegemann's disease. After the olecranon healed conservatively, the patient resumed karate activities and underwent follow-up radiography. The trochlea lesion gradually normalized after 2 years without symptoms.

Conclusions:

Regardless of the initial alarming radiographic findings, the lesion gradually healed, and the patient was able to return to sports activities.
Bony Decompression of a Chronically Painful Intercostal Nerve Yields Immediate and Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Authors: Brown Marcel G. , LaRoque Michael C. , Cole Peter A.
Published: July 2022

Case:

The case of an active 16-year-old adolescent girl who presented with rib malunion and 1 year of unremitting intercostal nerve pain after sustaining multiple rib fractures is presented. She underwent successful bony and soft-tissue decompression of her eighth and ninth intercostal nerves to relieve neurogenic symptoms.

Conclusion:

When conservative treatment fails, chronic intercostal nerve pain due to chest wall trauma may be effectively managed with surgical bony decompression of the offending intercostal bundle(s). Anatomic knowledge of the intercostal nerve and a critical history and physical examination were critical for accurate diagnosis and surgical decompression of the patient's intercostal nerve.
Treatment of Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica with Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Bacon Adam , Delman Connor M. , Reynolds James Phillip , Haus Brian
Published: July 2022

Case:

We present a case of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) involving the posteromedial distal femur in a 4-year-old girl. The patient underwent lesion resection with internal fixation of the articular cartilage followed by autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to restore the articular surface and epiphysis. At the 7-year follow-up, the patient had no pain or difficulty with participation in sports. Advanced imaging showed a stable articular surface with evidence of durable cartilage integration.

Conclusion:

DEH is a rare disease often treated by resection. In cases where the articular surface of the knee is involved, we have demonstrated that augmentation with ACI can be an effective treatment option.
Mechanical Behavior and Failure Process of Hard Rock with Rock Bridge under Uniaxial Compression Test
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen Guoqing , Gao Yaohui , Xu Yitian , Liu Ding
Published: July 2022

The mechanical properties of rock mass are mostly controlled by the structural plane. Rock bridge has an important effect on the failure and stability of rock mass with structural plane. In this paper, the uniaxial compression test of hard rock containing rock bridge is carried out, accompanied by acoustic emission (AE) and high-speed video monitoring. Within the scope of this study, the results show that the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of sample with rock bridge increases with the rock bridge length. Under the same stress condition before peak, the strain of the sample decreases with the increase of the rock bridge length (RBL). Under the influence of stress concentration, the cracking of the sample starts from the prefabricated crack tip. The peak AE count of the sample decreases with the increase of RBL. The AE cumulative energy of the sample increases with the increase of RBL. The number of cracks in the sample before the peak is small, and the rapid increase of cracks is mainly concentrated in the main fracturing stage after the peak, while after reaching the residual stage, the increase rate of various types of microcracks in the sample is relatively slow. The numerical simulation results show that the number of all kinds of cracks in the sample before the peak is small, and the number of tensile cracks in the sample is very close to the total number of cracks under different RBLs. With the increase of RBL, the tensile/shear crack ratio decreases. The internal cracks of the sample are mainly concentrated at the peak stress and postpeak stage. The research results of this paper are of great significance to the engineering excavation and safe construction of jointed rock mass engineering.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on recovery delay among COVID-19 patients: A randomized-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Abroug Hela , Maatouk Amani , Bennasrallah Cyrine , Dhouib Wafa , Fredj Manel Ben , Zemni Imen , Kacem Meriem , Mhalla Salma , Nouira Sarra , Belgacem Manel Ben , Nasri Aymen , Klii Rim , Loussaief Chawki , Alya Nissaf Ben , Bouanen Inès , Belgu Asma Sriha
Published: July 2022

Introduction : The present study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on recovery delay among COVID-19 patients. Methods : We performed a randomized controlled clinical trial in the national center for COVID-19 confinement, from May to August 2020. Simple randomization was done in a 1:1 allocation ratio. We included patients aged more than 18 years who had confirmed RT PCR and who remained positive on the 14 th day. The intervention group received vitamin D supplementation (200,000 IU / 1 ml of Cholecalciferol), the control group received a placebo treatment (physiological saline (1 ml)). We measured the recovery delay and the E gene SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) values. The Log rank test and Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated. Results : A total of 117 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 42.7 years (SD 14). Males represented 55.6%.The median duration of viral RNA conversion was 37 days ( 95% CI: 29-45.50) in intervention group and 28 days ( 95% CI: 23-39) in the placebo group (p=0.010). HR was 1.58 ( 95% CI: 1.09-2.29, p=0.015). Ct values revealed a stable trends over time in both groups. Conclusion : Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with a shortened recovery delay when given to patients for whom the RT-PCR remained positive on the 14th day. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Human Subjects Protection Tunisia center (TN2020-NAT-INS-40) on May 05, 2020 and by clinical trial.gov with approval number Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT04883203.
ISSI 2021: Direct-ink-writing printed strain rosette sensor array with optimized circuit layout
Authors: Yu Peishi , Qi Lixin , Guo Zhiyang , Liu Yu , Zhao Junhua
Published: July 2022

The full-field multiaxial strain measurement is highly desired for application of structural monitoring but still challenging, especially when the manufacturing for large-area sensing devices is quite difficult. In this work we propose an integrated strategy from layered circuit scheme to rapid manufacturing of strain rosette sensor array based on the direct-ink-writing (DIW) technology. Benefit from the innovative design with simplified circuit layout and the advantages of DIW for printing multilayer structures, here we achieve optimization design principle for strain rosette sensor array with scalable circuit layout, which enable a hierarchical printing strategy for multiaxial strain monitoring in large scale or multiple domains. The strategy is highly expected to adapt for the emerging requirement in various applications such as integrated soft electronics, nondestructive testing and small-batch medical devices.
In vitro utility of zinc oxide nanoparticles and antifungal drugs for the treatment of mycotic mastitis in dairy cows in Egypt
Authors: Al-Said Amal A. , H. Marwa A. , Elfadadny Ahmed , Bantun Farkad , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: July 2022

Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of mammary gland parenchyma in cows. It is caused by multiple pathogens including bacteria and fungi. Mycotic mastitis is a secondary disease following improper frequent use of antibiotics or an unhygienic environment. The treatment of rising cases of mycotic mastitis is still controversial because of the rapid resistance acquired by the traditional use of antifungal drugs. The present study aims to investigate the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), alternative therapy for traditional antifungal drugs, to combat fungal isolates from mastitic cows by examining the in vitro antifungal activity of ZnO-NPs. One hundred milk samples were aseptically collected from cows suffering from clinical mastitis in a governorate in Egypt. The fungal isolates were identified by their colony morphology and microscopical examination and subsequent underwent determining the MIC of traditional antifungal drugs and ZnO-NPs using the disc diffusion methods. Our results showed that 70% of milk samples were positive for mycotic mastitis with 30% yeasts, 15% molds, and 25% yeast and molds. Candida was the most common yeast species isolated. Rhodotorula, c. guilliermondii, c. parapsillosis, and c. albicans showed entire resistant (100%) to all traditional antifungal drugs whereas, the same isolates, except c. albicans, were susceptible to ZnO-NPs. Mold spp. were susceptible to ZnO-NPs and only Itraconazole, and Clotrimazole. ZnO-NPs are highly effective and promising inexpensive antimicrobial agent for the treatment of bovine mycotic mastitis.
Developing a conceptual model for understanding nutritional problems and health-related outcomes among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: implications for digital health interventions
Authors: Yun WANG , Xiangping YUAN , Xianju GU , Changxiu MENG , Yanling ZHENG
Published: July 2022

Background
It is generally agreed that a healthy diet could promote the management of diabetes, with emerging research indicating the potential delay and prevention of T2DM and its complications. This study used a qualitative method to obtain a first-hand and in-depth understanding of nutritional problems and concerns among patients with type 2 diabetes and explored the negative impacts of insufficient nutrition management on quality of life.
Methods
Twenty-one adult patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a semi structured interview regarding nutritional problems and negative impacts on quality of life. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was used to identify themes.
Results
Four themes emerged from the analysis to represent nutritional problems and negative impacts on quality of life: nutrition literacy, sociocultural aspects of nutrition, behaviours and nutrition management, and negative health-related outcomes .
Conclusions
Considering the nutrition issues and the negative impacts among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, digital health intervention was an effective way to improve their health-related outcomes. Personal, social, cultural and religious factors should all be taken into consideration when promoting nutrition knowledge and behaviours.
Comparative effects of fresh and dry ginger as nutritional supplements on live-weight gain, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chicken
Authors: Egenuka Francisca C. , Okeudo Ndukwe James , Otti Melita I. , Obikaonu Helen Ogechi , Aladi Nnanyere Okwunna
Published: July 2022

Fresh and sundried ginger was given to broilers to compare the effect of sun drying on their efficacy as nutritional supplements. 180 broiler chicks of Abor-acre strain were divided into three dietary groups comprising of 60 chicks which were further subdivided into four replicates of 15 chicks per replicate. Three experimental broiler starter diets were formulated such that diet 1 (T1, control diet) and diet 3 (T3) contained no ginger. Diet 2 (T2) contained 0.5% sundried ginger meal. However, broilers placed on diet 3 (T3) were also offered a fresh equivalent of 0.5% sundried ginger through the drinking water. Feed and water were fed ad-libitum. Result showed that final live-weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P > 0.05) in the starter phase but cost feed consumed was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the ginger groups compared to the control group. In the finisher phase, live-weight, weight gain and cost per kilogram weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fresh ginger group compared to dry ginger and control groups, and cost of total feed intakes were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the ginger groups compared to the control group. Carcass and meat quality parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by fresh or dry ginger treatment. Therefore, supplementation of broilers with fresh ginger rhizomes through the drinking water was more efficacious in promoting growth performance than inclusion of sundried ginger in the feed.
CMOS Beyond Silicon: Vertical GeSn Nanowire MOSFETs
Authors: Liu Mingshan , Junk Yannik , Han Yi , Yang Dong , Bae Jin Hee , Frauenrath Marvin , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Ikonic Zoran , Baerwolf Florian , Mai Andreas , Grützmacher Detlev , Knoch Joachim , Buca Dan Mihai , Zhao Qing-Tai
Published: July 2022

The continued downscaling of silicon CMOS technology faces big challenges in achieving the required low power consumption. While high mobility channel materials hold promise for improved device performance at low power levels, to date a material system which enables both high mobility n-FETs and p-FETs, that is compatible with Si technology and can be readily integrated into existing fabrication lines is still missing. Here, we present high performance, vertical nanowire gate-all-around FETs based on the GeSn-material system grown on Si. While the p-FET performance is improved by exploiting the small band gap of GeSn as source yielding high injection velocities, the mobility in n-FETs is increased 2.5-fold compared to a Ge reference device, by using GeSn as channel material. The very high potential of the material system for future beyond Si CMOS logic and quantum computing applications is demonstrated via a GeSn inverter and steep switching at cryogenic temperatures, respectively.
Development of an Integrated Milestone Assessment Tool Across Multiple Early-Adopter Programs for Breaking Bad News: A Pilot Project
Authors: Turner Anisha , Gopakumar Sricharan , Minard Charles , Guffey Danielle , Allen Nathan , Kuo Dick , Poszywak Kelly , Pillow M. Tyson
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe transition of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to milestone assessment creates opportunities for collaboration and shared assessments across graduate medical programs. Breaking bad news is an essential communication skill that is a common milestone across almost every medical specialty. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot an integrated milestone assessment (IMA) tool for breaking bad news using ACGME milestone criteria and to compare the IMA tool with the existing SPIKES protocol. MethodsThe IMA tool was created using sub-anchors in professionalism and interpersonal communication skills that are applicable to every specialty and to the ability to break bad news. Two cases of breaking bad news, designed to be “easy” and “intermediate” in difficulty, were used to assess basic skills in breaking bad news in first-year medical residents from six residency specialties. Eight standardized patients were trained to portray the cases in sessions held in November 2013 and May 2014. Standardized patients completed an assessment checklist to evaluate each resident’s performance in breaking bad news based on their use of the SPIKES protocol and IMA tool. Residents answered post-encounter questions about their training and comfort in breaking bad news. The association between SPIKES and IMA scores was investigated by simple linear regression models and Spearman rank correlations.ResultsThere were 136 eligible medical residents: 108 (79.4%) participated in the first session and 97 (71.3%) participated in the second session, with 96 (70.6%) residents participating in both sessions. Overall, we were able to identify residents that performed at both extremes of the assessment criteria using the integrated milestone assessment (IMA) and the SPIKES protocol. Interestingly, residents rated themselves below “comfortable” on average. ConclusionWe developed an integrated milestone assessment (IMA) that was better than the SPIKES protocol at assessing the skill of breaking bad news. This collaborative assessment tool can be used as supplement tool in the era of milestone transformation. We aim assess our tool in other specialties and institutions, as well as assess other shared milestones across specialties.
Rates of confirmatory HIV testing, linkage to HIV services, and rapid initiation of antiretroviral treatment among newly diagnosed children living with HIV in Ethiopia: perspectives from caregivers and healthcare workers
Authors: Bekele Alemayehu , Hrapcak Susan , Mohammed Jelaludin Ahmed , Yimer Jemal Ayalew , Tilahun Tsegaye , Antefe Tenagnework , Kumssa Hanna , Kassa Desta , Mengistu Semegnew , Mirkovic Kelsey , Dziuban Eric J. , Belay Zena , Ross Christine , Teferi Wondimu
Published: July 2022

Background: Successful linkage to HIV services and initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for children living with HIV (CLHIV) is critical to improve pediatric ART coverage. We aimed to assess confirmatory testing, linkage, and rapid ART initiation among newly diagnosed CLHIV in Ethiopia from the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: We conducted standardized surveys with HCWs and caregivers of children 2-14 years who were diagnosed with HIV but not yet on ART who had been identified during a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia from May 2017-March 2018. Three months after study enrollment, caregivers were surveyed about timing and experiences with HIV service enrollment, confirmatory testing, and ART initiation. Data collected from HCWs included perceptions of confirmatory testing in CLHIV before ART initiation. SPSS was used to conduct descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of the 41 CLHIV were enrolled to HIV services (n=34, 83%) and initiated ART by three months (n=32, 94%). Median time from diagnosis to ART initiation was 12 days (interquartile range 5-18). Five children died before the follow-up interview. Confirmatory HIV testing was conducted in 34 children and found no discordant results; the majority (n= 23, 68%) received it within one week of HIV diagnosis. Almost all HCWs (n=39/40, 98%) and caregivers (n=31/34, 91%) felt better/the same about test results after conducting confirmatory testing. Conclusion: Opportunities remain to strengthen linkage for newly diagnosed CLHIV in Ethiopia through intensifying early follow-up to ensure prompt confirmatory testing and rapid ART initiation. Additional services could help caregivers with decision-making around treatment initiation for their children.
Luminescence measurement of Feldspar
Authors: Uzorka Afam
Published: July 2022

In their ideal form, feldspars are wide bandgap (> 5 eV) insulators with a well-defined crystal structure. A natural sample may contain different feldspar phases, disorders, twinning effects, fractures, dislocations, and highly variable impurity contents. With such messy materials, one might expect that exposing the samples to ionizing radiation would alter the structure so that the results from a single feldspar would not be reproducible. However, one finds that the luminescence emission changes with sample temperature in a similar way for different feldspars and decays away with prolonged Infrared (IR) exposure at a similar rate. In these experiments, the luminescence intensities of irradiated aliquots of A1, K3, K6, and VI.1 were measured while they were exposed to 850 nm exciting light either for long periods at constant aliquot temperature or while the aliquot temperature was changed during the optical excitation. I found that the luminescence intensity decreased with time for all sample aliquots, and all emission bands if the optical excitation and the aliquot temperature remained constant. The decay rate for the luminescence from K3 was found to be independent of temperature, but for the other samples, it was not. Our results are consistent with a model consisting of one type of trap, and electrons excited from these traps recombine at different luminescence centers producing the different emission bands. Differences in the activation energy and work function values between our samples for the same emission band, and between our samples and those of others, are interpreted as being caused by slightly different environments around the traps and luminescence centers.
Modified moving average methodology applied to the treadmill stress testing analysis of microvolt T-wave alternans
Authors: Filho Horacio Gomes Pereira , Samesima Nelson , Madaloso Bruna Affonso , Tobias Nancy Maria Martins Oliveira , Facin Mirella , Pastore Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2022

Sudden cardiac death is impactful. There has been an increase in the search for tools capable of identifying individuals who are most susceptible, such as the microvolt T-wave alternans. This study aims to analyze the applicability of the modified moving average methodology to obtain the microvolt T-wave alternans using treadmill specific protocols. Medical records of patients during the period August 2006-December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Five hundred and thirty nine exams were then included, divided into groups according to the protocol and updating factor used: Ellestad factor 8 or 32, Naughton factor 8 or 32. The topics for analysis were the alternans behavior, noise and validation according to the groups of leads analyzed (frontal, transversal and orthogonal planes).The greater microvolt T-wave alternans was found during the stress phase in most of the tests. Group Naughton 8 presented lower noise in this phase for the transverse and orthogonal planes (p=0.0082 and p<0.0001), with greater validation of frontal and orthogonal planes in comparison with group Ellestad 8 (p=0.0002 and 0.0008). The results indicate the viability of simultaneous performance of the stress test and measurement of the T wave alternans with Naughton protocol with 1/8 updating factor.
Altered occupational behaviour and experience is associated with reduced depressive symptoms in patients undergoing psychosomatic rehabilitation
Authors: Papst Lilia , Zickwolf Christian , Käfer Michael , Beierlein Volker , Köllner Volker
Published: July 2022

Work stress is a common factor in the development of depressive disorders. However, not only workplace environment, but also personal attitudes may affect stress experience and susceptibility to depression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in occupational attitudes following psychosomatic rehabilitation and their association with depressiveness in N = 1708 inpatients. Changes in attitudes and depressiveness were investigated using Bonferroni-corrected t-tests and Cohen’s dz effect sizes for paired samples, associations between changes were assessed by Pearson correlation analysis of pre-post differential values. Changes in work attitudes were found on eight subscales of the Assessment of Work-related Behaviour and Experience Patterns questionnaire (Padj ≤ .001, Cohen’s dz = -0.45 to 0.43). Most patients (57.4%) were classified to have a Burnout occupational coping style at admission, changes following rehabilitation were most frequently observed from Burnout to Sparing coping styles (8.3%). Associations between changes in occupational attitudes and depressive symptom reduction were found for all subscales (r = − .39 to .25) except work ambition, and for occupational coping styles Burnout (r = .19), Sparing (r = − .18) and Healthy (r = − .10), but not Ambitious. The data support an association between occupational beliefs and depressiveness.