bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Oral Contraceptive Androgenicity on Visuospatial and Social-Emotional Cognition: A Prospective Observational Trial
Authors: Gurvich Caroline , Warren Annabelle M. , Worsley Roisin , Hudaib Abdul-Rahman , Thomas Natalie , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: March 2020

Oral contraceptives (OCs) containing estrogen and progesterone analogues are widely used amongst reproductive-aged women, but their neurocognitive impact is poorly understood. Preliminary studies suggest that OCs improve verbal memory and that OCs with greater androgenic activity may improve visuospatial ability. We sought to explore the cognitive impact of OCs by assessing performance of OC users at different stages of the OC cycle, and comparing this performance between users of different OC formulations according to known androgenic activity. We conducted a prospective, observational trial of OC users, evaluating cognitive performance with CogState software on two occasions: days 7–10 of active hormonal pill phase, and days 3–5 of the inactive pill phase (coinciding with the withdrawal bleed resembling menstruation). Thirty-five OC users (18 taking androgenic formulations, 17 taking anti-androgenic) were assessed. Analysis by androgenic activity showed superior performance by users of androgenic OCs, as compared to anti-androgenic OCs, in visuospatial ability and facial affect discrimination tasks. A growing understanding of cognitive effects of OC progestin androgenicity may have implications in choice of OC formulation for individuals and in future OC development.
The Intersectionality of Race and Trajectories of African Women into the Nursing Career in the United States
Authors: Semu Linda L.
Published: March 2020

This paper uses narratives of Malawian-born registered nurses working in the United States to capture pathways through which African women are entering the nursing profession. The paper highlights how race, immigrant status and language acts as potential sources of discrimination within the nursing profession. The paper utilizes intersectionality as a feminist framework that places black women’s experiences at the center of analysis to capture the multidimensionality of their experiences. The qualitative study highlights the multiple pathways through which African immigrant women enter the nursing profession and how being African, immigrant female nurses predisposes them to discrimination in their interactions with employment institutions and patients. Focusing on African women’s experiences as recent immigrants enriches the global migration narrative and helps contextualize the intersectionality of race, gender and discrimination within particular contexts.
VIRMA-Dependent N6-Methyladenosine Modifications Regulate the Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs CCAT1 and CCAT2 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Barros-Silva Daniela , Lobo João , Guimarães-Teixeira Catarina , Carneiro Isa , Oliveira Jorge , Martens-Uzunova Elena S. , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: March 2020

RNA methylation at position N6 in adenosine (m6A) and its associated methyltransferase complex (MTC) are involved in tumorigenesis. We aimed to explore m6A biological function for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinical significance. m6A and MTC levels in PCa cells were characterized by ELISA and western blot. Putative m6A-regulated lncRNAs were identified and validated by lncRNA profiler qPCR array and bioinformatics analysis, followed by m6A/RNA co-immunoprecipitation. Impact of m6A depletion on RNA stability was assessed by Actinomycin D assay. The association of m6A-levels with PCa prognosis was examined in clinical samples. Higher m6A-levels and VIRMA overexpression were detected in metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) cells (p < 0.05). VIRMA knockdown in PC-3 cells significantly decreased m6A-levels (p = 0.0317), attenuated malignant phenotype and suppressed the expression of oncogenic lncRNAs CCAT1 and CCAT2 (p < 0.00001). VIRMA depletion and m6A reduction decreased the stability and abundance of CCAT1/2 transcripts. Higher expression of VIRMA, CCAT1, and CCAT2 as a group variable was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (HR = 9.083, CI95% 1.911–43.183, p = 0.006). VIRMA is a critical factor sustaining m6A-levels in PCa cells. VIRMA downregulation attenuates the aggressive phenotype of PCa by overall reduction of m6A-levels decreasing stability and abundance of oncogenic lncRNAs.
PAICS, a Purine Nucleotide Metabolic Enzyme, is Involved in Tumor Growth and the Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Chakravarthi Balabhadrapatruni V. S. K. , Behring Michael , Kim Hyung-Gyoon , Chandrashekar Darshan S. , Gupta Nirzari , Bajpai Prachi , Elkholy Amr , Balasubramanya Sai A. H. , Hardy Cherlene , Diffalha Sameer Al , Varambally Sooryanarayana , Manne Upender
Published: March 2020

The identification of colorectal cancer (CRC) molecular targets is needed for the development of drugs that improve patient survival. We investigated the functional role of phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase, phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS), a de novo purine biosynthetic enzyme involved in DNA synthesis, in CRC progression and metastasis by using cell and animal models. Its clinical utility was assessed in human CRC samples. The expression of PAICS was regulated by miR-128 and transcriptionally activated by Myc in CRC cells. Increased expression of PAICS was involved in proliferation, migration, growth, and invasion of CRC cells irrespective of the p53 and microsatellite status. In mice, the depletion of PAICS in CRC cells led to reduced tumor growth and metastatic cell dissemination to the liver, lungs, and bone. Positron emission tomography imaging showed significantly reduced metastatic lesions in stable PAICS knockdown CRC cells. In cells with PAICS knockdown, there was upregulation of the epithelial mesenchymal transition marker, E-cadherin, and bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, can target its increased expression by blocking Myc. PAICS was overexpressed in 70% of CRCs, and was associated with poor 5-year survival independent of the pathologic stage, patient’s race, gender, and age. Overall, the findings point to the usefulness of PAICS targeting in the treatment of aggressive colorectal cancer.
Outcome of Relapsed or Refractory FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia before Second-Generation FLT3 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Toulouse–Bordeaux DATAML Registry Study
Authors: Bertoli Sarah , Dumas Pierre-Yves , Bérard Emilie , Largeaud Laetitia , Bidet Audrey , Delabesse Eric , Tavitian Suzanne , Gadaud Noémie , Leguay Thibaut , Leroy Harmony , Rieu Jean-Baptiste , Vial Jean-Philippe , Vergez François , Lechevalier Nicolas , Luquet Isabelle , Klein Emilie , Sarry Audrey , De Grande Anne-Charlotte , Récher Christian , Pigneux Arnaud
Published: March 2020

A recent phase 3 trial showed that the outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) improved with gilteritinib, a single-agent second-generation FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), compared with standard of care. In this trial, the response rate with standard therapy was particularly low. We retrospectively assessed the characteristics and outcome of patients with R/R FLT3-mutated AML included in the Toulouse–Bordeaux DATAML registry. Among 347 patients who received FLT3 TKI-free intensive chemotherapy as first-line treatment, 174 patients were refractory (n = 48, 27.6%) or relapsed (n = 126, 72.4%). Salvage treatments consisted of intensive chemotherapy (n = 99, 56.9%), azacitidine or low-dose cytarabine (n = 9, 5.1%), other low-intensity treatments (n = 17, 9.8%), immediate allogeneic stem cell transplantation (n = 4, 2.3%) or best supportive care only (n = 45, 25.9%). Among the 114 patients who previously received FLT3 TKI-free intensive chemotherapy as first-line treatment (refractory, n = 32, 28.1%; relapsed, n = 82, 71.9%), the rate of CR (complete remission) or CRi (complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery) after high- or low-intensity salvage treatment was 50.0%, with a bridge to transplant in 34.2% (n = 39) of cases. The median overall survival (OS) was 8.2 months (interquartile range, 3.0–32); 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 36.0% (95%CI: 27–45), 24.7% (95%CI: 1–33) and 19.7% (95%CI: 1–28), respectively. In this real-word study, although response rate appeared higher than the controlled arm of the ADMIRAL trial, the outcome of patients with R/R FLT3-mutated AML remains very poor with standard salvage therapy.
Remembering Professor Jose Luis García Fierro (1948–2020)
Authors: Navarro Yerga Rufino M.
Published: March 2020

On 3 February, Professor Jose Luis Garcia Fierro died in Madrid, Spain, at the age of 71 [...]
Core-Shell Nanostructures of Graphene-Wrapped CdS Nanoparticles and TiO2 (CdS@G@TiO2): The Role of Graphene in Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Generation
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Svenum Ingeborg-Helene , Rønning Magnus , Yang Jia
Published: March 2020

Aiming to achieve enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability toward the generation of H2 from water, we have synthesized noble metal-free core-shell nanoparticles of graphene (G)-wrapped CdS and TiO2 (CdS@G@TiO2) by a facile hydrothermal method. The interlayer thickness of G between the CdS core and TiO2 shell is optimized by varying the amount of graphene quantum dots (GQD) during the synthesis procedure. The most optimized sample, i.e., CdS@50G@TiO2 generated 1510 µmole g−1 h−1 of H2 (apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) = 5.78%) from water under simulated solar light with air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) condition which is ~2.7 times and ~2.2 time superior to pure TiO2 and pure CdS respectively, along with a stable generation of H2 during 40 h of continuous operation. The increased photocatalytic activity and stability of the CdS@50G@TiO2 sample are attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption and efficient charge separation and transfer between the CdS and TiO2 due to incorporation of graphene between the CdS core and TiO2 shell, which was also confirmed by UV-vis, photoelectrochemical and valence band XPS measurements.
Synergistic Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma and TiO2-Pillared Montmorillonite on the Degradation of Rhodamine B in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Butman Mikhail F. , Gushchin Andrey A. , Ovchinnikov Nikolay L. , Gusev Grigoriy I. , Zinenko Nikolay V. , Karamysheva Sofia P. , Krämer Karl W.
Published: March 2020

Photocatalytic, plasma and combined plasma–photocatalytic processes were applied for the destruction of a model pollutant, Rhodamine B dye, in an aqueous solution (concentration of 40 mg/L). For this purpose TiO2-pillared montmorillonite was used as a photocatalyst (characterized by X-ray analysis and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption). It was prepared by the method of intercalation of titanium hydroxocomplexes, including hydrothermal activation of the process and preliminary mechanical treatment of the layered substrate. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in the presence of photocatalysts increases the efficiency of dye degradation (100%, 8 s) compared to plasmolysis (94%) and UV photolysis (92%, 100 min of UV irradiation); in contrast to photolysis, destructive processes are more profound and lead to the formation of simple organic compounds such as carboxylic acids. The plasma–catalytic method enhances by 20% the energetic efficiency of the destruction of Rhodamine B compared to DBD plasma. The efficiency of dye destruction with the plasma–catalytic method increases with the improvement of the textural properties of the photocatalyst.
Evolution of Microstructure at the Surface of 40CrNiMo7 Steel Treated by High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam
Authors: Wang Huihui , Li Lianfu , Qiu Sen , Zhai Weidong , Li Qiaomin , Hao Shengzhi
Published: March 2020

High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) has recently been developed as an effective technique of material surface modification. In this research, a self-developed HCPEB equipment (HOPE-I) was adopted to perform surface modification on quenched and tempered 40CrNiMo7 steel. A composite nanometer structure was formed on the modified surface layer, and the martensite transformation and the dissolution and fracture of cementite can be observed. After initial irradiation, the high cooling rate caused the formation of nanocrystalline on the surface. With continuous irradiation treatments, the cooling rate gradually reduced, while the carbon kept dissolving and ended with surface composition homogenization. Both competitive factors result in the evolution rule of nanometer dimensions of surface structure. After HCPEB treatment, the average size of austenite phase on the modified surface decreased from micron-sized to nanoscale. The corrosion rate decreased from 0.12 mm/a to 0.02 mm/a, showing remarkable improvement of corrosion resistance. The main factors of the improvements of corrosion resistance property are the flat, dense structured and preferred crystal orientation on the modification layer of the treated material surface.
Effect of Nano-MgO Particles Doping on Breakdown Characteristics of Polypropylene
Authors: Yu Guang , Cheng Yujia , Wu Zhicheng
Published: March 2020

In this article, the nano-MgO particles were used as inorganic fillers, and polypropylene (PP) polymer was used as a matrix. The nano-MgO/PP composites were prepared by double melt blending. Using the polarization microscope (PLM) test and hot-stage microscope test, the crystalline morphology of PP and nano-MgO/PP with different mass fraction were observed. Using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test, the parameters and crystallinity in the process of isothermal crystallization could be obtained. Additionally, the samples of pure PP and nano-MgO/PP composites were dealt with using a breakdown test and a dielectric frequency spectra test. From the experimental results, nano-MgO particle doping decreased the samples’ crystal size, and the crystalline structure was converted from large spherulites to fascicled crystallization. Additionally, the crystallization rate became fast and crystallinity increased. According to the breakdown test, the nano-MgO particle doping made the composites form small, dense spherulites. The breakdown developed through a longer path, so the composites’ breakdown strength rose greatly. When the mass fraction of nano-MgO particles was 3%, the shape parameter of the composites’ Weibull distribution β was larger, which illustrated that the nano-MgO particles were dispersed uniformly in the PP matrix. According to the dielectric frequency spectra test, the dielectric constant of different nanocomposites were all lower than which of pure PP, but the loss angle tangent values were all higher than which of pure PP.
Diversity and Conservation through Cultivation of Hypoxis in Africa—A Case Study of Hypoxis hemerocallidea
Authors: Mofokeng Motiki M. , Araya Hintsa T. , Amoo Stephen O. , Sehlola David , du Plooy Christian P. , Bairu Michael W. , Venter Sonja , Mashela Phatu W.
Published: March 2020

Africa has the largest diversity of the genus Hypoxis, accounting for 61% of the current globally accepted taxa within the genus, including some endemic species. Using Hypoxis hemerocallidea as a case study, this review addresses the conservation concerns arising from the unsustainable, wild harvesting of a number of Hypoxis species. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is one of the wild-harvested, economically important, indigenous medicinal plants of southern Africa, with potential in natural product and drug development. There are several products made from the species, including capsules, tinctures, tonics and creams that are available in the market. The use of H. hemerocallidea as a “cure-all” medicine puts an important harvesting pressure on the species. Unsustainable harvesting causes a continuing decline of its populations and it is therefore of high priority for conservation, including a strong case to cultivate the species. Reviewing the current knowledge and gaps on cultivation of H. hemerocallidea, we suggest the creation of a platform for linking all the stakeholders in the industry.
Segmentation Method for Ship-Radiated Noise Using the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test on an Ordinal Pattern Distribution
Authors: He Lei , Shen Xiao-Hong , Zhang Mu-Hang , Wang Hai-Yan
Published: March 2020

Due to the diversity of ship-radiated noise (SRN), audio segmentation is an essential procedure in the ship statuses/categories identification. However, the existing segmentation methods are not suitable for the SRN because of the lack of prior knowledge. In this paper, by a generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test on the ordinal pattern distribution (OPD), we proposed a segmentation criterion and introduce it into single change-point detection (SCPD) and multiple change-points detection (MCPD) for SRN. The proposed method is free from the acoustic feature extraction and the corresponding probability distribution estimation. In addition, according to the sequential structure of ordinal patterns, the OPD is efficiently estimated on a series of analysis windows. By comparison with the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) based segmentation method, we evaluate the performance of the proposed method on both synthetic signals and real-world SRN. The segmentation results on synthetic signals show that the proposed method estimates the number and location of the change-points more accurately. The classification results on real-world SRN show that our method obtains more distinguishable segments, which verifies its effectiveness in SRN segmentation.
Applications of Extreme Gradient Boosting for Intelligent Handovers from 4G To 5G (mm Waves) Technology with Partial Radio Contact
Authors: Majid Saad Ijaz , Shah Syed Waqar , Marwat Safdar Nawaz Khan
Published: March 2020

In a network topology, where 5G (mm Waves) have better coverage footprint compared to 4G (LTE or LTE-A) technology, mobile devices would generally be handed over from 4G to 5G. In this work, a supervised intelligent prediction technique for improved handover success rate (HSR) from 4G to 5G technology is proposed. The technique is applicable for base stations enabled with sub-6-GHz and mm-wave bands. This technique is novel since it can predict HSR even before switching to 5G radio circuitry or initiating its measurement gap for acquisition of mm-wave reference signal received power (RSRP) unlike conventional algorithms. Thus, preempting all handovers which are likely to fail will provide improvements in latency, delay, and handover success rate, as well as decrease call drops. Therefore, this research work answers previous research shortcomings and can unleash applications of supervised intelligent algorithms for predicting the HSR from 4G to 5G. The proposed algorithm is validated by showing improvements obtained through simulation results performed using Python-based framework. The proposed algorithm is tested for reliability with increasing parameters such as the intensity number of UEs and simulation time. Improvements in standard handover algorithm are also proposed.
IoT-enabled Microgrid for Intelligent Energy-aware Buildings: A Novel Hierarchical Self-consumption Scheme with Renewables
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Wu Ying , Guerrero Josep , Vasquez Juan , Palacios-García Emilio , Guan Yajuan
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a novel hierarchical Internet of Things (IoT)-based scheme for Microgrid-Enabled Intelligent Buildings to achieve energy digitalization and automation with a renewable energy self-consumption strategy. Firstly, a hierarchical structure of Microgrid-Enabled Intelligent Buildings is designed to establish a two-dimensional fusion layered architecture for the microgrid to interact with the composite loads of buildings. The building blocks and functions of each layer are defined specifically. Secondly, to achieve transparent information fusion and interactive cooperation between the supply-side and demand-side, a state transition mechanism driven by a combination of time and events is proposed to activate the real-time and mutual response of generation and loads dynamically. Thirdly, based on the above hierarchical fusion structure and data-driven state transition mechanism, a power balance control algorithm driven by a self-consumption strategy is further proposed to achieve the autonomous balance of supply and demand. Finally, the IoT Microgrid Laboratory at Aalborg University is introduced to show how to implement this novel hierarchical IoT-based scheme in a Microgrid-Enabled Intelligent Building, and the power consensus control method based on the state transition mechanism is verified to achieve a renewable energy self-consumption strategy.
Properties of Fractional-Order Magnetic Coupling
Authors: Różowicz Sebastian , Zawadzki Andrzej , Włodarczyk Maciej , Wachta Henryk , Baran Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the properties of fractional-order magnetic coupling. The difficulties connected with the analysis of two coils in dynamic states, resulting from the classical approach, provided motivation for studying the properties of fractional-order magnetic coupling. These difficulties arise from failure to comply with the commutation laws, i.e., a sudden power disappearance in the primary winding caused by a switch-mode power supply. Theoretically, under ideal conditions, a sudden power disappearance in the coil is, according to the classical method, manifested by a sudden voltage surge in the form of the Dirac delta function. As is well-known, it is difficult to obtain such ideal conditions in practice; the time of current disappearance does not equal zero due to the circuit breaker’s imperfection (even when electronic circuit breakers are used, the time equals several hundred nanoseconds). Furthermore, it is necessary to take into account phenomena occurring in real inductances, such as the skin effect, the influence of the ferromagnetic core and many other factors. It would be very difficult to model all these phenomena using classical differential calculus. The application of fractional-order differential calculus makes it possible to model them in a simple way by appropriate selection of coefficients and fractional-order derivatives. It should be mentioned that the analysis could be used, for example, in the case of high-voltage generation systems, including spark ignition systems of internal combustion engines. The use of fractional-order differential calculus will allow for more accurate modeling of phenomena occurring in such systems.
Trait Gradient Analysis for Evergreen and Deciduous Species in a Subtropical Forest
Authors: Yao Liangjin , Ding Yi , Yao Lan , Ai Xunru , Zang Runguo
Published: March 2020

Leaf habits (e.g., evergreen or deciduous) can reflect strategies of species adapting to varied environmental conditions. However, how species with different leaf habits coexist within a plant community is still poorly understood. Trait gradient analysis is a new approach to partition plant functional trait variations into alpha (within-community) and beta (among-community) components to quantify the effects of environmental filtering and biotic competition on community assembly. Here, on the basis of establishing forty-eight forest dynamic plots in a subtropical evergreen and deciduous broadleaved mixed forest in central China and measuring of seven functional traits, we compared the trait variation patterns and influencing factors of evergreen and deciduous species by using the trait gradient analysis method. The results showed that there were significant differences between functional traits for evergreen and deciduous species. Alpha trait components consistently varied more widely than beta components. The correlation between species trait mean and the alpha of each trait was highly significant, but there was no significant correlation between beta and alpha trait values. There were relatively weak or nonexistent significant correlations among species mean trait values and alpha trait values of different functional traits. However, the beta trait value showed high and significant correlations in both evergreen and deciduous species. Our results indicated that evergreen and deciduous species adopt similar adaptation strategies (beta component) in the context of environmental change in the community. However, the species initially came to coexist via the ecological positioning of traits (alpha component), which helped reduce competition so individuals could obtain more resources.
The Quantity and Biochemical Composition of Sap Collected from Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth) Trees Growing in Different Soils
Authors: Mingaila Justas , Čiuldienė Dovilė , Viškelis Pranas , Bartkevičius Edmundas , Vilimas Vladas , Armolaitis Kęstutis
Published: March 2020

Birch sap is colourless or slightly opalescent and is traditionally drunk in spring. Currently, birch sap is becoming more important in the market sector as well as to pharmacy companies due to its biochemical composition and use in a wide variety of products. To extract good quality sap using birch resources in a sustainable way, there is a need to investigate the influence of the dendrometric parameters of birch trees and soil properties on the quantity and chemical composition of birch sap. This study is performed in five silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) forest stands growing in Histosol, Luvisol and Arenosol with different moisture and nutrient contents. The results indicated that the most productive silver birch trees for sap harvesting were taller than 28 m, had a diameter at breast height over 40 cm and a crown base height greater than 19 m. Additionally, the highest quantity of birch sap was harvested from trees growing in well-aerated mineral soils (Arenosol and Luvisol) with normal moisture content. However, the sweetest birch sap was harvested from trees growing in nutrient-rich organic (undrained peatland Histosol) and temporarily flooded mineral (Luvisol) soils.
An Application of High-Dimensional Statistics to Predictive Modeling of Grade Variability
Authors: Hinz Juri , Grigoryev Igor , Novikov Alexander
Published: March 2020

The economic viability of a mining project depends on its efficient exploration, which requires a prediction of worthwhile ore in a mine deposit. In this work, we apply the so-called LASSO methodology to estimate mineral concentration within unexplored areas. Our methodology outperforms traditional techniques not only in terms of logical consistency, but potentially also in costs reduction. Our approach is illustrated by a full source code listing and a detailed discussion of the advantages and limitations of our approach.
High Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase, Underweight, and Weight Loss in Older People: Results of the KITCHEN-4
Authors: Shibata Michi , Nakajima Kei
Published: March 2020

Background: Reduced muscle mass is frequently observed in older people and can lead to being underweight and/or weight loss (WL), but prediction and screening systems utilizing hematological biochemical parameters are limited. High serum aspartatSe aminotransferase in conjunction with normal serum alanine aminotransferase (HASNAL) can reflect systemic muscle damage. HASNAL and the incidence of being underweight concomitant with WL (UWWL) were investigated in the present 6-year community-based cohort study. Methods: Clinical parameters, lifestyle, the incidence of being underweight, ≥5% WL, and UWWL were investigated in 238,536 Japanese people aged 40–68 years who had normal serum alanine aminotransferase. HASNAL was defined as serum aspartate aminotransferase ≥30 U/L and serum alanine aminotransferase <30 U/L. The subjects were divided into a younger group (<55 years) and an older group (≥55 years). Results: After 6 years, overall body weight had increased by 0.4% in the younger group and decreased by 0.4% in the older group. In logistic regression analysis, in the younger group ≥5% WL was significantly associated with baseline HASNAL compared to baseline low serum aspartate aminotransferase (<20 U/L). In the older group, baseline HASNAL was significantly associated with being underweight, ≥5% WL, and UWWL, even after adjustment for potential confounders, and UWWL was inversely associated with regular exercise and daily alcohol consumption—both of which modified the aforementioned associations. Conclusions: Older subjects with HASNAL were at an increased risk of UWWL, possibly via skeletal muscle damage, which may be affected by common lifestyles.
Adult Smokers’ Awareness and Interest in Trying Heated Tobacco Products: Perspectives from Mexico, where HTPs and E-Cigarettes are Banned
Authors: Cruz-Jiménez Lizeth , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Inti , Coutiño-Escamilla Liliana , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Arillo-Santillán Edna , Thrasher James F.
Published: March 2020

Background: We evaluated smokers’ perceptions of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Mexico, where industry publically lobbied to introduce HTPs into this country that banned both HTPs and e-cigarettes. Methods: Online surveys (November 2018 to July 2019) were analyzed from adults who only smoked cigarettes (n = 2091) or who smoked and used e-cigarettes (“dual users” n = 1128). Logistic models regressed HTP awareness, interest to trying HTPs, and having seen HTPs for sale (only among aware participants) on sociodemographics and tobacco-related variables. Results: Of the 17.1% who were aware of HTPs, 52.7% reported having seen HTPs for sale. Of all respondents, 75% were somewhat or very interested in trying HTPs. Compared to their counterparts, more frequent smokers, dual users, those exposed to online e-cigarette ads, and those with friends who used e-cigarettes were both more aware of and interested in trying HTPs. Greater awareness was also associated with higher education, recent attempts to quit, receipt of email e-cigarette ads, and smoking among friends and family. Seeing HTPs for sale was higher for those who recently attempted to quit, were exposed to e-cigarette ads online or by email, or had friends who used e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Interest in HTPs is high among smokers in Mexico, which already has a large black market for illegal e-cigarettes. HTPs use should be monitored in this context, especially given the public health impacts of HTPs are unclear.
Multidimensional Benefits of Improved Sanitation: Evaluating ‘PEE POWER®’ in Kisoro, Uganda
Authors: You Jiseon , Staddon Chad , Cook Alan , Walker James , Boulton Jess , Powell Wayne , Ieropoulos Ioannis
Published: March 2020

With 2.3 billion people around the world lacking adequate sanitation services, attention has turned to alternative service provision models. This study suggests an approach for meeting the sanitation challenge, especially as expressed in Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, using a toilet technology system, such as Pee Power® that generates electricity using diverted urine as a fuel. A field trial was carried out in a girls’ school in Kisoro, Uganda, where the generated electricity was used to light the existing toilet block. The trial was evaluated in terms of social acceptability and user experience using a multidimensional assessment protocol. The results of our assessment show that users felt safer when visiting the toilets at night. Lights provided from the technology also helped with the perceived cleanliness of the toilets. The technology was well accepted, with 97% of the respondents saying that they liked the idea of the Pee Power® technology and 94% preferring it over other facilities on site. This shows how the technology helps meet SDG target 6.2, with its particular focus on vulnerable populations.
Inpatient Flow Distribution Patterns at Shanghai Hospitals
Authors: Xiong Xuechen , Luo Li
Published: March 2020

Empirical studies based on patient flow data are needed to provide more materials to summarize the general pattern of patient distribution models. This study takes Shanghai as an example and tries to demonstrate the inpatient flow distribution model for different levels and specialties of medical institutions. Power, negative exponential, Gaussian, and log-logistic models were used to fit the distributions of inpatients, and a model of inpatient distribution patterns in Shanghai was derived, based on these four models. Then, the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) values were used to assess the model fitting effect. The log-logistic function model has a good simulation effect and the strongest applicability in most hospitals. The estimated value of the distance-decay parameter β in the log-logistic function model is 1.67 for all patients, 1.89 for regional hospital inpatients, 1.40 for tertiary hospital inpatients, 1.64 for traditional Chinese medicine hospital inpatients, and 0.85 for mental hospital inpatients. However, the simulations at the tumor, children’s and maternity hospitals, were not satisfactory. Based on the results of empirical analysis, the four attenuation coefficient models are valid in Shanghai, and the log-logistic model of the inpatient distributions at most hospitals have good simulation effects. However, further in-depth analysis combined with the characteristics of specific specialties is needed to obtain the inpatient model in line with the characteristics of these specialties.
Environmental Pollution Effect Analysis of Lead Compounds in China Based on Life Cycle
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Li Xin , Xiong Zehui , Wang Minxi , Liu Qunyi
Published: March 2020

Environmental pollution caused by lead toxicity causes harm to human health. Lead pollution in the environment mainly comes from the processes of mining, processing, production, use, and recovery of lead. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of refined lead. In this paper, the material flow analysis method is used to analyze the flow and direction of lead loss in four stages of lead production, manufacturing, use, and waste management in China from 1949 to 2017. The proportion coefficient of lead compounds in each stage of lead loss was determined. The categories and quantities of lead compounds discharged in each stage were calculated. The results show that in 2017, China emitted 2.1519 million tons of lead compounds. In the four stages of production, manufacturing, use, and waste management, 137.9 kilo tons, 209 kilo tons, 275 kilo tons, and 1.53 million tons were respectively discharged. The emissions in the production stage are PbS, PbO, PbSO4, PbO2, Pb2O3, and more. The emissions during the manufacturing phase are Pb, PbO, PbSO4, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, and more. The main emissions are Pb, PbO, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, and more. The main emissions in the waste management stage are PbS, Pb, PbO, PbSO4, PbO2, PbCO3, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, and more. Among them, the emissions of PbSO4, PbO, Pb, and PbO2 account for about 90%, which are the main environmental pollution emissions. The waste management stage is an important control source of lead compound emission and pollution. In view of these characteristics of the environmental pollution risk of lead compounds in China, the government should issue more targeted policies to control lead pollution.
Validating Self-Reported Ad Recall as a Measure of Exposure to Digital Advertising: An Exploratory Analysis Using Ad Tracking Methodology
Authors: Romberg Alexa R. , Bennett Morgane , Tulsiani Shreya , Simard Bethany , Kreslake Jennifer M. , Favatas Dionisios , Vallone Donna M. , Hair Elizabeth C.
Published: March 2020

Many mass media campaigns aimed at changing young people’s health behavior air on digital platforms rather than on broadcast media (e.g., television), given the intended audience’s preference for web-based communication. While research suggests self-reported ad recall correlates with exposure to television advertising, it remains unclear whether self-report measures are correlated with exposure to digital advertising. This study examined the association between an objective measure of digital ad exposure and self-reported recall of digital ads from the truth® tobacco prevention campaign. Digital ad tracking methodology was employed to identify members of an online panel (ages 18−34) who had been exposed to ads during their regular web browsing. Demographics of exposed participants were used to develop a matched control group of non-exposed panel members. Members of the Exposed group (n = 458) and matched Control participants (n = 506) were surveyed on recall of truth ads, media use, and demographics. Results indicated that Exposed participants had significantly higher odds of reporting ad recall compared to Control participants. With each additional ad exposure, the odds of self-reporting higher frequency of ad exposure increased by 8% (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01−1.16). Findings suggest self-reported measures of ad recall are a valid measure of campaign exposure in a digital media environment.
The Antecedents and Consequences of Psychological Safety in Airline Firms: Focusing on High-Quality Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Lee Kwang-Ho , Hyun Sunghyup Sean , Park Haeik , Kim Kwangyong
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive review of the literature on service creativity revealed the necessity to expand the line of creativity-based research in the service-driven industry. It also called for the creation of a survey instrument that entails high-quality interpersonal relationships, psychological safety, and learning from failures, by including two creativity-related constructs, namely, creative self-efficacy and employees’ creative work involvement to the model. The current study aimed; (a) to assess the validity and reliability of measurement models; and (b) to empirically examine the integrated proposed model consisting of salient constructs. A convenience sample of 341 airline employees responded to a self-report questionnaire that was developed using the steps of researchers’ in a comprehensive literature review and refined based on the feedback provided by a panel of five professionals who had worked in airline firms. The resultant data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), second-order CFA, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using version 23.0 of AMOS. The results showed that high-quality interpersonal relationships positively influenced psychological safety, which in turn, positively influenced learning from failures and creative self-efficacy. Further, learnings from failures positively influenced creative self-efficacy but not employees’ creative work involvement. Finally, both psychological safety and creative self-efficacy positively influenced employees’ creative work involvement. These findings have significant implications for human resource management practices that aim to promote the creative involvement of airline employees.
Financial Performance of Public Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study among Polish Providers
Authors: Dubas-Jakóbczyk Katarzyna , Kocot Ewa , Kozieł Anna
Published: March 2020

There is growing evidence of a positive association between health care providers’ financial standing and the quality of care. In Poland, the instable financial situation and growing debt of public hospitals has been a source of concern for more than two decades now. The objectives of this paper were to compare the financial performance of public hospitals in Poland, depending on the ownership and organizational form; and analyze whether there is an association between financial performance and the chosen variables. We conducted a cross sectional study covering the whole population of public hospitals operating in 2018. The total number of included units was 805. The hospitals’ financial outcomes were measured by several variables; Spearman’s rank correlation was calculated, and a multivariable logistic regression model was performed. In 2018, the majority of public hospitals in Poland (52%) generated a gross loss, while 40% hospitals had overdue liabilities. There were statistically significant differences between hospital groups, with university hospitals and those owned by counties (local hospitals) being in the most disadvantageous situation. Additionally, corporatized public hospitals performed worse than those functioning in the classic legal form of independent health care units. Urgent actions are needed to measure and monitor the potential impact of financial performance on the quality of care.
Gender-Specific Aspects of Health Literacy: Perceptions of Interactions with Migrants among Health Care Providers in Germany
Authors: Chakraverty Digo , Baumeister Annika , Aldin Angela , Jakob Tina , Seven Ümran Sema , Woopen Christiane , Skoetz Nicole , Kalbe Elke
Published: March 2020

Health literacy can be described as a complex process shaped by individual resources and preferences and by the nature and quality of health-related information people encounter. The main objective of this study was to explore the views of health care professionals on how gender as a personal determinant of health literacy affected their interactions with migrant patients. The interrelated challenges, needs and applied solutions were analyzed from a health literacy perspective. Five focus group discussions with health care professionals working with migrants (n = 31) were conducted in Cologne, Germany, audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Gender-specific aspects, such as the gender of health care providers as a factor, were portrayed above all in relation to patients from Turkey and Arab countries regarding access to and understanding of health-related information. These statements exclusively represent the possibly biased or assumptions-based perspectives of health care professionals on their migrant patients and were made against the background of a systemic lack of time and the challenge of overcoming language barriers. Especially in this context, reducing time pressure and improving communication in the treatment setting may be to the benefit of all actors within healthcare.
The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Functional Fitness of Women over the Age of 60
Authors: Marciniak Katarzyna , Maciaszek Janusz , Cyma-Wejchenig Magdalena , Szeklicki Robert , Maćkowiak Zuzanna , Sadowska Dorota , Stemplewski Rafał
Published: March 2020

Inadequate levels of physical activity among older people lead to a gradual decline in self-reliance and consequent dependence on other people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Nordic walking training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber on the functional fitness of older women. Forty-two women (Mage = 64.7 ± 3.15 years) were randomly assigned into the experimental group—training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber, EG (n = 21) and the control active group—training with classic poles, CG (n = 21). Functional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Test before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 minutes per week). Two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction effects for aerobic endurance (F = 14.47, p < 0.001) and upper body strength (F = 5.98, p < 0.05), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group. Nordic walking training both with classic poles and with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber is beneficial for older people and improves functional fitness over a short time period. However, the poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber provide additional resistance effort during marching, which causes increased muscle activation and results in improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that this kind of training could be applied in the complex health programs of seniors.
The Effect of The Daily Mile on Primary School Children’s Aerobic Fitness Levels After 12 Weeks: A Controlled Trial
Authors: de Jonge Maxine , Slot-Heijs Jorien J. , Prins Richard G. , Singh Amika S.
Published: March 2020

The Daily Mile (TDM) is a school-based physical activity intervention encompassing a 15-minute run at least three times per week. This study aimed to determine (1) the effects of performing TDM for 12 weeks on Dutch primary school children’s aerobic fitness levels and (2) if additional personal support for teachers impacted the effectiveness of TDM. Nine Dutch primary schools (n = 659 children, grades 5–8) were allocated to a control (no TDM), intervention (12 weeks TDM) or intervention-plus (12 weeks TDM, additional personal support) group. The Shuttle Run Test (SRT) was used to assess aerobic fitness at baseline and follow-up. Data were analyzed using a multiple-imputed dataset and multilevel linear regression models to account for the clustering of students within classes and classes within schools. The regression analyses were adjusted for sex and age. Compared with the control group, significant intervention effects of TDM on SRT score were observed for the intervention group (β = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.8; 1.5) and the intervention-plus group (β = 0.6; 95% CI 0.3; 0.9). Additional personal support had no impact on the effectiveness of TDM. These results suggest that performing TDM at least three times per week for approximately 12 weeks increases primary school children’s aerobic fitness. Additional personal support did not improve the effectiveness of TDM on aerobic fitness within this period. These results contribute to the body of evidence surrounding TDM, but further research is needed regarding long-term implementation of TDM.
Environmental Monitoring of PAHs Exposure, Biomarkers and Vital Status in Coke Oven Workers
Authors: Vimercati Luigi , Bisceglia Lucia , Cavone Domenica , Caputi Antonio , De Maria Luigi , Delfino Maria Celeste , Corrado Vincenzo , Ferri Giovanni Maria
Published: March 2020

A follow-up study of a cohort of workers from a coke plant compared with a control group from the same industrial area was conducted in 2019. The recruitment and environmental and biomarker measurements were performed during 1993/1994. The environmental concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), B(a)P, pyrene and nitro-PAH were measured. Personal data were collected via an individual semi-structured questionnaire by a trained physician. All biomarkers were measured after a specific blood drawing for every test. Significant risks (ORs) were observed for nitro-PAH (≥0.12 µg/m3) [OR = 7.96 (1.01–62.82)], urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHpy) (≥0.99 µmoles/moles of creatinine) [OR = 11.71 (1.47–92.90)], PAH DNA adducts (P32) (≥2.69 adducts/108 nucleotides) [OR = 5.46 (1.17–25.58)], total nitro-PAH hemoglobin adducts (≥161.68 fg/µg of Hb) [OR = 5.92 (1.26–27.86)], sister chromatid exchange (SCE) with TCR (≥377.84 SCE/cell chromosomes) [OR = 13.06 (3.95–93.10)], sister chromatid exchange with T (≥394.72 total SCE) [OR = 13.06 (3.95–93.10)], and sister chromatid exchange with X (≥8.19 mean SCE) [OR = 13.06 (3.95–93.10)]. Significant risk of death for all causes and chromosomal aberrations (48 h) (OR = 7.19 [1.19–43.44]) or micronuclei in culture at 48 h (OR = 3.86 [1.04–14.38]) were also found.