bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The agonizing effects of uncertainty: Effects of announced vs. unannounced performance assessments on emotions and achievement
Authors: Bieleke Maik , Schwarzkopf Jean-Marie , Götz Thomas , Haag Ludwig
Published: August 2022

Performance assessments play an essential role in performance diagnostics at schools. In practice, both announced and unannounced assessments are regularly used. However, it is unclear whether assessments are better administered announced or unannounced. From a theoretical perspective, it can be argued that announced assessments, mediated by the greater degree of students’ subjective control that accompanies them, should have a more beneficial effect on emotions, as well as the subsequently resulting performance, than unannounced assessments. To investigate these assumptions, emotion (enjoyment, anxiety) and achievement data (grades) were collected from 414 students in 19 lower- and upper-level tracks at a German secondary school on both announced and unannounced performance assessments. Less anxiety and more enjoyment occurred on the announced assessments. Moreover, enjoyment and anxiety were predictors of performance (i.e., school grades), which was better overall on announced assessments than on unannounced ones. The results of our field study suggest that announced assessments have more beneficial effects on emotions than unannounced assessments.
Antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: A multiple treatment network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tornyos Dániel , Komócsi András , Bálint Alexandra , Kupó Péter , El Abdallaoui Oumaima El Alaoui , Szapáry László , Szapáry László Botond
Published: August 2022

Objective

As stroke represents one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, we aimed to determine the preventive effect of different antiplatelet therapies after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods

Network meta-analysis evaluating antiplatelet regimes after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases until Nov. 23, 2021, for randomized controlled trials. Direct comparisons within trials were combined with indirect evidence from other trials by using a frequentist model. An additive network meta-analysis model was used to evaluate the influence of individual components. The primary efficacy endpoint was a recurrent stroke, the main safety outcomes were the risk of major bleeding and mortality at the longest available follow-up.

Results

58 randomized controlled trials (175,730 patients) were analyzed. The analysis involved 20 antithrombotic strategies including different antiplatelet agents, combinations with aspirin, and anticoagulant therapies. Cilostazol proved to be the most efficacious in reducing stroke recurrence and the risk of bleeding (RR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.55–0.80 and RR = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.08–2.01) compared to aspirin, respectively. Intensification with combinations of aspirin with ticagrelor or clopidogrel resulted in a lower risk of stroke recurrence (RR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.67–0.93 and RR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.72–0.87) but carried a higher bleeding risk (RR = 3.01, 95%CI = 1.65–5.49 and RR = 1.78 95%CI = 1.49–2.13).

Conclusion

The prognosis of patients with an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is improved with antiplatelets. Cilostazol showed the best risk-benefit characteristics without trade-off with the risk of major bleeding. Improved stroke recurrence with intensified antiplatelet regimens is counterbalanced with higher bleeding risk, and consequently, mortality remains unaffected. Treatment decisions in stroke survivals should integrate the assessment of bleeding risk for better identification of patients with the highest benefit of treatment intensification.

Systematic review registration

Prospero registration number: CRD42020197143, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=197143.
Robust competitive facility location model with uncertain demand types
Authors: Yu Wuyang
Published: August 2022

In competitive settings, firms locate their facilities according to customers’ behavior to maximize their market share. A common behavior is consuming from different motivations: one is for convenient demand, and the other is for quality demand. In this behavioral pattern, consumers patronize facilities within convenience for some demands, and patronize high quality facilities beyond convenience range for other demands. This behavior has never been included in competitive facility location problems. Given several other companies’ facilities in the market offering similar products or services, we study how a new entrant company can locate facilities based on this customer behavior to maximize its market share. A two-level robust model for the new entrant company is proposed to locate its facilities by taking into account the uncertainty of the types of customers’ demands. For medium size problems, we propose an equivalent mixed binary linear programming to obtain exact solutions. For large size problems, an exact algorithm (GCKP-A) for solving the inner-level model is given first by exploring the optimal solution. Then a heuristic algorithm is proposed by imbedding (GCKP-A) and 2-opt strategy into the framework of the improved ranking-based algorithm. The performance of the proposed heuristic algorithm is checked for different size problems. The sensitivity analysis of a quasi-real example shows that: (1) in most cases, the uncertainty between two types of demands does not affect the location scheme; (2) the convenience range, the quality range and the quality threshold play an important role in the market share of the new entrant company.
Stigmas of the reality stage
Authors: Weidman Amanda
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on the symbolic work around gender accomplished by singing reality shows in South India. Examining moments from Tamil-, Malayalam- and Telugu-language reality shows aired in the 2010s, and using ethnographic research conducted during the shooting of episodes of one of these popular reality shows, Airtel Super Singer Junior, in Chennai from the early 2010s, it shows how, through the reality shows’ staging and contest format, contestants are subjected to different and often conflicting regimes of evaluation. While the shows’ emphasis on performance and visual presentation and consumption is certainly a factor in the way the shows manage these conflicting pressures, equally as important are the different ways that talk about and around the performance functions, both to increase the cultural capital of singing film songs and to create entertainment value, producing unscripted, seemingly ‘spontaneous’ moments that catch the contestants and judges off guard. Talk functions to reduce stigma in some places while amplifying it in others. While elevating the cultural capital of a formerly ‘lowbrow’ domain, these shows simultaneously place the singer in an increasingly precarious position, producing distinctly gendered stigmatizing effects for both the female contestants and the playback singers who serve as judges.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of clinical and subclinical bovine respiratory disease in Holstein calves
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed E. , Fathy Ahmed , Ahmed Eman Abdelhakim , Ali Asmaa O. , Abdelaal Ahmed M. , El-Maghraby Mamdouh M.
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the main cause of death in calves, and early BRD diagnosis saves lives. This study aimed to diagnose clinical and subclinical BRD in calves by assessing some biochemical alterations and ultrasonography (USG).

Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Holstein dairy calves in Al-Sharqiyah Province, Egypt, were used in the study. They were divided into three groups. The first control group consisted of 10 clinically healthy calves. The second group consisted of 34 calves suffering from clinical lower respiratory tract disorders. The third group consisted of 10 subclinical BRD-affected calves. Ultrasonographic examinations of chest and thoracic ultrasound scoring were performed once per 2 weeks for each calf. Blood samples were collected for serum separation to measure albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), ALB, globulin, and haptoglobin (HP).

Results: The USG revealed small consolidation areas within an aerated lung lobe, a hypoechoic parenchyma of the entire distal lung lobe, and a hypoechoic-circumscribed structure surrounded by an echogenic wall appeared within the lung tissue in calves that suffered from lobular pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, and lung abscess, respectively. However, subclinical cases showed a small consolidation area in the cranial aspects of the right cranial lung lobe. The ultrasound lung score (ULS) was greater in clinical than in subclinical cases. The BRD-affected calves recorded significant increases in serum TP, globulin, and HP. Meanwhile, serum ALB decreased significantly.

Conclusion: Thoracic ultrasound had a reliable tool in the BRD diagnosis, especially in the early prediction of subclinical cases in newborn calves. In addition, the ULS appeared to be a better classifier than the clinical respiratory score (CRS) for BRD diagnosis. On the other side, it was found that regression models were very useful in assessing the prediction of biochemical blood parameters based on the ULS and CRS in diseased cases.
A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Intravenous Bolus of Mephentermine and Phenylephrine in Maintaining Arterial Blood Pressure During Spinal Anaesthesia in Caesarean Section
Authors: Ranika Manhas  , Khushboo Jain  , Prerna Attal  , Jyoti Priya  , Neel Pankaj
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Spinal anaesthesia is the most popular and elegant approach for obstetric patients undergoing caesarean section due to its several advantages. Hypotension resulting from sympathectomy due to subarachnoid block can have detrimental effects on the foetus as well as the mother, so needs to be prevented and treated adequately. Vasopressors for the treatment of hypotension have a well-established role as vasodilatation is the primary cause of the reduction in arterial blood pressure. The primary objective of the study was to compare mephentermine and phenylephrine with respect to their clinical efficacy in maintaining arterial blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section and the secondary objective was to determine any untoward effects of the study drugs on the mother and foetus.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, comparative, double-blind study was conducted among  90 pregnant women of ASA-I physical status having singleton pregnancies in the age group of 18-30 years undergoing elective as well as emergency caesarean section and were randomly allocated in to two groups. Group M (n=45), received 6 mg of mephenterine as an intravenous bolus (volume made up to 1 ml) and Group P (n=45), received 100 g of phenylephrine as intravenous bolus (volume made up to 1 ml) whenever hypotension occurred after spinal anaesthesia. A comparison of the mean values among the two groups was done using a student t-test. To compare more than two variables, ANOVA test was used. The p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure remained significantly high (P < 0.05) in the phenylephrine group as compared to the mephentermine group. The phenylephrine group also showed a significant fall (P < 0.05) in heart rate as compared to the mephentermine group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the drugs were effective in treating the hypotension caused by spinal anaesthesia without any adverse effects on the mother as well as on neonatal outcome but phenylephrine had a quicker onset, better maintenance of blood pressure and can be preferred in patients in whom tachycardia is undesirable.
‘Employers at the heart of the system’: whose system is it anyway?
Authors: Huddleston Prue , Branch-Haddow Suzie
Published: August 2022

Education and skills policy since the 1970s have exhorted employers to put themselves at the ‘heart of the system’, to engage voluntarily with colleges and other providers, in a range of roles and activities, some of which may be beyond their competence and experience. However, employers do have an important role to play, but that role should be clearly defined and directed towards those areas where their expertise and experience can be optimally deployed. To function effectively, a system requires partnership between a range of actors – learners, providers, local communities, businesses and voluntary organisations. Contributions and expectations, all of which are important, require coordination and management. It is argued that colleges are well placed to act as ‘anchor institutions’ for bringing together local partners. This article provides a practical example of how one large general further education college fulfils this role.
Relationship between demographic characteristics and psychosocial working conditions of construction workers in housing projects
Authors:   Mahanakorn University of Technology, Thailand, Suriyanon Natee , Sutheerawatthana Pitch ,   King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Published: August 2022

Data regarding three psychosocial factors of 438 construction workers in eight Bangkok subdivision housing projects, which had a selling price between 2.50 and 5.00 million Baht, were collected in October 2018. The subjects were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 71 workers who worked under high strain isolated (HSI) psychosocial working condition (workers felt that their work entailed high demand, they possessed a low controllability over their job and low work–related social support). The second group consisted of 367 workers who worked under other conditions. The result from the chi-square test between workers’ demographic characteristics and their psychosocial working conditions revealed that the probability of working under HSI condition for workers with different Gender, Age, Education Level, Work Experience, Work Position, and Average Monthly Income are different. It insisted the heterogeneity of working under HSI condition among construction workers. A logistic regression model for forecasting the probability of working under HSI condition, using the workers’ demographic characteristics, has then been developed in this study. The model consists of five demographic characteristic variables, namely Work Position, Education Level, Average Monthly Income, Work Experience, and Age. The adjusted odds ratio value, which was obtained from the analysis of the model constants, indicates that Work Position, Average Monthly Income, Age, Education Level, and Work Experience have influence on workers’ probability of working under HSI condition in descending order. Finally, an example of applying the model to identify specific demographic characteristics of workers who need special attention is presented at the end of this paper.
Knowledge transfer and management in the construction industry: Trends and future challenges
Authors:   School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand, Moshood Taofeeq Durojaiye , Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun ,   Built Environment Engineering, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele ,   School of Built Environment, Massey University, New Zealand
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the current issues associated with the transfer of knowledge in the construction industry published between 1987 and December 2021 to provide insights and ideas for future research. A total of 1240 publications were analysed to offer metadata analysis, and these papers were extracted from the Scopus database. The insights gained from analysing papers from Scopus databases are presented along with classifications of the literature based on content analyses, including conceptual understanding, barriers and facilitators, a collaborative effort with knowledge management and other optimisation models, and evaluation of knowledge management practices and performance. The study's findings show a declining trend in research on drivers or obstacles analysis of knowledge management. In contrast, there is a growing trend in applying mathematical optimisation models to enhance decision-making in pursuing knowledge management performance. Furthermore, the study's findings reveal a steady increase in assessing knowledge management techniques and performance over time. Contributions by disciplines are identified, and the most significant authors, leading journals, leading nations, leading contributing institutions, and leading contributing institutions. The study's results and future research possibilities open up a new channel for further inquiry and contribution to this subject.
A internacionalização da educação superior brasileira no governo Dilma Rousseff (2011-2014): O caso do programa Ciência sem Fronteiras
Authors: Bischoff Viviane , Machado Marcelo André
Published: August 2022

O Ciência sem Fronteiras (CsF), criado ao longo do primeiro mandato da ex-presidente Dilma Rousseff (2011-2014), foi o mais ambicioso programa oficial de internacionalização da educação superior brasileira. A despeito da grande mobilização de atores e recursos envolvidos, os impactos de tal empreendimento não foram claramente percebidos, bem como os aprendizados para a gestão pública e as lacunas do programa não foram suficientemente criticados. Assim, pela forma abrupta que o CsF foi interrompido em governos posteriores, este artigo buscou analisar criticamente os motivadores, os atores envolvidos e os resultados do programa. Para tanto, além de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com três atores diretamente envolvidos na criação e execução do CsF, à época. Apesar de se identificarem alguns resultados positivos do CsF, principalmente no que diz respeito ao número de estudantes contemplados, a análise dos dados encontrados aponta para lacunas importantes como a centralização personalista do programa, a falta de reciprocidade por parte dos países que receberam investimentos do CsF e o desalinhamento do programa com a política externa brasileira do período.
Numerical modeling of transient heat transfer in a multilayer bimetallic plate
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Kostyleva L.Yu.
Published: August 2022

When using the method of active thermal non-destructive testing to detect latent defects in multilayer bimetallic products, the adequate choice of technological modes of testing is of great importance. One of the important parameters is the optimum observation time, at which a sufficient amplitude of the temperature signal over the defect is provided. This value depends on the controlled object geometry, its thermophysical characteristics, and also selected testing modes and procedures. Various experimental stu-dies are used to determine the optimum observation time. Preparing bimetallic plates samples for full-scale experiments is a technologically complex and expensive task. Therefore, a large amount of preparatory research is carried out in the form of a numerical experiment, during which, with certain assumptions, changing the thermal state of the control object is simulated. Aim. Determination of optimal parameters of the thermal NDT process for a three-layer steel-aluminum plate with a planar delamination defect between the metal layers. For different variants of mutual location of the temperature registration device and source of heat flux of different power it is necessary to determine the heating time at which the sufficient amplitude of temperature signal is observed. Materials and methods. The methods of mathematical and computer modeling were used. Solving the task by the finite element method with the Agros2D code is given. Results. The calculation data have been obtained, which are used as the basis for constructing the temperature signal distribution over the bimetallic plate surface above the defect under different heating modes, heat flux rate, relative position of the heat stimulation source and temperature registration device, as well as determining the temperature signal dependence over the defect on the heating time. Conclusion. On the basis of modeling the temperature dependences necessary for interpretation of the results of thermal NDT of multilayered bimetallic plates have been determined, as well as the relations between the parameters of the heating process, which contribute to obtaining a temperature signal of sufficient amplitude. The results can be used for further experimental studies of the active thermal NDT processes of multilayer bimetallic materials.
Regional development management with two-level “industry – organization” support model
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of Russian Academy of Sciences,  Moscow, Russia, Dranko O.I. , Okladnikov S.M. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia, Blagodarnyj E.V. ,   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Moscow, Russia
Published: August 2022

The growth of the country’s economy, which is commonly indicated by the increase of GDP, is a primary goal of the Russian Federation. To achieve said goal, it is required to identify control factors contributing to the growth and model relationship between them. The approach of analysis by separate levels of management (in fact, the “black box” approach) should be replaced by the decomposition of the system into its elements by levels: country (indicator – gross domestic product), region (indicator – gross regional product), enterprise (indicator – revenue, value added). Purpose of the study. The analysis of the economy of the Russian Federation as an aggregate of its regions, industries and organizations; growth opportunities examples review; introduction of selected cases that facilitate managerial decision-making. Identification of dependencies between the dynamics of indicators of the country and regions and indicators of enterprises. Analysis of growth opportunities for the economy of the model region and assessment of resource needs to ensure growth. Materials and methods. Mathematical modelling and statistical methods for the analysis of economic indicators. Formulation of optimization problems. Regression models for determining dependencies between economic indicators. Application of Big Data processing methods. Results. The problem of gross regional product growth was formulated. The mathematical model of the relation of gross regional product, industry revenue and selected organization's revenues was developed. The example of the model region is considered on the example of the Chelyabinsk region and the model industry on the example of manufacture. Statistically significant dependence of revenue and Value Added was confirmed by the example of model industry and model region. The regression model for sector contribution to gross regional product was developed and its parameters determined. A rough estimation of the required investments for growth is provided. Conclusion. A comprehensive model linking GDP, gross regional product, industry revenue and aggregate companies’ revenue in an industry was developed. Conducted analysis of the economy as an aggregate of its elements indicates the importance of industry companies as a fundamental growth-generating unit.
Development of an automated control system for an educational laboratory stand
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Osintcev K.V. , Kuskarbekova S.I. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
Published: August 2022

The training laboratory stand was created to simulate the operation of a direct-flow boiler, in order to study the hydraulic and thermophysical processes occurring in such devices. Having studied the hydrodynamics of the coolant in a cylindrical composite coil, it is possible to influence the steam capacity of the boiler, improve its energy efficiency. For educational purposes, the student can study the flow modes of liquid and air, learn how to control electrical equipment, master the operation of shut-off valves and parting devices for measuring flow, temperature and pressure. The purpose of the work is to design, create and launch an educational laboratory stand that allows you to reproduce the hydraulic and aerodynamic modes of operation of a direct-flow steam boiler of a coil type without heating the coolant. Methods. For the design, a model of a real coil-type steam boiler was taken as a basis and adapted to the operating conditions for laboratory work. Results. As a result, thermal mechanical schemes of hydraulic and aerodynamic systems, the algorithm of the hydraulic system, the automation scheme, as well as a list of selected equipment and photos of the assembled laboratory stand are presented. Conclusion. Modern automation devices can make it possible to take readings of the coolant and air with high accuracy, as well as transfer experimental values to a personal computer for data storage and subsequent analysis. The educational laboratory stand will allow for an in-depth study of hydraulic and aerodynamic processes in a direct-flow steam boiler of the coil type, the processes of change and occurrence of laminar and turbulent modes, as well as their impact on improving the energy efficiency of the boilers in question, and in the future on separate heat exchange equipment.
Evaluasi Pelaksanaan Program Pencegahan Stunting di Era Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Arumsari Wahyuni , Supriyati Dina , Sima Putri
Published: August 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of government activities through the implementation of PPKM. The implementation of community-based health programs has been delayed. This qualitative study aims to evaluate the implementation of the stunting prevention program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in Demak Regency, which has ten villages classified as stunting locus areas. Collecting data using in-depth interview method to five nutrition program holders at primary healthcare in the locus area. The data processing method uses content analysis. The stunting prevention programs studied included: promotion and counseling of infant and child feeding, supplementary feeding for severely malnourished and stunted toddlers, monitoring of toddlers' growth through posyandu activities, and administration of anthelmintic, vitamin A and supplementation for stunted under-fives. Based on the research, it is known that the stunting prevention program is constrained from the input components including limited health human resources resulting in a high workload; distribution of Vitamin A and helminths is carried out from door to door, and calibration of growth measuring instruments for toddlers is not routinely carried out. other constraints also occur in-process components, including program actuation due to PPKM activities from January to July 2021 by the central and regional governments; and monitoring of malnourished and stunting toddlers at the beginning of the pandemic.
Long non-coding RNA HOXB-AS1 is a prognostic marker and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cells’ proliferation and invasion
Authors: Chen Yubin , Wang Na , Cao Liangqi , Zhang Dawei , Peng Heping , Xue Ping
Published: August 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are broadly transcribed in the genome of human and play critical roles in the progression of multiple diseases. Long non-coding HOXB cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXB-AS1) is a tumor exciter in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of HOXB-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the following study, HOXB-AS1 was unveiled to be highly expressed in HCC tissues as opposed to normal tissues. Silencing of HOXB-AS1 led to the loss of proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of HCC cells, namely Hep3B and Huh7. Moreover, the data showed that expression levels of HOXB-AS1 contribute significantly to the patient’s survival rates. Otherwise, HOXB-AS1 levels in the serum of patients proved HOXB-AS1 as a biomarker for analysis and treatment of HCC. In summary, this study highlights HOXB-AS1 as key upregulated lncRNA in HCC which being an oncogene can cause proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. The results also highlighted HOXB-AS1 as a promising biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with HCC.
Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis: A case report
Authors: Yang Yang , Fang Yuan , Yang GuoNing
Published: August 2022

Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is a rare disease. Even in areas where tuberculosis is endemic, its incidence is also extremely low. Here, we will report a rare case of nasopharyngeal tuberculosis. A 29-year-old male patient presented with a 2-month history of sore throat, nasal congestion, dysphagia, and low-grade fever. Thickened mucosa in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx was shown from nasopharyngoscopy, covered with a thick, yellowish, purulent secretion that was not easily removed. Computed tomography of the nasopharynx showed thickening of the mucosa in the right and left bilateral walls and the posterior wall with indistinct margins. Histopathological examination diagnosed nasopharyngeal tuberculosis granuloma. Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis is rare and has atypical symptoms. When a new organism appears in the nasopharynx, it should be differentiated from tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, and tumors, and a tissue biopsy of the new organism should be performed to make a final diagnosis based on histopathology.
Characterization and evaluation of anti-Salmonella enteritidisactivity of indigenous probiotic lactobacilli in mice
Authors: Mustafa Amina , Nawaz Muhammad , Rabbani Masood , Tayyab Muhammad , Khan Madiha
Published: August 2022

Lactobacilli (n= 24), isolated from human infants and yogurt, showed variablein vitroactivity againstSalmonella enteritidis(8.0 ± 1.0 to 16.6 ± 0.5 mm) and other gut pathogens (9.0 ± 1.0 to 15.3 ± 0.5 mm), as determined by a well diffusion assay. The isolates were identified asLimosilactobacillus fermentum(FY1, FY3, FY4, IL2, and IL5),Lactobacillus delbrueckii(FY6 and FY7),Lactobacillussp. (IL7), andLactobacillus gasseri(IL12). All isolates showed variablein vitrotolerance to acidic pH for 3 h and visible growth at pH 4 and in the presence of 0.3% ox-bile. The antibiotic susceptibility profile ofLactobacillusisolates indicated resistance against vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and lincomycin. Isolates had variable auto-aggregation and showed variable capabilities to co-aggregate withS. enteritidis. Based on all tested parameters,L. fermentumIL2,L. fermentumIL5, andL. gasseriIL12 were selected for co-culture experiments, followed byin vivoevaluation in Balb/c mice. All the selected isolates resulted in a 100% reduction inS. enteritidisin broth.Lactobacillusisolates efficiently colonized mouse guts and inhibitedS. enteritidiscolonization. Overall, there was ≥99.06% and ≤4.32 Mean log10reduction inSalmonellacounts in mice feces within 7 days. The study, thus, provided characterized lactobacilli that could be considered as potential ingredients for probiotic formulations intended to preventS. enteritidisinfection in humans.
Proteomic analysis of the liver regulating lipid metabolism in Chaohu ducks using two-dimensional electrophoresis
Authors: Ge Kai , Geng Zhaoyu
Published: August 2022

In this study, we aimed to characterize the liver protein profile of Chaohu ducks using two-dimensional electrophoresis and proteomics. The livers were quickly collected from 120 healthy, 84-day-old Chaohu ducks. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the left pectoralis muscle was determined using the Soxhlet extraction method. The total protein of liver tissues from the high and low IMF groups was extracted for proteomics. Functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) was conducted using gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). In total, 43 DEPs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DEPs were significantly related to four lipid metabolic processes: carboxylic acid metabolic process, ATP metabolic process, oxoacid metabolic process, and organic acid metabolic process. Three pathways correlated with lipid metabolism were identified using KEGG analysis: glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, fructose, and mannose metabolism. Eight key proteins associated with lipid metabolism were identified: ALDOB, GAPDH, ENO1, RGN, TPI1, HSPA9, PRDX1, and GPX1. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway mediated the interaction relationship. Key proteins and metabolic pathways were closely related to lipid metabolism and showed a strong interaction in Chaohu ducks.
Early predictors of abnormal MRI patterns in asphyxiated infants: S100B protein urine levels
Authors: Bersani Iliana , Gasparroni Giorgia , Bashir Moataza , Aboulgar Hanna , Mufeed Hala , Iskander Iman , Kornacka Maria , Gruzfeld Darek , Dotta Andrea , Campi Francesca , Longo Daniela , Savarese Immacolata , Braguglia Annabella , Tina Lucia Gabriella , Nigro Francesco , Serpero Laura , Strozzi Maria Chiara , Maconi Antonio , Ianniello Patrizia , Di Battista Caterina , D’Adamo Ebe , Gavilanes Danilo , Gazzolo Diego
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The early detection and stratification of asphyxiated infants at higher risk for impaired neurodevelopment is challenging. S100B protein is a well-established biomarker of brain damage, but lacks conclusive validation according to the “gold standard” methodology for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) prognostication, i.e. brain MRI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive role of urinary S100B concentrations, assessed in a cohort of HIE infants receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH), compared to brain MRI.

Methods

Assessment of urine S100B concentrations was performed by immunoluminometric assay at first void and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96, 108 and 120-h after birth. Neurologic evaluation, routine laboratory parameters, amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, and cerebral ultrasound were performed according to standard protocols. Brain MRI was performed at 7–10 days of life.

Results

Overall, 74 HIE neonates receiving TH were included in the study. S100B correlated, already at first void, with the MRI patterns with higher concentrations in infants with the most severe MRI lesions.

Conclusions

High S100B urine levels soon after birth constitute trustable predictors of brain injury as confirmed by MRI. Results support the reliability of S100B in clinical daily practice and open the way to its inclusion in the panel of parameters used for the selection of cases suitable for TH treatment.
Efficiency analysis of photovoltaic systems installed in different geographical locations
Authors: Demirkiran Muhammet , Karakaya Abdulhakim
Published: August 2022

Many forms of energy are used in daily life. The most needed of these different forms is electricity. If this energy continues to be met with limited resources, it is clearly seen that sufficient energy needs will not be met in the future. Therefore, in the generation of electrical energy, existing resources must be used extremely efficiently. With the development of technology, electrical energy production is carried out more efficiently with non-renewable energy sources. These technological developments, which come to a certain point, can meet the demanded energy need up to a certain level. For this reason, many studies are carried out on renewable energy sources in order to respond to the needed energy demands. Therefore, in this study, the effect of geographical conditions on panel efficiency in electricity generation with solar panels, which is one of the renewable energy sources, was analyzed. Analyzes were carried out with power plant models installed in four different geographical regions of Turkey using the design and simulation software for photovoltaic systems program for PV systems. The effects of latitude, altitude and temperature on electrical energy production were investigated using the established power plant models.
Derangement model of ligand-receptor binding
Authors: Williams Mobolaji
Published: August 2022

We introduce a derangement model of ligand-receptor binding that allows us to quantitatively frame the question “How can ligands seek out and bind to their optimal receptor sites in a sea of other competing ligands and suboptimal receptor sites?” To answer the question, we first derive a formula to count the number of partial generalized derangements in a list, thus extending the derangement result of Gillis and Even. We then compute the general partition function for the ligand-receptor system and derive the equilibrium expressions for the average number of bound ligands and the average number of optimally bound ligands. A visual model of squares assembling onto a grid allows us to easily identify fully optimal bound states. Equilibrium simulations of the system reveal its extremes to be one of two types, qualitatively distinguished by whether optimal ligand-receptor binding is the dominant form of binding at all temperatures and quantitatively distinguished by the relative values of two critical temperatures. One of those system types (termed “search-limited,” as it was in previous work) does not exhibit kinetic traps and we thus infer that biomolecular systems where optimal ligand-receptor binding is functionally important are likely to be search-limited.
Corrosion inhibitors for AA6061 and AA6061-SiC composite in aggressive media: a review
Authors: Shetty Prakasha
Published: August 2022

The unique features of aluminium alloy (AA6061) and its composite (AA6061-SiC composite) and their distinct advantages over aluminium metal have made them popular in many engineering applications such as automotive, aerospace, and structural components. However, aggressive media like acid, alkaline or chloride media reduces their corrosion and fatigue resistance, hence the workability of these materials. There is no evidence available in the literature about the systematic review of corrosion and inhibition of these materials in aggressive acid, alkaline and chloride media. Hence, the present review paper gains significant importance. One of the most feasible strategies for managing material corrosion is the addition of an inhibitor to an aggressive medium. A critical review of the inhibition performance of reported organic and inorganic compounds as inhibitors against the corrosion of AA6061 and AA6061-SiC composite in acid, alkaline and chloride media is summarised in this paper. A correlation between the chemical structure and inhibition of the activity of the inhibitors is discussed. The details of the types of inhibition process and the general mechanism of inhibition involved have been discussed.
Anthropocene, literature, and econarratology: An interview with Marco Caracciolo
Authors: Wang Hongri , Caracciolo Marco
Published: August 2022

Marco Caracciolo is Associate Professor of English and Literary Theory at Ghent University in Belgium, where he led the ERC Starting Grant project “Narrating the Mesh.” (2017–2022). His work explores the phenomenology of narrative, or the structure of the experiences afforded by literary fiction and other narrative media. He is the author of several books including the most recently Slow Narrative and Nonhuman Materialities (2022) and Contemporary Fiction and Climate Uncertainty: Narrating Unstable Futures (2022). In September 2021, Dr. Wang Hongri interviewed Caracciolo on Anthropocene literature and econarratology via e-mail. In this interview, Caracciolo sheds light on the use of such concepts as the Anthropocene, climate crisis and climate change fiction in literary studies. Further, he elaborates on the tardiness of narratological interests in environmental issues and narrative’s formal affordance to address the Anthropocene condition. After commenting on the relationship between New Formalism and the contextualist vein of contemporary narrative theory, Caracciolo identifies four future directions for the study of Anthropocene literature and econarratology.
Fault detection method of digital three-dimensional substation based on singular value decomposition
Authors: Song Guoyun , Hou Zhengzhong , Bai Runqing , Chai Jing , Liu Pei , Yuan Ye
Published: August 2022

In the process of operation and maintenance of digital three-dimensional substation, affected by the fault feature extraction method, the anti-interference ability of the detection method is poor. Therefore, a digital three-dimensional substation fault detection method based on singular value decomposition is proposed. According to the digital twin five-dimensional concept, a three-dimensional management and control model of the substation is built, the real-time collected current signal is denoised, and then a new feature extraction method is designed by using the singular value decomposition theory, and the characteristic parameters of the fault signal are defined. Finally, the maximum wavelet singular value is calculated by combining the wavelet transformation method and the singular value decomposition principle. The fault detection is completed according to the mutation of singular value. The simulation experiment results show that the proposed fault detection method has improved the anti-interference ability by 44 and 86%. It is verified that the method proposed in this study has good fault detection effect, and provides auxiliary decision-making basis for relevant departments.
Universal salt iodization potentially contributes to health equity: socio-economic status of children does not affect iodine status
Authors: Milevska-Kostova Neda , Miladinova Daniela , Kuzmanovska Sonja , Majstorov Venjamin , Ittermann Till , Völzke Henry
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Many studies have shown that socio-economic status (SES) contributes to health inequalities, with nutrition as one of the major risk factors. Iodine intake entirely depends on external sources, and deficiencies are known to be more prevalent in lower social groups, especially in countries with limited access to iodized salt. This study aimed to determine the influence of SES on iodine status and iodine availability from household salt in North Macedonia.

Methods

Using cluster sampling, 1,200 children were recruited, and 1,191 children participated (response rate: 99.2%). Iodine status was assessed through urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and iodine availability through iodine content in household salt requested from participants. SES was assessed using standardized Family Affluence Score (FAS).

Results

No statistically significant correlation was found between FAS and iodine in salt. Median regression revealed no significant associations of middle vs. low FAS (β=0.00; 95%-confidence interval (CI)=[−0.61, 0.62]; p=0.999) or high vs. low affluence (β=0.48; 95% CI=[−1.37, 0.41]; p=0.291) with iodine content in household salt. UIC levels were significantly lower in middle FAS children compared to low FAS children (β=−16.4; 95% CI=[−32.3, −0.5]; p=0.043). No statistically significant differences in UIC were found between children with high and low affluence (β=−12.5; 95% CI=[−35.5, 10.5]; p=0.287), possibly due to lowered statistical power for this comparison.

Conclusions

Universal salt iodization (USI) proves to be a cost-effective measure for appropriate iodine intake in healthy children and adults, irrespective of their social status. It can thus be concluded that USI contributes to reducing health inequalities related to iodine status among population of different social strata.
Influence of crystallinity on wear behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and the wear mechanism
Authors: Zeng Sixue , Li Quan , Liu Huixuan , Zhang Qin , Wang Ke
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the crystallinity (X
c) of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) parts was adjusted within a wide range from 40 to 60%, and the influence of X
c on wear performance and its relevant mechanism were surveyed. The volume wear rate of UHMWPE parts continuously decreased with increasing X
c. Structural characterization revealed that the closely packing crystalline structure composed of high X
c and large-size lamellae improves resistance to plastic deformation, which is responsible for excellent anti-wear performance. The efficiency of improving the wear resistance by high X
c is comparable with the traditional method of irradiation-induced crosslink. But the latter may severely harm the anti-oxidation capacity. So, increasing X
c is a promising candidate to develop high-performance UHMWPE materials with superior wear resistance.
Exploring socioaffective semiotricity: emotions and relational signs in traditional sporting games
Authors: Lavega-Burgués Pere , Rillo-Albert Aaron , Mallén-Lacambra Carlos , Sáez de Ocáriz Unai
Published: August 2022

The traditional sporting games (TSGs) correspond to a set of signs full of meanings, which come to life through the motor behaviors of the players as they participate in its semiotic semantics. As a result of this exchange, interpersonal conflicts may emerge because of each person’s semiotic interpretation of the sociomotor dynamics of the game. This research aimed to analyze the comments of intense negative emotions that arise in conflicts of a praxical nature (motor conflict) in a TSG, in its different parts (generating agent, conflict response), and in the motor interventions of its protagonists (conflict management). A total of 160 university students (Mage = 20.49,SD = 2.28) participated in a competitive sociomotor traditional sporting game of cooperation-opposition: the Marro. At the end of the practice, all answered the validated GES-II questionnaire. Subsequently, a content analysis of 480 comments was performed using ATLAS.ti 8.4 software. The conclusion of this work verifies the existence of different levels of meaning in the semiotic experience that originate interpersonal conflicts in traditional sporting games. Considering the multidimensional network of signs and meanings that emerge in any game will help to understand the meaning of the protagonists’ conflictive motor conducts.
The Harald Breivik lecture 2022. Pathophysiology in persistent severe pain after groin hernia repair
Authors: Werner Mads U. , Jensen Elisabeth Kjær
Published: August 2022

The transition from a healthy to a persistent severe pain state following otherwise successful elective surgery is a feared complication. Groin hernia repair, previously considered minor surgery, is a standard surgical procedure annually performed on 2,000 individuals per one million residents. A trajectory into persistent severe pain is, unfortunately, seen in 2–4%, severely impeding physical and psychosocial daily functions.
The aerothermal performance of turbine blade squealer tip at various Reynolds numbers and Mach numbers with moving endwall
Authors: Chen Shaowen , Zeng Cong , Zhou Zhihua , Li Weihang
Published: August 2022

The changes of operating conditions can lead to variations in the aerodynamic conditions of the turbine blades. Then numerical studies are conducted to study the aerothermal performance of the turbine blade with a squealer tip at various Reynolds numbers (Re) and exit Mach numbers (Ma) with moving endwall. Besides, the effect of the rim height on the squealer tip is studied. The increasing of Reynolds numbers at Mach number = 0.78 enhances the heat-transfer at the tip of blade entirely, however, it has little impact on the leakage flow of the blade tip. The total heat flux increases with Mach number increasing from 0.78 to 0.96 and changes slightly with a further increasing of Mach number at a design Reynolds numbers. The height of squealer rim affects the tip leakage flow in the cavity and tip leakage vortex, and then affects the heat transfer distribution and the heat load of the blade tip.