bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on a Control Strategy for a Distributed Economic Dispatch System in an Active Distribution Network, Considering Communication Packet Loss
Authors: Le Jian , Qi Gan , Zhao Liangang , Jin Rui
Published: October 2022

The benefits of a distributed economic dispatch system include significant resilience, uniform processing and communication pressure, and good scalability, but, currently, there is limited in-depth research on the impact of packet loss on the communication links of a distributed economic dispatch system. To analyze how communication packet loss affects a distributed economic dispatch system and to develop appropriate scheduling approaches, in this paper, we design a fully distributed economic dispatch strategy for an active distribution network (ADN) in leader-follower mode, we use the Bernoulli stochastic process to describe the communication packet loss phenomenon, and we give sufficient conditions for the system in the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI) to be able to achieve stochastic stability. The communication packet loss probability affects the convergence performance of the system, and a high packet loss probability can cause the system to lose stability. By simulating various situations in the IEEE-14 and IEEE-39 systems, in this study, we confirm the validity and efficacy of the distributed economic dispatch control strategy and the system stability analysis method.
Cloud-Based, Expandable—Reconfigurable Remote Laboratory for Electronic Engineering Experiments
Authors: Chamunorwa Tinashe , Modran Horia Alexandru , Ursuțiu Doru , Samoilă Cornel , Hedeșiu Horia
Published: October 2022

This article describes the design and development of the NI myRIO device-based remote laboratory. The cloud-based, expandable, and reconfigurable remote laboratory is intended to give students access to an online web-based user interface to perform experiments. Multiple myRIO devices are programmed to host several experiments each. A finite state machine is used to select specific experiments, while a single state can contain several. The laboratory web virtual instruments interfaces are hosted on the SystemLink cloud and SystemLink server. A user-friendly interface has been designed to help students to understand important electronic concepts. Virtual and real experiments were fused to give students a wide range of experiments they can access online. The instructor can check outputs of an experiment being executed on the device. Achieving connection between myRIO and SystemLink through global variables and SystemLink ensured that the low-cost device was utilized, and this is suitable for third-world countries’ universities that cannot afford expensive equipment. Students can perform the experiments which have some resemblance to physical execution. The system is expandable in that the number of myRIO devices or number of experiments can be increased to suit changing requirements. The reconfigurability of the system is such that the finite state machine-based coding technique permits only one experiment to be selected, configure the system, and run while other experiments are idle.
A Novel Horse Racing Algorithm Based MPPT Control for Standalone PV Power Systems
Authors: Ngo Sy , Chiu Chian-Song , Ngo Thanh-Dong
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method inspired by the horse racing game for standalone photovoltaic (PV) power systems, such that the highest PV power conversion efficiency is obtained. From the horse racing game rules, we develop the horse racing algorithm (HRA) with the qualifying stage and final ranking stage. The MPP can be searched even if there exist multiple local MPPs for the PV power system. Moreover, from the proposed horse racing algorithm, the calculation is reduced, so that the transient searching points are less than traditional methods, i.e., the transient oscillation is less during the MPPT control. Therefore, the HRA based MPPT method avoids local maximum power traps and achieves the MPP quickly even if considering partial shading influence and varying environment for PV panels. Evidence of the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed HRA method is exhibited by simulation results. These results are also compared with typical particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) methods and shown better convergence time as well as transient oscillation. Within the range from 0.34 to 0.58 s, the proposed method has effectively tracked the global maximum power point, which is from 0.42 to 0.48 s faster than the conventional PSO technique and from 0.36 to 0.74 s faster than the GWO method. Finally, the obtained findings proved the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed HRA technique through experimental results. The fast response in terms of good transient oscillation and global power tracking time of the proposed method are from 0.40 to 1.0 s, while the PSO and GWO methods are from 1.56 to 1.6 s and from 1.9 to 2.2 s, respectively.
A Model for Finding a Suitable Location for a Micro Biogas Plant Using Gis Tools
Authors: Levstek Tomaž , Rozman Črtomir
Published: October 2022

The article presents a model for finding the most suitable locations for setting up micro-biogas plants (<50 kW), which represent an efficient way of processing organic waste in small local communities. The input parameters of the model, which was made with GIS tools, were the number of farms and heads of large livestock with their locations, the number of food establishments and their collected food waste and waste fat. We tested the case study model in the Gorenjska region in Slovenia. The result of processing the input data in the model are four locations in three municipalities Naklo 1, Naklo 2, Kranj and Cerklje. We evaluated the locations with economic indicators net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and discounted payback period (DPP). With sensitivity analysis, we investigated the impact of increasing investment costs, decreasing energy prices and different scenarios with adding corn silage to the anaerobic process. Location Naklo 1 has NPV 31,410.26 €, IRR 10.53% and DPP 22 years, Naklo 2 has NPV −58,808.91 € and DPP of more than 25 years, location Kranj has NPV 140,313.00 €, IRR 13.07% and DPP 16 years, location Cerklje has NPV −43,026.82 € and DPP of more than 25 years.
Comprehensive Control Strategy of Fuel Consumption and Emissions Incorporating the Catalyst Temperature for PHEVs Based on DRL
Authors: Zhou Guangli , Huang Fei , Liu Wenbing , Zhao Chunling , Xiang Yangkai , Wei Hanbing
Published: October 2022

PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) equipped with diesel engines have multiple model transitions in the driving cycle for their particular structure. The high frequency of start–stop of a diesel engine will increase fuel consumption and reduce the catalytic efficiency of SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) catalysts, which will increase cold start emissions. For comprehensive optimization of fuel consumption and emissions, an optimal control strategy of PHEVs that originated from the PER-TD3 algorithm based on DRL (deep reinforcement learning) is proposed in this paper. The priority of samples is assigned with greater sampling weight for high learning efficiency. Experimental results are compared with those of the DP (dynamic programming)-based strategy in HIL (hardware in loop) equipment. The engine fuel consumption and NOX emissions were 2.477 L/100 km and 0.2008 g/km, nearly 94.1% and 90.1% of those of the DP-based control strategy. By contrast, the fuel consumption and NOx of DDPG (Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient)-based and TD3(Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient) -based control strategy were 2.557, 0.2078, 2.509, and 0.2023, respectively. By comparative results, we can see that the comprehensive control strategy of PHEVs based on the PER-TD3 algorithm we proposed can achieve better performance with comparison to TD3-based and DDPG-based, which is the state-of-the-art strategy in DRL. The HIL-based experimental results prove the effectiveness and real-time potential of the proposed control strategy.
Using Battery-Powered Suspended Monorails in Underground Hard Coal Mines to Improve Working Conditions in the Roadway
Authors: Szlązak Nikodem , Korzec Marek , Cheng Jianwei
Published: October 2022

Transporting materials and mine staff is a vital link necessary to the production process in underground mines. Deteriorating climatic conditions, mainly due to the increasingly deep mining and the usage of machines, force us to look for solutions to improve the underground mine environmental situation. Another essential factor responsible for deteriorating working conditions is harmful substances and exhaust fumes emitted from diesel engines. Supplying the workplaces with air quantity exceeding requirements such as the minimum velocity of air movement or gas and climatic conditions will allow for maintaining the gas concentration at the appropriate level. One possible way to solve the problems mentioned above is to replace suspended monorails powered by internal combustion engines with new solutions of electrically battery-powered monorails. Electric monorails are not yet widely used in mines; nevertheless, they have many advantages. This article analyzes the exhaust gas parameters from monorail locomotives operating in a hard coal mine and determines the required airflow to maintain permissible concentrations of harmful gases. It also focuses on a comparative analysis of climatic conditions in the development heading, considering the roadway’s functioning with and without using diesel or electric monorail. The study consists of the methodology for predicting climate conditions. Based on the performed analysis, it was shown that using electric monorails could significantly improve working conditions.
Energy Conservation and Firm Performance in Thailand: Comparison between Energy-Intensive and Non-Energy-Intensive Industries
Authors: Lakkanawanit Pankaewta , Dungtripop Wilawan , Suttipun Muttanachai , Madi Hisham
Published: October 2022

This study investigated and compared energy conservation levels between listed companies in energy-intensive industries and non-energy-intensive industries in Thai capital markets. It also tested the impact of energy conservation on firm performance using companies in the two industries. The sample for the study was sourced from 552 companies in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and 169 companies in the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI). The data was collected from the companies' annual reports spanning the period from 2016 to 2020. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, and unbalanced panel data analysis were used to analyze data. The findings revealed that energy conservation scores for Thai-listed companies were generally stable, averaging between 0.45 and 0.46. It was also revealed that the energy conservation of companies in energy-intensive industries was significantly greater than that of companies in non-energy-intensive industries, with average scores of 0.55 and 0.43, respectively. Additionally, the study found that energy conservation has a positive impact on the firm performance of energy-intensive industries, while no significant impact in energy-intensive industries was recorded. The findings demonstrate that stakeholder and legitimacy theories can help explain how energy conservation benefits companies in terms of increased firm performance.
Element Content in Different Wheat Flours and Bread Varieties
Authors: Fernández-Canto María Nerea , García-Gómez María Belén , Boado-Crego Sonia , Vázquez-Odériz María Lourdes , Muñoz-Ferreiro María Nieves , Lombardero-Fernández Matilde , Pereira-Lorenzo Santiago , Romero-Rodríguez María Ángeles
Published: October 2022

The most consumed cereal-based product worldwide is bread. “Caaveiro”, an autochthonous variety with a recent growing interest, is one of the wheat varieties that fulfill the 25% local flour requirement in the PGI “Pan Galego” bread baking industry. The element content of the refined wheat flours used to make “Pan Galego” (‘‘Caaveiro’’, FCv; Castilla, FC; and a mixture of both, FM) was evaluated in ICP-MS. In addition, wholegrain flour (FWM) was included in the analysis. Loaves of bread were made with these flours (a, 100% FC; b, 100% FCv); and c, FM: 75% FC + 25% FCv) and their element content was analyzed. Wholegrain flour ranked the highest in almost all elements, highlighting the P (494.80 mg/100 g), while the FM and the FC presented the opposite behavior, with the highest Se values (14.4 and 15.8 mg/100 g, respectively). FCv was situated in an intermediate position regarding P, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Na content, standing closer to FWM, although it presents the highest values for Cu (1076.3 µg/100 g). The differences observed in flour were maintained in bread. Hence, the local cultivar ‘‘Caaveiro’’ has an interesting nutritional profile from the point of view of the element content.
The Mediator Role of Attitudes in Fish Choice Behavior: A Turkish Market Survey
Authors: Güney Osman Inanç , Özşahinoğlu Ilgın , Erçen Zeynep , Yeldan Hacer , Dikel Çiğdem , Sangün Levent
Published: October 2022

Due to the dynamic nature of demand, it is becoming increasingly important for the fish industry to investigate the changing choice behaviors of consumers in the face of increasing demand. This research investigated the role of attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics, which are the main factors in the fish choice behavior of consumers and in fish consumption behavior. In this context, an ordered probit model was constructed to analyze the effect of attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics as independent variables on fish consumption and purchase intention as the dependent variables. In addition, descriptive statistics were also used to reveal the current preferences related to fish. The data required for the model and descriptive statistics were obtained from 421 participants using a cross-sectional consumer survey covering the main cities of the seven regions of Turkey. The results show that while consumers prefer fish more than red meat and less than poultry, they mostly buy fresh fish from fish markets. Moreover, taste, physical appearance, convenience, wild fish, and seller trust attitudes have a significant and positive relationship with the dependent variable (the frequency of fish purchase and consumption) and price has a negative and significant relationship. Moreover, an increase in education level has a positive and significant relationship with the frequency of fish consumption. The research results provide important suggestions and information for decision-makers in the fish industry to implement effective policies and meet the consumer expectations of producers and distributors in the fish industry. In addition, the current study provides guidance for future research.
Isotopic Shift in Hg-Isotopes within Brückner versus Relativistic Energy Density Functional
Authors: Pattnaik Jeet Amrit , Majekodunmi Joshua T. , Bhuyan Mrutunjaya , Patra Suresh Kumar
Published: October 2022

The present study is focused on revealing a characteristic kink of the neutron shell closure N = 126 across the Hg-isotopic chain within the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach with the IOPB-I, DD-ME2, DD-PC1 and NL3 parameter sets. The RMF densities are converted to their spherical equivalence via the Wood–Saxon approximation and used as input within the parametrization procedure of the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM). The nuclear matter symmetry energy is calculated using the Brückner energy density functional, and its surface, as well as volume components, are evaluated within Danielwicz’s liquid drop prescription. In addition, a comparison between Brückner and relativistic energy density functionals using the NL3 parameter set is shown as a representative case. The binding energy, charge distribution radius and symmetry energy are used as indicators of the isotopic shift in both ground and isomeric states. We have found the presence of a kink at the shell/sub-shell closure at N = 126 for neutron-rich 206Hg. The formation of the kink is traceable to the early filling of the 1i11/2 orbitals rather than 2g9/2, due to the large spin-orbit splitting. As such, the link between the occupational probability and the magicity of nuclei over the Hg-isotopic chain is established.
Progress in Composite Hydrogels and Scaffolds Enriched with Icariin for Osteochondral Defect Healing
Authors: Oprita Elena Iulia , Iosageanu Andreea , Craciunescu Oana
Published: October 2022

Osteochondral structure reconstruction by tissue engineering, a challenge in regenerative medicine, requires a scaffold that ensures both articular cartilage and subchondral bone remodeling. Functional hydrogels and scaffolds present a strategy for the controlled delivery of signaling molecules (growth factors and therapeutic drugs) and are considered a promising therapeutic approach. Icariin is a pharmacologically-active small molecule of prenylated flavonol glycoside and the main bioactive flavonoid isolated from Epimedium spp. The in vitro and in vivo testing of icariin showed chondrogenic and ostseoinductive effects, comparable to bone morphogenetic proteins, and suggested its use as an alternative to growth factors, representing a low-cost, promising approach for osteochondral regeneration. This paper reviews the complex structure of the osteochondral tissue, underlining the main aspects of osteochondral defects and those specifically occurring in osteoarthritis. The significance of icariin’s structure and the extraction methods were emphasized. Studies revealing the valuable chondrogenic and osteogenic effects of icariin for osteochondral restoration were also reviewed. The review highlighted th recent state-of-the-art related to hydrogels and scaffolds enriched with icariin developed as biocompatible materials for osteochondral regeneration strategies.
Stability Analysis of Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) Using Rock Mass Classifications: Empirical Approach and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Bastidas Gilmar , Soria Oliver , Mulas Maurizio , Loaiza Silvia , Bordehore Luis Jordá
Published: October 2022

The cavities or lava tubes in the Galapagos Islands were formed by the differential cooling of the basaltic flow of the volcanoes surrounding these islands. In this article, a stability analysis was carried out to determine the degree of safety of different lava tubes using three methods: two empirical ones based on geomechanical classifications and one strain–strain (Hoek–Brown failure criterion). The methodology used consisted of the following phases: (i) compilation of information based on existing geomechanical mapping; (ii) geomechanical classification of the rock mass using Barton’s Q index and rock mass rating; (iii) steady state qualification using the geotechnical index of cavities (GCI); (iv) numerical modeling applying the Hoek–Brown criterion; (v) comparison of methodology and discussion of the results. The data obtained indicate that the methodologies used to evaluate the stability of the lava tubes have high reliability since they allowed the characterization of the different lava tubes. As the final “product” of the investigation, a graph was drawn up in which the empirical observations and the safety factors obtained with the numerical analysis (stress–strain) were superimposed, classifying the lava tubes as stable and non-stable. It can be concluded that the characterization methodologies used in this article can be applied to similar cases and fill a gap in rapid preliminary analyses of the degree of stability and risk of cave collapse.
Pirate Assemblage
Authors: Thomas Steven W.
Published: October 2022

This essay “Pirate Assemblage” explores two related questions. The first is how we read and appreciate the literary form of pirate literature such as Alexander Exquemelin’s Buccaneers of America (1678) and Charles Johnson’s two-volume General History of the Pyrates (volume one 1724, volume two 1728). The second is what the answer to that first question suggests for how we regard pirate literature in relation to more canonical eighteenth-century literature and how this relation might revise our reading of that literature. My answer to the first question explores the concept of “assemblage” for reading and appreciating pirate literature, and my answer to the second question that eighteenth-century literature read in relation to this “pirate assemblage” suggests new ways of reading canonical texts such as Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (1726) and John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera (1728) that were written soon after the first volume of The General History of Pyrates. In doing so, my essay responds to the large body of scholarly literature on pirates that has focused on the question of identity—race, class, gender, and sexuality—and the question of whether or not such literature was transgressive. In my essay, by closely reading the unique literary form of pirate literature and utilizing Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s concepts of “assemblage” and “minor literature,” I argue that pirate literature, rather than representing transgressive identities, instead progressively produces new economic and social connections that deterritorializes the economy, literary form, and language.
Basic Differences and Most Common Findings in Ultrasound Examinations of Musculoskeletal System in Children: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Poboży Tomasz , Konarski Wojciech , Piotrowska-Lis Karolina , Domańska Julia , Poboży Kamil , Kielar Maciej
Published: October 2022

We present basic differences in the musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations between adults and children. Examiners who deal with adults on a daily basis have shared concerns about examining children. Such concerns may arise from the different approach to child ultrasounds, but they also come from differences in anatomical characteristics according to developmental age. We discuss the presence of growth plates, as well as non-mineralized parts of the bones. We also refer to the pathologies most often found in ultrasounds in early developmental stages. In the PubMed database, the set of keywords: “msk ultrasound in children”, “pediatric msk sonoanatomy”, “coxitis fugax”, “pediatric Baker’s cyst”, “Baker’s cyst ultrasonography”, “bone septic necrosis in ultrasonography”, “ultrasonography in juvenile idiopathic arthritis”, and “ultrasonography in juvenile spondyloarthropathies”, was used to identify a total of 1657 results, from which 54 was selected to be included in the article. We discuss the problem of osteochondritis dissecans, Osgood-Schlatter disease, examples of ligament injuries (especially in relation to the knee and ankle joints), exfoliation of growth cartilages, osteochondroma, exudates and inflammations affecting joints, and Baker’s cysts. In this way, we have collected useful information about the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in children.
Intraoperative Accidental Extubation during Thyroidectomy in a Known Difficult-Airway Patient: An Adult Simulation Case for Anesthesiology Residents
Authors: Okano David R. , Perez Toledo Javier A. , Mitchell Sally A. , Cartwright Johnny F. , Moore Christopher , Boyer Tanna J.
Published: October 2022

Intraoperative accidental extubation on a known difficult-airway patient requires prompt attention. A good understanding of the steps to re-establish the airway is critical, especially when the patient is known to have a difficult airway documented or discovered on induction or acquires a difficult airway secondary to intraoperative events. The situation becomes even more complicated if the case has been handed off to another anesthesiologist, where specific and detailed information may not have been conveyed. This simulation was designed to train first-year clinical anesthesia residents. It was a 50 min encounter that focused on the management of complete loss of an airway during a thyroidectomy on a known difficult-airway patient. The endotracheal tube dislodgement was simulated by deliberate tube manipulation through the cervical access window of the mannequin. Learners received a formative assessment of their performance during the debrief, and most of the residents met the educational objectives. Learners were asked to complete a survey of their experience, and the feedback was positive and constructive. The response rate was 68% (17/25). Our simulation program helped anesthesiology residents develop intraoperative emergency airway management skills in a safe environment, as well as foster communication skills among anesthesiologists and the surgery team.
Leveraging Telehealth for the Management of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Pacheco Gerardo J. , Vargas Brea , Lozano Nadya , Castro Sergio , Gattu Manasa
Published: October 2022

Background: Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women and kills 685,000 globally, making it the most prevalent cancer. The telemedicine modality has been used to treat the symptoms associated with breast cancer recovery. Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of telemedicine to help women recover from the treatment-associated effects and promote overall recovery from breast cancer. Methods: Four databases were queried for published literature from the last 10 years. The systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Kruse Protocol and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Results: Five interventions were identified in the literature, with the most dominant being eHealth and mHealth. The other interventions were telephone, video teleconference, and a combination of eHealth and mHealth. There were positive effects of these telemedicine interventions in 88% of the studies analyzed. Telemedicine is shown to positively affect physical and mental health, sleep outcomes, quality of life, and body image. The largest barriers to the adoption of telemedicine interventions are training, cost, workflow, time of providers, and low reimbursement. Conclusion: Telemedicine offers promise to both providers and breast cancer survivors to improve the physical and mental health detriments of both cancer and its associated treatments. It also helps women develop healthy habits to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
The SlSWEET12c Sugar Transporter Promotes Sucrose Unloading and Metabolism in Ripening Tomato Fruits
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Feng Chaoyang , Liu Xin , Jiang Jing
Published: October 2022

Sugar content is a primary determinant of taste and quality in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. Sugar allocation from source to sink is dependent on the activity of plasma membrane sugar transporters and is a critical process in plant development. Sugar will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) are sugar transporters that play key roles in plant biology, including growth and development. However, few studies have been conducted on the tomato SWEET protein family to date. Through gene expression analysis, we found that SlSWEET12c had the highest expression during the red ripening stage of tomato fruits. Yeast functional complementation, subcellular localization, and GUS activity assays showed that SlSWEET12c is a plasma membrane-localized sugar transporter that accumulates in the vascular bundles, carpel, and sarcocarp. Silencing SlSWEET12c increased sucrose accumulation and reduced the number of hexoses in tomato fruits; the opposite effects were observed under SISWEET12c overexpression. Invertase activity was also decreased after silencing SISWEET12c. These results suggest that SlSWEET12c is a sugar transporter that promotes sucrose unloading and metabolism in ripening tomato fruits, offering a new target for improving tomato quality and production.
Risk Factors for, and Prediction of, Shoulder Pain in Young Badminton Players: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cejudo Antonio
Published: October 2022

Background: Shoulder pain (SP) caused by hitting the shuttlecock is common in young badminton players. The objectives of the present study were to predict the risk factors for SP in young badminton players, and to determine the optimal risk factor cut-off that best discriminates those players who are at higher risk of suffering from SP. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 45 under-17 badminton players who participated in the Spanish Championship. Data were collected on anthropometric age, sports history, sagittal spinal curves, range of motion (ROM) and maximum isometric strength of shoulder. After 12 months, players completed a SP history questionnaire. Bayesian Student’s t-analysis, binary logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis were performed. Results: Overall, 18 (47.4%) players reported at least one episode of SP. The shoulder internal rotation (SIR) ROM showed the strongest association (OR = 1.122; p = 0.035) with SP. The SIR ROM has an excellent ability to discriminate players at increased risk for SP (p = 0.001). The optimal cut-off for SIR ROM, which predicts players with an 81% probability of developing SP, was set at 55° (sensitivity = 75.0%, specificity = 83.3%). Conclusions: The young badminton players who had a shoulder internal rotation ROM of 55° or less have a higher risk of SP one year later.
Quality of Life and Related Factors in Specialists on Pediatric Dentistry and the like Graduated from a Public University: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Amariles-Baena Ariana , Sosa-Palacio Catalina , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A.
Published: October 2022

This study aims to analyze the factors associated with the quality of life (QOL) in pediatric dentistry specialists and the like, graduated in a public university between 1972 and 2018. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. Firstly, a cross-sectional survey (n = 62, 51% women) was carried out and complemented with three focus groups (FGs) and four semi-structured interviews (SIs). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyzes and non-parametric correlation were calculated. A multivariate linear regression was carried out to establish the factors associated with QOL. In FGs, the concept of QOL and the factors that influence it was investigated, by following a qualitative content analysis and later the information was triangulated. The median QOL scores surpass 62 points. The multivariate analysis showed that the factors exerted the greatest influence negatively (decreases the QOL score) were: having an independent or service provision contract (p < 0.05), low social support (p < 0.001), job dissatisfaction (p < 0.01), poor mental health (p < 0.01), self-perceived poor general health (p < 0.01). The information from the FGs and interviews allow to establish three categories of analysis: (1) QOL and health: multiple facets, determinants, and dimensions; (2) encounters and disagreements between the postgraduate curricular training proposal and the labor and social field of the specialist; (3) an itinerant clinical specialization. The QOL of participants is considered good in general terms and is conditioned by subjective factors, the social environment, and the conditions of their professional work.
Correlation between Endophthalmitis and Stroke Development in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Yung-En , Chien Wu-Chien , Chen Yi-Hao , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Jiann-Torng , Chen Ching-Long
Published: October 2022

Background: This cohort study aimed to research the correlation between endophthalmitis and stroke development in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients by reviewing National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) data. Methods: This study obtained data from the NHIRD over a sixteen-year period. The primary outcome was stroke development. We used Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi-squared test to analyze the variables. We investigated the risk factors for disease development using Cox regression analyses. We compared the cumulative incidence of stroke using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: The study cohort included 549 patients with AS and endophthalmitis, while the comparison cohort included 2196 patients with AS but without endophthalmitis. The stroke development was increased in the study cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.873; p ≤ 0.001). The total stroke development in the study cohort and the comparison cohort was 1724.44 per 100,000 person-years and 1085.11 per 100,000 person-years, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.873; 95% confidence interval, 1.776–2.022; p < 0.001). Our study cohort showed an increased stroke rate. Conclusions: Our studies showed that endophthalmitis increases the risk of stroke in AS patients and endophthalmitis is an independent risk factor for stroke in AS patients. Nonetheless, advanced studies that thoroughly investigate the correlation between endophthalmitis and stroke in AS patients are needed to validate our findings.
Developmental Delays in Socio-Emotional Brain Functions in Persons with an Intellectual Disability: Impact on Treatment and Support
Authors: Sappok Tanja , Hassiotis Angela , Bertelli Marco , Dziobek Isabel , Sterkenburg Paula
Published: October 2022

Intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a related co-occurrence of mental health issues and challenging behaviors. In addition to purely cognitive functions, socio-emotional competencies may also be affected. In this paper, the lens of developmental social neuroscience is used to better understand the origins of mental disorders and challenging behaviors in people with an intellectual disability. The current concept of intelligence is broadened by socio-emotional brain functions. The emergence of these socio-emotional brain functions is linked to the formation of the respective neuronal networks located within the different parts of the limbic system. Thus, high order networks build on circuits that process more basic information. The socio-emotional skills can be assessed and complement the results of a standardized IQ-test. Disturbances of the brain cytoarchitecture and function that occur at a certain developmental period may increase the susceptibility to certain mental disorders. Insights into the current mental and socio-emotional functioning of a person may support clinicians in the calibration of treatment and support. Acknowledging the trajectories of the socio-emotional brain development may result in a more comprehensive understanding of behaviors and mental health in people with developmental delays and thus underpin supports for promotion of good mental health in this highly vulnerable population.
Indirect Effects of Ebola Virus Disease Epidemics on Health Systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia: A Scoping Review Supplemented with Expert Interviews
Authors: Mulenga-Cilundika Philippe , Ekofo Joel , Kabanga Chrispin , Criel Bart , Van Damme Wim , Chenge Faustin
Published: October 2022

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics have been extensively documented and have received large scientific and public attention since 1976. Until July 2022, 16 countries worldwide had reported at least one case of EVD, resulting in 43 epidemics. Most of the epidemics occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but the largest epidemic occurred from 2014–2016 in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. The indirect effects of EVD epidemics on these countries’ health systems, i.e., the consequences beyond infected patients and deaths immediately related to EVD, can be significant. The objective of this review was to map and measure the indirect effects of the EVD epidemics on the health systems of DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and, from thereon, draw lessons for strengthening their resilience vis-à-vis future EVD outbreaks and other similar health emergencies. A scoping review of published articles from the PubMed database and gray literature was conducted. It was supplemented by interviews with experts. Eighty-six articles were included in this review. The results were structured based on WHO’s six building blocks of a health system. During the EVD outbreaks, several healthcare services and activities were disrupted. A significant decline in indicators of curative care utilization, immunization levels and disease control activities was noticeable. Shortages of health personnel, poor health data management, insufficient funding and shortages of essential drugs characterized the epidemics that occurred in the above-mentioned countries. The public health authorities had virtually lost their leadership in the management of an EVD response. Governance was characterized by the development of a range of new initiatives to ensure adequate response. The results of this review highlight the need for countries to invest in and strengthen their health systems, through the continuous reinforcement of the building blocks, even if there is no imminent risk of an epidemic.
High Non-COVID-19 in-Hospital Deaths during the First Lockdown in Israel Compared with the Second and Third Lockdowns
Authors: Bord Shiran , Tur-Sinai Aviad , Basis Fuad
Published: October 2022

During the first lockdown in Israel, citizens were instructed to visit community clinics only for urgent cases. However, they were not informed that emergency departments (EDs) were safe. Reports from the National Ambulance Services showed a 22% increase in at-home deaths during the lockdown. Perhaps, the reason is because some critically ill patients postponed referrals and came “at the last minute”. After the first lockdown, the Ministry of Health (MOH) declared that hospital EDs were safe. The objective of the study was to examine the rates of admission from EDs to hospital wards, and non-COVID-19 in-hospital deaths during the first lockdown in Israel, compared with the second and third lockdowns. From the business intelligence software of the Rambam Medical Center in Israel, we collected data about the rates of admission to the ED, the non-COVID-19 in-hospital deaths during the three lockdowns, during the same periods in the previous three years, and the main five causes of non-COVID-19 deaths. Data comparison was done using multiple chi-square tests. ED admission numbers were significantly higher during the first lockdown than during the second (χ2 (1, n = 36,245) = 24.774, p = 0.00001) and third lockdowns (χ2 (1, n = 36,547) = 8.7808, p = 0.0030). We found a significantly higher number of non-COVID-19 in-hospital deaths vs. discharges during the first lockdown than in the second and third lockdowns (χ2 (2, n = 26,268) = 7.794, p = 0.0203) The number of deaths due to respiratory diseases was significantly higher during the first lockdown than in the second lockdown (χ2 (1, n = 572) = 8.8185, p = 0.0029) and in the third lockdown (χ2 (1, n = 624) = 9.0381, p = 0.0026), and deaths from infectious diseases were higher during the first lockdown than during both the second and third lockdowns (χ2 (1, n = 566) = 5.9479, p = 0.0147, and χ2 (1, n = 624) = 9.5978, p = 0.0019), respectively. The onset of CVA and CVD are abrupt, while respiratory and infectious diseases may have an insidious pattern; this may have led patients to postpone referrals to hospitals to the “last minute” during the first lockdown, perhaps due to fears of contracting COVID-19, and as a result of vague instructions. Citizens and policymakers must be made aware of this point during future pandemics.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Barriers and Enablers for Implementation of an Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing Service at the University of Nottingham: A Multi-Site Higher Education Setting in England
Authors: Blake Holly , Somerset Sarah , Mahmood Ikra , Mahmood Neelam , Corner Jessica , Ball Jonathan K. , Denning Chris
Published: October 2022

Asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been used to prevent and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in university settings, but few studies have explored their implementation. The aim of the study was to evaluate how an accredited asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing service (ATS) was implemented at the University of Nottingham, a multi-campus university in England, to identify barriers and enablers of implementation and to draw out lessons for implementing pandemic response initiatives in higher education settings. A qualitative interview study was conducted with 25 ATS personnel between May and July 2022. Interviews were conducted online, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Participants were asked about their experience of the ATS, barriers and enablers of implementation. Transcripts were thematically analysed. There were four overarching themes: (1) social responsibility and innovation, (2) when, how and why people accessed testing, (3) impact of the ATS on the spread of COVID-19, and (4) lessons learned for the future. In establishing the service, the institution was seen to be valuing its community and socially responsible. The service was viewed to be broadly successful as a COVID-19 mitigation approach. Challenges to service implementation were the rapidly changing pandemic situation and government advice, delays in service accreditation and rollout to staff, ambivalence towards testing and isolating in the target population, and an inability to provide follow-up support for positive cases within the service. Facilitators included service visibility, reduction in organisational bureaucracy and red tape, inclusive leadership, collaborative working with regular feedback on service status, flexibility in service delivery approaches and simplicity of saliva testing. The ATS instilled a perception of early ‘return to normality’ and impacted positively on staff feelings of safety and wellbeing, with wider benefits for healthcare services and local communities. In conclusion, we identified common themes that have facilitated or hindered the implementation of a SARS-CoV-2 testing service at a university in England. Lessons learned from ATS implementation will inform future pandemic response interventions in higher education settings.
Social Capital, Political Efficacy and Chinese Residents’ Willingness to Participate in Food Safety Governance
Authors: Du Nianyu , Zhang Chuanmei , Qin Jin , Jiang Liangqiang , Yin Zongshuo , Chen Mo
Published: October 2022

Residents play an important role as one of the main actors in food safety governance. To build a pattern of food safety risk co-governance, the positive and effective participation of residents is vital. This study first establishes a comprehensive analysis framework combining social capital theory and political efficacy theory. Data from a survey of 714 residents in Shandong Province, China, were analysed through structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the causal relationship between residents’ willingness to participate and its driving factors. The results indicated that: (1) reciprocity norm, institutional trust and social engagement have significant positive effects on willingness to participate; (2) political efficacy has a partial mediating effect in the relationship between social capital and willingness to participate; (3) fsQCA findings have four solutions to achieving residents’ strong willingness to participate; reciprocity norm, institutional trust and political efficacy are the core elements that affected residents’ high willingness to participate, whereas social engagement and sociodemographic variables are the non-core variables. Therefore, we put forward suggestions for improving residents’ willingness to participate in food safety governance, including improving the appeal expression and feedback mechanism, cultivating residents’ social capital and paying attention to the superposition effect of social capital and political efficacy.
Cytoskeleton Elements Contribute to Prion Peptide-Induced Endothelial Barrier Breakdown in a Blood–Brain Barrier In Vitro System
Authors: Cooper Itzik , Cohen-Kashi Malina Katayun , Levin Yishai , Gabashvili Alexandra , Mohar Boaz , Cagnotto Alfredo , Salmona Mario , Teichberg Vivian I.
Published: October 2022

The mechanisms involved in the interaction of PrP 106-126, a peptide corresponding to the prion protein amyloidogenic region, with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) were studied. PrP 106-126 treatment that was previously shown to impair BBB function, reduced cAMP levels in cultured brain endothelial cells, increased nitric oxide (NO) levels, and changed the activation mode of the small GTPases Rac1 (inactivation) and RhoA (activation). The latter are well established regulators of endothelial barrier properties that act via cytoskeletal elements. Indeed, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based proteomic profiling study revealed extensive changes in expression of cytoskeleton-related proteins. These results shed light on the nature of the interaction between the prion peptide PrP 106-126 and the BBB and emphasize the importance of the cytoskeleton in endothelium response to prion- induced stress.
Discovery of Novel HIV Protease Inhibitors Using Modern Computational Techniques
Authors: Okafor Sunday N. , Angsantikul Pavimol , Ahmed Hashim
Published: October 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has continued to be a global concern. With the new HIV incidence, the emergence of multi-drug resistance and the untoward side effects of currently used anti-HIV drugs, there is an urgent need to discover more efficient anti-HIV drugs. Modern computational tools have played vital roles in facilitating the drug discovery process. This research focuses on a pharmacophore-based similarity search to screen 111,566,735 unique compounds in the PubChem database to discover novel HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs). We used an in silico approach involving a 3D-similarity search, physicochemical and ADMET evaluations, HIV protease-inhibitor prediction (IC50/percent inhibition), rigid receptor–molecular docking studies, binding free energy calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The 10 FDA-approved HIV PIs (saquinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, darunavir, tipranavir and indinavir) were used as reference. The in silico analysis revealed that fourteen out of the twenty-eight selected optimized hit molecules were within the acceptable range of all the parameters investigated. The hit molecules demonstrated significant binding affinity to the HIV protease (PR) when compared to the reference drugs. The important amino acid residues involved in hydrogen bonding and п-п stacked interactions include ASP25, GLY27, ASP29, ASP30 and ILE50. These interactions help to stabilize the optimized hit molecules in the active binding site of the HIV-1 PR (PDB ID: 2Q5K). HPS/002 and HPS/004 have been found to be most promising in terms of IC50/percent inhibition (90.15%) of HIV-1 PR, in addition to their drug metabolism and safety profile. These hit candidates should be investigated further as possible HIV-1 PIs with improved efficacy and low toxicity through in vitro experiments and clinical trial investigations.