bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Telehealth Intervention to Improve Adherence to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Habits in Overweight or Obese Young Adults
Authors: García-Rodríguez R. , Vázquez-Rodríguez A. , Bellahmar-Lkadiri S. , Salmonte-Rodríguez A. , Siverio-Díaz A. R. , De Paz-Pérez P. , González-Pérez A. M. , Brito-Brito P. R.
Published: July 2024

Excess weight and obesity have high prevalence rates globally and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth emerged as an effective tool for promoting healthy behaviours in the management of chronic conditions. This study employed a three-month quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention measurements, assessing the progress of 82 adults assigned either to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). A total of 66 participants completed the study, with 33 in each group. The IG had access to a telehealth-based platform providing educational content on healthy lifestyle habits and were followed up both in-person and remotely. The CG were monitored as usual, i.e., at their primary care nurses’ discretion. The IG exhibited a statistically significant reduction in weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference, along with improved adherence to a heart-healthy diet, specifically the Mediterranean diet, and higher levels of physical activity. The nurse-led intervention (Care4US+), utilising telehealth from primary care, has proven effective in enhancing healthy behaviours and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Management of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: From Medication Therapy to Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Beygi Mohammad , Ahi Salma , Zolghadri Samaneh , Stanek Agata
Published: July 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common long-lasting liver disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is best identified with a hepatic fat build-up that ultimately leads to inflammation and damage. The classification and nomenclature of NAFLD have long been a controversial topic, until 2020 when a group of international experts recommended substituting NAFLD with MAFLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated FLD). MAFLD was then terminologically complemented in 2023 by altering it to MASLD, i.e., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Both the MAFLD and the MASLD terminologies comprise the metabolic element of the disorder, as they offer diagnostic benchmarks that are embedded in the metabolic risk factors that underlie the disease. MASLD (as a multisystemic disease) provides a comprehensive definition that includes a larger population of patients who are at risk of liver morbidity and mortality, as well as adverse cardiovascular and diabetes outcomes. MASLD highlights metabolic risks in lean or normal weight individuals, a factor that has not been accentuated or discussed in previous guidelines. Novel antihyperglycemic agents, anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, lifestyle modifications, nutritional interventions, and exercise therapies have not been extensively studied in MAFLD and MASLD. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing both conditions, where centralizing on a diet rich in whole vegetables, fruits, foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and specific nutrients (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids and fibers) can improve insulin resistance and reduce inflammation. Thus, it is essential to understand the role of nutrition in managing these conditions and to work with patients to develop an individualized plan for optimal health. This review discusses prevention strategies for NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD management, with particular attention to nutrition and lifestyle correction.
Phase Angle as a Predictor of Mortality in Older Patients with Hip Fracture
Authors: Sánchez-Torralvo Francisco , Pérez-del-Río Verónica , Navas Vela Luis , García-Olivares María , Porras Nuria , Abuín Fernández Jose , Bravo Bardají Manuel , García de Quevedo David , Olveira Gabriel
Published: July 2024

The aim of our study is to determine if there is an association between phase angle obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and mortality in older patients with fragility hip fractures. A prospective study of patients over 65 years old and hospitalized with a diagnosis of hip fracture was conducted. BIA was performed 24 to 48 h after surgery. Mortality was recorded, and the optimal phase angle cut-off value for predicting mortality was determined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 262 patients were included. Of the patients studied, 10 (3.8%), 21 (8%), 39 (14.9%) and 53 (20.2%) died at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, respectively. The phase angle cut-off for mortality at 12 months was 4.05° in women and 4.65° in men. A total of 94 patients (35.9%) were considered to have a low phase angle. After adjustment for possible confounders, mortality in patients with a low phase angle was 5.1 times higher at 1 month, 3.1 times higher at 3 months, 2.9 times higher at 6 months, and 2.8 times higher at 12 months. Phase angle is associated with prognosis in patients admitted for hip fracture regardless of age and comorbidities and can be positioned as a prognostic tool for mortality at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.
The Brain, the Eating Plate, and the Gut Microbiome: Partners in Migraine Pathogenesis
Authors: Gazerani Parisa , Papetti Laura , Dalkara Turgay , Cook Calli Leighann , Webster Caitlin , Bai Jinbing
Published: July 2024

This review summarizes the relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and migraine. Key findings reveal that certain dietary factors, such as caffeine and alcohol, can trigger migraine, while nutrients like magnesium and riboflavin may help alleviate migraine symptoms. The gut microbiome, through its influence on neuroinflammation (e.g., vagus nerve and cytokines), gut–brain signaling (e.g., gamma-aminobutyric acid), and metabolic function (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), plays a crucial role in migraine susceptibility. Migraine can also alter eating behaviors, leading to poor nutritional choices and further exacerbating the condition. Individual variability in diet and microbiome composition highlights the need for personalized dietary and prebiotic interventions. Epidemiological and clinical data support the effectiveness of tailored nutritional approaches, such as elimination diets and the inclusion of beneficial nutrients, in managing migraine. More work is needed to confirm the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and potentially fecal microbiome translation in the management of migraine. Future research should focus on large-scale studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bidirectional interaction between diet and migraine and develop evidence-based clinical guidelines. Integrating dietary management, gut health optimization, and lifestyle modifications can potentially offer a holistic approach to reducing migraine frequency and severity, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Predicting Recurrent Deficiency and Suboptimal Monitoring of Thiamin Deficiency in Patients with Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Parrott Julie , Parrott Austen , Parrott J. , Williams Noel , Dumon Kristoffel
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency (TD) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is often insidious and, if unrecognized, can lead to irreversible damage or death. As TD symptoms are vague and overlap with other disorders, we aim to identify predictors of recurrent TD and failure to collect B1 labs. Methods: We analyzed a large sample of data from patients with MBS (n = 878) to identify potential predictors of TD risk. We modeled recurrent TD and failure to collect B1 labs using classical statistical and machine learning (ML) techniques. Results: We identified clusters of labs associated with increased risk of recurrent TD: micronutrient deficiencies, abnormal blood indices, malnutrition, and fluctuating electrolyte levels (aIRR range: 1.62–4.68). Additionally, demographic variables associated with lower socioeconomic status were predictive of recurrent TD. ML models predicting characteristics associated with failure to collect B1 labs achieved 75–81% accuracy, indicating that clinicians may fail to match symptoms with the underlying condition. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that both clinical and social factors can increase the risk of life-threatening TD episodes in some MBS patients. Identifying these indicators can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Dietary Profile of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Clinical Remission—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Torrinhas Raquel Susana , da Rocha Ilanna Marques Gomes , Fonseca Danielle Cristina , Menezes Helena , Prudêncio Ana Paula , Balmant Bianca Depieri , Callado Letícia , Damião Adérson Omar Mourão Cintra , Queiroz Natalia , Waitzberg Dan L.
Published: July 2024

Imbalanced dietary intake is associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and is often observed during the active phases of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Cumulative data also suggest the potential for dietary manipulation in avoiding IBD relapse. However, there is a paucity of dietary data from patients in clinical remission to guide such an approach. Our study aimed to characterize the dietary pattern and adequacy of patients with IBD in clinical remission. Data on dietary intake (three alternate 24 h food records) were collected from 40 patients with IBD (20 CD and 20 UC) and 45 gender-matched healthy controls (HC). Statistical comparisons between patients and controls employed Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U, chi-squared, and Fisher’s exact tests. The adequacy of dietary intake of IBD patients was further studied by assessing the nutrient inadequacy prevalence, estimated using the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) framework and the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) parameter. We observed significant dietary imbalances among patients with IBD compared to the HC group, marked by disparities in both macronutrient and micronutrient intakes. Inadequacies with frequencies >80% were observed for the ingestion of total fiber and 13 micronutrients in IBD patients. Our preliminary findings suggest that imbalanced dietary intake is also characteristic among individuals with IBD during clinical remission, corroborating the need for dietary interventions in this population.
Adherence to the Gluten-Free Diet Role as a Mediating and Moderating of the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Celiac Disease: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Elsahoryi Nour Amin , Ibrahim Mohammed Omar , Alhaj Omar Amin
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the relationship between food insecurity (FI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with celiac disease (CD) and assess whether this relationship is mediated or moderated by adherence to the gluten-free diet (GFD). The results of 1162 samples of patients diagnosed with CD showed that 8.3% of individuals who have a combined score of less than 13 exhibited excellent or very good adherence to the GFD. Furthermore, moderate and fair to poor adherence to the GFD was demonstrated, respectively and 71.9% of the patients had poor HRQoL levels. A significant and moderate positive correlation between FI and GFD adherence (r = 0.489) was found, indicating that 24% of the variance in FI is shared with GFD adherence. The patients’ gender, marital status, and monthly income made statistically significant contributions to the prediction (p < 0.05). Females had significantly lower HRQoL scores than males (B = −4.619, 95% CL: −6.08, −3.16) after holding all other variables constant. In conclusion, FI is mediated by GFD adherence to HRQoL. Moreover, a significant total effect relation was found between HRQoL and both FI and GFD adherence, suggesting that lowering symptoms and complications associated with CD may reduce the impact of FI on HRQoL.
Low-Protein Diets Could Be Effective and Safe in Elderly Patients with Advanced Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Garneata Liliana , Mocanu Carmen-Antonia , Mircescu Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Low-protein diets (LPDs) seem to improve metabolic complications of advanced CKD, thus postponing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) initiation. However, the nutritional safety of LPDs remains debatable in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), especially in the elderly. This is a sub-analysis of a prospective unicentric interventional study which assessed the effects of LPD in patients with advanced DKD, focusing on the feasibility and safety of LPD in elderly patients. Ninety-two patients with DKD and stable CKD stage 4+, proteinuria >3 g/g creatininuria, good nutritional status, with confirmed compliance to protein restriction, were enrolled and received LPD (0.6 g mixed proteins/kg-day) supplemented with ketoanalogues of essential amino acids for 12 months. Of the total group, 42% were elderly with a median eGFR 12.6 mL/min and a median proteinuria 5.14 g/g creatininuria. In elderly patients, proteinuria decreased by 70% compared to baseline. The rate of kidney function decline was 0.1 versus 0.5 mL/min-month before enrolment. Vascular events occurred in 15% of cases, not related to nutritional intervention, but to the severity of CKD and higher MAP. LPDs seem to be safe and effective in postponing KRT in elderly patients with advanced DKD while preserving the nutritional status.
The Longitudinal Relationship between Edentulism and the Progress of Multimorbidity
Authors: Mira Rolla , Newton Jonathon Timothy , Sabbah Wael
Published: July 2024

Objectives: To examine the longitudinal relationship between edentulism, nutritional intake, and the progress of multimorbidity among older Americans. Methods: We used data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006–2018), a longitudinal survey of older Americans that has collected data biennially since 1992. Edentulism was assessed in 2006 while nutritional intake was assessed in 2013. Multimorbidity was indicated by five self-reported chronic conditions: diabetes, heart conditions, lung diseases, cancer, and stroke. Individuals with two or more conditions at baseline were excluded from the analysis. Nutritional intake was calculated by summing 10 nutrients (protein, vitamins C, D, B12 and E, calcium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, folate, and ß-carotene). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the nutritional pathway between edentulism (2006) and the increase in multimorbidity from 2006 to 2018. Results: The number of individuals included in the analysis was 3463. The incidence of multimorbidity between 2006 and 2018 was 24.07%, while the percentage of edentate participants in 2006 was 16.42%. The mean total nutrition in 2013 was 4.50 (4.43, 4.55). The SEM analysis showed that edentulism was negatively associated with nutritional intake {estimate −0.15 (95%CI: −0.30, −0.01)}. A negative association was found between total nutrition and multimorbidity {estimate −0.008 (95%CI: −0.01, −0.002)}. Age, wealth, and smoking were included in the analysis and had statistically significant associations with multimorbidity. Conclusion: The analysis demonstrated a longitudinal association between edentulism, nutritional intake, and the progress of multimorbidity.
Influence of Fabrication and Assembly Errors on the Root Mean Square Surface Distortion of a 2 m Lightweight Mirror and Its Correction
Authors: Jiang Ping , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Kejun , Li Xiaobo , Yang Xun
Published: July 2024

The influence of fabrication and assembly errors on the surface distortion due to gravity of a 2 m primary mirror and its correction method are presented. The effect of fabrication errors on the surface distortion is verified by Monte Carlo analysis. The results show that, within the 46.3% confidence interval, the surface accuracy root mean square (RMS) caused by fabrication errors is more than 5.0 nm (indicator requirement). The sensitivity of mirror surface accuracy to the matching relationship between the flexible support axial assembly position and the inherent properties (neutral surface and center of gravity) of the mirror were analyzed. Then, the correction principle of the RMS was proposed based on the analysis result. The surface accuracy RMS of surface gravity distortion is sensitive to fabrication and assembly errors, which can be effectively corrected using a flexible support mounting technique. This new flexible support mounting technique replaces the conventional method with flexible supports having shims so that adjustments can be made during testing to counteract the gravitational distortion of the mirror surface. Astigmatic aberration due to gravitational changes is effectively reduced by selecting a suitable thickness of shim, and the relationship between the astigmatism and the thickness of shim was investigated using the finite element analysis method. Finally, the finite element analysis results showed that the optimal surface gravity accuracy of the mirror assembly could be obtained by adjusting the shim, while the other performance of the assembly was not affected.
Characterization of Single Frequency Fiber-Laser-Based Ultrasound Sensor
Authors: Zhu Wei , Lu Qiang , Yang Bo , Tian Rui , Luo Hao , Cai Chao , Yan Zhijun , Zhao Luming
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we demonstrated a distributed feedback fiber-laser- (DFB-FL) based ultrasound detection system with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high sensitivity and wide frequency response range. The DFB-FL was fabricated by UV-inscribing a π phase-shifted grating in the Erbium–Ytterbium co-doped fiber using the phase mask method. The theory of DFB-FL and the sensing principle has been discussed and analyzed. The sensing signal was demodulated via an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) system. The experimental results showed that the sensitivity of the sensor reached 75.18 mV/kPa and the flat frequency response range covered over 30 MHz, which covered the ultrasonic detection frequency range of abnormal discharge in the electric power system. The SNR of this DFB-FL was 42.9 dB, and the corresponding noise-equivalent pressure was calculated as 0.12 kPa.
Digital Image Correlation and Ultrasonic Lamb Waves for the Detection and Prediction of Crack-Type Damage in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Laminates
Authors: Jasiūnienė Elena , Vaitkūnas Tomas , Šeštokė Justina , Griškevičius Paulius
Published: July 2024

The possibility of using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique, along with Lamb wave analysis, was investigated in this study for damage detection and characterization of polymer carbon fiber (CFRP) composites with the help of numerical modeling. The finite element model (FEM) of the composite specimen with artificial damage was developed in ANSYS and validated by the results of full-field DIC strain measurements. A quantitative analysis of the damage detection capabilities of DIC structure surface strain measurements in the context of different defect sizes, depths, and orientation angles relative to the loading direction was conducted. For Lamb wave analysis, a 2D spatial-temporal spectrum analysis and FEM using ABAQUS software were conducted to investigate the interaction of Lamb waves with the different defects. It was demonstrated that the FEM updating procedure could be used to characterize damage shape and size from the composite structure surface strain field from DIC. DIC defect detection capabilities for different loadings are demonstrated for the CFRP composite. For the identification of any composite defect, its characterization, and possible further monitoring, a methodology based on initial Lamb wave analysis followed by DIC testing is proposed.
Extraction and Depolymerization of Lignin from Different Agricultural and Forestry Wastes to Obtain Building Blocks in a Circular Economy Framework
Authors: Fontecha-Cámara María Ángeles , Delgado-Blanca Irene , Mañas-Villar María , Orriach-Fernández Francisco José , Soriano-Cuadrado Belén
Published: July 2024

Large amounts of agri-food waste are generated and discarded annually, but they have the potential to become highly profitable sources of value-added compounds. Many of these are lignin-rich residues. Lignin, one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature, offers numerous possibilities as a raw material or renewable resource for the production of chemical products. This study aims to explore the potential revalorization of agricultural by-products through the extraction of lignin and subsequent depolymerization. Different residues were studied; river cane, rice husks, broccoli stems, wheat straw, and olive stone are investigated (all local wastes that are typically incinerated). Traditional soda extraction, enhanced by ultrasound, is applied, comparing two different sonication methods. The extraction yields from different residues were as follows: river cane (28.21%), rice husks (24.27%), broccoli (6.48%), wheat straw (17.66%), and olive stones (24.29%). Once lignin is extracted, depolymerization is performed by three different methods: high-pressure reactor, ultrasound-assisted solvent depolymerization, and microwave solvolysis. As a result, a new microwave depolymerization method has been developed and patented, using for the first time graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as new promising carbonaceous catalyst, achieving a 90.89% depolymerization rate of river cane lignin and yielding several building blocks, including guaiacol, vanillin, ferulic acid, or acetovanillone.
Assessment of Binder Modification in Dry-Added Waste Plastic Modified Asphalt
Authors: Heydari Soheil , Haji Seyed Javadi Nioushasadat , Bayat Hamid , Hajimohammadi Ailar
Published: July 2024

Plastic production has risen steadily, but recycling rates lag. Researchers are increasingly investigating the use of plastics in road construction, especially in terms of modifying asphalt with waste plastics. The dry process, which involves incorporating plastics into hot aggregates, is increasingly gaining traction as an alternative to the wet process, where plastics are added to hot bitumen. Past studies indicate enhanced asphalt mixture properties with the dry process, but there is debate about the role of waste plastics—whether they should be used as aggregates, fillers, or binder modifiers. This study explores the extent to which dry-added waste plastic modified the binder of the asphalt mixtures. Fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the impact of plastic on the binder, while image analysis quantified polymer swelling and dispersion in the binder matrix. It was concluded that when plastics are added to hot aggregates, they will act as binder modifiers. Lower plastic content and reduced polymer crystallinity led to increased polymer swelling and better dispersion in the mixture. This study recommends plastic inclusion of less than 2.5% (by volume) in the dry-added method since high plastic content leads to polymer agglomeration, especially for highly crystalline polymers. Additionally, mixes modified with amorphous plastics exhibited superior workability and performance compared to those modified with crystalline plastics. This study also suggests that using plastics to replace both bitumen and filler can improve cost efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint, and enhance the overall performance of the asphalt mixture.
Numerical Simulation of Rock Cracking Using Saddle Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Cutters Considering Confined Pressure and Mechanism of Speed Increase
Authors: Wu Zebing , Cheng Yuyao , Yuan Ruofei
Published: July 2024

Geothermal energy, recognized as a clean energy source, has attracted widespread attention for its extraction. However, it is located in deep and complex geological formations, presenting a significant challenge to the drilling operations of existing Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits. To further understand the rock-breaking mechanism of PDC cutters in deep geological formations and improve rock-breaking efficiency, a finite element model employing the cohesive zone method was developed for a saddle-shaped PDC cutter (SC). This model was validated against experimental simulations, proving its capability to capture real rock crack initiation during the simulation process accurately. By analyzing the formation of cracks under cutting forces, the SC’s rock-breaking mechanism was explored and compared with conventional cutters (CCs), clarifying its advantages. Additionally, the model analyzed the effects of different confined pressures, back rake angles, and structural parameters on crack formation in SC rock-breaking, highlighting directions for structural optimization. Full-scale drill bit rock-breaking simulations were conducted to verify the effectiveness and optimization of single cutter usage. The results indicated that the total number of cracks and the generation of tensile cracks determine the rock-breaking efficiency of the cutter. A lower total number of cracks and a higher proportion of tensile cracks lead to better rock-breaking performances. Due to its unique ridged and curved structure, the SC can generate concentrated and tensile stresses on the rock more effectively, resulting in fewer total cracks and a higher proportion of tensile cracks. The increase in confined pressure suppresses the generation of tensile cracks during rock-breaking, dispersing the rock-breaking energy, increasing the total number of cracks, and reducing rock-breaking efficiency. However, under the same conditions, using SC can effectively address these issues and enhance efficiency. For deep formation drilling, a back rake angle range of 15° to 20° is recommended for SC. The arc radius significantly impacts the SC’s tensile cracks and total number of cracks, with a recommended arc radius range of 50 mm to 60 mm, and the SC structure could be modified from an arc to a straight line and back to an arc. The results contribute to enhancing the efficiency of deep drilling and theoretical research on drill bits.
Physiological Responses in Trail Runners during a Maximal Test with Different Weighted-Vest Loads
Authors: Jiménez-Redondo Germán , Castro-Frecha Bruno , Martínez-Noguera Francisco Javier , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Marín-Pagán Cristian
Published: July 2024

During some trail running races, athletes have to carry hydration support, food, and technical and safety equipment, which generates an additional load that must be mobilized during the race. The aim of the present study was to determine the physiological responses to overload running and the effect they may have on metabolic zones. Seventeen well-trained male trail runners (n = 17) completed three maximal treadmill tests with weighted vests at 0%, 5%, and 10% of their body mass (L0, L5, and L10). Their gas exchange was monitored to assess their ventilatory thresholds 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2), maximal fat oxidation zone (FatMax), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Their heart rate (HR), power, and velocity (V) were tracked to compare their behavior. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the V (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.4620) as a limitation for reaching the peak velocity (Vpeak), with a significant decrease in the Vpeak with the L10 compared to the L0 (p = 0.002) and L5 (p = 0.004). In addition, one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the peak absolute power (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.468) among the groups, detecting higher power production between the L10 and L0 (p < 0.001) and between the L10 and L5 (p = 0.015). Loads higher than L5 could generated important physiological and mechanical modifications, while a load of L5 managed to maintain the working conditions without overloading. These insights shed light on nuanced strategies for optimizing performance and endurance, offering valuable considerations for athletes seeking to enhance their training regimens during overload conditions.
Influence and Relationship of Pain on Lumbar Biomechanics in a Young Adult Population with Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Authors: Pérez-de la Cruz Sagrario
Published: July 2024

The therapeutic actions indicated for low back pain, in addition to physiotherapy, include mobilization of the affected segment, as it is assumed that a loss of mobility may contribute to a patient’s pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of back pain on the degrees of spinal mobility in young adults. Eighty-six volunteers participated in the study. Fingertip-to-floor distance, Schöber’s test, the fingertip-to-floor lateral flexion test, GHQ-12, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and the STarT Back Screening Tool were used. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (pain and no pain) in degrees of spinal flexion (Schöber’s test and side flexion) showing greater mobility in the group with pain. However, the group with low back pain showed less rotational mobility. The presence or absence of back pain had an impact on the individual’s sporting practice and perception of pain, and they were able to carry out their sporting activities normally. Young adults with idiopathic low back pain showed some statistically significant differences in relation to the mobility of the spine in the different planes of movement (flexion and side flexion), conditioning their quality of life and sports practice.
Examining Commuters’ Intention to Use App-Based Carpooling: Insights from the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Kang Wei , Wang Qun , Cheng Long , Ning Meng
Published: July 2024

App-based carpooling is recognized as a solution for sustainable commuting. However, there is currently no widespread acceptance and adoption of app-based carpooling services among urban commuters. The study aims to predict residents’ intention to use app-based carpooling services for commuting trips based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model, focusing on perceived risk, social influence, and environmental awareness, and further explore whether there are significant gender differences among these influential factors. A questionnaire was created to empirically test the model and a total of 392 valid surveys were collected in Hefei, China. The results confirm that commuter intention was positively affected by perceived usefulness, social influence, and environmental awareness, while it was negatively influenced by perceived risk. Although the effect of perceived ease of use on intention was not significant, it played a role in enhancing commuters’ perceived usefulness of the service. Moreover, gender differences exist regarding the strength of the relationship between environmental awareness and commuter intention. These findings provide practical insights for app-based carpooling providers and transportation departments aiming to promote their services and foster sustainable commuting practices.
Unveiling the Correlation between Nonfunctional Requirements and Sustainable Environmental Factors Using a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Hassan Shoaib , Li Qianmu , Zubair Muhammad , Alsowail Rakan A. , Qureshi Muaz Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Integrating environmental features into software requirements during the requirements engineering (RE) process is known as sustainable requirements engineering. Unlike previous studies, we found that there is a strong relationship between nonfunctional requirements and sustainable environmental factors. This study presents a novel methodology correlating nonfunctional requirements (NFRs) with precise, sustainable green IT factors. Our mapping methodology consists of two steps. In the first step, we link sustainability dimensions to the two groups of green IT aspects. In the second step, we connect NFRs to sustainability aspects. Our proposed methodology is based on the extended PROMISE_exp dataset in combination with the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) language model. Moreover, we evaluate the model by inserting a new binary classification column into the dataset to classify the sustainability factors into socio-economic and eco-technical groups. The performance of the model is assessed using four performance metrics: accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. With 16 epochs and a batch size of 32, 90% accuracy was achieved. The proposed model indicates an improvement in performance metrics values yielding an increase of 3.4% in accuracy, 3% in precision, 3.4% in recall, and 16% in F1 score values compared to the competitive previous studies. This acts as a proof of concept for automating the evaluation of sustainability realization in software during the initial stages of development.
Capturing Disclosure Tone in Saudi Arabia: Do Earnings Management and Accounting Conservatism Matter?
Authors: Alrobai Fahad , Albaz Maged M.
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to analyze the determinants of disclosure tone (DT) in the Saudi business environment during the last nine years. In addition, it tested the impact of earnings management and accounting conservatism on this tone. The study followed a mixed-method approach, “quantitative and qualitative”, to explore the relationships used for the content analysis to analyze the annual reports of a sample of 88 Saudi-listed firms from 2014 to 2022. The results of the study found that there is a positive impact of dividend yield on disclosure tone. Conversely, both firm size and leverage do not have a significant impact. Moreover, earnings management as an accounting practice has a curvilinear effect on disclosure tone, and accounting conservatism as a generally accepted principle positively influences disclosure tone.
Numerical Analysis on Heat Collecting Performance of Novel Corrugated Flat Plate Solar Collector Using Nanofluids
Authors: Tang Xingwang , Tan Chenchen , Liu Yan , Sun Chuanyu , Xu Sichuan
Published: July 2024

To improve the heat collection performance of flat plate solar collectors, a corrugated flat plate solar collector (CFPSC) with a triangular collector tube was first innovatively designed in this paper. The effect of various nanofluids that are used as working fluid on the heat collection performance of CFPSC was comprehensively analyzed based on the heat collection characteristics test system and numerical simulation model. The results indicate that when CuO and Al2O3 were used as nanoparticles, the heat collection stabilization time of the nanofluids for which ethylene glycol (EG) was used as the base fluid was 12.4~28.6% longer than that of the nanofluids for which water was used as the base fluid. Moreover, when the base fluid was EG, the temperature difference of CuO-EG nanofluid under different radiation intensities was about 5.8~19.2% higher than that of water. Furthermore, the heat collection performance of CuO nanofluids and Al2O3 nanofluids was superior to TiN nanofluids. Specifically, the heat collection of CuO-EG nanofluid was 2.9~4% higher than that of TiN-EG nanofluid at different radiation intensities. Therefore, using nanofluids as a working medium and designing a flat plate solar collector with triangular collector tubes can significantly improve the collector performance.
General ADP-Ribosylation Mechanism Based on the Structure of ADP-Ribosyltransferase–Substrate Complexes
Authors: Tsuge Hideaki , Habuka Noriyuki , Yoshida Toru
Published: July 2024

ADP-ribosylation is a ubiquitous modification of proteins and other targets, such as nucleic acids, that regulates various cellular functions in all kingdoms of life. Furthermore, these ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) modify a variety of substrates and atoms. It has been almost 60 years since ADP-ribosylation was discovered. Various ART structures have been revealed with cofactors (NAD+ or NAD+ analog). However, we still do not know the molecular mechanisms of ART. It needs to be better understood how ART specifies the target amino acids or bases. For this purpose, more information is needed about the tripartite complex structures of ART, the cofactors, and the substrates. The tripartite complex is essential to understand the mechanism of ADP-ribosyltransferase. This review updates the general ADP-ribosylation mechanism based on ART tripartite complex structures.
Determination of Rhythmicity and Gestational Stage-Related Distribution of Blood Plasma Melatonin Concentrations in Donkey Mares
Authors: Harmat Levente , Nagy János , Somoskői Bence , Alpár Alán , Fekete Sándor György , Gáspárdy András
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study is to obtain a more complete picture of blood plasma melatonin concentrations in the donkey mares. To this purpose, sampling and statistical processing were carried out in such a way that allowed the researchers to establish the annual and daily rhythms. Based on human observations, according to the hypothesis of the authors, the blood plasma melatonin concentration of pregnant individuals rises during the late gestational period, before parturition. To confirm this, the melatonin concentrations of pregnant and non-pregnant jennies were monitored and compared. In regard to the circannual rhythm, the significantly lowest midnight melatonin value (27.67 pg mL–1) was typical for the summer solstice. Under consideration of circadian changes, a significantly strongest melatonin production (45.16 pg mL–1) was observed on the night of the winter solstice (p < 0.001). Considering gestational age, the blood plasma melatonin concentration (around 38 pg mL–1) does not change as gestation progresses (p = 0.136). The results obtained in this studied population of the domestic ass usefully expand the little knowledge previously gathered about the development of the blood plasma melatonin concentrations of this species.
Paul Celan. De passage à Vienne
Authors: Bogumil Sieghild
Published: July 2024

Die Analyse fragt nach der Bedeutung von Celans Aufenthalt in Wien, der nur wenige Monate im Leben des Dichters umfaßt. Da er jedoch schon bald unter den Surrealisten um den Maler Edgar Jené als eine der bedeutendsten Persönlichkeiten anerkannt ist, stellt sich mit seinem Aufenthalt in Wien die Frage, ob er selbst ein surrealistischer Dichter war, was oft angenommen wird. Die hier gegebene Antwort ist hingegen negativ. Sie stützt sich einerseits auf die Analyse seiner frühen wenig beachteten theoretischen Arbeiten und seiner in Wien geschriebenen Gedichte, deren poetologische Grundlagen sich seit den ersten Gedichten in Czernowitz ankündigen. Andererseits zeigt ein Vergleich von Leben und Dichtung, daß Celan in zwei Realitäten lebt - unter den surrealistischen Freunden und in der Einsamkeit des Gedichts -, die nicht in unmittelbarer Verbindung miteinander stehen. Der Unterschied zwischen innerem und äußerem Leben manifestiert sich seit seinen Gedichten im Arbeitslager. Celans grundlegende poetologische Positionen kündigen sich damit bereits seit seinen frühesten Werken an und festigen sich bis zu seiner Wiener Epoche immer mehr, so daß sich seine gesamten Jugendschriften und sein frühes Leben in seinem kurzen Wiener Aufenthalt zusammengefaßt finden.
Form - Natur - Esse. Bemerkungen zu Franz Josef Czernins "kunst des dichtens"
Authors: Puff-Trojan Andreas
Published: July 2024

Franz Josef Czernin, geboren 1952 in Wien, gehört seit Mitte der 80er Jahre zu den bedeutendsten Lyrikern des deutschen Sprachraums. Durch die Verbindung von traditionellen Formen, etwa das Sonett oder die Terzine, und Verfahren experimenteller Poesie eröffnen seine Gedichte einen neuen Raum für Lyrik. Czernins theoretische Aussagen und Aphorismen unterstreichen diese Bewegung. Der enzyklopädischer Ansatz seines Schreibens läßt das gesamte Sein im poetischen Spiegel der Natur zur Sprache kommen. An dieser Stelle kommt es zu einer entscheidenden Verknüpfung mit einigen philosophischen Texten, die Martin Heidegger nach 1945 verfaßt hat. Czernins Lyrik kann so als "essentiale Dichtung" verstanden werden, die versucht, das Sein und die Dinge in Worte zu fassen, ohne diese dem Willen des Subjekts zu unterwerfen.
La résistance à Haider sur Internet, un nouvel espace de communication
Authors: Kauffmann Michel , Robert Valérie
Published: July 2024

Ende 1999, kurz nach den Nationalratswahlen, erscheinen die ersten Intemetseiten, welche zum Widerstand gegen Haider und gegen eine Koalition zwischen FPÖ und ÖVP aufrufen. Von den mehr als 250 Intemetseiten, die seitdem gegründet wurden, sind Ende Oktober 2000 noch etwa 10 im Betrieb. Die im «Webring gegen Blau/Schwarz» zusammengeschlossenen Intemauten rufen nicht nur zum Widerstand gegen die Koalition auf. Jenseits der Tagespolitik fragen sie sich nach den tieferliegenden Gründen für die Krise der Republik, die sich im Rechtsruck der Wählerschaft manifestiert. Die institutionalisierten Parteien der Rechten und der Linken sind offensichtlich nicht mehr in der Lage, die Öffentlichkeit zu mobilisieren. Für einen nicht unbedeutenden Teil der österreichischen Jugend ist das Internet ein Instrument der Opposition, das die Defizite der traditionellen Medien ausgleicht. Auf Dauer kann die Internet-Öffentlichkeit zur einer neuen Konstellation im österreichischen Parteiensystem und in der politischen Kultur des Landes führen. Die Legitimitätskrise des politischen Establishments bringt eine Gegenöffentlichkeit im Internet hervor, die sich als alternative Trägerin einer aktiven Zivilgesellschaft versteht.
Zur Psychopathologie der Pasenows in Hermann Brochs Schlafwandler-Trilogie
Authors: Brude-Firnau Gisela
Published: July 2024

Begriffe und Denkmuster aus den Lehrbüchern Emil Kraepelins (1896) und Ernst Kretschmers (1910) verbinden die Psychopathologie von Vater und Sohn Pasenow mit der reflexiven Ebene der gesamten Trilogie. Ihre fiktionale Übertragung bildet das naturwissenschaftliche Fundament von Brochs Menschenbild. Die Bewegung der Figuren zwischen Determination und Autonomie, zwischen einer konzeptuell erklärbaren und einer irrational verbleibenden Sphäre wird einsichtig.
Remigration und Staatsbürgerschaft
Authors: Burger Hannelore
Published: July 2024

Die geringe Zahl jüdischer Remigranten nach 1945 - nur wenige Tausend kehrten auf Dauer nach Österreich zurück - begründet sich nicht zuletzt in der verfehlten Staatsbürgerschaftspolitik der zweiten Republik : Verbunden mit einer formalen Gleichstellung aller Personen wurden strukturbedingte negative Aspekte für die vertriebenen Juden und Jüdinnen in Kauf genommen. Die Staatsbürgerschaftspolitik der österreichischen Regierungen spiegelt nur den Mangel an politischem Willen, die über 100.000 Überlebenden des Holocausts zurück zu holen, mehr noch : sie aus dem Prozess der Nationsbildung, der in Österreich nach dem Krieg stattfand, draußen zu halten.
Die Aufhebung der wiener Frauenklöster unter Joseph II
Authors: Schneider Christine
Published: July 2024

Dans les années 1782/83, l’empereur Joseph II ferme tous les couvents des ordres contemplatifs ; ainsi le monde des couvents autrichiens s’en est trouvé irrémédiablement transformé et ce jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Des neuf couvents de femmes viennois existant alors ne restent que ceux des Ursulines, des Salésiennes et des Elisabéthaines. La situation économique des couvents restants s’est détériorée et les habitudes religieuses des sœurs connurent des changements radicaux. D’anciennes nonnes venant des couvents viennois fermés vécurent dans le monde. La fermeture de ces convents par Joseph II entraîna la perte de nombreux biens culturels. Les bibliothèques des couvents de femmes viennois furent soit intégrées en partie à la bibliothèque universitaire, soit vendues aux enchères, soit vendues comme vieux papiers. Les archives disséminées de ces couvents se trouvent aujourd’hui dans diverses institutions ecclésiales ou de l’Etat. Les écrits personnels des nonnes, les nécrologies et les chroniques des couvents, si importants pour l’historiographie moderne, semblent avoir été perdus. Cette perte de sources est une des raisons qui explique le peu d’intérêt jusqu’à aujourd’hui pour l’histoire des couvents de femmes.
Pervasive Bureaucracy: The Case of Herman Hollerith
Authors: Dotzler Bernhard J.
Published: July 2024

Das folgende Referat wurde zunächst auf der Tagung "Connecting Cultures" an der University of Kent in Canterbury, UK, im April 2004 vorgetragen. Ausgehend von der Frage nach den Anfängen moderner Verwaltungstechnologien, deckt der Artikel zugleich einen Zusammenhang zwischen ebendiesen Technologien und der Heraufkunft neuer Medien auf.
Eine, die gegen den Strom schwamm. Zum Werk der österreichischen Schriftstellerin Erika Mitterer
Authors: Dür Esther
Published: July 2024

Erika Mitterer (1906-2001) ist vorwiegend bekannt für den 1950 veröffentlichten Briefwechsel mit Rainer Maria Rilke. Jedoch geht ihr Werk formal wie thematisch weit über diesen lyrischen Briefwechsel hinaus. Erika Mitterer war eine genaue und kritische Beobachterin ihrer Zeit. In ihren Texten analysierte sie politische wie gesellschaftliche Krisen und Fehlentwicklungen. Mit dem historischen Roman Der Fürst der Welt brachte Mitterer 1940 eines der bedeutendsten Werke österreichischer Innerer Emigration heraus. Krieg und Nazi-Herrschaft wurden in weiterer Folge zu wichtigen Themen, konsequent schrieb Mitterer gegen das Vergessen und Verdrängen an. Dabei versuchte sie die Ursachen der Verführbarkeit der Menschen zu ergründen. Mitterers Werk ist verankert im christlichen Wertekanon ; es ist ein Plädoyer für menschliches Miteinander, Toleranz und Frieden.
Widerständiges Werk oder widerständige Forschung? Zum schwierigen Umgang mit Canettis Masse und Macht zwischen den zwei Kulturen
Authors: Kuhnau Petra
Published: July 2024

Bislang wurde Masse und Macht vor allem als ein Werk zwischen Literatur und Wissenschaft im Sinne der Disziplinen Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Soziologie gelesen. Den von Canetti aufgezeigten Gesetzen von Masse und Macht liegen jedoch zentrale physikalische und chemische Modelle und Theorien zugrunde. Daher wird Masse und Macht hier als ein Werk der „cultural science“ (Daniel Cordle, 1999) verstanden und einer dritten Kultur zugeordnet, die Literatur und Naturwissenschaften verbindet. Das prägnanteste Beispiel für eine solche Verbindung ist Canettis Beschreibung der archaischen Meute, die mythische Erzählungen mit quanten-theoretischen Modellen verschränkt.
Egon Erwin Kisch en Union soviétique. Voyage dans une « Asie profondément transformée » ?
Authors: Dumas Christophe
Published: July 2024

Die zahlreichen Reisen, die Egon Erwin Kisch zwischen 1913 und 1946 durch die ganze Welt machte, brachten ihm den Ruf eines unermüdlichen Weltenbummlers und den Spitznamen „rasender Reporter“ ein.

Aus verschiedenen Gründen kommt in seinem Werk Sowjetrussland bzw. der Sowjetunion eine bedeutende Rolle zu, nicht zuletzt weil Kischs marxi¬ stisches Engagement immer deutlicher wurde. Der vorliegende Beitrag, der dem Reisebericht Asien gründlich verändert gewidmet ist, den Kisch 1932, ein Jahr nach seinem Aufenthalt in den Sowjetrepubliken Mittelasiens (Usbekistan und Tadschikistan) veröffentlichte, ist bemüht, die Besonderheiten, aber auch den exemplarischen Charakter dieser Reportagensammlung hervorzuheben.

Zuerst befassen wir uns mit der Zusammensetzung des Werkes und den im konfliktgeladenen ideologischen Kontext der anfänglichen dreißiger Jahre behandelten Themen. Anschließend gehen wir auf die Einzelheiten der von Kisch verfolgten Ziele ein. Dabei stellt sich heraus, dass sie sich von den seiner anderen Werke kaum unterscheiden. Aus dieser Untersuchung ergibt sich abschließend die Frage nach dem eigentlichen Wert dieses Reiseberichtes für den heutigen Leser, insbesondere nach seiner Einordnung als historisches Zeugnis.
Variations sur le Jedermann dans le nouveau cinéma autrichien
Authors: Rebhandl Bert
Published: July 2024

Variationen des Jedermann im neueren österreichischen Film

Hugo von Hofmannsthals Jedermann ist ein zentraler Bestandteil der österreichischen kulturellen Identität. Im Spiel vom Sterben des reichen Mannes geht es neben dem Motiv der Todverfallenheit auch um ein Darstellungsmodell von Kritik : die fraglose Immanenz wird fragwürdig, sobald sie von außen betrachtet wird, sub specia aeaternitatis. Der Text untersucht, wie sich dieses Transzendenzmodell bei maßgeblichen neueren österreichischen Filmemachern „säkularisiert“ — in Formen der Entfremdung bei Michael Haneke, als Radikalisierung von Kontingenz bei Barbara Albert, als schockierende Krea-türlichkeit bei Ulrich Seidl oder als mythisch gefärbte „conditio humana“ bei Michael Glawogger.