bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Flexural Behavior of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams Based on the Shear Performance of Headed Stud Connectors
Authors: Zhang Song , Jia Yanmin , Ding Yixing
Published: July 2022

Headed studs have been widely used as shear connectors in steel-concrete composite beams for a long time. Studies on the influence of the different shear properties of headed studs on the flexural behavior of the composite beams have been inconclusive. In this research, we studied the shear performance influence of headed studs by conducting static push-out tests on seven designed push-out specimens. The flexural behavior of a steel-concrete composite beam connected by studs was discussed in detail by conducting a two-point symmetric monotonic static loading test. Based on the actual situation of the composite beam test, a finite element numerical model was established and validated, in which the elastic connections units were used to simulate the studs, and the force–slip data obtained from the push-out tests were used as the constitutive model of the studs. The effects of the stud diameter, stud height, the number of studs arranged, and concrete strength on the flexural behavior of the composite beams were analyzed and compared. The results showed that the number of studs arranged had a significant influence on the flexural behavior of the composite beams, followed by the strength of the concrete. The specifications of the studs had little effect on the flexural behavior of the composite beams within the study scope using the modeling method in this paper.
Evaluation and Factor Analysis for Urban Resilience: A Case Study of Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Wang Bo , Han Shan , Ao Yibin , Liao Fangwei
Published: July 2022

Resilient cities provide a new operating mechanism for sustainable urban development and can effectively reduce urban disaster losses. Urban resilience has become an important research topic, but few scholars focus on the urban resilience of urban agglomerations in western China. Therefore, this paper takes the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration of China as the study area and aims to evaluate the resilience level of cities in typical regions of western China. This study uses multiple interdisciplinary methods, such as the entropy weight method, Theil index, and geographically and temporally weighted regression, to evaluate the resilience levels of 16 cities in the region and discuss the influencing factors of regional urban resilience. The results show that the urban resilience of cities in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration has evolved from a low to high level. Additionally, there are significant spatial differences in urban resilience in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration, and the resilience levels of cities in the east and west of the region are relatively high, while the resilience levels of cities in the south and north are relatively low. Further research found that factors such as administrative level, marketization level, industrial structure, population density, urbanization level, and emergency facility level all have a significant positive impact on the improvement of urban resilience, but this impact has spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Based on the above research results, the strategies have been proposed from the perspective of sustainable urban development to provide a new theoretical support and decision-making reference for improving the resilience level of urban agglomerations in western China.
Adhesion of Gastric Cancer Cells to the Enteric Nervous System: Comparison between the Intestinal Type and Diffuse Type of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Girot Paul , Chapelle Nicolas , Aymeric Laetitia , Bessard Anne , Prigent Alice , Touchefeu Yann , Varon Christine , Neunlist Michel , Duchalais Emilie , Matysiak-Budnik Tamara
Published: July 2022

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The enteric nervous system (ENS) has been suggested to be involved in cancer development and spread. Objective: To analyze the GC cell adhesion to the ENS in a model of co-culture of gastric ENS with GC cells. Methods: Primary culture of gastric ENS (pcgENS), derived from a rat embryo stomach, was developed. The adhesion of GC cells to pcgENS was studied using a co-culture model. The role of N-Cadherin, a cell-adhesion protein, was evaluated. Results: Compared to intestinal-type GC cells, the diffuse-type GC cancer cells showed higher adhesion to pcgENS (55.9% ± 1.075 vs. 38.9% ± 0.6611, respectively, p < 0.001). The number of diffuse-type GC cells adherent to pcgENS was significantly lower in neuron-free pcgENS compared to neuron-containing pcgENS (p = 0.0261 and 0.0329 for AGS and MKN45, respectively). Confocal microscopy showed that GC cells adhere preferentially to the neurons of the pcgENS. N-Cadherin blockage resulted in significantly decreased adhesion of the GC cells to the pcgENS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These results suggest a potential role of enteric neurons in the dissemination of GC cells, especially of the diffuse-type, partly through N-Cadherin.
The Glycoprotein M6a Is Associated with Invasiveness and Radioresistance of Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Authors: Lacore Marie Geraldine , Delmas Caroline , Nicaise Yvan , Kowalski-Chauvel Aline , Cohen-Jonathan-Moyal Elizabeth , Seva Catherine
Published: July 2022

Systematic recurrence of glioblastoma (GB) despite surgery and chemo-radiotherapy is due to GB stem cells (GBSC), which are particularly invasive and radioresistant. Therefore, there is a need to identify new factors that might be targeted to decrease GBSC invasive capabilities as well as radioresistance. Patient-derived GBSC were used in this study to demonstrate a higher expression of the glycoprotein M6a (GPM6A) in invasive GBSC compared to non-invasive cells. In 3D invasion assays performed on primary neurospheres of GBSC, we showed that blocking GPM6A expression by siRNA significantly reduced cell invasion. We also demonstrated a high correlation of GPM6A with the oncogenic protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPRZ1, which regulates GPM6A expression and cell invasion. The results of our study also show that GPM6A and PTPRZ1 are crucial for GBSC sphere formation. Finally, we demonstrated that targeting GPM6A or PTPRZ1 in GBSC increases the radiosensitivity of GBSC. Our results suggest that blocking GPM6A or PTPRZ1 could represent an interesting approach in the treatment of glioblastoma since it would simultaneously target proliferation, invasion, and radioresistance.
Effect of Silicon on the Surface Modification of Al-Cr Powder Cathodes Subjected to Vacuum Arc Treatment
Authors: Pribytkov Gennady , Korzhova Victoria , Korosteleva Elena , Krinitcyn Maksim
Published: July 2022

Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si composite cathodes were obtained by the hot compaction of aluminum, chromium, and silicon powder mixtures. The phase transformations in the surface layer of the Al-Cr-Si composite cathodes subjected to the arc heating were considered. The elemental and phase compositions of the modified cathodes’ surfaces were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The effect of the silicon addition on the structural evolution in the cathode surface during arc evaporation is shown. It was found that an arc impact on the cathode surface resulted in the melting and consequent crystallization of the multiphase mixture of intermetallic compounds and eutectic in the cathode surface layer. Cathode surface layers were found to be depleted of aluminum and silicon due to the ejection of these elements in drop form from the Al-Si liquid layer on the cathode surface. This can result in the change in the elements ratio in the deposited coating as compared with that in the cathode and thus influence the coated tools’ durability.
Modeling the Meshing Procedure of the External Gear Fuel Pump Using a CFD Tool
Authors: Romanenko Ihor , Martseniuk Yevhen , Bilohub Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

In modern aircraft engine technology, there is a tendency to replace the mechanical drive of external gear fuel pumps with an electric one. This significantly reduces the integral energy consumption for pumping fuel (kerosene). On the other hand, in order to reduce the dimensions of the structure, it is reasonable to increase the rotation speed of the pumping unit gears. The above considerations make it advisable to study the problems that may arise in the design of pumping units. Analysis of the existing designs of external gear fuel pumps shows that the flow processes in the meshing zone have a significant impact on the pump performance and lifetime. Incorrect truss plate geometry and the compensation system lead to an increase in the velocities when opening and closing the cavity in the meshing zone, which causes intense cavitation. To understand the causes and factors which influence this phenomenon, it is necessary to study the fluid flow behavior in the meshing zone gaps. High-speed cameras are used to experimentally study the flow behavior. However, this approach gives only a qualitative result but does not allow for determining the absolute values of pressure and load in terms of the angle of rotation. Nevertheless, high-speed surveying can be used as a basis for fluid flow model verification. In this paper, the model of the fluid flow in a high-pressure external gear pump was proposed. The verification of the simulation results for HDZ 46 HLP 68 oil operation was carried out according to the results of experimental data visualization. The influence of rotation speed on the position of cavitation zones was revealed and confirmed by operational data. The analysis of the flow process in meshing for kerosene as a working fluid was carried out.
The Development of New Perovskite-Type Oxygen Transport Membranes Using Machine Learning
Authors: Schlenz Hartmut , Baumann Stefan , Meulenberg Wilhelm Albert , Guillon Olivier
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work is to predict suitable chemical compositions for the development of new ceramic oxygen gas separation membranes, avoiding doping with toxic cobalt or expensive rare earths. For this purpose, we have chosen the system Sr1−xBax(Ti1−y−zVyFez)O3−δ (cubic perovskite-type phases). We have evaluated available experimental data, determined missing crystallographic information using bond-valence modeling and programmed a Python code to be able to generate training data sets for property predictions using machine learning. Indeed, suitable compositions of cubic perovskite-type phases can be predicted in this way, allowing for larger electronic conductivities of up to σe = 1.6 S/cm and oxygen conductivities of up to σi = 0.008 S/cm at T = 1173 K and an oxygen partial pressure pO2 = 10−15 bar, thus enabling practical applications.
Gestational Diabetes Melitus and Cord Blood Platelet Function Studied via the PFA-100 System
Authors: Mougiou Vasiliki , Boutsikou Theodora , Sokou Rozeta , Kollia Maria , Valsami Serena , Pouliakis Abraham , Boutsikou Maria , Politou Marianna , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Iliodromiti Zoe
Published: July 2022

Neonatal platelet hemostasis, although it has been well described over the recent years, remains elusive in specific patient populations, including neonates from high-risk pregnancies, such as those complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed at evaluating the platelet function of neonates born to mothers with GDM using the platelet function analyzer (PFA-100). Cord blood samples were drawn from each subject and tested with two different agonists to provide two closure time (CT) values (collagen with epinephrine (COL/EPI) and collagen with adenosine diphosphate (COL/ADP)). A total of 84 and 118 neonates formed the GDM and the control group (neonates from uncomplicated pregnancies), respectively. COL/EPI CTs were prolonged in neonates from the GDM group compared to neonates from the control group, while no statistically significant difference of COL/ADP CTs was noted between the two groups, GDM and the control. Higher COL/ADP CTs were demonstrated in neonates born via cesarean section and in neonates with blood group O. A negative correlation between COL/ADP CT and gestational age, white blood cells (WBCs) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity was noted in neonates from the GDM group. In conclusion, neonates from the GDM group demonstrate a more hyporesponsive phenotype of their platelets, in comparison to the control neonates.
Self-Regulated Learning Strategies as Predictors of Perceived Learning Gains among Undergraduate Students in Ethiopian Universities
Authors: Tadesse Tefera , Asmamaw Aemero , Getachew Kinde , Ferede Bekalu , Melese Wudu , Siebeck Matthias , Fischer Martin R.
Published: July 2022

Despite increasing focus on the importance of self–regulated learning for undergraduate students in universities in recent years, very little is known about its specific features in universities in developing countries, in general, and Ethiopia, in particular. This study examined the relationships of self-regulated learning strategies (SRLSs) with perceived learning and further assessed the relationships within the SRLS components in Ethiopian public universities. For this, the authors adopted Pintrich’s self-regulation theory as a guiding framework and used structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The sample used in the analysis pooled survey data from three randomly selected public universities and included volunteer undergraduate students having a major in Business and Economics and Engineering and Technology fields (n = 1142; male = 700 and female = 442), with mean age = 21.98 and SD = 2.50. The results indicated that the student SRLS and perceived learning gains scores were average values in terms of the magnitude of those measured variables. A two–step hierarchical regression analysis showed that the five components of SRLS that emerged from SEM analysis significantly predicted students’ perceived learning over and above the control variables (ΔR2 ≥ 0.38 and 39%) for the total samples. Moreover, the regression results showed that greater predictions were observed for the help–seeking component (0.35 ≤ β ≥ 0.47) than others, significantly positively predicting the perceived learning for the total samples. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the SRLSs are relevant mechanisms to aid student success in higher education. The implications of the study are highlighted.
Learners’ Online Self-Regulated Learning Skills in Indonesia Open University: Implications for Policies and Practice
Authors: Santoso Harry B. , Riyanti Rahayu Dwi , Prastati Trini , S. FA. Triatmoko H. , Susanty Arie , Yang Min
Published: July 2022

To succeed in online distance learning where students are physically separated from teachers and peers, students must develop self-regulated learning skills to effectively manage their learning process. This study examined how students with different demographic backgrounds adopt or fail to adopt self-regulated learning to engage in online distance learning. Survey data were collected from 295 students at Indonesia Open University. Although students’ online learning self-efficacy and online self-regulated learning were above average, they reported low levels of confidence and abilities to seek help, develop task strategies, and allocate time for online learning. Their online self-regulated learning and online learning self-efficacy were significantly correlated. However, there were no significant relationships between online self-regulated learning and learning performance, and between online learning self-efficacy and learning performance. Furthermore, female and/or older students reported lower learning performance than male and younger students. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed to interpret the quantitative results. Recommendations for stakeholders of open universities were made to assist in students’ improvement of self-regulated learning skills and to address equity issues in Indonesian online distance learning and similar contexts.
Cognitive and Emotional Development of STEM Skills in Primary School Teacher Training through Practical Work
Authors: Martínez-Borreguero Guadalupe , Naranjo-Correa Francisco Luis , Mateos-Núñez Milagros
Published: July 2022

Several studies highlight that trainee primary school teachers show negative emotions towards learning and teaching STEM subjects with low levels of teacher self-efficacy in these areas. The general objective of this research was to analyse the cognitive, emotional and didactic development of STEM competences in trainee primary school teachers. Practical STEM experiences were designed and implemented to promote a positive evolution in the cognitive, affective and self-efficacy domains of future primary school teachers. A quasi-experimental research design was followed with a control group, experimental group, pre-test and post-test. The teaching methodology used was considered as the independent variable and the level of knowledge, the level of teaching self-efficacy and the emotions experienced when learning and teaching STEM content were considered as dependent variables. A non-probabilistic sample of 345 trainee primary school teachers took part in the study. The results led to the development of more than 70 STEM workshops. The inferential statistical analysis revealed the existence of statistically significant differences in all the variables of the study, detecting a positive evolution of the trainee teachers at a didactic, competence and emotional level. It is concluded that the use of practical STEM activities may lead to an improvement in the professional development of teachers and in the quality of science and technology teaching.
Inclusive Education as a Tool of Promoting Quality in Education: Teachers’ Perception of the Educational Inclusion of Students with Disabilities
Authors: Rosado-Castellano Fátima , Sánchez-Herrera Susana , Pérez-Vera Lucía , Fernández-Sánchez María Jesús
Published: July 2022

Teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion are influenced by factors such as training and teaching experiences. However, there is no conclusive trend correlating specific factors with negative or positive attitudes. The aim of this study is to understand the reality of inclusion in schools in Extremadura, Spain, from the teachers’ point of view. To do so, a reliable and valid questionnaire was administered to a total of 106 teachers from more than 20 schools in Extremadura, followed by the subsequent categorization of more than 300 comments obtained from semi-structured interviews with 16 teachers. The results show that teachers value an inclusive philosophy in schools, especially in terms of values and policies. Teachers working in special schools had a moderately more positive perception of the degree of inclusion in their school, although there were hardly any significant differences compared to teachers in other types of schools, nor were there any significant differences according to teachers’ prior training. Finally, the importance of evaluation in the creation of plans to guarantee an improvement in the attention to diversity is assessed.
Technological Acceptance of Industry 4.0 by Students from Rural Areas
Authors: Castillo-Vergara Mauricio , Álvarez-Marín Alejandro , Villavicencio Pinto Eduardo , Valdez-Juárez Luis Enrique
Published: July 2022

In this study, our objective was to identify the factors that explain the acceptance of Industry 4.0 technologies by technical students. Industry 4.0 is made up of a series of technologies, such as the Internet of Things; cyber-physical systems; big data, data analytics, or data mining; cloud computing or the cloud; augmented reality or mixed reality; additive manufacturing or 3D printing; cybersecurity; collaborative robots; artificial intelligence; 3D simulation; digital twin or digital twin; drones. We designed a theoretical model based on the technology acceptance model to explain the acceptance of these technologies. The study was carried out on a sample of 326 technical professional students. Students are considered ideal samples to test theoretical predictions regarding the relationships between variables in emerging technologies. The results show the positive effect of technological optimism on perceived usefulness and ease of use. However, there was not a direct effect on the attitude towards the use. A mediating effect was established. In addition, the facilitating conditions influence optimism and the ease of using the technology. These elements influence the attitude and intention to use, which is consistent with previous studies on technology acceptance. The results will guide the design of public policies to incorporate technologies into education.
Validating Syntactic Correctness Using Unsupervised Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Noh Sanguk , Chung Kihyun , Shim Jaebock
Published: July 2022

When developing a complex system in an open platform setting, users need to compose and maintain a systematic requirement specification. This paper proposes a solution to guarantee a syntactically accurate requirement specification that minimizes the ambiguity caused by ungrammatical sentences. Our system has a set of standard jargon and templates that are used as a guideline to write grammatically correct sentences. Given a database of standard technical Korean (STK) templates, the system that we have designed and implemented divides a new sentence into a specific cluster. If the system finds an identical template in a cluster, it confirms the new sentence as a sound one. Otherwise, the system uses unsupervised clustering algorithms to return the template that most closely resembles the syntax of the inputted sentence. We tested our proposed system in the field of open platform development for a railway train. In the experiment, our system learned to partition templates into clusters while reducing null attributes of an instance using the autoencoding procedure. Given a set of clusters, the system was able to successfully recommend templates that were syntactically similar to the structure of the inputted sentence. Since the degree of similarity for 500 instances was 97.00% on average, we conclude that our robust system can provide an appropriate template that users can use to modify their syntactically incorrect sentences.
Exploring the Effects of Caputo Fractional Derivative in Spiking Neural Network Training
Authors: Gyöngyössy Natabara Máté , Eros Gábor , Botzheim János
Published: July 2022

Fractional calculus is an emerging topic in artificial neural network training, especially when using gradient-based methods. This paper brings the idea of fractional derivatives to spiking neural network training using Caputo derivative-based gradient calculation. We focus on conducting an extensive investigation of performance improvements via a case study of small-scale networks using derivative orders in the unit interval. With particle swarm optimization we provide an example of handling the derivative order as an optimizable hyperparameter to find viable values for it. Using multiple benchmark datasets we empirically show that there is no single generally optimal derivative order, rather this value is data-dependent. However, statistics show that a range of derivative orders can be determined where the Caputo derivative outperforms first-order gradient descent with high confidence. Improvements in convergence speed and training time are also examined and explained by the reformulation of the Caputo derivative-based training as an adaptive weight normalization technique.
Design and Optimization of a Wireless Power Transfer System with a High Voltage Transfer Ratio
Authors: Zhou Jing , Wang Jiacheng , Yao Pengzhi , Lu Yanliang , Yang Aixi , Gao Jian , Hu Sideng
Published: July 2022

With the development of the logistics industry, low-voltage systems, such as intelligent logistics vehicles, have also started to propose application scenarios for wireless power transfer systems. As most logistics vehicles use lithium batteries for energy supply, the wireless charging system has to adapt to the charging characteristic curve of lithium batteries. In this paper, a dual-transmitter single-receiver compound resonant compensation topology with a high voltage ratio is proposed, and a corresponding magnetic coupler is designed and optimized through finite element analysis, which guarantees adaptive output curves according to the working state. A 1 kW experimental platform is established to verify the theoretical analysis, which realizes a high voltage transformation ratio with 90.3% efficiency. Throughout the whole charging process, the output curve agrees with the charging profile of the lithium battery, which can greatly extend the service life of lithium batteries.
Organizational Justice: Typology, Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Wiseman Jennifer , Stillwell Amelia
Published: July 2022

Organizational Justice is an individual’s perception that events, actions, or decisions within an organization adhere to a standard of fairness. Justice researchers have categorized justice into four types, differentiated by how fairness is evaluated by employees: distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational justice. Organizational justice perceptions have consequences for the employee and the organization: increasing job satisfaction, commitment, and trust; and decreasing turnover, counterproductive work behaviors, and even workplace violence. Contemporary organizational justice research seeks to understand how to restore justice after an injustice has occurred.
Effects of Drying Methods on Serum Protein Powder Properties
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Yadi , Zhou Peng
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the effects of atmospheric spray drying (ASD), low-pressure spray drying (LPSD) and freeze drying (FD) on the properties of serum protein powder, including the basic characteristics of the powder, bioactive proteins and changes in protein profile, using a proteomics approach. The total solid and water activity of the powder obtained by FD was significantly higher than that obtained by ASD and LPSD. There was no significant difference in the content of fat, lactose or solubility between the three kinds of powders. The concentration and activity of the proteins/enzymes in the serum protein powder made from LPSD were not altered after drying, similar to FD, although both parameters decreased after ASD. The microstructure of the powder observed by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the powder manufactured by ASD and LPSD was spherical in structure, while that manufactured by FD was flake-like. In total, there were 245 proteins identified in the serum protein concentrate and powder from the three drying methods. These findings indicate that LPSD is an effective and cost-saving method for producing serum whey protein powder.
BcTFIIIA Negatively Regulates Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection through Interaction with Viral CP and VPg Proteins in Pak Choi (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Rujia , Zhang Changwei , Lyu Shanwu , Wu Huiyuan , Yuan Mengguo , Fang Zhiyuan , Li Fangfang , Hou Xilin
Published: July 2022

TFIIIA is a zinc-finger transcription factor that is involved in post-transcriptional regulation during development. Here, the BcTFIIIA gene was isolated from pak choi. Sequence analysis showed that BcTFIIIA encodes 383 amino acids (aa) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1152 base pairs (bp). We investigated the subcellular location of BcTFIIIA and found the localized protein in the nucleus. BcTFIIIA was suppressed when the pak choi was infected by the turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). The BcTFIIIA mRNA expression level in a resistant variety was higher than that in a sensitive variety, as determined by qRT-PCR analysis. Yeast two hybrid (Y2H) assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) suggested that BcTFIIIA interacts with TuMV CP and VPg in vivo, respectively, and in vitro. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiment showed that the silencing of BcTFIIIA gene expression in pak choi promoted the accumulation of TuMV. These results suggest that BcTFIIIA negatively regulates viral infection through the interaction with TuMV CP and VPg.
Energy-Based Approach: Analysis of a Vertically Loaded Pile in Multi-Layered Non-Linear Soil Strata
Authors: Arvan Prakash Ankitha , Arockiasamy Madasamy
Published: July 2022

Numerous studies have been reported in the published literature on analytical solutions for a vertically loaded pile installed in a homogeneous single soil layer. However, piles are rarely installed in an ideal homogeneous single soil layer. This study presents an analytical model based on the energy-based approach to obtain displacements in an axially loaded pile embedded in multi-layered soil considering soil non-linearity. The developed analytical model incorporating Euler-Bernoulli beam theory proved to be an effective way in estimating the load-displacement responses of piles embedded in multi-layered non-linear elastic soil strata. The differential equations are solved analytically and numerically using the variational principle of mechanics. A parametric study investigated the effect of explicit incorporation of soil properties and layering in order to understand the importance of predicting appropriate pile displacement responses in linear elastic soil system. It is clear from the results that the analyses which consider the soil as a single homogeneous layer will not be able to produce an accurate estimation of the pile stiffnesses. Therefore, it is highly important to account for the effect of soil layering and the non-linear response. The pile displacement response is obtained using the software MATLAB R2019a and the results from the energy-based method are compared with those obtained from the field test data as well as the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based on the software ANSYS 2019R3. The non-linear elastic constitutive relationship which described the variation of secant shear modulus with strain through a power law has shown reasonably accurate predictions when compared to the published field test data and the FEA. The developed mathematical framework is also more computationally efficient than the three-dimensional (3D) FEA.
The Relationship between Alcohol Drinking Indicators and Self-Rated Mental Health (SRMH): Standardized European Alcohol Survey (SEAS)
Authors: Romac Danica , Muslić Ljiljana , Jovičić Burić Diana , Orban Mirjana , Đogaš Varja , Musić Milanović Sanja
Published: July 2022

Given that the self-perception of mental health is an important predictor of health outcomes and wellbeing, it is important to identify the indicators of mental health associated with alcohol consumption in order to reduce alcohol-related harms. This study used data from the cross-sectional RARHA SEAS survey (2015) in the Croatian general population, aged 18–64 years (n = 1500). Several aspects of drinking behaviors and alcohol-related harms were measured, as well as personal and sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression found a significant association between alcohol’s harm to others (AHTO) and poor self-rated mental health (SRMH) (OR = 0.752; 95% CI 0.601–0.941) in the total sample, as well as in the group of participants who rarely drank alcohol (OR = 0.504; 95% CI 0.322–0.787) in the last 12 months. More frequent consumers reported poor SRMH if they had at least one harmful effect from drinking (OR 0.538; 95% CI 0.295–0.980). Younger age, higher education, professional activity, and living with someone else in a household contributed to better SRMH. AHTO has been identified as a strong predictor of poor SRMH in the general population. Targeted public health and preventive measures are needed with specific approaches for different types of alcohol consumers.
Histories of Recent Social Science
Authors: Fontaine Philippe
Published: July 2022

In the past thirty years or so, the history of the social sciences since 1945 has become a more diverse research area. In addition to social scientists who write the histories of individual disciplines, a number of historians are now interested in the recent past of the social sciences, whose efforts emphasize extradisciplinary concerns. The time is gone, however, when this distinction could be summarized by the different approaches of disciplinary histories on the one hand and intellectual history on the other. Disciplinary historians have gone beyond disciplinary concerns and intellectual historians have paid more attention to the latter. More generally, a variety of historians have pointed out the role of social scientific ideas in the transformations of Western societies after World War II and noted the impact of these transformations on social science disciplines themselves. Finally, in the past twenty years, histories of recent social science have experienced a transnational turn.
Proportion of Pre-Symptomatic Transmission Events Associated with COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Song Youngji , Shim Eunha
Published: July 2022

Pre-symptomatic transmission potentially reduces the effectiveness of symptom-onset-based containment and control strategies for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Despite evidence from multiple settings, the proportion of pre-symptomatic transmission varies among countries. To estimate the extent of pre-symptomatic transmission in South Korea, we used individual-level COVID-19 case records from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Central Disease Control Headquarters. We inferred the probability of symptom onset per day since infection based on the density distribution of the incubation period to stratify the serial interval distribution in Period 1 (20 January–10 February 2020) and Period 2 (25 July–4 December 2021), without and with expanded testing or implementation of social distancing strategies, respectively. Assuming both no correlation as well as positive and negative correlations between the incubation period and the serial interval, we estimated the proportion of pre-symptomatic transmission in South Korea as 43.5% (accounting for correlation, range: 9.9–45.4%) and 60.0% (56.2–64.1%) without and with expanded testing, respectively, during the Delta variant’s predominance. This study highlights the importance of considering pre-symptomatic transmission for COVID-19 containment and mitigation strategies because pre-symptomatic transmission may play a key role in the epidemiology of COVID-19.
Hip Fractures and Visual Impairment: Is There a Cause–Consequence Mechanism?
Authors: Testa Gianluca , De Salvo Sara , Boscaglia Silvia , Montemagno Marco , Longo Antonio , Russo Andrea , Sessa Giuseppe , Pavone Vito
Published: July 2022

Background: Numerous studies have pointed out how visual impairment relates to falls in the elderly, causing dangerous consequences, such as fractures. The proximal femur fracture is one of the most frequent fracture types related to poor vision. This study investigates the link between fall-related hip fractures and visual impairment. Methods: The present is an observational monocentric case–control study. We collected the ophthalmologic anamnesis and measured the visual acuity of 88 subjects with femur neck fracture (case group), comparing it with 101 adults without fractures and a recent fall history. Results: The results showed no statistical difference between the two groups regarding visual acuity, with a p-value of 0.08 for the right eye and 0.13 for the left one. One of the major ophthalmologic morbidities found was cataracts, present in 48% of the control group and 30% of the case group. Conclusions: The data obtained suggest that visual impairment might not be crucial in determining falls in the elderly.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae in Bloodstream Infections in Hospitalized Patients in Southern Poland
Authors: Kłos Marta , Jachowicz Estera , Pomorska-Wesołowska Monika , Romaniszyn Dorota , Kandzierski Grzegorz , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to highlight antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from bloodstream infections in hospitals in southern Poland. Materials and Methods: The present study includes laboratory-confirmed secondary bloodstream infections (LC-BSIs), in the years 2015–2018, in hospitalized adult patients (≥18). Episodes of BSIs were defined according to the strictly described guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed with the automated system and the disc diffusion method. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae were detected using the double-disc synergy test. Results: Between 2015 and 2018, 356 episodes of secondary BSIs in 997 patients aged 21–96 years were documented in a prospective study, including 134 (37.6%) ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen in internal medicine (37.6%) and surgery units (46.8%); in intensive care units (ICUs), Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated more frequently (33.3%). Enterobacteriaceae were highly resistant to most antimicrobial agents. K. pneumoniae isolates had a higher level of resistance than E. coli, regardless of the unit. Conclusions: The increase in AMR and the widespread distribution of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Polish hospitals can be related to the lack of or inappropriate antibiotic treatment.
Early, Delayed and Late Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: Do the Timing of Onset and Pathogens Matter?
Authors: Polewczyk Anna , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Maciej , Szczęśniak-Stańczyk Dorota , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Infections involving cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) occur at different times after device-related procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the timing of onset and factors influencing the occurrence of all types of CIED infections to identify the type of pathogen and to examine the long-term survival of patients with all types of CIED infections. We performed a post hoc analysis of the clinical data from 3344 patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction (TLE) at a single high-volume center between 2006 and 2020, including a group of 890 patients with CIED infections. The occurrence of pocket infection (PI), lead-related infective endocarditis (LRIE) and PI coexisting with LRIE (PI + LRIE) was assessed at the following time intervals: 0–12 months, 13–36 months and > 36 months since last CIED-related procedure. In the study group, there were 274 (30.79%) early infections, 266 (29.89%) delayed infections and 350 (39.32%) late infections. Pocket infection was the most common early complication (97; 39.43%), while LRIE was predominant over 36 months from the last CIED procedure (172; 54.09%). The most common early infections were PIs that were associated with the preceding CIED-related procedure. Late LRIE was most likely to occur in patients with intracardiac lead abrasion. The probability of early versus late LRIE was higher in patients with CoNS cultures. The timing of infection onset irrespective of its type does not affect long-term survival after transvenous lead extraction. The majority of infectious complications (69%) occur more than 12 months after the last CIED-related procedure. Early infections are probably associated with pocket contamination during CIED-related procedure, while delayed and late systemic infections are related to other lead-dependent factors (especially to intracardiac lead abrasion). Time to LRIE onset is associated with pathogen type. The timing of symptom onset does not affect long-term survival after TLE.
Assessing the Placement of the Cochlear Slim Perimodiolar Electrode Array by Trans Impedance Matrix Analysis: A Temporal Bone Study
Authors: Ramos de Miguel Ángel , Riol Sancho Diego , Falcón-González Juan Carlos , Pavone Joana , Rodríguez Herrera Leandro , Borkoski Barreiro Silvia , Falcón Benitez Nadia , Ramos Macias Ángel
Published: July 2022

New cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays provide softer insertion dynamics; however, due to their high flexibility, the possibilities of fold-overs or intraoperative displacements must be taken into account. The position of each individual electrode can only be determined by using high-resolution computed tomography or cone-beam CT. The trans-impedance matrix test (TIM) is an electrophysiological method based on electric field imaging that can provide images of electrode position and electrode folding. Objective: In this experimental research, we evaluated the result of TIM as a method of monitoring cochlear insertion for a precurved slim modiolar electrode array in fresh human temporal bones by analyzing the transimpedance matrix patterns and their correlation with electrode position using high-resolution computed tomography. Material and Methods: Sixteen slim modiolar electrode arrays were inserted into eight fresh Human Temporal Bones. Eight electrodes were inserted according to the correct methodology of insertion, and eight were intentionally folded over. After all insertions, a trans-impedance matrix analysis and a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) were performed in each temporal bone. Results: If we correlated the TIM patterns with the radiological electrode position, we observed that better electrode intracochlear positions indicated more “homogeneous” TIM patterns (intracochlear voltage dropped monotonically as the distance between stimulation and recording contact increased, both toward the apex and toward the base). A correlation where fold-over was detected in the TIM results was found in all eight temporal bone radiological findings. Conclusions: Trans-Impedance Matrix patterns were correlated with the radiological CI electrode position. When a tip fold-over appeared, a matrix with a secondary ridge in addition to the primary ridge was observed in all cases. TIM can be an effective method in the control of electrode positioning.
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolomic Profiling of Metformin and Andrographis paniculata: A Protocol for a Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Tee Khim Boon , Ibrahim Luqman , Hashim Najihah Mohd , Saiman Mohd Zuwairi , Zakaria Zaril Harza , Huri Hasniza Zaman
Published: July 2022

This protocol aims to profile the pharmacokinetics of metformin and Andrographis paniculata (AP) and continue with untargeted pharmacometabolomics analysis on pre-dose and post-dose samples to characterise the metabolomics profiling associated with the human metabolic pathways. This is a single-centre, open-labelled, three periods, crossover, randomised-controlled, single-dose oral administration pharmacokinetics and metabolomics trial of metformin 1000 mg (n = 18), AP 1000 mg (n = 18), or AP 2000 mg (n = 18) in healthy volunteers under the fasting condition. Subjects will be screened according to a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Investigational products will be administered according to the scheduled timeline. Vital signs and adverse events will be monitor periodically, and standardized meals will be provided to the subjects. Fifteen blood samples will be collected over 24 h, and four urine samples will be collected within a 12 h period. Onsite safety monitoring throughout the study and seven-day phone call safety follow-up will be compiled after the last dose of administration. The plasma samples will be analysed for the pharmacokinetics parameters to estimate the drug maximum plasma concentration. Untargeted metabolomic analysis between pre-dose and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) samples will be performed for metabolomic profiling to identify the dysregulation of human metabolic pathways that link to the pharmacodynamics effects. The metformin arm will focus on the individualised Cmax plasma concentration for metabolomics study and used as a model drug. After this, an investigation of the dose-dependent effects will be performed between pre-dose samples and median Cmax concentration samples in the AP 1000 mg and AP 2000 mg arms for metabolomics study. The study protocol utilises a crossover study design to incorporate a metabolomics-based study into pharmacokinetics trial in the drug development program. The combination analyses will complement the interpretation of pharmacological effects according to the bioavailability of the drug.
Pandemic Preparedness: Maintaining Adequate Immune Fitness by Attaining a Normal, Healthy Body Weight
Authors: Kiani Pantea , Mulder Kiki E. W. , Balikji Jessica , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Garssen Johan , Verster Joris C.
Published: July 2022

In addition to developing effective medicines and vaccines, pandemic preparedness also comprises general health-related, behavioral, and psychological aspects related to being more resistant in the case of future pandemics. In the context of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, recent research revealed that reduced perceived immune fitness was the best predictor of reporting more frequent and more severe COVID-19 symptoms. Up until now (June 2022), during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of patients who have been hospitalized were characterized as being overweight. It is therefore essential to further evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and immune fitness. This was performed by analyzing pooled data from previously published studies, conducted among N = 8586 Dutch adults. It was hypothesized that attaining a normal, healthy body weight is associated with optimal perceived immune fitness. The analysis revealed that a deviation from normal weight (i.e., having a BMI outside the range of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) was associated with significantly reduced perceived immune fitness, as assessed with the immune status questionnaire and a single item perceived immune fitness scale. The effects were significant for both underweight and overweight groups and most pronounced for the obese groups. The results suggest that attaining a normal, healthy body weight might significantly contribute to maintaining adequate perceived immune fitness. Therefore, attaining a normal body weight might be an essential component of pandemic preparedness and should be supported by creating awareness and promoting the importance of regular exercise and the consumption of healthy food.
Retromode Imaging Modality of Epiretinal Membranes
Authors: Savastano Alfonso , Ripa Matteo , Savastano Maria Cristina , Caporossi Tomaso , Bacherini Daniela , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Clara , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: July 2022

(1) Purpose: To determine the characteristics of macular epiretinal membranes (ERM) using non-invasive retromode imaging (RMI) and to compare retromode images with those acquired via fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fundus photography. (2) Methods: Prospective observational case-series study including patients with macular ERM with no other ocular disease affecting their morphology and/or imaging quality. We compared RMI, FAF and fundus photography features by cropping and overlapping images to obtain topographic correspondence. (3) Results: In total, 21 eyes (21 patients) affected by ERM were included in this study. The mean area of retinal folds detected by RMI was significantly higher than that detected by FAF (11.85 ± 3.92 mm2 and 5.67 ± 2.15 mm2, respectively, p < 0.05) and similar to that revealed by fundus photography (11.85 ± 3.92 mm2 and 10.58 ± 3.45 mm2, respectively, p = 0.277). (4) Conclusions: RMI appears to be a useful tool in the evaluation of ERMs. It allows for an accurate visualization of the real extension of the retinal folds and provides a precise structural assessment of the macula before surgery. Clinicians should be aware of RMI’s advantages and should be able to use them to warrant a wide range of information and, thus, a more personalized therapeutic approach.