bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Possibilities of Developing Cementitious or Geopolymer Composite Materials with Specific Performances by Exploiting the Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Hegyi Andreea , Lăzărescu Adrian-Victor , Ciobanu Adrian Alexandru , Ionescu Brăduţ Alexandru , Grebenişan Elvira , Chira Mihail , Florean Carmen , Vermeşan Horaţiu , Stoian Vlad
Published: May 2023

Starting from the context of the principles of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy concepts, the paper presents a synthesis of research in the field of the development of materials of interest, such as cementitious composites or alkali-activated geopolymers. Based on the reviewed literature, the influence of compositional or technological factors on the physical-mechanical performance, self-healing capacity and biocidal capacity obtained was analyzed. The inclusion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the matrix increase the performances of cementitious composites, producing a self-cleaning capacity and an anti-microbial biocidal mechanism. As an alternative, the self-cleaning capacity can be achieved through geopolymerization, which provides a similar biocidal mechanism. The results of the research carried out indicate the real and growing interest for the development of these materials but also the existence of some elements still controversial or insufficiently analyzed, therefore concluding the need for further research in these areas. The scientific contribution of this study consists of bringing together two apparently distinct research directions in order to identify convergent points, to create a favorable framework for the development of an area of research little addressed so far, namely, the development of innovative building materials by combining improved performance with the possibility of reducing environmental impact, awareness and implementation of the concept of a Circular Economy.
Prehospital Trauma Scoring Systems for Evaluation of Trauma Severity and Prediction of Outcomes
Authors: Jokšić-Mazinjanin Radojka , Marić Nikolina , Đuričin Aleksandar , Gojković Zoran , Vasović Velibor , Rakić Goran , Jokšić-Zelić Milena , Saravolac Siniša
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Trauma scoring systems in prehospital settings are supposed to ensure the most appropriate in-hospital treatment of the injured. Aim of the study: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the CRAMS scale (circulation, respiration, abdomen, motor and speech), RTS score (revised trauma score), MGAP (mechanism, Glasgow Coma Scale, age, arterial pressure) and GAP (Glasgow Coma Scale, age, arterial pressure) scoring systems in prehospital settings in order to evaluate trauma severity and to predict the outcome. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted. For every trauma patient, a questionnaire was initially filled in by a prehospital doctor and these data were subsequently collected by the hospital. Results: The study included 307 trauma patients with an average age of 51.7 ± 20.9. Based on the ISS (injury severity score), severe trauma was diagnosed in 50 (16.3%) patients. MGAP had the best sensitivity/specificity ratio when the obtained values indicated severe trauma. The sensitivity and specificity were 93.4 and 62.0%, respectively, for an MGAP value of 22. MGAP and GAP were strongly correlated with each other and were statistically significant in predicting the outcome of treatment (OR 2.23; 95% Cl 1.06–4.70; p = 0.035). With a rise of one in the MGAP score value, the probability of survival increases 2.2 times. Conclusion: MGAP and GAP, in prehospital settings, had higher sensitivity and specificity when identifying patients with a severe trauma and predicting an unfavorable outcome than other scoring systems.
Low-Cost Three-Dimensionally Printed Inverted Plug and Play Optical Instrument for Microfluidic Imaging
Authors: Markov Denislav , Grigorov Emil , Kirov Boris , Denev Jordan A. , Galabov Vassil , Marinov Marin B.
Published: May 2023

Microfluidics, also known as lab-on-a-chip or micro total analysis systems, can precisely regulate and manipulate micro-sized fluids. They have great potential in biology, chemistry, and medicine, as well as other fields of science. By definition, microfluidic devices operate with small-volume samples and small reactant quantities, which renders them both efficient and affordable. However, such small objects have very demanding requirements for the utilized optical detection system. Due to the specifics of those devices, monitoring the results of experiments is carried out with commercial inverted optical microscopes. Unfortunately, that type of optical device is still expensive. In this article, we present a truly functional, inexpensive, standalone, three-dimensionally printed, and inverted microscope, including the design, engineering, and manufacturing process and some of the experiments that have been conducted with it. Finally, we summarize the advantages of this three-dimensionally printed microscope (including the total fabrication costs) and the future improvements that will be introduced to it.
Bacillus cereus in the Artisanal Cheese Production Chain in Southwestern Mexico
Authors: Cruz-Facundo Itzel-Maralhi , Toribio-Jiménez Jeiry , Castro-Alarcón Natividad , Leyva-Vázquez Marco-Antonio , Rodríguez-Ruíz Hugo-Alberto , Pérez-Olais José-Humberto , Adame-Gómez Roberto , Rodríguez-Bataz Elvia , Reyes-Roldán Joel , Muñoz-Barrios Salvador , Ramírez-Peralta Arturo
Published: May 2023

Background: Bacillus cereus is associated with milk, dairy product, and dairy farm contamination. The aim of this study was to characterize strains of B. cereus in the small-scale artisanal cheese production chain in southwestern Mexico. Methods: 130 samples were collected. B. cereus isolation was performed on Mannitol Egg Yolk Polymyxin (MYP) agar. Genotyping, enterotoxigenic profile, and determination of genes involved in the formation of B. cereus biofilm were performed by PCR. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was made by broth microdilution assay. The phylogenetic analysis was performed by amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA. Results: B. cereus sensu lato was isolated and molecularly identified in 16 samples and B. cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus) was the most frequently isolated and identified species (81.25%). Of all the isolated B. cereus sensu lato strains, 93.75% presented at least one gene for some diarrheagenic toxins, 87.5% formed biofilms, and 18.75% were amylolytic. All B. cereus sensu lato strains were resistant to beta-lactams and folate inhibitors. A close phylogenetic relationship between isolates was found between the cheese isolates and the air isolates. Conclusions: Strains of B. cereus sensu lato were found in small-scale artisanal cheeses on a farm in southwestern Mexico.
Retrospective Analysis of Official Data on Anthrax in Europe with a Special Reference to Ukraine
Authors: Kozytska Tamara , Bassiouny Marwa , Chechet Olha , Ordynska Diana , Galante Domenico , Neubauer Heinrich , Wareth Gamal
Published: May 2023

Anthrax is an acute infectious zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that mostly affects grazing livestock and wildlife. Furthermore, B. anthracis is considered one of the most important biological agents of bioterrorism that could also be potentially misused in biological weapons. The distribution of anthrax in domestic animals and wildlife in Europe with a particular focus on Ukraine as a country of war was analyzed. Between 2005 and 2022, 267 anthrax cases were registered at the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) in animals in Europe, including 251 cases in domestic animals and 16 in wildlife. The highest numbers of cases were recorded in 2005 and 2016 followed by 2008, and the highest numbers of registered cases were reported from Albania, Russia, and Italy. In Ukraine, anthrax is currently a sporadic infection. Since 2007, 28 notifications were registered, with isolates mainly from soil samples. The highest number of confirmed anthrax cases was registered in 2018, and Odesa, which is close to Moldova, had the highest number of cases, followed by the Cherkasy region. The presence of thousands of biothermal pits and burial grounds of fallen cattle nationwide favors the re-emergence of new foci. Most confirmed cases were in cattle; however, single cases were confirmed in dogs, horses, and pigs. Further investigation of the disease in wildlife and in environmental samples is needed. The genetic analysis of isolates, investigation of susceptibility to antimicrobial compounds, and determination of virulence and pathogenicity factors are required in this volatile region of the world for awareness raising and preparedness.
Interkingdom Detection of Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Molecules by Mammalian Taste Receptors
Authors: Kouakou Yobouet Ines , Lee Robert J.
Published: May 2023

Bitter and sweet taste G protein-coupled receptors (known as T2Rs and T1Rs, respectively) were originally identified in type II taste cells on the tongue, where they signal perception of bitter and sweet tastes, respectively. Over the past ~15 years, taste receptors have been identified in cells all over the body, demonstrating a more general chemosensory role beyond taste. Bitter and sweet taste receptors regulate gut epithelial function, pancreatic β cell secretion, thyroid hormone secretion, adipocyte function, and many other processes. Emerging data from a variety of tissues suggest that taste receptors are also used by mammalian cells to “eavesdrop” on bacterial communications. These receptors are activated by several quorum-sensing molecules, including acyl-homoserine lactones and quinolones from Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, competence stimulating peptides from Streptococcus mutans, and D-amino acids from Staphylococcus aureus. Taste receptors are an arm of immune surveillance similar to Toll-like receptors and other pattern recognition receptors. Because they are activated by quorum-sensing molecules, taste receptors report information about microbial population density based on the chemical composition of the extracellular environment. This review summarizes current knowledge of bacterial activation of taste receptors and identifies important questions remaining in this field.
The Hidden Cost of COVID-19: Focus on Antimicrobial Resistance in Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Micheli Giulia , Sangiorgi Flavio , Catania Francesca , Chiuchiarelli Marta , Frondizi Federico , Taddei Eleonora , Murri Rita
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest growing public health threats and a worldwide priority. According to the WHO, drug-resistant diseases may cause 10 million deaths a year by 2050 and have a substantial impact on the global economy, driving up to 24 million people into poverty. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fallacies and vulnerability of healthcare systems worldwide, displacing resources from existing programs and reducing funding for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) fighting efforts. Moreover, as already seen for other respiratory viruses, such as flu, COVID-19 is often associated with superinfections, prolonged hospital stays, and increased ICU admissions, further aggravating healthcare disruption. These events are accompanied by widespread antibiotic use, misuse, and inappropriate compliance with standard procedures with a potential long-term impact on AMR. Still, COVID-19-related measures such as increasing personal and environmental hygiene, social distancing, and decreasing hospital admissions could theoretically help the AMR cause. However, several reports have shown increased antimicrobial resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This narrative review focuses on this “twindemic”, assessing the current knowledge of antimicrobial resistance in the COVID-19 era with a focus on bloodstream infections and provides insights into the lessons learned in the COVID-19 field that could be applied to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
Dysregulation of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Bhat Neha , Mani Arya
Published: May 2023

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent condition affecting approximately a quarter of the global population. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, economic burden, and healthcare costs. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in the liver, known as steatosis, which can progress to more severe stages such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review focuses on the mechanisms that contribute to the development of diet-induced steatosis in an insulin-resistant liver. Specifically, it discusses the existing literature on carbon flux through glycolysis, ketogenesis, TCA (Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle), and fatty acid synthesis pathways in NAFLD, as well as the altered canonical insulin signaling and genetic predispositions that lead to the accumulation of diet-induced hepatic fat. Finally, the review discusses the current therapeutic efforts that aim to ameliorate various pathologies associated with NAFLD.
Which Front-of-Package Nutrition Label Is Better? The Influence of Front-of-Package Nutrition Label Type on Consumers’ Healthy Food Purchase Behavior
Authors: Liao Fen , Li Han
Published: May 2023

To help consumers understand the healthfulness of food and make healthy food choices, manufacturers are increasingly providing front-of-package nutrition labels. However, not all types of front-of-package nutrition labels can promote consumers’ healthy food purchase behavior. We explored the impact of front-of-package nutrition label type on the consumer purchase behavior of healthy food through three experiments. The results show that evaluative (vs. objective) front-of-package nutrition labels can improve consumer purchase intention and willingness to pay for healthy food. The spokesperson type moderates the influence of front-of-package nutrition labels on consumers’ healthy food purchase behavior. Specifically, when the spokesperson type is a typical consumer, consumers are more willing to buy healthy foods with evaluative nutrition labels than those with objective nutrition labels. When the spokesperson type is a star, consumers are more willing to buy healthy food with objective nutrition labels (vs. evaluative nutrition labels). Finally, this study provides feasible suggestions for marketers to select appropriate front-of-package nutrition labels.
Disinfection of Transparent Screens by Side-Coupled UVA LED Radiation
Authors: Sicks Ben , Gierke Anna-Maria , Sommerfeld Florian , Klein Martin , Hessling Martin
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Applications using touch screens are increasingly deployed in medical facilities, as well as in public areas. When touching the display with fingers, potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transmitted. An automated process to decontaminate the device in between users would be highly useful. (2) Methods: Thin glass plates were superficially contaminated with the non-pathogenic Staphylococcus carnosus in a controlled manner. Subsequently, UVA radiation of 400 or 380 nm was laterally coupled into the glass plate, which acted as a light guide. Contact agar plates recorded the change in the staphylococci concentration over time. Additionally, the UVA radiation emitted by the glass plates was measured and the potential risk to humans assessed. (3) Results: Staphylococci concentration decreased as a result of UVA radiation for both wavelengths. At 400 nm, it took about 7.5 h and at 380 nm about 1 h until a reduction of 90% was reached. To meet higher disinfection requirements, disproportionately longer irradiation times were necessary. The potential UVA irradiation of humans in front of the glass pane was about 35 µW/cm2 or less and posed no risk to humans. (4) Conclusions: Side-coupled UVA radiation is in principle capable of safely automatically disinfecting microorganisms on touch screens. However, the required irradiation times are still in the hour range, so that a rapid disinfection within a minute or less is not yet possible with the presented setup. However, higher UVA intensities might reduce the current disinfection durations.
Advantages of a Photodiode Detector Endoscopy System in Fluorescence-Guided Percutaneous Liver Biopsies
Authors: Marcos-Vidal Asier , Heidari Pedram , Xu Sheng , Wood Bradford J. , Mahmood Umar
Published: May 2023

Image-guided liver biopsies can improve their success rate when combined with the optical detection of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence accumulated in tumors. Previous works used a camera coupled to a thin borescope to capture and quantify images from fluorescence emission during procedures; however, light-scattering prevented the formation of sharp images, and the time response for weakly fluorescent tumors was very low. Instead, replacing the camera with a photodiode detector shows an improved temporal resolution in a more compact and lighter device. This work presents the new design in a comparative study between both detection technologies, including an assessment of the temporal response and sensitivity to the presence of background fluorescence.
Controllable Helico-Conical Beam Generated with the Bored Phase
Authors: Liu Xuejuan , Liu Shuo , Cheng Shubo
Published: May 2023

A controllable helico-conical beam is proposed in this paper. The intensity patterns and the local spatial frequency of the controllable helico-conical beams in the focal region are analyzed in detail. The results show that the length of the helico-conical beams can be customized by the variable parameter k, and the angular dimension of the bored spiral trajectory is dependent on the proportion k/l. Moreover, the focal-field energy flow density and orbital angular momentum distributions of the controllable helico-conical beams are also analyzed. The proposed helico-conical beams with controllable lengths can be potentially applied in the field of optical guiding.
Encapsulation of Allergens into Core–Shell Chitosan Microparticles for Allergen-Specific Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
Authors: Konovalova Mariya , Kashirina Elena , Beltsova Kseniya , Kotsareva Olga , Fattakhova Gulnar , Svirshchevskaya Elena
Published: May 2023

IgE-mediated allergic reaction occurs in response to harmless environmental compounds, such as tree and grass pollen, fragments of household microorganisms, etc. To date, the only way to treat IgE-mediated allergy is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which consists of a prolonged subcutaneous administration of allergen extracts or recombinant proteins. The long duration of the treatment, the cost and the risk of life-threatening adverse reactions are the main limiting factors for ASIT. The aim of this work was to develop allergen proteins encapsulated in chitosan-based microparticles that can be safely administered at high doses and in a rash protocol. The egg white allergen, Gal d 1 protein, was used as a model antigen. The protein was packed into core–shell type microparticles (MPs), in which the core was formed with succinyl chitosan conjugated to Gal d 1, subsequently coated with a shell formed by quaternized chitosan. The obtained core–shell MPs containing Gal d 1 in the core (Gal-MPs) were non-toxic to macrophage and fibroblast cell lines. At the same time, Gal-MPs were quickly engulfed by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells or RAW264.7 macrophage cells, as was visualized using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Encapsulated Gal d 1 was not recognized by Gal d 1-specific IgE in ELISA. Female BALB/c mice were immunized with Gal-MPs subcutaneously three times a week for 2 weeks. Immunization of mice resulted in IgG titers 1250 ± 200 without IgE production. Allergy in control and vaccinated mice was induced by low-dose Gal d 1 injections in the withers of mice. IgE was induced in control-sensitized but not in the vaccinated mice. Thus, preventive vaccination with the encapsulated allergens is safe and rapid; it significantly reduces the risk of IgE production induced by respiratory and oral allergens.
SAS PROC IRT and the R mirt Package: A Comparison of Model Parameter Estimation for Multidimensional IRT Models
Authors: Cole Ki , Paek Insu
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the performance of estimation methods for multidimensional IRT models with dichotomous and polytomous data in two well-known IRT programs: SAS PROC IRT and the mirt package in R. A simulation study was used to compare performance on a simple structure Rasch model, complex structure 2PL model, and bifactor graded response model. Under RMSE and bias criteria regarding item parameter recovery, PROC IRT and mirt showed nearly identical performance in the simple structure condition. When a complex structure was used, mirt performed better in terms of the recovery of intercept parameters, while the recovery of slope parameters depended on the program and the sample sizes: PROC IRT tended to be better with small samples (N=500) according to RMSE, and mirt was better for larger samples (N=1000 and 2500) according to RMSE and bias for the slope parameter recovery. When a bifactor structure was used, mirt was preferred in all cases; differences lessened as sample size increased.
A Study of Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qatar
Authors: Moalla Mariem , Reagu Shuja , Alabdulla Majid , Khan Yasser Saeed , Takish Ziad , Al-Musfir Tumadher , Emadie Buthaina Al , Elwerfellie Manal Matoug , Narasimhan Srinivasan , Nazzal Hani
Published: May 2023

Background: There is clear evidence showing an increase in mental health symptoms along with an increased demand for mental health services since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to determine the rates of elevated anxiety symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Qatar. It also explored any correlated factors. Method: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study with 199 participants (children aged 6–16 years) consulting a dental care center. We used the original English version as well as a previously validated Arabic version of the Parent Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale to measure anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 29.6% (n = 59) of our sample met the respective elevated cut-off score for overall anxiety disorder. The largest group among the children was elevated levels of physical injury fears 37.6% (n = 75), followed by Social Phobia 36.1% (n = 72). Younger children showed significantly higher scores for total anxiety, separation anxiety, physical injury fears, and generalized anxiety score. Among the gender groups, females reported significantly higher scores of General anxiety disorder. When comparing natives to expatriates, expatriates showed higher scores for total anxiety, physical injury fears score, social phobia score, and generalized anxiety. Conclusions: Overall, this study shows increased rates of clinically elevated anxiety symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Qatar. Younger children, females, and expatriates were more vulnerable to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the specific psychological vulnerability of this population group during major health crises like the current pandemic.
Is There a Root of Being? Indic Philosophies and the Parmenidean Problem
Authors: Corduan Winfried
Published: May 2023

This article is a survey of various philosophical schools, focusing primarily on South Asian ones, and how they address the problem of being and nonbeing. The early Greek poet Parmenides stated that nonbeing is something that we cannot actually conceptualize and, thus, cannot speak of meaningfully. Plato and Aristotle are two examples of Western philosophers who came up with different ways of resolving the issue. As we turn to Indic schools of philosophy, we encounter a colorful array of different approaches. The Upanishads gave rise to a variety of points of view, though the Advaita Vedānta school of Adi Śaṅkara has dominated the discussion over the last few centuries. Other schools represented in this survey are Sāṃkhya, Buddhism (Therāvada, Sarvāstivāda, Sautantrika, Yogācāra, and Mādhyamaka), Vaiśeṣika, and Nyāya. Unsurprisingly, each comes up with different constructs that are frequently mutually exclusive, despite efforts by some writers to look past some obvious differences that are not reconcilable. There are also some conceptual similarities with Western philosophy, but the different cultural backdrops limit the ability to easily transfer ideas from one context to the other. My method is to quote short passages from the central writings (usually the “official” sutras) and show how they fit into their particular systems.
Multi-Parameter Estimation Method and Closed-Form Solution Study for k-µ Channel Model
Authors: Tian Jie , Fan Zhongqing , Ji Zhengyu , Li Xianglu , Fei Peng , Hou Dong
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a novel multi-parameter estimation algorithm for the k-µ fading channel model to analyze wireless transmission performance in complex time-varying and non-line-of-sight communication scenarios involving moving targets. The proposed estimator offers a mathematically tractable theoretical framework for the application of the k-µ fading channel model in realistic scenarios. Specifically, the algorithm obtains expressions for the moment-generating function of the k-µ fading distribution and eliminates the gamma function using the even-order moment value comparison method. It then obtains two sets of solution models for the moment-generating function at different orders, which enable the estimation of the k and µ parameters using three sets of closed-form solutions. The k and µ parameters are estimated based on received channel data samples generated using the Monte Carlo method to restore the distribution envelope of the received signal. Simulation results show strong agreement between theoretical and estimated values for the closed-form estimated solutions. Additionally, the differences in complexity, accuracy exhibited under different parameter settings, and robustness under decreasing SNR may make the estimators suitable for different practical application scenarios.
Real-Time Hybrid Test Control Research Based on Improved Electro-Hydraulic Servo Displacement Algorithm
Authors: Shen Yaoyu , Guo Ying-Qing , Zha Xiumei , Wang Yina
Published: May 2023

Real-time hybrid testing (RTH) is a test method for dynamic loading performance evaluation of structures, which is divided into digital simulation and physical testing, but the integration of the two may lead to problems such as time lag, large errors, and slow response time. The electro-hydraulic servo displacement system, as the transmission system of the physical test structure, directly affects the operational performance of RTH. Improving the performance of the electro-hydraulic servo displacement control system has become the key to solving the problem of RTH. In this paper, the FF-PSO-PID algorithm is proposed to control the electro-hydraulic servo system in real-time hybrid testing (RTH), which uses the PSO algorithm to operate the optimized PID parameters and the feed-forward compensation algorithm to compensate the displacement. First, the mathematical model of the electro-hydraulic displacement servo system in RTH is presented and the actual parameters are determined. Then, the objective evaluation function of the PSO algorithm is proposed to optimize the PID parameters in the context of RTH operation, and a displacement feed-forward compensation algorithm is added for theoretical study. To verify the effectiveness of the method, joint simulations were performed in Matlab/Simulink to compare and test FF-PSO-PID, PSO-PID, and conventional PID (PID) under different input signals. The results show that the proposed FF-PSO-PID algorithm effectively improves the accuracy and response speed of the electro-hydraulic servo displacement system and solves the problems of RTH time lag, large error, and slow response.
Effects of Measurement Temperature on Radioluminescence Processes in Cerium-Activated Silica Glasses for Dosimetry Applications
Authors: Zghari Ismail , El Hamzaoui Hicham , Capoen Bruno , Mady Franck , Benabdesselam Mourad , Bouwmans Géraud , Labat Damien , Ouerdane Youcef , Morana Adriana , Girard Sylvain , Boukenter Aziz , Bouazaoui Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Cerium-doped-silica glasses are widely used as ionizing radiation sensing materials. However, their response needs to be characterized as a function of measurement temperature for application in various environments, such as in vivo dosimetry, space and particle accelerators. In this paper, the temperature effect on the radioluminescence (RL) response of Cerium-doped glassy rods was investigated in the 193–353 K range under different X-ray dose rates. The doped silica rods were prepared using the sol-gel technique and spliced into an optical fiber to guide the RL signal to a detector. Then, the experimental RL levels and kinetics measurements during and after irradiation were compared with their simulation counterparts. This simulation is based on a standard system of coupled non-linear differential equations to describe the processes of electron-hole pairs generation, trapping-detrapping and recombination in order to shed light on the temperature effect on the RL signal dynamics and intensity.
Digital Factory Transformation from a Servitization Perspective: Fields of Action for Developing Internal Smart Services
Authors: Neuhüttler Jens , Feike Maximilian , Kutz Janika , Blümel Christian , Bienzeisler Bernd
Published: May 2023

In recent years, a complex set of dynamic developments driven by both the economy and the emergence of digital technologies has put pressure on manufacturing companies to adapt. The concept of servitization, i.e., the shift from a product-centric to a service-centric value creation logic, can help manufacturing companies stabilize their business in such volatile times. Existing academic literature investigates the potential and challenges of servitization and the associated development of data-based services, so-called smart services, with a view to external market performance. However, with the increasing use of digital technologies in manufacturing and the development of internal smart services based on them, we argue that the existing insights on external servitization are also of interest for internal transformation. In this paper, we identify key findings from service literature, apply them to digital factory transformation, and structure them into six fields of action along the dimensions of people, technology, and organization. As a result, recommendations for designing digital factory transformation in manufacturing companies are derived from the perspective of servitization and developing internal smart services.
Distributions of OCPs and CUPs in the Sediment and Surface Water Close to a Drinking Water Reservoir in Northeastern China
Authors: Yu Yingying , Chi Jialong
Published: May 2023

In the Chinese city of Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, a survey was conducted to track the concentrations and distributions of several organic pollutants near drinking water reservoirs, such as conventional organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and currently in use pesticides (CUPs), including organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and neutral herbicides (NHs). From October 2007 to July 2008, a total of 32 pairs of water and sediment samples were gathered and examined. The results showed that the total concentrations of OCPs, OPPs, and NHs in the sediments were 0.42–7.8 ng/dm3 below the detection limit of these pollutants in sediments. The total concentration of OPPs in the water varied from the LoD to 180 ng/dm3 while NHs were 6.3 to 740 ng/dm3. While the CUP concentrations changed significantly throughout the year, the OCP concentrations were less impacted by seasonal fluctuations, indicating no recent introduction of these chemicals. The use of pesticides on crops in the primarily agricultural area was the main factor contributing to higher concentrations of CUPs during the summer.
Climate Change: Linear and Nonlinear Causality Analysis
Authors: Song Jiecheng , Ma Merry
Published: May 2023

The goal of this study is to detect linear and nonlinear causal pathways toward climate change as measured by changes in global mean surface temperature and global mean sea level over time using a data-based approach in contrast to the traditional physics-based models. Monthly data on potential climate change causal factors, including greenhouse gas concentrations, sunspot numbers, humidity, ice sheets mass, and sea ice coverage, from January 2003 to December 2021, have been utilized in the analysis. We first applied the vector autoregressive model (VAR) and Granger causality test to gauge the linear Granger causal relationships among climate factors. We then adopted the vector error correction model (VECM) as well as the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) to quantify the linear long-run equilibrium and the linear short-term dynamics. Cointegration analysis has also been adopted to examine the dual directional Granger causalities. Furthermore, in this work, we have presented a novel pipeline based on the artificial neural network (ANN) and the VAR and ARDL models to detect nonlinear causal relationships embedded in the data. The results in this study indicate that the global sea level rise is affected by changes in ice sheet mass (both linearly and nonlinearly), global mean temperature (nonlinearly), and the extent of sea ice coverage (nonlinearly and weakly); whereas the global mean temperature is affected by the global surface mean specific humidity (both linearly and nonlinearly), greenhouse gas concentration as measured by the global warming potential (both linearly and nonlinearly) and the sunspot number (only nonlinearly and weakly). Furthermore, the nonlinear neural network models tend to fit the data closer than the linear models as expected due to the increased parameter dimension of the neural network models. Given that the information criteria are not generally applicable to the comparison of neural network models and statistical time series models, our next step is to examine the robustness and compare the forecast accuracy of these two models using the soon-available 2022 monthly data.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Tectonic Coal Using Reconstituted Coal Specimens
Authors: Wang Yubo , Wang Suifang , Zhang Lemei , Deng Cunbao
Published: May 2023

Tectonic coal, an aggregate of coal particles formed by compacting pulverized coal, has been developed extensively in China. Currently, reconstituted coal specimens are widely adopted to investigate the mechanical properties of tectonic coal, but they have a low compaction degree compared to the tectonic coal in the field. Therefore, the current understanding of the mechanical properties of tectonic coal is not accurate. Herein, a new high–pressure–resistant mold was developed, and a heavy press was developed to prepare highly compacted reconstituted coal specimens. Based on the reconstituted coal specimens and the intact coal specimens obtained through coring, the mechanical properties of tectonic coal and intact coal were measured and compared systematically. The results show that the compaction degree of reconstituted coal specimen can be improved significantly by increasing the external force. For Sijiazhuang coal, the compaction degree of the reconstituted coal specimen almost reaches that of the tectonic coal in the field when the external force is increased to 550 KN. Moreover, the tectonic coal exhibits a low elastic modulus and low strength but high stress sensitivity. The elastic modulus and cohesion of tectonic coal are 22.08% and 43.47% of the corresponding values for intact coal. However, with the increase in the confining pressure from 5 to 20 MPa, the elastic modulus of tectonic coal increases by 1.14 times, while that of the intact coal increases just by 8.70%. In addition, tectonic coal and intact coal present different post-peak failure modes under the triaxial compression stress path. Typical shear failure occurs in the intact coal, while multiple shear failure occurs in the tectonic coal.
A Study on the Quality and Determinants of Climate Information Disclosure of A-Share-Listed Banks
Authors: Mou Ruiqin , Ma Tao
Published: May 2023

Against the backdrop of growing climate concerns, banks’ credit exposures as a financial services industry are extremely vulnerable to climate risks, and banks should make good disclosures to respond to stakeholder demands. This paper develops an evaluation system to evaluate the quality of climate information disclosure of A-share-listed banks with respect to the characteristics of the banking industry. It finds that the quality of climate information disclosure of A-share-listed banks is not high but is increasing year by year. A multiple regression model is also constructed to empirically investigate the factors influencing the quality of climate information disclosure. The results show that corporate size, dual listing and board size make a significant positive contribution to the quality of climate information disclosure of A-share-listed banks, while the shareholding ratio of institutional investors is negatively related to the quality of climate information disclosure.
Immunotoxicity and Transcriptome Analyses of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Exposed to 6:2 FTSA
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ren Zongming , Chen Meng
Published: May 2023

As a new alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) has been widely produced and used in recent years, and its concentration and frequency of detection in the aquatic environment and aquatic organisms are increasing. However, studies of its toxicity in aquatic biological systems are alarmingly scarce, and the relevant toxicological information needs to be improved. In this study, we investigated AB wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos subjected to acute 6:2 FTSA exposure for immunotoxicity using immunoassays and transcriptomics. Immune indexes showed significant decreases in SOD and LZM activities, but no significant change in NO content. Other indexes (TNOS, iNOS, ACP, AKP activities, and MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, TLR4 content) all showed significant increases. These results indicated that 6:2 FTSA induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in zebrafish embryos and exhibited immunotoxicity. Consistently, transcriptomics showed that genes involved in the MAPK, TLR and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways (hsp70, hsp701, stat1b, irf3, cxcl8b, map3k8, il1b, tnfa and nfkb) were significantly upregulated after 6:2 FTSA exposure, suggesting that 6:2 FTSA might induce immunotoxicity in zebrafish embryos through the TLR/NOD-MAPK pathway. The results of this study indicate that the safety of 6:2 FTSA should be examined further.
Putative Contribution of 8-Aminoquinolines to Preventing Recrudescence of Malaria
Authors: Markus Miles B.
Published: May 2023

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy achieved in treating Plasmodium vivax malaria with an 8-aminoquinoline (8-AQ) drug such as primaquine (PQ) together with a partner drug such as chloroquine (CQ) is usually explained as CQ inhibiting asexual parasites in the bloodstream and PQ acting against liver stages. However, PQ’s contribution, if any, to inactivating non-circulating, extra-hepatic asexual forms, which make up the bulk of the parasite biomass in chronic P. vivax infections, remains unclear. In this opinion article, I suggest that, considering its newly described mode of action, PQ might be doing something of which we are currently unaware.
How Does Long-COVID Impact Prognosis and the Long-Term Sequelae?
Authors: Baroni Carolina , Potito Jorge , Perticone María Eugenia , Orausclio Paola , Luna Carlos Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Context: We reviewed what has been studied and published during the last 3 years about the consequences, mainly respiratory, cardiac, digestive, and neurological/psychiatric (organic and functional), in patients with COVID-19 of prolonged course. Objective: To conduct a narrative review synthesizing current clinical evidence of abnormalities of signs, symptoms, and complementary studies in COVID-19 patients who presented a prolonged and complicated course. Methods: A review of the literature focused on the involvement of the main organic functions mentioned, based almost exclusively on the systematic search of publications written in English available on PubMed/MEDLINE. Results: Long-term respiratory, cardiac, digestive, and neurological/psychiatric dysfunction are present in a significant number of patients. Lung involvement is the most common; cardiovascular involvement may happen with or without symptoms or clinical abnormalities; gastrointestinal compromise includes the loss of appetite, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, diarrhea, etc.; and neurological/psychiatric compromise can produce a wide variety of signs and symptoms, either organic or functional. Vaccination is not associated with the emergence of long-COVID, but it may happen in vaccinated people. Conclusions: The severity of illness increases the risk of long-COVID. Pulmonary sequelae, cardiomyopathy, the detection of ribonucleic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, and headaches and cognitive impairment may become refractory in severely ill COVID-19 patients.
Calidad del servicio educativo en el cumplimiento de metas universitarias
Authors: Cabrera De Ruiz Kathy Flores , Ruiz Bartra Cheryl , Manturano Pérez Teofilo Ulises , Ruiz De La Cruz Jhonn Robert
Published: May 2023

Las universidades públicas están sobrellevando la calidad de servicio educativo de manera ineficaz e ineficiente durante la pandemia en América Latina; por tanto, existe la necesidad de verificar si una adecuada gestión de la calidad del servicio educativo universitario lograría alcanzar el cumplimiento de las metas. El objetivo fue relacionar la calidad de servicio educativo en el cumplimiento de metas universitarias. El método fue abordado a través del enfoque cuantitativo y análisis descriptivo correlacional, realizado con 52 trabajadores universitarios encargados de la gestión de calidad. La técnica fue una encuesta y a través del procesamiento de datos se obtuvo que la calidad de servicio educativo se relaciona con el cumplimiento de metas universitarias. Las conclusiones fueron, que es necesario realizar acciones de sensibilización y que las metas, tienen que estar acorde a los nuevos cambios sociales, ocasionados por la pandemia y coyuntura; garantizando la calidad de servicio educativo.
El liderazgo directivo en el proceso educativo
Authors: Alonzo Yaranga Lidia , León Quispe Korintia , Avendaño Cruz Cirilo Edgar
Published: May 2023

El liderazgo directivo cumple funciones vitales dentro del desarrollo educativo, por lo que su capacidad, visión positiva, proactiva y transformadora, repercutirá en los resultados educativos. De esta forma, el objetivo del artículo fue analizar el liderazgo directivo en el proceso educativo mediante una revisión sistemática de estudios de los últimos 5 años considerando una base de datos Scopus, Scielo, Dialnet y Ebsco. Se encontró que entre mayor conocimiento y experiencia tengan los directivos, mayor sera su capacidad de liderazgo y el manejo de sus gestiones. Se concluye que el liderazgo directivo es fundamental en el arte de gestionar organizaciones y docentes, busca promover el desarrollo profesional, el seguimiento, la retroalimentación y la evaluación.
Aprendizaje autónomo y recursos educativos digitales en estudiantes del I ciclo de una universidad privada de Lima
Authors: Matta Huerta Carmen Rosa , Vivar-Bravo Javier , Jesús-Carbajal Orlando , Vela Yañac Katherine Yesenia , Mejía Castillo César Augusto , Santos Ku Sarita Irene
Published: May 2023

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación que existe entre el aprendizaje autónomo y los recursos educativos digitales en estudiantes del I ciclo de una universidad privada de Lima, 2021. Por tanto, se trató de un estudio básico, centrándose en un diseño no experimental con nivel descriptivo y correlacional, siendo la muestra censal compuesta por 90 estudiantes. Para la medición de los constructos en análisis se emplearon dos cuestionarios para cada uno de ellos, por tanto, la validez se ejecutó por juicio de 3 expertos, luego de ello, se aplicó el alfa de Cronbach para la confiabilidad. Después de obtenida la prueba de normalidad, se empleó el coeficiente de Rho de Spearman, lográndose obtener un nivel de significancia menor al 5%, rechazándose la H0, en tanto, se aceptó la H1. Concluyéndose que, existe evidencia estadística sobre correlación moderada a un valor de 54.5% entre las variables en referencia, es decir los recursos educativos digitales con el aprendizaje autónomo, conforme a la muestra aplicada.
Gestão do cuidado em pessoas com doenças crônicas
Authors: Cavalcante Wanessa Toscano , Filgueiras Mateus Fernandes , Olanda Debora Evelly da Silva , Costa Maria Clara Ribeiro , Silva Talita Costa Soares , Ferreira Ana Quitéria Fernandes , De Meneses Uberlandia Islândia Barbosa Dantas , De Meneses Junior Jordane Reis , Santos Samara da Silva , Silva Rosany Casado de Freitas , Freire Wilma Tatiane , Santos Junior Carlos Candido , De Barros Emille Raulino , Dos Santos Maria Carolina Salustino , Pereira Edilma Martiniano , Ferreira Jefferson Allyson Gomes , Do Nascimento Nathalia Claudino
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Tem-se por objetivo analisar na literatura atual, como se dá a gestão do cuidado em saúde para pessoas com doença crônica. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura, descritiva e qualitativa, realizada nas bases: Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde – LILACS, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online – MEDLINE, Google acadêmico e Scientific Electronic Library Online – SciELO. Sendo assim, foram definidos os critérios de inclusão e exclusão: textos integrais, gratuitos, publicados entre 2012 a 2022, que abordassem de forma direcionada sobre o tema, no idioma inglês, português e espanhol. Após o processo de filtragem dos critérios de inclusão, leitura dos artigos integralmente e análise minuciosa, foram selecionadas 06 publicações. Resultados: Os temas mais citados foram: descontinuidade do cuidado, fragmentação em saúde, má comunicação entre os serviços e profissionais de saúde, e por fim, a necessidade de capacitações e ações de educação permanente efetivas. Conclusão: Enfrentar os desafios do aumento da prevalência de doenças crônicas e seus impactos, exigirá grandes mudanças no sistema de saúde, bem como afetará na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.