bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant reduction in the density of premature ventricular complex with ß-blocker medication in fast rate-dependent premature ventricular complex
Authors: Park Yae Min , Kim Chang Yun , Seo Jungduk , Jang Albert Youngwoo , Cha Mi Sook , Kang Woong Chol , Han Seung Hwan , Shin Mi-Seung , Choi In Suck
Published: December 2020

Background

There is little data regarding types of idiopathic premature ventricular complex (PVC) according to heart rate dependence.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-eight patients with idiopathic PVC were enrolled in this study. Evaluation of the number of PVCs and total ventricular beats, and the density of PVC was done using 24 h Holter monitoring. Patients were divided into groups as having: fast rate-dependent (Group I), slow rate-dependent (Group II), and heart rate-independent PVC (Group III) based on the relationship between the number of hourly PVC and hourly heart rate. After ß-blocker medication, 24 h Holter monitoring was repeated.

Results

Among the 168 subjects, 66 (39.3%) patients were in Group I, 18 (10.7%) in Group II, and 84 (50.0%) in Group III. There were no significant differences in the baseline number of PVCs and total ventricular beats, and the density of PVC among the three groups. The number of PVCs was significantly reduced in patients with Group I (14,030 ± 11,463 beats/day vs. 7401 ± 10,464 beats/day, p < 0.001), and total ventricular beat was significantly reduced in patients with Group I (109,223 ± 17,564 beats/day vs. 96,182 ± 15,594 beats/day, p < 0.001) and Group III (106,515 ± 13,468 beats/day vs. 97,995 ± 12,960 beats/day, p < 0.001) after ß-blocker medication. The density of PVC was significantly reduced only in patients of Group I (12.9 ± 10.3% vs. 7.4 ± 10.3%, p = 0.001) after ß-blocker medication.

Conclusions

The type of PVC according to the heart rate dependence should be considered when treating idiopathic PVC with ß-blockers.
Indigenous and traditional foods of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mihiranie Sachithra , Jayasinghe Jagath K. , Jayasinghe Chamila V. L. , Wanasundara Janitha P. D.
Published: December 2020

Indigenous and traditional foods of Sri Lanka inherit a long history and unique traditions continued from several thousands of years. Sri Lankan food tradition is strongly inter-wound with the nutritional, health-related, and therapeutic reasoning of the food ingredients and the methods of preparation. The diverse culinary traditions and preparations reflect multipurpose objectives combining in-depth knowledge of flora and fauna in relation to human well-being and therapeutic health benefits. Trans-generational knowledge dissemination related to indigenous and traditional food is now limited due to changing lifestyles, dwindling number of knowledge holders, and shrinking floral and faunal resources. Awareness on the relationship between non-communicable diseases and the diet has garnered the focus on traditional ingredients and foods by the consumers and major food producers in Sri Lanka. This review presents concise details on the indigenous and traditional foods of Sri Lanka, with scientific analysis when possible.
Improved precise positioning with BDS-3 quad-frequency signals
Authors: Li Bofeng , Zhang Zhiteng , Miao Weikai , Chen Guang’e
Published: December 2020

The establishment of the BeiDou global navigation satellite system (BDS-3) has been completed, and the current constellation can independently provide positioning service globally. BDS-3 satellites provide quad-frequency signals, which can benefit the ambiguity resolution (AR) and high-precision positioning. This paper discusses the benefits of quad-frequency observations, including the precision gain of multi-frequency high-precision positioning and the sophisticated choice of extra-wide-lane (EWL) or wide-lane (WL) combinations for instantaneous EWL/WL AR. Additionally, the performance of EWL real-time kinematic (ERTK) positioning that only uses EWL/WL combinations is investigated. The results indicate that the horizontal positioning errors of ERTK positioning using ionosphere-free (IF) EWL observations are approximately 0.5 m for the baseline of 27 km and 1 m for the baseline of 300 km. Furthermore, the positioning errors are reduced to the centimetre level if the IF EWL observations are smoothed by narrow-lane observations for a short period.
Design and evaluation of atorvastatin-loaded chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite bioscaffolds for wound-healing activity
Authors: Tejaswini T. , Keerthana M. , Vidyavathi M. , Kumar R. V. Suresh
Published: December 2020

Background

The study aimed at the formulation of atorvastatin-loaded chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite bioscaffolds and determination of its wound-healing activity on animals. Hydroxyapatite was prepared from the biowaste eggshell cross-linked with calcium chloride and loaded with atorvastatin. The prepared bioscaffold was characterized for physicomechanical properties, morphological studies, differential scanning calorimetry, and in vitro drug release study. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the agar diffusion method, and in vivo wound-healing activity was evaluated using the excision wound-healing model.

Results

Results exhibited that bioscaffold containing 1:1 ratio of chitosan to hydroxyapatite (Hac1) with calcium chloride of 1.5 g (Hbc3) and loaded with atorvastatin (Hcc3) showed effective physicomechanical properties, i.e., thickness (60 μm), swelling behavior (68%), folding endurance (101), tensile strength (0.0283 Mpa), and burst time (1.9 s). Hcc3 scaffold was highly effective and exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (3.2 cm), Staphylococcus aureus (3.0 cm), Escherichia coli (3.5 cm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.7 cm). The group treated with Hcc3 scaffold was significant in healing wounds by showing 100% wound contraction.

Conclusion

It can be concluded from the study that atorvastatin-loaded chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite bioscaffolds may be a significantly more effective scaffold in healing excision wounds.
Undergraduate physical therapy students’ attitudes towards using social media for learning purposes at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shaheen Afaf A. M. , Alanazi Fatim F. , Alrashid Lama B. , Almadani Raghad A. , Altamrah Shaden S. , Almusallam Shahad Z. , Buragadda Syamala , Melam Ganeswararao
Published: December 2020

Background

Social media has become an almost essential part of daily life, especially among college students. The wide use of social media by students makes it an attractive tool for educational institutions. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain physical therapy (PT) students’ attitudes towards using social media for learning purposes, assess the differences in attitudes between genders, and assess the benefits of using social media in the learning process. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected from 158 undergraduate PT students at King Saud University (KSU) University in Riyadh using a custom self-reported questionnaire.

Results

Results indicate that, in general, PT students have positive attitudes towards using social media platforms for learning purposes. YouTube, Wikis, WhatsApp, and Twitter have been utilized for learning purposes by 82.9%, 44.3%, 30.4%, and 27.4% of the students, respectively. Furthermore, students favorably reported that social media platforms are better than traditional teaching methods. These platforms facilitate finding educational resources, develop writing, listening and social skills, share knowledge, enhance self-independent learning, increase collaborations, and develop creativity.

Conclusion

This study showed that PT students, both males and females, have positive attitudes towards using social media platforms. It is convenient to use social media platforms for learning purposes. It may help enhance the quality of the students’ learning experience and academic performance.
Psychological impact in non-infectious disease specialists who had direct contact with patients with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Tao , Zheng Zheng , Sha Xiaoyan , Liu Huishu , Zheng Wenjing , Su Huanxing , Xu Guiyun , Su Kuan-Pin , So Kwok-Fai , Lin Kangguang
Published: December 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has become a pandemic. Obstetricians and midwives, among other medical staff, are tackling COVID-19 and are under immense psychological stress.

Aims

We aimed to survey the mental health of non-infectious disease specialist staff, specifically obstetricians and midwives, working in officially designated hospitals treating patients with COVID-19.

Method

A nationwide online survey was conducted from 7 March to 17 March 2020 investigating the mental health of obstetricians and midwives (who were not themselves infected with COVID-19) working in hospitals treating patients with COVID-19. We used the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and the 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to assess their symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Results

A total of 885 (41.6%), 609 (28.6%) and 729 (34.3%) obstetricians and midwives reported depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5), anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5) and insomnia (ISI ≥ 8), respectively, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of whether or not they had direct contact with patients with COVID-19, obstetricians and midwives were more likely to report mild and moderate depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with before the pandemic. Those who had direct contact with patients with COVID-19 were more likely to report depression and insomnia than those who did not. Those who had sufficient protective equipment or training were less likely to report depression, anxiety and insomnia than those who did not.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that non-infectious disease specialist staff have experienced varying, but increased levels of depression, anxiety and insomnia during this COVID-19 pandemic, which could be reduced by sufficient levels of protective equipment and occupational COVID-19 workplace training.
Οι αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών για τα δίκτυα περιβαλλοντικής εκπαίδευσης των ΚΠΕ
Authors: Στυλιανού Πασχαλίνα
Published: December 2020

Η συμμετοχή των εκπαιδευτικών σε δίκτυα περιβαλλοντικής εκπαίδευσης θεωρείται ένας τρόπος προώθησης της επαγγελματικής τους μάθησης και ανάπτυξης. Ένα περιβαλλοντικό δίκτυο σχολείων μπορεί να υποστηρίζει τις βιωματικές και μαθητοκεντρικές προσεγγίσεις διδασκαλίας για μια διεπιστημονική και διερευνητική Περιβαλλοντική Εκπαίδευση και Εκπαίδευση για την Αειφορία. Επίσης μπορεί να ενισχύσει τη συνεργασία των εκπαιδευτικών και τη συμμετοχή τους σε συλλογικότητες. Παρόλο που η χώρα μας διαθέτει πολλά περιβαλλοντικά δίκτυα, οι έρευνες για τον αντίκτυπο τους στην εκπαιδευτική κοινότητα  είναι ελάχιστες. Στην παρούσα έρευνα διερευνώνται οι αντιλήψεις 30 εκπαιδευτικών Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης για την έννοια, το σκοπό και τη λειτουργία των δικτύων Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης των Κέντρων Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης (Κ.Π.Ε.). Καταγράφονται οι προϋποθέσεις που θέτουν οι εκπαιδευτικοί για να συμμετάσχουν σε περιβαλλοντικά δίκτυα και για να αναπτύξουν συνεργασίες μεταξύ τους. Παρουσιάζονται οι επιθυμητοί τρόποι επικοινωνίας και αλληλεπίδρασης των εκπαιδευτικών για την ανταλλαγή εμπειριών και καλών πρακτικών καθώς και οι αντιλήψεις τους για την επαγγελματική τους ανάπτυξη μέσω της Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης.
The need for standardisation in life science research - an approach to excellence and trust.
Authors: Hollmann Susanne , Kremer Andreas , Baebler Špela , Trefois Christophe , Gruden Kristina , Rudnicki Witold R. , Tong Weida , Gruca Aleksandra , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Evelo Chris T. , Nechyporenko Alina , Frohme Marcus , Šafránek David , Regierer Babette , D'Elia Domenica
Published: December 2020

Today, academic researchers benefit from the changes driven by digital technologies and the enormous growth of knowledge and data, on globalisation, enlargement of the scientific community, and the linkage between different scientific communities and the society. To fully benefit from this development, however, information needs to be shared openly and transparently. Digitalisation plays a major role here because it permeates all areas of business, science and society and is one of the key drivers for innovation and international cooperation. To address the resulting opportunities, the EU promotes the development and use of collaborative ways to produce and share knowledge and data as early as possible in the research process, but also to appropriately secure results with the European strategy for Open Science (OS). It is now widely recognised that making research results more accessible to all societal actors contributes to more effective and efficient science; it also serves as a boost for innovation in the public and private sectors. However  for research data to be findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable the use of standards is essential. At the metadata level, considerable efforts in standardisation have already been made (e.g. Data Management Plan and FAIR Principle etc.), whereas in context with the raw data these fundamental efforts are still fragmented and in some cases completely missing. The CHARME consortium, funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Agency, has identified needs and gaps in the field of standardisation in the life sciences and also discussed potential hurdles for implementation of standards in current practice. Here, the authors suggest four measures in response to current challenges to ensure a high quality of life science research data and their re-usability for research and innovation.
Catheter placement selection for convection-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to brain tumors
Authors: Antoine Lisa H. , Koomullil Roy P. , Wick Timothy M. , Nabors Louis B. , Abdel Aal Ahmed K. , Bolding Mark S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of therapeutic agents to brain tumors allows clinicians to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to infuse virus therapy, biological, or chemotherapy directly into a brain tumor through convection. However, the effectiveness of infusions via CED may depend on catheter placement.

Methods: This study used diffusion maps from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of human brain tumors and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess therapy volume distribution percentages based on catheter placement locations.

Results: The primary outcome showed differences in volume distribution based on the catheter placement location. Total tumor volume filled ranged from 144.40 mm3 to 317.98 mm3. Percent filled of tumor volume ranged from 2.87% to 6.32%.

Conclusions: The selection of the location for catheter placement using the region with the highest volume filled may provide optimal therapeutic effect.  The researchers conclude that CFD may provide guidance for catheter placement in CED of therapeutic agents.
A national survey of community rehabilitation service provision for people with long Covid in Scotland
Authors: Duncan Edward , Cooper Kay , Cowie Julie , Alexander Lyndsay , Morris Jacqui , Preston Jenny
Published: December 2020

Background: Over 50 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed globally as of November 2020. Evidence is rapidly emerging on the epidemiology of COVID-19, and its impact on individuals and potential burden on health services and society. Between 10–35% of people with COVID-19 may experience post-acute long Covid. This currently equates to between 8,129 and 28,453 people in Scotland. Some of these people will require rehabilitation to support their recovery. Currently, we do not know how to optimally configure community rehabilitation services for people with long Covid.

Methods: This national survey aimed to provide a detailed description of current community rehabilitation provision for people with long Covid in Scotland. We developed, piloted, and conducted a national electronic survey of current community rehabilitation service provision for people presenting with long Covid symptomatology. Our sample were the Allied Health Professions Directors of all 14 territorial NHS Health Boards in Scotland. Fixed response and narrative data were analysed descriptively.

Results: Responses were received from all respondents (14/14), enabling a national picture to be gained. Almost all Health Boards (13/14) currently deliver rehabilitation for people with long Covid within pre-existing services. Fatigue (11/14) and respiratory conditions (9/14) were the two most common presenting problems of patients. Most long Covid community rehabilitation services are delivered through a combination of face-to-face and digital contact (13/14).

Conclusions: Community rehabilitation for people with long Covid is an emerging reality. This survey provides a national picture of current community rehabilitation for people with long Covid. We do not know how community rehabilitation can be optimally delivered for this population. This is vital as community rehabilitation services were already under pressure prior to the emergence of COVID-19. Further research is urgently required to investigate the implementation, outcomes and cost-effectiveness of differing models of community rehabilitation for this patient population.
Care-seeking patterns amongst suspected paediatric pneumonia deaths in rural Malawi
Authors: King Carina , Banda Masford , Bar-Zeev Naor , Beard James , French Neil , Makwenda Charles , McCollum Eric D , Mdala Malizani , Bin Nisar Yasir , Phiri Tambosi , Ahmad Qazi Shamim , Colbourn Tim
Published: December 2020

Background: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of paediatric deaths. To understand contextual challenges in care pathways, we explored patterns in care-seeking amongst children who died of pneumonia in Malawi.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods analysis of verbal autopsies (VA) amongst deaths in children aged 1-59 months from 10/2011 to 06/2016 in Mchinji district, Malawi. Suspected pneumonia deaths were defined as: 1. caregiver reported cough and fast breathing in the 2-weeks prior to death; or, 2. the caregiver specifically stated the child died of pneumonia; or 3. cause of death assigned as ‘acute respiratory infection’ using InterVA-4. Data were extracted from free-text narratives based on domains in the ‘Pathways to Survival’ framework, and described using proportions. Qualitative analysis used a framework approach, with pre-specified themes.

Results: We analysed 171 suspected pneumonia deaths. In total, 86% of children were taken to a healthcare facility during their final illness episode, and 44% sought care more than once.  Of children who went to hospital (n=119), 70% were admitted, and 25% received oxygen. Half of the children died within a healthcare setting (43% hospital, 5% health centre and 2% private clinics), 64 (37%) at home, and 22 (13%) in transit. Challenges in delayed care, transport and quality of care (including oxygen), were reported.

Conclusions: Healthcare was frequently sought for children who died of suspected pneumonia, however several missed opportunities for care were seen. Sustained investment in timely appropriate care seeking, quick transportation to hospital and improved case management at all levels of the system is needed.
An exploration of young carers’ experiences of school and their perceptions regarding their future career - a scoping review protocol
Authors: Moloney Breda , Kroll Thilo , Lafferty Attracta
Published: December 2020

Background: Young carers are young people who care for a relative or a friend with an illness, disability, frailty, a mental health issue or addiction. Across the world, it is challenging to calculate the exact numbers due to the invisible nature of their role that can exist due to stigmatisation and fear of authoritative intrusion. As young carers reach 16 years and over, future career prospects become more significant. Young carers are more likely than their peers not to be in education, employment, or training and are more likely to do poorly at school or college than their non-caregiving peers due to the demands of caring. Recognising that positive engagement at school is a vital correlate of positive employment outcomes, young carers are at risk as their caring role can limit the range of employment opportunities open to them.

This paper outlines the protocol for a robust synthesis of the literature surrounding young carers and their career perceptions. The scoping review will address the research question ‘What is known from the literature about young carers in school and their career perceptions?’

The overall aim of this paper is to present a protocol for the scoping review to map the key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in research related to young carers in school and their future careers.

Methods: The review will follow Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al.’s, (2010) scoping review framework. The steps involved include: (1) research question identification; (2) relevant studies identification; (3) selection of studies; (4) data charting; (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results; and (6) stakeholders' consultation.

Conclusions: The scoping review is an appropriate first step to employ in presenting the literature to inform a larger research study on young carers’ experiences in school and their perceptions regarding their future careers.
FEATURES OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING SPACE-BASED MICROCHIPS USING CMOS KNS TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Zolnikov Vladimir , Evdokimova Svetlana , ZHuravlyeva Irina , Maklakova Elena , Ilunina Anna
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the technological process of manufacturing CMOS integrated circuits on KNS (silicon on sapphire) structures for space purposes. The technology is based on an n-type CMOS process with one level of polysilicon and two levels of metal. The components of the technological process are analyzed. The sequence of the technological process and its features are given. An example of a description of one of the elements is considered.
AUTOMATION OF THE PROCESS OF QUALITY CONTROL OF WELDED JOINTS
Authors: Nikolenko S. , Sazonova Svetlana , Akamsina N.
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the electric arc welding process is performed. The main types and causes of defects in welded joints have been identified. The main non-destructive methods of control of welded joints are analyzed. The revealed advantages and disadvantages of each method. The method of ultrasonic testing is considered in sufficient detail. Shown on the practical experience of ultrasonic inspection of welded joints by a flaw detector with antenna arrays. The features of application of the program for PC «USD-soft», which allows automating the control of welded seams, are considered.
contribución del turismo al crecimiento económico de la ciudad de Medellín – Colombia
Authors: Brida Gabriel , Rodríguez Brindis Martin Alberto , Mejía-Alzate Maria Leivy
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es medir la contribución del turismo al crecimiento económico de la ciudad de Medellín para el periodo 2005-2015. Inicialmente, las diferentes ramas características del sector turístico se identifican en las cuentas locales del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB), luego se mide la contribución del turismo al crecimiento económico en Medellín y, se determina la relación entre las actividades turísticas y el crecimiento económico de la ciudad, utilizando la metodología introducida por Ivanov y Webster (2007). Los resultados muestran que para el periodo analizado, la participación del turismo en el pib de Medellín estuvo entre el 8 y 9 %, lo que evidencia la importancia del sector para la economía de la ciudad.
Managing the Value Appropriation Dilemma in Business Model Innovation
Authors: Snihur Yuliya , Zott Christoph , Amit Raphael (Raffi)
Published: December 2020

Managers and designers of innovative business models that are enabled by emerging technologies need to build legitimacy with ecosystem participants. Yet increasing legitimacy within the ecosystem raises competitors’ incentives to imitate the business model innovators, thereby adversely affecting the innovators’ ability to appropriate value. We refer to this trade-off as the appropriation dilemma. We draw on institutional and resource-based perspectives to develop propositions about mitigating the appropriation dilemma and provide illustrations with a range of cases. Our theory development contributes to the technology management and business model innovation literatures by delineating how business model innovators can create value for all stakeholders and at the same time appropriate value through strategic business model design, a task that is particularly salient in the context of emerging technologies. We also strengthen the theoretical foundations of business model innovation research by grounding propositions about the strategic design of business models in resource-based theory and institutional theory.
Teaching patients clean intermittent self-catheterisation: key points
Authors: Balhi Salma , Mrabet Mohamed Khalil
Published: December 2020

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is recognised as the gold standard for the treatment of neurological bladders. ISC involves the introduction of a catheter by the patient into the bladder and its immediate removal when drainage stops. This process needs to be repeated four to six times a day. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is commonly used nowadays to treat and care for patients with chronic disease. Community nurses can play an active role in introducing ISC to patients and teaching them to perform it. This review emphasises the important points to consider when teaching patients ISC.
Life on the frontline of COVID-19: Jude's story
Authors: Lally Jude
Published: December 2020

Jude Lally is a nurse at Royal Star & Garter's Surbiton Home. Here, she talks about falling ill with COVID-19, the mental and physical stress caused by lockdown and her immense pride in the people she works with.
Outcomes of the Exeter V40 cemented femoral stem at a minimum of ten years in a non-designer centre
Authors: Mahon John , McCarthy Cathal Jack , Sheridan Gerard A. , Cashman James P. , O'Byrne John M. , Kenny Paddy
Published: December 2020

Aims

The Exeter V40 cemented femoral stem was first introduced in 2000. The largest single-centre analysis of this implant to date was published in 2018 by Westerman et al. Excellent results were reported at a minimum of ten years for the first 540 cases performed at the designer centre in the Exeter NHS Trust, with stem survivorship of 96.8%. The aim of this current study is to report long-term outcomes and survivorship for the Exeter V40 stem in a non-designer centre.

Methods

All patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty using the Exeter V40 femoral stem between 1 January 2005 and 31 January 2010 were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected prospectively, with routine follow-up at six to 12 months, two years, five years, and ten years. Functional outcomes were assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Outcome measures included data on all components in situ beyond ten years, death occurring within ten years with components in situ, and all-cause revision surgery.

Results

A total of 829 stems in 745 patients were included in the dataset; 155 patients (20.8%) died within ten years, and of the remaining 664 stems, 648 stems (97.6%) remained in situ beyond ten years. For the 21 patients (2.5%) undergoing revision surgery, 16 femoral stems (1.9%) were revised and 18 acetabular components (2.2%) were revised. Indications for revision in order of decreasing frequency were infection (n = 6), pain (n = 6), aseptic component loosening (n = 3), periprosthetic fracture (n = 3), recurrent dislocation (n = 2), and noise production (ceramic-on-ceramic squeak) (n = 1). One patient was revised for aseptic stem loosening. The mean preoperative WOMAC score was 61 (SD 15.9) with a mean postoperative score of 20.4 (SD 19.3) (n = 732; 88.3%).

Conclusion

The Exeter V40 cemented femoral stem demonstrates excellent functional outcomes and survival when used in a high volume non-designer centre. Outcomes are comparable to those of its serially validated predecessor, the Exeter Universal stem. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2020;1-12:743–748.
Situating Vocational Learning and Teaching Using Digital Technologies - A Mapping Review of Current Research Literature
Authors: Dobricki Martin , Evi-Colombo Alessia , Cattaneo Alberto
Published: December 2020

Context: The ongoing change of work life by digital technologies requires vocational education and training (VET) to adapt constantly. This "digital transformation" of work life gives therefore rise to the question how to advance the use of digital technologies in VET. A possible answer may be found by considering that VET should be transferable to work life. This goal may be achieved by coupling educational activities with examples of work situations. Such situated education may be accomplished by using digital technologies. Until five years ago this mainly consisted in using digital photos, videos, and the internet for educational scaffolding or learning tasks. In research this situated digital VET taxonomy is currently expanding. Hence, the use of digital technologies in VET may be advanced by considering current research literature on situated digital VET.Method: Here, we have searched and reviewed scientific publications on situated digital VET published in the past five years. In the peer-reviewed publications that we had selected, we first identified which digital technologies were used for situated VET and which educational activities were coupled with work situation examples. Subsequently, we identified the categories to which the publications could be grouped together by analyzing the content of their full texts. Results: Situated digital VET was accomplished in about half of the reviewed publications by a digital video on a work situation, and in almost half of the publications by a work situation presented in a 3D virtual environment. Digital videos on work situations mostly served all types of learning tasks and rather rarely educational scaffolding. Work situations presented in 3D virtual environments mostly served cognitive or behavioral learning tasks and never educational scaffolding. Situated digital VET was moreover accomplished by using the digital representation of a work situation that either had occurred previously or that was immediately taking place. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that retrospectively and immediately situated digital VET may be the two categories of an up-to-date basic taxonomy of situated digital VET. Hence, an important question to investigate for advancing the use of digital technologies in VET is the following: Which of the two identified types of situated digital VET can facilitate which kind of vocational learning? Based on the reviewed publications we are not able to give any answers to this. Hence, there is a massive need to investigate which kind of vocational learning can be facilitated by retrospectively, and which by immediately situated digital VET.
SAFETY OF USE OF HIGH ALTITUDE PROTECTION SUITS FOR KINESITHERAPY – PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors:   Neures Poland, Abakumow Maciej , Kowalczuk Krzysztof ,   Department of Simulator Studies and Aeromedical Training, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
Published: December 2020

Abstract: Apart from protection from very high altitude or influence of increased gravitational accelerations protective suits sometimes are used for another applications like supporting kinesitherapy. Because of some safety considerations connected with possible cardiovascular system overload and dangerous blood pressure increase we tested if these concerns are valid. Main aim ot presented research performed with participation of healthy volunteers was to confirm that use of High Altitude Protection (HAP) suit is safe in terms of increased cardiovascular.
Electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation using high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses over the observable optical breakdown threshold
Authors: Fujii Takashi , Sato Masahiro , Nakamura Shin , Kumada Akiko , Miki Megumu , Oishi Yuji
Published: December 2020

We investigated the performance of electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation (E-FISHG) by spectroscopic measurement using high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses. The second-harmonic intensity increased quadratically versus the applied electric field, as expected from the theory, up to 15 kV/cm with the laser energy up to 2.5 mJ, which is

times higher than the observable optical breakdown threshold. In addition, when the laser energy was 2.8 mJ,

times signal intensity at 0.23 mJ was obtained. These results suggest that the electric-field measurement by E-FISHG with high-intensity second harmonics is expected by using high-intensity laser pulses above the observable optical breakdown threshold. Spectroscopic measurement shows no E-FISHG of white light generated by self-phase modulation in laser-induced filament.
Simultaneous laser frequency stabilization to an optical cavity and an iodine frequency reference
Authors: Sanjuan Jose , Abich Klaus , Blümel Ludwig , Gohlke Martin , Gualani Vivek , Oswald Markus , Wegehaupt Timm , Schuldt Thilo , Braxmaier Claus
Published: December 2020

In this Letter, we demonstrate a method to combine a molecular iodine
absolute frequency reference with a high-finesse optical cavity in a
single laser to take advantage of the frequency stability properties
of both systems at different time scales. The result is a laser
exhibiting the long-term and short-term stability levels of the iodine
frequency reference and optical cavity, respectively. The method uses
frequency offset side-band locking and an acousto-optical modulator
driven ac-coupled servo-loop to correct the iodine’s short-term
frequency fluctuations. Experimental results show cavity-limited
stability at 1 Hz of

10

−
15

1

/

H
z

and iodine stability below 10 mHz of

10

−
13

1

/

H
z

. In terms of the Allan deviation,
this corresponds to stability levels close to the

10

−
15

at 1 s and

10

−
14

for observation times

>

100

s

.
Engineering spatial coherence in lattices of polariton condensates
Authors: Töpfer J. D. , Chatzopoulos I. , Sigurdsson H. , Cookson T. , Rubo Y. G. , Lagoudakis P. G.
Published: December 2020

Artificial lattices of coherently coupled macroscopic states are at the heart of applications ranging from solving hard combinatorial optimization problems to simulating complex many-body physical systems. The size and complexity of the problems scale with the extent of coherence across the lattice. Although the fundamental limit of spatial coherence depends on the nature of the couplings and lattice parameters, it is usually engineering constraints that define the size of the system. Here, we engineer polariton condensate lattices with active control on the spatial arrangement and condensate density that results in near-diffraction limited emission, and spatial coherence that exceeds by nearly two orders of magnitude the size of each individual condensate. We use these advancements to unravel the dependence of spatial correlations between polariton condensates on the lattice geometry.
Polarization-insensitive, high-gain parametric amplification of radially polarized femtosecond pulses
Authors: Zhong Haizhe , Liang Chengchuan , Dai Shengying , Huang Jiefeng , Hu Saisai , Xu Changwen , Qian Liejia
Published: December 2020

Radially polarized lasers, in contrast to the conventional Gaussian laser mode, possess unique features such as sharp focusing and strong longitudinal fields. Thus far, radially polarized femtosecond pulses have been produced only by low-power devices such as mode-locked resonators and segmented half-wave plates. It is imperative to solve the bottleneck problem in generating higher powers and shorter durations. This paper reports on a polarization-insensitive, high-gain optical parametric amplifier for radially polarized femtosecond pulses, which works at type-II phase-matching and approximately degenerate wavelength. We experimentally demonstrate

>

1000

-fold amplification of radially polarized

∼

400

f
s

pulses at 1610 nm, via chirped

∼

280

f
s

pumping at 800 nm, with the axially symmetric intensity profile and radial polarization state both being well-maintained within a 20 nm spectral range. With currently available high-energy picosecond pumping, the demonstrated amplification scheme will be promising to create radially polarized femtosecond pulses with ultrahigh powers and may facilitate future applications such as strong-field physics.
In silico mutagenesis of human ACE2 with S protein and translational efficiency explain SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in different species
Authors: Delgado Blanco Javier , Hernandez-Alias Xavier , Cianferoni Damiano , Serrano Luis
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 constitutes the most severe pandemic of the last decades having caused more than 1 million deaths worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 virus recognizes the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of human cells through its spike protein. It has been reported that the coronavirus can mildly infect cats, and ferrets, and perhaps dogs while not pigs, mice, chicken and ducks. Differences in viral infectivity among different species or individuals could be due to amino acid differences at key positions of the host proteins that interact with the virus, the immune response, expression levels of host proteins and translation efficiency of the viral proteins among other factors. Here, first we have addressed the importance that sequence variants of different animal species, human individuals and virus isolates have on the interaction between the RBD domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike S protein and human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Second, we have looked at viral translation efficiency by using the tRNA adaptation index. We find that integration of both interaction energy with ACE2 and translational efficiency explains animal infectivity. Humans are the top species in which SARS-CoV-2 is both efficiently translated as well as optimally interacting with ACE2. We have found some viral mutations that increase affinity for hACE and some hACE2 variants affecting ACE2 stability and virus binding. These variants suggest that different sensitivities to coronavirus infection in humans could arise in some cases from allelic variability affecting ACE2 stability and virus binding.
Relationship between the strength of craving as assessed by the Tobacco Craving Index and success of quitting smoking in Japanese smoking cessation therapy
Authors: Taniguchi Chie , Saka Hideo , Oze Isao , Nakamura Sumie , Nozaki Yasuhiro , Tanaka Hideo
Published: December 2020

Background

We previously developed the Tobacco Craving Index (TCI) to assess craving of smokers. In the present study, we validated the relationship between the TCI grade over the 5 sessions of Japanese smoking cessation therapy (SCT) and success of quitting smoking among 889 Japanese patients.

Methods

The Japanese SCT consists of 5 sessions of SCT (first session and sessions 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks later). In the TCI questionnaire, patients are asked to rate their strength of craving and frequency of craving, each on a four-point Likert scale. Patients are classified into one of four grades based on their responses (0, I, II, III, with III indicating severe craving). The TCI questionnaire was administered to each participant at each session of the SCT. This study included participants of Japanese SCT who answered the TCI at the first session of the SCT at five Japanese smoking cessation clinics. Patients who dropped out of the SCT from the second to the fifth sessions were considered to have failed smoking cessation. To elucidate how much the TCI grade predicts smoking status at the last session, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounding factors.

Results

Participants who had higher TCI grade(III) in the 2nd through 5th sessions showed significantly lower probability for success of quitting smoking than those who had lower TCI grades(0 or I) (adjusted odds ratio: 2nd session: 0.30, 3rd session: 0.15, 4th session: 0.06, 5th session: 0.02).

Conclusions

We validated the usefulness of the TCI grade for assessing probability of quitting smoking by using a large number of smoking cessation settings.
Socioeconomic and behavioral determinants of cardiovascular diseases among older adults in Belgium and France: A longitudinal analysis from the SHARE study
Authors: Hassen Hamid Yimam , Bastiaens Hilde , Van Royen Kathleen , Abrams Steven
Published: December 2020

Despite advances in the healthcare system, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still an important public health problem with disparities in the burden within and between countries. Studies among the adult population documented that socioeconomic and environmental factors play a role in the incidence and progression of CVDs. However, evidence is scarce on the socioeconomic determinants and the interplay with behavioral risks among older adults. Therefore, we identified socioeconomic and behavioral determinants of CVDs among older adults. Our sample consisted of 14,322 people aged 50 years and above from Belgium and France who responded to the waves 4, 5, 6 and/or 7 of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The effect of determinants on the occurrence of CVD was examined using a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach for binary longitudinal data. The overall rate of heart attack was 8.3%, which is 7.6% in Belgium and 9.1% in France. Whereas, 2.6% and 2.3% in Belgium and France, respectively, had experienced stroke. In the multivariable GEE model, older age [AOR: 1.057, 95%CI: 1.055–1.060], living in large cities [AOR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.07–1.18], and retirement [AOR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.16–1.31] were associated with higher risk of CVD. Furthermore, higher level of education [AOR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.79–0.90], upper wealth quantile [AOR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.76–0.86] and having social support [AOR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.77–0.84] significantly lowers the odds of having CVD. A higher hand grip strength was also significantly associated with lower risk of CVD [AOR: 0.987, 95%CI: 0.984–0.990]. This study demonstrated that older adults who do not have social support, live in big cities, belong to the lowest wealth quantile, and have a low level of education have a higher likelihood of CVD. Therefore, community-based interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular risks need to give more emphasis to high-risk retired older adults with lower education, no social support and those who live in large cities.
A salivary chitinase of Varroa destructor influences host immunity and mite’s survival
Authors: Becchimanzi Andrea , Tatè Rosarita , Campbell Ewan M. , Gigliotti Silvia , Bowman Alan S. , Pennacchio Francesco
Published: December 2020

Varroa destructoris an ectoparasite of honey bees and an active disease vector, which represents one of the most severe threats for the beekeeping industry. This parasitic mite feeds on the host’s body fluids through a wound in the cuticle, which allows food uptake by the mother mite and its progeny, offering a potential route of entrance for infecting microorganisms. Mite feeding is associated with saliva injection, whose role is still largely unknown. Here we try to fill this gap by identifying putative host regulation factors present in the saliva ofV.destructorand performing a functional analysis for one of them, a chitinase (Vd-CHIsal) phylogenetically related to chitinases present in parasitic and predatory arthropods, which shows a specific and very high level of expression in the mite’s salivary glands. Vd-CHIsal is essential for effective mite feeding and survival, since it is apparently involved both in maintaining the feeding wound open and in preventing host infection by opportunistic pathogens. Our results show the important role in the modulation of mite-honey bee interactions exerted by a host regulation factor shared by different evolutionary lineages of parasitic arthropods. We predict that the functional characterization ofVarroasialome will provide new background knowledge on parasitism evolution in arthropods and the opportunity to develop new bioinspired strategies for mite control based on the disruption of their complex interactions with a living food source.
Studies on Polyphenol Content, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of
Graviola Tea pulp (Annona muricata L.) from Tien Giang Province, Vietnam
Authors: Yen Nhi Tran Thi , Thanh Vo Tan , Thuong Nhan Nguyen Phu , Quy Nguyen Ngoc , Mong Tho Nguyen Thi , Bay Nguyen Thi , Toan Tran Quoc , Truc Tran Thanh , Thanh Que Phan Thi , Thinh Pham Van , Thuan Anh Nguyen Huu
Published: December 2020

Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage worldwide due to promote health and prevention of
some human diseases. Soursop tea pulp is one of a new product focused on the values of total ascorbic
acid (TAA), total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). A study using DPPH
and ABTS method to detect the maximum of active ingredients in tea simultaneously. Different pulp
tea samples with varying dates of production checked for TAA, TPC, TFC, antioxidation and sensory
evaluation. There is a difference in TAA between sample (1) and (4), achieved 7.43 ± 0.04 mg/g DM
and 12.21 ± 0.04 mg/g DM, respectively. TFC content ranged between 0.13 and 0.18. The phenolics
group in tea is high and there are differences between the 3 recent production samples with (1): 3.81
mg QC/g DM fluctuation. In sample 1, the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Soursop was
correlated with total phenolic and flavonoid content with values IC50 of 0.26 mgAA/g DM, 2.61 mgAA/g
DM for DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity, respectively. Moreover, the Lab* colour space of the
soursop tea is measured in the dark area, the L* difference achieved at 30.82 ± 1.24 (2) lowest and the
highest 37.42 ± 4.77 (1). Consumer sensory evaluation is performed with results based on a 5-point
scale describing: flavour, aroma, colour and favourite.