bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Computational Framework for Large-Scale Stochastic Convex Optimization
Authors: Rostampour Vahab , Keviczky Tamás
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a distributed computational framework for stochastic convex optimization problems using the so-called scenario approach. Such a problem arises, for example, in a large-scale network of interconnected linear systems with local and common uncertainties. Due to the large number of required scenarios to approximate the stochasticity of these problems, the stochastic optimization involves formulating a large-scale scenario program, which is in general computationally demanding. We present two novel ideas in this paper to address this issue. We first develop a technique to decompose the large-scale scenario program into distributed scenario programs that exchange a certain number of scenarios with each other to compute local decisions using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). We show the exactness of the decomposition with a-priori probabilistic guarantees for the desired level of constraint fulfillment for both local and common uncertainty sources. As our second contribution, we develop a so-called soft communication scheme based on a set parametrization technique together with the notion of probabilistically reliable sets to reduce the required communication between the subproblems. We show how to incorporate the probabilistic reliability notion into existing results and provide new guarantees for the desired level of constraint violations. Two different simulation studies of two types of interconnected network, namely dynamically coupled and coupling constraints, are presented to illustrate advantages of the proposed distributed framework.
Dynamic Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Reducing District Heating Temperature on Indoor Thermal Comfort
Authors: Grassi Benedetta , Piana Edoardo Alessio , Beretta Gian Paolo , Pilotelli Mariagrazia
Published: December 2020

To reduce energy consumption for space heating, a coordinated action on energy supply, building fabric and occupant behavior is required to realize sustainable improvements. A reduction in district heating supply temperature is an interesting option to allow the incorporation of renewable energy sources and reduce distribution losses, but its impact on the final users must be considered. This aspect is especially critical as most European countries feature an old building stock, with poor insulation and heating systems designed for high-temperature operation. In this study, a complete methodology is devised to evaluate the effect of district heating temperature reduction on the end users by modeling all the stages of the system, from the primary heat exchanger to the indoor environment. A dynamic energy performance engine, based on EN ISO 52016-1:2017 standard and completed with a heat exchanger model, is implemented, and its outputs are used to calculate thermal comfort indicators throughout the heating season. As a practical application, the method is used to evaluate different scenarios resulting from the reduction of primary supply temperature of a second-generation district heating network in Northern Italy. Several building typologies dating back to different periods are considered, in the conservative assumption of radiator heating. The results of the simulations show that the most severe discomfort situations are experienced in buildings built before 1990, but in recent buildings the amount of discomfort occurrences can be high because of the poor output of radiators when working at very low temperatures. Among the possible measures that could help the transition, actions on the primary side, on the installed power and on the building fabric are considered. The investigation method requires a limited amount of input data and is applicable to different scales, from the individual building to entire urban areas lined up for renovation.
Downward Annular Flow of Air–Oil–Water Mixture in a Vertical Pipe
Authors: Brandt Agata , Czernek Krystian , Płaczek Małgorzata , Witczak Stanisław
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of a study concerned with the hydrodynamics of an annular downward multiphase flow of gas and two mutually non-mixing liquids through a vertical pipe with a diameter of 12.5 mm. The air, oil and water were used as working media in this study with changes in superficial velocities in the ranges of jg = 0.34–52.5 m/s for air, jo = 0.000165–0.75 m/s for oil, and jw = 0.02–2.5 m/s for water, respectively. The oil density and viscosity were varied within the ranges of ρo = 859–881 kg/m3 and ηo = 29–2190 mPas, respectively. The research involved the identification of multiphase flow patterns and determination of the void fraction of the individual phases. New flow patterns have been identified and described for the gravitational flow conditions of a two-phase water–oil liquid and a three-phase air–water–oil flow. New flow regime maps and equations for the calculation of air, oil and water void fractions have been developed. A good conformity between the calculated and measured values of void fraction were obtained. The map for the oil–water–air three-phase flow is valid for the following conditions: j3P = 0.35–53.4 m/s (velocity of three-phase mixture) and oil in liquid concentration βo* = 0.48–94% (oil in liquid concentration). In the case of a downward annular oil–water two-phase flow, this map is valid for liquid mixture velocity jl = 0.052–2.14 m/s and βo* = 0.48–94%.
The Impact on Emissions When an Engine Is Run on Fuel with a High Heavy Alcohol Content
Authors: Sitnik Lech J. , Sroka Zbigniew J. , Andrych-Zalewska Monika
Published: December 2020

This research reviews the impact on emissions from the engine fueled with the fuel containing a large share of bio-components, in particular with 30% n-Butanol. The research was carried out using a diesel engine. It has been shown that it is possible to achieve a double positive ecological effect concerning CO2 emissions. There was a decrease in CO2 emission from the engine with the fuel contained a significant share of bio-carbon. At the same time, NOx and Filter Smoke Number (FSN) emissions have been reduced together (FSN in large percentage). Usually, if NOx emissions are reduced, FSN increases, and vice versa. The paper shows also that the use of n-Butanol (bio, but nonfood) in the future is more effective than larger amounts of higher fatty acids methyl esters, although the full withdrawal of these esters seems unjustified.
Dynamics of Heaving Buoy Wave Energy Converters with a Stiffness Reactive Controller
Authors: Sakr Ahmed H. , Metwalli Sayed M. , Anis Yasser H.
Published: December 2020

Heaving buoy wave energy converters (WEC) are floating oscillators, commonly modeled as single-degree-of-freedom vibrating systems. As the wave frequencies change according to the sea state, these devices must be controlled to maximize energy absorption. A new short-term reactive loading control technique is proposed that maximizes power absorption. The control is realized through tuning the effective stiffness of the vibrating system; thus, adjusting its natural frequency to meet the incident waves energy frequency achieving near-to-resonance operation and maximum power absorption. This stiffness is adjusted using an external stiffness, whose value is varied by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanism connected to the buoy. The system equations were derived then solved analytically to calculate the controller bandwidth. Experiments demonstrated promising results for near-resonance tuning at different input frequencies. Results show that an optimized damping value exists at which power absorption can be significantly increased. The WEC equipped with the proposed reactive controller can provide faster tuning actions than long-term techniques. It also works on longer time intervals than phase-control methods; hence, reducing the continuous demands from the PTO system.
Innovative Techniques in the Context of Actions for Flood Risk Management: A Review
Authors: Martinez Maria , Bakheet Ramez , Akib Shatirah
Published: December 2020

The general purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of various flood protection strategies because flooding is becoming more frequent and is affecting more areas, displacing people, and increasing fatalities around the world. The concern surrounding climate change resulting in sea level rise, increasingly frequent storm events, and the need for adaptive actions to better control urban storm water runoff motivates the completion of this paper. Understanding the impact of climate change aside from dangerous weather conditions essential for designing effective mitigation strategies, but first, there needs to be a clear and strong understanding of the effects of extreme events. This review represents engineered storm water practices that are adaptive, in combination with the non-structural measures such as urban planning, will help reduce flood impact.
COVID-19 Epidemic in Bangladesh among Rural and Urban Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Authors: Rahman Md. Siddikur , Karamehic-Muratovic Ajlina , Amrin Miftahuzzannat , Chowdhury Arman Hossain , Mondol Md. Selim , Haque Ubydul , Ali Parveen
Published: December 2020

As other nations around the world, Bangladesh is facing enormous challenges with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. To design a prevention and control strategy for this new infectious disease, it is essential to first understand people’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19. This study sought to determine KAP among rural and urban residents as well as predictors of preventive practices associated with COVID-19 in Bangladesh. A social media-based (Facebook) cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore these variables among Bangladeshi adults. Of 1520 respondents who completed the questionnaire, low level of good or sufficient knowledge of COVID-19 (70.8%) and practices associated with COVID-19 (73.8%) were found. Despite the low level of knowledge and practices, respondents’ attitude (78.9%) towards COVID-19 was relatively high. Results suggest that compared to urban, rural residents are at a particularly high risk of COVID-19 because they were found to have significantly lower knowledge (p = 0.001) and practice levels (p = 0.002) than were urban residents. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified gender, education, knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, signs and symptoms, and sources of information as factors significantly associated with preventive practices against COVID-19. Further attention and effort should be directed toward increasing both knowledge and practices targeting the general population in Bangladesh, particularly the rural and less educated residents. Findings from this study provide baseline data that can be used to promote integrated awareness of and effective health education programs about COVID-19 prevention and control strategies in Bangladesh, and similar COVID-19 endemic countries.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Lung Cancer in Shenzhen, 2008–2018
Authors: Lei Lin , Huang Anyan , Cai Weicong , Liang Ling , Wang Yirong , Liu Fangjiang , Peng Ji
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in China. The incidence trend and geographical distribution of lung cancer in southern China have not been reported. The present study explored the temporal trend and spatial distribution of lung cancer incidence in Shenzhen from 2008 to 2018. The lung cancer incidence data were obtained from the registered population in the Shenzhen Cancer Registry System between 2008 and 2018. The standardized incidence rates of lung cancer were analyzed by using the joinpoint regression model. The Moran’s I method was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis and to further draw a spatial cluster map in Shenzhen. From 2008 to 2018, the average crude incidence rate of lung cancer was 27.1 (1/100,000), with an annual percentage change of 2.7% (p < 0.05). The largest average proportion of histological type of lung cancer was determined as adenocarcinoma (69.1%), and an increasing trend was observed in females, with an average annual percentage change of 14.7%. The spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated some sites in Shenzhen as a high incidence rate spatial clustering area. Understanding the incidence patterns of lung cancer is useful for monitoring and prevention.
Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Levels and Patterns in Female Sixth Graders: The CReActivity Project
Authors: Bachner Joachim , Sturm David J. , Demetriou Yolanda
Published: December 2020

Regular physical activity (PA) and low levels of sedentary behavior (SB) have positive health effects on young people. Adolescent girls of low socioeconomic background represent a high-risk group with regard to physical inactivity and SB. In this study, accelerometer-measured levels of PA and SB of female sixth graders attending lower secondary schools in Germany are presented, patterns of PA and SB throughout the day are described and differences between weekdays and weekend days are analyzed. Data of 425 students of the CReActivity project were analyzed. Sampling and processing of accelerometer data followed recent recommendations, which had not been applied to data of a German-speaking sample before. The WHO recommendation of daily 60 min moderate-to-vigorous PA was fulfilled by 90.4% of the girls on weekdays and by 57.4% on weekend days. The significant weekday–weekend differences were mainly associated with active commuting to and from school. Students engaged in SB for more than 8 h on weekdays and for over 7 h on weekend days. The results suggest a strong need for interventions increasing PA and reducing SB, especially during school hours and on weekends. Furthermore, a comparison with methods and results of previous studies highlights the need to follow recent criteria in accelerometer data sampling and processing to ensure an accurate and valid differentiation between PA-related risk groups and non-risk groups.
Redistribution of China’s Green Credit Policy among Environment-Friendly Manufacturing Firms of Various Sizes: Do Banks Value Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises?
Authors: Zhang Yuming , Xing Chao , Tripe David
Published: December 2020

According to previous studies, China’s green credit policy, which was launched in 2012, increases environment-friendly manufacturing enterprises’ loan amounts. In this paper, we focus on a redistribution mechanism among environment-friendly manufacturing firms, namely, we determine whether the effects of the green credit policy differ between small and medium-sized environment-friendly manufacturing enterprises (SMEMEs) and large environment-friendly manufacturing enterprises (LEMEs). Using a difference in difference model (DID) and a difference in difference in difference model (DDD), we find that SMEMEs obtain more loans than LEMEs due to the green credit policy. We further analyze three potential foundations of this redistribution mechanism: information asymmetry, financial development, and government environmental investment. The results demonstrate that the redistribution effect occurs in both low and high information asymmetry conditions but only in regions with satisfactory financial development and with lower government environmental investment. Our findings enrich the literature on green credit, sustainable finance, and small finance, and they provide references for enterprises, banks, and governments.
Long-Term Outcomes of Service Women Injured on Combat Deployment
Authors: Watrous Jessica R. , McCabe Cameron T. , Dougherty Amber L. , Yablonsky Abigail M. , Jones Gretchen , Harbertson Judith , Galarneau Michael R.
Published: December 2020

Sex- and gender-based health disparities are well established and may be of particular concern for service women. Given that injured service members are at high risk of adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes, it is important to address any such disparities in this group, especially in regard to patient-reported outcomes, as much of the existing research has focused on objective medical records. The current study addressed physical and mental health-related quality of life, mental health symptoms, and health behaviors (i.e., alcohol use, sleep, and physical activity) among a sample of service women injured on deployment. Results indicate that about half of injured service women screened positive for a mental health condition, and also evidenced risky health behaviors including problematic drinking, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. Many of the mental and behavioral health variables demonstrated statistically significant associations with each other, supporting the relationships between psychological health and behaviors. Results provide additional evidence for the importance of access to integrated and effective mental healthcare treatment for injured service women and the need for screening in healthcare settings that address the multiple factors (e.g., mental health symptoms, alcohol use, poor sleep) that may lead to poor outcomes.
A Review of Studies Involving the Effects of Climate Change on the Energy Consumption for Building Heating and Cooling
Authors: Li Yuanzheng , Wang Wenjing , Wang Yating , Xin Yashu , He Tian , Zhao Guosong
Published: December 2020

The world is faced with significant climate change, rapid urbanization, massive energy consumption, and tremendous pressure to reduce greenhouse gases. Building heating and cooling is one primary source of energy consumption and anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. First, this review presents previous studies that estimate the specific amount of climate change impact on building heating and cooling energy consumption, using the statistical method, physical model method, comprehensive assessment model method, and the combination method of statistical and physical model methods. Then, because the heating and cooling degree days indices can simply and reliably indicate the effects of climate on building heating and cooling energy consumption, previous studies were reviewed from the aspects of heating and cooling degree days indices, regional spatial-temporal variations in degree days and related indices, influencing factors of the spatial distributions of degree days, and the impacts of urbanization on degree days. Finally, several potential key issues or research directions were presented according to the research gaps or fields that need to be studied further in the future, such as developing methods to simply and accurately estimate the specified amounts of climate change impact on building cooling and heating energy consumption; using more effective methods to analyze the daytime, nighttime, and all-day spatial-temporal changes in different seasons in the past and future under various environment contexts by considering not only the air temperature but also the relative humidity, solar radiation, population, etc., and further exploring the corresponding more kinds of driving forces, including the various remotely sensed indices, albedo, nighttime light intensity, etc.; estimating the daytime, nighttime, and all-day impacts of urbanization on heating degree days (HDDs), cooling degree days (CDDs), and their sum (HDDs + CDDs) for vast cities in different environmental contexts at the station site, city, regional and global scales; producing and sharing of the related datasets; and analyzing the subsequent effects induced by climate change on the energy consumption for building heating and cooling, etc.
Measuring Forgiveness: Psychometric Properties of the Heartland Forgiveness Scale in the Spanish Population
Authors: Gallo-Giunzioni Karla , Prieto-Ursúa María , Fernández-Belinchón Cristina , Luque-Reca Octavio
Published: December 2020

Given the scarcity of instruments in Spanish to measure forgiveness, two studies were conducted in this population to obtain validity evidence of the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), an instrument that measures dispositional forgiveness of self, others, and situations. In the first study, 203 students (65% women) participated. After ensuring the linguistic adequacy and clarity of the wording of the items, a lack of congruence was found between the factors obtained in the exploratory factor analysis and the original theoretical structure of the HFS. A sample of 512 participants (63.9% women) attended the second study. This study aimed to analyze the construct validity of the HFS using confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modelling and to explore convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Of the different factorial configurations tested (including the original), only a scale reduction to eight items, grouped into three factors, showed an appropriate fit. The HFS eight-item version also showed acceptable internal consistency, adequate convergent and discriminant validity, and criterion validity with respect to related variables. These findings suggest that the eight-item version of the HFS may be a valid and reliable tool for assessing forgiveness for self, others, and situations in Spanish adults.
Association between Antidepressant Treatment during Pregnancy and Postpartum Self-Harm Ideation in Women with Psychiatric Disorders: A Cross-Sectional, Multinational Study
Authors: Vallee Jennifer , Wong Yih , Mannino Eline , Nordeng Hedvig , Lupattelli Angela
Published: December 2020

This study sought to estimate whether there is a preventative association between antidepressants during pregnancy and postpartum self-harm ideation (SHI), as this knowledge is to date unknown. Using the Multinational Medication Use in Pregnancy Study, we included a sample of mothers who were in the five weeks to one year postpartum period at the time of questionnaire completion, and reported preexisting or new onset depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy (n = 187). Frequency of postpartum SHI (‘often/sometimes’ = frequent, ‘hardly ever’ = sporadic, ‘never’) was measured via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) item 10, which reads “The thought of harming myself has occurred to me”. Mothers reported their antidepressant use in pregnancy retrospectively. Overall, 52.9% of women took an antidepressant during pregnancy. Frequent SHI postpartum was reported by 15.2% of non-medicated women and 22.0% of women on past antidepressant treatment in pregnancy; this proportion was higher following a single trimester treatment compared to three trimesters (36.3% versus 18.0%). There was no preventative association of antidepressant treatment in pregnancy on reporting frequent SHI postpartum (weighted RR: 1.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 4.56), relative to never/hardly ever SHI. In a population of women with antenatal depression/anxiety, there was no preventative association between past antidepressant treatment in pregnancy and reporting frequent SHI in the postpartum year. This analysis is only a first step in providing evidence to inform psychiatric disorder treatment decisions for pregnant women.
Benefit-Seeking or Risk-Taking? Examining the Portrayal of Cosmetic Surgery in Chinese News, 2000–2019
Authors: Sun Shaojing , He Jinbo , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Fan
Published: December 2020

Analyzing 311 news articles published in representative Chinese newspapers, this study investigated how cosmetic surgery (CS) was represented in Chinese media from 2000 to 2019. Employing a coding scheme based on prior literature and sampled data, the study analyzed both features of the articles and profiles of the patients in the media. Results showed significant differences in media reporting across issue categories, reporting frames (benefit-focused, risk-focused, neutral), sources of information, drivers for and impacts of having surgeries. Among all the reasons for obtaining CS, boosting career confidence was ranked at the top. Additionally, significant differences in reporting were observed across types of the newspapers, gender of the patients, and time periods of the coverage. Implications of the findings for health promotion and regulation were discussed in reference to the social, cultural, and media context in China.
Is Biofeedback through an Intra-Aural Device an Effective Method to Treat Bruxism? Case Series and Initial Experience
Authors: Pfeiffer Kira , El Khassawna Thaqif , Malhan Deeksha , Langer Christine , Sommer Barbara , Mekhemar Mohamed , Howaldt Hans-Peter , Attia Sameh
Published: December 2020

Biofeedback was reported as an effective concept for bruxism treatment, through increasing patient’s awareness of the habit. During bruxing both ear canals become tighter, therefore, an in-ear device can provide biofeedback. The in-ear device is fitted to the ear canal in physiological status, during bruxing the ear-canal tightens resulting in stress on the canal walls and unpleasant feeling. Subsequently, patients stop their bruxing habit. The aim of this study is to provide first clinical evidence that in-ear devices have a positive impact on relieving bruxism in patients. Despite the low number of patients, this early study was designed as a controlled prospective study. The trial included seven female patients with a median age of 47.3 years (23–64 years). Only two patients implemented their devices for eight and seven months, respectively. One patient reported a relief in her symptoms, like headaches and pain intensity during the night, by 50% after three month and 80% after six months. Despite the limited number of participants, the study reflects a potential of Intra-aural devices as effective biofeedback devices in treating bruxism.
An Exploration of Perceived Stress, Burnout Syndrome, and Self-Efficacy in a Group of Polish Air Traffic Controllers and Maritime Navigators: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Załuski Maciej , Jagielski Paweł , Wójcik-Małek Dorota , Szelepajło Michał
Published: December 2020

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of perceived stress and occupational burnout in groups of Polish maritime navigators and air traffic controllers. The study was part of research into occupational groups regarded as equally emotionally burdened. We tested the usability of a model linking occupational burnout, perceived stress, and seniority. Methods: The set of questionnaires, including the link burnout questionnaire, perceived stress scale—10, and generalized self-efficacy scale were distributed to 54 maritime navigators and 88 air traffic controllers (rate of return: 18–56%). Spearman’s rho, χ2 test, the Mann–Whitney U test, Cohen’s d and Hedge’s g coefficients, linear regression, and F statistic were used. Results: The assumption that persons employed in occupations with the special professional requirements as air traffic controllers and maritime navigator with a risk of strong, chronic emotional overload evaluate their life situation as less stressful than other employees was confirmed. A higher level of occupational burnout was observed in groups of controllers and navigators compared to an equally emotionally burdening occupational group of Polish firefighters, but not Polish psychiatrists. The research groups differed regarding the source of stress: fear of helplessness in the air traffic controller group and inefficacy in overcoming adversities in the maritime navigators. Maritime navigators reported a higher level of occupational burnout, deterioration of relations with coworkers, and disappointment with their work compared to the air traffic controllers. Conclusions: The results showed differences in factors linked to workplace demands and the personal predispositions of employees, and the role these may play in mutual relations between occupational burnout, life situation evaluation, and personal resources. We postulate that the level of perceived stress should be taken into account in the studies of occupational burnout syndrome.
Temperamental Constellations and School Readiness: A MultiVariate Approach
Authors: White Andrew S. , Sirota Kate M. , Frohn Scott R. , Swenson Sara E. , Rudasill Kathleen Moritz
Published: December 2020

This study uses canonical correlation analyses to explore the relationship between multiple predictors of school readiness (i.e., academic readiness, social readiness, and teacher-child relationship) and multiple temperamental traits using data from the second wave (age 54 months, n = 1226) of the longitudinal Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD; NICHD ECCRN 1993). This longitudinal study collected data on a large cohort of children and their families from birth through age 15. For academic readiness, only one temperamental constellation emerged, representing the construct of effortful control (i.e., high attentional focusing, high inhibitory control). For peer interactions, two significant constellations emerged: “dysregulated” (low inhibitory control, low shyness, and high activity), and “withdrawn” (high shyness, low inhibitory control, low attentional focusing). Finally, the analyses exploring child-teacher relationships revealed two significant constellations: “highly surgent” (high activity, low inhibitory control, low shyness) and “emotionally controlled” (low anger/frustration and high inhibitory control). Results of this study form a more nuanced exploration of relationships between temperamental traits and indicators of school readiness than can be found in the extant literature, and will provide the groundwork for future research to test specific hypotheses related to the effect temperamental constellations have on children’s school readiness.
Analysis of the Efficacy of Two Treatment Protocols for Patients with Symptomatic Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Santonocito Simona , Polizzi Alessandro , De Pasquale Rocco , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Lo Giudice Antonino , Isola Gaetano
Published: December 2020

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease, which can alter the quality of life of patients. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of clobetasol oral gel 0.05% versus an anti-inflammatory in oral solution (mouthwash) in the management of patients suffering from symptomatic OLP. The secondary objective was to analyze which one of the two treatments induced a greater risk of developing side effects. Forty patients were assigned (20 patients for group), through a randomized design, to receive clobetasol gel 0.05% or an anti-inflammatory mouthwash, which contains calcium hydroxide, hyaluronic acid, umbelliferone and oligomeric pro-anthocyanidins) for three months. At baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1), patients underwent dental and dermatological examinations to assess their symptoms (Numerical Pain Scale (NRS) score) and signs (Thongprasom score). Data were calculated using T-test for the dependent variable, Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney u test. Both clobetasol and anti-inflammatory resulted in a statistically significant reduction of signs, (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) and symptoms (p < 0.001 for clobetasol and p = 0.02 for anti-inflammatory). In conclusion, the results evidenced that, compared to clobetasol, the anti-inflammatory was less effective in determining the reduction of signs and symptom in OLP patients.
The Homestead: Developing a Conceptual Framework through Co-Creation for Innovating Long-Term Dementia Care Environments
Authors: de Boer Bram , Bozdemir Belkis , Jansen Jack , Hermans Monique , Hamers Jan P. H. , Verbeek Hilde
Published: December 2020

Alternative care environments for regular nursing homes are highly warranted to promote health and well-being of residents with dementia that are part of an age-friendly and dementia-friendly city and society. Insight is lacking on how to translate evidence-based knowledge from theory into a congruent conceptual model for innovation in current practice. This study reports on the co-creation of an alternative nursing home model in the Netherlands. A participatory research approach was used to co-create a conceptual framework with researchers, practitioners and older people following an iterative process. Results indicate that achieving positive outcomes for people with dementia, (in)formal caregivers, and the community is dependent on how well the physical, social and organizational environment are congruently designed. The theoretical underpinnings of the conceptual model have been translated into “the homestead,” which is conceptualized around three main pillars: activation, freedom and relationships. The Homestead Care Model is an illustrative example of how residential care facilities can support the development of age-friendly communities that take into consideration the needs and requirements of older citizens. However, challenges remain to implement radical changes within residential care. More research is needed into the actual implementation of the Homestead Care Model.
The Influence of the COVID-19 Event on Deviant Workplace Behavior Taking Tianjin, Beijing and Hebei as an Example
Authors: Liu Yingyan , Zhang Zaisheng , Zhao Heng
Published: December 2020

Background: Since the beginning of 2020, the Corona Virus Disease has broken out globally. This public health incident has had a great impact on the work and life of the public. Aim: Based on the event system theory, this article explored the influence of the “COVID-19” event on emotional exhaustion and deviant workplace behaviors. Methods: This survey’s objects are employees working in Tianjin, Beijing, Hebei affected by the epidemic. Using the questionnaire star, the online platform of the Marketing Research Office of Peking University and “snowball” methods 700 questionnaires were collected. Results: The response rate was 89.71% (n = 700). Female employees are more sensitive to the perceived event strength of the novel coronavirus pneumonia than male employees (F = 10.94, p <0.001); Employees aged 30–40 affected by the epidemic have the highest level of emotional exhaustion (F = 5.22, p < 0.01); A higher education level leads to a higher level of emotional exhaustion (F = 4.74, p < 0.01); The emotional exhaustion is polarized with the annual family income (F = 4.099, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The novelty, disruption, criticality of the Corona Virus Disease event has had a positive impact on the emotional exhaustion of employees in the workplace; Emotional exhaustion plays a partly mediating role between event strength with constructive deviant behaviors, and destructive deviant behaviors. Emotional exhaustion has a positive effect on creative constructive deviant behaviors, challenging constructive deviant behaviors, and interpersonal destructive deviant behaviors. Emotional exhaustion has a negative impact on organizational destructive deviant behaviors, and has no significant impact on interpersonal constructive deviant behaviors.
Effects of an 8-Week Cooperative Learning Intervention on Physical Education Students’ Task and Self-Approach Goals, and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Rivera-Pérez Sergio , Fernandez-Rio Javier , Iglesias Gallego Damián
Published: December 2020

Previous research highlighted the effectiveness of cooperative learning in the four learning domains: physical, cognitive, social and affective. However, recent reviews have called for more empirical research on social and emotional learning based on contemporary theories, frameworks and assessment tools. Little is known about the links between cooperative learning and two strong contemporary frameworks: the achievement goal theory and the four-branch model of emotional intelligence. The goal of this study was to assess the connections between cooperative learning, task and self-approach goals, and emotional intelligence in physical education classes. Forty primary education students (21 girls, 19 boys), 10–12 years (Mage = 10.87; SD = 0.85), enrolled in two different classes in only one school, participated. None of them had experienced cooperative learning as a pedagogical model before. The study followed a one group, pre-test-post-test, pre-experimental design. Both classes experienced the same cooperative learning intervention programme conducted in physical education, which included two consecutive learning units for a total of 16 sessions (2 per week/50 min each). The same physical education teacher, an expert in cooperative learning, conducted all sessions. Results showed that the cooperative learning framework helped increase students’ self-approach goals and their emotional control and regulation, and empathy. In conclusion, the present study reinforced the use of cooperative learning in physical education, because it can guide students to more adaptive motivational patterns and to develop their emotional intelligence. Furthermore, it contributes to the students’ social and emotional learning building quality relationships, learning to manage stressors, and evolve individually and in groups.
Association of Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Future Depression: Using National Health Insurance System Data in Korea from 2009–2017
Authors: Seo Yongseok , Lee Seungyeon , Ahn Joung-Sook , Min Seongho , Kim Min-Hyuk , Kim Jang-Young , Kang Dae Ryong , Hwang Sangwon , Vicheka Phor , Lee Jinhee
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: The health implications associated with the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype, in particular related to symptoms of depression, are still not clear. the purpose of this study is to check whether depression and metabolic status are relevant by classifying them into four groups in accordance with the MHO diagnostic standard. Other impressions seen were the differences between sexes and the effects of the MHO on the occurrence of depression. (2) Methods: A sample of 3,586,492 adult individuals from the National Health Insurance Database of Korea was classified into four categories by their metabolic status and body mass index: (1) metabolically healthy non-obese (MHN); (2) metabolically healthy obese (MHO); (3) metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUN); and (4) metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Participants were followed for six to eight years for new incidences of depression. The statistical significance of the general characteristics of the four groups, as well as the mean differences in metabolic syndrome risk factors, was assessed with the use of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). (3) Results: The MHN ratio in women was higher than in men (men 39.3%, women 55.2%). In both men and women, depression incidence was the highest among MUO participants (odds ratio (OR) = 1.01 in men; OR = 1.09 in women). It was concluded as well that, among the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, waist circumference was the most related to depression. Among the four groups, the MUO phenotype was the most related to depression. Furthermore, in women participants, MHO is also related to a higher risk of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that MHO is not a totally benign condition in relation to depression in women. (4) Conclusion: Therefore, reducing metabolic syndrome and obesity patients in Korea will likely reduce the incidence of depression.
Lack of Cannabinoid Receptor Type-1 Leads to Enhanced Age-Related Neuronal Loss in the Locus Coeruleus
Authors: Gargano Alessandra , Beins Eva , Zimmer Andreas , Bilkei-Gorzo Andras
Published: December 2020

Our laboratory and others have previously shown that cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1r) activity is neuroprotective and a modulator of brain ageing; a genetic disruption of CB1r signaling accelerates brain ageing, whereas the pharmacological stimulation of CB1r activity had the opposite effect. In this study, we have investigated if the lack of CB1r affects noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), which are vulnerable to age-related changes; their numbers are reduced in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and probably also in healthy aged individuals. Thus, we compared LC neuronal numbers between cannabinoid 1 receptor knockout (Cnr1−/−) mice and their wild-type littermates. Our results reveal that old Cnr1−/− mice have less noradrenergic neurons compared to their age-matched wild-type controls. This result was also confirmed by the analysis of the density of noradrenergic terminals which proved that Cnr1−/− mice had less compared to the wild-type controls. Additionally, we assessed pro-inflammatory glial activity in the LC. Although the density of microglia in Cnr1−/− mice was enhanced, they did not show enhanced inflammatory profile. We hypothesize that CB1r activity is necessary for the protection of noradrenergic neurons, but its anti-inflammatory effect probably only plays a minor role in it.
On the Optical Activity of Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) Oligomers and Polymer: Detection of Multiple Cotton Effect on Thin PLLA Solid Film Loaded with Two Dyes
Authors: Cataldo Franco
Published: December 2020

Optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) is a beautiful analytical technique for the study of chiral molecules and polymers. In this study, ORD was applied successfully to follow the degree of polycondensation of l-(+)-lactic acid toward the formation of poly(lactic acid) oligomers (PLAO) and high molecular weight poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) in a simple esterification reaction equipment. PLLA is a biodegradable polymer obtainable from renewable raw materials. The racemization of the intrinsically isotactic PLLA through thermal treatment can be easily followed through the use of ORD spectroscopy. Organic or molecular electronics is a hot topic dealing with the combination of π-conjugated organic compounds and polymers with specific properties (e.g., chirality) which can be exploited to construct optoelectronic devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic (OPV) high efficiency cells, switchable chirality devices, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), and so on. ORD spectroscopy was applied to study either the gigantic optical rotation of PLLA films, as well as to detect successfully the excitonic coupling, occurring in thin solid PLLA green film loaded with a combination of two dyes: SY96 (a pyrazolone dye) and PB16 (the metal-free phthalocyanine pigment). The latter compound PLLA loaded with SY96 and PB16 shows a really gigantic optical activity in addition to typical ORD signal due to exciton coupling and may be considered as a simple and easily accessible model composite of a chiral polymer matrix combined with π-conjugated dyes for molecular electronics studies.
Amino Acid Transporters Are a Vital Focal Point in the Control of mTORC1 Signaling and Cancer
Authors: Cormerais Yann , Vučetić Milica , Parks Scott K. , Pouyssegur Jacques
Published: December 2020

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates signals from growth factors and nutrients to control biosynthetic processes, including protein, lipid, and nucleic acid synthesis. Dysregulation in the mTORC1 network underlies a wide array of pathological states, including metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation due to a reduced dependency on exogenous growth factors. The genetic events underlying this property, such as mutations in the PI3K-Akt and Ras-Erk signaling networks, lead to constitutive activation of mTORC1 in nearly all human cancer lineages. Aberrant activation of mTORC1 has been shown to play a key role for both anabolic tumor growth and resistance to targeted therapeutics. While displaying a growth factor-independent mTORC1 activity and proliferation, tumors cells remain dependent on exogenous nutrients such as amino acids (AAs). AAs are an essential class of nutrients that are obligatory for the survival of any cell. Known as the building blocks of proteins, AAs also act as essential metabolites for numerous biosynthetic processes such as fatty acids, membrane lipids and nucleotides synthesis, as well as for maintaining redox homeostasis. In most tumor types, mTORC1 activity is particularly sensitive to intracellular AA levels. This dependency, therefore, creates a targetable vulnerability point as cancer cells become dependent on AA transporters to sustain their homeostasis. The following review will discuss the role of AA transporters for mTORC1 signaling in cancer cells and their potential as therapeutic drug targets.
Pharmacological Inhibition of mTORC2 Reduces Migration and Metastasis in Melanoma
Authors: Guenzle Jessica , Akasaka Harue , Joechle Katharina , Reichardt Wilfried , Venkatasamy Aina , Hoeppner Jens , Hellerbrand Claus , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Lang Sven A.
Published: December 2020

Despite recent advances in therapy, liver metastasis from melanoma is still associated with poor prognosis. Although targeting the mTOR signaling pathway exerts potent anti-tumor activity, little is known about specific mTORC2 inhibition regarding liver metastasis. Using the novel mTORC2 specific inhibitor JR-AB2-011, we show significantly reduced migration and invasion capacity by impaired activation of MMP2 in melanoma cells. In addition, blockade of mTORC2 induces cell death by non-apoptotic pathways and reduces tumor cell proliferation rate dose-dependently. Furthermore, a significant reduction of liver metastasis was detected in a syngeneic murine metastasis model upon therapy with JR-AB2-011 as determined by in vivo imaging and necropsy. Hence, our study for the first time highlights the impact of the pharmacological blockade of mTORC2 as a potent novel anti-cancer approach for liver metastasis from melanoma.
The Involvement of Xanthone and (E)-Cinnamoyl Chromophores for the Design and Synthesis of Novel Sunscreening Agents
Authors: Popiół Justyna , Gunia-Krzyżak Agnieszka , Słoczyńska Karolina , Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk Paulina , Piska Kamil , Wójcik-Pszczoła Katarzyna , Żelaszczyk Dorota , Krupa Anna , Żmudzki Paweł , Marona Henryk , Pękala Elżbieta
Published: December 2020

Excessive UV exposure contributes to several pathological conditions like skin burns, erythema, premature skin aging, photodermatoses, immunosuppression, and skin carcinogenesis. Effective protection from UV radiation may be achieved with the use of sunscreens containing UV filters. Currently used UV filters are characterized by some limitations including systemic absorption, endocrine disruption, skin allergy induction, and cytotoxicity. In the research centers all over the world new molecules are developed to improve the safety, photostability, solubility, and absorption profile of new derivatives. In our study, we designed and synthesized seventeen novel molecules by combining in the structures two chromophores: xanthone and (E)-cinnamoyl moiety. The ultraviolet spectroscopic properties of the tested compounds were confirmed in chloroform solutions. They acted as UVB or UVA/UVB absorbers. The most promising compound 9 (6-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthen-2-yl)methyl (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylate) absorbed UV radiation in the range 290–369 nm. Its photoprotective activity and functional photostability were further evaluated after wet milling and incorporation in the cream base. This tested formulation with compound 9 possessed very beneficial UV protection parameters (SPFin vitro of 19.69 ± 0.46 and UVA PF of 12.64 ± 0.32) which were similar as broad-spectrum UV filter tris-biphenyl triazine. Additionally, compound 9 was characterized by high values of critical wavelength (381 nm) and UVA/UVB ratio (0.830) thus it was a good candidate for broad-spectrum UV filter and it might protect skin against UVA-induced photoaging. Compound 9 were also shown to be photostable, non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 50 µM when tested on five cell lines, and non-mutagenic in Ames test. It also possessed no estrogenic activity, according to the results of MCF-7 breast cancer model. Additionally, its favorable lipophilicity (miLogP = 5.62) does not predispose it to penetrate across the skin after topical application.