bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking Community-Based Youth Mentoring Relationships: An Integrative Review
Authors: Goldner Limor , Ben-Eliyahu Adar
Published: May 2021

Formal community-based youth mentoring relationships (CBM) are a popular form of intervention worldwide in which caring, non-parental adult figures are matched with at-risk children (i.e., children who experience an intense and/or chronic risk factor, or a combination of risk factors in personal, environmental and/or relational domains that prevent them from pursuing and fulfilling their potential) to promote development and health. Common models suggest that a close mentoring relationship is needed for the success of the intervention. However, it remains unclear which key relational processes and variables promote relationship quality to generate the most significant benefits. Using the PRISMA framework, 123 articles were identified as relevant for this review which explores the state of the literature on CBM relationships describing the main findings regarding the characteristics of the relationship and the mediating and moderating variables. An essential ingredient that consistently emerged for generating mentoring outcomes is characterized by feelings of support, sensitivity, and trust and accompanied by a purposeful approach to shaping the goals of the relationship. A balanced approach comprised of recreational, emotional, and catalyzing aspects has been reported as essential for mentoring success. Mentors’ positive attitudes toward underprivileged youth, maturity in terms of age and experience are essential in forging positive relationships. Mentees who have better relational histories and more positive personality traits exhibited higher relationship quality. However, data imply the possibility of addressing mentees from moderate risk status. Preliminary evidence on thriving as a mediating variable was found. Program practices, such as training, parental involvement, and matching based on perceived similarities and similar interests, emerged as important factors. Generating many research suggestions, the review identifies research questions and uncharted territories that require inquiry.
Assessment of Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Citrus Orchards Using AHP
Authors: Poveda-Bautista Rocío , Roig-Merino Bernat , Puerto Herminia , Buitrago-Vera Juan
Published: May 2021

Irrigation water use efficiency, the small size of the orchards, and part-time farmers are major issues for Spanish citriculture. How should irrigation water use efficiency be assessed? Does irrigation water use efficiency improve when increasing the size of the orchards? Are full-time farmers more efficient in irrigation water use than part-time ones? To address these three questions, we propose to apply a new multicriteria approach based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique and the participation of a group of experts. A new synthetic irrigation efficiency index (IEI) was proposed and tested using data from an irrigation community (IC) and a cooperative of farmers in the East of Spain. The results showed that the size of the orchards had no relation with the IEI scoring but full-time farmers tended to have better IEI scores and, thus, were more efficient. These results were obtained from a sample of 24 orchards of oranges, navelina variety, growing in a very similar environment, and agronomical characteristics. The proposed methodology can be a useful benchmarking tool for improving the irrigation water management in other ICs taking into account the issues related to farm data sharing recorded during the case study.
Examining the Determinants of Healthcare Workers’ Performance: A Configurational Analysis during COVID-19 Times
Authors: Yáñez-Araque Benito , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , Gutiérrez-Broncano Santiago , López-Ruiz Víctor-Raúl
Published: May 2021

The evaluation of the work performance of health professionals has focused the interest of scientific research in recent decades as a basis for improving the quality of health services. The global COVID-19 pandemic has pushed countries’ health systems to the limit and had previously unknown consequences on the job performance of health professionals. In this context, what are the determinants of performance? There are numerous studies that link job performance with other variables that directly affect it, such as leadership, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and work environment. However, there are no studies that jointly relate all these variables, and even less in the field of health. The main objective of this work is to analyse how these variables are configured together to generate a good level of performance of health professionals during the times of COVID-19. To do this, a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is carried out, an appropriate method that will allow finding the joint causal effects of key variables in human resources to ensure a good level of job performance in health organizations. The study reveals that leadership and commitment are the two key drivers of performance. The data confirm that the “recipe” to achieve a good level of performance consists of the combination of leadership, commitment, and a good work environment. Additionally, in the case of less satisfied workers, linking leadership and commitment is a sufficient condition.
Treatment Patterns and Pharmacoutilization in Patients Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis in Italian Settings
Authors: Perrone Valentina , Losi Serena , Rogai Veronica , Antonelli Silvia , Fakhouri Walid , Giovannitti Massimo , Giacomini Elisa , Sangiorgi Diego , Degli Esposti Luca
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment patterns and pharmacoutilization of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in real-world settings in Italy. This retrospective observational analysis was based on administrative databases of selected Italian entities. All adult patients with RA diagnosis confirmed by ≥1 discharge diagnosis of RA (ICD-9-CM code = 714.0) or an active exemption code (006.714.0) were enrolled in 2019. Two cohorts were created: one included patients prescribed baricitinib, the other those prescribed biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Overall, 47,711 RA patients were identified, most of them without DMARD prescription. As a first-line prescription, 43.2% of patients were prescribed conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs), 5.2% bDMARDs and 0.3% baricitinib. In 2019, 82.6% of csDMARD users continued with the same DMARD category, 15.9% had a bDMARD, while 1.5% had baricitinib as second-line therapy. Overall, 445 patients used baricitinib during 2019. During follow-up, baricitinib was prescribed as monotherapy to 31% of patients, as cotreatment with csDMARDs and corticosteroids to 27% of patients, with corticosteroids to 28% of patients and with csDMARDs to 14% of patients. In line with previous findings, a trend of bDMARD undertreatment was observed. The treatment patterns of baricitinib patients could help to better characterize patients eligible for new therapeutic options that will be available in the future.
Utilising a Behaviour Change Model to Improve Implementation of the Activate Injury Prevention Exercise Programme in Schoolboy Rugby Union
Authors: Barden Craig , Stokes Keith A. , McKay Carly D.
Published: May 2021

The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) is a behaviour change model showing promise in positively changing youth sport coaches’ injury prevention behaviours. This study incorporated the HAPA model into coach training workshops for Activate, an efficacious rugby injury prevention programme. Primary aims were to investigate the effect of the workshop on schoolboy rugby union coaches’ (1) perceptions towards injury risk and prevention, (2) Activate adoption and adherence. Secondary aims were to (3) assess the differences in post-season HAPA constructs between workshop attendees and non-attendees, (4) explore associations between HAPA constructs and Activate adherence. In the pre-season, all participants (n = 76) completed a baseline survey, with 41 coaches electing to attend a workshop. Participants completed a post-season survey assessing HAPA constructs and Activate adoption and adherence throughout the season. The workshop did not affect coach perceptions of injury risk and prevention. Attendees had significantly greater rates of Activate adoption (95% vs. 54% χ2 = 17.42, p < 0.01) and adherence (median = 2 sessions vs. ≤1 session per week; z = 3.45, p = 0.03) than non-attendees. At post-season, attendees had significantly greater task self-efficacy (z = −3.46, p < 0.05) and intention (z = −4.33, p < 0.05) to use Activate. These results support the delivery of coach workshops that utilise a behaviour change model to maximise programme implementation.
Body Mass, Physical Activity and Eating Habits Changes during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland
Authors: Dobrowolski Hubert , Włodarek Dariusz
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of changes in social life around the world. In response to the growing number of infections, some countries have introduced restrictions that may have resulted in the change of the lifestyle. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on body weight, physical activity and some eating habits of the society. The survey involving 183 people was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire. The mean age of the study participants was 33 ± 11 and mean height 169 ± 8 cm. An average increase in body weight was observed in 49.18% by 0.63 ± 3.7 kg which was the result of a decrease in physical activity and an increase in food consumption. We also observed a decrease in PAL from 1.64 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.13 and changes in the amount of food and individual groups of products consumption, including alcohol. Among the study participants who did not lose body mass, there was an average weight gain of 2.25 ± 2.5 kg. In conclusion, an increase of weight was shown in about half of the respondents in the study group which was associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of total food and high energy density products.
Examining Protection Motivation and Network Externality Perspective Regarding the Continued Intention to Use M-Health Apps
Authors: Luo Yumei , Wang Guiping , Li Yuwei , Ye Qiongwei
Published: May 2021

M-health apps have developed rapidly and are widely accepted, but users’ continued intention to use m-health apps has not been fully explored. This study was designed to obtain a better understanding of users’ continued intention to use m-health apps. We developed a theoretical model by incorporating the protection motivation theory and network externalities and conducted an empirical study of a 368-respondent sample. The results showed that: (1) perceived vulnerability has a direct impact on users’ self-efficacy and response efficacy; (2) self-efficacy and response efficacy have a direct impact on users’ attitudes and continued intention; (3) network externalities affect users’ attitudes and continued intention, among which direct network externalities have an indirect impact on users’ continued intention through attitude; and (4) the impacts of self-efficacy, response efficacy, and indirect network externalities on continued intention are partially meditated by attitudes.
Validity and Reliability of the Caregiving Difficulty Scale in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Park Eun-Young
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to determine the construct validity and reliability of the Caregiving Difficulty Scale, a tool developed to measure difficulties experienced by parents of children with cerebral palsy. To this end, a survey was conducted with 215 mothers of children with cerebral palsy, and the resultant data were analyzed. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to verify the construct validity of this scale, and the intra-item fit value was calculated for reliability analysis. Validity analysis confirmed that a bi-factor model comprising four sub-factors, Concern for the Child, Impact on Self, Support for Caregiving, and Social and Economic Strain, was suitable for the Caregiving Difficulty Scale. In addition, the reliability analysis results showed that the reliability coefficients of three of these areas, excluding Social and Economic Strain, and the reliability of the entire scale were acceptable. Therefore, the Caregiving Difficulty Scale is an appropriate tool to measure the burden of caregiving for children with cerebral palsy, and the findings emphasize the need to improve its reliability by comparing sub-factors’ reliability.
Communication about Prognosis during Patient-Initiated Second Opinion Consultations in Advanced Cancer Care: An Observational Qualitative Analysis
Authors: van der Velden N. C. A. , van der Kleij M. B. A. , Lehmann V. , Smets E. M. A. , Stouthard J. M. L. , Henselmans I. , Hillen M. A.
Published: May 2021

Prognostic communication is essential for patients with advanced cancer to enable informed medical decision-making and end-of-life planning. Discussing prognosis is challenging, and might be especially complex for oncologists conducting a second opinion (SO). Survival data are often lacking, and consulting oncologists need to consider previously conveyed information and patients’ relationship with the referring oncologist. We qualitatively investigated how advanced cancer patients and consulting oncologists discuss prognosis during audio-recorded SO consultations (N = 60), including prognostic information received from the referring oncologist. Our results show that patients regularly expressed implicit cues to discuss prognosis or posed explicit questions tentatively. Consulting oncologists were mostly unresponsive to patients’ cues and cautious to prognosticate. They also seemed cautious when patients brought up the referring oncologist. Consulting oncologists checked which prognostic information patients had received from the referring oncologist, before estimating prognosis. They agreed with the first opinion or rectified discrepancies carefully. Altogether, this study exposes missed opportunities for open prognostic discussions in SOs. Consulting oncologists could explicitly explore patients’ information preferences and perceptions of prognosis. If desired, they can provide tailored, independent information to optimise patients’ prognostic awareness and informed medical decision-making. They may additionally support patients in dealing with prognosis and the uncertainties associated with it.
Yangtze River Basin Environmental Regulation Efficiency Based on the Empirical Analysis of 97 Cities from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Zhang Qian , Tang Decai , Bethel Brandon J.
Published: May 2021

The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is an important area for China’s economic development and environmental governance. The aim of this paper is to analyze the total factor productivity across 97 cities in the YRB from 2005 to 2016. Based on the input and output indicators from 2005 to 2016, this paper selects the SE-SBM model to measure the environmental regulation efficiency (ERE) of 97 cities in the YRB and then uses the DEA–Malmquist index to measure the total factor productivity of the region. Results suggest that the overall ERE in the YRB is weakly ineffective, while ERE in the central and eastern coastal areas is relatively high. ERE matches the economic foundation and development of the city. YRB environmental regulation efficiency was in descending order in the middle stream, upstream, and downstream. The efficiency of regional environmental regulation shows an N-type development trend, with obvious characteristics of phased development. Moreover, the total factor productivity of the YRB has shown a downward trend. The scale efficiency index and the technical efficiency index have positively boosted the total factor productivity, while the technological progress index has dragged down the total factor productivity of the area. The contribution to the total factor productivity index is in order of scale efficiency, technological progress index, and technological efficiency index in the downstream. The overall inputs and outputs of the YRB have great development potential. The inputs have not been fully utilized, the outputs have not been maximized, and the regional differentiation is significantly observable.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Levels in Wistar Rats Exposed to Ambient Air of Port Harcourt, Nigeria: An Indicator for Tissue Toxicity
Authors: Kanee Rogers , Ede Precious , Maduka Omosivie , Owhonda Golden , Aigbogun Eric , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Qasem Ahmed H. , Alkhayyat Shadi S. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the PAH levels in Wistar rats exposed to ambient air of the Port Harcourt metropolis. Twenty Wistar rats imported from a nonpolluted city (Enugu) were exposed to both indoor and outdoor air. Following the IACUC regulation, baseline data were obtained from 4 randomly selected rats, while the remaining 16 rats (8 each for indoor and outdoor) were left till day 90. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture, and the PAH levels were determined using Gas Chromatography Flame-Ionization Detector (GC-FID). GraphPad Prism (version 8.0.2) Sidak’s (for multiple data set) and unpaired t-tests (for two data sets) were used to evaluate the differences in group means. Seven of the PAHs found in indoor and outdoor rats were absent in baseline rats. The mean concentrations of PAH in indoor and outdoor animals were higher than those of baseline animals, except for Benzo(a)pyrene, which was found in baseline animals but absent in other animal groups. Additionally, Dibenz(a,h)anthracene, Indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, Pyrene, 2-methyl, and other carcinogenic PAHs were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in outdoor groups. The vulnerable groups in Port Harcourt are at the greatest risk of such pollution. Therefore, urgent environmental and public health measures are necessary to mitigate the looming danger.
SARS-CoV-2 Epidemics in Retirement and Nursing Homes in Italy: A New Preparedness Assessment Model after the First Epidemic Wave
Authors: Gugliotta Carmelo , Gentili Davide , Marras Silvia , Dettori Marco , Muglia Pietro Paolo , Desole Maria Giuseppina , Acciaro Marcello , Bellu Sabina , Azara Antonio , Castiglia Paolo
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study is to evaluate the preparedness of retirement and nursing homes in the city of Sassari at the end of the first wave of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 epidemic, first by investigating the risk perception of epidemic outbreaks by the facility managers and subsequently by carrying out a field assessment of these facilities. To perform the field assessment, a checklist developed by the CDC (Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes Preparing for COVID-19) and adapted to the Italian context was used. Fourteen facilities took part in the survey (87.5%). The application of good practices for each survey area was expressed as a percentage with the following median values: restriction policies (87.5%), staff training (53.8%), resident training (67.6%), availability of personal protective equipment (41.7%), infection control practices (73.5%) and communication (80%). Among the facilities, considerable variability was observed in these evaluation fields: only the restriction policies and communication activities were applied uniformly. A discrepancy was found between perceived risk and real danger in the facilities, requiring targeted communication actions. At present, it is necessary to promote a new approach based on the prediction of critical events, thereby providing the means to effectively address them.
Using Social Networks to Estimate the Number of COVID-19 Cases: The Incident (Hidden COVID-19 Cases Network Estimation) Study Protocol
Authors: Ocagli Honoria , Azzolina Danila , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gallipoli Silvia , Martinato Matteo , Acar Aslihan , Berchialla Paola , Gregori Dario ,   on behalf of the INCIDENT Study Group
Published: May 2021

Recent literature has reported a high percentage of asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic cases in subjects with COVID-19 infection. This proportion can be difficult to quantify; therefore, it constitutes a hidden population. This study aims to develop a proof-of-concept method for estimating the number of undocumented infections of COVID-19. This is the protocol for the INCIDENT (Hidden COVID-19 Cases Network Estimation) study, an online, cross-sectional survey with snowball sampling based on the network scale-up method (NSUM). The original personal network size estimation method was based on a fixed-effects maximum likelihood estimator. We propose an extension of previous Bayesian estimation methods to estimate the unknown network size using the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. On 6 May 2020, 1963 questionnaires were collected, 1703 were completed except for the random questions, and 1652 were completed in all three sections. The algorithm was initialized at the first iteration and applied to the whole dataset. Knowing the number of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases is extremely important for reducing the spread of the virus. Our approach reduces the number of questions posed. This allows us to speed up the completion of the questionnaire with a subsequent reduction in the nonresponse rate.
Intricate Connections between the Microbiota and Endometriosis
Authors: Jiang Irene , Yong Paul J. , Allaire Catherine , Bedaiwy Mohamed A.
Published: May 2021

Imbalances in gut and reproductive tract microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, disrupt normal immune function, leading to the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, compromised immunosurveillance and altered immune cell profiles, all of which may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Over time, this immune dysregulation can progress into a chronic state of inflammation, creating an environment conducive to increased adhesion and angiogenesis, which may drive the vicious cycle of endometriosis onset and progression. Recent studies have demonstrated both the ability of endometriosis to induce microbiota changes, and the ability of antibiotics to treat endometriosis. Endometriotic microbiotas have been consistently associated with diminished Lactobacillus dominance, as well as the elevated abundance of bacterial vaginosis-related bacteria and other opportunistic pathogens. Possible explanations for the implications of dysbiosis in endometriosis include the Bacterial Contamination Theory and immune activation, cytokine-impaired gut function, altered estrogen metabolism and signaling, and aberrant progenitor and stem-cell homeostasis. Although preliminary, antibiotic and probiotic treatments have demonstrated efficacy in treating endometriosis, and female reproductive tract (FRT) microbiota sampling has successfully predicted disease risk and stage. Future research should aim to characterize the “core” upper FRT microbiota and elucidate mechanisms behind the relationship between the microbiota and endometriosis.
BAT Algorithm-Based ANN to Predict the Compressive Strength of Concrete—A Comparative Study
Authors: Aalimahmoody Nasrin , Bedon Chiara , Hasanzadeh-Inanlou Nasim , Hasanzade-Inallu Amir , Nikoo Mehdi
Published: May 2021

The number of effective factors and their nonlinear behaviour—mainly the nonlinear effect of the factors on concrete properties—has led researchers to employ complex models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). The compressive strength is certainly a prominent characteristic for design and analysis of concrete structures. In this paper, 1030 concrete samples from literature are considered to model accurately and efficiently the compressive strength. To this aim, a Feed-Forward (FF) neural network is employed to model the compressive strength based on eight different factors. More in detail, the parameters of the ANN are learned using the bat algorithm (BAT). The resulting optimized model is thus validated by comparative analyses towards ANNs optimized with a genetic algorithm (GA) and Teaching-Learning-Based-Optimization (TLBO), as well as a multi-linear regression model, and four compressive strength models proposed in literature. The results indicate that the BAT-optimized ANN is more accurate in estimating the compressive strength of concrete.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis—An Update on the Diagnosis, Treatment and Drug Resistance
Authors: Gopalaswamy Radha , Dusthackeer V. N. Azger , Kannayan Silambuchelvi , Subbian Selvakumar
Published: May 2021

Pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms (MTBC) primarily cause pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB); however, MTBC are also capable of causing disease in extrapulmonary (EP) organs, which pose a significant threat to human health worldwide. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for about 20–30% of all active TB cases and affects mainly children and adults with compromised immune systems. EPTB can occur through hematogenous, lymphatic, or localized bacillary dissemination from a primary source, such as PTB, and affects the brain, eye, mouth, tongue, lymph nodes of neck, spine, bones, muscles, skin, pleura, pericardium, gastrointestinal, peritoneum, and the genitourinary system as primary and/or disseminated disease. EPTB diagnosis involves clinical, radiological, microbiological, histopathological, biochemical/immunological, and molecular methods. However, only culture and molecular techniques are considered confirmatory to differentiate MTBC from any non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species. While EPTB due to MTBC responds to first-line anti-TB drugs (ATD), drug susceptibility profiling is an essential criterion for addressing drug-resistant EPTB cases (DR-EPTB). Besides antibiotics, adjuvant therapy with corticosteroids has also been used to treat specific EPTB cases. Occasionally, surgical intervention is recommended, mainly when organ damage is debilitating to the patient. Recent epidemiological studies show a striking increase in DR-EPTB cases ranging from 10–15% across various reports. As a neglected disease, significant developments in rapid and accurate diagnosis and better therapeutic interventions are urgently needed to control the emerging EPTB situation globally. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance of EPTB.
Social Influences on Phonological Transfer: /r/ Variation in the Repertoire of Welsh-English Bilinguals
Authors: Morris Jonathan
Published: May 2021

It is well known that cross-linguistic interactions can exist between the two languages in a bilingual speaker’s repertoire. At the level of phonetics and phonology, this interaction may result in the transfer of a feature from one language to the other or the ‘merging’ of phonetic properties between languages. Although there are numerous studies of bilingual speakers which show such interactions, relatively little is known about the nature of transfer in communities of long-term bilingualism. The current study investigates phonological transfer of /r/ in Welsh-English bilinguals’ speech in north Wales. Specifically, it compares the influence of speaker gender, home language, and speech context on the production of /r/ in both English and Welsh in two communities which differ in the extent to which Welsh is spoken as a community language. It is commonly assumed that the alveolar trill [r] and alveolar tap [ɾ] are the variants of /r/ in Welsh. In English, the alveolar approximant [ɹ] is typical across Wales, but the trill and tap are reported in areas where a high proportion of the population speaks Welsh. Data in both languages were collected from 32 Welsh-English bilinguals (aged 16–18) via sociolinguistic interview and wordlist tasks. The sample was stratified equally by speaker gender, home language, and area (predominantly Welsh-speaking vs. predominantly English-speaking). The results show areal differences in the production of /r/ in both languages, which, I argue, could be attributed partly to differing social structures in the communities under investigation. Consequently, the results showed evidence of bi-directional phonological transfer, which is community-specific and influenced by a number of social factors.
How to Ensure Bilingualism/Biliteracy in an Indigenous Context: The Case of Icelandic Sign Language
Authors: Koulidobrova Elena , Sverrisdóttir Rannveig
Published: May 2021

The paper discusses the implementation of a bilingual education language policy in the context of endangered indigenous sign language—Icelandic Sign Language (íslenskt táknmál, ÍTM). Unlike other indigenous endangered languages (e.g., Sámi), or other sign languages (e.g., American Sign Language, ASL), ÍTM has received certain recognition typically associated with equitable language policy—by law, it is considered the “first language” of the deaf/hard of hearing Icelanders; further, Iceland overtly states that ÍTM-signing children must be educated bilingually. However, we show that as a country that has committed itself to linguistic equality as well as the support of indigenous languages under the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People, Iceland still has a way to go—both in terms of language attitudes and the associated implementations. We analyze the current situation focusing on the issues of bilingualism and biliteracy (vis-à-vis indigeneity and endangerment), explain the reason for the state of affairs by contextualizing the barrier to both for signers, and offer an explicit path forward which articulates the responsibilities of the power structures as well as potential outcomes related to revitalization, should these responsibilities be fulfilled.
Exploring Omni-Channels for Customer-Centric e-Tailing
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: May 2021

In this volatile post-COVID environment where customers look for ways to order products online using personal computers and mobile devices, a traditional sale/delivery of products via single distribution channel needs to be reassessed. As a revolutionary alternative to a conventional distribution channel, this paper proposes an omni-channel strategy. The omni-channel aims to maximize the customer shopping experience by diversifying and integrating the product purchase and delivery media through customer engagement. The omni-channel also facilitates the sales of products by allowing customers to seamlessly interact with retailers across the multiple channels such as websites, social media, brick-and-mortar stores, kiosks, call centers, and the like. Since the transformation of product sale, purchase, and delivery processes requires a new business mindset and innovative strategic initiatives, this paper sheds light on potential challenges and opportunities of implementing the omni-channel strategy, while identifying key success factors for the application of the omni-channel concept to e-tailing.
Spark Plasma Sintering of LiFePO4: AC Field Suppressing Lithium Migration
Authors: Luo Nan , Lin Yong , Guo Jian , Quattrocchi Emanuele , Deng Huaijiu , Dong Jian , Ciucci Francesco , Boi Filippo , Hu Chunfeng , Grasso Salvatore
Published: May 2021

Our work proposes a comparison between Spark Plasma Sintering of LiFePO4 carried out using an Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). It quantifies the Li-ion migration using DC, and it validates such hypothesis using impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The use of an AC field seems effective to inhibit undesired Li-ion migration and achieve high ionic conductivity as high as 4.5 × 10−3 S/cm, which exceeds by one order of magnitude samples processed under a DC field. These results anticipate the possibility of fabricating a high-performance all-solid-state Li-ion battery by preventing undesired Li loss during SPS processing.
Improving Ammonia Detecting Performance of Polyaniline Decorated rGO Composite Membrane with GO Doping
Authors: Yuan Yubin , Wu Haiyang , Bu Xiangrui , Wu Qiang , Wang Xuming , Han Chuanyu , Li Xin , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Weihua
Published: May 2021

Gas-sensing performance of graphene-based material has been investigated widely in recent years. Polyaniline (PANI) has been reported as an effective method to improve ammonia gas sensors’ response. A gas sensor based on a composite of rGO film and protic acid doped polyaniline (PA-PANI) with GO doping is reported in this work. GO mainly provides NH3 adsorption sites, and PA-PANI is responsible for charge transfer during the gas-sensing response process. The experimental results indicate that the NH3 gas response of rGO is enhanced significantly by decorating with PA-PANI. Moreover, a small amount of GO mixed with PA-PANI is beneficial to increase the gas response, which showed an improvement of 262.5% at 25 ppm comparing to no GO mixing in PA-PANI.
Highly Water Dispersible Functionalized Graphene by Thermal Thiol-Ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Farivar Farzaneh , Lay Yap Pei , Tung Tran Thanh , Losic Dusan
Published: May 2021

Functionalization of pristine graphene to achieve high water dispersibility remains as a key obstacle owing to the high hydrophobicity and absence of reactive functional groups on the graphene surface. Herein, a green and simple modification approach to prepare highly dispersible functionalized graphene via thermal thiol-ene click reaction was successfully demonstrated on pristine graphene. Specific chemical functionalities (–COO, –NH2 and –S) on the thiol precursor (L-cysteine ethyl ester) were clicked directly on the sp2 carbon of graphene framework with grafting density of 1 unit L-cysteine per 113 carbon atoms on graphene. This functionalized graphene was confirmed with high atomic content of S (4.79 at % S) as well as the presence of C–S–C and N–H species on the L-cysteine functionalized graphene (FG-CYS). Raman spectroscopy evidently corroborated the modification of graphene to FG-CYS with an increased intensity ratio of D and G band, ID/IG ratio (0.3 to 0.7), full-width at half-maximum of G band, FWHM [G] (20.3 to 35.5) and FWHM [2D] (64.8 to 90.1). The use of ethanol as the reaction solvent instead of common organic solvents minimizes the chemical hazards exposure to humans and the environment. This direct attachment of multifunctional groups on the surface of pristine graphene is highly demanded for graphene ink formulations, coatings, adsorbents, sensors and supercapacitor applications.
Magnetite Oxide Nanomaterial Used for Lead Ions Removal from Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Stoian Oana , Covaliu Cristina Ileana , Paraschiv Gigel , Catrina (Traistaru) Gina-Alina , Niță-Lazăr Mihai , Matei Ecaterina , Biriş Sorin Ștefan , Tudor Paula
Published: May 2021

The aim of this article is to present a nonconventional method for the efficient removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. For this purpose, magnetite nanomaterial was used, which was very easily separated from the wastewater at the end of the treatment due to its magnetic properties. Currently, nanotechnology is an efficient and inexpensive manner that is being researched for wastewater treatment. Additionally, iron oxide nanoparticles are widely used to remove heavy metal ions from water due to their special properties. The experimental results detailed in this article show the influence of pH and contact time on the process of adsorption of lead ions from wastewater. The magnetite nanomaterial had its maximum efficiency of speed when the wastewater had pH 6. At a lower pH, the highest treatment efficiency was over 85%, and the required contact time has doubled. When the pH increases above 6, the precipitation process occurs. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to describe the adsorption process.
Evaluation on the Mechanical Properties of Ground Granulated Blast Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash Stabilized Soil via Geopolymer Process
Authors: Abdila Syafiadi Rizki , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Ahmad Romisuhani , Rahim Shayfull Zamree Abd , Rychta Małgorzata , Wnuk Izabela , Nabiałek Marcin , Muskalski Krzysztof , Tahir Muhammad Faheem Mohd , Syafwandi  , Isradi Muhammad , Gucwa Marek
Published: May 2021

This study intended to address the problem of damaged (collapsed, cracked and decreased soil strength) road pavement structure built on clay soil due to clay soil properties such as low shear strength, high soil compressibility, low soil permeability, low soil strength, and high soil plasticity. Previous research reported that ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and fly ash can be used for clay soil stabilizations, but the results of past research indicate that the road pavement construction standards remained unfulfilled, especially in terms of clay’s subgrade soil. Due to this reason, this study is carried out to further investigate soil stabilization using GGBS and fly ash-based geopolymer processes. This study investigates the effects of GGBS and ratios of fly ash (solid) to alkaline activator (liquid) of 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, and 3:1, cured for 1 and 7 days. The molarity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the ratio of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was fixed at 10 molar and 2.0 weight ratio. The mechanical properties of the soil stabilization based geopolymer process were tested using an unconfined compression test, while the characterization of soil stabilization was investigated using the plastic limit test, liquid limit test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the highest strength obtained was 3.15 MPA with a GGBS to alkaline activator ratio of 1.5 and Na2SiO3 to NaOH ratio of 2.0 at 7 days curing time. These findings are useful in enhancing knowledge in the field of soil stabilization-based geopolymer, especially for applications in pavement construction. In addition, it can be used as a reference for academicians, civil engineers, and geotechnical engineers.
A Facile Method to Realize Oxygen Reduction at the Hydrogen Evolution Cathode of an Electrolytic Cell for Energy-Efficient Electrooxidation
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Liu Lu , Min Luofu , Zhang Wen , Wang Yuxin
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical oxidation, widely used in green production and pollution abatement, is often accompanied by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which results in a high consumption of electricity and is a potential explosion hazard. To solve this problem, we report here a method for converting the original HER cathode into one that enables the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) without having to build new electrolysis cells or be concerned about electrolyte leakage from the O2 gas electrode. The viability of this method is demonstrated using the electrolytic production of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an example. The original carbon black electrode for the HER is converted to an ORR electrode by first undergoing in situ anodization and then contacting O2 or air bubbled from the bottom of the electrode. With this sole change, APS production can achieve an electric energy saving of up to 20.3%. Considering the ease and low cost of this modification, such significant electricity savings make this method very promising in the upgrade of electrochemical oxidation processes, with wide potential applications.
Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Structure with Probiotics and Isoflavone Alleviates Metabolic Disorder in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Botao , Wang Shunhe , Qian Xin , Li Xiu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: May 2021

The decrease in ovarian hormone secretion that occurs during menopause results in an increase in body weight and adipose tissue mass. Probiotics and soy isoflavones (SIFs) could affect the gut microbiota and exert anti-obesity effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics and a diet containing SIF (SIF diet) on ovariectomized mice with menopausal obesity, including the gut microbiome. The results demonstrate that Bifidobacterium longum 15M1 can reverse menopausal obesity, whilst the combination of Lactobacillus plantarum 30M5 and a SIF diet was more effective in alleviating menopausal lipid metabolism disorder than either components alone. Probiotics and SIFs play different anti-obesity roles in menopausal mice. Furthermore, 30M5 alters the metabolites of the gut microbiota that increase the circulating estrogen level, upregulates the expression of estrogen receptor α in abdominal adipose tissue and improves the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). A SIF diet can significantly alter the structure of the fecal bacterial community and enrich the pathways related to SCFAs production. Moreover, 30M5 and a SIF diet acted synergistically to effectively resolve abnormal serum lipid levels in ovariectomized mice, and these effects appear to be associated with regulation of the diversity and structure of the intestinal microbiota to enhance SCFAs production and promote estrogen circulation.
Geospatial Analysis of Sodium and Potassium Intake: A Swiss Population-Based Study
Authors: De Ridder David , Belle Fabiën N. , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Ponte Belén , Bochud Murielle , Stringhini Silvia , Joost Stéphane , Guessous Idris
Published: May 2021

Inadequate sodium and potassium dietary intakes are associated with major, yet preventable, health consequences. Local public health interventions can be facilitated and informed by fine-scale geospatial analyses. In this study, we assess the existence of spatial clustering (i.e., an unusual concentration of individuals with a specific outcome in space) of estimated sodium (Na), potassium (K) intakes, and Na:K ratio in the Bus Santé 1992–2018 annual population-based surveys, including 22,495 participants aged 20–74 years, residing in the canton of Geneva, using the local Moran’s I spatial statistics. We also investigate whether socio-demographic and food environment characteristics are associated with identified spatial clustering, using both global ordinary least squares (OLS) and local geographically weighted regression (GWR) modeling. We identified clear spatial clustering of Na:K ratio, Na, and K intakes. The GWR outperformed the OLS models and revealed spatial variations in the associations between explanatory and outcome variables. Older age, being a woman, higher education, and having a lower access to supermarkets were associated with higher Na:K ratio, while the opposite was seen for having the Swiss nationality. Socio-demographic characteristics explained a major part of the identified clusters. Socio-demographic and food environment characteristics significantly differed between individuals in spatial clusters of high and low Na:K ratio, Na, and K intakes. These findings could guide prioritized place-based interventions tailored to the characteristics of the identified populations.
Choline Kinase: An Unexpected Journey for a Precision Medicine Strategy in Human Diseases
Authors: Lacal Juan Carlos , Zimmerman Tahl , Campos Joaquín M.
Published: May 2021

Choline kinase (ChoK) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of choline to form phosphorylcholine (PCho) in the presence of ATP and magnesium. ChoK is required for the synthesis of key membrane phospholipids and is involved in malignant transformation in a large variety of human tumours. Active compounds against ChoK have been identified and proposed as antitumor agents. The ChoK inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of symmetrical bispyridinium and bisquinolinium compounds have been defined using quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) and structural parameters. The design strategy followed in the development of the most active molecules is presented. The selective anticancer activity of these structures is also described. One promising anticancer compound has even entered clinical trials. Recently, ChoKα inhibitors have also been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach against parasites, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory processes, and pathogenic bacteria. The evidence for ChoKα as a novel drug target for approaches in precision medicine is discussed.
Electromagnetic Hanbury Brown and Twiss Effect in Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Korotkova Olga , Ata Yalçın
Published: May 2021

The evolution of the 4 × 4 matrix with elements being the scintillation indices of the single-point Stokes parameters of a stationary electromagnetic beam-like optical field in classic, weak atmospheric turbulence is revealed. It is shown that depending on the choice of the source parameters, the source-induced changes in the matrix elements of the propagating beam and those produced by turbulence can be either range-separated or conjoined. For theoretical analysis, the unified theory of coherence and polarization is used together with the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral approach. The results can be of interest for building robust communication and sensing systems operating in the presence of atmospheric fluctuations.
Preparation of Flame-Retardant Polyurethane and Its Applications in the Leather Industry
Authors: Lu Shaolin , Feng Yechang , Zhang Peikun , Hong Wei , Chen Yi , Fan Haojun , Yu Dingshan , Chen Xudong
Published: May 2021

As a novel polymer, polyurethane (PU) has been widely applied in leather, synthetic leather, and textiles due to its excellent overall performance. Nevertheless, conventional PU is flammable and its combustion is accompanied by severe melting and dripping, which then generates hazardous fumes and gases. This defect limits PU applications in various fields, including the leather industry. Hence, the development of environmentally friendly, flame-retardant PU is of great significance both theoretically and practically. Currently, phosphorus-nitrogen (P-N) reactive flame-retardant is a hot topic in the field of flame-retardant PU. Based on this, the preparation and flame-retardant mechanism of flame-retardant PU, as well as the current status of flame-retardant PU in the leather industry were reviewed.