bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistically Correlating Laser-Induced Damage Performance with Photothermal Absorption for Fused Silica Optics in a High-Power Laser System
Authors: Shi Zhaohua , Sun Laixi , Shao Ting , Liu Hongjie , Huang Jin , Ye Xin , Wang Fengrui , Yang Liming , Zheng Wanguo
Published: February 2022

Photothermal weak absorption is useful for the diagnosis of absorbing defects on the surface of fused silica optics in high-power lasers. However, how they relate to the laser-induced damage performance remains unclear, especially for a fused silica surface that has been post-treated with different processes (e.g., dynamic chemical etching or magnetorheological finishing). Here, we present a correlation study on the surface defect absorption level and laser-induced damage performance of fused silica optics post-treated with different processes using the photothermal common-path interferometer method. Statistical distribution of the absorbing defects at various absorption levels is obtained. The relationship between the defect density and the laser damage performance was analyzed. We show that the surface absorbing defects of fused silica can be affected by the post-treatment type and material removal amount. Furthermore, we show that the density of the defects with the absorption over 2 ppm is strongly correlated with the damage initiation threshold and damage density. Especially, for high-density defects at this absorption level, the damage density of fused silica optics can be well-predicted. In the low-density range, the density of this kind of defect can reflect the zero-probability damage threshold well. The study exhibits the potential of this methodology to non-destructively detect the key absorbing defects on fused silica surfaces as well as evaluate and optimize the post-treatment level of fused silica optics for high-power laser applications.
Diversity Assessment and DNA-Based Fingerprinting of Sicilian Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Germplasm
Authors: Fiore Maria Carola , Marchese Annalisa , Mauceri Antonio , Digangi Ignazio , Scialabba Anna
Published: February 2022

The characterization of plant genetic resources is a precondition for genetic improvement and germplasm management. The increasing use of molecular markers for DNA-based genotype signature is crucial for variety identification and traceability in the food supply chain. We collected 75 Sicilian hazelnut accessions from private and public field collections, including widely grown varieties from the Nebrodi Mountains in north east Sicily (Italy). The germplasm was fingerprinted through nine standardized microsatellites (SSR) for hazelnut identification to evaluate the genetic diversity of the collected accessions, validating SSR discrimination power. We identified cases of homonymy and synonymy among acquisitions and the unique profiles. The genetic relationships illustrated by hierarchical clustering, structure, and discriminant analyses revealed a clear distinction between local and commercial varieties. The comparative genetic analysis also showed that the Nebrodi genotypes are significantly different from the Northern Italian, Iberian, and Turkish genotypes. These results highlight the need and urgency to preserve Nebrodi germplasm as a useful and valuable source for traits of interest employable for breeding. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of molecular marker analysis to select a reference germplasm collection of Sicilian hazelnut varieties and to implement certified plants’ production in the supply chain.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Waste Biomass after Harvesting as a Source of Valuable Biologically Active Compounds with Nutraceutical and Antibacterial Potential
Authors: Janceva Sarmite , Andersone Anna , Lauberte Liga , Bikovens Oskars , Nikolajeva Vizma , Jashina Lilija , Zaharova Natalija , Telysheva Galina , Senkovs Maris , Rieksts Gints , Ramata-Stunda Anna , Krasilnikova Jelena
Published: February 2022

For sustainable sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berry production, the task at hand is to find an application for the large amount of biomass waste arising at harvesting. Sea buckthorn (SBT) vegetation is currently poorly studied. The purpose of this research was to assess the composition and potential of SBT twigs as a source of valuable biologically active substances. Water and 50% EtOH extracts of twigs of three Latvian SBT cultivars with a high berry yield and quality, popular for cultivation in many countries (H. rhamnoides ‘Maria Bruvele’, ‘Tatiana’, ‘Botanicheskaya Lubitelskaya’), were investigated for the first time. The phytochemical composition (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis) and biological activity of the obtained hydrophilic extracts were determined. The highest yield of polyphenolic compounds and serotonin was observed for ‘Maria Bruvele’. Hydrophilic extracts were investigated for radical scavenging activity (DPPH˙ test), antibacterial/antifungal activity against five pathogenic bacteria/yeast, cytotoxicity, and the enzymatic activity of alpha-amylase (via in vitro testing), which is extremely important for the treatment of people with underweight, wasting, and malabsorption. The results showed a high potential of sea buckthorn biomass as a source of valuable biologically active compounds for the creation of preparations for the food industry, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
An Environmentally Friendly Supramolecular Glue Developed from Natural 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Wang Hui , Du Xin , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Xingjiang , Sun Ailing , Wei Liuhe , Li Yuhan
Published: February 2022

Liquid adhesive suffers from the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have detrimental effects on human beings. Herein, an environmentally friendly glue containing a novel supramolecule dissolved in non-toxic ethanol is developed. Poly (ether amine) (PEA) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (dhba) is utilized to synthesize catechol-terminated PEA, and subsequent complexation by Fe3+ results in the supramolecular component (PEA-dhba-Fe3+). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum together with the UV-vis spectrum reveal the existence of quinone converted from catechol. Raman spectra prove the existence of a successful complex of catechol-terminated PEA with Fe3+. The tri-complex is found to be the predominant mode and can successfully form into clusters, serving as a physical cross-linking network. The PEA-dhba-Fe3+ exhibits strong adherence to metal substrates compared to polymeric substrates, with its shear strength reaching as high as 1.36 ± 0.14 MPa when the pH of the glue is adjusted to 8. The obvious improvement of adhesion originates from the formation of interfacial coordination bonds between quinone/catechol and metal atoms, as well as their cations, as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and theoretical calculations. With consideration of its merits, including strong adhesion and the minor emission of VOCs compared to commercial epoxy and acrylic adhesives, this environmentally friendly supramolecular glue has a range of cutting-edge applications as an adhesive for metal substrates.
The Road to Bring FDCA and PEF to the Market
Authors: de Jong Ed , Visser Hendrikus (Roy) A. , Dias Ana Sousa , Harvey Clare , Gruter Gert-Jan M.
Published: February 2022

Biobased polymers and materials are desperately needed to replace fossil-based materials in the world’s transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. In this article, Avantium describes the path from invention towards commercialization of their YXY® plants-to-plastics Technology, which catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA—the chemical building block for PEF (polyethylene furanoate). PEF is a plant-based, highly recyclable plastic, with superior performance properties compared to today’s widely used petroleum-based packaging materials. The myriad of topics that must be addressed in the process of bringing a new monomer and polymer to market are discussed, including process development and application development, regulatory requirements, IP protection, commercial partnerships, by-product valorisation, life cycle assessment (LCA), recyclability and circular economy fit, and end-of-life. Advice is provided for others considering embarking on a similar journey, as well as an outlook on the next, exciting steps towards large-scale production of FDCA and PEF at Avantium’s Flagship Plant and beyond.
A Facile Molding Method of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites and Its Mechanical Property
Authors: Shi Jian , Mizuno Mamoru , Bao Limin , Zhu Chunhong
Published: February 2022

The mechanical properties of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (C-FRTP) composites are commonly lower than those of continuous fiber-reinforced thermosetting plastic (C-FRP) composites. We have developed a new molding method for C-FRTP. In this study, pre-impregnated materials were successfully prepared by polymer solution impregnation method and, finally, C-FRTP was fabricated. The viscosity of the thermoplastic matrix was decreased to approximately 3dPa×s, the same level of epoxy, and the fiber volume fraction was increased from approximately 45 to 60%. The cross-section of specimens were polished by an ion milling system and impregnation condition was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The micrographs suggested that thermoplastic polymer was impregnated to every corner of the fiber, and no void was found on the cross-section. It revealed that void-free composites with perfect mechanical properties can be manufactured with this new molding method. All specimens were submitted to a mechanical measuring equipment, and the mechanical properties of the composite specimens were investigated. Mechanical analysis revealed that tensile property and flexural property of C-FRTP were enhanced up to the same level with C-FRP.
Glycidate as a High-Strength Epoxy Adhesive Curable with Amine under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Ochiai Bungo , Soegawa Katsutaka
Published: February 2022

This paper reports that glycidates bearing epoxy moieties with adjacent ester can be cured with diethylenetriamine (DETA) under mild conditions and exhibit high adhesiveness. Curing of bifunctional glycidates with DETA gave cross-linked products. The curing started at a lower temperature (7 °C) than the analogous glycidyl ether (27 °C), while the rate of the curing was slower due to the lower activation energy (Ea = 57 kJ/g) and exothermicity (ΔH = 58 J/g) as confirmed by DSC analysis. The curing system of neopentyl glycol diglycidate and DETA effectively adhered aluminum plates by curing at 25 °C, and the strength was more than five times higher than the curing with analogous glycidyl ether. The higher adhesive strength under curing of ambient conditions and facile preparation of monomers are the significant advantages of this curing.
Introduction: “Love Jihad”: Sexuality, Reproduction and the Construction of the Predatory Muslim Male
Authors: Frydenlund Iselin , Leidig Eviane
Published: February 2022

The Introduction to this Special Issue on ‘“Love Jihad”: Sexuality, Reproduction and the Construction of the Predatory Muslim Male’ provides a theoretical overview and suggests an analytical lens for how to understand “Love Jihad” and related notions of Islamization through marriage, sexuality, and reproduction. We define “Love Jihad” as the notion that Muslim men intentionally and strategically allure and entrap non-Muslim women with the intent to marry and convert them to Islam as part of an Islamization project. We suggest a two-fold understanding of the concept of “Love Jihad”. First, the concept needs to be understood as a globalizing trope, originating from India and spreading to a wide range of cultural and national contexts across the world. Second, we propose to understand the specific term “love jihad” beyond its referential specificity, and thereby broadening it into an analytical concept for exploring related concepts (such as “sexual jihad” and “demographic jihad”), as well as related notions of Muslim men as sexual predators (in certain geographical settings known as “rapefugees”). We therefore include in our analysis related notions such as Islamic womb fare, “grooming”, “The Great Replacement”, and “unethical conversion” in marriage where they relate to flows of gendered nationalist imaginaries of the Muslim “Other”. The aim of this Introduction—as well as the Special Issue—is to contribute to the study of Islamophobia as a global phenomenon and to deepen our understanding of the gendered imaginaries of anti-Muslim nationalist formations across the world.
Religious Education in Secularist Kindergartens? Pedagogical Leaders on Religion in Norwegian ECEC
Authors: Hovdelien Olav , Sødal Helje Kringlebotn
Published: February 2022

According to the legal framework, religion forms a certain part of Norwegian early childhood education in publicly owned kindergartens. As the only Scandinavian country where this is the case, the object clause (statement of purpose) for Norwegian kindergartens defines basic values in the Christian and humanist heritage and tradition as the value foundation for the institution. In this article we explore the impact of the processes of secularization and pluralization on the pedagogical content of early childhood education, and how some pedagogical leaders understand the religious elements. Empirically, the article is partly based on qualitative interviews targeting seven public kindergartens in the counties of Oslo and Agder, and partly on interpretations of their planning documents, of which many are publicly available. The pedagogical staff express loyalty to the legal framework regulating early childhood education but seem to be more concerned with religious diversity and religious minorities than with majority religion and religion as an expression of Christian heritage and traditions.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Resource Allocation for Cellular Vehicular Network Mode 3 with Underlay Approach
Authors: Fu Jinjuan , Qin Xizhong , Huang Yan , Tang Li , Liu Yan
Published: February 2022

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication has attracted increasing attention since it can improve road safety and traffic efficiency. In the underlay approach of mode 3, the V2V links need to reuse the spectrum resources preoccupied with vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) links, which will interfere with the V2I links. Therefore, how to allocate wireless resources flexibly and improve the throughput of the V2I links while meeting the low latency requirements of the V2V links needs to be determined. This paper proposes a V2V resource allocation framework based on deep reinforcement learning. The base station (BS) uses a double deep Q network to allocate resources intelligently. In particular, to reduce the signaling overhead for the BS to acquire channel state information (CSI) in mode 3, the BS optimizes the resource allocation strategy based on partial CSI in the framework of this article. The simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can meet the low latency requirements of V2V links while increasing the capacity of the V2I links compared with the other methods. In addition, the proposed partial CSI design has comparable performance to complete CSI.
Dynamic Pricing for Charging of EVs with Monte Carlo Tree Search
Authors: Mrkos Jan , Basmadjian Robert
Published: February 2022

As electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly becoming a common occurrence on roads, commercial EV charging is becoming a standard commercial service. With this development, charging station operators are looking for ways to make their charging services more profitable or allocate the available resources optimally. Dynamic pricing is a proven technique to increase revenue in markets with heterogeneous demand. This paper proposes a Markov Decision Process (MDP)-based approach to revenue- or utilization- maximizing dynamic pricing for charging station operators. We implement the method using a Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithm and evaluate it in simulation using a range of problem instances based on a real-world dataset of EV charging sessions. We show that our approach provides near-optimal pricing decisions in milliseconds for large-scale problems, significantly increasing revenue or utilization over the flat-rate baseline under a range of parameters.
Digitization of Aging-in-Place: An International Comparison of the Value-Framing of New Technologies
Authors: Marshall Barbara L. , Dalmer Nicole K. , Katz Stephen , Loos Eugene , López Gómez Daniel , Peine Alexander
Published: February 2022

Planning for aging populations has been a growing concern for policy makers across the globe. Integral to strategies for promoting healthy aging are initiatives for ‘aging in place’, linked to services and care that allow older people to remain in their homes and communities. Technological innovations—and especially the development of digital technologies—are increasingly presented as potentially important in helping to support these initiatives. In this study, we employed qualitative document analysis to examine and compare the discursive framing of technology in aging-in-place policy documents collected in three countries: The Netherlands, Spain, and Canada. We focus on the framing of technological interventions in relation to values such as quality of life, autonomy/independence, risk management, social inclusion, ‘active aging’, sustainability/efficiency of health care delivery, support for caregivers, and older peoples’ rights. The findings suggest that although all three countries reflected common understandings of the challenges of aging populations, the desirability of supporting aging in place, and the appropriateness of digital technologies in supporting the latter, different value-framings were apparent. We argue that attention to making these values explicit is important to understanding the role of social policies in imagining aging futures and the presumed role of technological innovation in their enactment.
Does the Sino–US Trade Friction Promote Firm Innovation? The Role of the Export Grab Effect
Authors: Xu Zhen , Zhong Xin , Zhang Zhongyan
Published: February 2022

We examine and explain changes of firm innovation following the Sino–US trade frictions. Specifically, we use the unique microdata of Chinese technology and innovation firms from 2016 to 2019 to identify the response of firm innovation to the shock of the Sino–US trade friction and investigate the changes in firm innovation before and after the outbreak of the Sino–US trade friction. We found that, on average, export firms significantly increased innovation after the Sino–US trade friction. In particular, firms in the advanced manufacturing industry perform significantly better than firms in other technical fields. To explain this phenomenon, we compare firms’ export performance in different technical fields and conduct a detailed mechanism test. It is found that the Sino–US trade friction has led to the export grab phenomenon in some technical fields, and the export grab effect is the reason for the significant increase in the innovation of export firms. The direct effect of export grab promotes the innovation of sustainable export firms, and the indirect effect of export grab leads to an increase in innovation by reducing the threshold of the export market. We verified the direct and indirect effects of export grab on firm innovation following the Sino–US trade frictions.
Chloride Penetration Behavior of Concrete Made from Various Types of Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Yodsudjai Wanchai , Nitichote Kirati
Published: February 2022

This research aimed to identify the link between the chloride penetration behavior of concrete made from various types of recycled aggregate from three main sources—building demolition waste (B-RCA), laboratory waste (L-RCA), and precast concrete waste (P-RCA)—and the 28-days compressive strength of natural aggregate concrete with the replacement ration 30%, 60% and 100% respectively. The results of the study revealed that the quality of recycled aggregate waste significantly impacted concrete behavior. To elaborate, finer aggregate potentially increased the inter-facial transition zone (ITZ), which is the weakness part of concrete, resulting in the concrete having less compressive strength as well as increasing amount of chloride ion penetration thought rapid test. In this research, an image processing technique, which is a simple method, was used to quantify the ITZ area of concrete. It was found that concrete with low compressive strength and high permeability values had an ITZ area significantly more than other types of concrete.
Whole-Body MRI-Derived Adipose Tissue Characterization and Relationship to Pulmonary Function Impairment
Authors: Krüchten Ricarda von , Rospleszcz Susanne , Lorbeer Roberto , Hasic Dunja , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Schulz Holger , Karrasch Stefan , Schlett Christopher L.
Published: February 2022

Background: Specification of adipose tissues by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and related to pulmonary function parameters in a population-based cohort. Methods: 203 study participants underwent whole-body MRI and pulmonary function tests as part of the KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region) MRI study. Both visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were derived from the T1-Dixon sequence, and hepatic adipose tissue from the proton density fat fraction (PDFFhepatic). Associations between adipose tissue parameters and spirometric indices such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and Tiffeneau-index (FEV1/FVC) were examined using multivariate linear regression analysis excluding cofounding effects of other clinical parameters. Results: VAT (β = −0.13, p = 0.03) and SAT (β = −0.26, p < 0.001), but not PDFFhepatic were inversely associated with FEV1, while VAT (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), SAT (β = −0.41, p < 0.001), and PDFFhepatic (β = −0.17, p = 0.002) were inversely associated with FVC. PDFFhepatic was directly associated with the Tiffeneau index (β = 2.46, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the adjusted linear regression model, VAT was inversely associated with all measured spirometric parameters, while PDFFhepatic revealed the strongest association with the Tiffeneau index. Non-invasive adipose tissue quantification measurements might serve as novel biomarkers for respiratory impairment.
Transcriptomic Alterations in Water Flea (Daphnia magna) following Pravastatin Treatments: Insect Hormone Biosynthesis and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Lei Yuan , Guo Jiahua , Chen Qiqi , Mo Jiezhang , Tian Yulu , Iwata Hisato , Song Jinxi
Published: February 2022

Pravastatin, used for lowering cholesterol and further decreasing blood lipid, has been frequently detected in the contaminated freshwaters, whereas its long-term exposure effects on non-target aquatic invertebrates remains undetermined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of pravastatin (PRA) with the concentration gradients (0, 0.5, 50, 5000 μg/L) on a model water flea Daphnia magna (D. magna) over 21 d based on phenotypic and genome-wide transcriptomic analyses. After 21 d, exposure to PRA at 5000 μg/L significantly reduced the body length and increased the number of offspring. The 76, 167, and 499 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by using absolute log2 fold change < 1 and adj p < 0.05 as a cutoff in the 0.5, 50, and 5000 μg/L PRA treatment groups, respectively. Three pathways, including xenobiotic metabolism, insect hormone biosynthesis pathway, and energy metabolism were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched after exposure to PRA. These suggested that the upregulation of genes in insect biosynthetic hormone pathway increased the juvenile hormone III content, which further reduced the body length of D. magna. The positive effect of methyl farnesoate synthesis on the ovarian may result in the increased number of offspring. Furthermore, energy tended to be allocated to detoxification process and survival under stress conditions, as the amount of energy that an individual can invest in maintenance and growth is limited. Taken together, our results unraveled the toxic mechanism of cardiovascular and lipid pharmaceuticals in aquatic invertebrate.
Peculiarities of the Edaphic Cyanobacterium Nostoc linckia Culture Response and Heavy Metal Accumulation from Copper-Containing Multimetal Systems
Authors: Cepoi Liliana , Zinicovscaia Inga , Valuta Ana , Codreanu Liviu , Rudi Ludmila , Chiriac Tatiana , Yushin Nikita , Grozdov Dmitrii , Peshkova Alexandra
Published: February 2022

Soil and water pollution is a major problem that has a negative impact on ecosystems and human health in particular. In the bioremediation processes, the application of photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, is a direction of action addressed with increasing frequency in the context of further development and improvement of environmentally friendly techniques needed for detoxification of soils and waters polluted with low concentrations of toxic elements, since they pose a challenge for traditional treatment methods. In the present study, the removal of copper and other metal ions from multielement systems by three generations of Nostoc linckia is discussed. Changes in the biochemical composition of the nostoc biomass, which accumulates metal ions, were monitored. Neutron activation analysis was applied to assess Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn accumulation by biomass, as well as to determine the biochemical composition of biomass after specific biochemical methods were used. The capacity of the accumulation of copper and other metal ions from multi-elemental systems by cyanobacteria Nostoc linckia was high and increased over two cycles of biomass growth in the systems Cu-Fe-Ni and Cu-Fe-Zn and over three cycles in Cu-Fe and Cu-Fe-Ni-Zn systems. It constituted 1720–10,600 µg metal/g depending on the system and cycle of cultivation. The accumulation of Fe, Ni, and Zn also increased over the generations of nostoc. The process of metal accumulation was demonstrated by a significant change in the biomass biochemical composition. Cyanobacteria Nostoc linckia possess a pronounced capacity of copper and other metal ion accumulation from multimetal systems and showed an increased resistance in environments polluted with heavy metals.
Can Dark Energy Emerge from a Varying G and Spacetime Geometry?
Authors: Hanımeli Ekim Taylan , Tutusaus Isaac , Lamine Brahim , Blanchard Alain
Published: February 2022

The accelerated expansion of the universe implies the existence of an energy contribution known as dark energy. Associated with the cosmological constant in the standard model of cosmology, the nature of this dark energy is still unknown. We will discuss an alternative gravity model in which this dark energy contribution emerges naturally, as a result of allowing for a time-dependence on the gravitational constant, G, in Einstein’s field equations. With this modification, Bianchi’s identities require an additional tensor field to be introduced so that the usual conservation equation for matter and radiation is satisfied. The equation of state of this tensor field is obtained using additional constraints, coming from the assumption that this tensor field represents the space-time response to the variation of G. We will also present the predictions of this model for the late-universe data, and show that the energy contribution of this new tensor is able to explain the accelerated expansion of the universe without the addition of a cosmological constant. Unlike many other alternative gravities with varying gravitational strength, the predicted G evolution is also consistent with local observations and therefore this model does not require screening. We will finish by discussing possible other implications this approach might have for cosmology and some future prospects.
Efficacy of a Smartphone Application to Promote Maternal Influenza Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chang Ya-Wen , Tsai Shiow-Meei , Lin Pao-Chen , Chou Fan-Hao
Published: February 2022

The maternal vaccine coverage rate has been low in Taiwan. We developed an “Influenza Vaccination Reminder Application” and evaluated its efficacy in improving vaccination intention among pregnant women in Taiwan. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the positive change in vaccination intention between the experimental group and the control group. Pregnant women who were more than 20 years old and at less than 32 weeks of gestation were recruited from four regional hospitals in southern Taiwan during November 2020 to April 2021. Pregnant women were randomly assigned to the experimental group, to whom the “Influenza Vaccination Reminder Application” was provided for at least two months, while pregnant women in the control group received regular maternal education only. The differences in knowledge about influenza and its vaccines, attitudes towards maternal influenza vaccination, and behavior intention of influenza vaccination among pregnant women before and after the experiment intervention were compared between two groups. The results included 126 women in the experimental group and 117 women in the control group and showed that the “Influenza Vaccination Reminder Application” increased pregnant women’s knowledge about influenza and vaccines (percentage increase in the experimental group and control group: 11.64% vs. 7.39%), strengthened their positive attitudes towards maternal influenza vaccination (percentage increase: 5.39% vs. 1.44%), and promoted positive behavioral intention toward influenza vaccination (proportion of participants with positive change in vaccination intention: 17.46% vs. 7.69%). The study supports use of “Influenza Vaccination Reminder Application” to promote the behavior intention of influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Taiwan.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Another Condition to Screen for in Women with Infertility
Authors: Bui Leeann M. , Bazalakova Mihaela , Antony Kathleen M. , Cooney Laura G.
Published: February 2022

Women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Given this increased risk, we aimed to study the screening prevalence of OSA in women seeking fertility treatment. We performed a cross sectional study of patients presenting to a university-affiliated fertility clinic between March-April 2021. Patients were asked to complete OSA screening (STOP-BANG), anxiety screening (GAD-7), and depression screening (PHQ-2) questionnaires. 107 women completed the surveys. Mean age was 35.1 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.7 kg/m2. Nine (8.4%) women screened positive for OSA using the STOP-BANG screening tool. Women who screened positive for OSA were more likely to be older (37.8 years vs. 34.7 years, p = 0.02) and have a higher BMI (42.6 kg/m2 vs. 27.4 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Women who screened positive for OSA were also more likely to screen positive for mild-severe depressive symptoms (22.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.006) and mild-severe anxiety (66.7% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.003) symptoms. 24.3% of the population had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS were more likely to screen positive for OSA (19.2% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.04). Despite this being a low-risk population of young women seeking fertility evaluation or treatment, 8% screened positive for OSA. Given the association between OSA and adverse pregnancy outcomes, our results underline the need to screen women seeking fertility treatment.
Virtual care in Ontario community health centres: a cross-sectional study to understand changes in care delivery
Authors: Bhatti Sara , Dahrouge Simone , Muldoon Laura , Rayner Jennifer
Published: February 2022

Background

There has been a large-scale adoption of virtual delivery of primary care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim

In this descriptive study, an equity lens is used to explore the impact of transitioning to greater use of virtual care in community health centres (CHCs) across Ontario, Canada.

Design & setting

A cross-sectional survey was administered and electronic medical record (EMR) data were extracted from 36 CHCs.

Method

The survey captured CHCs‘ experiences with the increased adoption of virtual care. A longitudinal analysis of the EMR data was conducted to evaluate changes in health service delivery. EMR data were extracted monthly for a period of time before the pandemic (April 2019–February 2020) and during (April 2020–February 2021).

Results

In comparison with the pre-pandemic period, CHCs experienced a moderate decline in visits made (11%), patients seen (9%), issues addressed (9%), and services provided (15%). During the pandemic period, an average of 54% of visits were conducted virtually, with telephone as the leading virtual modality (96%). Drops in service types ranged from 28%–82%. The distribution of virtual modalities varied according to the provider type. Access to in-person and virtual care did not vary across patient characteristics.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate a large shift towards virtual delivery while maintaining in-person care. No meaningful differences were found in virtual versus in-person care related to patient characteristics or rurality of centres. Future studies are needed to explore how to best select the appropriate modality for patients and service types.
Hospital Professionals as Dual Agents: A Superordinate Identity to Solve Interprofessional Conflicts in Hospitals? Comment on "Dual Agency in Hospitals: What Strategies Do Managers and Physicians Apply to Reconcile Dilemmas Between Clinical and Economic Considerations?"
Authors: Cascón-Pereira Rosalía
Published: February 2022

The inherent conflict between economic and clinical considerations, between professionalism and managerialism, and between being a manager or being a clinician is widely acknowledged in the sociology of professions. The original article by Waitzberg and colleagues focused on how hospital professionals reconcile these conflicting demands. In this commentary, we argue that their assumption that the considered hospital professionals (managers, chief financial officers [CFOs], chief physicians and practising physicians) are dual agents moves on from the unproductive debates of inherent conflicts to envisage possibilities of reconciling economic and clinical considerations. We conclude that the instrumental use of the term dual agent to include "the other" (the manager or the clinician) in a superlative and inclusive category can be considered a reframing strategy to solve inherent interprofessional conflicts and to implement more collaborative models in healthcare.
An Evaluation of the Association between Quality of Life and Psychological Issues in Patients with Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Pasyar Nilofar , Rambod Masoume , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Mansouri Parisa
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) plays a life-saving role via controlling malignant dysrhythmias. However, it may result in the incidence of psychological tensions in patients’ lives, eventually leading to changes in their quality of life (QoL). To date, this association has remained unclear among Iranian population. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the association between QoL and psychological issues in patients with ICD. Methods: Using convenience sampling method, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 patients referred to the pacemaker clinic of Shahid Faghihi hospital and Kowsar heart hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran from September 2016 to January 2017. The data were collected using Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and analyzed in SPSS software version 13 using independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation test, and ANOVA. Results: The mean (SD) score of patients’ QoL was found to be 1672.02 (43.43). Moreover, the mean (SD) scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were 4.69 (0.46), 5.6 (0.47), and 7.51 (0.05), respectively indicating moderate depression, anxiety, and stress levels among the patients. A significant association was found between the patients’ QoL and depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: As an association was observed between the patients’ QoL and depression, anxiety, and stress, performing some interventions to reduce the patients’ psychological issues might improve their QoL.
The Effect of Different Body Positions on Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure in Patients under Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Jalali Amir , Maleki Zohreh , Dinmohammadi Mohammadreza
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Maintaining endotracheal tube intracuff pressure (ETTICP) within an optimal range is crucial for effective ventilation and prevention of aspiration. This study aimed to determine the effect of changing body position on ETTICP in patients under mechanical ventilation. Methods: In the current single-group study, each patient was taken as his/her own control. Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the study sample. First, the patients were placed in a supine (flat) position, head of the bed was raised to 30 degrees, and ETTICP was set at 25 cmH2 O as the baseline. Then, the ETTICP changes in the three positions (left lateral, right lateral, and semi-fowler) were compared with the baseline. Interventions were made on a random basis among the patients. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA using SPSS version 13. Results: There was a significant difference among ETTICP means in three different body positions, so that ETTICP was higher in the left lateral position compared to other positions. Moreover, there was a significant difference among ETTICP means 0, 15, 45, and 90 minutes after changing the body position. ETTICP means after 0 and 15 minutes were significantly higher than other times compared to the baseline. Conclusion: ETTICP changes were affected by different body positions and the passage of time. Thus, regular monitoring and adjusting of ETTICP after any body positioning is essential, especially immediately and 15 minutes after repositioning.
COVID-19 and Anxiety in Perinatal Women
Authors: Najam Rehana , Chawla Nivedita , Lalwani Astha , Varshney Rohit Kumar , Singh Parmar Seema
Published: February 2022

Introduction: With a global pandemic like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading across borders, creating an extensive fear amongst all groups alike due to the increased morbidity and mortality, there is uncertainty in all patients affected. The government policy of quarantine of pregnant and postnatal women with COVID-19 in hospitals leads to ironic isolation and loneliness, mounting anxiety and fear of unknown outcomes. This study was undertaken to assess maternal anxiety in relation to COVID-19 and to observe factors influencing anxiety, drawing on anxiety scoring scales and a comparison of the levels of anxiety between antenatal and postnatal mothers. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 123 perinatal women with COVID-19 and their levels of anxiety were assessed on the basis of a pre-formed questionnaire, using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire (GAD-7). The levels of anxiety between antenatal and postnatal mothers were compared based on these 2 scoring systems, using IBM.SPSS statistics software Version23.0. Results: Although both groups were having high scores of anxiety, antenatal women were found to possess statistically significant higher level of anxiety, compared to postnatal women, as determined by CAS. Conclusion: Better assessment on antenatal and postnatal women will lead to need-based counselling from healthcare workers during their hospital stay and better use of resources for the identification of the vulnerable group and their management.
Comparison of Hydrocolloid Dressings and Silver Nanoparticles in Treatment of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Asgari Parvaneh , Zolfaghari Mitra , Bit-Lian Yee , Abdi Amir Hossien , Mohammadi Younes , Bahramnezhad Fatemeh
Published: February 2022

Introduction: There are numerous dressings used to treat pressure ulcers (PUs), depending on their advantages to achieve optimum patient outcomes. This study aimed to compare hydrocolloid dressings and silver nanoparticles in treating PUs among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with SCI in Iran. Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=35) receiving silver nanoparticle dressing and hydrocolloid dressing, respectively. The groups were evaluated in four assessment periods using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 13, repeated measures ANOVA, non-parametric tests, and chi-square. Results: Chi-square test was used to investigate the difference between the scores before the intervention, the results of which were not statistically significant. In repetitive measurements, the results of the analysis of variance showed that the average assessment score in both groups decreased and both dressings were effective in the treatment process. Although PU improvement status in the group that received silver nanoparticles was better, between-group analysis of variance did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that silver nanoparticles and hydrocolloid dressings can be used interchangeably in the treatment of PUs.
The Ashram Life Duties in Margandeya Padalam
Authors: K Pavithra , S Bharani
Published: February 2022

This article discusses about the life duties of a human being through Margandeya padalam from Kandhapuranam. In the everyday life People sets goals to achieve or complete their duties and growing themselves day by day. They create their own daily plans and moving on to the next part of their lives. Our ancestors classified this life into Ashram parts and also emphasized to live in those ways. They also named it as the duties of a human being. The purpose of this article is to make people to know about these life duties and make them to follow it in their lives.
Internal Psychology in Vetkai Pathu Songs
Authors: S Marry
Published: February 2022

Man's knowledge is moving towards new discoveries every day. No matter how much you discover it is a bit of a challenge to figure out what the human mind is thinking. What do we think in our hearts when we all know the proverb that ‘being in a pot is like being in a bag’? That's what we'll talk about. But do we speak in all cases and circumstances? Seems to think a bit if. Searching for the answer, Sigmund Freud says that the outside does not show what the inside thinks. I put forward this idea and searched in the Sangam literature in which a lot of the literature had the claim of a friend but in five of the five consecutive songs the friend's claim is in the same mood as the friend's mentality. The way the friend answers the leader's question of what you and the leader thought of me during the time I went to the leader's whore shows the friend's inner state most wonderfully. There are many reasons why an individual may not disclose his inner state to others out of fear, shame, danger, indifference, good, evil, etc. Here the friend does not disclose to the leader what she thinks inwardly because the leader is not saying it is in the best interest of the family not to split up. At the same time what you do directly to the leader is wrong and only you know how to make a mistake? Can we go to the whore too? Thinking that there will be trouble in the family again if asked, the friend hides the virtuous deeds of the leader without revealing anything and at the same time hides the false whore behavior of the leader indirectly through the parable without revealing what he thought indirectly. It was only in the eighteenth century that Sigmund Freud stated that the external mind does not reflect what the inner mind thinks. But it can be seen that Oram Pokiyar, who wrote the Sangam literary Vetkai Pathu in Tamil 2000 years ago, has shown the psychology that the external does not show what the inner thinks.
Seasonal analysis of Saturniidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea) in a remaining Atlantic Forest in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Duarte Barcellos Bárbara , de Souza Fagner , dos Santos Martins David , Costa Mielke Carlos Guilherme , Fiuza Ferreira Paulo Sérgio , Fiuza Ferreira Luciano Santana , Felix Nogueira Bárbara Cristina
Published: February 2022

The Lepidoptera family Saturniidae is commonly utilized as a bioindicator for ecosystem monitoring. During six years of sampling, the study explored the dynamics of the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, species richness, Pielou equity, dominance, and abundance ecological parameters under the effect of seasonality. The research took place in the Atlantic Forest remnants at Vale Natural Reserve in Linhares, Espirito Santo, Brazil. Blacklight traps were used to collect the samples. 1,445 specimens were collected and classified into four subfamilies, 30 genera, and 48 species. There is a large difference in richness and abundance due to temperature in different seasons. When the temperature drops, the abundance declines. When comparing years, equitability and dominance are not significant. During periods of more rainfall, there is a higher abundance of species (richness). Despite variations in abundance and diversity throughout the years, the Saturniidae are known for their low resistance and strong resilience.
Análisis de un centro de información sustentable incorporando tejas solares para lograr la eficiencia energética
Authors:   Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Huichapan, GONZÁLEZ-SALAZAR José Rodolfo , SERRANO-ARELLANO Juan , RODRÍGUEZ-URIBE Juan Carlos , VELÁZQUEZ-LUCHO Karla María
Published: February 2022

The present work consisted of a study of Solar Tiles as elements to transform and take advantage of solar energy and in this way reduce the use of energy from polluting sources. The study focuses on sustainability in relevant aspects such as thermal comfort, since most of the energy consumed in buildings is used for thermal conditioning. To carry out the present study, the NOM-020-ENER-2011 was used to analyze and limit the thermal gains of the building. An architectural survey of the building to be analyzed was carried out, subsequently, the methodology shown in the Mexican standard was applied and it was found that it complies with the percentage of energy limited by the Mexican standard. And as an alternative to reduce energy consumption, the solar tile was implemented. A benefit was obtained from clean energy, reducing the consumption of fossil energy by up to 67.60% in daily consumption. Finally, this study showed the importance of using renewable energy sources.
Sistema de impermeabilizante con base a mortero y mucilago de nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica)
Authors:   Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Huichapan, RODRÍGUEZ-URIBE Juan Carlos , SERRANO-ARELLANO Juan , TREJO-TORRES Zaira Betzabeth
Published: February 2022

Based on the impact of climate changes, our concern about this scenario arises since the entire building is exposed to different climatic agents such as the rain itself, which can negatively impact the integral performance of the construction and of course trigger an impact economic, health and functionality for the user. Waterproofing is a substantial requirement for all types of buildings and sea for residential, commercial and industrial use. Aspects such as geometry and materials with which the structural roof systems (slabs) were obtained play a fundamental role when choosing the most effective waterproofing system to incorporate into the building. Therefore, our main approach is to enlist the waterproofing system based on mortar and nopal mucilage to protect the roofs of houses in order to achieve good performance and conservation of the building.