bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Heterostructured Ceria/Polyaniline Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yen-Sheng , Fang Alex , Lee Gang-Juan , Wu Jerry J. , Chang Yu-Cheng , Tsay Chien-Yie , Chen Jing-Heng , Horng Tzyy-Leng , Chen Chin-Yi
Published: July 2020

Cerium dioxide (CeO2, ceria), a promising and abundant catalytic material with high-efficiency, nontoxicity, photochemical stability, and affordability, can be used as a photocatalyst to photocatalytically degrade organics and split water for hydrogen production under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (about 5% of solar energy). However, the applications of the CeO2 photocatalyst are limited due to low photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight irradiation. In this study, a nanosized CeO2 powder was prepared by the precipitation method. Subsequently, various amounts of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of the CeO2 nanoparticles to form a heterostructure by the polymerization method. The crystal structure, morphology, surface and optical properties of the CeO2/PANI nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). Experimental results demonstrated that PANI deposition improved the light absorption of CeO2 nanoparticles in the visible light region. The heterostructured CeO2/PANI nanoparticle with 4 wt % PANI deposition exhibited optimal photocatalytic activities with a hydrogen production rate of 462 μmolg−1 within 6 h and a methyl orange (MO) degradation rate of 45% within 4 h under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic mechanisms of the composite powder are also proposed in this report.
Ferrierite and Its Delaminated and Silica-Intercalated Forms Modified with Copper as Effective Catalysts for NH3-SCR Process
Authors: Święs Aneta , Kowalczyk Andrzej , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Díaz Urbano , Palomares Antonio E. , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: July 2020

The main goal of the study was the development of effective catalysts for the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia (NH3-SCR), based on ferrierite (FER) and its delaminated (ITQ-6) and silica-intercalated (ITQ-36) forms modified with copper. The copper exchange zeolitic samples, with the intended framework Si/Al ratio of 30 and 50, were synthetized and characterized with respect to their chemical composition (ICP-OES), structure (XRD), texture (low-temperature N2 adsorption), form and aggregation of deposited copper species (UV-vis-DRS), surface acidity (NH3-TPD) and reducibility (H2-TPR). The samples of the Cu-ITQ-6 and Cu-ITQ-36 series were found to be significantly more active NH3-SCR catalysts compared to Cu-FER. The activity of these catalysts in low-temperature NH3-SCR was assigned to the significant contribution of highly dispersed copper species (monomeric cations and small oligomeric species) catalytically active in the oxidation of NO to NO2, which is necessary for fast-SCR. The zeolitic catalysts, with the higher framework alumina content, were more effective in high-temperature NH3-SCR due to their limited catalytic activity in the side reaction of ammonia oxidation.
Predicting Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Based on Physical Activity Level and Demographic Characteristics in Romanian Students
Authors: Badicu Georgian , Zamani Sani Seyed Hojjat , Fathirezaie Zahra
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aims to assess the relationships between alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity (PA) and demographic characteristics in Romanian students. Methods: There were 253 participants in this study (112 male and 141 female, age 19.2 ± 0.70 yrs; BMI 22.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2), students of Transilvania University of Brasov. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were employed for the data collection. Results: Results showed that moderate consumption of tobacco and harmful consumption of alcohol had high prevalence among age, gender, year of study and PA level categories. Although the correlation coefficient showed no significant relationship between tobacco and alcohol use, it was shown that a negative correlation between tobacco and PA level existed. Further, age, year of study and PA level had a negative significant relationship with alcohol use among students. In the end, the tobacco and alcohol consumption prediction model showed heterogeneous coefficients. Conclusion: Full models of tobacco and alcohol use were differently predicted by variables, so PAL (Physical Activity Level) could predict tobacco consumption but not alcohol.
Children’s Drawing as a Projective Measure to Understand Their Experiences of Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia
Authors: Baghdadi Ziad D. , Jbara Saffana , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The overall aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of 3 to 10 year-old children’s experiences, main concerns, and how they manage attending hospital for dental treatment under general anesthesia (DTGA). Methods: Twelve children aged 3–10 who were scheduled for DTGA were interviewed. In addition to tape-recorded interviews, data were collected using video diaries, participant observations, and pre-, peri-, and postoperative drawings. The children’s drawings (n = 43) were analyzed using the Child Drawing: Hospital Manual (CD:H) and Vygotsky postulations for context readings, with the aim to explore what it means for children to undergo DTGA. Results: The analysis found that the main concern for children during the pre-operative period was that they were forced to prepare for an unknown experience, which elicited stress. This situation was handled during the peri-operative period by trying to recover control and to cooperate despite fear, stress, and anxiety. Drawings completed post-operatively showed the surgical mask, “stinky” smell of the anesthetic gas, and multiple extraction of teeth were the main troubling experiences for children. Several weeks after DTGA, children tried to regain normalcy in their lives again. Conclusion: This study contributed to a deeper understanding of how children as young as 3 years undergoing DTGA experience and express their lived experiences: emotional, psychological, physiological, or physical stress in the context of DTGA.
Hybrid Electroluminescence Devices with Solution-Processed Mixed Emitting Layers of Red Quantum Dots and Blue Small Molecules
Authors: Ju So Eun , Yoon Chang Gi , Kim Jiwan
Published: July 2020

Hybrid electroluminescence (EL) devices with mixed emission layers (EMLs) were developed to achieve balanced peaks from red quantum dots (QDs) and blue phosphorescent small molecules. The EML was prepared by mixing QDs and small molecules in an organic solvent, and then adding polystyrene to disrupt the aggregation of the host material. These unique bichromatic devices exhibited two distinct EL peaks with similar intensities over 10 V, and the voltage dependent EL spectra were investigated systematically. These hybrid EL devices showed a maximum luminance of 1057.7 cd/m2 and a current efficiency of 2.45 cd/A. These results indicate that the unique mixed EMLs have potential for use as white devices using fewer fabrication steps.
Magnetic and Luminescent Properties of Isostructural 2D Coordination Polymers Based on 2-Pyrimidinecarboxylate and Lanthanide Ions
Authors: García-García Amalia , Zabala-Lekuona Andoni , Goñi-Cárdenas Ainhoa , Cepeda Javier , Seco José M. , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: July 2020

A couple of isostructural coordination polymers with the general formula [Ln4(pymca)4(AcO)8]n have been obtained from reactions between pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (pymca) ligand and rare-earth ions (Ln = Dy (1), Nd (2)). These two-dimensional compounds have been characterized and the crystal structures have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique, resulting in layers along the bc plane based on pymca and acetate anions that act as bridging ligands between metal atoms. Given that pymca and acetate anions possess carboxylate and hetero-nitrogen groups, it is possible to build a coordination polymer whose metal centers have a nine coordination. Furthermore, static and dynamic magnetic measurements of compound 1 reveal the lack of single molecule-magnet (SMM) behavior in this system due to the following two effects: (i) the ligand field does not stabilize magnetic ground states well separated from excited states, and (ii) anisotropy axes are not collinear, according to results with Magellan software. On another level, luminescent properties of compounds 1 and 2 are attributed to singlet π-π* transitions centered on pymca ligand as corroborated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations.
Mating System in a Native Norway Spruce (Picea abies [L.] KARST.) Stand-Relatedness and Effective Pollen Population Size Show an Association with the Germination Percentage of Single Tree Progenies
Authors: Caré Oliver , Gailing Oliver , Müller Markus , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Leinemann Ludger
Published: July 2020

Norway spruce differs little in neutral genetic markers among populations and provenances often reported, but in terms of putative adaptive traits and their candidate genes, some clear differences have been observed. This has previously been shown for crown morphotypes. Stands with mostly narrow crown shapes are adapted to high elevation conditions, but these stands are scattered, and the forest area is often occupied by planted stands with predominantly broad crowned morphotypes. This raises questions on whether this differentiation can remain despite gene flow, and on the level of gene flow between natural and planted stands growing in close neighbourhood. The locally adapted stands are a valuable seed source, the progeny of which is expected to have high genetic quality and germination ability. The presented case study is useful for spruce plantation by demonstrating evaluation of these expectations. Immigrant pollen and seeds from planted trees could be maladaptive and may alter the genetic composition of the progeny. This motivated us to study single tree progenies in a locally adapted stand with narrow crowned trees in a partial mast year at nuclear genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Spruce is a typical open-pollinated conifer tree species with very low selfing rates, which were also observed in our study (s = 0.3–2.1%) and could be explained by efficient cross-pollination and postzygotic early embryo abortion, common in conifers. The estimated high amount of immigrant pollen found in the pooled seed lot (70.2–91.5%) is likely to influence the genetic composition of the seedlings. Notably, for individual mother trees located in the centre of the stand, up to 50% of the pollen was characterised as local. Seeds from these trees are therefore considered to retain most of the adaptive variance of the stand. Germination percentage varied greatly between half-sib families (3.6–61.9%) and was negatively correlated with relatedness and positively with effective pollen population size of the respective families. As pollen mostly originated from outside the stand and no family structures in the stand itself were found, germination differences can likely be explained by diversity differences in the individual pollen cloud.
A Method for Selecting Strategic Deployment Opportunities for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Transportation Agencies
Authors: Hubbard Sarah , Hubbard Bryan
Published: July 2020

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are increasingly used for a variety of applications by state Departments of Transportation (DOT) and local transportation agencies due to technology advancements, lower costs, and regulatory changes that have simplified operations. There are numerous applications (e.g., bridge inspection, traffic management, incident response, construction and roadway mapping) and agencies find it challenging to prioritize which applications are most appropriate. Important factors to consider when prioritizing UAS applications include: (1) benefits, (2) ease of adoption, (3) stakeholder acceptance, and (4) technical feasibility. These factors can be evaluated utilizing various techniques such as the technology acceptance model, benefit analysis, and technology readiness level (TRL). This paper presents the methodology and results for the prioritization of UAS applications’ quality function deployment (QFD), which reflects both qualitative and quantitative components. The proposed framework can be used in the future as technologies mature, and the prioritization can be revised on a regular basis to identify future strategic implementation opportunities. Numerous transportation agencies have begun to use UAS, some have developed UAS operating policies and manuals, but there has been no documentation to support identification of the UAS applications that are most appropriate for deployment. This paper fills that gap and documents a method for identification of UAS applications for strategic deployment and illustrates the method with a case study.
Optimal Design of IPMSM for FCEV Using Novel Immune Algorithm Combined with Steepest Descent Method
Authors: Son Ji-Chang , Kang Young-Rok , Lim Dong-Kuk
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the Novel Immune Algorithm (NIA) is proposed for an optimal design of electrical machines. By coupling the conventional Immune Algorithm and Steepest Descent Method, the NIA can perform fast and exact convergence to both global solutions and local solutions. Specifically, the concept of an antibody radius is newly introduced to improve the ability to navigate full areas effectively and to find new peaks by excluding already searched areas. The validity of the NIA is confirmed by mathematical test functions with complex objective function regions. The NIA is applied to an optimal design of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor for fuel cell electric vehicles and to derive an optimum design with diminished torque ripple.
FSK-Based Energy and Signal Composite Modulation Strategy for Switched Reluctance Drive System
Authors: Li Fei , Wang Chao , Li Kecheng , Wang Xin , Yu Dongsheng , Iu Herbert H. C.
Published: July 2020

A DC-distributed power system consists of a large quantity of subsystems with power converters. The interaction among these subsystems will affect the operation performance of the whole system. Therefore, data communication plays a very important role in system control and equipment monitoring. The present study proposes a dual modulation method of power/signal based on Switched Reluctance Drive (SRD), which can transmit signals simultaneously with power conversion and can promise data communication of the system with lower cost. This proposed method uses the ripple inherent as the carrier of the signal in the power circuit and adopts Pulse width modulation (PWM)/frequency shift keying (FSK) composite modulation to realize the reverse transmission of signals from the load to the power supply. Results of simulations and experiments indicate that this new method is effective in data communication.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Energy Storage Technologies for Inertia Response and Frequency Support from Wind Farms
Authors: Beltran Hector , Harrison Sam , Egea-Àlvarez Agustí , Xu Lie
Published: July 2020

This paper provides the result of a techno-economic study of potential energy storage technologies deployable at wind farms to provide short-term ancillary services such as inertia response and frequency support. Two different scenarios are considered including a single energy storage system for the whole wind farm and individual energy storage for each wind turbine (located at either the dc or the ac side of its grid-side converter). Simulations are introduced to check the technical viability of the proposal with different control strategies. Power and energy capability requirements demanded by both specific services are defined for each studied case based on present and future grid code needs. Based on these requirements, the study compares a wide range of energy storage technologies in terms of present-day technical readiness and properties and identifies potential candidate solutions. These are flywheels, supercapacitors, and three chemistries out of the Li-ion battery family. Finally, the results of a techno-economic assessment (mainly based on weight, volume, lifetime, and industry-confirmed costings) detail the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions for the different scenarios under consideration. The main conclusion is that none of the candidates are found to be clearly superior to the others over the whole range of scenarios. Commercially available solutions have to be tailored to the different requirements depending on the amount of inertia, maximum Rate of Change of Frequency and maximum frequency deviation to be allowed.
Energy Efficiency Maximization of Two-Time-Slot and Three-Time-Slot Two-Way Relay-Assisted Device-to-Device Underlaying Cellular Networks
Authors: Huynh Van-Van , Tan-Loc Nguyen , Quoc-Phu Ma , Sevcik Lukas , Nguyen Hoang-Sy , Voznak Miroslav
Published: July 2020

The continuous development of fifth generation (5G) communication and Internet of Thing (IoT) inevitably necessitates more advanced systems that can satisfy the growing wireless data rate demand of future equipment. Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, whose performance is evaluated in terms of the overall throughput, energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE), is considered a promising solution for the aforementioned problem. Thereby, this paper aims at improving the performance of the D2D communication underlaying cellular networks operating on multiple bands by maximizing the EE in its uplink. Thanks to the stochastic geometry theory, it is possible to derive the closed-form expressions for the successful transmission probability (STP), the total average transmission rate (TATR), and the total average energy efficiency (TAEE) of cellular and D2D users in different time slot setting. Particularly investigated and compared in this study, there are one-hop, direct, D2D communication in two time slots (2TS), and multi-hop, indirect, D2D communication in three time slots (3TS) with an additional D2D user acting as a two-way relay to assist the communication. Moreover, an optimization problem is formulated to calculate the maximum TAEE of D2D users and the optimum transmission power of both the cellular and D2D users. Herein this optimization study, which is proven to be non-convex, the Quality of Service (QoS) is ensured as the STP on every link is considered. The herein approach is referred to as relay-assisted D2D communication which is capable of delivering a notably better QoS and lower transmission power for communication among distant D2D users.
Evaluation of the Effective Active Power Reserve for Fast Frequency Response of PV with BESS Inverters Considering Reactive Power Control
Authors: Garozzo Dario , Tina Giuseppe Marco
Published: July 2020

The increasing presence of distributed generation (DG) in the electrical grid determines new challenges in grid operations, especially in terms of voltage and frequency regulation. Recently, several grid codes have required photovoltaic (PV) inverters to control their reactive power output in order to provide voltage regulation services, and the allocation of a certain amount of active power reserve for fast frequency response (FFR) service during under-frequency contingencies is needed. This requirement involves a significant waste of energy for PV systems, due to the necessity to constantly operate in de-loaded mode, under normal operating conditions. In addition, the variability of the irradiance can affect the correct amount of active power reserve that the system can provide in the moments after an under-frequency occurrence. The increasing number of battery energy storage systems (BESSs), coupled to PV systems, can be used to provide a worthy contribution to this frequency regulation service. The aim of this paper is to analyze the efficiency of active power reserve provided by a BESS connected to the DC bus of a non-ideal grid-connected PV inverter, taking into account the impact of reactive power control. For this purpose, the contribution of BESSs to frequency regulation is discussed and, starting from an existing model of real inverter, an analytical formulation for active power reserve evaluation is presented. Results concerning the impact of reactive power control are also given. Finally, the possibility for a low voltage (LV) grid with aggregated PV systems and BESSs to contribute to grid active power reserve is considered. Different voltage control strategies are compared, defining a helpful new parameter.
A Mathematical Solution for Calculating the Springback of Laminated Beech Stacks Molded within the Elastic Range
Authors: Sanne Moritz , Ahn-Ercan Gudrun , Pfriem Alexander
Published: July 2020

The springback effect in molded wood laminations within the elastic range has, to date, not yet been mathematically described. Once cured, residual internal stresses within the laminations cause the final form to deviate from that of the die. Test pieces of beech laminations of 1 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm thicknesses and stack sizes of between 2 and 16 laminations were used. The elasticity value of each stack was obtained using non-glued laminations in a three-point bending test within the elastic region. The laminations were glued with polyurethane resin and mounted in a radius form die. The stress induced by the die onto the stack is within the elastic region of the material without any prior chemical or physical plasticisation of the wood. After curing was complete and the laminations removed from the die, the actual radius was calculated using a circular equation within the CAD program, using three measurement points taken from the stack. The radius of the die within the limits of this study has a negligible effect when predicting the springback of the stack. The exponential correlation between springback and the number of laminations, was used to calculate the springback effect on molded laminated stacks.
A Review of Data Cleaning Approaches in a Hydrographic Framework with a Focus on Bathymetric Multibeam Echosounder Datasets
Authors: Le Deunf Julian , Debese Nathalie , Schmitt Thierry , Billot Romain
Published: July 2020

Automatic cleaning of MultiBeam EchoSounder (MBES) bathymetric datasets is a critical issue in data processing especially with the objective of nautical charting. A number of approaches have already been investigated in order to provide solution in views of operationally reaching this still challenging problem. This paper aims at providing a comprehensive and structured overview of existing contributions in the literature. For this purpose, a taxonomy is proposed to categorize the whole set of automatic and semi-automatic methods addressing MBES data cleaning. The non-supervised algorithms that compose the majority of the methods developed in the hydrographic field, are mainly described according to both the features of the bathymetric data and the type of outliers to detect. Based on this detailed review, past and future developments are discussed in light of both implementation and test on datasets and metrics used for performances assessment.
Alterations in Serum-Free Amino Acid Profiles in Childhood Asthma
Authors: Matysiak Joanna , Klupczynska Agnieszka , Packi Kacper , Mackowiak-Jakubowska Anna , Bręborowicz Anna , Pawlicka Olga , Olejniczak Katarzyna , Kokot Zenon J. , Matysiak Jan
Published: July 2020

Asthma often begins in childhood, although making an early diagnosis is difficult. Clinical manifestations, the exclusion of other causes of bronchial obstruction, and responsiveness to anti-inflammatory therapy are the main tool of diagnosis. However, novel, precise, and functional biochemical markers are needed in the differentiation of asthma phenotypes, endotypes, and creating personalized therapy. The aim of the study was to search for metabolomic-based asthma biomarkers among free amino acids (AAs). A wide panel of serum-free AAs in asthmatic children, covering both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic AAs, were analyzed. The examination included two groups of individuals between 3 and 18 years old: asthmatic children and the control group consisted of children with neither asthma nor allergies. High-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS technique) was used for AA measurements. The data were analyzed by applying uni- and multivariate statistical tests. The obtained results indicate the decreased serum concentration of taurine, L-valine, DL-β-aminoisobutyric acid, and increased levels of ƴ-amino-n-butyric acid and L-arginine in asthmatic children when compared to controls. The altered concentration of these AAs can testify to their role in the pathogenesis of childhood asthma. The authors’ results should contribute to the future introduction of new diagnostic markers into clinical practice.
A Prospective Analysis of Health Information Portals in Four Years
Authors: Choi Hanna , Lee Soo-Kyoung
Published: July 2020

Objectives: We examined 17 health information portals to determine the status of web-based health information services in the United States (USA), South Korea, the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia. Methods: We analyzed longitudinal trends in 35 items of online health information over four years among representative health information portals (eight based in the USA, seven in South Korea, one in the UK, and one in Australia), focusing on external portal structure, content scope, service characteristic, and service function with four stakeholder groups of six stakeholders. Results: The most notable change was in the service items, and overall, in 44.1% of total items: 17.6% in service characteristic, 41.2% in external portal structure, 58.8% in service function, and 58.8% in content scope change. More specifically, these changes included increases in the “mobile application utility” (service function), “use of personal health records” on public health portals (content scope change), “Charts and videos” (service characteristic), and “renewal date” (external portal structure). Conclusions: This review of existing health portals will be a footnote for enabling health care providers to confirm whether the needs of consumers are reflected on their website with high reliability. Furthermore, these findings will help to enhance the quality of portals by delivering relevant information to stakeholders and to the consumers of online health information.
Health, Functional and Nutritional Determinants of Falls Experienced in the Previous Year—A Cross-Sectional Study in a Geriatric Ward
Authors: Magnuszewski Lukasz , Swietek Marta , Kasiukiewicz Agnieszka , Kuprjanowicz Bartlomiej , Baczek Jan , Beata Wojszel Zyta
Published: July 2020

Falls are a serious health problem in older adults. A limited number of studies assessed their multifactorial nature in geriatric ward patients. The aim of this study is to explore health, functional and nutritional correlates of experiencing fall(s) in the previous year by older inpatients. A cross-sectional study of patients admitted to the department of geriatrics was conducted. A “faller status” was defined based on positive history of falls in the previous 12 months. Health, functional and nutritional factors associated with falls were evaluated, and multivariable logistic regression analysis models were built. A total of 358 patients (median age 82 (IQR 76–86) years, 77.9% women) were recruited, 43.9% of whom reported falls. The “fallers” presented with a significantly higher number of chronic diseases, higher prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, peripheral arterial disease, chronic osteoarthritis, more frequently reported urinary incontinence and were dependent on others for daily living activities. They had significantly worse results for the assessment of gait, balance and frailty status. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form scores and the mean value of serum albumin were significantly lower in the fallers’ group. Parkinson’s disease (OR = 2.82, CI—1.07–7.45; p = 0.04) and osteoarthritis (OR = 2.08, CI—1.02–4.23; p = 0.04) were the main variables for the outcome prediction, according to the direct multivariable logistic regression analysis. Our findings suggest that Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis are the main predictors independently associated with a history of falls in patients admitted to the geriatric ward, although the influence of some factors may be underestimated due to the tendency of not taking the history of falls in very frail, functionally dependent and bedridden individuals.
Students’ Trait Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Teacher Emotional Support in Preventing Burnout: The Moderating Role of Academic Anxiety
Authors: Romano Luciano , Tang Xin , Hietajärvi Lauri , Salmela-Aro Katariina , Fiorilli Caterina
Published: July 2020

The current study sought to investigate the role of trait emotional intelligence and perceived teacher emotional support in school burnout. Furthermore, the moderating role of academic anxiety in these relationships was examined. A sample of 493 Italian high school students (81.9% female) aged 14–19 years (M = 16.27, SD = 1.48) was involved in the study. A latent moderated structural equation approach was performed to test the hypothesized model. The results showed that both trait emotional intelligence and perceived teacher emotional support were negatively associated with school burnout. Moreover, academic anxiety moderated the relation between perceived teacher emotional support and school burnout. Specifically, when the level of anxiety was high, the protective role of perceived teacher emotional support toward burnout was weakened. Findings are discussed in light of the protective role of resources on burnout and considering the detrimental impact of academic anxiety in school settings.
Real-World Goal Setting and Use of Outcome Measures According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: A European Survey of Physical Therapy Practice in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Řasová Kamila , Martinková Patrícia , Soler Bernadita , Freeman Jenny , Cattaneo Davide , Jonsdottir Johanna , Smedal Tori , Romberg Anders , Henze Thomas , Santoyo-Medina Carme , Feys Peter
Published: July 2020

Goal setting is a core component of physical therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unknown whether and to what extent goals are set at different levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and whether, and to which, standardized outcome measures are used in real life for evaluation at the different ICF levels. Our aim was to describe the real-world use of goal setting and outcome measures in Europe. An online cross-sectional survey, completed by 212 physical therapists (PTs) specialized in MS from 26 European countries, was conducted. Differences between European regions and relationships between goals and assessments were analyzed. PTs regularly set goals, but did not always apply the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed (SMART) criteria. Regions did not differ in the range of activities assessed, but in goals set (e.g., Western and Northern regions set significantly more goals regarding leisure and work) and outcome measures used (e.g., the Berg Balance Scale was more frequently used in Northern regions). Quality of life was not routinely assessed, despite being viewed as an important therapy goal. Discrepancies existed both in goal setting and assessment across European regions. ICF assists in understanding these discrepancies and in guiding improved health-care for the future.
Improvement of Attention in Elementary School Students through Fixation Focus Training Activity
Authors: Lai Yi-Jung , Chang Kang-Ming
Published: July 2020

The attentional problems of school children are a crucial topic due to abundant information in this digital era. There are five attention dimensions for children: focused attention, sustained attention, selective attention, alternating attention, and divided attention. Focused training is a traditional method of improving attention ability. Subjects are required to focus on a fixed point for an extensive period without blinking and to perceive small objects as large. This study investigates which types of attention indicators are influenced by focus training. Eighty-two grade five and six elementary school students (45 experiment group, 37 control group) were involved. The experiment group underwent focus training for 12 weeks. The training was conducted once per week, and the Attention Scales for Elementary School Children were used before and after the training to examine the children’s attention. The percentile rank scores of five attention dimensions and the total attention scale were evaluated. The results gave difference data, defined as post-test results minus the pretest results, where significant differences occurred for the total scale (p < 0.05), focused attention (p < 0.05), and selective attention (p < 0.01). Participants also noted that the training helped them improve concentration during school lessons (54.15%), fall asleep (29.1%), and relax the body (8.4%).
Factors Influencing College Students’ Mental Health Promotion: The Mediating Effect of Online Mental Health Information Seeking
Authors: Chen Wenen , Zheng Qian , Liang Changyong , Xie Yuguang , Gu Dongxiao
Published: July 2020

For college students, mental health is an important factor in ensuring their ability to study and have a normal life. This research focuses on factors affecting the mental health of college students in the information network society. We constructed a theoretical model that influences their online mental health information seeking behavior from internal and external perspectives, and by extension, affects their mental health. Through the data obtained by field research and questionnaire survey on the online mental health information seeking behavior of some college students in Internet health information platforms, a structural equation model is used to test the hypotheses. Results show that the quality of external Internet platforms and the quality of internal electronic health literacy have a significantly positive impact on the online health information searching behavior of college students; electronic health literacy and online mental health information seeking behavior have significantly direct positive effects on college students’ mental health. Further, online health information searching behavior has a significant mediating effect between Internet platform quality, electronic health literacy, and college students’ mental health. The research conclusions have theoretical value and practical significance to study the factors influencing college students’ mental health in the context of information network society.
Digital Technologies-Enabled Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Lessons Learnt from a Pandemic
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: July 2020

The “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2” (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the infectious agent responsible for the generally mild but sometimes life-threatening communicable disease known as “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) [...]
Associating Gait Phase and Physical Fitness with Global Cognitive Function in the Aged
Authors: Noh Byungjoo , Youm Changhong , Lee Myeounggon , Park Hwayoung
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to identify classifier variables by considering both gait and physical fitness for identifying adults aged over 75 years and global cognitive function declines in older adults. The participants included 735 adults aged 65–89 years who were asked to walk at three different speeds (slower, preferred, and faster) while wearing inertial measurement units embedded in shoe-type data loggers and to perform nine physical fitness tests. The variability in the stance phase as well as the strength, balance, and functional endurance showed a strong dependence on the age being over 75 years. The cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination; a longer stance phase at a slower walking speed and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand were associated with cognitive function. These findings may be useful for determining the decline in physical performance of older adults. A longer stance phase and decreased grip strength and five times sit-to-stand may be factors that help distinguish declines in cognitive function from normal age-related declines.
The Specific IKKε/TBK1 Inhibitor Amlexanox Suppresses Human Melanoma by the Inhibition of Autophagy, NF-κB and MAP Kinase Pathways
Authors: Möller Moritz , Wasel Julia , Schmetzer Julia , Weiß Ulrike , Meissner Markus , Schiffmann Susanne , Weigert Andreas , Möser Christine V. , Niederberger Ellen
Published: July 2020

Inhibitor-kappaB kinase epsilon (IKKε) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) are non-canonical IκB kinases, both described as contributors to tumor growth and metastasis in different cancer types. Several hints indicate that they are also involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma; however, the impact of their inhibition as a potential therapeutic measure in this “difficult-to-treat” cancer type has not been investigated so far. We assessed IKKε and TBK1 expression in human malignant melanoma cells, primary tumors and the metastasis of melanoma patients. Both kinases were expressed in the primary tumor and in metastasis and showed a significant overexpression in tumor cells in comparison to melanocytes. The pharmacological inhibition of IKKε/TBK1 by the approved drug amlexanox reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Amlexanox did not affect the cell cycle progression nor apoptosis induction but significantly suppressed autophagy in melanoma cells. The analysis of potential functional downstream targets revealed that NF-кB and ERK pathways might be involved in kinase-mediated effects. In an in vivo xenograft model in nude mice, amlexanox treatment significantly reduced tumor growth. In conclusion, amlexanox was able to suppress tumor progression potentially by the inhibition of autophagy as well as NF-кB and MAP kinase pathways and might therefore constitute a promising candidate for melanoma therapy.
Lymphocystis Disease Virus (Iridoviridae) Enters Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Gill Cells via a Caveolae-Mediated Endocytosis Mechanism Facilitated by Viral Receptors
Authors: Sheng Xiuzhen , Zhong Ying , Zeng Jing , Tang Xiaoqian , Xing Jing , Chi Heng , Zhan Wenbin
Published: July 2020

In previous research, voltage-dependent anion channel protein 2 (VDAC2) and the receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1) in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were confirmed as functional receptors for lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) entry; however, the underlying mechanism of VDAC2- and RACK1-mediated LCDV entry remains unclear. In this study, we elucidated the endocytosis pathway of LCDV entry into flounder gill (FG) cells by treatment with specific inhibitory agents, siRNAs, and co-localization analysis. LCDV entry was significantly inhibited by the disruption of caveolae-mediated endocytosis, dynamin, and microtubules, and the knockdown of caveoline-1 and dynamin expression, but was not inhibited by the disruption of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, micropinocytosis, or low-pH conditions. The disruption of caveolae-mediated and clathrin-mediated endocytosis was verified by the internalization of cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) and transferrin, respectively. Confocal immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that LCDV was co-localized with VDAC2 and RACK1, CTB was co-localized with VDAC2 and RACK1 and partially with LCDV, but transferrin was not co-localized with LCDV, VDAC2, or RACK1, indicating that LCDV utilized the same pathway as CTB, i.e., caveolae-mediated endocytosis. This was different from the pathway of transferrin, which used clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, caveolin-1 was co-localized with LCDV, VDAC2, and RACK1, suggesting that caveolin-1 was involved in LCDV entry. These results revealed for the first time that LCDV entered into FG cells via caveolae-mediated endocytosis facilitated by VDAC2 and RACK1 receptors, relying on dynamin and microtubules in a pH-independent manner, which provided new insight into the molecular mechanisms of LCDV entry and potential for the development of antiviral agents, expanding our understanding of iridovirus infection.
Clinical Assessment, Genetics, and Treatment Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Genovese Ann , Butler Merlin G.
Published: July 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a genetically heterogenous group of neurobehavioral disorders characterized by impairment in three behavioral domains including communication, social interaction, and stereotypic repetitive behaviors. ASD affects more than 1% of children in Western societies, with diagnoses on the rise due to improved recognition, screening, clinical assessment, and diagnostic testing. We reviewed the role of genetic and metabolic factors which contribute to the causation of ASD with the use of new genetic technology. Up to 40 percent of individuals with ASD are now diagnosed with genetic syndromes or have chromosomal abnormalities including small DNA deletions or duplications, single gene conditions, or gene variants and metabolic disturbances with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the heritability estimate for ASD is between 70 and 90%, there is a lower molecular diagnostic yield than anticipated. A likely explanation may relate to multifactorial causation with etiological heterogeneity and hundreds of genes involved with a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics and capabilities to identify causative genes and their variants for ASD. Behavioral and psychiatric correlates, diagnosis and genetic evaluation with testing are discussed along with psychiatric treatment approaches and pharmacogenetics for selection of medication to treat challenging behaviors or comorbidities commonly seen in ASD. We emphasize prioritizing treatment based on targeted symptoms for individuals with ASD, as treatment will vary from patient to patient based on diagnosis, comorbidities, causation, and symptom severity.
Interleukin Gene Variability and Periodontal Bacteria in Patients with Generalized Aggressive Form of Periodontitis
Authors: Borilova Linhartova Petra , Danek Zdenek , Deissova Tereza , Hromcik Filip , Lipovy Bretislav , Szaraz David , Janos Julius , Fassmann Antonin , Bartova Jirina , Drizhal Ivo , Izakovicova Holla Lydie
Published: July 2020

Host genetic predispositions to dysregulated immune response can influence the development of the aggressive form of periodontitis (AgP) through susceptibility to oral dysbiosis and subsequent host-microbe interaction. This case-control study aimed to perform a multilocus analysis of functional variants in selected interleukin (IL) genes in patients with the generalized form of AgP in a homogenous population. Twelve polymorphisms in IL-1 gene cluster, IL-6 and its receptor, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-18 were determined in 91 AgP patients and 210 controls. Analysis of seven selected periodontal bacteria in subgingival sulci/pockets was performed with a commercial DNA-microarray kit in a subgroup of 76 individuals. The pilot in vitro study included stimulation of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) from 20 individuals with periodontal bacteria and measurement of IL-10 levels using the Luminex method. Only the unctional polymorphism IL-10 −1087 A/G (rs1800896) and specific IL-10 haplotypes were associated with the development of the disease (p < 0.05, Pcorr > 0.05). Four bacterial species occurred more frequently in AgP than in controls (p < 0.01, Pcorr < 0.05). Elevated IL-10 levels were found in AgP patients, carriers of IL-10 −1087GG genotype, and PBMCs stimulated by periodontal bacteria (p < 0.05, Pcorr > 0.05). We therefore conclude that a combination of genetic predisposition to the altered expression of IL-10 and the presence of specific periodontal bacteria may contribute to Th1/Th2 balance disruption and AgP development.
Hotspots in Plasmodium and RBC Receptor-Ligand Interactions: Key Pieces for Inhibiting Malarial Parasite Invasion
Authors: Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Molina-Franky Jessica , Gómez Marcela , Arévalo-Pinzón Gabriela , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin
Published: July 2020

Protein-protein interactions (IPP) play an essential role in practically all biological processes, including those related to microorganism invasion of their host cells. It has been found that a broad repertoire of receptor-ligand interactions takes place in the binding interphase with host cells in malaria, these being vital interactions for successful parasite invasion. Several trials have been conducted for elucidating the molecular interface of interactions between some Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigens with receptors on erythrocytes and/or reticulocytes. Structural information concerning these complexes is available; however, deeper analysis is required for correlating structural, functional (binding, invasion, and inhibition), and polymorphism data for elucidating new interaction hotspots to which malaria control methods can be directed. This review describes and discusses recent structural and functional details regarding three relevant interactions during erythrocyte invasion: Duffy-binding protein 1 (DBP1)–Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC); reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRh5)-basigin, and erythrocyte binding antigen 175 (EBA175)-glycophorin A (GPA).
Gene Expression Analysis and Metabolite Profiling of Silymarin Biosynthesis during Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) Fruit Ripening
Authors: Drouet Samantha , Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Lainé Éric , Hano Christophe
Published: July 2020

Mature fruits (i.e., achenes) of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Asteraceae) accumulate high amounts of silymarin (SILM), a complex mixture of bioactive flavonolignans deriving from taxifolin. Their biological activities in relation with human health promotion and disease prevention are well described. However, the conditions of their biosynthesis in planta are still obscure. To fill this gap, fruit development stages were first precisely defined to study the accumulation kinetics of SILM constituents during fruit ripening. The accumulation profiles of the SILM components during fruit maturation were determined using the LC-MS analysis of these defined developmental phases. The kinetics of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS) and peroxidase (POX) activities suggest in situ biosynthesis of SILM from l-Phenylalanine during fruit maturation rather than a transport of precursors to the achene. In particular, in contrast to laccase activity, POX activity was associated with the accumulation of silymarin, thus indicating a possible preferential involvement of peroxidase(s) in the oxidative coupling step leading to flavonolignans. Reference genes have been identified, selected and validated to allow accurate gene expression profiling of candidate biosynthetic genes (PAL, CAD, CHS, F3H, F3’H and POX) related to SILM accumulation. Gene expression profiles were correlated with SILM accumulation kinetic and preferential location in pericarp during S. marianum fruit maturation, reaching maximum biosynthesis when desiccation occurs, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of an in situ biosynthesis. This observation led us to consider the involvement of abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone in the control of fruit ripening process. ABA accumulation timing and location during milk thistle fruit ripening appeared in line with a potential regulation of the SLIM accumulation. A possible transcriptional regulation of SILM biosynthesis by ABA was supported by the presence of ABA-responsive cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of the SILM biosynthetic genes studied. These results pave the way for a better understanding of the biosynthetic regulation of SILM during the maturation of S. marianum fruit and offer important insights to better control the production of these medicinally important compounds.