bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Perceptions of Estonian Teachers’ Data Use in School Development
Authors: Rääk Katrin , Eisenschmidt Eve , Tammets Kairit
Published: May 2021

Educational data use practices have a positive impact on evidence-driven school development. Although schools have an abundance of data available to make evidence-driven decisions, it might not be used to its full potential. This paper aimed to explore Estonian teachers’ perceptions of data use that support evidence-driven school development. In this qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 teachers from six different schools. Data were analyzed deductively using a qualitative content analysis. The findings led to two themes, school level and teacher-level factors, that affected the perceptions and practices of data use for evidence. Collaboration was emphasized by both these factors. The results revealed that teachers did not see much interplay between the data they collected and used in their own classrooms for improving teaching and the data used at school-level developments. They evaluated their own data literacy skills as low. Researched schools did not have a systematic approach to data use, and teachers were left without support regarding how to use data and create meaning concerning data school development processes.
Real-Time Fault Diagnosis and Fault-Tolerant Control Strategy for Hall Sensors in Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor Drives
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhao Yiyun , Lin Hui , Riaz Saleem , Elahi Hassan
Published: May 2021

The Hall sensor is the most commonly used position sensor of the permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motor. Its failure may lead to a decrease in system reliability. Hence, this article proposes a novel methodology for the Hall sensors fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control in PMBLDC motor drives. Initially, the Hall sensor faults are analyzed and classified into three fault types. Taking the Hall signal as the system state and the conducted MOSFETs as the system event, the extended finite state machine (EFSM) of the motor in operation is established. Meanwhile, a motor speed observer based on the super twisting algorithm (STA) is designed to obtain the speed signal of the proposed strategy. On this basis, a real-time Hall sensor fault diagnosis strategy is established by combining the EFSM and the STA speed observer. Moreover, this article proposes a Hall signal reconstruction strategy, which can generate compensated Hall signal to realize fault-tolerant control under single or double Hall sensor faults. Finally, theoretical analysis and experimental results validate the superior effectiveness of the proposed real-time fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control strategy.
Compact Wideband Coplanar Stripline-to-Microstrip Line Transition Using a Bended Structure on a Two-Layered Substrate
Authors: Lee Gwan Hui , Mohyuddin Wahab , Kumar Sachin , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: May 2021

A design of a compact coplanar strip (CPS)-to-microstrip line (MSL) transition using a bended structure on a two-layered substrate is presented. The proposed transition consists of a CPS taper and a bended CPS-to-MSL transition on a two-layered substrate. The CPS taper is formed on the lower substrate with low permittivity (εr = 3.38), and the bended CPS-to-MSL transition is formed on the upper substrate with high permittivity (εr = 10.2). The proposed transition is designed with analytical formulas obtained by applying EM-based conformal mapping without parametric tuning trials. The conductor shape of the bended CPS-to-MSL transition is adjusted to form an optimal Klopfenstein impedance taper. The proposed CPS-to-MSL transition optimally connects between a high impedance CPS line (~160 Ω) and a 50 Ω MSL, which typically results in a long transition length for ultra-wideband performance. The implemented transition bended in a sinusoid shape on the two-layered substrate provides good performance from 2 GHz to 17 GHz with the maximum 2 dB insertion loss per transition, and the horizontal length of the bended transition is reduced to 42.9% of the straight transition length. This bended transition is developed for use in mm-wave balanced antenna/detector feeds but can be applied to a variety of wideband balanced circuit modules, where compact circuit size is critical.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Propulsion Systems for Heavy-Duty Transport Applications
Authors: Simons Sam , Azimov Ulugbek
Published: May 2021

To meet climate change challenges, the UK government is aiming to reach zero emissions by 2050. The heavy-duty transportation sector contributes 17% to the UKs total emissions, so to combat this, alternative power units to traditional fossil fuel-reliant internal combustion engines (ICEs) are being utilized and investigated. Hydrogen fuel cells are a key area of interest to try and reduce these transportation emissions. To gain a true view of the impact that hydrogen fuel cells can have, this study looks at the impact the manufacturing of a fuel cell has upon the environment, from material extraction through to the usage phase. This was done through the use of a lifecycle assessment following ISO 14040 standards, with hydrogen systems being compared to alternative systems. This study has found that whilst fuel cells depend upon energy intensive materials for their construction, it is possible to reduce emissions by 34–87% compared to ICE systems, depending upon the source of hydrogen used. This study shows that hydrogen fuel cells are a viable option for heavy-duty transport that can be utilized to meet the target emissions reduction level by 2050.
Implementation and Simulation of Real Load Shifting Scenarios Based on a Flexibility Price Market Strategy—The Italian Residential Sector as a Case Study
Authors: Mancini Francesco , Cimaglia Jacopo , Lo Basso Gianluigi , Romano Sabrina
Published: May 2021

This work aims to evaluate the Flexibility Potential that a residential household can effectively provide to the public grid for participating in a Demand Response activity. In detail, by using 14 dwellings electrical data collection, an algorithm to simulate the Load Shifting activity over the daytime is implemented. That algorithm is applied to different scenarios having considered the addition of several technical constraints on the end users’ devices. In such a way, more realistic demand-side management actions are implemented in order to assess the Flexibility Potential deriving from the loads shifting. Basically, by performing simulations it is possible to investigate how the household appliances real operating conditions can reduce the theoretical Flexibility Potential extent. Starting from a Flexibility Price-Market-based Strategy, this work simulates the shifting over the day and night-time of some flexible loads, i.e., the shiftable and the storable ones. Specifically, all instants where load curtailments and enhancements occur over the typical day, the flexibility strategy effectiveness in terms of percentage, the power and energy that are potentially flexible, are evaluated. All the simulations are performed only for residential consumers to evaluate the actual dwellings Flexibility Potential in the absence of any electrical storage and production systems. The outcomes of these simulations show an average Theoretical Flexibility reduction, which is calculated as the fraction of appliances’ cycles shifting over the total ones, equal to 53%, instead of 66%; in a single dwelling, a maximum variation equal to 29% has been registered. In the end, the monthly average shifted energy per dwellings decreases from 27 to 18 kWh, entailing 32.5% off.
Inverse Problem for a Two-Dimensional Anomalous Diffusion Equation with a Fractional Derivative of the Riemann–Liouville Type
Authors: Brociek Rafał , Wajda Agata , Słota Damian
Published: May 2021

The article presents a method for solving the inverse problem of a two-dimensional anomalous diffusion equation with a Riemann–Liouville fractional-order derivative. In the first part of the present study, the authors present a numerical solution of the direct problem. For this purpose, a differential scheme was developed based on the alternating direction implicit method. The presented method was accompanied by examples illustrating its accuracy. The second part of the study concerned the inverse problem of recreating the model parameters, including the orders of the fractional derivative, in the anomalous diffusion equation. Equations of this type can be used to describe, inter alia, the heat conductivity in porous materials. The ant colony optimization algorithm was used to solve this problem. The authors investigated the impact of the distribution of measurement points, the use of different mesh sizes, and the input data errors on the obtained results.
Short-Term Forecasting of Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on Feature Selection and Bias Compensation–LSTM Network
Authors: Tao Cai , Lu Junjie , Lang Jianxun , Peng Xiaosheng , Cheng Kai , Duan Shanxu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a hybrid model that considers both accuracy and efficiency is proposed to predict photovoltaic (PV) power generation. To achieve this, improved forward feature selection is applied to obtain the optimal feature set, which aims to remove redundant information and obtain related features, resulting in a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy and efficiency. The prediction error is irregularly distributed. Thus, a bias compensation–long short-term memory (BC–LSTM) network is proposed to minimize the prediction error. The experimental results show that the new feature selection method can improve the prediction accuracy by 0.6% and the calculation efficiency by 20% compared to using feature importance identification based on LightGBM. The BC–LSTM network can improve accuracy by 0.3% using about twice the time compared with the LSTM network, and the hybrid model can further improve prediction accuracy and efficiency based on the BC–LSTM network.
Analysis of Low-Power Boilers Work on Real Heat Loads: A Case of Poland
Authors: Ciupek Bartosz , Judt Wojciech , Gołoś Karol , Urbaniak Rafał
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the methods of determination of the actual operation of solid fuel heating boilers in Poland. The analysis was based on an average annual distribution of the actual power outputs of the solid fuel heating boilers operated in four selected locations in Poland. Based on said data, three characteristic percent shares have been estimated of the nominal power outputs, at which the heating boilers in Poland operate throughout the year (divided into four characteristic portions—the seasons of the year). Additionally, for the analysis, the authors took into account the average annual temperature amplitude and the annual air quality information for the discussed locations and analyzed 30 solid fuel heating boilers in terms of their performance in the laboratory certification tests. In the final stage of the investigations, the authors initiated laboratory tests on the application of the combustion quality analyzers and their potential benefits.
Sustainable Investment—A Solution to Reduce Environmental Footprint
Authors: Biekša Kęstutis , Zonienė Aurelija , Valiulė Violeta
Published: May 2021

The environmental footprint (EF) indicator has emerged as a tool to measure human demand for productive land and water and it is used for the evaluation of the impact of products or economic activities on the environment. There are many indicators that are used in the decision making for the investment in the power sector, however, predominant are the economic indicators which underestimate the depreciation of natural capital (environment) and the value added generated by the public services. Many research studies have been carried out in an attempt to demonstrate the versatility of the EF by extending its applicability not only to environmental assessment, but also to use it, among other economic indicators, when assessing sustainable investment. Sustainable investment (SI) combines fundamental analysis and engagement with an evaluation of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors. The purpose of this article is, upon evaluating the EF, to identify the opportunities for the EF reduction through sustainable investment in the electricity production sector in EU countries. Environmental footprint analysis has been performed by using sustainable process index program SPIonExcel (SPI), which is one of the methods in the EF family. SPI is a useful tool for assessing ecological problems and finding sustainable solutions in the life cycle of energy production process. This research has revealed that the function of the footprint reduction depends directly on investments in renewable energy source (RES) technologies, but not all investments can be sustainable. Countries mainly invest in the development of wind energy and solar PV technologies and gradually reduce their inland production capacities from fossil fuel. Although SI in RES technologies reduces the EF, this is not enough to reduce it substantially because there are limitations for installing new power capacities. Consequently, countries tend to invest in the development of electricity networks. The conclusion can be drawn as follows: the reduction of the EF of electricity could be achieved by developing RES technologies since the major part of electricity is produced by using non-renewable resources. It is essential to develop new technologies as soon as possible in order to reduce EF as much as possible, and this can only be achieved through systematic sustainable investment.
Field Performances of Mediterranean Oaks in Replicate Common Gardens for Future Reforestation under Climate Change in Central and Southern Europe: First Results from a Four-Year Study
Authors: Bantis Filippos , Graap Julia , Früchtenicht Elena , Bussotti Filippo , Radoglou Kalliopi , Brüggemann Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Climate change imposes severe stress on European forests, with forest degradation already visible in several parts of Europe. Thus adaptation of forestry applications in Mediterranean areas and central Europe is necessary. Proactive forestry management may include the planting of Mediterranean oak species in oak-bearing Central European regions. Five replicate common gardens of Greek and Italian provenances of Quercus ilex, Q. pubescens and Q. frainetto seedlings (210 each per plantation) were established in Central Italy, NE Greece (two) and Southern Germany (two, including Q. robur) to assess their performance under different climate conditions. Climate and soil data of the plantation sites are given and seedling establishment was monitored for survival and morphological parameters. After 3 years (2019) survival rates were satisfactory in the German and Italian sites, whereas the Greek sites exerted extremely harsh conditions for the seedlings, including extreme frost and drought events. In Germany, seedlings suffered extreme heat and drought periods in 2018 and 2019 but responded well. Provenances were ranked for each country for their performance after plantation. In Greece and Italy, Q. pubescens was the best performing species. In Germany, Q. pubescens and Q. robur performed best. We suggest that Greek or Italian provenances of Q. pubescens may be effectively used for future forestation purposes in Central Europe. For the establishment of Quercus plantations in Northern Greece, irrigation appears to be a crucial factor in seedling establishment.
Effect of Adding Resistant Maltodextrin to Pasteurized Orange Juice on Bioactive Compounds and Their Bioaccessibility
Authors: Arilla Elías , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier , Codoñer-Franch Pilar , Igual Marta
Published: May 2021

Resistant maltodextrin (RMD) is a water-soluble and fermentable functional fiber. RMD is a satiating prebiotic, reducer of glucose and triglycerides in the blood, and promoter of good gut health, and its addition to food is increasingly frequent. Therefore, it is necessary to study its potential effects on intrinsic bioactive compounds of food and their bioaccessibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding RMD on the bioactive compounds of pasteurized orange juice with and without pulp, and the bioaccessibility of such compounds. RMD was added at different concentrations: 0 (control sample), 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%. Ascorbic acid (AA) and vitamin C were analyzed using HPLC, whereas total phenols, total carotenoids (TC), and antioxidant capacity were measured using spectrophotometry. After that, sample in vitro digestibility was assessed using the standardized static in vitro digestion method. The control orange juice with pulp presented significantly higher values of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than the control orange juice without pulp (p < 0.05). RMD addition before the juice pasteurization process significantly protected all bioactive compounds, namely total phenols, TC, AA, and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant capacity (AC) (p < 0.05). Moreover, this bioactive compound protective effect was higher when higher RMD concentrations were added. However, RMD addition improved phenols and vitamin C bioaccessibility but decreased TC and AA bioaccessibility. Therefore, the AC value of samples after gastrointestinal digestion was slightly decreased by RMD addition. Moreover, orange pulp presence decreased total phenols and TC bioaccessibility but increased AA and vitamin C bioaccessibility.
Dyadic Interviews versus In-Depth Individual Interviews in Exploring Food Choices of Norwegian Older Adults: A Comparison of Two Qualitative Methods
Authors: Kvalsvik Fifi , Øgaard Torvald
Published: May 2021

The term “dyadic interview” refers to interviewing two participants together. Although there has been an increase in the use of dyadic interviews as a data collection method in qualitative studies, the literature on the use of this method with older adults is limited. This study was designed to explore the suitability of dyadic interviews as a method of data collection among older adults living at home. The study involved a direct comparison of the data obtained from dyadic interviews and in-depth individual interviews concerning older adults’ food choices. The study sample consisted of eight dyads for the dyadic interviews and six participants for the in-depth individual interviews. The dyads were composed of pairs who share a pre-existing relationship as well as pairs of strangers. We also discussed the role of participant selection and pairing in dyadic interviewing and how the interactions between the dyads may affect the result. Our results indicated that dyadic interviews can be used as an important data collection tool for home-living older adults, particularly when exploring a topic that often involves a dyadic decision. Our findings can be useful for researchers to make a more informed choice when choosing qualitative data collection methods, particularly when interviewing older people.
Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification on the Emulsifying and Rheological Properties of Myofibrillar Protein Stabilized Pork Fat Emulsions
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhang Jian , Yin Yantao , Zhang Wangang , Yang Yuling
Published: May 2021

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-assisted emulsification on the emulsifying and rheological properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) pork fat emulsions under different protein/fat ratios. Changes in emulsion profile, confocal laser scanning microscope images, cryo-scanning microscope images, particle size, protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl groups were determined. Ultrasound significantly increased the emulsifying activity, the emulsifying stability and the flow index for all emulsions, while it decreased the viscosity coefficient of emulsions except for the treatment of protein/fat ratio of 1:15. The results showed that sonication reduced the particle size of the fat particles and evenly distributed the emulsion droplets. Sonication moved the distribution curve of droplet size to the smaller particle size direction and decreased the D3,2 and D4,3 values of emulsion. Sonication resulted in increased bindings between protein hydrophobic groups and fat particles. After ultrasound treatment, more sulfhydryl groups were exposed to aqueous solution, which might decrease the protein solubility in aqueous solution. Ultrasound-assisted emulsification could directly enhance the emulsifying and rheological properties of MP-stabilized pork fat emulsions at different protein/fat ratios, in particular at the ratio of 1:10.
Surveying Therapists on Seating Approaches for Patients with Muscular Dystrophy in Japan
Authors: Fujita Hitomi , Tsukada Atsushi , Ohura Tomoko
Published: May 2021

Patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) need fitted wheelchairs. This study aimed to ascertain physiotherapists and occupational therapists’ opinions about the current wheelchair seating process for patients with MD in Japan. We identified 266 academic papers published between August 2014 and July 2019 with the keywords “muscular dystrophy” and either “physiotherapy” or “occupational therapy.” We then sent survey requests to 140 physiotherapists and occupational therapists (who were among the authors of the aforementioned papers), of whom 41 agreed to partake in this study. We found that the time required for each seating was 30–60 min for three types of MD, and the most commonly reported time to trial fitting was 1–3 months. In addition, health insurance reimbursements for seating were considered part of disease-specific rehabilitation in most cases, and most therapists were more or less satisfied with the current seating procedure. Physiotherapists had the highest degree of reflection of their views (wishes) regarding seating, followed by MDs and their families. In Japan, seating has been regarded as a medical practice since 2017. In the future, we would like to investigate the seating concept for individual therapists in detail.
Benefits Associated with China’s Social Health Insurance Schemes: Trend Analysis and Associated Factors Since Health Reform
Authors: Dong Wanyue , Zwi Anthony B. , Bai Ruhai , Shen Chi , Gao Jianmin
Published: May 2021

With the deepening of health insurance reform in China, the integration of social health insurance schemes was put on the agenda. This paper aims to illustrate the achievements and the gaps in integration by demonstrating the trends in benefits available from the three social health insurance schemes, as well as the influencing factors. Data were drawn from the three waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009, 2011, 2015) undertaken since health reforms commenced. χ2, Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Two-Part model were employed in the analysis. The overall reimbursement rate of the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) is higher than that of Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) or the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) (p < 0.001), but the gap has narrowed since health reform began in 2009. Both the outpatient and inpatient reimbursement amounts have increased through the URBMI and NRCMS. Illness severity, higher institutional level, and inpatient service were associated with significant increases in the amount of reimbursement received across the three survey waves. The health reform improved benefits covered by the URBMI and NRCMS, but gaps with the UEBMI still exist. The government should consider more the release of health benefits and how to lead toward healthcare equity.
Multidimensional Urban Exposure Analysis of Industrial Chemical Risk Scenarios in Mexican Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Ortega Montoya Claudia Yazmin , López-Pérez Andrés Osvaldo , Ugalde Monzalvo Marisol , Ruvalcaba Sánchez Ma. Loecelia Guadalupe
Published: May 2021

Risk scenarios are caused by the convergence of a hazard with a potentially affected system in a specific place and time. One urban planning goal is to prevent environmental hazards, such as those generated by chemical accidents, from reaching human settlements, as they can cause public health issues. However, in many developing countries, due to their strategic positioning in global value chains, the quick and easy access to labor pools, and competitive production costs, urban sprawls have engulfed industrial areas, exposing residential conurbations to environmental hazards. This case study analyzes the spatial configuration of accidental chemical risk scenarios in three major Mexican metropolitan areas: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Spatial analyses use an areal locations of hazardous atmosphere (ALOHA) dispersion model to represent the spatial effects of high-risk industrial activities in conurbations and the potentially affected populations vulnerable to chemical hazards. Complementary geostatistical correlation analyses use population data, marginalization indexes, and industrial clustering sectors to identify trends that can lead to comprehensive environmental justice approaches. In addition, the marginalization degree of inhabitants evaluates social inequalities concerning chemical risk scenarios.
Microaggressions and Coping with Linkages for Mentoring
Authors: Nair Nisha , Good Deborah Cain
Published: May 2021

Microaggressions can have damaging health impacts on minority groups experiencing exclusion through such forms of discrimination and bias. Using focus groups of different marginalized groups and through in-depth interviewing, we analyze the ways in which marginalized identities respond to and deal with microaggressions and highlight some relevant linkages to mentoring. Through a qualitative analysis of microaggression experiences, along the lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion, we explore different coping mechanisms and potential linkages to mentoring. Our results indicate some underlying patterns of sense-making, categorized as coping by (a) resisting or reclaiming their voice, (b) retreating, reframing, or withdrawing, (c) rejecting or stonewalling, (d) restraining and internalizing, (e) seeking support and reconnecting (with safe spaces), and (f) redoubling (effort). For each of the coping strategies discussed, we also identify and advance mentoring linkages in the context of coping with microaggressions.
Medication of Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany—An Ethical Analysis
Authors: Voit Katja , Timmermann Cristian , Steger Florian
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to analyze the ethical challenges in experimental drug use during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Germany as a case study. In Germany uniform ethical guidelines were available early on nationwide, which was considered as desirable by other states to reduce uncertainties and convey a message of unity. The purpose of this ethical analysis is to assist the preparation of future guidelines on the use of medicines during public health emergencies. The use of hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and COVID-19 convalescent plasma in clinical settings was analyzed from the perspective of the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We observed that drug safety and drug distribution during the pandemic affects all four ethical principles. We therefore recommend to establish ethical guidelines (i) to discuss experimental treatment options with patients from all population groups who are in urgent need, (ii) to facilitate the recording of patient reactions to drugs in off-label use, (iii) to expand inclusion criteria for clinical studies to avoid missing potentially negative effects on excluded groups, and (iv) to maintain sufficient access to repurposed drugs for patients with prior conditions.
Mediterranean Diet: The Need for Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives
Authors: Medina F. Xavier
Published: May 2021

The notion of the Mediterranean diet has progressively evolved over the past half a century, from a healthy (coronary) dietary pattern to a model of sustainable diet [...]
Patient Activation, Depressive Symptoms, and Self-Rated Health: Care Management Intervention Effects among High-Need, Medically Complex Adults
Authors: Corbett Cynthia F. , Daratha Kenn B. , McPherson Sterling , Smith Crystal L. , Wiser Michael S. , Vogrig Brenda K. , Murphy Sean M. , Cantu Roy , Dyck Dennis G.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (n = 268) at a Federally Qualified Health Center was to evaluate the outcomes of a care management intervention versus an attention control telephone intervention on changes in patient activation, depressive symptoms and self-rated health among a population of high-need, medically complex adults. Both groups had similar, statistically significant improvements in patient activation and self-rated health. Both groups had significant reductions in depressive symptoms over time; however, the group who received the care management intervention had greater reductions in depressive symptoms. Participants in both study groups who had more depressive symptoms had lower activation at baseline and throughout the 12 month study. Findings suggest that patients in the high-need, medically complex population can realize improvements in patient activation, depressive symptoms, and health status perceptions even with a brief telephone intervention. The importance of treating depressive symptoms in patients with complex health conditions is highlighted.
Anticoagulation Control with Acenocoumarol or Warfarin in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Care (Fantas-TIC Study)
Authors: Dalmau Llorca M. Rosa , Aguilar Martín Carina , Carrasco-Querol Noèlia , Hernández Rojas Zojaina , Forcadell Drago Emma , Rodríguez Cumplido Dolores , Castro Blanco Elisabet , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Fernández-Sáez José
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is complicated due to the narrow therapeutic margin they present and their unpredictable dose–response relationship. Most studies are based on warfarin, with the results being extrapolated to acenocoumarol. However, studies comparing the two treatments in terms of the degree of anticoagulation control are scarce, justifying the present study. Main factors associated with poor control of time in therapeutic range (TTR) of anticoagulated patients are also studied. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with real-world data from patients treated in primary care (PC). Data were obtained from the System for the Improvement of Research in PC (SIDIAP) database, covering 60,978 NVAF-anticoagulated patients from 287 PC centres in 2018. Descriptive statistics were derived, and odds ratios were estimated by multivariate logistic regression. Results: 41,430 patients were considered: 93% were being treated with acenocoumarol and 7% with warfarin. There was no difference in poor control of TTR between the two types of VKA treatment, acenocoumarol and warfarin (38.9 vs. 38.4; p = 0.610). Poor anticoagulation control was mainly associated with advanced alcoholism (OR = 1.38), liver failure (OR = 1.37) and intracranial haemorrhage (OR = 1.35) as well as female sex, age < 60 years, cardiovascular history, diabetes mellitus and other variables. Conclusions: There is no association between poor anticoagulation control and the type of VKA treatment administered. Factors associated with poor control of TTR must be considered in clinical practice to improve control and decision-making.
Emotional Regulation and Academic Performance in the Academic Context: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in Secondary Education Students
Authors: Usán Supervía Pablo , Quílez Robres Alberto
Published: May 2021

Background: in the school stage, adolescents experience different emotional and motivational states involved in the learning process that play a fundamental role in their personal and academic development. In this way, the study focuses on analyzing the relationships between emotional regulation, self-efficacy and academic performance, as well as the possible mediating role of self-efficacy in both. Methods: the study included 2204 students, both male (N = 1193; 54.12%) and female (N = 1011; 45.87%) with ages ranging from 12 to 18 years (M = 14.69; DT = 1.76). The measures used for the investigation were the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) and average marks were used to measure students’ academic performance. Results: The results of the study revealed a self-determined behavioral pattern characterized by high scores in emotional regulation, self-efficacy and academic performance. Likewise, the mediating role of self-efficacy between emotional regulation and student academic performance was significant. Conclusion: the influence of the academic self-efficacy variable as a mediator between the studied constructs is denoted, as well as the importance of promoting adaptive behaviors in the classroom that can lead to adequate personal development of students together with optimal academic performance.
Haters Gonna Hate, Trolls Gonna Troll: The Personality Profile of a Facebook Troll
Authors: Gylfason Haukur Freyr , Sveinsdottir Anita Hrund , Vésteinsdóttir Vaka , Sigurvinsdottir Rannveig
Published: May 2021

Personality factors, such as the Dark Tetrad personality factors (Machiavellianism, narcissism and sadism) relate to greater online trolling. Other personality factors, such as the Big Five Personality factors, honesty–humility and negative social potency, may also play a role in cyberbullying, which is an aggressive behavior similar to trolling. The purpose of this study was to predict Facebook trolling behavior based on personality factors. A total of 139 participants completed a survey on their online behavior and personality factors. Online trolling behavior positively correlated with sadism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism, and negatively correlated with agreeableness, conscientiousness and honesty–humility. A hierarchical linear regression showed that sadism, Machiavellianism and negative social potency were the only unique predictors of online trolling behavior. Trolling was unrelated to the frequency of Facebook use and the frequency of commenting. Enjoyment of trolling fully mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism and the trolling behavior. The results thus suggested that Facebook trolling behaviors may be motivated by enjoying the manipulation of others.
Problematic Smartphone Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Its Association with Pandemic-Related and Generalized Beliefs
Authors: Zhang Meng Xuan , Chen Juliet Honglei , Tong Kwok Kit , Yu Eilo Wing-yat , Wu Anise M. S.
Published: May 2021

Smartphone technologies have played a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the increased use of smartphones during the pandemic period may expose the general public to a higher risk of problematic smartphone use (PSU). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PSU among Chinese community adults and adopted a social-cognitive theory and social axiom framework to evaluate the effects of beliefs on PSU. A Chinese adult sample (N = 616) was obtained through probability sampling via a telephone survey from Macao, China and included 591 smartphone users’ data (39.4% men) for formal analysis. The prevalence of PSU was 43.3% in the overall sample, with 41.9% in women, and 45.5% in men. Two types of beliefs derived from the social-cognitive theory, pandemic-related self-efficacy and government efficacy, both showed significant and negative correlations with PSU (r = −0.13 and −0.10, p < 0.05). As for the two beliefs from the social axiom framework, reward for application was negatively correlated with PSU (r = −0.10, p < 0.05), whereas social cynicism was positively associated with PSU (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). Among those four beliefs, social cynicism exerted the most substantial effect on PSU when controlling for demographics. Our findings enriched the understanding of PSU during the pandemic and provided empirical direction regarding cognition-based intervention strategies for reducing PSU.
Cell Biological Responses after Shiga Toxin-1 Exposure to Primary Human Glomerular Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Pediatric and Adult Origin
Authors: Feitz Wouter J. C. , van Setten Petra A. , van der Velden Thea J. A. M. , Licht Christoph , van den Heuvel Lambert P. J. W. , van de Kar Nicole C. A. J.
Published: May 2021

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by a triad of symptoms consisting of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. The most common form of HUS is caused by an infection with Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli bacteria (STEC-HUS), and the kidneys are the major organs affected. The development of HUS after an infection with Stx occurs most frequently in children under the age of 5 years. However, the cause for the higher incidence of STEC-HUS in children compared to adults is still not well understood. Human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (HGMVECs) isolated and cultured from pediatric and adult kidney tissue were investigated with respect to Stx binding and different cellular responses. Shiga toxin-1 (Stx-1) inhibited protein synthesis in both pediatric and adult HGMVECs in a dose-dependent manner at basal conditions. The preincubation of pediatric and adult HGMVECs for 24 hrs with TNFα resulted in increased Stx binding to the cell surface and a 20–40% increase in protein synthesis inhibition in both age groups. A decreased proliferation of cells was found when a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay was performed. A trend towards a delay in endothelial wound closure was visible when pediatric and adult HGMVECs were incubated with Stx-1. Although minor differences between pediatric HGMVECs and adult HGMVECs were found in the assays applied in this study, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that in vitro primary HGMVECs isolated from pediatric and adult kidneys do not significantly differ in their cell biological responses to Stx-1.
Peptide/β-Peptoid Hybrids with Activity against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Influence of Hydrophobicity and Structural Features on Antibacterial and Hemolytic Properties
Authors: Vestergaard Martin , Skive Bolette , Domraceva Ilona , Ingmer Hanne , Franzyk Henrik
Published: May 2021

Infections with enterococci are challenging to treat due to intrinsic resistance to several antibiotics. Especially vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis are of considerable concern with a limited number of efficacious therapeutics available. From an initial screening of 20 peptidomimetics, 11 stable peptide/β-peptoid hybrids were found to have antibacterial activity against eight E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates. Microbiological characterization comprised determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), probing of synergy with antibiotics in a checkerboard assay, time–kill studies, as well as assessment of membrane integrity. E. faecium isolates proved more susceptible than E. faecalis isolates, and no differences in susceptibility between the vancomycin-resistant (VRE) and -susceptible E. faecium isolates were observed. A test of three peptidomimetics (Ac-[hArg-βNsce]6-NH2, Ac-[hArg-βNsce-Lys-βNspe]3-NH2 and Oct-[Lys-βNspe]6-NH2) in combination with conventional antibiotics (vancomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, linezolid, rifampicin or azithromycin) revealed no synergy. The same three potent analogues were found to have a bactericidal effect with a membrane-disruptive mode of action. Peptidomimetics Ac-[hArg-βNsce-Lys-βNspe]3-NH2 and Oct-[Lys-βNspe]6-NH2 with low MIC values (in the ranges 2–8 µg/mL and 4–16 µg/mL against E. faecium and E. faecalis, respectively) and displaying weak cytotoxic properties (i.e., <10% hemolysis at a ~100-fold higher concentration than their MICs; IC50 values of 73 and 41 µg/mL, respectively, against HepG2 cells) were identified as promising starting points for further optimization studies.
Novel (+)-Neoisopulegol-Based O-Benzyl Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Le Tam Minh , Huynh Thu , Bamou Fatima Zahra , Szekeres András , Fülöp Ferenc , Szakonyi Zsolt
Published: May 2021

Discovery of novel antibacterial agents with new structures, which combat pathogens is an urgent task. In this study, a new library of (+)-neoisopulegol-based O-benzyl derivatives of aminodiols and aminotriols was designed and synthesized, and their antimicrobial activity against different bacterial and fungal strains were evaluated. The results showed that this new series of synthetic O-benzyl compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. Di-O-benzyl derivatives showed high activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, but moderate activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, these compounds may serve a good basis for antibacterial and antifungal drug discovery. Structure–activity relationships were also studied from the aspects of stereochemistry of the O-benzyl group on cyclohexane ring and the substituent effects on the ring system.
The Wall-Associated Receptor-Like Kinase TaWAK7D Is Required for Defense Responses to Rhizoctonia cerealis in Wheat
Authors: Qi Haijun , Zhu Xiuliang , Guo Feilong , Lv Liangjie , Zhang Zengyan
Published: May 2021

Sharp eyespot, caused by necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia cerealis, is a serious fungal disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Certain wall-associated receptor kinases (WAK) mediate resistance to diseases caused by biotrophic/hemibiotrophic pathogens in several plant species. Yet, none of wheat WAK genes with positive effect on the innate immune responses to R. cerealis has been reported. In this study, we identified a WAK gene TaWAK7D, located on chromosome 7D, and showed its positive regulatory role in the defense response to R. cerealis infection in wheat. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses showed that TaWAK7D transcript abundance was elevated in wheat after R. cerealis inoculation and the induction in the stem was the highest among the tested organs. Additionally, TaWAK7D transcript levels were significantly elevated by pectin and chitin treatments. The knock-down of TaWAK7D transcript impaired resistance to R. cerealis and repressed the expression of five pathogenesis-related genes in wheat. The green fluorescent protein signal distribution assays indicated that TaWAK7D localized on the plasma membrane in wheat protoplasts. Thus, TaWAK7D, which is induced by R. cerealis, pectin and chitin stimuli, positively participates in defense responses to R. cerealis through modulating the expression of several pathogenesis-related genes in wheat.
Prediction of Anticancer Peptides with High Efficacy and Low Toxicity by Hybrid Model Based on 3D Structure of Peptides
Authors: Zhao Yuhong , Wang Shijing , Fei Wenyi , Feng Yuqi , Shen Le , Yang Xinyu , Wang Min , Wu Min
Published: May 2021

Recently, anticancer peptides (ACPs) have emerged as unique and promising therapeutic agents for cancer treatment compared with antibody and small molecule drugs. In addition to experimental methods of ACPs discovery, it is also necessary to develop accurate machine learning models for ACP prediction. In this study, features were extracted from the three-dimensional (3D) structure of peptides to develop the model, compared to most of the previous computational models, which are based on sequence information. In order to develop ACPs with more potency, more selectivity and less toxicity, the model for predicting ACPs, hemolytic peptides and toxic peptides were established by peptides 3D structure separately. Multiple datasets were collected according to whether the peptide sequence was chemically modified. After feature extraction and screening, diverse algorithms were used to build the model. Twelve models with excellent performance (Acc > 90%) in the ACPs mixed datasets were used to form a hybrid model to predict the candidate ACPs, and then the optimal model of hemolytic peptides (Acc = 73.68%) and toxic peptides (Acc = 85.5%) was used for safety prediction. Novel ACPs were found by using those models, and five peptides were randomly selected to determine their anticancer activity and toxic side effects in vitro experiments.
Dual Stem Cell Therapy Improves the Myocardial Recovery Post-Infarction through Reciprocal Modulation of Cell Functions
Authors: Popescu Sinziana , Preda Mihai Bogdan , Marinescu Catalina Iolanda , Simionescu Maya , Burlacu Alexandrina
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are promising candidates for regenerative therapy of the infarcted heart. However, poor cell retention within the transplantation site limits their potential. We hypothesized that MSC benefits could be enhanced through a dual-cell approach using jointly endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) and MSC. To assess this, we comparatively evaluated the effects of the therapy with MSC and ECFC versus MSC-only in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography, and the molecular crosstalk between MSC and ECFC was evaluated in vitro through direct or indirect co-culture systems. We found that dual-cell therapy improved cardiac function in terms of ejection fraction and stroke volume. In vitro experiments showed that ECFC augmented MSC effector properties by increasing Connexin 43 and Integrin alpha-5 and the secretion of healing-associated molecules. Moreover, MSC prompted the organization of ECFC into vascular networks. This indicated a reciprocal modulation in the functionality of MSC and ECFC. In conclusion, the crosstalk between MSC and ECFC augments the therapeutic properties of MSC and enhances the angiogenic properties of ECFC. Our data consolidate the dual-cell therapy as a step forward for the development of effective treatments for patients affected by myocardial infarction.
Principles and Current Clinical Landscape of Multispecific Antibodies against Cancer
Authors: Elshiaty Mariam , Schindler Hannah , Christopoulos Petros
Published: May 2021

Building upon the resounding therapeutic success of monoclonal antibodies, and supported by accelerating progress in engineering methods, the field of multispecific therapeutic antibodies is growing rapidly. Over 140 different molecules are currently in clinical testing, with excellent results in recent phase 1–3 clinical trials for several of them. Multivalent bispecific IgG-modified formats predominate today, with a clear tendency for more target antigens and further increased valency in newer constructs. The strategies to augment anticancer efficacy are currently equally divided between disruption of multiple surface antigens, and additional redirection of cytotoxic T or NK lymphocytes against the tumor. Both effects complement other modern modalities, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, with which multispecifics are increasingly applied in combination or merged, for example, in the form of antibody producing CAR-T cells and oncolytics. While mainly focused on B-cell malignancies early on, the contemporary multispecific antibody sector accommodates twice as many trials against solid compared to hematologic cancers. An exciting emerging prospect is the targeting of intracellular neoantigens using T-cell receptor (TCR) fusion proteins or TCR-mimic antibody fragments. Considering the fact that introduction of PD-(L)1 inhibitors only a few years ago has already facilitated 5-year survival rates of 30–50% for per se highly lethal neoplasms, such as metastatic melanoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma, the upcoming enforcement of current treatments with “next-generation” immunotherapeutics, offers a justified hope for the cure of some advanced cancers in the near future.