bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Repurchase Intention in Drive-Through Fast Food: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Castillo Allysa Mae , Salonga Louie John , Sia John Allen , Chuenyindee Thanatorn , Young Michael Nayat , Persada Satria Fadil , Miraja Bobby Ardiansyah , Redi Anak Agung Ngurah Perwira
Published: May 2021

The drive-through fast-food industry has been one of the fastest businesses growing over the past decades in developing countries, including the Philippines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors influencing costumers’ repurchase intention in a drive-through fast food in the Philippines by utilizing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 305 Filipinos answered the online questionnaire, which contained 38 questions. The results of SEM indicated that subjective appetite (SA) was found to have a significant direct effect on menu options (MO). Consequently, MO was found to have significant direct effects on imagery elaboration (IE), vividness (VV), and convenience (CO), and an indirect effect on order accuracy (OA). Finally, SA, MO, IE, VV, OA, and CO were found to have significant effects on satisfaction (S), which subsequently led to loyalty (L) and repurchase intention (RI). Interestingly, MO was found to have the highest indirect effect on RI, indicating that MO is an important consideration for RI. This is the first comprehensive study evaluating drive-through fast food in the Philippines. The causal relationships of the present study can be applied and extended to evaluate the repurchase intention of drive-through fast food in other countries.
Kefir and Its Biological Activities
Authors: Azizi Nor Farahin , Kumar Muganti Rajah , Yeap Swee Keong , Abdullah Janna Ong , Khalid Melati , Omar Abdul Rahman , Osman Mohd. Azuraidi , Mortadza Sharifah Alawieyah Syed , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu
Published: May 2021

Kefir is a fermented beverage with renowned probiotics that coexist in symbiotic association with other microorganisms in kefir grains. This beverage consumption is associated with a wide array of nutraceutical benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Moreover, kefir can be adapted into different substrates which allow the production of new functional beverages to provide product diversification. Being safe and inexpensive, there is an immense global interest in kefir’s nutritional potential. Due to their promising benefits, kefir and kefir-like products have a great prospect for commercialization. This manuscript reviews the therapeutic aspects of kefir to date, and potential applications of kefir products in the health and food industries, along with the limitations. The literature reviewed here demonstrates that there is a growing demand for kefir as a functional food owing to a number of health-promoting properties.
Microbial Inactivation and Quality Preservation of Chicken Breast Salad Using Atmospheric Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma Treatment
Authors: Lee Eun Song , Jeon Ye Jeong , Min Sea C.
Published: May 2021

Microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods is paramount for consumer acceptability. The effects of in-package atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (ADCP) treatment on the microbiological safety and quality of model chicken salad (CS) were investigated in this study. CS, packaged in a commercial polyethylene terephthalate container, was treated with ADCP at 24 kV for 2 min. The inactivation of indigenous mesophilic bacteria, Salmonella, and Tulane virus in CS; growth of indigenous mesophilic bacteria and Salmonella in CS; and quality of CS during storage at 4 °C were then investigated. ADCP inactivated indigenous mesophilic bacteria, Salmonella, and Tulane virus by 1.2 ± 0.3 log CFU/g, 1.0–1.5 ± 0.2 log CFU/g, and 1.0 ± 0.1 log PFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, it effectively retarded the growth of the microorganisms, while not significantly affecting the color of chicken, romaine lettuce, and carrot, and the antioxidant capacity of all vegetables throughout storage at the tested temperatures (p > 0.05). The color, smell, and appearance of all vegetables evaluated on day 0 were not significantly different in the sensory test, regardless of the treatment (p > 0.05). Collectively, ADCP treatment effectively decontaminates packaged CS without altering its quality-related properties.
Discovery of Association Rules Patterns and Prevalence of Comorbidities in Adult Patients Hospitalized with Mental and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Cha Sunkyung , Kim Sung-Soo
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of comorbidities of mental and behavioral disorders and to identify the association rules related to comorbidities as a way to improve patient management efficiently. We extracted comorbidities of 20,690 patients (≥19 years old) whose principal diagnosis was a mental disorder from the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey (KNHDS) between 2006 and 2016. Association rules analysis between comorbid diseases using the Apriori algorithm was used. The prevalence of comorbidities in all patients was 61.98%. The frequent comorbidities of mental and behavioral disorders were analyzed in the order of hypertensive diseases (11.06%), mood disorders (8.34%), diabetes mellitus (7.98%), and diseases of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (7.04%). Nine major association pathways were analyzed. Significant pathways were analyzed as diabetes mellitus and hypertensive diseases (IS scale = 0.386), hypertensive diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases (IS scale = 0.240). The association pathway of diabetes mellitus and hypertensive diseases was common in subgroups of mental and behavioral disorders, excluding mood disorders and disorders of adult personality and behavior. By monitoring related diseases based on major patterns, it can predict comorbid diseases in advance, improve the efficiency of managing patients with mental and behavioral disorders, and furthermore, it can be used to establish related health policies.
A Highly Versatile Polymer Network Based on Liquid Crystalline Dendrimers
Authors: Cervera-Procas Ramón , Serrano José-Luis , Omenat Ana
Published: May 2021

Highly functional macromolecules with a well-defined architecture are the key to designing efficient and smart materials, and these polymeric systems can be tailored for specific applications in a diverse range of fields. Herein, the formation of a new liquid crystalline polymeric network based on the crosslinking of dendrimeric entities by the CuI-catalyzed variant of the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azides and alkynes to afford 1,2,3-triazoles is reported. The polymeric material obtained in this way is easy to process and exhibits a variety of properties, which include mesomorphism, viscoelastic behavior, and thermal contraction. The porous microstructure of the polymer network determines its capability to absorb solvent molecules and to encapsulate small molecules, like organic dyes, which can be released easily afterwards. Moreover, all these properties may be easily tuned by modifying the chemical structure of the constituent dendrimers, which makes this system a very interesting one for a number of applications.
Can Plant Lectins Help to Elucidate Insect Lectin-Mediated Immune Response?
Authors: Chen Pengyu , De Schutter Kristof , Van Damme Els J. M. , Smagghe Guy
Published: May 2021

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that recognize and selectively bind to specific sugar structures. This group of proteins is widespread in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and exerts a broad range of functions. Many plant lectins were identified as exogenous stimuli of vertebrate immunity. Despite being the largest and most diverse taxon on earth, the study of lectins and their functions in insects is lagging behind. In insects, research on lectins and their biological importance has mainly focused on the C-type lectin (CTL) family, limiting our global understanding of the function of insect lectins and their role in insect immunity. In contrast, plant lectins have been well characterized and the immunomodulatory effects of several plant lectins have been documented extensively in vertebrates. This information could complement the missing knowledge on endogenous insect lectins and contribute to understanding of the processes and mechanisms by which lectins participate in insect immunity. This review summarizes existing studies of immune responses stimulated by endogenous or exogenous lectins. Understanding how lectins modulate insect immune responses can provide insight which, in turn, can help to elaborate novel ideas applicable for the protection of beneficial insects and the development of novel pest control strategies.
Trends in Incidence and Outcomes of Hospitalizations for Urinary Tract Infection among Older People in Spain (2001–2018)
Authors: Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Florencio Lidiane Lima , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Fernandez-de-las-Peñas Cesar , de Miguel-Diez Javier , Martínez-Hernández David , Carabantes-Alarcón David , Jimenez-García Rodrigo , Lopez-de-Andres Ana , Lopez-Herranz Marta
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: To assess time trends in the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of urinary tract infection (UTI) in older people (≥65 years) in Spain (2001–2018) according to sex and to identify the factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM). (2) Methods: Using the Spanish National Hospital Database, we analyzed comorbidity, procedures, diagnosis, isolated microorganisms, and outcomes. (3) Results: We included 583,693 admissions (56.76% women). In both sexes, the incidence increased with age over time (p < 0.001). In men and women, the highest IHM was found among the oldest patients (>84 years) with values of 9.16% and 8.6%, respectively. The prevalence of bacteremia increased from 4.61% to 4.98% from 2001 to 2018 (p < 0.001) and sepsis decreased from 3.16% to 1.69% (p < 0.001). The risk of dying increased with age (>84 years) (OR 3.63; 95% CI 3.5–3.78) and with almost all comorbidities. Urinary catheter was a risk factor for women (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.02–1.18) and protective for men (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.66–0.76). Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus increased the risk of IHM by 40% among men (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.28–1.53). After adjusting for confounders, IHM decreased over time. (4) Conclusions: The incidence of UTIs was higher in older patients and increased over time; however, IHM decreased during the same period. Female sex, age, comorbidities, sepsis, and a Staphylococcus aureus isolation increased risk of IHM.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Published Literature in Postoperative Pain in Elderly Patients in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Garcia João Batista Santos , de Moraes Érica Brandão , Neto José Osvaldo Barbosa
Published: May 2021

Postoperative pain (POP) remains a major challenge for surgeons and anesthesiologists worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Elderly patients are at higher risk for undertreatment of pain. Despite that, there is a paucity of papers addressing POP among this population in developing countries. This study aimed to provide a bibliometric analysis of the literature concerning postoperative pain in elderly patients from low- and middle-income countries. It was performed an extensive search of papers on this subject through the Web of Science and Scopus database using a series of uniterms and, including publications from 2001 to 2021. Publication quality was assessed by using total citation frequency, average citations per item and other citation indexes. Citation indexes were low, with the highest reaching 15 citations. In conclusion, few studies of postoperative pain in the elderly in countries with medium and low income, indicating a need that has not yet been met for this population and in these areas of the world. The published studies were not specifically aimed at the elderly, had limited impact, low international visibility. They were not epidemiological studies and are not robust, weakening knowledge and decision-making towards policies directed at this vulnerable population.
Day-4 Lille Score Is a Good Prognostic Factor and Early Predictor in Assessing Therapy Response in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Foncea Camelia Gianina , Sporea Ioan , Lupușoru Raluca , Moga Tudor Voicu , Bende Felix , Șirli Roxana , Popescu Alina
Published: May 2021

Lille score at Day 7 (LM7) helps to predict the outcome of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (sAH) undergoing corticotherapy. Several scores such as Maddrey’s discriminant function (MDF), MELD, ABIC, and GAHS are used for a 28-day mortality prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate if the assessment of the Lille score at 4 days (LM4) is as useful as the Lille score at Day 7 (LM7) to predict response to corticosteroids and 28-day mortality and evaluate the utility of severity scores at admission for predicting the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and severe alcoholic hepatitis (sAH). A retrospective study was performed, and all consecutive patients with AH and MDF > 32 without contraindications to corticosteroids were included. Prognostic scores were evaluated at admission, and 28-day mortality was assessed. Response to corticotherapy was assessed by LM4 and LM7. Results: A total of 55/103 patients with sAH (51.5%) had MDF > 32 and received corticosteroids. There was no difference between the proportion of patients with a responder LM4 versus LM7 (27% vs. 36%, p = 0.31). The mean value for LM4 was 0.64 ± 0.3 versus 0.60 ± 0.3 for LM7 (p = 0.48). Precisely 90.3% of patients were correctly identified as responders or not by LM4 compared with LM7. The best model for predicting 28-day mortality was composed of MELD and LM4/LM7, with an accuracy of 0.90 for both combinations. Conclusion: LM4 could be used instead of LM7 for predicting response to corticosteroid therapy in patients with sAH and LC, as well as 28-day mortality. Using LM4, we could avoid prolonged use of this therapy and its complications.
Assessment of Histological Features in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving Head and Neck Skin and Mucosa
Authors: Caruntu Ana , Moraru Liliana , Lupu Mihai , Ciubotaru Diana Alina , Dumitrescu Marius , Eftimie Lucian , Hertzog Radu , Zurac Sabina , Caruntu Constantin , Voinea Oana Cristina
Published: May 2021

Background: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of malignancy worldwide. Skin and mucosa of the head and neck areas are the most frequently affected. An aggressive behavior in SCC is not easily detected, and despite all efforts, mortality in these types of cancer did not show major improvements during recent decades. In this study, we aim to determine the role of histological features available through standard pathology assessment in SCC and their relation with tumor behavior and patients’ survival. Method: in a group of one hundred patients diagnosed with SCC involving the head and neck areas, we assessed the presence of four histological features (tumor/stroma ratio, immune infiltration at the front of invasion, tumor-budding activity, and tumor necrosis), their correlations with tumor type (mucosal or cutaneous), tumor clinicopathological characteristics, and their prognostic potential. Results: the comparison between histological features in cutaneous versus mucosal SCC reveals no significant differences for any of the four parameters assessed. We found significant correlations between tumor/stroma ratio and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.0275), perineural invasion (p = 0.0006), and clinical staging (p = 0.0116). Immune infiltration at the front of invasion revealed similar correlations with lymph node involvement (p = 0.002), perineural invasion (p = 0.0138), and clinical staging (p = 0.0043). Tumor budding and tumor necrosis correlated with the size of the tumor (p = 0.0077 and p = 0.0004) and the clinical staging (p = 0.0039 and p = 0.0143). In addition, tumor budding was significantly correlated with perineural invasion (p = 0.0454). In mucosal SCC, patients with improved outcome revealed high values for the tumor/stroma ratio (p = 0.0159) and immune infiltration at the front of invasion (p = 0.0274). However, the multivariate analysis did not confirm their independent prognostic roles. Conclusions: extended histological assessments that include features such as tumor/stroma ratio, immune infiltration at the front of invasion, tumor budding, and tumor necrosis can be an easy, accessible method to collect additional information on tumor aggressiveness in skin and mucosa SCC affecting the head and neck areas.
Frailty Assessment in a Cohort of Elderly Patients with Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis: Insights from the FRailty Evaluation in Severe Aortic Stenosis (FRESAS) Registry
Authors: Solla-Suárez Pablo , Avanzas Pablo , Pascual Isaac , Bermúdez-Menéndez De La Granda Manuel , Almendarez Marcel , Arche-Coto Jose M. , Hernández-Vaquero Daniel , Lorca Rebeca , López-Álvarez Eva , Álvarez-Velasco Rut , Moreno-Planillo Carmen , Morís de la Tassa César , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez José
Published: May 2021

Background: Precise evaluation of the degree of frailty is a fundamental part of the global geriatric assessment that helps to avoid therapies that could be futile. Our main objective was to determine the prevalence of frailty in a specific consult of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Methods: From May 2018 to February 2020, all consecutive patients ≥75 years old, with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, undergoing valve replacement in the Principality of Asturias (Northern Spain) were evaluated. Results: A total of 286 patients were assessed. The mean age was 84 ± 4.01 years old; 175 (61.2%) were female. The short performance physical battery score was 8.5 ± 2.4 and the prevalence of frailty was 19.6% (56 patients). In the multivariable analysis, age, Barthel index and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of frailty. Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty in our sample patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, evaluated by a standardized protocol, was 19.6%.
Language Development for the New Generation of Children with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Percy-Smith Lone , Wischmann Signe , Josvassen Jane Lignel , Schiøth Christina , Cayé-Thomasen Per
Published: May 2021

A new generation of children with hearing impairment (HI) has emerged due to the introduction of universal neonatal hearing screening, medical–surgical/technical and educational advances. Aim: Investigation of long-term development of vocabulary and social well-being of children with HI, including children with HI and additional disability. Method and Material: The project design was prospective, longitudinal, and comparative. Level of receptive vocabulary was compared to children with normal hearing, type of hearing technology, gender, additional disability, diagnosis of HI, level of social well-being, and start age for use of hearing technology. A total of 231 children participated. Intervention included early start of hearing technology and three years of auditory–verbal therapy (AVT) at the preschool level, followed by 3 years of AV guidance at the school level. Results: Children with HI scored within the norm for receptive vocabulary but were outperformed by the control group. Children with HI and a diagnosed additional disability scored lower than children without additional disability, in terms of parental assessments of social well-being. Children with additional disabilities showed positive progression in terms of receptive vocabulary development. Conclusions: New generations with HI possess the potential to succeed academically in accordance with individual abilities and become active participants in the working market.
Are Tubular Injury Markers NGAL and KIM-1 Useful in Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder?
Authors: Bagińska Joanna , Korzeniecka-Kozerska Agata
Published: May 2021

The lack of early biomarkers of renal damage in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) prompts us to investigate the role of promising proteins: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). This prospective analysis was conducted on 58 children with NB and 25 healthy children. We assessed urinary levels of NGAL and KIM-1 in both groups. Age, sex, anthropometric measurements, activity assessment, renal function, and urodynamics parameters were analyzed. The differences between the median uNGAL and uKIM-1 in the NB group compared to control were recorded. However, only uNGAL levels were statistically significantly higher. Statistically significant correlation was found between gender, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder trabeculation, its compliance, activity assessment, and uNGAL. To conclude, elevated levels of uNGAL may be considered a biomarker of tubular injury in children with NB due to MMC in contrast to uKIM-1.
Resolving the Contradictory Functions of Lysine Decarboxylase and Butyrate in Periodontal and Intestinal Diseases
Authors: Levine Martin , Lohinai Zsolt M.
Published: May 2021

Periodontal disease is a common, bacterially mediated health problem worldwide. Mastication (chewing) repeatedly traumatizes the gingiva and periodontium, causing traces of inflammatory exudate, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), to appear in crevices between the teeth and gingiva. Inadequate tooth cleaning causes a dentally adherent microbial biofilm composed of commensal salivary bacteria to appear around these crevices where many bacteria grow better on GCF than in saliva. We reported that lysine decarboxylase (Ldc) from Eikenella corrodens depletes the GCF of lysine by converting it to cadaverine and carbon dioxide. Lysine is an amino acid essential for the integrity and continuous renewal of dentally attached epithelium acting as a barrier to microbial products. Unless removed regularly by oral hygiene, bacterial products invade the lysine-deprived dental attachment where they stimulate inflammation that enhances GCF exudation. Cadaverine increases and supports the development of a butyrate-producing microbiome that utilizes the increased GCF substrates to slowly destroy the periodontium (dysbiosis). A long-standing paradox is that acid-induced Ldc and butyrate production support a commensal (probiotic) microbiome in the intestine. Here, we describe how the different physiologies of the respective tissues explain how the different Ldc and butyrate functions impact the progression and control of these two chronic diseases.
Locked Intramedullary Nailing versus Compression Plating for Stable Ulna Fractures: A Comparative Study
Authors: Pavone Vito , Ganci Marco , Papotto Giacomo , Mobilia Giuseppe , Sueri Umberto , Kothari Alpesh , Vescio Andrea , Testa Gianluca
Published: May 2021

Background: Isolated ulna shaft fractures (USFs) are a relatively uncommon, but significant, injury. For unstable USF treatment, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the gold standard, while for stable USFs several procedures were described. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes in patients with stable USFs treated by either ORIF or intramedullary nail (IMN). Methods: According to their surgical treatment, 23 eligible USF-affected patients were divided into ORIF (14 subjects) and IMN (nine subjects) groups. The subjects underwent postoperative clinical follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, which included calculation of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and radiological follow-up. Time to union, time to return to sporting and occupational activities, duration of physical therapy, and surgical complications were recorded. Results: DASH scores improved in both groups at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The IMN cohort recorded better DASH scores at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups, while similar results were reported at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Earlier fracture union (p = 0.001) and return to sporting activities and work (p = 0.002) were seen in the IMN group, compared with the ORIF group. No complications were observed in the IMN group. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of isolated USF results in excellent functional and radiographic outcomes. IMN may be preferable, compared with ORIF, due to its faster recovery time, expedited union, and reduced likelihood of complications.
Numerical Simulations and Experimental Study on the Reeling Process of Submarine Pipeline by R-Lay Method
Authors: Ju Ming , Xing Xiaodong , Wang Liquan , Yun Feihong , Wang Xiangyu , Liao Hongqian
Published: May 2021

During the reeling process of the reel-lay method, the pipe will be subjected to combined loading of tension and bending. Excessive ovalization of the pipe will affect the structural performance and even lead to structural instability of the pipe. In this paper, a numerical simulation model of the pipe-reeling process is established by finite element tools. The Ramberg–Osgood material model is used to study the ovalization and bending moment of the pipe cross-section during the pipe-reeling process based on the Von Mises plasticity and nonlinear kinematic hardening rules. The results show that the ovalization and bending moment of the pipe section will change significantly during the pipe-reeling process. Subsequently, one set of 6-inch pipe-reeling experimental setups was designed to conduct a full-scale experiment. Compared with the experimental results, the feasibility of the finite element model is verified. Finally, the effects of diameter-to-thickness ratio, the material parameters of the pipe, and the pipe axial tension on the ovalization and bending moment changes are studied. Research shows that each parameter has a certain influence on the pipe of the reeling process, and the diameter-to-thickness ratio of the pipe has the most obvious effect. When the diameter-to-thickness ratio decreases, the bearing capacity for bending moments and the ability to resist ovalization of pipe are enhanced. At the same time, each parameter has a significant impact on the reeling process of the pipeline.
Targeted Approaches to T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Harrop Sean , Abeyakoon Chathuri , Van Der Weyden Carrie , Prince H. Miles
Published: May 2021

The T-cell lymphomas are a rare group of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas derived from mature T-lymphocytes. They are divided broadly into the Peripheral T-cell lymphomas and the Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Clinical outcomes vary widely but are generally unsatisfactory with current treatments. The development of an understanding of the various critical pathways in T-cell lymphogenesis and subsequent identification of therapeutic targets has led to a rapid expansion of the previously underwhelming T-cell lymphoma armament. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current state of targeted therapies in the T-cell lymphomas, including novel antibody-based treatments, small molecule inhibitors and immune-based therapies.
Analysis of Characteristics and Driving Factors of Wetland Landscape Pattern Change in Henan Province from 1980 to 2015
Authors: Li Heying , Wang Jiayao , Zhang Jianchen , Qin Fen , Hu Jiyuan , Zhou Zheng
Published: May 2021

The study of the temporal and spatial evolution of wetland landscapes and its driving factors is an important reference for wetland ecological restoration and protection. This article utilized seven periods of land use data in Henan Province from 1980 to 2015 to extract the spatial distribution characteristics of wetlands and analyze the temporal and spatial changes of wetlands in Henan Province. Transfer matrix, landscape metrics, correlation analysis, and redundancy analysis were applied to calculate and analyze the transformation types and area of wetland resources between all consecutive periods, and then the main driving factors of wetland expansion/contraction were explored. First, the total wetland area in Henan Province increased by 28% from 1980 to 2015, and the increased wetland area was mainly constructed wetlands, including paddy field, reservoir and pond, and canal. Natural wetlands such as marsh, lake, and floodplain decreased by 74%. Marsh area declined the most during 1990–1995, and was mainly transformed into floodplain and “Others” because of agricultural reclamation, low precipitation, and low Yellow River runoff. The floodplain area dropped the most from 2005 to 2010, mainly converted to canals and “Others” because of reclamation, exploitation of groundwater, the construction of the South–to–North Water Transfer Project, and recreational land development. Second, the results of correlation analysis and redundancy analysis indicated that economic factors were positively correlated with the area of some constructed wetlands and negatively correlated with the area of some natural wetlands. Socioeconomic development was the main driving factors for changes in wetland types. The proportion of wetland habitat in Henan Province in 2015 was only 0.3%, which is low compared to the Chinese average of 2.7%. The government should pay more attention to the restoration of natural wetlands in Henan Province.
Industrial Steel Heat Treating: Numerical Simulation of Induction Heating and Aquaquenching Cooling with Mechanical Effects
Authors: Díaz Moreno José Manuel , García Vázquez Concepción , González Montesinos María Teresa , Ortegón Gallego Francisco , Viglialoro Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

This paper summarizes a mathematical model for the industrial heating and cooling processes of a steel workpiece corresponding to the steering rack of an automobile. The general purpose of the heat treatment process is to create the necessary hardness on critical parts of the workpiece. Hardening consists of heating the workpiece up to a threshold temperature followed by a rapid cooling such as aquaquenching. The high hardness is due to the steel phase transformation accompanying the rapid cooling resulting in non-equilibrium phases, one of which is the hard microconstituent of steel, namely martensite. The mathematical model describes both processes, heating and cooling. During the first one, heat is produced by Joule’s effect from a very high alternating current passing through the rack. This situation is governed by a set of coupled PDEs/ODEs involving the electric potential, the magnetic vector potential, the temperature, the austenite transformation, the stresses and the displacement field. Once the workpiece has reached the desired temperature, the current is switched off an the cooling stage starts by aquaquenching. In this case, the governing equations involve the temperature, the austenite and martensite phase fractions, the stresses and the displacement field. This mathematical model has been solved by the FEM and 2D numerical simulations are discussed along the paper.
Tsallis Log-Scale-Location Models. Moments, Gini Index and Some Stochastic Orders
Authors: Preda Vasile , Catana Luigi-Ionut
Published: May 2021

In this article we give theoretical results for different stochastic orders of a log-scale-location family which uses Tsallis statistics functions. These results describe the inequalities of moments or Gini index according to parameters. We also compute the mean in the case of q-Weibull and q-Gaussian distributions. The paper is aimed at analyzing the order between survival functions, Lorenz curves and (as consequences) the moments together with the Gini index (respectively a generalized Gini index). A real data application is presented in the last section. This application uses only the survival function because the stochastic order implies the order of moments. Given some supplementary conditions, we prove that the stochastic order implies the Lorenz order in the log-scale-location model and this implies the order between Gini coefficients. The application uses the estimated parameters of a Pareto distribution computed from a real data set in a log-scale-location model, by specifying the Kolmogorov–Smirnov p-value. The examples presented in this application highlight the stochastic order between four models in several cases using survival functions. As direct consequences, we highlight the inequalities between the moments and the generalized Gini coefficients by using the stochastic order and the Lorenz order.
A Stochastic Kinetic Type Reactions Model for COVID-19
Authors: Sonnino Giorgio , Mora Fernando , Nardone Pasquale
Published: May 2021

We propose two stochastic models for the Coronavirus pandemic. The statistical properties of the models, in particular the correlation functions and the probability density functions, were duly computed. Our models take into account the adoption of lockdown measures as well as the crucial role of hospitals and health care institutes. To accomplish this work we adopt a kinetic-type reaction approach where the modelling of the lockdown measures is obtained by introducing a new mathematical basis and the intensity of the stochastic noise is derived by statistical mechanics. We analysed two scenarios: the stochastic SIS-model (Susceptible ⇒ Infectious ⇒ Susceptible) and the stochastic SIS-model integrated with the action of the hospitals; both models take into account the lockdown measures. We show that, for the case of the stochastic SIS-model, once the lockdown measures are removed, the Coronavirus infection will start growing again. However, the combined contributions of lockdown measures with the action of hospitals and health institutes is able to contain and even to dampen the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. This result may be used during a period of time when the massive distribution of vaccines in a given population is not yet feasible. We analysed data for USA and France. In the case of USA, we analysed the following situations: USA is subjected to the first wave of infection by Coronavirus and USA is in the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The agreement between theoretical predictions and real data confirms the validity of our approach.
An Analytical Perspective of the Reliability of Multi-Evaluation in Higher Education
Authors: Rodríguez Fuentes Antonio , Gallego Ortega José Luis
Published: May 2021

It is urgent to evaluate the rest of the renewed elements within the university didactic action, overcoming the hegemony of traditional methods in which the professor constitutes as the sole evaluator. If autonomous and cooperative group-based learning is encouraged, self-assessment and co-assessment must also be promoted, apart from the traditional lecturing and evaluation by others. The assessing competence of Teacher Training degree students (n = 175) was researched, started with stratified sampling (in the second and fourth years), following a participant selection process in each group. The compiled data were subject to descriptive, inferential, and correlation analysis by means of statistical software. The results pointed to low execution levels as for the self-evaluation (individual and group), although a certain progress was identified in the four year students compared to those in their second year of study. A better execution in evaluation was observed in all students regarding co-assessment (among different work groups in the classroom) and assessment by others (towards the professor). The use of all types of assessment is proposed, having a certain awareness and training regarding self-evaluation, and counting with a full supervision and control over it. All in all, the advantages of multiple and democratic assessment surpass the drawbacks derived from them.
The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review
Authors: Haavik Heidi , Niazi Imran Khan , Kumari Nitika , Amjad Imran , Duehr Jenna , Holt Kelly
Published: May 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to find healthcare solutions that boost or support immunity. There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts and neuroimmune function and the associated potential clinical implications are less clear. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that can explain the HVLA controlled vertebral thrust--neuroimmune link and discuss what this link implies for clinical practice and future research needs. A search for relevant articles published up until April 2021 was undertaken. Twenty-three published papers were found that explored the impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that HVLA controlled vertebral thrust influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. This narravtive review discusses the most likely mechanisms for how HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts could impact these immune markers. The mechanisms are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following HVLA spinal thrusts. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the immune system. Bi-directional neuro-immune interactions are affected by emotional or pain-related stress. Stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activity also alters vertebral motor control. Therefore, there are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts to the immune system, suggesting HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune function. However, it is not yet known whether HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have a clinically relevant impact on immunity. Further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on immune function.
Computational Models Used to Predict Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Burlacu Alexandru , Iftene Adrian , Popa Iolanda Valentina , Crisan-Dabija Radu , Brinza Crischentian , Covic Adrian
Published: May 2021

Background and objectives: cardiovascular complications (CVC) are the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Standard cardiovascular disease risk prediction models used in the general population are not validated in patients with CKD. We aim to systematically review the up-to-date literature on reported outcomes of computational methods such as artificial intelligence (AI) or regression-based models to predict CVC in CKD patients. Materials and methods: the electronic databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched. The risk of bias and reporting quality for each study were assessed against transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) and the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). Results: sixteen papers were included in the present systematic review: 15 non-randomized studies and 1 ongoing clinical trial. Twelve studies were found to perform AI or regression-based predictions of CVC in CKD, either through single or composite endpoints. Four studies have come up with computational solutions for other CV-related predictions in the CKD population. Conclusions: the identified studies represent palpable trends in areas of clinical promise with an encouraging present-day performance. However, there is a clear need for more extensive application of rigorous methodologies. Following the future prospective, randomized clinical trials, and thorough external validations, computational solutions will fill the gap in cardiovascular predictive tools for chronic kidney disease.
Recognition and Management of Antipsychotic-Induced Parkinsonism in Older Adults: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wisidagama Sharadha , Selladurai Abiram , Wu Peter , Isetta Marco , Serra-Mestres Jordi
Published: May 2021

Background: Parkinsonism is a common side-effect of antipsychotic drugs especially in older adults, who also present with a higher frequency of neurodegenerative disorders like Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Distinguishing between antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism (AIP) and IPD is challenging due to clinical similarities. Up to 20% of older adults may suffer from persisting parkinsonism months after discontinuation of antipsychotics, suggesting underlying neurodegeneration. A review of the literature on AIP in older adults is presented, focusing on epidemiology, clinical aspects, and management. Methods: A literature search was undertaken on EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO, for articles on parkinsonism induced by antipsychotic drugs or other dopamine 2 receptor antagonists in subjects aged 65 or older. Results: AIP in older adults is the second most common cause of parkinsonism after IPD. Older age, female gender, exposure to high-potency first generation antipsychotics, and antipsychotic dosage are the main risk factors. The clinical presentation of AIP resembles that of IPD, but is more symmetrical, affects upper limbs more, and tends to have associated motor phenomena such as orofacial dyskinesias and akathisia. Presence of olfactory dysfunction in AIP suggests neurodegeneration. Imaging of striatal dopamine transporters is widely used in IPD diagnosis and could help to distinguish it from AIP. There is little evidence base for recommending pharmacological interventions for AIP, the best options being dose-reduction/withdrawal, or switching to a second-generation drug. Conclusions: AIP is a common occurrence in older adults and it is possible to differentiate it from IPD. Further research is needed into its pathophysiology and on its treatment.
Deep Penetration Microscopic Imaging with Non-Diffracting Airy Beams
Authors: Guo Yong , Huang Yangrui , Li Jin , Wang Luwei , Yang Zhigang , Liu Jinyuan , Peng Xiao , Yan Wei , Qu Junle
Published: May 2021

We report a deep penetration microscopic imaging method with a non-diffracting Airy beam. The direct mapping of volume imaging in free space shows that the axial imaging range of the Airy beam is approximately 4 times that of the traditional Gaussian beam along the axial direction while maintaining a narrow lateral width. Benefiting from its non-diffracting property, the microscopic imaging with Airy beam illumination can acquire image structures through turbid medium and capture a volumetric image in a single frame. We demonstrate the penetration ability of the Airy microscopic imaging through a strongly scattering environment with 633 nm and 780 nm lasers. The performances of the volumetric imaging method were evaluated using HeLa cells and isolated mouse kidney tissue. The thick sample was scanned layer by layer in the Gaussian mode, however, in the Airy mode, the three-dimensional (3D) structure information was projected onto a two-dimensional (2D) image, which vastly increased the volume imaging speed. To show the characteristics of the Airy microscope, we performed dynamic volumetric imaging on the isolated mouse kidney tissue with two-photon.
Comparison of Circular and Parallel-Plated Membrane Lungs for Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Elimination
Authors: Schwärzel Leonie S. , Jungmann Anna M. , Schmoll Nicole , Caspari Stefan , Seiler Frederik , Muellenbach Ralf M. , Bewarder Moritz , Dinh Quoc Thai , Bals Robert , Lepper Philipp M. , Omlor Albert J.
Published: May 2021

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is an important technique to treat critical lung diseases such as exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild or moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study applies our previously presented ECCO2R mock circuit to compare the CO2 removal capacity of circular versus parallel-plated membrane lungs at different sweep gas flow rates (0.5, 2, 4, 6 L/min) and blood flow rates (0.3 L/min, 0.9 L/min). For both designs, two low-flow polypropylene membrane lungs (Medos Hilte 1000, Quadrox-i Neonatal) and two mid-flow polymethylpentene membrane lungs (Novalung Minilung, Quadrox-iD Pediatric) were compared. While the parallel-plated Quadrox-iD Pediatric achieved the overall highest CO2 removal rates under medium and high sweep gas flow rates, the two circular membrane lungs performed relatively better at the lowest gas flow rate of 0.5 L/min. The low-flow Hilite 1000, although overall better than the Quadrox i-Neonatal, had the most significant advantage at a gas flow of 0.5 L/min. Moreover, the circular Minilung, despite being significantly less efficient than the Quadrox-iD Pediatric at medium and high sweep gas flow rates, did not show a significantly worse CO2 removal rate at a gas flow of 0.5 L/min but rather a slight advantage. We suggest that circular membrane lungs have an advantage at low sweep gas flow rates due to reduced shunting as a result of their fiber orientation. Efficiency for such low gas flow scenarios might be relevant for possible future portable ECCO2R devices.
Effects of CeO2 and Sb2O3 on the Nonlinear Photochemical Process in Ultrashort Laser Gaussian—Bessel Beams Irradiated Photo—Thermo—Refractive Glass
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Guodong , Li Guangying , Lou Rui , Sun Zhe , Xie Xiaoping , Li Weinan , Cheng Guanghua
Published: May 2021

Microfluidic chips and optical elements can be fabricated based on the nonlinear photosensitivity in photo–thermo–refractive (PTR) glass by controlling the growth of nanocrystals in the femtosecond (fs) laser–irradiated region. Here, we focus on CeO2 and Sb2O3 that play important roles in UV irradiation, experimentally investigate the effects of the dopants on the nonlinear photochemical process in PTR glass triggered by fs Gaussian–Bessel beams. The results show that the generation of Ag0 atoms and the Ag nanoparticles can be improved by CeO2 and Sb2O3 co–doping. Besides, each multivalent ion in PTR glass possibly participates in the electron transfer processes and contributes to the generation of Ag0 atoms. Finally, X–ray diffraction analysis reveals the precipitation of NaF nanocrystals with an average size of 10 to 12 nm after laser irradiation and thermal treatment, which is unrelated to the dopants.
In Vitro Reduced Susceptibility to Pentavalent Antimonials of a Leishmania infantum Isolate from a Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Case in Central Italy
Authors: Diotallevi Aurora , Buffi Gloria , Corbelli Giovanni , Ceccarelli Marcello , Ortalli Margherita , Varani Stefania , Magnani Mauro , Galluzzi Luca
Published: May 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Here we report an autochthonous case of CL in a patient living in central Italy with an unsatisfactory response to treatment with intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate and in vitro demonstration of reduced susceptibility to SbIII. Parasitological diagnosis was first achieved by histopathology on tissue biopsy and the patient was treated with a local infiltration of Meglumine Antimoniate. Since the clinical response at 12 weeks from the treatment’s onset was deemed unsatisfactory, two further skin biopsies were taken for histopathological examination, DNA extraction and parasite isolation. L. (L.) infantum was identified by molecular typing. The low susceptibility to Meglumine Antimoniate was confirmed in vitro: the promastigotes from the patient strain showed significantly lower susceptibility to SbIII (the active trivalent form of antimonial) compared to the reference strain MHOM/TN/80/IPT1. The patient underwent a new treatment course with intravenous liposomal Amphotericin B, reaching complete healing of the lesion. Additional studies are needed to confirm the epidemiological and clinical relevance of reduced susceptibility to SbIII of human L. (L.) infantum isolate in Italy.