bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and its associated factors among older persons in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Abdul Rahim Faizul Akmal , Mohamed Haris Hasmah , Yoep Norzawati , Mahmud Amierul Fikri , Salleh Ruhaya , Lodz Noor Aliza , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Maw Pin Tan , Ahmad Noor Ani 
Published: December 2020

AimQuality of life (QoL) among the older persons provides valuable insights into the potential modifiable risk factors that affect well‐being in later life. This study aimed to describe the QoL and psychosocial factors of QoL of older persons in Malaysia.MethodsWe used the 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure scale, a validated instrument that measures psychological well‐being related to QoL in older persons. Scores range from 0 to 57, and higher scores indicate better QoL. We included several factors as covariates. Analysis of complex samples was carried out using Stata 15. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine QoL by sociodemographic characteristics and other factors. Linear regression analysis was used to identify psychosocial factors that influence QoL.ResultsA total of 3444 individuals aged ≥60 years completed all 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure items. The estimated mean QoL score was 47.01 (95% CI 46.30–47.72). Adjusted for confounders, QoL was lower among individuals with no formal education (−2.554, 95% CI −3.684, −1.424), probable depression (−1.042, 95% CI −1.212, −0.871) and food insecurity (−0.815, 95% CI −1.083, −0.548). QoL continued to improve with improved ADL score (0.302, 95% CI 0.052, 0.552), IADL score (0.646, 95% CI 0.382, 0.909) and better social support (0.308, 95% CI 0.187, 0.429).ConclusionsLower education, depression, food insecurity, presence of limited functional status and poor social support negatively influenced QoL in older Malaysians. This study identified potentially modifiable factors that could be targeted for interventions to enhance QoL of older persons in Malaysia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 92–97.
Association of sociodemographic factors and self‐perception of health status on oral health‐related quality of life among the older persons in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Fuad Mohamad Anuar , Yacob Habibah , Mohamed Nurulasmak , Wong Norazizah Ibrahim 
Published: December 2020

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older persons in Malaysia and its associations with sociodemographic and self‐perception towards general health as well as oral health.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey among community dwelling older persons utilizing stratified cluster sampling was conducted in 2018. Well‐trained interviewers conducted a face‐to‐face interview with older persons aged ≥60 years to collect information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, self‐perception on general as well as oral health using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analysis of the data collected was performed using SPSS version 23.ResultsOverall, the GOHAI mean ± SD score for older persons in Malaysia was 51.83 ± 7.98, which was an average of fair mean (P < 0.001). Those with poor self‐rated oral health (48.34 ± 8.96) or poor self‐rated general health (47.13 ± 8.93) had poor mean OHRQoL (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis shows older persons who stay with spouse/partner (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.96 [1.66, 2.31]), no formal education (aOR: 1.84 [1.29, 2.61]) and self‐perceived unhealthy oral health (aOR: 3.83 [3.19, 4.59]) were significantly associated with higher odds of having poor OHRQoL.ConclusionsThe estimated OHRQoL of older persons in Malaysia is rated as fair, with minimum association contributed by the sociodemographic factors, but with a significant influence by self‐rated oral and general health. Self‐perception of health can be used as a good indicator to estimate the OHRQoL.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 57–62.
Social support among older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Mahmud Mohd AF , Hazrin Mohd , Muhammad Eida N , Mohd Hisyam Muhammad F , Awaludin S. Maria , Abdul Razak Mohammad A , Mahmud Nur A , Mohamad Nor A , Mohd Hairi Noran N , Wan Yuen Choo 
Published: December 2020

AimThis study aimed to determine the factors that influence perceived social support among older adults in Malaysia.MethodsWe used the 11‐item Duke Social Support Index to assess perceived social support through a face‐to‐face interview. Higher scores indicate better social support. Linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors that influence perceived social support by adapting the conceptual model of social support determinants and its impact on health.ResultsA total of 3959 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the Duke Social Support Index. The estimated mean Duke Social Support Index score was 27.65 (95% CI 27.36–27.95). Adjusted for confounders, the factors found to be significantly associated with social support among older adults were monthly income below RM1000 (−0.8502, 95% CI −1.3523, −0.3481), being single (−0.5360, 95% CI −0.8430, −0.2290), no depression/normal (2.2801, 95% CI 1.6666–2.8937), absence of activities of daily living (0.9854, 95% CI 0.5599–1.4109) and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (−0.3655, 95% CI −0.9811, −0.3259).ConclusionThis study found that low income, being single, no depression, absence of activities of daily living and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living were important factors related to perceived social support among Malaysian older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 63–67.
WHAT IS SOCIALISM TODAY? CONCEPTIONS OF A COOPERATIVE ECONOMY
Authors: Roemer John E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSocialism is back on the political agenda in the United States. I propose several variants of socialism, characterized by different kinds of property relation in the ownership of firms. In addition to property relations, a conception of socialism should include a specification of the cooperative ethos, in place of the individualistic ethos of capitalist society. Individualistic economic agents will optimize in the manner of John Nash, whereas cooperative ones do so in the manner of Immanuel Kant. I argue that Kantian optimization decentralizes resource allocation in ways that separate issues of equity (income distribution) from efficiency. I offer tentative thoughts concerning how we should conceive of socialism today.
COMPONENTS OF UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Larsen Vegard Høghaug 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUncertainty is acknowledged to be a source of economic fluctuations. But, does the type of uncertainty matter for the economy's response to an uncertainty shock? This article offers a novel identification strategy to disentangle different types of uncertainty. It uses machine learning techniques to classify different types of news instead of specifying a set of keywords. The article finds that, depending on its source, the effects of uncertainty on a macroeconomic variable may differ. I find that both good (expansionary effect) and bad (contractionary effect) types of uncertainty exist.
Effect of ceramic‐based coatings deposited on low‐alloyed steel T/P22 10H2M exposed at high temperature
Authors: Rząd Ewa , Polczyk Tomasz , Boroń Łukasz , Figiel Paweł , Solecka Monika , Dudziak Tomasz , Oziębło Artur , Chmielewska Danuta , Synowiec Barbara , Pichniarczyk Paweł 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe study was carried out in order to evaluate oxidation resistance of the ceramic coatings based on SiO2‐B2O3‐TiO2‐Na2O composition deposited on the low‐alloyed steel T/P22 (10H2M) surface exposed for 1000 h at 540°C in oxidation atmosphere. Kinetic data were recorded periodically every 250 h; macro‐ and microanalyses as well as chemical composition were carried out using macrolenses, SEM, EDS, EDS X‐ray mappings. The results indicated a high degree of protection by ceramic coatings; much lower mass gain was observed for the coated materials than for the uncoated T/P22 (10H2M) steel. No detachment, delamination, chipping of a coating were found from the steel surface; some of the coatings showed perpendicular tiny cracks to the bulk metal surface.
Eggshells as agro‐industrial waste substitute for CaCO3 in glass foams: A study on obtaining lower thermal conductivity
Authors: Mariosi Fabrício Ravanello , Arcaro Sabrina , Venturini Janio , Camaratta Rubens , Machado Machado Fernando , Gómez‐Plata Leandro , Rodrigues Luiz Fernando 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this work, discarded glass bottles (GB) and eggshells (ES) were used to produce foam glass designed for thermal insulation. The literature on the thermal conductivity of foam glasses produced with eggshells is sparse. This material was used as pore‐forming agent at 3% and 5% weight fractions to obtain a foam glass with low thermal conductivity. Homogenized powders were uniaxially pressed, and the compacts were fired at three temperatures (800, 850, and 900°C). Raw materials were characterized by chemical analysis and particle size distribution. The foam glasses were characterized by their porosity, phases, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. The best insulating properties were obtained for the composition containing 5 wt% ES fired at 800°C. This sample displayed a porosity of 91.4% while its thermal conductivity was of 0.037 W/m.K, with a compressive strength of 1.12 ± 0.38 MPa. Crystalline phases were observed in samples fired at 850 and 900°C as a result of the devitrification process. The final properties of the materials are comparable to those of commercial foam glasses obtained from non‐renewable, more expensive raw materials, a great indicator that the studied compositions could be used as an environmentally friendly substitute.
Amorphous silica nanoparticles derived from biowaste via microwave combustion for drug delivery
Authors: Araichimani P. , Suresh Kumar G. , Prabu K. M. , Karunakaran Gopalu , Van Minh N. , Kolesnikov Evgeny , Gorshenkov Mikhail V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAmorphous silica nanoparticles are a promising platform for constructing drug delivery vehicles owing to their high biocompatibility and favorable surface chemistry. In the current study, we report the preparation of amorphous silica nanoparticles using rice husk biowaste via easy and rapid microwave‐assisted combustion. The obtained results from various characterizations indicate that the prepared sample is an amorphous form of silica nanoparticles having sizes 50–80 nm with high purity. Ciprofloxacin was used as the model drug and it was released from silica nanocarrier in a controlled and prolonged manner. The ciprofloxacin release kinetics was investigated using the Higuchi model and Ritger‐Peppas model which corroborate that different process like desorption, diffusion, and surface erosion may be involved in the release of ciprofloxacin from the prepared silica nanocarrier. The antibacterial susceptibility test revealed that the ciprofloxacin loaded silica nanocarrier exhibit a bacterial inhibition zone about 32 ± 4 and 44 ± 3 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. This study can be useful to develop a versatile nanocarrier with controlled delivery of ciprofloxacin to treat different types of bacterial infections.
Highly transparent AlON fabricated via SPS synthesized by Al2O3/C core–shell starting powder and CRN method
Authors: Kamali Sima , Mohebi Mohammad Masoud , Taherian Mohamad Hassan , Sabaghi Vahid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTwo types of starting powders were used to synthesis AlON powder via the carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) route, the Al2O3 and C mixture, and the Al2O3/C core–shell. Al2O3/C core–shell resulted in lower carbon content and lower synthesis temperature for CRN method. AlON powder was synthesized using Al2O3 and C then was sintered via SPS at 1500, 1600, and 1700°C for 10‐30 min in a vacuum atmosphere. A sample with the highest transmittance was annealed at 1250°C for 2, 4, and 8 h in air. The characteristics of AlON powder and bulk samples were investigated by XRD, DLS, FT‐IR, elemental analysis of carbon and sulfur, SEM, EDS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses. The annealing process for 2 h improved the transmittance from 31% to 58% at the wavelength of 600 nm. AlON powder synthesized using Al2O3/C core–shell, was SPSed at 1700°C for 15 min and annealed at 1250°C for 2 h was used to make a sample of 1.7 mm thickness whose transmittance was found to be 81%.
Blue‐light‐excited NaCe(MoO4)2 microcrystals for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Victor Barbosa Moura João , Amison Gomes de Souza Antonio , de Tarso Cavalcante Freire Paulo , da Luz Lima Cleanio , Mielle Brito Ferreira Oliveira Thiago 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe report the structural, morphological, and optical characterization, and the application of sodium‐cerium molybdate (NaCe(MoO4)2) as a promising photoelectroactive material for water splitting. Information on these several properties was obtained by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance. For the photoelectrochemical tests, NaCe(MoO4)2 microcrystals were deposited on conductive indium‐tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate by drop coating, and the activity of the as‐prepared photoanode toward oxygen evolution reaction was investigated in the absence and presence of blue light‐emitting diode irradiation. Studies carried out by linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy attested to a significant photoelectroactivity of molybdate associated with the fast electron‐hole pairs generation. The steady‐state photocurrent density recorded under irradiation achieved a remarkable increase, varying from 1.5 µA cm−2 (light off) to 44.1 µA cm−2 (light on), in addition, it presents high stability after on–off cycles, what proves the proper performance of NaCe(MoO4)2/ITO as photoanode for water splitting.
ZnO semiconductors obtained by slip casting: Application and reuse in photocatalysis
Authors: Domingos Gustavo H. S. , Ruellas Thamara M. O. , Peçanha Luiz O. O. , Malafatti João O. D. , Paris Elaine C. , Maestrelli Sylma C. , Giraldi Tania R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis work described the acquisition of immobilized ZnO semiconductors using the slip casting technique, for application as reusable photocatalysts in the degradation of Rhodamine B. The influence of the heat treatment temperature (800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C) on the physical, thermal, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties was investigated. All samples presented the wurtzite crystal structure, and the surface was completely absent of organic matter residues. The samples presented band gap values around 3.2 eV. The ones heat treated at 800°C showed lower density (3.40 g/cm3, corresponding to 60% of the ZnO theoretical density), smaller average grain size, in addition to higher apparent porosity (around 40%). These characteristics provide better photocatalytic activity to the sample heat treated at 800°C, since it promoted 92.2% dye degradation, while samples heat treated at 900°C and 1000°C promoted 81.8% and 54.2% dye degradation, respectively. The integrity of all samples was maintained after the photocatalytic tests. Thus, the reuse capability of the sample with the best photocatalytic performance, that is, the sample heat treated at 800°C, was evaluated in six cycles of photocatalysis. The sample proved to be reusable, promoting degradation of practically 100% of the dye after the third cycle of reuse.
Cold‐sintered Na2WO4‐Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.6Fe2O4 ceramics with matched permittivity and permeability for miniaturized antenna
Authors: Chen Naichao , Xiao Bin , Xu Xinwei , Sun Tao , Jin Fei , Chen Meiyu , Chen Xianqiang , Wang Hong 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT(1‐x)Na2WO4–xNi0.2Cu0.2Zn0.6Fe2O4 (NWO‐NCZO) ceramic composites (x = 0–0.6) were successfully prepared by the cold sintering method under a uniaxial pressure of 200 MPa at 150°C for 30 min. The microstructures and electromagnetic properties of (1‐x)NWO‐xNCZO ceramic composites with different NCZO contents have been systematically investigated. The obtained biphasic NWO‐NCZO ceramic composites possess dense microstructures. The 0.4NWO–0.6NCZO ceramic composite exhibits a matched relative permittivity and relative permeability of around 8 in the frequency range from 10 to 200 MHz, which is beneficial for impedance matching between antenna and free space. A prototype of microstrip antenna based on the developed NWO‐NCZO ceramic composite is designed and to demonstrate its application in miniaturized antennas. The simulation results revealed that the size of the radiation patch of the antenna can be reduced by 60% yet with bandwidth being enhanced 26.5 times when the 0.4NWO–0.6NCZO ceramic composite is selected as the substrate instead of pure NWO ceramic.
Bond characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of high‐Q materials in li‐doped Zn3B2O6 systems
Authors: Zhang Qin , Tang Xiaoli , Zhong Maofeng , Li Yuanxun , Jing Yulan , Su Hua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe bond characteristics, Raman spectroscopy, and microwave dielectric properties of Zn3‐xLi2x(BO3)2 ceramics prepared by solid‐state reaction method were investigated. According to the complex chemical bond theory, the bond ionicity and lattice energy of the B–O bond were proved to contributed more to the electric polarization and phase structure stability than that of A‐site bond. Thus, the B–O bond had a dominant effect on the dielectric constant and Q × f values. The optimization of the τf value can be attributed to the bond valence. Moreover, the shift and full width at half maximum of the Raman peak were closely related to the dielectric constant and Q × f values, respectively. On the whole, Li+ substitution contributed greatly to improve the temperature stability and reducing the dielectric loss of Zn3‐xLi2x(BO3)2 ceramics. Additionally, Zn2.99Li0.02(BO3)2 ceramics sintered at 850 °C exhibited satisfactory microwave dielectric properties of εr=6.59, Q × f=122,030 GHz, τf=−76.9 ppm/°C, and had good chemical compatibility with silver.
Growth Models and Core–Periphery Interactions in European Integration: The German–Greek Special Relationship in Historical Perspective
Authors: Tsakas Christos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the history of the German–Greek relationship in the context of European integration and demonstrates that West Germany and German–Greek business networks played a crucial role in the shaping of Greece's post‐war growth model. The article challenges the assumption that the relationship between the two countries is overshadowed by the past. In contrast, it shows that post‐war German–Greek relations were forged around European integration with an eye to the future and that it was the two countries' early rapprochement and the mutual accommodation of their respective aims that laid the foundations of their asymmetrical interdependence. In doing so, the article argues that it was the success of Greece's European strategy, rather than its failure, that lies at the heart of its recurring balance‐of‐payments problems: a lingering trade deficit with Germany, the country's major trading partner, proved to be, as I will show, the price for growth and modernization.
Willingness of Long‐Term Care Staff to Receive a COVID‐19 Vaccine: A Single State Survey
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Evans Russell , Weaver Lindsay , Rusyniak Dan , Blackburn Justin 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo plan for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine distribution, the Indiana Department of Health surveyed nursing home and assisted living facility staff.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of an anonymous survey sent via text message link to personal cell phones and emails.Setting and ParticipantsNursing home and assisted living facility staff in Indiana.MeasuresStaff characteristics including age, gender, race, ethnicity, role in the facility, experience in long‐term care, and geographic location of facility were self‐reported along with prior infection and willingness to receive an approved vaccine as soon as it is available. Responses were weighted to represent staff statewide. Weighted frequencies and logit regression estimated characteristics associated with vaccine willingness.ResultsThere were 8,243 responses to the survey. For nursing home staff (survey delivered via 23,232 working phone numbers), there was a 33% response rate). There were 2,372 (29%) in nurse aide or similar roles and 1,602 nurses providing direct clinical care (19%). Overall, 45% of respondents indicated they would receive an approved COVID‐19 vaccine as soon as available. Of those unwilling to take the vaccine when first available, 44% would consider in the future. Concerns about side effects was the primary reason for vaccine hesitancy (70%). Characteristics associated with increased willingness were age over 60, male, and white race (P < .0001). No statistically significant differences were observed among staff self‐reporting prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe willingness to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine immediately or in the future may be as high as 69%, but varies among subgroups of nursing home staff which has implications for distribution. Educating staff on the vaccine may be critical for increasing uptake. Widespread vaccination holds the promise of protection against serious illness and death and a return of visitors and activities that support improved quality of life. This promise will not be realized without strong uptake of the vaccines.
Impact of childbirth on women's sexuality in the first year after the delivery
Authors: Zgliczynska Magdalena , Zasztowt‐Sternicka Monika , Kosinska‐Kaczynska Katarzyna , Szymusik Iwona , Pazdzior Dominika , Durmaj Aneta , Szlachta Magdalena , Bartnik Paweł , Wielgos Miroslaw 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to compare the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and after delivery and to find out whether and how selected factors affect women's sexuality during this period.MethodsThe study group consisted of 433 women who completed the survey containing basic demographic questions and two Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires: a retrospective one, regarding time before pregnancy and the current period. The inclusion criteria: time between 10 weeks and 1 year after delivery, vaginal intercourses before pregnancy and the resumption of vaginal intercourses after delivery.ResultsWe observed the negative impact of labor on the total FSFI score, regardless of the time that had passed since birth and the delivery mode. The decrease by at least 10% of the initial FSFI score was noticed in 44.3% of the participants. FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction) occurred statistically more commonly after delivery than before pregnancy (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001). The following factors had an impact on the risk of post‐partum FSD: pre‐pregnancy FSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38–7.31]) and nulliparity (aOR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.09–2.53]).ConclusionChildbirth has an undeniable impact on women's sexuality. The prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is very important, especially in this crucial period of life.