bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive nonlinear finite element modelling and parametric analysis of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Pandimani Pandimani , Ponnada Markandeya Raju , Geddada Yesuratnam 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This study aims to present comprehensive nonlinear material modelling techniques and simulations of reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to short-term monotonic static load using the robust and reliable general-purpose finite element (FE) software ANSYS. A parametric study is carried out to analyse the flexural and ductility behaviour of RC beams under various influencing parameters.

Design/methodology/approach
To develop and validate the numerical FE models, a total of four experimentally tested simply supported RC beams are taken from the available literature and two beams are selected from each author. The concrete, steel reinforcements, bond-slip mechanism, loading and supporting plates are modelled using SOLID65, LINK180, COMBIN39 and SOLID185 elements, respectively. The validated models are then used to conduct parametric FE analysis to investigate the effect of concrete compressive strength, percentage of tensile reinforcement, compression reinforcement ratio, transverse shear reinforcement, bond-slip mechanism, concrete compressive stress-strain constitutive models, beam symmetry and varying overall depth of beam on the ultimate load-carrying capacity and ductility behaviour of RC beams.

Findings
The developed three-dimensional FE models can able to capture the load and midspan deflections at critical points, the accurate yield point of steel reinforcements, the formation of initial and progressive concrete crack patterns and the complete load-deflection curves of RC beams up to ultimate failure. From the numerical results, it can be concluded that the FE model considering the bond-slip effect with Thorenfeldt’s concrete compressive stress-strain model exhibits a better correlation with the experimental data.

Originality/value
The ultimate load and deflection results of validated FE models show a maximum deviation of less than 10% and 15%, respectively, as compared to the experimental results. The developed model is also capable of capturing concrete failure modes accurately. Overall, the FE analysis results were found quite acceptable and compared well with the experimental data at all loading stages. It is suggested that the proposed FE model is a practical and reliable tool for analyzing the flexural behaviour of RC members and can be used for performing parametric studies.
Application of Brown–Gibson model in workers’ productivity: an impact study of weighted parameters using experimental research design
Authors: Mishra Ratnakar 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The urban-rural divide in developing countries such as India often finds focus in every economic analysis. This paper aims to find the existing gap and to suggest an action plan to reduce the gap identified therein. With an aim to find a good leader in furtherance the group performance operating in rural areas, a multi-plant location model is tested taking its weighted assessment method on assumptions that the unorganized sector is devoid of accessing any scientific model for its growth and sustenance.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, two different business groups in the same city location were taken as samples and the multi-plant location (Brown–Gibson) model was used to test the impact of any changes in leadership on the group.

Findings
The result in the first sample group indicated incremental profitability which was under observation for three years. The second group witnessed a varied trend of profitability under two different leaders which was studied for a four-year period.

Research limitations/implications
Purposive behavioural alignment under a controlled research environment often dampens the real objective of the study. A meticulous effort was meted out to remove it from research.

Practical implications
The research aims at providing a long-standing solution to leadership issues in the unorganized sector that contributes to the national economy but usually kept neglected.

Originality/value
Scientific model experimentation on human resources is unique and innovative.
Investigating the antifibrotic potential of N‐acetyl seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline sequence peptides
Authors: Ramasamy Vinasha , Ntsekhe Mpiko , Sturrock Edward 
Published: August 2021

AbstractN‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) is a physiological antifibrotic peptide that is hydrolysed by angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE). The beneficial antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors have been attributed, in part, to its inhibition of Ac‐SDKP cleavage. There is indirect evidence that the SDK fragment of Ac‐SDKP is the main component required for its antiproliferative action. However, the exact component of the physiological peptide that is responsible for its antifibrotic effect has yet to be determined. Ac‐SDKP‐derived analogues that are resistant to ACE degradation may provide a new avenue for fibrosis therapy. We tested the antifibrotic potential of various Ac‐SDKP peptide sequences and an analogue resistant to ACE degradation in lung fibroblasts. We investigated the contribution and molecular mechanism of action of the amino acid residues in the Ac‐SDKP sequence to its antifibrotic effects, and the effects of Ac‐SDKP peptides in the prevention of collagen deposition in cells. The Ac‐DKP fragment moderately inhibited endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) mediated transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐ β) expression, and could be slowly cleaved by ACE, revealing a different sequence requirement for the antifibrotic action of Ac‐SDKP. The Ac‐SDψKP analogue (where the peptide bond between the aspartate and lysine is reduced) inhibited TGF‐β/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)‐3 signalling and collagen deposition. The Ac‐SDKP peptide, in combination with ACEi, demonstrated a greater inhibition of hydroxyproline as compared to Ac‐SDKP alone.
Soil protist function varies with elevation in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Mazel Florent , Malard Lucie , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Yashiro Erika , Mod Heidi K. , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Singer David , Buri Aline , Pinto Eric , Guex Nicolas , Lara Enrique , Guisan Antoine 
Published: August 2021

SummaryProtists are abundant and play key trophic functions in soil. Documenting how their trophic contributions vary across large environmental gradients is essential to understand and predict how biogeochemical cycles will be impacted by global changes. Here, using amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA in open habitat soil from 161 locations spanning 2600 m of elevation in the Swiss Alps (from 400 to 3000 m), we found that, over the whole study area, soils are dominated by consumers, followed by parasites and phototrophs. In contrast, the proportion of these groups in local communities shows large variations in relation to elevation. While there is, on average, three times more consumers than parasites at low elevation (400–1000 m), this ratio increases to 12 at high elevation (2000–3000 m). This suggests that the decrease in protist host biomass and diversity toward mountains tops impact protist functional composition. Furthermore, the taxonomic composition of protists that infect animals was related to elevation while that of protists that infect plants or of protist consumers was related to soil pH. This study provides a first step to document and understand how soil protist functions vary along the elevational gradient.
Environmental contamination with SARS‐CoV‐2 in COVID‐19 hospitals in Wuhan, China, 2020
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Dingchen , Yang Chaojie , Chen Fangyan , Jia Ruizhong , Jia Leili , Xia Xinyi , Fan Shanhong , Tan Qing , Ke Yuehua , Chen Yong , Li Haifeng , Zhan Linfeng , Liu Xiong , You Jianping , Fu Xiaolin , Li Dan , Zhang Lin , Wang Changjun , Han Li 
Published: August 2021

SummaryCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused high number of infections and deaths of healthcare workers globally. Distribution and possible transmission route of SARS‐CoV‐2 in hospital environment should be clarified. We herein collected 431 environmental (391 surface and 40 air) samples in the intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards (GWs) of three hospitals in Wuhan, China from February 21 to March 4, 2020, and detected SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA by real‐time quantitative PCR. The viral positive rate in the contaminated areas was 17.8% (28/157), whereas there was no virus detected in the clean areas. Higher positive rate (22/59, 37.3%) was found in ICU than that in GWs (3/63, 4.8%). The surfaces of computer keyboards and mouse in the ICU were the most contaminated (8/10, 80.0%), followed by the ground (6/9, 66.7%) and outer glove (2/5, 40.0%). From 17 air samples in the contaminated areas, only one sample collected at a distance of around 30 cm from the patient was positive. Enhanced surface disinfection and hand hygiene effectively decontaminated the virus from the environment. This finding might help understand the transmission route and contamination risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 and evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities.
Anthropogenic activities change the relationship between microbial community taxonomic composition and functional attributes
Authors: Liu Lemian , Wang Shanshan , Chen Jianfeng 
Published: August 2021

SummaryFunctional redundancy is considered common in microbial systems, but recent studies have challenged this idea. The mechanism for this contradictory result is not clear. However, in this study, we hypothesize that strong environmental filtering which links to the anthropogenic activities is able to weaken microbial functional redundancy. We used metagenome and 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing to investigate planktonic microbial communities in a subtropical river. We found that the weak anthropogenic activities might result in a low selection pressure in the river upstream area. Therefore, the microbial community functional attributes were stable although the community composition changed with the water temperature and NO3‐N in upstream area (this indicates functional redundancy). However, the strong anthropogenic activities in river downstream area selected pollutant‐degraded functions (e.g. nitrogen metabolism, toluene, xylenes and ethylbenzene degradation) and potentially pollutant‐degraded (tolerant) microbes, and therefore caused the microbial community composition synchronously changed with the variation of community functional attributes. Our results reveal that strong environmental filtering which associates with the anthropogenic activities not only has effects on microbial community composition and community functional attributes but also on their relationships. These results provide a new insight to refine the functional redundancy idea.
A small number of male‐biased candidate pheromone receptors are expressed in large subsets of the olfactory sensory neurons in the antennae of drones from the European honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Fleischer Joerg , Rausch Alexander , Dietze Kathrin , Erler Silvio , Cassau Sina , Krieger Jürgen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the olfactory system is essential for foraging and intraspecific communication via pheromones. Honey bees are equipped with a large repertoire of olfactory receptors belonging to the insect odorant receptor (OR) family. Previous studies have indicated that the transcription level of a few OR types including OR11, a receptor activated by the queen‐released pheromone compound (2E)‐9‐oxodecenoic acid (9‐ODA), is significantly higher in the antenna of males (drones) than in female workers. However, the number and distribution of antennal cells expressing male‐biased ORs is elusive. Here, we analyzed antennal sections from bees by in situ hybridization for the expression of the male‐biased receptors OR11, OR18, and OR170. Our results demonstrate that these receptors are expressed in only moderate numbers of cells in the antennae of females (workers and queens), whereas substantially higher cell numbers express these ORs in drones. Thus, the reported male‐biased transcript levels are due to sex‐specific differences in the number of antennal cells expressing these receptors. Detailed analyses for OR11 and OR18 in drone antennae revealed expression in two distinct subsets of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that in total account for approximately 69% of the OR‐positive cells. Such high percentages of OSNs expressing given receptors are reminiscent of male‐biased ORs in moths that mediate the detection of female‐released sex pheromone components. Collectively, our findings indicate remarkable similarities between male antennae of bees and moths and support the concept that male‐biased ORs in bee drones serve the detection of female‐emitted sex pheromones.
Prospective analysis over time of semen parameters in spinal cord‐injured patients: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Chalas Celine , Jilet Lea , Wolf Jean‐Philippe , Drouineaud Veronique , Abdoul Hendy , Patrat Catherine , Denys Pierre , Giuliano Francois 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord injury often results in erectile dysfunction and an ejaculation along with impaired semen parameters. Fertility is a major concern in spinal cord injury adult males and some fear that the delay post‐spinal cord injury may negatively affect sperm quality.ObjectivesWe aimed to (i) assess semen parameters over time in SCI patients according to age at spinal cord injury, time post‐spinal cord injury, and the spinal cord injury level and completeness and (ii) measure markers in semen for inflammation and marker of oxidative stress to investigate their impact on sperm parameters.Materials and MethodsThe study is a prospective, longitudinal, pilot study over 18 months. Thirty‐five men with spinal cord injury from 18 to 60 years of age were enrolled. Their mean age was 29.4 ± 6.4 years. Semen retrieval was scheduled every 6 months, allowing analysis of four ejaculates, in association with measurement of granulocyte and seminal plasma elastase concentrations to assess markers in semen for inflammation and spermatozoa DNA fragmentation to assess oxidative stress.ResultsBased on reference limits, a normal total sperm number, decreased motility and vitality of the spermatozoa, and increased morphological abnormalities were found. Mean round cell and granulocyte concentrations were elevated in the semen. Markers in semen for inflammation and marker of oxidative stress were elevated in several semen samples, compared to reference limits. However, neither the presence of markers in semen for inflammation or oxidative stress, the completeness or the level of the spinal cord lesion, the age or the time post‐spinal cord injury had a negative impact on the semen quality over time.DiscussionThere was no significant decline in semen quality in spinal cord injury patients over time within the limitations of this pilot study. Moreover, a chronic genital inflammatory status was not associated with impairment of semen quality.ConclusionThe present findings are reassuring for men with spinal cord injury and could guide the management of their reproductive ability. According to these preliminary data, not all spinal cord injury patients who are able to ejaculate require systematic freezing of their spermatozoa.
Effect of a nutritional supplementation on growth and body composition in short and lean preadolescent boys: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fisch Shvalb Naama , Lazar Liora , Demol Sharon , Mouler Marie , Rachmiel Marianna , Hershkovitz Eli , Shamir Raanan , Phillip Moshe , Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation on height, weight and body composition in short and lean male preadolescents.MethodsA randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of nutritional supplementation of short and lean prepubertal 10–14.5‐year‐old boys. Primary outcomes included Δheight‐SDS and Δweight‐SDS. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition and BMI‐SDS.ResultsOf 160 boys enrolled, 126 (80%) completed 6 months’ intervention. Baseline age, height‐SDS, weight‐SDS, BMI‐SDS, body composition and dietary intake were similar in the formula and placebo groups. ‘Good’ formula consumers (intake of ≥50% of the recommended dose, n = 30) gained significantly more in weight‐SDS, BMI‐SDS, fat‐free‐mass and muscle mass (p < 0.05) than did ‘poor’ consumers (n = 35) and the placebo group (n = 61). Only in the formula group, positive dose‐response correlations were found between consumption of the formula and changes in the outcome parameters examined, including Δheight‐SDS (r = 0.301, p = 0.015). Boys aged >11.4 years who were ‘good’ formula consumers maintained their Δheight‐SDS, while Δheight‐SDS declined in ‘poor’ consumers and the placebo group of the same age (p = 0.033).ConclusionIntervention with a multi‐nutrient, protein‐rich formula was effective in increasing weight‐SDS, fat‐free‐mass, muscle mass and BMI‐SDS in short and lean prepubertal male adolescents. Good consumption of the formula prevented Δheight‐SDS decline in the older participants.
Health perception by young adults born very preterm
Authors: Girard‐Bock Camille , Flahault Adrien , Bernard Élisabeth , Bourque Claude Julie , Fallaha Catherine , Cloutier Anik , Janvier Annie , Nuyt Anne Monique , Luu Thuy Mai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThis study assessed the self‐reported health perception and use of health care by adults born very preterm before 30 weeks of gestation.MethodsThe participants were part of a cross‐sectional observational study that assessed the global health of young adults aged 18–29 years born very preterm in Quebec, Canada. Health perception was explored from 2011 to 2016 using the second Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36v2), and objective health measures were obtained. Further in‐depth open‐ended questions were asked in 2018.ResultsThe 101 preterm subjects had similar perceptions of their health to 105 term‐born controls, according to the SF‐36v2, despite significantly more adverse health conditions. Their healthcare use was similar. However, the later in‐depth questionnaire showed that 23% of 45 preterm subjects and 3% of 34 term‐born subjects perceived their health as poorer than the general population. Major factors that could improve their respective health were lifestyle habits (74% vs. 81%) and eliminating specific adverse symptoms (52% vs. 27%). Only 10% of preterm individuals had been asked about their perinatal history by physicians.ConclusionAdults born very preterm said their health was poorer than the general population and identified specific factors that should be addressed during routine health monitoring.
Serological SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response, potential predictive markers and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in haematological and oncological patients
Authors: Benda Magdalena , Mutschlechner Beatrix , Ulmer Hanno , Grabher Claudia , Severgnini Luciano , Volgger Andreas , Reimann Patrick , Lang Theresia , Atzl Michele , Huynh Minh , Gasser Klaus , Petrausch Ulf , Fraunberger Peter , Hartmann Bernd , Winder Thomas 
Published: August 2021

SummaryHaemato‐oncological patients are at risk in case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Currently, vaccination is the best‐evaluated preventive strategy. In the present study, we aimed to assess serological response, predictive markers, and safety of BNT162b2 in haemato‐oncological patients. A total of 259 haemato‐oncological patients were vaccinated with two 30 µg doses of BNT162b2 administered 21 days apart. Serological response was assessed by ELECSYS® Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐S immunoassay before vaccination, and at 3 and 7 weeks after the first dose (T1, T2). Safety assessment was performed. At T2 spike protein receptor binding domain (S/RBD) antibodies were detected in 71·4% of haematological and in 94·5% of oncological patients (P < 0·001). Haematological patients receiving systemic treatment had a 14·2‐fold increased risk of non‐responding (95% confidence interval 3·2–63·3, P = 0·001). Subgroups of patients with lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were at highest risk of serological non‐response. Low immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, lymphocyte‐ and natural killer (NK)‐cell counts were significantly associated with poor serological response (P < 0·05). Vaccination was well tolerated with only 2·7% of patients reporting severe side‐effects. Patients with side‐effects developed a higher S/RBD‐antibody titre compared to patients without side‐effects (P = 0·038). Haematological patients under treatment were at highest risk of serological non‐response. Low lymphocytes, NK cells and IgG levels were found to be associated with serological non‐response. Serological response in oncological patients was encouraging. The use of BNT162b2 is safe in haemato‐oncological patients.
Research agenda setting with children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Lessons learned
Authors: Aussems Karijn , Schoemaker Casper G. , Verwoerd Anouk , Ambrust Wineke , Cowan Katherine , Dedding Christine 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this qualitative study is to understand the research priorities of Dutch children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as well as researching how children can be involved.BackgroundSeveral health research agendas have successfully been developed with adults but rarely with children. Children are still seldom recognized as possessing credible knowledge about their own body and life. This research project with focus group discussions and interviews with children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was an innovative addition to a nationwide prioritization of research questions of patients with JIA, their carers and health care professionals, based on the James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology.ResultsChildren with JIA appreciated being invited to give their opinion on JIA research prioritization as knowledgeable actors. They have clear views on what topics need most attention. They want more insight on how to medically and socially treat JIA so that they can better fulfil their aspirations at school, later in work and with their relationships.ConclusionWe have identified the Top 5 research priorities for children with JIA. Most priorities are unique and differ from the priorities of the adolescents and young adults, parents and healthcare professionals in the main JLA priority setting exercise. Ultimately, two of the children's priorities were included in the final JLA Top 10.