bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social support, psychological flexibility and coping mediate the association between COVID-19 related stress exposure and psychological distress
Authors: Tindle Richard , Hemi Alla , Moustafa Ahmed A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in psychological distress. However, protective factors such as social support, psychological flexibility, and coping mechanisms can help individuals cope with the effects of psychological distress. This study aimed to test a recent hypothesis suggesting that psychological flexibility is not necessarily a coping strategy but a mechanism that can influence the coping strategies an individual employs during stressful events. We tested a mediation model that COVID-19 concerns would contribute to higher levels of perceived social support, which would directly increase psychological flexibility, and finally test if the effect of psychological flexibility on distress was mediated by approach and avoidant coping strategies. The results show that social support facilitates higher levels of psychological flexibility. Further, that psychological flexibility indirectly reduces psychological distress by reducing avoidant coping and increasing approach coping strategies. Within the context of COVID-19, we have shown the importance of social support and psychological flexibility for reducing distress. We have provided further evidence that psychological flexibility might not be a coping mechanism but a strategy that leads individuals to engage in more approach coping strategies and fewer avoidant coping strategies.
Activity of alkaloids from Aspidosperma nitidum against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis
Authors: do Socorro Silva da Veiga Andreza , Silveira Fernando Tobias , da Silva Edilene Oliveira , Júnior José Antônio Picanço Diniz , Araújo Sanderson Corrêa , Campos Marliane Batista , do Rosário Marinho Andrey Moacir , Brandão Geraldo Célio , Vale Valdicley Vieira , Percário Sandro , Dolabela Maria Fâni 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the morphological changes caused by fractions and subfractions, obtained from barks of Aspidosperna nitidum, against L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes. The ethanolic extract (EE) obtained through the maceration of trunk barks was subjected to an acid–base partition, resulting the neutral (FN) and the alkaloid (FA) fractions, and fractionation under reflux, yielded hexane (FrHEX), dichloromethane (FrDCL), ethyl acetate (FrACoET), and methanol (FrMEOH) fractions. The FA was fractionated and three subfractions (SF5-6, SF8, and SF9) were obtained and analyzed by HPLC–DAD and 1H NMR. The antipromastigote activity of all samples was evaluated by MTT, after that, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the active fractions were performed. Chromatographic analyzes suggest the presence of alkaloids in EE, FN, FA, and FrDCL. The fractionation of FA led to the isolation of the indole alkaloid dihydrocorynantheol (SF8 fractions). The SF5-6, dihydrocorynantheol and SF-9 samples were active against promastigotes, while FrDCL was moderately active. The SEM analysis revealed cell rounding and changes in the flagellum of the parasites. In the TEM analysis, the treated promastigotes showed changes in flagellar pocket and kinetoplast, and presence of lipid inclusions. These results suggest that alkaloids isolated from A. nitidum are promising as leishmanicidal.
Biofilms as agents of Ediacara-style fossilization
Authors: Slagter Silvina , Hao Weiduo , Planavsky Noah J. , Konhauser Kurt O. , Tarhan Lidya G. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEarth’s earliest fossils of complex macroscopic life are recorded in Ediacaran-aged siliciclastic deposits as exceptionally well-preserved three-dimensional casts and molds, known as “Ediacara-style” preservation. Ediacara-style fossil assemblages commonly include both macrofossils of the enigmatic Ediacara Biota and associated textural impressions attributed to microbial matgrounds that were integral to the ecology of Ediacara communities. Here, we use an experimental approach to interrogate to what extent the presence of mat-forming microorganisms was likewise critical to the Ediacara-style fossilization of these soft-bodied organisms. We find evidence that biofilms can play an instrumental role in fostering fossilization. Rapid silica precipitation associated with macroorganism tissues is enhanced in the presence of mat- and biofilm-forming microorganisms. These results indicate that the occurrence of microbial mats and biofilms may have strongly shaped the preservational window for Ediacara-style fossils associated with early diagenetic silica cements, and therefore influenced the distribution and palaeoecological interpretation of the Ediacara Biota fossil record.
Providing physical relief for nurses by collaborative robotics
Authors: Brinkmann Anna , Böhlen Conrad Fifelski-von , Kowalski Christian , Lau Sandra , Meyer Ole , Diekmann Rebecca , Hein Andreas 
Published: May 2022

AbstractManual patient handling is one of the most significant challenges leading to musculoskeletal burden among healthcare workers. Traditional working techniques could be enhanced by innovations that can be individually adapted to the physical capacity of nurses. We evaluated the use of a robotic system providing physical relief by collaboratively assisting nurses in manual patient handling tasks. By quantifying kinetic and muscle activity data, it was possible to distinguish two kinds of movement patterns. Highly asymmetric postures and movements corresponded to distinct extremes in lower limb and spine muscle activity data. The use of collaborative robotics significantly reduced maximum force exertion in the caregiving process by up to 51%. Lateral flexion and torsion of the trunk were reduced by up to 54% and 87%, respectively, leading to a significant reduction in mean spine muscle activity of up to 55%. These findings indicate the feasibility of collaborative robot-assisted patient handling and emphasize the need for future individual intervention programs to prevent physical burden in care.
The role of kidney dysfunction in COVID-19 and the influence of age
Authors: La Porta Edoardo , Baiardi Paola , Fassina Lorenzo , Faragli Alessandro , Perna Simone , Tovagliari Federico , Tallone Ilaria , Talamo Giuseppina , Secondo Giovanni , Mazzarello Giovanni , Esposito Vittoria , Pasini Matteo , Lupo Francesca , Deferrari Giacomo , Bassetti Matteo , Esposito Ciro 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 is strongly influenced by age and comorbidities. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent finding in COVID-19 patients and seems to be associated to mortality and severity. On the other hand, the role of kidney dysfunction in COVID-19 is still debated. We performed a retrospective study in a cohort of 174 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Italy from March 3rd to May 21st 2020, to investigate the role of kidney dysfunction on COVID-19 severity and mortality. Moreover, we examined in depth the relationship between kidney function, age, and progression of COVID-19, also using different equations to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We performed logistic regressions, while a predictive analysis was made through a machine learning approach. AKI and death occurred respectively in 10.2% and 19.5%, in our population. The major risk factors for mortality in our cohort were age [adjusted HR, 6.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–21.4] and AKI [3.36 (1.44–7.87)], while, in these relationships, GFR at baseline mitigated the role of age. The occurrence of AKI was influenced by baseline kidney function, D-dimer, procalcitonin and hypertension. Our predictive analysis for AKI and mortality reached an accuracy of ≥ 94% and ≥ 91%, respectively. Our study scales down the role of kidney function impairment on hospital admission , especially in elderly patients. BIS-1 formula demonstrated a worse performance to predict the outcomes in COVID-19 patients when compared with MDRD and CKD-EPI.
Energy loss evaluation of axial flow pump systems in reverse power generation operations based on entropy production theory
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Tang Fangping 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe use of existing large pumping station equipment for upstream residual water reverse power generation is an unrealized yet valuable renewable energy project. At present, some large axial flow pump stations have begun to perform reverse power generation operations; however, related research has not yet started. In this paper, entropy generation theory is applied to a large-scale axial flow pump station system in reverse power generation operations, and the entropy generation method is used to investigate the accurate size and distribution of the mechanical energy dissipation of each component under different flow conditions. First, the energy characteristics and pressure fluctuations in the pump of the large axial flow pump station system are experimentally tested under reverse power generation conditions. The reliability of the entropy generation numerical calculation is verified both experimentally and theoretically. Then, the proportion of each component in the total entropy production is compared to illustrate how each component contributes to the total entropy production of the system and how this contribution changes as operating conditions vary. Then, the type of entropy production of each component is accurately determined under different flow conditions, revealing the changes in the proportions of the different types of entropy production of each component. Finally, components with large mechanical energy dissipations are selected, and the changes and causes of the energy dissipation distribution of the components are thoroughly analysed under different flow conditions. The research results can aid in better understanding the energy dissipation mechanism of large axial flow pump systems in reverse power generation operations.
Analysis and comparison of monofocal, extended depth of focus and trifocal intraocular lens profiles
Authors: Miret Juan J. , Camps Vicente J. , García Celia , Caballero Maria T. , Gonzalez-Leal Juan M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTo test the feasibility of using profilometers to extract information about IOL surfaces design. A standard monofocal IOL (Tecnis 1), a monofocal IOL that provided some depth of focus (Eyhance), an extended depth of focus IOL based on refractive optics (Mini Well) and a trifocal IOL based on diffractive optics were used in this study (Tecnis Synergy). The surface topography of the IOLs was measured by using a multimode optical profilometer. Posterior surface of Tecnis 1 IOL was spherical and the anterior surface aspherical. In the Eyhance IOL, posterior surface was spherical and anterior surface did not fit to any of our reference surfaces, indicating a higher order aspheric surface design. In the Mini Well Ready IOL, a best-fit sphere surface was obtained for the second surface and a high order aspherical surface design was deduced for the first surface. The anterior surface of the Synergy IOL was aspherical and the base curve of the diffractive structure fitted very well to a spherical surface. To consider an aspheric surface as possible best-fit surface provided more information than if only best-fit spherical surface was considered. The high order aspheric surface designs employed in the IOLs studied presented differences, regarding best-fit asphere surface, higher than 1 micron. These differences were correlated with the generation of spherical aberration complex profiles (with Zernike terms higher than 4th order) and with the production of distinct amounts of depth of focus. This method was also useful to deduce the base curve of diffractive surfaces.
Tuning band gap and enhancing optical functions of AGeF3 (A = K, Rb) under pressure for improved optoelectronic applications
Authors: Alam Md. Safin , Saiduzzaman Md , Biswas Arpon , Ahmed Tanjun , Sultana Aldina , Hossain Khandaker Monower 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe current study diligently analyzes the physical characteristics of halide perovskites AGeF3 (A = K, Rb) under hydrostatic pressure using density functional theory. The goal of this research is to reduce the electronic band gap of AGeF3 (A = K, Rb) under pressure in order to improve the optical characteristics and assess the compounds’ suitability for optoelectronic applications. The structural parameters exhibit a high degree of precision, which correlates well with previously published work. In addition, the bond length and lattice parameters decrease significantly leading to a stronger interaction between atoms. The bonding between K(Rb)–F and Ge–F reveal ionic and covalent nature, respectively, and the bonds become stronger under pressure. The application of hydrostatic pressure demonstrates remarkable changes in the optical absorption and conductivity. The band gap becomes lower with the increment of pressure, resulting in better conductivity. The optical functions also predict that the studied materials might be used in a variety of optoelectronic devices operating in the visible and ultraviolet spectrum. Interestingly, the compounds become more suitable to be used in optoelectronic applications under pressure. Moreover, the external pressure has profound dominance on the mechanical behavior of the titled perovskites, which make them more ductile and anisotropic.
Methodology for the determination of human respiration rate by using Doppler radar and Empirical Modal Decomposition
Authors: Hernandez-Aguila Miguel , Olvera-Cervantes Jose-Luis , Perez-Ramos Aldo-Eleazar , Corona-Chavez Alonso 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this work, a methodology is presented for the determination of the respiration rate of a person under test (PUT), the detection of movements, as well as the elimination of the spurious effects produced by the movements of the PUT. The methodology is based on Empirical Modal Decomposition (EMD) applied to the phase signal obtained by means of a quadrature Doppler radar operating in S band. The EMD allows to automatically eliminate the continuos component (CC) which is present in the phase signal since one of the main characteristics of the modes generated by the EMD is that its mean is equal to zero. On the other hand, the first mode of the EMD is used for the detection of movements while the sum of the second and third modes are used for the elimination of the CC drift caused by the DC drift and the high frequency components produced by the movements of the PUT. The proposed methodology was successfully tested in a PUT at rest and performing movements of the head, arm and combination of head, arm, and torso. The average respiration rate measured was 20.78 breaths / min with a standard deviation of 2.53 breaths/min.
The effect of propolis on 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac toxicity in rats
Authors: Barary Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Kazemi Sohrab , Liang Jackson J. , Mansoori Razieh , Sio Terence T. , Hosseini Mohammad , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in treating solid tumors, and the 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity is the second cause of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Propolis (Pro) has vigorous anti-inflammatory activity. Its cardio-protective characteristic against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was previously proven. The current study aimed to appraise the effect of Pro on 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, 5-FU, 5-FU + Pro 250 mg/kg, and 5-FU + Colchicine (CLC) 5 mg/kg. Different hematological, serological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular assays were performed to assess the study’s aim. Moreover, a rat myocardium (H9C2(2–1)) cell line was also used to assess this protective effect in-vitro. 5-FU resulted in significant cardiotoxicity represented by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, cardiac enzyme levels, and histopathological degenerations. 5-FU treatment also decreased bodyweight, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) levels, blood cell counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In addition, 5-FU disrupted ECG parameters, including increased elevation in the ST-segment and increased QRS complex and QTc duration. Treating with Pro reduced oxidative stress, cardiac enzymes, histopathological degenerations, and COX-2 expression in cardiac tissue alleviated ECG disturbances and increased the number of blood cells and TAC levels. Moreover, 5-FU-induced bodyweight loss was ameliorated after treatment with Pro. Our results demonstrated that treatment with Pro significantly improved cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU in rats.
Engineering properties of Cassia tora L. seeds and meal as a function of moisture content
Authors: Peng Fei , Fang Fang , Xiang Rui , Liu Dan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEngineering properties are of great importance for Cassia tora L. seeds in aspects of harvesting, handling mechanical design and product processing. The effect of moisture content (7, 10, 13, 16 and 19%) (wet basis) on the properties: physical (length, width, bulk and true density, porosity, thousand seeds mass, coefficient of static friction and angle of repose), mechanical (hardness, fragmentation energy and failure deformations), and thermal (specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity), were systematically studied. As the moisture contents increase from 7 to 19%, the length (L) increased from 4.52 to 5.87 mm, the thickness (T) from 2.51 to 3.21 mm and the width (W) from 2.36 to 3.02 mm, respectively. The bulk and true density of Cassia tora L. seeds decreased from 775.83 to 654.17 kg/m3 and from 1295.21 to 1154.72 kg/m3, respectively, with the moisture content raised from 7 to 19%. The thermal conductivity of Cassia tora L. seeds meal was found to be 0.068–0.098 W m−1 K−1, 0.078–0.112 W m−1 K−1, 0.089–0.125 W m−1 K−1, 0.098–0.136 W m−1 K−1, 0.108–0.148 W m−1 K−1, 0.119–0.159 W m−1 K−1, respectively, at 25 °C, 45 °C, 65 °C, 85 °C, 105 °C and 125 °C in moisture ranges of 7–19%. The thermal diffusivity was found to decrease from 5.21 × 10–8 to 4.53 × 10–8 m2/s, from 5.75 × 10–8 to 4.91 × 10–8 m2/s, from 6.11 × 10–8 to 5.17 × 10–8 m2/s, from 6.52 × 10–8 to 5.36 × 10–8 m2/s, from 7.17 × 10–8 to 5.77 × 10–8 m2/s, from 7.36 × 10–8 to 5.84 × 10–8 m2/s, respectively, at 25 °C, 45 °C, 65 °C, 85 °C, 105 °C and 125 °C in moisture ranges of 7–19%. The results suggested that physical properties exhibited linear relationships with moisture content using the regression model, while mechanical properties showed a second-order polynomial relationship with moisture content. Furthermore, significant variation existed in thermal properties because of differentiate moisture content and temperature. These data and rules are also useful for high efficiency machines design and mechanisms development.
Noise spectrum characteristics of marine pump units induced by different excitation sources
Authors: Liu Houlin , Zhou Runze , Pan Qi , Dong Liang , Ma Qijiang , Cheng ZhiMing , Wang Xiaolin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTo study the noise spectrum characteristics of marine pump units induced by different excitation sources, a computational aeroacoustic (CAA) model of the internal and external field noise of a marine pump was established. The coupled acoustic-vibration method was used to obtain the spectrum characteristics of internal and external field noise. The accuracy and feasibility of the simulation method for noise prediction were confirmed through a noise test. Due to the different mediums in the internal and external fields of the marine pump, an external field acoustic model was established based on the automatically matched layer (AML) technology. The spectral characteristics of different excitation sources and the spatial distribution of the radiated sound field were analyzed, and the contribution of different sound source excitations to the internal and external sound field was revealed. The results show that the main frequency of the internal field noise generated by different excitations is at the blade passing frequency, and the internal field noise induced by the dipole acoustic excitations dominates at 180.6 dB. For the external field noise, the main frequency is still located at the blade passing frequency. The radiation noise induced by the fluid excitation (139.2 dB) is higher than that induced by the dipole excitations (surface dipole, 136.3 dB; rotating dipole, 137.3 dB).
Multilayer films of exfoliated 2D oxide nanosheets by electrospray deposition
Authors: Nunnenkamp Moritz , van den Nieuwenhuijzen Karin J. H. , ten Elshof Johan E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe potential of the electrospray deposition technique as new method to make nanosheet-based multilayer films is evaluated. Densely packed nanosheet-based films with thicknesses of 1–20 nm with rms roughnesses of 2.1–2.4 nm were fabricated on samples of 1 cm2 size with a growth rate of 0.5 nm/min. Electrosprayed Ti0.87O2 nanosheet films were successfully used as oriented growth templates for 40 nm perovskite SrRuO3 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition. The electrospray method provides a fast and easy alternative to the more commonly used Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) deposition method for nanosheet films.
Distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei within a 300-cm deep soil profile: implications for environmental sampling
Authors: Pongmala Khemngeun , Pierret Alain , Oliva Priscia , Pando Anne , Davong Viengmon , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Silvera Norbert , Luangraj Manophab , Boithias Laurie , Xayyathip Khampaseuth , Menjot Ludovic , Macouin Melina , Rochelle-Newall Emma , Robain Henri , Vongvixay Amphone , Simpson Andrew J. H. , Dance David A. B. , Ribolzi Olivier 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe environmental distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, remains poorly understood. B. pseudomallei is known to have the ability to occupy a variety of environmental niches, particularly in soil. This paper provides novel information about a putative association of soil biogeochemical heterogeneity and the vertical distribution of B. pseudomallei. We investigated (1) the distribution of B. pseudomallei along a 300-cm deep soil profile together with the variation of a range of soil physico-chemical properties; (2) whether correlations between the distribution of B. pseudomallei and soil physico-chemical properties exist and (3) when they exist, what such correlations indicate with regards to the environmental conditions conducive to the occurrence of B. pseudomallei in soils. Unexpectedly, the highest concentrations of B. pseudomallei were observed between 100 and 200 cm below the soil surface. Our results indicate that unravelling the environmental conditions favorable to B. pseudomallei entails considering many aspects of the actual complexity of soil. Important recommendations regarding environmental sampling for B. pseudomallei can be drawn from this work, in particular that collecting samples down to the water table is of foremost importance, as groundwater persistence appears to be a controlling factor of the occurrence of B. pseudomallei in soil.