bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical solution of stochastic real‐time dispatch incorporating wind power uncertainty characterized by Cauchy distribution
Authors: Xu Shuwei , Wu Wenchuan , Yang Yue , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaohai
Published: April 2021

Real‐time power dispatch can coordinate wind farms, automatic generation control units and non‐automatic generation control units. In real‐time power dispatch, the probable wind power forecast errors should be appropriately formulated to ensure system security with high probability and minimize operational cost. Previous studies and the authors' onsite tests show that Cauchy distribution effectively fits the “leptokurtic” feature of small‐timescale wind power forecast errors distributions. In this paper, a chance‐constrained real‐time dispatch model with the wind power forecast errors represented by multivariate Cauchy distribution is proposed. Since the Cauchy distribution is stable and has promising mathematical characteristics, the proposed chance‐constrained real‐time dispatch model can be analytically transformed to a convex optimization problem considering the dependence among wind farms’ outputs. Moreover, the proposed model incorporates an affine control strategy compatible with automatic generation control systems. This strategy makes the chance‐constrained real‐time dispatch adaptively take into account both the potential power ramping requirement and power variation on transmission lines caused by the generation adjustment to offset the wind power forecast errors in real‐time power dispatch stage. Numerical test results show that the proposed method is reliable and effective. Meanwhile it is very efficient and suitable for real‐time application.
Microgrid protection against high impedance faults with robustness to harmonic intrusion and weather intermittency
Authors: Manohar Murli , Koley Ebha , Ghosh Subhojit
Published: April 2021

The high impedance faults (HIF) in microgrids are characterized by low magnitude fault current with inherent non‐linearity and random behavior. The possible weather intermittency in PV integrated microgrids and the intrusion of harmonics due to power converters and non‐linear loading, further reduce the fault current during HIF. The insignificant fault current does not allow detection of HIF by conventional overcurrent relays. In this regard, a reliable and robust protection scheme based on the combined framework of probabilistic modelling, least square and Adaline algorithm, sine cosine algorithm (SCA) and support vector machine (SVM), has been proposed to perform the tasks of mode detection, fault detection/classification and section identification during HIF in microgrid. The algorithm involves online extraction of harmonic components and stochastic modelling of intermittency in solar irradiance. The performance of the proposed scheme has been analysed in terms of robustness against harmonics intrusion and weather intermittency during HIF. The performance comparison of the proposed scheme with the decision tree (DT) and classical SVM based techniques reflects its effectiveness with improved immunity against harmonic intrusion and weather intermittency. Further, the proposed scheme has been validated using OPAL‐RT digital simulator for evaluating its appropriateness in real‐time settings.
A DC chopper‐based fast active power output reduction scheme for DFIG wind turbine generators
Authors: Zhu Jiebei , Deng Zhaoshun , Yu Lujie , Li Suxuan , Qu Chunhui , Qiu Wei , Adam Grain P. , Booth Campbell
Published: April 2021

Increasing penetration level of renewable energy results in unprecedented operational challenges of AC grids due to generation uncertainty and reduced inertia. In grid emergencies, Fast active Power output Reduction (FPR) is demanded to drop wind turbine generator (WTG) power outputs faster than usual. However, the power mismatch between WTG mechanical power input and reduced electrical power output resulted from FPR can lead to rotor overspeed, which cannot be timely nullified by slow‐responding pitch control. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel FPR scheme for doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based WTG through coordinated control of DC chopper and pitch angle. Specifically, the FPR command is executed by DFIG rotor‐side converter control, while rotor overspeed is restricted by triggering the DC chopper to dissipate the mismatched power. The pitch angle is actuated at a maximal rate to eliminate the mismatched power and switch off the DC chopper. The effectiveness of the proposed FPR scheme is verified through comparative simulation studies under FPR command execution and a grid fault. It shows the proposed scheme can achieve FPR in tens of milliseconds, avoid rotor overspeed and provide low‐voltage ride‐through capability in a fully‐controlled manner.
CNN‐based estimation of heading direction of vehicle using automotive radar sensor
Authors: Lim Sohee , Jung Jaehoon , Lee Byeong‐ho , Kim Seong‐Cheol , Lee Seongwook
Published: April 2021

Modern autonomous vehicles are being equipped with various automotive sensors to perform special functions. Especially, it is important to predict the heading direction of the front vehicle to adjust the speed of the ego‐vehicle and select appropriate actions. Here, we propose a method for estimating the instantaneous heading direction of a vehicle using automotive radar sensor data. First, using a frequency‐modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar in the 77 GHz band, we accumulate the automotive radar sensor data for different movements of the front vehicle (e.g., stop, going ahead, reversing, turning left, and turning right). To distinguish the different movements of the vehicle, we use the convolutional neural network (CNN) and train it using the acquired radar sensor data. Because the CNN algorithm usually uses image data as input, it is essential to convert radar sensor data into image data. Therefore, we apply a high‐resolution angle estimation algorithm to the obtained radar data and convert it into a two‐dimensional range map. After the CNN model is trained with the obtained radar sensor data, various movements of the front vehicle can be classified with over 94% of accuracy.
Influence and compensation of the stator flux on the direct flux control sensorless technique for PMSMs
Authors: Grasso Emanuele , Palmieri Marco , Mandriota Riccardo , Gallicchio Gianvito , Cupertino Francesco , Nienhaus Matthias
Published: April 2021

Several techniques exploiting machines anisotropies have been proposed in literature for sensorless control of synchronous machines. Among them, the direct flux control (DFC) technique allows estimating the electrical rotor position by exploiting the zero‐sequence voltage of the machine. This work aims at analysing the effects of magnetic saturation on the application of the DFC technique to permanent magnet synchronous machines. This effect is present when stator flux is controlled during machine operation, leading to an error in the estimation of the electrical rotor position. Starting from an analytical model of the machine phase inductances, a complete mathematical description of the DFC technique is derived and presented. The proposed mathematical model shows how the estimated electrical rotor position is biased when operating under load conditions. Moreover, the result of the analysis of the DFC technique allows to refine the obtained estimate and to reduce the electrical rotor estimation error. Experimental results on a test motor are provided in order to verify and support the proposed mathematical model and technique.
Big Bang nucleosynthesis in a weakly non-ideal plasma
Authors: Jang Dukjae , Kwon Youngshin , Kwak Kyujin , Cheoun Myung-Ki
Published: April 2021

We propose a correction of the standard Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) scenario to resolve the primordial lithium problem by considering a possibility that the primordial plasma can deviate from the ideal state. In the standard BBN, the primordial plasma is assumed to be ideal, with particles and photons satisfying the Maxwell-Boltzmann and Planck distribution, respectively. We suggest that this assumption of the primordial plasma being ideal might oversimplify the early Universe and cause the lithium problem. We find that a deviation of photon distribution from the Planck distribution, which is parameterised with the help of Tsallis statistics, can resolve the primordial lithium problem when the particle distributions of the primordial plasma still follow the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. We discuss how the primordial plasma can be weakly non-ideal in this specific fashion and its effects on the cosmic evolution.
Formation of complex organic molecules in molecular clouds: acetaldehyde, vinyl alcohol, ketene, and ethanol via the “energetic” processing of C2H2 ice
Authors: Chuang K.-J. , Fedoseev G. , Scirè C. , Baratta G. A. , Jäger C. , Henning Th. , Linnartz H. , Palumbo M. E.
Published: April 2021

Context. The simultaneous detection of organic molecules of the form C2HnO, such as ketene (CH2CO), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), and ethanol (CH3CH2OH), toward early star-forming regions offers hints of a shared chemical history. Several reaction routes have been proposed and experimentally verified under various interstellar conditions to explain the formation pathways involved. Most noticeably, the non-energetic processing of C2H2 ice with OH-radicals and H-atoms was shown to provide formation routes to ketene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and vinyl alcohol (CH2CHOH) along the H2O formation sequence on grain surfaces in translucent clouds.

Aims. In this work, the non-energetic formation scheme is extended with laboratory measurements focusing on the energetic counterpart, induced by cosmic rays penetrating the H2O-rich ice mantle. The focus here is on the H+ radiolysis of interstellar C2H2:H2O ice analogs at 17 K.

Methods. Ultra-high vacuum experiments were performed to investigate the 200 keV H+ radiolysis chemistry of predeposited C2H2:H2O ices, both as mixed and layered geometries. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor in situ newly formed species as a function of the accumulated energy dose (or H+ fluence). The infrared spectral assignments are further confirmed in isotope labeling experiments using H218O.

Results. The energetic processing of C2H2:H2O ice not only results in the formation of (semi-) saturated hydrocarbons (C2H4 and C2H6) and polyynes as well as cumulenes (C4H2 and C4H4), but it also efficiently forms O-bearing COMs, including vinyl alcohol, ketene, acetaldehyde, and ethanol, for which the reaction cross-section and product composition are derived. A clear composition transition of the product, from H-poor to H-rich species, is observed as a function of the accumulated energy dose. Furthermore, the astronomical relevance of the resulting reaction network is discussed.
Discrete-time mean field games with risk-averse agents
Authors: Frédéric Bonnans J. , Lavigne Pierre , Pfeiffer Laurent
Published: April 2021

We propose and investigate a discrete-time mean field game model involving risk-averse agents, each of them controlling a linear dynamical system. The model under study is a coupled system of dynamic programming equations with a Kolmogorov equation. The agents’ risk aversion is modeled by composite risk measures. The existence of a solution to the coupled system is obtained with a fixed point approach. The corresponding feedback control allows to construct an approximate Nash equilibrium for a related dynamic game with finitely many players.
Lebererkrankungen in der Ayurveda-Medizin
Authors: Stapelfeldt Elmar , Kessler Christian S.
Published: April 2021

Die Aryurveda-Medizin hält Diagnose- und Therapiekonzepte bereit, die seit vielen Generationen bei Lebererkrankungen zum Einsatz kommen. Ein multimodaler Behandlungsansatz umfasst eine spezifische Ernährungstherapie, Lebensstilberatung, Bewegungstherapie und Entspannungsverfahren, Phytotherapie, ausleitende Verfahren sowie manuelle und physikalische Therapien. Empirische Daten belegen die Wirkung.
Proposals for Antimicrobial Testing Guidelines Applied on Ajowan and Spanish Lavender Essential Oils
Authors: Ribeiro Sofia Oliveira , Fraselle Stéphanie , Baudoux Dominique , Zhiri Abdesselam , Stévigny Caroline , Souard Florence
Published: April 2021

To fight the rising resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, a strategy followed by several researchers is to focus on natural compounds, such as essential oils, as a source of potent antibacterial compounds. These last decades, hundreds of original papers have been written about microbiological assays that prove the antibacterial activity of essential oils and their use in the medical field. But can we really compare all the data available in the literature when the raw material, the microbiological assays, and/or the strains are different from one article to another? This review will point out the differences and the inadequate practices found in published articles that tested 2 lesser-studied essential oils–Spanish lavender and the ajowan–by the broth dilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, a human pathogenic bacterium. Many pitfalls were found in the literature, for example, a variable chemical composition rarely underlined by the authors, unidentified strains or clinical strains used without a related antibiogram, a lack of quality controls, and the assertion of questionable positive results. At last, some general guidelines that should be followed by every scientific researcher will be discussed.
A Novel and Potent Thrombolytic Fusion Protein Consisting of Anti-Insoluble Fibrin Antibody and Mutated Urokinase
Authors: Hanaoka Shingo , Saijou Shinji , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used clinically because it has a higher binding specificity for insoluble fibrin (IF) than urokinase (UK), but even pro-tPA has catalytic activity against substrates other than IF. UK has the advantage that it is specifically activated on IF; however, it binds IF weakly. Previously, we established a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a pit structure formed only in IF. Here, we developed a new mAb against the pit, 1101, that does not affect coagulation or fibrinolysis, and prepared a fusion protein of UK with humanized 1101 Fab to transport UK selectively to IF. In IF-containing lesions, UK is cleaved by plasmin at two sites, Lys158/Ile159 and Lys135/Lys136. Cleavage of the former leads to activation of UK; however, because activated UK is linked by S-S bonds before and after cleavage, it is not released from the fusion. Cleavage at the latter site causes UK to leave the fusion protein; hence, we mutated Lys135/Lys136 to Gly135/Gly136 to prevent release of UK. This engineered UK-antibody fusion, AMU1114, significantly decreased the reduction of plasma plasminogen levels in vivo relative to UK. In a photochemically induced mouse model of thrombus, the vascular patency rate was 0% (0/10) in the control, 50% (5/10) in the tPA treatment group, and 90% (9/10) in the AMU1114 treatment group. Although no death was observed 1 hour after administration of each thrombolytic agent, some mice died within 24 hours in all treatment groups, including control. These data indicate the need for further basic studies of AMU1114.
Heater–Cooler Devices and Risk of Contamination during Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kaluza Mirko , Färber Gloria , May Benjamin , Dobermann Ute , Pletz Mathias W. , Edel Birgit , Löffler Bettina , Doenst Torsten
Published: April 2021

Background Heater–cooler devices (HCD) have been implicated in a cardiosurgical contamination scenario causing prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Aim We characterized contamination of new HCDs and assessed the risk of intraoperative microorganism transmission from the HCD to the operating field.

Methods We initially acquired four new FlexTherm and then four new Maquet HCU40 HCDs and assessed occurrence and speed of microbial contamination (including mycobacteria) assessing swab and water samples from the device. In parallel, we collected repeated samples from different sites in the operating room either by swab sticks or by exposing different sample plates to room air. We also reviewed microbiological results from the hospital and compared them to cardiosurgical wound infections and endocarditis cases. Finally, we simulated cardiosurgical conditions and assessed the devices' ability to expel air to the operative field.

Results All new HCDs were clean before first use. Despite authority-mandated decontamination procedures, microbial growth (Fusarium solani, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium chelonae, and gordonae) was identified in all HCDs over time and could not be permanently eliminated. Four of these mircoorganisms were also found in tap water. However, none of the HCD-organisms were found inside the laminar airflow operating area. Importantly, except for P. aeruginosa, none of the HCD organisms were found in patients with surgical wound infections or endocarditis. HCD-expelled air did not rise more than 40 cm above ground.

Conclusion HCDs cannot be expected to remain sterile despite extensive decontamination procedures. However, airborne transmission of microorganisms directly from the HCD to the operating field appears unlikely.
Fibrinolytic Alterations in Sepsis: Biomarkers and Future Treatment Targets
Authors: Larsen Julie Brogaard , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: April 2021

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which develops as a dysregulated immune response in the face of infection and which is associated with profound hemostatic disturbances and in the most extreme cases disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In addition, the fibrinolytic system is subject to alterations during infection and sepsis, and impaired fibrinolysis is currently considered a key player in sepsis-related microthrombus formation and DIC. However, we still lack reliable biomarkers to assess fibrinolysis in the clinical setting. Furthermore, drugs targeting the fibrinolytic system have potential value in sepsis patients with severe fibrinolytic disturbances, but these are still being tested in the preclinical stage. The present review provides an overview of key fibrinolytic changes in sepsis, reviews the current literature on potential laboratory markers of altered fibrinolysis in adult sepsis patients, and discusses future perspectives for diagnosis and treatment of fibrinolytic disturbances in sepsis patients.
An “Occult” Popliteal Vein Aneurysm Causing Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Oladiran Adedapo , Maharaj Dale , Ariyanayagam Dinesh , Darling Ralph Clement
Published: April 2021

Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVAs), though uncommon, can be a cause of pulmonary emboli. They can also result in pulmonary vein embolism despite the use of anticoagulation therapy. We report the case of an otherwise fit, 64-year-old male who had a history of sudden onset of dyspnea on exercise with near syncope. A computed tomography pulmonary angiogram confirmed filling defects in the lung bases in keeping with pulmonary emboli. He was anticoagulated and a venous duplex scan revealed a fusiform suprageniculate PVA with no evidence of thrombus in the lumen. He underwent resection of the aneurysm with lateral vein patch graft repair and was placed on anticoagulation for 6 months with no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. PVAs are rare and can either be symptomatic or asymptomatic. We advise early surgical treatment to prevent the significant morbidity and mortality associated with thromboembolization. Written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of case and use of images.
Relationship between Mean Platelet Volume and Critical Limb Ischemia in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Rachmanadi Muhammad Berian , Ismail Muhamad Taufik , Anggraeni Vita Yanti
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus continues to increase from year to year. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus with a high mortality rate and requires amputation if not treated properly. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation and is expected to be a predictor of CLI in diabetes mellitus patients.

This article investigates the relationship between MPV and the incidence of CLI in diabetes mellitus patients.

This case–control study was conducted using the vascular registry of Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from January 2016 to December 2016. The relationship between MPV and the incidence of CLI was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis.

There was a significant association between MPV and incidence of CLI in diabetes mellitus patient both on bivariate analysis (p = 0.035) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Diabetes mellitus patients with MPV values of ≥ 9.8 fl had a protective effect to prevent the incidence of CLI (bivariate analysis: odds ratio [OR] = 0.366, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.142–0.943; multivariate analysis: adjusted OR = 0.288, 95% CI = 0.09–0.88). Confounding factors such as sex, age, obesity, and use of antiplatelet agents were not associated with the incidence of CLI (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, history of dyslipidemia as a confounding factor was significantly associated with the incidence of CLI (p < 0.05).

Low MPV was found to be significantly associated with the incidence of CLI in diabetes mellitus patients.
Digital Health during COVID-19: Informatics Dialogue with the World Health Organization
Authors: Koch Sabine , Hersh William R. , Bellazzi Riccardo , Leong Tze Yun , Yedaly Moctar , Al-Shorbaji Najeeb
Published: April 2021

Background: On December 16, 2020 representatives of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), a Non-Governmental Organization in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), along with its International Academy for Health Sciences Informatics (IAHSI), held an open dialogue with WHO Director General (WHO DG) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus about the opportunities and challenges of digital health during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to report the outcomes of the dialogue and discussions with more than 200 participants representing different civil society organizations (CSOs).

Methods: The dialogue was held in form of a webinar. After an initial address of the WHO DG, short presentations by the panelists, and live discussions between panelists, the WHO DG and WHO representatives took place. The audience was able to post questions in written. These written discussions were saved with participants’ consent and summarized in this paper.

Results: The main themes that were brought up by the audience for discussion were: (a) opportunities and challenges in general; (b) ethics and artificial intelligence; (c) digital divide; (d) education. Proposed actions included the development of a roadmap based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: Decision making by policy makers needs to be evidence-based and health informatics research should be used to support decisions surrounding digital health, and we further propose next steps in the collaboration between IMIA and WHO such as future engagement in the World Health Assembly.
Telehealth and the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Perspectives and a Health Systems Framework for Telehealth Implementation to Support Critical Response
Authors: Basu Arindam , Kuziemsky Craig , de Araújo Novaes Magdala , Kleber Araujo , Sales Fernando , Al-Shorbaji Najeeb , Flórez-Arango José F. , Gogia Shashi B. , Ho Kendall , Hunter Inga , Iyengar Sriram , John Oommen , John Sheila , Kulatunga Gumindu , Rajput Vije Kumar , Ranatunga Prasad , Udayasankaran Jai Ganesh
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Telehealth implementation is a complex systems-based endeavour. This paper compares telehealth responses to (COrona VIrus Disease 2019) COVID-19 across ten countries to identify lessons learned about the complexity of telehealth during critical response such as in response to a global pandemic. Our overall objective is to develop a health systems-based framework for telehealth implementation to support critical response.

Methods: We sought responses from the members of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Telehealth Working Group (WG) on their practices and perception of telehealth practices during the times of COVID-19 pandemic in their respective countries. We then analysed their responses to identify six emerging themes that we mapped to the World Health Organization (WHO) model of health systems.

Results: Our analysis identified six emergent themes. (1) Government, legal or regulatory aspects of telehealth; (2) Increase in telehealth capacity and delivery; (3) Regulated and unregulated telehealth; (4) Changes in the uptake and perception of telemedicine; (5) Public engagement in telehealth responses to COVID-19; and (6) Implications for training and education. We discuss these themes and then use them to develop a systems framework for telehealth support in critical response.

Conclusion: COVID-19 has introduced new challenges for telehealth support in times of critical response. Our themes and systems framework extend the WHO systems model and highlight that telemedicine usage in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and multidimensional. Our systems-based framework provides guidance for telehealth implementation as part of health systems response to a global pandemic such as COVID-19.
Enhancing Safety During a Pandemic Using Virtual Care Remote Monitoring Technologies and UML Modeling
Authors: Borycki Elizabeth M. , Kushniruk Andre W. , Kletke Ryan , Vimarlund Vivian , Senathirajah Yalini , Quintana Yuri
Published: April 2021

Objectives: This paper describes a methodology for gathering requirements and early design of remote monitoring technology (RMT) for enhancing patient safety during pandemics using virtual care technologies. As pandemics such as COrona VIrus Disease (COVID-19) progress there is an increasing need for effective virtual care and RMT to support patient care while they are at home.

Methods: The authors describe their work in conducting literature reviews by searching PubMed.gov and the grey literature for articles, and government websites with guidelines describing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as the progression of the disease. The reviews focused on identifying gaps where RMT could be applied in novel ways and formed the basis for the subsequent modelling of use cases for applying RMT described in this paper.

Results: The work was conducted in the context of a new Home of the Future laboratory which has been set up at the University of Victoria. The literature review led to the development of a number of object-oriented models for deploying RMT. This modeling is being used for a number of purposes, including for education of students in health infomatics as well as testing of new use cases for RMT with industrial collaborators and projects within the smart home of the future laboratory.

Conclusions: Object-oriented modeling, based on analysis of gaps in the literature, was found to be a useful approach for describing, communicating and teaching about potential new uses of RMT.
Using Open Source, Open Data, and Civic Technology to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic and Infodemic
Authors: Kobayashi Shinji , Falcón Luis , Fraser Hamish , Braa Jørn , Amarakoon Pamod , Marcelo Alvin , Paton Chris
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The emerging COVID-19 pandemic has caused one of the world’s worst health disasters compounded by social confusion with misinformation, the so-called “Infodemic”. In this paper, we discuss how open technology approaches - including data sharing, visualization, and tooling - can address the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic.

Methods: In response to the call for participation in the 2020 International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Yearbook theme issue on Medical Informatics and the Pandemic, the IMIA Open Source Working Group surveyed recent works related to the use of Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS) for this pandemic.

Results: FLOSS health care projects including GNU Health, OpenMRS, DHIS2, and others, have responded from the early phase of this pandemic. Data related to COVID-19 have been published from health organizations all over the world. Civic Technology, and the collaborative work of FLOSS and open data groups were considered to support collective intelligence on approaches to managing the pandemic.

Conclusion: FLOSS and open data have been effectively used to contribute to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and open approaches to collaboration can improve trust in data.
How to Improve Information Technology to Support Healthcare to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic: an International Survey with Health Informatics Experts
Authors: Topaz Max , Peltonen Laura-Maria , Mitchell James , Alhuwail Dari , Barakati Seyedeh-Samin , Lewis Adrienne , Moen Hans , Veeranki Sai Pavan Kumar , Block Lori , Risling Tracie , Ronquillo Charlene
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To identify the ways in which healthcare information and communication technologies can be improved to address the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The study population included health informatics experts who had been involved with the planning, development and deployment of healthcare information and communication technologies in healthcare settings in response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected via an online survey. A non-probability convenience sampling strategy was employed. Data were analyzed with content analysis.

Results: A total of 65 participants from 16 countries responded to the conducted survey. The four major themes regarding recommended improvements identified from the content analysis included: improved technology availability, improved interoperability, intuitive user interfaces and adoption of standards of care. Respondents also identified several key healthcare information and communication technologies that can help to provide better healthcare to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including telehealth, advanced software, electronic health records, remote work technologies (e.g., remote desktop computer access), and clinical decision support tools.

Conclusions: Our results help to identify several important healthcare information and communication technologies, recommended by health informatics experts, which can help to provide better care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results also highlight the need for improved interoperability, intuitive user interfaces and advocating the adoption of standards of care.
Ambient Assisted Living: Identifying New Challenges and Needs for Digital Technologies and Service Innovation
Authors: Vimarlund Vivian , Borycki Elizabeth M. , Kushniruk Andre W. , Avenberg Kerstin
Published: April 2021

Background: The ambient assisted living (AAL) market is rapidly becoming fundamental to the delivery of health and social care services for the elderly. Worldwide many different steps have been taken to increase the engagement of older adults with these technologies. Much of this work has focused on the development of novel digital services that increase wellbeing or tackle social challenges.

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify and describe the demands for AAL-services from the perspective of older adults. We also examine the challenges and needs of the ambient assisted living market using a needs based approach.

Method: An exploratory case study was conducted with an aim to capture information about older adults’ demands for AAL services. A survey was used to collect the data. The survey study respondents validated the results.

Results: The results of the study indicate that the area of AAL needs be studied from a multiple-sided market perspective. Our research suggests there is a need to describe and understand the factors that facilitate or constrain the implementation of services with focus on health and social care. There is also a need to describe and analyze the relationship between policy and practice and its effects on the AAL market. It is necessary to capture expressed demand, to identify market challenges at the macro level and to be able to understand how services should operate and serve older adults in practice. Such research is critical to the development of guidance for policy makers, suppliers and service providers.

Discussion: Older adults are asking for intelligent, assistive living solutions that help them to continue to live independent lives and remain socially included in their networks, associations, and communities. The elderly need services that stimulate and maintain their physical and intellectual capital. The development of innovative AAL environments is, however, a complex social process that involves the use and delivery of innovative ICT–based services. The implementation and use of AAL to support older adults involve service providers and elderly consumers.

Conclusions: The results of the study may be of interest to policy makers, entrepreneurs, technology suppliers, service providers and health and social care organizations, who are willing to innovate and influence the development of the AAL market through their choices and decisions.
Hollywood survival strategies in the post-COVID 19 era
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: April 2021

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus in the United States, Americans have been forced to quarantine themselves at home in dramatic fashion, unlike almost any other time in the nation’s history. Moreover, the American workforce has been equally impacted by virtue of state-imposed shutdowns that have affected innumerable businesses, including the Hollywood entertainment industry, which is the subject of this research. I examine how commercial entertainment conglomerates like AT&T, Comcast, Disney, ViacomCBS, and Fox have responded to mandatory closures for businesses that employ a human workforce upon whom they rely for their labor, and to human consumers they seek to distribute their film and television commodities to for profit. Using historical and discourse analyses in a political economic theoretical framework, I review contemporary reports about the economic conditions which have influenced the industry’s technological adaptation and innovation and argue that the Hollywood television and film industries will capitalize upon this current public health crisis as a motivator to adopt streaming platforms as the new preferred distribution mechanism of entertainment long after COVID 19 is a memory. This qualitative research examines the technological adaptations employed by these entertainment conglomerates to analyze (1) how the transition to streaming video on demand has occurred, and evaluates (2) what the adoption of these survival strategies mean for Hollywood’s long-term economic future and survival in a “digitally competitive” (Smith and Telang, 2017) marketplace.
Competing effects of inertia, sheet elasticity, fluid compressibility, and viscoelasticity on the synchronization of two actuated sheets
Authors: Mo Chaojie , Fedosov Dmitry A.
Published: April 2021

Synchronization of two actuated sheets serves as a simple model for the interaction between flagellated microswimmers. Various factors, including inertia, sheet elasticity, and fluid viscoelasticity, have been suggested to facilitate the synchronization of two sheets; however, the importance of different contributions to this process still remains unclear. We perform a systematic investigation of competing effects of inertia, sheet elasticity, fluid compressibility, and viscoelasticity on the synchronization of two sheets. Characteristic time τs for the synchronization caused by inertial effects is inversely proportional to sheet Reynolds number Re, such that τsω∝Re−1 with ω being the wave frequency. Synchronization toward stable in-phase or opposite-phase configuration of two sheets is determined by the competition of inertial effects, sheet elasticity, fluid compressibility, and viscoelasticity. Interestingly, fluid viscoelasticity results in strong synchronization forces for large beating amplitudes and Deborah numbers De > 1, which dominates over other factors and favors the in-phase configuration. Therefore, our results show that fluid viscoelasticity can dramatically enhance synchronization of microswimmers. Our investigation deciphers the importance of different competing effects for the synchronization of two actuated sheets, leading to a better understanding of interactions between microswimmers and their collective behavior.
The effect of HCl on the α-Ga2O3 thin films fabricated by third generation mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Yasuoka Tatsuya , Liu Li , Ozaki Tamako , Asako Kanta , Ishikawa Yuna , Fukue Miyabi , Dang Giang T. , Kawaharamura Toshiyuki
Published: April 2021

α-Ga2O3 thin films were grown on a c-plane sapphire substrate by a third generation mist chemical vapor deposition system. The surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy, and the composition of Ga2O3 was measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that HCl affects the growth rate, purity, and surface roughness of α-Ga2O3 films. The growth rate increased with the HCl supply. The thickness, surface roughness, and chemical state analyses indicate that three growth modes occurred depending on the Ga supply rate and HCl/Ga supply ratio and the purity was improved by optimizing the HCl/Ga supply ratio and Ga supply rate.
HIM-17 regulates the position of recombination events and GSP-1/2 localization to establish short arm identity on bivalents in meiosis
Authors: Nadarajan Saravanapriah , Altendorfer Elisabeth , Saito Takamune T. , Martinez-Garcia Marina , Colaiácovo Monica P.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Recombination and chromosome remodeling are tightly regulated to ensure accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. However, how these important steps are regulated remains poorly understood. Here, we show that RAD-51 foci, which form at the sites of meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), exhibit a biased distribution toward off-centered positions along
Caenorhabditis elegans
chromosomes, and we identify two meiotic roles for chromatin-associated protein HIM-17. During early prophase I, HIM-17 regulates the distribution of DSB-dependent RAD-51 foci and crossovers on chromosomes. During late prophase I, HIM-17 promotes the normal localization of protein phosphatases GSP-1/GSP-2 and potentially GSP-1 phosphorylation, thereby antagonizing Aurora B kinase/AIR-2. Therefore, HIM-17 plays distinct roles during meiotic progression that converge to promote normal chromosome remodeling and accurate chromosome segregation.
Systems level profiling of chemotherapy-induced stress resolution in cancer cells reveals druggable trade-offs
Authors: Saavedra-García Paula , Roman-Trufero Monica , Al-Sadah Hibah A. , Blighe Kevin , López-Jiménez Elena , Christoforou Marilena , Penfold Lucy , Capece Daria , Xiong Xiaobei , Miao Yirun , Parzych Katarzyna , Caputo Valentina S. , Siskos Alexandros P. , Encheva Vesela , Liu Zijing , Thiel Denise , Kaiser Martin F. , Piazza Paolo , Chaidos Aristeidis , Karadimitris Anastasios , Franzoso Guido , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Keun Hector C. , Oyarzún Diego A. , Barahona Mauricio , Auner Holger W.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Cancer therapies often fail to cure patients because a proportion of tumor cells withstand the toxic effects of chemotherapy. How surviving cancer cells recover from sublethal drug-induced stress is not known, but given that cellular resources are finite, stress resolution may come at the expense of less essential systems. Here, we studied the global cellular events of stress buildup and resolution in the bone marrow cancer, multiple myeloma, after proteasome inhibition, a commonly used therapeutic approach. Using a temporal multiomics approach, we delineate the unexpectedly complex and protracted changes myeloma cells undergo during stress resolution and demonstrate that recovering cells are more vulnerable to specific insults than acutely stressed cells. Thus, the findings may provide avenues for optimizing cancer therapies.
Incipient genome erosion and metabolic streamlining for antibiotic production in a defensive symbiont
Authors: Nechitaylo Taras Y. , Sandoval-Calderón Mario , Engl Tobias , Wielsch Natalie , Dunn Diane M. , Goesmann Alexander , Strohm Erhard , Svatoš Aleš , Dale Colin , Weiss Robert B. , Kaltenpoth Martin
Published: April 2021

Significance

Genome reduction is commonly observed in bacteria of several phyla engaging in obligate nutritional symbioses with insects. In Actinobacteria, however, little is known about the process of genome evolution, despite their importance as prolific producers of antibiotics and their increasingly recognized role as defensive partners of insects and other organisms. Here, we show that “
Streptomyces philanthi
,” a defensive symbiont of digger wasps, has a G+C-enriched genome in the early stages of erosion, with inactivating mutations in a large proportion of genes, causing dependency on its hosts for certain nutrients, which was validated in axenic symbiont cultures. Additionally, overexpressed catabolic and biosynthetic pathways of the bacteria inside the host indicate host–symbiont metabolic integration for streamlining and control of antibiotic production.
Taking it too far
Authors: Chang Wei-Lin Melody , Haugh Michael , Su Hsi-Yao
Published: April 2021

While teasing can cause offence, participants on television variety or game shows are generally expected to tolerate it. In this paper, we examine comments posted on YouTube in response to reports of a leaked recording of a television host in Taiwan swearing at and insulting a guest who teased the host about his “inability to take a defeat”. In so doing, we examine both the perceived limits of teasing (i.e. what is considered allowable and what goes too far), and the perceived limits of taking offence in response to teasing (i.e. what ways of indicating offence are considered allowable and what goes too far). We conclude that instances where there are disputes about whether taking offence is warranted by the teasing in question provides us with a useful lens to examine the role ideological discourses play in (re-)constituting the underlying moral fabric of social interaction.
Shrimp-mangrove integrated farming system in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Authors: Tran Ngoc Hai
Published: April 2021

The integrated shrimp-mangrove system is one of the most important farming systems in the Mekong Delta, especially in the buffer zone of Ca Mau province, Vietnam. According to Decision No. 116/1999/QD-TTg of the Vietnam Central Government, farms could use up to 40% of the total area of the buffer zone along the coast for aquaculture, with 60% reserved for mangrove plantation and environmental protection. Currently the mangrove-shrimp farming system in Ca Mau occupies a total area of 47,500 ha, of which ponds (ditches) cover about 19,000 ha. Shrimp culture is based mainly on improved extensive methods that give productivities in the range of 200-400 kg ha-1 yr-1. In addition to shrimps, several other species such as mud crab, fish, and blood cockle are also stocked to diversify aquaculture production and ensure regular incomes. With newly issued policies and regulations for shrimp-mangrove farming systems, new opportunities are being created for further improvement and development of the system.
Amaranthus palmeri (Palmer amaranth).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

Amaranthus palmeri is an annual herbaceous plant that is spreading rapidly beyond its native range in North America. It is considered the most invasive species of the dioecious amaranths and is ranked as one of the most troublesome weeds of various crops in the United States. The seeds are accidentally dispersed mainly though agriculture and the crop trade. This species is reported as causing serious impacts to the growth and yield of various crops, cotton, maize, soybean and sweet potatoes being among the most affected. A. palmeri is reported as invasive in the USA, Argentina and Brazil, due to the negative impact it has on agriculture. Although the native habitat of A. palmeri is arid desert areas of the southwest USA and the north of Mexico, it is spreading fast into higher latitudes and milder climates. Its success is attributed to a combination of high fecundity, fast and season-long germination, fast initial growth, high rates of photosynthesis, phenotypic plasticity, the vast amount of seeds produced per plant (up to 600,000), the ability to produce a large biomass and the development of herbicide resistance, including to the widely used glyphosate. The range of A. palmeri is also expected to expand due to climate change that will create suitable conditions for its establishment.
Diversifying Indian diets - challenges and opportunities.
Authors: Narayanan Rama
Published: April 2021

This review reiterates the lack of diversity in Indian diets, especially with regard to fruits, vegetables and pulses, resulting in a deficient intake of essential micro-nutrients. It also highlights the variations in nutrient intake across the life cycle determined by gender and other socioeconomic factors and life styles. It conceptualizes that issues of production, availability, affordable access, knowledge of nutrition and a balanced diet along with awareness be simultaneously addressed to help households to diversify diets. It suggests that a comprehensive district level quinquennial diet survey be undertaken across the country to help understand food choices, preferences and intake against the backdrop of existing policies. It postulates that adult nutrition literacy should take a problem-solving approach and address both men and women. Specific suggestions include increasing productivity of pulses, access to fruits and vegetables by way of better distribution and price control, support to farming households for production of food crops, diversifying the food basket in the public distribution system, increasing allocation for fruits and vegetables in direct feeding programmes and addressing the needs of adolescent boys in Government programmes.
Methane emissions from livestock in East Asia during 1961−2019
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Hanqin , Shi Hao , Pan Shufen , Qin Xiaoyu , Pan Naiqing , Dangal Shree R.S.
Published: April 2021

Context:
East Asia is a crucial region in the global methane (CH4) budget, with significant contributions from the livestock sector. However, the long-term trend and spatial pattern of CH4 emissions from livestock in this region have not been fully assessed.
Methods:
Here, we estimate CH4 emissions from 10 categories of livestock in East Asia during 1961 – 2019 following the Tier 2 approaches suggested by the 2019 Refinement to the IPCC 2006 Guidelines.
Results:
livestock-sourced CH4 emission in 2019 was 13.22 [11.42 – 15.01] (mean [minimum%maximum of 95– confidence interval] Tg CH4 yr-1, accounting for an increase of 231% since 1961. The contribution of slaughtered populations to total emissions increased from 3% in 1961 to 24% in 2019. Spatially, the emission hotspots were mostly distributed in eastern China, South Korea, and parts of Japan, but they tend to shift northward after 2000.
Conclusion:
It is necessary to use dynamic emission factors and include slaughtered populations in the estimation of livestock CH4 emissions. Regions including Northern China, Mongolia, and South Korea deserve more attention in future CH4 mitigation efforts.