bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Status by Somatic Sub, Fat and Protein-Visceral at Entry in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rodríguez Delgado María Esther , García Luis Albendín , López Torres Ginesa
Published: March 2021

The high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitals remains a problem of special importance in Spain at present due to the negative impact on the clinical course of hospitalized patients. Numerous studies show hospital malnutrition rates close to 33-50% of the hospitalized population. This impact is much more important and of greater importance when it comes to critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. Nutritional and metabolic deficit States have a direct impact on the patient, hindering the clinical evolution of the patient and increasing morbidity and mortality rates and hospital complications and healthcare costs arising. Develop an appropriate nutritional approach through nutritional media is a fundamental goal and a basic pillar for optimal management of the critically ill patient, being able I see hampered in many cases, especially in patients who present with hypercatabolism and hypermetabolism with significant energy consumption secondary to the disease process leading to admission. To this must be added the great difficulty of a comprehensive and complete assessment of nutritional status where many of these parameters, nutritional surveys and functional tests can be complicated to perform, unreliable, or may provide incorrect, incomplete or impossible data its realization.
Cognitive and functional apraisal in a psychogeriatric patient in a short stay psychiatric unit
Authors: López-Bernués Ricardo , Marcén Yolanda , Sieso Ana I.
Published: March 2021

Psychiatric disorders are present in dementia (Cognitive damage) and they are part of the psychological and behavioral dementias (SPCD), which are present in almost every patient and a very important cause for psychogeriatric patients´admission. Methodology: Cognitive damage was analysed (MEC de Lobo, Pfeiffer test and semantic and verbal fluency) and functional abilities in elderly inpatients, who were older than 65 years old, were also analysed (Barthel test) for 3 months. Relating these to the different sociodemographic variables. Results: Half of the 18 patients who were analyzed and studied, had any type of depressive symptoms and between 22-44% showed some signs of cognitive damage according to the test used to sieve. Discussion/Conclusions: Psychiatric disorders measured with NPI are directly related to the disability degree for AVD´s and at the same time, this is related to the admission span. The different percentages which affect cognitive damage according to the test used, shows the importance of the correct test´s choice depending on the studied population and the type of analysis accomplished.
Start-up of an orthogeriatric unit in a specialized general hospital
Authors: de los Ángeles Cruz Mª , Lillo Manuel
Published: March 2021

The aging of the Spanish population has led to an increasingly greater number of hip fractures attended by the Spanish Healthcare System in the last years. Those patients, due to their fragility, need special professional attention and consequently, Orthogeriatric Units (UOG) have achieved the highest benefits.The main purpose of this research project is to evaluate the principle variables associated to the elderly affected of hip fracture staying in a new Orthogeriatric Unit created at the Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Tenerife, Spain. A descriptive study of the elderly patients diagnosed of hip fracture staying in a conventional Orthopedic Ward was conducted, focusing specifically in those who were transferred to the UOG. The main items to describe were: total time of in-hospital staying, type of hip fracture and the kind of surgery selected, physiotherapist sessions in the conventional Orthopedic Ward, in the UOG and in Home Hospitalization Unit (HADO) as well as the total number of patients that needed to continue ambulatory physiotherapist sessions. As a conclusion, early start of physiotherapist sessions inside the hospital, completed in the UOG and/or in HADO, along with counseling and professional assessment to families and patients, reduced a very high percentage of their need for ambulatory ongoing rehabilitation.
The quality of life in the relatives of Wolfram’s syndrome patients
Authors: Esteban Gema , Ruano Mónica , Motero Isabel
Published: March 2021

Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a rare disease (RD) with an estimated prevalence of 1/770,000 inhabitants. It is considered a multisystemic, chronic and progressive disease.WS diagnosis implies devastating consequences at physical, educational and emotional levels. WS is also known by the acronym DIDMOAD, derived from the first letters of the main clinical symptoms: Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness. Rare diseases are characterized by their low prevalence and the lack of knowledge on the pathophysiology and treatment of them. Interestingly, around 80% of RD have a genetic basis, and this fact causes doubts and uncertainties in the couples, about the idea of having another child. The existence of a RD in a family, alters significantly the relationships and the quality of life within the family. The present work remarks the huge value of psychosocial aspects in order to pay an adequate attention to these patients, not only taking care of the clinical aspects. The main purpose of this study has been to ascertain the quality of life of Wolfram’s syndrome affected patients, and its impact in the daily life.
Cognitive mechanisms of decision making in older women
Authors: Alameda Jose R. , Salguero María P. , Merchán Ana
Published: March 2021

The Damasio's somatic marker hypothesis focuses on the possible influence of the emotional states on the decision making processes. An assessment tool derived form this theory is the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The aim of this study was to detect decision-making alterations in relation to the cognitive impairment associated to age (GDS 2). The data analysis was conducted from two perspectives: quantitative, by computing the advantageous versus disadvantageous choices; and qualitative, according to the PVL model parameters. Two groups were analyzed: one consisting of elderly women with cognitive impairment, and another, with no impairment. Regarding the quantitative analysis, the results show significant differences between both groups, indicating that women with cognitive impairment have less advantageous choices than women without impairment; however, from a qualitative point of view, the results show no significant differences between groups in any of the four parameters of the PVL, indicating that execution of women with and without cognitive impairment are similar. In conclusion, it can be argued that the decision-making processes in women with and without cognitive impairment are quantitatively different but qualitatively similar.
The social concept of climacteric in rural and urban population
Authors: Carrobles Ana Mª , Velasco Minerva , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario
Published: March 2021

The menopause is a phase of complex transition that involves biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. The phenomenon of the menopause is something natural and universal for all women. This stage is influenced by the socio-cultural environment in which the woman to live. Through a qualitative research study among women who live in the province of Toledo. The selection of women was performed by sampling non-probability convenience. The procedure of discussion groups with women, of different social status, and various personal situations. Urban women are mostly the menopause as something pathological, many of them need help to deal with this moment, but those in rural areas see the menopause as a natural, another stage more of their lives in part because family support networks provide experiences and experiences that they share with their families. The urban areas arrive after the climacteric, multiparous women develop after menopause. Housewives become before the menopause, those working outside the home. Depending on the attitude towards the climacteric, will be able to have experiences or others, through the knowledge of the concept of menopause, improves in the future the quality of care.
Factors involved in adherence to therapy in fibromyalgia patients
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández Mª Dolores , Hernández-Martínez Dolores , Fernández-Leyva Antonia , López-Cano María
Published: March 2021

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that it needs of a complex and multiple drug therapy. With the aim to study the degree of adherence to therapy in this disease to the pharmacological treatment prescribed and, to know how they influence a series of variables as they are the age, the perceived health, the number of drugs and the difficulty in taking medication, a descriptive study was realized in 50 patients diagnosed of fibromyalgia. The results show us as the most patients are multiple medication and a large percentage present bad adherence to treatment, being in these patients the mean perceived health score significantly higher in chronic problems, compared to those with they have a good adherence. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicates a high risk of non-adherence in patients who they are multiple medication, they are 60 or older and they have chronic mental problems, although the association only is significant for chronic problems. Therefore, factors as such the number of drugs, the age and the perception that they have about their health, are variables to take into consideration in the degree of adherence to therapy in these patients.
Effect of the aerobic exercise and the environmental enrichment on the reduction of the anxiety levels in the aging
Authors: Sampedro Patricia
Published: March 2021

The environmental enrichment (EE) and the aerobic exercise (EX) are interventions capable of reducing anxiety levels in the aging, but few is known about how they modulating the projections to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). We studied the effect of an EE and EX programs carried out during two months in 18 month-old Wistar rats assigned to 3 groups: (CO, N=6), EE (N=8) y EX (N=8). The EX program was carried out during 15min/day and the EE group was housed in a big cage with different objects frequently changed. Through the cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry (COx), we analysed the metabolic activity of several brain regions involved in the anxiety response. The EE reduced the brain activity of regions involved in the activation of the HPA axis (infralimbic cortex, basolateral amygdala and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (p<0.05). On the other hand, the EX program increased the activity of brain regions involved in the inhibition of the HPA axis (cingulate cortex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the dorsal hippocampus (p<0.05). In conclusion, it seemed that the EE and the EX modulate in different way the activity of brain regions that project to the HPA axis and they could constitute successful interventions to reduce the anxiety levels in the aging.
Structural and functional social support in elderly objective and subjective health ratings
Authors: Iglesias Sergio , Arias Ana V.
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to investigate the causes that explain the discrepancies between the effects of social relationships on health and wellness of the elderly people. Several disciplines of health sciences have developed different theories to explain the evidence that confirm the positive effects of social relations. Furthermore, there is acumuative evidence confirming most of the predictions derived from its principles. However, the empirical evidence has not always confirmed these beneficial relationships and sometimes these evidences contradict some of the theoretical predictions. Even, it is not difficult to find reversed effects. In this paper we follow some of the approaches developed from Social Psychology which analyze the different effects of social relationships on the health of older people. Two types of aspects of social relations have served to this purpose. First, the structural aspects (i.e., frequency of intercourse). Second, qualitative-functional aspects of great tradition in estudies of quality of life and wellbeing of older people (i.e. social support). Following the Convoy Model, we measured perceived social support and frecuency of relationships in 168 spaniards, men and women (aged 62 years old and more). We analyze these discrepancies in the light of the underlying mechanisms.
Prevalence of depression in Spain: Analysis of the last 15 years
Authors: Cardila Fernando , Martos África , Barragán Ana B. , del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes Mª , del Mar Molero Mª , Gázquez José J.
Published: March 2021

Depression in Spain in recent years has become an important problem of public health which is the cause of heavy government healthcare spending. The various depressive disorders have commonly been associated with other psychopathological disorders, especially anxiety, and with physical diseases. Its prevalence varied depending on the study because of the characteristics of the samples, the instruments used or the type of disorder studied. A systematic review was done in several national and international databases, in which a total of 63 publications were found, with only nine remaining after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data analyzed concerning the nine publications use a diversity of samples: patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, university students, children clinical population, preschool children, elderly population, general population, hospitalized patients and smokers. The data on prevalence varied in the studies examined from 1.12% in preschool children, 8.56% in the general population and up to 55.6% in university students. After analysis of results, a constant pattern was observed in gender with a higher proportion of women who suffer from depression), although the data on prevalence varied from one study to another and their comparison was complicated.
Homework involvement and motivation in elementary school students according to academic achievement and grade
Authors: Valle Antonio , Regueiro Bibiana , Estévez Iris , Piñeiro Isabel , Rodríguez Susana , Freire Carlos
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes statistically significant differences in some motivational and involvement in homework variables, depending on the course and the level of academic achievement. The sample consists of 535 participants of 4th, 5th and 6th Primary Education (from 9-13 years old). According to the academic performance, the results of this research indicate that students with higher academic achievement do more homework, manage better the time spent on them, perceive them more useful and even they are more motivated intrinsically toward them. Regarding the grade level, the results show that the attitude toward homework and intrinsic motivation and interest for homework decline as students advance to higher grade levels. Also as they advance, they spend more time doing homework and the time management becomes increasingly worse.
Prediction of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being in succesful aging
Authors: Tomás José M. , Galiana Laura , Gutiérrez Melchor , Sancho Patricia , Oliver Amparo
Published: March 2021

Psychological well-being is a construct of maximum relevance in psychology, being the equivalent to health in medical sciences. It is a multifaceted construct, with two research traditions: the hedonic and the eudaimonic ones. On the other hand, the paradign of succesful aging is a good theoretical framework to study and understand optimal aging. Rowe and Kahn (1998) articulated this paradign proposing its three main characteristics: physcal health, cognitive functioning and being productive and socially active. The aim of this research is to develop a predictive model of well-being, both hedonic and eudaimonic, using the sucessful aging parading plus a dimension of spirituality. Main results of the model showed that social support had a significant and positive on satisfaction and to a lesser extent on well-being. Pshysical health was also a significant predictor of satisfaction. An finally, spirituality may also be considered a protector of well-being. Percentage of variance explained of life satisfaction was 23.3%, while this percentage on well-being was 10.4%.
Changes in the temporal variability of the EEG functional connectivity during aging
Authors: González Almudena , Alba Guzmán , González Julián
Published: March 2021

This work is aimed at investigating changes in the temporal variability of EEG functional connectivity (FC) during agin. The variability in the FC has been linked to cognitive performance. The study was carried out in two groups of healthy subjects: one of 10 adults between 50-65 years old and another of 15 subjects ranging 66-85 years. EEG recordings were made at rest using 16 monopolar channels: under eyes closed (EC) and under hyperventilation (HV). The cortical FC between all EEG channel pairs was estimated from an index (L) of nonlinear generalized synchronization. For each subject and condition, the global connectivity (GC) of each area/channel with the rest of them was calculated, then the GC average and the GC temporal variability (TVC) of such connectivities was computed from the GC mean and standard deviation of successive EEG recordings respectively. The changes with age and condition of GC and TVC of each cortical area were estimated via a MANOVA. We found that the GC does not change with age during OC or HV, but the TVC of all cortical areas is significantly higher (p<0.01) for subjects under 65 and mainly for the central, temporal and parietal areas (p<0.01). It is concluded that TVC decreasing with aging may be related to cognitive performance deficits.
Stigmatizing effects of psychological diagnosis in children
Authors: del Mar Montoya-Rodríguez Mª , Molina-Cobos Francisco-Javier
Published: March 2021

Despite the known advantages of the classification of psychological disorders, using formal diagnostic could reduce a story of life and way of behaving to a mere diagnostic label, becoming a tautological explanation that ignores the true explanation of the problem and adds iatrogenic functions and stigmatizing. The present study assesses the influence of diagnostic labels in the performance of psychologists who evaluate the intelligence of a group of children. The Goodenough Test is used for instrumental reasons. The different drawings of a human figure, made by children with standardized psychological development, were labeled as if having been drawn by children with mental retardation, giftedness and normal development. The results show that evaluators, unaware of the falsity of the diagnoses, score the drawings differentially depending on the diagnostic label used. That is, the results evidence the negative influence of a diagnostic label about expectations and treatment to the person diagnosed.
Sociometric types, behavioral categories and intellectual abilities in adolescents
Authors: Inglés Cándido , Aparisi David , García-Fernández José , Castejón Juan Luis , Martínez-Monteagudo María
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between sociometric types, behavioral categories, and intellectual abilities in a sample of 1349 (51.7% boys) Spanish adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 16 years. The students' sociometric nomination was performed by the Programa Socio and academic self-concept was measured by the Primary Mental Abilities Test (PMA; Thurstone, 1938; TEA, 1996). The hypotheses of the study suggest, firstly, that students positively nominated by their peers will present significantly higher scores on different scales of the PMA than students negatively nominated by their peers and, secondly, that intellectual skills will be a predictor variable statistically significant of sociometric types and behavioral categories. Results show that students nominated positively obtained significantly higher scores on the different intellectual abilities that nominees negatively. Intellectual abilities were a significant predictor of sociometric types because with increasing the score on the different intellectual abilities students were more likely to be nominated by their peers positively.
Effects of an intervention to improve the psychological strengths in early childhood education, assessed through the Family Drawing Test
Authors: Piñero Ruiz Eugenia , Arense González Julián , Moñino García Miriam
Published: March 2021

Positive psychology aims to improve the quality of life and prevent the occurrence of mental disorders and pathologies. Focus of interest is prevention and thus avoid traditional and exclusive concern for repairing the negative aspects of life. It looks for the construction of positive qualities (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), in base of the positive psychological features we all have. The objective of this study is to improve the psychological strengths in early childhood education trought the use of activities. Sample is composed by 52 preschool students at 2nd cycle of Pre-primary Education in Caravaca de la Cruz, north west of Murcia (Spain). Strengths and psychological virtues were evaluated though the use of the Family Drawing Test (Corman, 1967), to assess if there were differences or improvements after the intervention.
An Improved Level Set Algorithm Based on Prior Information for Left Ventricular MRI Segmentation
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Yuhao , Yang Haima , Zhang Xuedian
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new level set algorithm for left ventricular segmentation based on prior information. First, the improved U-Net network is used for coarse segmentation to obtain pixel-level prior position information. Then, the segmentation result is used as the initial contour of level set for fine segmentation. In the process of curve evolution, based on the shape of the left ventricle, we improve the energy function of the level set and add shape constraints to solve the “burr” and “sag” problems during curve evolution. The proposed algorithm was successfully evaluated on the MICCAI 2009: the mean dice score of the epicardium and endocardium are 92.95% and 94.43%. It is proved that the improved level set algorithm obtains better segmentation results than the original algorithm.
Switching Extended Kalman Filter Bank for Indoor Localization Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pak Jung Min
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a new filtering algorithm, switching extended Kalman filter bank (SEKFB), for indoor localization using wireless sensor networks. SEKFB overcomes the problem of uncertain process-noise covariance that arises when using the constant-velocity motion model for indoor localization. In the SEKFB algorithm, several extended Kalman filters (EKFs) run in parallel using a set of covariance hypotheses, and the most probable output obtained from the EKFs is selected using Mahalanobis distance evaluation. Simulations demonstrated that the SEKFB can provide accurate and reliable localization without the careful selection of process-noise covariance.
Using the Variable Geometry in a Planar Inductor for an Optimised Performance
Authors: Aldoumani Maha , Yuce Baris , Zhu Dibin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the performance, modelling and application of a planar electromagnetic sensor are discussed. Due to the small size profiles and their non-contact nature, planar sensors are widely used due to their simple and basic design. The paper discusses the experimentation and the finite element modelling (FEM) performed for developing the design of planar coils. In addition, the paper investigates the performance of various topologies of planar sensors when they are used in inductive sensing. This technique has been applied to develop a new displacement sensor. The ANSYS Maxwell FEM package has been used to analyse the models while varying the topologies of the coils. For this purpose, different models in FEM were constructed and then tested with topologies such as circular, square and hexagon coil configurations. The described methodology is considered an effective way for the development of sensors based on planar coils with better performance. Moreover, it also confirms a good correlation between the experimental data and the FEM models. Once the best topology is chosen based on performance, an optimisation exercise was then carried out using uncertainty models. That is, the influence of variables such as number of turns and the spacing between the coils on the output inductance has been investigated. This means that the combined effects of these two variables on the output inductance was studied to obtain the optimum values for the number of turns and the spacing between the coils that provided the highest level of inductance from the coils. Integrated sensor systems are a pre-requisite for developing the concept of smart cities in practice due to the fact that the individual sensors can hardly meet the demands of smart cities for complex information. This paper provides an overview of the theoretical concept of smart cities and the integrated sensor systems.
Dairy Manure Digestate Age Increases Ultrasound Disintegration Efficiency at Low Specific Energies
Authors: Somers Matthijs H. , Azman Samet , Vanhecke Ruud , Appels Lise
Published: March 2021

Substantial insight into the effect of ultrasound disintegration on the changes in biochemical parameters of manure digestate and digestate age is needed to understand the potential of digestate treatment. To address this knowledge gap, in this study, the effect of digestate age on the efficiency of ultrasound (US) disintegration was investigated. In this scope, dairy manure digestate samples were incubated in an oven at 37 °C for a predetermined amount of time to obtain simulated digestate ages of 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43 days. The results showed that US disintegration efficiency significantly affected the initial biochemical characteristics of digestate and that the digestate age had a significant effect on the US disintegration efficiency. This effect diminished when the applied specific energy (SE) was higher than 3000 kJ/kg total solids (TS). A numerical partial least squares (PLS) model was constructed to investigate the relative influences of the initial biochemical parameters on the soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) and soluble carbohydrates (sCARB) solubilization. The results of the high-quality (R2 = 0.8) model indicated that the most influential parameters for the efficiency of US disintegration were the SE, the initial sCARB0, the TS, the initial sCOD0 and the volatile solids (VS).
A Data-Driven Approach for Online Inter-Area Oscillatory Stability Assessment of Power Systems Based on Random Bits Forest Considering Feature Redundancy
Authors: Liu Songkai , Mao Dan , Xue Tianliang , Tang Fei , Li Xin , Liu Lihuang , Shi Ruoyuan , Liao Siyang , Zhang Menglin
Published: March 2021

To utilize the rapidly refreshed operating data of power systems fully and effectively, an integrated scheme for inter-area oscillatory stability assessment (OSA) is proposed in this paper using a compositive feature selection unit and random bits forest (RBF) algorithm. This scheme consists of offline, update, and online stages, and it can provide fast and accurate estimation of the oscillatory stability margin (OSM) by using the real-time system operating data. In this scheme, a compositive feature selection unit is specially designed to realize efficient feature selection, which can significantly reduce the data dimensionality, effectively alleviate feature redundancy, and provide accurate correlation information to system operators. Then, the feature set consisting of the selected pivotal features is used for the RBF training to build the mapping relationships between the OSM and the system operating variables. Moreover, to enhance the robustness of the scheme in the face of variable operating conditions, an update stage is developed. The effectiveness of the integrated scheme is verified on the IEEE 39-bus system and a larger 1648-bus system. Tests of estimation accuracy, data processing speed, and the impact of missing data and noise data on this scheme are implemented. Comparisons with other methods reveal the superiority of the integrated scheme. In addition, the robustness of the scheme to variations in system topology, distribution among generators and loads, and peak and minimum load is studied.
Prediction of the Potential Daily Output of a Shearer-Loader
Authors: Jaszczuk Marek , Pawlikowski Arkadiusz , Grzegorzek Wojciech , Szweda Stanisław
Published: March 2021

Economic analysis allows for determining the required daily output under certain natural and mining conditions based on the costs of the production process in a particular mine infrastructure. Therefore, there is a need to determine the potential daily output of a longwall using the technical equipment at the disposal of the mine. In the case of mines, when exploiting a few longwalls simultaneously in the conditions of bumping hazards, it is indispensable to ensure safety. Due to a necessity of keeping a safe distance among the longwall fronts, when planning their exploitation, developing a prediction of the longwalls in advance during the planning period is needed. To predict the daily production from a longwall and daily advance of the longwall in the analyzed period, it is necessary to know the current operating time of machines and the capacity of the shearer under given conditions. The current working time of machines results from the available time and the degree of its utilization, which is determined by the sum of unplanned breaks in the production process. The shearer productivity is determined by its haulage speed. Both factors mentioned above are random. Hence, a calculation module has been developed, whose task is to estimate the distribution parameters of these indicators based on empirical data. The algorithm for estimating the parameters of one of the distributions: normal, steady or gamma and its special case of the exponential distribution and Poisson for the obtained input empirical data, constituting a sample from the population, is proposed. The input data are a sequence of numbers obtained from the measurement of the current operating time of machines. These data can be obtained from the longwall shearer memory card, on which its operating parameters are recorded in each longwall. On this basis, it is possible to generate random values of both parameters for individual days of operation. The possibility of determining the haulage speed, based on the longwall shearer’s characteristics obtained from the computer simulation of the mining process, is also discussed. The simulation of the mining process is carried out using the GeneSiSv.3.1 software, developed for designing a picks layout on the drum. The characteristics of the shearer production potential also take into account the capacity of loading the cutting drum. It results from the presented characteristics that, when mining coal with a compressive strength of 27 MPa, the haulage speed is limited by the loading capacity of the cutting drum and, with greater cuttability, by the power of the electric motor driving the drum. The paper presents algorithms describing the procedure of generating random values necessary for determining the longwall production potential and the daily advance during the assumed period. The subject matter presented in the paper is part of a bigger project which concerns planning of a mine operation and developing a few longwalls in the conditions of bumping hazards.
Suggesting a Stochastic Fractal Search Paradigm in Combination with Artificial Neural Network for Early Prediction of Cooling Load in Residential Buildings
Authors: Moayedi Hossein , Mosavi Amir
Published: March 2021

Early prediction of thermal loads plays an essential role in analyzing energy-efficient buildings’ energy performance. On the other hand, stochastic algorithms have recently shown high proficiency in dealing with this issue. These are the reasons that this study is dedicated to evaluating an innovative hybrid method for predicting the cooling load (CL) in buildings with residential usage. The proposed model is a combination of artificial neural networks and stochastic fractal search (SFS–ANNs). Two benchmark algorithms, namely the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and firefly algorithm (FA) are also considered to be compared with the SFS. The non-linear effect of eight independent factors on the CL is analyzed using each model’s optimal structure. Evaluation of the results outlined that all three metaheuristic algorithms (with more than 90% correlation) can adequately optimize the ANN. In this regard, this tool’s prediction error declined by nearly 23%, 18%, and 36% by applying the GOA, FA, and SFS techniques. Moreover, all used accuracy criteria indicated the superiority of the SFS over the benchmark schemes. Therefore, it is inferred that utilizing the SFS along with ANN provides a reliable hybrid model for the early prediction of CL.
Cost Benefit and Risk Analysis of Low iLUC Bioenergy Production in Europe Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: L. Traverso , E. Mazzoli , C. Miller , G. Pulighe , C. Perelli , M. M. Morese , G. Branca
Published: March 2021

Extensive surfaces of land are currently under-utilized, marginal and/or contaminated (MUC) in many EU and neighbouring countries. In the past few years, scientific research has demonstrated that bioenergy crops can potentially render this land profitable, generating income for the local populations and, at the same time, reaching the goals of the new Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) without interfering with food production. The main purpose of this paper is to measure net economic returns by computing benefits and costs of low indirect Land Use Change (iLUC) biofuel production on MUC land from the perspective of both the private investors and social welfare. A standard cost-benefit technique was applied to analyse and compare net returns of different advanced bioenergy value-chains in monetary terms. Productivity, economic feasibility and green-house gas (GHG) emissions impact were assessed and considered for the economic analysis. The considered pathways were cellulosic or second generation (2G) ethanol from Giant reed (Arundo donax) in Italy, electricity from miscanthus, biochemicals from spontaneous grass and cultivated Lucerne (Alpha-alfae) with sorghum for biomethane in Germany, and 2G ethanol from Willow (Salix viminalis) in Ukraine. For the risk assessment, Monte Carlo simulation was applied. The results indicated that in Italy and Ukraine, although the production of 2G ethanol would allow positive net yearly margins, the investments will not be profitable compared to the baseline scenarios. In Germany, the work showed good profitability for combined heat and power (CHP) and biochemicals. On the other hand, investments in biomethane showed negative results compared with the baseline scenarios. Finally, the Monte Carlo simulation enabled us to identify the range of possible economic results that could be attained once volatility is factored in. While for Italy the likelihood of yielding positive results remains lower than 20 percent, case studies in Ukraine and Germany showed higher certainty levels, ranging from 49 to 91 percent.
Wind-Driven Waves on the Air-Water Interface
Authors: Segur Harvey , Khadem Soroush
Published: March 2021

An ocean swell refers to a train of periodic or nearly periodic waves. The wave train can propagate on the free surface of a body of water over very long distances. A great deal of the current study in the dynamics of water waves is focused on ocean swells. These swells are typically created initially in the neighborhood of an ocean storm, and then the swell propagates away from the storm in all directions. We consider a different kind of wave, called seas, which are created by and driven entirely by wind. These waves typically have no periodicity, and can rise and fall with changes in the wind. Specifically, this is a two-fluid problem, with air above a moveable interface, and water below it. We focus on the local dynamics at the air-water interface. Various properties at this locality have implications on the waves as a whole, such as pressure differentials and velocity profiles. The following analysis provides insight into the dynamics of seas, and some of the features of these intriguing waves, including a process known as white-capping.
Baboons, Centipedes, and Lemurs: Becoming-Animal from Queer to Ghost of Chance
Authors: Greiffenstern Alexander
Published: March 2021

The paper establishes a connection between the becoming-writer of Burroughs, who found his calling and style during the 1950s and his signature characteristic of becoming-animal. This can first be observed in Queer, where Burroughs develops his so-called routine; a short sketch-like text that often involves instances of metamorphosis or transformation. The theoretical background for this short form and the term becoming-animal is taken from Deleuze’s and Guattari’s book on Kafka, who also worked best in short texts and frequently wrote about animals. “The Composite City” may be the central text to understanding Burroughs’ work. It is the text where Burroughs found his style and his identity as a writer. Becoming-animal is a logical consequence that further develops Burroughs’ aesthetic ideal. Over the following decades, he experimented with it in different forms, and toward the end of his career, it became part of an environmental turn. In Ghost of Chance, one can find the same aesthetic ideal that starts Burroughs’ writing in 1953, but the political implications have turned toward saving the lemurs of Madagascar.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis as a Complication after Gadolinium-Containing Contrast Agents: A Rapid Review
Authors: Lange Sandra , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Zorena Katarzyna , Dąbrowski Sebastian , Ślęzak Daniel , Malecka-Dubiela Anna , Rutkowski Przemysław
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFS) is a generalized disorder occurring in people with kidney failure. This new disease entity can lead to significant disability or even death. Gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis is related to exposure to contrast agents used for magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study was to review the literature in available scientific databases on NFS—complication after gadolinium-containing contrast agents. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched using adequate key words. A literature review of the described cases of NSF occurrence after exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents was performed. A review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A review written protocol was not drafted. Results: Originally, 647 studies were searched in scientific databases. After rejecting the duplicate results, 515 results were obtained. Finally, nine studies were included in the review. A total of 173 cases with NSF were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were undergoing dialysis. The contrast agent used for MRI was most often gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine. The time from exposure to NSF symptoms was from two days to three years. Three authors pointed out other factors in their papers that could potentially influence the occurrence of NSF. These included: metabolic acidosis, ongoing infection, higher doses of erythropoietin and higher serum concentrations of ionized calcium and phosphate. Since 2008, the number of reported cases of NSF has decreased significantly. More recent guidelines and reports indicate that not all contrast agents are associated with the same risk of developing NSF. Conclusions: Most NSF occurs after exposure to linear contrast agents. Therefore, it is recommended to limit their use, especially in dialyzed patients and patients with a GFR < 30 mL/min.
Inequalities and Inclusion in Exercise Referral Schemes: A Mixed-Method Multi-Scheme Analysis
Authors: Oliver Emily J. , Dodd-Reynolds Caroline , Kasim Adetayo , Vallis Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

Physical activity prescription, commonly through exercise referral schemes, is an established disease prevention and management pathway. There is considerable heterogeneity in terms of uptake, adherence, and outcomes, but because within-scheme analyses dominate previous research, there is limited contextual understanding of this variance. Both the impact of schemes on health inequalities and best practices for inclusion of at-risk groups are unclear. To address this, we modelled secondary data from the multi-scheme National Referral Database, comprising 23,782 individuals across 14 referral schemes, using a multilevel Bayesian inference approach. Scheme-level local demographics identified over-sampling in uptake; on the basis of uptake and completion data, more inclusive schemes (n = 4) were identified. Scheme coordinators were interviewed, and data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Inequalities presented in a nuanced way. Schemes showed promise for engaging populations at greater risk of poor health (e.g., those from more deprived areas or of an ethnic minority background). However, the completion odds were lower for those with a range of complex circumstances (e.g., a mental health-related referral). We identified creative best practices for widening access (e.g., partnership building), maintaining engagement (e.g., workforce diversity), and tailoring support, but recommend changes to wider operational contexts to ensure such approaches are viable.
Levels and Distributions of 210Pb and 210Po in Selected Seafood Samples in China and Assessment of Related Dose to Population
Authors: Kong Xiangyin , Qian Yuxin , Zheng Qishan , Ji Yanqin
Published: March 2021

In this study, the activity concentrations levels of 210Pb and 210Po in the edible portions of eight seafood samples collected from the Fujian coast of China were determined. The activity concentrations ranged from 0.74 ± 0.08 to 12.6 ± 1.0 Bq/kg for 210Po and from the minimum detectable limit (MDL, 0.80 Bq/kg) to 11. 7 ± 1.1 Bq/kg for 210Pb. The 210Po activity concentration in all the fish organs ranged from 0.68 to 204 Bq/kg (w.w.), and the 210Po activity was mainly concentrated in the stomach, spleen, heart, liver, gonad, and intestine samples. The 210Pb activity concentration in all the fish organs ranged from the MDL to 15.2 Bq/kg (w.w.), and the 210Pb activity was concentrated in the head, fish scale, and gill samples. The annual effective ingestion doses ranged from 82.8 to 255 μSv/a for all age groups, and the lifetime risk of cancers were estimated. Both the effective ingestion doses and cancer risk to humans were within the acceptable ranges.
Comparison of Environmental Conditions on Summits of Mount Everest and K2 in Climbing and Midwinter Seasons
Authors: Szymczak Robert , Pyka Michał , Grzywacz Tomasz , Marosz Michał , Naczyk Marta , Sawicka Magdalena
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Today’s elite alpinists target K2 and Everest in midwinter. This study aimed to asses and compare weather at the summits of both peaks in the climbing season (Everest, May; K2, July) and the midwinter season (January and February). (2) Methods: We assessed environmental conditions using the ERA5 dataset (1979–2019). Analyses examined barometric pressure (BP), temperature (Temp), wind speed (Wind), perceived altitude (Alt), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), vertical climbing speed (Speed), wind chill equivalent temperature (WCT), and facial frostbite time (FFT). (3) Results: Most climbing-season parameters were found to be more severe (p < 0.05) on Everest than on K2: BP (333 ± 1 vs. 347 ± 1 hPa), Alt (8925 ± 20 vs. 8640 ± 20 m), VO2max (16.2 ± 0.1 vs. 17.8 ± 0.1 ml·kg−1·min−1), Speed (190 ± 2 vs. 223 ± 2 m·h−1), Temp (−26 ± 1 vs. −21 ± 1°C), WCT (−45 ± 2 vs. −37 ± 2 °C), and FFT (6 ± 1 vs. 11 ± 2 min). Wind was found to be similar (16 ± 3 vs. 15 ± 3 m·s−1). Most midwinter parameters were found to be worse (p < 0.05) on Everest vs. K2: BP (324 ± 2 vs. 326 ± 2 hPa), Alt (9134 ± 40 vs. 9095 ± 48 m), VO2max (15.1 ± 0.2 vs. 15.3 ± 0.3 ml·kg−1·min−1), Speed (165 ± 5 vs. 170 ± 6 m·h−1), Wind (41 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 4 m·s−1), and FFT (<1 min vs. 1 min). Everest’s Temp of −36 ± 2 °C and WCT −66 ± 3 °C were found to be less extreme than K2’s Temp of −45 ± 1 °C and WCT −76 ± 2 °C. (4) Conclusions: Everest presents more extreme conditions in the climbing and midwinter seasons than K2. K2’s 8° higher latitude makes its midwinter BP similar and Temp lower than Everest’s. K2’s midwinter conditions are more severe than Everest’s in the climbing season.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Polyphenol Botanical Blend on Sleep and Daytime Functioning
Authors: Tubbs Andrew S. , Kennedy Kathryn E. R. , Alfonso-Miller Pamela , Wills Chloe C. A. , Grandner Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Despite the high prevalence of subclinical sleep disturbances, existing treatments are either potent prescription medications or over-the-counter supplements with minimal scientific support and numerous side effects. However, preliminary evidence shows that polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and epigallocatechin gallate can support healthy sleep without significant side effects. Therefore, the present study examined whether a polyphenol botanical blend (PBB) could improve sleep and/or daytime functioning in individuals with subclinical sleep disturbances. A total of 89 individuals completed a double-blind, randomized trial of daily treatment with PBB (n = 43) or placebo (n = 46) 30 min before bed for 30 days. Participants were monitored for changes in sleep (by sleep diary and an activity tracker), mood, and neurocognitive functioning. After 30 days, PBB improved diary sleep quality (p = 0.008) and reduced insomnia severity (p = 0.044) when compared to placebo. No other changes in sleep outcomes were observed. Additionally, PBB did not impair neurocognitive functioning, and some improvement was noted in vigilant attention, working memory, and risk assessment. Among individuals with subclinical sleep disturbances, PBB improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, and neurocognitive functioning over placebo. These findings indicate that polyphenol compounds may be useful for improving certain aspects of sleep without compromising neurocognitive functioning.
Isotherm, Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Cu(II) and Pb(II) Adsorption on Groundwater Treatment Sludge-Derived Manganese Dioxide for Wastewater Treatment Applications
Authors: Tumampos Stephanie B. , Ensano Benny Marie B. , Pingul-Ong Sheila Mae B. , Ong Dennis C. , Kan Chi-Chuan , Yee Jurng-Jae , de Luna Mark Daniel G.
Published: March 2021

The ubiquitous occurrence of heavy metals in the aquatic environment remains a serious environmental and health issue. The recovery of metals from wastes and their use for the abatement of toxic heavy metals from contaminated waters appear to be practical approaches. In this study, manganese was recovered from groundwater treatment sludge via reductive acid leaching and converted into spherical aggregates of high-purity MnO2. The as-synthesized MnO2 was used to adsorb Cu(II) and Pb(II) from single-component metal solutions. High metal uptake of 119.90 mg g−1 for Cu(II) and 177.89 mg g−1 for Pb(II) was attained at initial metal ion concentration, solution pH, and temperature of 200 mg L−1, 5.0, and 25 °C, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm model best described the equilibrium metal adsorption, indicating that a single layer of Cu(II) or Pb(II) was formed on the surface of the MnO2 adsorbent. The pseudo-second-order model adequately fit the Cu(II) and Pb(II) kinetic data confirming that chemisorption was the rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic studies revealed that Cu(II) or Pb(II) adsorption onto MnO2 was spontaneous, endothermic, and had increased randomness. Overall, the use of MnO2 prepared from groundwater treatment sludge is an effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable substitute to expensive reagents for toxic metal ion removal from water matrices.