bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Relapse Predictors: Could Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Smoking Cessation Be Improved?
Authors: Martínez-Vispo Carmela , López-Durán Ana , Senra Carmen , Becoña Elisardo
Published: June 2020

Relapse remains a frequent and complex phenomenon that is not yet well understood. An under-researched area of study that may provide relevant information concerns the assessment of specific post-treatment variables, rather than the composite measures commonly used to predict smoking relapse. The current study sought to examine the effects of post-treatment smoking-related variables, including withdrawal symptomatology, abstinence self-efficacy, and smoking urgency in negative-affect situations and smoking relapse at the 3 month follow-up. The sample comprised 130 participants who achieved abstinence for at least 24 h through a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment. Regression analysis was conducted for both composite measures and specific subscales and items. Data showed that composite measures of tobacco withdrawal, self-efficacy, and smoking urgency in negative-affect situations were not significant predictors of smoking relapse. However, the analysis including subscales, and specific items showed that lower self-efficacy in negative-affect-related situations (OR = 1.36) and three withdrawal symptoms—irritability/frustration/anger (OR = 2.99), restlessness/impatience (OR = 1.87), and craving (OR = 2.31)—were significant predictors of relapse. These findings offer new insights into the role of different smoking-related post-treatment variables in short-term relapse. Considering and specifically targeting these variables after achieving abstinence may potentially contribute to reducing smoking relapse.
Synergistic Effect of WTC-Particulate Matter and Lysophosphatidic Acid Exposure and the Role of RAGE: In-Vitro and Translational Assessment
Authors: Lam Rachel , Haider Syed H. , Crowley George , Caraher Erin J. , Ostrofsky Dean F. , Talusan Angela , Kwon Sophia , Prezant David J. , Wang Yuyan , Liu Mengling , Nolan Anna
Published: June 2020

World Trade Center particulate matter (WTC-PM)-exposed firefighters with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) have a higher risk of WTC lung injury (WTC-LI). Since macrophages are crucial innate pulmonary mediators, we investigated WTC-PM/lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) co-exposure in macrophages. LPA, a low-density lipoprotein metabolite, is a ligand of the advanced glycation end-products receptor (AGER or RAGE). LPA and RAGE are biomarkers of WTC-LI. Human and murine macrophages were exposed to WTC-PM, and/or LPA, and compared to controls. Supernatants were assessed for cytokines/chemokines; cell lysate immunoblots were assessed for signaling intermediates after 24 h. To explore the translatability of our in-vitro findings, we assessed serum cytokines/chemokines and metabolites of symptomatic, never-smoking WTC-exposed firefighters. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering identified phenotypes of WTC-PM-induced inflammation. WTC-PM induced GM-CSF, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 in THP-1-derived macrophages and induced IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α, and NF-κB in RAW264.7 murine macrophage-like cells. Co-exposure induced synergistic elaboration of IL-10 and MCP-1 in THP-1-derived macrophages. Similarly, co-exposure synergistically induced IL-10 in murine macrophages. Synergistic effects were seen in the context of a downregulation of NF-κB, p-Akt, -STAT3, and -STAT5b. RAGE expression after co-exposure increased in murine macrophages compared to controls. In our integrated analysis, the human cytokine/chemokine biomarker profile of WTC-LI was associated with discriminatory metabolites (fatty acids, sphingolipids, and amino acids). LPA synergistically elaborated WTC-PM’s inflammatory effects in vitro and was partly RAGE-mediated. Further research will focus on the intersection of MetSyn/PM exposure.
Validity and Reliability of Isometric-Bench for Knee Isometric Assessment
Authors: Padulo Johnny , Trajković Nebojša , Cular Drazen , Grgantov Zoran , Madić Dejan M. , Di Vico Rosa , Traficante Alfonso , Alin Larion , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Russo Luca
Published: June 2020

There is a strong need for a new, probably cheaper, smaller, and more portable isometric dynamometer. With this aim, we investigated the concurrent validity and reliability of a low-cost portable dynamometer to measure the isometric strength of the lower limb. Seventeen young participants (age 16.47 ± 0.51 years) were randomly assessed on three different days for knee flexion and extension isometric forces with two different devices: a commonly used isokinetic dynamometer (ISOC) and a portable isometric dynamometer prototype (ISOM). No significant differences were observed between the ISOC and the ISOM (all comparisons p > 0.05). Test–retest comparison showed the ISOM to have high reliability (ICC 0.879–0.990). This study showed that measurements with the ISOM could be performed without systematic bias and with high reliability. The ISOM is a device that is able to assess knee isometric strength with excellent concurrent validity and reliability.
Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident: A Longitudinal Investigation on the Antecedents of Safety Behavior
Authors: Mazzetti Greta , Valente Emanuela , Guglielmi Dina , Vignoli Michela
Published: June 2020

Research recognizes the shared perceptions of the priority attributed to safety in comparison to other organizational goals (i.e., safety climate) as a potential antecedent of safety behavior among construction workers. This type of climate can dismantle barriers to the promotion of effective strategies to mitigate workplace hazards. On the other hand, the current understanding of the underlying process that links the perception of a safety climate to the implementation of safety behavior is far from being exhaustive. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the role of risk perception and safety knowledge in explaining the positive impact of safety climate before attending a training course (Time 0) and safety behavior after the training completion (Time 1). Data were collected at two time-points on a sample of N = 278 construction workers taking part in different safety training courses promoted by a vocational training organization in Northern Italy. The hypothesized relationships were tested using a serial mediation model bootstrapping approach. The obtained results indicated that the perception of a safety climate at Time 0 (T0) among construction workers is associated with higher risk perception and safety knowledge that, in turn, resulted in a higher implementation of safety behavior at Time 1 (T1). These findings contribute to the understanding of those factors that constitute a fertile ground for preventing injuries and accidents in the construction sector.
Lower-Limb Flexibility Profile Analysis in Youth Competitive Inline Hockey Players
Authors: Cejudo Antonio , Moreno-Alcaraz Víctor Jesús , De Ste Croix Mark , Santonja-Medina Fernando , Sainz de Baranda Pilar
Published: June 2020

During puberty, the growth of the bones is faster than that of the muscles, which may result in muscular tightness. Muscular tightness and asymmetry have been associated with an increase in injury incidence. The assessment of a joint range of motion (ROM) could help to identify athletes classified as high injury risk. The objectives of the present study were to describe the lower-extremity flexibility profile (LEFP) of youth competitive inline hockey players using the ROM-SPORT battery (I) and to identify muscular tightness and asymmetry (II). Seventy-four young players were examined for maximum passive ankle, knee, and hip ROMs. Muscle asymmetry or tightness was classified according to cutoff scores previously described. The LEFP of the 74 players was 10.8° for hip extension, 26° for hip adduction, 33.6° for ankle dorsiflexion, 38.6° for ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed, 36.7° for hip abduction, 46° for hip internal rotation, 60.6° for hip external rotation, 65.1° for hip abduction with the hip flexed, 66.3° for hip flexion with the knee extended, 119.7° for knee flexion, and 133.7° for hip flexion. The individual analysis of the flexibility values identified tightness in all players for one or more movement, except for hip abduction. A low prevalence of asymmetries was observed (range: 5.4% to 17.6% of players) depending on the ROM.
Real-World Setting Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Comparing Three Therapeutic Schemes of One-Year Adjuvant Trastuzumab in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer from the Cyprus NHS Payer Perspective
Authors: Ioannou Savvas S. , Marcou Yiola , Kakouri Eleni , Talias Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: This study is one of the first real-world cost-effectiveness analyses of one-year adjuvant trastuzumab used in HER2-positive early female breast cancer in comparison to chemotherapy alone. It is just the second one in Europe, the first one in Cyprus, and the fourth one worldwide ever carried out using real-world data. Methods: Using a Markov model (four health states), a cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out both over 20 years and for a lifetime horizon. The sampling method used in this study was the randomized sampling of 900 women. Results: The findings for the 20-year horizon showed that all trastuzumab arms were more cost-effective, with a willingness-to-pay threshold of only €60,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) [incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER): €40,436.10/QALY]. For the lifetime horizon, with thresholds of €20,000, €40,000, and €60,000/QALY, all trastuzumab arms were found to be more cost-effective (ICER: €17,753.85/QALY). Moreover, for the 20-year and the lifetime horizons, with thresholds of €20,000/QALY, €40,000/QALY, and €60,000/QALY, the most cost-effective of the three subgroups (anthracyclines and then trastuzumab, no anthracyclines and then trastuzumab, and anthracyclines, taxanes, and trastuzumab) was that of anthracyclines and then trastuzumab (ICER: €18,301.55/QALY and €8954.97/QALY, respectively). Conclusions: The study revealed that adjuvant trastuzumab for one year in female HER2-positive early breast cancer can be considered cost-effective.
Stigma and Smoking in the Home: Parents’ Accounts of Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy to Protect Their Children from Second-Hand Smoke
Authors: Lewis Grace , Rowa-Dewar Neneh , O’Donnell Rachel
Published: June 2020

Evidence and campaigns highlighting smoking and second-hand smoke risks have significantly reduced smoking prevalence and denormalised smoking in the home in Scotland. However, smoking prevalence remains disproportionally high in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Using stigma as a theoretical lens, this article presents a thematic analysis of parents’ accounts of attempting to abstain from smoking at home, using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), in disadvantaged areas of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Smoking stigma, particularly self-stigma, underpinned accounts, with two overarching themes: interplaying barriers and enablers for creation of a smoke-free home and reconceptualisation of the study as an opportunity to quit smoking. Personal motivation to abstain or stop smoking empowered participants to reduce or quit smoking to resist stigma. For those struggling to believe in their ability to stop smoking, stigma led to negative self-labelling. Previously hidden smoking in the home gradually emerged in accounts, suggesting that parents may fear disclosure of smoking in the home in societies where smoking stigma exists. This study suggests that stigma may act both as an enabler and barrier in this group. Reductions in smoking in the home were dependent on self-efficacy and motivations to abstain, and stigma was entwined in these beliefs.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
Authors: Ahmad Aamir
Published: June 2020

CAR-T therapy has revolutionized the treatment of select hematological malignancies, namely, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and large B-cell lymphomas [...]
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Alpha One Antitrypsin by a Proteasome Inhibitor
Authors: Rao Lang , Xu Yi , Reineke Lucas Charles , Bhattacharya Abhisek , Tyryshkin Alexey , Shin Jin Na , Eissa N. Tony
Published: June 2020

Alpha one antitrypsin (α1AT), a serine proteinase inhibitor primarily produced by the liver, protects pulmonary tissue from neutrophil elastase digestion. Mutations of the SERPINA1 gene results in a misfolded α1AT protein which aggregates inside hepatocytes causing cellular damage. Therefore, inhibition of mutant α1AT production is one practical strategy to alleviate liver damage. Here we show that proteasome inhibitors can selectively downregulate α1AT expression in human hepatocytes by suppressing the translation of α1AT. Translational suppression of α1AT is mediated by phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and increased association of RNA binding proteins, especially stress granule protein Ras GAP SH3 binding protein (G3BP1), with α1AT mRNA. Treatment of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes with a proteasome inhibitor also results in translational inhibition of mutant α1AT in a similar manner. Together we revealed a previously undocumented role of proteasome inhibitors in the regulation of α1AT translation.
Purified Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) Flower Saponins Induce the p53-Dependent Intrinsic Apoptosis of Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Ren Ning , Chen Lianfu , Li Bo , Rankin Gary O. , Chen Yi Charlie , Tu Youying
Published: June 2020

Ovarian cancer is currently ranked at fifth in cancer deaths among women. Patients who have undergone cisplatin-based chemotherapy can experience adverse effects or become resistant to treatment, which is a major impediment for ovarian cancer treatment. Natural products from plants have drawn great attention in the fight against cancer recently. In this trial, purified tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) flower saponins (PTFSs), whose main components are Chakasaponin I and Chakasaponin IV, inhibited the growth and proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines A2780/CP70 and OVCAR-3. Flow cytometry, caspase activity and Western blotting analysis suggested that such inhibitory effects of PTFSs on ovarian cancer cells were attributed to the induction of cell apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway rather than extrinsic pathway. The p53 protein was then confirmed to play an important role in PTFS-induced intrinsic apoptosis, and the levels of its downstream proteins such as caspase families, Bcl-2 families, Apaf-1 and PARP were regulated by PTFS treatment. In addition, the upregulation of p53 expression by PTFSs were at least partly induced by DNA damage through the ATM/Chk2 pathway. The results help us to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of PTFSs on preventing and treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Characteristics and Mechanisms of Asphalt–Filler Interactions from a Multi-Scale Perspective
Authors: Xu Wenyi , Qiu Xin , Xiao Shanglin , Hong Haojue , Wang Feng , Yuan Jie
Published: June 2020

Asphalt mastic plays an important role in asphalt mixtures for pavement engineering. Understanding the asphalt–filler interaction behavior is essential to improve the pavement performance of asphalt mastics. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the asphalt–filler interaction ability based on macro-rheological measurements and to investigate the asphalt–filler interaction mechanism associated with microstructural characteristics of asphalt mastics. First, the asphalt–filler interaction was characterized using macro-rheological features of asphalt mastics based on dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Second, the physico-chemical interaction between the asphalt and filler was qualitatively evaluated using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Third, the asphalt–filler interaction behavior was investigated in terms of the micro-morphological properties of mineral fillers and asphalt mastics by conducting scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) tests. Finally, the grey relational analysis (GRA) was employed to identify the correlation between the properties of mineral fillers and the macro–micro performances of asphalt mastics. The results show that a higher content of alkaline mineral filler within the critical volume fraction range produced a greater interaction ability between the asphalt and filler. The asphalt–filler interaction is mainly a physical action since no obvious new adsorption peaks appeared in the FTIR spectrum. The micro-morphological characteristics of asphalt mastic mainly depended on the adsorption effect of mineral fillers on polar fractions and the dispersion effect of mineral fillers on wax crystals in the asphalt binder. Based on the results of the GRA, the acidity and content of mineral fillers exhibited a great influence on the micro-morphological and macro-rheological characteristics of asphalt mastics, and the specific surface area of the mineral filler exerted a significant influence on the asphalt–filler interaction ability. Furthermore, the K-B- δ index was more appropriate for evaluating the asphalt–filler interaction ability.
A Two-Stage Reconstruction of Microstructures with Arbitrarily Shaped Inclusions
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard , Olchawa Wiesław , Frączek Daniel , Bartecka Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

The main goal of our research is to develop an effective method with a wide range of applications for the statistical reconstruction of heterogeneous microstructures with compact inclusions of any shape, such as highly irregular grains. The devised approach uses multi-scale extended entropic descriptors (ED) that quantify the degree of spatial non-uniformity of configurations of finite-sized objects. This technique is an innovative development of previously elaborated entropy methods for statistical reconstruction. Here, we discuss the two-dimensional case, but this method can be generalized into three dimensions. At the first stage, the developed procedure creates a set of black synthetic clusters that serve as surrogate inclusions. The clusters have the same individual areas and interfaces as their target counterparts, but random shapes. Then, from a given number of easy-to-generate synthetic cluster configurations, we choose the one with the lowest value of the cost function defined by us using extended ED. At the second stage, we make a significant change in the standard technique of simulated annealing (SA). Instead of swapping pixels of different phases, we randomly move each of the selected synthetic clusters. To demonstrate the accuracy of the method, we reconstruct and analyze two-phase microstructures with irregular inclusions of silica in rubber matrix as well as stones in cement paste. The results show that the two-stage reconstruction (TSR) method provides convincing realizations for these complex microstructures. The advantages of TSR include the ease of obtaining synthetic microstructures, very low computational costs, and satisfactory mapping in the statistical context of inclusion shapes. Finally, its simplicity should greatly facilitate independent applications.
Wetting/Drying Behavior of Lime and Alkaline Activation Stabilized Marine Clay Reinforced with Modified Coir Fiber
Authors: Kamaruddin Fatin Amirah , Anggraini Vivi , Kim Huat Bujang , Nahazanan Haslinda
Published: June 2020

The durability of natural and treated clay soil stabilized with lime and alkaline activation (AA) affected by environmental factors (hot and humid) was determined in this study. Investigation and evaluation on the strength of the soil, moisture content, and volume change of the specimen were determined at each curing period (7, 28, and 90 days) based on the weather conditions. An unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the specimen at three different wetting/drying cycles (one, three, and five cycles) was determined. The findings show that the strength of the treated specimens fluctuated with increment and decrement strength (one and three cycles) in the range of 1.41 to 1.88 MPa (lime) and 2.64 to 8.29 MPa (AA), while for five cycles with a curing period of 90 days the decrement was in the range of 1.62 to 1.25 MPa and 6.06 to 5.89 MPa for lime and AA, respectively. The decrement percentage for treated samples that were subjected to five cycles of wetting and drying in 90 days was found to be 20.38% (lime) and 38.64% (AA), respectively. Therefore, it can be summarized that wetting/drying cycles have a significant influence on the durability, strength, and the volume changes of the specimens.
Resistive Switching Behavior of Magnesium Zirconia Nickel Nanorods
Authors: Su Tzu-Han , Lee Ke-Jing , Wang Li-Wen , Chang Yu-Chi , Wang Yeong-Her
Published: June 2020

To effectively improve the uniformity of switching behavior in resistive switching devices, this study developed magnesium zirconia nickel (MZN) nanorods grown on ITO electrodes through hydrothermal method. The field emission scanning electron microscope image shows the NR formation. Al/MZN NR/ITO structure exhibits forming-free and bipolar resistive switching behaviors. MZN NRs have relatively higher ON/OFF ratio and better uniformity compared with MZN thin film. The superior properties of MZN NRs can be attributed to its distinct geometry, which leads to the formation of straight and extensible conducting filaments along the direction of MZN NR. The results suggest the possibility of developing sol–gel NR-based resistive memory devices.
On Assignment of the Upper Bohl Exponent for Linear Time-Invariant Control Systems in a Hilbert Space by State Feedback
Authors: Zaitsev Vasilii , Zhuravleva Marina
Published: June 2020

We consider a linear continuous-time control system with time-invariant linear bounded operator coefficients in a Hilbert space. The controller in the system has the form of linear state feedback with a time-varying linear bounded gain operator function. We study the problem of arbitrary assignment for the upper Bohl exponent by state feedback control. We prove that if the open-loop system is exactly controllable then one can shift the upper Bohl exponent of the closed-loop system by any pregiven number with respect to the upper Bohl exponent of the free system. This implies arbitrary assignability of the upper Bohl exponent by linear state feedback. Finally, an illustrative example is presented.
Characterisation and Modelling of Gravity Pre-Concentration Amenability Using LST Fluidisation in a REFLUXTM Classifier
Authors: Lowes Callan , Zhou James , McGrath Teresa , Eksteen Jacques , Galvin Kevin
Published: June 2020

Samples of the feed, underflow and overflow from water-based separations conducted using a continuous REFLUXTM Classifier involving inclined channels with a 3 mm spacing have been fractionated. Another REFLUXTM Classifier operating in a semi-batch configuration using a dense fluidising medium of lithium heteropolytungstates (LST) was used to determine the density distributions of the three streams. The partition surface of the separator was quantified, and the technique was validated against sink/float data for a −300 + 38 µm chromite ore separation. It was found that the LST flow fractionation determined the D50 with remarkable accuracy across the entire size range, with the Ep values also very good above 75 µm. For water-based continuous separations involving a gold ore covering the size range −1.0 + 0.090 mm, the D50 varied with particle size to the power −0.22 and the Ep remained relatively constant at approximately 170 kg/m3 for each of the narrow particle size ranges. These results were consistent with the partition surface validated based on the much finer size range of the higher density chromite ore. The performance of the continuous system was then modelled, with the results shown to agree well with separations conducted on the feed. This approach has been developed as an alternative to using the sink/float test, thus offering a new option with both a lower cost and minimal health and environmental risk. The findings from this study can in turn be used to assess the amenability of a given ore to gravity pre-concentration.
Associations between First Trimester Maternal Nutritional Score, Early Markers of Placental Function, and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Parisi Francesca , Savasi Valeria M. , di Bartolo Ilenia , Mandia Luca , Cetin Irene
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the associations between maternal adherence to a healthy diet, first trimester placental markers, and pregnancy outcome. Singleton spontaneous pregnancies were enrolled at 11+0–13+6 gestational weeks in a prospective cohort study. A nutritional score (0–10) measuring the adherence to a healthy diet was calculated. A transabdominal ultrasound scan for placental marker assessment was performed (uterine artery (UtA) doppler, placental volume). Biochemical placental markers were recorded (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A), free β- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)). Birth outcomes were obtained from medical records. Associations between the maternal nutritional score, first trimester placental markers, and pregnancy outcome were investigated by using multi-adjusted general linear models. In total, 112 pregnancies were enrolled with a median nutritional score of 7 (range 3–10). Median gestational age at birth was 277 days (range 203–296). The nutritional score was positively associated with PAPP-A concentrations, whereas a negative association was detected with the UtA mean pulsatility index and placental volume. A positive association was detected between nutritional score and gestational age at birth. This study demonstrates that a first trimester nutritional score as a measure of adherence to a healthy diet is significantly associated with early biochemical and ultrasound markers of placental development, with further association with gestational age at birth.
The Role of Vitamin D in Respiratory Allergies Prevention. Why the Effect Is so Difficult to Disentangle?
Authors: Sikorska-Szaflik Hanna , Sozańska Barbara
Published: June 2020

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are the most common chronic childhood diseases with an increasing prevalence worldwide. There is an urgent need to look for methods of preventing allergic diseases from an early age. The relationship between vitamin D status and allergic diseases has been discussed in several studies recently. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is suggested to affect the development and/or severity of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Observational studies have seemed to confirm that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to an increase in allergy and asthma. Following interventional studies, however, have yielded ambiguous results. In this review, we describe recent findings regarding 25(OH)D impact on allergic diseases and provide a systematic analysis of the causes of great variability of the achieved results in different studies.
Validation of a Food Propensity Questionnaire for the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and Results on This Population’s Adherence to Key Food-Group Nutritional Guidelines
Authors: Smiliotopoulos Theodoros , Magriplis Emmanuella , Zampelas Antonis
Published: June 2020

Background: Food propensity questionnaires (FPQs) are means of dietary assessment in nutritional epidemiology, which provide valuable information for long term intakes and food group consumption. These tools, however, may be subjected to misreporting and need to be validated against standard quantitative methods. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the qualitative FPQ developed to assess the dietary habits of the general population in Greece during the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) and to assess the population’s intake of specific food groups in relation to guidelines. Methods: Validation analysis was based on 3796 [1543 men (42.82%) and 2253 women (57.18%)] participants of the HNNHS in relation to two interviewer-administered 24 h recalls (24 hR). Participants were asked to report the frequency of their dietary intake, using the FPQ provided. Correlations and significance between methods were assessed via Spearman correlation and a Two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test, respectively. Agreement between the FPQ and the 24 hR was performed using the Bland–Altman test and differences between the FPQ’s shown intakes and the recommended intakes by the Dietary Guidelines for Greek Adults were calculated. Results: Medium to weak correlations, but statistically significant (p < 0.05), were observed for most food groups between 24 hR and the FPQ; medium for fruits, dairy products, drinks, and spirits (ranging from ρ = 0.371 to ρ = 0.461; highest for drinks and spirits) and weak for vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, starch foods, sweets, nuts, fats and oils, and fast food (ρ = 0.111 to ρ = 0.290; lowest for starch foods). A non-significant correlation was found for legumes (ρ = 0.070). The mean intake agreement (Bland–Altman analysis) between the FPQ and the 24 hR was 96.08% and ranged from 94.43 to 99.34% for the 14 food groups under examination. When food group intakes were compared to guidelines, results showed that the population’s dietary intake was below the guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and legumes. On the other hand, it was above the guidelines for most of the “unhealthy” food groups, in particular, fast food, sweets, drinks and spirits, red meat, and sweets. Conclusions: The specific FPQ provides valid information on major food groups and can be used to examine long term dietary patterns in nutritional studies. Ιn addition, dietary intakes of Greek adults are problematic and initiatives at the public health level are necessary.
Scattering Properties of PT-Symmetric Chiral Metamaterials
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis , Droulias Sotiris , M. Soukoulis Costas , N. Economou Eleftherios , Kafesaki Maria
Published: June 2020

The combination of gain and loss in optical systems that respect parity–time (PT)-symmetry has pointed recently to a variety of novel optical phenomena and possibilities. Many of them can be realized by combining the PT-symmetry concepts with metamaterials. Here we investigate the case of chiral metamaterials, showing that combination of chiral metamaterials with PT-symmetric gain–loss enables a very rich variety of phenomena and functionalities. Examining a simple one-dimensional chiral PT-symmetric system, we show that, with normally incident waves, the PT-symmetric and the chirality-related characteristics can be tuned independently and superimposed almost at will. On the other hand, under oblique incidence, chirality affects all the PT-related characteristics, leading also to novel and uncommon wave propagation features, such as asymmetric transmission and asymmetric optical activity and ellipticity. All these features are highly controllable both by chirality and by the angle of incidence, making PT-symmetric chiral metamaterials valuable in a large range of polarization-control-targeting applications.
Between Foragers and Farmers: Climate Change and Human Strategies in Northwestern Patagonia
Authors: Gil Adolfo F. , Villalba Ricardo , Franchetti Fernando R. , Otaola Clara , Abbona Cinthia C. , Peralta Eva A. , Neme Gustavo
Published: June 2020

In this paper we explore how changes in human strategies are differentially modulated by climate in a border area between hunter-gatherers and farmers. We analyze multiple proxies: radiocarbon summed probability distributions (SPDs), stable C and N isotopes, and zooarchaeological data from northwestern Patagonia. Based on these proxies, we discuss aspects of human population, subsistence, and dietary dynamics in relation to long-term climatic trends marked by variation in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Our results indicate that the farming frontier in northwestern Patagonia was dynamic in both time and space. We show how changes in temperature and precipitation over the last 1000 years cal BP have influenced the use of domestic plants and the hunting of highest-ranked wild animals, whereas no significant changes in human population size occurred. During the SAM positive phase between 900 and 550 years cal BP, warmer and drier summers are associated with an increase in C4 resource consumption (maize). After 550 years cal BP, when the SAM changes to the negative phase, wetter and cooler summer conditions are related to a change in diet focused on wild resources, especially meat. Over the past 1000 years, there was a non-significant change in the population based on the SPD.
On the Recursive Joint Position and Attitude Determination in Multi-Antenna GNSS Platforms
Authors: Medina Daniel , Vilà-Valls Jordi , Hesselbarth Anja , Ziebold Ralf , García Jesús
Published: June 2020

Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ (GNSS) carrier phase observations are fundamental in the provision of precise navigation for modern applications in intelligent transport systems. Differential precise positioning requires the use of a base station nearby the vehicle location, while attitude determination requires the vehicle to be equipped with a setup of multiple GNSS antennas. In the GNSS context, positioning and attitude determination have been traditionally tackled in a separate manner, thus losing valuable correlated information, and for the latter only in batch form. The main goal of this contribution is to shed some light on the recursive joint estimation of position and attitude in multi-antenna GNSS platforms. We propose a new formulation for the joint positioning and attitude (JPA) determination using quaternion rotations. A Bayesian recursive formulation for JPA is proposed, for which we derive a Kalman filter-like solution. To support the discussion and assess the performance of the new JPA, the proposed methodology is compared to standard approaches with actual data collected from a dynamic scenario under the influence of severe multipath effects.
Hyperspectral Image Denoising Based on Nonlocal Low-Rank and TV Regularization
Authors: Kong Xiangyang , Zhao Yongqiang , Xue Jize , Chan Jonathan Cheung-Wai , Ren Zhigang , Huang HaiXia , Zang Jiyuan
Published: June 2020

Hyperspectral image (HSI) acquisitions are degraded by various noises, among which additive Gaussian noise may be the worst-case, as suggested by information theory. In this paper, we present a novel tensor-based HSI denoising approach by fully identifying the intrinsic structures of the clean HSI and the noise. Specifically, the HSI is first divided into local overlapping full-band patches (FBPs), then the nonlocal similar patches in each group are unfolded and stacked into a new third order tensor. As this tensor shows a stronger low-rank property than the original degraded HSI, the tensor weighted nuclear norm minimization (TWNNM) on the constructed tensor can effectively separate the low-rank clean HSI patches. In addition, a regularization strategy with spatial–spectral total variation (SSTV) is utilized to ensure the global spatial–spectral smoothness in both spatial and spectral domains. Our method is designed to model the spatial–spectral non-local self-similarity and global spatial–spectral smoothness simultaneously. Experiments conducted on simulated and real datasets show the superiority of the proposed method.
Reliability and Validity of a Novel Wearable Device for Measuring Elbow Strength
Authors: Brookshaw Marcus , Sexton Andrew , McGibbon Chris A.
Published: June 2020

Muscle strength is an important clinical outcome in rehabilitation and sport medicine, but options are limited to expensive but accurate isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) or inexpensive but less accurate hand-held dynamometers (HHD). A wearable, self-stabilizing, limb strength measurement device (LSMD) was developed to fill the current gap in portable strength measurement devices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the LSMD in healthy adults. Twenty healthy adults were recruited to attend two strength testing sessions where elbow flexor and extensor strength was measured with the LSMD, with HHD and with IKD in random order, by two raters. Outcomes were intra-rater repeatability, inter-rater reproducibility and inter-session reproducibility using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Limits of agreement and weighted least products regression were used to test the validity of the LSMD relative to the criterion standard (IKD), and calibration formulas derived to improve measurement fidelity. ICC values for the LSMD were >0.90 for all measures of reliability and for both muscle groups, but over-predicted extensor strength and under-predicted flexor strength. Validity was established by transforming the data with the criterion standard-based calibration. These data indicate that the LSMD is reliable and conditionally valid for quantifying strength of elbow flexors and extensors in a healthy adult population.
Analysis of Polynomial Nonlinearity Based on Measures of Nonlinearity Algorithms
Authors: Mallick Mahendra , Tian Xiaoqing
Published: June 2020

We consider measures of nonlinearity (MoNs) of a polynomial curve in two-dimensions (2D), as previously studied in our Fusion 2010 and 2019 ICCAIS papers. Our previous work calculated curvature measures of nonlinearity (MoNs) using (i) extrinsic curvature, (ii) Bates and Watts parameter-effects curvature, and (iii) direct parameter-effects curvature. In this paper, we have introduced the computation and analysis of a number of new MoNs, including Beale’s MoN, Linssen’s MoN, Li’s MoN, and the MoN of Straka, Duník, and S̆imandl. Our results show that all of the MoNs studied follow the same type of variation as a function of the independent variable and the power of the polynomial. Secondly, theoretical analysis and numerical results show that the logarithm of the mean square error (MSE) is an affine function of the logarithm of the MoN for each type of MoN. This implies that, when the MoN increases, the MSE increases. We have presented an up-to-date review of various MoNs in the context of non-linear parameter estimation and non-linear filtering. The MoNs studied here can be used to compute MoN in non-linear filtering problems.
Vehicle Detection under Adverse Weather from Roadside LiDAR Data
Authors: Wu Jianqing , Xu Hao , Tian Yuan , Pi Rendong , Yue Rui
Published: June 2020

Roadside light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is an emerging traffic data collection device and has recently been deployed in different transportation areas. The current data processing algorithms for roadside LiDAR are usually developed assuming normal weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions, such as windy and snowy conditions, could be challenges for data processing. This paper examines the performance of the state-of-the-art data processing algorithms developed for roadside LiDAR under adverse weather and then composed an improved background filtering and object clustering method in order to process the roadside LiDAR data, which was proven to perform better under windy and snowy weather. The testing results showed that the accuracy of the background filtering and point clustering was greatly improved compared to the state-of-the-art methods. With this new approach, vehicles can be identified with relatively high accuracy under windy and snowy weather.
RETRACTED: Fault-Event Trees Based Probabilistic Safety Analysis of a Boiling Water Nuclear Reactor’s Core Meltdown and Minor Damage Frequencies
Authors: Li Jinfeng
Published: June 2020

A systematic probabilistic safety assessment for a boiling water nuclear reactor core is performed using fault trees and event trees analysis models. Based on a survey of the BWR’s safety systems against potential hazards, eight independent failure modes (initiating events) triggered scenarios are modelled and evaluated in the assembled fault-event trees, obtaining the two key outcome probabilities of interest, i.e., complete core meltdown (CCMD) frequency and minor core damage (MCD) frequency. The analysis results indicate that the complete loss of heat sink accounts for the initiating accident most vulnerable to CCMD (with a frequency of 1.8 × 10 − 5 per year), while the large break in the reactor pressure vessel is the least susceptible one (with a frequency of 2.9 × 10 − 12 per year). The quantitative risk assessment and independent review conducted in this case study contributed a reference reliability model for defense-in-depth core optimizations with reduced costs, informing risk-based policy decision making, licensing, and public understanding in nuclear safety systems.
Energy Security Analysis for a 100% Renewable Energy Transition in Jordan by 2050
Authors: Azzuni Abdelrahman , Aghahosseini Arman , Ram Manish , Bogdanov Dmitrii , Caldera Upeksha , Breyer Christian
Published: June 2020

Energy security analysis is a strong tool for policy makers. It allows them to formulate policies that would enhance energy systems by targeting necessary actions. In this study, the impacts of transitioning from a fossil fuels to a renewables dominated energy system on energy security is analysed for Jordan. A Best Policy Scenario was developed for the Jordanian energy system to trace the transition to a 100% renewable energy system. Energy security was analysed for the future system by a qualitative approach utilising colour codes. The results reveal that the primary energy demand increases from 64 TWh in 2015 to 130 TWh in 2050, dominated by electricity and followed by heat and bioenergy. This indicates that a high level of direct and indirect electrification is the key to transition towards a fully sustainable energy system. Renewable electricity generation is projected to increase from 0.1 TWh in 2015 to 110.7 TWh in 2050, with a solar photovoltaic share of 92%. The levelised cost of energy develops from 78 €/MWh in 2015 to 61 €/MWh in 2050. In 2050, this system will have zero greenhouse gas emissions, it will provide plenty of job opportunities and revenue generation. This proposed transition will enhance the energy security level of the Jordanian energy system in five of the six dimensions studied. The five dimensions that will be improved are availability, cost, environment, health, and employment, whereas the dimension on diversity will stay neutral. It can be concluded that Jordan can achieve a 100% renewable energy system by 2050 and such a transition will enhance the energy security level.
Initial Teacher Education for Inclusive Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of Educational Research
Authors: Cretu Daniela Maria , Morandau Felicia
Published: June 2020

In the context of international demands in recent decades to strengthen the commitment to inclusive policy and practices within education systems, teacher education has been challenged to find ways to prepare teachers capable of addressing the various needs of learners. The goal of this paper is to examine the research literature on initial teacher education for inclusive education (ITEIE) by using bibliometric analysis carried out on 440 documents indexed by Web of Science (WoS). The findings support the understanding of the ITEIE field regarding the evolution across time, the contributions in the field, the relevant journals, authors, and papers, the collaboration patterns. Although there has been a significant increase in the number of published works over the years, only a small number of countries and researchers have made significant contributions to the field. The analyses performed with VOSviewer software indicated poor collaboration among participating countries and authors. Several general topics have been addressed in the field over the past 25 years. There is a need to develop more cross-border research groups to ensure progress in the field. By mapping the emerging ITEIE research literature, this study can be a starting point for the development of new studies in the area.
Internships for Higher Education Students to Promote the Local Sustainability of Rural Places
Authors: García-Casarejos Nieves , Sáez-Pérez Luis Antonio
Published: June 2020

Sustainability and population have a complex relationship. Popular versions of the first are usually based on the premise of reducing the population. However, in some remote rural areas with a low density, this condition needs to be reconsidered, as it would put the viability of the local community at risk and lead to environmental, economic and, above all, social losses. Although repopulation is impossible, since remote rural areas have an ageing demographic structure and an extremely low fertility rate, we can propose the regeneration of their human, social and relational capital by attracting talent and commitment. To achieve this, the Desafío Programme (Rural Erasmus) enables university students to do internships in companies and institutions in sparsely populated areas, living alongside their residents. Despite being an experimental policy with a narrow scope in statistical terms, the Desafío Programme is an inspiring experience supported by those who have participated in it and contributes to the social and economic regeneration of areas in decline. This is a practical case of applying a sustainable strategy to a rural area in crisis, which can be transferred to many other countries facing a similar problem.
Effects of Sodium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate on Haloxylon ammodendron Seed Germination
Authors: Zhumabekova Zhazira , Xu Xinwen , Wang Yongdong , Song Chunwu , Kurmangozhinov Alzhan , Sarsekova Dani
Published: June 2020

Haloxylon ammodendron is a perennial xerophyte that can survive in extremely harsh desert conditions of Central Asia. This study evaluated the effect of salinity, and their ability to recover on seed germination of H. ammodendron, which were collected at three different desert areas, Bakanas takyr plain (H1), Gurbantüngüt Desert (H2), and Gobi Desert (H3), respectively. Seeds were treated with different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 (0.00 (control), 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00, 1.20, and 1.40 mol/L) to detemine the germination and recover ability to salt stress. The results of the study were that H. ammodendron were more resistant to Na2SO4 than to NaCl. Regarding inhibition of seed germination H. ammodendron was in the following order: H3 > H2 > H1. Based on the tolerance and recovery, seeds can be demonstrated as follows: NaCl: H3 > H1 > H2; Na2SO4: H1 = H2 = H3. Non-germinated seeds in all salt treatments with low osmotic potential showed high recovery when transferred to distilled water, indicating that these treatments were not too toxic to affect seed viability. These results suggest that H. ammodendron can withstand high levels of salinity at three desert environments. Thus, H. ammodendron could be used to reconstruct vegetation and sustanbility development in the desert areas with high salinity.
Revised SEDD (RSEDD) Model for Sediment Delivery Processes at the Basin Scale
Authors: Chen Walter , Thomas Kent
Published: June 2020

Sediment transport to river channels in a basin is of great significance for a variety of reasons ranging from soil preservation to siltation prevention of reservoirs. Among the commonly used models of sediment transport, the SEdiment Delivery Distributed model (SEDD) uses an exponential function to model the likelihood of eroded soils reaching the rivers and denotes the probability as the Sediment Delivery Ratio of morphological unit i (SDRi). The use of probability to model SDRi in SEDD led us to examine the model and check for its statistical validity. As a result, we found that the SEDD model had several false assertions and needs to be revised to correct for the discrepancies with the statistical properties of the exponential distributions. The results of our study are presented here. We propose an alternative model, the Revised SEDD (RSEDD) model, to better estimate SDRi. We also show how to calibrate the model parameters and examine an example watershed to see if the travel time of sediments follows an exponential distribution. Finally, we reviewed studies citing the SEDD model to explore if they would be impacted by switching to the proposed RSEDD model.