bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theory-Consistent CVAR Scenario for a Monetary Model with Forward-Looking Expectations
Authors: Juselius Katarina
Published: April 2022

A theory-consistent CVAR scenario describes a set of testable regularities capturing basic assumptions of the theoretical model. Using this concept, the paper considers a standard model for exchange rate determination with forward-looking expectations and shows that all assumptions about the model’s shock structure and steady-state behavior can be formulated as testable hypotheses on common stochastic trends and cointegration. The basic stationarity assumptions of the monetary model failed to obtain empirical support. They were too restrictive to explain the observed long persistent swings in the real exchange rate, the real interest rates, and the inflation and interest rate differentials.
Deploying Taller Turbines in Complex Terrain: A Hill Flow Study (HilFlowS) Perspective
Authors: Wharton Sonia , Foster Kathryn
Published: April 2022

Terrain-induced flow acceleration is presented for the summertime, peak power season at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Site 300 for the Hill Flow Study (HilFlowS). HilFlowS, designed as an adjunct field campaign to the Department of Energy’s Second Wind Forecasting Improvement Project (WFIP2), provides wind profile observations at a second location in complex terrain for validating numerical atmospheric model simulations and for better understanding flow behavior over hills for wind power generation. One unique feature of HilFlowS was the inclusion of an undergraduate university student who helped plan and execute the experiment as well as analyze wind data from two remote sensing laser detection and ranging (lidar) instruments deployed along parallel ridgelines. HilFlowS examines the trend of building higher into the atmosphere for the purpose of increasing wind turbine power production and evaluates the wind resource in the Altamont Pass Region of Northern California for a set of wind turbines of differing hub-heights and rotor-disk diameters found in the area. The wind profiles show strongly channeled onshore flow above both hills, enhanced by strong subsidence aloft, which produces a wind maximum (Umax) around z = 10 m and strong negative shear throughout all of the evaluated rotor-disks for much of the summer wind season. Under these conditions, shear becomes more negative with increasing hub-height and increasing rotor-disk size. Rotor-disk equivalent wind speed (Uequiv), a measure of the average wind speed across the entire rotor-disk, is compared to hub-height, rotor length, and rated capacity factor for the set of turbines. Uequiv is most closely related to turbine hub-height and is negatively correlated given the low altitude of Umax. Based on these results, building the largest capacity, large rotor-disk wind turbine at the lowest possible hub-height appears to provide turbines in the Altamont with a fast, near-surface, onshore wind resource during the peak power season.
A Practical Metric to Evaluate the Ramp Events of Wind Generating Resources to Enhance the Security of Smart Energy Systems
Authors: Ahn EunJi , Hur Jin
Published: April 2022

The energy industry, primarily based on the use of fossil fuels (e.g., coal and oil) is rapidly shifting toward renewable energy for securing sustainable resources. Thus, preparing for large wind power ramp events is essential to retain reliable and secure power systems. This study proposed a new statistical approach to predict wind power ramp events, and evaluated the performance of prediction. The empirical data, which is the observed wind power output data and wind speed data from Taebaek (South Korea) were used for analyzing ramp events and for evaluation. Based on the data analysis, a practical metric for evaluating the performance of wind power ramp events forecasting was developed and presented in detail. Notably, the accuracy of forecasting was evaluated through various metrics, whereas the normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) analysis demonstrated ≤ 10% values for all the analyzed months. In addition, a system review was conducted to check if the methodology suggested in this study has helped enhance the security of power systems. The results show that evaluating and considering the ramp events can improve the accuracy of wind power output forecasting which can secure the smart energy systems.
Knowledge and Skills Development in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies: Interviews of Experts from Pennsylvania State of the USA
Authors: Saniuk Sebastian , Grabowska Sandra , Grebski Wieslaw
Published: April 2022

Fourth industrial revolution is the introduction of ICT (mostly IoT) in industry and elsewhere, which enables the creation of cyber-physical systems, i.e., digital twins of reality. The application of widespread digitization of processes brings changes in terms of increased efficiency of processes, increased flexibility of production, and the possibility of realizing prosocial and pro-ecological goals, such as sustainable development, sustainable production and consumption, and reducing the consumption of increasingly expensive energy. Nowadays, the high autonomy of cyber-physical systems and benefits to society are expected by including human factors within the Industry 5.0 concept. Implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and meeting the expectations of sustainable development also means new challenges for the knowledge and skills of industry employees, mainly engineers implementing modern solutions. Hence, the article’s aim is to identify the critical knowledge and skills of engineers responsible for implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. The achievements and results presented in the article were obtained based on research conducted among experts from the University of Pennsylvania (USA). The study considers aspects connected to the problems of implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and identifies the benefits and risks of their implementation for Society 5.0.
Determining the Burning Rate of Fine-Grained Propellants in Closed Vessel Tests
Authors: Trębiński Radosław , Leciejewski Zbigniew , Surma Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the method of determining the burning rate of fine-grained propellants based on the results of closed vessel tests. It is shown that in the case of fine-grained propellants, the standard methods of determining the burning rate fail. There are two reasons for this: imperfections of the grain shapes and the prolonged process of ignition due to a more developed surface than that of coarse grains at the same mass of the propellant. The value of the exponent in the burning law is estimated by the use of the so-called experimental form–function. The upper and lower limits of the value of the coefficient in the burning law are estimated. The accuracy of the proposed method is analyzed. Its validity is assessed by comparing the results of closed vessel tests analysis with accessible literature data.
Membrane and Electrochemical Based Technologies for the Decontamination of Exploitable Streams Produced by Thermochemical Processing of Contaminated Biomass
Authors: Koutsonikolas Dimitrios , Karagiannakis George , Plakas Konstantinos , Chatzis Vasileios , Skevis George , Giudicianni Paola , Amato Davide , Sabia Pino , Boukis Nikolaos , Stoll Katharina
Published: April 2022

Phytoremediation is an emerging concept for contaminated soil restoration via the use of resilient plants that can absorb soil contaminants. The harvested contaminated biomass can be thermochemically converted to energy carriers/chemicals, linking soil decontamination with biomass-to-energy and aligning with circular economy principles. Two thermochemical conversion steps of contaminated biomass, both used for contaminated biomass treatment/exploitation, are considered: Supercritical Water Gasification and Fast Pyrolysis. For the former, the vast majority of contaminants are transferred into liquid and gaseous effluents, and thus the application of purification steps is necessary prior to further processing. In Fast Pyrolysis, contaminants are mainly retained in the solid phase, but a part appears in the liquid phase due to fine solids entrainment. Contaminants include heavy metals, particulate matter, and hydrogen sulfide. The purified streams allow the in-process re-use of water for the Super Critical Water Gasification, the sulfur-free catalytic conversion of the fuel-rich gaseous stream of the same process into liquid fuels and recovery of an exploitable bio-oil rich stream from the Fast Pyrolysis. Considering the fundamental importance of purification/decontamination to exploit the aforementioned streams in an integrated context, a review of available such technologies is conducted, and options are shortlisted. Technologies of choice include polymeric-based membrane gas absorption for desulfurization, electrooxidation/electrocoagulation for the liquid product of Supercritical Water Gasification and microfiltration via ceramic membranes for fine solids removal from the Fast Pyrolysis bio-oil. Challenges, risks, and suitable strategies to implement these options in the context of biomass-to-energy conversion are discussed and recommendations are made.
State of the Art, Perspective and Obstacles of Ground-Source Heat Pump Technology in the European Building Sector: A Review
Authors: Menegazzo Davide , Lombardo Giulia , Bobbo Sergio , De Carli Michele , Fedele Laura
Published: April 2022

In the European Union, 40% of the overall final energy consumption is attributable to the buildings sector. A reason for such data may be found considering that the great majority of the building stock is more than 40 years old. According to the European Commission, an interesting potential lies in the refurbishment of the building sector, and heat pump technology has been recognized as one of the most cost-effective solutions to tackle the environmental issue of this sector. Regarding heat pump technology, ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) have been proven to be the most efficient solution on equal boundary conditions. Despite this, in most EU states’ markets, GSHPs hold only a small market share with respect to air-source heat pumps. In this paper, the state of art and possible future developments of GSHP technology have been reviewed together with a focus on the potential of such technology, most of all on the refurbishment of existing buildings, and on the obstacles to its spread. The state of art of borehole heat exchangers has been studied, focusing on the parameters characterizing the outside pipe and the pipe itself, i.e., pipe and grout materials. Moreover, an overview on the last developments involving refrigerants and secondary fluids is given. Finally, the design and control strategies of GSHPs have been reviewed.
An Iterative Algorithm for the Estimation of Thermal Boundary Conditions Varying in Both Time and Space
Authors: Duda Piotr , Konieczny Mariusz
Published: April 2022

The presented survey of the up-to-date state of knowledge indicates that despite the great number of works devoted to the issue in question, there is no simple method that allows the use of commercial programs for the identification of the transient thermal state in elements with a simple or complex shape. This paper presents an inverse method developed to estimate the convective heat transfer coefficient varying both in time and space on a vertical plate during its cooling. Despite the smaller number of measurement points and larger disturbance of measured temperatures compared to the data presented in the available literature, comparable results are obtained. The developed iterative algorithm is also applied to estimate the time- and space-dependent heat flux and the convective heat transfer coefficient in the steam boiler membrane waterwall. The analysed component has the form of the non-simply connected and complex shape domain Ω. Temperature-dependent thermophysical properties are used. Calculations are performed for the unknown heat flux or heat transfer coefficient distribution on the domain boundary based on measured temperature transients disturbed with a random error of 0.5 °C. To reduce oscillations, the number of future time steps of NF = 20 is selected. The number of iterations in each time step ranges between 1 and 8. The estimated boundary conditions are close to the exact values. In this work, the ANSYS software using the FEM is applied.
Parameter Studies on Hydraulic Fracturing in Brittle Rocks Based on a Modified Hydromechanical Coupling Model
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Zhang Yiping , Han Bei , Zhang Xin , Jia Yun
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present a numerical study of hydraulic fracturing in brittle rock by using particle flow simulation. The emphasis is put on the influence of in situ stress, differential stress, fluid injection rate, fluid viscosity and borehole size on hydraulic fracturing behavior. To this end, an improved hydromechanical coupling model is first introduced to better describe fluid flow and local deformation of particle-based rocks. A series of parameter sensitivity studies are then conducted under the framework of particle flow simulation. Modelling results suggest that the breakdown pressure and time to fracture both linearly increase with confining stress, and hydraulic fracturing patterns present a distinct transition from brittle to ductile. Fluid injection rate and fluid viscosity have similar influences on hydraulic fracturing propagation, their value decrease leads to borehole pressure decrement and time to fracture prolongation. However, the former mainly controls the time to initial cracking, while the latter largely decides the duration of fracturing propagation. As for borehole radius, its increases can directly enhance the fluid diffusion zone, which further intensifies the nonlinear property of borehole pressure, leads to breakdown pressure decrease, prolongs time to fracture and forms more complex hydraulic fractures.
Economic and Environmental Aspects of Engine Selection in Cargo Transportation
Authors: Łukasik Radosław , Neumann Tomasz
Published: April 2022

A company’s productivity and success measure its effectiveness. This article presents the problem of economic efficiency and aspects related to environmental protection. The basic parameters analysed were the engine type and how it affects the environment. Over three months, the analysis was carried out and used the data envelopment analysis. As a result of the research carried out, the comparison of the amount of fuel used with the amount of transported goods should answer the following questions: What type of engine should be ordered for new trucks to show the best efficiency during operation? What is the efficiency of the currently used engines? How do they affect the environment? The method proposed in the article makes it possible to define the initial requirements for the definition of truck units, which is included in the conclusions of this paper.
Two Channels Opto-Isolation Circuit for Measurements of the Differential Voltage of Voltage Transformers and Dividers
Authors: Kaczmarek Michal
Published: April 2022

In this paper the design of the two channel opto-isolation circuit for measurements of the differential voltage is presented. It is used to ensure high impedance of the measuring channel(s) in the differential system to ensure the rated operation of connected voltage divider(s). Its conversion accuracy tests are oriented to determine the ratio and phase errors introduced by a tested device under three test conditions. The opto-isolation circuit is tested for the internal noise at various levels of common voltage. In the next step the calibration of the zero output voltage at zero differential voltage is tested. In the last step of the testing procedure, the values of conversion ratio and phase errors are determined. In the first case the analysis is performed during an operation with an additional common voltage divider when both inputs ensure high impedance. In the second case the values of the conversion ratio and phase errors are tested in conditions when only one input ensures high impedance. In this paper the application of the opto-isolation circuit to determine the values of the composite error of the tested voltage divider with the rated voltage ratios equal to 15 kV:100 V, 10 kV:100 V, 5 kV:100 V is presented. Moreover, its usage to determine the values of the composite error of the inductive voltage transformer with voltage ratio (15 kV/√3)/(100 V/√3) is shown.
Collective Action Initiatives as a Tool for a Peaceful Energy Transition
Authors: Arrobbio Osman , Padovan Dario , Sciullo Alessandro
Published: April 2022

In recent years, collective action initiatives in the energy field, such as energy communities and cooperatives, have been gaining relevance both in the policy and in the social research domains as primary actors of energy transition. [...]
Key Features of TEMPO-Containing Polymers for Energy Storage and Catalytic Systems
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoliy A. , Kalnin Arseniy Y. , Volkov Alexey I. , Lukyanov Daniil A. , Levin Oleg V.
Published: April 2022

The need for environmentally benign portable energy storage drives research on organic batteries and catalytic systems. These systems are a promising replacement for commonly used energy storage devices that rely on limited resources such as lithium and rare earth metals. The redox-active TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-yl) fragment is a popular component of organic systems, as its benefits include remarkable electrochemical performance and decent physical properties. TEMPO is also known to be an efficient catalyst for alcohol oxidation, oxygen reduction, and various complex organic reactions. It can be attached to various aliphatic and conductive polymers to form high-loading catalysis systems. The performance and efficiency of TEMPO-containing materials strongly depend on the molecular structure, and thus rational design of such compounds is vital for successful implementation. We discuss synthetic approaches for producing electroactive polymers based on conductive and non-conductive backbones with organic radical substituents, fundamental aspects of electrochemistry of such materials, and their application in energy storage devices, such as batteries, redox-flow cells, and electrocatalytic systems. We compare the performance of the materials with different architectures, providing an overview of diverse charge interactions for hybrid materials, and presenting promising research opportunities for the future of this area.
Servitization of Energy Sector: Emerging Service Business Models and Startup’s Participation
Authors: Singh Mahendra , Jiao Jiao , Klobasa Marian , Frietsch Rainer
Published: April 2022

Changing asset ownership models in the energy sector is spurring established companies and startups to implement customer-centric smart services. In this sense, startups are pioneers of innovative business models, and unbundle the energy value chain to provide various services to final customers. Although service business models have received large attention in the energy sector, the role of startups in service business model innovation (S-BMI) is not fully understood in the literature. To put this into perspective, the proposed work analyzes the six most practiced energy service categories, specifically, Comfort and Heating, Flexibility and Trading, Energy Efficiency and Management, Solar and Microgrid, Charging and Battery, and Energy Software Solutions are taken into account, accompanying service business model archetypes in the energy sector. Data from two different company databases are combined, and a list of 432 startups dealing with energy services are analyzed. The operating revenue, stakeholders, investors, and funding are considered as the main indicators to compare the service categories. The top two categories in terms of the number of startups are Solar and Microgrid (38.1%) alongside Energy Efficiency and Management (20.1%). The analysis suggests that X-as-a-service (XaaS) and platform-based business models are becoming the center-of-attention for investors and shareholders. Digital marketplaces are also evolving in the energy sector. In fact, the current study found that startups associated with XaaS, platforms, and marketplace activities are attracting the majority of investors and funding programs. From a theoretical point of view, the study has provided the main motivations and enablers behind the energy sector servitization. The findings could serve as an initial methodological framework to analyze services in the energy sector, putting service business models and startups into focus.
Simple Formulae, Deep Learning and Elaborate Modelling for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fokas Athanassios S. , Dikaios Nikolaos , Tsiodras Sotirios , Kastis George A.
Published: April 2022

Predictive modelling of infectious diseases is very important in planning public health policies, particularly during outbreaks. This work reviews the forecasting and mechanistic models published earlier. It is emphasized that researchers’ forecasting models exhibit, for large t, algebraic behavior, as opposed to the exponential behavior of the classical logistic-type models used usually in epidemics. Remarkably, a newly introduced mechanistic model also exhibits, for large t, algebraic behavior in contrast to the usual Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) models, which exhibit exponential behavior. The unexpected success of researchers’ simple forecasting models provides a strong support for the validity of this novel mechanistic model. It is also shown that the mathematical tools used for the analysis of the first wave may also be useful for the analysis of subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical Applications of Isothermal Diagnosis for Human Schistosomiasis
Authors: Panzner Ursula
Published: April 2022

About 250 million people affected, 779 million people at risk of infection, and 440 million people with residual morbidity are globally attributable to schistosomiasis. Highly sensitive and specific, simple, and fast to perform diagnostics are required for detecting trace infections, and applications in resource-poor settings and large-scale assessments. Research assessing isothermal diagnoses of S. japonicum, S. haematobium, S. mansoni, mixed infections, and schistosomal hybrids among clinical human specimens was investigated. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and combined techniques were identified. Both LAMP and RPA reached species-dependent 100% sensitivity, and detection levels within femtogram and nanogram amounts for pure and hybridale breeds. Cross-reactivity among Schistosoma species and co-endemic pathogens was rare, though research on diagnostic markers and primer optimization should continue. Operating with ready-to-use lyophilized reagents, simplified and inexpensive nucleic acid extraction, tolerability to likely inhibitors, and enzyme stability at ambient temperature is advantageous. RPA performed optimal at 35–39 °C within 5–10 min. while LAMP operated at 61–65 °C for up to 120 min.; properties are preferable over assays requiring expensive laboratory equipment. DNA degradation could be prevented by stabilizing substances. A limitation throughout warranting future research is the small sample size reaching a few hundred participants at the maximum. Isothermal diagnostics are highly valuable in detecting trace infections seen subsequent to chemotherapeutic treatment, and among apparently healthy individuals, both constituting likely sources of ongoing pathogen transmission. Its expansion to the vaccine field for assessing parasitological trial endpoints could be considered.
Plasma or Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL): Which Is Better at Detecting Chronic Kidney Damage in Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Greco Marta , Chiefari Eusebio , Mirabelli Maria , Salatino Alessandro , Tocci Vera , Cianfrone Paola , Foti Daniela Patrizia , Brunetti Antonio
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims—Albuminuria, defined as an enhanced urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) on a spot sample, is a validated biomarker of glomerular damage. However, it cannot always detect early renal failures in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), thus prompting the search for more sensitive and specific parameters. Herein, we investigated the differential role of plasma and urine neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGALp,—NGALu) for the detection of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods—Traditional glomerular (serum creatinine, cystatin C, ACR) damage biomarkers were evaluated in 84 patients with T2D and in 21 metabolically healthy controls. Diabetic patients were stratified into four groups based on T2D duration (less or more than 5 years) and presence and severity of DKD (early- or advanced-stage), as defined by the ACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). NGALp and NGALu were determined by ELISA methodology and compared among groups. Results—There was no difference in NGALp and NGALu levels between the metabolically healthy individuals and the age-matched, newly diagnosed diabetic patients in the absence of DKD. However, in contrast to NGALu, NGALp was found to be substantially increased in patients with long-standing diabetes without biochemical evidence of DKD, closely mirroring the modest, but still accelerated, decline in the eGFR typical of this chronic dysmetabolic condition, and remained overexpressed throughout the stages of DKD progression. Increased NGALu levels were, instead, rather specific in patients with biochemical evidence of DKD (i.e., marked by increased albuminuria), regardless of T2D duration. Spearman’s correlation and regression analyses showed that patient age and T2D duration could exert a strong positive impact exclusively on NGALp concentrations (ρ = 0.419, p < 0.001 for age; ρ = 0.581, p < 0.001 for T2D), and none on NGALu. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the best performance of NGALp compared to NGALu for the detection of DKD (AUC = 0.817 for NGALp, AUC = 0.711 for NGALu). Conclusions—Our data suggest a different pathophysiological and predictive role for urine and plasma NGAL in the context of T2D and DKD.
Forecasting Regional Tourism Demand in Morocco from Traditional and AI-Based Methods to Ensemble Modeling
Authors: Ouassou El houssin , Taya Hafsa
Published: April 2022

Tourism is one of the main sources of wealth for the Moroccan regions, since, in 2019, it contributed 7.1% to the total GDP. However, it is considered to be one of the sectors most vulnerable to exogenous shocks (political and social stability, currency change, natural disasters, pandemics, etc.). To control this, policymakers tend to use various techniques to forecast tourism demand for making crucial decisions. In this study, we aimed to forecast the number of tourist arrivals to the Marrakech-Safi region using annual data for the period from 1999 to 2018 by using three conventional approaches (ARIMA, AR, and linear regression), and then we compared the results with three artificial intelligence-based techniques (SVR, XGBoost, and LSTM). Then, we developed hybrid models by combining both the conventional and AI-based models, using the technique of ensemble learning. The findings indicated that the hybrid models outperformed both conventional and AI-based techniques. It is clear from the results that using hybrid models can overcome the limitations of each method individually.
Drug Delivery from Hyaluronic Acid–BDDE Injectable Hydrogels for Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Applications
Authors: Andrade del Olmo Jon , Pérez-Álvarez Leyre , Sáez Martínez Virginia , Benito Cid Sandra , Pérez González Raúl , Vilas-Vilela José Luis , Alonso José María
Published: April 2022

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable biomaterials are currently applied in numerous biomedical areas, beyond their use as dermal fillers. However, bacterial infections and painful inflammations are associated with healthcare complications that can appear after injection, restricting their applicability. Fortunately, HA injectable hydrogels can also serve as drug delivery platforms for the controlled release of bioactive agents with a critical role in the control of certain diseases. Accordingly, herein, HA hydrogels were crosslinked with 1 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) loaded with cefuroxime (CFX), tetracycline (TCN), and amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotics and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) anti-inflammatory agent in order to promote antibacterial and anti-inflammatory responses. The hydrogels were thoroughly characterized and a clear correlation between the crosslinking grade and the hydrogels’ physicochemical properties was found after rheology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The biological safety of the hydrogels, expected due to the lack of BDDE residues observed in 1H-NMR spectroscopy, was also corroborated by an exhaustive biocompatibility test. As expected, the in vitro antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of the drug-loaded HA-BDDE hydrogels was confirmed against Staphylococcus aureus by significantly decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
A Hydrogel as a Bespoke Delivery Platform for Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1
Authors: Wang Yi , Penna Vanessa , Williams Richard J. , Parish Clare L. , Nisbet David R.
Published: April 2022

The defined self-assembly of peptides (SAPs) into nanostructured bioactive hydrogels has great potential for repairing traumatic brain injuries, as they maintain a stable, homeostatic environment at an injury site, preventing further degeneration. They also present a bespoke platform to restore function via the naturalistic presentation of therapeutic proteins, such as stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), expressed by meningeal cells. A key challenge to the use of the SDF protein, however, is its rapid diffusion and degradation. Here, we engineered a homeostatic hydrogel produced by incorporating recombinant SDF-1 protein within a self-assembled peptide hydrogel to create a supportive milieu for transplanted cells. Our hydrogel can concomitantly deliver viable primary neural progenitor cells and sustained active SDF-1 to support the nascent graft, resulting in increased neuronal differentiation. Moreover, this homeostatic hydrogel can ensure a healthy and larger graft core without impeding neuronal fiber growth and innervation. These findings demonstrate the regenerative potential of these hydrogels to improve the integration of grafted cells to treat neural injuries and diseases.
Construction of a ceRNA Network Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Huang Zhanya , Kuang Nanzhen
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease affecting many people and has an unclear and complicated physiological mechanism. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network plays an essential role in the development and occurrence of various human physiological processes. This study aimed to construct a ceRNA network related to RA. (2) Methods: We explored the GEO database for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and then analyzed the RNA of 52 samples (without treatment) to obtain lncRNAs (DELs), miRNAs (DEMs), and mRNAs (DEGs), which can be differentially expressed with statistical significance in the progression of RA. Next, a ceRNA network was constructed, based on the DELs, DEMs, and DEGs. At the same time, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were used to validate the possible function of the ceRNA network. (3) Results: Through our analysis, 389 DELs, 247 DEMs, and 1081 DEGs were screened. After this, a ceRNA network was constructed for further statistical comparisons, including 16 lncRNAs, 1 miRNA, and 15 mRNAs. According to the GO and KEGG analysis, the ceRNA network was mainly enriched in the mTOR pathway, the dopaminergic system, and the Wnt signaling pathway. (4) Conclusions: The novel ceRNA network related to RA that we constructed offers novel insights into and targets for the underlying molecular mechanisms of the mTOR pathway, the dopaminergic system, and the Wnt signaling pathway (both classic and nonclassic pathways) that affect the level of the genetic regulator, which might offer novel ways to treat RA.
Minimal Contact Robotic Stroke Rehabilitation on Risk of COVID-19, Work Efficiency and Sensorimotor Function
Authors: Yoon Bu Hyun , Park Chanhee , You Joshua (Sung) Hyun
Published: April 2022

Patients with hemiparetic stroke undergo direct, labor-intensive hands-on conventional physical therapy to improve sensorimotor function, spasticity, balance, trunk stability, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Currently, direct, intensive hands-on therapeutic modalities have increased concerns during the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. We developed an innovative Walkbot to mitigate the issues surrounding conventional hands-on physical therapy. We aimed to compare the effects of minimal-contact robotic rehabilitation (MRR) and full-contact conventional rehabilitation (FCR) on static and dynamic balance, trunk stability, ADLs, spasticity, and cognition changes in patients with hemiparetic stroke. A total of 64 patients with hemiparetic stroke (mean age = 66.38 ± 13.17; 27 women) underwent either MRR or FCR three times/week for 6 weeks. Clinical outcome measurements included the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Fugl—Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores. A 2 × 2 repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and an independent t-test was used to determine statistical differences in the physiotherapists’ work efficiency and COVID-19 transmission risk. The ANOVA showed that MRR had effects superior to those of FCR on the TIS, the BBS, the FMA, and the MBI (p < 0.05), but not on the MAS (p = 0.230). MRR showed a greater decrease on the physiotherapist’s work efficiency and COVID-19 transmission risk (p < 0.05). Our results provide clinical evidence that robot-assisted locomotor training helps maximize the recovery of sensorimotor function, abnormal synergy, balance, ADLs, and trunk stability, and facilitates a safer environment and less labor demand than conventional stroke rehabilitation.
Aluminium Gauze Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Non-Woven Masks Worn by Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yasuda Yuto , Mutsuo Satoru , Hamada Motoaki , Murai Kazuo , Hirayama Yutaka , Uemasu Kiyoshi , Arasawa Soichi , Iwashima Daisuke , Takahashi Ken-ichi
Published: April 2022

Background: Aluminium reduces severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) survival in experimental settings. It is unknown whether adding an aluminium gauze to a mask reduces the SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in the mask and whether SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the breath that permeates through such a mask in clinical settings. Methods: Patients admitted to Kishiwada City Hospital, Osaka, Japan, between July 2021 and September 2021 were enrolled in the study. Non-woven masks comprising filters with 99% viral filtration efficacy and aluminium and cotton gauzes attached to plastic collection cases were developed. All participants wore the experimental mask models for three hours. Results: Twenty-nine patients who wore the final model masks were analysed in this study. The Ct values of the nucleocapsid gene and envelope gene of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly higher in the aluminium gauze than in the cotton gauze. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the masks of 8 out of 12 vaccinated patients (66.7%). Although breath condensates were collected behind both aluminium and cotton gauzes, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in these condensates. Conclusions: Our study indicated that non-woven masks with an aluminium gauze may obstruct SARS-CoV-2 transmission in clinical settings better than non-woven masks with cotton gauzes.
The State of the Evidence about the Family and Community Nurse: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dellafiore Federica , Caruso Rosario , Cossu Michela , Russo Sara , Baroni Irene , Barello Serena , Vangone Ida , Acampora Marta , Conte Gianluca , Magon Arianna , Stievano Alessandro , Arrigoni Cristina
Published: April 2022

Introduction. The increase in chronic degenerative diseases poses many challenges to the efficacy and sustainability of healthcare systems, establishing the family and community nurse (FCN) who delivers primary care as a strategic role. FCNs, indeed, can embrace the complexity of the current healthcare demand, sustain the ageing of the population, and focus on illness prevention and health promotion, ensuring a continuous and coordinated integration between hospitals and primary care ser. The literature on FCNs is rich but diverse. This study aimed to critically summarise the literature about the FCN, providing an overall view of the recent evidence. Methods. A state-of-art systematic review was performed on PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and checklist to guide the search and reporting. Results. Five interpretative themes emerged from the 90 included articles: clinical practice, core competencies, outcomes, Organisational and educational models, and advanced training program. Conclusions. FCNs can make a major contribution to a population’s health, playing a key role in understanding and responding to patients’ needs. Even if the investment in prevention does not guarantee immediate required strategies and foresight on the part of decisionmakers, it is imperative to invest more political, institutional, and economic resources to support and ensure the FCNs’ competencies and their professional autonomy.
Factors Affecting the Perceived Usability of the COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Application “Thai Chana” during the Early COVID-19 Omicron Period
Authors: Chuenyindee Thanatorn , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Persada Satria Fadil , Nadlifatin Reny , Sittiwatethanasiri Thaninrat
Published: April 2022

Thai Chana is one of the mobile applications for COVID-19 disease-control tracking, especially among the Thais. The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting the perceived usability of Thai Chana by integrating protection motivation theory, the extended technology acceptance model, and the system usability scale. In all, 800 Thais participated and filled an online questionnaire with 56 questions during the early COVID-19 omicron period (15 December 2021 to 14 January 2022). Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that the understanding of COVID-19 has significant effects on perceived severity and perceived vulnerability, which subsequently leads to perceived usefulness. In addition, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have significant direct effects on attitude, which subsequently leads to the intention to use, actual use, and perceived usability. This study is one of the first studies that have analyzed the mobile application for COVID-19 disease-control tracking. The significant and substantial findings can be used for a theoretical foundation, particularly in designing a new mobile application for disease-control tracking worldwide. Finally, protection motivation theory, the extended technology acceptance model, and the system usability scale can be used for evaluating other disease-control tracking mobile applications worldwide.
Sports Performance Tests for Amputee Football Players: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nowak Agnieszka Magdalena , Marszalek Jolanta , Molik Bartosz
Published: April 2022

Background: This scoping review aims to identify sports performance tests for amputee football players and to critically analyze the methodological quality, validation data, reliability, and standardization of sport-specific tests to indicate the best-fitting tests. Methods: Electronic database searches were conducted between January 2019 and October 2021. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative assessment of each study was conducted by STROBE checklist. Results: Twenty-nine sports performance tests were identified. No sports performance test fully met all three criteria associated with the qualitative assessment of tests. The critical appraisal of the articles demonstrates a gap in study design, settings, and main results description. Some inconsistencies were found in the methodological descriptions of tests assessing the same motor skill. A STROBE score of 13 points was considered a satisfactory score for the article (it was obtained by 8 of the 12 studies). The weakest point of the analyzed studies was the description of how the test group size was accessed and later obtained. Conclusions: No test was found that was simultaneously presented as valid, reliable, and standardized. The authors can recommend the use of the two-sports performance tests that are the closest to ideal: the L test and the YYIRT1.
Influenza and Pertussis Maternal Vaccination Coverage and Influencing Factors in Spain: A Study Based on Primary Care Records Registry
Authors: Fernández-Cano María Isabel , Arreciado Marañón Antonia , Reyes-Lacalle Azahara , Feijoo-Cid Maria , Manresa-Domínguez Josep Maria , Montero-Pons Laura , Cabedo-Ferreiro Rosa Maria , Toran-Monserrat Pere , Falguera-Puig Gemma
Published: April 2022

The purpose was to determine the coverage of maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis, and the characteristics associated with being vaccinated, in a health area of Catalonia, Spain. Some 36,032 anonymized and computerized clinical records registries of pregnant women from Primary Care Centres (e-CAP database) were analysed, from between 2015 and 2018. Vaccination coverage and the association with sociodemographic variables and clinical conditions were estimated using a Poisson regression model. Maternal vaccination coverage against influenza ranged between 11.9% in 2015 and 6.8% in 2018, following a decreasing trend (p < 0.001). Coverage with the tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine varied between 49.8% in 2016 and 79.4% in 2018, following an increasing trend (p < 0.001). Having living children and suffering from obesity were factors associated with not being vaccinated against both infections. The predictive variables of vaccination against influenza were diabetes (IRR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.42–3.30) and asthma (IRR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.76–2.38); and for pertussis, it was asthma (IRR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.17). Different socio-demographic factors and chronic conditions in pregnant women were associated with maternal vaccination, and which will have to be taken into account in clinical practice when implementing strategies to improve the coverage of the programme.
Development and Evaluation of the “High-Up” Program for Enhancing the Nursing-Management Competency of Mid-Career Hospital Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Kim Seulki , Lim Ji-Young
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to develop an educational program to strengthen the nursing management competency of experienced nurses who are prospective nurse managers and then determine the effectiveness of the program. This quasi-experimental study was conducted from January to April 2021. A total of 22 nurses were assigned to the experiment group (mean age: 26.55 ± 1.30 years; 2 males, 20 females), and 20 were assigned to the control group (mean age: 27.55 ± 2.04 years; 20 females). The program, known as the “High-Up” program, comprised problem-based learning (PBL) and video lectures. In the experiment group, nurses discussed PBL cases through video conferences and applied problem-solving methods. The collected data were analyzed using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test (administered through SPSS). At four weeks after the intervention, the experiment group showed higher critical thinking tendency scores than the control group (pre-intervention score: 3.48 ± 0.36; post-intervention score: 3.71 ± 0.49; Z = −1.99, p = 0.046). The findings indicate that the “High-Up” program can enhance the nurse management competency of experienced nurses who need to prepare for nurse manager roles, and that it can also positively influence the performance of nursing organizations. However, it can be difficult to comprehensively enhance nursing management competency in a short period of time, meaning continuous education is required.
Influence of Tourism Economy on Air Quality—An Empirical Analysis Based on Panel Data of 102 Cities in China
Authors: Zhang Fen , Peng Haochen , Sun Xiaofan , Song Tianyi
Published: April 2022

The relationship between regional tourism development and air quality is complex. Although air pollution restricts tourists’ willingness to travel, the air pollution produced by tourism and its ancillary industries can also not be ignored. Using the annual panel data of PM2.5 concentration and tourism revenue at the city level, and comprehensively using the Panel VAR model, Geodetector and other analysis methods, we explored the spatio-temporal relationship between the tourism economy and its impact on air quality in China. The main conclusions are as follows: first, the “Kuznets” curve of tourism development and air pollution in mainland China from 2004 to 2016 is generally significant—that is, the tourism economy and air pollution generally show an “inverted U-shaped” relationship. Second, the tourism economy has a positive effect on air pollution in the short term, and this effect is stronger in the eastern region. Third, tourism economy is not the leading factor affecting the change in regional air pollution. GDP and industrial structure are more likely to have the greatest impact on air pollution, and the effect of this “joint force” factor on air pollution is greater than that of other single factors. In the future, the high-quality development of China’s tourism economy needs to take environmental protection into consideration, and advocate for low-carbon travel and green tourism.
Improving Visual Comfort and Health through the Design of a Local Shading Device
Authors: Xue Jiao , Fan Yige , Dong Zhanxun , Hu Xiao , Yue Jiatong
Published: April 2022

As people develop higher standards for the beauty of urban architecture, more and more architectural designs are exploring sources of natural lighting, such as glass curtain walls and glass domes. However, the pursuit of architectural design aesthetics introduces glare into buildings, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for health. Scholars in related fields have carried out many theoretical studies and design activities based on this problem. In this study, we focus on issues of glare in public buildings, aiming to improve light comfort by solving this problem. First, we propose an improved design strategy based on IDEO design thinking by adding the step of diverging from the design scheme. Second, guided by the results of a questionnaire survey and light environment simulations, we avoided the subjective simplicity of the traditional design process. Third, taking the main library of Shanghai Jiao Tong University as an example, we designed a movable sunshade that could effectively reduce glare effects and improve visual comfort, which improved the light comfort in public buildings. The simulation results show that the proposed design can be useful in buildings to effectively control glare and improve visual comfort and health.