bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viability of Cupola Slag as an Alternative Eco-Binder and Filler in Concrete and Mortars
Authors: Sosa Israel , Tamayo Pablo , Sainz-Aja Jose A. , Cimentada Ana , Polanco Juan Antonio , Setién Jesús , Thomas Carlos
Published: February 2021

Obtaining new materials capable of meeting society’s demands motivates the search for new solutions that are capable of satisfying twofold requirements: respect for the environment and obtaining more durable and resistant materials. Cupola slag is a by-product generated in the process of obtaining ductile iron. When the slag undergoes rapid cooling, its vitrification is favored, leaving the silica in an amorphous structure and, thus, susceptible to reacting. Through reaction, the slag can develop cementing properties and cement can consequently be partially replaced with residue, providing savings in economic and environmental costs compared to traditional hydraulic binders. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of cupola slag and its recovery process are analyzed. Mortars that incorporate traditional admixtures (fly ash and limestone filler) have been manufactured and consistency and mechanical properties have been compared with mortars that incorporate cupola slag admixture. Mortars have also been manufactured with normalized sand and with Portland cement replacements (0, 10, 20, and 30% by weight) with cupola slag, and both the consistency and the mechanical properties have been compared at 7, 28, 60, and 90 days. The results obtained show the suitability of cupola slag as a binder and as an admixture, with respect to the traditional ones, and how the mechanical properties tend to converge for all of the replacement levels characterized, for ages close to 90 days of age.
Performances Assessment of Tricalcium Aluminate as an Innovative Material for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Alvaro Fabrizio , Piperopoulos Elpida , Calabrese Luigi , La Mazza Emanuele , Lanza Maurizio , Milone Candida
Published: February 2021

In this paper, tricalcium aluminate hexahydrate (Ca3Al2O6·6H2O), thanks to its appropriate features, was assessed as an innovative, low-cost and nontoxic material for thermochemical energy storage applications. The high dehydration heat and the occurring temperature (200–300 °C) suggest that this material could be more effective than conventional thermochemical storage materials operating at medium temperature. For these reasons, in the present paper, Ca3Al2O6·6H2O hydration/dehydration performances, at varying synthesis procedures, were assessed. Experimentally, a co-precipitation and a solid–solid synthesis were studied in order to develop a preparation method that better provides a performing material for this specific application field. Thermal analysis (TGA, DSC) and structural characterization (XRD) were performed to evaluate the thermochemical behavior at medium temperature of the prepared materials. Furthermore, reversibility of the dehydration process and chemical stability of the obtained materials were investigated through cycling dehydration/hydration tests. The promising results, in terms of de/hydration performance and storage density (≈200 MJ/m3), confirm the potential effectiveness of this material for thermochemical energy storage applications and encourage further developments on this topic.
Formulation and Thermomechanical Characterization of Functional Hydrogels Based on Gluten Free Matrices Enriched with Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Sanz Vanesa , Domínguez Herminia , Torres María Dolores
Published: February 2021

Native starch from potatoes and hybrid carrageenans from the red alga Mastocarpus stellatus have been used as gluten-free gelling matrices to obtain functional hydrogels. The enrichment of gelling matrices with antioxidant compounds from natural sources is an increasing market trend. In this context, this work is aimed at the formulation and thermo-rheological characterization of functional hydrogels using potato starch from agro-industrial waste and kappa–iota hybrid carrageenans extracted from the above seaweed, enriched with antioxidant compounds from different agro-industrial products, such as waste coming from the pruning of green tea and two varieties of hops used in the brewing industry. Environmentally friendly technologies such as microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasounds and autohydrolysis were used for the recovery of antioxidant compounds. The results point out that functional hydrogels based on potato starch and hybrid carrageenans with a wide range of viscoelastic features can be achieved, with the particularity of being suitable for people with celiac disease. The incorporation of selected antioxidant extracts from vegetable by-products involved the drop (about tenfold) of the viscous and elastic properties of the formulated gels. The sequential combination of the above treatments could even further expand the thermo-rheological properties of formulated hydrogels, with potential application in functional foodstuffs and novel gluten-free goods.
Design and Validation of an Adjustable Large-Scale Solar Simulator
Authors: Colarossi Daniele , Tagliolini Eleonora , Principi Paolo , Fioretti Roberto
Published: February 2021

This work presents an adjustable large-scale solar simulator based on metal halide lamps. The design procedure is described with regards to the construction and spatial arrangement of the lamps and the designed optical system. Rotation and translation of the lamp array allow setting the direction and the intensity of the luminous flux on the horizontal plane. To validate the built model, irradiance nonuniformity and temporal instability tests were carried out assigning Class A, B, or C for each test, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards requirements. The simulator meets the Class C standards on a 200 × 90 cm test plane, Class B on 170 × 80 cm, and Class A on 80 × 40 cm. The temporal instability returns Class A results for all the measured points. Lastly, a PV panel is characterized by tracing the I–V curve under simulated radiation, under outdoor natural sunlight, and with a numerical method. The results show a good approximation.
Review on Quality Control Methods in Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Lee Jungeon , Park Hyung Jun , Chai Seunghak , Kim Gyu Ri , Yong Hwanwoong , Bae Suk Joo , Kwon Daeil
Published: February 2021

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has several similarities to conventional metal manufacturing, such as welding and cladding. During the manufacturing process, both metal AM and welding experience repeated partial melting and cooling, referred to as deposition. Owing to deposition, metal AM and welded products often share common product quality issues, such as layer misalignment, dimensional errors, and residual stress generation. This paper comprehensively reviews the similarities in quality monitoring methods between metal AM and conventional metal manufacturing. It was observed that a number of quality monitoring methods applied to metal AM and welding are interrelated; therefore, they can be used complementarily with each other.
Healthy Drinks with Lovely Colors: Phenolic Compounds as Constituents of Functional Beverages
Authors: Pinto Teresa , Vilela Alice
Published: February 2021

Consumers increasingly prefer and seek food and beverages, which, due to their natural characteristics, bring health benefits, both in the prevention of diseases and in their curative power. In this way, the production of nutraceutical foods and beverages gains more and more importance in the market. On the other hand, and because the eyes also eat, producing attractive foods due to their color, texture, appearance, and sensory characteristics is a permanent challenge in the food industry. Being able to gather healthy and attractive items in a single food is an even greater challenge. The long list of benefits associated with phenolic compounds, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging properties, among others, fully justifies their use in the enrichment of various food products. Thus, in this review, we propose to summarize the potential use of phenolic compounds used as ingredients of pleasant and functional beverages.
The Amazing World of IDPs in Human Diseases
Authors: Monti Simona Maria , De Simone Giuseppina , Langella Emma
Published: February 2021

It has been clearly established that some proteins or protein regions are devoid of any stable secondary and/or tertiary structure under physiological conditions, but still possess fundamental biological functions [...]
FITC-Dextran Release from Cell-Embedded Fibrin Hydrogels
Authors: Lepsky Viki Raz , Natan Sari , Tchaicheeyan Oren , Kolel Avraham , Zussman Merav , Zilberman Meital , Lesman Ayelet
Published: February 2021

Fibrin hydrogel is a central biological material in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. As such, fibrin is typically combined with cells and biomolecules targeted to the regenerated tissue. Previous studies have analyzed the release of different molecules from fibrin hydrogels; however, the effect of embedded cells on the release profile has yet to be quantitatively explored. This study focused on the release of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (FD) 250 kDa from fibrin hydrogels, populated with different concentrations of fibroblast or endothelial cells, during a 48-h observation period. The addition of cells to fibrin gels decreased the overall release by a small percentage (by 7–15% for fibroblasts and 6–8% for endothelial cells) relative to acellular gels. The release profile was shown to be modulated by various cellular activities, including gel degradation and physical obstruction to diffusion. Cell-generated forces and matrix deformation (i.e., densification and fiber alignment) were not found to significantly influence the release profiles. This knowledge is expected to improve fibrin integration in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications by enabling predictions and ways to modulate the release profiles of various biomolecules.
β-Cell Dysfunction, Hepatic Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Health in Type 2 Diabetes: New Directions of Research and Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Al-Mrabeh Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major problem for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia is one of the main drivers for both metabolic diseases. In this review, the major pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of β-cell dysfunction and recovery in T2DM are discussed in the context of abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. (i) In normal health, continuous exposure of the pancreas to nutrient stimulus increases the demand on β-cells. In the long term, this will not only stress β-cells and decrease their insulin secretory capacity, but also will blunt the cellular response to insulin. (ii) At the pre-diabetes stage, β-cells compensate for insulin resistance through hypersecretion of insulin. This increases the metabolic burden on the stressed β-cells and changes hepatic lipoprotein metabolism and adipose tissue function. (iii) If this lipotoxic hyperinsulinemic environment is not removed, β-cells start to lose function, and CVD risk rises due to lower lipoprotein clearance. (iv) Once developed, T2DM can be reversed by weight loss, a process described recently as remission. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which calorie restriction causes normalization of lipoprotein metabolism and restores β-cell function are not fully established. Understanding the pathophysiological and molecular basis of β-cell failure and recovery during remission is critical to reduce β-cell burden and loss of function. The aim of this review is to highlight the link between lipoprotein export and lipid-driven β-cell dysfunction in T2DM and how this is related to cardiovascular health. A second aim is to understand the mechanisms of β-cell recovery after weight loss, and to explore new areas of research for developing more targeted future therapies to prevent T2DM and the associated CVD events.
A Comparative Analysis of Different Future Weather Data for Building Energy Performance Simulation
Authors: P.Tootkaboni Mamak , Ballarini Ilaria , Zinzi Michele , Corrado Vincenzo
Published: February 2021

The building energy performance pattern is predicted to be shifted in the future due to climate change. To analyze this phenomenon, there is an urgent need for reliable and robust future weather datasets. Several ways for estimating future climate projection and creating weather files exist. This paper attempts to comparatively analyze three tools for generating future weather datasets based on statistical downscaling (WeatherShift, Meteonorm, and CCWorldWeatherGen) with one based on dynamical downscaling (a future-typical meteorological year, created using a high-quality reginal climate model). Four weather datasets for the city of Rome are generated and applied to the energy simulation of a mono family house and an apartment block as representative building types of Italian residential building stock. The results show that morphed weather files have a relatively similar operation in predicting the future comfort and energy performance of the buildings. In addition, discrepancy between them and the dynamical downscaled weather file is revealed. The analysis shows that this comes not only from using different approaches for creating future weather datasets but also by the building type. Therefore, for finding climate resilient solutions for buildings, care should be taken in using different methods for developing future weather datasets, and regional and localized analysis becomes vital.
Criminal Intention Detection at Early Stages of Shoplifting Cases by Using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Martínez-Mascorro Guillermo A. , Abreu-Pederzini José R. , Ortiz-Bayliss José C. , Garcia-Collantes Angel , Terashima-Marín Hugo
Published: February 2021

Crime generates significant losses, both human and economic. Every year, billions of dollars are lost due to attacks, crimes, and scams. Surveillance video camera networks generate vast amounts of data, and the surveillance staff cannot process all the information in real-time. Human sight has critical limitations. Among those limitations, visual focus is one of the most critical when dealing with surveillance. For example, in a surveillance room, a crime can occur in a different screen segment or on a distinct monitor, and the surveillance staff may overlook it. Our proposal focuses on shoplifting crimes by analyzing situations that an average person will consider as typical conditions, but may eventually lead to a crime. While other approaches identify the crime itself, we instead model suspicious behavior—the one that may occur before the build-up phase of a crime—by detecting precise segments of a video with a high probability of containing a shoplifting crime. By doing so, we provide the staff with more opportunities to act and prevent crime. We implemented a 3DCNN model as a video feature extractor and tested its performance on a dataset composed of daily action and shoplifting samples. The results are encouraging as the model correctly classifies suspicious behavior in most of the scenarios where it was tested. For example, when classifying suspicious behavior, the best model generated in this work obtains precision and recall values of 0.8571 and 1 in one of the test scenarios, respectively.
Medical and Nonmedical Information during Multidisciplinary Team Meetings in Cancer Care
Authors: Wihl Jessica , Rosell Linn , Carlsson Tobias , Kinhult Sara , Lindell Gert , Nilbert Mef
Published: February 2021

Background: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings provide treatment recommendations based on available information and collective decision-making in teams with complementary professions, disciplines and skills. We aimed to map ancillary medical and nonmedical patient information during case presentations and case discussions in MDT meetings in cancer care. Methods: Through a nonparticipant, observational approach, we mapped verbal information on medical, nonmedical and patient-related characteristics and classified these based on content. Data were collected from 336 case discussions in three MDTs for neuro-oncology, sarcoma and hepato-biliary cancer. Results: Information on physical status was presented in 48.2% of the case discussions, psychological status in 8.9% and comorbidity in 48.5% of the cases. Nonmedical factors, such as family relations, occupation, country of origin and abode were referred to in 3.6–7.7% of the cases, and patient preferences were reported in 4.2%. Conclusions: Provision of information on comorbidities in half of the cases and on patient characteristics and treatment preferences in <10% of case discussions suggest a need to define data elements and develop reporting standards to support robust MDT decision-making.
Mixing Oil with Water: Framing and Theorizing in Management Research Informed by Design Science
Authors: Romme A. Georges L. , Dimov Dimo
Published: February 2021

Design science (DS) approaches have been emerging in engineering, management and other disciplines operating at the interface between design research and the natural or social sciences. Research informed by DS is challenging because it involves “mixing oil with water”, using a famous phrase of Herbert Simon. A key challenge here is the dual role of theory: one can develop a “theory of” any empirical phenomenon to explain its characteristics and outcomes, or alternatively, develop a “theory for” generating this phenomenon, focused on solving problems and enlarging possibilities. To clearly distinguish these two perspectives, we talk about theorizing in relation to theory-of and framing related to theory-for. A state-of-the-art review of how DS is applied by management researchers results in two main findings. First, explicit (re)framing efforts appear to be highly instrumental in challenging a given theoretical paradigm and thereby reduce the risk of being constrained to it; these findings confirm the generative nature of design activity. Moreover, many studies reviewed draw on knowledge formats that synthesize descriptive-explanatory and prescriptive-normative knowledge. Our main findings are subsequently integrated into a DS methodology, which may especially be of interest to design-oriented disciplines that tend to adopt a rather intuitive (undefined) notion of theory.
A Review of Key Technologies and Trends in the Development of Integrated Heating and Power Systems in Agriculture
Authors: Fu Xueqian , Zhou Yazhong , Yang Feifei , Ma Lingxi , Long Hai , Zhong Yujie , Ni Peng
Published: February 2021

Petroleum agriculture, characterized by mechanization and chemistry, is developing rapidly in China. However, petroleum agriculture has not only brought food safety problems, but also caused great obstacles to the sustainable development of society. In view of the disadvantages of oil agriculture, we provide an upgrading plan for energy systems in agriculture. This work can help reduce carbon emissions and improve food security. We introduce the most advanced technologies in Chinese agricultural development and the technical scope includes new agricultural energy power generation, agricultural energy use and the safe operation of agricultural energy systems. We describe the detailed data of agricultural bioenvironmental and energy engineering to clarify the level of agricultural energy efficiency in China. The overall conclusion of this paper is that the deep integration of agriculture and energy internet has become the development trend of agricultural energy systems.
Cyber-Archaeometry: Novel Research and Learning Subject Overview
Authors: Liritzis Ioannis , Volonakis Pantelis
Published: February 2021

The cyber archaeometry concerns a new virtual ontology in the environment of cultural heritage and archaeology. The present study concerns a first pivot endeavor of a virtual polarized light microscopy (VPLM) for archaeometric learning, made from digital tools, tackling the theory of mineral identification in archaeological materials, an important aspect in characterization, provenance, and ancient technology. This endeavor introduces the range of IT computational methods and instrumentation techniques available to the study of cultural heritage and archaeology of apprentices, educators, and specialists. Use is made of virtual and immersive reality, 3D, virtual environment, massively multiplayer online processes, and gamification. The VPLM simulation is made with the use of Avatar in the time-space frame of the laboratory with navigation, exploration, control the learning outcomes in connection to the archaeometric multisystem work. The students evidently learned to operate the VPLM following operations made via visual and home-made scripting, gaining experience in synergy, teamwork, and understanding. The resulting meaningful effects of the cyber-archaeometry with virtual operations and virtual hands, texts, and video equip students especially for e-learning with the required basic knowledge of mineralogical examination, which help to understand and evaluate mineral identification from material culture and provides readiness and capacity, which may be refined in a real polarized light microscopy (PLM) environment.
Test of a New Low-Speed Compressed Air Engine for Energy Recovery
Authors: Rząsa Mariusz , Łukasiewicz Ewelina , Wójtowicz Dariusz
Published: February 2021

The paper presents a new design solution for the multi-cylinder compressed air engine, described in the PL 216801 patent. A characteristic feature of the engine is its double-piston operation with pistons working in pairs in opposition and a reciprocating movement in toroidal cylinders. The energy of compressed air was used more effectively in the described engine than in the solutions known so far. Comparing the engine built in accordance with the PL 216801 patent with the parameters of the MP165 and MP3000 engines, lower air consumption in relation to the power generated on the shaft is demonstrated. The described engine uses only one crankshaft and one straight complex shaft, which constitutes an innovative combination of pistons, while maintaining the same engine operation as in the case of two crankshafts operating with phase shift and working chamber shift. Such a solution results in a reduction in the harmful space occurring at the beginning of the power stroke to the value close to “zero”—the necessity to maintain the minimum distance between the pistons working in one cylinder when they are at their closest exists only to for the sake of collision-free operation—which is very desirable for the compressed engine operating with a shift of the working chamber. The mechanical efficiency of the engine has also been improved by guiding the pistons on the complex shaft, and the number of kinematic nodes was decreased by applying only three connecting rods supporting six pistons, which also makes it possible to improve the power and mass relation by approximately 25% in comparison with the currently known engines of similar power.
Environmental Assessment and Sustainable Development in the United States
Authors: Sueyoshi Toshiyuki , Ryu Youngbok
Published: February 2021

This study aims to overview the U.S. sustainable development by measuring the environmental performance of 50 states over the period of 2009–2018. To attain the objective, we employ data envelopment analysis for environmental assessment where we prioritize the minimization of CO2 emissions first and the maximization of gross state product later under the concept of managerial disposability (i.e., an environment-based performance measure). Then, we examine how the state-level environmental performance measures are associated with their political and spatial contexts. For the purpose, we conduct the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test across groups of states characterized by their political transitions in the presidential and gubernatorial elections and defined by the regions of the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. Based on our empirical results, we find that (a) overall environmental performance has gradually enhanced over time, (b) there are statistically significant differences in the environmental performance measures along with the political transitions, and (c) states on both coasts have outperformed those of the middle in the measurement.
Strength Tests of Hardened Cement Slurries for Energy Piles, with the Addition of Graphite and Graphene, in Terms of Increasing the Heat Transfer Efficiency
Authors: Sliwa Tomasz , Sapińska-Śliwa Aneta , Wysogląd Tomasz , Kowalski Tomasz , Konopka Izabela
Published: February 2021

The development of civilization, and subsequent increase in the number of new buildings, poses engineering problems which are progressively more difficult to solve, especially in the field of geotechnics and geoengineering. When designing new facilities, particular attention should be paid to environmental aspects, and thus any new facility should be a passive building, fully self-sufficient in energy. The use of load-bearing energy piles could be a solution. This article presents research on the cement slurry formulas with the addition of graphite and graphene, that can be used as a material for load-bearing piles. The proposed solution is to introduce U-tubes into the pile to exchange heat with the rock mass (the so-called energy piles). A comparison of four slurry formulas is presented: the first one consisting mainly of cement (CEM I), graphite, and water, and the remaining three with different percentages of graphene relative to the weight of dry cement. The results could contribute to the industrial application of those formulas in the future.
Integrated Electric Vehicle Shunt Current Sensing System for Concurrent Revenue Metering and Detection of DC Injection
Authors: Mironenko Olga , Ejzak Garrett , Kempton Willett
Published: February 2021

Certified electric vehicle power converters can inject DC current into the AC grid if they fail. Verification of DC injection by electric vehicle supply equipment can be a cost-effective extra measure to ensure power quality from a variety of plugged-in electric vehicles. As electric vehicle supply equipment typically performs high-accuracy revenue energy metering, we propose that measurement of AC current and DC injection with a single sensor is the most economically efficient design. This article presents an integrated shunt current sensing system with separation of AC and DC signals for concurrent revenue metering and DC injection detection. It also shows how the combined sensor is integrated into 19.2 kW single-phase electric vehicle supply equipment, and outlines how the design would be extended to 100 kW three-phase electric vehicle supply equipment. The prototype can detect DC injection of ≥400 mA in an AC current up to 80 A in accordance with the IEEE 1547-2018 standard. The prototype can also conduct revenue metering within the 1.0 accuracy class. The prototype does not have high power dissipation at high currents typical for shunt systems. Finally, the prototype is less costly than common electric vehicle supply equipment revenue metering CT systems with the addition of the popular Hall-effect sensor.
Special Issue on Global Market for Crude Oil
Authors: Failler Pierre
Published: February 2021

The dynamic of the world’s crude oil market has drastically changed over the last decade [...]
Optimal Selection of Metering Points for Power Quality Measurements in Distribution System
Authors: Piatek Krzysztof , Firlit Andrzej , Chmielowiec Krzysztof , Dutka Mateusz , Barczentewicz Szymon , Hanzelka Zbigniew
Published: February 2021

Quality of power supply in power distribution systems requires continuous measurement using power quality analyzers installed in the grid. The paper reviews the published methods for optimal location of metering points in distribution systems in the context of power quality metering and assessment. Three methods have been selected for detailed analysis and comparative tests. It has been found that utilization of the methods is possible, but their performance varies highly depending on the test grid’s topology. Since the methods rely on the state estimation approach, their performance is strictly related to observability analysis. It has been found that standard observability analysis used for typical state estimation problem yields ambiguous results when applied to power quality assessment. Inherited properties of the selected methods are also analyzed, which allows for the formulation of general recommendations about optimal selection of metering points in a distribution system.
Elbows of Internal Resistance Rise Curves in Li-Ion Cells
Authors: Strange Calum , Li Shawn , Gilchrist Richard , dos Reis Gonçalo
Published: February 2021

The degradation of lithium-ion cells with respect to increases of internal resistance (IR) has negative implications for rapid charging protocols, thermal management and power output of cells. Despite this, IR receives much less attention than capacity degradation in Li-ion cell research. Building on recent developments on ‘knee’ identification for capacity degradation curves, we propose the new concepts of ‘elbow-point’ and ‘elbow-onset’ for IR rise curves, and a robust identification algorithm for those variables. We report on the relations between capacity’s knees, IR’s elbows and end of life for the large dataset of the study. We enhance our discussion with two applications. We use neural network techniques to build independent state of health capacity and IR predictor models achieving a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.4% and 1.6%, respectively, and an overall root mean squared error below 0.0061. A relevance vector machine, using the first 50 cycles of life data, is employed for the early prediction of elbow-points and elbow-onsets achieving a MAPE of 11.5% and 14.0%, respectively.
Perspectives of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists on Adoption of Telehealth for Nutrition Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brunton Cory , Arensberg Mary Beth , Drawert Susan , Badaracco Christina , Everett Wendy , McCauley Sharon M.
Published: February 2021

Widespread transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in a global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that is straining medical resources worldwide. In the United States (US), hospitals and clinics are challenged to accommodate surging patient populations and care needs while preventing further infection spread. Under such conditions, meeting with patients via telehealth technology is a practical way to help maintain meaningful contact while mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The application of telehealth to nutrition care can, in turn, contribute to better outcomes and lower burdens on healthcare resources. To identify trends in telehealth nutrition care before and during the pandemic, we emailed a 20-question, qualitative, structured survey to approximately 200 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) from hospitals and clinics that have participated in the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative (MQii). RDN respondents reported increased use of telehealth-based care for nutritionally at-risk patients during the pandemic. They suggested that use of such telehealth nutrition programs supported positive patient outcomes, and some of their sites planned to continue the telehealth-based nutrition visits in post-pandemic care. Nutrition care by telehealth technology has the potential to improve care provided by practicing RDNs, such as by reducing no-show rates and increasing retention as well as improving health outcomes for patients. Therefore, we call on healthcare professionals and legislative leaders to implement policy and funding changes that will support improved access to nutrition care via telehealth.
Prolonged Running Using Bionic Footwear Influences Lower Limb Biomechanics
Authors: Jiang Xinyan , Yang Xiaoyi , Zhou Huiyu , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: February 2021

The running biomechanics of unstable shoes have been well investigated, however, little is known about how traditional neutral shoes in combination with unstable design elements and scientifically (bionic) designed shoes influence prolonged running biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical changes for a typical 5 km run and how footwear technology may affect outcomes. Sixteen healthy male recreational heel strike runners participated in this study, and completed two prolonged running sessions (neutral shoe session and bionic shoe session), with 7 to 10 days interval between sessions. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA, shoe × time) was conducted to determine any differences in joint biomechanics. Main effects for shoe type were observed at the ankle, knee and hip joints during the stance phase. In particular, decreased range of motion (ROM) was observed using the bionic shoes for all three joints, and the joint moments also had significant changes except for the frontal plane of the hip. Main effects for time were also observed at the ankle, knee and hip joints. The ROM of the sagittal plane in the knee and hip decreased post-5 km running. The reduction of ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, hip adduction and hip internal rotation angles were observed post-5 km running, as well as the increase of ankle eversion and external rotation, knee adduction and internal rotation angles. The kinetics also exhibited significant differences between pre-5 km running and post-5 km running. The interaction effects only existed in the ROM of the hip sagittal plane, hip adduction angle and hip internal rotation angle. The results suggested that bionic shoes could be beneficial for strengthening muscle control, enhancing postural stability and proprioceptive ability. Footwear personalization could be a solution that benefits runners, reduces injury risk and improves running performance.
Methodologies in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Composition, Biological Activity, and Beneficial Effects on Human Health
Authors: Hapsari Bety W. , Manikharda  , Setyaningsih Widiastuti
Published: February 2021

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.
Machine Learning-Based Processing Proof-of-Concept Pipeline for Semi-Automatic Sentinel-2 Imagery Download, Cloudiness Filtering, Classifications, and Updates of Open Land Use/Land Cover Datasets
Authors: Řezník Tomáš , Chytrý Jan , Trojanová Kateřina
Published: February 2021

Land use and land cover are continuously changing in today’s world. Both domains, therefore, have to rely on updates of external information sources from which the relevant land use/land cover (classification) is extracted. Satellite images are frequent candidates due to their temporal and spatial resolution. On the contrary, the extraction of relevant land use/land cover information is demanding in terms of knowledge base and time. The presented approach offers a proof-of-concept machine-learning pipeline that takes care of the entire complex process in the following manner. The relevant Sentinel-2 images are obtained through the pipeline. Later, cloud masking is performed, including the linear interpolation of merged-feature time frames. Subsequently, four-dimensional arrays are created with all potential training data to become a basis for estimators from the scikit-learn library; the LightGBM estimator is then used. Finally, the classified content is applied to the open land use and open land cover databases. The verification of the provided experiment was conducted against detailed cadastral data, to which Shannon’s entropy was applied since the number of cadaster information classes was naturally consistent. The experiment showed a good overall accuracy (OA) of 85.9%. It yielded a classified land use/land cover map of the study area consisting of 7188 km2 in the southern part of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic. The developed proof-of-concept machine-learning pipeline is replicable to any other area of interest so far as the requirements for input data are met.
The Interplay between Drivers of Erythropoiesis and Iron Homeostasis in Rare Hereditary Anemias: Tipping the Balance
Authors: Grootendorst Simon , de Wilde Jonathan , van Dooijeweert Birgit , van Vuren Annelies , van Solinge Wouter , Schutgens Roger , van Wijk Richard , Bartels Marije
Published: February 2021

Rare hereditary anemias (RHA) represent a group of disorders characterized by either impaired production of erythrocytes or decreased survival (i.e., hemolysis). In RHA, the regulation of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis is often disturbed, leading to iron overload or worsening of chronic anemia due to unavailability of iron for erythropoiesis. Whereas iron overload generally is a well-recognized complication in patients requiring regular blood transfusions, it is also a significant problem in a large proportion of patients with RHA that are not transfusion dependent. This indicates that RHA share disease-specific defects in erythroid development that are linked to intrinsic defects in iron metabolism. In this review, we discuss the key regulators involved in the interplay between iron and erythropoiesis and their importance in the spectrum of RHA.
Divalent Cation Modulation of Ion Permeation in TMEM16 Proteins
Authors: Nguyen Dung , Kwon Hwoi , Chen Tsung-Yu
Published: February 2021

Intracellular divalent cations control the molecular function of transmembrane protein 16 (TMEM16) family members. Both anion channels (such as TMEM16A) and phospholipid scramblases (such as TMEM16F) in this family are activated by intracellular Ca2+ in the low µM range. In addition, intracellular Ca2+ or Co2+ at mM concentrations have been shown to further potentiate the saturated Ca2+-activated current of TMEM16A. In this study, we found that all alkaline earth divalent cations in mM concentrations can generate similar potentiation effects in TMEM16A when applied intracellularly, and that manipulations thought to deplete membrane phospholipids weaken the effect. In comparison, mM concentrations of divalent cations minimally potentiate the current of TMEM16F but significantly change its cation/anion selectivity. We suggest that divalent cations may increase local concentrations of permeant ions via a change in pore electrostatic potential, possibly acting through phospholipid head groups in or near the pore. Monovalent cations appear to exert a similar effect, although with a much lower affinity. Our findings resolve controversies regarding the ion selectivity of TMEM16 proteins. The physiological role of this mechanism, however, remains elusive because of the nearly constant high cation concentrations in cytosols.
Runx3 Induces a Cell Shape Change and Suppresses Migration and Metastasis of Melanoma Cells by Altering a Transcriptional Profile
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhang Haiying , Cui Xiulin , Ma Chao , Wang Linghui , Liu Wenguang
Published: February 2021

Runt-related transcription factor-3 (Runx3) is a tumor suppressor, and its contribution to melanoma progression remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 melanoma cells changed their shape and attenuated their migration. In this study, we found that Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 cells also suppressed their pulmonary metastasis. We performed microarray analysis and uncovered an altered transcriptional profile underlying the cell shape change and the suppression of migration and metastasis. This altered transcriptional profile was rich in Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG) annotations relevant to adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton and included differentially expressed genes for some major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as well as genes that were inversely associated with the increase in the metastatic potential of B16-F10 cells compared to B16-F0 melanoma cells. Further, we found that this altered transcriptional profile could have prognostic value, as evidenced by myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) and vilin-like (VILL). Finally, Mal gene expression was correlated with metastatic potential among the cells and was targeted by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in B16-F10 cells, and the knockdown of Mal gene expression in B16-F0 cells changed their shape and enhanced the migratory and invasive traits of their metastasis. Our study suggests that self-entrapping of metastatic Runx3-negative melanoma cells via adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton could be a powerful therapeutic strategy.
Croatian LADM Profile Extension for State-Owned Agricultural Land Management
Authors: Lisjak Josip , Roić Miodrag , Tomić Hrvoje , Mastelić Ivić Siniša
Published: February 2021

The paper presents a conceptual model for the disposition of state agricultural land. The model is made as an extension of the Croatian Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) country profile. The LADM 19152:2012 is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard which provides a formal language to describe the basic information-related components of land administration. The aim of this research is to assess the possibility of using the LADM extension to efficiently manage state-owned agricultural land. Since more than half of state-owned agricultural land in Croatia is not activated, the priority is to increase usage and activate uncultivated agricultural land by users through disposition process. The disposition process is highly regulated and complex in procedures, and it poses difficulties for organizations in the implementation of disposition, so a model of successful management is necessary. The disposition process and the necessary steps are shown—mainly defined by legal regulations—and divided into two phases: the first phase is the development of the Program of Disposition of State-Owned Agricultural Land where the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for land potential analysis is crucial; the second phase is the realization of the disposition. In line with the disposition process, a Unified Modeling Language (UML) model for this LADM extension on the conceptual level was developed and is presented herein. Finally, the improvement of the agricultural land management system and the related processes are reviewed.
Several Limit Theorems on Fuzzy Quantum Space
Authors: Ďuriš Viliam , Bartková Renáta , Tirpáková Anna
Published: February 2021

The probability theory using fuzzy random variables has applications in several scientific disciplines. These are mainly technical in scope, such as in the automotive industry and in consumer electronics, for example, in washing machines, televisions, and microwaves. The theory is gradually entering the domain of finance where people work with incomplete data. We often find that events in the financial markets cannot be described precisely, and this is where we can use fuzzy random variables. By proving the validity of the theorem on extreme values of fuzzy quantum space in our article, we see possible applications for estimating financial risks with incomplete data.
Improving the Gridshells’ Regularity by Using Evolutionary Techniques
Authors: Goodarzi Marjan , Mohades Ali , Forghani-elahabad Majid
Published: February 2021

Designing and optimizing gridshell structures have been very attractive problems in the last decades. In this work, two indexes are introduced as “length ratio” and “shape ratio” to measure the regularity of a gridshell and are compared to the existing indexes in the literature. Two evolutionary techniques, genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) method, are utilized to improve the gridshells’ regularity by using the indexes. An approach is presented to generate the initial gridshells for a given surface in MATLAB. The two methods are implemented in MATLAB and compared on three benchmarks with different Gaussian curvatures. For each grid, both triangular and quadrangular meshes are generated. Experimental results show that the regularity of some gridshell is improved more than 50%, the regularity of quadrangular gridshells can be improved more than the regularity of triangular gridshells on the same surfaces, and there may be some relationship between Gaussian curvature of a surface and the improvement percentage of generated gridshells on it. Moreover, it is seen that PSO technique outperforms GA technique slightly in almost all the considered test problems. Finally, the Dolan–Moré performance profile is produced to compare the two methods according to running times.
Spillover and Drivers of Uncertainty among Oil and Commodity Markets
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Farid Saqib , Nor Safwan Mohd , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain
Published: February 2021

The paper aims to examine the spillover of uncertainty among commodity markets using Diebold–Yilmaz approach based on forecast error variance decomposition. Next, causal impact of global factors as drivers of uncertainty transmission between oil and other commodity markets is analyzed. Our analysis suggests that oil is a net transmitter to other commodity uncertainties, and this transmission significantly increased during the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. The use of linear and nonlinear causality tests indicates that the global factors have a causal effect on the overall connectedness, and especially on the spillovers from oil to other commodity uncertainties. Further segregation of transmissions between oil to individual commodity markets indicates that stock market implied volatility, risk spread, and economic policy uncertainty are the influential drivers of connectedness among commodity markets.