bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modelling and Validation of the Response of Masonry Infilled RC Frames Using Experimental Testing Results
Authors: Mucedero Gianrocco , Perrone Daniele , Brunesi Emanuele , Monteiro Ricardo
Published: October 2020

Reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings with masonry infills represent one of the most common structural typologies worldwide. Although, in the past, masonry infills were frequently considered as non-structural elements and their interaction with the structure was neglected, earthquakes occurring over the last decades have demonstrated the important role of these elements in the seismic response of all RC-infilled building typologies. In this regard, the selection of the most suitable numerical modelling approaches to reproduce the hysteretic response of the masonry infills—and their interaction with the RC frames—is still an open issue. To deal with this issue, in this study, a macro-classification based on different available databases of experimental tests on infilled RC frames, is firstly proposed to understand the variability in the infill properties and the corresponding numerical modelling uncertainties. Five masonry infill types are selected as representative for the typical existing configurations in Italy and other Mediterranean countries. Three of those masonry infill types are then selected to carry out a more detailed analysis, namely their numerical modelling validation using experimental testing results, considering and comparing the main formulations available in the literature for the definition of the hysteretic behaviour of infills. From such a comparison, the model that minimizes the prediction error, according to specific features of the selected masonry infill, is identified for each masonry infill type.
Evaluating Timoshenko Method for Analyzing CLT under Out-of-Plane Loading
Authors: Rahman MD , Ashraf Mahmud , Ghabraie Kazem , Subhani Mahbube
Published: October 2020

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product made up of layers of structurally graded timber, where subsequent layers are oriented orthogonally to each other. In CLT, the layers oriented in transverse direction, generally termed as cross-layer, are subjected to shear in radial–tangential plane, which is commonly known as rolling shear. As the shear modulus of cross-layers is significantly lower than that in other planes, CLT exhibits higher shear deformation under out-of-plane loading in contrast to other engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue laminated timber (GLT). Several analytical methods such as Timoshenko, modified gamma and shear analogy methods were proposed to account for this excessive shear deformation in CLT. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of Timoshenko method in hybrid CLT, in which hardwood cross-layers are used due to their higher rolling shear modulus. A comprehensive numerical study was conducted and obtained results were carefully analyzed for a range of hybrid combinations. It was observed that Timoshenko method could not accurately predict the shear response of CLTs with hardwood cross layers. Comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted to generate reliable numerical results, which were subsequently used to propose modified design equations for hybrid CLTs.
An Autoencoder-Based Deep Learning Classifier for Efficient Diagnosis of Autism
Authors: Sewani Harshini , Kashef Rasha
Published: October 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of social communication and social interaction. Autism is a mental disorder investigated by social and computational intelligence scientists utilizing advanced technologies such as machine learning models to enhance clinicians’ ability to provide robust diagnosis and prognosis of autism. However, with dynamic changes in autism behaviour patterns, these models’ quality and accuracy have become a great challenge for clinical practitioners. We applied a deep neural network learning on a large brain image dataset obtained from ABIDE (autism brain imaging data exchange) to provide an efficient diagnosis of ASD, especially for children. Our deep learning model combines unsupervised neural network learning, an autoencoder, and supervised deep learning using convolutional neural networks. Our proposed algorithm outperforms individual-based classifiers measured by various validations and assessment measures. Experimental results indicate that the autoencoder combined with the convolution neural networks provides the best performance by achieving 84.05% accuracy and Area under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.78.
The Influence of the Multiple Scattering on the Optical Properties of Ag-poly(p-xylylene) Composite Coating
Authors: Puzko Roman , Tsvirka Vitally , Gusev Alexey , Mailyan Karen , Mikhailitsyn Anton , Glushchenkov Alexey , Vdovichenko Artem , Trofimov Yuri , Ryzhikov Ilya , Merzlikin Alexander
Published: October 2020

The creation of composite coatings with assigned optical properties is an important problem of modern science and technology. We have considered the metal-polymer nanocomposites based on poly(p-xylylene), with various concentrations of plasmon components—silver nanoparticles. We have carried out the optical measurements of the reflection, transmission, scattering and absorption coefficients for the manufactured films. We have retrieved the effective optical parameters of the composite coatings. The theoretical estimations based on the scattering and absorption data show that the scattering effectively occurs on the clusters of metal nanoparticles. This significantly influences the optical properties of the composite coating.
Improving Prosthetic Selection and Predicting BMD from Biometric Measurements in Patients Receiving Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Jónsson Halldór , Jacob Deborah , Improta Giovanni , Recenti Marco , Gíslason Magnús Kjartan , Cesarelli Giuseppe , Esposito Luca , Minutolo Vincenzo , Bifulco Paolo , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: October 2020

There are two surgical approaches to performing total hip arthroplasty (THA): a cemented or uncemented type of prosthesis. The choice is usually based on the experience of the orthopaedic surgeon and on parameters such as the age and gender of the patient. Using machine learning (ML) techniques on quantitative biomechanical and bone quality data extracted from computed tomography, electromyography and gait analysis, the aim of this paper was, firstly, to help clinicians use patient-specific biomarkers from diagnostic exams in the prosthetic decision-making process. The second aim was to evaluate patient long-term outcomes by predicting the bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal and distal parts of the femur using advanced image processing analysis techniques and ML. The ML analyses were performed on diagnostic patient data extracted from a national database of 51 THA patients using the Knime analytics platform. The classification analysis achieved 93% accuracy in choosing the type of prosthesis; the regression analysis on the BMD data showed a coefficient of determination of about 0.6. The start and stop of the electromyographic signals were identified as the best predictors. This study shows a patient-specific approach could be helpful in the decision-making process and provide clinicians with information regarding the follow up of patients.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Salivary Biochemical Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bel’skaya Lyudmila V. , Sarf Elena A. , Solomatin Denis V. , Kosenok Victor K.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the work is a comprehensive assessment of biochemical saliva markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancer. The group of patients included 68 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, 50 with non-cancerous diseases of the oral cavity, and 114 healthy volunteers. Before the start of treatment, 23 biochemical parameters of saliva were determined. Participants were monitored for six years to assess survival rates. The statistical analysis was performed by means of Statistica 10.0 and R package. A complex of metabolic changes occurring in saliva in oral cancer is described. It was shown that none of the studied parameters could be used to diagnose oral cancer in an independent variant; the use of combinations of parameters is more informative. The high prognostic value of the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the Na/K-ratio in saliva before treatment was established. Thus, the content of MDA ˂ 7.34 nmol/mL and the Na/K-ratio > 1.09 c.u. is a prognostically unfavorable factor (HR = 7.88, 95% CI 1.10–54.62, p = 0.01876), which may be useful for optimizing the treatment of patients with oral cancer. It has been shown that saliva has great potential for the development of diagnostic and prognostic tests for oral cancer.
Diagnostic Models for Screening of Periodontitis with Inflammatory Mediators and Microbial Profiles in Saliva
Authors: Lee Jungwon , Lee Jun-Beom , Song Hyun-Young , Son Min Jung , Li Ling , Rhyu In-Chul , Lee Yong-Moo , Koo Ki-Tae , An Jung-Sub , Kim Jin Sup , Kim Eunkyung
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate and assess salivary biomarkers and microbial profiles as a means of diagnosing periodontitis. A total of 121 subjects were included: 28 periodontally healthy subjects, 24 with Stage I periodontitis, 24 with Stage II, 23 with Stage III, and 22 with Stage IV. Salivary proteins (including active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), pro-MMP-8, total MMP-8, C-reactive protein, secretory immunoglobulin A) and planktonic bacteria (including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas nigrescens, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Actinomyces viscosus) were measured from salivary samples. The performance of the diagnostic models was assessed by receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis. The diagnostic models were constructed based on the subjects’ proteins and/or microbial profiles, resulting in two potential diagnosis models that achieved better diagnostic powers, with an AUC value > 0.750 for the diagnosis of Stages II, III, and IV periodontitis (Model PA-I; AUC: 0.796, sensitivity: 0.754, specificity: 0.712) and for the diagnosis of Stages III and IV periodontitis (Model PA-II; AUC: 0.796, sensitivity: 0.756, specificity: 0.868). This study can contribute to screening for periodontitis based on salivary biomarkers.
A Nuisance-Free Inference Procedure Accounting for the Unknown Missingness with Application to Electronic Health Records
Authors: Zhao Jiwei , Chen Chi
Published: October 2020

We study how to conduct statistical inference in a regression model where the outcome variable is prone to missing values and the missingness mechanism is unknown. The model we consider might be a traditional setting or a modern high-dimensional setting where the sparsity assumption is usually imposed and the regularization technique is popularly used. Motivated by the fact that the missingness mechanism, albeit usually treated as a nuisance, is difficult to specify correctly, we adopt the conditional likelihood approach so that the nuisance can be completely ignored throughout our procedure. We establish the asymptotic theory of the proposed estimator and develop an easy-to-implement algorithm via some data manipulation strategy. In particular, under the high-dimensional setting where regularization is needed, we propose a data perturbation method for the post-selection inference. The proposed methodology is especially appealing when the true missingness mechanism tends to be missing not at random, e.g., patient reported outcomes or real world data such as electronic health records. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by comprehensive simulation experiments as well as a study of the albumin level in the MIMIC-III database.
Numerical Study of CO2 Geological Storage in Saline Aquifers without the Risk of Leakage
Authors: Li Yuan-Heng , Shen Chien-Hao , Wu Cheng-Yueh , Hsieh Bieng-Zih
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to reduce the risk of leakage of CO2 geological storage by injecting the dissolved CO2 solution instead of the supercritical CO2 injection. The reservoir simulation method is used in this study to evaluate the contributions of the different trapping mechanisms, and the safety index method is used to evaluate the risk of CO2 leakage. The function of the dissolved CO2 solution injection is performed by a case study of a deep saline aquifer. Two scenarios are designed in this study: the traditional supercritical CO2 injection and the dissolved CO2 solution injection. The contributions of different trapping mechanisms, plume migrations, and the risk of leakage are evaluated and compared. The simulation results show that the risk of leakage via a natural pathway can be decreased by the approach of injecting dissolved CO2 solution instead of supercritical CO2. The amount of the CO2 retained by the safe trapping mechanisms in the dissolved CO2 solution injection scenario is greater than that in the supercritical CO2 scenario. The process of CO2 mineralization in the dissolved CO2 solution injection scenario is also much faster than that in the supercritical CO2 scenario. Changing the injection fluid from supercritical CO2 to a dissolved CO2 solution can significantly increase the safety of the CO2 geological storage. The risk of CO2 leakage from a reservoir can be eliminated because the injected CO2 can be trapped totally by safe trapping mechanisms.
The Economic Value of Wind Energy Nowcasting
Authors: Dupré Aurore , Drobinski Philippe , Badosa Jordi , Briard Christian , Tankov Peter
Published: October 2020

In recent years, environmental concerns resulted in an increase in the use of renewable resources such as wind energy. However, high penetration of the wind power is a challenge due to the intermittency of this resource. In this context, the wind energy forecasting has become a major issue. In particular, for the end users of wind energy forecasts, a critical but often neglected issue is the economic value of the forecast. In this work, we investigate the economic value of forecasting from 30 min to 3 h ahead, also known as nowcasting. Nowcasting is mainly used to inform trading decisions in the intraday market. Two sources of uncertainty affecting wind farm revenues are investigated, namely forecasting errors and price variations. The impact of these uncertainties is assessed for six wind farms and several balancing strategies using market data. Results are compared with the baseline case of no nowcasting and with the idealized case of perfect nowcast. The three settings show significant differences while the impact of the choice of a specific balancing strategy appears minor.
A Converter with Automatic Stage Transition Control for Inductive Power Transfer
Authors: Chen Lin , Hong Jianfeng , Lin Zaifa , Luo Daqing , Guan Mingjie , Chen Wenxiang
Published: October 2020

An automatic stage transition converter for an inductive power transfer system is presented in this paper. An effective control strategy with two working stages of independent energy injection stage and free resonance stage is employed in the proposed converter. With the automatic stage transition strategy, when the frequency of the resonance network changes, the ending time of the free resonance stage is automatically determined. At the same time, the phase angle of the free resonance stage is automatically set as half a resonant cycle. As the stage transition is not triggered by the switches, the switch motion can be executed in advance of the transition moments. Time margins are offered for every switch in the converter, which make the switching moments of the switches flexible and the control simple. Another feature of this converter is that during the energy injection stage, the energy is injected into the inductor independently. Therefore, the input power can be easily regulated by adjusting the energy injection time. A prototype for the converter and the inductive power transfer system was implemented experimentally. From the experimental results, the automatic stage transition and power regulation capability of the proposed converter are verified. The switches all operated at the soft switch condition. When the energy injection time was adjusted from 10 μs to 25 μs, the output power changed from 143 W to 740 W.
Viscosity Models for Drilling Fluids—Herschel-Bulkley Parameters and Their Use
Authors: Saasen Arild , Ytrehus Jan David
Published: October 2020

An evaluation is presented of the practical usage of the Herschel-Bulkley viscosity model for drilling fluids. If data from automatic viscosity measurements exist, the parameters should be selected from relevant shear rate ranges to be applicable. To be able to be used properly, viscosity measurements must be measured with a sufficient accuracy. It is shown that a manual reading of standard viscometers may yield insufficient accuracy. It is also shown that the use of yield point/plastic viscosity (YP/PV) as measured using API or ISO standards normally provide inaccurate viscosity parameters. The use of the Herschel-Bulkley model using dimensionless shear rates is more suitable than the traditional way of writing this model when the scope is to compare different drilling fluids. This approach makes it also easier to make correlations with thermodynamic quantities like pressure and temperature or chemical or mineralogical compositions of the drilling fluid.
A Proposed New Approach for the Assessment of Selected Operating Conditions of the High Voltage Cable Line
Authors: Borecki Michał
Published: October 2020

Calculation models for the selection of cable lines used for expansion and modernization in the energy system and energy transmission planning are recognized tools supporting decision-making in both the energy sector and energy policy. At the same time, the above calculation models contain a large number of correction factors taking into account the temperature of the external environment at various points, the mutual influence of which is not taken into account. This means limitations to today’s common approaches to solutions, especially with regard to the required safety buffer for cable line selection. To meet this challenge, this article presents a parameter that takes into account the change and difference in temperature at various points in the external environment in the analyzed cable line systems. The purpose of this paper was to develop a new approach to the selection of a cable line in order to minimize failure during operation. For this purpose, possible temperature cases that may occur during line operation in different countries and at different rated voltages have been identified. Simulation models for individual cable line layouts were developed and the extreme temperature cases of the line operation for the maximum negative and positive temperature difference between the cable core and the external environment were considered in detail. The development of the curve of the change of the correction factor for the difference in the operating temperature of the cable line will allow for a more precise selection of the cable line parameters and the shortening of the current calculation model in terms of cable selection. In addition, this article presents a comparison of the change in the value of the correction factor from the change in temperature of a selected phase of a cable line system.
Projecting the Price of Lithium-Ion NMC Battery Packs Using a Multifactor Learning Curve Model
Authors: Penisa Xaviery N. , Castro Michael T. , Pascasio Jethro Daniel A. , Esparcia Eugene A. , Schmidt Oliver , Ocon Joey D.
Published: October 2020

Renewable energy (RE) utilization is expected to increase in the coming years due to its decreasing costs and the mounting socio-political pressure to decarbonize the world’s energy systems. On the other hand, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are on track to hit the target 100 USD/kWh price in the next decade due to economy of scale and manufacturing process improvements, evident in the rise in Li-ion gigafactories. The forecast of RE and Li-ion technology costs is important for planning RE integration into existing energy systems. Previous cost predictions on Li-ion batteries were conducted using conventional learning curve models based on a single factor, such as either installed capacity or innovation activity. A two-stage learning curve model was recently investigated wherein mineral costs were taken as a factor for material cost to set the floor price, and material cost was a major factor for the battery pack price. However, these models resulted in the overestimation of future prices. In this work, the future prices of Li-ion nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery packs - a battery chemistry of choice in the electric vehicle and stationary grid storage markets - were projected up to year 2025 using multi-factor learning curve models. Among the generated models, the two-factor learning curve model has the most realistic and statistically sound results having learning rates of 21.18% for battery demand and 3.0% for innovation. By year 2024, the projected price would fall below the 100 USD/kWh industry benchmark battery pack price, consistent with most market research predictions. Techno-economic case studies on the microgrid applications of the forecasted prices of Li-ion NMC batteries were conducted. Results showed that the decrease in future prices of Li-ion NMC batteries would make 2020 and 2023 the best years to start investing in an optimum (solar photovoltaic + wind + diesel generator + Li-ion NMC) and 100% RE (solar photovoltaic + wind + Li-ion NMC) off-grid energy system, respectively. A hybrid grid-tied (solar photovoltaic + grid + Li-ion NMC) configuration is the best grid-tied energy system under the current net metering policy, with 2020 being the best year to deploy the investment.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of a Recuperative Heat Exchanger and Throttles Opening on a CO2/Isobutane Autocascade Refrigeration System
Authors: Sobieraj Michał
Published: October 2020

An experimental evaluation of an autocascade refrigeration (ACR) system was carried out. A zeotropic mixture of isobutane and CO2 was employed as a working fluid in an autocascade refrigeration (ACR) system. An experimental system was designed and built to study the influence of the recuperative heat exchanger (RHX) and openings of the throttle valves on the system performance. The use of RHX facilitated the condensation process and improved the cycle characteristics. The working mass concentration of CO2 was higher, as it was closer to the nominal concentration and the discharge pressure was lower by 19% to even 39% when the RHX was employed in the system. An increase of up to 20% in the coefficient of performance (COP) was observed. Furthermore, the effects of the openings of the throttle valves on the system characteristics were studied. The change in the openings of the expansion valves affected the mass flows and the working mixture composition. The working CO2 mass fraction increased with higher openings of the evaporator throttle. The subcooling degree of liquid CO2-rich refrigerant increased with higher openings of the expansion valve under the phase separator. The results of the present work should be helpful for design and optimization of autocascade systems working with natural and synthetic refrigerants.
Regional Disparities and Transformation of Energy Consumption in China Based on a Hybrid Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Xia Yuehui , Zhang Ting , Yu Miaomiao , Pan Lingying
Published: October 2020

Different regions in China have different energy consumption characteristics and changing trends. This paper focuses on analyzing trends in energy consumption changes along the timeline for 30 regions in China. Using the Hybrid Input-Output Model, this paper decomposes energy consumption in 30 regions in 2007, 2012 and 2016 into energy embedded of final consumption expenditure, gross capital formation, inflow and outflow. We use these four dimensions as coordinates to draw a regional radar map. According to the changing characteristics of the radar map, 30 regions are divided into three groups. By analyzing the reasons for the changes in three regions, we draw the following conclusions. For regions where energy consumption is mainly inflow, the economically developed regions have to form a low energy consumption environment while achieving economic growth. The economically underdeveloped regions need to carry out energy conservation and emission reduction as well as ensuring the level of economic development. For some outflow regions with moderately economic development, it is necessary to balance the economic development and energy consumption control according to regional characteristics. For resource-rich regions which are in the process of transformation from agriculture to industrialization, they have to maintain the rapid development speed and strengthen their infrastructure with less energy consumption of buildings.
Atmospheric Pathways and Distance Range Analysis of Castanea Pollen Transport in Southern Spain
Authors: López-Orozco Rocío , Hernández-Ceballos Miguel Ángel , Galán Carmen , García-Mozo Herminia
Published: October 2020

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is the only native species of this genus in Europe, where it faces various threats that are causing a severe decrease in populations, with the resulting loss of genetic diversity. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is of high economic and ecological importance, being well represented, especially in northern areas, whilst it is limited to isolated populations in medium-range mountains in southern Spain (Andalusia region). Taking advantage of this fragmented distribution, this study analyzes the dynamics of atmospheric transport of Castanea pollen through Andalusia region in order to obtain a better understanding of the pollination pathways as a key aspect of the floral biology of this partially anemophilous species. The aerobiological characteristics of this species are also of special interest since its pollen has been recognized as allergenic. Pollen transport pathways were studied by applying back-trajectories analysis together with aerobiological, phenological, land cover, and meteorological data. The results reveal that airborne Castanea pollen concentrations recorded in the city of Cordoba, in the center of Andalusia region, reach medium- and even long-range distances. The backward-trajectory analysis indicates that most of the pollen data detected outside the Castanea flowering season were related to westerly slow and easterly airflows. Furthermore, some of the case studies analyzed indicate the presence of southerly airflow patterns, which could influence medium- and long-range transport events from chestnut populations further south, even from those located in north African mountains. The integrated analysis of the results offers us better knowledge of the cross-pollination pathways of this endangered species, which help us to understand its genetic flows, as a basis for designing conservation strategies for this highly fragmented species in southern Spain.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Homebound Nursing Students
Authors: Gallego-Gómez Juana Inés , Campillo-Cano María , Carrión-Martínez Aurora , Balanza Serafín , Rodríguez-González-Moro María Teresa , Simonelli-Muñoz Agustín Javier , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel
Published: October 2020

University students are predisposed to stress, which could be even higher in Nursing students since they are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic given their health training and area of knowledge. Our purpose was to assess the stress levels of Nursing students before and during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Murcia (Spain), its influence on taking an online exam and how it was affected by physical exercise. This was an observational and prospective study including Nursing students from the second year of the Nursing Degree from 3 February to 23 April 2020. Three measurements were performed: one before lockdown and two during lockdown. Stress increased substantially during lockdown. Financial, family or emotional problems, as well as physical exercise, also increased. Indeed, at 40 days of lockdown, those students with financial, family or emotional problems, and less physical exercise reported significantly higher stress levels. In addition, those who passed the online exam had lower stress levels compared to those who failed. In conclusion, during lockdown, stress in Nursing students increased. This could be triggered by students’ personal problems, and physical exercise may be used as a way to reduce stress. Academic performance was better in those students reporting less stress.
Static Balance Modification during the Workday in Assembly Chain Workers with and without Current Low Back Pain
Authors: Bataller-Cervero Ana Vanessa , Cimarras-Otal Cristina , Roche-Seruendo Luis Enrique , Alcázar-Crevillén Andrés , Villalba-Ruete José Antonio , Berzosa César
Published: October 2020

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common recurrent pathology among assembly chain workers. This population tends to spend most of the workday in a static standing posture and handling loads, with balance being essential for correct job performance. LBP is related to poorer postural control, so balance could be affected in this condition. Methods: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the deterioration of static balance generated by work activity in a prolonged standing position. We assess sway with a pressure platform at three moments of the workday (before, during, and after work), comparing the different balance parameters in 22 manufacturing plant workers with (17) and without (5) LBP. Results: In the pre-work capture, an independent t-test showed no significant differences between the pain and non-pain groups’ static balance parameters. Between the pre- and mid-workday captures, a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in the medial-lateral center of pressure displacement with open eyes in workers with LBP. Conclusions: workers with low back pain do not show a greater deterioration in static balance than workers without pain during the workday.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL) Limitations in Europe: An Assessment of SHARE Data
Authors: Portela Diana , Almada Marta , Midão Luís , Costa Elísio
Published: October 2020

This study aims to evaluate the instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) limitations in Europe and its association with socio-demographic characteristics, economic parameters and physical and mental health status. We used data from the wave 6 of SHARE database. Individuals were classified as having either none or one or more limitations on iADLs. Participants aged 65 or more years who answered all questions for the variables included in this work were selected. A total of 54.8% of participants were female and had a mean age of 74.37 (SD = 7.08) years. A global prevalence of 1 or more iADLs in Europe was shown to be 23.8% and more prevalent in women than in men (27.1% vs. 17.6%) and in people aged 85 years or more (51.5%). Older age, female gender, lower education, physical inactivity, frailty, having two or more chronic diseases, presence of depression, polypharmacy, poor self-perception of health and lower network satisfaction were found to be factors associated with the presence of 1 or more iADLs limitation. This study highlights the burden of iADLs limitations at the European level. These are based on a multidimensional biopsychosocial model and are associated with both health conditions and environmental factors. This intersection between the physical and social world underscores its potential as a health indicator and can, to some extent, explain some of the pronounced differences seen among European countries. Different inter-tasks can also stress different dimensions of health indicators in distinct and specific groups of individuals. Minimizing the impact of iADL limitations can improve the quality and sustainability of public health systems.
Does Severity of Hair Loss Matter? Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes in Women Irradiated for Tinea Capitis in Childhood
Authors: Segal-Engelchin Dorit , Shvarts Shifra
Published: October 2020

Hair loss resulting from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis has been linked to mental health effects in women. However, the association of hair loss severity with mental health in this population is unknown. To address this gap, this study examined the association between hair loss severity and mental health outcomes in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood as well as the factors that contribute to these outcomes. Medical records, held at the archives of the Israel National Center for Compensation of Scalp Ringworm Victims, were retrospectively reviewed for 2509 women who received compensation for full or partial alopecia resulting from irradiation for tinea capitis. Mental health outcomes were determined by the number of mental health conditions reported. The results show that among women with more hair loss, risk was increased for a range of mental health problems, especially social anxiety (RR 2.44, 95% CI 2.09–2.87). Hair loss severity emerged as a significant predictor of mental health, adding to the effects of other predictors such as family, social and physical health problems (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.27, 0.56). The effects of hair loss severity on mental health outcomes were mediated by women’s negative social experiences (indirect = 0.72, 95% bias-corrected confidence interval, 0.53–1.08). Healthcare professionals supporting women with hair loss after irradiation for childhood tinea capitis should be alert to a history of severe levels of hair loss.
Is Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry ‘Getting Old’? How Psychiatry Referrals in the General Hospital Have Changed over 20 Years
Authors: Ferrari Silvia , Mattei Giorgio , Marchi Mattia , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Pingani Luca
Published: October 2020

There is an ever-growing awareness of the health-related special needs of older patients, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Services (CLPS) are significantly involved in providing such age-friendly hospital care. CLPS perform psychiatric assessment for hospitalized patients with suspected medical-psychiatric comorbidity and support ward teams in a bio-psycho-social oriented care management. Changes in features of the population referred to a CLPS over a 20-year course were analysed and discussed, especially comparing older and younger referred subjects. Epidemiological and clinical data from all first psychiatric consultations carried out at the Modena (North of Italy) University Hospital CLPS in the period 2000–2019 (N = 19,278) were included; two groups of consultations were created according to the age of patients: OV65 (consultations for patients older than 64 years) and NONOV65 (all the rest of consultations). Consultations for OV65 were about 38.9% of the total assessments performed, with an average of approximately 375 per year, vs. the 589 performed for NOV65. The number of referrals for older patients significantly increased over the 20 years. The mean age and the male/female ratio of the sample changed significantly across the years in the whole sample as well as both among OV65 and NOV65. Urgent referrals were more frequent among NOV65 and the rate between urgent/non urgent referrals changed differently in the two subgroups. The analysis outlined recurring patterns that should guide future clinical, training and research activities.
Older Aboriginal Australians’ Health Concerns and Preferences for Healthy Ageing Programs
Authors: Wettasinghe Pamela Ming , Allan Wendy , Garvey Gail , Timbery Alison , Hoskins Sue , Veinovic Madeleine , Daylight Gail , Mack Holly A. , Minogue Cecilia , Donovan Terrence , Broe Gerald A. , Radford Kylie , Delbaere Kim
Published: October 2020

While there is strong evidence of the need for healthy ageing programs for older Aboriginal Australians, few are available. It is important to understand older Aboriginal Australians’ perspectives on healthy ageing in order to co-design culturally-appropriate programs, including views on technology use in this context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 Aboriginal Australians aged 50 years and older from regional and urban communities to explore participants’ health concerns, preferences for healthy ageing programs, and receptiveness to technology. Qualitative data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. This study found that older Aboriginal Australians are concerned about chronic health conditions, social and emotional well-being, and difficulties accessing health services. A range of barriers and enablers to participation in current health programs were identified. From the perspective of older Aboriginal people, a successful healthy ageing program model includes physical and cognitive activities, social interaction, and health education. The program model also provides culturally safe care and transport for access as well as family, community, cultural identity, and empowerment regarding ageing well as central tenets. Technology could also be a viable approach for program delivery. These findings can be applied in the implementation and evaluation of culturally-appropriate, healthy ageing programs with older Aboriginal people.
Are AAMA and GAMA Levels in Urine after Childbirth a Suitable Marker to Assess Exposure to Acrylamide from Passive Smoking during Pregnancy?—A Pilot Study
Authors: Mojska Hanna , Gielecińska Iwona , Jasińska-Melon Edyta , Winiarek Joanna , Sawicki Włodzimierz
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Acrylamide (AA) is a “probably carcinogenic to humans” monomer that can form in heated starchy food and in tobacco smoke. N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA), acrylamide metabolites in urine, are recognized as good markers of exposure to acrylamide. Aim: The aim of the study is a preliminary assessment whether the levels of AAMA and GAMA in urine after childbirth are good markers of acrylamide exposure due to passive smoking during pregnancy. Material and method: The study group consisted 67 non-smokers and 10 passive-smoker women during pregnancy. AAMA and GAMA levels in urine samples were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: The median AAMA levels in urine of non-smoking and passively smoking women were 30.7 μg/g creatinine and 25.2 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Much lower values were determined for GAMA: 11.4 μg/g creatinine and 10.3 μg/g creatinine, respectively. There is no significant difference between AAMA and GAMA content in urine samples between both groups of women as well as in the anthropometric parameters of newborns between those two groups of mothers. Conclusion: Our pilot study did not confirm that postpartum AAMA and GAMA concentrations in urine are good markers of exposure to acrylamide from passive smoking during pregnancy. It is probably due to the different ways of acrylamide absorption from tobacco smoke by active and passive smokers. Exposure of pregnant women to acrylamide from passive smoking requires further research.
Association between Area-Level Socioeconomic Deprivation and Prehospital Delay in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: An Ecological Study
Authors: Park Hang A , Lee Hye Ah , Park Ju Ok
Published: October 2020

We analyzed the associations between area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and prehospital delay in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients by degree of urbanization with the use of an ecological framework. The participants were 13,637 patients over 18 years of age who experienced AIS from 2007 to 2012 and were admitted to any of the 29 hospitals in South Korea. Area-level SES was determined using 11 variables from the 2010 Korean census. The primary outcome was a prehospital delay (more than three hours from AIS onset time). Multilevel logistic regression was conducted to define the associations of individual- and area-level SES with prehospital delay after adjusting for confounders, which includes the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and individual SES. After adjusting for covariates, it was found that the area-level SES and urbanization were not associated with prehospital delay and EMS use was beneficial in both urban and rural areas. However, after stratification by urbanization, low area-level SES was significantly associated with a prehospital delay in urban areas (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.47) but not in rural areas (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.78–1.38). Therefore, we posit that area-level SES in urban areas might be a significant barrier to improving prehospital delay in AIS patients.
Traditional Neuropsychological Testing Does Not Predict Motor-Cognitive Test Performance
Authors: Wilke Jan , Vogel Oliver , Ungricht Sandra
Published: October 2020

The ecological validity of neuropsychological testing (NT) has been questioned in the sports environment. A frequent criticism is that NT, mostly consisting of pen and paper or digital assessments, lacks relevant bodily movement. This study aimed to identify the determinants of a newly developed testing battery integrating both cognitive and motor demands. Twenty active individuals (25 ± 3 years, 11 males) completed the new motor-cognitive testing battery (MC), traditional NT (Stroop test, Trail Making test, Digit Span test) and isolated assessments of motor function (MF; Y-balance test, 20m-sprint, counter-movement jump). Kendal’s tau and partial Spearman correlations were used to detect associations between MC and NT/MF. Except for two items (Reactive Agility A and counter-movement jump; Run-Decide and sprint time; r = 0.37, p < 0.05), MC was not related to MF. Similarly, MC and NT were mostly unrelated, even when controlling for the two significant motor covariates (p > 0.05). The only MC item with (weak to moderate) associations to NT was the Memory Span test (Digit Span backwards and composite; r = 0.43–0.54, p < 0.05). In sum, motor-cognitive function appears to be largely independent from its two assumed components NT and MF and may represent a new parameter in performance diagnostics.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Hospitalised Current Smokers and COVID-19
Authors: González-Rubio Jesus , Navarro-López Carmen , López-Nájera Elena , López-Nájera Ana , Jiménez-Díaz Lydia , Navarro-López Juan D. , Nájera Alberto
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. It produces severe acute respiratory disease (COVID-19), which is fatal in many cases, characterised by the cytokine release syndrome (CRS). According to the World Health Organization, those who smoke are likely to be more vulnerable to infection. Here, in order to clarify the epidemiologic relationship between smoking and COVID-19, we present a systematic literature review until 28th April 2020 and a meta-analysis. We included 18 recent COVID-19 clinical and epidemiological studies based on smoking patient status from 720 initial studies in China, the USA, and Italy. The percentage of hospitalised current smokers was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.9–8.4) in China, 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7–2.9) in the USA and 7.6% (95% CI: 4.2–11.0) in Italy. These percentages were compared to the smoking prevalence of each country and statistically significant differences were found in them all (p < 0.0001). By means of the meta-analysis, we offer epidemiological evidence showing that smokers were statistically less likely to be hospitalised (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14–0.23, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the analysis of data from 18 studies shows a much lower percentage of hospitalised current smokers than expected. As more studies become available, this trend should be checked to obtain conclusive results and to explore, where appropriate, the underlying mechanism of the severe progression and adverse outcomes of COVID-19.
Knowledge Graph Analysis of Human Health Research Related to Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Yating , Guo Jingjing , Bao Chao , Liang Changyong , Jain Hemant K
Published: October 2020

In order to explore the development status, knowledge base, research hotspots, and future research directions related to the impacts of climate change on human health, a systematic bibliometric analysis of 6719 published articles from 2003 to 2018 in the Web of Science was performed. Using data analytics tools such as HistCite and CiteSpace, the time distribution, spatial distribution, citations, and research hotspots were analyzed and visualized. The analysis revealed the development status of the research on the impacts of climate change on human health and analyzed the research hotspots and future development trends in this field, providing important knowledge support for researchers in this field.
The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection
Authors: Kierat Wojciech , Augustyn Weronika , Koper Piotr , Pawlyta Miroslawa , Chrusciel Arkadiusz , Wyrwol Bernard
Published: October 2020

In addition to looking for effective drugs and a vaccine, which are necessary to save and protect human health, it is also important to limit, or at least to slow, the spread of coronavirus. One important element in this action is the use of individual protective devices such as filtering facepiece masks. Currently, masks that use a mechanical filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, are often used. In some countries that do not have a well-developed healthcare system or in exceptional situations, there is a real and pressing need to restore filters for reuse. This article presents technical details for a very simple device for sterilization, including of HEPA polymer filters. The results of biological and microscopic tests confirming the effectiveness of the sterilization performed in the device are presented. The compact and portable design of the device also allows its use to disinfect other small surfaces, for example a small fragment of a floor, table, or bed.
Relationship between Perceived Training Load, Well-Being Indices, Recovery State and Physical Enjoyment during Judo-Specific Training
Authors: Ouergui Ibrahim , Franchini Emerson , Selmi Okba , Levitt Danielle Evé , Chtourou Hamdi , Bouhlel Ezdine , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the relationship between well-being indices and the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE), recovery (TQR), and physical enjoyment (PE) during intensified, tapering phases of judo training. Sixty-one judo athletes (37 males, ranges 14–17 years, 159–172 cm, 51–67 kg) were randomly assigned to three experimental (i.e., randori, uchi-komi, running) and control groups (regular training). Experimental groups trained four times per week for 4 weeks of intensified training followed by 12 days of tapering. Session-RPE, well-being indices (i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), Hooper index (HI)), and TQR were measured every session, whereas PE was recorded after intensified, tapering periods. Recovery (TQR) was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI, session-RPE in intensified period and was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI in tapering. Session-RPE was positively correlated with sleep, fatigue, DOMS, HI in intensified period and positively correlated with fatigue, DOMS in tapering. PE was negatively correlated with stress in intensified training. Enjoyment could be partially predicted by sleep only in intensified periods. Session-RPE could be partially predicted by TQR, fatigue during intensified periods and by sleep, and HI during tapering. Sleep, recovery state, pre-fatigue states, and HI are signals contributing to the enjoyment and internal intensity variability during training. Coaches can use these simple tools to monitor judo training.