bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Traditional Scientific Perspective on the Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness
Authors: Mallatt Jon
Published: May 2021

This paper assesses two different theories for explaining consciousness, a phenomenon that is widely considered amenable to scientific investigation despite its puzzling subjective aspects. I focus on Integrated Information Theory (IIT), which says that consciousness is integrated information (as ϕMax) and says even simple systems with interacting parts possess some consciousness. First, I evaluate IIT on its own merits. Second, I compare it to a more traditionally derived theory called Neurobiological Naturalism (NN), which says consciousness is an evolved, emergent feature of complex brains. Comparing these theories is informative because it reveals strengths and weaknesses of each, thereby suggesting better ways to study consciousness in the future. IIT’s strengths are the reasonable axioms at its core; its strong logic and mathematical formalism; its creative “experience-first” approach to studying consciousness; the way it avoids the mind-body (“hard”) problem; its consistency with evolutionary theory; and its many scientifically testable predictions. The potential weakness of IIT is that it contains stretches of logic-based reasoning that were not checked against hard evidence when the theory was being constructed, whereas scientific arguments require such supporting evidence to keep the reasoning on course. This is less of a concern for the other theory, NN, because it incorporated evidence much earlier in its construction process. NN is a less mature theory than IIT, less formalized and quantitative, and less well tested. However, it has identified its own neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) and offers a roadmap through which these NNCs may answer the questions of consciousness using the hypothesize-test-hypothesize-test steps of the scientific method.
Error Bound of Mode-Based Additive Models
Authors: Deng Hao , Chen Jianghong , Song Biqin , Pan Zhibin
Published: May 2021

Due to their flexibility and interpretability, additive models are powerful tools for high-dimensional mean regression and variable selection. However, the least-squares loss-based mean regression models suffer from sensitivity to non-Gaussian noises, and there is also a need to improve the model’s robustness. This paper considers the estimation and variable selection via modal regression in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHSs). Based on the mode-induced metric and two-fold Lasso-type regularizer, we proposed a sparse modal regression algorithm and gave the excess generalization error. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Currents in a Quantum Nanoring Controlled by Non-Classical Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Dajka Jerzy
Published: May 2021

Quantum ring accommodating interacting spin-less fermions threaded by magnetic flux with a non-classical component added to a static, inducing persistent current, is considered. It is investigated how current flowing in the ring becomes affected by a state of non-classical flux and how Coulomb interaction between fermions influences entanglement of quantum ring and the driving field. In particular it is shown that in an absence of decoherence and under certain conditions fermion–fermion interaction is necessary for a ring–field entanglement to occur.
Comparison of the Total Ionizing Dose Sensitivity of a System in Package Point of Load Converter Using Both Component- and System-Level Test Approaches
Authors: Rajkowski Tomasz , Saigné Frédéric , Niskanen Kimmo , Boch Jérôme , Maraine Tadec , Kohler Pierre , Dubus Patrick , Touboul Antoine , Wang Pierre-Xiao
Published: May 2021

Testing at system level is evaluated by measuring the sensitivity of point-of-load (PoL) converter parameters, submitted to total ionizing dose (TID) irradiations, at both system and component levels. Testing at system level shows that the complete system can be fully functional at the TID level more than two times higher than the qualification level obtained using a standard-based component-level approach. Analysis of the failure processes shows that the TID tolerance during testing at system level is increased due to internal compensation in the system. Finally, advantages and shortcomings of the testing at system level are discussed.
Bioelectronic Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Medical Diagnosis and Healthcare
Authors: Dimauro Giovanni , Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Pecchia Leandro
Published: May 2021

The application of electronic findings to biology and medicine has significantly impacted health and wellbeing [...]
Intelligent Cognitive Assistants for Attitude and Behavior Change Support in Mental Health: State-of-the-Art Technical Review
Authors: Kolenik Tine , Gams Matjaž
Published: May 2021

Intelligent cognitive assistant (ICA) technology is used in various domains to emulate human behavior expressed through synchronous communication, especially written conversation. Due to their ability to use individually tailored natural language, they present a powerful vessel to support attitude and behavior change. Behavior change support systems are emerging as a crucial tool in digital mental health services, and ICAs exceed in effective support, especially for stress, anxiety and depression (SAD), where ICAs guide people’s thought processes and actions by analyzing their affective and cognitive phenomena. Currently, there is no comprehensive review of such ICAs from a technical standpoint, and existing work is conducted exclusively from a psychological or medical perspective. This technical state-of-the-art review tried to discern and systematize current technological approaches and trends as well as detail the highly interdisciplinary landscape of intersections between ICAs, attitude and behavior change, and mental health, focusing on text-based ICAs for SAD. Ten papers with systems, fitting our criteria, were selected. The systems varied significantly in their approaches, with the most successful opting for comprehensive user models, classification-based assessment, personalized intervention, and dialogue tree conversational models.
Redundant Photo-Voltaic Power Cell in a Highly Reliable System
Authors: Beszédes Bertalan , Széll Károly , Györök György
Published: May 2021

The conversion of solar energy into electricity makes it possible to generate a power resource at the relevant location, independent of the availability of the electrical network. The application of the technology greatly facilitates the supply of electricity to objects that, due to their location, cannot be connected to the electrical network. Typical areas of use are nature reserves, game management areas, large-scale agricultural areas, large-scale livestock areas, industrial pipeline routes, water resources far from infrastructure, etc. The protection of such areas and assets and the detection of their functionality are of particular importance, sectors classified as critical infrastructure are of paramount importance. This article aims to show the conceptual structure of a possible design of a high-reliability, redundant, modular, self-monitoring, microcontroller-controlled system that can be used in the outlined areas.
Physicochemical Properties of Activated Carbons Produced from Coffee Waste and Empty Fruit Bunch by Chemical Activation Method
Authors: Thithai Vilaysit , Jin Xuanjun , Ajaz Ahmed Muhammed , Choi Joon-Weon
Published: May 2021

In this study, coffee waste (CW) and empty fruit bunches (EFB) were employed as precursors for the production of activated carbons by a chemical activation method. KOH, ZnCl2, and H3PO4 were used as activating agents along with their three mixing ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:3, w/w, and carbonization temperatures of 600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C were used to prepare these activated carbons. The highest yields of produced activated carbons were observed at 600 °C with a value of 45.20% for coffee waste and 48.20% for empty fruit bunch, with a 1:3 w/w (H3PO4) ratio. However, the maximum specific surface area was 3068 m2 g−1, and 2147 m2 g−1 obtained at 800 °C for coffee waste and empty fruit bunch activated carbons, respectively. The surface features of these products exhibited acute morphological changes, as were clearly noticed via SEM studies. Moreover, in the Van Krevelen diagram, it was also observed that both the H/C and O/C ratios were dramatically decreased to 0.0019 and 0.0759, and 0.0066 and 0.1659 for coffee waste and empty fruit bunch at 800 °C with a (1:3) potassium hydroxide and zinc chloride ratio, respectively, and this similar phenomenon was also supported by a thermal gravimetric analysis. All these results, together with the specific characteristics of the products, suggest that this scheme can be an effective strategy for the activated carbon production from such residues.
Analysis of the Applicability of the Parabolic Trough Solar Thermal Power Plants in the Locations with a Temperate Climate
Authors: Teleszewski Tomasz Janusz , Żukowski Mirosław , Krawczyk Dorota Anna , Rodero Antonio
Published: May 2021

Currently, intensive work is underway in Poland to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy balance. Therefore, this paper presents the possibilities of using concentrated solar power in zones with a temperate climate. A simplified model based on the energy balance in the solar collectors considering the main operating parameters of the typical solar power plant was developed. It should be noted here that the model does not take into account issues related to heat accumulation and electricity generation in a Solar Thermal Power Station. The simulation of forced convection inside the solar collector absorber was additionally included in the calculations to improve its accuracy. The model was verified using actual heat measurements at the outlet of the parabolic collector installation at a Solar Thermal Power Station located in the south of Spain. The heat generated by a similar solar collector system in a selected region with a temperate climate, the city of Bialystok (north-eastern Poland, geographic coordinates: 53°08′07″ N 23°08′44″ E) was determined by the developed simplified model for different months of the year. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the energy obtained from the same area of concentrated solar collectors located near Bialystok is eight times lower compared to the location in Cordoba depending on the variant of the power plant operation.
Advanced and Emerging Negative Electrodes for Li-Ion Capacitors: Pragmatism vs. Performance
Authors: Lai Samson Yuxiu , Cavallo Carmen , Abdelhamid Muhammad E. , Lou Fengliu , Koposov Alexey Y.
Published: May 2021

Li-ion capacitors (LICs) are designed to achieve high power and energy densities using a carbon-based material as a positive electrode coupled with a negative electrode often adopted from Li-ion batteries. However, such adoption cannot be direct and requires additional materials optimization. Furthermore, for the desired device’s performance, a proper design of the electrodes is necessary to balance the different charge storage mechanisms. The negative electrode with an intercalation or alloying active material must provide the high rate performance and long-term cycling ability necessary for LIC functionality—a primary challenge for the design of these energy-storage devices. In addition, the search for new active materials must also consider the need for environmentally friendly chemistry and the sustainable availability of key elements. With these factors in mind, this review evaluates advanced and emerging materials used as high-rate anodes in LICs from the perspective of their practical implementation.
Chemical Characterization of Microcystis aeruginosa for Feed and Energy Uses
Authors: Passos Larissa Souza , Almeida Éryka Costa , de Pereira Claudio Martin Pereira , Casazza Alessandro Alberto , Converti Attilio , Pinto Ernani
Published: May 2021

Cyanobacterial blooms and strains absorb carbon dioxide, drawing attention to its use as feed for animals and renewable energy sources. However, cyanobacteria can produce toxins and have a low heating value. Herein, we studied a cyanobacterial strain harvested during a bloom event and analyzed it to use as animal feed and a source of energy supply. The thermal properties and the contents of total nitrogen, protein, carbohydrate, fatty acids, lipid, and the presence of cyanotoxins were investigated in the Microcystis aeruginosa LTPNA 01 strain and in a bloom material. Microcystins (hepatotoxins) were not detected in this strain nor in the bloom material by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that degradation reactions (devolatilization) initiated at around 180 °C, dropping from approximately 90% to 20% of the samples’ mass. Our work showed that despite presenting a low heating value, both biomass and non-toxic M. aeruginosa LTPNA 01 could be used as energy sources either by burning or producing biofuels. Both can be considered a protein and carbohydrate source similar to some microalgae species as well as biomass fuel. It could also be used as additive for animal feed; however, its safety and potential adverse health effects should be further investigated.
A Study on the Current Status and Reduction Method Caused by Lightning at Educational Facilities
Authors: Kang Sin-Dong , Kim Sung-Chul , Park Ku-Byeoung , Kim Jae-Ho
Published: May 2021

This study was aimed at identifying the causes of continuous failures, fires, and explosions of electrical and electronic systems in educational facilities that result from lightning, which occurs frequently during the summer. The study is also aimed at suggesting prevention measures for such damage. The installation status and problems of lightning protection systems (LPSs) were examined by analyzing the damage compensation data of the Korea Institute of Educational Facility Safety, a questionnaire and field survey, and related laws. A total of 49,989 educational facilities responded to the questionnaire. The survey indicated that out of all the educational facilities, 21% had external LPSs, 6.2% had internal LPSs, 4% had both internal and external LPSs, and only 2.5% had installed bonding in addition to internal and external LPSs. The LPSs were not installed properly because the heights of most educational facilities are less than 20 m although the Building Act stipulates that LPSs should be installed in buildings with a height of 20 m or more. Furthermore, periodic inspections and checkups were not performed because the Electric Utility Act does not apply to LPSs. However, starting in January 2021, the installation and management of LPSs will be conducted in accordance with the Korean Electric Equipment Regulation, which includes the standards for LPSs. A design using a field survey must be performed prior to the installation of LPSs. Based on the survey, an estimate should be calculated, and the design, construction, and supervision should be performed.
Productivity and Biomass Properties of Poplar Clones Managed in Short-Rotation Culture as a Potential Fuelwood Source in Georgia
Authors: Niemczyk Marzena , Bachilava Margalita , Wróbel Marek , Jewiarz Marcin , Kavtaradze Giorgi , Goginashvili Nani
Published: May 2021

Georgian forests are very valuable natural resources, but due to the lack of affordable alternatives to firewood, people are forced to use forest resources illegally and unsustainably. The aim of this study was to determine the productivity and biomass properties of four poplar clones from Aigeiros and Tacamahaca and one control clone, considering their wood and bark characteristics and their proportion in the stems. Short-rotation woody crops with these clones represent a potential source of commercial fuelwood production in Georgia as an alternative to natural forests. These tree characteristics were evaluated after three years of growth. The survival of the clones was generally high. No significant differences in biomass production (dry matter, DM) were found among the four clones tested (DM of approximately 4 Mg ha−1 yr−1), while the control clone achieved significantly lower values for DM. The biomass specific density was exceptionally high, at 481–588 kg m−3, which was a result of the high proportion of bark mass in the stem (23.3–37.7%), with a density almost twice that of wood. On the other hand, the tested clones had a very high ash content in the biomass (2.6–4.5%), which negatively affected their energy potential expressed as a lower heating value (17,642–17,849 J g−1). Our preliminary results indicated that both the quantity and quality of biomass are important factors to justify the investment in an intensive poplar culture. The four clones should be further considered for commercial biomass production and tested at different sites in Georgia to evaluate the genotype-by-environment interactions and identify the site conditions required to justify such an investment.
Intelligent Street Lighting in a Smart City Concepts—A Direction to Energy Saving in Cities: An Overview and Case Study
Authors: Bachanek Konrad Henryk , Tundys Blanka , Wiśniewski Tomasz , Puzio Ewa , Maroušková Anna
Published: May 2021

The aim of the article is to present and analyze the implementation of intelligent lighting within the concept of smart energies and smart cities. Motivation and research hypothesis: Electricity consumption in the world is based largely on non-renewable energy. Until these full changes, it is necessary to look for opportunities to save and use it efficiently. Today’s cities are increasingly implementing the smart concept, of which smart energy is one area. One of the smart city elements implemented by cities is smart energy. Within this framework, a supported concept is the replacement of traditional lighting with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes), which contributes to energy and cost savings and reduces the pollution of the sky with artificial light, while increasing the efficiency of urban lighting. Positive effects of modern solutions include reduced lighting expenses and increased safety of residents. Methods and results of the research: The authors chose the case study method for their research. The authors present forecasts for the development, not only from the point of view of the number of lamps but also the cost efficiency pointing out the importance of this element in the context of building smart cities. These are specific benchmarks for cities that have not yet implemented this concept. Conclusions and interdisciplinary implications: solutions are desirable directions for the development of the smart city concept, bringing benefits and reducing external costs. Considerations show a quantitative development forecast and an indication of the possibility of achieving trade-offs and cost reductions. It translates into meeting the requirements of sustainable development providing tangible benefits. The analysis of the case studies is intended to show the effects that can be achieved and the wide range of applications (indicating that modern lamps are not just lighting, but a platform for urban services). The analyses presented are intended to serve as benchmarks showing the possibilities of reducing costs and increasing the quality of life of residents in modern cities. The indicated examples and analyses are of economic importance, they show managers, but also inhabitants, in which direction they should lead the smart city concept, which will allow saving costs, but also to increase the quality of life of inhabitants.
Robust Clustering Routing Method for Wireless Sensor Networks Considering the Locust Search Scheme
Authors: Rodríguez Alma , Pérez-Cisneros Marco , Rosas-Caro Julio C. , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Gálvez Jorge , Cuevas Erik
Published: May 2021

Multiple applications of sensor devices in the form of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), such as those represented by the Internet of Things and monitoring dangerous geographical spaces, have attracted the attention by several scientific communities. Despite their interesting properties, sensors present an adverse characteristic: they manage very limited energy. Under such conditions, saving energy represents one of the most important concepts in designing effective protocols for WSNs. The objective of a protocol is to increase the network lifetime through the reduction of energy consumed by each sensor. In this paper, a robust clustering routing protocol for WSNs is introduced. The scheme uses the Locust Search (LS-II) method to determine the number of cluster heads and to identify the optimal cluster heads. Once the cluster heads are recognized, the other sensor elements are assigned to their nearest corresponding cluster head. Numerical simulations exhibit competitive results and demonstrate that the proposed protocol allows for the minimization of the energy consumption, extending the network lifetime in comparison with other popular clustering routing protocols.
A Comparative Environmental Assessment of Heat Pumps and Gas Boilers towards a Circular Economy in the UK
Authors: Sevindik Selman , Spataru Catalina , Domenech Aparisi Teresa , Bleischwitz Raimund
Published: May 2021

This research compares the potential environmental impacts of heat pumps with gas boilers and scenario analysis through utilising the life cycle approach. The study analyses the current situation with the baseline model and assesses future applications with Circular Economy (CE), Resource Efficiency (RE) and Limited Growth (LG) scenarios. Then, hybrid applications of low-carbon technologies and different manufacturing scenarios are investigated according to baseline and CE scenarios. Our results show that the use and manufacturing phases are responsible for 74% and 14% of all environmental impacts on average as expected. Even though the electricity mix of the UK has decarbonised substantially during the last decade, heat pumps still have higher lifetime impacts than gas boilers in all environmental categories except climate change impact. The carbon intensity of heat pumps is much lower than gas boilers with 0.111 and 0.097 kg CO2e for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps, whereas the boiler stands as 0.241 kg CO2e. Future scenarios offer significant reductions in most of the impact categories. The CE scenario has the highest potential with a 44% reduction for heat pumps and 27% for gas boilers on average. RE and LG scenarios have smaller potential than the CE scenario, relatively. However, several categories expect an increase in future scenarios such as freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity and metal depletion categories. High deployment of offshore wind farms will have a negative impact on these categories; therefore, a comprehensive approach through a market introduction programme should be provided at the beginning before shifting from one technology to another. The 50% Hybrid scenario results expect a reduction of 24% and 20% on average for ASHP and GSHP, respectively, in the baseline model. The reduction is much lower in the CE scenario, with only a 2% decrease for both heat pumps because of the reduction in heat demand in the future. These results emphasise that even though the importance of the use phase is significant in the baseline model, the remaining phases will play an important role to achieve Net-Zero targets in the future.
Impacts of Long- and Short-Term of Irrigation with Treated Wastewater and Synthetic Fertilizers on the Growth, Biomass, Heavy Metal Content, and Energy Traits of Three Potential Bioenergy Crops in Arid Regions
Authors: Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Al-Suhaibani Nasser , El-Hendawy Salah , Abdella Kamel , Alotaibi Majed , Alderfasi Ali
Published: May 2021

The availability of suitable water is an important factor for increasing the cultivated areas and sustainability in arid (i.e., less than 200 mm precipitation per year) and semiarid regions (i.e., 200–700 mm precipitation per year). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of treated wastewater (TWW) and groundwater (GW) as well as synthetic fertilizers (50% and 100% of the recommended NPK dose; 150–150–60 kg N–P2O5–K2O ha−1) on the growth, biomass, energy traits, and macro and trace elements of maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L) grown in old cultivated (first location; L1) and virgin soil (L2 and L3) as potential bioenergy crops. The soil in L1 has been irrigated with treated wastewater for the last 15 years and continued to be irrigated with treated wastewater in this investigation. The virgin soil was divided into two parts: the first part was irrigated with TWW, and the second part was irrigated with GW. The experiments were laid out in a split-plot with a randomized complete block design with water treatments (TWW in old and virgin soil, and GW in virgin soil) in main plots, and the two treatments of fertilization (50% and 100% of the recommended NPK dose) were distributed randomly in subplots. Compared with the crops irrigated with GW, the crops irrigated with TWW, whether grown on old or virgin soil, showed higher plant height, total chlorophyll content, leaf area per plant, total biomass, energy content, and gross energy with low ash. They also contained higher (but lower than permissible limits) concentrations of macro-elements (NPK) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co). In addition, the application of a 50% recommended dose of NPK with TWW showed equivalent results to a 100% recommended dose of NPK on all measured parameters with few exceptions. In conclusion, the TWW can be used to irrigate field crops allocated for bioenergy production in arid regions because it does not harm the plants and environment. In addition, the 50% recommended dose of NPK fertilizer exerted no negative effects on the growth and energy production of field crops, thereby protecting the environment and reducing the leaching of excessive fertilizers into GW.
Lightning Impulse Overvoltage Propagation in HVDC Meshed Grid
Authors: Florkowski Marek , Furgał Jakub , Kuniewski Maciej
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on the propagation of lightning overvoltage in a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) meshed grid. Since several topologies of meshed grids have been elaborated in the last decade, we used a common comprehensive reference test platform. The lightning impulse propagation was investigated with regard to the impact of surge arresters and the polarity of the lightning stroke concerning the DC line polarity (±500 kV). Various scenarios were considered, including a direct lightning strike to the DC+ conductor, to the tower, and to the shielding wire in the middle of the span, including backflash on the insulators. The influence of tower footing impedance on overvoltage levels at various nodes was assessed, depicting the critical value. A description of the models used in the simulations was provided. The main focus of the paper was on the wide-area propagation of the overvoltages in the meshed grid, at distant terminals and inside the feeders. An interesting observation was the effects of lightning at the far end of the analyzed grid, propagating through multiterminal and long-distance connections. The presented analysis, based on an exemplary meshed HVDC grid, underlines the importance of the insulation coordination studies and system security studies with respect to the localization of overvoltage protection systems.
Food Waste on Foodservice: An Overview through the Perspective of Sustainable Dimensions
Authors: Lins Maísa , Puppin Zandonadi Renata , Raposo António , Ginani Veronica Cortez
Published: May 2021

Food waste (FW) is a current, complex, and widely debated issue in various spheres of society. Globally, about 2.6 trillion dollars per year is lost because of wasted food. Part of FW is preventable, and it is necessary to identify where it occurs. In most cases, FW occurs at the end of the production chain (meal preparation and distribution). Identifying the main food service failures on FW is important for developing efficient strategies for reducing them. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a narrative review of the impacts caused by FW in food services considering the three dimensions of sustainability (social, economic, or environmental). Multiple reasons were identified in this review that impacts those three dimensions, such as the cost of wasted raw material, use of cleaning material, the energy consumption, salary of food handlers, the water footprint, the amounts of rest-intake, production waste, energy density wasted, use of organic food, and food donation. Identifying these aspects can contribute to reduce FW impacts for better sustainable development, develop tools to measure FW, and assist food service managers in minimizing FW.
COVID-19 Pandemic, Determinants of Food Insecurity, and Household Mitigation Measures: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Aamir , Qing Ping , Rizwan Muhammad , Razzaq Amar , Faisal Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Policies centered to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic have created recessionary economic impacts. Adverse income shocks have caused malnutrition and food insecurity and have increased the need for food assistance. The present study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity and investigates the determinants of food security and coping strategies in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Data were collected through the internet and received responses from 370 respondents. The household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) model was applied to examine food insecurity, and a logit regression model was used to analyze its determining factors. The results illustrate that food insecurity substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Households’ demographics and socioeconomic factors have influence on food insecurity. Households with a large family size and people in quarantine found more food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, while financial assistance played a role in a decline in food insecurity. Households handle the negative income shocks by eating less preferred food and getting support from government and charity organizations. It is suggested that stakeholders and responsible institutes provide financial assistance to support low-income families in order to enhance food security. Furthermore, policymakers should strengthen social safety nets and aid programs such as the Ehsas income program in the province of the country.
“Give Us the Chance to Be Part of You, We Want Our Voices to Be Heard”: Assistive Technology as a Mediator of Participation in (Formal and Informal) Citizenship Activities for Persons with Disabilities Who Are Slum Dwellers in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Authors: Austin Victoria , Holloway Cathy , Ossul Vermehren Ignacia , Dumbuya Abs , Barbareschi Giulia , Walker Julian
Published: May 2021

The importance of assistive technology (AT) is gaining recognition, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) set to publish a Global Report in 2022. Yet little is understood about access for the poorest, or the potential of AT to enable this group to participate in the activities of citizenship; both formal and informal. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore AT as mediator of participation in citizenship for persons with disabilities who live in two informal settlements in Freetown, Sierra Leone (SL). The paper presents evidence from 16 participant and 5 stakeholder interviews; 5 focus groups and 4 events; combining this with the findings of a house-to-house AT survey; and two national studies—a country capacity assessment and an informal markets deep-dive. Despite citizenship activities being valued, a lack of AT was consistently reported and hindered participation. Stigma was also found to be a major barrier. AT access for the poorest must be addressed if citizenship participation for persons with disabilities is a genuine global intention and disability justice is to become a reality.
Green Exercise: Can Nature Video Benefit Isometric Exercise?
Authors: Li Hansen , Zhang Xing , Bi Shilin , Liu Haowei , Cao Yang , Zhang Guodong
Published: May 2021

Green exercise is the combination of physical activity and nature exposure, which has been associated with positive effects on psychophysiological health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nature video viewing on isometric exercise and find a useful practice for green exercise in urban living. In the current study, 18 male subjects were recruited in a randomized crossover trial and underwent a sequence of wall squat exercises. The whole experiment contained three periods of baseline (before exercise), exercise, and recovery (after exercise), and each period lasted for 2 min. A video of forest walking was played in the exercise and recovery periods as treatment, while a black screen was set as control. The Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) and Feeling Scale (FS) were employed to measure perceived exertion and affective responses in the exercise period; heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) including the standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and the standard deviations of the Poincaré plot (SD1), were recorded in the three periods. Heart rate recovery (HRR) in the recovery period was further calculated based on 30 s and 60 s time frames. Results demonstrated that during the exercise period nature video viewing was associated with better affective responses (median of 1.00 and an interquartile (IQR) of 2.00, p = 0.017), lower perceived exertion (median = 6.00, IQR = 2.00, p = 0.021), and lower HR (median = 89.60, IQR = 20.94, p = 0.01), but the differences in HRV indices between the experimental settings were not statistically significant. In the recovery period, significantly higher values of RMSSD (median = 34.88, IQR = 24.52, p = 0.004), SD1 (median = 24.75, IQR = 17.41, p = 0.003), and HR (median = 84.18, IQR = 16.58, p = 0.001) were observed in the treatment setting, whereas no statistically significant difference was found for HRR. In general, our findings support that nature video viewing may help reduce perceived exertion, increase exercise pleasure, buffer heart rate, and improve cardiac autonomic recovery for wall squat exercising, which implies the potential of nature-based stimuli in green exercise. However, due to the limited research sample, further study may need to include female participants and focus on various populations to confirm the effectiveness of using virtual and environments depicting nature at home or in public exercise places to promote positive exercise experience.
Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behavior among Successful Long-Term Weight Loss Maintainers: Findings from a U.S. National Study
Authors: Knell Gregory , Li Qing , Morales-Marroquin Elisa , Drope Jeffrey , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Shuval Kerem
Published: May 2021

Despite adults’ desire to reduce body mass (weight) for numerous health benefits, few are able to successfully lose at least 5% of their starting weight. There is evidence on the independent associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep with weight loss; however, this study provided insight on the combined effects of these behaviors on long-term body weight loss success. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the joint relations of sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors with successful long-term weight loss. Data are from the 2005–2006 wave of the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with an accelerometer, whereas sleep time was self-reported. Physical activity and sleep were dichotomized into meeting guidelines (active/not active, ideal sleep/short sleep), and sedentary time was categorized into prolonged sedentary time (4th quartile) compared to low sedentary time (1st–3rd quartiles). The dichotomized behaviors were combined to form 12 unique behavioral combinations. Two-step multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations between the behavioral combinations with (1) long-term weight loss success (≥5% body mass reduction for ≥12-months) and (2) the amount of body mass reduction among those who were successful. After adjustment for relevant factors, there were no significant associations between any of the independent body weight loss behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep) and successful long-term weight loss. However, after combining the behaviors, those who were active (≥150 min MVPA weekly), regardless of their sedentary time, were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to have long-term weight loss success compared to the inactive and sedentary referent group. These results should be confirmed in longitudinal analyses, including investigation of characteristics of waking (type, domain, and context) and sleep (quality metrics) behaviors for their association with long-term weight loss success.
Sexist Myths Emergency Healthcare Professionals and Factors Associated with the Detection of Intimate Partner Violence in Women
Authors: Martínez-García Encarnación , Montiel-Mesa Verónica , Esteban-Vilchez Belén , Bracero-Alemany Beatriz , Martín-Salvador Adelina , Gázquez-López María , Pérez-Morente María Ángeles , Alvarez-Serrano María Adelaida
Published: May 2021

This study analysed the capacity of emergency physicians and nurses working in the city of Granada (Spain) to respond to intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, and the mediating role of certain factors and opinions towards certain sexist myths in the detection of cases. This is a cross-sectional study employing the physician readiness to manage intimate partner violence survey (PREMIS) between October 2020 and January 2021, with 164 surveys analysed. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied, designing three multivariate regression models by considering opinions about different sexist myths. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were considered for the detection of cases. In the past six months, 34.8% of professionals reported that they had identified some cases of IPV, particularly physicians (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.14–5.16; OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.26–5.56). Those who did not express opinions towards sexist myths related to the understanding of the victim or the consideration of alcohol/drug abuse as the main causes of violence and showed a greater probability of detecting a case (NS) (OR = 1.26 and OR = 1.65, respectively). In order to confirm the indicia found, further research is required, although there tends to be a common opinion towards the certain sexual myth of emergency department professionals not having an influence on IPV against women.
Striving to Avoid Inferiority and Procrastination among University Students: The Mediating Roles of Stress and Self-Control
Authors: To Peter-Yee-Lap , Lo Barbara-Chuen-Yee , Ng Ting-Kin , Wong Bernard-Pak-Ho , Choi Anna-Wai-Man
Published: May 2021

The current study intended to examine whether the relationship between university students’ striving to avoid inferiority (SAI) and procrastination was serially mediated by stress and self-control. The sample consisted of 154 Hong Kong university students. Their levels of striving to avoid inferiority, stress, self-control, and procrastination were measured by the Striving to Avoid Inferiority Scale (SAIS), the stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ), and the General Procrastination Scale (GPS), respectively. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that SAI positively predicted stress, stress negatively predicted self-control, and self-control negatively predicted procrastination. SAI did not directly predict procrastination. The results of bootstrapping analyses supported the hypotheses that the effect of stress on procrastination was mediated by self-control, the effect of SAI on self-control was mediated by stress, and more importantly, the effect of SAI on procrastination was serially mediated by stress and self-control. Further research is suggested to investigate the thoughts and feelings pertinent to procrastination and the actual duration of procrastination among university students.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Spanish Women with Endometriomas or Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Adoamnei Evdochia , Morán-Sánchez Inés , Sánchez-Ferrer María Luisa , Mendiola Jaime , Prieto-Sánchez María Teresa , Moñino-García Miriam , Palomar-Rodríguez Joaquín A. , Torres-Cantero Alberto Manuel
Published: May 2021

Endometriosis is a disabling disease that may significantly compromise a woman’s social relationships, sexuality, and mental health. Considering the impact of endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) on quality of life and the limited number of papers on this topic, the objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult Spanish women with the condition. A case-control study was conducted on a group of 99 patients with ovarian endometriomas or DIE and 157 controls. Women underwent physical and gynecological examinations, and they completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2 (SF-12v2), a survey for HRQoL. Eight scales and two component summary scores (Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively) were calculated. Women with endometriomas or DIE had significantly worse PCS: 47.7 ± 9.7 vs. 56.1 ± 5.9, respectively (p < 0.001) compared to controls, as well as lower scores on seven out of the eight scales (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found for the MCS. Conclusions: HRQoL was significantly lower in patients with endometriomas or DIE compared to controls. If confirmed, these results may have important implications for prevention, clinical practice, and intervention.
Comparison of Prediction Models for Mortality Related to Injuries from Road Traffic Accidents after Correcting for Undersampling
Authors: Boo Yookyung , Choi Youngjin
Published: May 2021

In this study, four models—logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), linear support vector machine (SVM), and radial basis function (RBF)-SVM—were compared for their accuracy in determining mortality caused by road traffic injuries. They were tested using five years of national-level data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s (KDCA) National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Survey (2013 through to 2017). Model performance was measured for accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and Brier score metrics using classification analysis that included characteristics of patients, accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Due to the number of variables and differing units, the rates of survival and mortality related to road traffic accidents were imbalanced, so the data was corrected and standardized before the classification models’ performances were compared. Using the importance analysis, the main diagnosis, the type of injury, the site of the injury, the type of injury, the operation status, the type of accident, the role at the time of the accident, and the sex were selected as the analysis factors. The biggest contributing factor was the role in the accident, which is the driver, and the major sites of the injuries were head injuries and deep injuries. Using selected factors, comparisons of the classification performance of each model indicated RBF-SVM and RF models were superior to the others. Of the SVM models, the RBF kernel model was superior to the linear kernel model; it can be inferred that the performance of the high-dimensional transformed RBF model is superior when the dimension is complex because of the use of multiple variables. The findings suggest there are limitations to analyses involving imbalanced, multidimensional original data, such as data on road traffic mortality. Thus, analyses must be performed after imbalances are corrected.
A Validation Study of the Korean Version of the Nurses’ Patient Education Questionnaire
Authors: Jung Myung-Jin , Roh Young-Sook
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Korean version of the Nurses’ Patient Education Questionnaire. An accurate assessment of nurses’ perceived patient education competency is required, and these needs assessment results can provide the evidence for designing a continuing education to empower and equip nurses with optimal competency for patient education. A cross-sectional study was used to which a convenience sample of 262 hemodialysis unit nurses in the Republic of Korea. In the exploratory factor analysis, the questionnaire consisted of 26 items belonging to seven factors: (1) nurse belief and knowledge; (2) documentation of patient education activities; (3) collegial teamwork; (4) educational environment; (5) interdisciplinary cooperation; (6) education foundation; and (7) health care organization, all of which accounted for 70.2% of the variance. The internal consistency reliability was 0.91 for the overall scale and each factor at 0.70 to 0.77. The questionnaire provides a valid and reliable instrument to assess nurses’ patient education competency.
Evolution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Worker Cohort: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Castel-Feced Sara , Maldonado Lina , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Malo Sara , Moreno-Franco Belén , Mur-Vispe Eusebio , Alcalá-Nalvaiz José-Tomás , Rabanaque-Hernández María José
Published: May 2021

The identification of the cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) profile of individual patients is key to the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the development of personalized preventive approaches. Using data from annual medical examinations in a cohort of workers, the aim of the study was to characterize the evolution of CVRFs and the CVD risk score (SCORE) over three time points between 2009 and 2017. For descriptive analyses, mean, standard deviation, and quartile values were used for quantitative variables, and percentages for categorical ones. Cluster analysis was performed using the Kml3D package in R software. This algorithm, which creates distinct groups based on similarities in the evolution of variables of interest measured at different time points, divided the cohort into 2 clusters. Cluster 1 comprised younger workers with lower mean body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose values, and SCORE, and higher mean HDL cholesterol values. Cluster 2 had the opposite characteristics. In conclusion, it was found that, over time, subjects in cluster 1 showed a higher improvement in CVRF control and a lower increase in their SCORE, compared with cluster 2. The identification of subjects included in these profiles could facilitate the development of better personalized medical approaches to CVD preventive measures.