bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Measure in Terms of the Hazard Function and Its Estimate
Authors: Park Sangun
Published: March 2021

It is well-known that some information measures, including Fisher information and entropy, can be represented in terms of the hazard function. In this paper, we provide the representations of more information measures, including quantal Fisher information and quantal Kullback-leibler information, in terms of the hazard function and reverse hazard function. We provide some estimators of the quantal KL information, which include the Anderson-Darling test statistic, and compare their performances.
A Study of Load Imbalance Influence on Power Quality Assessment for Distribution Networks
Authors: Ciontea Catalin Iosif , Iov Florin
Published: March 2021

Power quality studies for distribution networks are very important for future network expansions realized by utility companies, so the accuracy of such studies is critical. Load data, including information on load imbalance, could have in many situations a significant influence on the correct estimation of many power quality indicators. This paper investigates the impact of load imbalance on several phase imbalance indicators and voltage quality indicators by comparing the values of these indicators, as calculated in a power quality study using, sequentially, different sets of load data characterized by different load imbalances. The results of this study confirm the original hypothesis, showing that the use of inaccurate consumption profiles for loads leads to an inaccurate estimation of some power quality indicators. In addition, the results highlight the difficulty of approximating the actual consumption profiles of electrical loads so that this approximation does not affect the correctness of the estimation of phase imbalance and voltage quality indicators.
A Graphical Design Methodology Based on Ideal Gyrator and Transformer for Compensation Topology with Load-Independent Output in Inductive Power Transfer System
Authors: Su Qian , Liu Xin , Li Yan , Wang Xiaosong , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Yu
Published: March 2021

Compensation is crucial in the inductive power transfer system to achieve load-independent constant voltage or constant current output, near-zero reactive power, higher design freedom, and zero-voltage switching of the driver circuit. This article proposes a simple, comprehensive, and innovative graphic design methodology for compensation topology to realize load-independent output at zero-phase-angle frequencies. Four types of graphical models of the loosely coupled transformer that utilize the ideal transformer and gyrator are presented. The combination of four types of models with the source-side/load-side conversion model can realize the load-independent output from the source to load. Instead of previous design methods of solving the equations derived from the circuits, the load-independent frequency, zero-phase angle (ZPA) conditions, and source-to-load voltage/current gain of the compensation topology can be intuitively obtained using the circuit model given in this paper. In addition, not limited to only research of the existing compensation topology, based on the design methodology in this paper, 12 novel compensation topologies that are free from the constraints of transformer parameters and independent of load variations are stated and verified by simulations. In addition, a novel prototype of primary-series inductor–capacitance–capacitance (S/LCC) topology is constructed to demonstrate the proposed design approach. The simulation and experimental results are consistent with the theory, indicating the correctness of the design method.
Comparative Study of Hysteresis Controller, Resonant Controller and Direct Torque Control of Five-Phase IM under Open-Phase Fault Operation
Authors: A. Mossa Mahmoud , Echeikh Hamdi , Diab Ahmed A. Zaki , Haes Alhelou Hassan , Siano Pierluigi
Published: March 2021

The need for regulating the operation of unhealthy motor drives has motivated the researchers to modify the control techniques in order to be valid for the new drive state. The use of a fault-tolerant facility is an attractive feature of multiphase machines; therefore, the applicability of different controllers has been established for the operation under open-phase fault conditions. The considered control algorithms were utilized to analyze the operation of the unhealthy system and evaluating the capability of the control to regulate the speed and torque under the fault condition. However, the majority of these studies considered only one control algorithm to be tested with the faulty system without comparing its performance with other techniques. The performance comparison is a vital way to visualize the features and characteristics of each algorithm. For this purpose, this paper deals with the performance comparison of the hysteresis controller, RFOC based on resonant controller and direct torque control (DTC) control under open-circuit fault conditions. A detailed comparison between the three control techniques is presented to outline the main differences between the three control procedures and identify the most appropriate technique in between.
A Diagnosis Method of Bearing and Stator Fault in Motor Using Rotating Sound Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Nakamura Hisahide , Asano Keisuke , Usuda Seiran , Mizuno Yukio
Published: March 2021

Various industrial fields use motors as key power sources, and their importance is increasing. In motor manufacturing, various tests are conducted for each motor before shipping. The no-load test is one such test, in which, for instance, the current flowing into the motor and temperature of the bearing is measured to confirm whether they are within specific values. Reducing labor, cost, and time in identifying an initially defective product requires a simple and reliable method. This study proposes a new diagnosis to identify the motor conditions based on the rotating sound of the motor in the no-load test. First, the rotating sounds of motors were measured using several healthy motors and motors with faults. Second, their sound characteristics were analyzed, and it was found that the characteristic signals appeared in a specific frequency range periodically. Then, considering these phenomena, a diagnostic method based on deep learning was proposed to judge the faults using long short-term memory (LSTM). Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified through experiments.
Cobalt Nanoparticle-Embedded Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Catalyst Derived from a Solid-State Metal-Organic Framework Complex for OER and HER Electrocatalysis
Authors: Peera Shaik Gouse , Koutavarapu Ravindranadh , Liu Chao , Rajeshkhanna Gaddam , Asokan Arunchander , Reddy Ch. Venkata
Published: March 2021

Electrochemical water splitting is considered a promising way of producing hydrogen and oxygen for various electrochemical energy devices. An efficient single, bi-functional electrocatalyst that can perform hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) is highly essential. In this work, Co@NC core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple, eco-friendly, solid-state synthesis process, using cobalt nitrate and with pyrazole as the N and C source. The morphological analysis of the resulting Co@NC nanoparticles was performed with a scanning and transmission electron microscope, which showed Co nanoparticles as the core and the pyrolysis of pyrazole organic ligand N-doped carbon derived shell structure. The unique Co@NC nanostructures had excellent redox sites for electrocatalysis, wherein the N-doped carbon shell exhibited superior electronic conductivity in the Co@NC catalyst. The resulting Co@NC nanocatalyst showed considerable HER and OER activity in an alkaline medium. The Co@NC catalyst exhibited HERs overpotentials of 243 and 170 mV at 10 mA∙cm−2 on glassy carbon and Ni foam electrodes, respectively, whereas OERs were exhibited overpotentials of 450 and 452 mV at a current density of 10 and 50 mA∙cm−2 on glassy carbon electrode and Ni foam, respectively. Moreover, the Co@NC catalyst also showed admirable durability for OERs in an alkaline medium.
Energy Saving Potential of Radiant Floor Heating Assisted by an Air Source Heat Pump in Residential Buildings
Authors: Hwang Yu-Jin , Jeong Jae-Weon
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research is to establish an appropriate operating strategy for a radiant floor heating system that additionally has an air source heat pump for providing convective air heating separately, leading to heating energy saving and thermal comfort in residential buildings. To determine the appropriate optimal operating ratio of each system taking charge of combined heating systems, the energy consumption of the entire system was drawn, and the adaptive floor surface temperature was reviewed based on international standards and literature on thermal comfort. For processing heating loads with radiant floor heating and air source heating systems, the heating capacity of radiant floor heating by 1 °C variation in floor temperature was calculated, and the remaining heating load was handled by the heating capacity of the convective air heating heat pump. Consequently, when the floor temperature was 25 °C, all heating loads were removed by radiant floor heating only. When handling all heating loads with the heat pump, 59.2% less energy was used compared with radiant floor heating only. Considering the local discomfort of the soles of the feet, the floor temperature is expected to be suitable at 22–23 °C, and 31.5–37.6% energy saving compared with those of radiant floor heating alone were confirmed.
Finite Set Model Predictive Control of a Dual-Motor Torque Synchronization System Fed by an Indirect Matrix Converter
Authors: Li Shujing , Wang Zewen , Yan Yan , Shi Tingna
Published: March 2021

In the dual-motor torque synchronization system fed by an indirect matrix converter (IMC), a finite set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy based on a standard quadratic cost function was proposed to solve the open-loop problem of the torque synchronization error in a traditional closed-loop control strategy. Through the unified modeling of a dual-motor system, the torque synchronization error as a new state variable was involved in the switching state selection of the inverter stages, and the space vector modulation method was still used in the rectifier stage. At the same time, based on the unified prediction model, the auxiliary diagonal matrix was constructed, and the weight coefficients were solved offline by using the Lyapunov stability theory to ensure the convergence of each error term in the continuous control period. The proposed FCS-MPC strategy not only solves the problem of weight coefficient setting, but also makes it possible for a multi-motor synchronization system to expand the number of motors. The simulation and experimental results verified the effectiveness and feasibility of the control strategy. In addition, the proposed FCS-MPC strategy can ensure good torque tracking performance and synchronization performance of each motor.
Discrete Terminal Super-Twisting Current Control of a Six-Phase Induction Motor
Authors: Kali Yassine , Saad Maarouf , Doval-Gandoy Jesus , Rodas Jorge
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, the high-accuracy stator currents tracking issue is considered for a six-phase induction motor subject to external perturbations and uncertainties due to unmeasurable rotor currents and electrical parameter variations. To achieve the control goals, the common two-cascade controllers structure is required for this type of motor. The first controller in the outer loop consists of a proportional integral to regulate the speed. Then, the second is the proposed inner nonlinear stator currents controller based on a robust discrete-time terminal super-twisting algorithm supported by the time-delay estimation method. For the design procedure, the discrete-time stator currents dynamics are derived; for example, the vector of the matched perturbations and unmeasurable rotor currents are specified to simplify the estimation. A detailed stability analysis of the closed-loop error dynamics using Lyapunov theory is given. Finally, a real asymmetrical six-phase induction motor is used to implement in real-time the developed method and to illustrate its effectiveness and robustness. The results obtained reveal a satisfactory stator currents tracking in steady state and transient conditions and under variation in the magnetizing inductance. Moreover, a comparative study with an existing method in steady state for two different rotor speeds is presented to show the superiority of the proposed discrete-time technique.
Experimental Studies of Droplet Formation Process and Length for Liquid–Liquid Two-Phase Flows in a Microchannel
Authors: Lei Li , Zhao Yuting , Chen Wukai , Li Huiling , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Jingzhi
Published: March 2021

In this study, changes in the droplet formation mechanism and the law of droplet length in a two-phase liquid–liquid system in 400 × 400 μm standard T-junction microchannels were experimentally studied using a high-speed camera. The study investigated the effects of various dispersed phase viscosities, various continuous phase viscosities, and two-phase flow parameters on droplet length. Two basic flow patterns were observed: slug flow dominated by the squeezing mechanism, and droplet flow dominated by the shear mechanism. The dispersed phase viscosity had almost no effect on droplet length. However, the droplet length decreased with increasing continuous phase viscosity, increasing volume flow rate in the continuous phase, and the continuous-phase capillary number Cac. Droplet length also increased with increasing volume flow rate in the dispersed phase and with the volume flow rate ratio. Based on the droplet formation mechanism, a scaling law governing slug and droplet length was proposed and achieved a good fit with experimental data.
Multi-Year Monitoring of Ecosystem Metabolism in Two Branches of a Cold-Water Stream
Authors: Hornbach Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

Climate change is likely to have large impacts on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem function, especially in cold-water streams. Ecosystem metabolism is affected by water temperature and discharge, both of which are expected to be affected by climate change and, thus, require long-term monitoring to assess alterations in stream function. This study examined ecosystem metabolism in two branches of a trout stream in Minnesota, USA over 3 years. One branch was warmer, allowing the examination of elevated temperature on metabolism. Dissolved oxygen levels were assessed every 10 min from spring through fall in 2017–2019. Gross primary production (GPP) was higher in the colder branch in all years. GPP in both branches was highest before leaf-out in the spring. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was greater in the warmer stream in two of three years. Both streams were heterotrophic in all years (net ecosystem production—NEP < 0). There were significant effects of temperature and light on GPP, ER, and NEP. Stream discharge had a significant impact on all GPP, ER, and NEP in the colder stream, but only on ER and NEP in the warmer stream. This study indicated that the impacts of temperature, light, and discharge differ among years, and, at least at the local scale, may not follow expected patterns.
Copy Number Variations of Glycoside Hydrolase 45 Genes in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Their Impact on the Pathogenesis of Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Ding Xiaolei , Wang Qingtong , Guo Yunfei , Li Yulong , Lin Sixi , Zeng Qingwei , Sun Feijian , Li De-Wei , Ye Jianren
Published: March 2021

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus parasitizes millions of pine trees worldwide each year, causing severe wilt and the death of host trees. Glycoside hydrolase 45 genes of B. xylophilus are reported to have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer from fungi and are responsible for cell wall degradation during nematode infection. Previous studies ignored the possibility of copy number variations of such genes. In this study, we determined that two of the glycoside hydrolase 45 genes evolved to maintain multiple copies with distinct expression levels, enabling the nematode to infect a variety of pine hosts. Additionally, tandem repeat variations within coding regions were also detected between different copies of glycoside hydrolase 45 genes that could result in changes in protein sequences and serve as an effective biological marker to detect copy number variations among different B. xylophilus populations. Consequently, we were able to further identify the copy number variations of glycoside hydrolase 45 genes among B. xylophilus strains with different virulence. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenicity of B. xylophilus, provide a practical marker to genotype copy number variations and may aid in population classification.
An Optimized Method for 3D Magnetic Navigation of Nanoparticles inside Human Arteries
Authors: Karvelas Evangelos , Liosis Christos , Theodorakakos Andreas , Sarris Ioannis , Karakasidis Theodoros
Published: March 2021

A computational method for optimum magnetic navigation of nanoparticles that are coated with anticancer drug inside the human vascular system is presented in this study. For this reason a 3D carotid model is employed. The present model use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) techniques along with Covariance Matrix Adaptation (CMA) evolution strategy for the evaluation of the optimal values of the gradient magnetic field. Under the influence of the blood flow the model evaluates the effect of different values of the gradient magnetic field in order to minimize the distance of particles from a pre-described desired trajectory. Results indicate that the diameter of particles is a crucial parameter for an effective magnetic navigation. The present numerical model can navigate nanoparticles with diameter above 500 nm with an efficiency of approximately 99%. It is found that the velocity of the blood seems to play insignificant role in the navigation process. A reduction of 25% in the inlet velocity leads the particles only 3% closer to the desired trajectory. Finally, the computational method is more efficient as the diameter of the vascular system is minimized because of the weak convective flow. Under a reduction of 50% in the diameter of the carotid artery the computational method navigate the particles approximately 75% closer to the desired trajectory. The present numerical model can be used as a tool for the determination of the parameters that mostly affect the magnetic navigation method.
Physics and Modeling of Various Hazardous Landslides
Authors: Elíasson Jόnas , Sæmundsson Þorsteinn
Published: March 2021

In 2014, the Varnes classification system for landslides was updated. Complex landslides can still be a problem to classify as the classification does not include the flow type in the hydrodynamical sense. Three examples of Icelandic landslides are presented and later used as case studies in order to demonstrate the methods suggested to analyze the flow. The methods are based on the different physical properties of the flow types of the slides. Three different flow types are presented, named type (i), (ii), and (iii). Types (i) and (ii) do not include turbulent flows and their flow paths are sometimes independent of the velocity. Type (iii) include high velocity flows; they are treated with the translator wave theory, where a new type of a slope factor is used. It allows the slide to stop when the slope has flattened out to the value that corresponds to the stable slope property of the flowing material. The type studies are for a fast slide of this type, also a large slip circle slide that turns into a fast-flowing slide farther down the path and finally a large slide running so fast that it can run for a kilometer on flat land where it stops with a steep front.
Immunotherapy with Antibodies in Multiple Myeloma: Monoclonals, Bispecifics, and Immunoconjugates
Authors: Verkleij Christie P. M. , Bruins Wassilis S. C. , Zweegman Sonja , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: March 2021

In the 2010s, immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma. CD38-targeting antibodies were initially applied as monotherapy in end-stage patients, but are now also approved by EMA/FDA in combination with standards-of-care in newly diagnosed disease or in patients with early relapse. The approved SLAMF7-targeting antibody can also be successfully combined with lenalidomide or pomalidomide in relapsed/refractory myeloma. Although this has resulted in improved clinical outcomes, there remains a high unmet need in patients who become refractory to immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and CD38-targeting antibodies. Several new antibody formats, such as antibody–drug conjugates (e.g., belantamab mafodotin, which was approved in 2020 and targets BCMA) and T cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (e.g., teclistamab, talquetamab, cevostamab, AMG-420, and CC-93269) are active in these triple-class refractory patients. Based on their promising efficacy, it is expected that these new antibody formats will also be combined with other agents in earlier disease settings.
Seed Germination and Storage of the Endangered Species Manglietia crassipes Y. W. Law (Magnoliaceae)
Authors: Wang Ai-Hua , Yu Xiao-Ling , Liu Yan-Yan , Chen Shu-Gang , Wang Fa-Guo
Published: March 2021

Manglietia crassipes, a critically endangered species narrowly distributed on Mount Dayao in Guangxi, China, is also a species of ornamental interest whose variability has not been explored. Key factors leading to its endangerment have also not been studied. Here, two experiments were conducted to test the effects of different plant growth regulators and different storage conditions on germination characteristics of M. crassipes seeds. Fruit morphology was measured, and germination characteristics of fresh mature seeds were tested in order to assess natural seed vigor. Seeds were soaked in distilled water (control), or gibberellic acid (GA3), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) or indoleacetic acid (IAA) solutions of different concentrations, for 48 h to determine their effects on seed germination. In addition, the effects of different seed storage conditions (constant 4 °C, −7 °C, −20 °C, or 25 °C for 100 days, wet stratification at 4 °C for 100 days) on seed germination were investigated. Results showed that the abortive rate of the mature fruits was high (28.9%) and fresh natural seeds had a low germination rate (G) and germination index (GI). Seed germination was inhibited with 6-BA at all concentrations, but only at less than 100 m·L−1 IAA; otherwise, IAA slightly promoted seed germination. GA3 broke seed dormancy and significantly accelerated seed germination by improving G, GI and initial germination time (IGT), especially over 2500 mg·L−1. The viability of seeds declined no matter how they were stored. However, 4 °C wet stratification storage was preferable for seed vigor and germination power. Our results suggest that the high abortive rate of fruits, low germination of the natural seed, seed dormancy and its intolerance to storage, contributed to the endangerment of M. crassipes. GA3 can break M. crassipes seed dormancy, which can be a benefit for future ornamental breeding and further protection or conservation.
Deranged Coagulation Profile Secondary to Cefazolin Use: Case Report
Authors: Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Liong Tze Sian , Tham Sai Meng , Pramotedham Thanawin , AlAgha Rawan , Yong Joy , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Lum Lionel Hon Wai
Published: March 2021

Cefazolin is a widely used first-generation cephalosporin. While generally well tolerated, several case reports have described severe coagulopathy induced by intravenous (IV) cefazolin. This was seen particularly in patients with impaired renal function, where antibiotic choice is limited and may require specific dose adjustments. Altered renal handling of antibiotics and their metabolites may potentiate toxicity and side effects. We report a case of a 72-year-old Chinese man who had been treated for methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, coagulase-positive) infective endocarditis with cefazolin and, consequently, developed significantly elevated international normalised ratio (INR) while on therapy. This resolved within 48 h after cessation of cefazolin and administration of oral vitamin K. Malnourished patients with pre-existing or acute kidney injury may be at an increased risk of cefazolin-related coagulopathy.
Is It Possible to Educate, Intervene or “Cure” Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Content Analysis of YouTube Videos
Authors: Lacruz-Pérez Irene , Sanz-Cervera Pilar , Pastor-Cerezuela Gemma , Gómez-Marí Irene , Tárraga-Mínguez Raúl
Published: March 2021

YouTube is one of the most well-known and widely accessed websites worldwide, thus having a powerful pedagogical potential. Nonetheless, the quality and the veracity of some YouTube videos are questionable. Doubts regarding the trustworthiness of factual content is a controversial factor that needs to be taken into account, especially when addressing public health issues. For this reason, the main objective of this work is to analyze the content of the most viewed videos in Spanish on YouTube related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To carry out this research, the terms “autism AND education”, “autism AND intervention”, and “autism AND cure” were used (in Spanish). The analysis of these searches results indicated that videos included in the “cure” category are shorter, and less valued by internet users, obtaining the lowest ratings on the “Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool” for audiovisual materials (PEMAT-A/V), in addition to present therapies that are in fact more harmful than videos in other categories. In general, videos containing recommendations for therapies that are harmful are the ones that have received most views, along with the videos that include alternative non-harmful therapies. Practical implications of these findings and recommendations for further research are discussed.
Fecal Indicator Bacteria Data to Characterize Drinking Water Quality in Low-Resource Settings: Summary of Current Practices and Recommendations for Improving Validity
Authors: Sikder Mustafa , Naumova Elena N. , Ogudipe Anthonia O. , Gomez Mateo , Lantagne Daniele
Published: March 2021

Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) values are widely used to assess microbial contamination in drinking water and to advance the modeling of infectious disease risks. The membrane filtration (MF) testing technique for FIB is widely adapted for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a systematic literature review on the use of MF-based FIB data in LMICs and summarized statistical methods from 172 articles. We then applied the commonly used statistical methods from the review on publicly available datasets to illustrate how data analysis methods affect FIB results and interpretation. Our findings indicate that standard methods for processing samples are not widely reported, the selection of statistical tests is rarely justified, and, depending on the application, statistical methods can change risk perception and present misleading results. These results raise concerns about the validity of FIB data collection, analysis, and presentation in LMICs. To improve evidence quality, we propose a FIB data reporting checklist to use as a reminder for researchers and practitioners.
BST204 Protects Dexamethasone-Induced Myotube Atrophy through the Upregulation of Myotube Formation and Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Kim Ryuni , Kim Hyebeen , Im Minju , Park Sun Kyu , Han Hae Jung , An Subin , Kang Jong-Sun , Lee Sang-Jin , Bae Gyu-Un
Published: March 2021

BST204 is a purified ginseng dry extract that has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses, but its effect on muscle atrophy is yet to be investigated. In this study, C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate for three days followed by the treatment of dexamethasone (DEX), a corticosteroid drug, with vehicle or BST204 for one day and subjected to immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR and biochemical analysis for mitochondrial function. BST204 alleviates the myotube atrophic effect mediated by DEX via the activation of protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling. Through this pathway, BST204 suppresses the expression of muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases contributing to the enhanced myotube formation and enlarged myotube diameter in DEX-treated myotubes. In addition, BST204 treatment significantly decreases the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in DEX-treated myotubes. Furthermore, BST204 improves mitochondrial function by upregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) in DEX-induced myotube atrophy. This study provides a mechanistic insight into the effect of BST204 on DEX-induced myotube atrophy, suggesting that BST204 has protective effects against the toxicity of a corticosteroid drug in muscle and promising potential as a nutraceutical remedy for the treatment of muscle weakness and atrophy.
Bicycle Rider Behavior and Crash Involvement in Australia
Authors: O’Hern Steve , Estgfaeller Nora , Stephens Amanda , Useche Sergio
Published: March 2021

This research investigated how behaviours and attitudes of bicycle riders influence crash frequency and severity. The study recruited 1102 Australian bicycle riders for an online survey. The survey comprised questions on demographics, frequency of riding and the number and severity of traffic crashes during the last five years. The survey included the Cycling Behaviour Questionnaire and the Cyclist Risk Perception and Regulation Scale. Overall, there were low levels of errors and violations reported by participants indicating that these behaviours were on average never or rarely exhibited while riding a bicycle. Conversely, participants reported high levels of engagement in positive behaviours and reported high levels of traffic rule knowledge and risk perception. Higher rates of violations and errors were associated with increased crash likelihood, while higher rates of positive behaviours were associated with reduced rates of crash involvement in a period of 5 years. The findings highlight the relationship between errors, total crashes and crash severity Further promotion of positive behaviours amongst riders may also help to reduce the risk of crashes.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Rural Settlements in Low Hilly Region—A Case Study of 17 Cities in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Tan Shukui , Zhang Maomao , Wang Ao , Ni Qianlin
Published: March 2021

With the rapid development of the social economy, factors of social and economic development in China’s rural areas have been continuously reorganized, and the pattern and distribution of rural residential areas have undergone significant changes. In rural areas, there have been many peculiar phenomena of “reducing people but not reducing land in rural areas, which has caused tremendous pressure on land resource protection. We used geographic detectors and a geographically temporally weighted regression model (GTWR) to explore the rural settlements’ evolution and driving mechanism in Hubei Province from 1990 to 2015. The results show that the kernel density of rural settlements decreased from 1.62 villages/km2 in 1990 to 1.60 villages/km2 in 2015. The scale of rural residential patches has obvious regional differentiation characteristics. From southeast to northwest, there is a wave-like distribution structure of “high-low-high-low-high”, and the clustering characteristics of “cold and hot spots” are strengthened with time. Based on GTWR analysis, the total rural population, total power of agricultural machinery, and rural electricity consumption have promoted the expansion of rural settlements, with the regression coefficients 0.096, 0.484, and 0.878, respectively. Cultivated land, agricultural output value, and rural labor force have negative impacts on the expansion, the regression coefficients of the village were −0.584, −0.510, and −0.109, respectively.
Drug Injection-Related and Sexual Behavior Changes in Drug Injecting Networks after the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP): A Social Network-Based Study in Athens, Greece
Authors: Giallouros George , Pantavou Katerina , Pampaka Despina , Pavlitina Eirini , Piovani Daniele , Bonovas Stefanos , Nikolopoulos Georgios K.
Published: March 2021

The Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) was a network-based, enhanced contact tracing approach, targeting recently HIV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens, Greece (2013–2015). This analysis examines behavioral changes of participants in TRIP and their determinants between baseline and follow-up visits to the program. All participants of TRIP were tested for HIV and interviewed using a questionnaire with items on drug injection-related and sexual behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine potential relationships between participants’ behaviors and sociodemographic or other characteristics. The analysis included 292 participants. At follow-up, the percentage of participants who injected drugs decreased [92.5%, n = 270 versus 72.3%, n = 211 (p < 0.001)], and more participants adopted safer behaviors. Employment, age, and gender were significantly associated with some behavioral changes. For instance, unemployed participants were half as likely as the employed to stop drug injection [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.475, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.228, 0.988]. Increasing age was associated with lower probability of sharing syringes at follow-up (aOR: 0.936, 95%CI: 0.887, 0.988). Finally, females were less likely than males to improve their behavior related to sharing cookers, filters, or rinse water (aOR: 0.273, 95% CI: 0.100, 0.745). In conclusion, adoption of safer behaviors was observed following TRIP implementation. Future prevention programs should focus on younger PWID and especially females. Social efforts to support employment of PWID are also important.
From Recession to Depression? Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, Traumatic Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: A Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pappa Sofia , Athanasiou Nikolaos , Sakkas Nikolaos , Patrinos Stavros , Sakka Elpitha , Barmparessou Zafeiria , Tsikrika Stamatoula , Adraktas Andreas , Pataka Athanasia , Migdalis Ilias , Gida Sofia , Katsaounou Paraskevi
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to adversely affect the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs). The public healthcare system in Greece was already facing serious challenges at the outset of the outbreak following years of austerity and an escalating refugee crisis. This multi-center, cross-sectional study aims to assess the levels and associated risk factors of anxiety, depression, traumatic stress and burnout of frontline staff in Greece. A total of 464 self-selected HCWs in six reference hospitals completed a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and work-related information and validated psychometric scales. The proportion of HCWs with symptoms of moderate/severe depression, anxiety and traumatic stress were 30%, 25% and 33%, respectively. Burnout levels were particularly high with 65% of respondents scoring moderate/severe in emotional exhaustion, 92% severe in depersonalization and 51% low/moderate in personal accomplishment. Predictive factors of adverse psychological outcomes included fear, perceived stress, risk of infection, lack of protective equipment and low social support. The psychological burden associated with COVID-19 in healthcare professionals in Greece is considerable, with more than half experiencing at least mild mental health difficulties. Findings signal the need for immediate organizational and individually tailored interventions to enhance resilience and support wellbeing under pandemic conditions.
Epidemiology of Obesity and Hypertension in School Adolescents Aged 15–17 from the Region of Central Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wieniawski Piotr , Werner Bożena
Published: March 2021

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of abnormal weight and anthropometric parameters along with abnormal blood pressure values in adolescents in Poland. Anthropometric measurements were taken in the studied age group and the correlation between these values and blood pressure values and the diagnosis of hypertension was analyzed. The main aim of the study was to characterize the particular age group in the selected population: 690 students aged 15–17 years were examined. Blood pressure and anthropometric values including height, weight, circumferences of the hips, abdomen and arms, as well as skinfolds on the back of the arm, below the scapula and the stomach, were taken. The following indexes were calculated: WHR (waist to hip ratio), WHtR (waist to height ratio), BAI (body adiposity index-hip to height ratio) and BMI (body mass index). Mean SBP (systolic blood pressure) was 112.3 (standard deviation (SD) 12.2) mmHg, and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) was 66.9 (SD 6.9) mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension in the studied group was 5.8% (3.2% boys, 2.6% girls) and prehypertension was present in 4.4% (1.6% boys, 2.8% girls). The prevalence of excess body weight was 23.6%-obesity 11.3% (40 girls, 27 boys) and overweight 12.3% (50 girls, 34 boys). Correlations between BMI and waist, hip and arm circumference, subscapular and abdominal skinfold thickness, WHtR and BAI were r = 0.86, r = 0.84, r = 0.88, r = 0.81, r = 0.75, r = 0.88 and r = 0.81, respectively (p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) of SBP and DBP values, depending on weight category, as defined by BMI, were observed. Abnormal blood pressure values occur in one tenth and abnormal body weight in almost a quarter of the studied population. Obese and overweight children have higher SBP and DBP values compared to children with normal body weight.
The Influence of Parental Knowledge and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction on Peer Victimization and Internet Gaming Disorder among Chinese Adolescents: A Mediated Moderation Model
Authors: Liang Qiao , Yu Chengfu , Xing Qiang , Liu Qingqi , Chen Pei
Published: March 2021

Ample evidence indicates that peer victimization is a crucial risk factor for adolescent internet gaming disorder (IGD); however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. Based on the risk-buffering model and self-determination theory, this study tested whether parental knowledge moderated the relationship between peer victimization and adolescent IGD and whether this moderating effect was mediated by basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS). A sample of 3080 adolescents (Meanage = 14.51; SD = 1.97) anonymously responded to a set of questionnaires. The results revealed that the positive association between peer victimization and adolescent IGD was stronger among adolescents with parents who had low-level parental knowledge than for those with high-level parental knowledge. Moreover, this moderating effect was mediated by BPNS. These findings highlight that parental knowledge is an important protective factor against IGD for adolescents who experience peer victimization and BPNS is one mechanism that explains how this effect works.
Cumulative Environmental Vulnerability Assessment in the Area of Influence of the Pecém Port Industrial Complex (Ceará, Brazil): A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Santos-Junior Norberto , Braga Jose Ueleres , Maciel Elvira Maria Godinho de Seixas
Published: March 2021

The municipalities of Caucaia and São Gonçalo do Amarante are located in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza (CE) and are home to the Pecém Port Industrial Complex (PPIC). We know that economic development is not necessarily related to improvements in the quality of life of the population. Furthermore, the bonuses and burdens of this particular installation can occur unevenly. This study aimed to assess the cumulative environmental vulnerability of these municipalities. We used the cumulative environmental vulnerability assessment methodology to assess the population’s degree of vulnerability, considering census sectors as a spatial unit. This approach combines three indices: environmental risk index, social vulnerability index, and health index. Finally, we calculated the arithmetic mean of each indicator in each census sector. We built choropleth maps to assess the spatial distribution of environmental vulnerability. We found that many maps demonstrated high cumulative environmental vulnerability census sectors around the PPIC, while the Caucaia, located downtown, exhibited a substantial majority of the low cumulative environmental vulnerability census sectors. The district of Guararu, in Caucaia, was notable for having proportionally more census sectors with high health index values. Environmental vulnerability was heterogeneously distributed, and the most impoverished areas are also the most vulnerable.
Indigenous Mapping for Integrating Traditional Knowledge to Enhance Community-Based Vegetation Management and Conservation: The Kumeyaay Basket Weavers of San José de la Zorra, México
Authors: Andrade-Sánchez Jorge , Eaton-Gonzalez Ricardo , Leyva-Aguilera Claudia , Wilken-Robertson Michael
Published: March 2021

Kumeyaay people were historically hunter-gatherers with a strong relationship with their natural resources. Due to various processes, such as missionary colonization, agrarian reform, and the definition of the border between the USA and Mexico in 1838, the Indigenous populations faced reduced mobility within their territory and modified their lifestyles, highly related to landscape and plants. One of their strong traditional practices associated with plant resources, basket-making, has likewise changed. Today, this activity is one of the most important sources of income for many of the families in the community. Nevertheless, this is being now threatened by the loss of vegetation cover, from which they obtain primary basket-making material and is now far from being environmentally and economically sustainable. An interdisciplinary group is addressing this problem from a multidisciplinary perspective and through a participatory methodological approach based on community mapping to enable the integration of local and scientific knowledge and to create vegetation management and conservation actions. Community-based Indigenous mapping has proven to be a powerful tool for the integration of traditional knowledge and its various dimensions, and knowledge integration between traditional and scientific knowledge has been successful. The project allowed for plant population analysis and adequate decision-making regarding natural resources management and conservation. The methods developed in this research represent significant progress in the development of internal capacities and empowerment of the community.
Public Responses to Air Pollution in Shandong Province Using the Online Complaint Data
Authors: Sun Yong , Ji Min , Jin Fengxiang , Wang Huimeng
Published: March 2021

As air users, the public is also participants in air pollution control and important evaluators of environmental protection. Therefore, understanding the public perception and response to air pollution is an essential part of improving air governance. This study proposed an analytical framework for public response to air pollution based on online complaint data and sentiment analysis. In the proposed framework, the emotional dictionary of air pollution was firstly constructed using microblog data and complaint data. Secondly, the emotional dictionary of air pollution and the sentiment analysis method were used to calculate public complaints’ emotional intensity. Besides, the spatial and temporal characteristics of air pollution complaint data and public emotional intensity, the complaints content, and their correlation with PM2.5 (particulate matters smaller than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 were analyzed using address matching, spatial analysis, and word cloud analysis. Finally, the proposed framework was applied to 13,469 air pollution complaint data in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2018. The obtained results indicated that: the public was mainly complaining about the exhaust gas emissions from enterprises and factories. Spatially, the geographical center of complaint data was located in the inland industrial urban agglomeration of Shandong Province. Correlatively, air pollution complaints’ negative emotional intensity was significantly negatively correlated with PM2.5 (−0.73). Moreover, the number of public complaints about air pollution and the intensity of negative emotions also decreased with improved air quality in Shandong Province in recent years.
ADAM10 Plasma and CSF Levels Are Increased in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pereira Vatanabe Izabela , Peron Rafaela , Mantellatto Grigoli Marina , Pelucchi Silvia , De Cesare Giulia , Magalhães Thamires , Manzine Patricia Regina , Figueredo Balthazar Marcio Luiz , Di Luca Monica , Marcello Elena , Cominetti Marcia Regina
Published: March 2021

ADAM10 is the main α-secretase that participates in the non-amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in neurons, inhibiting the production of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Strong recent evidence indicates the importance of the localization of ADAM10 for its activity as a protease. In this study, we investigated ADAM10 activity in plasma and CSF samples of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild AD compared with cognitively healthy controls. Our results indicated that plasma levels of soluble ADAM10 were significantly increased in the mild AD group, and that in these samples the protease was inactive, as determined by activity assays. The same results were observed in CSF samples, indicating that the increased plasma ADAM10 levels reflect the levels found in the central nervous system. In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, ADAM10 achieves its major protease activity in the fraction obtained from plasma membrane lysis, where the mature form of the enzyme is detected, confirming the importance of ADAM10 localization for its activity. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of plasma ADAM10 to act as a biomarker for AD, highlighting its advantages as a less invasive, easier, faster, and lower-cost processing procedure, compared to existing biomarkers.
Capsid and Genome Modification Strategies to Reduce the Immunogenicity of Adenoviral Vectors
Authors: Kreppel Florian , Hagedorn Claudia
Published: March 2021

Adenovirus-based gene transfer vectors are the most frequently used vector type in gene therapy clinical trials to date, and they play an important role as genetic vaccine candidates during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Immediately upon delivery, adenovirus-based vectors exhibit multiple complex vector-host interactions and induce innate and adaptive immune responses. This can severely limit their safety and efficacy, particularly after delivery through the blood stream. In this review article we summarize two strategies to modulate Ad vector-induced immune responses: extensive genomic and chemical capsid modifications. Both strategies have shown beneficial effects in a number of preclinical studies while potential synergistic effects warrant further investigations.