bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Study and Potential Limitations of Proton-ELISA Platform for α-Synuclein Antigen Detection
Authors: Yang Chia-Ming , Chang Jia-Yuan , Chen Min-Yi , Lai Chao-Sung
Published: December 2021

To evaluate point-of-care testing (POCT) for the potential early detection of biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease, a systematic investigation of portable and low-cost platforms is performed based on the Proton-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Proton-ELISA) methodology. The detection of the α-synuclein antigen was first presented by biotin-relative linkers, and glucose substrate solution was first performed with a systematic experimental design to optimize the sensing results. All materials in this study are commercially available. Three different experiments with the partitional check were performed to investigate the Proton-ELISA platform, including proton catalyzed efficiency, blocking efficiency, and full Proton-ELISA procedure. The response time was selected as 15 min by the time-dependent curves of a full reaction. The limit of detection of conventional ELISA kits is 0.169 ng/mL, which is much lower than the Proton-ELISA results. The final response of the full Proton-ELISA procedure to pH changes was approximately 0.60 and 0.12 for α-synuclein antigen concentrations of 100 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL, respectively. With the partitional check, pH changes of pure glucose substrate and conjugated oxidase and interference of the nonspecific binding are 1.7 and 0.04, respectively. The lower pH changes far from the partitional check results can be concluded for the properties of glucose oxidase conjugation, including the isoelectric point and binding affinity modification by the testing environment. This preliminary guideline can be used as a lesson learnt to speed up following studies of the evaluation and optimization of other antigen detection. Therefore, Proton-ELISA can be suggested for some special applications with the help of custom-designed conjugation in the environment with less degradation or interference and a proper detection concentration range.
Markerless Dog Pose Recognition in the Wild Using ResNet Deep Learning Model
Authors: Raman Srinivasan , Maskeliūnas Rytis , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: December 2021

The analysis and perception of behavior has usually been a crucial task for researchers. The goal of this paper is to address the problem of recognition of animal poses, which has numerous applications in zoology, ecology, biology, and entertainment. We propose a methodology to recognize dog poses. The methodology includes the extraction of frames for labeling from videos and deep convolutional neural network (CNN) training for pose recognition. We employ a semi-supervised deep learning model of reinforcement. During training, we used a combination of restricted labeled data and a large amount of unlabeled data. Sequential CNN is also used for feature localization and to find the canine’s motions and posture for spatio-temporal analysis. To detect the canine’s features, we employ image frames to locate the annotations and estimate the dog posture. As a result of this process, we avoid starting from scratch with the feature model and reduce the need for a large dataset. We present the results of experiments on a dataset of more than 5000 images of dogs in different poses. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for images of canine animals in various poses and behavior. The methodology implemented as a mobile app that can be used for animal tracking.
Study of Phase Formation Processes in Li2ZrO3 Ceramics Obtained by Mechanochemical Synthesis
Authors: Zdorovets Maxim V. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Abyshev Baurzhan , Yensepbayev Talgat A. , Uzbekgaliyev Rizahan U. , Shlimas Dmitriy I.
Published: December 2021

The article is dedicated to the study of the phase formation processes in Li2ZrO3 ceramics obtained by the method of solid phase synthesis. Interest in these types of ceramics is due to their great potential for use as blanket materials in thermonuclear reactors, as well as being one of the candidates for tritium breeder materials. Analysis of the morphological features of the synthesized ceramics depending on the annealing temperature showed that the average grain size is 90–110 nm; meanwhile the degree of homogeneity is more than 90% according to electronic image data processing results. The temperature dependences of changes in the structural and conducting characteristics, as well as the phase transformation dynamics, have been established. It has been determined that a change in the phase composition by displacing the impurity LiO and ZrO2 phases results in the compaction of ceramics, as well as a decrease in their porosity. These structural changes are due to the displacement of LiO and ZrO2 impurity phases from the ceramic structure and their transformation into the Li2ZrO3 phase. During research, the following phase transformations that directly depend on the annealing temperature were established: LiO/ZrO2/Li2ZrO3 → LiO/Li2ZrO3 → Li2ZrO3. During analysis of the obtained current-voltage characteristics, depending on the annealing temperature, it was discovered that the formation of the Li2ZrO3 ordered phase in the structure results in a rise in resistance by three orders of magnitude, which indicates the dielectric nature of the ceramics.
Factors Affecting Patients with Concurrent Deep Neck Infection and Acute Epiglottitis
Authors: Ho Chia-Ying , Wang Yu-Chien , Chin Shy-Chyi , Chen Shih-Lung
Published: December 2021

Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious disease of deep neck spaces that can lead to morbidities and mortality. Acute epiglottitis (AE) is a severe infection of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. However, there have been no studies of risk factors in patients with concurrent DNI and AE. This study was performed to investigate this issue. A total of 502 subjects with DNI were enrolled in the study between June 2016 and August 2021. Among these patients, 30 had concurrent DNI and AE. The relevant clinical variables were assessed. In a univariate analysis, involvement of the parapharyngeal space (OR = 21.50, 95% CI: 2.905–158.7, p < 0.001) and involvement of the submandibular space (OR = 2.064, 95% CI: 0.961–4.434, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for concurrent DNI and AE. In a multivariate analysis, involvement of the parapharyngeal space (OR = 23.69, 95% CI: 3.187–175.4, p = 0.002) and involvement of the submandibular space (OR = 2.465, 95% CI: 1.131–5.375, p < 0.023) were independent risk factors for patients with concurrent DNI and AE. There were no differences in pathogens, therapeutic managements (tracheostomy, intubation, surgical drainage), or hospital staying period between the 30 patients with concurrent DNI and AE and the 472 patients with DNI alone (all p > 0.05). However, we believe it is significant that DNI and AE are concurrent because both DNI and AE potentially cause airway obstruction, and concurrence of these two diseases make airway protection more difficult. The infections in critical spaces may cause the coincidence of these two diseases. Involvement of the parapharyngeal space and involvement of the submandibular space were independent risk factors associated with concurrent DNI and AE. There were no differences in pathogens between the concurrent DNI and AE group and the DNI alone group.
Reply to Orsi, M.; Somigliana, E. Incarceration of the Gravid Uterus: Proposal for a Shared Definition. Comment on “Tachibana et al. Incarcerated Gravid Uterus: Spontaneous Resolution Is Not Rare. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1544”
Authors: Tachibana Daisuke , Misugi Takuya , Kitada Kohei , Kurihara Yasushi , Tahara Mie , Hamuro Akihiro , Nakano Akemi , Yamamoto Akira , Koyama Masayasu
Published: December 2021

We appreciate the interest in our paper, and we are grateful for the comment by Orsi et al. [...]
18F-FDG PET/CT in a Case of Urothelial Carcinoma in the Urachus Presenting as Colon Cancer
Authors: Andersen Jeannette D. , Fabrin Knud , Petersen Astrid , Zacho Helle D.
Published: December 2021

Urachal cancer arises from an embryologic remnant of the urogenital sinus and allantois and accounts for approximately 1% of bladder malignancies. The most encountered histologic subtype is adenocarcinoma. We present a 76-year-old man suspected to have an advanced sigmoid cancer infiltrating nearby organs. A supplemental 18F-FDG PET/CT showed high tracer uptake in a tumorous process coherent with the dome of the bladder wall involving the sigmoid colon. Cystoscopy revealed a normal bladder wall, except for a small edematous area in the anterior bladder. Biopsies from the sigmoid colon and transurethral resection from the bladder confirmed a urothelial carcinoma originating from the urachus.
Advanced Multiplex Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (mLAMP) Combined with Lateral Flow Detection (LFD) for Rapid Detection of Two Prevalent Malaria Species in India and Melting Curve Analysis
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Kumar Sandeep , Ahmed Md Zohaib , Bhardwaj Nitin , Singh Jaskirat , Kumari Sarita , Savargaonkar Deepali , Anvikar Anupkumar R. , Das Jyoti
Published: December 2021

Isothermal techniques with lateral flow detection have emerged as a point of care (POC) technique for malaria, a major parasitic disease in tropical countries such as India. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the two most prevalent malaria species found in the country. An advanced multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) combined with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) technique was developed for the swift and accurate detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, overcoming the challenges of the existing RDTs (rapid diagnostic tests). A single set of LAMP primers with a biotinylated backward inner primer (BIP primer) was used for DNA amplification of both malaria species in a single tube. The amplified DNA was hybridized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and digoxigenin-labelled DNA probes, having a complemented sequence for the P. falciparum and P. vivax genomes, respectively. A colour band appeared on two separate LFDs for P. falciparum and P. vivax upon running the hybridized solution over them. In total, 39 clinical samples were collected from ICMR-NIMR, New Delhi. Melting curve analysis, with cross primers for both species, was used to ascertain specificity, and the sensitivity was equated with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results were visualized on the LFD for both species within 60 min. We found 100% sensitivity and specificity, when compared with a traditional PCR. Melting curve analysis of mLAMP revealed the lowest detection limit of 0.15 pg/μL from sample genomic DNA. The mLAMP-LFD assays could be a potential point of care (POC) tool for early diagnosis in non-laboratory conditions, with the convenience of a reduced assay time and the simple interpretation of results.
Evaluation of the BioFire Gastrointestinal Panel to Detect Diarrheal Pathogens in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jo Sung Jin , Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Jung Ok , Cho Hanwool , Heo Woong , Yoo In Young , Park Yeon-Joon
Published: December 2021

Infectious diarrhea is a global pediatric health concern; therefore, rapid and accurate detection of enteropathogens is vital. We evaluated the BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel with that of comparator laboratory tests. Stool samples of pediatric patients with diarrhea were prospectively collected and tested. As a comparator method for bacteria, culture, conventional PCR for diarrheagenic E. coli, and Allplex GI-Bacteria(I) Assay were tested. For discrepancy analysis, BD MAX Enteric Bacterial Panel was used. As a comparator method for virus, BD MAX Enteric Virus Panel and immunochromatography was used and Allplex GI-Virus Assay was used for discrepancy analysis. The “true positive” was defined as culture-positive and/or positive results from more than two molecular tests. Of the 184 stool samples tested, 93 (50.5%) were true positive for 128 pathogens, and 31 (16.9%) were positive for multiple pathogens. The BioFire GI Panel detected 123 pathogens in 90 of samples. The BioFire GI Panel demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% for 12 targets and a specificity of >95% for 16 targets. The overall positive rate and multiple pathogen rate among patients in the group without underlying diseases were significantly higher than those in the group with hematologic disease (57.0% vs. 28.6% (p = 0.001) and 20.4% vs. 4.8% (p = 0.02), respectively). The BioFire GI Panel provides comprehensive results within 2 h and may be useful for the rapid identification of enteropathogens.
Unusual Surface Latent Heat Flux Variations and Their Critical Dynamics Revealed before Strong Earthquakes
Authors: Ghosh Soujan , Chowdhury Swati , Kundu Subrata , Sasmal Sudipta , Politis Dimitrios Z. , Potirakis Stelios M. , Hayakawa Masashi , Chakraborty Suman , Chakrabarti Sandip K.
Published: December 2021

We focus on the possible thermal channel of the well-known Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) mechanism to identify the behavior of thermal anomalies during and prior to strong seismic events. For this, we investigate the variation of Surface Latent Heat Flux (SLHF) as resulting from satellite observables. We demonstrate a spatio-temporal variation in the SLHF before and after a set of strong seismic events occurred in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Kumamoto, Japan, having magnitudes of 7.8, 7.3, and 7.0, respectively. Before the studied earthquake cases, significant enhancements in the SLHF were identified near the epicenters. Additionally, in order to check whether critical dynamics, as the signature of a complex phenomenon such as earthquake preparation, are reflected in the SLHF data, we performed a criticality analysis using the natural time analysis method. The approach to criticality was detected within one week before each mainshock.
Crooks Fluctuation Theorem for Single Polymer Dynamics in Time-Dependent Flows: Understanding Viscoelastic Hysteresis
Authors: Zhou Yuecheng , Latinwo Folarin , Schroeder Charles M.
Published: December 2021

Nonequilibrium work relations have fundamentally advanced our understanding of molecular processes. In recent years, fluctuation theorems have been extensively applied to understand transitions between equilibrium steady-states, commonly described by simple control parameters such as molecular extension of a protein or polymer chain stretched by an external force in a quiescent fluid. Despite recent progress, far less is understood regarding the application of fluctuation theorems to processes involving nonequilibrium steady-states such as those described by polymer stretching dynamics in nonequilibrium fluid flows. In this work, we apply the Crooks fluctuation theorem to understand the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of dilute polymer solutions in flow. We directly determine the nonequilibrium free energy for single polymer molecules in flow using a combination of single molecule experiments and Brownian dynamics simulations. We further develop a time-dependent extensional flow protocol that allows for probing viscoelastic hysteresis over a wide range of flow strengths. Using this framework, we define quantities that uniquely characterize the coil-stretch transition for polymer chains in flow. Overall, generalized fluctuation theorems provide a powerful framework to understand polymer dynamics under far-from-equilibrium conditions.
First-Order Phase Transformation at Constant Volume: A Continuous Transition?
Authors: Correa Víctor F. , Castro Facundo J.
Published: December 2021

We describe a first-order phase transition of a simple system in a process where the volume is kept constant. We show that, unlike what happens when the pressure is constant, (i) the transformation extends over a finite temperature (and pressure) range, (ii) each and every extensive potential (internal energy U, enthalpy H, Helmholtz energy F, and Gibbs energy G), and the entropy S is continuous across the transition, and (iii) the constant-volume heat capacity does not diverge during the transition and only exhibits discrete jumps. These non-intuitive results highlight the importance of controlling the correct variables in order to distinguish between continuous and discontinuous transitions. We apply our results to describe the transition between ice VI and liquid water using thermodynamic information available in the literature and also to show that a first-order phase transition driven in isochoric condition can be used as the operating principle of a mechanical actuator.
Structural and Logical Model of Transport Maritime Functioning Based on Modeling Information Technology
Authors: Logunova Natalya , Chernyi Sergei , Zinchenko Elena , Krivoguz Denis , Sokolov Sergey , Nyrkov Anatoliy
Published: December 2021

The article presents the sectoral structure of cruise (maritime) tourism and identifies the factors influencing the level of demand and supply of cruise tourism products. The sources of the influence of the cruise industry on the economic growth of the state and the welfare of its citizens are also considered. On the basis of specific features of cruise tourism functioning and the peculiarities of creating a cruise tourism product, a model of the functioning of a cruise (maritime) tourism complex has been built. Representation of the relationship of tourist needs according to the hierarchy of needs and a species classification of cruise tourism and the industries involved in its development is also given. The model of indicators and the structural components described are built in an environment of geoinformation modeling.
Behavior of Czech Teachers in the Techambition System during the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Havelková Veronika , Jančařík Antonín
Published: December 2021

In 2020, the global pandemic of COVID-19 significantly affected most human activities, including education. Many countries took anti-epidemic measures to reduce or eliminate the pandemic, which often included reduction or cancellation of full-time face-to-face school education. This, of course, went hand in hand with a number of technical, organizational, and pedagogical-didactic issues that had to be solved instantly. The presented study analyzes the behavior of more than 1000 secondary school teachers in the e-learning system named Techambition for mathematics education developed by the company with the same name. In the study, data from the spring and autumn 2020 waves of the pandemic are analyzed and presented (the period from 1 March 2020 until 18 March 2021). The main outcome of the study is a description of the basic types of approaches to teaching, based on cluster analysis of the collected data. The collected data show three basic types of teachers’ behavior during spring 2020 that were identified based on their characteristics: organized, hardworking, and seekers and three basic types of teachers’ behavior during autumn 2020: organized, seekers, and experimenters. As part of the findings, we present an interpretation of the data through the description of individual groups and monitor the changes in teachers’ behavior between the spring and the autumn 2020 period of the pandemic.
Approximate Square Root Circuits with Low Latency and Power Dissipation
Authors: Kim Duhwan , Lee Sunggu
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a series of approximate square root circuit designs with high accuracy, low latency, low area, and low power dissipation requirements. The proposed designs are constructed using an array of controlled add–subtract cell elements with both exact and approximate versions. The utility of the proposed designs are evaluated by utilizing them in an example image contrast enhancement application with demonstrably satisfactory results and large peak signal-to-noise ratios and structural similarity values. The accuracy and hardware characteristics of the proposed square root designs are also analyzed and compared with previously proposed state-of-the-art approximate square root designs. When applied to a 16-bit radicand (the number under the square root symbol), the proposed designs have the lowest error rates, normalized mean error distances, and mean relative error distances by at least 1.8x when compared to all previous methods using the same number of approximate cells. When the designs were synthesized using Synopsys Design Compiler with a 28 nm bulk CMOS process, the delay, area, power, and power-delay-product characteristics outperform all previous designs in all but a few cases. These results demonstrate that the proposed designs permit the use of a flexible range of approximate designs with varying accuracy and hardware overhead characteristics, and a suitable design can be selected based on the user design requirements.
Deep Learning Assisted Automatic Methodology for Implanted MIMO Antenna Designs on Large Ground Plane
Authors: Kouhalvandi Lida , Matekovits Ladislau , Peter Ildiko
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a novel methodology for designing implanted multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas in the automatic fashion. The proposed optimization consists of two sequential phases for firstly configuring the geometry of an implanted MIMO antenna and then sizing the design parameters through the hierarchy top-down optimization (TDO) and regression deep neural network (DNN), respectively. It tackles the difficulty in constructing the structure of antennas and also provides optimal values for the determined variables, sufficiently. This methodology results in valid electromagnetic (EM)-verified post-layout generation that is ready-to-fabricate. The effectiveness of the proposed optimization-oriented method is verified by designing and optimizing the implanted MIMO antenna in the frequency band of 4.34–4.61 GHz and 5.86–6.64 GHz suitable for medical applications at the emerging wireless band. For our design, we employ the actual biological tissues as bone, liquid (%1 sodium chloride, %40 sugar in distilled water), and plexiglass surroundings with a bio-compatible substrate, as aluminium oxide on a large ground plane, that is suitable to be used in a particular biomedical applications involving smart implants.
Failure Analysis of Some Commercial Spotlights Based on Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhong Wei , Walther Thomas
Published: December 2021

The failure mechanism of two commercial light-emitting diode (LED)-based spotlights with GU10 form factor is analyzed. Through component testing and comparison to nominal values as well as to simulations, it is found that the cause of both device failures is related to damaged components within the drive circuits rather than the LEDs themselves. Both LED heads work as normal when connected to an external direct current (DC) source. The results show that the lack of light output of one spotlight is related to the open circuit caused by damaged resistors and inductors in its drive circuit, while the flickering of the other is related to the malfunction of the integrated circuit providing constant current output. Therefore, improving the quality of the LED drive circuits is considered the most effective way for manufacturers to reduce catastrophic failures of LED spotlights.
Perception of Environmental Impacts of Wind Farms in Agricultural Areas of Northeast Brazil
Authors: Sobrinho Junior Manoel Fortunato , Ramirez Hernandez Maria Carolina , Albano Amora Sthenia Santos , Costa de Morais Elis Regina
Published: December 2021

In recent years, wind power in Brazil has emerged as an alternative to diversify the country′s energy mix and minimize the emission of pollutants derived from fossil fuels. The state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Brazilian Northeast, has considerable potential for the generation of wind energy due to the occurrence of strong winds in many areas along the coast and in the interior of the state, in places with higher altitudes. However, wind energy, despite being considered clean and renewable, can cause environmental impacts in those places. Thus, the present study analyzed the perception of environmental impacts caused by the installation of wind farms in the agricultural areas of Northeast Brazil. The study was carried out in the municipality of Serra do Mel, in the western region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, based on a survey of local farmers. The study concluded that farmers live without major problems and without apparent conflicts with wind farms but have little knowledge about the environmental impacts. In the perception of most farmers, there are few negative environmental impacts, and those that exist are barely noticed or still do not cause damage to most farmers in the region.
A Review of the Optimization Design and Control for Ocean Wave Power Generation Systems
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Chen Zhongxian , Zhang Fei
Published: December 2021

Ocean wave power generation techniques (converting wave energy into electrical energy) have been in use for many years. The objective of this paper is to review the design, control, efficiency, and safety of ocean wave power generation systems. Several topics are discussed: the current situation of ocean wave power generation system tests in real ocean waves; the optimization design of linear generator for converting ocean wave energy into electrical energy; some optimization control methods to improve the operational efficiency of ocean wave power generation systems; and the current policy and financial support of ocean wave power generation in some countries. Due to the harsh ocean environment, safety is another factor that ocean wave power generation systems will face. Therefore, before the conclusion of this review, a damping coefficient optimization control method based on the domain partition is proposed to improve the efficiency and safety of ocean wave power generation systems.
Fabrication and Characterization of Environmentally Friendly Biochar Anode
Authors: Kiminaitė Ieva , Lisauskas Aurimas , Striūgas Nerijus , Kryževičius Žilvinas
Published: December 2021

Electrical power generation by means of electrochemical systems utilizing wastewaters is a global energy challenge tackling technique for which a creation of novel eco-friendly electrode materials is in high relevance. For this purpose a Rhodophyta algae derived activated biochar anode bound with a flaxseeds mucilage binder (5, 10, 20, 30 wt.%) was formed and characterized by thermogravimetric, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis as well as conductivity and mechanical resistance determination. Activation technique with KOH prior to carbonization at 800 °C of algae was employed to obtain biocarbon with a large surface area. The highest specific surface area of 1298.49 m2/g was obtained with the binder-free sample and had a tendency to decrease with the increase of the binder content. It was estimated that biochar anodes are thermally stable at the temperature of up to 200 °C regardless of binder concentration. The concentration of the binder on the other hand had a significant influence in anodes mechanical resistance and electrical conductance: anode with 30 wt.% of the binder had the highest compressive strength equal to 104 bar; however, the highest conductivity was estimated in anode with 5 wt.% of the binder equal to 58 S/m. It is concluded that anode with 10 wt.% mucilage binder has the optimal properties necessary in MFC utilization.
Turning Waste Cooking Oils into Biofuels—Valorization Technologies: A Review
Authors: Nascimento Lucas , Ribeiro André , Ferreira Ana , Valério Nádia , Pinheiro Vânia , Araújo Jorge , Vilarinho Cândida , Carvalho Joana
Published: December 2021

In search of a more sustainable society, humanity has been looking to reduce the environmental impacts caused by its various activities. The energy sector corresponds to one of the most impactful activities since most energies produced come from fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, which are finite resources. Moreover, their inherent processes to convert energy into electricity emit various pollutants, which are responsible for global warming, eutrophication, and acidification of soil and marine environments. Biofuels are one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, and the raw material used for their production includes vegetable oils, wood and agricultural waste, municipal waste, and waste cooking oils (WCOs). The conventional route for WCO valorization is the production of biodiesel, which, as all recovery technologies, presents advantages and disadvantages that must be explored from a technical and economic perspective. Despite its successful use in the production of biodiesel, it should be noticed that there are other approaches to use WCO. Among them, thermochemical technologies can be applied to produce alternative fuels through cracking or hydrocracking, pyrolysis, and gasification processes. For each technology, the best conditions were identified, and finally, projects and companies that work with this type of technology and use WCO were identified.
Reliability Evaluation of Cyber–Physical Power Systems Considering Supply- and Demand-Side Uncertainties
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Nan , Cheng Zihao , Gu Wen
Published: December 2021

To reach effective monitoring and control, a physical power grid couples with a communication network and evolves into cyber–physical power systems (CPPS), but this cyber–physical interdependence may exacerbate failure on the physical/cyber side and may turn into a cascading failure. Furthermore, distributed generators (DGs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) introduced into CPPS add uncertainties to both the supply side and demand side of power energy. In this paper, we detail the model of CPPS and its coupling mechanism in operation and discuss the propagation mechanism of cascading failure within and across a physical power grid and a communication network. For uncertainties of power energy in the supply and demand sides, the generation and load of each day are divided into 24 time segments for modeling. In the case study, the well-being criteria and reliability indexes are employed to analyze the effect of DGs and cyber–physical interdependence on the reliability of CPPS when DGs suffer aging failure and cyber attacks, and the simulations indicate that introducing DGs can effectively enhance the period of healthy and marginal states. Furthermore, cyber attacks can sharply destroy the CPPS compared with aging failure.
Assessment of Interchangeability of Fuels Used in the Process of Heat Production and Comparison of Their Selected Characteristics: A Case Study
Authors: Hlatká Martina , Molnár Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Stehlíková Beáta , Bogdanovská Gabriela
Published: December 2021

Exchangeability means the possibility of the fuel changing, with conservation of the required energy and environmental criteria. The assessment of fuel exchangeability should be realized by a suitable method, which must reliably present the possibility of the exchangeability of fuels, or reject it. In the presented paper, research on the exchangeability of solid fuels in the field of heating production is surveyed by the case study. Based on the available published knowledge from previous studies on fuel exchangeability, the statistical method was chosen for evaluation. The application of this method is useful. For example, by evaluating the exchangeability of natural gas, the manuscript will describe its application for the field of solid fuels in heat production. The research evaluated and analyzed the sample of 12 fuels. For each fuel sample, 35 gas attributes were measured, which were classified into separate flue gas attribute groups: ash content, combustion heat, heating capacity, sulfur content, combustible content, water content, emission factor, carbon content, hydrogen content, and oxygen content. Attributes of flues were evaluated and grouped according to the fuel properties—ash content and combustion heat, sulphur content, water content, emission factor, carbon content, hydrogen content, nitrogen content, oxygen content, and combustible content.
Understanding 34 Years of Forest Cover Dynamics across the Paraguayan Chaco: Characterizing Annual Changes and Forest Fragmentation Levels between 1987 and 2020
Authors: Da Ponte Emmanuel , García-Calabrese Monserrat , Kriese Jennifer , Cabral Nestor , Perez de Molas Lidia , Alvarenga Magali , Caceres Arami , Gali Alicia , García Vanina , Morinigo Luis , Ríos Macarena , Salinas Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Over the past 40 years, Paraguay has lost the majority of its natural forest cover, thus becoming one of the countries with the highest deforestation rates in the world. The rapid expansion of the agricultural frontier, cattle ranching, and illegal logging between 1987 and 2012 resulted in the loss of 27% of original forest cover, equivalent to almost 44,000 km2. Within this context, the present research provides the first yearly analysis of forest cover change in the Paraguayan Chaco between the years 1987 and 2020. Remote sensing data obtained from Landsat images were applied to derive annual forest cover masks and deforestation rates over 34 years. Part of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of protected areas, as well as an analysis of the degree of fragmentation of the forest. All classification results obtained accuracies above 80% and revealed a total forest cover loss of approximately 64,700 km2. Forest clearing within protected areas was not frequent; however, some natural reserves presented losses of up to 25% of their forest cover. Through the consideration of several landscape metrics, this study reveals an onward fragmentation of forest cover, which endangers the natural habitat of numerous species.
A Stringent Test of Magnetic Models of Stellar Evolution
Authors: Torres Guillermo , Feiden Gregory A. , Vanderburg Andrew , Curtis Jason L.
Published: December 2021

Main-sequence stars with convective envelopes often appear larger and cooler than predicted by standard models of stellar evolution for their measured masses. This is believed to be caused by stellar activity. In a recent study, accurate measurements were published for the K-type components of the 1.62-day detached eclipsing binary EPIC 219511354, showing the radii and temperatures for both stars to be affected by these discrepancies. This is a rare example of a system in which the age and chemical composition are known, by virtue of being a member of the well-studied open cluster Ruprecht 147 (age~3 Gyr, [Fe/H] = +0.10). Here, we report a detailed study of this system with nonstandard models incorporating magnetic inhibition of convection. We show that these calculations are able to reproduce the observations largely within their uncertainties, providing robust estimates of the strength of the magnetic fields on both stars: 1600 ± 130 G and 1830 ± 150 G for the primary and secondary, respectively. Empirical estimates of the magnetic field strengths based on the measured X-ray luminosity of the system are roughly consistent with these predictions, supporting this mechanism as a possible explanation for the radius and temperature discrepancies.
Gene-Environment Interactions in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Dimensions: The Role of Unhealthy Food Habits
Authors: Li Lin , Taylor Mark J. , Bälter Katarina , Xie Tian , Solberg Berit Skretting , Haavik Jan , Arias Vásquez Alejandro , Hartman Catharina A. , Larsson Henrik
Published: December 2021

Background: Dietary habits were investigated as environmental risk factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, no previous studies explored the effects of dietary factors on modifying the role of genetic factors on ADHD. Methods: Based on a Swedish population-based twin study with 1518 twin pairs aged 20–47 years, we tested whether the importance of genetic and environmental effects on ADHD varied as a function of dietary habits. Self-reported dietary habits and ADHD symptoms were collected. Twin methods were used to test the degree to which high-sugar and unhealthy food intake moderated the genetic and environmental influences on ADHD symptoms. Results: In middle-aged adults, genetic influences on inattention symptoms were statistically significantly higher among individuals with higher levels of high-sugar (45%, 95%CI: 25–54%) and unhealthy food intake (51%, 95%CI: 31–60%), compared with those with lower levels of consumption of high-sugar (36%, 95%CI: 25–47%) and unhealthy foods (30%, 95%CI: 20–41%). Similar patterns were also found for the associations between hyperactivity/impulsivity and high-sugar/unhealthy food intake, even though the moderation effects were not statistically significant. Conclusion The present study suggests that genetic factors play a more prominent role in individual differences of ADHD symptoms in the presence of the high consumption of sugar and unhealthy foods. Future longitudinal studies with multiple assessments of ADHD and dietary habits are needed to replicate our findings.
Soil Moisture Profiles of Unsaturated Colluvial Slopes Susceptible to Rainfall-Induced Landslides
Authors: Paronuzzi Paolo , Del Fabbro Marco , Bolla Alberto
Published: December 2021

In this work, we describe soil moisture profiles related to typical colluvial slopes that were involved in rainfall-induced shallow failures occurring in alpine and pre-alpine areas of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (NE Italy). The trend of the volumetric water content (θw) showed a general increase from the ground surface to the bottom soil layer, with two or three marked moisture peaks. The saturation degree (S) varied from 65–70% (topsoil horizon) to nearly saturated basal colluvium (S = 95–100%). Soil moisture data demonstrates that, for a very humid climate, colluvial covers are often close to the saturation condition for most of the year. The calculated suction profiles indicated that maximum values ranging from 40 to 55 kPa often occur in the slope surficial soil (depth < 0.2–0.5 m). This negative pore-water pressure greatly decreases after a heavy rainfall event because of the infiltration process. Complete saturation of colluvial cover in the alpine and pre-alpine regions generally requires rainfall exceeding 150–200 mm for a 24-h storm duration. This results in a recurrence time of Tr ≅ 5–10 years for critical rainfall episodes involving colluvial slopes in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. The case histories analyzed demonstrate the importance of performing a detailed lithostratigraphic analysis of the colluvial deposit in order to properly define the suction measurement points, which there should be more of than the three-point determinations usually reported in the literature (for example, z = 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m).
Characteristics of Lake Sediment from Southwestern Mongolia and Comparison with Meteorological Data
Authors: Udaanjargal Uyangaa , Hasebe Noriko , Davaasuren Davaadorj , Fukushi Keisuke , Tanaka Yukiya , Gankhurel Baasansuren , Katsuta Nagayoshi , Ochiai Shinya , Miyata Yoshiki , Gerelmaa Tuvshin
Published: December 2021

To understand how the climate system works in the continental interior, sediment cores that are approximately 30-cm long were taken from Olgoy, Boontsagaan, and Orog lakes, Mongolia. These cores were analyzed and compared with meteorological data (air temperature, precipitation, and wind) from climate stations in the study area. Comparison of metrological data from four stations shows similar climate fluctuations. When the temperature was high, less precipitation occurred in general. The sedimentary features measured in this study were water content, organic matter, carbonate, amorphous silica contents, whole and mineral grain size, and grain density. Excess 210Pb measurements were used to estimate sedimentary ages. According to principal component analysis (PCA), temperature correlates well to sediment characteristics in Olgoy Lake. Whole and mineral grain sizes are coarser when the temperature is high, while the amorphous-silica concentration is lower. A coarse grain size is interpreted to reflect low lake levels due to evaporation under high temperature with less precipitation. Amorphous silica may be from surrounding plants and reflects less vegetation when the temperature is high. However, in the recent 30 years, after the social system changed and overgrazing became a problem, the amount of amorphous silica has positively correlated with temperature on a short time scale. In the past 30 years, with less vegetation, amorphous silica has mainly come from weathered mineral particles. High temperature caused a thick, weathered mantle for each mineral particle, resulting in high amorphous-silica concentration. In Boontsagaan Lake, whole and mineral grain sizes are coarser when the wind speed is increased. Low precipitation correlates with a decrease in organic matter and an increase in carbonate and amorphous silica. In Orog Lake, it is difficult to establish an age model due to dried-up events. Some fluctuations in sedimentary characteristics may correspond to extreme events, such as earthquakes, and natural hazards, such as dzuds (harsh winters).
Perioperative Outcomes in COVID-19 Obstetric Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ababneh Omar , Alrabayah Mustafa , El-Share’ Ahmad I. , Bsisu Isam , Bahar Yara , Dabousi Banan , Sandoqa Alia , AlWreikat Dania , Qatawneh Ayman
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) adds more challenges to the perioperative management of parturients. The aim of this study is to examine perioperative adverse events and hemodynamic stability among COVID-19 positive parturients undergoing spinal anesthesia. This prospective observational investigation was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Jordan between January and June 2021, during which 31 COVID-19 positive parturients were identified. Each COVID-19 positive parturient was matched with a COVID-19 negative parturient who received anesthesia under similar operating conditions as a control group. Of the 31 COVID-19 patients, 22 (71%) were otherwise medically free, 8 (25.8%) were emergency cesarean sections. The sensory level of spinal block after 10 min was T8 (T6–T10) among COVID-19 positive group, compared to T4 (T4–T6) among control group (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in heart rate, SBP, DBP, and MAP intraoperatively (p > 0.05). Twelve (36.4%) neonates born to COVID-19 positive patients were admitted to NICU, compared to four (11.8%) among control group (p = 0.018). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications. In conclusion, spinal anesthesia is considered a safe anesthetic technique in COVID-19 parturients, and therefore it is the anesthetic method of choice for cesarean deliveries among COVID-19 patients.
Association between Perceived Trusted of COVID-19 Information Sources and Mental Health during the Early Stage of the Pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Patwary Muhammad Mainuddin , Bardhan Mondira , Browning Matthew H. E. M. , Disha Asma Safia , Haque Md. Zahidul , Billah Sharif Mutasim , Kabir Md. Pervez , Hossain Md. Riad , Alam Md. Ashraful , Shuvo Faysal Kabir , Salman Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Unverified information concerning COVID-19 can affect mental health. Understanding perceived trust in information sources and associated mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic is vital to ensure ongoing media coverage of the crisis does not exacerbate mental health impacts. A number of studies have been conducted in other parts of the world to determine associations between information exposure relating to COVID-19 and mental health. However, the mechanism by which trust in information sources may affect mental health is not fully explained in the developing country context. To address this issue, the present study examined associations between perceived trust in three sources of information concerning COVID-19 and anxiety/stress with the mediating effects of COVID-19 stress in Bangladesh. An online cross-sectional study was conducted with 744 Bangladeshi adults between 17 April and 1 May 2020. Perceived trust in traditional, social, and health media for COVID-19 information, demographics, frontline service status, COVID-19-related stressors, anxiety (GAD-7), and stress (PSS-4) were assessed via self-report. Linear regression tested for associations between perceived trust and mental health. Mediation analyses investigated whether COVID-19-related stressors affected perceived trust and mental health associations. In fully adjusted models, more trust in social media was associated with more anxiety (B = 0.03, CI = 0.27–0.97) and stress (B = 0.01, CI = −0.34–0.47), while more trust in traditional media was associated with more anxiety (B = 0.09, CI = 0.17–2.26) but less stress (B = −0.08, CI = −0.89–0.03). Mediation analyses showed that COVID-19-related stressors partially explained associations between perceived trust and anxiety. These findings suggest that trusting social media to provide accurate COVID-19 information may exacerbate poor mental health. These findings also indicate that trusting traditional media (i.e., television, radio, and the newspaper) may have stress-buffering effects. We recommend that responsible authorities call attention to concerns about the trustworthiness of social media as well as broadcast positive and authentic news in traditional media outcomes based on these results.
Factors Affecting the Severity of Placental Abruption in Pregnant Vehicle Drivers: Analysis with a Novel Finite Element Model
Authors: Tanaka Katsunori , Motozawa Yasuki , Takahashi Kentaro , Maki Tetsuo , Hitosugi Masahito
Published: December 2021

We clarified factors affecting the severity of placental abruption in motor vehicle collisions by quantitively analyzing the area of placental abruption in a numerical simulation of an unrestrained pregnant vehicle driver at collision velocities of 3 and 6 m/s. For the simulation, we constructed a novel finite element model of a small 30-week pregnant woman, which was validated anthropometrically using computed tomography data and biomechanically using previous examinations of post-mortem human subjects. In the simulation, stress in the elements of the utero–placental interface was computed, and those elements exceeding a failure criterion were considered to be abrupted. It was found that a doubling of the collision velocity increased the area of placental abruption 10-fold, and the abruption area was approximately 20% for a collision velocity of 6 m/s, which is lower than the speed limit for general roads. This result implies that even low-speed vehicle collisions have negative maternal and fetal outcomes owing to placental abruption without a seatbelt restraint. Additionally, contact to the abdomen, 30 mm below the umbilicus, led to a larger placental abruption area than contact at the umbilicus level when the placenta was located at the uterus fundus. The results support that a reduction in the collision speed and seatbelt restraint at a suitable position are important to decrease the placental abruption area and therefore protect a pregnant woman and her fetus in a motor vehicle collision.