bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetration of a Pulsed Gas Jet through a Package of Heat Exchange Tubes
Authors: Zvegintsev Valery
Published: July 2022

The slagging of heating surfaces by fly ash significantly complicates the long term operation of solid-fuel boilers. Gas pulse technologies offer a potentially convenient, inexpensive, yet efficient way for online slag deposits removal. The creation and application of real boiler cleaning systems using gas pulse technologies is a relatively new direction in the energy sector and requires scientific research on various aspects. In this work, the numerical investigation of the gas-dynamic flow arising when the package of heat-exchange tubes is blown with single air jet created by a pneumopulse cleaning system has been carried out. The forces acting on the heat-exchange tubes located at distances 1.0 m and 2.0 m from the exhaust nozzle with various configurations of tubes in the package have been determined. It is shown that an increase in the pressure of the generated air jet makes it possible to significantly increase the acting forces at large distances from the exhaust nozzle. The results of this study and similar calculations for real geometry will increase the validity of engineering solutions used in the development of pneumopulse cleaning systems for large power boilers.
Mechanically Derived Tissue Stromal Vascular Fraction Acts Anti-inflammatory on TNF Alpha-Stimulated Chondrocytes In Vitro
Authors: van Boxtel Joeri , Vonk Lucienne A. , Stevens Hieronymus P. , van Dongen Joris A.
Published: July 2022

Enzymatically isolated stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has already shown to be effective as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Yet, the use of enzymes for clinical purpose is highly regulated in many countries. Mechanical preparation of SVF results in a tissue-like SVF (tSVF) containing intact cell–cell connections including extracellular matrix (ECM) and is therefore less regulated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative effect of tSVF on TNFα-stimulated chondrocytes in vitro. tSVF was mechanically derived using the Fractionation of Adipose Tissue (FAT) procedure. Characterization of tSVF was performed, e.g., cellular composition based on CD marker expression, colony forming unit and differentiation capacity after enzymatic dissociation (from heron referred to as tSVF-derived cells). Different co-cultures of tSVF-derived cells and TNFα-stimulated chondrocytes were analysed based on the production of sulphated glycosaminoglycans and the anti-inflammatory response of chondrocytes. Characterization of tSVF-derived cells mainly contained ASCs, endothelial cells, leukocytes and supra-adventitial cells. tSVF-derived cells were able to form colonies and differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Co-cultures with chondrocytes resulted in a shift of the ratio between tSVF cells: chondrocytes, in favor of chondrocytes alone (p < 0.05), and IL-1β and COX2 gene expression was upregulated in TNFα-treated chondrocytes. After treatment with (a conditioned medium of) tSVF-derived cells, IL-1β and COX2 gene expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). These results suggest mechanically derived tSVF stimulates chondrocyte proliferation while preserving the function of chondrocytes. Moreover, tSVF suppresses TNFα-stimulated chondrocyte inflammation in vitro. This pro-regenerative and anti-inflammatory effect shows the potential of tSVF as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Correction: Oh et al. Enhanced Effect of Polyethyleneimine-Modified Graphene Oxide and Simvastatin on Osteogenic Differentiation of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 501
Authors: Oh Jun-Sung , Park Jeong-Sun , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: July 2022

Jeong-Sun Park was not included as an author in the original publication [...]
Anticonvulsant Action and Long-Term Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment in the Rat Pentylenetetrazole-Kindling Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Gáll Zsolt , Kelemen Krisztina , Tolokán Andrea , Zolcseak István , Sável István , Bod Réka , Ferencz Elek , Vancea Szende , Urkon Melinda , Kolcsár Melinda
Published: July 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) showed anticonvulsant action in several preclinical models and is currently approved by regulatory agencies to treat childhood epilepsy syndromes. However, CBD treatment has limited benefits, and its long-term effects on cognition are not fully understood yet. This study aimed to examine the impact of long-term CBD treatment in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindling model of epilepsy. Adult male Wistar rats (N = 24) received PTZ (35 mg/kg intraperitoneally) every other day until two consecutive generalized seizures occurred. CBD (60 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily by the oral route until the kindled state was achieved (n = 12). To confirm that the formulation and administration techniques were not of concern, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed to test the brain penetration of the CBD formula. As a result of CBD treatment, a lower mortality rate and significantly prolonged generalized seizure latency (925.3 ± 120.0 vs. 550.1 ± 69.62 s) were observed, while the frequency and duration of generalized seizures were not influenced. The CBD-treated group showed a significant decrease in vertical exploration in the open field test and a significant decrease in the discrimination index in the novel object recognition (NOR) test (−0.01 ± 0.17 vs. 0.57 ± 0.15, p = 0.04). The observed behavioral characteristics may be connected to the decreased thickness of the stratum pyramidale or the decreased astrogliosis observed in the hippocampus. In conclusion, CBD treatment did not prevent kindling, nor did it affect seizure frequency or duration. However, it did increase the latency to the first seizure and decreased the prolonged status epilepticus-related mortality in PTZ-kindled rats. The cognitive impairment observed in the NOR test may be related to the high dose used in this study, which may warrant further investigation.
Liver Regeneration by Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Have We Reached the End of the Road?
Authors: Siapati Elena Konstantina , Roubelakis Maria G. , Vassilopoulos George
Published: July 2022

The liver is the organ with the highest regenerative capacity in the human body. However, various insults, including viral infections, alcohol or drug abuse, and metabolic overload, may cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis, leading to irreversible liver dysfunction. Despite advances in surgery and pharmacological treatments, liver diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide. To address the shortage of donor liver organs for orthotopic liver transplantation, cell therapy in liver disease has emerged as a promising regenerative treatment. Sources include primary hepatocytes or functional hepatocytes generated from the reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Different types of stem cells have also been employed for transplantation to trigger regeneration, including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as well as adult and fetal liver progenitor cells. HSCs, usually defined by the expression of CD34 and CD133, and MSCs, defined by the expression of CD105, CD73, and CD90, are attractive sources due to their autologous nature, ease of isolation and cryopreservation. The present review focuses on the use of bone marrow HSCs for liver regeneration, presenting evidence for an ongoing crosstalk between the hematopoietic and the hepatic system. This relationship commences during embryogenesis when the fetal liver emerges as the crossroads between the two systems converging the presence of different origins of cells (mesoderm and endoderm) in the same organ. Ample evidence indicates that the fetal liver supports the maturation and expansion of HSCs during development but also later on in life. Moreover, the fact that the adult liver remains one of the few sites for extramedullary hematopoiesis—albeit pathological—suggests that this relationship between the two systems is ongoing. Can, however, the hematopoietic system offer similar support to the liver? The majority of clinical studies using hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with liver disease report favourable observations. The underlying mechanism—whether paracrine, fusion or transdifferentiation or a combination of the three—remains to be confirmed.
Design and Evaluation of an Outdoor Exercise Program for Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Blosch Christopher , Krombholz Arno , Beller Ronja , Gauß Gabriele , Reinhardt Dirk , Götte Miriam
Published: July 2022

Exercise programs for young people after cancer are not part of regular oncological care. This study describes and evaluates a regional outdoor exercise program and presents data with regard to the promoting and inhibiting factors for participation among pediatric cancer survivors. Exercise options, number of participants, and the cohort were evaluated descriptively for one year. A self-developed questionnaire was used to evaluate satisfaction, mood, motivations, and barriers to exercise. Overall N = 26 survivors (14.6 ± 5.5 years) participated in at least one activity in 2019 including try-out days (N = 10) and active weekend camps (N = 2). No adverse events occurred in 302 physical activity hours. Twenty-one survivors participated in the survey. The largest motivational aspect to participate was “to try out a new sport” (83.9%). Survivors reported “good mood”, and ‘being happy’ after exercising. The largest barrier was concern about ‘not being able to keep up with others’ (38.1%). Around one-third (try-out day) and 50% (active weekend camp) of survivors did not feel confident to continue exercising outside the supervised exercise oncology program. This survey shows high enthusiasm for this exercise program with different outdoor activities and suggests that similar interventions may be accepted by this population.
Pediatric Tuberculosis Management: A Global Challenge or Breakthrough?
Authors: Maphalle Lehlogonolo N. F. , Michniak-Kohn Bozena B. , Ogunrombi Modupe O. , Adeleke Oluwatoyin A.
Published: July 2022

Managing pediatric tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem requiring urgent and long-lasting solutions as TB is one of the top ten causes of ill health and death in children as well as adolescents universally. Minors are particularly susceptible to this severe illness that can be fatal post-infection or even serve as reservoirs for future disease outbreaks. However, pediatric TB is the least prioritized in most health programs and optimal infection/disease control has been quite neglected for this specialized patient category, as most scientific and clinical research efforts focus on developing novel management strategies for adults. Moreover, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has meaningfully hindered the gains and progress achieved with TB prophylaxis, therapy, diagnosis, and global eradication goals for all affected persons of varying age bands. Thus, the opening of novel research activities and opportunities that can provide more insight and create new knowledge specifically geared towards managing TB disease in this specialized group will significantly improve their well-being and longevity.
Mid–Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Legg-Calvè-Perthes Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caldaci Alessia , Testa Gianluca , Dell’Agli Eleonora , Sapienza Marco , Vescio Andrea , Lucenti Ludovico , Pavone Vito
Published: July 2022

Background: Legg–Calvè–Perthes disease (LCPD) is a common childhood disease that usually occurs in 4- to 12-year-old children. Surgical treatment consists of femoral, pelvic, or combined osteotomies. This comprehensive review aimed to investigate the mid- and long-term outcome of the surgical treatment. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, and MEDLINE databases was performed by two independent authors, using the keywords “outcome”, “surgical treatment”, “pelvic osteotomy”, “femoral osteotomy”, and “Legg–Calvè–Perthes disease” to evaluate studies of any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of LCPD. The result of every stage was reviewed and approved by two senior investigators. Results: A total of 2153 articles were found. At the end of the screening, we selected 23 articles eligible for full-text reading according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our analysis showed that the main prognostic factors for surgical outcome in patients with LCPD are the age at onset and the degree of initial disease severity. Conclusions: Surgical treatment in patients older than 6 years has excellent results in Herring B and B/C hips and poor results in Herring C hips, with a slight advantage for patients between 6 and 8 years old.
The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions on Motor and Sensory Functions in Infants with Cortical Vision Impairment and Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cemali Mustafa , Pekçetin Serkan , Akı Esra
Published: July 2022

Cortical vision impairment (CVI) and Cerebral Palsy (CP) lead to decrement in sensory and motor functions of infants. The current study examined the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions on sensory, motor, and oculomotor skills in infants with cortical vision impairment. Thirty-four infants with and CP aged 12–18 months were enrolled to the study. The infants were randomly divided into two groups as the control and intervention groups. The intervention group took sensory integration intervention 2 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group only received the conventional physiotherapy program 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The duration of the treatment sessions were 45 min for both interventions. Before and after the intervention, sensory processing functions were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI), and motor functions were evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean TSFI total and AIMS scores in the intervention group and control group (p < 0.001). The intervention group mean TSFI scores were more statistically significant than the those of the control group. Mean post-intervention AIMS scores did not differ between groups. Sensory integration intervention delivered with the conventional physiotherapy program was more effective than the conventional physiotherapy program in increasing sensory processing skills in one measure in infants with CVI and CP.
Corrosion Protection Efficacy of the Electrodeposit of Poly (N-Methyl Pyrrole-Tween20/3-Methylthiophene) Coatings on Carbon Steel in Acid Medium
Authors: Branzoi Florina , Mihai Marius Alexandru , Petrescu Simona
Published: July 2022

In this study, poly(N-methylpyrrole-Tween20/3-methylthiophene) coatings were electrodeposited on carbon steel type OLC 45 by electrochemical techniques in oxalic acid solution. Surfactant Tween 20 as a dopant ion employed during electropolymerization can have an important influence on the corrosion protection of this coating by obstructing the penetration of aggressive sulfate ions. The new composite coatings have been analyzed electrochemically, spectroscopically and morphologically by cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Corrosion protection consideration of PNMPY-TW20/P3MT-coated OLC 45 has been analyzed by potentiostatic and potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in 0.5 M H2SO4 medium. The corrosion rate of PNMPY-TW20/P3MT-coated OLC 45 has been indicated to be ~10 times reduced compared to uncoated OL 45, and the corrosion protection efficiency of the coating is above 90%. The greatest efficacy is achieved by PNMPY-TW20/P3MT composite by electrodeposition at 5 mA/cm2 and 3 mA/cm2 current densities applied and at 1200 mV potential applied in 5:1 and 3:5 molar ratios. The PNMPY-TW20/P3MT coating realized by the galvanostatic method exhibited a non-damaging surveying after 96 h of immersion in the aggressive medium, further verifying its excellent protection capacity. The consequences of the corrosion experiments clearly divulged that PNMPY-TW20/P3MT coatings ensure a very good anticorrosion protection of OLC 45 in aggressive medium.
Dataset for Estimated Closures of Scallop (Pecten maximus) Production Areas Due to Phycotoxin Contamination along the French Coasts of the Eastern English Channel
Authors: Chenouf Sarra , Merzereaud Mathieu , Raux Pascal , Pérez Agúndez José Antonio
Published: July 2022

Commercial bans due to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are natural events, question the sustainability of human activities in marine and coastal areas. A risk assessment of these bans is important to support decision-making to better manage and mitigate their impacts. However, data are sparse and difficult to collect. The dataset presented in this paper includes “estimated closures of scallop fishing areas” due to HAB toxicity along the French coasts of the English Channel. The closure data were simulated for each scallop (Pecten maximus) fishing area through an algorithm applied to the in situ dataset from the French monitoring network REPHYTOX. The methodology of the production of closure data consists of comparing phycotoxin concentration in scallop to regulatory thresholds of phycotoxins, and then, simulating the number and duration of closures based on the monitoring strategies and closure mechanisms as defined in the regulations. These data only cover closures related to regulatory threshold exceedances of phycotoxins in shellfish. Closures induced by the lack of sampling or other reasons (e.g., failures in toxin analysis) are not included in the dataset because of the lack of information. Data are produced during the scallop fishing season. Facing the non-existence of such a closure database due to the lack of centralized management of local closure decrees, this dataset can be used to analyse the management strategies to deal with HABs and to highlight the governance challenges related to these strategies. It is also useful to study the link between the ecological and the socioeconomic dimensions of HABs, and to describe how toxin concentrations in shellfish translate into socioeconomic impacts and management challenges. This methodology can be applied to other species, other areas and other economic activities.
A Novel Multi-Scale Transformer for Object Detection in Aerial Scenes
Authors: Lu Guanlin , He Xiaohui , Wang Qiang , Shao Faming , Wang Hongwei , Wang Jinkang
Published: July 2022

Deep learning has promoted the research of object detection in aerial scenes. However, most of the existing networks are limited by the large-scale variation of objects and the confusion of category features. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a novel aerial object detection framework called DFCformer. DFCformer is mainly composed of three parts: the backbone network DMViT, which introduces deformation patch embedding and multi-scale adaptive self-attention to capture sufficient features of the objects; FRGC guides feature interaction layer by layer to break the barriers between feature layers and improve the information discrimination and processing ability of multi-scale critical features; CAIM adopts an attention mechanism to fuse multi-scale features to perform hierarchical reasoning on the relationship between different levels and fully utilize the complementary information in multi-scale features. Extensive experiments have been conducted on the FAIR1M dataset, and DFCformer shows its advantages by achieving the highest scores with stronger scene adaptability.
Energy Analysis of Precooling Air Compressor System
Authors: Hu Yu , Xu Weiqing , Jia Guanwei , Li Guangyao , Cai Maolin
Published: July 2022

Energy saving is one of the main technique routes for net zero carbon emissions. Air compressor systems take up a large part of energy consumption in the industrial field. A pre-cooling air compressor system was proposed for energy saving by cooling the air before it flows in a compressor. The energy efficiency of the proposed system was analyzed. As additional energy consumption is required for air cooling, the feasibility of the pre-cooling method for energy saving was analyzed. As the efficiency of the pre-cooling air compressor system is mainly influenced by the environment temperature and humidity, applicability of the system in different regions and at different seasons was discussed. A pilot project was performed to verify the technical feasibility and economics of the proposed system. When the precooling temperature of the pilot system was set to 2 °C, the annual pneumatic-electrical ratio of the system can be increased by approximately 2% in several regions of China. This paper shows the pre-cooling air compressor system is feasible for energy saving.
Evaluation on the Impact of Cache Parameter Selection in Access-Driven Cache Attacks
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Yan Yingjian , Ye Bin , Zhu Chunsheng , Zhang Lichao , Shen Ting , Chen Lin
Published: July 2022

Cache attacks exploit the hardware vulnerabilities inherent to modern processors and pose a new threat to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Intuitively, different cache parameter configurations directly impact the attack effectiveness, but the current research on this issue is not systematic or comprehensive enough. This paper’s primary focus is to evaluate how different cache parameter configurations affect access-driven attacks. We build a flexible and configurable simulation verification environment based on the Chipyard framework. To reduce the interference of other factors, we established a baseline for each category of parameter evaluation. We propose a novel evaluation model, called Key Score Scissors Differential (KSSD), for evaluating common private and shared cache parameters under the local and cross-core attack models, respectively; among these are private cache replacement policy, private cache capacity, cache line size, private cache associativity, shared cache capacity, and shared cache associativity. Ours is the first evaluation of the shared cache under a cross-core attack model. As a result of the evaluation, the quantitative metrics can provide a reliable indication of information leakage level under the current cache configuration, which is helpful for attackers, defenders, and evaluators. Furthermore, we provide detailed explanations and discussions of inconsistent findings by comparing our results with the existing literature.
Progress and Challenges in Biohydrogen Production
Authors: Kazimierowicz Joanna , Dębowski Marcin , Zieliński Marcin
Published: July 2022

According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), in order to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, approximately 306 million tonnes of green hydrogen (H2) must be produced annually [...]
Life Cycle Assessment Model of a Catering Product: Comparing Environmental Impacts for Different End-of-Life Scenarios
Authors: Avató Judit Lovasné , Mannheim Viktoria
Published: July 2022

This paper assesses the primary energy and environmental impacts of a restaurant main course product’s lifecycle, especially focusing on end-of-life (EoL) stage. In the first step, a cradle-to-grave complex life cycle assessment (LCA) model of the product has been set up from the extraction of the required raw materials through the preparation, cooking and use phase to the end-of-life. In the second step, three scenarios (landfilling, incineration, and composting) were compared for the generated food waste in the end-of-life stage given that one of the biggest challenges in waste management is the optimal management of food waste. We calculated eleven environmental impact categories for the examined food product with the help of GaBi 9.0 software. During our research work, the primary energy was examined in each phase. In the third step, a comparison between the traditional and “sous vide” cooking technologies has been created to optimise of the cooking/frying life cycle phase. This paper basically answers three main questions: (1) How can the main environmental impacts and primary energy throughout the whole life cycle of the examined product be characterised? (2) What methods can optimise the different life cycle stages while reducing and recycling energy and material streams? and (3) what is the most optimal waste management scenario at the end-of-life stage? Based on the analysis, the highest environmental impact comes from the preparation phase and the end-of-life scenario for the traditional incineration caused almost twice the environmental load as the landfilling of the food waste. Composting has the lowest environmental impact, and the value of the primary energy for composting is very low. The sous vide cooking technique is advantageous, and the continuously controlled conditions result in a more reliable process. These research results can be used to design sustainable cooking and catering with lower environmental impacts and energy resources in catering units.
Analysis and Mitigation of Harmonic Resonances in Multi–Parallel Grid–Connected Inverters: A Review
Authors: Ali Ramy , O’Donnell Terence
Published: July 2022

With the move towards decarbonization of the energy system and increased use of renewable generation, the number of power electronics converter interfaced resources connecting to the grid is growing. These power electronics converters have fast dynamics determined by control algorithms, which leads to significant changes in the dynamics and impedance characteristics of the power system. Based on practical experience, concerns have grown about interactions between converters and between converters and the grid which can give rise to instability in a system with multiple grid–connected inverters operating in parallel. This paper reviews the recent work related to the understanding, modeling and mitigation of such interactions. The basic concepts which underpin the interactions are explained and discussed from an impedance stability perspective. The concepts are illustrated by means of an example case of multiple inverters operating in a low voltage distribution system. In recent years, several approaches have been proposed to prevent or mitigate the effects of these interactions. The mitigation approaches proposed in the most recent works are categorized and comprehensively reviewed.
Steam Electrolysis vs. Co-Electrolysis: Mechanistic Studies of Long-Term Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Wolf Stephanie E. , Vibhu Vaibhav , Tröster Eric , Vinke Izaak C. , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , de Haart L. G. J. (Bert)
Published: July 2022

High-temperature electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) is an innovative technology to temporarily store unused electrical energy from renewable energy sources. However, they show continuous performance loss during long-term operation, which is the main issue preventing their widespread use. In this work, we have performed the long-term stability tests up to 1000 h under steam and co-electrolysis conditions using commercial NiO-YSZ/YSZ/GDC/LSC single cells in order to understand the degradation process. The electrolysis tests were carried out at different temperatures and fuel gas compositions. Intermittent AC- and DC- measurements were performed to characterize the single cells and to determine the responsible electrode processes for the degradation during long-term operation. An increased degradation rate is observed at 800 °C compared to 750 °C under steam electrolysis conditions. Moreover, a lower degradation rate is noticed under co-electrolysis operation in comparison to steam electrolysis operation. Finally, the post-test analyses using SEM-EDX and XRD were carried out in order to understand the degradation mechanism. The delamination of LSC is observed under steam electrolysis conditions at 800 °C, however, such delamination is not observed during co-electrolysis operation. In addition, Ni-depletion and agglomeration are observed on the fuel electrode side for all the cells.
CCrFS: Combine Correlation Features Selection for Detecting Phishing Websites Using Machine Learning
Authors: Moedjahedy Jimmy , Setyanto Arief , Alarfaj Fawaz Khaled , Alreshoodi Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Internet users are continually exposed to phishing as cybercrime in the 21st century. The objective of phishing is to obtain sensitive information by deceiving a target and using the information for financial gain. The information may include a login detail, password, date of birth, credit card number, bank account number, and family-related information. To acquire these details, users will be directed to fill out the information on false websites based on information from emails, adverts, text messages, or website pop-ups. Examining the website’s URL address is one method for avoiding this type of deception. Identifying the features of a phishing website URL takes specialized knowledge and investigation. Machine learning is one method that uses existing data to teach machines to distinguish between legal and phishing website URLs. In this work, we proposed a method that combines correlation and recursive feature elimination to determine which URL characteristics are useful for identifying phishing websites by gradually decreasing the number of features while maintaining accuracy value. In this paper, we use two datasets that contain 48 and 87 features. The first scenario combines power predictive score correlation and recursive feature elimination; the second scenario is the maximal information coefficient correlation and recursive feature elimination. The third scenario combines spearman correlation and recursive feature elimination. All three scenarios from the combined findings of the proposed methodologies achieve a high level of accuracy even with the smallest feature subset. For dataset 1, the accuracy value for the 10 features result is 97.06%, and for dataset 2 the accuracy value is 95.88% for 10 features.
A Study on a Complex Flame and Smoke Detection Method Using Computer Vision Detection and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ryu Jinkyu , Kwak Dongkurl
Published: July 2022

This study sought an effective detection method not only for flame but also for the smoke generated in the event of a fire. To this end, the flame region was pre-processed using the color conversion and corner detection method, and the smoke region could be detected using the dark channel prior and optical flow. This eliminates unnecessary background regions and allows selection of fire-related regions. Where there was a pre-processed region of interest, inference was conducted using a deep-learning-based convolutional neural network (CNN) to accurately determine whether it was a flame or smoke. Through this approach, the detection accuracy is improved by 5.5% for flame and 6% for smoke compared to when a fire is detected through the object detection model without separate pre-processing.
An Active-Set Fischer–Burmeister Trust-Region Algorithm to Solve a Nonlinear Bilevel Optimization Problem
Authors: Elsobky Bothina , Ashry Gehan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the Fischer–Burmeister active-set trust-region (FBACTR) algorithm is introduced to solve the nonlinear bilevel programming problems. In FBACTR algorithm, a Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition is used with the Fischer–Burmeister function to transform a nonlinear bilevel programming (NBLP) problem into an equivalent smooth single objective nonlinear programming problem. To ensure global convergence for the FBACTR algorithm, an active-set strategy is used with a trust-region globalization strategy. The theory of global convergence for the FBACTR algorithm is presented. To clarify the effectiveness of the proposed FBACTR algorithm, applications of mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints are tested.
Polymeric Hydrogelator-Based Molecular Gels Containing Polyaniline/Phosphoric Acid Systems
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Sasaki Mayumi
Published: July 2022

To expand the range of applications of hydrogels, researchers are interested in developing novel molecular hydrogel materials that have affinities for the living body and the ability to mediate electrical signals. In this study, a simple mixing method for creating a novel composite molecular gel is employed, which combines a hydrophilic conductive polymer, a polyaniline/phosphoric acid complex, and a polymer hydrogelator as a matrix. The composite hydrogel showed an improved gel-forming ability; more effective mechanical properties, with an increased strain value at the sol–gel transition point compared to the single system, which may be sufficient for paintable gel; and a better electrochemical response, due to the electrically conducting polyaniline component. These findings demonstrate the applicability of the new composite hydrogels to new potential paintable electrode materials.
From Young to Older, the 4 Phases Method Is Efficient in Promoting Quick Weight, BMI, and Waist Circumference Reductions
Authors: Ramuth Edson , Ramuth Sylvia , Pavão Tamaris R. R. , Biacchi Kimberlly B. , Bachi Andre L. L.
Published: July 2022

Background: Investigate the effectiveness of the scientific 4 Phases Method, a methodology developed by EMAGRECENTRO, which is based on a ketogenic approach (total carbohydrate intake <40 g/day; including fibers) associated with health coach assistance, in promoting reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference after 5 weeks of methodology application. Methods: Record files from 354 individuals, both sexes, aged between 18 and 67, who took part in the 4 Phases Method were used to develop this study. Age, sex, weight, height, BMI, waist circumference measurement, and the presence of ketone bodies in the urine were evaluated before (baseline) and after 5 weeks of the 4 Phases application. Results: In general, a significant reduction in body weight (−7.8 ± 1.2 kg, p < 0.0001), BMI (−2.8 ± 0.4 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), and waist circumference measurement (−7.6 ± 0.4 cm, p < 0.0001) was found after the application of the 4 Phases Method, regardless of age, gender, and BMI. Conclusions: Taken together, our results demonstrated that the 4 Phases Method was able to promote significant body weight, BMI, and waist circumference reductions in the short term, particularly by associating a ketogenic intake strategy with a regular close follow-up weekly consultation with a health coach assistance.
Evaluating Post-Market Adverse Events of The New Hepatitis C Therapies Using FEARS Data
Authors: Algarni Majed A.
Published: July 2022

Background: Little is known regarding the safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), even though they are widely used. This study aims to evaluate the adverse events of DAA using post-market data. Methods: FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) data from January 2019 through December 2019 were analyzed. FERAS reports in which the suspected drug contained the DAA drugs were extracted and included in the analysis. Univariable and bivariable analyses were performed in this study. Results: Most of the reported side effects were non-serious (62%). The number of times the drug was reported as ineffective was significantly higher while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (32.14% vs. 1.05%) (p-value < 0.0001). On the other hand, hospitalization was significantly more reported while using Mavyret compared to Harvoni (52.02% vs. 22.45%) (p-value < 0.0001). Liver cancer was significantly more reported while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (7.65% vs. 1.20%) (p-value < 0.0001). No significant difference in death cases was reported while using both drugs. Conclusion: Depending on the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database, most of the non-serious adverse effects were headache and fatigue. There was no significant difference in cases of death reported while using both drugs. Liver cancer was more reported while using Harvoni. Hospitalization was more reported while using Mavyret.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization of Inpatient Mental Health Services in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Xiaoli , Pan Jinhua , Li Mengying , Wang Meng , Wang Weibing , Wang Ying
Published: July 2022

(1) Purpose: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health and the utilization of hospital-based inpatient mental health care worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of this pandemic on the utilization of this service in Shanghai by comparison with hospital-based health care records during the preceding 4 years. (2) Methods: The medical records were provided by the Shanghai Municipal Health Insurance Bureau. Diagnostic coding was based on International Classification of Diseases-10th revision (ICD-10), and inpatients with codes from F00 to F99 were examined. (3) Results: Inpatients were compared according to gender, age, pandemic stage, and type of mental disease. Utilization of psychiatric inpatient care in Shanghai during each of the four stages of the pandemic (1 January 2016 to 21 January 2020; 22 January 2020 to 9 February 2020; 10 February 2020 to 1 March 2020; 2 March 2020 to 31 July 2020) was analyzed. Before the lockdown, the utilization of psychiatric inpatient care had an overall upward trend; after the lockdown, the number of inpatients dropped sharply; as of 31 July 2020, it has not been restored. The utilization of this service for most types of mental disease declined rapidly during the pandemic; for vascular dementia (VAD, F01), it was relatively steady. The observed number of inpatient patients was about 51.07% lower than the predicted number in 2020. (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of prevention and control measures that reduced the utilization of psychiatric inpatient care in Shanghai. The use of inpatient services for categories F20–F29 had the greatest decline, and VAD (F01) had the smallest change during the pandemic. This service consequence of COVID-19 is apparent; to assure access to adequate service during a pandemic, health care professionals should pay close attention to changes in the utilization of different mental health services.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Associations between Physical Activity Level, Depression, and Anxiety in Smokers and Ex-Smokers
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Mendoza-Muñoz David Manuel , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Adsuar José Carmelo , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Franco-García Juan Manuel , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María
Published: July 2022

Introduction: depression and anxiety is one of the most relevant public health problems. The link between smoking and depression has been demonstrated. Regular physical activity (PA) could act as a protector against mental health diseases. Objectives: (1) to explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety in relation to sex and to the condition of smoker and ex-smoker, (2) to study the differences in prevalence proportions according to the frequency and level of PA, and (3) to calculate the probability of presenting depression or anxiety according to the frequency and level of PA. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted, based on data extracted from the 2014 and 2020 Spanish European Health Survey and the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey. The sample included 9524, 7813, and 9079 participants, respectively. Descriptive analysis was performed (comparisons using a Chi-square test and z-test for independent proportions). Probability odds ratios of anxiety and depression were calculated according to PA. Results: women had a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety than men (p < 0.001–0.003). Higher levels of prevalence were observed in inactive people versus very active or active people (p < 0.001). Inactive people had a higher risk of depression and anxiety compared to very active people. Conclusion: inactive smokers and ex-smokers had higher levels of prevalence of depression and anxiety than active and very active people. Physical inactivity could increase the risk of suffering these mental disorders in this population. This could affect women more than men.
Quality of Care in Public County Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study for Stroke, Pneumonia, and Heart Failure Care in Eastern China
Authors: Wang Quan , Yang Li , Chen Jialin , Tu Xi , Sun Qiang , Li Hui
Published: July 2022

There are very few studies about the quality of care (QoC) in Chinese county hospitals. Using 7, 6, and 6 standard operations from clinical pathways as the process indicators, we evaluated the quality of stroke, pneumonia, and heart failure care, respectively. We also conducted chi-squared tests to detect differences of quality between selected counties or hospitals. We extracted relevant information from medical records of 421 stroke cases, 329 pneumonia cases, and 341 heart failure cases, which were sampled from 6 county hospitals in 3 counties of eastern China. The average proportion of recommended care delivered included stroke, pneumonia, and heart failure patients at 55.36%, 41.64%, and 49.56%, respectively. Great variation of QoC was detected not only across selected counties but between comprehensive county hospitals and traditional Chinese medicine county hospitals. We deny the widely-accepted assumptions that poor QoC should be blamed on defectively-equipped facilities or medicine and overwhelmed care providers. Instead, we speculate the low qualifications of medical workers, failed clinical knowledge translation, incorrect diagnosis, and a lack of electronic systems could be the reasons behind poor QoC. It is high time for China to put QoC as the national health priority.
A Case Study of Community—Academic Partnership in Improving the Quality of Life for Asthmatic Urban Minority Children in Low-Income Households
Authors: Liu Meirong , Chung Jae Eun , Li Jiang , Robinson Brianna , Gonzalez Florencia
Published: July 2022

Community–academic partnerships (CAPs) are being increasingly used to study and address health disparity issues. CAPs help to create new bodies of knowledge and innovative solutions to community problems, which benefits the community and academia. Supported by a grant, a partnership was formed between an academic research team and a community health organization to analyze and interpret data collected from the caregivers of asthmatic African American children living in urban low-income households. Using a case study approach, we discuss how we built a healthy CAP and the lessons learned from the process. Our analysis was guided by the six main factors that facilitate success in developing collaborative relationships, including (1) environment; (2) membership; (3) process and structure; (4) communication; (5) purpose; and (6) resources. Based on these six factors, we describe our collaboration process, challenges, and areas for improvement. We aimed to provide a “points-to-consider” roadmap for academic and community partners to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial and satisfactory relationship. Collaborating with community members and organizations provides unique opportunities for researchers and students to apply their skills and knowledge from textbooks and the classroom, engage with community members, and improve real-life community needs. Building a constructive CAP involves efforts, energy, and resources from both parties. The six major themes derived from our project offer suggestions for building a healthy, collaborative, and productive relationship that best serves communities in the future.
Soil and Vegetation Development on Coal-Waste Dump in Southern Poland
Authors: Rahmonov Oimahmad , Czajka Agnieszka , Nádudvari Ádám , Fajer Maria , Spórna Tomasz , Szypuła Bartłomiej
Published: July 2022

As an anthropogenic element of urban landscapes, coal heaps undergo changes due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the common development of soil under the influence of vegetation succession against a background of environmental conditions. Vegetation changes and soil properties were analysed along a transect passing through a heap representing a particular succession stage. It was found that changes in the development of vegetation were closely related to the stages of coal-waste disposal, where the initial, transitional, and terminal stages were distinguished. The mean range of pH (H2O) values in the profiles was 6.75 ± 0.21 (profile 1), 7.2 ± 0.31 (profile 2), 6.3 ± 1.22 (profile 3), and 5.38 ± 0.42 (profile 4). The organic carbon (OC) content in all samples was high, ranging from 9.6% to 41.6%. The highest content of total nitrogen (Nt) was found (1.132%) in the algal crust and sub-horizon of the organic horizon (Olfh-0.751%) and humus (A-0.884) horizon in profile 3 under the initial forest. Notable contents of available elements were found in the algal shell for P (1588 mg∙kg−1) and Mg (670 mg∙kg−1). Soil organic matter content was mainly dominated by n-alkanes (n-C11-n-C34) and alkanoic acids (C5–C20). Phytene and Phytadiene were typical for the algal crust on the initial pedigree. The initiation of succession was determined by the variation in grain size of the waste dumped on the heap and the variation in relief and associated habitat mosaic. Algal crusts forming on clay–dust mineral and organic material accumulating in the depressions of the site and at the foot of the heap can be regarded as the focus of pedogenesis.
How Can Service-Learning Shape the Political Perspectives of Pre-Service Teachers? A Program in the Field of Physical Education
Authors: Maravé-Vivas María , Salvador-Garcia Celina , Gil-Gómez Jesús , Valverde-Esteve Teresa , Martín-Moya Ricardo
Published: July 2022

Active and democratic citizenship promotion has become a critical challenge for higher education, and civic engagement is a fundamental axis not only in education but also in fostering democratic systems. Consequently, teacher educators held a prominent role through their own teaching practices to generate contexts promoting critical thinking, skills and attitudes. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning related to the political dimension developed by pre-service teachers (n = 123) after participating in a Service-Learning program through physical education with children at risk or/and student with educational needs. This research followed a qualitative research approach and we based the analysis of reflective diaries on Gorham’s (2005) categories regarding political learning: Critical political thinking, Interest in politics, Deliberation and Political judgment. The findings show a development in learning such as civic attitudes, critical political thinking, awareness of social justice problems, increased civic compromise and responsibility. The Service-Learning program, therefore, may have been an adequate option to develop pre-service teachers’ learning related to a political perspective. Therefore, these findings let us understand how Service-Learning may foster equity and social justice among future teachers.