bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Blower-Based Ventilator with Novel-Designed Ventilation Sensor and Actuator
Authors: Pintavirooj Chuchart , Maneerat Areerat , Visitsattapongse Sarinporn
Published: March 2022

The ventilator, a life-saving device for COVID-19-infected patients, especially for pneumonia patients whose lungs are infected, has overwhelmingly skyrocketed since the pandemic of COVID-19 diseases started in December 2019. As a result, many biomedical engineers have rushed to design and construct emergency ventilators, using the Ambu-bag squeezing ventilator to compensate for the insufficient ventilators supply. The Ambu-bag squeezing ventilator, however, suffers from the limitation of delivered tidal volume to the patient, the setting respiration rate and the noisy operational sound due to the movement of mechanic parts. The Ambu-bag based ventilator is, hence, not suitable for prolonged treatment of the patient. This paper presents a design and construction of a blower-based pressure-controlled ventilator for home-treatment COVID-19 patients featured with our novel-designed flow and pressure sensor, electronic peep valve and proportional controlled valve. Our proposed ventilator can be programmed with the suitable parameter setting depending upon the weight, height, gender, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the patients. This is useful in the current situation of COVID-19 pandemics, where trained medical staff is limited. The designed ventilator is also equipped with a safety mechanism, including an excessive-pressure-release valve, excessive flow rate, overpressure, and over-temperature blower to prevent any hazardous event. A home ventilator server is also set where all ventilator parameters will be acquired and broadcasted for remote access of the health provider. The designed blower-based ventilator has been calibrated and evaluated with a lung simulator and standard ventilator tester, including alarmed functions, safety mechanism, sound level, and regulated pressure. The respiration output graph is complied with the simulation. The blower-based ventilator for home-treatment COVID-19 patients is suitable for life support, commensurate with the strict requirements of the FDA for life-support ventilators, and ready to be tested with animal subjects in the next phase.
Cefuzz: An Directed Fuzzing Framework for PHP RCE Vulnerability
Authors: Zhao Jiazhen , Lu Yuliang , Zhu Kailong , Chen Zehan , Huang Hui
Published: March 2022

Current static detection technology for web application vulnerabilities relies highly on specific vulnerability patterns, while dynamic analysis technology has the problem of low vulnerability coverage. In order to improve the ability to detect unknown web application vulnerabilities, this paper proposes a PHP Remote Command/Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability directed fuzzing method. Our method is a combination of static and dynamic methods. First, we obtained the potential RCE vulnerability information of the web application through fine-grained static taint analysis. Then we performed instrumentation for the source code of the web application based on the potential RCE vulnerability information to provide feedback information for fuzzing. Finally, a loop feedback web application vulnerability automatic verification mechanism was established in which the vulnerability verification component provides feedback information, and the seed mutation component improves the vulnerability test seed based on the feedback information. On the basis of this method, the prototype system Cefuzz (Command/Code Execution Fuzzer) is implemented. Thorough experiments show that, compared with the existing web application vulnerability detection methods, Cefuzz significantly improves the verification effect of RCE vulnerabilities, discovering 13 unknown vulnerabilities in 10 popular web CMSes.
A Novel Agent-Based Power Management Scheme for Smart Multiple-Microgrid Distribution Systems
Authors: Shahooei Zagros , Martin Lane , Nehrir Hashem , Bahramipanah Maryam
Published: March 2022

In this work, a novel agent-based day-ahead power management scheme is proposed for multiple-microgrid distribution systems with the intent of reducing operational costs and improving system resilience. The proposed power sharing algorithm executes within each microgrid (MG) locally, and the neighboring MGs cooperate via a multi-agent system cooperation scheme, established to model the communication among the agents. The power management for each agent is modeled as a multi-objective optimization problem (MOP) including two objectives: maximizing load coverage and minimizing the operating costs. The proposed MOP is solved using the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II), where a set of Pareto optimal solutions is obtained for each agent through the NSGA-II. The final solution is obtained using an Analytical Hierarchical Process. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is evaluated using a benchmark 4-MG distribution system. It is shown that the proposed power management scheme and the cooperation of agents lead to a higher overall system resilience and lower operation costs during extreme events.
Analysis of Acoustic Characteristics under Battery External Short Circuit Based on Acoustic Emission
Authors: Zhou Nan , Cui Xiulong , Han Changhao , Yang Zhou
Published: March 2022

The safety of power batteries has received more and more attention in promoting electric vehicles. The external short circuit is particularly prominent as an abnormal and harmful event of a battery, and the exploration of in-situ low-cost detection technology for such an event is the starting point of this paper. By building an experimental bench that could detect the external short circuit of the battery and obtain the acoustic, electrode, and temperature responses, the resulting acoustic analysis would establish an internal connection with the electrode and temperature measurement when the external short circuit occurs. The respective acoustic response characteristics of different initial battery states of charge were analyzed by selecting appropriate acoustic characteristic parameters in the time and frequency domains. The acoustic measurement could represent the battery abnormality synchronously like the electrode measurement, and the results of the damage and rearrangement of the internal of the battery are easy to characterize through a moderate amplification of the acoustic response. The different initial state of charge (SOC) state reflects noticeable differences in the acoustic characteristics. Therefore, it is considered that the acoustic emission technology might have potential battery condition assessment capabilities and be a tool for in-situ battery fault diagnosis.
Reduced-Order Extended State Observer-Based Sliding Mode Control for All-Clamped Plate Using an Inertial Actuator
Authors: Zhai Juan , Li Shengquan , Xu Zhuang , Zhang Luyao , Li Juan
Published: March 2022

Considering the problems of total disturbances, i.e., higher harmonics, model uncertainties and external excitations in a practical vibration control system, a compound vibration suppression method is proposed for an all-clamped plate, which combines sliding mode control (SMC) with reduced-order extended state observer (RESO). First, a state space model of the all-clamped plate with inertial actuator is established. Second, a RESO is designed to estimate the system state variables and total disturbances in real time. In addition, the total disturbances can further be attenuated by RESO through a feedforward compensation part. Third, a sliding mode controller based on the estimation values is designed for a vibration control system. The Lyapunov stability theorem is further applied to prove the stability of the whole closed-loop vibration control system with the proposed controller. Finally, vibration control experiment equipment is built based on the NI-PCIe acquisition card, inertial actuator and acceleration sensor to verify the vibration suppression performances of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the amplitude value of vibration has been reduced by 75.2% with the proposed method, while the amplitude value is reduced by 54.5% with the traditional sliding mode control method based on an extended state observer (SMC-ESO). The comparative experimental results illustrate that the proposed method has excellent anti-disturbance and vibration suppression performances.
Impact Analysis of a National and Corporate Carbon Emission Reduction Target on Renewable Electricity Use: A Review
Authors: Chang Chung-Hao , Lo Shih-Fang
Published: March 2022

The Paris Agreement requires countries to propose their National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and encourages companies to engage in climate action. This two-stage study explores the mutual influence of national and corporate carbon reduction targets and their effect on the adoption of renewable energy using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). The subjects are companies nested in the G20, engaging in the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) or the RE100 initiative. These empirical results show corporate targets are positively correlated to adoption of renewable energy, and development of renewable energy varies by country groups, however; national targets are insignificantly correlated. Our key findings: (1) companies which set SBTs are more willing to use renewable energy to achieve their targets but prefer power purchase agreements (PPAs) and renewable energy certificates (RECs) to investment in renewables. (2) The effect of a national-level target on corporate renewable energy use is non-significant, probably because most multinational corporations are used to compliance and their performances are likely to be better than the national deployment on climate change. We argue that an industrial energy transition to renewables is economically beneficial and needs substantial support in the form of policies or subsidies, instead of just setting targets or attracting publicity.
Distributionally Robust Joint Chance-Constrained Dispatch for Electricity–Gas–Heat Integrated Energy System Considering Wind Uncertainty
Authors: Liu Hui , Fan Zhenggang , Xie Haimin , Wang Ni
Published: March 2022

With the increasing penetration of wind power, the uncertainty associated with it brings more challenges to the operation of the integrated energy system (IES), especially the power subsystem. However, the typical strategies to deal with wind power uncertainty have poor performance in balancing economy and robustness. Therefore, this paper proposes a distributionally robust joint chance-constrained dispatch (DR-JCCD) model to coordinate the economy and robustness of the IES with uncertain wind power. The optimization dispatch model is formulated as a two-stage problem to minimize both the day-ahead and the real-time operation costs. Moreover, the ambiguity set is generated using Wasserstein distance, and the joint chance constraints are used to ensure that the safety constraints (e.g., ramping limit and transmission limit) can be satisfied jointly under the worst-case probability distribution of wind power. The model is remodeled as a mixed-integer tractable programming issue, which can be solved efficiently by ready-made solvers using linear decision rules and linearization methods. Case studies on an electricity–gas–heat regional integrated system, which includes a modified IEEE 24-bus system, 20 natural gas-nodes, and 6 heat-node system, are investigated for verification. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DR-JCCD approach effectively coordinates the economy and robustness of IES and can offer operators a reasonable energy management scheme with an acceptable risk level.
Numerical Simulation of the Impact of Unmined Longwall Panel on the Working Stability of a Longwall Using UDEC 2D—A Case Study
Authors: Rajwa Sylwester , Janoszek Tomasz , Świątek Janina , Walentek Andrzej , Bałaga Dominik
Published: March 2022

The main goal of the paper is numerical simulation for investigation of damage causes in the working of a longwall located under the unmined longwall panel. The paper presents the results of model-based research on the stability of the roof of a longwall working in a zone subject to cave-in mining, taking into account the influence of mining conditions in the form of an unmined coal seam located 115 m above the exploited seam. It presents the geometry of the rock mass under study, the discretization area of the solution, and gives an overview of the assumptions used to build the numerical model. The authors discuss the results of numerical simulations of the influence of mining phenomena on the formation of roof falls in the longwall. Based on the results of numerical simulations, the process of identifying the size of roof falls in a longwall working (loss of stability) was carried out through their appropriate classification. The case presented and analyzed in this paper occurred in one of Poland’s coal mines.
Insight into Geochemical Significance of NO Compounds in Lacustrine Shale Source Rocks by FT-ICR MS
Authors: Ji Hong , Li Sumei , Zhang Hongan , Pang Xiongqi , Xu Tianwu
Published: March 2022

Nitrogen and oxygen (NO) compounds are important compositions in shale source rocks, and they carry an abundance of geochemical information for hydrocarbon generation. Due to technical limitations, the significance of NO compounds has not been paid enough attention. In this paper, the NO compounds from shale rocks of the Dongpu Depression are analyzed to explore the compositional characteristics and geochemical significance of using geological and organic geochemical ways of rock-eval, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The results show that shale rocks are rich in NO compounds, with twelve types of compounds that were detected: N1, N1O1, N1O2, N1O3, N1S1, N1S2, N2O1, O1, O2, O3, O3S1, and O4. Of these compounds, O2 and O3 predominated, followed by N1 and N1O1. Of the N1 species, the most abundant classes are DBE of 9, 12, 15, and 18, which changed with maturity. Of the O2 species, compounds of DBE of 1 (fatty acids) are the predominant class. Classes of DBE 5 and 6 in the O2 species are naphthenic acids with special biological skeleton structures, which are usually appear in immature and low-mature oils. N1, O2, and N1O1 compounds are affected by their maturity and they often run to polarization with enhanced DBE species and a shorter carbon chain as their maturity increases. The parameters of DBE18–25/DBE9–18-N1 and DBE12–20/DBE5–12-O2 increase with the increase of buried depth and maturity. The NO compounds that were revealed by FT-ICR MS may have a promising application in distinguishing between the different depositional environments. Source rocks of saline lacustrine are rich in O2 and N1O1, but less N1 and O1 compounds. The research results are of vital importance for expanding the application of the NO molecular compounds in petroleum exploration.
Internet of Things in Industry: Research Profiling, Application, Challenges and Opportunities—A Review
Authors: Wójcicki Krzysztof , Biegańska Marta , Paliwoda Beata , Górna Justyna
Published: March 2022

The fourth industrial revolution taking place in the industrial sector is related to the increasing digitization and linkage of goods, products, value chains and business models. Industry 4.0 is based on the global connection of people, things and machines. By connecting devices and sensors to the internet, we are entering a new era of data analysis, connectivity and automation. This gives great opportunities for innovation and progress, previously unattainable in such a dimension. The term Internet of Things (IoT) has spread along with the vision of a world instrumented with intelligent inputs and outputs able to communicate with each other through internet data and technologies. IoT is being implemented in various areas of the modern economy, for example, healthcare, quality control, logistics, energy, agriculture and production. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) blazes the trail to a better understanding of the manufacturing process, thus enabling efficient and sustainable production. The paper explains the concepts of IoT, IIoT and Industry 4.0. It highlights the accompanying opportunities, threats and challenges related to their implementation. Additionally, it presents an outline of computing architecture in IoT and related energy consumption issues. Moreover, it provides examples of application and IIoT research profiling.
Increasing Density of 3D-Printed Sandstone through Compaction
Authors: Hodder Kevin J. , Sanchez-Barra Angel J. , Ishutov Sergey , Zambrano-Narvaez Gonzalo , Chalaturnyk Rick J.
Published: March 2022

The geomechanical and transport properties of rocks are of great importance to geoscience and engineering, as these properties provide responses to external stresses and flow regimes in the subsurface. Typically, experiments conducted on cores from reservoir formations have a degree of uncertainty, due to the heterogeneous characteristics of rock samples. To combat this uncertainty, binder-jet additive manufacturing (3D printing) is an emerging technology to characterize natural porous media in a repeatable fashion. In this study, the 3D printing sandstone analogue involved sand powder and organic binder to mimic silica grains and cement in natural sandstone. The use of compaction rollers and the adjustment of printing parameters allowed one to test how the porosity and strength of 3D-printed samples can replicate the transport and geomechanical properties of natural sandstone. The densities of samples were increased by ~15% and compressive strength by ~65% with the use of the larger roller. This is a promising alternative to experimental testing to calibrate numerical models in geoscience and engineering. The significance of this approach is to allow for customizable porosity, permeability, and strength in rock samples, while preserving scarce natural rock samples.
Relationship between Varicocele and Male Hypogonadism: A Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Russo Giorgio Ivan , Asmundo Maria Giovanna , Perelli Sarah , Condorelli Rosita A. , Calogero Aldo E. , Cannarella Rossella , La Vignera Sandro
Published: March 2022

The relationship between varicocele and hypogonadism becomes clearer everyday thanks to the most recent literature, particularly with regards to the impact of varicocele repair on serum testosterone level improvement in hypogonadal patients. We selected English articles published from 1964 to September 2021. The search terms “varicocele” and “hypogonadism” were used as filters. A total of 102 studies have been obtained. For the meta-analysis, the pooled mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables and the ln(OR) were used for data pooling observational studies. A total of 15 articles have been finally included: nine retrospective and six observational. Testosterone levels pre- and after surgery were reported in four studies. There was statistically significant heterogeneity in these studies (chi2 = 267.09, I2 = 72%; p = 0.01). Mean differences of total testosterone was statistically different in men pre- and after-surgery (mean difference = 106.76; p < 0.0001). It is indeed established that altered environments caused by varicocele cause pantesticular insult, but it has not been unequivocally determined whether men with varicocele are at increased risk for the development of clinical hypogonadal symptoms.
An Integrated Approach for Evaluating the Restoration of the Salinity Gradient in Transitional Waters: Monitoring and Numerical Modeling in the Life Lagoon Refresh Case Study
Authors: Feola Alessandra , Ponis Emanuele , Cornello Michele , Boscolo Brusà Rossella , Cacciatore Federica , Oselladore Federica , Matticchio Bruno , Canesso Devis , Sponga Simone , Peretti Paolo , Lizier Matteo , Maniero Luigi , Volpe Valerio , Sfriso Adriano , Ferla Maurizio , Bonometto Andrea
Published: March 2022

Large lagoons usually show a salinity gradient due to fresh water tributaries with inner areas characterized by lower mean values and higher fluctuation of salinity than seawater-dominated areas. In the Venice Lagoon, this ecotonal environment, characterized in the past by oligo-mesohaline waters and large intertidal areas vegetated by reedbeds, was greatly reduced by historical human environmental modifications, including the diversion of main rivers outside the Venice Lagoon. The reduction of the fresh water inputs caused a marinization of the lagoon, with an increase in salinity and the loss of the related habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. To counteract this issue, conservation actions, such as the construction of hydraulic infrastructures for the introduction and the regulation of a fresh water flow, can be implemented. The effectiveness of these actions can be preliminarily investigated and then verified through the combined implementation of environmental monitoring and numerical modeling. Through the results of the monitoring activity carried out in Venice Lagoon in the framework of the Life Lagoon Refresh (LIFE16NAT/IT/000663) project, the study of salinity is shown to be a successful and robust combination of different types of monitoring techniques. In particular, the characterization of salinity is obtained by the acquisition of continuous data, field campaigns, and numerical modeling.
Forecasting Students Dropout: A UTAD University Study
Authors: Moreira da Silva Diogo E. , Solteiro Pires Eduardo J. , Reis Arsénio , de Moura Oliveira Paulo B. , Barroso João
Published: March 2022

In Portugal, the dropout rate of university courses is around 29%. Understanding the reasons behind such a high desertion rate can drastically improve the success of students and universities. This work applies existing data mining techniques to predict the academic dropout mainly using the academic grades. Four different machine learning techniques are presented and analyzed. The dataset consists of 331 students who were previously enrolled in the Computer Engineering degree at the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD). The study aims to detect students who may prematurely drop out using existing methods. The most relevant data features were identified using the Permutation Feature Importance technique. In the second phase, several methods to predict the dropouts were applied. Then, each machine learning technique’s results were displayed and compared to select the best approach to predict academic dropout. The methods used achieved good results, reaching an F1-Score of 81% in the final test set, concluding that students’ marks somehow incorporate their living conditions.
Editorial on Special Issue “Marine Gels”
Authors: Verdugo Pedro
Published: March 2022

The ocean is a complex polymer solution [...]
Mucopolysaccharidosis-Plus Syndrome, a Rapidly Progressive Disease: Favorable Impact of a Very Prolonged Steroid Treatment on the Clinical Course in a Child
Authors: Faraguna Martha Caterina , Musto Francesca , Crescitelli Viola , Iascone Maria , Spaccini Luigina , Tonduti Davide , Fedeli Tiziana , Kullmann Gaia , Canonico Francesco , Cattoni Alessandro , Dell’Acqua Fabiola , Rizzari Carmelo , Gasperini Serena
Published: March 2022

Mucopolysaccharidosis-plus syndrome (MPS-PS) is a novel autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the VPS33A gene. This syndrome presents with typical symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis, as well as congenital heart defects, renal, and hematopoietic system disorders. To date, twenty-four patients have been described. There is no specific therapy for MPS-PS; clinical management is therefore limited to symptoms management. The clinical course is rapidly progressive, and most patients die before 1–2 years of age. We describe a currently 6-year-old male patient with MPS-PS presenting with multiorgan involvement. Symptoms started at four months of age when he progressively suffered from numerous acute and potentially life-threatening events. When he was two years old, he developed secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which was successfully treated with steroids. To date, this child represents the oldest patient affected by MPS-PS described in the literature and the first one presenting with a life-threatening secondary HLH. The prolonged steroid treatment allowed a stabilization of his general and hematological conditions and probably determined an improvement of his psychomotor milestones and new neurological acquisitions with an improvement of quality of life. HLH should be suspected and adequately treated in MPS-PS patients presenting with suggestive symptoms of the disease. The usefulness of a prolonged steroid treatment to improve the clinical course of children with MPS-PS deserves further investigation.
Characterization of a Read-through Fusion Transcript, BCL2L2-PABPN1, Involved in Porcine Adipogenesis
Authors: Zhu Jiyuan , Yang Zewei , Hao Wanjun , Li Jiaxin , Wang Liang , Xia Jiqiao , Zhang Dongjie , Liu Di , Yang Xiuqin
Published: March 2022

cis-Splicing of adjacent genes (cis-SAGe) has been involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes in humans. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report of cis-SAGe in adipogenic regulation. In this study, a cis-SAGe product, BCL2L2–PABPN1 (BP), was characterized in fat tissue of pigs with RT-PCR and RACE method. BP is an in-frame fusion product composed of 333 aa and all the functional domains of both parents. BP is highly conserved among species and rich in splicing variants. BP was found to promote proliferation and inhibit differentiation of primary porcine preadipocytes. A total of 3074/44 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRs)/known miRNAs (DEmiRs) were identified in porcine preadipocytes overexpressing BP through RNA-Seq analysis. Both DEmRs and target genes of DEmiRs were involved in various fat-related pathways with MAPK and PI3K-Akt being the top enriched. PPP2CB, EGFR, Wnt5A and EHHADH were hub genes among the fat-related pathways identified. Moreover, ssc-miR-339-3p was found to be critical for BP regulating adipogenesis through integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA data. The results highlight the role of cis-SAGe in adipogenesis and contribute to further revealing the mechanisms underlying fat deposition, which will be conductive to human obesity control.
The Genome of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): Adaptation for Success
Authors: Oppert Brenda , Muszewska Anna , Steczkiewicz Kamil , Šatović-Vukšić Eva , Plohl Miroslav , Fabrick Jeffrey , Vinokurov Konstantin , Koloniuk Igor , Johnston J. , Smith Timothy , Guedes Raul , Terra Walter , Ferreira Clélia , Dias Renata , Chaply Konstantin , Elpidina Elena , Tereshchenkova Valeriia , Mitchell Robert , Jenson Audra , McKay Rachel , Shan Tisheng , Cao Xiaolong , Miao Zelong , Xiong Chao , Jiang Haobo , Morrison William , Koren Sergey , Schlipalius David , Lorenzen Marcé , Bansal Raman , Wang Yu-Hui , Perkin Lindsey , Poelchau Monica , Friesen Kenlee , Olmstead Morgan , Scully Erin , Campbell James
Published: March 2022

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), is a major global pest of cereal grains. Infestations are difficult to control as larvae feed inside grain kernels, and many populations are resistant to both contact insecticides and fumigants. We sequenced the genome of R. dominica to identify genes responsible for important biological functions and develop more targeted and efficacious management strategies. The genome was assembled from long read sequencing and long-range scaffolding technologies. The genome assembly is 479.1 Mb, close to the predicted genome size of 480.4 Mb by flow cytometry. This assembly is among the most contiguous beetle assemblies published to date, with 139 scaffolds, an N50 of 53.6 Mb, and L50 of 4, indicating chromosome-scale scaffolds. Predicted genes from biologically relevant groups were manually annotated using transcriptome data from adults and different larval tissues to guide annotation. The expansion of carbohydrase and serine peptidase genes suggest that they combine to enable efficient digestion of cereal proteins. A reduction in the copy number of several detoxification gene families relative to other coleopterans may reflect the low selective pressure on these genes in an insect that spends most of its life feeding internally. Chemoreceptor genes contain elevated numbers of pseudogenes for odorant receptors that also may be related to the recent ontogenetic shift of R. dominica to a diet consisting primarily of stored grains. Analysis of repetitive sequences will further define the evolution of bostrichid beetles compared to other species. The data overall contribute significantly to coleopteran genetic research.
Evolutionary Genetics of Cacti: Research Biases, Advances and Prospects
Authors: Franco Fernando Faria , Amaral Danilo Trabuco , Bonatelli Isabel A. S. , Romeiro-Brito Monique , Telhe Milena Cardoso , Moraes Evandro Marsola
Published: March 2022

Here, we present a review of the studies of evolutionary genetics (phylogenetics, population genetics, and phylogeography) using genetic data as well as genome scale assemblies in Cactaceae (Caryophyllales, Angiosperms), a major lineage of succulent plants with astonishing diversity on the American continent. To this end, we performed a literature survey (1992–2021) to obtain detailed information regarding key aspects of studies investigating cactus evolution. Specifically, we summarize the advances in the following aspects: molecular markers, species delimitation, phylogenetics, hybridization, biogeography, and genome assemblies. In brief, we observed substantial growth in the studies conducted with molecular markers in the past two decades. However, we found biases in taxonomic/geographic sampling and the use of traditional markers and statistical approaches. We discuss some methodological and social challenges for engaging the cactus community in genomic research. We also stressed the importance of integrative approaches, coalescent methods, and international collaboration to advance the understanding of cactus evolution.
Mapping Construction Costs at the National Level
Authors: Zhang Su , Lippitt Christopher D. , Bogus Susan M. , Taylor Tammira D. , Haley Renee
Published: March 2022

The construction industry relies on construction cost indexes to prepare cost estimate benchmarks and develop cost estimates. Subsequently, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies routinely publish construction cost indexes for cities. Currently, all construction cost indexes are released in a tabular format for 649 cities across the conterminous United States, which is not effective in illustrating construction cost variations at the national level. This study explored the utility of various established interpolation methods and mapping techniques to visualize construction cost indexes at the national level. Geovisualization techniques such as thematic mapping provide a visual representation of construction cost data in addition to traditional tabular formats. This study explored the utility of Thiessen polygon and inverse distance weighted (IDW) methods to create thematic maps which can be used to interactively visualize construction costs at the national level. A qualitative comparison revealed that the IDW method can produce the most intuitive, interactive, and continuous surface maps to identify dynamic and previously unrecognized patterns. These continuous surface maps allow construction practitioners and academics, real estate developers, and the public to locate the geographic proximity of high or low construction costs while cost change maps allow investors and businesses to identify patterns in changing construction costs over a certain period. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by introducing interpolated maps for visualizing any construction cost-related indexes at a large scale such as the national level.
Morphosedimentary, Structural and Benthic Characterization of Carbonate Mound Fields on the Upper Continental Slope of the Northern Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Sánchez-Guillamón Olga , Rueda Jose L. , Wienberg Claudia , Ercilla Gemma , Vázquez Juan Tomás , Gómez-Ballesteros Maria , Urra Javier , Moya-Urbano Elena , Estrada Ferran , Hebbeln Dierk
Published: March 2022

Carbonate mounds clustering in three fields were characterized on the upper continental slope of the northern Alboran Sea by means of a detailed analysis of the morphosedimentary and structural features using high-resolution bathymetry and parametric profiles. The contemporary and past benthic and demersal species were studied using ROV underwater imagery and some samples. A total of 325 mounds, with heights between 1 and 18 m, and 204 buried mounds were detected between 155 to 401 m water depth. Transparent facies characterize the mounds, which root on at least six erosive surfaces, indicating different growth stages. At present, these mounds are covered with soft sediments and typical bathyal sedimentary habitat-forming species, such as sea-pens, cerianthids and sabellid polychaetes. Nevertheless, remains of colonial scleractinians, rhodoliths and bivalves were detected and their role as potential mound-forming species is discussed. We hypothesized that the formation of these mounds could be related to favorable climatic conditions for cold-water corals, possibly during the late Pleistocene. The occurrence on top of some mounds of abundant rhodoliths suggests that some mounds were in the photic zone during minimum sea level and boreal guest fauna (e.g., Modiolus modiolus), which declined in the western Mediterranean after the Termination 1a of the Last Glacial (Late Pleistocene).
Supplemental UV-B Exposure Influences the Biomass and the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Linum usitatissimum L. Sprouts and Microgreens
Authors: Santin Marco , Sciampagna Maria Calogera , Mannucci Alessia , Puccinelli Martina , Angelini Luciana Gabriella , Tavarini Silvia , Accorsi Mattia , Incrocci Luca , Ranieri Annamaria , Castagna Antonella
Published: March 2022

The interest in the pre-harvest ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure of crops in indoor cultivation has grown consistently, though very little is known about its influence on the nutraceutical quality of microgreens. Flaxseeds constitute a valuable oilseed species, mostly appreciated for their nutritional properties and the presence of health-promoting compounds. Therefore, although scarcely studied, flaxseed sprouts and microgreens might constitute a high-quality food product to be included in a healthy diet. This study aims to unravel the effects of pre-harvest ultraviolet-B irradiation on the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of flaxseed sprouts and microgreens grown under artificial conditions. The UV-B irradiation decreased the biomass and stem length of microgreens. However, the content of total phenolics and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity were strongly enhanced by the UV-B treatment in both sprouts and microgreens. Among photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and lutein in sprouts were reduced by the treatment, while chlorophyll b increased in microgreens. In conclusion, our results showed that growing flaxseed sprouts and microgreens in controlled conditions with supplemental UV-B exposure might increase their nutritional and nutraceutical quality, as well as their antioxidant capacity, making them high-quality functional foods.
Occurrence of Freshwater Cyanobacteria and Bloom Records in Spanish Reservoirs (1981–2017)
Authors: Vieira-Lanero Rufino , Barca Sandra , Cobo M. Carmen , Cobo Fernando
Published: March 2022

Cyanobacterial blooms constitute a global environmental concern, with sometimes serious implications for human and animal health. Consequently, they represent a major problem in the management of water and aquatic ecosystems. The design of good quality control and management programs is therefore imperative and, for this, a good understanding of the state of the art becomes essential. In Spain, information related to freshwater cyanobacteria is somewhat scattered. Thus, the main objective of this work is to gather all the available information related to cyanobacteria in Spanish artificial water bodies (reservoirs), with special attention to episodes of massive proliferation and probable toxic events. Data for this review were obtained from scientific papers, technical reports, and from the websites of the different Spanish basin organizations. From the review carried out, it is relevant that: cyanobacteria species have been recorded in 252 of the 988 existing reservoirs and blooms in 91 of them (most of them destined for water supply), potentially toxic cyanobacteria are widespread, and that occurrence of blooms has increased recently. The latter could be attributed to a spread monitoring effort. Nevertheless, the effect of the increasing eutrophication and climate change should not be underestimated. In addition to the data compilation, the relation between the cyanobacteria recorded in the Spanish water reservoirs and the geological area where the reservoirs are located has been analyzed.
Profile of Patients with Dementia or Cognitive Impairment Hospitalized with a Proximal Femur Fracture Requiring Surgery
Authors: Casafont Claudia , González-Garcia María Josefa , Marañón-Echeverría Ana , Cobo-Sánchez José Luis , Bravo María , Piazuelo Mercè , Zabalegui Adelaida
Published: March 2022

This study reports the characteristics of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment hospitalized with a proximal femur fracture requiring surgery. Methods: Multicentric descriptive longitudinal study conducted in three traumatology units, representing high-technology public hospitals across Spain. Data collection took place between August 2018 and December 2019 upon admission to hospital, discharge, one month and three months after discharge. Results: Study participants (n = 174) were mainly women (81.6%), and the mean age was 90.7± 6.3 years old. Significant statistical differences were noted in the decline of functional capacity at baseline and one month later, and after three months they had still not recovered. Malnutrition increased from baseline to the one-month follow-up. The use of physical restraints increased during hospitalization, especially bilateral bedrails and a belt in the chair/bed. After one month, 15.2% of patients had pressure ulcers. Although pain decreased, it was still present after three months. Conclusion: Hospitalization after hip surgery for elderly people with dementia or cognitive impairment negatively impacted their global health outcomes such as malnutrition and the development of pressure ulcers, falls, functional impairment and the use of physical restraints and pain management challenges. Hospitals should implement policy-makers’ strategic dementia care plans to improve their outcomes.
Validation of the Malay Self-Report Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology in a Malaysian Sample
Authors: Chan Lai Fong , Eu Choon Leng , Tong Seng Fah , Chin Song Jie , Sharip Shalisah , Chai Yee Chin , Loo Jiann Lin , Mohamad Kamal Nurul Ain , Goon Jo Aan , Mahadevan Raynuha , Liu Chian Yong , Yeoh Chih Nie , Mohd Daud Tuti Iryani
Published: March 2022

Depression is ranked as the second-leading cause for years lived with disability worldwide. Objective monitoring with a standardized scale for depressive symptoms can improve treatment outcomes. This study evaluates the construct and concurrent validity of the Malay Self-Report Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16) among Malaysian clinical and community samples. This cross-sectional study was based on 277 participants, i.e., patients with current major depressive episode (MDE), n = 104, and participants without current MDE, n = 173. Participants answered the Malay QIDS-SR16 and were administered the validated Malay Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for DSM-IV-TR. Factor analysis was used to determine construct validity, alpha statistic for internal consistency, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for concurrent validity with MINI to determine the optimal threshold to identify MDE. Data analysis provided evidence for the unidimensionality of the Malay QIDS-SR16 with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88). Based on ROC analysis, the questionnaire demonstrated good validity with a robust area under the curve of 0.916 (p < 0.000, 95% CI 0.884–0.948). A cut-off score of nine provided the best balance between sensitivity (88.5%) and specificity (83.2%). The Malay QIDS-SR16 is a reliable and valid instrument for identifying MDE in unipolar or bipolar depression.
“Time Does Not Heal All Wounds”: Sexual Victimisation Is Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD in Old Age
Authors: Nobels Anne , Lemmens Gilbert , Thibau Lisa , Beaulieu Marie , Vandeviver Christophe , Keygnaert Ines
Published: March 2022

Sexual violence (SV) has an important impact on mental health. Childhood sexual abuse is linked to internalising disorders in later life. In older adults, SV occurs more often than previously believed. Moreover, health care workers lack the skills to address SV in later life. Studies researching the mental health impact of lifetime SV, i.e., SV during childhood, adulthood, and old age, are lacking. Between July 2019 and March 2020, 513 older adults living in Belgium participated in structured face-to-face-interviews. Selection occurred via a cluster random probability sampling with a random walk finding approach. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) were measured using validated scales. Participants were asked about suicide attempts and self-harm during their lifetime and in the past 12 months. SV was measured using behaviourally specific questions based on a broad SV definition. We found rates for depression, anxiety, and PTSD of 27%, 26%, and 6% respectively, while 2% had attempted suicide, and 1% reported self-harm in the past 12 months. Over 44% experienced lifetime SV and 8% in the past 12 months. Lifetime SV was linked to depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), and PTSD in participants with a chronic illness/disability (p = 0.002) or no/lower education (p < 0.001). We found no link between lifetime SV and suicide attempts or self-harm in the past 12 months. In conclusion, lifetime SV is linked to mental health problems in late life. Tailored mental health care for older SV victims is necessary. Therefore, capacity building of professionals and development of clinical guidelines and care procedures are important.
Effects of Balance Training Using a Virtual Reality Program in Hemiplegic Patients
Authors: Kwon Jung-Ah , Shin Yoon-Kyum , Kim Deok-Ju , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: March 2022

Therapeutic goals for hemiplegic patients with neurological impairments are mainly focused on improving their independent lives. Based on the previously reported effectiveness of Wii Fit balance training, this study investigated the most influential outcomes after long-term intensive training (including balance and functional factors) on quality of life in hemiplegic patients. The intervention group (n = 21) received Nintendo Wii Fit balance training under supervision, and control group (n = 20) received conventional balance training by an occupational therapist. Two groups were matched based on age and onset duration. Both groups received a total of 15 treatments for 30 min per session, twice a week for 8 weeks. There were significant improvements not only in balance confidence and activities of daily living, but also in body composition, such as fat proportion and metabolic rate, in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In particular, balance confidence significantly affected EuroQoL Visual Analogue Scale according to stepwise multiple regression analyses in this study. These results demonstrated that Wii Fit balance training using virtual reality improved the quality of life of hemiplegic patients while overcoming the asymmetrical weight distribution of the affected side via the self-modulating biofeedback exercises.
Comparative Diagnosis of the Urban Noise Problem from Infrastructural and Social Sensing Approaches: A Case Study in Ningbo, China
Authors: Si Yutian , Xu Liyan , Peng Xiao , Liu Aihan
Published: March 2022

Urban noise causes a variety of health problems, and its prevention and control have thus become an important research topic in urban governance. Although existing literature is fairly comprehensive in revealing the physical noise patterns, it lacks the concern of people’s perceived seriousness, especially at the macroscopic, i.e., citywide scale. In this paper, we borrow from the “exposure-perception-behavior” theory in environmental psychology, and propose an analytical framework for diagnosing the urban noise problem that integrates the Infrastructural and Social Sensing perspectives. Utilizing noise monitoring data that fills the spatiotemporal granularity gaps of official noise monitoring, as well as the “12345” urban complaint hotline records which serve as a proxy for residents’ perceived noise levels, we empirically examine the mechanisms for physical magnitude and perceived seriousness of urban noise, respectively, by taking the Jiangbei District of Ningbo City, China as an example. Results show that the existence of perceptual bias and behavioral preference effects did shape people’s perceived noise problem map that is vastly different from that of the physical noise magnitude, in which the semantics of urban places, temporal rhythms of life, and population demographics significantly influenced people’s tolerance of noise. We conclude the paper with suggestions on updating the existing National Standard for urban noise regulation to reflect the perceptual aspect, and also methodological discussions on possible ways to recognize and utilize the perceptual bias in social-sensing big-data to better accommodate urban governance.
Effectiveness of an Integrated Nutrition Rehabilitation on Growth and Development of Children under Five Post 2018 Earthquake in East Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Fahmida Umi , Hidayat Ahmad Thohir , Oka Anak Agung Sagung Indriani , Suciyanti Dini , Pathurrahman Pathurrahman , Wangge Grace
Published: March 2022

Background: In August 2018 Lombok Island in Indonesia was hit by a 7 Richter scale earthquake. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive nutrition disaster rehabilitation, based on the holistic integrated early child development concept, on the growth and development of children under five. Methods: A community-based intervention was performed in the East Lombok district; four villages in two sub-districts were randomly allocated into intervention or control groups. Mothers of 6–49-month-old children in the intervention group (n = 240) attended parenting classes (twice weekly) and received shredded fish/liver/anchovy and optimized complementary feeding/food-based recommendations, developed using linear programming. Health staff from the public health center and teachers from early childhood education (ECE) centers delivered parenting sessions on health–nutrition and care–education. The control group (n = 240) received existing health services. Indicators measured at baseline and the end line point were weight, length/height, hemoglobin, feeding practices, psychosocial care (HOME) and maternal stress (SRQ). At the end line point, child development was assessed using BSID-III. Results: At the end line point, maternal stress and child morbidity (cough) were lower and dietary diversity (+1) in 6–23-month-old children, and weight-for-age Z-score (+0.26) and social emotional score (+10 points) in ≥24-month-old children were higher in the intervention group. Conclusions: The nutrition rehabilitation intervention delivered through ECE centers has a positive effect on the growth and development of children under five in post-disaster conditions.