bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Surface Residual Lithium Compounds for Single-Crystal LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 via Al2O3 Atomic Layer Deposition and Post-Annealing
Authors: Li Jiawei , Xiang Junren , Yi Ge , Tang Yuanting , Shao Huachen , Liu Xiao , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: January 2022

Surface residual lithium compounds of Ni-rich cathodes are tremendous obstacles to electrochemical performance due to blocking ion/electron transfer and arousing surface instability. Herein, ultrathin and uniform Al2O3 coating via atomic layer deposition (ALD) coupled with the post-annealing process is reported to reduce residual lithium compounds on single-crystal LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NCM622). Surface composition characterizations indicate that LiOH is obviously reduced after Al2O3 growth on NCM622. Subsequent post-annealing treatment causes the consumption of Li2CO3 along with the diffusion of Al atoms into the surface layer of NCM622. The NCM622 modified by Al2O3 coating and post-annealing exhibits excellent cycling stability, the capacity retention of which reaches 92.2% after 300 cycles at 1 C, much higher than that of pristine NCM622 (34.8%). Reduced residual lithium compounds on NCM622 can greatly decrease the formation of LiF and the degree of Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing after discharge–charge cycling, which is the key to the improvement of cycling stability.
Photocrosslinking of Adventitial Collagen in the Porcine Abdominal Aorta: A Preliminary Approach to a Strategy for Prevention of Aneurysmal Rupture
Authors: Chirila Traian V. , Suzuki Shuko
Published: January 2022

This study was aimed at generating data for designing a potential method to prevent the rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We found that the mechanical strength and stiffness of blood vessel walls was enhanced by the crosslinking of adventitial collagen through a photochemical process promoted by ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation. The experiments were carried out on samples isolated from 25 normal porcine aortas. The adventitial layer was separated from the other layers and exposed to UV radiation of 365-nm wavelength, in the presence of a riboflavin compound as the photosensitizer. Mechanical testing of 30 specimens, prior to and after exposure, indicated an increase in both strength (ultimate stress) and stiffness (Young’s modulus) of the adventitial specimens following irradiation. The crosslinking process also led to an enhanced resistance to experimental collagenolysis, as determined on six specimens. At this phase of conceptual design, we suggest that by applying this method to an aneurysmal dilated wall region, the stabilization of tunica adventitia may delay or prevent the rupture of the aneurysm and, with further investigation and refinement, can become a therapeutic strategy for arresting the progression of AAA.
Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Target Therapy in Pediatric Brain Cancers
Authors: Guido Clara , Baldari Clara , Maiorano Gabriele , Mastronuzzi Angela , Carai Andrea , Quintarelli Concetta , De Angelis Biagio , Cortese Barbara , Gigli Giuseppe , Palamà Ilaria Elena
Published: January 2022

Pediatric brain tumors represent the most common types of childhood cancer and novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions are urgently needed. The gold standard treatment option for brain cancers in children, as in adults, is tumor resection followed by radio- and chemotherapy, but with discouraging therapeutic results. In particular, the last two treatments are often associated to significant neurotoxicity in the developing brain of a child, with resulting disabilities such as cognitive problems, neuroendocrine, and neurosensory dysfunctions/deficits. Nanoparticles have been increasingly and thoroughly investigated as they show great promises as diagnostic tools and vectors for gene/drug therapy for pediatric brain cancer due to their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. In this review we will discuss the developments of nanoparticle-based strategies as novel precision nanomedicine tools for diagnosis and therapy in pediatric brain cancers, with a particular focus on targeting strategies to overcome the main physiological obstacles that are represented by blood–brain barrier.
Improving the Model for Person Detection in Aerial Image Sequences Using the Displacement Vector: A Search and Rescue Scenario
Authors: Kundid Vasić Mirela , Papić Vladan
Published: January 2022

Recent results in person detection using deep learning methods applied to aerial images gathered by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have demonstrated the applicability of this approach in scenarios such as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. In this paper, the continuation of our previous research is presented. The main goal is to further improve detection results, especially in terms of reducing the number of false positive detections and consequently increasing the precision value. We present a new approach that, as input to the multimodel neural network architecture, uses sequences of consecutive images instead of only one static image. Since successive images overlap, the same object of interest needs to be detected in more than one image. The correlation between successive images was calculated, and detected regions in one image were translated to other images based on the displacement vector. The assumption is that an object detected in more than one image has a higher probability of being a true positive detection because it is unlikely that the detection model will find the same false positive detections in multiple images. Based on this information, three different algorithms for rejecting detections and adding detections from one image to other images in the sequence are proposed. All of them achieved precision value about 80% which is increased by almost 20% compared to the current state-of-the-art methods.
Estimating Distributions of Parameters in Nonlinear State Space Models with Replica Exchange Particle Marginal Metropolis–Hastings Method
Authors: Inoue Hiroaki , Hukushima Koji , Omori Toshiaki
Published: January 2022

Extracting latent nonlinear dynamics from observed time-series data is important for understanding a dynamic system against the background of the observed data. A state space model is a probabilistic graphical model for time-series data, which describes the probabilistic dependence between latent variables at subsequent times and between latent variables and observations. Since, in many situations, the values of the parameters in the state space model are unknown, estimating the parameters from observations is an important task. The particle marginal Metropolis–Hastings (PMMH) method is a method for estimating the marginal posterior distribution of parameters obtained by marginalization over the distribution of latent variables in the state space model. Although, in principle, we can estimate the marginal posterior distribution of parameters by iterating this method infinitely, the estimated result depends on the initial values for a finite number of times in practice. In this paper, we propose a replica exchange particle marginal Metropolis–Hastings (REPMMH) method as a method to improve this problem by combining the PMMH method with the replica exchange method. By using the proposed method, we simultaneously realize a global search at a high temperature and a local fine search at a low temperature. We evaluate the proposed method using simulated data obtained from the Izhikevich neuron model and Lévy-driven stochastic volatility model, and we show that the proposed REPMMH method improves the problem of the initial value dependence in the PMMH method, and realizes efficient sampling of parameters in the state space models compared with existing methods.
Convolutional Neural Networks Used to Date Photographs
Authors: Román-Gallego Jesús-Ángel , Pérez-Delgado María-Luisa , San Gregorio Sergio Vicente
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, the information provided by digital photographs is very complete and very relevant in different professional fields, such as scientific or forensic photography. Taking this into account, it is possible to determine the date when they were taken, as well as the type of device that they were taken with, and thus be able to locate the photograph in a specific context. This is not the case with analog photographs, which lack any information regarding the date they were taken. Extracting this information is a complicated task, so classifying each photograph according to the date it was taken is a laborious task for a human expert. Artificial intelligence techniques make it possible to determine the characteristics and classify the images automatically. Within the field of artificial intelligence, convolutional neural networks are one of the most widely used methods today. This article describes the application of convolutional neural networks to automatically classify photographs according to the year they were taken. To do this, only the photograph is used, without any additional information. The proposed method divides each photograph into several segments that are presented to the network so that it can estimate a year for each segment. Once all the segments of a photograph have been processed, a general year for the photograph is calculated from the values generated by the network for each of its segments. In this study, images taken between 1960 and 1999 were analyzed and classified using different architectures of a convolutional neural network. The computational results obtained indicate that 44% of the images were classified with an error of less than 5 years, 20.25% with a marginal error between 5 and 10 years, and 35.75% with a higher marginal error of more than 10 years. Due to the complexity of the problem, the results obtained are considered good since 64.25% of the photographs were classified with an error of less than 10 years. Another important result of the study carried out is that it was found that the color is a very important characteristic when classifying photographs by date. The results obtained show that the approach given in this study is an important starting point for this type of task and that it allows placing a photograph in a specific temporal context, thus facilitating the work of experts dedicated to scientific and forensic photography.
A Recent Approach towards Fluidic Microstrip Devices and Gas Sensors: A Review
Authors: Babale Suleiman Aliyu , Paracha Kashif Nisar , Ahmad Sarosh , Abdul Rahim Sharul Kamal , Yunusa Zainab , Nasir Muhammad , Ghaffar Adnan , Lamkaddem Abdenasser
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to review some of the available tunable devices with emphasis on the techniques employed, fabrications, merits, and demerits of each technique. In the era of fluidic microstrip communication devices, versatility and stability have become key features of microfluidic devices. These fluidic devices allow advanced fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, spraying, or injecting the conductive fluid on the flexible/rigid substrate. Fluidic techniques are used either in the form of loading components, switching, or as the radiating/conducting path of a microwave component such as liquid metals. The major benefits and drawbacks of each technology are also emphasized. In this review, there is a brief discussion of the most widely used microfluidic materials, their novel fabrication/patterning methods.
Low-Cost Education Kit for Teaching Basic Skills for Industry 4.0 Using Deep-Learning in Quality Control Tasks
Authors: Pajpach Martin , Haffner Oto , Kučera Erik , Drahoš Peter
Published: January 2022

The main purposes of this paper are to offer a low-cost solution that can be used in engineering education and to address the challenges that Industry 4.0 brings with it. In recent years, there has been a great shortage of engineering experts, and therefore it is necessary to educate the next generation of experts, but the hardware and software tools needed for education are often expensive and access to them is sometimes difficult, but most importantly, they change and evolve rapidly. Therefore, the use of cheaper hardware and free software helps to create a reliable and suitable environment for the education of engineering experts. Based on the overview of related works dealing with low-cost teaching solutions, we present in this paper our own low-cost Education Kit, for which the price can be as low as approximately EUR 108 per kit, for teaching the basic skills of deep learning in quality-control tasks in inspection lines. The solution is based on Arduino, TensorFlow and Keras, a smartphone camera, and is assembled using LEGO kit. The results of the work serve as inspiration for educators and educational institutions.
Review of Bumpless Build Cube (BBCube) Using Wafer-on-Wafer (WOW) and Chip-on-Wafer (COW) for Tera-Scale Three-Dimensional Integration (3DI)
Authors: Ohba Takayuki , Sakui Koji , Sugatani Shinji , Ryoson Hiroyuki , Chujo Norio
Published: January 2022

Bumpless Build Cube (BBCube) using Wafer-on-Wafer (WOW) and Chip-on-Wafer (COW) for Tera-Scale Three-Dimensional Integration (3DI) is discussed. Bumpless interconnects between wafers and between chips and wafers are a second-generation alternative to the use of micro-bumps for WOW and COW technologies. WOW and COW technologies for BBCube can be used for homogeneous and heterogeneous 3DI, respectively. Ultra-thinning of wafers down to 4 μm offers the advantage of a small form factor, not only in terms of the total volume of 3D ICs, but also the aspect ratio of Through-Silicon-Vias (TSVs). Bumpless interconnect technology can increase the number of TSVs per chip due to the finer TSV pitch and the lower impedance of bumpless TSV interconnects. In addition, high-density TSV interconnects with a short length provide the highest thermal dissipation from high-temperature devices such as CPUs and GPUs. This paper describes the process platform for BBCube WOW and COW technologies and BBCube DRAMs with high speed and low IO buffer power by enhancing parallelism and increasing yield by using a vertically replaceable memory block architecture, and also presents a comparison of thermal characteristics in 3D structures constructed with micro-bumps and BBCube.
Exploiting Data Compression for Adaptive Block Placement in Hybrid Caches
Authors: Kim Beomjun , Kim Yongtae , Nair Prashant , Hong Seokin
Published: January 2022

STT-RAM (Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory) appears to be a viable alternative to SRAM-based on-chip caches. Due to its high density and low leakage power, STT-RAM can be used to build massive capacity last-level caches (LLC). Unfortunately, STT-RAM has a much longer write latency and a much greater write energy than SRAM. Researchers developed hybrid caches made up of SRAM and STT-RAM regions to cope with these challenges. In order to store as many write-intensive blocks in the SRAM region as possible in hybrid caches, an intelligent block placement policy is essential. This paper proposes an adaptive block placement framework for hybrid caches that incorporates metadata embedding (ADAM). When a cache block is evicted from the LLC, ADAM embeds metadata (i.e., write intensity) into the block. Metadata embedded in the cache block are then extracted and used to determine the block’s write intensity when it is fetched from main memory. Our research demonstrates that ADAM can enhance performance by 26% (on average) when compared to a baseline block placement scheme.
Pyrolysis-Based Municipal Solid Waste Management in Poland—SWOT Analysis
Authors: Ławińska Olga , Korombel Anna , Zajemska Monika
Published: January 2022

Poland’s management of municipal waste, which amounts to over 13 million tons/year, is not efficient—about 60% of the waste is subjected to recovery processes, about 20% of all municipal waste is converted into energy, and almost 40% is landfilled. The authors of this article recognize the potential of pyrolysis as a method of the thermal processing of waste allowing the potential of the energy contained in the waste to be utilized. Pyrolysis is an economically attractive alternative to incineration, with a significantly lower environmental impact, allowing efficient waste management and the use of pyrolysis by-products in the energy sector (pyrolysis gas), or in the building materials sector (biochar). Despite so many advantages, this method is not employed in Poland. The aim of the paper is to indicate a recommended strategy for the application of pyrolysis in Poland as a method of the thermal processing of municipal solid waste. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was used as a research method. In the first step, on the basis of the literature review, the factors which may affect the use of pyrolysis in Poland were identified. In the second step, five experts evaluated the weights of those factors and the interactions between them. The products of the weights and interactions allowed, in accordance with SWOT analysis methodology, the most desirable strategy of pyrolysis application in Poland to be determined, which turned out to be an aggressive one. This means that pyrolysis as a thermal waste processing method should be implemented on a large scale in Poland to improve the indicators of municipal waste management.
A Review of Intelligent Unmanned Mining Current Situation and Development Trend
Authors: Zhang Kexue , Kang Lei , Chen Xuexi , He Manchao , Zhu Chun , Li Dong
Published: January 2022

Intelligent unmanned mining is a key process in coal mine production, which has direct impact on the production safety, coal output, economic benefits and social benefits of coal mine enterprises. With the rapid development and popularization of 5G+ intelligent mines and coal mine intelligent equipment in China, the intelligentization of intelligent unmanned mining has become an important research topic. Especially with the promulgation of some Chinese policies and regulations, intelligent unmanned mining technology has become one of the key technologies of coal mine production. To understand the connotation, status quo and development trends of intelligent unmanned mining, this paper takes the relationship between key technologies and engineering application of intelligent unmanned mining in China as the perspective. It is proposed that the intelligent unmanned mining technology is in the whole process of working face mining. A research structure of unmanned follow-up operation and safe patrol is changing to the mode of intelligent adaptive mining, followed by the basic concepts and characteristics of intelligent unmanned mining. Relevant researches that maybe beneficial to the proposed research content are reviewed in four layers, which include basic theory, key technology, mining mode, and overall design system theory and technology. Finally, the current intelligent unmanned mining mode and future trends in this field in China are summarized.
CO2 Capture from IGCC by Low-Temperature Synthesis Gas Separation
Authors: Berstad David , Skaugen Geir , Roussanaly Simon , Anantharaman Rahul , Nekså Petter , Jordal Kristin , Trædal Stian , Gundersen Truls
Published: January 2022

Capture conditions for CO2 vary substantially between industrial point sources. Depending on CO2 fraction and pressure level, different capture technologies will be required for cost- and energy-efficient decarbonisation. For decarbonisation of shifted synthesis gas from coal gasification, several studies have identified low-temperature CO2 capture by condensation and phase separation as an energy- and cost-efficient option. In the present work, a process design is proposed for low-temperature CO2 capture from an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant. Steady-state simulations were carried out and the performance of the overall process, as well as major process components, were investigated. For the baseline capture unit layout, delivering high-pressure CO2 at 150 bar, the net specific power requirement was estimated to 273 kJe/kgCO2, and an 85% CO2 capture ratio was obtained. The impact of 12 different process parameters was studied in a sensitivity analysis, the results of which show that compressor and expander efficiencies, as well as synthesis gas separation temperature, have the highest impact on power requirements. Modifying the process to producing cold liquid CO2 for ship transport resulted in 16% increase in net power requirements and is well suited for capturing CO2 for ship transport.
Design and Application of Electrical Machines
Authors: Palka Ryszard , Wardach Marcin
Published: January 2022

Design and Application of Electrical Machines is a Special Issue of Energies [...]
Increase the Efficiency of an Induction Motor Feed from Inverter for Low Frequencies by Combining Design and Control Improvements
Authors: Dems Maria , Komeza Krzysztof , Szulakowski Jacek , Kubiak Witold
Published: January 2022

Speed-controlled induction motors have the most significant potential for energy savings. The greatest problems with obtaining high efficiency occur in motors with a wide range of rotational speed regulation, as in the motors for driving industrial washing machines under consideration. While for the highest speeds, the dominant phenomenon is at field weakening. The problem is obtaining the optimal size of the magnetic flux for low rotation speed to prevent excessive saturation increasing current, and reduction of efficiency. This problem is usually solved by selecting the appropriate control for an already built machine. The authors propose a combination of activities when designing the motor structure with the selection of proper control, which allows for high efficiency. Since the drive does not require precise speed control or obtaining the required dynamics, it was possible to use an inexpensive control in an open loop, avoiding the cost of transmitters. Furthermore, the number of design parameters that are subject to change is significantly limited by technological factors and the available space in the washing machine. Proper parameter selection was made using a peripheral method assisted by field-circuit simulations. The proposed approach can be used in designing structures and selecting motors controls for other applications.
Could China Declare a “Coal Phase-Out”? An Evolutionary Game and Empirical Analysis Involving the Government, Enterprises, and the Public
Authors: Kou Jingna , Sun Fengjun , Li Wei , Jin Jie
Published: January 2022

There is a global move toward being “carbon neutral”. Reducing the use of coal to generate power has become an inevitable choice for many countries when transforming their energy structures. Many countries have proposed phasing out coal. China is a major energy producing and consuming country and intends to reach a carbon peak by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. China has repeatedly emphasized coal reduction, but has not explicitly proposed phasing out coal, due to the influence of local governments, coal-related enterprises, and the public. This paper explores whether China could declare a “coal phase-out”, and the possible reasons for doing so, by constructing an evolutionary game model with two correlations. MATLAB was used to simulate the model results to determine the effectiveness of the fractal results of the model, and the entropy method was used to calculate the development level of “coal phase-out” related indicators in China and Germany. The results show that: (1) The government can phase out coal only when coal-related enterprises and the public can benefit from reducing coal production and consumption. In addition, these benefits are needed to ensure stable economic and social development without affecting people’s daily lives; (2) The development level of relevant indicators of “coal retreat” in China is lower than that in Germany. Based on these results, it is concluded that it is difficult for China to announce a “coal phase-out” at present. Faced with this reality, China should improve the efficiency of coal use, install carbon capture and storage facilities, vigorously develop renewable energy and reduce the share of coal in the energy system.
Stefan Uroš II Milutin Nemanjić (1282–1321)
Authors: Marinković Čedomila
Published: January 2022

King Stefan Uroš II Milutin Nemanjić (1282—Donje Nerodimlje, October 29, 1321) was a Serbian medieval king, the seventh ruler of the Serbian Nemanide dynasty, the son of King Stefan Uroš I (r. 1243–1276) and Queen Helen Nemanjić (see), the brother of the King Stefan Dragutin (r. 1276–1282) and the father of King Stefan Dečanski (r. 1322–1331). Together with his great grandfather Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the Nemanide dynasty, and his grandson, Emperor Stefan Uroš IV Dušan, King Milutin is considered the most powerful ruler of the Nemanide dynasty. The long and successful military breach of King Milutin, down the Vardar River Valley and deep into the Byzantine territories, represents the beginning of Serbian expansion into southeastern Europe, making it the dominant political power in the Balkan region in the 14th century. During that period, Serbian economic power grew rapidly, mostly because of the development of trading and mining. King Milutin founded Novo Brdo, an internationally important silver mining site. He started minting his own money, producing imitations of Venetian coins (grosso), which gradually diminished in value. This led to the ban of these coins by the Republic of Venice and provided King Milutin a place in Dante’s Divina Commedia. King Milutin had a specific philoktesia fervor: He built or renovated over three dozen Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries not only in Serbia but also in Thessaloniki, Mt. Athos, Constantinople and The Holy Land. Over fifteen of his portraits can be found in the monumental painting ensembles of Serbian medieval monasteries as well as on two icons.
Helicobacter pylori Prevalence and Risk Factors in Three Rural Indigenous Communities of Northern Arizona
Authors: Harris Robin B. , Brown Heidi E. , Begay Rachelle L. , Sanderson Priscilla R. , Chief Carmenlita , Monroy Fernando P. , Oren Eyal
Published: January 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial stomach infections and is implicated in a majority of non-cardia gastric cancer. While gastric cancer has decreased in the United States (US), the incidence in the Navajo Nation is nearly four times higher than surrounding Non-Hispanic White populations. Little is known about H. pylori prevalence in this population or other Indigenous communities in the lower 48 states. In this cross-sectional study, 101 adults representing 73 households from three Navajo Nation chapter communities completed surveys and a urea breath test for active H. pylori. Accounting for intrahousehold correlation, H. pylori prevalence was 56.4% (95% CI, 45.4–66.8) and 72% of households had at least one infected person. The odds of having an active infection in households using unregulated water were 8.85 (95% CI, 1.50–53.38) that of the use of regulated water, and males had 3.26 (95% CI, 1.05–10.07) higher odds than female. The prevalence of H. pylori in Navajo is similar to that seen in Alaska Natives. Further investigation into factors associated with prevention of infection is needed as well as understanding barriers to screening and treatment.
Implementation of Lean Management in a Multi-Specialist Hospital in Poland and the Analysis of Waste
Authors: Zdęba-Mozoła Agnieszka , Rybarczyk-Szwajkowska Anna , Czapla Tomasz , Marczak Michał , Kozłowski Remigiusz
Published: January 2022

At the beginning of the 21st century, Lean Management (LM) tools were introduced into the healthcare sector around the world. In Poland, there are still few LM implementations, and they are not of a comprehensive nature. The aim of this article is to present the application of the LM concept in a hospital in Poland as a tool for the identification and analysis of waste and its impact on the process of organizing the provision of medical services on the example of improvements in the process of patient admission. In the period from 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019, a project of LM implementation was carried out at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw. The project was based on the method of value-stream mapping and 5Why. Standardized interviews (before and after the project) were conducted with people from the hospital management and middle-level managers. The implementation of LM tools resulted in the identification of a number of wastes, which have been divided into groups. The most important waste was paper medical documentation. Its change to an electronic form allowed for a better use of human capital resources; savings included 2.3 nursing positions and 1.09 medical staff positions.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Satisfaction with, Adherence to, and Perspectives toward COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Public Health Students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Mohammed J.
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on education systems, educational environments, teachers, and students. This study aims to assess the satisfaction with, adherence to, and perspectives toward COVID-19 preventive measures among public health students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia in order to enhance their campus experience. This study utilized a cross-sectional methodology. Data were collected using convenience sampling between 2–19 November 2020; this was accomplished using an online survey administered via Google Forms. The final sample consisted of 200 participants. More than half of the participants (55.0%) were dissatisfied with the preventive measures that had been applied on campus, while 19.0% had a neutral outlook. Interestingly, female participants showed a higher level of dissatisfaction toward the preventive measures (70.6%) than male participants (43.5%). The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the degree of satisfaction with the COVID-19 preventive measures and the participant’s gender and education level. Male students were more likely to be satisfied with the preventive measures (p < 0.029, OR = 2.199) than female students. In addition, final year students were 4.1 times more likely to be satisfied with the COVID-19 preventive measures (p < 0.004, OR = 0.242) than Year 2 students, and 6.2 times more likely to be satisfied (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 0.162) than Year 3 students. Efforts are needed to improve the students’ satisfaction with COVID-19 preventive measures. Steps are also required to ensure that the procedures and actions introduced by the college extend to all students. In addition, further research is needed to recognize and understand the participants’ experiences after moving to the new buildings, receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and returning to on campus study.
Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Parameters Can Distinguish between Idiopathic and Neurologic Toe-Walking
Authors: Habersack Andreas , Fischerauer Stefan Franz , Kraus Tanja , Holzer Hans-Peter , Svehlik Martin
Published: January 2022

The differentiation between mild forms of toe-walking (equinus) in cerebral palsy (CP) and idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is often clinically challenging. This study aims to define kinematic and kinetic parameters using 3D gait analysis to facilitate and secure the diagnosis of “idiopathic toe-walking”. We conducted a retrospective controlled stratified cohort study. 12 toe-walking subjects per group diagnosed as ITW or CP were included and stratified according to age, gender and maximal dorsiflexion in stance. We collected kinematic and kinetic data using a three-dimensional optical motion analysis system with integrated floor force plates. Pairwise comparison between ITW and CP gait data was performed, and discriminant factor analysis was conducted. Both groups were compared with typically developing peers (TD). We found kinematic and kinetic parameters having a high discriminatory power and sensitivity to distinguish between ITW and CP groups (e.g., knee angle at initial contact (91% sensitivity, 73% specificity) and foot progression angle at midstance (82% sensitivity, 73% specificity)). The strength of this study is a high discriminatory power between ITW and CP toe-walking groups. Described kinematic parameters are easy to examine even without high-tech equipment; therefore, it is directly transferable to everyday praxis.
The Link between Parenting Behaviors and Emerging Adults’ Relationship Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Relational Entitlement
Authors: Candel Octav-Sorin
Published: January 2022

Previous research shows a link between parenting and children’s characteristics and interpersonal behaviors. However, little is known about the ways in which parenting tactics affect children’s romantic relationships and whether the children’s characteristics can mediate these associations. With this study, the aim was to test the associations between parents’ helicopter parenting/autonomy-supportive behaviors and emergent adults’ relational satisfaction and couple conflict. In addition, it was tested whether the sense of relational entitlement (excessive and restricted) mediated the links. Two hundred and twelve emergent adult–parent dyads participated in this study. Mediation analyses showed that parental autonomy-supportive behaviors had indirect effects on both the relational satisfaction and the couple conflict reported by the emerging adults through excessive relational entitlement. The link was positive for the former couple-related outcome and negative for the latter one. Helicopter parenting was not related to any variable reported by the emerging adults. In conclusion, positive parenting can increase relational stability and well-being by diminishing some potentially negative psychological characteristics of emerging adults.
Bridges and Barriers: An Exploration of Engagements of the Research Community with the OpenStreetMap Community
Authors: Grinberger A. Yair , Minghini Marco , Yeboah Godwin , Juhász Levente , Mooney Peter
Published: January 2022

The academic community frequently engages with OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a data source and research subject, acknowledging its complex and contextual nature. However, existing literature rarely considers the position of academic research in relation to the OSM community. In this paper we explore the extent and nature of engagement between the academic research community and the larger communities in OSM. An analysis of OSM-related publications from 2016 to 2019 and seven interviews conducted with members of one research group engaged in OSM-related research are described. The literature analysis seeks to uncover general engagement patterns while the interviews are used to identify possible causal structures explaining how these patterns may emerge within the context of a specific research group. Results indicate that academic papers generally show few signs of engagement and adopt data-oriented perspectives on the OSM project and product. The interviews expose that more complex perspectives and deeper engagement exist within the research group to which the interviewees belong, e.g., engaging in OSM mapping and direct interactions based on specific points-of-contact in the OSM community. Several conclusions and recommendations emerge, most notably: that every engagement with OSM includes an interpretive act which must be acknowledged and that the academic community should act to triangulate its interpretation of the data and OSM community by diversifying their engagement. This could be achieved through channels such as more direct interactions and inviting members of the OSM community to participate in the design and evaluation of research projects and programmes.
The Role of Vitamin D in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Translational Approach
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , Speeckaert Reinhart , Delanghe Joris R. , Speeckaert Marijn M.
Published: January 2022

According to several animal and human studies, vitamin D appears to play a significant role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. However, the possible renoprotective effect of vitamin D and its influence on the reversal of already existing renal damage remains doubtful. At this moment, there are a few hypotheses concerning the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms including the link between vitamin D and inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix accumulation. The present review aims to investigate the potential role of vitamin D in the development of diabetic kidney disease from a translational approach.
Association of the Posterior Acromion Extension with Glenoid Retroversion: A CT Study in Normal and Osteoarthritic Shoulders
Authors: Terrier Alexandre , Becce Fabio , Vauclair Frédéric , Farron Alain , Goetti Patrick
Published: January 2022

Posterior eccentric glenoid wear is associated with higher complication rates after shoulder arthroplasty. The recently reported association between the acromion shape and glenoid retroversion in both normal and osteoarthritic shoulders remains controversial. The three-dimensional coordinates of the angulus acromialis (AA) and acromioclavicular joint were examined in the scapular coordinate system. Four acromion angles were defined from these two acromion landmarks: the acromion posterior angle (APA), acromion tilt angle (ATA), acromion length angle (ALA), and acromion axial tilt angle (AXA). Shoulder computed tomography scans of 112 normal scapulae and 125 patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis were analyzed with simple and stepwise multiple linear regressions between all morphological acromion parameters and glenoid retroversion. In normal scapulae, the glenoid retroversion angle was most strongly correlated with the posterior extension of the AA (R2 = 0.48, p < 0.0001), which can be conveniently characterized by the APA. Combining the APA with the ALA and ATA helped slightly improve the correlation (R2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001), but adding the AXA did not. In osteoarthritic scapulae, a critical APA > 15 degrees was found to best identify glenoids with a critical retroversion angle > 8 degrees. The APA is more strongly associated with the glenoid retroversion angle in normal than primary osteoarthritic scapulae.
The Effects of Early Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit for Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kinoshita Tokio , Nishimura Yukihide , Umemoto Yasunori , Fujita Yasuhisa , Kouda Ken , Yasuoka Yoshinori , Miyamoto Kyohei , Kato Seiya , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: January 2022

This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the rehabilitation effect of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the intensive care unit (ICU) under mechanical ventilation and included ICU patients from a university hospital who received rehabilitation under ventilator control until 31 May 2021. Seven patients were included, and three of them died; thus, the results of the four survivors were examined. The rehabilitation program comprised the extremity range-of-motion training and sitting on the bed’s edge. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (median (25–75th percentiles)) at admission was 7.5 (5.75–8.5), and the activities of daily living (ADLs) were bedridden, the lowest in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel Index (BI) surveys. Data on the mean time to extubation, ICU length of stay, and ADLs improvement (FIM and BI) during ICU admission were obtained. Inferential analyses were not performed considering the small sample size. The mean time to extubation was 4.9 ± 1.1 days, and the ICU length of stay was 11.8 ± 5.0 days. ΔFIM was 36.5 (28.0–40.5), and the ΔBI was 22.5 (3.75–40.0). Moreover, no serious adverse events occurred in the patients during rehabilitation. Early mobilization of patients with COVID-19 may be useful in ADLs improvement during ICU stay.
Factors Influencing Acromial and Scapular Spine Strain after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Biomechanical Studies
Authors: Paszicsnyek Alexander , Jo Olivia , Rupasinghe Harshi Sandeepa , Ackland David C. , Treseder Thomas , Pullen Christopher , Hoy Greg , Ek Eugene T. , Ernstbrunner Lukas
Published: January 2022

Background: Acromial and scapular spine fractures after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) can be devastating complications leading to substantial functional impairments. The purpose of this study was to review factors associated with increased acromial and scapular spine strain after RTSA from a biomechanical standpoint. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, OVID Medline, and CENTRAL databases were searched and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Each article was assessed using the modified Downs and Black checklist to appraise the quality of included studies. Study selection, extraction of data, and assessment of methodological quality were carried out independently by two of the authors. Only biomechanical studies were considered. Results: Six biomechanical studies evaluated factors associated with increased acromial and scapular spine strain and stress. Significant increases in acromial and scapular spine strain were found with increasing lateralization of the glenosphere in four of the included studies. In two studies, glenosphere inferiorization consistently reduced acromial strain. The results concerning humeral lateralization were variable between four studies. Humeral component neck-shaft angle had no significant effect on acromial strain as analysed in one study. One study showed that scapular spine strain was significantly increased with a more posteriorly oriented acromion (55° vs. 43°; p < 0.001). Another study showed that the transection of the coracoacromial ligament increased scapular spine strain in all abduction angles (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Glenoid lateralization was consistently associated with increased acromial and scapular spine strain, whereas inferiorization of the glenosphere reduced strain in the biomechanical studies analysed in this systematic review. Humeral-sided lateralization may increase or decrease acromial or scapular spine strain. Independent of different design parameters, the transection of the coracoacromial ligament resulted in significantly increased strains and scapular spine strains were also increased when the acromion was more posteriorly oriented. The results found in this systematic review of biomechanical in-silico and in-vitro studies may help in the surgical planning of RTSA to mitigate complications associated with acromion and scapular spine fracture.
Preparation of a Photosensitive Composite Carbon Fiber for Spilled Oil Cleaning
Authors: Gan Yong X. , Arjan Ali , Yik Jimmy
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with preparing a functional composite carbon fiber with a large surface area for spilled oil cleaning. The composite fiber consisted of photosensitive oxide particles and polymer-derived carbon. It was made by co-spinning the polymer and metallic compounds. After heat treatment at high temperatures, an activated carbon fiber containing oxide particles was obtained. The particles were found distributed in the fiber and at the surface of the fiber. The composite fiber was found sensitive to sunlight. Fiber mats made of the composite fiber possessed a high surface area for oil absorption and removal. Cobalt(II) titanate particles were obtained from the reaction of titanium dioxide and cobalt oxide. The reaction happened in situ through the hydrolysis of metallic compounds in the spun fiber. The titanium dioxide and cobalt(II) titanate particle-containing fibers demonstrated the photoactivity in the visible light spectrum. It was concluded that particle-containing composite carbon fiber mats can be prepared successfully by co-electrospinning. Due to the oleophilic property and the high active surface area, the composites are suitable for spilled oil cleaning through fast absorption.
Spatial Pattern of Functional Urban Land Conversion and Expansion under Rapid Urbanization: A Case Study of Changchun, China
Authors: Zhou Guolei , Zhang Jing , Li Chenggu , Liu Yanjun
Published: January 2022

As populations continue to be concentrated in cities, the world will become entirely urbanized, and urban space is undergoing a drastic evolution. Understanding the spatial pattern of conversion and expansion of functional urban land, in the context of rapid urbanization, helps us to grasp the trajectories of urban spatial evolution in greater depth from a theoretical and practical level. Using the ESRI ArcGIS 9.3 software platform, methods, such as overlay analysis, transition matrix, and kernel density estimation, were used in order to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of different types of functional urban land conversion and expansion in the central city of Changchun. The results show that different types of functional urban land were often expanded and replaced, and the urban spatial structure was constantly evolving. The conversion and expansion of functional urban land show similar characteristics to concentric zone and sector modes and show dynamic changes in different concentric circles and directions at different periods. Our method can accurately identify the different types of functional urban land, and also explore the evolutionary trajectory of urban spatial structure. This study will help to coordinate the development of different functional urban spaces and to optimize the urban spatial structure in the future.
To Be, to Do, to Share: The Triple-Loop of Water Governance to Improve Urban Water Resilience—Testing the Benidorm’ Experience, Spain
Authors: Ricart Sandra , Rico-Amorós Antonio M.
Published: January 2022

Peri-urban interfaces tend to ensure water supply relying on their surrounding’ resources, generating water disputes when asking for collaboration. The urban-rural matrix of the Marina Baja county in southern Spain is characterized by inland irrigation and coastal tourism development, being the most water-intensive activities in Benidorm. This contribution addresses the following research question: Can a better and systematic understanding of stakeholders’ behavior and interactions increase water resilience in urban-rural interfaces? Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to 19 key stakeholders representing government officials, water managers, and the agricultural, tourism, and environmental sectors. Data were analyzed following the SAA and using MaxQDA® Analytics Pro 2020. A triple-loop analysis on water governance has been developed and applied to synthesize stakeholders’ behavior when addressing urban water resilience to face climate change impacts: relevance and representativeness (to be), recognition and assessment (to do), and collaboration (to share). Results highlighted how Benidorm’s urban water resilience is conditioned by four main learnings from stakeholders’ perception and interaction: (1) ‘feeling represented’ is related to stakeholders’ capacity to negotiate decisions, (2) lack of political will and Benidorm’s leading role increase stakeholders’ feelings of underrepresentation, motivating power imbalance, (3) stakeholders’ actions are less valued than stakeholders’ roles and functions, and (4) agreements are benefited by predisposition (willingness), but also by the compatibility of discourses (affinity) and the technical-management facilities (viability).