bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Occurrence Fingerprint Data-Based Heterogeneous Transfer Learning Framework for Indoor Positioning
Authors: Huang Jian , Si Haonan , Guo Xiansheng , Zhong Ke
Published: November 2022

Distribution discrepancy is an intrinsic challenge in existing fingerprint-based indoor positioning system(s) (FIPS) due to real-time environmental variations; thus, the positioning model needs to be reconstructed frequently based on newly collected training data. However, it is expensive or impossible to collect adequate training samples to reconstruct the fingerprint database. Fortunately, transfer learning has proven to be an effective solution to mitigate the distribution discrepancy, enabling us to update the positioning model using newly collected training data in real time. However, in practical applications, traditional transfer learning algorithms no longer act well to feature space heterogeneity caused by different types or holding postures of fingerprint collection devices (such as smartphones). Moreover, current heterogeneous transfer methods typically require enough accurately labeled samples in the target domain, which is practically expensive and even unavailable. Aiming to solve these problems, a heterogeneous transfer learning framework based on co-occurrence data (HTL-CD) is proposed for FIPS, which can realize higher positioning accuracy and robustness against environmental changes without reconstructing the fingerprint database repeatedly. Specifically, the source domain samples are mapped into the feature space in the target domain, then the marginal and conditional distributions of the source and target samples are aligned in order to minimize the distribution divergence caused by collection device heterogeneity and environmental changes. Moreover, the utilized co-occurrence fingerprint data enables us to calculate correlation coefficients between heterogeneous samples without accurately labeled target samples. Furthermore, by resorting to the adopted correlation restriction mechanism, more valuable knowledge will be transferred to the target domain if the source samples are related to the target ones, which remarkably relieves the “negative transfer" issue. Real-world experimental performance implies that, even without accurately labeled samples in the target domain, the proposed HTL-CD can obtain at least 17.15% smaller average localization errors (ALEs) than existing transfer learning-based positioning methods, which further validates the effectiveness and superiority of our algorithm.
Real-Time Implementation of the Prescribed Performance Tracking Control for Magnetic Levitation Systems
Authors: Truong Thanh Nguyen , Vo Anh Tuan , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: November 2022

For magnetic levitation systems subject to dynamical uncertainty and exterior perturbations, we implement a real-time Prescribed Performance Control (PPC). A modified function of Global Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Manifold (GFTSMM) based on the transformed error of the novel PPC is introduced; hence, the error variable quickly converges to the equilibrium point with the prescribed performance, which means that maximum overshoot and steady-state of the controlled errors will be in a knowledge-defined boundary. To enhance the performance of Global Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control (GFTSMC) and to reduce chattering in the control input, a modified third-order sliding mode observer (MTOSMO) is proposed to estimate the whole uncertainty and external disturbance. The combination of the GFTSMC, PPC, and MTOSMO generates a novel solution ensuring a finite-time stable position of the controlled ball and the possibility of performing different orbit tracking missions with an impressive performance in terms of tracking accuracy, fast convergence, stabilization, and chattering reduction. It also possesses a simple design that is suitable for real-time applications. By using the Lyapunov-based method, the stable evidence of the developed method is fully verified. We implement a simulation and an experiment on the laboratory magnetic levitation model to demonstrate the improved performance of the developed control system.
Optimal Temporal Filtering of the Cosmic-Ray Neutron Signal to Reduce Soil Moisture Uncertainty
Authors: Davies Patrick , Baatz Roland , Bogena Heye Reemt , Quansah Emmanuel , Amekudzi Leonard Kofitse
Published: November 2022

Cosmic ray neutron sensors (CRNS) are increasingly used to determine field-scale soil moisture (SM). Uncertainty of the CRNS-derived soil moisture strongly depends on the CRNS count rate subject to Poisson distribution. State-of-the-art CRNS signal processing averages neutron counts over many hours, thereby accounting for soil moisture temporal dynamics at the daily but not sub-daily time scale. This study demonstrates CRNS signal processing methods to improve the temporal accuracy of the signal in order to observe sub-daily changes in soil moisture and improve the signal-to-noise ratio overall. In particular, this study investigates the effectiveness of the Moving Average (MA), Median filter (MF), Savitzky–Golay (SG) filter, and Kalman filter (KF) to reduce neutron count error while ensuring that the temporal SM dynamics are as good as possible. The study uses synthetic data from four stations for measuring forest ecosystem–atmosphere relations in Africa (Gorigo) and Europe (SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Forest Ecosystem–Atmosphere Relations), Rollesbroich, and Conde) with different soil properties, land cover and climate. The results showed that smaller window sizes (12 h) for MA, MF and SG captured sharp changes closely. Longer window sizes were more beneficial in the case of moderate soil moisture variations during long time periods. For MA, MF and SG, optimal window sizes were identified and varied by count rate and climate, i.e., estimated temporal soil moisture dynamics by providing a compromise between monitoring sharp changes and reducing the effects of outliers. The optimal window for these filters and the Kalman filter always outperformed the standard procedure of simple 24-h averaging. The Kalman filter showed its highest robustness in uncertainty reduction at three different locations, and it maintained relevant sharp changes in the neutron counts without the need to identify the optimal window size. Importantly, standard corrections of CRNS before filtering improved soil moisture accuracy for all filters. We anticipate the improved signal-to-noise ratio to benefit CRNS applications such as detection of rain events at sub-daily resolution, provision of SM at the exact time of a satellite overpass, and irrigation applications.
Concrete Multi-Type Defect Classification Algorithm Based on MSSMA-SVM
Authors: Tian Xu , Ao Jun , Ma Zizhu , Jian Bijian , Ma Chunbo
Published: November 2022

In order to realize the automatic classification of internal defects for non-contact nondestructive testing of concrete, a concrete multi-type defect classification algorithm based on the mixed strategy slime mold algorithm support vector machine (MSSMA-SVM) was proposed. The concrete surface’s vibration signal was obtained using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) for four classification targets for no defect, segregation, cavity, and foreign matter concrete classification targets. The wavelet packet transform (WPT) decomposes the detected signals to get information on different frequency bands. The energy ratio change rate, energy ratio, and wavelet packet singular entropy of each node after the WPT were used as the feature input of MSSMA-SVM. The experimental results show that the designed MSSMA-SVM classifier can accurately detect the type, which provides a practical algorithm for classifying concrete defects by laser vibration measurement.
Applied Machine Learning for IIoT and Smart Production—Methods to Improve Production Quality, Safety and Sustainability
Authors: Frankó Attila , Hollósi Gergely , Ficzere Dániel , Varga Pal
Published: November 2022

Industrial IoT (IIoT) has revolutionized production by making data available to stakeholders at many levels much faster, with much greater granularity than ever before. When it comes to smart production, the aim of analyzing the collected data is usually to achieve greater efficiency in general, which includes increasing production but decreasing waste and using less energy. Furthermore, the boost in communication provided by IIoT requires special attention to increased levels of safety and security. The growth in machine learning (ML) capabilities in the last few years has affected smart production in many ways. The current paper provides an overview of applying various machine learning techniques for IIoT, smart production, and maintenance, especially in terms of safety, security, asset localization, quality assurance and sustainability aspects. The approach of the paper is to provide a comprehensive overview on the ML methods from an application point of view, hence each domain—namely security and safety, asset localization, quality control, maintenance—has a dedicated chapter, with a concluding table on the typical ML techniques and the related references. The paper summarizes lessons learned, and identifies research gaps and directions for future work.
Metabolic and Performance Responses to a Simulated Routine in Elite Artistic Swimmers
Authors: Bentley David J. , Viana Eric , Logan-Sprenger Heather M.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the interrelationship between time spent underwater (UW), movement frequency and accompanying blood acid base balance response. Elite artistic swimmers (n = 6) participated in the investigation and were all familiar with the testing procedures. All athletes completed the same choreographed artistic swimming routine. The routine was videoed and the number of movements during each ‘lap’ of the routine counted. Fingertip capillary blood samples were collected prior to the routine 60 sec post routine for pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), bicarbonate (HCO3−) and potassium (K+). and lactate (La) concentration (mmol/L). On a separate day an incremental exercise test to exhaustion was performed on a cycle ergometer for determination of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Over half the routine was performed underwater (56 ± 4%). Aside from pCO2 (−1.07 ± 12.29%, p = 0.686), there were significant changes in all variables measured from the BG analysis. VO2peak was significantly correlated to total UW of the routine (r = −0.93; p = 0.007). as well as ∆PO2 r = 0.47 and ∆HCO3 r = 0.51. There was also a significant correlation between total UW and post routine pCO2 (r = 0.86; p = 0.030). There was also a significant correlation between total movements during the routine and post pO2 (r = −0.83; p = 0.044). These data show UW in combination with movement rate during a AS routine imfluence the metabolic response to the exercise. In addition, VO2max represents an important performance variable influencing AS performance.
Soil Microbial Communities in Desert Grassland around Rare Earth Mine: Diversity, Variation, and Response Patterns
Authors: Guan Haibo , Mu Yanjun , Song Rutao , Lan Yuecen , Du Xiongfeng , Li Jinxia , Chi Wenfeng , Sang Weiguo
Published: November 2022

Bayan Obo mine is so far the world’s largest rare earth mine. Critical concerns arise as (1) whether there is an accumulation of exogenous rare earth elements (REE) in the desert steppe on the periphery of the mine and (2) how the exogenous rare earth accumulation affects the soil microbial communities nearby. In this study, nine sample sites were set up according to their distance gradients from the mine. Illumina high-throughput sequencing targeting 16S rRNA genes were conducted. The results show that the accumulation of exogenous rare earth in the desert at the periphery of the Bayan Obo mine vary at distance gradients. Fortunately, no significant effects on the physicochemical properties of the soil were found. However, the composition of the soil microbial community changed significantly in response to the variation in distance gradient. Highly abundant microbial genera YC-ZSS-LKJ147, Subgroup_10, and Sphingomonas were positively correlated with REE, whereas Pseudomonas is negative correlated. Total phosphorus (TP) was attributed to 5.95% of the variation in microbial communities, followed by light rare earth elements (LREE, 5.39%). The study provides evidence for the ecological risks posed to soil ecosystems by the long-term accumulation of exogenous REE in the Bayan Obo mine.
Circular Economy in Winter Road Maintenance: A Simulation Study
Authors: Blouin Florence , Audy Jean-François , Lamghari Amina
Published: November 2022

This study analyzes the sustainability of the circular economy model on winter road maintenance. Winter road maintenance involves plowing snow, spreading abrasives, and then sweeping and collecting the remaining abrasives at the end of the winter season. Traditionally, in the linear approach, the collected sweepings are landfilled, which incurs landfilling costs for resources that could be reused. To address this issue, we consider the option of recycling sweepings for use in the following winter seasons. We develop a discrete-event simulation model that estimates the economic and environmental benefits of this option. Using data from a case study of a highway in Quebec, Canada, the model shows that introducing circular economy practices in winter road maintenance results in less material going to landfills, lower costs, less use of aggregates from virgin materials, and lower CO2 emissions compared to the linear approach. A subsequent sensitivity analysis reveals that the quantity of sweepings collected greatly influences the outcomes.
Model Test and Numerical Simulation Research of Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls under Cyclic Loads
Authors: Wang He , Wang Nan , Yang Guangqing , Ma Jian
Published: November 2022

The stress diffusion characteristics of reinforced soil retaining walls (RSW) with concrete-block panels under cyclic loads are studied. The distribution of the vertical dynamic earth pressure caused by an external load and the analysis of stress diffusion angles were studied using a model test and the numerical simulation model of the reinforced soil retaining wall was established to analyze the change in the stress diffusion angle. We then changed the parameters to investigate the influencing factors of the stress diffusion characteristics. The results showed that: the average value of the peak vertical dynamic earth pressure caused by an external load at the loading position of the RSW was a nonlinear distribution, decaying from top to bottom and increasing with the increase in the loading amplitude, while the change in the loading frequency number of loading cycles had no obvious rule. The results of model test and numerical simulation agree with each other. The diffusion angle of the stress caused by the external load of the reinforced body was basically between 50° and 65° in the range from 1.8 m to 1.2 m, the diffusion angle at the top was slightly larger than the middle, and the diffusion angle away from the wall was larger than the diffusion angle close to the wall. The main factors affecting the stress diffusion in reinforced soil retaining walls are the coefficient of reinforcement of the soil and the dynamic stress amplitude; the stress diffusion angle increased with an increase in the coefficient of the reinforcement of the soil and the dynamic stress amplitude. The conclusion of this paper can provide a reference for the design of reinforced soil structures.
Sustainability Assessment of Different Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extraction Methods through a Life Cycle Thinking Approach: Challenges and Opportunities in the Elaio-Technical Sector
Authors: Restuccia Donatella , Prencipe Sabrina Antonia , Ruggeri Marco , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

Owing to its important nutritional features, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the world’s highest-value products, mostly manufactured in Mediterranean countries. However, its production exerts several negative environmental effects, mainly related to the agricultural phase (and the use of fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) and waste management. Olive oil can be extracted from the olive paste using different extraction systems, including pressure, centrifugation, and percolation. In particular, EVOO by-product composition strictly depends on the extraction technologies, and two- or three-phase centrifugal extraction methods are usually employed. Therefore, due to olive oil’s economic value, it might be useful to investigate its environmental impacts, to advise sustainable supply chain models. In this context, a valuable tool for assessing the product’s environmental compatibility is the Life Cycle Assessment, which is part of a broader Life Cycle Thinking philosophy. This research focused on evaluating the EVOO environmental impact by comparing two- and three-phases extraction processes. Additionally, two scenarios, (i.e., composting and bio-gasification), were proposed to assess the best valorisation strategy for the produced pomace. The results showed that the two-step extraction process was more sustainable than the three-step one in nine out of nine considered impact categories. By milling 1000 kg of olives, the first technology approximately produces 212 kg CO2 eq, the latter 396 kg CO2 eq. Finally, pomace valorisation by bio-gasification was found as the best recovery process, able to confer greater environmental benefit than composting.
Classification and Validation of Spatio-Temporal Changes in Land Use/Land Cover and Land Surface Temperature of Multitemporal Images
Authors: Somayajula Vimala Kiranmai Ayyala , Ghai Deepika , Kumar Sandeep , Tripathi Suman Lata , Verma Chaman , Safirescu Calin Ovidiu , Mihaltan Traian Candin
Published: November 2022

Land transfiguration is caused by natural as well as phylogenesis-driving forces, and its consequences for the regional environment are a significant issue in understanding the relationship between society and the environment. Land use/land cover plays a crucial part in the determination, preparation, and execution of administrative approaches to fulfilling basic human needs in the present day. In this study, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, A.P., India, is considered as a study area to explain the Land use/land cover (LULC) classification, Land Surface Temperature (LST), and the inverse correlation between LST and the NDVI of Temporal Landsat satellite images at intervals of 5 years from 2000 to 2020. We performed easy and thoroughgoing classifications based on vegetation phenology, using an extended LULC field database, a time series of LANDSAT satellite imagery, and a pixel-based classifier. In total, five land-use and land-cover types have been identified: dense vegetation, vegetation, built-up, barren land, and water. Over the period of inquiry, there were notable increases in the area of built-up land, dense vegetation, and vegetation, whereas there was a marked decrease in water bodies and barren land. The diverse effects of land transformation on the natural environment have been assessed using Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The used technique achieved very good levels of accuracy (90–97%) and a strong kappa coefficient (0.89–0.96), with low commission and omission errors. The variation of the land surface temperature was studied using the Mono-Window algorithm. Change detection, and the transition of the natural land cover to man-made land use, were statistically computed for the study area. Results exposed that there had been significant variations in the land use and cover during the tagged eras. In general, two land use and land cover change patterns were confirmed in the study zone: (i) compatible growth of the zone in built-up areas, barren land, plantations, and shrubs; and (ii) continual diminishment in agriculture and water; maximum urban development took place between 2000 to 2020. The results showed drastic changes in urbanization and decrements in vegetation that had environmental consequences.
A Study on the Fiscal Sustainability of China’s Provinces
Authors: Liu Qiongzhi , Cui Bang , Luo Chan
Published: November 2022

Fiscal imbalances in China are widening; the problem of fiscal sustainability in each province is becoming increasingly serious. However, so far, few studies have focused on the issue of the fiscal sustainability of China’s provinces. This paper will focus on it to clarify the degree of fiscal sustainability in China’s provinces. In this paper, the GH test method is used to analyze the structural breaking of fiscal revenue and expenditure data of each province, the panel cointegration method is used to analyze the relationship between fiscal revenue and expenditure and DOLS is used to estimate the degree of fiscal sustainability of each province. It is found that the fiscal sustainability of most provinces in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, is strong, while that of some provinces, such as Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, is weak. This paper states that people should pay more attention to the fiscal sustainability of China’s provinces, and provinces with weak fiscal sustainability should minimize unproductive expenditures while the central government should continue to give appropriate financial support to local governments.
The Effect of Spinal Asymmetries on Physical Fitness Parameters in Young Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Theodorou Eleni , Christou Marios , Apostolidis Andreas , Tryfonidis Marios , Zaras Nikolaos , Hadjicharalambous Marios
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of spinal asymmetries on specific physical fitness parameters in young elite soccer players. Fifty male soccer players, all members of the under 17 (U17) and 15 (U15) National teams of Cyprus, were initially evaluated for thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and scoliosis asymmetries. Based on the spinal asymmetries’ initial evaluation, soccer players were categorized into the asymmetry group (AG) and normal group (NG) per spinal asymmetry. Hamstring and lower-back flexibility, countermovement jump (CMJ) and lower body isokinetic maximum force were evaluated between AG and NG. CMJ with arm swing was lower in kyphotic posture AG compared with the NG (AG: 41.70 ± 3.59 cm, NG: 44.40 ± 4.34 cm; p = 0.028). Single leg CMJ was lower in both legs in scoliotic posture AG compared with the NG (right: AG: 17.42 ± 1.86 cm, NG: 19.16 ± 2.42 cm, p = 0.008, left: AG: 17.54 ± 1.33 cm, NG: 19.97 ± 2.91 cm; p = 0.002). Sit-and-reach flexibility was lower in scoliotic posture AG (AG: 20.44 ± 5.76 cm, NG: 24.82 ± 6.83 cm; p = 0.024) and higher in lordotic posture AG (AG: 25.95 ± 6.59 cm, NG: 21.73 ± 6.45 cm; p = 0.04) both compared with the NG. No significant difference was found for quadriceps and hamstrings concentric peak torque between the AG and NG (p > 0.05). The current study revealed that kyphotic and scoliotic posture asymmetries deteriorate neuromuscular explosiveness performance and diminish lower limbs’ flexibility in young International-level soccer players.
Description and Application of the Surfing Effect
Authors: Maiorano Michele , De Paolis Francesco , Nucita Achille A.
Published: November 2022

The standard technique for very low-frequency gravitational wave detection is mainly based on searching for a specific spatial correlation in the variation of the times of arrival of the radio pulses emitted by millisecond pulsars with respect to a timing model. This spatial correlation, which in the case of the gravitational wave background must have the form described by the Hellings and Downs function, has not yet been observed. Therefore, despite the numerous hints of a common red noise in the timing residuals of many millisecond pulsars compatible with that expected for the gravitational wave background, its detection has not yet been achieved. By now, the reason is not completely clear and, from some recent works, the urgency to adopt new detection techniques, possibly complementary to the standard one, is emerging clearly. Of course, this demand also applies to the detection of continuous gravitational waves emitted by supermassive black hole binaries populating the Universe. In the latter case, important information could, in principle, emerge from the millisecond pulsars considered individually in a single-pulsar search of continuous GWs. In this context, the surfing effect can then be exploited, helping to select the best pulsars to carry out such analysis. This paper aims to clarify when the surfing effect occurs and describe it exhaustively. A possible application to the case of the supermassive black hole binary candidate PKS 2131–021 and millisecond pulsar J2145–0750 is also analyzed.
Heparin Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lee Leo Yi Yang , Suryadinata Randy , McCafferty Conor , Ignjatovic Vera , Purcell Damian F. J. , Robinson Phil , Morton Craig J. , Parker Michael W. , Anderson Gary P. , Monagle Paul , Subbarao Kanta , Neil Jessica A.
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination, supported by social and public health measures, has proven efficacious for reducing disease severity and virus spread. However, the emergence of highly transmissible viral variants that escape prior immunity highlights the need for additional mitigation approaches. Heparin binds the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and can inhibit virus entry and replication in susceptible human cell lines and bronchial epithelial cells. Primary infection predominantly occurs via the nasal epithelium, but the nasal cell biology of SARS-CoV-2 is not well studied. We hypothesized that prophylactic intranasal administration of heparin may provide strain-agnostic protection for household contacts or those in high-risk settings against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, we investigated the ability of heparin to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in differentiated human nasal epithelial cells and showed that prolonged exposure to heparin inhibits virus infection. Furthermore, we establish a method for PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes in heparin-treated samples that can be adapted for the detection of viruses in clinical studies.
Switching of Receptor Binding Poses between Closely Related Enteroviruses
Authors: Zhou Daming , Qin Ling , Duyvesteyn Helen M. E. , Zhao Yuguang , Lin Tzou-Yien , Fry Elizabeth E. , Ren Jingshan , Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Stuart David I.
Published: November 2022

Echoviruses, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or drugs, are responsible for a range of human diseases, for example echovirus 11 (E11) is a major cause of serious neonatal morbidity and mortality. Decay-accelerating factor (DAF, also known as CD55) is an attachment receptor for E11. Here, we report the structure of the complex of E11 and the full-length ectodomain of DAF (short consensus repeats, SCRs, 1–4) at 3.1 Å determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). SCRs 3 and 4 of DAF interact with E11 at the southern rim of the canyon via the VP2 EF and VP3 BC loops. We also observe an unexpected interaction between the N-linked glycan (residue 95 of DAF) and the VP2 BC loop of E11. DAF is a receptor for at least 20 enteroviruses and we classify its binding patterns from reported DAF/virus complexes into two distinct positions and orientations, named as E6 and E11 poses. Whilst 60 DAF molecules can attach to the virion in the E6 pose, no more than 30 can attach to E11 due to steric restrictions. Analysis of the distinct modes of interaction and structure and sequence-based phylogenies suggests that the two modes evolved independently, with the E6 mode likely found earlier.
Pilot Findings on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Pituitary Diseases: A Mini Review from Diagnosis to Pathophysiology
Authors: Taieb Ach , Mounira El Euch
Published: November 2022

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, a massive vaccination campaign has been undertaken rapidly and worldwide. Like other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is not devoid of side effects. Typically, the adverse side effects of vaccination include transient headache, fever, and myalgia. Endocrine organs are also affected by adverse effects. The major SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated endocrinopathies reported since the beginning of the vaccination campaign are thyroid and pancreas disorders. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced pituitary diseases have become more frequently described in the literature. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for commentaries, case reports, and case series articles reporting pituitary disorders following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The search was reiterated until September 2022, in which eight case reports were found. In all the cases, there were no personal or familial history of pituitary disease described. All the patients described had no previous SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to the vaccination episode. Regarding the type of vaccines administered, 50% of the patients received (BNT162b2; Pfizer–BioNTech) and 50% received (ChAdOx1 nCov-19; AstraZeneca). In five cases, the pituitary disorder developed after the first dose of the corresponding vaccine. Regarding the types of pituitary disorder, five were hypophysitis (variable clinical aspects ranging from pituitary lesion to pituitary stalk thickness) and three were pituitary apoplexy. The time period between vaccination and pituitary disorder ranged from one to seven days. Depending on each case’s follow-up time, a complete remission was obtained in all the apoplexy cases but in only three patients with hypophysitis (persistence of the central diabetes insipidus). Both quantity and quality of the published data about pituitary inconveniences after COVID-19 vaccination are limited. Pituitary disorders, unlike thyroid disorders, occur very quickly after COVID-19 vaccination (less than seven days for pituitary disorders versus two months for thyroid disease). This is partially explained by the ease of reaching the pituitary, which is a small gland. Therefore, this gland is rapidly overspread, which explains the speed of onset of pituitary symptoms (especially ADH deficiency which is a rapid onset deficit with evocative symptoms). Accordingly, these pilot findings offer clinicians a future direction to be vigilant for possible pituitary adverse effects of vaccination. This will allow them to accurately orient patients for medical assistance when they present with remarkable symptoms, such as asthenia, polyuro-polydipsia, or severe headache, following a COVID-19 vaccination.
Proposal of a Water Consumption Efficiency Indicator for the Hotel Sector
Authors: Alhudaithi Musaad , Arregui Francisco J. , Cobacho Ricardo
Published: November 2022

This work proposes a novel indicator (HCWI) for evaluating water consumption efficiency in hotels. The indicator is built as a relative index that compares the current water consumption with an estimated minimum achievable value. To ensure the representativeness and applicability of the index, the evaluation of this water consumption baseline considers each water consumption micro-component individually and has been simplified, so it only requires fundamental characteristics of the hotel and those that are easy to identify and quantify. A value of the HCWI equal to one indicates the best water use efficiency that can be theoretically achieved with the technology available. On the contrary, larger values of the HWCI indicate high levels of water use inefficiency by the hotel. The applicability of the indicator is tested in six different hotels located in a touristic region in the north of Spain.
Identifying Key Risks to the Effectiveness of Water Use Authorization Systems through Theory of Change (ToC): The Case of South Africa
Authors: Moolman Jurie , Alberts Reece Cronje , Roos Claudine , Retief Francois Pieter
Published: November 2022

South Africa is a water-stressed country with significant water management challenges. In response, progressive and advanced water management policy and legislation have been developed that include the regulation of water uses through a water use license application (WULA) system. In recent years, the effective functioning of the WULA system has come under increased scrutiny. However, a comprehensive systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the WULA system has not yet been conducted. This paper aims to identify key risks to the effectiveness of the WULA system in South Africa through the application of a theory of change (ToC) methodology. Workshops with more than 60 participants were held with different stakeholder groups. Ultimately, a total of 21 key risks to the effectiveness of the WULA system were identified. The results suggest that various risks have already been realized and that the WULA system is not functioning as intended and is not achieving its outcomes. It is recommended that the identified key risks provide the basis for a comprehensive system evaluation to inform a more effective WULA system design.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Forced Convection in a Horizontal Tube Partially Filled with a Porous Medium under Local Thermal Equilibrium Conditions
Authors: Amoli Behzad Siavash , Ajarostaghi Seyed Soheil Mousavi , Saffar-Avval Majid , Abardeh Reza Hosseini , Akkurt Nevzat
Published: November 2022

The objective of the present work is to analyze experimentally and numerically the laminar forced convection flow in a horizontal pipe partially filled with a porous medium under constant heat flux and to study the influence of the eccentricity of the porous medium on the results. In a numerical analysis, the governing equations are solved in three dimensions. To simplify the grid generation and the satisfaction of the boundary conditions, conformal mapping is applied to convert the cross-section of the tube in the fluid domain (space between two eccentric circles) into a rectangle, and the equations are solved in a computational domain in this domain. The Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model is applied to simulate the hydrodynamic behavior of the flow in the porous region. Thermal equilibrium between solid and fluid is assumed for the energy equation. A FORTRAN program was developed to solve the equations using the finite volume method and the SIMPLE algorithm. Velocity profile, pressure drop and average Nusselt number are studied in a wide range of Darcy numbers, thickness of porous mediums and eccentricities. The results show that the eccentricity of the porous material reduces the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop simultaneously; of course, the reduction in the heat transfer coefficient is less noticeable when the thickness of the porous medium is smaller. For example, at RP = 0.5, when the eccentricity of the porous medium increases up to E = 0.4, the average Nusselt number decreases by 66%, and this reduction for a smaller porous thickness decreases to 11%. The maximum pressure drop reduction for Da = 10−5 and E = 0.4 is 25%.
The Performance of Natural Flood Management at the Large Catchment-Scale: A Case Study in the Warwickshire Stour Valley
Authors: Lavers Tom , Charlesworth Susanne M. , Lashford Craig , Warwick Frank , Fried Jana
Published: November 2022

The limited understanding of Natural Flood Management (NFM) performance, especially at large hydrological scales, is considered a critical barrier for the further funding and implementation of these nature-based solutions to the increasing international problem of flooding. The publications of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and Environment Agency’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (NFCERMS) for England have shown that extreme weather, including increased likelihood of high magnitude flood events, will occur and will require more novel management methods. This study focused on the ability of co-designed NFM measures to ameliorate downstream fluvial flooding by attenuating catchment response through a highly spatially distributed network of attenuating and roughening measures. Performance was characterised by the ability of NFM to attenuate flood peaks at different spatial scales across a large (187 km2) dendritic catchment, including the lowering of flood peaks and delaying the time-to-peak. Using a coupled modelling methodology and applying it to the upper Stour Valley, Warwickshire-Avon, UK, a rural response to the application of a set of NFM interventions was developed using the hydrodynamic model Flood Modeller Pro and XPSWMM ©. The method demonstrated a means of incorporating local knowledge in a realistic set of NFM schemes, tested to multiple flood risk scenarios (including climate change). Under frequent, smaller design storm events (e.g., Index Flood (QMED) and 3.3% AEP), flood peaks were lowered across all hydrological scales tested (5.8 km2 to 187 km2). As the design flood event severity increases, impact from upstream NFM attenuation on downstream peak response diminished significantly, especially at the largest hydrological scales. However, even at the largest hydrological scale, delays in time-to-peak were noted, increasing the ability of downstream communities to respond and enact flood preparation activities, thus increasing resilience to potential flooding events. While the benefits were limited to large flood events, the modelling indicated that NFM has the potential to reduce downstream flood risk. However, greater integration of observed data to improve model confidence and reduce uncertainty in modelled events is needed, especially the uncertainty associated with using single peaked design storm events from the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH). This paper proposes a future Before–After Control–Impact (BACI) monitoring programme that could be integrated with models and applied across non-tidally influenced catchments seeking to empirically test the hydrological performance of in-situ NFM.
HUBUNGAN MEKANISME KOPING IBU BERSALIN DENGAN LAMA KALA I FASE AKTIF DI RUANG BERSALIN RUMAH SAKIT IBU DAN ANAK PURI BUNDA DENPASAR TAHUN 2022
Authors: Satriani Ni Ketut Sri
Published: November 2022

Nyeri persalinan dapat menimbulkan traumatik yang menyebabkan kecemasan pada ibu bersalin,salah satu upaya yang dilakukan dengan mekanisme koping. Mekanisme koping nyeri persalinan adalah upaya mengatasi diri selama proses persalinan, sehingga diperlukan upaya untuk membantu pasien untuk menyesuaikan diri atau beradaptasi terhadap masalah nyeri yang dialaminya disebut mekanisme koping. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan  mekanisme  koping dengan lama  kala I fase aktif. Jenis penelitian analitik korelasi dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel penelitian adalah  ibu bersalin di Rumah Sakit Ibu dan Anak Puri Bunda Denpasar selama 1 April sampai dengan 22 Mei, pengambilan sampel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi sebanyak 50 orang dengan tehnik purposive sampling. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data primer.dan sekunder. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ibu bersalin 54% memiliki mekanisme koping nyeri kategori maladaptif, lama kala I fase aktif menunjukkan 58% dalam kategori patologis. Hasil uji Chi squre didapatkan p value = 0,000 (p0,05) Penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan ada hubungan mekanisme koping ibu bersalin dengan lama kala I fase aktif  di Rumah Sakit Ibu dan Anak Puri Bunda Denpasar. Memfasilitasi koping yang adaptif disarankan dengan menggunakan sumber-sumber kekuatan, tenaga kesehatan diharapkan mampu memberikan pendidikan kesehatan tentang persiapan persalinan, cara mengatasi nyeri persalinan sehingga ibu bersalin mampu mengatasi nyeri persalinan dengan adaptif.                                                                           Kata Kunci : Mekanisme Koping; Lama Kala I Fase Aktif; Ibu Bersalin
The Emergence of Te Hihimā: A Bicultural Philospohical Framework for Nursing Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Riini Denise , Lyford Shirley
Published: November 2022

The crafting of Te Hihimā (woven flax cloak) o Te Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi (Bachelor of Nursing) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology was developed from the connectivity of the collaborative learning relationships and experiences that student nurses encounter during their educational journey. The weaving of a student’s individual Hihimā is a metaphorical representation of the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes, and protection as the student-nurse weaver integrates theory with practice, and fuses the art and science implicit within the nursing profession. The concept of Te Hihimā emerged during the journey to develop a bicultural Bachelor of Nursing curriculum within a mainstream educational institution in the Waiariki rohe, Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi was accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) for teaching delivery commencing in 2015. This article will deliberate the development of the philosophy, and analyse the weaving analogy, in the development of nursing graduates who carry the professionally protective mantle of Te Hihimā to sustain them during the journey into professional practice, and beyond.
Teaching Quality Improvement in Pre-Registration Nursing Education: Changing Thinking, Changing Practice
Authors: Honeyfield Judith , Sims Deborah , Proverbs Adam
Published: November 2022

Quality care and improving health outcomes are cornerstones of healthcare provision, yet quality improvement (QI) preparation and assessment in health-professional education has been found to inadequately prepare graduates for their future roles (Robb et al., 2017). Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Nursing (BN) year three teaching team looked to address this by reviewing and improving QI teaching and assessment modules within a course in the programme. Alongside this redevelopment, research with students was undertaken to investigate the efficacy and outcomes of this work. This paper presents findings from reviews of QI assessment projects completed by BN students (n = 93), with particular attention to identifying student experiences and their approach to this project using a detailed content analysis (Krippendorff, 1989). Particular attention was paid to highlighting a shift in thinking from quality assurance (QA) approaches that prevailed in the prior teaching of this module, to QI. We found 41% of students selected and undertook projects that reflected QI concepts focused on improved patient outcomes, and 59% of students selected and undertook projects that were concerned with standards, auditing and compliance improvement, more in keeping with QA. In addition, seven student QI projects addressed enhancing te ao Māori (Māori worldview), including language activities through music and exercise, bilingual labelling, and culturally safe care for Māori residents. Key findings address the ongoing challenges of embedding QI concepts and engagement in practice and professional development needs; and policy, practice and procedural improvements and the need for more time to enact and evaluate QI projects. Recommendations from this study are: (1) enhancing te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsiveness throughout the BN curriculum; (2) ongoing preparation for student-nurse educators to ensure they are confident to support student-led QI initiatives; (3) further shared professional development with agency staff prior to practice placements; and (4) replication of this research to identify longitudinal outcomes. This research reinforces the importance of education–practice partnerships to enhance effective QI education for preparing graduates to transition to their new roles in the workplace.
Navigating Tensions in the Secular Workplace by Christians in the Social Services: Findings from an Aotearoa New Zealand Study
Authors: Tallon Rachel , Domdom Joey
Published: November 2022

The social services are a value-laden field of employment as work involves frequent ethical decision-making around issues that relate to values, such as end of life, sexuality and so forth. Tensions can exist between individual practitioners, their employment agency and society, concerning ethics and values. This paper presents partial findings from a qualitative study that explored the tensions or issues faced by 16 Christian social-service practitioners working in non-faith-based settings by asking the question, “What tensions do Christian practitioners face in secular organisations?” In particular, we present themes from the findings that show utilisation of Indigenous cultural and/or spiritual practices to strengthen faith and work. The context is Aotearoa New Zealand, where there are unique relationships between religions (both from colonial settlers and Indigenous people), spirituality, secularism and the provision of social services. How these various aspects intersect and affect the Christian practitioner was of interest to this study. This paper may contribute to further research concerning the use of Indigenous practices in modern social services and healthcare.
AVALIAÇÃO DO DESENVOLVIMENTO RADICULAR DA BRACHIARIA BRIZANTHA CULTIVAR MARANDÚ EM DIFERENTES NÍVEIS DE COMPACTAÇÃO
Authors: Damasceno Martins Athila , de Sá Varão NETO Davi , Gonçalves de OLIVEIRA Gustavo
Published: November 2022

This experiment was carried out in a greenhouse from September 26, 2022 to November 1, 2022. The experiment was carried out in order to learn more about the influence of compacted soils on the development of the forage plant Brachiaria brizantha cultivar Marandú, by means of morphogenic evaluations, measuring its potential in the process of soil decompaction and variation in the productivity of Fresh Matter (MF) and Dry Matter (MS). The influence of compaction was measured according to evaluations of root system length, plant length, number of tillers and evaluations of root system and whole plant dry matter. The data obtained were evaluated and structured in a scatter plot with a trend line and R-squared, analyzing the Pearson correlation coefficient of each variable. The results obtained showed that compaction has a strong influence on all variables compared, while the greater the density of the soil, the lower the vegetative indices.
Indonesian Cyberbullying Issues: The Impoliteness in Communication
Authors: Muthi'ah Nadhirah , Mono Umar , Perangin-Angin Alemina Br.
Published: November 2022

This paper is aimed at describing the cyberbullying issues that occur in social media platform especially in Instagram. The qualitative method is used in this paper. The data source is obtained from several Indonesian Celebrity Instagram accounts through case study approach. Through this paper, the researcher presents several examples of cyberbullying cases, what motives that cause someone to become a bully, and what are the impact that will occur in victims of bullying. By identifying and analysing all the data, the researcher found the motives of someone became a bully, such as; do not like the presence and personality of others, tends to saying negative comments which immoral and abusive, to entertain others by mocking someone, having bad personality such as envy, jealousy of someone’s achievements, having high of self-confident, think the bullies are better and more qualified than the victims and assume that cyberbullying is a natural thing.
Necropolitics in Sinan Antoon’s The Corpse Washer
Authors: Yebra José M. , Revilla Alfonso
Published: November 2022

Sinan Antoon’s The Corpse Washer (2013) constitutes an account of post-war Iraq narrated by an Iraqi youth and authored by an Iraqi émigré. It is thus a valuable alternative to American fiction on the conflict and its aftermath. From this premise, this article explores how the myth of the trauma hero, which has whitewashed the American invasion in redemptive terms, is here replaced by a more nuanced discourse. Mbembe’s necropolitics—i.e. the “subjugation of life to the power of death” (2003: 39)—helps explain the story of Jawad, the corpse washer of the title, and of Iraq as one of dehumanization, wounding and spatialization inflicted by Western supremacy and alleged ‘rationality.’ The novel challenges Western necropolitics in two main ways: Iraqi stereotypes are questioned, especially their identification with terrorism and martyrdom. On the other hand, surrealism and gothic elements help the protagonist and his country to sublimate the trauma derived from American neocolonial politics.