bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflectance Spectroscopy with Multivariate Methods for Non-Destructive Discrimination of Edible Oil Adulteration
Authors: Su Ning , Weng Shizhuang , Wang Liusan , Xu Taosheng
Published: December 2021

The visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was utilized for the rapid and nondestructive discrimination of edible oil adulteration. In total, 110 samples of sesame oil and rapeseed oil adulterated with soybean oil in different levels were produced to obtain the reflectance spectra of 350–2500 nm. A set of multivariant methods was applied to identify adulteration types and adulteration rates. In the qualitative analysis of adulteration type, the support vector machine (SVM) method yielded high overall accuracy with multiple spectra pretreatments. In the quantitative analysis of adulteration rate, the random forest (RF) combined with multivariate scattering correction (MSC) achieved the highest identification accuracy of adulteration rate with the full wavelengths of Vis-NIR spectra. The effective wavelengths of the Vis-NIR spectra were screened to improve the robustness of the multivariant methods. The analysis results suggested that the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was helpful for removing the redundant information from the spectral data and improving the prediction accuracy. The PLSR + MSC + CARS model achieved the best prediction performance in the two adulteration cases of sesame oil and rapeseed oil. The coefficient of determination (RPcv2) and the root mean square error (RMSEPcv) of the prediction set were 0.99656 and 0.01832 in sesame oil adulterated with soybean oil, and the RPcv2 and RMSEPcv were 0.99675 and 0.01685 in rapeseed oil adulterated with soybean oil, respectively. The Vis-NIR reflectance spectroscopy with the assistance of multivariant analysis can effectively discriminate the different adulteration rates of edible oils.
Impact of Perceived Stress and Immune Status on Decision-Making Abilities during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Tarantino Vincenza , Tasca Ilaria , Giannetto Nicoletta , Mangano Giuseppa Renata , Turriziani Patrizia , Oliveri Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

The ability to make risky decisions in stressful contexts has been largely investigated in experimental settings. We examined this ability during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic, when in Italy people were exposed to a prolonged stress condition, mainly caused by a rigid lockdown. Participants among the general population completed two cognitive tasks, an Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which measures individual risk/reward decision-making tendencies, and a Go/No-Go task (GNG), to test impulsivity, together with two questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. The Immune Status Questionnaire was additionally administered to explore the impact of the individual health status on decision making. The effect of the questionnaires scores on task performance was examined. The results showed that higher levels of perceived stress and a more self-reported vulnerable immune status were associated, separately, with less risky/more advantageous choices in the IGT in young male participants but with more risky/less advantageous choices in older male participants. These effects were not found in female participants. Impulsivity errors in the GNG were associated with more anxiety symptoms. These findings bring attention to the necessity of taking into account decision-making processes during stressful conditions, especially in the older and more physically vulnerable male population.
Optimizing Seismic Capacity of Existing Masonry Buildings by Retrofitting Timber Floors: Wood-Based Solutions as a Dissipative Alternative to Rigid Concrete Diaphragms
Authors: Mirra Michele , Ravenshorst Geert
Published: December 2021

The inadequate seismic performance of existing masonry buildings is often linked to the excessively low in-plane stiffness of timber diaphragms and the poor quality of their connections to the walls. However, relevant past studies and seismic events have also shown that rigid diaphragms could be detrimental for existing buildings and do not necessarily lead to an increase in their seismic performance. Therefore, this work explores the opportunity of optimizing the retrofitting of existing timber floors by means of a dissipative strengthening option, consisting of a plywood panel overlay. On the basis of past experimental tests and previously formulated analytical and numerical models for simulating the in-plane response of these retrofitted diaphragms, in this work nonlinear incremental dynamic analyses were performed on three case–study buildings. For each structure three configurations were analyzed: an as-built one, one having floors retrofitted with concrete slabs and one having dissipative diaphragms strengthened with plywood panels. The results showed that the additional beneficial hysteretic energy dissipation of the optimized diaphragms is relevant and can largely increase the seismic performance of the analyzed buildings, while rigid floors only localize the dissipation in the walls. These outcomes can contribute to an efficient seismic retrofitting of existing masonry buildings, demonstrating once more the great potential of wood-based techniques in comparison to the use of reinforced concrete for creating rigid diaphragms.
Implementation of Open Data Exchange between Architectural Design and Structural Analysis Models
Authors: Sibenik Goran , Kovacic Iva , Petrinas Valentinas , Sprenger Wendelin
Published: December 2021

Building information modelling promises model-based collaboration between stakeholders in the project design stage. However, data exchange between physical and analytical building models used for architectural design and structural analysis respectively rarely takes place due to numerous differences in building element representation, especially the representation of geometry. This paper presents the realization of a novel data exchange framework between architectural design and structural analysis building models, based on open interpretations on central storage. The exchange is achieved with a new system architecture, where the program redDim was developed to perform the interpretations, including the most challenging transformations of geometry. We deliver a proof of concept for the novel framework with a prototype building model and verify it on two further building models. Results show that structural-analysis models can be correctly automatically created by reducing dimensionality and reconnecting building elements. The proposed data exchange provides a base for missing standardization of interpretations, which facilitates the non-proprietary automated conversion between physical and analytical models. This research fills the gap in the existing model-based communication that could lead to a seamless data exchange.
An Efficient Reliability-Based Approach for Evaluating Safe Scaled Distance of Steel Columns under Dynamic Blast Loads
Authors: Momeni Mohammad , Bedon Chiara , Hadianfard Mohammad Ali , Baghlani Abdolhossein
Published: December 2021

Damage to building load-bearing members (especially columns) under explosions and impact are critical issues for structures, given that they may cause a progressive collapse and remarkably increase the number of potential victims. One of the best ways to deal with this issue is to provide values of safe protective distance (SPD) for the structural members to verify, so that the amount of damage (probability of exceedance low damage) cannot exceed a specified target. Such an approach takes the form of the so-called safe scaled distance (SSD), which can be calculated for general structural members but requires dedicated and expensive studies. This paper presents an improved calculation method, based on structural reliability analysis, to evaluate the minimum SSD for steel columns under dynamic blast loads. An explicit finite element (FE) approach is used with the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method to obtain the SSD, as a result of damage probability. The uncertainties associated with blast and material properties are considered using statistical distributions. A parametric study is thus carried out to obtain curves of probability of low damage for a range of H-shaped steel columns with different size and boundaries. Finally, SSD values are detected and used as an extensive databank to propose a practical empirical formulation for evaluating the SSD of blast loaded steel columns with good level of accuracy and high calculation efficiency.
Transformed Lymphoma Is Associated with a Favorable Response to CAR-T-Cell Treatment in DLBCL Patients
Authors: Nydegger Anna , Novak Urban , Kronig Marie-Noëlle , Legros Myriam , Zeerleder Sacha , Banz Yara , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: CAR-T-cell therapy is a novel therapeutic option for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL). The parameters that predict a favorable outcome after CAR-T-cell treatment are a matter of ongoing exploration. (2) Methods: We analyzed 36 consecutive patients with r/r DLBCL receiving tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel at a single academic institution. We hypothesized that lymphoma subtypes (transformed versus de novo DLBCL) are of prognostic importance. We also assessed age, previous treatment, bridging therapy, remission status at the time of CAR-T treatment and at six months, LDH, the occurrence of CRS or ICANS, and CAR-T-DNA ddPCR kinetics for their prognostic impact. (3) Results: CRS was observed in 24 (67%) patients, and ICANS was observed in 14 (39%) patients. CR was achieved in 20 (56%) patients. Achievement of CR within six months after CAR-T was associated with better PFS (p < 0.0001) and OS (p < 0.0001). Remarkably, transformed (=secondary) lymphoma was associated with a better outcome than de novo disease for PFS (p = 0.0093) and OS (p = 0.0209), and the CR rate was 78% versus 33% (p = 0.0176). Mortality in patients with transformed DLBCL was 23% compared with 56% in de novo patients (p = 0.0209). (4) Conclusion: The presence of transformed DLBCL seems to be associated with a more favorable course after CAR-T treatment than that observed in the de novo DLBCL patients.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Cancer Markers in Osteosarcoma: Influence on Patient Survival
Authors: Casanova José Manuel , Almeida Jani-Sofia , Reith John David , Sousa Luana Madalena , Fonseca Ruben , Freitas-Tavares Paulo , Santos-Rosa Manuel , Rodrigues-Santos Paulo
Published: December 2021

Osteosarcoma (OST) is the most common type of high-grade primary bone tumor, which mainly affects young adults. The current standard of care for OST combines surgical resection with chemotherapy. The clinical outcomes and the current options to treat OST patients are unsatisfactory and novel treatment strategies are needed. The crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells is essential to the OST microenvironment. Despite the efforts that have been made to address the importance of immune-related factors in OST, there is still a lot to understand. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), the expression of proteins involved in tumor biology, and their impact on the clinical outcome of OST patients. We studied 93 samples of OST patients using immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. We looked for the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, TIA1+ and CD20+ cells and for the expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) and variant 6 (CD44v6), CD95/Fas, Fas-L, p53 and p-glycoprotein. All the parameters were analyzed for the influence on the occurrence of death and metastasis, plus patient overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The effect of sex, age, tumor location (distal femur or proximal tibia) and the combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy was also assessed. Our results suggest that the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells provides protection to OST patients, and that CD8+ cells have a significant impact on the patient’s overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), which is more evident in male patients. In addition, a strong association between tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells and the presence of CD44s expression in tumor samples was observed. Analysis of TIL and tumor markers related to tumor biology could be useful to stratify patients and monitor the response to therapy, as well as to assist with the development of immunotherapy strategies to improve the effects of cytotoxic TIL to eradicate the tumor cells.
SIOP PNET5 MB Trial: History and Concept of a Molecularly Stratified Clinical Trial of Risk-Adapted Therapies for Standard-Risk Medulloblastoma
Authors: Mynarek Martin , Milde Till , Padovani Laetitia , Janssens Geert O. , Kwiecien Robert , Mosseri Veronique , Clifford Steven C. , Doz François , Rutkowski Stefan
Published: December 2021

Background. SIOP PNET5 MB was initiated in 2014 as the first European trial using clinical, histological, and molecular parameters to stratify treatments for children and adolescents with standard-risk medulloblastoma. Methods. Stratification by upfront assessment of molecular parameters requires the timely submission of adequate tumour tissue. In the standard-risk phase-III cohort, defined by the absence of high-risk criteria (M0, R0), pathological (non-LCA), and molecular biomarkers (MYCN amplification in SHH–MB or MYC amplification), a randomized intensification by carboplatin concomitant with radiotherapy is investigated. In the LR stratum for localized WNT-activated medulloblastoma and age <16 years, a reduction of craniospinal radiotherapy dose to 18 Gy and a reduced maintenance chemotherapy are investigated. Two additional strata (WNT-HR, SHH-TP53) were implemented during the trial. Results. SIOP PNET5 MB is actively recruiting. The availability of adequate tumour tissue for upfront real-time biological assessments to assess inclusion criteria has proven feasible. Conclusion. SIOP PNET5 MB has demonstrated that implementation of biological parameters for stratification is feasible in a prospective multicentre setting, and may improve risk-adapted treatment. Comprehensive research studies may allow assessment of additional parameters, e.g., novel medulloblastoma subtypes, and identification and validation of biomarkers for the further refinement of risk-adapted treatment in the future.
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy and Metastatic Cancer Are Independent Mortality Risk Factors during Two UK Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic at University College London Hospital
Authors: Wong Yien Ning Sophia , Sng Christopher C. T. , Ottaviani Diego , Patel Grisma , Chowdhury Amani , Earnshaw Irina , Sinclair Alasdair , Merry Eve , Wu Anjui , Galazi Myria , Benafif Sarah , Soosaipillai Gehan , Chopra Neha , Roylance Rebecca , Shaw Heather , Lee Alvin J. X.
Published: December 2021

An increased mortality risk was observed in patients with cancer during the first wave of COVID-19. Here, we describe determinants of mortality in patients with solid cancer comparing the first and second waves of COVID-19. A retrospective analysis encompassing two waves of COVID-19 (March–May 2020; December 2020–February 2021) was performed. 207 patients with cancer were matched to 452 patients without cancer. Patient demographics and oncological variables such as cancer subtype, staging and anti-cancer treatment were evaluated for association with COVID-19 mortality. Overall mortality was lower in wave two compared to wave one, HR 0.41 (95% CI: 0.30–0.56). In patients with cancer, mortality was 43.6% in wave one and 15.9% in wave two. In hospitalized patients, after adjusting for age, ethnicity and co-morbidities, a history of cancer was associated with increased mortality in wave one but not wave two. In summary, the second UK wave of COVID-19 is associated with lower mortality in hospitalized patients. A history of solid cancer was not associated with increased mortality despite the dominance of the more transmissible B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant. In both waves, metastatic disease and systemic anti-cancer treatment appeared to be independent risk factors for death within the combined cancer cohort.
Myeloma: A Lot of Progress, Still a Long Way to Go
Authors: Mikala Gábor , Varga Gergely
Published: December 2021

It was Bart Barlogie who made a clear point by stating in one of his lectures that any myeloma that is not cured will eventually turn into a resistant disease with aggressive clinical behaviour [...]
Cortisol Levels in Infants with Central Coordination Disorders during Vojta Therapy
Authors: Kiebzak Wojciech , Żurawski Arkadiusz , Głuszek Stanisław , Kosztołowicz Michał , Białek Wioletta Adamus
Published: December 2021

Background: Due to the decrease in the percentage of perinatal mortality, which is one of the Millennium Development Goals, the number of children with a central coordination disorder (CCD) has increased, present in up to 40% of premature babies. Neurodevelopmental disorders detected in the diagnostic process require early interventions that will eliminate or overcome existing dysfunctions. These treatments often cause discomfort in the infant, which induces insecurity and activation of basic defense mechanisms. The aim of the work is to assess changes in cortisol concentration in infants treated with the Vojta method. Methods and findings: The study included 35 children with CCD aged between three and nine months. The participants had no comorbidities that could have affected the obtained results. The activities were planned to occur in three stages: 1. Collection of a saliva sample directly before the physiotherapy appointment. 2. Collection of saliva immediately after rehabilitation. 3. Collection of saliva 20 min after the end of rehabilitation. The physiotherapeutic intervention included the assessment of seven reactions of the body position in space according to Vojta and the conduct of a therapeutic session consisting of the first phase of rotation and creeping reflex according to Vojta. The concentration of free cortisol in saliva was assessed with LC-MS/MS. In the first measurement, none of the children presented an excess of the normative concentration of cortisol. The cortisol measurement performed directly after rehabilitation showed above-normative values in three children. In the third measurement, all of the children presented a decreased concentration of free cortisol. The analysis (paired two-tailed t-test, p < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences between particular stages of the measurements. The analysis of the scores obtained in the second measurement showed the concentration of scores in the area of “normal” at a level of 0.83 (normal concentration) and the area “above normal” at the level of 0.005 (very weak concentration). Based on the analysis of significance of the obtained scores, it was found that the result was not accidental, and the Vojta method used in the treatment of children with CCD was suitable. Conclusions: Here, for the first time, we presented how Vojta therapy was correlated with cortisol levels among children with a central coordination disorder.
Bridging the Gap between Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine in Community-Based Emergency Departments (EDs): A Neuro-Ophthalmology Guide for ED Practitioners
Authors: Thomas Kristina , Ocran Cindy , Monterastelli Anna , Sadun Alfredo A. , Cockerham Kimberly P.
Published: December 2021

Coordination of care for patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders can be very challenging in the community emergency department (ED) setting. Unlike university- or tertiary hospital-based EDs, the general ophthalmologist is often not as familiar with neuro-ophthalmology and the examination of neuro-ophthalmology patients in the acute ED setting. Embracing image capturing of the fundus, using a non-mydriatic camera, may be a game-changer for communication between ED physicians, ophthalmologists, and tele-neurologists. Patient care decisions can now be made with photographic documentation that is then conveyed through HIPAA-compliant messaging with accurate and useful information with both ease and convenience. Likewise, external photos of the anterior segment and motility are also helpful. Finally, establishing clinical and imaging guidelines for common neuro-ophthalmic disorders can help facilitate complete and appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Atomic-Scale Insights on Large-Misfit Heterointerfaces in LSMO/MgO/c-Al2O3
Authors: Mandal Soumya , Gupta Ashish Kumar , Beavers Braxton Hays , Singh Vidit , Narayan Jagdish , Sachan Ritesh
Published: December 2021

Understanding the interfaces in heterostructures at an atomic scale is crucial in enabling the possibility to manipulate underlying functional properties in correlated materials. This work presents a detailed study on the atomic structures of heterogeneous interfaces in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) film grown epitaxially on c-Al2O3 (0001) with a buffer layer of MgO. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, we detected nucleation of periodic misfit dislocations at the interfaces of the large misfit systems of LSMO/MgO and MgO/c-Al2O3 following the domain matching epitaxy paradigm. It was experimentally observed that the dislocations terminate with 4/5 lattice planes at the LSMO/MgO interface and with 12/13 lattice planes at the MgO/c-Al2O3 interface. This is consistent with theoretical predictions. Using the atomic-resolution image data analysis approach to generate atomic bond length maps, we investigated the atomic displacement in the LSMO/MgO and MgO/c-Al2O3 systems. Minimal presence of residual strain was shown at the respective interface due to strain relaxation following misfit dislocation formation. Further, based on electron energy-loss spectroscopy analysis, we confirmed an interfacial interdiffusion within two monolayers at both LSMO/MgO and MgO/c-Al2O3 interfaces. In essence, misfit dislocation configurations of the LSMO/MgO/c-Al2O3 system have been thoroughly investigated to understand atomic-scale insights on atomic structure and interfacial chemistry in these large misfit systems.
Carbonation of EAF Stainless Steel Slag and Its Effect on Chromium Leaching Characteristics
Authors: Wang Ya-Jun , Tao Meng-Jie , Li Jun-Guo , Zeng Ya-Nan , Qin Song , Liu Shao-Hua
Published: December 2021

EAF stainless steel slag (EAF slag) is one kind of chromium-bearing metallurgical solid waste, which belongs to alkaline steel slag, and contains a large number of alkaline mineral phases. The carbonation activity of these minerals gives EAF slag the capability to effectively capture CO2. In this paper, EAF slag samples with different carbonation degrees were prepared by the slurry-phase accelerated carbonation route. The mineralogical identification analysis was used to qualitatively and semi-quantitatively determine the types and contents of the carbonatable mineral phases in the EAF slag. The sequential leaching test was used to study the chromium leachabilities in EAF slags with different carbonation degrees. The results showed that the main minerals with carbonation activity in EAF slag were Ca3Mg(SiO4)2 and Ca2SiO4, with mass percentages of 56.9% and 23%, respectively. During the carbonation process, Ca2SiO4 was the main reactant and calcite was the main product. As the degree of carbonation increased, the pH of the EAF slags’ leachate gradually decreased while the redox potential (Eh) gradually increased. At the same time, a large amount of Ca2+ in the EAF slag combined with CO2 to form slightly soluble calcium carbonate, which led to a significant decrease in the conductivity of the leachate. With the gradual increase in carbonation ratio, the leachability of chromium in the EAF slag first decreased and then increased, and reached its lowest value when the CO2 uptake ratio was 11.49%.
Preference for Artificial Refugia over Natural Refugia in an Endangered Fish
Authors: Magellan Kit , Weyl Olaf , Booth Anthony
Published: December 2021

The availability of appropriate refugia may ameliorate some impacts of habitat degradation and can aid in the conservation of target species. In addition to natural refugia, the provision of artificial refugia may be viable, particularly in degraded habitats. We examined the conservation potential of natural and artificial refugia for the endangered Eastern Cape redfin, Pseudobarbus afer. We show that deeper water is preferred so is likely to constitute a natural refuge. However, this preference is overridden by the provision of artificial refugia (a plastic pipe). We highlight that the most important habitat factor in the conservation of P. afer is availability of suitable natural refugia through avoidance of habitat destruction. However, when redfin habitat is already compromised, appropriate artificial refugia may supplement the protection provided by natural refugia and may provide benefits to the whole aquatic community.
Dilated Odontoma Arising in the Mandibular Third Molar Germ: Report of a Case of an Unusual Lesion in an Uncommon Site
Authors: Zara Francesca , D’Angeli Giacomo , Corsi Alessandro , Polimeni Antonella , Sfasciotti Gian Luca
Published: December 2021

Dilated odontoma is the most severe variant of dens invaginatus. It is extremely uncommon in the posterior mandible. It is thought to originate during the morpho-differentiation stage of dental development. However, its etiology and pathogenesis remain obscure. We report here the clinical and pathologic findings of an incidentally discovered dilated odontoma arising in the left third mandibular molar germ of an 11-year-old male and a review of the pertinent literature. As dilated odontoma is not established as an independent entity in the current WHO classification of odontogenic tumors and is the result of a well-established developmental anomaly of the tooth (that is, the invagination of the enamel organ into the dental papilla), it should be better identified as dilated dens invaginatus.
Management of COVID-19-Associated Acute Respiratory Failure with Alternatives to Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: High-Flow Oxygen, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and Noninvasive Ventilation
Authors: Bonnesen Barbara , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr , Jeschke Klaus Nielsen , Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Corlateanu Alexandru , Hansen Ejvind Frausing , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Hilberg Ole , Sivapalan Pradeesh
Published: December 2021

Patients admitted to hospital with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may develop acute respiratory failure (ARF) with compromised gas exchange. These patients require oxygen and possibly ventilatory support, which can be delivered via different devices. Initially, oxygen therapy will often be administered through a conventional binasal oxygen catheter or air-entrainment mask. However, when higher rates of oxygen flow are needed, patients are often stepped up to high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). BiPAP, CPAP, and HFNC may be beneficial alternatives to IMV for COVID-19-associated ARF. Current evidence suggests that when nasal catheter oxygen therapy is insufficient for adequate oxygenation of patients with COVID-19-associated ARF, CPAP should be provided for prolonged periods. Subsequent escalation to IMV may be implemented if necessary.
“I Thought It Was My Fault Just for Being Born”. A Review of an SEL Programme for Teenage Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: Sweetman Norah
Published: December 2021

Research has established the life-altering effects of living with domestic violence on young people. Traumatic experiences negatively impact their education, leisure activities, and social-emotional learning (SEL). The secrecy concerning domestic violence means young people suffer self-blame, shame, fear of disclosure and family separation. The researcher designed a 12-week multimedia programme, ‘up2talk’, to enhance the communications skills and emotional literacy of the participants. Parents and teenagers were fully informed of the aims and previously attended the family service hosting the programme. Domestic violence was identified as a core issue, without the expectation of personal disclosure. This approach enabled young people to voice and explore the effects of domestic violence on their lives. Participants developed the elements of the programme and a family worker co-facilitated the groups. The third-party approaches: ‘how would a teenager feel?’, artistic expression, assertiveness, debates and videoing drama increased SEL and generated discussion, while protecting privacy. Parents provided two interviews concerning their children, and teenagers provided three individual interviews and ongoing group reviews. A thematic analysis showed a reduction in shame and self-blame, enhanced self-esteem and self-efficacy, increased engagement in education and recreation and improved family relationships. Themes were triangulated by facilitators’ observations, interview data, artefacts, group reviews and parental feedback. All families were offered follow-up support. The effectiveness of the interactive group indicates opportunities for its development in educational and youth settings.
Protection and Control Standards with Auto Diagnosis for the Motor in Low-Voltage Switchgear According to Industry 4.0
Authors: Sołtysek Łukasz , Szczepanik Jerzy , Dudzik Radosław , Sułowicz Maciej , Schwung Andreas
Published: December 2021

The article is a review of the latest available technologies on the market which are part of “Industry 4.0”, in the field of protection, control, and power supply of equipment. The authors focus on the development of the protection devices (PLC controllers), which can be used not only for protection purposes but also for the diagnosis and monitoring of the entire system. The key element is the communication structure involving protection, main PLC controller, and DCS, which has an impact on the reliability of the whole system. The authors compare different solutions that allow increasing the reliability of the system (ethernet connection), compared to the classic system (wire connection). Universal protection devices are more flexible devices compared to classic control equipment, but also allow us to make modifications to the structure after commissioning, during normal operation of the system without stopping the technological process.
Test-Bench for the Characterization of Flexion Sensors Used in Biomechanics
Authors: Tiboni Monica , Filippini Azzurra , Amici Cinzia , Vetturi David
Published: December 2021

The design, prototyping and validation of an innovative test bench for the characterization and the hysteresis measurement of flexion sensors are presented in this paper. The device, especially designed to test sensors employed in the biomedical field, can be effectively used to characterize also sensors intended for other applications, such as wearable devices. Flexion sensors are widely adopted in devices for biomedical purposes and in this context are commonly used in two main ways: to measure movements (i) with fixed radius of curvature and (ii) with variable radius of curvature. The test bench has been conceived and designed with reference to both of these needs of use. The technological choices have been oriented towards simplicity of manufacture and assembly, configuration flexibility and low cost of realization. For this purpose, 3D printing technology was chosen for most of the structural components of the device. To verify the test bench performances, a test campaign was carried out on five commercial bending sensors. To characterize each sensor, the acquired measurements were analysed by assessing repeatability and linearity of the sensors and hysteresis of the system sensor/test bench. A statistical analysis was performed to study the positioning repeatability and the hysteresis of the device. The results demonstrate good repeatability and low hysteresis.
An Integrated Approach for Monitoring Social Distancing and Face Mask Detection Using Stacked ResNet-50 and YOLOv5
Authors: Walia Inderpreet Singh , Kumar Deepika , Sharma Kaushal , Hemanth Jude D. , Popescu Daniela Elena
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-19 is one of the deadliest pandemics the world has witnessed, taking around 5,049,374 lives till now across worldwide and 459,873 in India. To limit its spread numerous countries have issued many safety measures. Though vaccines are available now, still face mask detection and maintain social distance are the key aspects to prevent from this pandemic. Therefore, authors have proposed a real-time surveillance system that would take the input video feed and check whether the people detected in the video are wearing a mask, this research further monitors the humans for social distancing norms. The proposed methodology involves taking input from a CCTV feed and detecting humans in the frame, using YOLOv5. These detected faces are then processed using Stacked ResNet-50 for classification whether the person is wearing a mask or not, meanwhile, DBSCAN has been used to detect proximities within the persons detected.
Compact, Reflectionless Band-Pass Filter: Based on GaAs IPD Process for Highly Reliable Communication
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Xing Mengjiang , Liu Gan , Yang Xiaodong , Dai Chuanxiang , Hou Ming
Published: December 2021

For highly reliable and compact communication of front-end modules, a miniaturized reflectionless band-pass filter, based on the GaAs integrated passive device (IPD) process, is proposed in this work. The stop-band signal absorption rate of the filter can reach more than 90% and greatly reduce the influence of electromagnetic interference for sensitive devices. First, a circuit topology of reflectionless filter is proposed. Then, the miniaturized reflectionless band-pass filter is designed and fabricated based on GaAs IPD process with a compact size of only 0.85 mm × 1.33 mm × 0.09 mm (0.011λ × 0.018λ × 0.001λ). The filter operates at frequency ranging from 3.3 GHz to 4.5 GHz for 5G communication, the insertion loss (S21) is less than 3 dB, the return loss in the passband (S11) is over 15 dB, the stopband return loss (S11) is over 10 dB, and the out-of-band suppression (S21) reached 19 dB. All the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results. It shows great potential in the process of designing highly reliable and compact monolithic integrated wireless modules and wearable electronics.
Forecasting Methods of Battery Charge and Discharge Current Profile for LEO Satellites
Authors: Yun Seok-Teak , Kong Seung-Hyun
Published: December 2021

The orbital characteristics of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems prevent continuous monitoring because ground access time is limited. For this reason, the development of simulators for predicting satellite states for the entire orbit is required. Power-related prediction is one of the important LEO satellite simulations because it is directly related to the lifespan and mission of the satellite. Accurate predictions of the charge and discharge current of a power system’s battery are essential for fault management design, mission design, and expansion of LEO satellites. However, it is difficult to accurately predict the battery power demand and charging of LEO satellites because they have nonlinear characteristics that depend on the satellite’s attitude, season, orbit, mission, and operating period. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel battery charge and discharge current prediction technique using the bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model for the development of a LEO satellite power simulator. The prediction performance is demonstrated by applying the proposed technique to the KOM-SAT-3A and KOMSAT-5 satellites operating in real orbits. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the proposed Bi-LSTM shows root mean square error (RMSE) within 2.3 A, and the prediction error well outperforms the most recent the probability-based SARIMA model.
Mapping Chlorophyll-a Concentrations in the Kaštela Bay and Brač Channel Using Ridge Regression and Sentinel-2 Satellite Images
Authors: Ivanda Antonia , Šerić Ljiljana , Bugarić Marin , Braović Maja
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we describe a method for the prediction of concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from satellite data in the coastal waters of Kaštela Bay and the Brač Channel (our case study areas) in the Republic of Croatia. Chl-a is one of the parameters that indicates water quality and that can be measured by in situ measurements or approximated as an optical parameter with remote sensing. Remote sensing products for monitoring Chl-a are mostly based on the ocean and open sea monitoring and are not accurate for coastal waters. In this paper, we propose a method for remote sensing monitoring that is locally tailored to suit the focused area. This method is based on a data set constructed by merging Sentinel 2 Level-2A satellite data with in situ Chl-a measurements. We augmented the data set horizontally by transforming the original feature set, and vertically by adding synthesized zero measurements for locations without Chl-a. By transforming features, we were able to achieve a sophisticated model that predicts Chl-a from combinations of features representing transformed bands. Multiple Linear Regression equation was derived to calculate Chl-a concentration and evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative evaluation resulted in R2 scores 0.685 and 0.659 for train and test part of data set, respectively. A map of Chl-a of the case study area was generated with our model for the dates of the known incidents of algae blooms. The results that we obtained are discussed in this paper.
Small-Scale Depthwise Separable Convolutional Neural Networks for Bacteria Classification
Authors: Mai Duc-Tho , Ishibashi Koichiro
Published: December 2021

Bacterial recognition and classification play a vital role in diagnosing disease by determining the presence of large bacteria in the specimens and the symptoms. Artificial intelligence and computer vision widely applied in the medical domain enable improving accuracy and reducing the bacterial recognition and classification time, which aids in making clinical decisions and choosing the proper treatment. This paper aims to provide an approach of 33 bacteria strains’ automated classification from the Digital Images of Bacteria Species (DIBaS) dataset based on small-scale depthwise separable convolutional neural networks. Our five-layer architecture has significant advantages due to the compact model, low computational cost, and reliable recognition accuracy. The experimental results proved that the proposed design reached the highest accuracy of 96.28% with a total of 6600 images and can be executed on limited-resource devices of 3.23 million parameters and 40.02 million multiply–accumulate operations (MACs). The number of parameters in this architecture is seven times less than the smallest model listed in the literature.
Double-Clad Optical Fiber-Based Multi-Contrast Noncontact Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging System
Authors: Shin Jun Geun , Eom Jonghyun
Published: December 2021

A noncontact photoacoustic and fluorescence dual-modality imaging system is proposed, which integrates a fiber-based fluorescence imaging system with noncontact photoacoustic imaging using a specially fabricated double-cladding fiber (DCF) coupler and a DCF lens. The performance of the DCF coupler and lens was evaluated, and the feasibility of this new imaging system was demonstrated using simple tubing phantoms with black ink and fluorophore. Our imaging results demonstrated that the multimodal imaging technique can simultaneously acquire photoacoustic and fluorescence images without coming into contact with the sample. Consequently, the developed method is the first noncontact scheme among multimodal imaging systems that is integrated with a photoacoustic imaging system, which can provide varied and complementary information about the sample.
Recognition of Eye-Written Characters with Limited Number of Training Data Based on a Siamese Network
Authors: Kang Dong-Hyun , Chang Won-Du
Published: December 2021

Developing a hum–computer interface (HCI) is essential, especially for those that have spinal cord injuries or paralysis, because of the difficulties associated with the application of conventional devices and systems. Eye-writing is an HCI that uses eye movements for writing characters such that the gaze movements form letters. In addition, it is a promising HCI because it can be utilized even when voices and hands are inaccessible. However, eye-writing HCI has low accuracy and encounters difficulties in obtaining data. This study proposes a method for recognizing eye-written characters accurately and with limited data. The proposed method is constructed using a Siamese network, an attention mechanism, and an ensemble algorithm. In the experiment, the proposed method successfully classified the eye-written characters (Arabic numbers) with high accuracy (92.78%) when the ratio of training to test data was 2:1. In addition, the method was tested as the ratio changed, and 80.80% accuracy was achieved when the number of training data was solely one-tenth of the test data.
Workflow for Probabilistic Resource Estimation: Jafurah Basin Case Study (Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Weijermars Ruud , Jin Miao , Khamidy Nur Iman
Published: December 2021

This study provides a workflow and preliminary estimations of the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) volumes for natural gas and condensate liquids in the Tuwaiq Mountain Formation, the principal target in the Jafurah Field development project in Saudi Arabia. The strategic need for the field development is reviewed and the field characteristics are outlined based on public data sources complemented with data from analogous reservoirs. The target zone in the Jafurah Basin is a carbonaceous shale, being developed with up to 10,000-ft-long multistage-fractured laterals with 30 ft perforation cluster spacing and an assumed typical 1250 ft well spacing. The field will come on stream in 2024, when the gas-gathering pipeline system, natural gas processing plant, and underground gas storage facilities will all be in place. The range of uncertainties in the key reservoir parameters is taken into account to estimate preliminary EUR volumes (P90, P50, and P10) for both gas and condensates. Based on the present and prior EUR estimations, it can be concluded that the Jafurah Basin comprises one of the largest unconventional field development projects outside of North America.
A Feasibility Study on Effect of Food Waste Leachate Additions in the Full-Scale Waste Leachate Treatment Facility after the African Swine Fever Outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Lee Pul-Eip , Lee Won-Bae , Moon Heesung , Kwon Junhwa , Namkung Hueon , Lee Wonseok , Yoo Myungsoo , Lee Dong-jin
Published: December 2021

Due to the ban on the use of food waste as wet swine feed after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), 2900 tons/day of food waste and 1083 tons/day of food waste leachate were additionally generated. As an alternative treatment method for food waste leachate, the input of food waste leachate on weekends (5% of food waste leachate inflow, 100 tons/day) and its increased input (merge ratio 21.7%, 227.01 tons/day → 27.8%, 453.71 tons/day) into the digesters operated in a public sewage treatment plant were investigated. Additionally, the feasibility of the method was evaluated by analyzing the operation parameters, evaluating the operation efficiency, and identifying other environmental effects on the sewage treatment plant. In the case of input on weekends, the organic matter decomposition rate and gas production rate decreased by 8.0% and 9.5%, respectively, although the input on weekends was judged to be feasible, considering that the inflow into the WWTP increased by up to 206% due to the long-term (7 weeks) monsoon. In the case of the increased input of food waste leachate, the organic matter decomposition and gas production rates increased by 2.5% and 4.8%, respectively, compared with before the increased input. The results of this study confirmed that the additional input of food waste leachate into existing biogasification facilities is feasible. When performed in a stable manner, the use of food waste for anaerobic digestion is considered an appropriate alternative treatment method to wet feed. This will lead to technological and industrial development.
Special Issue on Electronic Systems and Energy Harvesting Methods for Automation, Mechatronics and Automotive
Authors: Visconti Paolo , Giannoccaro Nicola Ivan , de Fazio Roberto
Published: December 2021

Electronic apparatus have become essential components of civil and industrial systems, including the automotive, home and building automation, Industrial IoT (Internet of Things) and control applications, and playing an essential role in improving security, efficiency, manageability, and rapid feedback [...]
Sequential Hydrothermal HCl Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Saccharina japonica Biomass
Authors: Park Eun-Young , Park Jung-Kyu
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the production of fermentable sugars from carbohydrate-rich macroalgae Saccharina japonica using sequential hydrolysis (hydrothermal acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis) to determine the maximum reducing sugar yield (RSy). The sequential hydrolysis was predicted by three independent variables (temperature, time, and HCl concentration) using response surface methodology (RSM). Enzymatic hydrolysis (8.17% v/wbiomass Celluclast® 1.5 L, 26.4 h, 42.6 °C) was performed after hydrothermal acid pretreatment under predicted conditions (143.6 °C, 22 min, and 0.108 N HCl concentration). Using this experimental procedure, the yields of hydrothermal acid pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and sequential hydrolysis were 115.6 ± 0.4 mg/g, 117.7 ± 0.3 mg/g, and 183.5 ± 0.6 mg/g, respectively. Our results suggested that sequential hydrolysis of hydrothermal acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis was more efficient than their single treatment.
Dielectric Strength of Polymeric Solid–Solid Interfaces under Dry-Mate and Wet-Mate Conditions
Authors: Kantar Emre
Published: December 2021

One of the most important causes of insulation system failure is the breakdown of the interface between two solid dielectrics; understanding the mechanisms governing this breakdown phenomenon is therefore critical. To that end, investigating and reviewing the practical limitations of the electrical breakdown strength of solid–solid interfaces present in insulating components is the primary objective of this work. The published literature from experimental and theoretical studies carried out in order to scrutinize the effects of the presence of solid–solid interfaces is investigated and discussed, considering macro, micro, and nano-scale characteristics. The reviewed literature suggests that solid–solid interfaces in accessories have non-uniform distributions of electrical fields within them in comparison to cables, where the distribution is mostly radial and symmetrical. Many agree that the elastic modulus (elasticity), radial/tangential pressure, surface smoothness/roughness, and dielectric strength of the ambient environment are the main parameters determining the tangential AC breakdown strength of solid–solid interfaces.