bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Forecasting of Large-Scale Clouds Impact on Downwelling Surface Solar Irradiation
Authors: Kosmopoulos Panagiotis , Kouroutsidis Dimitris , Papachristopoulou Kyriakoula , Raptis Panagiotis Ioannis , Masoom Akriti , Saint-Drenan Yves-Marie , Blanc Philippe , Kontoes Charalampos , Kazadzis Stelios
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on the use of cloud motion vectors (CMV) and fast radiative transfer models (FRTM) in the prospect of forecasting downwelling surface solar irradiation (DSSI). Using near-real-time cloud optical thickness (COT) data derived from multispectral images from the spinning enhanced visible and infrared imager (SEVIRI) onboard the Meteosat second generation (MSG) satellite, we introduce a novel short-term forecasting system (3 h ahead) that is capable of calculating solar energy in large-scale (1.5 million-pixel area covering Europe and North Africa) and in high spatial (5 km over nadir) and temporal resolution (15 min intervals). For the operational implementation of such a big data computing architecture (20 million simulations in less than a minute), we exploit a synergy of high-performance computing and deterministic image processing technologies (dense optical flow estimation). The impact of clouds forecasting uncertainty on DSSI was quantified in terms of cloud modification factor (CMF), for all-sky and clear sky conditions, for more generalized results. The forecast accuracy was evaluated against the real COT and CMF images under different cloud movement patterns, and the correlation was found to range from 0.9 to 0.5 for 15 min and 3 h ahead, respectively. The CMV forecast variability revealed an overall DSSI uncertainty in the range 18–34% under consecutive alternations of cloud presence, highlighting the ability of the proposed system to follow the cloud movement in opposition to the baseline persistent forecasting, which considers the effects of topocentric sun path on DSSI but keeps the clouds in “fixed” positions, and which presented an overall uncertainty of 30–43%. The proposed system aims to support the distributed solar plant energy production management, as well as electricity handling entities and smart grid operations.
Dutch Offshore Wind Atlas Validation against Cabauw Meteomast Wind Measurements
Authors: Knoop Steven , Ramakrishnan Pooja , Wijnant Ine
Published: December 2020

The Dutch Offshore Wind Atlas (DOWA) is validated against wind speed and direction measurements from the Cabauw meteorological mast for a 10-year period and at heights between 10 m and 200 m. The validation results are compared to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) North Sea Wind (KNW) atlas. It is found that the average difference (bias) between DOWA wind speeds and those measured at Cabauw varies for the different heights between −0.1 m/s to 0.3 m/s. Significant differences between DOWA and KNW are only found at altitudes of 10 m and 20 m, where KNW performs better. For heights above 20 m, there is no significant difference between DOWA and KNW with respect to the 10-year averaged wind speed bias. The diurnal cycle is better captured by DOWA compared to KNW, and the hourly correlation is slightly improved. In addition, a comparison with the global European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim and ERA5 reanalyses (used for KNW and DOWA, respectively) is made, highlighting the added skill provided by downscaling those global datasets with the weather model HARMONIE.
A Charge-Equalization Circuit with an Intermediate Resonant Energy Tank
Authors: Hsieh Yao-Ching , Huang You-Chun , Chuang Po-Chun
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we propose a novel charge-equalization circuit for series-connected batteries. The circuit is composed of an intermediate resonant energy tank, formed by an inductor and a capacitor, and selection switches connected to each battery. The advantage of the proposed circuit is that an exchange of unbalanced charge can be established between any two batteries via the intermediate energy tank. In addition, more than one adjacent battery can serve as a charge-transference party on either side through proper activation of the associated selection switches. Moreover, by virtue of the resonant tank, zero-current switching can be achieved to significantly reduce the transference losses. A laboratory circuit with a control unit was designed for eight 2.5 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in series. The test results demonstrate that the proposed charge-equalization circuit can realize charge balance effectively. With the charge-equalization circuit, the worst open-circuit voltage difference can be reduced to less than 20 mV under offline conditions, which helps the batteries operate more efficiently.
Assessment of the Internal Catalyst Efficiency in a Diesel Engine of a Vehicle under the Conditions Simulating Real Driving
Authors: Andrych-Zalewska Monika , Chłopek Zdzisław , Merkisz Jerzy , Pielecha Jacek
Published: December 2020

The application of a catalyst on a surface inside a combustion chamber is known as a supplementary method of exhaust gas aftertreatment. The efficiency of this method in the reduction in exhaust emissions as well as its influence on other engine properties has been analyzed in multiple scientific works. Most often, these works present the results of investigations carried out on dynamometers under engine stationary conditions. There are no results of the catalyst investigations performed under dynamic states, particularly on-going real time analyses during engine operation. Therefore, the authors set out to explore the efficiency of the in-cylinder catalyst of a diesel engine under dynamic conditions simulating actual vehicle operation. A unique methodology was applied. The investigations were carried out in road conditions in a test simulating the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) homologation test in compliance with the similarity criteria of the zero-dimensional characteristics of vehicle speed during the investigations and in the homologation test. For the research, the authors used portable exhaust emissions measurement equipment. A unique method of test results analysis was also applied (a continuous method in the time domain). As a result of the tests being repeated several times, it was observed that the application of an internal catalyst under different operating engine conditions repeatedly results in: an approx. 2% reduction in the emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide; a similar increase in the emission of nitrogen oxides; and a significant (over 10%) reduction in the particle number. The obtained results substantiate the purpose of actions aiming at improving the efficiency of the internal catalyst.
Performance and Exhaust Emissions of a Gas-Turbine Engine Fueled with Biojet/Jet A-1 Blends for the Development of Aviation Biofuel in Tropical Regions
Authors: Reksowardojo Iman K. , Duong Long H. , Zain Rais , Hartono Firman , Marno Septhian , Rustyawan Wawan , Putri Nelliza , Jatiwiramurti Wisasurya , Prabowo Bayu
Published: December 2020

Biofuels as alternative fuels in today’s world are becoming increasingly important for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Here, we present and evaluate the potential of a new alternative fuel based on the conversion of medium-chain fatty acids to biojet (MBJ), which was produced from coconut oil using hydrotreated processes. MBJ is produced by using both deoxygenation and isomerization processes. Several blends of this type of biojet fuel with Jet A-1 were run in a gas-turbine engine (Rover 1S/60, ROTAX LTD., London, England) for the purpose of investigating engine performance and emissions. Performance results showed almost the same results as those of Jet A-1 fuel for these fuels in terms of thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, turbine-inlet temperature, and exhaust-gas temperature. The results of exhaust-gas emissions also showed no significant effects on carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxides, while a decrease in smoke opacity was found when blending MBJ with Jet A-1. MBJ performed well in both performance and emissions tests when run in this engine. Thus, MBJ brings hope for the development of aviation biofuels in tropical regions that have an abundance of bioresources, but are limited in technology and investment capital.
RockFlow: Fast Generation of Synthetic Source Rock Images Using Generative Flow Models
Authors: Anderson Timothy I. , Guan Kelly M. , Vega Bolivia , Aryana Saman A. , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: December 2020

Image-based evaluation methods are a valuable tool for source rock characterization. The time and resources needed to obtain images has spurred development of machine-learning generative models to create synthetic images of pore structure and rock fabric from limited image data. While generative models have shown success, existing methods for generating 3D volumes from 2D training images are restricted to binary images and grayscale volume generation requires 3D training data. Shale characterization relies on 2D imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and grayscale values carry important information about porosity, kerogen content, and mineral composition of the shale. Here, we introduce RockFlow, a method based on generative flow models that creates grayscale volumes from 2D training data. We apply RockFlow to baseline binary micro-CT image volumes and compare performance to a previously proposed model. We also show the extension of our model to 2D grayscale data by generating grayscale image volumes from 2D SEM and dual modality nanoscale shale images. The results show that our method underestimates the porosity and surface area on the binary baseline datasets but is able to generate realistic grayscale image volumes for shales. With improved binary data preprocessing, we believe that our model is capable of generating synthetic porous media volumes for a very broad class of rocks from shale to carbonates to sandstone.
Management Intensity and Forest Successional Stages as Significant Determinants of Small Mammal Communities in a Lowland Floodplain Forest
Authors: Suchomel Josef , Šipoš Jan , Košulič Ondřej
Published: December 2020

The conversion of forests from complex natural ecosystems to simplified commercial woodlands is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. To maintain biodiversity, we need to understand how current management practices influence forest ecosystems. We studied the effects of forest successional stage and management intensity on the abundance, species richness, and assemblage composition of small mammals. Our results show that management intensity significantly contributes to reducing the number of species after clearcutting. We revealed that intensively managed clearings can make the dispersal or foraging activity of small mammals difficult and hence negatively influence their abundance and species richness. The significantly higher species richness of small mammal species was recorded within more extensively rather than intensively managed clearings. In contrast, we did not observe significant changes in species richness and abundance after intensive management in old-growth forests. Species Clethrionomys glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis reached the greatest abundance in old-growth forest patches. On the other hand, Microtus arvalis and Microtus subterraneus were species mainly associated with the successionally youngest forest stands. Our analysis suggests that intensive management interventions (i.e., vegetation destruction by pesticides and wood debris removal by soil milling) in clearings produce unhostile environments for majority of the small mammal species.
Comparison of Modeling Algorithms for Forest Canopy Structures Based on UAV-LiDAR: A Case Study in Tropical China
Authors: Peng Xi , Zhao Anjiu , Chen Yongfu , Chen Qiao , Liu Haodong , Wang Juan , Li Huayu
Published: December 2020

Knowledge of forest structure is vital for sustainable forest management decisions. Terrestrial laser scanning cannot describe the canopy trees in a large area, and it is unclear whether unmanned aerial vehicle-light detection and ranging (UAV-LiDAR) data have the ability to capture the forest canopy structural parameters in tropical forests. In this study, we estimated five forest canopy structures (stand density (N), basic area (G), above-ground biomass (AGB), Lorey’s mean height (HL), and under-crown height (hT)) with four modeling algorithms (linear regression (LR), bagged tree (BT), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest (RF)) based on UAV-LiDAR data and 60 sample plot data from tropical forests in Hainan and determined the optimal algorithms for the five canopy structures by comparing the performance of the four algorithms. First, we defined the canopy tree as a tree with a height ≥70% HL. Then, UAV-LiDAR metrics were calculated, and the LiDAR metrics were screened by recursive feature elimination (RFE). Finally, a prediction model of the five forest canopy structural parameters was established by the four algorithms, and the results were compared. The metrics’ screening results show that the most important LiDAR indexes for estimating HL, AGB, and hT are the leaf area index and some height metrics, while the most important indexes for estimating N and G are the kurtosis of heights and the coefficient of variation of height. The relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) of five structure parameters showed the following: when modeling HL, the rRMSEs (10.60%–12.05%) obtained by the four algorithms showed little difference; when N was modeled, BT, RF, and SVR had lower rRMSEs (26.76%–27.44%); when G was modeled, the rRMSEs of RF and SVR (15.37%–15.87%) were lower; when hT was modeled, BT, RF, and SVR had lower rRMSEs (10.24%–11.07%); when AGB was modeled, RF had the lowest rRMSE (26.75%). Our results will help facilitate choosing LiDAR indexes and modeling algorithms for tropical forest resource inventories.
Austrian Raw-Milk Hard-Cheese Ripening Involves Successional Dynamics of Non-Inoculated Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Quijada Narciso M. , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Zwirzitz Benjamin , Guse Christian , Strachan Cameron R. , Wagner Martin , Wetzels Stefanie U. , Selberherr Evelyne , Dzieciol Monika
Published: December 2020

Cheese ripening involves successional changes of the rind microbial composition that harbors a key role on the quality and safety of the final products. In this study, we analyzed the evolution of the rind microbiota (bacteria and fungi) throughout the ripening of Austrian Vorarlberger Bergkäse (VB), an artisanal surface-ripened cheese, by using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The real-time quantitative PCR results revealed that bacteria were more abundant than fungi in VB rinds throughout ripening, although both kingdoms were abundant along the process. The qualitative investigation was performed by high-throughput gene-targeted (amplicon) sequencing. The results showed dynamic changes of the rind microbiota throughout ripening. In the fresh products, VB rinds were dominated by Staphylococcus equorum and Candida. At early ripening times (14–30 days) Psychrobacter and Debaryomyces flourished, although their high abundance was limited to these time points. At the latest ripening times (90–160 days), VB rinds were dominated by S. equorum, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Scopulariopsis. Strong correlations were shown for specific bacteria and fungi linked to specific ripening periods. This study deepens our understanding of VB ripening and highlights different bacteria and fungi associated to specific ripening periods which may influence the organoleptic properties of the final products.
Combination of Stable Isotope Analysis and Chemometrics to Discriminate Geoclimatically and Temporally the Virgin Olive Oils from Three Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Jiménez-Morillo Nicasio T. , Palma Vera , Garcia Raquel , Dias Cristina Barrocas , Cabrita Maria João
Published: December 2020

The knowledge of the isotopic composition of virgin olive oil (VOO) allows the evaluation of authenticity and geographical origin, being an important tool against fraud. This study aimed to assess if VOOs produced in three Mediterranean regions could be discriminated on the basis of multivariate statistical analysis of geoclimatic and isotopic data. A total of 138 geo-referenced VOO samples from Portugal, France and Turkey from two different cultivation years were collected. The isotopic composition (δ13C, δ2H and δ18O) of VOOs was obtained using an elemental analyzer coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). One-way analysis of variance for δ13C, δ2H and δ18O showed some significant differences either between crop years or geoclimatic conditions. Based on multiple regression analyses using meteorological and geographical parameters, a meteoric water line for olive oil from Portugal, France and Turkey, in two harvest years, were created to assess the impact of climate change on their δ2H and δ18O values. Principal component analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis, used to sort samples according to geoclimatic origin, performed best for French and Portuguese olive oils. In light of the results, multivariate isotopic analysis of VOO samples may discriminate not only between geoclimatic regions but also among cultivation years.
Determination of the Geographical Origin of Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Arndt Maike , Drees Alissa , Ahlers Christian , Fischer Markus
Published: December 2020

The prices of walnuts vary according to their geographical origin and, therefore, offer a financial incentive for adulteration. A reliable analysis method is required to quickly detect possible misdeclarations and thus prevent food fraud. In this study, a method to distinguish between seven geographical origins of walnuts using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics as a fast, versatile, and easy to handle analytical tool was developed. NIR spectra of 212 ground and afterwards freeze-dried walnut samples, harvested in three consecutive years (2017–2019), were collected. We optimized the data pre-processing by applying and evaluating 50,545 different pre-processing combinations, followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) which was confirmed by nested cross-validation. The results show that in the scope of our research minimal pre-processing led to the best results: By applying just multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) and median centering, a classification accuracy of 77.00% ± 1.60% was achieved. Consequently, this complex model can be used to answer economically relevant questions e.g., to distinguish between European and Chinese walnuts. Furthermore, the great influence of the applied pre-processing methods, e.g., the selected wavenumber range, on the achieved classification accuracy is shown which underlines the importance of optimization of the pre-processing strategy.
Evaluation of Element Concentrations in Beef and Pork Meat Cuts Available to the Population in the Croatian Capital
Authors: Bilandžić Nina , Sedak Marija , Čalopek Bruno , Đokić Maja , Varenina Ivana , Solomun Kolanović Božica , Božić Luburić Đurđica , Varga Ines , Roncarati Alessandra
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of essential, trace, and toxic elements in beef and pork meat cuts available at markets and retail chains in the Croatian capital. Significant differences in the concentrations of Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Pb, and Zn were found between bovine cuts (p < 0.01, all) and also between pork cuts (p < 0.01, all). A risk assessment using the estimated intakes based on the lowest and highest mean values of Al, Cr, Ni, and Pb in beef and pork showed low contributions to tolerable toxicological limits. However, consumers whose diets consist of large amounts of beef and pork kidneys may be at risk because the estimated intakes for Cd and Se exceeded the toxicological limits. Consumers of large quantities of beef mixed meat may be at risk due to higher values of estimated As intakes compared to health-based guidance values. Estimation based on the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake values for Cu, Fe, and Zn showed that beef and pork cuts can be considered safe for consumption. A comparison with data from other studies shows that the concentrations of the analyzed elements in beef and pork cuts vary considerably.
Extracellular Vesicles-Mediated Transfer of miRNA Let-7b from PC3 Cells to Macrophages
Authors: Costanzi Egidia , Romani Rita , Scarpelli Paolo , Bellezza Ilaria
Published: December 2020

Prostate-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) may represent a way to selectively transport cargo molecules from the producing cells to the target cells to allow biological events, both in physiological and pathological circumstances. pEVs cargo participates in the modulation of the inflammatory responses in physiological conditions and during cancer progression. In the present study, we examined the expression levels of miRNA Let-7b, in both precursor and mature forms, in noncancerous and cancerous prostate cell lines, PNT2 and PC3 respectively, and in their extracellular vesicles (EVs) using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR strategies. We showed that miRNA Let-7b was highly expressed in noncancerous cells and strongly decreased in cancerous PC3 cells, while the opposite was observed in the respective EVs, thus supporting the tumor suppressor role of miRNA Let7-b. We also demonstrated that miRNA Let-7b can be transferred to THP-1 cells via EVs, which are known to induce TAM-like polarization. Our results support the view that miRNA Let-7 b, contained in PC3-derived EVs, is associated with the increase in the miRNA Let7-b observed in TAM-like macrophages. Overall, our results indicate that circulating EV-loaded miRNA might be useful biomarkers for prostate cancer progression and might also support a possible use of pEVs as targets for prostate cancer therapy.
Implications of Metastable Nicks and Nicked Holliday Junctions in Processing Joint Molecules in Mitosis and Meiosis
Authors: Machín Félix
Published: December 2020

Joint molecules (JMs) are intermediates of homologous recombination (HR). JMs rejoin sister or homolog chromosomes and must be removed timely to allow segregation in anaphase. Current models pinpoint Holliday junctions (HJs) as a central JM. The canonical HJ (cHJ) is a four-way DNA that needs specialized nucleases, a.k.a. resolvases, to resolve into two DNA molecules. Alternatively, a helicase–topoisomerase complex can deal with pairs of cHJs in the dissolution pathway. Aside from cHJs, HJs with a nick at the junction (nicked HJ; nHJ) can be found in vivo and are extremely good substrates for resolvases in vitro. Despite these findings, nHJs have been neglected as intermediates in HR models. Here, I present a conceptual study on the implications of nicks and nHJs in the final steps of HR. I address this from a biophysical, biochemical, topological, and genetic point of view. My conclusion is that they ease the elimination of JMs while giving genetic directionality to the final products. Additionally, I present an alternative view of the dissolution pathway since the nHJ that results from the second end capture predicts a cross-join isomerization. Finally, I propose that this isomerization nicely explains the strict crossover preference observed in synaptonemal-stabilized JMs in meiosis.
Seascape Genomics of the Sugar Kelp Saccharina latissima along the North Eastern Atlantic Latitudinal Gradient
Authors: Guzinski Jaromir , Ruggeri Paolo , Ballenghien Marion , Mauger Stephane , Jacquemin Bertrand , Jollivet Chloe , Coudret Jerome , Jaugeon Lucie , Destombe Christophe , Valero Myriam
Published: December 2020

Temperature is one of the most important range-limiting factors for many seaweeds. Driven by the recent climatic changes, rapid northward shifts of species’ distribution ranges can potentially modify the phylogeographic signature of Last Glacial Maximum. We explored this question in detail in the cold-tolerant kelp species Saccharina latissima, using microsatellites and double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing ( ddRAD-seq) derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze the genetic diversity and structure in 11 sites spanning the entire European Atlantic latitudinal range of this species. In addition, we checked for statistical correlation between genetic marker allele frequencies and three environmental proxies (sea surface temperature, salinity, and water turbidity). Our findings revealed that genetic diversity was significantly higher for the northernmost locality (Spitsbergen) compared to the southern ones (Northern Iberia), which we discuss in light of the current state of knowledge on phylogeography of S. latissima and the potential influence of the recent climatic changes on the population structure of this species. Seven SNPs and 12 microsatellite alleles were found to be significantly associated with at least one of the three environmental variables. We speculate on the putative adaptive functions of the genes associated with the outlier markers and the importance of these markers for successful conservation and aquaculture strategies for S. latissima in this age of rapid global change.
Numerical Evaluation of Natural Periods and Mode Shapes of Earth Dams for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Applications
Authors: Zimmaro Paolo , Ausilio Ernesto
Published: December 2020

The evaluation of natural periods and related mode shapes of earth dams represents a critical issue when performing structure-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA). The identification of critical scenario events, using techniques such as disaggregation of the seismic hazard, and the calculation of a suitable target spectrum for ground motion selection and scaling procedures (e.g., the conditional mean spectrum), require at least the knowledge of the fundamental period of the system. This problem can be solved using analytical, numerical, and/or empirical techniques. We present several linear elastic modal analyses for an earth dam located in Southern Italy, using a numerical solution of the generalized eigenvalue problem obtained by the finite element method (FEM). Our numerical experiments are performed, testing various assumptions on boundary conditions, degree of saturation, and the distribution of geotechnical characteristics of the dam’s materials. We then compare our results against existing analytical solutions. We show that ignoring soil–structure interaction effects due to the flexibility of the dam foundation (i.e., under the assumption of fixed base) can lead to a substantial underestimation of the fundamental period of the dam. This effect should be carefully addressed when modal analysis results are used in PSHA-related applications.
Bolstering General Practitioner Palliative Care: A Critical Review of Support Provided by Australian Guidelines for Life-Limiting Chronic Conditions
Authors: Damarell Raechel A. , Morgan Deidre D. , Tieman Jennifer J. , Healey David
Published: December 2020

General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly expected to provide palliative care as ageing populations put pressure on specialist services. Some GPs, however, cite barriers to providing this care including prognostication challenges and lack of confidence. Palliative care content within clinical practice guidelines might serve as an opportunistic source of informational support to GPs. This review analysed palliative care content within Australian guidelines for life-limiting conditions to determine the extent to which it might satisfy GPs’ stated information needs and support them to provide quality end-of-life care. Six databases and guideline repositories were searched (2011–2018). Eligible guidelines were those for a GP audience and explicitly based on an appraisal of all available evidence. Content was mapped against an established palliative care domain framework (PEPSI-COLA) and quality was assessed using AGREE-II. The nine guidelines meeting inclusion criteria were heterogenous in scope and depth of palliative care domain coverage. The ‘communication’ needs domain was best addressed while patient physical and emotional needs were variably covered. Spiritual, out-of-hours, terminal care and aftercare content was scant. Few guidelines addressed areas GPs are known to find challenging or acknowledged useful decision-support tools. A template covering important domains might reduce content variability across guidelines.
Enhancing Happiness for Nursing Students through Positive Psychology Activities: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Han Jeong-Won , Kang Kyung Im , Joung Jaewon
Published: December 2020

This study aims to evaluate a program promoting character strengths, positive psychological capital, learning flow, and sense of calling for nursing students. We conducted a concurrent embedded mixed methods study with 51 nursing students randomly classified into an intervention or a control group. The intervention group exhibited significantly higher scores than the control group for positive psychological capital, learning flow, and sense of calling. Program participation experiences were categorized as “change of views about oneself”, “change of views about the world”, “stress relief”, and “practice of positivity”. Among nursing students, this program demonstrated change toward a positive, committed, and meaningful life.
Introduction of Criterion-Based Audit of Postpartum Hemorrhage in a University Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia: Implementation and Considerations
Authors: Tura Abera Kenay , Aboul-Ela Yasmin , Fage Sagni Girma , Ahmed Semir Sultan , Scherjon Sicco , van Roosmalen Jos , Stekelenburg Jelle , Zwart Joost , van den Akker Thomas
Published: December 2020

With postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) continuing to be the leading cause of maternal mortality in most low-resource settings, an audit of the quality of care in health facilities is essential. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of substandard care and establish recommendations for the management of PPH in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Using standard criteria (n = 8) adapted to the local hospital setting, we audited 45 women with PPH admitted from August 2018 to March 2019. Four criteria were agreed as being low: IV line-setup (32 women, 71.1%), accurate postpartum vital sign monitoring (23 women, 51.1%), performing typing and cross-matching (22 women, 48.9%), and fluid intake/output chart maintenance (6 women, 13.3%). In only 3 out of 45 women (6.7%), all eight standard criteria were met. Deficiencies in the case of note documentation and clinical monitoring, non-availability of medical resources and blood for transfusion, as well as delays in clinical management were identified. The audit created awareness, resulting in self-reflection of current practice and promoted a sense of responsibility to improve care among hospital staff. Locally appropriate recommendations and an intervention plan based on available resources were formulated.
Comparison Study of Perceived Neighborhood-Built Environment and Elderly Leisure-Time Physical Activity between Hangzhou and Wenzhou, China
Authors: Yu Jiabin , Yang Chen , Zhang Shen , Zhai Diankai , Li Jianshe
Published: December 2020

Physical activity and health are of significant importance for the rapid aging population in China. Built environment has been suggested to be associated with elderly physical activity and health. However, the association differences between cities remain unclear. Perceived built environment scores and elderly leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of 308 elderly in Hangzhou and 304 elderly in Wenzhou were collected using Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. A multivariate linear regression method and T-test were used to analyze of the associations between elderly LTPA and built environment and the differences between the two cities, respectively. The results showed that LTPA was positively associated with walking/cycling facilities and crime safety in both cities. LTPA was positively correlated with residential density, aesthetics, pedestrian/traffic safety in Wenzhou and negatively correlated with access to services in Hangzhou. The perceived scores of aesthetics (2.71 vs. 2.45) and pedestrian/traffic safety (2.11 vs. 1.71) in Hangzhou were significantly higher than those in Wenzhou. The results suggested that built environment elements like higher walking/cycling facilities and crime safety may motivate elderly engaging LTPA in both cities. However, LTPA was affected by different factors in these two cities. In the urban redevelopment, survey conducted in its own city would provide meaningful information and cannot be neglected.
Early-Warning Measures for Ecological Security in the Qinghai Alpine Agricultural Area
Authors: Guo Jing , Wei Zhen , Ren Jun , Luo Zenghai , Zhou Huakun
Published: December 2020

The study area of this paper is the Qinghai alpine agricultural mountain area. An ecological security early-warning model is used to identify the early warning signs of ecosystem destruction, environmental pollution and resource depletion in districts and counties from 2011 to 2018. A combination of qualitative and quantitative early-warning models is used to predict the existence of hidden or sudden advance warnings. The grey (1, 1) model (GM) is used to predict the evolution trend of ecological security warning situations from 2019 to 2021. On this basis, GIS technology is used to analyze the spatial pattern changes in three periods. The results show that from 2011 to 2018, the ecological environment in Qinghai’s alpine agricultural mountainous area gradually improved. In 2018, the ecological security early-warning values of all districts and counties were greater than the 2011 values. However, in 2018, the ecological security early-warning levels of PA, LD and HZh (PA, LD and HZh refer to Ledu District, Ping’an District and Huzhu Tu Autonomous County respectively.) were in the “good” ecological early-warning state, while the ecological security levels of other cities were still in the “moderate” or “mild” ecological warning state. According to the prediction results, the early-warning level of ecological security in Qinghai’s alpine agricultural mountainous areas will improve further in 2021, with the “good” states dominating. From a spatial perspective, the ecological environment in the northeast region is better than that in the southern region, and the internal differences in the ecological security early-warning levels tend to narrow. Thus, we propose that areas with different ecological security levels should focus on the management and protection of the ecological environment or carry out ecological restoration or reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to provide a reference for the improvement of the ecological environment in general and the sustainable development of the economy and society as well as the ecological environment of alpine agricultural mountainous areas in particular.
Motivations and Barriers for the Use of Face Coverings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Messaging Insights from Focus Groups
Authors: Shelus Victoria S. , Frank Simone C. , Lazard Allison J. , Higgins Isabella C. A. , Pulido Marlyn , Richter Ana Paula C. , Vandegrift Sara M. , Vereen Rhyan N. , Ribisl Kurt M. , Hall Marissa G.
Published: December 2020

Widespread use of face coverings is a key public health strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, few studies have examined why Americans use or do not use face coverings, and little is known about the most effective messaging strategies. This study explored perceptions of face coverings, including motivations and barriers for use, and examined reactions to messaging promoting the use of face coverings. Six virtual focus groups were conducted with 34 North Carolina residents in July 2020. Participants reported high compliance with face covering recommendations but often did not wear them around family, friends, and colleagues. The most prevalent motivation for the use of face coverings was to protect or respect other people, including high-risk populations and individuals. Other motivators were self-protection, responsibility, desire for control, requirements, and expert advice. Barriers included physical and social discomfort, confusion or misinformation, low perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, and perceptions of identity and autonomy. Even among individuals who frequently wear face coverings, there are opportunities to improve compliance. Messaging should highlight how face coverings protect the wearer and others around them, normalize the use of face coverings in social settings, and emphasize requirements. Positive messages that focus on unity, personal experiences and the rationale for face coverings are recommended.
Promoting Reminiscences with Virtual Reality Headsets: A Pilot Study with People with Dementia
Authors: Coelho Tiago , Marques Cátia , Moreira Daniela , Soares Maria , Portugal Paula , Marques António , Ferreira Ana Rita , Martins Sónia , Fernandes Lia
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effects of promoting reminiscences, using virtual reality (VR) headsets for viewing 360° videos with personal relevance, with people with dementia. A study with a mixed methods design was conducted with nine older adults diagnosed with dementia. Interventions consisted of four sessions, in which the participants’ engagement, psychological and behavioral symptoms, and simulation sickness symptoms were evaluated. Neuropsychiatric symptomatology and quality of life were measured pre- and post-intervention. Caregivers were interviewed regarding the effect of the approach. In most cases, participants appeared to enjoy the sessions, actively explored the 360° environment, and shared memories associated with the depicted locations, often spontaneously. There were no cases of significant increases in simulator sickness and psychological and behavioral symptoms during sessions, with only some instances of minor eyestrain, fullness of head, anxiety, irritability, and agitation being detected. Although there were no significant changes in the measured outcomes after intervention, the caregivers assessed the experience as potentially beneficial for most participants. In this study, promoting reminiscences with VR headsets was found to be a safe and engaging experience for people with dementia. However, future studies are required to better understand the added value of immersion, using VR, in reminiscence therapy.
Systematic Analysis of the Relative Abundance of Polymers Occurring as Microplastics in Freshwaters and Estuaries
Authors: Jones John Iwan , Vdovchenko Alena , Cooling Dave , Murphy John F. , Arnold Amanda , Pretty James Lawrence , Spencer Kate L. , Markus Adriaan Albert , Vethaak A. Dick , Resmini Marina
Published: December 2020

Despite growing interest in the environmental impact of microplastics, a standardized characterization method is not available. We carried out a systematic analysis of reliable global data detailing the relative abundance of polymers in freshwaters and estuaries. The polymers were identified according to seven main categories: polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane and a final category of miscellaneous plastic. The results show that microplastics comprised of polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane are significantly less abundant than would be expected based on global production, possibly due to their use. This has implications for models of microplastic release into the environment based on production and fate. When analysed by matrix (water, sediment or biota) distinct profiles were obtained for each category. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene were more abundant in sediment than in biota, while miscellaneous plastics was more frequent in biota. The data suggest that environmental sorting of microplastic particles, influenced by physical, chemical and biological processes, may play a key role in environmental impact, although partitioning among matrices based on density was not realized. The distinct profile of microplastics in biota raises an important question regarding potential selectivity in uptake by organisms, highlighting the priority for more and better-informed laboratory exposure studies.
University Students’ Perceived Peer Support and Experienced Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Emotional Well-Being
Authors: Sun Yao , Lin Shiang-Yi , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected individuals’ mental health. Social isolation as a result of social distancing during the pandemic potentially affects the associations among perceived available peer support, emotional well-being, and depression in university students. The present study examined the associations among university students’ perceived available peer support, emotional well-being (as indicated negatively by loneliness and negative affects and positively by positive affects and hope), and depressive symptoms. During the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in July, 2020, 255 students at a public university in Hong Kong participated in an online-based survey that assessed their perceived available peer support, emotional well-being, and depressive symptoms. Results showed that perceived available peer support negatively contributed to depressive symptoms; both negative and positive indicators of emotional well-being mediated the association between perceived available peer support and depressive symptoms. Our results also suggested that university students showed signs of elevated depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Thus, our study advanced the theoretical understanding of university students’ mental health in the time of a global pandemic. Our study also highlighted the practical needs for preventive efforts and accessible care to support the psychological and emotional needs of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acute Effect of Cognitive Compromise during Physical Exercise on Self-Regulation in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Ureña Nuria , Fernández Noelia , Cárdenas David , Madinabeitia Iker , Alarcón Francisco
Published: December 2020

Self-regulation (SR) in pre-schoolers is a strong predictor of different aspects of mental health and wellbeing. However, SR only recently has been examined concerning physical activity and its effects on cognitive performance. In the present study, 49 preschool children aged 4–5 years were submitted to classroom movement breaks (CMBs) of 15-min with different degrees of difficulty. Before beginning the intervention, SR (i.e., head, toes, knees and shoulders test, HTKS) and skill levels were assessed for tasks demand adjustment to individual resources and the counterbalanced assignment of the participants to the groups. Similarly, after the intervention, the performance on the HTKS was re-evaluated. There was a general intervention effect on the SR of pre-schoolers, regardless of the difficulty level of the task [F (3) = 11.683, p-value < 0.001, η2p = 0.438]. Nevertheless, it seems that only when CMBs stimulate the children cognitively with optimal difficulty, is it possible to obtain benefits. We recommend providing teachers with professional support when implementing physical activity breaks in their daily program to generate an individualized level of cognitive load that would allow children to reach the optimal challenge point.
Spatial Modeling for Homicide Rates Estimation in Pernambuco State-Brazil
Authors: Silva Carlos , Melo Silas , Santos Alex , Junior Pedro Almeida , Sato Simone , Santiago Katarina , Sá Lucilene
Published: December 2020

Homicide rates have been increasing worldwide, especially in Latin America, where it is considered one of the most lethal of the continents. Despite that, the occurrence of homicides are not homogeneous in time and space on the continent or in the Brazilian cities. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to present a spatial analysis of homicides in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between the years of 2016 and 2019, by the use of an exploratory analysis of spatial homicide data with five variables that could explain its occurrence. In addition to that, it was applied the Global and Local Moran’s Index, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), all implemented in the Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Thus, the distribution of clusters revealed a spatial autocorrelation for homicide rates, confirming a spatial dependence. This data also showed the polarization of the rate between the coast and the interior of the state of Pernambuco.
Virtual Touring for the Puglia Regional Museum Directorate
Authors: Lerario Antonella , Maiellaro Nicola
Published: December 2020

The article describes the design process carried out to deliver a tool for the virtual fruition of the resources of the Puglia Regional Museum Directorate through multimedia content, within the frame of the Vi.S.T.A. (Virtual and Social heritage Touring Application) project. Identifying the virtual tour as the most suitable technology to achieve the promotion and exploitation needs of the Directorate’s museums, the project envisages the realization of an integrated system, conceived as a dedicated IT platform including a specific virtual touring section, for a selected pilot case. The article focuses on the design study for the virtual tour interface and the selection of the most appropriate functions for it, and describes the collaborative approach adopted. After the description of the project objectives and context, the design study and the related methodology are presented. Then, the results of the design activity are presented and discussed.
Exploring the Attractiveness of Residential Areas for Human Activities Based on Shared E-Bike Trajectory Data
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqian , Du Weibing , Li Chengming , Yang Leiku , Xu Linjuan
Published: December 2020

Human activities generate diverse and sophisticated functional areas and may impact the existing planning of functional areas. Understanding the relationship between human activities and functional areas is key to identifying the real-time urban functional areas based on trajectories. Few previous studies have analyzed the interactive information on humans and regions for functional area identification. The relationship between human activities and residential areas is the most representative for urban functional areas because residential areas cover a wide range and are closely connected with human life. The aim of this paper is to propose the CARA (Commuting Activity and Residential Area) model to quantify the correlation between human activities and urban residential areas. In this model, human activities are represented by hot spots extracted by the Gaussian Mixture Model algorithm while residential areas are represented by POI (point of interest) data. The model shows that human activities and residential areas present a logarithmic relationship. The CARA model is further assessed by retrieving urban residential areas in Tengzhou City from shared e-bike trajectories. Compared with the actual map, the accuracy reaches 83.3%, thus demonstrating the model’s reliability and feasibility. This study provides a new method for functional areas identification based on trajectory data, which is helpful for formulating the urban people-oriented policies.