bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epi-Mucosa Fixation and Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Treatment in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Cortese Antonio , Casarella Antonio , Howard Candace M. , Claudio Pier Paolo
Published: April 2021

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) frequently affects patients after treatments with bisphosphonates or denosumab, especially with high doses in patients with bone osteoporosis, neoplastic metastases, or possibly anti-angiogenic treatment for cancer. The aim of this article was to show a new treatment planning for stage 2 and stage 3 MRONJ using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) at the surgical field to enhance healing in association with a new epi-mucosal fixation technique to prevent or treat mandibular fracture. Two cases were treated by epi-mucosa fixation and autologous PRF use for prevention of mandibular fracture risks related to necrotic bone resection or a narrow fracture reduction. Both cases were successfully treated by this new technique of epi-mucosa fixation combined with autologous PRF and achieved good results and good quality of life. Ability to wear prosthesis with good mastication in the absence of side effect such as infection, plate and screw mobilization, pain, and other disabilities or extension of necrosis was reported. After surgical removal of necrotic bone, no infection was detected without any extension of the necrosis.
The Vegetation–Climate System Complexity through Recurrence Analysis
Authors: Almeida-Ñauñay Andrés F. , Benito Rosa María , Quemada Miguel , Losada Juan Carlos , Tarquis Ana M.
Published: April 2021

Multiple studies revealed that pasture grasslands are a time-varying complex ecological system. Climate variables regulate vegetation growing, being precipitation and temperature the most critical driver factors. This work aims to assess the response of two different Vegetation Indices (VIs) to the temporal dynamics of temperature and precipitation in a semiarid area. Two Mediterranean grasslands zones situated in the center of Spain were selected to accomplish this goal. Correlations and cross-correlations between VI and each climatic variable were computed. Different lagged responses of each VIs series were detected, varying in zones, the year’s season, and the climatic variable. Recurrence Plots (RPs) and Cross Recurrence Plots (CRPs) analyses were applied to characterise and quantify the system’s complexity showed in the cross-correlation analysis. RPs pointed out that short-term predictability and high dimensionality of VIs series, as well as precipitation, characterised this dynamic. Meanwhile, temperature showed a more regular pattern and lower dimensionality. CRPs revealed that precipitation was a critical variable to distinguish between zones due to their complex pattern and influence on the soil’s water balance that the VI reflects. Overall, we prove RP and CRP’s potential as adequate tools for analysing vegetation dynamics characterised by complexity.
A New Model of Solar Illumination of Earth’s Atmosphere during Night-Time
Authors: Colonna Roberto , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: April 2021

In this work, a solar illumination model of the Earth’s atmosphere is developed. The developed model allows us to determine with extreme accuracy how the atmospheric illumination varies during night hours on a global scale. This time-dependent variation in illumination causes a series of sudden changes in the entire Earth-atmosphere-ionosphere system of considerable interest for various research sectors and applications related to climate change, ionospheric disturbances, navigation and global positioning systems. The use of the proposed solar illumination model to calculate the time-dependent Solar Terminator Height (STH) at the global scale is also presented.Time-dependent STH impact on the measurements of ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) is, for the first time, investigated on the basis of 20 years long time series of GPS-based measurements collected at ground. The correlation analysis, performed in the post-sunset hours, allows new insights into the dependence of TEC–STH relation on the different periods (seasons) of observation and solar activity conditions.
A Neuron Model with Dendrite Morphology for Classification
Authors: Song Shuangbao , Chen Xingqian , Song Shuangyu , Todo Yuki
Published: April 2021

Recent neurological studies have shown the importance of dendrites in neural computation. In this paper, a neuron model with dendrite morphology, called the logic dendritic neuron model (LDNM), is proposed for classification. This model consists of four layers: a synaptic layer, a dendritic layer, a membrane layer, and a soma body. After training, the LDNM is simplified by proprietary pruning mechanisms and is further transformed into a logic circuit classifier. Moreover, to address the high-dimensional challenge, feature selection is employed as the dimension reduction method before training the LDNM. In addition, the effort of employing a heuristic optimization algorithm as the learning method is also undertaken to speed up the convergence. Finally, the performance of the proposed model is assessed by five benchmark high-dimensional classification problems. In comparison with the other six classical classifiers, LDNM achieves the best classification performance on two (out of five) classification problems. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. A new perspective for solving classification problems by the proposed LDNM is provided in the paper.
In-Memory Computing with Resistive Memory Circuits: Status and Outlook
Authors: Pedretti Giacomo , Ielmini Daniele
Published: April 2021

In-memory computing (IMC) refers to non-von Neumann architectures where data are processed in situ within the memory by taking advantage of physical laws. Among the memory devices that have been considered for IMC, the resistive switching memory (RRAM), also known as memristor, is one of the most promising technologies due to its relatively easy integration and scaling. RRAM devices have been explored for both memory and IMC applications, such as neural network accelerators and neuromorphic processors. This work presents the status and outlook on the RRAM for analog computing, where the precision of the encoded coefficients, such as the synaptic weights of a neural network, is one of the key requirements. We show the experimental study of the cycle-to-cycle variation of set and reset processes for HfO2-based RRAM, which indicate that gate-controlled pulses present the least variation in conductance. Assuming a constant variation of conductance σG, we then evaluate and compare various mapping schemes, including multilevel, binary, unary, redundant and slicing techniques. We present analytical formulas for the standard deviation of the conductance and the maximum number of bits that still satisfies a given maximum error. Finally, we discuss RRAM performance for various analog computing tasks compared to other computational memory devices. RRAM appears as one of the most promising devices in terms of scaling, accuracy and low-current operation.
ColorPoetry: Multi-Sensory Experience of Color with Poetry in Visual Arts Appreciation of Persons with Visual Impairment
Authors: Cho Jun-Dong , Lee Yong
Published: April 2021

Visually impaired visitors experience many limitations when visiting museum exhibits, such as a lack of cognitive and sensory access to exhibits or replicas. Contemporary art is evolving in the direction of appreciation beyond simply looking at works, and the development of various sensory technologies has had a great influence on culture and art. Thus, opportunities for people with visual impairments to appreciate visual artworks through various senses such as hearing, touch, and smell are expanding. However, it is uncommon to provide a multi-sensory interactive interface for color recognition, such as integrating patterns, sounds, temperature, and scents. This paper attempts to convey a color cognition to the visually impaired, taking advantage of multisensory coding color. In our previous works, musical melodies with different combinations of pitch, timbre, velocity, and tempo were used to distinguish vivid (i.e., saturated), light, and dark colors. However, it was rather difficult to distinguish among warm/cool/light/dark colors with using sound cues only. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to build a multisensory color-coding system with combining sound and poem such that poem leads to represent more color dimensions, such as including warm and cool colors for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. To do this, we first performed an implicit association test to identify the most suitable poem among the candidate poems to represent colors in artwork by finding the common semantic directivity between the given candidate poem with voice modulation and the artwork in terms of light/dark/warm/color dimensions. Finally, we conducted a system usability test on the proposed color-coding system, confirming that poem will be an effective supplement for distinguishing between vivid, light, and dark colors with different color appearance dimensions, such as warm and cold colors. The user experience score of 15 college students was 75.1%, that was comparable with the color-music coding system that received a user experience rating of 74.1%. with proven usability.
Optical Filter-Less WDM for Visible Light Communications Using Defocused MIMO
Authors: Burton Andrew , Chvojka Petr , Haigh Paul Anthony , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Zvanovec Stanislav
Published: April 2021

This paper experimentally investigates, for the first time, a new wavelength-division multiplexing-based visible light communications link based on a defocused non-imaging multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), which removes the need for tuned optical bandpass filters paired with each receiver. The proposed system is based on using the natural diversity of the individual light emitting diodes (LEDs) within a single light source to generate an H-matrix, which is independent of spatial diversity. We show that, by transmitting K-independent sets of non-return to zero on-and-off keying signals on separate wavelengths, the received superposed symbols can be demultiplexed. The non-imaging MIMO diversity is achieved by considering the power-current characteristics of the light emitting diode, the responsivity of the photodetector array, and the defocused beam spot. The system is empirically verified for K = 3 using red, green, and blue LEDs with Q-factors of 7.66, 7.69, and 4.75 dB, respectively.
Energy-Efficient Fuzzy Management System for Internet of Things Connected Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Memon Imran , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Shaikh Riaz Ahmed , Nebhen Jamel , Bakar Khairul Azmi Abu , Hossain Eklas , Tunio Muhammad Hanif
Published: April 2021

Many algorithms use clustering to improve vehicular ad hoc network performance. The expected points of many of these approaches support multiple rounds of data to the roadside unit and constantly include clustering in every round of single-hop data transmission towards the road side unit; however, the clustering in every round maximizes the number of control messages and there could be the possibility of collision and decreases in network energy. Multi-hop transmission prolongs the cluster head node’s lifetime and boosts the network’s efficiency. Accordingly, this article proposes a new fuzzy-clustering-based routing algorithm to benefit from multi-hop transmission clustering simultaneously. This research has analyzed the limitation of clustering in each round, different algorithms were used to perform the clustering, and multi-hop routing was used to transfer the data of every cluster to the road side unit. The fuzzy logic was used to choose the head node of each cluster. Three parameters, (1) distance of each node, (2) remaining energy, and (3) number of neighbors of every node, were considered as fuzzy criteria. The results of this research were compared to various other algorithms in relation to parameters like dead node in every round, first node expire, half node expire, last node expire, and the network lifetime. The simulation results show that the proposed approach outperforms other methods. On the other hand, the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) environment is vulnerable at the time of data transmission. The NS-2 software tool was used to simulate and evaluate the proposed fuzzy logic opportunistic routing’s performance results concerning end-to-end delay, packet delivery, and network throughput. We compare to the existing protocols, such as fuzzy Internet of Things (IoT), two fuzzy, and Fuzzy-Based Driver Monitoring System (FDMS). The performance comparison also emphasizes an effective utilization of the resources. Simulations on the highway environment show that the suggested protocol has an improved Quality of Service (QoS) efficiency compared to the above published methods in the literature.
Energy Efficiency Retrofits in Commercial Buildings: An Environmental, Financial, and Technical Analysis of Case Studies in Thailand
Authors: Seeley Christopher Charles , Dhakal Shobhakar
Published: April 2021

In the rapidly growing economies of Southeast Asia, energy consumption and energy costs in buildings continue to increase. Over the past decade, energy consumption from the commercial building sector in Thailand has increased at an average of 4% per annum and currently represents over 30% of total electricity consumption, second only to the industrial sector. Buildings that exist today will continue to represent most of both energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the built environment, with newly constructed buildings representing only a small additional portion. This paper analyzes the environmental, technical, and financial characteristics of energy efficiency retrofit activities in commercial buildings in Thailand through detailed case studies of forty-two projects undertaken over the past 8 years. Our findings suggest that retrofits provide significant opportunities to reduce energy use, energy costs, and GHG emissions while also validating the economic feasibility of investments into such retrofit activities. Through this detailed analysis of past retrofit projects in Thailand, we found that the marginal abatement costs (MAC) relating to the key energy conservation measures (ECM) implemented within these retrofit projects all have negative costs. However, although these findings demonstrate positive economics and should be sufficient to instigate widespread adoption, in reality, this is not taking place. It is evident that greater public policy and leadership are needed to stimulate growth in the building retrofit sector to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that building retrofits offer.
The Factorial-Reflexive Approach to Diagnosing the Executors’ and Contractors’ Attitude to Achieving the Objectives by Energy Supplying Companies
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Kwilinski Aleksy , Hroznyi Ihor
Published: April 2021

The article aims to enhance understanding of how relations, behavior and attitude of the executives and contractors to achieving the objectives by energy supplying companies affect the efficiency of the latter’s overall development. There is offered a factor-reflexive approach to diagnosing the executives’ and contractors’ attitude to realizing the tasks of developing the energy supplying companies. This approach includes models to identify and analyze the factors that influenced the change in contractors’ behavior based on the combination of expert techniques, correlation and regression analysis and evaluation of the personnel response to organizational, resource and staffing projects development, through accumulating sufficient statistical information based on the enterprise’s features, relations and environment. This approach to diagnosing executives’ and contractors’ response to the implementation of tasks and the resulting changes takes into account the subjective component of their response. Practical implementation of this approach in monitoring the conformity of the development tasks has proven the ability to identify problems from the viewpoint of the task executives.
Reverse Causality between Oil Policy and Fiscal Policy? The Venezuelan Experience
Authors: Manzano Osmel , Saboin Jose Luis
Published: April 2021

This paper uses a model of intergenerational accounting to simulate the intergenerational distribution of oil wealth in Venezuela. Venezuelan oil production does not seem to follow an optimal extraction path. Nevertheless, this is true if we do not consider what the government does with the resources received from the oil sector. We explored the interaction of oil policy and fiscal policy using such intergenerational accounting model. We argue that the way in which tax revenues (both, those coming from oil and those who do not) are used today can affect voters preferences on how they will be used tomorrow. These interactions could explain certain outcomes. In particular, the model could explain why the sector was open for investment in 1991 and then “re-nationalized” in 2001. Results suggest that when fiscal policy could leave an important burden to future generations, voters seem to favor a more tax-oriented oil policy, leaving the oil in the subsoil.
Critical Buckling Generation of TCA Benchmark by the B1 Theory-Augmented Monte Carlo Calculation and Estimation of Uncertainties
Authors: Park Ho Jin , Cho Jin Young
Published: April 2021

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed the DeCART2D 2-dimensional (2D) method of characteristics (MOC) transport code and the MASTER nodal diffusion code and has established its own two-step procedure. For design code licensing, KAERI prepared a critical experiment on the verification and validation (V&V) of the DeCART2D code. DeCART2D is able to perform the MOC calculation only for 2D nuclear fuel systems, such as the fuel assembly. Therefore, critical buckling in the vertical direction is essential for comparison between the results of experiments and DeCART2D. In this study, the B1 theory-augmented Monte Carlo (MC) method was adopted for the generation of critical buckling. To examine critical buckling using the B1 theory-augmented MC method, TCA critical experiment benchmark problems were considered. Based on the TCA benchmark results, it was confirmed that the DeCART2D code with the newly-generated critical buckling predicts the criticality very well. In addition, the critical buckling generated by the B1 theory-augmented MC method was bound to uncertainties. Therefore, utilizing basic equations (e.g., SNU S/U formulation) linking input uncertainties to output uncertainties, a new formulation to estimate the uncertainties of the newly generated critical buckling was derived. This was then used to compute the uncertainties of the critical buckling for a TCA critical experiment, under the assumption that nuclear cross-section data have uncertainties.
Hybrid Energy Routing Approach for Energy Internet
Authors: Hebal Sara , Mechta Djamila , Harous Saad , Dhriyyef Mohammed
Published: April 2021

The Energy Internet (EI) has been proposed as an evolution of the power system in order to improve its efficiency in terms of energy generation, transmission and consumption. It aims to make the use of renewable energy effective. Herein, the energy router has been considered the crucial element that builds the net structure between the different EI components by connecting and controlling the bidirectional power and data flow. The increased use of renewable energy sources in EI has contributed to the creation of a new competitive energy trading market known as peer-to-peer energy trading, which enables each component to be part of the trading process. As a consequence, the concept of energy routing is increasingly relevant. In fact, there are three issues that need to be taken into account during the energy routing process: the subscriber matching, the energy-efficient path and the transmission scheduling. In this work, we first proposed a peer-to-peer energy trading scheme to ensure a controllable and reliable EI. Then, we introduced a new energy routing approach to address the three routing issues. A subscriber matching mechanism is designed to determine which producer/producers should be assigned for each consumer by optimizing the energy cost and transmission losses. This mechanism provides a solution for both mono and multi-source consumers. An improved ant colony optimization-based energy routing protocol was developed to determine a non-congestion minimum loss path. For the multi-source consumer case, an energy particle swarm optimization algorithm was proposed to choose a set of producers and to decide the amount of energy that should be collected from each producer to satisfy the consumer request. Finally, the performance of the proposed protocol, in terms of power losses, cost and computation time was compared to the best existing algorithms in the literature. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Social and Transfer Massive Open Online Course: Post-Digital Learning
Authors: Hueso-Romero José Javier , Gil-Quintana Javier , Hasbun Helen , Osuna-Acedo Sara
Published: April 2021

This research provides a current view on post-digital learning experiences with a massive open online course (MOOC), in relation to user profiles, universal instructional design, digital resources, inclusive activities and collaborative assessment. The study is based on a mixed research methodology, creating a questionnaire aimed at people with experience in any MOOC typology, in which the learning methodology, the instructional didactic design of the MOOCs, the resources, proposed activities, and accessibility are analyzed. Additionally, interviews and focus groups were carried out with the creators of massive open online social courses alongside the students of the official Master of Communication and Education on the Internet, offered by the UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia—Spain), with the subject of virtual participation scenarios. The data obtained are subjected to statistical tests to determine the scientific rigor, such as Cronbach’s alpha, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and the non-parametric tests of Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Kendall’s Tau b. In conclusion, the social massive open online course/transfer massive open online course model is evidenced as a projected approach in social networks. The sMOOC and tMOOC are online training models, which are in constant development and evolution, as a social, creative, collaborative, interactive, and inclusive learning methodology, offering new challenges for the digital distance education of the future. The research carried out is only related and linked to the experiences of different people with the sMOOC and tMOOC.
Proteins from Agri-Food Industrial Biowastes or Co-Products and Their Applications as Green Materials
Authors: Álvarez-Castillo Estefanía , Felix Manuel , Bengoechea Carlos , Guerrero Antonio
Published: April 2021

A great amount of biowastes, comprising byproducts and biomass wastes, is originated yearly from the agri-food industry. These biowastes are commonly rich in proteins and polysaccharides and are mainly discarded or used for animal feeding. As regulations aim to shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based circular economy model, biowastes are also being employed for producing bio-based materials. This may involve their use in high-value applications and therefore a remarkable revalorization of those resources. The present review summarizes the main sources of protein from biowastes and co-products of the agri-food industry (i.e., wheat gluten, potato, zein, soy, rapeseed, sunflower, protein, casein, whey, blood, gelatin, collagen, keratin, and algae protein concentrates), assessing the bioplastic application (i.e., food packaging and coating, controlled release of active agents, absorbent and superabsorbent materials, agriculture, and scaffolds) for which they have been more extensively produced. The most common wet and dry processes to produce protein-based materials are also described (i.e., compression molding, injection molding, extrusion, 3D-printing, casting, and electrospinning), as well as the main characterization techniques (i.e., mechanical and rheological properties, tensile strength tests, rheological tests, thermal characterization, and optical properties). In this sense, the strategy of producing materials from biowastes to be used in agricultural applications, which converge with the zero-waste approach, seems to be remarkably attractive from a sustainability prospect (including environmental, economic, and social angles). This approach allows envisioning a reduction of some of the impacts along the product life cycle, contributing to tackling the transition toward a circular economy.
The Organic Food Choice Pattern: Are Organic Consumers Becoming More Alike?
Authors: Nunes Fernando , Madureira Teresa , Veiga José
Published: April 2021

There is no doubt that the search for organic products is already more than a trend; it is an indisputable reality. More and more people are opting for a healthier lifestyle that starts with food, which has awakened a growing interest in understanding the reasons for these purchases. The motivational attributes of consumers’ decisions regarding the consumption of organic products are the main aim of this study. The survey included 250 respondents that filled a questionnaire by email and by personal interviews. We used a non-probabilistic sampling method, namely convenience sampling and the best–worst scaling method to analyze 10 attributes of organic purchasing decisions. Then, we studied the impact of the classification variables age, gender, academic level, place of residence, children under 18 living at home, and place of purchase of organic products on the attributes. Applying a chi-square test, we only obtained statistically significant differences for children under 18 living at home and the certification warranty (p = 0.011). The results show the dominance of credence attributes and egoistic motivations on organic consumption and may indicate a path towards the standardization of the organic consumer profile. This study emphasized that we may be facing a new organic consumer, for whom health-related factors are not just significant but overwhelming as well.
Evaluation of Hardness and Retrogradation of Cooked Rice Based on Its Pasting Properties Using a Novel RVA Testing
Authors: Nakamura Sumiko , Katsura Junji , Maruyama Yasuhiro , Ohtsubo Ken’ichi
Published: April 2021

With rice being one of the most important crops worldwide, rapid and objective quality evaluation methods based on physicochemical measurements of rice are necessary. We compared the pasting properties of various rice samples using three different heating and cooling programs (maximum temperatures were 93, 120, and 140 °C, respectively) in a newly developed high-temperature-type Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA, RVA 4800). Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between the different pasting properties measured by the three programs, with starch microstructure measured by iodine scanning analysis, the physical properties of the cooked rice measured by a Tensipresser after 2 h at 25 °C or after 24 h at 6 °C, and prolamin ratio measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The consistency value (final viscosity–minimum viscosity) yielded by a new program of maintenance for 2 min at 120 °C using RVA 4800 had a higher positive correlation with retrograded surface hardness H1(R) (r = 0.92), retrograded overall hardness H2(R) (r = 0.90), and the absorbance at λmax (Aλmax) of cooked rice (r = 0.88) and resistant starch (r = 0.80) than those by the conventional program at 93 °C. We developed estimation formulae for H1(R) for various kinds of rice, of which the determination coefficient was 0.86. It led to an easy and rapid assay method for the cooking properties of the various rice samples.
Enhanced Power Extraction with Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells by Anode Alternation
Authors: Quaglio Marzia , Ahmed Daniyal , Massaglia Giulia , Sacco Adriano , Margaria Valentina , Pirri Candido Fabrizio
Published: April 2021

Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are energy harvesting devices where the anode is buried inside marine sediment, while the cathode stays in an aerobic environment on the surface of the water. To apply this SCMFC as a power source, it is crucial to have an efficient power management system, leading to development of an effective energy harvesting technique suitable for such biological devices. In this work, we demonstrate an effective method to improve power extraction with SMFCs based on anodes alternation. We have altered the setup of a traditional SMFC to include two anodes working with the same cathode. This setup is compared with a traditional setup (control) and a setup that undergoes intermittent energy harvesting, establishing the improvement of energy collection using the anodes alternation technique. Control SMFC produced an average power density of 6.3 mW/m2 and SMFC operating intermittently produced 8.1 mW/m2. On the other hand, SMFC operating using the anodes alternation technique produced an average power density of 23.5 mW/m2. These results indicate the utility of the proposed anodes alternation method over both the control and intermittent energy harvesting techniques. The Anode Alternation can also be viewed as an advancement of the intermittent energy harvesting method.
Review of Processing and Interpretation of Self-Potential Anomalies: Transfer of Methodologies Developed in Magnetic Prospecting
Authors: Eppelbaum Lev V.
Published: April 2021

The self-potential (SP) method is one of the most inexpensive and unsophisticated geophysical methods. However, its application is limited due to the absence of a reliable interpreting methodology for the complex geological-environmental conditions. To exclude disturbances appearing in the SP method, a few ways for their removal (elimination) before quantitative analysis are presented. A brief review of the available interpretation methods is included. For the magnetic method of geophysical prospecting, special quantitative procedures applicable under complex physical-geological environments (oblique polarization, uneven terrain relief and unknown level of the normal field), have been developed. The detected common peculiarities between the magnetic and SP fields make it possible to apply the advanced procedures developed in magnetic prospecting to the SP method. Besides the reliable determination of the depth of anomalous targets, these methodologies enable the calculation of the corrections for non-horizontal SP observations and to determine the orientation of the polarization vector. For the classification of SP anomalies, is proposed to use a new parameter: the ‘self-potential moment’. The quantitative procedures (improved modifications of characteristic point, tangent techniques and the areal method) including the determination of the SP vector and SP moment, have been successfully tested on models and employed in real situations in mining, archaeological, environmental and technogenic geophysics. The obtained results indicate the effectiveness of the presented methodologies.
Older Adult Willingness to Use Fully Autonomous Vehicle (FAV) Ride Sharing
Authors: Siegfried Alexa L. , Bayne Alycia , Beck Laurie F. , Freund Katherine
Published: April 2021

In the United States, older adults (age 65 and older) rely on private automobiles for transportation. For those who stop driving, access to alternative modes of transportation is important for health, wellbeing, mobility, and independence. This paper explores older adult willingness to use fully autonomous vehicle (FAV) ride sharing and the features or services of FAV ride sharing that would make them willing to take a ride. These data were gathered as part of a larger qualitative research study designed to explore the factors affecting older adult use of ride share services. For the larger study, we conducted 68 telephone interviews with older adults, and 10 in-person focus groups with 56 older adults, including individuals who both used and never used ride share services. We used a convenience sample recruited by study partners, including ride share and transportation services and a recruitment firm. The predominant thematic findings of the qualitative analysis included a desire for a proven safety record in terms of performance and technology, followed by dependability and accuracy of FAV ride sharing. Older adults’ concerns about FAV ride sharing included safety concerns and preferences for social interaction with drivers. Ride share services that use FAVs in the future may need to tailor transportation offerings for older adults to increase their willingness to use FAVS to support their mobility and social needs.
Temporal Lensing: An Interactive and Scalable Technique for Web3D/WebXR Applications in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Fanini Bruno , Ferdani Daniele , Demetrescu Emanuel
Published: April 2021

Today, Web3D technologies and the rise of new standards, combined with faster browsers and better hardware integration, allow the creation of engaging and interactive web applications that target the field of cultural heritage. Functional, accessible, and expressive approaches to discovering the past starting from the present (or vice-versa) are generally a strong requirement. Cultural heritage artifacts, decorated walls, etc. can be considered as palimpsests with a stratification of different actions over time (modifications, restorations, or even reconstruction of the original artifact). The details of such an articulated cultural record can be difficult to distinguish and communicate visually, while entire archaeological sites often exhibit profound changes in terms of shape and function due to human activities over time. The web offers an incredible opportunity to present and communicate enriched 3D content using common web browsers, although it raises additional challenges. We present an interactive 4D technique called “Temporal Lensing”, which is suitable for online multi-temporal virtual environments and offers an expressive, accessible, and effective way to locally peek into the past (or into the future) by targeting interactive Web3D applications, including those leveraging recent standards, such as WebXR (immersive VR on the web). This technique extends previous approaches and presents different contributions, including (1) a volumetric, temporal, and interactive lens approach; (2) complete decoupling of the involved 3D representations from the runtime perspective; (3) a wide range applications in terms of size (from small artifacts to entire archaeological sites); (4) cross-device scalability of the interaction model (mobile devices, multi-touch screens, kiosks, and immersive VR); and (5) simplicity of use. We implemented and developed the described technique on top of an open-source framework for interactive 3D presentation of CH content on the web. We show and discuss applications and results related to three case studies, as well as integrations of the temporal lensing with different input interfaces for dynamically interacting with its parameters. We also assessed the technique within a public event where a remote web application was deployed on tablets and smartphones, without any installation required by visitors. We discuss the implications of temporal lensing, its scalability from small to large virtual contexts, and its versatility for a wide range of interactive 3D applications.
Geographic Location System for Identifying Urban Road Sections Sensitive to Runoff Accumulation
Authors: Jato-Espino Daniel , Pathak Shray
Published: April 2021

This paper concerns the design of a geographic location system to identify urban road sections susceptible to runoff accumulation through the analysis of the efficiency of surface drainage networks. To this end, a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and stormwater models was proposed. First, GIS hydrology tools were employed to generate all the information required to characterise urban catchments geometrically. Then, a synthetic storm was created from precipitation data obtained through spatial interpolation for a given return period. Finally, the three main hydrological processes occurring in catchments (precipitation loss, transformation and routing) were simulated using the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS). The system was tested through a case study of an urban catchment located in the city of Santander (Spain). The results demonstrate its usefulness in detecting critical points in terms of runoff accumulation, according to the efficiency of the existing surface drainage network.
Nonresponders of Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) Can Increase Their Exercise Capacity with Enhanced Physiotherapist Support
Authors: Martinsson Ngouali Tom , Börjesson Mats , Cider Åsa , Lundqvist Stefan
Published: April 2021

Swedish physical activity on prescription (PAP) is an evidence-based method to promote physical activity. However, few studies have investigated the effect of Swedish PAP on physical fitness, in which better cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and diagnose-specific mortality. Direct measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, usually expressed as maximal oxygen uptake, are difficult to obtain. Hence, exercise capacity can be assessed from a submaximal cycle ergometer test, taking the linear relationship between heart rate, work rate, and oxygen uptake into account. The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise capacity in the long term, following PAP treatment with enhanced physiotherapist support in a nonresponding patient cohort. In total, 98 patients (48 women) with insufficient physical activity levels, with at least one component of the metabolic syndrome and nonresponding to a previous six-month PAP treatment, were randomized to PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist and additional exercise capacity tests during a two-year period. A significant increase in exercise capacity was observed for the whole cohort at two-year follow-up (7.6 W, p ≤ 0.001), with a medium effect size (r = 0.34). Females (7.3 W, p = 0.025), males (8.0 W, p = 0.018) and patients ≥58 years old (7.7 W, p = 0.002) improved significantly, whereas a nonsignificant increase was observed for patients <58 years old (7.6 W, p = 0.085). Patients with insufficient physical activity levels who did not respond to a previous six-month PAP treatment can improve their exercise capacity following PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist during a two-year period. Future studies should include larger cohorts with a control group to ensure valid estimations of exercise capacity and PAP.
Improving Audit Reports: A Consensus between Auditors and Users
Authors: Goicoechea Estibaliz , Gómez-Bezares Fernando , Ugarte José Vicente
Published: April 2021

Audit reports represent the only information stakeholders have about conducted audits and they are a key instrument used in economic and financial decisions. Improving audit reports should be a priority of regulators and auditors. The authors solicited perceptions from 212 experienced auditors and financial report users about the value of audit reports and ways to improve their format and content. An analysis of the responses suggests that adding information on audits (such as auditor’s responsibility about fraud) and on annual accounts and client’s information systems, without significant changes in the format, would improve the decision usefulness of audit reports. The growing sophistication of markets and reporting standards requires new information in audit reports, such as auditors’ conclusions about management’s estimates in annual accounts. The study is useful to regulators, auditors’ corporations, academics, and users and contributes to the current audit literature by providing evidence on consensus between auditors and users with regard to the format and content of audit reports.
AP Collagen Peptides Prevent Cortisol-Induced Decrease of Collagen Type I in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Chae Minjung , Bae Il-Hong , Lim Sunghwan , Jung Kyoungmi , Roh Jonghwa , Kim Wangi
Published: April 2021

Cortisol is an endogenous glucocorticoid (GC) and primary stress hormone that regulates a wide range of stress responses in humans. The adverse effects of cortisol on the skin have been extensively documented but the underlying mechanism of cortisol-induced signaling is still unclear. In the present study, we investigate the effect of cortisol on collagen type I expression and the effect of AP collagen peptides, collagen tripeptide-rich hydrolysates containing 3% glycine-proline- hydroxyproline (Gly-Pro-Hyp, GPH) from the fish skin, on the cortisol-mediated inhibition of collagen type I and the cortisol-induced signaling that regulates collagen type I production in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We determine that cortisol downregulates the expression of collagen type I. AP collagen peptides or GC receptor (GR) inhibitors recover the cortisol-mediated inhibition of collagen type I and GR activation. AP collagen peptides or GR inhibitors also prevent the cortisol-dependent inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. AP collagen peptides or GR inhibitors are effective in the prevention of collagen type I inhibition mediated by cortisol in senescent HDFs and reconstituted human skin models. Taken together, GR signaling might be responsible for the cortisol-mediated inhibition of TGF-β. AP collagen peptides act as GR-mediated signaling blockers, preventing the cortisol-dependent inhibition of collagen type I. Therefore, AP collagen peptides have the potential to improve skin health.
A Hidden Markov Model and Fuzzy Logic Forecasting Approach for Solar Geyser Water Heating
Authors: de Bruyn Daniel N. , Kotze Ben , Hurst William
Published: April 2021

Time-based smart home controllers govern their environment with a predefined routine, without knowing if this is the most efficient way. Finding a suitable model to predict energy consumption could prove to be an optimal method to manage the electricity usage. The work presented in this paper outlines the development of a prediction model that controls electricity consumption in a home, adapting to external environmental conditions and occupation. A backup geyser element in a solar geyser solution is identified as a metric for more efficient control than a time-based controller. The system is able to record multiple remote sensor readings from Internet of Things devices, built and based on an ESP8266 microcontroller, to a central SQL database that includes the hot water usage and heating patterns. Official weather predictions replace physical sensors, to provide the data for the environmental conditions. Fuzzification categorises the warm water usage from the multiple sensor recordings into four linguistic terms (None, Low, Medium and High). Partitioning clustering determines the relationship patterns between weather predictions and solar heating efficiency. Next, a hidden Markov model predicts solar heating efficiency, with the Viterbi algorithm calculating the geyser heating predictions, and the Baum–Welch algorithm for training the system. Warm water usage and solar heating efficiency predictions are used to calculate the optimal time periods to heat the water through electrical energy. Simulations with historical data are used for the evaluation and validation of the approach, by comparing the algorithm efficiency against time-based heating. In a simulation, the intelligent controller is 19.9% more efficient than a time-based controller, with higher warm water temperatures during the day. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a controller, with knowledge of external conditions, can be switched on 728 times less than a time-based controller.
The Efficacy of Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Devices against the Australian Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Panthawong Amonrat , Doggett Stephen L. , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic pest repellers are often promoted as a means of protecting people and pets from the bites of hematophagous arthropods, such as ticks. However, to date, there has been no published research on the effectiveness of these devices against the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus Neumann. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of nine ultrasonic devices against female I. holocyclus. Two arenas were constructed, one for the test (with the ultrasonic device) and one for the control (no device). Each arena had a test and an escape chamber, connected by a corridor. Twenty ticks were placed in each test chamber. After the ultrasonic device was operated for 1 h, the number of ticks in both chambers was recorded. Ten replicates were conducted for each device. The average number of ticks that moved from the test to the escape chamber was greater in all the test arenas, with three devices being statistically different from the control. However, the highest percent of ticks that escaped was only 19.5%. This amount is insufficient to offer adequate protection against tick bites and this study adds further weight to previous investigations that ultrasonic devices should not be employed in pest management.
Landscape and Local Drivers Affecting Flying Insects along Fennel Crops (Foeniculum vulgare, Apiaceae) and Implications for Its Yield
Authors: Schurr Lucie , Geslin Benoît , Affre Laurence , Gachet Sophie , Delobeau Marion , Brugger Magdalena , Bourdon Sarah , Masotti Véronique
Published: April 2021

Agricultural landscapes are increasingly characterized by intensification and habitat losses. Landscape composition and configuration are known to mediate insect abundance and richness. In the context of global insect decline, and despite 75% of crops being dependent on insects, there is still a gap of knowledge about the link between pollinators and aromatic crops. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic plant cultivated in the South of France for its essential oil, which is of great economic interest. Using pan-traps, we investigated the influence of the surrounding habitats at landscape scale (semi-natural habitat proportion and vicinity, landscape configuration) and local scale agricultural practices (insecticides and patch size) on fennel-flower-visitor abundance and richness, and their subsequent impact on fennel essential oil yield. We found that fennel may to be a generalist plant species. We did not find any effect of intense local management practices on insect abundance and richness. Landscape configuration and proximity to semi-natural habitat were the main drivers of flying insect family richness. This richness positively influenced fennel essential oil yield. Maintaining a complex configuration of patches at the landscape scale is important to sustain insect diversity and crop yield.