bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Environment Matter in Smart Revitalization Strategies? Management towards Sustainable Urban Regeneration Programs in Poland
Authors: Jadach-Sepioło Aleksandra , Olejniczak-Szuster Katarzyna , Dziadkiewicz Michał
Published: July 2021

The article presents the course of the evolution of the concept of urban renewal’s emergence into its current, mature, integrated form of sustainable regeneration (sustainable urban regeneration—SUR). We present how the determination of renewal areas and its goals began to be based on particular indicators, and how the importance of these analyses gradually increased in managing the implementation of urban regeneration programs. Analytical techniques using GIS were used in the analyses of the differentiation of crisis phenomena inside cities before they became popular in smart city tools. Despite the wide use of GIS to analyze the diversity of crisis phenomena within the city, the availability of data means that different spheres are characterized with different accuracy. Starting from the significance of individual spheres, the focus has primarily been on the environment, which is underappreciated in Poland. Municipalities (urban, rural, urban–rural) with regeneration programs do not perceive negative environmental phenomena as significant in assessing a crisis in a degraded area. Nevertheless, municipalities that do analyze environmental issues in regeneration programs also see the need for action and implementation of projects in the environmental sphere. In order to verify the hypothesis, the Statistics Poland (formerly known in English as the Central Statistical Office; Polish: Główny Urząd Statystyczny, abbreviated and known as GUS) data on the regeneration process was analyzed, with reference to the relationships between renewal areas and the natural environment. In order to check these dependencies (or the lack thereof), the Yule φ coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used. As a result, this study showed that analysis of the level and degree of degradation of the environmental sphere is not carried out frequently enough in municipalities. Secondly, the difficulties of municipalities, especially small ones (urban-rural and rural), in their analysis of the environmental sphere are the result of poor data availability. Thirdly, it is noted that there is a relationship between the designation of environmental zones and the type of municipality. This is of particular importance for the enhancement of smart city tools for the regeneration of existing cities, esp. small ones.
The Financialization of Crude Oil Markets and Its Impact on Market Efficiency: Evidence from the Predictive Ability and Performance of Technical Trading Strategies
Authors: Tudor Cristiana , Anghel Andrei
Published: July 2021

Oil price forecasts are of crucial importance for many policy institutions, including the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve Board, but projecting oil market evolutions remains a complicated task, further exacerbated by the financialization process that characterizes the crude oil markets. The efficiency (in Fama’s sense) of crude oil markets is revisited in this research through the investigation of the predictive ability of technical trading rules (TTRs). The predictive ability and trading performance of a plethora of TTRs are explored on the crude oil markets, as well as on the energy sector ETF XLE, while taking a special focus on the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic period. We are interested in whether technical trading strategies, by signaling the right timing of market entry and exits, can predict oil market movements. Research findings help to confidently conclude on the weak-form efficiency of the WTI crude oil and the XLE fund markets throughout the 1999–2021 period relative to the universe of TTRs. Moreover, results attest that TTRs do not add value to the Brent market beyond what may be expected by chance over the pre-pandemic 1999–2019 period, confirming the efficiency of the market before 2020. Nonetheless, research findings also suggest some temporal inefficiency of the Brent market during the 1 and ¼ years of pandemic period, with important consequences for energy markets’ practitioners and issuers of policy. Research findings further imply that there is evidence of a more intense financialization of the WTI crude oil market, which requires tighter measures from regulators during distressed markets. The Brent oil market is affected mainly by variations in oil demand and supply at the world level and to a lesser degree by financialization and the activity of market practitioners. As such, we conclude that different policies are needed for the two oil markets and also that policy issuers should employ distinct techniques for oil price forecasting.
Adaptation of Post-Industrial Areas as Hydrological Windows to Improve the City’s Microclimate
Authors: Blazy Rafał , Hrehorowicz-Gaber Hanna , Hrehorowicz-Nowak Alicja
Published: July 2021

Post-industrial areas in larger cities often cease to fulfill their role and their natural result is their transformation. They often constitute a large area directly adjacent to the city structure and are exposed to urbanization pressure, and on the other hand, they are often potential hydrological windows. The approach to the development strategy for such areas should take this potential into account. The article presents the example of Cracow (Poland) and post-industrial areas constituting the hydrological and bioretention potential in terms of the possibility of their development and the legal aspects of the development strategies of these areas.
Bio-Crude Production Improvement during Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Biopulp by Simultaneous Application of Alkali Catalysts and Aqueous Phase Recirculation
Authors: Kohansal Komeil , Sharma Kamaldeep , Toor Saqib Sohail , Sanchez Eliana Lozano , Zimmermann Joscha , Aistrup Rosendahl Lasse , Pedersen Thomas Helmer
Published: July 2021

This study focuses on the valorization of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (biopulp) by hydrothermal liquefaction. Thereby, homogeneous alkali catalysts (KOH, NaOH, K2CO3, and Na2CO3) and a residual aqueous phase recirculation methodology were mutually employed to enhance the bio-crude yield and energy efficiency of a sub-critical hydrothermal conversion (350 °C, 15–20 Mpa, 15 min). Interestingly, single recirculation of the concentrated aqueous phase positively increased the bio-crude yield in all cases, while the higher heating value (HHV) of the bio-crudes slightly dropped. Compared to the non-catalytic experiment, K2CO3 and Na2CO3 effectively increased the bio-crude yield by 14 and 7.3%, respectively. However, KOH and NaOH showed a negative variation in the bio-crude yield. The highest bio-crude yield (37.5 wt.%) and energy recovery (ER) (59.4%) were achieved when K2CO3 and concentrated aqueous phase recirculation were simultaneously applied to the process. The inorganics distribution results obtained by ICP reveal the tendency of the alkali elements to settle into the aqueous phase, which, if recovered, can potentially boost the circularity of the HTL process. Therefore, wise selection of the alkali catalyst along with aqueous phase recirculation assists hydrothermal liquefaction in green biofuel production and environmentally friendly valorization of biopulp.
Constant-Temperature Anemometer Bandwidth Shape Determination for Energy Spectrum Study of Turbulent Flows
Authors: Ligęza Paweł
Published: July 2021

Due to their common occurrence and fundamental role in human-realized processes and natural phenomena, turbulent flows are subject to constant research. One of the research tools used in these studies are hot-wire anemometers. These instruments allow for measurements in turbulent flows in a wide range of both velocities and frequencies of fluctuations. This article describes a new indirect method of determining the bandwidth shape of a constant-temperature anemometer. The knowledge of this bandwidth is an important factor in the study of the energy spectrum of turbulent flows.
Performance Evaluation of Solar PV Power Plants in Taiwan Using Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Mariano June , Liao Mingyu , Ay Herchang
Published: July 2021

Due to the worldwide impact of industrialization, renewable sources of energy from solar play a huge role in supplying the domestic demand in Taiwan. This paper aims to impart an unbiased performance evaluation of different solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants around Taiwan. This study utilized data envelopment analysis (DEA) using the epsilon-based measure (EBM) model to compute the performance efficiency and ranking of the solar PV power plants. Additionally, the model is used for its advantage of combined radial and non-radial measures to achieve a more precise measure of efficiency. The results show that among nine selected solar PV plants, the top-performing DMU was I (8200051) from the southern part of Taiwan. Therefore, this study recommends that EBM can be a useful tool to evaluate the performance of solar PV power plants using multiple inputs and outputs. Additionally, this study will contribute to sustaining and developing the existing solar PV power capacity while achieving the installation of 20GW of solar energy as part of Taiwan’s goal. Even though the study has achieved the set goals, various restrictions remain present. Future studies could address micro and macro-level factors that influence the performance of solar PV power plants, which are not included in this study.
Special Issue [Energies] “Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal”
Authors: Sciazko Marek , Sobolewski Aleksander
Published: July 2021

Clean Utilization and Conversion Technology of Coal has at least 40 years of history, beginning with the USA-born Clean Coal Technology program and at the same time the European Thermie research and development program was started [...]
Lithium Battery SOH Monitoring and an SOC Estimation Algorithm Based on the SOH Result
Authors: Lee Jong-Hyun , Lee In-Soo
Published: July 2021

Lithium batteries are the most common energy storage devices in items such as electric vehicles, portable devices, and energy storage systems. However, if lithium batteries are not continuously monitored, their performance could degrade, their lifetime become shortened, or severe damage or explosion could be induced. To prevent such accidents, we propose a lithium battery state of health monitoring method and state of charge estimation algorithm based on the state of health results. The proposed method uses four neural network models. A neural network model was used for the state of health diagnosis using a multilayer neural network model. The other three neural network models were configured as neural network model banks, and the state of charge was estimated using a multilayer neural network or long short-term memory. The three neural network model banks were defined as normal, caution, and fault neural network models. Experimental results showed that the proposed method using the long short-term memory model based on the state of health diagnosis results outperformed the counterpart methods.
Information Security Risk Assessment
Authors: Kuzminykh Ievgeniia , Ghita Bogdan , Sokolov Volodymyr , Bakhshi Taimur
Published: July 2021

Information security risk assessment is an important part of enterprises’ management practices that helps to identify, quantify, and prioritize risks against criteria for risk acceptance and objectives relevant to the organization. Risk management refers to a process that consists of identification, management, and elimination or reduction of the likelihood of events that can negatively affect the resources of the information system to reduce security risks that potentially have the ability to affect the information system, subject to an acceptable cost of protection means that contain a risk analysis, analysis of the “cost-effectiveness” parameter, and selection, construction, and testing of the security subsystem, as well as the study of all aspects of security.
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A Stress-Based Disease
Authors: Podfigurna Agnieszka , Meczekalski Blazej
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study is to present the problem of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, taking into account any disease and treatment, diagnosis, and consequences of this disease. We searched PubMed (MEDLINE) and included 38 original and review articles concerning functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in women of childbearing age. It is a reversible disorder caused by stress related to weight loss, excessive exercise and/or traumatic mental experiences. The basis of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is hormonal, based on impaired pulsatile GnRH secretion in the hypothalamus, then decreased secretion of gonadotropins, and, consequently, impaired hormonal function of the ovaries. This disorder leads to hypoestrogenism, manifested by a disturbance of the menstrual cycle in the form of amenorrhea, leading to anovulation. Prolonged state of hypoestrogenism can be very detrimental to general health, leading to many harmful short- and long-term consequences. Treatment of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea should be started as soon as possible, and it should primarily involve lifestyle modification. Only then should pharmacological treatment be applied. Importantly, treatment is most often long-term, but it results in recovery for the majority of patients. Effective therapy, based on multidirectional action, can protect patients from numerous negative impacts on fertility, cardiovascular system and bone health, as well as reducing mental morbidity.
Molecular-Based Reappraisal of a Historical Record of Dothistroma Needle Blight in the Centre of the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Aglietti Chiara , Benigno Alessandra , Scali Edoardo , Capretti Paolo , Ghelardini Luisa , Moricca Salvatore
Published: July 2021

In this work, we rechecked, using species-specific Loop mediated isothermal AMPlification (LAMP) diagnostic assays followed by sequencing of fungal isolates at the beta-2-tubulin (tub2) gene region, a historical and never confirmed report of Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) in the introduced Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) in the mountains in the extreme tip of southern Italy. The report dates back to the mid-1970s, and predates the molecular-based taxonomic revision of the genus Dothistroma that defined the species accepted today. In the fall of 2019, symptomatic needles of Monterey pine and Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Palib. ex Maire) were sampled in the area of the first finding. The applied diagnostic methods revealed the presence of Dothistroma septosporum (Dorogin) M. Morelet on both pine species. In this way, we: (i) confirmed the presence of the disease; (ii) clarified the taxonomic identity of the causal agent now occurring at that site; (iii) validated the species-specific LAMP diagnostic protocol we recently developed for Dothistroma for use on a portable field instrument, and (iv) showed that the pathogen now also attacks the native P. nigra subsp. laricio, a species particularly susceptible to the disease, indigenous to the mountains of Calabria, which is one of the very few areas where the species’ genetic resources are conserved. Comparative genetic analysis of the rare populations of D. septosporum found in the central Mediterranean region and in the native range of P. nigra subsp. laricio could help to clarify the history of the spread of the pathogen in southern Europe and better evaluate the risk it poses to the conservation of native pine species.
Integrated Phenotypic–Genotypic Analysis of Latilactobacillus sakei from Different Niches
Authors: Chen Ying , Li Nan , Zhao Shenxi , Zhang Chuan , Qiao Nanzhen , Duan Hui , Xiao Yue , Yan Bowen , Zhao Jianxin , Tian Fengwei , Zhai Qixiao , Yu Leilei , Chen Wei
Published: July 2021

Increasing attention has been paid to the potential probiotic effects of Latilactobacillus sakei. To explore the genetic diversity of L. sakei, 14 strains isolated from different niches (feces, fermented kimchi, and meat products) and 54 published strains were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average genome size and GC content of L. sakei were 1.98 Mb and 41.22%, respectively. Its core genome mainly encodes translation and transcription, amino acid synthesis, glucose metabolism, and defense functions. L. sakei has open pan-genomic characteristics, and its pan-gene curve shows an upward trend. The genetic diversity of L. sakei is mainly reflected in carbohydrate utilization, antibiotic tolerance, and immune/competition-related factors, such as clustering regular interval short palindromic repeat sequence (CRISPR)–Cas. The CRISPR system is mainly IIA type, and a few are IIC types. This work provides a basis for the study of this species.
Uncertainty Assessment of Entropy-Based Circular Channel Shear Stress Prediction Models Using a Novel Method
Authors: Kazemian-Kale-Kale Amin , Gholami Azadeh , Rezaie-Balf Mohammad , Mosavi Amir , Sattar Ahmed A. , Azimi Amir H. , Gharabaghi Bahram , Bonakdari Hossein
Published: July 2021

Entropy models have been recently adopted in many studies to evaluate the shear stress distribution in open-channel flows. Although the uncertainty of Shannon and Tsallis entropy models were analyzed separately in previous studies, the uncertainty of other entropy models and comparisons of their reliability remain an open question. In this study, a new method is presented to evaluate the uncertainty of four entropy models, Shannon, Shannon-Power Law (PL), Tsallis, and Renyi, in shear stress prediction of the circular channels. In the previous method, the model with the largest value of the percentage of observed data within the confidence bound (Nin) and the smallest value of Forecasting Range of Error Estimation (FREE) is the most reliable. Based on the new method, using the effect of Optimized Forecasting Range of Error Estimation (FREEopt) and Optimized Confidence Bound (OCB), a new statistic index called FREEopt-based OCB (FOCB) is introduced. The lower the value of FOCB, the more certain the model. Shannon and Shannon PL entropies had close values of the FOCB equal to 8.781 and 9.808, respectively, and had the highest certainty, followed by ρgRs and Tsallis models with close values of 14.491 and 14.895, respectively. However, Renyi entropy, with the value of FOCB equal to 57.726, had less certainty.
The Effect of Simulated Leg-Length Discrepancy on the Dynamic Parameters of the Feet during Gait—Cross-Sectional Research
Authors: Pereiro-Buceta Héctor , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , López-López Daniel , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Martínez-Jiménez Eva María , Martiniano João , Calvo-Lobo César
Published: July 2021

Background: The effect of Leg-Length Discrepancy (LLD) on dynamic gait parameters has been extensively discussed. Podobarography is the study of foot-to-ground pressure distribution. It has been used to test plantar footprint deviations that could reveal pathology. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of simulated LLD on dynamic gait parameters measured with a pressure platform in healthy subjects. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy subjects participated in observational cross-sectional research. A procedure was performed to capture the dynamic parameters of each participant under five different simulated LLD conditions. Support time, mean pressure, and peak pressure measures were registered on three trials for each foot and LLD level per session. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for repeated measures was performed to check for differences between the different simulated LLD levels. Results: The stance time of the short leg had no significant changes. The stance time of the long leg increased by 3.51% (p < 0.001), mean pressure of the short leg increased by 1.23% (p = 0.005), and decreased by 5.89% in the long leg (p < 0.001). Peak pressure of the short leg decreased by 2.58% (p = 0.031) and the long leg decreased by 12.11% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that increasing LLD causes an asymmetrical foot-loading pattern, with decreased mean and peak pressure on the longer limb, and consequently an overload on the short side. Furthermore, an increasing LLD causes increased stance time on the long leg.
Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors in the Northern Region of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed Mohammed , A. Alsagaby Suliman , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Alaidarous Mohammed , Bin Dukhyil Abdulaziz , Alshehri Bader , Banawas Saeed , Alturaiki Wael , Alharbi Naif Khalaf , Azad Taif Anwar , Al Abdulmonem Waleed
Published: July 2021

Background: Hepatitis B and C viral infections, which are the most common cause of liver infection worldwide, are major health issues around the globe. People with chronic hepatitis infections remain at risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma, while also being a risk to other diseases. These infections are highly contagious in nature, and the prevention of hepatitis B and C transmission during blood transfusion is a major challenge for healthcare workers. Although epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B and C infections in blood donors in Saudi Arabia have been previously investigated in multiple studies, due to targeted cohorts and the vast geographical distribution of Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of missing data points, which necessitates further investigations. Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections among blood donors in the northern region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: To determine the given objectives, a retrospective study was performed which included data gathered from serological as well as nucleic acid test (NAT) screening of blood donors. Clinical data of 3733 blood donors were collected for a period of 2 years (from January 2019 to December 2020) at the blood bank of King Khalid General Hospital and the associated blood banks and donation camps in the region. Statistical analysis of the clinical data was performed using SPSS. Results: The blood samples of 3733 donors were analyzed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among the blood donors in the northern region of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Among the total of 3733 blood donors, 3645 (97.65%) were men and 88 (2.36%) were women. Most of the donors were younger than 27 years of age (n = 1494). The most frequent blood group in our study was O-positive (n = 1534), and the least frequent was AB-negative (n = 29). After statistically analyzing the clinical data, we observed that 7 (0.19%), 203 (5.44%) and 260 (6.96%) donor blood samples were positive for the HBV serological markers HBsAgs, HBsAbs and HBcAbs, respectively, and 12 (0.32%) blood samples reacted positively to anti-HCV antibodies. Moreover, 10 (0.27%) and 1 (0.027%) samples were NAT-HBV positive and NAT-HCV positive, respectively. Conclusion: In the current study, low prevalence rates of HBV and HCV were observed in the blood donors. Statistical correlations indicated that both serological tests and NATs are highly effective in screening potential blood donors for HBV and HCV, which, in turn, prevents potential transfusion-transmitted hepatitis.
Sexual Orientation and the Incidence of COVID-19: Evidence from Understanding Society in the UK Longitudinal Household Study
Authors: Booker Cara L. , Meads Catherine
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 infection rates and severity are worse in marginalised groups, although, for sexual and gender minorities, there are no data on infections, hospitalisations or deaths, but there may be worse rates. This study uses information from Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) to derive COVID-19 symptoms and positive tests by sexual orientation. Data came from all seven UKHLS COVID-19 survey waves in 2020 and 2021, and sexual orientation in main UKHLS waves 3 and 9. Numbers ranged from 17,800 to 12,000. Covariates in the regression models were gender, age, highest educational qualification, ethnicity, diagnosed medical condition, and key worker status. Compared to heterosexual individuals, more sexual minorities experienced symptoms, and bisexual individuals reported a greater number of symptoms. Gays and lesbians were no more or less likely to have been tested, but a larger proportion of bisexual individuals were tested. Regression models showed that differences mostly disappeared when other characteristics were considered. A small sample size means that principal questions remain, so health inequalities have been largely unnoticed and therefore not addressed. Suitable action should be taken to minimise their future risks. Why sexual and gender minorities have been omitted needs to be explored, and action needs to be taken to ensure this does not happen again.
Association of Platelets and White Blood Cells Subtypes with Trauma Patients’ Mortality Outcome in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ke Ruei-Ti , Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Hsieh Ting-Min , Chou Sheng-En , Su Wei-Ti , Hsu Shiun-Yuan , Hsieh Ching-Hua , Liu Hang-Tsung
Published: July 2021

Background: White blood cell (WBC) subtypes have been suggested to reflect patients’ immune-inflammatory status. Furthermore, the derived ratio of platelets and WBC subtypes, including monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), is proposed to be associated with patient outcome. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the association of platelets and white blood cells subtypes with the mortality outcome of trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method: The medical information from 2854 adult trauma patients admitted to the ICU between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were retrospectively retrieved from the Trauma Registry System and classified into two groups: the survivors group (n = 2524) and the death group (n = 330). The levels of monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and blood-drawn laboratory data detected upon patient arrival to the emergency room and the derived MLR, NLR, and PLR were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent effects of univariate predictive variables on mortality occurrence. Result: The results revealed the patients who died had significantly lower platelet counts (175,842 ± 61,713 vs. 206,890 ± 69,006/μL, p < 0.001) but higher levels of lymphocytes (2458 ± 1940 vs. 1971 ± 1453/μL, p < 0.001) than the surviving patients. However, monocyte and neutrophil levels were not significantly different between the death and survivor groups. Moreover, dead patients had a significantly lower PLR than survivors (124.3 ± 110.3 vs. 150.6 ± 106.5, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in MLR or NLR between the dead patients and the survivors. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that male gender, old age, pre-existing hypertension, coronary artery disease and end-stage renal disease, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), higher level of lymphocytes and lower level of red blood cells and platelets, longer activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and lower level of PLR were independent risk factors associated with higher odds of trauma patient mortality outcome in the ICU. Conclusion: This study revealed that a higher lymphocyte count, lower platelet count, and a lower PLR were associated with higher risk of death in ICU trauma patients.
ECOCAPTURE@HOME: Protocol for the Remote Assessment of Apathy and Its Everyday-Life Consequences
Authors: Godefroy Valérie , Levy Richard , Bouzigues Arabella , Rametti-Lacroux Armelle , Migliaccio Raffaella , Batrancourt Bénédicte
Published: July 2021

Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric symptom associated with dementia, has a strong impact on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. However, it is still poorly understood and hard to define. The main objective of the ECOCAPTURE programme is to define a behavioural signature of apathy using an ecological approach. Within this program, ECOCAPTURE@HOME is an observational study which aims to validate a method based on new technologies for the remote monitoring of apathy in real life. For this study, we plan to recruit 60 couples: 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from behavioral variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia, 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from Alzheimer Disease and 20 healthy control couples. These dyads will be followed for 28 consecutive days via multi-sensor bracelets collecting passive data (acceleration, electrodermal activity, blood volume pulse). Active data will also be collected by questionnaires on a smartphone application. Using a pool of metrics extracted from these passive and active data, we will validate a measurement model for three behavioural markers of apathy (i.e., daytime activity, quality of sleep, and emotional arousal). The final purpose is to facilitate the follow-up and precise diagnosis of apathy, towards a personalised treatment of this condition within everyday life.
The Global Interest in Vaccines and Its Prediction and Perspectives in the Era of COVID-19. Real-Time Surveillance Using Google Trends
Authors: Sycinska-Dziarnowska Magdalena , Paradowska-Stankiewicz Iwona , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has globally overwhelmed all sectors of life. The fast development of vaccines against COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the course of the pandemic. Methods: Global data from Google Trends was analyzed for vaccines against flu, BCG, HPV, pneumococcal disease, polio, and COVID-19. The time frame includes the last five-year period starting from 17 April 2016. Multiple training of time series models with back testing, including Holt–Winters forecasting, Exponential Smoothing State Space, Linear model with trend and seasonal components (tlsm), and ARIMA was conducted. Forecasting according to the best fitting model was performed. Results: Correlation analysis did not reveal a decrease in interest in vaccines during the analyzed period. The prediction models provided a short-term forecast of the dynamics of interest for flu, HPV, pneumococcal and polio vaccines with 5–10% growth in interest for the first quarter of 2022 when compared to the same quarter of 2021. Conclusions: Despite the huge interest in the COVID-19 vaccine, there has not been a detectable decline in the overall interest in the five analyzed vaccines.
Pre-Emptive and Non-Pre-Emptive Goal Programming Problems for Optimal Menu Planning in Diet Management of Indian Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Paidipati Kiran Kumar , Komaragiri Hyndhavi , Chesneau Christophe
Published: July 2021

Diet management or caloric restriction for diabetes mellitus patients is essential in order to reduce the disease’s burden. Mathematical programming problems can help in this regard; they have a central role in optimal diet management and in the nutritional balance of food recipes. The present study employed linear optimization models such as linear, pre-emptive, and non-pre-emptive goal programming problems (LPP, PGP and NPGP) to minimize the deviations of over and under achievements of specific nutrients for optimal selection of food menus with various energy (calories) levels. Sixty-two food recipes are considered, all selected because of being commonly available for the Indian population and developed dietary intake for meal planning through optimization models. The results suggest that a variety of Indian food recipes with low glycemic values can be chosen to assist the varying glucose levels (>200 mg/dL) of Indian diabetes patients.
Integration of Newly Arrived Refugee Children into the German School System
Authors: Jäger Pia , Ott Notburga , Brand Angela , Fereidooni Karim
Published: July 2021

Background: The assignment of newly arrived refugee children to the differentiated German school system represents a major challenge for the responsible municipalities. In this explorative research approach, the current assignment procedure, in addition to the necessary assessment of performance and the detection of learning, mental, or social disabilities of newly arrived refugee children in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, were investigated. Methods: Eight staff members of six relevant Communal Integration Centers (CICs) in NRW were interviewed and a qualitative content analysis was conducted. Results: The current assignment practices varied widely. The binding to guidelines differed; additionally, the school assignment or recommendation largely depended on personal engagement, connections, and attitudes of the relevant CIC staff. None of the CICs used standardized instruments. Instead, the staff assessed the performance with self-developed strategies such as free and playful approaches or self-developed worksheets, and counted on their ‘gut feeling’ and professional experience. Conclusion: The school career and education of newly arrived refugee children in NRW is largely inconsistent and dependent on the responsible CIC (e.g., the allocation of the family) and on the counseling staff member. Additionally, it must be assumed that relevant disabilities remain largely undetected.
Disparities in Cancer-Related Avoidable Mortality by the Level of Area Deprivation in South Korea
Authors: Kim Woorim , Jang Seongkyeong , Lee Gangeun , Chang Yoon Jung
Published: July 2021

Background: This study investigated trends in cancer-related avoidable (preventable and treatable) mortality and its association with area deprivation in Korea. Methods: Cancer-related avoidable mortality rates per 100,000 population between 2015 and 2019 were measured using the Causes of Death Statistics. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was measured from the Population and Housing Census and information on other independent variables from the Korea Community Health Survey. The gap in avoidable mortality between the more and less deprived groups was expressed as rate ratios (RR) and absolute differences (ADs) with a 95 percent confidence interval (95% CI). The association between avoidable mortality and ADI was investigated through Poisson regression modelling. Results: The more deprived areas had higher avoidable (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.13–1.17; AD 6.58, 95% CI 5.59–7.57) and preventable (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.17–1.21; AD 6.22, 95% CI 5.38–7.06) mortality. The overall cancer-related avoidable mortality decreased but the gap between the more and less deprived groups did not decline significantly during the study period. The association between avoidable and preventable mortality and area deprivation remained significant after adjusting for variables, including area levels of smokers and alcohol drinkers. Conclusions: The gap in avoidable mortality signifies the importance of addressing related disparities in cancer.
COVID-19 Vaccines Safety Tracking (CoVaST): Protocol of a Multi-Center Prospective Cohort Study for Active Surveillance of COVID-19 Vaccines’ Side Effects
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Schünemann Holger , Attia Sameh , Peričić Tina , Žuljević Marija , Jürisson Mikk , Kalda Ruth , Lang Katrin , Morankar Sudhakar , Yesuf Elias , Mekhemar Mohamed , Danso-Appiah Anthony , Sofi-Mahmudi Ahmad , Pérez-Gaxiola Giordano , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Apóstolo João , Cardoso Daniela , Marc Janja , Moreno-Casbas Mayte , Wiysonge Charles , Qaseem Amir , Gryschek Anna , Tadić Ivana , Hussain Salman , Khan Mohammed , Klugarova Jitka , Pokorna Andrea , Koščík Michal , Klugar Miloslav
Published: July 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine-related side effects have a determinant role in the public decision regarding vaccination. Therefore, this study has been designed to actively monitor the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Methods: A multi-country, three-phase study including a cross-sectional survey to test for the short-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among target population groups. In the second phase, we will monitor the booster doses’ side effects, while in the third phase, the long-term safety and effectiveness will be investigated. A validated, self-administered questionnaire will be used to collect data from the target population; Results: The study protocol has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with the identifier NCT04834869. Conclusions: CoVaST is the first independent study aiming to monitor the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines following booster doses, and the long-term safety and effectiveness of said vaccines.
The Lifestyle of Saudi Medical Students
Authors: Bin Abdulrahman Khalid A. , Khalaf Ahmad M. , Bin Abbas Fahad B. , Alanezi Omran T.
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted to investigate medical students’ lifestyle habits, including sleep quality, eating and drinking patterns, physical activity, and social status. Method: This research project is part two of a multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study conducted among medical students from six medical colleges in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2019. Results: 675 medical students were enrolled electively into the lifestyle study. About half of this number were male students and the majority were aged 18–24 years. Most students (87.6%) slept between 4–8 h a day and over 44% were dissatisfied with their sleep. Only 28.1% had three meals a day; about 40% of them usually or always skipped breakfast. A total of 44% usually or always ate fast food and 44.7% drank 2 L of water per day. Moreover, male students were significantly consuming more fast food than females, p < 0.001. The majority (63.3%) revealed they usually or always drink black coffee daily. Females were significantly more inclined to regular coffee consumption than males, p < 0.001. Only 4.3% exercised for 30 min or more daily. The majority (65%) of the students were introverted; they had few close friends. Yet, 81% were somewhat satisfied or satisfied with their social life. Male students were significantly more satisfied with their social life than females, p = 0.001. Only 4.6% smoked cigarettes daily whereas 7.1% smoked e-cigarettes daily. In contrast, only 0.3% used shisha (hookah) daily. Male medical students were substantially more inclined to e-cigarette use than females (p < 0.001). The top five leisure activities of a medical student were surfing social media (75.9%), watching movies (61.3%), hanging out with friends (58.1%), spending time with their family (55.4%), and browsing the Internet (53.6%). Female medical students were significantly more inclined to surf social media than male medical students, p = 0.022; also, watching movies was preferred for females compared to males, p = 0.006. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of these medical students in Saudi Arabia exhibited healthy lifestyles to some extent, and these health-promoting behaviors differed based on sex, especially concerning physical activity and eating patterns. The findings of this study provide relevant information for future actions that will be geared towards effectively decreasing the occurrence of chronic illnesses and improving future doctors’ well-being.
Minimum Detectable Change of Visual Acuity Measurements Using ETDRS Charts (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study)
Authors: Sánchez-González María Carmen , García-Oliver Raquel , Sánchez-González José-María , Bautista-Llamas María-José , Jiménez-Rejano José-Jesús , De-Hita-Cantalejo Concepción
Published: July 2021

In our work, we determined the value of visual acuity (VA) with ETDRS charts (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study). The purpose of the study was to determine the measurement reliabilities, calculating the correlation coefficient interclass (ICC), the value of the error associated with the measure (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC). Forty healthy subjects took part. The mean age was 23.5 ± 3.1 (19 to 26) years. Visual acuities were measured with ETDRS charts (96% ETDRS chart nº 2140) and (10% SLOAN Contrast Eye Test chart nº 2153). The measurements were made (at 4 m) under four conditions: Firstly, photopic conditions with high contrast (HC) and low contrast (LC) and after 15 min of visual rest, mesopic conditions with high and low contrast. Under photopic conditions and high contrast, the ICC = 0.866 and decreased to 0.580 when the luminosity and contrast decreased. The % MDC in the four conditions was always less than 10%. It was minor under photopic conditions and HC (5.83) and maximum in mesopic conditions and LC (9.70). Our results conclude a high reliability of the ETDRS test, which is higher in photopic and high contrast conditions and lower when the luminosity and contrast decreases.
Short and Long-Term Innovations on Dietary Behavior Assessment and Coaching: Present Efforts and Vision of the Pride and Prejudice Consortium
Authors: Lucassen Desiree A. , Lasschuijt Marlou P. , Camps Guido , Van Loo Ellen J. , Fischer Arnout R. H. , de Vries Roelof A. J. , Haarman Juliet A. M. , Simons Monique , de Vet Emely , Bos-de Vos Marina , Pan Sibo , Ren Xipei , de Graaf Kees , Lu Yuan , Feskens Edith J. M. , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M.
Published: July 2021

Overweight, obesity and cardiometabolic diseases are major global health concerns. Lifestyle factors, including diet, have been acknowledged to play a key role in the solution of these health risks. However, as shown by numerous studies, and in clinical practice, it is extremely challenging to quantify dietary behaviors as well as influencing them via dietary interventions. As shown by the limited success of ‘one-size-fits-all’ nutritional campaigns catered to an entire population or subpopulation, the need for more personalized coaching approaches is evident. New technology-based innovations provide opportunities to further improve the accuracy of dietary assessment and develop approaches to coach individuals towards healthier dietary behaviors. Pride & Prejudice (P&P) is a unique multi-disciplinary consortium consisting of researchers in life, nutrition, ICT, design, behavioral and social sciences from all four Dutch Universities of Technology. P&P focuses on the development and integration of innovative technological techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, conversational agents, behavior change theory and personalized coaching to improve current practices and establish lasting dietary behavior change.
Mapping Interactions among Green Innovations Barriers in Manufacturing Industry Using Hybrid Methodology: Insights from a Developing Country
Authors: Ullah Sajid , Ahmad Naveed , Khan Farman Ullah , Badulescu Alina , Badulescu Daniel
Published: July 2021

Recent years have witnessed continuous rise in adopting green innovations which is considered as an important organizational instrument to achieve profits by reducing environmental deterioration. However, green innovation in developing countries, especially in Pakistan, is surprisingly scant as compared to developed countries. This paper empirically investigated obstacles to green innovations in Pakistani manufacturing firms. Specifically, a novel three phase methodological framework was applied to investigate significant barriers and filtration by integrating Delphi method (DM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC). Our results highlighted that lack of enforceable laws regarding returned goods and recycled products, lack of rules and regulations for green practices, and lack of collaboration with government and environmental institutions are most critical barriers. However, fear of failure about green innovation is least important barriers to green innovations adoption. This study offers interesting clues to promote green innovation in manufacturing industry.
Factors Influencing the Willingness of Palliative Care Utilization among the Older Population with Active Cancers: A Case Study in Mandalay, Myanmar
Authors: Myint Aye Tinzar , Tiraphat Sariyamon , Jayasvasti Isareethika , Hong Seo Ah , Kasemsup Vijj
Published: July 2021

Palliative care is an effective, multidisciplinary healthcare service to alleviate severe illness patients from physical, psychological, and spiritual pain. However, global palliative care has been underutilized, especially in developing countries. This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine the factors associated with older cancer patients’ willingness to utilize palliative care services in Myanmar. The final sample was composed of 141 older adults, 50-years of age and above who suffered from cancers at any stage. Simple random sampling was applied to choose the participants by purposively selecting three oncology clinics with daycare chemotherapy centers in Mandalay. We collected data using structured questionnaires composed of five sections. The sections include the participant’s socio-economic information, disease status, knowledge of palliative care, psychosocial and spiritual need, practical need, and willingness to utilize palliative care services. The study found that approximately 85% of older cancer patients are willing to receive palliative care services. The significant predictors of willingness to utilize palliative care services include place of living, better palliative care knowledge, more need for spiritual and psychosocial support, and practical support. This study can guide health policymakers in increasing the rate of palliative care utilization. The suggested policies include developing community-level palliative care services in Myanmar, especially in rural areas, promoting palliative care knowledge, applying appropriate religious and spiritual traditions at palliative treatment, and developing suitable medicines for the critically ill.
Rating of Perceived Exertion as a Method to Determine Training Loads in Strength Training in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Tiggemann Carlos Leandro , Pietta-Dias Caroline , Schoenell Maira Cristina Wolf , Noll Matias , Alberton Cristine Lima , Pinto Ronei Silveira , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of training using loads from a repetition maximum value (%1RM) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in elderly women. Methods: Twenty-five elderly women (60–75 years old) were randomly assigned to a group that trained using loads determined by 1RM test (G%; n = 12) or to a group that trained using loads determined by RPE (GPE; n = 13). Elderly women trained for 12 weeks using five exercises performed with 2–3 sets of 8–15 repetitions. Loads progressed from 45% to 75% of 1RM (G%) and from 13 to 18 from Rating Perceived Exertion of Borg Scale (GPE). The outcome measures, 1RM and maximum repetitions (RMs with 70% 1RM), were assessed before, between and after training programs. Results: Increased 1RM value and RMs were observed in both groups (20–42%, p < 0.001 and 56–76%, p < 0.001, respectively, for %G; and 17–56%, p < 0.001 and 47–106%, p < 0.001, respectively, for GPE), without differences between them. Conclusions: Prescribing loads using the RPE and 1RM might be similarly effective for training elderly women in order to promote strength gains. As a practical application, RPE could be an additional method to determine training loads. In spite of the promising results of the present study, it is not possible to state that the use of RPE is effective in monitoring loads during sub maximal strength training in elderly and more research must be carried out to confirm it.