bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable Skin Sensors and Their Challenges: A Review of Transdermal, Optical, and Mechanical Sensors
Authors: Ahmad Tarar Ammar , Mohammad Umair , K. Srivastava Soumya
Published: May 2020

Wearable technology and mobile healthcare systems are both increasingly popular solutions to traditional healthcare due to their ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness for remote health monitoring. Recent advances in research, especially the miniaturization of sensors, have significantly contributed to commercializing the wearable technology. Most of the traditional commercially available sensors are either mechanical or optical, but nowadays transdermal microneedles are also being used for micro-sensing such as continuous glucose monitoring. However, there remain certain challenges that need to be addressed before the possibility of large-scale deployment. The biggest challenge faced by all these wearable sensors is our skin, which has an inherent property to resist and protect the body from the outside world. On the other hand, biosensing is not possible without overcoming this resistance. Consequently, understanding the skin structure and its response to different types of sensing is necessary to remove the scientific barriers that are hindering our ability to design more efficient and robust skin sensors. In this article, we review research reports related to three different biosensing modalities that are commonly used along with the challenges faced in their implementation for detection. We believe this review will be of significant use to researchers looking to solve existing problems within the ongoing research in wearable sensors.
The Neuropsychological Profile of Attention Deficits of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Update on the Daytime Attentional Impairment
Authors: Angelelli Paola , Macchitella Luigi , Toraldo Domenico Maurizio , Abbate Elena , Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Arigliani Michele , De Benedetto Michele
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) suffer from several neurocognitive disturbances. One of the neuropsychological processes most investigated in OSA patients is attention, but the results have been controversial. Here, we update the attention profile of OSA patients with the final aim to improve attention assessment, with a possible impact on clinical and medical-legal practices, in terms of which attention subdomains and parameters need consideration and which one is a high-risk OSA phenotype for attention dysfunctions. Method: For this purpose, we assessed 32 previously untreated OSA patients (26 men and 6 women) under 65 years of age (mean age 53.2 ± 7.3; mean education level 10.4 ± 3.4 years) suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea and hypopnea (mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 45.3 ± 22.9, range 16.1–69.6). A control group of 34 healthy participants matched with OSA patients for age, education level, and general cognitive functioning were also enrolled. The OSA patients and healthy participants were tested through an extensive computerized battery (Test of Attentional Performance, TAP) that evaluated intensive (i.e., alertness and vigilance) and selective (i.e., divided and selective) dimensions of attention and returned different outcome parameters (i.e., reaction time, stability of performance, and various types of errors). Data analysis: The data were analyzed by ANCOVA which compared the speed and accuracy performance of the OSA and control participants (cognitive reserve was treated as a covariate). The possible mechanisms underlying attention deficits in OSA patients were examined through correlation analysis among AHI, oxygenation parameters, sleepiness scores, and TAP outcomes and by comparing the following three phenotypes of patients: severe OSA and severe nocturnal desaturators (AHI++D+), severe OSA nondesaturators (AHI++D−), and moderate OSA nondesaturators (AHI+D−). Results: The results suggest that the OSA patients manifest deficits in both intensive and selective attention processes and that reaction time (RT) alone is ineffective for detecting and characterizing their problems, for which error analysis and stability of performance also have to be considered. Patients with severe OSA and severe hypoxemia underperformed on alertness and vigilance attention subtests. Conclusions: The data suggest the importance of evaluating attention deficits among OSA patients through several parameters (including performance instability). Moreover, the data suggest a multifaceted mechanism underlying attention dysfunction in OSA patients.
Profitability of Various Energy Supply Systems in Light of Their Different Energy Prices and Climate Conditions
Authors: Jalilzadehazhari Elaheh , Pardalis Georgios , Vadiee Amir
Published: May 2020

The majority of the single-family houses in Sweden are affected by deteriorations in building envelopes as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These dwellings are, therefore, in need of extensive renovation, which provides an excellent opportunity to install renewable energy supply systems to reduce the total energy consumption. The high investment costs of the renewable energy supply systems were previously distinguished as the main barrier in the installation of these systems in Sweden. House-owners should, therefore, compare the profitability of the energy supply systems and select the one, which will allow them to reduce their operational costs. This study analyses the profitability of a ground source heat pump, photovoltaic solar panels and an integrated ground source heat pump with a photovoltaic system, as three energy supply systems for a single-family house in Sweden. The profitability of the supply systems was analysed by calculating the payback period (PBP) and internal rate of return (IRR) for these systems. Three different energy prices, three different interest rates, and two different lifespans were considered when calculating the IRR and PBP. In addition, the profitability of the supply systems was analysed for four Swedish climate zones. The analyses of results show that the ground source heat pump system was the most profitable energy supply system since it provided a short PBP and high IRR in all climate zones when compared with the other energy supply systems. Additionally, results show that increasing the energy price improved the profitability of the supply systems in all climate zones.
Preparation of PP/2D-Nanosheet Composites Using MoS2/MgCl2- and BN/MgCl2-Bisupported Ziegler–Natta Catalysts
Authors: Zhang He-xin , Shin Byeong-Gwang , Lee Dong-Eun , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: May 2020

Polypropylene/molybdenum disulfied (PP/MoS2) and Polypropylene/hexagonal boron nitride (PP/hBN) nanocomposites with varying concentration (0–6 wt %) were fabricated via in situ polymerization using two-dimensional (2D)-nanosheet/MgCl2-supported Ti-based Ziegler–Natta catalysts, which was prepared through a novel coagglomeration method. For catalyst preparation and interfacial interaction, MoS2 and hBN were modified with octadecylamine (ODA) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTES), respectively. Compared with those of pristine PP, thermal stability of composites was 70 °C higher and also tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composites were up to 35% and 60% higher (even at small filler contents), respectively. The alkyl-modified 2D nanofillers were characterized by strong interfacial interactions between the nanofiller and the polymer matrix. The coagglomeration method employed in this work allows easy introduction and content manipulation of various 2D-nanosheets for the preparation of 2D-nanosheet/MgCl2-supported Ti-based Ziegler–Natta catalysts.
Large Uniaxial Magnetic Anisotropy of Hexagonal Fe-Hf-Sb Alloys
Authors: Kyvala Lukas , Tchaplianka Maxim , Shick Alexander , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Legut Dominik
Published: May 2020

We theoretically investigate the electronic and magnetic structure of Fe 2 Hf. The density functional theory calculations are shown to produce the negative, easy-plane, magnetic anisotropy in the hexagonal Fe 2 Hf. Antimony substitution suppresses the planar magnetization direction and favors the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, in agreement with experimental observations. Our study suggests the possibility of the chemical control of the magnetic anisotropy in Fe 2 Hf by Sb substitution, and illustrates the potential of (Fe,Sb) 2 + x Hf 1 − x Laves phase alloys for the permanent magnet applications.
Electromechanically Rotatable Cross-Shaped Mid-IR Metamaterial
Authors: Zhong Jitong , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: May 2020

We present an electromechanically rotatable infrared (IR) cross-shaped metamaterial (CSM) in the mid-IR wavelength range. The CSM configuration is composed of double gold layers with cross-shaped nanostructures. To investigate the fano-resonance within CSM nanostructures, the aspect ratios and length ratios of CSM are compared and discussed. The electromagnetic responses exhibit the characteristics of large tuning range, tunable broad and narrow bandwidths. By properly tailoring the aspect ratio of CSM, the resonance can be tuned with bidirectional tuning in the range of 650 nm. CSM with different length ratios exhibit narrowband resonances around the wavelength of 4.6 μm and broadband resonances in the wavelength range of 5.0 μm to 6.5 μm. These characteristics of CSM with different aspect ratios and length ratios could be potentially used in IR narrowband and broadband filter. To further increase the flexibility of proposed electromechanically rotatable CSM, an actively tunable narrowband and broadband filter in the mid-IR wavelength range is performed. This study provides a unique approach to realizing an IR filter, with high flexibility.
Intraoperative Sphenoid Sinus Volume Measurement as an Alternative Technique to Intraoperative Computer Tomography
Authors: Karpishchenko Sergei , Arustamyan Irina , Stancheva Olga , Sharko Kirill , Kaplun Dmitry , Bogachev Mikhail I.
Published: May 2020

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is where there is a group of pathologies characterized by inflammation in one or both sphenoid sinuses. Although computer tomography (CT)-based 3D reconstruction remains the gold standard among noninvasive approaches to ISSD diagnostics, no standardized techniques for direct intraoperative measurements of the sphenoid sinus volume in ISSD patients have been documented. We suggest a novel technique for the intraoperative measurement of the sphenoid sinus volume. Our technique is based on filling the sinus with 0.01% methylene blue solution after an endoscopic endonasal sphenoidotomy. The proposed technique was applied to 40 ISSD patients during surgery. Obtained intraoperative measurements were compared to noninvasive measurements from 3D reconstructions based on preoperative CT scans. Our results demonstrated that the obtained measurements did not exhibit significant differences exceeding 0.4 cm3, with CT-scan-based measurements in 39 out of 40 cases (p < 10−6, Wilcoxon sign-rank nonparametric test), thus confirming the accuracy of the proposed technique. Disagreements between direct intraoperative and CT-based measurements in a single case have been attributed to the presence of remaining pathological masses in the sinus, which was further confirmed during the secondary check of the operated sinus. Accordingly, we suggest that the agreement between the CT-based and intraoperative volume measurements can be used as an indicator of the successful elimination of all pathological masses from the sinus without having to perform an adequate exposure of the entire sphenoid sinus to reduce intraoperative bleeding. The proposed technique is accurate and does not require the involvement of specialized intraoperative CT scanners and avoids additional radiation exposure for the patient during an additional postoperation CT scan to confirm the success of the surgery.
Determination of Tear Lipid Film Thickness Based on a Reflected Placido Disk Tear Film Analyzer
Authors: Fu Pin-I , Fang Po-Chiung , Ho Ren-Wen , Chao Tsai-Ling , Cho Wan-Hua , Lai Hung-Yin , Hsiao Yu-Ting , Kuo Ming-Tse
Published: May 2020

This study aims at determining the thickness of the tear lipid layer (LL) observed from a placido-disc-based tear film analyzer. We prospectively collected reflections of placido-disk LL images using a tear film analyzer (Keratograph® 5M, Oculus) from subjects with dry eye symptoms. The LL thickness (LLT) over the inferior half of the cornea was estimated with the use of interference color analysis and the preprocessing of images with and without ring segmentation were obtained and analyzed. Moreover, LLTs before and after 1 h of applying topical ointment (Duratears, Alcon) were compared to validate the estimation of LLT. Our results suggested that the tear LLT can be assessed using a placido-disk-based tear film analyzer and interference color analysis. We verified a high correlation between non-segmented and segmented LL images and estimated LLT increase after applying ointment. In addition, we concluded that LLT can be evaluated by direct interference analysis without segmentation preprocessing.
Instance Segmentation Method Based on Improved Mask R-CNN for the Stacked Electronic Components
Authors: Yang Zhixian , Dong Ruixia , Xu Hao , Gu Jinan
Published: May 2020

Object-detection methods based on deep learning play an important role in achieving machine automation. In order to achieve fast and accurate autonomous detection of stacked electronic components, an instance segmentation method based on an improved Mask R-CNN algorithm was proposed. By optimizing the feature extraction network, the performance of Mask R-CNN was improved. A dataset of electronic components containing 1200 images (992 × 744 pixels) was developed, and four types of components were included. Experiments on the dataset showed the model was superior in speed while being more lightweight and more accurate. The speed of our model showed promising results, with twice that of Mask R-CNN. In addition, our model was 0.35 times the size of Mask R-CNN, and the average precision (AP) of our model was improved by about two points compared to Mask R-CNN.
Smartphone Sensor Based Indoor Positioning: Current Status, Opportunities, and Future Challenges
Authors: Ashraf Imran , Hur Soojung , Park Yongwan
Published: May 2020

The last two decades have witnessed a rich variety of indoor positioning and localization research. Starting with Microsoft Research pioneering the fingerprint approach based RADAR, MIT’s Cricket, and then moving towards beacon-based localization are few among many others. In parallel, researchers looked into other appealing and promising technologies like radio frequency identification, ultra-wideband, infrared, and visible light-based systems. However, the proliferation of smartphones over the past few years revolutionized and reshaped indoor localization towards new horizons. The deployment of MEMS sensors in modern smartphones have initiated new opportunities and challenges for the industry and academia alike. Additionally, the demands and potential of location-based services compelled the researchers to look into more robust, accurate, smartphone deployable, and context-aware location sensing. This study presents a comprehensive review of the approaches that make use of data from one or more sensors to estimate the user’s indoor location. By analyzing the approaches leveraged on smartphone sensors, it discusses the associated challenges of such approaches and points out the areas that need considerable research to overcome their limitations.
Low-Power Wearable Healthcare Sensors
Authors: Sherratt Robert Simon , Dey Nilanjan
Published: May 2020

Medical science has taken great steps to enable us to live longer and healthier lives [...]
Research on Integrated Learning Fraud Detection Method Based on Combination Classifier Fusion (THBagging): A Case Study on the Foundational Medical Insurance Dataset
Authors: Gong Jibing , Zhang Hekai , Du Weixia
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the number of fraud cases in basic medical insurance has increased dramatically. We need to use a more efficient method to identify the fraudulent users. Therefore, we deploy the cloud edge algorithm with lower latency to improve the security and enforceability in the operation process. In this paper, a new feature extraction method and model fusion technology are proposed to solve the problem of basic medical insurance fraud identification. The feature second-level extraction algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively extract important features and improve the prediction accuracy of subsequent algorithms. In order to solve the problem of unbalanced simulation allocation in the medical insurance fraud identification scenario, a sample division method based on the idea of sample proportion equilibrium is proposed. Based on the above methods of feature extraction and sample division, a new training and fitting model fusion algorithm (tree hybrid bagging, THBagging) is proposed. This method makes full use of the balanced idea of the tree model algorithm based on Boosting to fuse, and finally achieves the effect of improving the accuracy of basic medical insurance fraud identification.
Historical Graph Management in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Bok Kyoungsoo , Kim Gihoon , Lim Jongtae , Yoo Jaesoo
Published: May 2020

Since dynamic graph data continuously change over time, it is necessary to manage historical data for accessing a snapshot graph at a specific time. In this paper, we propose a new historical graph management scheme that consists of an intersection snapshot and a delta snapshot to enhance storage utilization and historical graph accessibility. The proposed scheme constantly detects graph changes and calculates a common subgraph ratio between historical graphs over time. If the common subgraph ratio is lower than a threshold value, the intersection snapshot stores the common subgraphs within a time interval. A delta snapshot stores the subgraphs that are not contained in the intersection snapshot. Several delta snapshots are connected to the intersection snapshot to maintain the modified subgraph over time. The efficiency of storage space is improved by managing common subgraphs stored in the intersection snapshot. Furthermore, the intersection and delta snapshots can be connected to search a graph at a specific time. We show the superiority of the proposed scheme through various performance evaluations.
Unsharpness of Thermograms in Thermography Diagnostics of Electronic Elements
Authors: Dziarski Krzysztof , Hulewicz Arkadiusz , Dombek Grzegorz , Frąckowiak Ryszard , Wiczyński Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

Work temperature is a factor, which has a strong influence on the work of a semiconductor electronic element. Operation of an electronic element in an excessive temperature causes the element not to work correctly. For this reason, monitoring the temperature of the element is necessary. One of the methods, which allows the monitoring of electronic element temperature is thermography. This non-contact method can also be used during the operation of the electronic element. The reading of a thermal camera depends on several factors. One of these factors is the sharpness of the registered thermograms. For this reason, research was carried out to develop a simple tool that allows a clear classification of thermograms of electronic elements into sharp and unsharp thermograms. In the research carried-out, the sharpness of the registered thermograms of electronic elements was determined by different sharpness measures. In the research, it was shown that in the case of thermograms classified as sharp, a smaller error of temperature measurement was obtained with the use of a thermal imaging camera.
128.76–129.56 GHz Fundamental Voltage Control Oscillator in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Su Guodong , Chen Dirong , Pang Kaixuan , Gao Haijun , Su Jiangtao , Sun Lingling
Published: May 2020

This paper presented a fundamental voltage control oscillator (VCO), and its operating frequency ranged from 128.76 GHz to 129.56 GHz. A differential low negative coupling shield switch (DLNCSS) inductor was proposed and analyzed, which helped to improve the tuning range and phase noise of the presented VCO. Meanwhile, an improved transformer-coupled resonant tank, which consisted of DLNCSS inductor and differential varactor using the common-cathode structure, was used to improve the phase noise of the proposed VCO further. This presented VCO was designed and fabricated by using 65 nm CMOS process, which occupied a compact area of 0.23 mm2, including all testing pads. The measurement results showed that this VCO consumed 11.2 mW from a 1.4 V supply and had the tuning range of 0.8 GHz. The output power ranged from −11.8 dBm to −10.6 dBm in its operating frequency band. The post-layout simulation showed that the phase noise at 1 MHz was better than −82 dBc/Hz.
Broadband Millimeter-Wave Power Amplifier Using Modified 2D Distributed Power Combining
Authors: Kim Jihoon
Published: May 2020

A broadband millimeter-wave (mmWave) power amplifier (PA) was implemented using a modified 2D distributed power combining technique. The proposed power combining was based on a single-ended dual-fed distributed combining (SEDFDC) design technique using zero-phase shifting (ZPS) transmission lines. To improve the input/output power distribution of each power cell within a wide frequency range, N/2-way power dividers/combiners were inserted into the distributed combining structure. Modified ZPS lines also simplified the combining structure and curbed phase variation according to the frequency. These modifications enabled power combining cells to increase without degrading the power bandwidth. The proposed PA was fabricated with a commercial 0.15 μm GaAs pseudo high electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) monolithic microwave-integrated circuit (MMIC) process. It exhibited 20.3 to 24.2 dBm output power (Pout), 12.9 to 21.8 dB power gain, and 5.2% to 12.7% power-added efficiency (PAE) between 26 and 56 GHz.
Neighbor Aware Protocols for IoT Devices in Smart Cities—Overview, Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Lee Sungwon , Azfar Yaqub Muhammad Azfar , Kim Dongkyun
Published: May 2020

The principle of Smart Cities is the interconnection of services, based on a network of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As the number of IoT devices continue to grow, the demand to organize and maintain the IoT applications is increased. Therefore, the solutions for smart city should have the ability to efficiently utilize the resources and their associated challenges. Neighbor aware solutions can enhance the capabilities of the smart city. In this article, we briefly overview the neighbor aware solutions and challenges in smart cities. We then categorize the neighbor aware solutions and discuss the possibilities using the collaboration among neighbors to extend the lifetime of IoT devices. We also propose a new duty cycle MAC protocol with assistance from the neighbors to extend the lifetime of the nodes. Simulation results further coagulate the impact of neighbor assistance on the performance of IoT devices in smart cities.
The Physics of Fluid Dynamics Applied to Vascular Ulcers and Its Impact on Nursing Care
Authors: Robles-Romero José Miguel , Romero-Martín Macarena , Conde-Guillén Gloria , Cruces-Romero Daniel , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Ponce-Blandón José Antonio
Published: May 2020

The high incidence of vascular ulcers and the difficulties encountered in their healing process require the understanding of their multiple etiologies to develop effective strategies focused on providing different treatment options. This work provides a description of the principles of the physics of fluid dynamics related to vascular ulcers. The morphological characteristics of the cardiovascular system promote blood flow. The contraction force of the left ventricle is enhanced by its ability to reduce its radius of curvature and by increasing the thickness of the ventricular wall (Laplace’s Law). Arterial flow must overcome vascular resistance (Ohm’s equation). The elastic nature of the artery and the ability to reduce its diameter as flow rate progresses facilitate blood conduction at high speed up to arteriolar level, and this can be determined by the second equation of continuity. As it is a viscous fluid, we must discuss laminar flow, calculated by the Reynolds number, which favors proper conduction while aiming at the correct net filtration pressure. Any endothelial harmful process that affects the muscle wall of the vessel increases the flow speed, causing a decrease in capillary hydrostatic pressure, thus reducing the exchange of nutrients at the interstitial level. With regard to the return system, the flow direction is anti-gravity and requires endogenous aid to establish the Starling’s equilibrium. Knowledge on the physics of vascular fluid dynamics makes it easier to understand the processes of formation of these ulcers so as to choosing the optimal healing and prevention techniques for these chronic wounds.
Smart Environments and Social Robots for Age-Friendly Integrated Care Services
Authors: Anghel Ionut , Cioara Tudor , Moldovan Dorin , Antal Marcel , Pop Claudia Daniela , Salomie Ioan , Pop Cristina Bianca , Chifu Viorica Rozina
Published: May 2020

The world is facing major societal challenges because of an aging population that is putting increasing pressure on the sustainability of care. While demand for care and social services is steadily increasing, the supply is constrained by the decreasing workforce. The development of smart, physical, social and age-friendly environments is identified by World Health Organization (WHO) as a key intervention point for enabling older adults, enabling them to remain as much possible in their residences, delay institutionalization, and ultimately, improve quality of life. In this study, we survey smart environments, machine learning and robot assistive technologies that can offer support for the independent living of older adults and provide age-friendly care services. We describe two examples of integrated care services that are using assistive technologies in innovative ways to assess and deliver of timely interventions for polypharmacy management and for social and cognitive activity support in older adults. We describe the architectural views of these services, focusing on details about technology usage, end-user interaction flows and data models that are developed or enhanced to achieve the envisioned objective of healthier, safer, more independent and socially connected older people.
Zika Virus and the Risk of Developing Microcephaly in Infants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Antoniou Evangelia , Orovou Eirini , Sarella Angeliki , Iliadou Maria , Rigas Nikolaos , Palaska Ermioni , Iatrakis Georgios , Dagla Maria
Published: May 2020

The global epidemic of Zika virus has been a major public health problem affecting pregnant women and their infants. Zika virus causes a viral disease transmitted to humans mainly by the infected Aedes mosquito bite. The infection is not severe in most cases; however, there is evidence that infection during pregnancy may be associated with fetal genetic abnormalities (including microcephaly). In addition to microcephaly and other malformations, some specific lesions in the central nervous system have been reported. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the risk of developing microcephaly in infants whose mothers were infected with Zika virus in pregnancy. Epidemiological studies and case reports were incorporated in our review, finally including 15 articles from an initial pool of 355 related papers. Most studies have linked maternal infection during pregnancy to the development of neonatal microcephaly. The period considered most dangerous is the first trimester and the beginning or the whole of the second trimester. In order to understand the relationship between Zika virus and microcephaly in infants, a cohort study will be able to estimate the time from the onset of Zika infection and the full spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Girgenti Rosario , Tropea Alessandro , Buttafarro Maria Antonina , Ragusa Rosalia , Ammirata Martina
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aims to investigate the quality of life and the therapeutic compliance of the patients who received a liver transplant, from a living or deceased donor, at IRCCS ISMETT in the last three years. Liver transplantation is an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with end-stage liver failure. The quality of life (QOL) of liver disease patients is placed under considerable stress due to the debilitating clinical conditions and related issues experienced in everyday life by these individuals. The concept of QOL is being increasingly used to define the individual perception of health, including physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The success of a liver transplant should therefore be intended not only in terms of survival, but also of recovery of a satisfying quality of life. For this reason, our liver transplant recipients are closely monitored and supported from a psychological standpoint. This is done to monitor their ability to adapt to and comply with their clinical condition and to verify their gradual resumption of their path of life Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data collected by the IRCCS ISMETT Clinical Psychology Service during routine psychological follow-up of liver transplant recipients. Data refer to 82 patients who received a liver transplant between January 2017 and September 2019 and describe their QOL and therapeutic adherence. The obtained results were compared with the main studies on this issue available in literature. Results: Ninety-four percent of liver transplant recipients reported high mean scores of quality of life and therapeutic adherence 28% of patients reported at least one persistent annoying symptom after transplantation, although in some cases this did not affect the overall QOL. The results also refer to patients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of alcohol-related cirrhosis, who confirm their complete abstinence from alcohol. Conclusions: Our results confirm the efficacy of the liver transplantation to achieve of a good QOL. Furthermore, these patients seem to maintain high therapeutic adherence, thus ensuring a good outcome of the care received during the transplantation process.
Effects of Slip Length and Inertia on the Permeability of Fracture with Slippery Boundary Condition
Authors: Liu Benhua , Zhan Hao , Liu Yiran , Qi Huan , Huang Linxian , Wei Zhengrun , Liu Zhizheng
Published: May 2020

Although the slippery boundary condition (BC) has been validated to enhance fracture permeability (k), the coupling effects of heterogeneous slippery BC and inertia on k remain less understood. We used computational fluid dynamics to investigate the competing roles of slippery BC and inertial forces in controlling k evolution with increasing pressure gradient by designing six cases with different slip length scenarios for a two-dimensional natural fracture. Our results suggest that pronounced inertial effects were directly related to and demonstrated by the growth of recirculation zone (RZ); this caused flow regimes transitioning from Darcy to non-Darcy and significantly reduced k, with an identical tailing slope for six cases, regardless of the variability in slip lengths. Moreover, the slippery BC dominantly determine the magnitude of k with orders depending on the slip length. Lastly, our study reveals that the specific k evolution path for the case with a varying slip length was significantly different from other cases with a homogeneous one, thus encouraging more efforts in determining the slip length for natural fractures via experiments.
Association between Participation in Annual Physical Examinations and Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases in Adults with Disabilities: Evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Yugang , Zhang Qi , Li Xiaohong , Sun Mei , Lu Jun , Chen Gang
Published: May 2020

The relationships between regular participation in annual physical examinations and the risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among adults with disabilities remains unclear. To address this gap, we used data from 130,899 individuals with disabilities in Shanghai (2014–2016) and evaluated four risk factors for NCDs: hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and being overweight. Overall, 4540 individuals participated in annual physical examinations across all three years and 11,388 missed examinations in 2015 (group without regular participation). Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression were used to assess differences in patient characteristics and explore correlations between variables. Significant differences in age (χ2 = 102.620, p < 0.01), place of residence (χ2 = 94.308, p < 0.01), educational level (χ2 = 59.884, p < 0.01), marital status (χ2 = 16.414, p < 0.01) and disability type (χ2 = 56.499, p < 0.01) and severity (χ2 = 45.464, p < 0.01) were found between those who participated in regular physical examinations and those who did not. Regular participation was associated with reduced incidences of hypertension (odds ratio 0.799, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.733–0.871) and hyperlipidemia (0.347, 95% CI: 0.307–0.392), but not with the incidence of diabetes (1.049, 95% CI: 0.944–1.166) or being overweight (0.907, 95% CI: 0.812–1.014). Hence, regular participation in annual physical examinations had different associations with risk factors for NCDs.
Perceived Versus Real Swimming Skills of Adolescents under Standard and Challenging Conditions: Exploring Water Competencies as an Approach to Drowning Prevention
Authors: Rejman Marek , Kwaśna Anna , Chrobot Magdalena , Kjendlie Per-Ludvik , Stalmann Robert K
Published: May 2020

In this study, we compared adolescents’ actual (expert assessed) front crawl swimming skills to their self-assessment in two conditions: in standard swimming (wearing a swimsuit and goggles) and in a simulated risk scenario (swimming in plain clothes without goggles). We postulated that education focused on water competencies is fundamental in preventing drownings. Experts evaluated the skills of 21 female and 21 male adolescents in both standard and challenging conditions. All were low-skilled swimmers aged 14–15 years. Participants were asked to self-assess their skills before and after each trial. Boys and girls covered the same distance in both trials. Their self-assessment did not change regardless of the difficulty of the conditions. Girls assessed themselves more accurately than boys. However, boys who underestimated their skills showed greater ability to utilise the experience gained from performing the task for a more accurate self-assessment. In conclusion, adolescents should be educated in total water competencies, and not merely in swimming skills. For girls, “water readiness” is thought to broaden their ability to adapt their swimming skills to nonstandard conditions. Aquatic education for boys should focus on developing self-reflection in order to create a long-lasting responsibility using their own swimming skills.
Use and Intentional Avoidance of Prescribed Medications in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional, Web-Based Study among 926 Women in Italy
Authors: Lupattelli Angela , Picinardi Marta , Cantarutti Anna , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: May 2020

Nation-wide information about medication use in pregnancy is lacking for Italy, and no study has so far investigated the prescribed medications which pregnant women deliberately avoid. In this study, we map medication use patterns in pregnancy, as well as the extent and type of prescribed medications which are purposely avoided by pregnant women in Italy. This is a sub-study within the “Multinational Medication Use in Pregnancy Study”—a cross-sectional, web-based study conducted in Italy from 7 November 2011 to 7 January 2012. Using an anonymous electronic questionnaire, we collected data from pregnant women and new mothers on medication use and deliberate avoidance during pregnancy and maternal characteristics. The sample included 926 women residing in Italy. The point prevalence of total medication use was 71.2%. Whereas 61.4% and 12.4% of women reported medication use for the treatment of short and longer-term illnesses, respectively, only 8.8% reported medication use for the treatment of both a short and a longer-term illness in pregnancy. We found no substantial differences in estimates across various geographical areas of Italy. Overall, 26.6% of women reported to have deliberately avoided a prescribed medication in pregnancy—most often nimesulide or ketoprofen, but also antibiotics. We conclude that prenatal exposure to medication is common among women in Italy, but estimates are lower than in other Western countries. Intentional avoidance of important medications by pregnant women raises concerns about the safeguarding of maternal–child health.
Self-Perception of Dependence as an Indicator of Smartphone Addiction—Establishment of a Cutoff Point in the SPAI–Spain Inventory
Authors: Ballestar-Tarín María Luisa , Simó-Sanz Conchín , Chover-Sierra Elena , Saus-Ortega Carlos , Casal-Angulo Carmen , Martínez-Sabater Antonio
Published: May 2020

Background: In recent years, the abusive use of the smartphone has reached a situation that could be considered pathological. In this sense, different instruments to assess this problematic use or addiction to the smartphone are used. One of these instruments is the Smartphone Addition Inventory (SPAI), which has been validated in the Spanish language (SPAI-Spain). The main difficulty of these scales is to establish a cut-off point that determines such mobile addiction. On the other hand, self-perception was used in different addictions as a predictor of the problem. Aim: The objective of this study was to establish the cut-off point in the scores of the SPAI-Spain, using as a reference the self-perception of addiction values. Methods: A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was carried out, establishing as the cut-off point the one that presented a higher value of Youden J, indicative of its sensitivity and specificity. Results: 2958 participants from the university community completed the SPAI–Spain questionnaire. Differences in SPAI–Spain scores were found among age groups and gender, even though not all of them were statistically significant. When using the self-perception of smartphone addiction as the benchmark value, a score of 44 was established as the cutting point of the SPAI-Spain questionnaire, with a Youden J corresponding to 0.416. Conclusions: The implementation of a cut-off point of the SPAI-Spain questionnaire makes it an instrument that allows early identification of those individuals at risk of addiction, as well as the establishment of preventive and/or intervention measures.
Bioplastic Production from Microalgae: A Review
Authors: Onen Cinar Senem , Chong Zhi Kai , Kucuker Mehmet Ali , Wieczorek Nils , Cengiz Ugur , Kuchta Kerstin
Published: May 2020

Plastic waste production around the world is increasing, which leads to global plastic waste pollution. The need for an innovative solution to reduce this pollution is inevitable. Increased recycling of plastic waste alone is not a comprehensive solution. Furthermore, decreasing fossil-based plastic usage is an important aspect of sustainability. As an alternative to fossil-based plastics in the market, bio-based plastics are gaining in popularity. According to the studies conducted, products with similar performance characteristics can be obtained using biological feedstocks instead of fossil-based sources. In particular, bioplastic production from microalgae is a new opportunity to be explored and further improved. The aim of this study is to determine the current state of bioplastic production technologies from microalgae species and reveal possible optimization opportunities in the process and application areas. Therefore, the species used as resources for bioplastic production, the microalgae cultivation methods and bioplastic material production methods from microalgae were summarized.
Active School Transport among Children from Canada, Colombia, Finland, South Africa, and the United States: A Tale of Two Journeys
Authors: González Silvia A. , Sarmiento Olga L. , Lemoine Pablo D. , Larouche Richard , Meisel Jose D. , Tremblay Mark S. , Naranjo Melisa , Broyles Stephanie T. , Fogelholm Mikael , Holguin Gustavo A. , Lambert Estelle V. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: May 2020

Walking and biking to school represent a source of regular daily physical activity (PA). The objectives of this paper are to determine the associations of distance to school, crime safety, and socioeconomic variables with active school transport (AST) among children from five culturally and socioeconomically different country sites and to describe the main policies related to AST in those country sites. The analytical sample included 2845 children aged 9–11 years from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. Multilevel generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the associations between distance, safety and socioeconomic variables, and the odds of engaging in AST. Greater distance to school and vehicle ownership were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in AST in sites in upper-middle- and high-income countries. Crime perception was negatively associated to AST only in sites in high-income countries. Our results suggest that distance to school is a consistent correlate of AST in different contexts. Our findings regarding crime perception support a need vs. choice framework, indicating that AST may be the only commuting choice for many children from the study sites in upper-middle-income countries, despite the high perception of crime.
Geospatial Assessment of Soil Erosion Intensity and Sediment Yield Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) Model
Authors: Maqsoom Ahsen , Aslam Bilal , Hassan Usman , Kazmi Zaheer Abbas , Sodangi Mahmoud , Tufail Rana Faisal , Farooq Danish
Published: May 2020

Land degradation caused by soil erosion is considered among the most severe problems of the 21stcentury. It poses serious threats to soil fertility, food availability, human health, and the world ecosystem. The purpose of the study is to make a quantitative mapping of soil loss in the Chitral district, Pakistan. For the estimation of soil loss in the study area, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was used in combination with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Topographical features of the study area show that the area is more vulnerable to soil loss, having the highest average annual soil loss of 78 ton/ha/year. Maps generated in the study show that the area has the highest sediment yield of 258 tons/ha/year and higher average annual soil loss of 450 tons/ha/year. The very high severity class represents 8%, 16% under high, 21% under moderate, 12% under low, and 13% under very low soil loss in the Chitral district. The above study is helpful to researchers and planners for better planning to control the loss of soil in the high severity zones. Plantation of trees and structures should be built like check dams, which effectively control the soil erosion process.
Site Selection Improvement of Retailers Based on Spatial Competition Strategy and a Double-Channel Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ouyang Jiani , Fan Hong , Wang Luyao , Yang Mei , Ma Yaohong
Published: May 2020

The issue of site selection has become a critical challenge in the development of the retail industry with the growth of the Chinese economy and the improvement in the level of household consumption. Previous studies have considered the area of stores as the main factor of retail competition; however, the actual business performance of different stores in these studies was ignored. In addition, few studies have considered the differences in the spatial distribution of the factors of site selection. In this study, we discuss the improvement of site selection of small retail shops. A spatial competition index model was proposed as one of the features in estimating region market potential, and a market demand regression model of a double-channel convolutional neural network (CNN) was constructed based on the spatial correlation range of features. The study area was Guiyang, China. The experiments were based on the monthly sales data of fast-moving consumer goods retail stores in Guiyang. On the basis of the estimated results of the model, 18 sites with high potential for market demand were recommended. The performance of the proposed model was the best among well-known regression methods. Moreover, in comparison with a single-channel CNN, the proposed model decreased the root mean square error by 22.61%. Evaluation results showed that the proposed method could provide effective decision support for the issue of retail site selection.
A Software Improvement Technique for Platinum Resistance Thermometers
Authors: Chen Andrew , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Chen Chiachung
Published: May 2020

Temperature measurement is essential in industries. The advantages of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are high sensitivity, repeatability, and long-term stability. The measurement performance of this thermometer is of concern. The connection between RTDs and a novel microprocessor system provides a new method to improve the performance of RTDs. In this study, the adequate piecewise sections and the order of polynomial calibration equations were evaluated. Systematic errors were found when the relationship between temperature and resistance for PT-1000 data was expressed using the inverse Callendar-Van Dusen equation. The accuracy of these calibration equations can be improved significantly with two piecewise equations in different temperature ranges. Two datasets of the resistance of PT-1000 sensors in the range from 0 °C to 50 °C were measured. The first dataset was used to establish adequate calibration equations with regression analysis. In the second dataset, the prediction temperatures were calculated by these previously established calibration equations. The difference between prediction temperatures and the standard temperature was used as a criterion to evaluate the prediction performance. The accuracy and precision of PT-1000 sensors could be improved significantly with adequate calibration equations. The accuracy and precision were 0.027 °C and 0.126 °C, respectively. The technique developed in this study could be used for other RTD sensors and/or different temperature ranges.
Monoterpenoids: The Next Frontier in the Treatment of Chronic Pain?
Authors: Perri Filomena , Coricello Adriana , Adams James D.
Published: May 2020

Ointments and lotions from natural extracts have a long tradition of being used in folk medicines against pain conditions. Monoterpenoids are among the major constituents of several natural topical remedies. The field of chronic pain is one of the most investigated for new active molecular entities. This review will discuss several molecular mechanisms against which monoterpenoids have been proven to be good candidates for the topical treatment of chronic pain.