bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Critical Factors Impacting Artificial Intelligence Applications Adoption in Vietnam: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Phuoc Nguyen Van
Published: June 2022

The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) is the transformation of inanimate objects into intelligent beings that can reason similarly to humans. Computer systems are capable of imitating a number of human intelligence functions, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, speech recognition, and planning. In this regard, artificial intelligence applications have been developed to assist corporations and entrepreneurs in making business decisions. Hence, the aim of the study is to investigate the adoption of AI applications at the Vietnamese organizational level. Using the core structures of the technology–organization–environment (TOE), the theoretical model was constructed based on how technical and environmental elements influence companies’ technological innovation adoption decisions. Ten critical factors related to AI adoption are identified. To test the model, data were obtained from 193 senior managers who are directly in charge of information systems in both private and public companies in Vietnam. Subsequently, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that technical compatibility, relative advantage, technical complexity, technical capability, managerial capability, organizational readiness, government involvement, market uncertainty, and vendor partnership are significantly related to AI application adoption. Interestingly, the study results indicated that the relationship between organization size and AI adoption was not statistically significant. Therefore, the suggested adoption of the AI application could contribute to the existing research on the adoption of AI through the TOE. Finally, the significant government law implications and future research directions are further addressed.
Evaluation of the Putative Duplicity Effect of Novel Nutraceuticals Using Physico-Chemical and Biological In Vitro Models
Authors: Tihăuan Bianca-Maria , Axinie (Bucos) Mădălina , Marinaș Ioana-Cristina , Avram Ionela , Nicoară Anca-Cecilia , Grădișteanu-Pîrcălăbioru Grațiela , Dolete Georgiana , Ivanof Ana-Maria , Onisei Tatiana , Cășărică Angela , Pîrvu Lucia
Published: June 2022

Nutraceuticals are experiencing a high-rise use nowadays, which is incomparable to a few years ago, due to a shift in consumers’ peculiarity tendencies regarding the selection of alternatives to Western medicine, potential immunity boosters, or gut-health promoters. Nutraceuticals’ compositions and actual effects should be proportional to their sought-after status, as they are perceived to be the middle ground between pharma rigor and naturally occurring actives. Therefore, the health benefits via nutrition, safe use, and reduction of potential harm should be the main focus for manufacturers. In this light, this study assess the nutritional profile (proteins, fats, fibers, caloric value, minerals) of a novel formulated nutraceutical, its physico-chemical properties, FTIR spectra, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content, and potential hazards (heavy metals and microbiological contaminants), as well as its cytotoxicity, adherence, and invasion of bacteria on HT-29 cells, as well as its evaluation of beneficial effect, potential prebiotic value, and duplicity effect on gut microbiota in correlation with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The results obtained indicate the growth stimulation of Lb. rhamnosus and the inhibitory effects of E.coli, Ent. Faecalis and Lc. lactis. The interaction between active compounds suggested a modulator effect of the intestinal microbiota by reducing the number of bacteria that adhere to epithelial cells or by inhibiting their growth.
A Study on the Cement Gel Formation Process during the Creation of Nanomodified High-Performance Concrete Based on Nanosilica
Authors: Beskopylny Alexey N. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Varavka Valery , Beskopylny Nikita , El’shaeva Diana
Published: June 2022

One of the most science-intensive and developing areas is nano-modified concrete. Its characteristics of high-strength, high density, and improved structure, which is not only important at the stage of monitoring their performance, but also at the manufacturing stage, characterize high-performance concrete. The aim of this study is to obtain new theoretical knowledge and experimental-applied dependencies arising from the “composition–microstructure–properties” ratio of high-strength concretes with a nano-modifying additive of the most effective type. The methods of laser granulometry and electron microscopy are applied. The existing concepts from the point of view of theory and practice about the processes of cement gel formation during the creation of nano-modified high-strength concretes with nano-modifying additives are developed. The most rational mode of the nano-modification of high-strength concretes is substantiated as follows: microsilica ground to nanosilica within 12 h. A complex nano-modifier containing nanosilica, superplasticizer, hyperplasticizer, and sodium sulfate was developed. The most effective combination of the four considered factors are: the content of nanosilica is 4% by weight of cement; the content of the superplasticizer additive is 1.4% by weight of cement; the content of the hyperplasticizer additive is 3% by weight of cement; and the water–cement ratio—0.33. The maximum difference of the strength characteristics in comparison with other combinations ranged from 45% to 57%.
Health-Related Quality of Life Sleep Score Predicts Transfer to Hemodialysis among Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Nagasaka Tomoki , Washida Naoki , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Hama Eriko Yoshida , Kusahana Ei , Nakayama Takashin , Yasuda Itaru , Morimoto Kohkichi , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Despite the superiority of peritoneal dialysis (PD) over hemodialysis (HD) regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the specific HRQOL domain(s) that predict unplanned HD transfer remains uncertain. In this cohort study, we assessed the HRQOL of 50 outpatients undergoing PD using the Japanese version 1.3 Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form from March 2017 to March 2018 and prospectively analyzed the association of each HRQOL component with HD transfer until June 2021. During the follow-up (41.5 (13.0–50.1) months), 21 patients were transferred to HD. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, PD vintage, urine output, Charlson comorbidity index, and incremental shuttle walking test, a higher sleep score was significantly associated with lower HD transfer rates (HR 0.70 per 10, p = 0.01). An adjusted subdistribution hazard model where elected transition to HD, death, and transplantation were considered competing events of unintended HD transfer that showed sleep score as an exclusive predictor of HD transfer (HR 0.70 per 10, p = 0.002). Our results suggest that sleep score among the HRQOL subscales is instrumental in predicting HD transfer in patients undergoing PD.
Diabetes and Oral Health (DiabOH): The Perspectives of Primary Healthcare Providers in the Management of Diabetes and Periodontitis in China and Comparison with Those in Australia
Authors: Yun Andrew , Luo Yuan , Calache Hanny , Wang Yan , Darby Ivan , Lau Phyllis
Published: June 2022

Diabetes and periodontal disease are highly prevalent conditions around the world with a bilateral causative relationship. Research suggests that interprofessional collaboration can improve care delivery and treatment outcomes. However, there continues to be little interprofessional management of these diseases. DiabOH research aims to develop an interprofessional diabetes and oral health care model for primary health care that would be globally applicable. Community medical practitioners (CMPs), community health nurses (CNs), and dentists in Shanghai were recruited to participate in online quantitative surveys. Response data of 76 CMPs, CNs, and dentists was analysed for descriptive statistics and compared with Australian data. Health professionals in China reported that, while screening for diabetes and periodontitis, increasing patient referral and improving interprofessional collaboration would be feasible, these were not within their scope of practice. Oral health screening was rarely conducted by CMPs or CNs, while dentists were not comfortable discussing diabetes with patients. Most participants believed that better collaboration would benefit patients. Chinese professionals concurred that interprofessional collaboration is vital for the improved management of diabetes and periodontitis. These views were similar in Melbourne, except that Shanghai health professionals held increased confidence in managing patients with diabetes and were more welcoming to increased oral health training.
Relative Efficiency of Radiation Treatment Centers: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Bayley Tiffany , Begen Mehmet A. , Rodrigues Felipe F. , Barrett David
Published: June 2022

This study determines the relative efficiencies of a number of cancer treatment centers in Ontario, taking into account the differences among them so that their performances can be compared against the provincial targets. These differences can be in physical and financial resources, and patient demographics. An analytical framework is developed based on a three-step data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to build efficiency metrics for planning, delivery, and quality of treatment at each center. Regression analysis is used to explain the efficiency metrics and demonstrates how these findings can inform continuous improvement efforts.
Elderly Caregivers’ Awareness of Caregiving Health Risks
Authors: Amar Shimon , Biderman Aya , Carmel Sara , Bachner Yaacov G.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness of elderly primary caregivers of being at physical and mental health risk due to their caregiving role, as well as to examine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics, patient care characteristics, and situational variables on caregivers’ awareness. Data were collected by interview of a sample of primary caregivers aged 60+. A total of 202 primary caregivers responded positively, representing a response rate of 65% (202/311). We found a low–moderate level of awareness. The final multivariate regression analysis (F (12, 179) = 21.26, p < 0.000) revealed six variables, out of nearly 30, that are associated with a high percentage (59%) of the variability of caregivers’ awareness, namely caregiving burden, caregivers’ self-rated health, patient’s disease severity, caregiver gender, number of children, and familial relation to the patient. Action may be taken to raise caregivers’ awareness. Such interventions would possibly contribute to the quality of life and health of caregivers, enable the optimal treatment of the patient, and reduce the costs imposed on the health system and society in general.
Breathing, (S)Training and the Pelvic Floor—A Basic Concept
Authors: Talasz Helena , Kremser Christian , Talasz Heribert Johannes , Kofler Markus , Rudisch Ansgar
Published: June 2022

Background: The current scientific literature is inconsistent regarding the potential beneficial or deleterious effects of high-intensity physical activities on the pelvic floor (PF) in women. So far, it has not been established with certainty whether disparate breathing mechanisms may exert short- or long-term influence on the PF function in this context, although based on the established physiological interrelationship of breathing with PF activation, this seems plausible. Objective: To propose a basic concept of the influence of different breathing patterns on the PF during strenuous physical efforts. Methodical approaches: Review of the recent literature, basic knowledge of classical western medicine regarding the principles of muscle physiology and the biomechanics of breathing, additional schematic illustrations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data corroborate the proposed concept and exemplify the consequences of strenuous efforts on the PF in relation to respective breathing phases. Conclusion: The pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) physiologically act as expiratory muscles in synergy with the anterolateral abdominal muscles, contracting during expiration and relaxing during inspiration. Obviously, a strenuous physical effort requires an expiratory motor synergy with the PFM and abdominal muscles in a co-contracted status to train the PFM and protect the PF against high intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Holding breath in an inspiratory pattern during exertion stresses the PF because the high IAP impinges on the relaxed, hence insufficiently protected, PFMs. It seems conceivable that such disadvantageous breathing, if performed regularly and repeatedly, may ultimately cause PF dysfunction. At any rate, future research needs to take into account the respective breathing cycles during measurements and interventions addressing PFM function.
The Effects of Prior Mammography Screening on the Performance of Breast Cancer Detection in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chin-Chuan , Ho Tzu-Chuan , Lien Chih-Ying , Shen Daniel Hueng-Yuan , Chuang Kuo-Pin , Chan Hung-Pin , Yang Ming-Hui , Tyan Yu-Chang
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of previous mammography screening on the performance of breast cancer detection. The screened women were divided into first-visit and follow-up groups for breast cancer screening. The positive predictive value (PPV), cancer detection rate (CDR), and recall rate were used to evaluate and analyze the overall screening performance among the two groups. Among them, 10,040 screenings (67.2%) were first visits and 4895 screenings (32.8%) were follow-up visits. The proportion of positive screening results for first-visit participants was higher than that for their follow-up counterparts (9.3% vs. 4.0%). A total of 98 participants (74 first-visit and 24 follow-up visit) were confirmed to have breast cancer. The PPV for positive mammography for women who underwent biopsy confirmation was 28.7% overall, reaching 35.8% for the follow-up visit group and 27.0% for the first-visit group. The CDR was 6.6 per 1000 overall, reaching 7.4 per 1000 for first-visit group and 4.9 per 1000 for the follow-up group. The overall recall rate was 7.9%, reaching 9.7% for the first-visit group and 4.2% for the follow-up group. The PPV is improved and the recall rate is decreased if prior mammography images are available for comparison when conducting mammography screening for breast cancer. By this study, we concluded that prior mammography plays an important role for breast cancer screening, while follow-up mammography may increase the diagnostic rate when compared to the prior mammography. We suggest that the public health authority can encourage subjects to undergo screenings in the same health institute where they regularly visit.
Indicators Predicting Inpatient Mortality in Post-Stroke Patients Admitted to a Chronic Care Hospital: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Koumo Masatoshi , Goda Akio , Maki Yoshinori , Yokoyama Kouta , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Hosokawa Tsumugi , Katsura Junichi , Yanagibashi Ken
Published: June 2022

Evidence concerning the mortality of post-stroke patients admitted to a chronic-phase hospital seems to be lacking. This pilot study aimed to identify mortality-related clinical variables in the admission of post-stroke patients from a retrospective perspective. A group of 38 non-survival stroke patients and another group of 46 survival stroke patients in a chronic-phase ward of the single center were recruited. Clinical variables including age, sex, stroke type, and Barthel index (BI) score were collected. The difference in the age and BI scores on admission were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.01). Polytomous logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio = 1.09, p = 0.03, and 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.07), male sex (odds ratio = 5.04, p = 0.01, and 95% confidence interval: 1.39–18.27), and BI scores on admission (odds ratio = 0.90, p = 0.01, and 95% confidence interval: 0.83–0.97) could be prognostic variables. The percentage of correct classification was 83.3%. Age, male sex, and BI scores on admission may be prognostic indicators. The result of this study could lay the groundwork for palliative care for such a clinical population.
Walnut Genotypes for High Density Orchards
Authors: Devin Sama Rahimi , Bujdoso Geza
Published: June 2022

The aim of this review is to check the possibilities and circumstances regarding how to create a high-density Persian walnut orchard. Increasing yields, decreasing tree size, limiting juveniles, and lowering total costs are the most important objectives of breeders and horticulturists. Reducing the size of walnut trees can increase yield. Breeding programs in several countries have led to the production of walnut dwarf rootstocks. For example, Daixiang and Daihui in China, Alvand in Iran, and Fernette in France are all novel-bred dwarfing Persian walnut rootstocks. These precocious walnuts are considered to be a rare resource in the study of precociousness as well as juvenile and flowering mechanisms. Moreover, they play a potential role in breeding and modifying cultivars by genetic engineering, through walnut ameliorating programs. The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) technique is used to improve walnuts, which will be used in the near future.
Calcium in Photosynthetic Restoration and Growth of Annona emarginata after Mechanical Damage
Authors: Campos Felipe Girotto , Barzotto Gustavo Ribeiro , Pagassini Jonas Akenaton Venturineli , Sousa Marilia Caixeta , Ferreira Gisela , Boaro Carmen Sílvia Fernandes
Published: June 2022

Calcium, an essential element with structural function in the cell wall and plasma membrane, in addition to being a secondary messenger, is responsible for the regulation of physiological processes in plant development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study investigated the effects of calcium variation on photosynthetic performance, growth, and enzymatic antioxidant defense system in A. emarginata subjected to mechanical damage. The experimental design was in 6 × 5 factorial randomized blocks. A. emarginata plants were submitted to the six treatments: plants grown in solution with 0 mM Ca2+ without mechanical damage, 0 mM Ca2+ with mechanical damage, 2 mM Ca2+ without mechanical damage, 2 mM Ca2+ with mechanical damage, 4 mM Ca2+ without mechanical damage, and 4 mM Ca2+ with mechanical damage, as well as five evaluation periods at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after mechanical damage. The fluorescence of chlorophyll a, gas exchange, total dry mass, quantitative growth, and lipid peroxidation was studied. It is concluded that the A. emarginata plants showed better performance in restoration after mechanical damage in the presence of Ca2+ and was more sensitive in the absence of the mineral. Cultivation of the species with 2 mM Ca2+ in complete nutrient solution was sufficient to guarantee the efficiency of the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, and photosynthetic restoration of plants subjected to mechanical damage.
Dicarbonyl Stress in Diabetic Vascular Disease
Authors: Stratmann Bernd
Published: June 2022

Late vascular complications play a prominent role in the diabetes-induced increase in morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitus is recognised as a risk factor driving atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality; even after the normalisation of blood glucose concentration, the event risk is amplified—an effect called “glycolytic memory”. The hallmark of this glycolytic memory and diabetic pathology are advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive glucose metabolites such as methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound derived mainly from glycolysis. MGO and AGEs have an impact on vascular and organ structure and function, contributing to organ damage. As MGO is not only associated with hyperglycaemia in diabetes but also with other risk factors for diabetic vascular complications such as obesity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, MGO is identified as a major player in the development of vascular complications in diabetes both on micro- as well as macrovascular level. In diabetes mellitus, the detoxifying system for MGO, the glyoxalase system, is diminished, accounting for the increased MGO concentration and glycotoxic load. This overview will summarise current knowledge on the effect of MGO and AGEs on vascular function.
UHBR Open-Test-Case Fan ECL5/CATANA
Authors: Pagès Valdo , Duquesne Pierre , Aubert Stéphane , Blanc Laurent , Ferrand Pascal , Ottavy Xavier , Brandstetter Christoph
Published: June 2022

The application of composite fans enables disruptive design possibilities but increases sensitivity to multi-physical resonance between aerodynamic, structure dynamic and acoustic phenomena. As a result, aeroelastic problems increasingly set the stability limit. Test cases of representative geometries without industrial restrictions are a key element of an open scientific culture but are currently non-existent in the turbomachinery community. In order to provide a multi-physical validation benchmark representative of near-future UHBR fan concepts, the open-test-case fan stage ECL5 was developed at Ecole Centrale de Lyon. The design intention was to develop a geometry with high efficiency and a wide stability range that can be realized using carbon fibre composites. This publication aims to introduce the final test case, which is currently fabricated and will be experimentally tested. The fan blades are composed of a laminate made of unidirectional carbon fibres and epoxy composite plies. Their structural properties and the ply orientations are presented. To characterize the test case, details are given on the aerodynamic design of the whole stage, structure dynamics of the fan and aeroelastic stability of the fan. These are obtained with a state-of-art industrial design process: static and modal FEM, RANS and LRANS simulations. Aerodynamic analysis focuses on performance and shows critical flow structures such as tip leakage flow, radial flow migration and flow separations. Mechanical modes of the fan are described and discussed in the context of aeroelastic interactions. Their frequency distribution is validated in terms of resonance risk with respect to synchronous vibration. The aeroelastic stability of the fan is evaluated at representative operating points with a systematic approach. Potential instabilities are observed far from the operating line and do not compromise experimental campaigns.
Structural Performance of Acute Corners on Skewed Bridge Decks Using Non-Linear Modeling of the Deck Parapet
Authors: Mawson Jessica , Mehr Masoud , Constant Jodi , Zaghi Arash E. , Hain Alexandra
Published: June 2022

In modern transportation projects, the demand for skewed bridges is increasing. Restrictive site constraints, particularly in urban infrastructure projects, yield severely skewed bridges that demand specific design and construction considerations. In particular, the acute corners have reinforcement details that are challenging to construct and often perform poorly. Although the Federal Highway Administration has recognized this problem, to date a simplified detail has not been suggested and evaluated. To tackle this challenge, the Connecticut Department of Transportation partnered with the University of Connecticut to propose a simplified reinforcement detail for acute corners that replaces the normal transverse reinforcement with reinforcement placed along the skew with specific detailing to avoid congestion. An analytical study was conducted using CSiBridge to evaluate the performance of the detail with different skew angles. A series of pushover analyses were performed to capture the flexural yielding of the parapet and measure the stresses in the reinforcing bars in the slab. Based on these findings, a simplified detail for the acute corner of skewed bridge decks is provided.
Study of a Bimodal α–β Ti Alloy Microstructure Using Multi-Resolution Spherical Indentation Stress-Strain Protocols
Authors: Millan-Espitia Natalia , Kalidindi Surya R.
Published: June 2022

Recent investigations have highlighted the multi-resolution and high throughput characteristics of the spherical indentation experimental and analysis protocols. In the present work, we further demonstrate the capabilities of these protocols for reliably extracting indentation stress-strain (ISS) responses from the microscale constituents as well as the bulk scale of dual phase materials exhibiting bimodal microstructures. Specifically, we focus on bimodal microstructures produced in an α–β Ti6242 sample. Combining the multi-resolution indentation responses with microstructural statistics gathered from the segmentation of back-scattered electron images from the scanning electron microscope allowed for a critical experimental evaluation of the commonly utilized Rule of Mixtures based composite model for the elastic stiffness and plastic yield strength of the sample. The indentation and image analyses protocols described in this paper offer novel research avenues for the systematic development and critical experimental validation of composite material models.
First-Principles Study of Electronic and Optical Properties of Tri-Layered van der Waals Heterostructures Based on Blue Phosphorus and Zinc Oxide
Authors: Slepchenkov Michael M. , Kolosov Dmitry A. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: June 2022

The creation of van der Waals heterostructures with tunable properties from various combinations of modern 2D materials is one of the promising tasks of nanoelectronics, focused on improving the parameters of electronic nanodevices. In this paper, using ab initio methods, we theoretically predict the existence of new three-layer van der Waals zinc oxide/blue phosphorus/zinc oxide (ZnO/BlueP/ZnO) heterostructure with AAA, ABA, ABC layer packing types. It is found that AAA-, ABA-, and ABC-stacked ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructures are semiconductors with a gap of about 0.7 eV. The dynamic conductivity and absorption spectra are calculated in the wavelength range of 200–2000 nm. It is revealed that the BlueP monolayer makes the greatest contribution to the formation of the profiles the dynamic conductivity and absorption coefficient spectrums of the ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructure. This is indicated by the fact that, for the ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructure, conductivity anisotropy is observed at different directions of wave polarization, as for blue phosphorus. It has been established that the absorption maximum of the heterostructure falls in the middle ultraviolet range, and, starting from a wavelength of 700 nm, there is a complete absence of absorption. The type of layer packing has practically no effect on the regularities in the formation of the spectra of dynamic conductivity and the absorption coefficient, which is important from the point of view of their application in optoelectronics.
Kynurenine Metabolism as a Mechanism to Improve Fatigue and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors Following Resistance Training
Authors: Robbins Ronna N. , Kelleher Jessica L. , Vellanki Priyathama , O’Connor Jason C. , Mascaro Jennifer S. , Nocera Joe R. , Serra Monica C.
Published: June 2022

This pilot examines whether resistance training (RT) can induce changes in kynurenine (KYN) metabolism, which may contribute to improved physical function in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Thirty-six BCSs (63.2 ± 1.1 years) underwent assessments of physical function and visual analog scale (100 cm) fatigue and quality of life before and after 12 weeks of RT (N = 22) or non-exercise control (CBCT©: Cognitively Based Compassion Training, N = 10). Blood was collected before and after interventions for assessment of KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α). At baseline, the women were moderately fatigued (mean score: 46 cm) and at risk of poor functional mobility. A group*time interaction was observed for all measures of strength with improvements (~25–35%) following RT (p’s < 0.01), but not CBCT. Time effects were observed for fatigue (−36%) and quality of life (5%) (p’s < 0.01), where both groups improved in a similar manner. A group*time interaction was observed for KYN (p = 0.02) and PGC-1α (p < 0.05), with KYN decreasing and PGC-1α increasing following RT and the opposite following CBCT. These changes resulted in KYN/KYNA decreasing 34% post-RT, but increasing 21% following CBCT. These data support RT as a therapeutic intervention to counteract the long-term side effect of fatigue and physical dysfunction in BCSs. Additionally, the results suggest that this effect may be mediated through the activation of PGC-1α leading to alterations in KYN metabolism.
How to Form a Successful Team for the Novel Olympic Triathlon Discipline: The Mixed-Team-Relay
Authors: Quagliarotti Claudio , Gaiola Daniele , Bianchini Luca , Vleck Veronica , Piacentini Maria Francesca
Published: June 2022

The triathlon Mixed-Team-Relay (MTR) is a new race format present for the first time at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. The results of the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship from 2014 to 2019 were collected to provide practical suggestions for forming a successful MTR, such as the importance of each leg and discipline on MTR and Super-Sprint performance. The total relay time (Trelay), the time of each team member (leg-from 1 to 4) (Tleg), and the time of each single discipline (swim, T1, cycle, T2, run) were collected from the official website. Inferential analysis was performed to assess prediction and differences between variables. Leg 3 was shown to be the most important to predict Trelay (0.41), which is also the slower. For both Trelay and Tleg, cycling resulted as the most important (>0.60) and longer (~52%) portion, followed by running and swimming. However, higher importance in swimming was found in successful teams compared to running. For a successful MTR, we suggest: (a) use short-distance specialized triathletes; (b) strengthen cycling and swimming; (c) position in legs 1 and 2 athletes capable of racing in a group; in legs 3 and 4 athletes capable of racing in a non-drafting situation.
Recommendations for Resuming PA after Prolonged Rest in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Integrative Review of Relevance for Immunity
Authors: Cicchella Antonio
Published: June 2022

This systematic integrative review aims to summarize the protective effect of PA on children and adolescents, with special reference to the immune system. Periods of prolonged inactivity in children and adolescents are rare and due to exceptional events, such as illness or environmental circumstances, e.g., natural disasters, wars, or epidemics. The recent COVID-19 pandemic forced billions of children in developmental ages into inactivity. This exceptional event was the reason for studying the compensational behavioral strategies adopted by children and adolescents to counteract physical inactivity. Several studies showed the rise of spontaneous physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents to compensate for sedentarism. However, for some children, sedentarism could in turn foster other sedentarism. With the restart of “normal daily life” worldwide, a question is posed on both how to resume PA without causing damage and how to improve the immune response. Some key points emerged from the literature. Children must resume PA gradually using different methods, considering age, sex, health status, and the presence of overweight conditions. Immunity can be stimulated with PA by aerobic exercise, resistance training, flexibility exercise, relaxation, and coordinative exercises.
Observations of Reflected Internal Solitary Waves near the Continental Shelf of the Dongsha Atoll
Authors: Zhang Hao , Meng Junmin , Sun Lina , Li Shibao
Published: June 2022

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) near the Dongsha Atoll in the northern South China Sea (SCS) can be divided into incident, reflected, and refracted waves. Compared with the incident and refracted ISWs, the reflected ISWs are less likely to appear, but their impact on the ecological environment and marine activity should not be underestimated. In this work, field experiments were performed and moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) images were collected to analyze the reflected ISWs. Satellite observations showed that they were excited by the collision between the incident ISWs and the Dongsha Atoll and are often in the form of a wave packet composed of 2 to 5 solitons. During propagation, its spatial range gradually increases and interacts with the incoming waves generated by the next tidal cycle until it dissipates at approximately 117.5° E. Eighty percent of the reflected ISWs occur from April to June. The length of the crest line is mainly between 50 and 150 km, and the average propagation speed is approximately 1.57 m/s, which is smaller than that of the incident ISWs. In situ observations showed that the amplitudes of the reflected ISWs were between 10 and 20 m, accounting for only 40% of the incident ISWs. Compared with the incident ISWs, the vertical, velocity, and zonal velocities of the reflected ISWs were all attenuated. The results of the depth-integrated horizontal energy flux calculation showed that the energy of the reflected ISWs was only 61% of that of the incident ISWs. The reflected ISWs accelerated the velocity of the surface flow field during propagation, and the maximum velocity on the sea surface was approximately 0.60 m/s. Strong tides are beneficial for the generation of reflected ISWs near the Dongsha Atoll. Incident and reflected ISWs are all first-mode ISWs.
Empirical Failure Pressure Prediction Equations for Pipelines with Longitudinal Interacting Corrosion Defects Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Suria Devi , Lo Michael , Karuppanan Saravanan , Ovinis Mark
Published: June 2022

Conventional pipeline failure pressure assessment codes do not allow for failure pressure prediction of interacting defects subjected to combined loadings. Alternatively, numerical approaches may be used; however, they are computationally expensive. In this work, an analytical equation based on finite element analysis for the failure pressure prediction of API 5L X52, X65, and X80 corroded pipes with a longitudinal interacting corrosion defect subjected to combined loadings is proposed. An artificial neural network (ANN) trained with failure pressure obtained from finite element analysis (FEA) of API 5L X52, X65, and X80 pipes for varied defect spacings, depths and lengths, and axial compressive stress were used to develop the equation. Subsequently, a parametric study on the effects of the defect spacing, length, and depth, and axial compressive stress on the failure pressure of a corroded pipe with longitudinal interacting defects was performed to demonstrate a correlation between defect geometries and failure pressure of API 5L X52, X65, and X80 pipes, using the equation. The new equation predicted failure pressures for these pipe grades with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9930 and an error range of −10.00% to 1.22% for normalized defect spacings of 0.00 to 3.00, normalized effective defect lengths of 0.00 to 2.95, normalized effective defect depths of 0.00 to 0.80, and normalized axial compressive stress of 0.00 to 0.80.
A Novel Decision Support Methodology for Autonomous Collision Avoidance Based on Deduction of Manoeuvring Process
Authors: Zhang Ke , Huang Liwen , Liu Xiao , Chen Jiahao , Zhao Xingya , Huang Weiguo , He Yixiong
Published: June 2022

In the last few years, autonomous ships have attracted increasing attention in the maritime industry. Autonomous ships with an autonomous collision avoidance capability are the development trend for future ships. In this study, a ship manoeuvring process deduction-based dynamic adaptive autonomous collision avoidance decision support method for autonomous ships is presented. Firstly, the dynamic motion parameters of the own ship relative to the target ship are calculated by using the dynamic mathematical model. Then the fuzzy set theory is adopted to construct collision risk models, which combine the spatial collision risk index (SCRI) and time collision risk index (TCRI) in different encountered situations. After that, the ship movement model and fuzzy adaptive PID method are used to derive the ships’ manoeuvre motion process. On this basis, the feasible avoidance range and the optimal steering angle for ship collision avoidance are calculated by deducting the manoeuvring process and the modified velocity obstacle (VO) method. Moreover, to address the issue of resuming sailing after the ship collision avoidance is completed, the Line of Sight (LOS) guidance system is adopted to resume normal navigation for the own ship in this study. Finally, the dynamic adaptive autonomous collision avoidance model is developed by combining the ship movement model, the fuzzy adaptive PID control model, the modified VO method and the resume-sailing model. The results of the simulation show that the proposed methodology can effectively avoid collisions between the own ship and the moving TSs for situations involving two or multiple ships, and the own ship can resume its original route after collision avoidance is completed. Additionally, it is also proved that this method can be applied to complex situations with various encountered ships, and it exhibits excellent adaptability and effectiveness when encountering multiple objects and complex situations.
Risk Evaluation of Navigation Environment Based on Dynamic Weight Model and Its Application
Authors: Chen Shuzhe , Wu Lei , Xie Cheng , Zhou Li , Wang Rui , Liu Zhao , Zhu Quanlong , Zhu Lianzhong
Published: June 2022

In order to scientifically and reasonably evaluate the safety risk of ship navigation, to and better solve the problems of the poor sensitivity of static evaluation and insufficient ability to grasp the overall dynamic situation, in this paper, representative safety evaluation indexes for ship navigation are screened and the initial weight of each index is confirmed in combination with the improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP), in order to learn the changes of navigation environment and accident samples in the waters in the jurisdiction. Finally, the dynamic risk evaluation is carried out by constructing a dynamic weight evaluation model for the safety risk of the navigation environment based on the weight fusion of subjective and objective impact factors. The waters under the jurisdiction of Sanya, China were selected for the study, and the navigation risk of the waters in the jurisdiction was calculated by using the dynamic weight evaluation model based on navigation risk. The calculation results are highly consistent with the results based on the statistics of historical accidents and the analysis of the characteristics of the navigation environment in the jurisdiction. The navigation risk in this water area is the greatest from May to September every year. The dynamic weight evaluation model can not only overcome the subjective evaluation distortion in the traditional risk evaluation theory of navigation environment in practical applications, but can also provide a scientific theoretical basis for the dynamic evaluation and early warning of the risk of ship navigation environments through continuous sample learning.
A Novel Analytical Solution Method for Celestial Positioning
Authors: Tsai King-Cheng , Tseng Wei-Kuo , Chen Chun-Lung , Sun Yi-Jia
Published: June 2022

Traditional celestial navigation adopts the intercept method or Sumner line method in order to solve the fix problems of celestial sight reduction. While an estimated position is often needed in order to complete celestial positioning, these methods are not rigorous and they have many shortcomings. Thus, this study has analyzed the geometry of the circle of equal altitude and the two-body problem. Furthermore, vector methods are proposed without using spherical trigonometry, in order to meet navigation needs. Finally, web mapping was used to display the results. The results show that the two methods that are proposed in this study had better accuracy, practical convenience, and faster computing speed than those which have been proposed by other studies. The two methods’ capability to avoid complicated manual calculations and chart work processes makes them highly suitable as an alternative to the use of global navigation satellite systems. These methods enable maritime school students to quickly understand the principles of celestial navigation through computing and graphical interfaces.
Mechanics Model-Based Motion Design for a Piggyback Nursing-Care Robot
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Jiang Zhiwen , Sun Cheng , Guo Shijie , Niu Jianye
Published: June 2022

To conduct a comfortable lift for the care-receiver, it takes a lot of time and operations to design the motion trajectory for each care-receiver before transfer tasks. To solve this problem, this paper proposed a method to design a lift trajectory for a piggyback transfer robot. The robot, which can lift and move a person from a wheelchair to a bed or a pedestal pan, has been developed. The trajectory obtained by this method could make the robot conduct a comfort lift for the care-receiver, according to the weight and height of the care-receiver. A human-robot mechanics model and the relationship between the comfortable lift trajectory and the care-receiver’s weight and height were also contributed. According to the test results of 20 subjects, the force parameters used for trajectory design were determined, and the trajectory design method was optimized. The results of three subjects demonstrated that this method could conveniently and quickly provide a robot lift trajectory based on the subject’s weight and height, and this trajectory also achieved a similar lift as the trajectory designed by relying on the opinion of the subject. This method can be used for the design of the reference trajectory in the compliant control of the piggyback robot, which realizes the comfortable lifting of the care-receiver.
Comparison of Commonly Used Cooling Concepts for Electrical Machines in Automotive Applications
Authors: Lehmann Robert , Künzler Moritz , Moullion Matthias , Gauterin Frank
Published: June 2022

The thermal design of electrical machines has numerous influencing factors. This paper compares different cooling methods, their volume flow rates and other machine parameters with regard to the continuous power of a PMSM. Understanding the characteristics of different heat sinks depending on their operating point is important for an expedient design in order to avoid derating due to overtemperatures. As a design guideline, this contribution shows the influence of stator cooling jackets, rotor shaft cooling and direct end winding cooling for different machine lengths and volume flow rates. Both water and oil are investigated as coolants. With increasing machine dimensions, end winding cooling becomes less effective for heat sources in the center of the machine while the heat transferred in the cooling jacket increases. A sensitivity study of other machine parameters, such as the maximum allowed magnet temperature or the coolant inlet temperature, improves the understanding of the reader as to how the continuous power of a PMSM can be increased when the rotor temperature limits the performance.
Analysis of k-Out-of-N-Systems with Different Units under Simultaneous Failures: A Matrix-Analytic Approach
Authors: Montoro-Cazorla Delia , Pérez-Ocón Rafael
Published: June 2022

An N-system with different units submitted to shock and wear is studied. The shocks cause damage and, eventually, simultaneous failures of several units. The units can also fail due to internal failures. At random times, the system is inspected, and the down units are simultaneously replaced by identical ones. The arrival of shocks is governed by a Markovian arrival process. The operational times and the interarrival times between inspections follow phase-type distributions. The generator of the multidimensional Markov process modeling the system is constructed. This is performed introducing indicator functions for the different transition rates among the units using the algorithm of Kronecker. This is a general Markov process that can be applied for modeling different reliability systems depending on the structure of the units and how the systems operate. The general model is applied to the study of k-out-of-N systems, calculating the main performance measures. A practical example is presented showing the approximation of the model to a system with units following different Weibull distributions.
HA-RoadFormer: Hybrid Attention Transformer with Multi-Branch for Large-Scale High-Resolution Dense Road Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Miao Chunle , Liu Changan , Tian Qing , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: June 2022

Road segmentation is one of the essential tasks in remote sensing. Large-scale high-resolution remote sensing images originally have larger pixel sizes than natural images, while the existing models based on Transformer have the high computational cost of square complexity, leading to more extended model training and inference time. Inspired by the long text Transformer model, this paper proposes a novel hybrid attention mechanism to improve the inference speed of the model. By calculating several diagonals and random blocks of the attention matrix, hybrid attention achieves linear time complexity in the token sequence. Using the superposition of adjacent and random attention, hybrid attention introduces the inductive bias similar to convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and retains the ability to acquire long-distance dependence. In addition, the dense road segmentation result of remote sensing image still has the problem of insufficient continuity. However, multiscale feature representation is an effective means in the network based on CNNs. Inspired by this, we propose a multi-scale patch embedding module, which divides images by patches with different scales to obtain coarse-to-fine feature representations. Experiments on the Massachusetts dataset show that the proposed HA-RoadFormer could effectively preserve the integrity of the road segmentation results, achieving a higher Intersection over Union (IoU) 67.36% of road segmentation compared to other state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. At the same time, the inference speed has also been greatly improved compared with other Transformer based models.
Network Approaches to Integrate Analyses of Genetics and Metabolomics Data with Applications to Fetal Programming Studies
Authors: Kuang Alan , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Hivert Marie-France , Balasubramanian Raji , Lowe William L. , Scholtens Denise M.
Published: June 2022

The integration of genetics and metabolomics data demands careful accounting of complex dependencies, particularly when modelling familial omics data, e.g., to study fetal programming of related maternal–offspring phenotypes. Efforts to identify genetically determined metabotypes using classic genome wide association approaches have proven useful for characterizing complex disease, but conclusions are often limited to a series of variant–metabolite associations. We adapt Bayesian network models to integrate metabotypes with maternal–offspring genetic dependencies and metabolic profile correlations in order to investigate mechanisms underlying maternal–offspring phenotypic associations. Using data from the multiethnic Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study, we demonstrate that the strategic specification of ordered dependencies, pre-filtering of candidate metabotypes, incorporation of metabolite dependencies, and penalized network estimation methods clarify potential mechanisms for fetal programming of newborn adiposity and metabolic outcomes. The exploration of Bayesian network growth over a range of penalty parameters, coupled with interactive plotting, facilitate the interpretation of network edges. These methods are broadly applicable to integration of diverse omics data for related individuals.