bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Organomineral Fertiliser from Sewage Sludge on Soil Microbiome and Physiological Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Hawrot-Paw Małgorzata , Mikiciuk Małgorzata , Koniuszy Adam , Meller Edward
Published: May 2022

The use of a soil fertiliser results in high, good quality yields. The most widely used fertilisers are mineral or organic, but there is increasing attention on organomineral fertilisers produced from sewage sludge. These contain beneficial components which may improve soil fertility and thus plant productivity, but there are some concerns associated with their application due to their composition. Using a short-term pot experiment the effect of such a soil conditioner called FS, produced from sewage sludge after stabilisation with lime, on the qualitative−quantitative composition and activity of soil microorganisms and selected physiological parameters of the maize was analysed. The study was carried out in a completely randomised design, including a control (soil + lime + NPK). The application of the FS had a positive effect on the soil pH, equivalent to the application of lime. Organomineral fertiliser, as a source of organic carbon and macroelements, had a positive effect on the number of soil microorganisms and their activity, and this influence was stable during maize vegetation. FS did not influence the gas exchange activity of maize, the content of assimilation pigments in leaves or and the efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus determined by chlorophyll “a” fluorescence analysis, but it increased the light absorption efficiency of the PSII photosystem. Differences in biomass yield from organomineral and mineral fertilisation were statistically insignificant.
Salphage: Salvage Bacteriophage Therapy for Recalcitrant MRSA Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Doub James B. , Ng Vincent Y. , Lee Myounghee , Chi Andrew , Lee Alina , Würstle Silvia , Chan Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Prosthetic joint infections are a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery. Consequently, novel therapeutics are needed to thwart the significant morbidity and enormous financial ramifications that are associated with conventional treatments. One such promising adjuvant therapeutic is bacteriophage therapy given its antibiofilm activity and its ability to self-replicate. Herein we discuss the case of a 70-year-old female who had a recalcitrant MRSA prosthetic knee and femoral lateral plate infection who was successfully treated with adjuvant bacteriophage therapy. Moreover, this case discusses the importance of propagating bacteriophage therapeutics on bacteria that are devoid of toxins and the need to ensure bacteriophage activity to all bacterial morphologies. Overall, this case reinforces the potential benefit of using personalized bacteriophage therapy for recalcitrant prosthetic joint infections, but more translational research is needed to thereby devise effective, reproducible clinical trials.
Antibiotic Usage in Patients Having Undergone Caesarean Section: A Three-Level Study in Benin
Authors: Dohou Angèle Modupè , Buda Valentina Oana , Yemoa Loconon Achille , Anagonou Severin , Van Bambeke Françoise , Van Hees Thierry , Dossou Francis Moïse , Dalleur Olivia
Published: May 2022

The intense use and misuse of antibiotics is undoubtedly the main factor associated with the high numbers of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic and commensal bacteria worldwide. In low-income countries, this misuse and overuse is widespread, with great consequences at the personal and global levels. In the context of user fee exemptions in caesarean sections, we performed a descriptive study in women to assess the use of antibiotics on three levels—antenatal, during caesarean section, and postpartum—in four Beninese hospitals. Out of the 141 women included, 56.7% were using antibiotics. More than the half (71.3%) were taking more than one antibiotic, either for a long time or in acute treatment. In prophylaxis, the timing, dose, and duration of administration were not correctly achieved. Only 31.2% of women received optimal antibiotic prophylaxis. Various antibiotics including broad-spectrum molecules were used in the patients after caesarean section. The use of antibiotics was improper on the three levels studied. The high rate of self-administered antibiotics, the poor achievement of antibiotic prophylaxis, and the postpartum overuse of antibiotics showed a poor quality of care provided in pregnancy. A national policy is essential to improve the use of antibiotics by the general public as well as by professionals.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Fotenticine and Methylene Blue on Planktonic Growth, Biofilms, and Burn Infections of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Figueiredo-Godoi Lívia M. A. , Garcia Maíra T. , Pinto Juliana G. , Ferreira-Strixino Juliana , Faustino Eliseu Gabriel , Pedroso Lara Luise Castro , Junqueira Juliana C.
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is considered a promising alternative strategy to control Acinetobacter baumannii infections. In this study, we evaluated the action of aPDT mediated by a new photosensitizer derivative from chlorin e-6 (Fotoenticine—FTC) on A. baumannii, comparing its effects with methylene blue (MB). For this, aPDT was applied on A. baumannii in planktonic growth, biofilms, and burn infections in Galleria mellonella. The absorption of FTC and MB by bacterial cells was also evaluated using microscopic and spectrophotometric analysis. The results of planktonic cultures showed that aPDT reduced the number of viable cells compared to the non-treated group for the reference and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains. These reductions varied from 1.4 to 2 log10 CFU for FTC and from 2 log10 CFU to total inhibition for MB. In biofilms, aPDT with MB reduced 3.9 log10 CFU of A. baumannii, whereas FTC had no effect on the cell counts. In G. mellonella, only MB-mediated aPDT had antimicrobial activity on burn injuries, increasing the larvae survival by 35%. Both photosensitizers were internalized by bacterial cells, but MB showed a higher absorption compared to FTC. In conclusion, MB had greater efficacy than FTC as a photosensitizer in aPDT against A. baumannii.
Mec-Positive Staphylococcus Healthcare-Associated Infections Presenting High Transmission Risks for Antimicrobial-Resistant Strains in an Equine Hospital
Authors: Soza-Ossandón Paula , Rivera Dácil , Allel Kasim , González-Rocha Gerardo , Quezada-Aguiluz Mario , San Martin Ivan , García Patricia , Moreno-Switt Andrea I.
Published: May 2022

Healthcare-associated infections caused by Staphylococcus, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, represent a high risk for human and animal health. Staphylococcus can be easily transmitted through direct contact with individual carriers or fomites, such as medical and non-medical equipment. The risk increases if S. aureus strains carry antibiotic resistance genes and show a phenotypic multidrug resistance behavior. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize methicillin resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) in equine patients and environmental sources in an equine hospital to evaluate the genetic presence of multidrug resistance and to understand the dissemination risks within the hospital setting. We explored 978 samples for MRSA and MRCoNS using Oxacillin Screen Agar in an equine hospital for racehorses in Chile, which included monthly samples (n = 61–70) from equine patients (246) and hospital environments (732) in a one-year period. All isolates were PCR-assessed for the presence of methicillin resistance gene mecA and/or mecC. Additionally, we explored the epidemiological relatedness by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) in MRSA isolates. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. We estimated the unadjusted and adjusted risk of acquiring drug-resistant Staphylococcus strains by employing logistic regression analyses. We identified 16 MRSA isolates and 36 MRCoNS isolates. For MRSA, we detected mecA and mecC in 100% and 87.5 % of the isolates, respectively. For MRCoNS, mecA was detected among 94% of the isolates and mecC among 86%. MRSA and MRCoNS were isolated from eight and 13 equine patients, respectively, either from colonized areas or compromised wounds. MRSA strains showed six different pulse types (i.e., A1–A3, B1–B2, C) isolated from different highly transited areas of the hospital, suggesting potential transmission risks for other patients and hospital staff. The risk of acquiring drug-resistant Staphylococcus species is considerably greater for patients from the surgery, equipment, and exterior areas posing higher transmission risks. Tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using a One Health perspective should be advocated, including a wider control over antimicrobial consumption and reducing the exposure to AMR reservoirs in animals, to avoid cross-transmission of AMR Staphylococcus within equine hospitals.
Valorization and Potential Antimicrobial Use of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) from Italian Olive Oil Production
Authors: Russo Eleonora , Spallarossa Andrea , Comite Antonio , Pagliero Marcello , Guida Patrizia , Belotti Vittorio , Caviglia Debora , Schito Anna Maria
Published: May 2022

The production of olive oil generates olive mill wastewater (OMW) which essentially derives from the processing, treatment and pressing of olives in mills. Traditional milling processes require a quantity of water varying between 40 and 120 L per quintal of pressed olives, generating a considerable amount of wastewater. It is thus necessary to reduce process water and enhance its use to implement the concept of a circular economy. To this end, our preliminary work was dedicated to water purification by means of suitable and efficient filtration systems. The microfiltered OMW was firstly concentrated through reverse osmosis. Then, an additional concentration step was carried out via vacuum membrane distillation using hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The application of the membrane-based processes allowed the recovery of a purified water and the concentration of valuable polyphenols in a smaller volume. The different fractions obtained from the purification have been tested for the determination of the antioxidant power (DPPH assay) and dosage of polyphenols (Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and were characterized using IR spectroscopy. All samples showed relevant antioxidant activity (percentage range: 10–80%) and total phenolic content in the 1.5–15 g GAE/L range. The obtained fractions were tested for their antimicrobial effect on numerous clinical isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, resistant and multi-resistant to current antibiotic drugs. OMW samples showed widespread activity against the considered (phyto)pathogens (MIC range 8–16 mg/mL) thus supporting the value of this waste material in the (phyto)pharmaceutical field.
Study on the Dynamic Splitting Mechanical Properties of Annular Sandstone Specimens with Temperature–Water Coupling in a Coal Mine
Authors: Ping Qi , Gao Qi , Wu Yulin , Wang Chen , Shen Kaifan , Wang Shuo , Wu Shiwei , Xu Yijie
Published: May 2022

With the gradual deepening of mine excavation depth, the strong disturbance of deep strata becomes more and more obvious. Rock’s failure under blasting mainly depends on its dynamic tensile strength. The changes in rock’s dynamic properties are obviously affected by temperature and water. In order to study the dynamic tensile properties of annular sandstone specimens under the influence of temperature and water, deep sandstone was drilled, followed by water bath tests at eight temperatures (25~95 °C). It can be seen from the analysis of test results that the mass and volume growth rates of the annular and the intact sandstone specimens first increased and then decreased, while the density growth rate first decreased and then increased. The mass and volume growth rates of the annular sandstone specimens were smaller, but the density growth rate was larger. Because of the increase in water temperature, the dynamic compressive strength first increased and then decreased. The dynamic tensile strength of the annular sandstone specimen was lower. The average strain rate and peak strain also showed a quadratic function relationship of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase in water temperature. The average strain rate of the annular sandstone specimen was smaller, but the peak value changed greatly. The Brazilian disc validity condition is applicable to two failure conditions of sandstone specimens. Through XRD and SEM analysis, we found that the changes in the dynamic properties of sandstone specimens were not due to their own material composition, but to the damage to their structure caused by the temperature–water coupling effect.
Change-Point Detection in Homogeneous Segments of COVID-19 Daily Infection
Authors: Jegede Segun Light , Szajowski Krzysztof J.
Published: May 2022

Modeling the number of individuals in different states is a principal tool in the event of an epidemic. The natural transition of individuals between possible states often includes deliberate interference such as isolation or vaccination. Thus, the mathematical model may need to be re-calibrated due to various factors. The model considered in this paper is the SIRD epidemic model. An additional parameter is the moment of changing the description of the phenomenon when the parameters of the model change and the change is not pre-specified. Detecting and estimating the moment of change in real time is the subject of statistical research. A sequential (online) approach was applied using the Bayesian shift point detection algorithm and trimmed exact linear time. We show how methods of analysis behave in different instances. These methods are verified on simulated data and applied to pandemic data of a selected European country. The simulation is performed with a social network graph to obtain a practical representation ability. The epidemiological data used come from the territory of Poland and concern the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland. The results show satisfactory detection of the moments where the applied model needs to be verified and re-calibrated. These show the effectiveness of the proposed combination of methods.
Turmell-Meter: A Device for Estimating the Subtalar and Talocrural Axes of the Human Ankle Joint by Applying the Product of Exponentials Formula
Authors: Agudelo-Varela Óscar , Vargas-Riaño Julio , Valera Ángel
Published: May 2022

The human ankle is a complex joint, most commonly represented as the talocrural and subtalar axes. It is troublesome to take in vivo measurements of the ankle joint. There are no instruments for patients lying on flat surfaces; employed in outdoor or remote sites. We have developed a “Turmell-meter” to address these issues. It started with the study of ankle anatomy and anthropometry. We also use the product of exponentials’ formula to visualize the movements. We built a prototype using human proportions and statistics. For pose estimation, we used a trilateration method by applying tetrahedral geometry. We computed the axis direction by fitting circles in 3D, plotting the manifold and chart as an ankle joint model. We presented the results of simulations, a prototype comprising 45 parts, specifically designed draw-wire sensors, and electronics. Finally, we tested the device by capturing positions and fitting them into the bi-axial ankle model as a Riemannian manifold. The Turmell-meter is a hardware platform for human ankle joint axes estimation. The measurement accuracy and precision depend on the sensor quality; we address this issue by designing an electronics capture circuit, measuring the real measurement with a Vernier caliper. Then, we adjust the analog voltages and filter the 10-bit digital value. The Technology Readiness Level is 2. The proposed ankle joint model has the properties of a chart in a geometric manifold, and we provided the details.
What Mathematical Models Are Accurate for Prescribing Aerobic Exercise in Women with Fibromyalgia?
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Biehl-Printes Clarissa , Parraca José A. , de Oliveira Brauner Fabiane , Tomas-Carus Pablo
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This article aims to verify the agreement between the standard method to determine the heart rate achieved in the ventilatory threshold 1 in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VT1) and the mathematical models with exercise intensities suggested by the literature in order to check the most precise for fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods: Seventeen women with FM were included in this study. The VT1 was used as the standard method to compare four mathematical models applied in the literature to calculate the exercise intensity in FM patients: the well-known “220 − age” at 76%, Tanaka predictive equation “208 − 0.7 × age” at 76%, the FM model HRMax “209 – 0.85 × age” at 76%, and Karvonen Formula at 60%. Bland–Altman analysis and correlation analyses were used to explore agreement and correlation between the standard method and the mathematical models. Results: Significant correlations between the heart rate at the VT1 and the four mathematical estimation models were observed. However, the Bland-Altman analysis only showed agreement between VT1 and “220 − age” (bias = −114.83 + 0.868 × x; 95% LOA = −114.83 + 0.868 × x + 1.96 × 7.46 to −114.83 + 0.868 × x − 1.96 × 7.46, where x is the average between the heart rate obtained in the CPET at VT1 and “220 − age”, in this case 129.15; p = 0.519) and “209 − 0.85 × age”(bias = −129.58 + 1.024 × x; 95% LOA = −129.58 + 1.024 × x + 1.96 × 6.619 to −129.58 + 1.024 × x − 1.96 × 6.619, where x is the average between the heart rate obtained in the CPET at VT1 and “209 − 0.85 × age”, in this case 127.30; p = 0.403). Conclusions: The well-known predictive equation “220 − age” and the FM model HRMax (“209 − 0.85 × age”) showed agreement with the standard method (VT1), revealing that it is a precise model to calculate the exercise intensity in sedentary FM patients. However, proportional bias has been detected in all the mathematical models, with a higher heart rate obtained in CPET than obtained in the mathematical model. The chronotropic incompetence observed in people with FM (inability to increase heart rate with increasing exercise intensities) could explain why methods that tend to underestimate the HRmax in the general population fit better in this population.
Multiple Mutations in the Non-Ordered Red Ω-Loop Enhance the Membrane-Permeabilizing and Peroxidase-like Activity of Cytochrome c
Authors: Chertkova Rita V. , Firsov Alexander M. , Brazhe Nadezda A. , Nikelshparg Evelina I. , Bochkova Zhanna V. , Bryantseva Tatyana V. , Semenova Marina A. , Baizhumanov Adil A. , Kotova Elena A. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Maksimov Georgy V. , Antonenko Yuriy N. , Dolgikh Dmitry A.
Published: May 2022

A key event in the cytochrome c-dependent apoptotic pathway is the permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, resulting in the release of various apoptogenic factors, including cytochrome c, into the cytosol. It is believed that the permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane can be induced by the peroxidase activity of cytochrome c in a complex with cardiolipin. Using a number of mutant variants of cytochrome c, we showed that both substitutions of Lys residues from the universal binding site for oppositely charged Glu residues and mutations leading to a decrease in the conformational mobility of the red Ω-loop in almost all cases did not affect the ability of cytochrome c to bind to cardiolipin. At the same time, the peroxidase activity of all mutant variants in a complex with cardiolipin was three to five times higher than that of the wild type. A pronounced increase in the ability to permeabilize the lipid membrane in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, as measured by calcein leakage from liposomes, was observed only in the case of four substitutions in the red Ω-loop (M4 mutant). According to resonance and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, the mutations caused significant changes in the heme of oxidized cytochrome c molecules resulting in an increased probability of the plane heme conformation and the enhancement of the rigidity of the protein surrounding the heme. The binding of wild-type and mutant forms of oxidized cytochrome c to cardiolipin-containing liposomes caused the disordering of the acyl lipid chains that was more pronounced for the M4 mutant. Our findings indicate that the Ω-loop is important for the pore formation in cardiolipin-containing membranes.
Novel Biological Therapies for Severe Asthma Endotypes
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Pelaia Giulia , Crimi Claudia , Maglio Angelantonio , Stanziola Anna Agnese , Calabrese Cecilia , Terracciano Rosa , Longhini Federico , Vatrella Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Severe asthma comprises several heterogeneous phenotypes, underpinned by complex pathomechanisms known as endotypes. The latter are driven by intercellular networks mediated by molecular components which can be targeted by specific monoclonal antibodies. With regard to the biological treatments of either allergic or non-allergic eosinophilic type 2 asthma, currently available antibodies are directed against immunoglobulins E (IgE), interleukin-5 (IL-5) and its receptor, the receptors of interleukins-4 (IL-4) and 13 (IL-13), as well as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and other alarmins. Among these therapeutic strategies, the best choice should be made according to the phenotypic/endotypic features of each patient with severe asthma, who can thus respond with significant clinical and functional improvements. Conversely, very poor options so far characterize the experimental pipelines referring to the perspective biological management of non-type 2 severe asthma, which thereby needs to be the focus of future thorough research.
Signal Transduction Regulators in Axonal Regeneration
Authors: Hausott Barbara , Glueckert Rudolf , Schrott-Fischer Anneliese , Klimaschewski Lars
Published: May 2022

Intracellular signal transduction in response to growth factor receptor activation is a fundamental process during the regeneration of the nervous system. In this context, intracellular inhibitors of neuronal growth factor signaling have become of great interest in the recent years. Among them are the prominent signal transduction regulators Sprouty (SPRY) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), which interfere with major signaling pathways such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt in neurons and glial cells. Furthermore, SPRY and PTEN are themselves tightly regulated by ubiquitin ligases such as c-casitas b-lineage lymphoma (c-CBL) or neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4) and by different microRNAs (miRs) including miR-21 and miR-222. SPRY, PTEN and their intracellular regulators play an important role in the developing and the lesioned adult central and peripheral nervous system. This review will focus on the effects of SPRY and PTEN as well as their regulators in various experimental models of axonal regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Targeting these signal transduction regulators in the nervous system holds great promise for the treatment of neurological injuries in the future.
Occurrence of Diarrheal Disease among Under-Five Children and Associated Sociodemographic and Household Environmental Factors: An Investigation Based on National Family Health Survey-4 in Rural India
Authors: Saha Jay , Mondal Sabbir , Chouhan Pradip , Hussain Mulazim , Yang Juan , Bibi Asma
Published: May 2022

Diarrheal disease is a significant public health problem leading to mortality and morbidity among children aged 0–59 months in rural India. Therefore, the rationale of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and environmental predictors associated with diarrhea among under-five children in rural India. A total of 188,521 living children (0–59 months) were studied from the National Family Health Survey-4, (NFHS-4) 2015–2016. Bivariate and binary logistic regression models were carried out from the available NFHS-4 data for selected sociodemographic and environmental predictors to identify the relationship of occurrence of diarrhea using STATA 13.1. In rural India, children aged 12–23 months, 24–35 months, 36–47 months, and 48–59 months were significantly improbable to suffer diarrheal disease. Children of the female sex, as well as children of scheduled tribes (ST) and other backward classes (OBC), were less likely to experience diarrhea. The disease was more likely to occur among children of scheduled castes (SC); Muslim or other religions; children belonging to central, eastern, and western regions; children with low birth weight; as well as children with improper stool disposal and rudimentary roof materials. In the rural parts of India, sociodemographic and household environmental factors were most influential. Effective community education; improved handwashing practices; pure water supply; and proper waste disposal, including building and utilizing latrines, would help reduce the burden of diarrheal disease in children.
Assessment of Communication Abilities in Four Children with Early Bilateral CIs in Clinical and Home Environments with LENA System: A Case Report
Authors: Colombani Arianna , Saksida Amanda , Pintonello Sara , De Caro Federica , Orzan Eva
Published: May 2022

Children’s language acquisition is underpinned by the quantity and quality of linguistic stimulation. Early diagnosis and cochlear implantation (CI), along with a family-centered intervention, are regarded as critical factors in providing appropriate language stimulation and thus supporting successful language outcomes in children with sensory neural hearing loss (SNHL). Considering the lack of tools to assess early language skills and open issues regarding the early predictors of CI outcomes, our goal was to evaluate the potential usability of the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system as an early assessment and/or predictive tool. Clinical video recordings, LENA home recordings, and vocabulary scores were used to assess the progression of communication abilities of four children with CIs (6–35 m.o.). The data revealed a positive correlation between the estimated mean length of utterance (EMLU), vocal conversational turns (CT) in clinical video recordings, and receptive vocabulary, as well as the CT count in LENA being a significant predictor of productive vocabulary. These findings lead us to conclude that the LENA system has the potential to be used as an additional (tele-)measure in the early assessment of communication abilities of children with CI, as well as as a tool in the research of early predictors of CI outcomes.
Motor Performance in Association with Perceived Loneliness and Social Competence in 11-Year-Old Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Helin Minttu , Karukivi Max , Haataja Leena , Rautava Päivi , Junttila Niina , Salomäki Susanna , Lehtonen Liisa , Setänen Sirkku
Published: May 2022

Background: Very preterm birth may affect motor performance and social competence up to adulthood. Our objective was to describe perceived loneliness and social competence in children born very preterm in relation to motor impairment. Methods: 165 children born very preterm (birth weight ≤ 1500 g and/or gestational age < 32 weeks) were assessed at 11 years of age. Cerebral palsy (CP) was diagnosed by 2 years of age. At 11 years of age, motor outcome was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children—Second edition (Movement ABC-2). Loneliness was evaluated by using the Peer Network and Dyadic Loneliness scale and social competence by using the Multisource Assessment of Children’s Social Competence Scale. Results: In total, 6 (4%) children had CP, 18 (11%) had Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (Movement ABC-2 ≤ 5th percentiles), and 141 (85%) had typical motor development. There was no correlation between percentiles for total scores of the Movement ABC-2 and perceived loneliness or social competence when the children with motor impairment (CP or DCD) were excluded. Children with DCD reported less perceived loneliness, but more problems with social competence compared to children with CP. Conclusions: It is important to recognize children born very preterm with DCD to provide interventions and support services to prevent social exclusion.
Factors Associated with the Suspected Delay in the Language Development of Early Childhood in Southern Thailand
Authors: Rithipukdee Namfon , Kusol Kiatkamjorn
Published: May 2022

Many children have a suspected delay in language development and need extensive support from parents and the health care team. This study aimed to investigate the suspected delay in language development and the factors associated with the suspected delay in language development among early childhood in Southern Thailand. Children aged 24 to 60 months were recruited as study samples using stratified random sampling conducted in 23 districts and simple random sampling in 7 sections (425 children). The research instruments comprised demographic data on the children and families, the preschool temperament questionnaire, and the Language Development Screening questionnaire using the Developmental Surveillance and Promotion Manual and data collected from July 2020 to January 2021. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results showed that the suspected delay in development was 40.9 percent. Daily screen time exceeding 2 h per day (AOR = 17.30, 95% CI: 7.35–40.72), and regarding a child’s temperament, moderate-to-difficult temperament (AOR = 9.56, 95% CI: 5.12–17.85) was significantly associated with the suspected delay in language development. Genders, gestational age of early childhood, and the age of the caregivers were not associated with the suspected delay in language development. The study suggested that a decrease in daily screen time and appropriate responses will help develop language in children.
Anosognosia in Dementia: Evaluation of Perfusion Correlates Using 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT and Automated Brodmann Areas Analysis
Authors: Valotassiou Varvara , Sifakis Nikolaos , Tzavara Chara , Lykou Evi , Tsinia Niki , Kamtsadeli Vasiliki , Sali Dimitra , Angelidis George , Psimadas Dimitrios , Theodorou Eudoxia , Tsougos Ioannis , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Papatriantafyllou John
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Considerable inconsistency exists regarding the neural substrates of anosognosia in dementia in previous neuroimaging studies. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of anosognosia perfusion correlates across various types of dementia using automated Brodmann areas (BAs) analysis and comparison with a database of normal subjects. (2) Methods: We studied 72 patients: 32 with Alzheimer’s disease, 26 with frontotemporal dementia—FTD (12 behavioral FTD, 9 semantic FTD, 5 Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia), 11 with corticobasal syndrome, and 3 with progressive supranuclear palsy. Addenbrook’s Cognitive Examination—Revised (ACE-R) mean(±SD) was 55.6(±22.8). For anosognosia measurement, the Anosognosia Questionnaire—Dementia was used. Total anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 22.1(±17.9), cognitive anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 18.1(±15.1) and behavioral–mood anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 3.3(±4.7). (3) Results: Higher anosognosia total score was associated with hypoperfusion in the inferior temporal, anterior cingulate, and inferior frontal cortices of the right hemisphere (BAs 20R, 24R, 32R, 45R). Higher anosognosia cognitive score was correlated with hypoperfusion in the left middle and anterior temporal cortices, and right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (BAs 21L, 22L, 32R). No association was found with behavioral–mood anosognosia. (4) Conclusions: Automated analysis of brain perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography could be useful for the investigation of anosognosia neural correlates in dementia.
Charged Shear-Free Fluids and Complexity in First Integrals
Authors: Gumede Sfundo C. , Govinder Keshlan S. , Maharaj Sunil D.
Published: May 2022

The equation yxx=f(x)y2+g(x)y3 is the charged generalization of the Emden-Fowler equation that is crucial in the study of spherically symmetric shear-free spacetimes. This version arises from the Einstein–Maxwell system for a charged shear-free matter distribution. We integrate this equation and find a new first integral. For this solution to exist, two integral equations arise as integrability conditions. The integrability conditions can be transformed to nonlinear differential equations, which give explicit forms for f(x) and g(x) in terms of elementary and special functions. The explicit forms f(x)∼1x51−1x−11/5 and g(x)∼1x61−1x−12/5 arise as repeated roots of a fourth order polynomial. This is a new solution to the Einstein-Maxwell equations. Our result complements earlier work in neutral and charged matter showing that the complexity of a charged self-gravitating fluid is connected to the existence of a first integral.
Can We Teach Non-Cognitive Outcomes? A Quasi-Experimental Study of Philosophy for Children
Authors: Siddiqui Nadia , Gorard Stephen , See Beng Huat
Published: May 2022

Non-cognitive learning taking place at school helps form dispositions that can be as important as cognitive outcomes in terms of lifelong relevance. There are diverse interventions and school-based programmes targeting non-cognitive skills, but the evidence of their impact is, so far, unclear. To help increase the evidence bases, we conducted a quasi-experimental study involving 486 pupils in 18 primary schools in North Yorkshire, England, wherein 11 schools participated in Philosophy for Children (P4C), and 7 schools formed a control group that received lessons as normal. At the baseline, the two groups were not equivalent, which means the results need to be treated with appropriate caution. Pupils who received the P4C intervention scored higher on all attitudes and views than they had at the start and improved more than comparator pupils in terms of empathy and fairness. However, they were behind the comparator group in terms of teamwork and democracy, and there was little difference in terms of their self-reported ability to communicate with others. In general, the P4C approach was found to be feasible, and was generally liked by teachers and pupils. Teachers reported improvements in pupil conduct and confidence in P4C sessions and in other learning activities. The indications are that non-cognitive skills are potentially malleable and might be improved through a dialogic approach, such as P4C.
A Deep Learning-Based Action Recommendation Model for Cryptocurrency Profit Maximization
Authors: Park Jaehyun , Seo Yeong-Seok
Published: May 2022

Research on the prediction of cryptocurrency prices has been actively conducted, as cryptocurrencies have attracted considerable attention. Recently, researchers have aimed to improve the performance of price prediction methods by applying deep learning-based models. However, most studies have focused on predicting cryptocurrency prices for the following day. Therefore, clients are inconvenienced by the necessity of rapidly making complex decisions on actions that support maximizing their profit, such as “Sell”, “Buy”, and “Wait”. Furthermore, very few studies have explored the use of deep learning models to make recommendations for these actions, and the performance of such models remains low. Therefore, to solve these problems, we propose a deep learning model and three input features: sellProfit, buyProfit, and maxProfit. Through these concepts, clients are provided with criteria on which action would be most beneficial at a given current time. These criteria can be used as decision-making indices to facilitate profit maximization. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, daily price data of six representative cryptocurrencies were used to conduct an experiment. The results confirm that the proposed model showed approximately 13% to 21% improvement over existing methods and is statistically significant.
RL-SSI Model: Adapting a Supervised Learning Approach to a Semi-Supervised Approach for Human Action Recognition
Authors: dos Santos Lucas Lisboa , Winkler Ingrid , Nascimento Erick Giovani Sperandio
Published: May 2022

Generally, the action recognition task requires a vast amount of labeled data, which represents a time-consuming human annotation effort. To mitigate the dependency on labeled data, this study proposes Semi-Supervised and Iterative Reinforcement Learning (RL-SSI), which adapts a supervised approach that uses 100% labeled data to a semi-supervised and iterative approach using reinforcement learning for human action recognition in videos. The JIGSAWS and Breakfast datasets were used to evaluate the RL-SSI model, because they are commonly used in the action segmentation task. The same applies to the performance metrics used in this work-F-Score (F1) and Edit Score-which are commonly applied for such tasks. In JIGSAWS tests, we observed that the RL-SSI outperformed previously developed state-of-the-art techniques in all quantitative measures, while using only 65% of the labeled data. When analysing the Breakfast tests, we compared the effectiveness of RL-SSI with the results of the self-supervised technique called SSTDA. We have found that RL-SSI outperformed SSTDA with an accuracy of 66.44% versus 65.8%, but RL-SSI was surpassed by the F1@10 segmentation measure, which presented an accuracy of 67.33% versus 69.3% for SSTDA. Despite this, our experiment only used 55.8% of the labeled data, while SSTDA used 65%. We conclude that our approach outperformed equivalent supervised learning methods and is comparable to SSTDA, when evaluated on multiple datasets of human action recognition, proving to be an important innovative method to successfully building solutions to reduce the amount of fully labeled data, leveraging the work of human specialists in the task of data labeling of videos, and their respectives frames, for human action recognition, thus reducing the required resources to accomplish it.
Improving Lane Detection Performance for Autonomous Vehicle Integrating Camera with Dual Light Sensors
Authors: Lee Yunhee , Park Min-ki , Park Manbok
Published: May 2022

Automotive companies have studied the development of lane support systems in order to secure the Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)’s high score. A front camera module is applied with safety assistance systems in an intelligent vehicle. However, the front camera module has limitations in terms of backlight conditions, entering or exiting tunnels, and night driving because of lower image quality. In this paper, we propose an integrated camera with dual light sensor for improving lane detection performance under the worst conditions. We include a new algorithm to enhance image data quality and improve edge detection and lane tracking using illumination information. We evaluate the tests under various conditions on a real road. These tests are performed on 728 km of road (under various external situations and lane types) for false alarm rates. The experimental results show that the system is promising in terms of reliability, enhancement, and improvements.
An Efficient and Robust Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm for Large Scale Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Sun Guanglei , Shang Youlin , Zhang Roxin
Published: May 2022

As an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm, the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) has been extensively applied to practical problems. However, WOA still has the drawbacks of converging slowly, and jumping out from extreme points especially for large scale optimization problems. To overcome these defects, a modified whale optimization algorithm integrated with a crisscross optimization algorithm (MWOA-CS) is proposed. In MWOA-CS, each dimension of the optimization problem updates its position by randomly performing improved WOA or crisscross optimization algorithm during the entire iterative process. The improved WOA adopts the new nonlinear convergence factor and nonlinear inertia weight to tune the ability of exploitation and exploration. To analyze the performance of MWOA-CS, a series of numerical experiments were performed on 30 test benchmark functions with dimension ranging from 300 to 1000. The experimental results revealed that the presented MWOA-CS provided better convergence speed and accuracy, and meanwhile, displayed a significantly more effective and robust performance than the original WOA and other state of the art meta-heuristic algorithms for solving large scale global optimization problems.
Assessing the Uncertainties of Simulation Approaches for Solar Thermal Systems Coupled to Industrial Processes
Authors: Cardemil José M. , Calderón-Vásquez Ignacio , Pino Alan , Starke Allan , Wolde Ian , Felbol Carlos , Lemos Leonardo F. L. , Bonini Vinicius , Arias Ignacio , Iñigo-Labairu Javier , Dersch Jürgen , Escobar Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Industrial energy accounts for a large percentage of global consumption and, thus, it is a target for decarbonization by renewable and in particular solar energy adoption. Low uncertainty simulation tools can reduce the financial risk of solar projects, fostering the transition to a sustainable energy system. Several simulation tools are readily available to developers; differences exist in the format of input data and complexity of physical and numerical models. These tools can provide a variety of results from technical to financial and sensitivity analysis, often producing significant differences in yield assessment and uncertainty levels. IEA SHC Task 64/SolarPACES Task IV—Subtask C aims to address the lack of standard simulation tools for Solar Heating of Industrial Processes (SHIP) plants. This article describes the collaborative work developed by the researchers participating in the task. The identification and classification of several currently available simulation tools are performed on the basis of their capabilities and simulation approaches. A case study of solar heat supply to a copper mining operation is defined, allowing a comparison of the results produced by equivalent simulation tools. The proposed methodology identifies the main sources of differences among the simulation tools, the assessment of the deviation considering a series of statistical metrics for different time scales, and identifies their limitations and bias. The effects of physical characteristics of SHIP plants and different simulation approaches are discussed and quantified. The obtained results allow us to develop a basic guideline for a standardized yield assessment procedure with known uncertainties. Creating this common framework could partially reduce the risk perceived by the finance industry regarding SHIP systems.
Simulation-Based Analysis of a Novel CO2 Ground Source Heat Pipe (GSHP) to Reduce Temperature Fluctuations in Pavements in Different Climatic Conditions
Authors: Alhajjaji Amr , Chiasson Andrew , Aljabr Ahmad
Published: May 2022

A fully wicked ground source heat pipe (GSHP) is numerically employed and simulated to transfer thermal energy from the subsurface to ground surface pavements to reduce the environmental temperature fluctuations in the pavement, thereby reducing thermal stresses and increasing pavement life. The GSHP can also reduce or eliminate snow and ice buildup on pavement surfaces. Each single GSHP was modeled in a two-dimensional axisymmetric cross-section using COMSOL software, which employs a finite element method. The modeled GSHP consisted of two parts: a disk shape buried below the pavement surface, connected to a cylindrical part embedded in a vertical underground borehole. The GSHP finite element model was validated against published experimental heat pipe data. The simulation results demonstrated that the thermal behavior of the heat pipe system during the cold season could reduce the temperature fluctuations on the pavement surface in six various climate zones. The addition of insulation along the vertical length of the heat pipe was found to significantly reduce heat loss between the heated and unheated pavement surfaces. The low thermal conductivity of the pavement material decreases the performance of the GSHP system. Finally, the maximum-minimum normalization method was applied to the parametric analysis to normalize and compare results for future use.
Characteristics of Wind Resources and Post-Project Evaluation of Wind Farms in Coastal Areas of Zhejiang
Authors: Fan Guangyu , Wang Yanru , Yang Bo , Zhang Chuanxiong , Fu Bin , Qi Qianqian
Published: May 2022

As the onshore wind farm technology matures, offshore wind energy has attracted increasing attention. Zhejiang has coastal areas with massive potential for wind resources because of its geographical location. Therefore, understanding the wind resources in these areas can lay a foundation for future development and utilization. On this basis, this study used the measured wind field data of a wind farm along the coast of Zhejiang from March 2014 to February 2015 and from March 2016 to February 2018 to investigate and compare the characteristics of wind energy resources, including average wind speed, Weibull shape and scale factors, wind direction variation, and wind energy density. Then, the capacity coefficient of a wind turbine predicted using the wind farm data was compared with the actual capacity coefficients of two wind turbines in the wind farm in 2019. Results revealed the following observations: The overall variations in the evaluation indicators followed clear patterns over the 3 years. For example, the main wind direction in the same season was the same, and the variations in the monthly average wind speed, the monthly wind power density, and the theoretical capacity factors were highly similar. The time-series data indicated that the difference in the indicators between summer and autumn was significantly larger than that between other seasons, with the maximum difference in monthly average wind speed of 1.46 times and the maximum difference in monthly wind power density of 1.5 times. The comparison results of the capacity coefficient showed that the theoretical and actual capacity coefficients were extremely close when the monthly average wind speed was less than 6 m/s, with the average difference being less than 9%. When the monthly average wind speed was greater than 6 m/s, the proximity between the theoretical and actual capacity coefficients was reduced, with an average difference of more than 9% and a maximum value of 28%. In general, the overall characteristics of wind resources in coastal areas of Zhejiang exhibited similar trends but fluctuated considerably in some months. Wind energy forecasts had significant discrepancies from the actual operation indicators of the wind farm when the wind speed was high.