bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of a Low-Voltage Direct Current System Using T-SFCL to Enhance Low Voltage Ride through Capability
Authors: Yoon Kwang-Hoon , Shin Joong-Woo , Kim Jae-Chul , Lee Hyeong-Jin , Kim Jin-Seok
Published: March 2022

Owing to the increasing penetration level of distributed energy resources (DER) and direct current (DC) load, the usage of low-voltage direct current (LVDC) systems has expanded to achieve efficient operations. However, because the LVDC system reaches the peak fault current at a faster rate than the alternating current (AC) system, a solution that protects the system components is necessary to maintain system integrity. It is required by the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) that the DERs maintain their interconnections with the LVDC system and support fault recovery. In this study, a method is proposed to allow the application of the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) to reduce the fault current and enhance the LVRT capability. However, when the DER maintain a connection to support fault recovery, the conventional resistive-type SFCL must withstand the burden of high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) operation during fault state dependence on LVRT. Therefore, this study proposes a trigger-type SFCL to reduce the burden of the HTSC element and enhance the LVRT capability. The voltage sag related to the LVRT was improved owing to the SFCL. The proposed solution was confirmed using PSCAD/EMTDC, which is a commercial software.
The Measurement Uncertainty in Determining of Electrical Resistance Value by Applying Direct-Comparison Method
Authors: Pleština Vladimir , Boras Vedran , Turić Hrvoje
Published: March 2022

This paper considers the unknown electrical resistance (measurand) as the numerical result of the measurement that was carried out by means of the well-known direct comparison measurement method using an appropriate standard resistor and voltmeter. In the literature, this measurement method is also referred to as a series comparison method. This method of measurement is one of the indirect methods and is suitable for measuring low resistance. This paper presents two approaches for evaluating the unknown electrical resistance and its associated combined standard uncertainty. The entire process of evaluating the combined standard uncertainty that is associated with the measurand and the standard uncertainties that are associated with the analyzed input quantities has been entirely performed in accordance with the applicable international recommendations and guidelines for the uncertainty of measurement. The analyzed approaches for evaluating the combined standard uncertainty are designed to be universal and valid both for the mutually non-correlated input quantities and for the mutually correlated input quantities, which can be obtained from a single observation, or repeated observations or by other means. This paper can substantially contribute to the measurements in electrical engineering and education.
Performance Analysis of a Hybrid Electric Ship by Real-Time Verification
Authors: Torreglosa Juan P. , González-Rivera Enrique , García-Triviño Pablo , Vera David
Published: March 2022

International maritime transport organizations are proposing regulatory actions and strategies aimed at decarbonizing the sector to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which currently constitute around 3% of the global total. Hybrid propulsion systems have significant potential in this respect, as a means of power-saving in ships. This paper describes a high-fidelity benchmark for hybrid-electric vessels, combining diesel generators and batteries. The benchmark consists of detailed models, the parameters of which are provided so that the models can be reproduced. The proposed hybrid-electric ship topology and control system was validated using real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations on a Typhoon HIL402 platform. The results provide a detailed analysis of the operation of the different components under varying conditions, which should be useful in prototyping these kinds of systems. In addition, the response of the system was evaluated with regard to potential disturbances resulting from the control system’s operation. The results show the system performed correctly during these transitory events, with no undesirable responses.
Non-Symmetrical (NS) Reconfiguration Techniques to Enhance Power Generation Capability of Solar PV System
Authors: Mikkili Suresh , Kanjune Akshay , Bonthagorla Praveen Kumar , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: March 2022

At present, primary power generation depends on non-renewable energy resources, which will become extinct. Solar is the best option in renewable energy sources to achieve clean and green power extraction. Solar PV transforms light energy into electrical energy. However, the output power of solar PV changes with solar insolation. It is also affected by environmental factors and the shading effect. One of the key factors that can reduce the PV system output power is partial shading condition (PSC). The reduction in power output not only depends on shaded region but also depends on pattern of shading and physical position of shaded modules in the array. Due to PSCs, mismatch losses are induced between the shaded modules which can cause several peaks in the output power-voltage (P-V) characteristic. This article describes the non-symmetrical reconfiguration technique and compares it with the primary total cross tied connection. The performance of non-symmetrical reconfiguration techniques is evaluated and compared in terms of global maximum power (GMP), voltage and currents at GMP, open and short circuit voltage and currents, mismatch power loss (MPL), fill factor, efficiency, and number of local maximum power peaks (LMPPs) on a 9 × 9 PV array.
An Experimental Investigation of WAG Injection in a Carbonate Reservoir and Prediction of the Recovery Factor Using Genetic Programming
Authors: Wojnicki Mirosław , Lubaś Jan , Gawroński Mateusz , Szuflita Sławomir , Kuśnierczyk Jerzy , Warnecki Marcin
Published: March 2022

Production from mature oil fields is gradually declining, and new discoveries are not sufficient to meet the growing demand for oil products. Hence, enhanced oil recovery is emerging as an essential link in the global oil industry. This paper aims to recognize the possibility of increasing oil recovery from Polish carbonate reservoirs by the water alternating gas injection process (WAG) using various types of gases, including CO2, acid gas (a mixture of CO2 and H2S of 70/30% vol/vol) and high-nitrogen natural gases occurring in the Polish Lowlands. A series of 17 core flooding experiments were performed under the temperature of 126 °C, and at pressures of 270 and 170 bar on composite carbonate cores consisting of four dolomite core plugs. Original reservoir rock and fluids were used. A set of slim tube tests was conducted to determine the miscibility conditions of the injected fluids with reservoir oil. The WAG process was compared to continuous gas injection (CGI) and continuous water injection (CWI) and was proven to be more effective. CO2 WAG injection resulted in a recovery factor (RF) of up to 82%, where the high nitrogen natural gas WAG injection was less effective with the highest recovery of 70%. Based on the core flooding results and through implementing a genetic programming algorithm, a mathematical model was developed to estimate recovery factors using variables specific to a given WAG scheme.
Influence of Specific Power on the Solid and Liquid Products Obtained in the Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of End-of-Life Tires
Authors: Martín María Teresa , Aguirre Juan Luis , Baena-González Juan , González Sergio , Pérez-Aparicio Roberto , Saiz-Rodríguez Leticia
Published: March 2022

In this work, chemical recycling as an alternative to conventional end-of-life treatments was studied. Two different types of end-of-life tires (ELT), truck tires and mix tires (50:50 mixture of passenger car and truck tires), were pyrolyzed in a batch microwave reactor. The influence of specific power (10, 20, and 30 W/g) on mass distribution was analyzed. The maximum liquid yield was attained at 10 W/g, while the maximum gas yield is obtained at 30 W/g. Liquid fractions were characterized by gas chromatography/quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/qMS) to identify the main components, and major compounds were quantified. In all samples, limonene (3.76 ± 0.31–6.80 ± 2.37 wt. %) and BTEX (3.83 ± 0.20–1.19 ± 2.80 wt. %) were the main components. Major limonene concentration is obtained in oil produced from truck ELT while higher yields of aromatic compounds are obtained from mix ELT. The maximum BTEX concentration is obtained at 10 W/g being toluene the main compound with a concentration of 2.07 ± 0.42 and 4.63 ± 1.29 for truck and mix ELT, respectively. The separation and purification of these compounds will confer important value to these fractions. Higher yields of the solid fraction are produced when mix tires are pyrolyzed due to the higher concentration of ash in this type of ELT. Recovered carbon black was characterized by measuring the surface area.
Quest for the Co-Pyrolysis Behavior of Rice Husk and Cresol Distillation Residue: Interaction, Gas Evolution and Kinetics
Authors: Xu Na , Cui Mifen , Zhang Zhuxiu , Tang Jihai , Qiao Xu
Published: March 2022

With the tremendous prosperity of industry, more and more hazardous waste is discharged from industrial production processes. Cresol distillation residue is a typical industrial hazardous waste that causes severe pollution without proper treatment. Herein, the co-pyrolysis of rice husk and cresol distillation residue was studied using thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry and kinetic studies. The Coats and Redfern method was employed to calculate the activation energy. The results indicated that the pyrolysis process of cresol distillation residue and RH/CDR (Rice Husk and Cresol Distillation Residue) blends can be divided into four stages and three stages for RH. The introduction of RH not only improved the thermo-stability of cresol distillation residue at a low temperature but also reduced the activation energy of the blends. The activation energy was the lowest when the proportion of rice husk in the blend was 60%. The main gaseous pyrolysis products included CH4, H2O, C2H2, CO2, C3H6 and H2. There existed an unusual combination of synergistic and inhibitive interactions between RH and cresol distillation residue, respectively, within different temperature ranges. The synergistic interaction decreased the reaction’s activation energy, whereas the inhibitive interaction reduced the emission of main gaseous products, such as CH4 and CO2. It was concluded that the addition of RH was conducive to improving the pyrolytic performance of cresol distillation residue and the resource utilization of cresol distillation residue.
Energy Management Control Strategy for Saving Trip Costs of Fuel Cell/Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Gim Juhui , Kim Minsu , Ahn Changsun
Published: March 2022

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) should control the energy management between two energy sources for fuel economy, using the stored energy in a battery or generation of energy through a fuel cell system. The fuel economy for an FCV includes trip costs for hydrogen consumption and the lifetime of two energy sources. This paper proposes an implementable energy management control strategy for an FCV to reduce trip costs. The concept of the proposed control strategy is first to analyze the allowable current of a fuel cell system from the optimal strategies for various initial battery state of charge (SOC) conditions using dynamic programming (DP), and second, to find a modulation ratio determining the current of a fuel cell system for driving a vehicle using the particle swarm optimization method. The control strategy presents the on/off moment of a fuel cell system and the proper modulation ratio of the turned-on fuel cell system with respect to the battery SOC and the power demand. The proposed strategy reduces trip costs in real-time, similar to the DP-based optimal strategy, and more than the simple energy control strategy of switching a fuel cell system on/off at the battery SOC boundary conditions even for long-term driving cycles.
Establishing Mixotrophic Growth of Cupriavidus necator H16 on CO2 and Volatile Fatty Acids
Authors: Jawed Kamran , Irorere Victor Uhunoma , Bommareddy Rajesh Reddy , Minton Nigel P. , Kovács Katalin
Published: March 2022

The facultative chemolithoautotroph Cupriavidus necator H16 is able to grow aerobically either with organic substrates or H2 and CO2 s and it can accumulate large amounts of (up to 90%) poly (3-hydroxybutyrate), a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer. The ability of this organism to co-utilize volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and CO2 as sources of carbon under mixotrophic growth conditions was investigated and PHA production was monitored. PHA accumulation was assessed under aerobic conditions, with either individual VFAs or in mixtures, under three different conditions—with CO2 as additional carbon source, without CO2 and with CO2 and H2 as additional sources of carbon and energy. VFAs utilisation rates were slower in the presence of CO2. PHA production was significantly higher when cultures were grown mixotrophically and with H2 as an additional energy source compared to heterotrophic or mixotrophic growth conditions, without H2. Furthermore, a two-step VFA feeding regime was found to be the most effective method for PHA accumulation. It was used for PHA production mixotrophically using CO2, H2 and VFA mixture derived from an anaerobic digestor (AD). The data obtained demonstrated that process parameters need to be carefully monitored to avoid VFA toxicity and low product accumulation.
A Density-Based Random Forest for Imbalanced Data Classification
Authors: Dong Jia , Qian Quan
Published: March 2022

Many machine learning problem domains, such as the detection of fraud, spam, outliers, and anomalies, tend to involve inherently imbalanced class distributions of samples. However, most classification algorithms assume equivalent sample sizes for each class. Therefore, imbalanced classification datasets pose a significant challenge in prediction modeling. Herein, we propose a density-based random forest algorithm (DBRF) to improve the prediction performance, especially for minority classes. DBRF is designed to recognize boundary samples as the most difficult to classify and then use a density-based method to augment them. Subsequently, two different random forest classifiers were constructed to model the augmented boundary samples and the original dataset dependently, and the final output was determined using a bagging technique. A real-world material classification dataset and 33 open public imbalanced datasets were used to evaluate the performance of DBRF. On the 34 datasets, DBRF could achieve improvements of 2–15% over random forest in terms of the F1-measure and G-mean. The experimental results proved the ability of DBRF to solve the problem of classifying objects located on the class boundary, including objects of minority classes, by taking into account the density of objects in space.
The Influence of Whey Protein Heating Parameters on Their Susceptibility to Digestive Enzymes and the Antidiabetic Activity of Hydrolysates
Authors: Bunsroem Kungnang , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Thaiudom Siwatt
Published: March 2022

The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) could normalize blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. This study evaluated the susceptibility of whey proteins to enzyme hydrolysis and the antidiabetic properties of protein hydrolysates from β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) solutions compared with whey protein isolate (WPI) solution treated at different heating temperatures (65, 75, and 85 °C). α-LA hydrolysate provided the lowest degree of hydrolysis (DH). Those heating temperatures did not significantly affect the DH of all protein hydrolysates. α-LA hydrolysate significantly increased GLP-1 levels and DPP-IV inhibitory activity more than β-LG hydrolysate. WPI hydrolysate inhibited DPP-IV activity less than an α-LA hydrolysate, but they were no significant differences for GLP-1 release activity. Heat treatment could affect the antidiabetic properties of all protein hydrolysates. Heating at 75 °C resulted in greater inhibition of the activity of DPP-IV than at 65 and 85 °C. The highest increase in GLP-1 release was also observed by heating at 75 °C. The recently obtained information is useful for the utilization of α-LA, heated at 75 °C for 30 min, in the preparation of antidiabetic food supplements.
Stability Analysis and Optimal Control of a Fractional Cholera Epidemic Model
Authors: He Yanyan , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a fractional model for the transmission dynamics of cholera was developed. In invariant regions of the model, solutions were generated. Disease-free and endemic equilibrium points were obtained. The basic reproduction number was evaluated, and the sensitivity analysis was performed. Under the support of Pontryagin’s maximum principle, the fractional order optimal control was obtained. Furthermore, an optimal strategy was discussed, which minimized the total number of infected individuals and the costs associated with control. Treatment, vaccination, and awareness programs were regarded as three means to reduce the number of infected. Finally, numerical simulations and cost-effectiveness analysis were presented to show the result that the best strategy was the combination of treatment and awareness programs.
A Titanium Tetrafluoride Experimental Gel Combined with Highly Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide as an Alternative Bleaching Agent: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Lins Rodrigo , Rosalen Pedro , Silva Diego , Kawabata Bianca , Martins Luís Roberto , Cavalli Vanessa
Published: March 2022

This in vitro study evaluated color change, mineral content, and morphology of enamel, pH and cytotoxicity of experimental bleaching agents containing 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP), titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), Natrosol, and Chemygel. Sixty enamel/dentin blocks were randomly treated with (n = 10) HP; HP+Natrosol+Chemygel with different TiF4 concentrations: 0.05 g HPT0.5, 0.1 g HPT1, 0.2 g HPT2, 0.3 g HPT3, 0.4 g HPT4. Bleaching was performed in three sessions (3 × 15 min application). Color change (CIELab-ΔEab, CIEDE2000-ΔE00, ΔWID) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) were evaluated. Enamel morphology and composition were observed under scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), respectively. Cell viability of keratinocyte cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD and Tukey tests, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni (α = 5%). The pH and EDS were analyzed descriptively. Lightness-L* increased, and a* and b* parameters decreased, except for HPT3 and HPT4 (b*). HPT0.5, HPT1, and HPT2 exhibited ΔEab and ΔWID similar to HP. ΔE00 did not present statistical difference. HP, HPT0.5, and HPT1 promoted higher KHN. HPT0.5 exhibited no changes on enamel surface. Keratinocyte cells were viable when treated with T0.5, and weak viable for T1. Experimental agents exhibited acidic pH and Ti elements. HPT0.5 exhibited bleaching efficacy, maintained KHN without enamel alterations, and did not increase cytotoxicity.
Crlz-1 Homozygous Null Knockout Mouse Embryos Are Lethally Stopped in Their Early Development
Authors: Choi Seung-Young , Pi Joo-Hyun , Jeong So-Eun , Kang Chang-Joong
Published: March 2022

Although the conditional gene knockout (KO) is a better choice for observing its phenotype in a specific cell, tissue, and/or organ, the simple null gene KO could nevertheless be attempted initially to scan its overall phenotypes at the level of the whole-body system, especially for a new gene such as Crlz-1. Therefore, with a hope to glean phenotypic clues for Crlz-1 at the whole-body system, we attempted to generate its null KO mice. Contrary to our original desire, Crlz-1 homozygous null KO mice were not born. However, in the chasing of their homozygous KO embryos, they were found to be lethally impaired from early development, remaining in a state of small globular mass without ever leading to a body shape, indicating the critical role of Crlz-1 as a Wnt target gene for the proliferation and/or differentiation of cells during early mouse embryonic development.
Unsupervised Machine Learning, Multi-Attribute Analysis for Identifying Low Saturation Gas Reservoirs within the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and Offshore Australia
Authors: Chenin Julian , Bedle Heather
Published: March 2022

An effective method of identifying and discriminating undersaturated gas accumulations remains unresolved, resulting in uncertainty in hydrocarbon exploration. To address this problem, an unsupervised machine learning multi-attribute analysis is performed on 3D post-stack seismic data over several blocks within the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and within the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Australia. Results reveal that low-saturation gas (LSG) reservoirs can be discriminated from high-saturation gas (HSG) reservoirs by using a combination of instantaneous attributes that are sensitive to small amplitude, frequency, and phase anomalies with self-organizing maps (SOMs). This methodology shows promise for de-risking prospects, even if it is not quantitative, particularly in frontier and exploration basins where wells may not exist or be very limited. However, this method only proved to be successful within the Gulf of Mexico and yielded limited results in the Carnarvon Basin. This difference is most likely due to the Carnarvon Basin having a different amplitude response resulting from a different burial history and fluid saturations when compared to the Gulf of Mexico. Therefore, this method is non-transferrable, and a different combination of attributes may be needed in other LSG-prone basins.
Prototype Scale Evaluation of Non-Newtonian Algorithms in HEC-RAS: Mud and Debris Flow Case Studies of Santa Barbara and Brumadinho
Authors: Gibson Stanford , Moura Leonardo Zandonadi , Ackerman Cameron , Ortman Nikolas , Amorim Renato , Floyd Ian , Eom Moosub , Creech Calvin , Sánchez Alejandro
Published: March 2022

The Santa Barbara post-wildfire debris flows and the Brumadinho tailing-dam failure were two of the most catastrophic flood events of the late 2010s. Both these events carried so much solid-phase material, that classic, clear-water, flood risk approaches cannot replicate them, or forecast other events like them. This case study applied the new non-Newtonian features in HEC-RAS 6.1 to these two events, testing the most widely used flood risk model on the two most common mud and debris flow hazards (post-wildfire floods and mine tailing dam failures). HEC-RAS reproduced the inundation boundaries and the event timing (where available) for both events. The ratio between the largest debris flow clasts and the channel size, parametric trade-offs, the “convex” alluvial plain topography, and the stochasticity introduced by urban infrastructure made the Santa Barbara modeling more difficult and less precise than Brumadinho. Despite these challenges, the results provide prototype scale validation and verification of these new tools in this widely applied flood risk model.
Recall of Care Objectives by Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Zand Aria , Shi Shelley , Nguyen Dominic , Kim Brian , Esrailian Eric , Hommes Daniel
Published: March 2022

The management of IBD is highly complex, given the heterogeneity of treatment plans for an equally diverse patient population. Given the intricacy of treatment, improved health literacy may be associated with better outcomes. Methods: Patients were assessed before and after their endoscopy and for their knowledge of their disease status, their correct recall of the endoscopy results, their provider–patient communication, and communication preferences. Results: A total of 37 patients completed both surveys and were included in the final analysis. The median age was 45 years. The median number of years diagnosed with IBD was 13. Most patients correctly recalled the results of their surveillance endoscopy after their procedure (84%). Many patients (65%) felt they were equally involved in the decision making process in regard to their surveillance endoscopies. Most patients (92%) reported having results clearly explained to them. Most patients (76%) preferred receiving an email or patient message with results, and 69% of patients reported receiving results in the way they preferred. Conclusions: Most of the patients with IBD who were surveyed had adequate knowledge of their disease process and could accurately recall the results of their endoscopy. However, the delivery of health information can be optimized, as nearly one-third of our patients did not receive their endoscopy results in their preferred method.
Propagation and Postharvest of Fruit Crops
Authors: Colombo Ronan Carlos , Roberto Sergio Ruffo
Published: March 2022

In fruit crops, plant propagation plays an important role as it allows the number of plants produced to be rapidly multiplied while retaining desirable characteristics from the mother plants and shortening the bearing age of plants [...]
Providing Sterile Orthopedic Implants: Challenges Associated with Multiple Reprocessing of Orthopedic Surgical Trays
Authors: Costa Dayane , Vickery Karen , Tipple Anaclara , Hu Honghua
Published: March 2022

Orthopedic implants, such as screws, are provided in a non-sterile state and must be reprocessed before each use, therefore they may be subjected to multiple reprocessing cycles until they are implanted in the patient. The effect of these various reprocessing cycles on the quality and safety of these implants has been a subject of concern and discussion around the world. In this narrative review, we discuss the four main challenges associated with supplying these non-sterile implants to the same standard, with respect to their quality and safety, as implants that are provided sterile: microbiological contamination (focusing on biofilm), non-microbiological contamination, surface damage, and their acquisition in surgical trays from loaner companies.
Association between Clinical Use of Colchicine and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Gouty Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Chen-Chih , Chen Yong-Chen , Lin Ming-Hsun , Wu Wen-Tung , Liu Feng-Cheng , Chen Hsiang-Cheng , Chou Yu-Ching , Sun Chien-An
Published: March 2022

Background: Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in adults. Even though a link between gouty arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported, there is a limited understanding of the association between the anti-inflammatory agent colchicine and the risk of T2DM. This aim of this study was to assess the association between the use of colchicine and the risk of T2DM in an Asian cohort. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. The study cohorts comprised 3841 gouty patients using colchicine (the exposed cohort) and 7682 gouty patients not using colchicine (the unexposed -cohort). The primary outcome was incident DM. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from a Cox proportional regression model were used to assess the association between colchicine use and the risk of diabetes. Results: The cumulative incidence of T2DM was significantly lower in the exposed cohort (18.8%) than in the unexposed cohort (25.0%). The risk of T2DM was significantly lower in colchicine users than in non-users (adjusted HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.36–0.87). The inverse relationship between colchicine use and diabetes risk remained consistent across sex and age groups. Conclusions: This cohort study provides longitudinal evidence that the use of colchicine is associated with a reduced risk of T2DM. This conclusion, however, needs to be interpreted cautiously given the lack of body mass index data in the NHIRD. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical implications of this study.
Consequences of Structural Urbanism: Urban–Rural Differences in Cancer Patients’ Use and Perceived Importance of Supportive Care Services from a 2017–2018 Midwestern Survey
Authors: Lewis-Thames Marquita W. , Fank Patricia , Gates Michelle , Robinson Kathy , Delfino Kristin , Paquin Zachary , Seaman Aaron T. , Molina Yamilé
Published: March 2022

Background: Structural inequities, in part, undergird urban–rural differences in cancer care. The current study aims to understand the potential consequences of structural inequities on rural and urban cancer patients’ access to and perceived importance of supportive cancer care resources. Methods: We used data collected from November 2017 to May 2018 from a larger cross-sectional needs assessment about patients’ support needs, use of services, and perceptions at a Midwestern United States cancer center. Oncology patients received a study packet during their outpatient clinic visit, and interested patients consented and completed the questionnaires. Results: Among the sample of 326 patients, 27% of the sample was rural. In adjusted logistic regression models, rural patients were less likely to report using any secondary support services (15% vs. 27%; OR = 0.43, 95%CI [0.22, 0.85], p = 0.02) and less likely than urban counterparts to perceive secondary support services as very important (51% vs. 64%; OR = 0.57, 95%CI [0.33, 0.94], p = 0.03). Conclusion: Structural inequities likely have implications on the reduced access to and importance of supportive care services observed for rural cancer patients. To eliminate persistent urban–rural disparities in cancer care, rural residents must have programs and policies that address cancer care and structural inequities.
Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Special Education Schools from a Multi-Informant Perspective
Authors: Offerman Evelyne C. P. , Asselman Michiel W. , Bolling Floor , Helmond Petra , Stams Geert-Jan J. M. , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: March 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of developing severe emotional and behavioral problems; however, little research is published on ACEs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in special education (SE) schools. We therefore systematically explored the prevalence, type and timing of ACEs in these students from five urban SE schools in the Netherlands (Mage = 11.58 years; 85.1% boys) from a multi-informant perspective, using students’ self-reports (n = 169), parent reports (n = 95) and school files (n = 172). Almost all students experienced at least one ACE (96.4% self-reports, 89.5% parent reports, 95.4% school files), and more than half experienced four or more ACEs (74.5% self-reports, 62.7% parent reports, 59.9% school files). A large majority of students experienced maltreatment, which often co-occurred with household challenges and community stressors. Additionally, 45.9% of the students experienced their first ACE before the age of 4. Students with EBD in SE who live in poverty or in single-parent households were more likely to report multiple ACEs. Knowledge of the prevalence of ACEs may help understand the severe problems and poor long-term outcomes of students with EBD in SE.
Self-Reported Parental Interactions through Play with Young Children in Thailand: An Analysis of the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)
Authors: Topothai Thitikorn , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Topothai Chompoonut , Tangcharoensathien Viroj , Cetthakrikul Nisachol , Waleewong Orratai
Published: March 2022

Parental interactions through play contributes significantly to child development of cognitive and executive functioning skills. In Thailand, there is little evidence of factors contributing to parental–child interactions. In response to SDG target 4.2.3 monitoring (the percentage of children under 5 years experiencing positive and stimulating home learning environments), this study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of parental interactions with their children under the age of five. We analysed data from the 6th Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2019. Face-to-face interviews with mothers and/or legal guardians were conducted. A total of 8856 children under the age of five were enrolled in this survey. Most participants, 90.3%, had engaged in at least four out of six activities with their children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children raised by parents with secondary or post-secondary educations had a significantly greater chance to have parental interactions than children raised by parents who completed primary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, and AOR = 2.34 for secondary and post-secondary education). Children who possessed three or more children’s books and had experience of toy play had a significantly higher chance of having parental interactions (AOR = 3.08 for book possessing, and AOR = 1.50 for the experience of toy play). Children who spent 1–3 h daily screen time had a significantly lower chance of having parental interactions than those who spent less than one hour of screen time (AOR = 0.67). In conclusion, with the emerging influence of digital technology, we recommend family and community promote parental interactions through play with young children.
Individualized Medication Review in Older People with Multimorbidity: A Comparative Analysis between Patients Living at Home and in a Nursing Home
Authors: Molist-Brunet Núria , Sevilla-Sánchez Daniel , Puigoriol-Juvanteny Emma , Bajo-Peñas Lorena , Cantizano-Baldo Immaculada , Cabanas-Collell Laia , Espaulella-Panicot Joan
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: aging is associated with complex and dynamic changes leading to multimorbidity and, therefore, polypharmacy. A periodic medication review (MR) in frail older people leads to optimizing medication use. The aims of the study were to perform a comparative analysis of the impact of place of residence (own home versus nursing home) in a cohort of older patients on the characteristics of the baseline therapeutic plan and characteristics of the therapeutic plan after an MR; (2) Methods: Study with paired pre- and post-MR data based on person-centred prescription, with a follow-up assessment at three months. Patients who lived either in their own home or in a nursing home were recruited. We selected patients of 65 years or more with multimorbidity whose General Practitioner identified difficulties with the prescription management and the need for an MR. Each patient’s treatment was analysed by applying the Patient-Centred Prescription (PCP) model; (3) Results: 428 patients. 90% presented at least one inappropriate prescription (IP) in both settings. In nursing homes, a higher number of implemented optimization proposals was detected (81.6% versus 65.7% (p < 0.001)). After the MR, nursing-home patients had a greater decrease in their mean number of medications, polypharmacy prevalence, therapeutic complexity, and monthly drug expenditure (p < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: PCP model detected a high number of IP in both settings. However, after an individualized MR, nursing-home patients presented a greater decrease in some pharmacological parameters related to adverse events, such as polypharmacy and therapeutic complexity, compared to those living at home. Nursing homes may be regarded as a highly suitable scenario to carry out a periodic MR, due to its high prevalence of frail people and its feasibility to apply the recommendations of an MR. Prospective studies with a robust design should be performed to demonstrate this quasi-experimental study along with a longitudinal follow-up on clinical outcomes.
A Review of the Sustainable Utilization of Rice Residues for Bioenergy Conversion Using Different Valorization Techniques, Their Challenges, and Techno-Economic Assessment
Authors: Kaniapan Sivabalan , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh , Patma Nesan Kartikeyan , Abubackar Haris Nalakath , Umar Hadiza Aminu , Oladosu Temidayo Lekan , Bello Segun R. , Rene Eldon R.
Published: March 2022

The impetus to predicting future biomass consumption focuses on sustainable energy, which concerns the non-renewable nature of fossil fuels and the environmental challenges associated with fossil fuel burning. However, the production of rice residue in the form of rice husk (RH) and rice straw (RS) has brought an array of benefits, including its utilization as biofuel to augment or replace fossil fuel. Rice residue characterization, valorization, and techno-economic analysis require a comprehensive review to maximize its inherent energy conversion potential. Therefore, the focus of this review is on the assessment of rice residue characterization, valorization approaches, pre-treatment limitations, and techno–economic analyses that yield a better biofuel to adapt to current and future energy demand. The pre-treatment methods are also discussed through torrefaction, briquetting, pelletization and hydrothermal carbonization. The review also covers the limitations of rice residue utilization, as well as the phase structure of thermochemical and biochemical processes. The paper concludes that rice residue is a preferable sustainable biomass option for both economic and environmental growth.
Factors Affecting the Deterioration of the Physical Health Status of Taxi Drivers by Age Group
Authors: Ok Jongsun , Kang Kyonghwa , Kim Hyeongsu
Published: March 2022

With the rapidly aging population, taxi drivers are aging at a fast pace, and competition in the taxi industry is intensifying due to the emergence of various transportation platforms. A descriptive secondary data study was conducted (on a total of 936 subjects) to determine the factors affecting the deterioration of taxi drivers’ physical health status (PHS) according to their age group. The increased incidence of chronic diseases and cognitive decline among taxi drivers aged 55–64 years had the greatest influence on the deterioration of their PHS. Driver obesity was more likely to be related to deterioration of the PHS in the drivers aged 55–64 years (OR: 2.459, <0.001) and 35–54 years (OR: 2.133, <0.001). Among the financial factors, a driver’s income and their number of dependent family members were correlated with the deterioration of the PHS for drivers aged 55 years or over. Therefore, chronic diseases, obesity and cognitive decline were related with deterioration of the physical health status. This suggests that attention should be paid to healthcare policies not only for the elderly aged over 65 years but also those aged 50 to 64 years, i.e., middle-aged people at the beginning of the transition to old age.
The Effects of Types of Service Providers on Experience Economy, Brand Attitude, and Brand Loyalty in the Restaurant Industry
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Abbas Jawad , Joo Kyuhyeon , Choo Seung-Woo , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to understand the relationships among the experience economy, brand attitude, and brand loyalty based on the type of service providers, such as robot servers and human servers in the restaurant industry. The data were collected from 296 people who experienced robot servers and from 294 people who experienced human servers and was analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM), which indicated that the four sub-dimensions of the experience economy: education, entertainment, esthetics, and escapism, positively affect brand attitude, which in turn has a significant positive impact on brand loyalty. In addition, statistical differences were found with the average value of the six constructs based on the type of service providers, such as robot servers and human servers.
Maternal, Sexual and Reproductive Health in Marginalised Areas: Renewing Community Involvement Strategies beyond the Worst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Murewanhema Grant , Musuka Godfrey , Gwanzura Chipo , Makurumidze Richard , Chitungo Itai , Chimene Munashe , Tungwarara Nigel , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Madziyire Mugove Gerald
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns have brought unprecedented challenges for Maternal, Sexual and Reproductive Health (MSRH) services. Components of MSRH services adversely affected include antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care; provision of family planning and post-abortion care services; sexual and gender-based violence care and prevention; and care and treatment for sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Resuscitating, remodeling or inventing interventions to restore or maintain these essential services at the community level, as a gateway to higher care, is critical to mitigating short and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential MSRH. We propose a possible framework for community involvement and propose integrating key information, education, and communication of MSRH messages within COVID-19 messages.
Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Pacing Strategy in Elite Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles Athletes
Authors: Iskra Janusz , Przednowek Krzysztof , Domaradzki Jarosław , Coh Milan , Gwiazdoń Paweł , Mackala Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

The main objective of the study was to assess the pacing strategy of running 400 m hurdles of the world-level female athletes over the past 40 years based on the functional asymmetry -temporal and spatial characteristics. The data were collected from 1983 to 2019 using the review of scientific literature. Over the 35 years of the study, 37 top-level competitions with 283 finalists-competitors were included. The analysis of the 400 m hurdle covered mainly spatial and temporal factors of the run, related to those technical skills, the level of motor skills, and somatic structure. In addition to the basic statistics, the ANOVA analysis of variance, regression analysis, Pearson correlation, the principal component analysis (PCA), and Kaiser’s criterion was used for the multivariate analysis. The final result in the 400 mH run is determined not by the simple sum of the individual temporal and/or spatial characteristics of the run (the number of steps, the type of attacking leg, but their interaction in the area of functional asymmetry. The decisive factor in the 400 mH run strategy is the second curve, where the emphasis is on the optimal setting of the stride pattern in the context of minimizing the loss of running speed. Additionally, the application of multidimensional statistical methods is a valuable tool that allows to significantly deepen the interpretation of the obtained results, and thus optimize a strategy for a 400 mH run.
Sport Psychological Skill Factors and Scale Development for Taekwondo Athletes
Authors: Nam Jung-Hoon , Kim Eung-Joon , Cho Eun-Hyung
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify the sport psychological skills of Taekwondo athletes and to develop a scale measuring such skills. We collected preliminary data using an open-ended online survey targeting Taekwondo athletes from nine countries (South Korea, China, Malaysia, United States, Spain, France, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Taiwan) who participated in international competitions between 2019 and 2020. We extracted participants’ sport psychological skills from 75 survey responses, guided by expert meetings and a thorough literature review. We verified our Taekwondo psychological skill scale’s construct validity using 840 survey responses. We utilized V coefficients, parallel analysis, an exploratory structural equation model, maximum likelihood, confirmatory factor analysis, and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis for data analysis. We identified six core sport psychological skills: “goal setting,” “confidence,” “imagery,” “self-talk,” “fighting spirit,” and “concentration.” Our final measure, which demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity, comprises 18 items spanning 6 factors, with each item rated on a 3-point Likert scale.
Community Knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abualhommos Amal Khaleel , Aldoukhi Abdullah Hamad , Alyaseen Ammar Ali Abdullah , AlQanbar Fatima Ali , Alshawarib Naimah , Almuhanna Zainab Abbas
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To explore the knowledge of the general community in Saudi Arabia about autism spectrum disorder. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted for the period between June and September 2021 in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire tool. The questionnaire tool was developed based on a literature review. The questionnaire tool consists of 34 items that assess knowledge about autism spectrum disorder in terms of its etiology, autistic patient features, autistic children’s abilities and needs, and autistic adults’ abilities and needs. The total score for each subscale was used to define the level of knowledge of it. Correct answers were given a score of one, and the total score for each subscale was used to describe the level of knowledge of it. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of good knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (defined as a total score equal or above the mean score of the study participants). Results: This study enlisted the participation of 500 people. The participants’ overall understanding of autism spectrum disorder was moderate, with a mean score of 20.6 (SD: 5.6) out of 34, or 60.6%. The participants’ knowledge levels ranged from 32.2% to 77.5%. The items about the abilities and needs of adolescents and young people with autism had the highest degree of knowledge (77.5%). The items about autism’s causes had the lowest level of expertise (32.2%). When compared to others, females, those with a master’s degree, and those working in the healthcare field had a higher likelihood of knowing more about the autism spectrum condition. (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge about autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia is moderate. Social media channels and healthcare centers should be used to conduct educational campaigns for parents. The goal of this educational campaign should be to improve parents’ ability to recognize the causes of autism.
Married Women’s Attitude toward Intimate Partner Violence Is Influenced by Exposure to Media: A Population-Based Spatial Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhowmik Jahar , Biswas Raaj
Published: March 2022

This study estimated the attitudes of women toward accepting IPV at district level in Bangladesh and examined its relationship with sociodemographic predictors including exposure to media (e.g., newspaper, radio and television) using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-2019 with a sample of 63,689 women. Around 25.6% women accepted IPV that geographically varied from 1.78% (Pirojpur) to 57.14% (Kurigram). Women regularly exposed to media were 17% less likely to accept IPV. Attitude toward accepting IPV was found to be higher among the illiterate women in disadvantaged circumstances, patriotically from poorer households living in remote areas, which suggest that planned interventions are needed for this vulnerable group of women to improve their living status by providing access to education and media. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of women’s empowerment on their attitude toward acceptance of IPV.