bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causative Agents of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Resistance to Antibiotics in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Velásquez-Garcia Larry , Mejia-Sanjuanelo Ana , Viasus Diego , Carratalà Jordi
Published: May 2022

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This systematic review updates information on the causative agents of VAP and resistance to antibiotics in COVID-19 patients. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed/MEDLINE, and LILACS databases from December 2019 to December 2021. Studies that described the frequency of causative pathogens associated with VAP and their antibiotic resistance patterns in critically ill COVID-19 adult patients were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for critical appraisal. The data are presented according to the number or proportions reported in the studies. A total of 25 articles were included, involving 2766 VAP cases in COVID-19 patients (range 5–550 VAP cases). Most of the studies included were carried out in France (32%), Italy (20%), Spain (12%) and the United States (8%). Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent causative pathogens of VAP (range of incidences in studies: P. aeruginosa 7.5–72.5%, K. pneumoniae 6.9–43.7%, E. cloacae 1.6–20% and A. baumannii 1.2–20%). S. aureus was the most frequent Gram-positive pathogen, with a range of incidence of 3.3–57.9%. The median incidence of Aspergillus spp. was 6.4%. Few studies have recorded susceptibility patterns among Gram-negative causative pathogens and have mainly reported extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and carbapenem resistance. The median frequency of methicillin resistance among S. aureus isolates was 44.4%. Our study provides the first comprehensive description of the causative agents and antibiotic resistance in COVID-19 patients with VAP. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common pathogens causing VAP. Data on antibiotic resistance patterns in the published medical literature are limited, as well as information about VAP from low- and middle-income countries.
Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences within the Family Context and In-Person and Online Dating Violence in Adulthood: A Scoping Review
Authors: Navarro Raúl , Larrañaga Elisa , Yubero Santiago , Víllora Beatriz
Published: May 2022

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a common pathway to risky behaviour, violence or re-victimisation, disability, illness, and premature mortality and, as such, may be associated with victimisation and perpetration of dating violence not only in adolescence but also in adulthood. Method: A scoping review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO) were used to search for studies published between 2000 and 2021 that analysed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences within the family context and the perpetration or victimisation of dating violence in adulthood. Results: The search yielded 599 articles, 32 of which met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in the review. Most of the study samples were from the United States. Most of the studies sampled university populations. The studies had a clear objective, were of an appropriate design, contained a detailed description of the sample, and used valid and reliable measurement instruments. Conclusion: This scoping review shows that the relationship between ACEs and perpetration and/or subsequent victimisation is complex and that, while adverse childhood experiences are a factor associated with adult dating violence, they are likely to coexist with other personal, family, and environmental problems. Therefore, adverse childhood experiences may not be a necessary or sufficient condition for experiencing dating violence.
Unwinding on the Weekend from Work-Related Stress: Moderating Effect of Weekday Psychological Stress on the Relationship between Increased Recovery Experience and Reduction of Psychological Stress on the Weekend
Authors: Horiuchi Satoshi , Iwano Suguru , Aoki Shuntaro , Sakano Yuji
Published: May 2022

Recovery is described as a process that is in contrast to the process whereby the psychological stress response increases. Recovery experiences refer to specific experiences that promote recovery and represent psychological attributes including relaxation. This preliminary study tested the hypothesis that levels of psychological stress before the weekend have a moderating effect on the relationship between an increased recovery experience during the weekend and a reduction of psychological stress from workdays to the weekend. Of 270 Japanese teachers who were invited to participate, 181 completed questionnaires on the psychological stress response before, on the psychological stress response and the recovery experience during the weekend. Data from 7 part-time teachers and 38 teachers who were not stressed at all before the weekend were excluded; therefore, data for 136 participants were ultimately analyzed. Results of hierarchal regression analysis indicated that increased relaxation was associated with an increased reduction in psychological stress response during the weekends in participants with high levels of psychological stress before the weekends. This moderating effect was not observed for other recovery experiences. Considering the psychological stress response is important for research on recovery experiences during weekends.
Parameter Optimization and Application for the Inerter-Based Tuned Type Dynamic Vibration Absorbers
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiang , Liu Xinnan , Chen Jian , Liu Kan , Pang Chongan
Published: May 2022

As an acceleration-type mechanical element, inerter element has been widely used in the dynamic suppressing field. In this paper, a tuned mass damper with inerter (TMDI) is presented for vibration control and energy dissipation. To evaluate the effectiveness of the TMDI, the simplified model of TMDI coupled with a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure has been established. Numerical optimization has been conducted with the goal of minimizing the maximum transfer function amplitude of displacement for the damped primary structure. The control performance and robustness for TMDI has been evaluated with the SDOF system in the frequency and time domain, compared with the classical TMD device. Lately, multiple active TMDI (MATMDI) has been proposed as a vibration suppression strategy for a multi-story steel structure. The performances of passive and active control methods have been evaluated in the time domain via real earthquake excitations, and it has proven that the MATMDI is more effective at reducing the response of the structure and the stroke of devices. The results show that the proposed optimal TMDI system can sufficiently harvest vibrational energy and enhance the robustness of structure.
A Real Estate Early Warning System Based on an Improved PSO-LSSVR Model—A Beijing Case Study
Authors: Wang Lida , Rong Xian , Chen Zeyu , Mu Lingling , Jiang Shan
Published: May 2022

The real estate market is vital for national economic development, and it is of great significance to research an early warning method to identify an abnormal status of the real estate market. In this study, a real estate early warning system based on the PSO-LSSVR model was created to train and test the indicator data of Beijing from 2000 to 2020, and to predict the early warning indicator of the Beijing real estate market from 2021 to 2030. The results showed that the warning status of the Beijing real estate market went from a fluctuation status to a stable “Normal” status from 2000 to 2020, and the warning status is expected to be more stable under a “Normal” status in the next decade under the same political and economic environment. The PSO-LSSVR model was found to have accurate prediction ability and demonstrated generalization ability. Furthermore, the warning status of the Beijing real estate market was analyzed in combination with national historical policies. Based on the results, this paper proposes policy recommendations to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the real estate market.
Reducing Energy Consumption in the Workplace via IoT-Allowed Behavioural Change Interventions
Authors: Ramallo-González Alfonso P. , Bardaki Cleopatra , Kotsopoulos Dimosthenis , Tomat Valentina , González Vidal Aurora , Fernandez Ruiz Pedro J. , Skarmeta Gómez Antonio
Published: May 2022

The arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has opened the door to a variety of services for building users. Considering the long-lasting issue of high energy use by buildings and low-energy literacy, it is tempting to use this new technology for increasing the literacy of users. This paper shows the results of a study performed in two pilot buildings with real users that have interacted with a series of energy educational interventions that encourage them in a timed and personalised way to reduce their energy consumption. The interventions aimed at reducing the consumption of energy and a close follow-up of the intervention from a behavioural aspect has been performed. The results show that the users, when interacting with the intervention and staying active, can reduce the energy consumption in the building by more than 30%, but the average savings are of 20%. This is in consensus with the literature, but in our case, the intervention has been one showing that personalised methods can result in energy reductions as large as those of more standard interventions.
Conceptual Framework to Support Personalized Indoor Space Design Decision-Making: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Lee Kyung-Tae , Im Jin-Bin , Park Sang-Jun , Kim Ju-Hyung
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 has forced people to spend more time indoors due to lockdown and social distancing, and clients demand personalized indoor spaces designed to increase individual satisfaction indoors. Consequently, various fourth industrial revolution technologies have been applied to support construction spaces to satisfy those clients lacking architectural knowledge and experience by reflecting individual tendencies and perceptions to build personalized indoor spaces. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how users evaluate the space according to behaviors and emotions felt in the space. A systematic review is performed to integrate significant categories from multiple disciplines to investigate the various decision-making aspects. In this study, 124 papers were selected, applying the PRISMA checklist to conduct a systematic literature review with scientometric analysis to propose a conceptual framework by reflecting the research trend related to indoor space decision-making. Accordingly, research on indoor space decision-making is increasing with pursuing convergence with various fields of study. The research is focused on the following four clusters: indoor space components, human tendencies, technology, and spatial evaluation. The framework proposed by integrating these trends could be utilized by clients as a practical tool to support people-centered indoor space decision-making post-COVID-19. Moreover, a framework should be developed to expand effectiveness in indoor spaces through convergence and collaboration research with psychology, physiology, and the medical field.
The Role of Steps on Silver Nanoparticles in Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Hinsch Jack Jon , Liu Junxian , White Jessica Jein , Wang Yun
Published: May 2022

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an essential component of a green economy. However, it is limited in practicality and affordability by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nanoscale silver particles have been proposed as a cost-effective solution to this problem. However, previous computational studies focused on clean and flat surfaces. High-index surfaces can be used to model active steps presented in nanoparticles. Here, we used the stable stepped Ag(322) surface as a model to understand the ORR performance of steps on Ag nanoparticles. Our density functional theory (DFT) results demonstrate a small dissociation energy barrier for O2 molecules on the Ag(322) surface, which can be ascribed to the existence of low-coordination number surface atoms. Consequently, the adsorption of OOH* led to the associative pathway becoming ineffective. Alternatively, the unusual dissociative mechanism is energetically favored on Ag(322) for ORR. Our findings reveal the importance of the coordination numbers of active sites for catalytic performance, which can further guide electrocatalysts’ design.
Protein Engineering of Pasteurella multocida α2,3-Sialyltransferase with Reduced α2,3-Sialidase Activity and Application in Synthesis of 3′-Sialyllactose
Authors: Yang Rui , Gong Mengge , Jiao Siming , Han Juntian , Feng Cui , Pei Meishan , Zhou Zhongkai , Du Yuguang , Li Jianjun
Published: May 2022

Sialyltransferases are key enzymes for the production of sialosides. The versatility of Pasteurella multocida α2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (PmST1) causes difficulties in the efficient synthesis of α2,3-linked sialylatetd compounds, especial its α2,3-sialidase activity. In the current study, the α2,3-sialidase activity of PmST1 was further reduced by rational design-based protein engineering. Three double mutants PMG1 (M144D/R313Y), PMG2 (M144D/R313H) and PMG3 (M144D/R313N) were designed and constructed using M144D as the template and kinetically investigated. In comparison with M144D, the α2,3-sialyltransferase activity of PMG2 was enhanced by 1.4-fold, while its α2,3-sialidase activity was reduced by 4-fold. Two PMG2-based triple mutants PMG2-1 (M144D/R313H/T265S) and PMG2-2 (M144D/R313H/E271F) were then designed, generated and characterized. Compared with PMG2, triple mutants showed slightly improved α2,3-sialyltransferase activity, but their α2,3-sialidase activities were increased by 2.1–2.9 fold. In summary, PMG2 was used for preparative-scale production of 3′-SL (3′-sialyllactose) with a yield of >95%. These new PmST1 mutants could be potentially utilized for efficient synthesis of α2,3-linked sialosides. This work provides a guide to designing and constructing efficient sialyltransferases.
Making Sense of Quorum Sensing at the Intestinal Mucosal Interface
Authors: Uhlig Friederike , Hyland Niall P.
Published: May 2022

The gut microbiome can produce metabolic products that exert diverse activities, including effects on the host. Short chain fatty acids and amino acid derivatives have been the focus of many studies, but given the high microbial density in the gastrointestinal tract, other bacterial products such as those released as part of quorum sensing are likely to play an important role for health and disease. In this review, we provide of an overview on quorum sensing (QS) in the gastrointestinal tract and summarise what is known regarding the role of QS molecules such as auto-inducing peptides (AIP) and acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) from commensal, probiotic, and pathogenic bacteria in intestinal health and disease. QS regulates the expression of numerous genes including biofilm formation, bacteriocin and toxin secretion, and metabolism. QS has also been shown to play an important role in the bacteria–host interaction. We conclude that the mechanisms of action of QS at the intestinal neuro–immune interface need to be further investigated.
Functional Peptides from SARS-CoV-2 Binding with Cell Membrane: From Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Cell Demonstration
Authors: Hao Yun , Wu Rongrong , Wang Fenghua , Zhang Liwei , Wang Zengkai , Song Xiaolu , Liu Lei
Published: May 2022

Herein, we have verified the interaction between the functional peptides from the SARS-CoV-2 and cell membrane, and we further proved that peptides exhibit little membrane disruption. The specific amino acids (Lys, Ile, Glu, Asn, Gln, etc.) with charge or hydrophobic residues play a significant role during the functional-peptide binding to membrane. The findings could provide the hints related to viral infection and also might pave the way for development of new materials based on peptides with membrane-binding activity, which would enable functional peptides further as peptide adjuvants, in order to help deliver the cancer drug into tumor cells for the efficient tumor therapy.
An In Vitro HL-1 Cardiomyocyte-Based Olfactory Biosensor for Olfr558-Inhibited Efficiency Detection
Authors: Yuan Qunchen , Qin Chunlian , Zhang Saisai , Wu Jianguo , Qiu Yong , Chen Changming , Huang Liquan , Wang Ping , Jiang Deming , Zhuang Liujing
Published: May 2022

Some short-chain fatty acids with a pungent or unpleasant odor are important components of human body odor. These malodors severely threaten human health. The antagonists of malodors would help to improve odor perception by affecting the interaction between odors and their receptors. However, the traditional odor detection and analysis methods, such as MOS, electrochemical, conductive polymer gas sensors, or chromatography-mass spectrometry are not suitable for screening the antagonists since they are unable to detect the ligand efficacy after odor-receptor binding. In this study, RT-PCR results showed that HL-1 cardiomyocytes endogenously express the olfactory receptor 558 (Olfr558) which can be activated by several malodorous short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, an in vitro HL-1 cardiomyocyte-based olfactory biosensor (HCBO-biosensor) was developed by combining cardiomyocytes and microelectrode array (MEA) chips for screening the potential antagonists of the Olfr558. Firstly, it showed that the biosensor specifically responded to ligands of Olfr558 through odor stimulation experiments. Then, an odor response model of HL-1 cardiomyocytes was constructed by a ligand of Olfr558 (isovaleric acid). The response feature of the in vitro HCBO-biosensor to individual odors and mixtures with a potential antagonist (citral or β-damascenone) were extracted and compared. Finally, the Olfr558-inhibited efficiency was indirectly detected by comparing the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of isovaleric acid. The results showed that β-damascenone greatly inhibited Olfr558 while citral showed no significant inhibitory effect. In conclusion, we built a novel screening method for the antagonists of Olfr558 based on HL-1 cardiomyocytes and the MEA chip which will assist odor-related companies to develop novel antagonists of Olfr558.
Tanning Bed Legislation for Minors: A Comprehensive International Comparison
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Lindwedel Karla S. , Mathes Sonja , Görig Tatiana , Gefeller Olaf
Published: May 2022

Tanning beds have been classified as carcinogenic to humans. As a result, many countries have enacted laws regulating the use of commercial tanning beds, including bans for minors. However, there is no international overview of the current legal status of access restrictions for minors that provides details on their specific design regarding age limits and possible exceptions to the statutory regulation. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive web search of current tanning bed legislation for minors on the three continents North America, Australia, and Europe. Our findings regarding the existence and concrete design of access restrictions are presented graphically, using maps. We found a wide variety of different legislations. In Australia, a total ban on tanning beds exists, while in New Zealand, tanning bed use is banned for minors. In Europe, about half of the countries have implemented a strict ban for minors. In North America, we found differences in the age limit for access restrictions between the states, provinces, and territories for those regions that implemented a ban for minors. In the United States, some states have rather “soft bans” that allow use by minors with different types of parental consent. The patchwork in legislation calls for harmonization. Therefore, our comparison is an important starting point for institutions such as the World Health Organization or the European Commission to advance their goals toward a harmonization of tanning bed legislation in general and for minors in particular.
Teeth Eruption Disorders: A Critical Review
Authors: Roulias Panagiotis , Kalantzis Nikolaos , Doukaki Dafni , Pachiou Aspasia , Karamesinis Konstantinos , Damanakis George , Gizani Sotiria , Tsolakis Apostolos I.
Published: May 2022

Dental eruption refers to the vertical displacement of a tooth from its initial non-functional towards its functional position. Tooth eruption disorders may be expressed in various clinical conditions, which may be grouped as “primary retention” and “secondary retention”. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and the clinical parameters of the various conditions related to tooth eruption disorders. Materials and Methods: The search strategy of this critical review included keywords in combination with MeSH terms in Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library until February 2022 and only in English. Results: “Primary Failure of Eruption” (PFE) occurs during the eruption process and includes clinical characteristics of both primary and secondary retention, which make diagnosis difficult. PFE is distinguished by Types I and II. In Type I, the defect in the eruption process occurs in all the relative teeth at the same time, whilst in Type II, the clinical expressions vary in multiple quadrants of the mouth, and the second molars erupt more. The variability of the PFE’s clinical spectrum seems to be connected to a genetic origin. The differential diagnosis among single ankylosis, secondary retention, and PFE is based on the occlusal relationship between the upper and the lower teeth distally, most commonly the first molar, which has not yet fully erupted. The treatment approach depends on many factors and combines surgical and orthodontic techniques.
22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Impact of Genetics in the Treatment of Conotruncal Heart Defects
Authors: Putotto Carolina , Pugnaloni Flaminia , Unolt Marta , Maiolo Stella , Trezzi Matteo , Digilio Maria Cristina , Cirillo Annapaola , Limongelli Giuseppe , Marino Bruno , Calcagni Giulio , Versacci Paolo
Published: May 2022

Congenital heart diseases represent one of the hallmarks of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. In particular, conotruncal heart defects are the most frequent cardiac malformations and are often associated with other specific additional cardiovascular anomalies. These findings, together with extracardiac manifestations, may affect perioperative management and influence clinical and surgical outcome. Over the past decades, advances in genetic and clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment have led to increased survival of these patients and to progressive improvements in postoperative outcome. Several studies have investigated long-term follow-up and results of cardiac surgery in this syndrome. The aim of our review is to examine the current literature data regarding cardiac outcome and surgical prognosis of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We thoroughly evaluate the most frequent conotruncal heart defects associated with this syndrome, such as tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, aortic arch interruption, and truncus arteriosus, highlighting the impact of genetic aspects, comorbidities, and anatomical features on cardiac surgical treatment.
Pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PROSA) in the Leuven University Hospitals: An Audit on Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Kerkhofs Lotte , Allegaert Karel , Toelen Jaan , Vanhonsebrouck Koen
Published: May 2022

The hospital can be a stressful environment for a child. To address the increase in demands for pediatric procedural sedation, the PROSA team initiative was started in the Leuven University Hospitals in 2014. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of this project since its initiation. Demographic (age, sex) and clinical (procedure, sedation method) data were prospectively registered by the dedicated PROSA team. Anonymized data (11/2014–6/2021) were extracted to a database for analysis. Data on 5090 procedures were available. The median age was 4.8 years. The sedation was successful in 98% of patients, be it classified as ‘technically difficult’ in 3.3%. Of the 2% of failed procedures, 69% were due to inadequate sedation and 31% to logistic reasons unrelated to sedation (such as puncture problem, suboptimal bowel preparation). The overall adverse event incidence was 2% and occurred predominantly during gastro-coloscopy or bronchoscopy. Pethidine/midazolam was used in 81 cases, nitrous oxide in 10 cases. A saturation decrease with oxygen supply was the documented adverse event in 83 cases. There were no deaths reported. With the current training and implementation, PROSA is effective with a success rate of 98% and an adverse event rate of 2%.
Optimizing Care for the Preterm Infant
Authors: Asztalos Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Preterm birth remains an ongoing global health issue with over 15 million infants born preterm annually [...]
Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in German Adolescents after the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hussong Justine , Möhler Eva , Kühn Anna , Wenning Markus , Gehrke Thomas , Burckhart Holger , Richter Ulf , Nonnenmacher Alexandra , Zemlin Michael , Lücke Thomas , Brinkmann Folke , Rothoeft Tobias , Lehr Thorsten
Published: May 2022

Evaluations after the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany showed an increase in mental health problems and a reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the study was to assess those aspects after the third wave of COVID-19 in adolescents who decided to receive a vaccination. In students aged 12–17 years recruited from schools in one German region, mental health (by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire, SDQ) and HRQoL (by KIDSCREEN-10) were assessed by both a self- and parental report. Data from 1412 adolescents (mean age 14.3 years, SD = 1.64) and 908 parents were collected. The mean self-reported HRQoL was T = 53.7 (SD = 11.2), significantly higher in boys than in girls and higher in younger (12–14 years) than in older (15–17 years) adolescents. In total, 18.7% of adolescents reported clinically relevant psychological symptoms, especially peer problems (23.5%), emotional problems (17.4%), and hyperactivity (17.1%). Comparing the present data to evaluations after the first and second waves of COVID-19, adolescents rated a higher HRQoL and reported less mental health problems after the third wave. After 1.5 years of living with the pandemic, adolescents have adapted to the changes in everyday life. Further, the relaxation of restrictions, better school organization, and the prospect of the vaccination may have increased optimism, wellbeing, and contentment, leading to declining but still alarming rates of psychological symptoms.
Evaluation of Machine-Learning Models for Predicting Aeolian Dust: A Case Study over the Southwestern USA
Authors: Aryal Yog
Published: May 2022

Aeolian dust has widespread consequences on health, the environment, and the hydrology over a region. This study investigated the performance of various machine-learning (ML) models including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Bayesian Regularized Neural Networks (BRNN), and Cubist (Cu) in predicting dust emissions over the Southwestern United States (US). Six meteorological and climatic variables (precipitation, air temperature, wind speed, ENSO, PDO, and NAO) were used to predict dust emissions. The correlation (r) and root mean square error (RMSE) for fine dust vary from 0.67 to 0.80, and 0.40 to 0.52 µg/m3, respectively. For coarse dust, the r and RMSE vary from 0.69 to 0.73, and 2.01 to 2.34 µg/m3, respectively. The non-linear ML models outperformed linear regression for both fine and coarse dust. ML models underestimated high concentrations of dust. Machine-learning models better predict fine dust than coarse dust over the Southwestern USA. Air temperature was found to be the most important predictor, followed by precipitation, for both fine- and coarse- dust-prediction over the region. These results improve our understanding of the predictability of Southwestern US dust.
Stability Evaluations of Unlined Horseshoe Tunnels Based on Extreme Learning Neural Network
Authors: Jearsiripongkul Thira , Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Banyong Rungkhun , Seehavong Sorawit , Sangjinda Kongtawan , Thongchom Chanachai , Chavda Jitesh T. , Ngamkhanong Chayut
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based approach for predicting tunnel stability that is both dependable and accurate. Numerical solutions to the instability of unlined horseshoe tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils are established, primarily by employing numerical upper bound (UB) and lower bound (LB) finite element limit analysis (FELA). The training dataset for an ANN model is made up of these numerical solutions. Four dimensionless parameters are required in the parametric analyses, namely the dimensionless overburden factor γD/c′, the cover-depth ratio C/D, the width-depth ratio B/D, and the soil friction angle ϕ. The influence of these dimensionless parameters on the stability factor is explored and illustrated in terms of a design chart. Moreover, the failure mechanisms of a shallow horseshoe tunnel in cohesive-frictional soil that is influenced by the four dimensionless parameters are also provided. Therefore, the current stability solution, based on FELA and ANN models, is presented in this paper, allowing for the efficient and accurate establishment and evaluation of an optimum surcharge loading of shallow horseshoe tunnels in practice.
Improving Multi-View Camera Calibration Using Precise Location of Sphere Center Projection
Authors: Perez Alberto J. , Perez-Soler Javier , Perez-Cortes Juan-Carlos , Guardiola Jose-Luis
Published: May 2022

Several calibration algorithms use spheres as calibration tokens because of the simplicity and uniform shape that a sphere presents across multiple views, along with the simplicity of its construction. Among the alternatives are the use of complex 3D tokens with reference marks, usually complex to build and analyze with the required accuracy; or the search of common features in scene images, with this task being of high complexity too due to perspective changes. Some of the algorithms using spheres rely on the estimation of the sphere center projection obtained from the camera images to proceed. The computation of these projection points from the sphere silhouette on the images is not straightforward because it does not match exactly the silhouette centroid. Thus, several methods have been developed to cope with this calculation. In this work, a simple and fast numerical method adapted to precisely compute the sphere center projection for these algorithms is presented. The benefits over other similar existing methods are its ease of implementation and that it presents less sensibility to segmentation issues. Other possible applications of the proposed method are presented too.
The Role of Cations and Anions in the Formation of Crystallization Oligomers in Protein Solutions as Revealed by Combination of Small-Angle X-ray Scattering and Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Marchenkova Margarita , Konarev Petr , Kordonskaya Yuliya , Ilina Kseniia , Pisarevsky Yury , Soldatov Alexander , Timofeev Vladimir , Kovalchuk Mikhail
Published: May 2022

As is known from molecular dynamics simulation, lysozyme oligomers in crystallization solutions are most stable when taking into account as many precipitant ions as possible embedded in the corresponding crystal structure. Therefore, the number of precipitant ions associated with crystallographic oligomer models can play a role during the modeling of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data. This hypothesis has been tested in the present work. As a result, it turned out that the best fit quality to the experimental SAXS data is reached when using oligomers without precipitant ions at all or with embedded chlorine ions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation shows that the stability of crystallization oligomers depends on the consideration of anions and cations in oligomer structure. Thus, it is chlorine ions which stabilize dimer and octamers in lysozyme crystallization solution. As SAXS is more sensitive to the role of cations and MD shows the role of anions which are “light” for X-rays, it has been shown that precipitant cations most likely do not bind to monomers, but to already-formed oligomers.
Dynamic Simulation and Parameter Analysis of Weaved Composite Material for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Parachute Recovery in Deployment Phase
Authors: Shi Wenhui , Yue Shuai , Li Zhiqian , Xu Hao , Du Zhonghua , Gao Guangfa , Zheng Guang , Zhao Beibei
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the parachute recovery of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, a method of parachute deployment by tractor rocket is proposed. First, the tensile tests were carried out on high-strength polyethylene and brocade silk-weaved composite materials. The dynamic property parameters of the materials were obtained, which was the input for the dynamic model of the parachute deployment phase. Second, the model was verified by the experiment results. Finally, parachute weight and rocket launch temperature during the deployment phase were studied. The results showed that the dynamic model has good accuracy; as the parachute weight increases, the maximum snatch force of the extraction line and the sling decreases as the force on the suspension lines increases and the deployment effect worsens. With the temperature rise, the maximum snatch force on the extraction line, sling, and suspension lines increases and the deployment length changes slightly.
Patient Perceived Financial Burden in Haematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Parker Catriona , Berkovic Danielle , Ayton Darshini , Zomer Ella , Liew Danny , Wei Andrew
Published: May 2022

Advances in scientific understanding have led to novel therapies and improved supportive care for many patients with haematological malignancies. However, these new drugs are often costly, only available at centralised health care facilities, require regular specialist reviews and lengthy treatment regimens. This leads to a significant financial burden. Understanding the impact of financial burden on haematological patients is important to appreciate the urgency of alleviating this systemic issue. Method: Eligible studies were identified by systematically searching Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase. Self-reported data reported in both quantitative and qualitative studies that described the financial burden for patients with haematological malignancies were included. Quality appraisal of the included studies was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. A narrative synthesis was employed. For quantitative studies, outcomes were extracted, tabulated and categorised to find similarities and differences between the studies. For qualitative studies, quotations, codes and themes were extracted and then clustered. An inductive approach derived qualitative themes. Results: Twenty studies were identified for inclusion. Of the quantitative studies most (83%) employed un-validated researcher-generated measures to assess financial burden. Between 15–59% of patients experienced a financial burden. Out-of-pocket expenditure was frequent for clinical appointments, prescription and non-prescription medication, and travel. Financial burden was associated with a worsening quality of life and living in metropolitan areas, but there was no evidence for impact on survival. Patient-centred experiences from the qualitative inquiry complemented the quantitative findings and five themes were determined: familial or household impact; reliance on others; barriers to care due to cost; and barriers to accessing financial assistance and sources of out-of-pocket expenses. Conclusion: The impacts of financial burden are yet to be fully appreciated in haematological malignancies, exacerbated by the heterogeneous methods employed by researchers. Future work should focus on identifying the long-term ramifications of financial burden for patients and should trial interventions to reduce its prevalence and patient impacts.
Diagnostic Performance of Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Chest Computed Tomography, and Lung Point-of-Care-Ultrasonography for SARS-CoV-2 Compared with RT-PCR Testing: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shim Sung Ryul , Kim Seong-Jang , Hong Myunghee , Lee Jonghoo , Kang Min-Gyu , Han Hyun Wook
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The comparative performance of various diagnostic methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the comparison of the 3 index test performances of rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RDTs), chest computed tomography (CT), and lung point-of-care-ultrasonography (US) with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the reference standard, to provide more evidence-based data on the appropriate use of these index tests. (2) Methods: We retrieved data from electronic literature searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from 1 January 2020, to 1 April 2021. Diagnostic performance was examined using bivariate random-effects diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) models. (3) Results: Of the 3992 studies identified in our search, 118 including 69,445 participants met our selection criteria. Among these, 69 RDT, 38 CT, and 15 US studies in the pairwise meta-analysis were included for DTA with NMA. CT and US had high sensitivity of 0.852 (95% credible interval (CrI), 0.791–0.914) and 0.879 (95% CrI, 0.784–0.973), respectively. RDT had high specificity, 0.978 (95% CrI, 0.960–0.996). In accuracy assessment, RDT and CT had a relatively higher than US. However, there was no significant difference in accuracy between the 3 index tests. (4) Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that, compared with the reference standard RT-PCR, the 3 index tests (RDTs, chest CT, and lung US) had similar and complementary performances for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To manage and control COVID-19 effectively, future large-scale prospective studies could be used to obtain an optimal timely diagnostic process that identifies the condition of the patient accurately.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Acute Hepatic Porphyrias
Authors: Ricci Andrea , Sandri Gilda , Marcacci Matteo , Di Pierro Elena , Granata Francesca , Cuoghi Chiara , Marchini Stefano , Pietrangelo Antonello , Ventura Paolo
Published: May 2022

Background Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of rare diseases caused by dysfunctions in the pathway of heme biosynthesis. Although acute neurovisceral attacks are the most dramatic manifestations, patients are at risk of developing long-term complications, several of which are of a vascular nature. The accumulation of non-porphyrin heme precursors is deemed to cause most clinical symptoms. Aim We measured the serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) to assess the presence of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with AHPs. Forty-six patients were classified, according to their clinical phenotype, as symptomatic (AP-SP), asymptomatic with biochemical alterations (AP-BA), and asymptomatic without biochemical alterations (AP-AC). Results Even excluding those under hemin treatment, AP-SP patients had the lowest NO and highest ET-1 levels, whereas no significant differences were found between AP-BA and AP-AC patients. AP-SP patients had significantly more often abnormal levels of ED markers. Patients with the highest heme precursor urinary levels had the greatest alterations in ED markers, although no significant correlation was detected. Conclusions ED is more closely related to the clinical phenotype of AHPs than to their classical biochemical alterations. Some still undefined disease modifiers may possibly determine the clinical picture of AHPs through an effect on endothelial functions.
Visual Reassessment with Flux-Interval Plot Configuration after Automatic Classification for Accurate Atrial Fibrillation Detection by Photoplethysmography
Authors: Chu Justin , Yang Wen-Tse , Chang Yao-Ting , Yang Fu-Liang
Published: May 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of arrhythmia that is often clinically asymptomatic, which increases the risk of stroke significantly but can be prevented with anticoagulation. The photoplethysmogram (PPG) has recently attracted a lot of attention as a surrogate for electrocardiography (ECG) on atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, with its out-of-hospital usability for rapid screening or long-term monitoring. Previous studies on AFib detection via PPG signals have achieved good results, but were short of intuitive criteria like ECG p-wave absence or not, especially while using interval randomness to detect AFib suffering from conjunction with premature contractions (PAC/PVC). In this study, we newly developed a PPG flux (pulse amplitude) and interval plots-based methodology, simply comprising an irregularity index threshold of 20 and regression error threshold of 0.06 for the precise automatic detection of AFib. The proposed method with automated detection on AFib shows a combined sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of 1, 0.995, 0.995, and 0.952 across the 460 samples. Furthermore, the flux-interval plot configuration also acts as a very intuitive tool for visual reassessment to confirm the automatic detection of AFib by its distinctive plot pattern compared to other cardiac rhythms. The study demonstrated that exclusive 2 false-positive cases could be corrected after the reassessment. With the methodology’s background theory well established, the detection process automated and visualized, and the PPG sensors already extensively used, this technology is very user-friendly and convincing for promoted to in-house AFib diagnostics.
Underlying Ciliary Body Uveal Melanoma in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Presenting for Hyphema
Authors: Păsărică Mihai Adrian , Curcă Paul Filip , Dragosloveanu Christiana Diana Maria , Tătaru Cătălina Ioana , Manole Ioana Roxana , Murgoi Gabriela Elisabeta , Grigorescu Alexandru Călin
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Ciliary body uveal melanoma is a rare subtype of uveal melanoma which comprises 3–5% of melanomas, an immunogenic cancer, and can present multifaceted initial clinical manifestations, masquerading as various ocular pathologies. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presents immunodeficiency and risk for the development of a secondary malignancy, with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment having a mutagenic effect and a secondary anti-platelet aggregation effect. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient undergoing treatment for CLL with ibrutinib who presented with recurrent hyphema that masked an underlying, inferiorly situated, ciliary body uveal melanoma; (2) Methods: Retrospective case review; (3) Results: An ophthalmological examination together with imaging via mode B ultrasound and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging resulted in the clinical and imagistic diagnosis of a ciliary body uveal melanoma. A pathological examination of the enucleated eye confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative tumoral reoccurrence was not detected for 1½ years, however, CLL immunosuppression worsened with admission for severe COVID-19 disease. (4) Conclusions: CLL patient screening for melanoma should also include detailed ophthalmological examinations, which could also include ultrasound ophthalmological imaging. The avoidance of uveal melanoma metastatic disease is paramount for patient survival. CLL manifests additional profound immunosuppression.
Performance Study on the Effect of Coolant Inlet Conditions for a 20 Ah LiFePO4 Prismatic Battery with Commercial Mini Channel Cold Plates
Authors: Jaidi Jeevan , Chitta Sandeep Dattu , Akkaldevi Chaithanya , Panchal Satyam , Fowler Michael , Fraser Roydon
Published: May 2022

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries are widely used in renewable energy storage and automotive powertrain systems, and therefore, an efficient thermal management system is imperative for maximum battery life and safety. Battery heat generation and dissipation rates primarily depend on the battery surface temperatures, which are affected by the coolant system design and coolant inlet conditions. In this paper, a two-way coupled electrochemical-thermal simulation with selected experimental validation has been performed and analyzed the effect of water coolant inlet conditions on the effectiveness of commercial mini-channel cold-plates for 20 Ah LiFePO4 prismatic batteries. Three coolant inlet temperatures (25–45 °C) and four flow rates (150–600 mL/min) are tested at three different discharge rates (2–4 C) and the performance of coolant system design has been analyzed in terms of battery peak (maximum) temperature and temperature difference (i.e., non-uniformity) across the battery. The predicted results indicate that the coolant flow rate has a profound effect on the battery temperature non-uniformity, while the coolant inlet temperature has a significant effect on the battery peak temperature. At high coolant flow rates, the battery surface temperature difference is within the acceptable range (ΔT < 5 °C), but the maximum temperatures are high at all discharge rates. Further, at the low coolant inlet temperature of 25 °C and the high coolant flow rate of 600 mL/min, the battery temperature rise at the top and bottom locations during the constant current discharge process is high, indicating that the battery heat generation rate is high at a low coolant inlet temperature.
Prototype of 5G Integrated with TSN for Edge-Controlled Mobile Robotics
Authors: Kehl Pierre , Ansari Junaid , Jafari Mohammad Hossein , Becker Paul , Sachs Joachim , König Niels , Göppert Amon , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: May 2022

The digitization of industries enables a rapid transformation from mass production to individualized manufacturing. Communication plays an essential role in this digital transformation; in particular, wireless communication enables a high degree of flexibility, dynamic interactions, and mobility support in production systems. This paper presents an implementation of a 5G system with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and analyzes a typical industrial use case involving cloud-controlled mobile robots. A prototype setup integrating 5G in a TSN network has been completed to evaluate the 5G-TSN performance for industrial applications. The integrated 5G and TSN prototype has been evaluated with over the air tests in an industrial shopfloor using TSN features of traffic shaping and scheduling.
Broadband Dynamic Phasor Measurement Method for Harmonic Detection
Authors: Guo Yufu , Xu Hang , Chi Aobing
Published: May 2022

A large number of nonlinear loads and distributed energy sources are connected to the power system, leading to the generation of broadband dynamic signals including inter-harmonics and decaying DC (DDC) components. This causes deterioration of power quality and errors during power measurement. Therefore, effective phasor estimation methods are needed for accurate monitoring and effective analysis of harmonics and interharmonic phasors. For this purpose, an algorithm is proposed in this paper that is implemented in two parts. The first part is based on the least square method in order to obtain accurate DDC component. In the second part, a Taylor–Fourier model of broadband dynamic harmonic phasor is established. The regularization optimization problem of the sparse acquisition model is solved by harmonic vector estimation method. Finally, the piecewise Split-Bregman Iterative (SBI) framework is used to obtain the estimated value of the harmonic phasor measurement and to realize the reconstruction of the original signal. Through simulation and performance test, the proposed algorithm significantly improves the accuracy of the phasor measurement and estimation, and can provide a reliable theoretical basis for the PMU measurement.