bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A State Space Modeling Method for Aero-Engine Based on AFOS-ELM
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Li Qiuhong , Pang Shuwei , Zhou Wenxiang
Published: May 2022

State space models (SSMs) are important for multi-variable performance analysis and controller design of aero-engines. In order to solve the problems of the traditional state space modeling methods that rely on component-level models (CLMs) and cannot be carried out in real time, an aero-engine state space modeling method based on adaptive forgetting factor online sequential extreme learning machine (AFOS-ELM) is proposed in this paper. The structure of the extreme learning machine (ELM) is determined according to the form of the state space model, and the inverse-free ELM algorithm is used to automatically select the appropriate number of hidden nodes to improve the efficiency of offline initialization. The focus of the ELM on current operation performance is enhanced by the adaptive renewed forgetting factor, which reduces the impact of aero-engine history and deviated data on the current output and improves the accuracy of the model. Then, according to the analytical equation of the ELM model, the state space model of an aero-engine at each sampling time is obtained by using the partial derivative method. The simulation results based on engine test data show that the real-time performance and accuracy of the state space model established online in this paper can meet the needs of aero-engine control system requirement.
Study on the Variation in Heating Energy Based on Energy Consumption from the District Heating System, Simulations and Pattern Analysis
Authors: Kim Soo-Jeong , Park Doo-Yong
Published: May 2022

This study aims to analyze the actual heating energy consumption according to the location and size of apartment houses. The study shows the variation in heating energy consumption in accordance with the living pattern of residents in such apartments. By calculating the average annual heating energy consumption and distribution of the measured heating energy of two years, it was found that the outdoor temperature was inversely proportional to the average heating energy consumption. Moreover, the lowest/highest floors and corner houses were the most vulnerable since they had a lot of area exposed to the outside air and, thus, consume a huge amount of heating energy. According to this study, the heating load had relevance to the factors such as wall loss, window loss, ventilation loss, and solar radiation gain that were analyzed in accordance with the growth in house size. Based on the survey outcome on the living pattern and number of residents, a simulation was conducted to analyze the variation in heating energy consumption. Households consumed the average heating energy for 15.8 h/day and occupied for 16.4 h/day. Households consumed more than the average heating energy for 22.2 h/day and occupied for 21.2 h/day, meaning 6.4 extra hours than those consuming the average heating energy. Households consumed less than the average heating energy for 5.2 h/day and occupied for 10.9 h/day, meaning 10.6 less hours/day than those consuming the average heating energy and 17 less hours/day than those consuming more than the average heating energy.
Innovative Single-Day Installation Vessel for Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Ryu Moo-Sung , Kim Sang-Ryul , Cho Dong-Ho , Kang Joon-Goo
Published: May 2022

Transportation and installation of a wind turbine system is one of the main factors for business availability of offshore wind power due to its high cost and technical difficulty. The purpose of this study is to develop an innovative transportation and installation method for offshore wind turbines. We refer to this installation process as an All-In-One-Installation (A.I.O.I), and the special vessel used is referred to as a multipurpose mobile base (MMB). In this study, the short-range transportation and penetration and pull-out tests of the entire wind turbine system are performed before field demonstration. All the offshore wind turbine systems were transported and installed safely at one time. Field demonstration was conducted on the installation site approximately 15 km from the harbor in approximately 5 h using the suction method. In the actual A.I.O.I demonstration test, stable values were obtained. The respective changes in inclination at the center of the MMB and the tower were within 0.1° and 0.2° during operation, respectively, because of the reduction of longitudinal and transverse sway of the MMB induced by the self-weight assembly and ballast. The presented method constitutes an innovative transportation and installation method useful for the offshore wind power industry demonstrating single-day installation feasibility. This installation method can be used to configure the fleet in the development of large-scale offshore wind farms, but it is also possible to install turbines in individual units for research or small businesses. With minor A-Frame modifications, it can be applied as a multipurpose vessel to maintain the blades or heavy components, or can be used for pile driving, or for the lifting/installation of offshore structures.
Network Architecture for IEC61850-90-5 Communication: Case Study of Evaluating R-GOOSE over 5G for Communication-Based Protection
Authors: Jafary Peyman , Supponen Antti , Repo Sami
Published: May 2022

The smart grid includes wide-area applications in which inter-substation communication is required to realize innovative monitoring, protection, and control solutions. Internet-based data exchange, i.e., communication over Internet Protocol (IP), is regarded as the latest trend for inter-substation communication. Interoperability can be achieved via the use of standardized IEC 61850-90-5 messages communicating over IP. Wide-area applications can obtain benefits from IP-multicast technologies and use a one-to-many communication model among substations communicating across a communication network. Cellular Internet is being considered as a potential cost-efficient solution which can be used for the IP-multicast communication. However, it requires knowledge of communicating uncommon IP-multicast traffic over the Internet. Moreover, it presents challenges in terms of cybersecurity and real-time requirements. These challenges must be overcome to realize authentic and correct operation of the wide-area applications. There is thus a need to examine communication security and to evaluate if the communication network characteristics satisfy the application real-time requirement. This paper investigates the secure communication of IEC61850-90-5 multicast messages over the public communication network and proposes two network architectures using the Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnel and multipoint GRE (mGRE) within Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN). Additionally, this paper evaluates the feasibility of cellular (5G and 4G) Internet for the communication of multicast Routable Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (R-GOOSE) messages in wide-area protection applications. For this purpose, we introduce a lab setup to experiment the transmission of R-GOOSE messages within the proposed network architectures. The lab setup contains both software and hardware components. A software application is developed to publish multicast R-GOOSE with a fresh timestamp acquired from time synchronization equipment. These messages are transmitted over the Internet by computer networking devices that support cellular communication. The communication latency of the transmitted messages is measured and analyzed statistically. The statistical analysis results are discussed to evaluate performance of R-GOOSE over cellular Internet for two communication-based protection applications: Logic Selectivity and Loss-of-Main protection schemes.
Conductive Heat Transfer in Thermal Bridges
Authors: Fuchs Mathias
Published: May 2022

A thermal bridge is a component of a building that is characterized by a higher thermal loss compared with its surroundings. Their accurate modeling is a key step in energy performance analysis due to the increased awareness of the importance of sustainable design. Thermal modeling in architecture and engineering is often not carried out volumetrically, thereby sacrificing accuracy for complex geometries, whereas numerical textbooks often give the finite element method in much higher generality than required, or only treat the case of uniform materials. Despite thermal modeling traditionally belonging exclusively to the engineer’s toolbox, computational and parametric design can often benefit from understanding the key steps of finite element thermal modeling, in order to inform a real-time design feedback loop. In this entry, these gaps are filled and the reader is introduced to all relevant physical and computational notions and methods necessary to understand and compute the stationary energy dissipation and thermal conductance of thermal bridges composed of materials in complex geometries. The overview is a self-contained and coherent expository, and both physically and mathematically as correct as possible, but intuitive and accessible to all audiences. Details for a typical example of an insulated I-beam thermal bridge are provided.
Numerical Solution of Desiccation Cracks in Clayey Soils
Authors: Levatti Hector U.
Published: May 2022

This entry presents the theoretical fundamentals, the mathematical formulation, and the numerical solution for the problem of desiccation cracks in clayey soils. The formulation uses two stress state variables (total stress and suction) and results in a non-symmetric and nonlinear system of transient partial differential equations. A release node algorithm technique is proposed to simulate cracking, and the strategy to implement it in the hydromechanical framework is explained in detail. This general framework was validated with experimental results, and several numerical examples were published at international conferences and in journal papers.
Natural Regeneration of Scots Pine Requires the Application of Silvicultural Treatments such as Overstorey Density Regulation and Soil Preparation
Authors: Huth Franka , Wehnert Alexandra , Wagner Sven
Published: May 2022

Current management strategies for European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests are oriented towards the use of natural regeneration processes. They aim to maintain continuity of stand structure by preserving seed-producing and shelter trees at varying densities. Soil scarification techniques may be employed to support the natural regeneration of pine. Our study is based on data from seven study sites in the German lowlands, where the basal areas of the overstorey pine trees varied between 4 and 21 m2/ha. The soil scarification methods ranged from full surface ploughing by tractor or horse through small-scale scarification by cultivators to sites without soil scarification. Differences in the densities, spatial distributions, age structures, and above-ground development of pine seedlings were evaluated. We analysed the spatial interactions between overstorey pine trees and the densities of naturally regenerated pine seedlings as a function of the microsite types using the multitype Strauss hard-core process (MSH) method. The results show a significant decrease in height growth with increasing stand density after a period of 5 years, with seedling density and spatial patterns strongly influenced by soil scarification. The MSH pairwise interaction analyses revealed significant negative effects on seedling densities based on combinations of microsites and overstorey trees.
Soil Moisture and Black Truffle Production Variability in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: González-Zamora Ángel , García-Barreda Sergi , Martínez-Fernández José , Almendra-Martín Laura , Gaona Jaime , Benito-Verdugo Pilar
Published: May 2022

The relationship between modelled root zone soil moisture (SM) and black truffle production in the Iberian Peninsula was studied. Previous works have investigated the influence that precipitation exerts on truffle yield highlighting the importance of water for the growth of black truffle. However, SM had not been used until now due to the lack of suitable databases. The SM series from the LISFLOOD hydrological rainfall–runoff model was used in this study. Annual black truffle yield series from 175 locations in Spain was correlated with SM for the period 1991–2012. For this, different approaches were applied considering daily, weekly and monthly temporal scales. The same analysis was carried out using precipitation data to compare the behaviors of both variables related to truffle production variability. The results obtained show critical periods in terms of soil water content in summer (June–September) and during October–November months. Moreover, a clear delay between precipitation and SM influence on black truffle was observed. The results obtained in this study highlight the importance of SM for black truffle production, since this variable truly expresses the available water for this fungus, which completes its entire life cycle living below ground.
Analysis of Tree Species Suitability for Plantation Forests in Beijing (China) Using an Optimal Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yuan , Feng Zhongke , Ma Wenyuan
Published: May 2022

For afforestation, it is necessary to consider habitat conditions and their impact on specific tree species, in order to enable the selection of appropriate species to improve forest productivity and stand stability. Based on the 2014 Beijing forest management inventory data, we evaluated site quality using theoretical growth equations and quantile regression; we analyzed the effects of climate, topography, and soil variables on the growth of six main tree species using random forest models optimized by a genetic algorithm; and we mapped the potential habitat of six main tree species in Beijing. The results showed that climatic factors were the most important factors affecting tree growth. The prediction models had good accuracy, with an AUC of 0.75–0.85. Among the six main tree species studied, Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. was suitable for all of Beijing’s forest land. Platycladus orientalis (Linn.) Franco, Robinia pseudoacacia Linn. and Salix matsudana Koidz. were suitable for the mountainous areas, while Sophora japonica Linn. and Populus tomentosa Carr. were suitable for planting in the plains area of southeast Beijing. The optimized random forest model applied in this study gives insight into the distribution suitability of the main tree species in Beijing, and could serve as a reference for afforestation design.
Effects of Liming on the Morphologies and Nutrients of Different Functional Fine Roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata Seedlings
Authors: Yu Xin , Guan Xin , Xiao Fuming , Zhang Weidong , Yang Qingpeng , Wang Qingkui , Wang Silong , Chen Longchi
Published: May 2022

Soil acidification is an important cause of the productivity decline of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook)—one of the most important timber species in China. Although liming is an effective measure for reversing the effects of soil acidification, the effects on the morphologies and nutrients of different functional roots remain ambiguous. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of liming on fine root traits of Chinese fir seedlings between two root function types (absorptive roots (AR) and transport roots (TR)). Chinese fir seedlings with equal performance were planted in each pot with two acidification soils (pH 3.6 and pH 4.3) and three levels of liming (0, 1000, and 4000 kg CaO ha−1). Our data showed that liming had no effect on the root biomass (RB) of AR and TR in mildly acidified soil, but it decreased the RB in severely acidified soil. Specific root length (SRL) of AR and TR were significantly increased by 24% and 27% with a high liming dose in mildly acidified soil, respectively. The specific root areas (SRA) of AR and TR were significantly increased by 10% and 22% with a high liming dose in mildly acidified soil, respectively. Furthermore, root N concentrations were significantly increased by 26% and 30% in AR and TR with a high liming dose in mildly acidified soil, respectively. Root P concentration of AR was significantly increased by 21% with a high liming dose in mildly acidified soil while root Ca concentration was significantly increased with all treatments. A similar trend was also observed in the Ca/Al ratio of roots. Both low and high doses of liming decreased the root Al concentration of AR by 26% and 31% in mildly acidified soil, respectively; however, there was no significant effect on TR in both soils. Our findings indicated that liming could alleviate Al toxicity to fine roots and increase root investment efficiency and absorption capacity. Liming also had coordinate effects on SRL, SRA, Root tissue density (RTD), N, P, Ca and Ca/Al between AR and TR. Our study suggested that to gain a comprehensive understanding of plant growth strategy, researchers in future studies must consider different functional roots rather than just the absorption part. Our results also revealed that the root system became more “acquisitive” due to the remediation of Al toxicity, which may be an important mechanism underlying the increment of the productivity of Chinese fir plantations undergoing liming.
Optimized Operating Conditions for a Biological Treatment Process of Industrial Residual Process Brine Using a Halophilic Mixed Culture
Authors: Mainka Thomas , Herwig Christoph , Pflügl Stefan
Published: May 2022

Residual process brine is a sustainable raw material for chlor-alkali electrolysis processes. This study investigates the influence of critical process parameters on the performance of a continuous treatment process for residual process brine using halophilic microorganisms. The goal of the bioprocess is an efficient degradation of the organic impurities formate, aniline, phenol, and 4,4′-methylenedianline from this residual stream. It was shown that formate could be degraded with high efficiencies (89–98%) during the treatment process. It was observed that formate degradation was influenced by the co-substrate glycerol. The lowest residual formate concentrations were achieved with specific glycerol uptake rates of 8.0–16.0 × 10−3 g L−1 h−1 OD600−1. Moreover, a triple-nutrient limitation for glycerol, ammonium, and phosphate was successfully applied for continuous cultivations. Furthermore, it was shown that all aromatic impurities were degraded with an efficiency of 100%. Ultimately, this study proposed optimized operating conditions, allowing the efficient degradation of organics in the residual process brine under various process conditions. Future optimization steps will require a strategy to prevent the accumulation of potential intermediate degradation products formed at high aniline feed concentrations and increase the liquid dilution rates of the system to achieve a higher throughput of brines.
Optimizing Anthocyanin-Rich Black Cane (Saccharum sinensis Robx.) Silage for Ruminants Using Molasses and Iron Sulphate: A Sustainable Alternative
Authors: Suong Ngo , Paengkoum Siwaporn , Purba Rayudika , Paengkoum Pramote
Published: May 2022

Anthocyanin-rich black cane (aBC) is a grass rich in lignin and carbohydrates, with an abundance of anthocyanins. Silages of aBC produced with molasses (MS) and/or ferrous sulphate (FS) mixtures may have beneficial effects on silage quality and animal performance in ruminants. However, the addition of MS and FS to ensiled grass is relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the effect of their administration at different doses to select an effective treatment to modulate the ensiling characteristics of aBC. In the first trial, fresh or pre-ensiled materials (PBC) were compared with ensiled PBC treated with: 0% MS 0% FS, 4% MS, 8% MS, 0.015% FS, 0.030% FS, 4% MS + 0.015% FS, 4% MS + 0.030% FS, 8% MS + 0.015% FS, and 8% MS + 0.030% FS on a fresh matter basis. The quality of ensiling characteristics was determined in laboratory-scale silos after 42 d of preservation. Based on these results, the second trial was further conducted in rumen cultures to ensure that the selected treatment would not impair rumen fermentation. For this, ruminal biogases, rumen fermentation profiles, and microbial communities were evaluated. Ensiled PBC with the incremental addition of MS and FS resulted in the observations for anthocyanin contents and the ensiling characteristics of the aBC silages. The combination of MS (4%) and FS (0.030%) incorporated into silages had the highest silage production effect among the experimental treatments. This combination demonstrated the sustainable mitigation of the ruminal biogases of methane and carbon dioxide without impairment of total gas production. Concurrently, this combination improved total volatile fatty acid concentrations, modulated cellulolytic bacteria, and suppressed methanogenic bacteria in rumen fluids. The results presented here indicated that addition of a mixture of 4% MS and 0.030% FS to aBC resulted in an optimal balance of ensiling characteristics and is suitable for use in ruminants.
Development of the First Microsatellite Multiplex PCR Panel for Meagre (Argyrosomus regius), a Commercial Aquaculture Species
Authors: Vallecillos Antonio , María-Dolores Emilio , Villa Javier , Rueda Francisco Miguel , Carrillo José , Ramis Guillermo , Soula Mohamed , Afonso Juan Manuel , Armero Eva
Published: May 2022

In this study, a microsatellite-based multiplex PCR panel for meagre (Argyrosomus regius) was developed as a useful and single tool in parental assignment and population studies. Twenty-one specific and interspecific microsatellites from different aquaculture species of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), Japanese meagre (A. japonicus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and yellow meagre (Acoupa weakfish) were assessed for genetic variability, allelic range and genotype reliability. Finally, a SuperMultiplex for Argyrosomus regius (SMAr) was designed with only the best eight microsatellite markers. The panel assessment was performed using a batch of brood stock from one company and a sample of 616 offspring. It was possible to assign 95% of the offspring to a single pair of parents using the exclusion method. It is therefore considered an easy procedure, and a powerful and low-cost tool for parental assignment to support companies’ breeding programs and to exchange information between research groups.
Oscillators Based on Fractional-Order Memory Elements
Authors: Petráš Ivo
Published: May 2022

This paper deals with the new oscillator structures that contain new elements, so-called memory elements, known as memristor, meminductor, and memcapacitor. Such circuits can exhibit oscillations as well as chaotic behavior. New mathematical models of fractional-order elements and whole oscillator circuits are proposed as well. An illustrative example to demonstrate the oscillations and the chaotic behavior through the numerical solution of the fractional-order circuit model is provided.
Hydrogels for Exosome Delivery in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Xie Yaxin , Guan Qiuyue , Guo Jiusi , Chen Yilin , Yin Yijia , Han Xianglong
Published: May 2022

Hydrogels, which are hydrophilic polymer networks, have attracted great attention, and significant advances in their biological and biomedical applications, such as for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and models for medical studies, have been made. Due to their similarity in physiological structure, hydrogels are highly compatible with extracellular matrices and biological tissues and can be used as both carriers and matrices to encapsulate cellular secretions. As small extracellular vesicles secreted by nearly all mammalian cells to mediate cell–cell interactions, exosomes play very important roles in therapeutic approaches and disease diagnosis. To maintain their biological activity and achieve controlled release, a strategy that embeds exosomes in hydrogels as a composite system has been focused on in recent studies. Therefore, this review aims to provide a thorough overview of the use of composite hydrogels for embedding exosomes in medical applications, including the resources for making hydrogels and the properties of hydrogels, and strategies for their combination with exosomes.
The Osmoprotectant Switch of Potassium to Compatible Solutes in an Extremely Halophilic Archaea Halorubrum kocurii 2020YC7
Authors: Ding Runting , Yang Na , Liu Jianguo
Published: May 2022

The main osmoadaptive mechanisms of extremely halophilic archaea include the “salt-in” strategy and the “compatible solutes” strategy. Here we report the osmoadaptive mechanism of an extremely halophilic archaea H. kocurii 2020YC7, isolated from a high salt environment sample. Genomic data revealed that strain 2020YC7 harbors genes trkA, trkH, kch for K+ uptake, kefB for K+ output, treS for trehalose production from polysaccharide, and betaine/carnitine/choline transporter family gene for glycine betaine uptake. Strain 2020YC7 could accumulate 8.17 to 28.67 μmol/mg protein K+ in a defined medium, with its content increasing along with the increasing salinity from 100 to 200 g/L. When exogenous glycine betaine was added, glycine betaine functioned as the primary osmotic solute between 200 and 250 g/L NaCl, which was accumulated up to 15.27 mg/mg protein in 2020YC7 cells. RT-qPCR results completely confirmed these results. Notably, the concentrations of intracellular trehalose decreased from 5.26 to 2.61 mg/mg protein as the NaCl increased from 50 to 250 g/L. In combination with this result, the transcript level of gene treS, which catalyzes the production of trehalose from polysaccharide, was significantly up-regulated at 50–100 g/L NaCl. Therefore, trehalose does not act as an osmotic solute at high NaCl concentrations (more than 100 g/L) but at relatively low NaCl concentrations (50–100 g/L). And we propose that the degradation of cell wall polysaccharide, as a source of trehalose in a low-salt environment, may be one of the reasons for the obligate halophilic characteristics of strain 2020YC7.
Genetic Variants Involved in the Crystallization Pathway Are Associated with Calcium Nephrolithiasis in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wang Lujia , Lin Xiaoling , Zhou Zijian , Yang Yuanyuan , Gao Peng , Wu Zhong
Published: May 2022

A genome-wide association analysis study (GWAS) in the Japanese population identified 14 significant loci associated with nephrolithiasis. Besides 4 novel loci related to metabolic traits, the 10 remaining loci were associated with kidney or electrolyte-related traits. We aimed to replicate the association of these loci with calcium nephrolithiasis in the Chinese Han population. A case–control association analysis was conducted involving 691 calcium nephrolithiasis patients and 1008 control subjects. We were able to genotype a total of 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously identified as being correlated with nephrolithiasis in the Japanese population. SNP rs35747824 at PDILT was related to calcium nephrolithiasis in the Chinese Han population (p = 4.346 × 10−3, OR = 1.292). Moreover, four SNPs at four loci, rs6667242 at ALPL (p = 0.02999, OR = 0.8331), rs1544935 at KCNK5 (p = 0.01341, OR = 0.7804), rs7328064 at DGKH (p = 0.007452, OR = 1.211) and rs13041834 at BCAS1 (p = 0.03897, OR = 0.8409), were suggestively associated with calcium nephrolithiasis. Our results demonstrated that the genetic variants at 1p36.12, 6p21.2, 13q14.11, 16p12.3 and 20q13.2 are associated with calcium nephrolithiasis in the Chinese Han population. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of genetic variance associated with the crystallization pathway in Chinese patients with calcium nephrolithiasis.
Type A Behaviour Pattern and Health Behaviour of Polish Nurses
Authors: Gieniusz-Wojczyk Lucyna , Dąbek Józefa , Kulik Halina
Published: May 2022

“Coronary prone behaviour pattern” refers to a way of coping with environmental stressors, otherwise known as type A behaviour patterns. Stress, unlimited working hours, and the shift system are conducive to an “unhealthy life style”, conducted by nurses. The aim of the study was to assess the “coronary prone behaviour pattern”, taking into account health behaviour and work performed by Polish nurses. Method: This was a descriptive study conducted from June 2017 to May 2018 among nurses (N = 1080) working primary care or in training facilities in Silesia, Poland. Data were acquired through a series of questionnaires and are presented as descriptive statistics. Results: The “coronary prone behaviour pattern” (type A behaviour) was manifested by 333 (30.8%) nurses, type B by 272 (25.2%). The “coronary prone behaviour pattern” respondents showed a risk of developing a problem with alcohol (p = 0.003) less frequently compared with other respondents. In addition, nurses with the abovementioned behaviour pattern ate better (M = 16.66; SD = 6.11) compared with those with the type B behaviour pattern (M = 15.49; SD = 6.52). In terms of mental and physical wellbeing, people with type A behavioural patterns had significantly (p < 0.001) better mental and physical wellbeing and, on average, better results in coping with stress compared with other behavioural patterns of nurses. Conclusion: The occurrence of the “coronary prone behaviour pattern” was associated with the health-promoting behaviours of nurses being the subject of the analysis, i.e., better mental and physical wellbeing, better ability to cope with stress, and a lower risk of problems with alcohol and proper nutrition.
Limited Air Pollution Research on the African Continent: Time to Fill the Gap
Authors: Fuller Christina H. , Amegah A. Kofi
Published: May 2022

Air pollution is a major threat to human health and well-being, and improving air quality is necessary to achieve the sustainable development goals [...]
Clinical Network for Big Data and Personalized Health: Study Protocol and Preliminary Results
Authors: Esposito Simona , Orlandi Sabatino , Magnacca Sara , De Curtis Amalia , Gialluisi Alessandro , Iacoviello Licia ,   on behalf of The Neuromed Clinical Network Big Data and Personalised Health Investigators
Published: May 2022

The use of secondary hospital-based clinical data and electronical health records (EHR) represent a cost-efficient alternative to investigate chronic conditions. We present the Clinical Network Big Data and Personalised Health project, which collects EHRs for patients accessing hospitals in Central-Southern Italy, through an integrated digital platform to create a digital hub for the collection, management and analysis of personal, clinical and environmental information for patients, associated with a biobank to perform multi-omic analyses. A total of 12,864 participants (61.7% women, mean age 52.6 ± 17.6 years) signed a written informed consent to allow access to their EHRs. The majority of hospital access was in obstetrics and gynaecology (36.3%), while the main reason for hospitalization was represented by diseases of the circulatory system (21.2%). Participants had a secondary education (63.5%), were mostly retired (25.45%), reported low levels of physical activity (59.6%), had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and were smokers (30.2%). A large percentage (35.8%) were overweight and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia was 36.4%, 11.1% and 19.6%, respectively. Blood samples were retrieved for 8686 patients (67.5%). This project is aimed at creating a digital hub for the collection, management and analysis of personal, clinical, diagnostic and environmental information for patients, and is associated with a biobank to perform multi-omic analyses.
Social Network, Sense of Responsibility, and Resident Participation in China’s Rural Environmental Governance
Authors: Ruan Haibo , Chen Jun , Wang Chao , Xu Wendong , Tang Jiayi
Published: May 2022

Based on a survey of 2343 rural residents in China, this paper adopts a binary logistic regression model as the analytical tool to study the impact of rural residents’ social network and sense of responsibility regarding their participation in environmental governance. The results show that the cost, frequency and scope of social network activities have positive and significant influences on resident participation in rural environmental governance. The cost of a social network is conducive to building a rural social network, enhancing the connection of interests and promoting the formation of a rural community. Extending social network objectives from family members to villagers can improve the cultural identity and emotional identity of rural residents. The increase in the frequency of social network activities can not only enhance trust among residents, but also reduce the cost of environmental governance mobilization. The scope of a social network acts as an inhibitor whereby social interaction beyond the scope of rural areas will reduce identification with rural emotions. The four dimensions, including responsibility cognition, responsibility will, responsibility emotion and responsibility behavior have significant influences on resident participation in rural environmental governance. Residents’ sense of responsibility plays the role of an introverted driving force for them to take part in rural environmental governance, which itself helps to overcome “non-participation” behaviors of “rational smallholders” to a certain extent. Furthermore, it endows rural environmental governance with resilience. So, it is of significance to enhance rural residents’ social networks and to improve rural residents’ cognition of collective responsibility.
The Heterogeneity of High-Quality Economic Development in China’s Mining Cities: A Meta Frontier Function
Authors: Xu Wei , Yi Jiahui , Cheng Jinhua
Published: May 2022

The transformation of mining cities and the realization of high-quality economic development are complicated processes. The objective existence of abundant resource factor endowment in mining cities does not mean that resource allocation is in the optimal state and can play the greatest role. The optimal allocation of factors for the high-quality economic development of mining cities is more important than the resource factors. The input–output allocation efficiency of high-quality economic development under the common frontier and group frontier of 99 mining cities in China from 2006 to 2019 is calculated by using the data envelopment analysis method and common frontier model, and the pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency are decomposed. The results show that (1) the comprehensive technical efficiency values under both common frontiers and group frontiers show that the factor allocation efficiency in the process of high-quality economic development of different mining cities shows obvious heterogeneity. (2) The growth of the input–output allocation efficiency of the high-quality economic development of mining cities has significant spatial convergence characteristics, but the convergence speed is different. (3) The high-quality development path of the mining city’s economy should not only focus on comprehensively improving the ability of resource element input and output allocation but also improve the group environment.
Predictors of Loss to Follow-Up in an HIV Vaccine Preparedness Study in Masaka, Uganda
Authors: Kabarambi Anita , Kansiime Sheila , Kusemererwa Sylvia , Kitonsa Jonathan , Kaleebu Pontiano , Ruzagira Eugene
Published: May 2022

Background: High participant retention is essential to achieve adequate statistical power for clinical trials. We assessed participant retention and predictors of loss to follow-up (LTFU) in an HIV vaccine-preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda. Methods: Between July 2018 and March 2021, HIV sero-negative adults (18–45 years) at high risk of HIV infection were identified through HIV counselling and testing (HCT) from sex-work hotspots along the trans-African highway and fishing communities along the shores of Lake Victoria. Study procedures included collection of baseline socio-demographic data, quarterly HCT, and 6-monthly collection of sexual risk behaviour data. Retention strategies included collection of detailed locator data, short clinic visits (1–2 h), flexible reimbursement for transport costs, immediate (≤7 days) follow-up of missed visits via phone and/or home visits, and community engagement meetings. LTFU was defined as missing ≥2 sequential study visits. Poisson regression models were used to identify baseline factors associated with LTFU. Results: 672 participants were included in this analysis. Of these, 336 (50%) were female and 390 (58%) were ≤24 years. The median follow-up time was 11 months (range: 0–31 months). A total 214 (32%) participants were LTFU over 607.8 person-years of observation (PYO), a rate of 35.2/100 PYO. LTFU was higher in younger participants (18–24 years versus 35–45 years, adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–2.11), although this difference was not significant. Female sex (aRR = 2.07, 95% CI, 1.51–2.84), and recreational drug use (aRR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1.12–2.34) were significantly associated with increased LTFU. Engagement in transactional sex was associated with increased LTFU (aRR = 1.36, 95% CI, 0.97–1.90) but this difference was not significant. LTFU was higher in 2020–2021 (the period of COVID-19 restrictions) compared to 2018–2019 (aRR = 1.54, 1.17–2.03). Being Muslim or other (aRR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.97) and self-identification as a sex worker (aRR = 0.47, 95% CI, 0.31–0.72) were associated with reduced LTFU. Conclusion: We observed a high LTFU rate in this cohort. LTFU was highest among women, younger persons, recreational drug users, and persons who engage in transactional sex. Efforts to design retention strategies should focus on these subpopulations.
The Psychological Well-Being of Southeast Asian Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Multi-Country Study
Authors: Teo Irene , Nadarajan Gayathri Devi , Ng Sean , Bhaskar Adithya , Sung Sharon C. , Cheung Yin Bun , Pan Fang Ting , Haedar Ali , Gaerlan Faith Joan , Ong Sheue Fen , Riyapan Sattha , Do Son Ngoc , Luong Chinh Quoc , Rao Vijaya , Soh Lin Min , Tan Hiang Khoon , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and job burnout among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. We also investigated the associated risk and protective factors. Methods: Frontline HCWs (N = 1381) from the participating countries participated between 4 January and 14 June 2021. The participants completed self-reported surveys on anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), and job burnout (PWLS). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed with anxiety, depression, and job burnout as outcomes and sociodemographic and job characteristics and HCW perceptions as predictors. Results: The average proportion of HCWs reporting moderate anxiety, moderately severe depression, and job burnout across all countries were 10%, 4%, and 20%, respectively. Working longer hours than usual (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.82; 3.51), perceived high job risk (1.98; 2.22), and inadequate personal protective equipment (1.89; 2.11) were associated with increased odds of anxiety and job burnout while working night shifts was associated with increased risk of depression (3.23). Perceived good teamwork was associated with lower odds of anxiety (0.46), depression (0.43), and job burnout (0.39). Conclusion: Job burnout remains a foremost issue among HCWs. Potential opportunities to improve HCW wellness are discussed.
Revisiting the Self-Confidence and Sport Performance Relationship: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lochbaum Marc , Sherburn Mackenzie , Sisneros Cassandra , Cooper Sydney , Lane Andrew M. , Terry Peter C.
Published: May 2022

Self-confidence is a common research topic, and most applied textbooks include interventions designed to enhance athlete confidence. Our purpose was to quantify the self-confidence and sport performance literature using meta-analytic techniques. We also examined potential risk of bias indicators, and the moderation effects of study quality, sport characteristics, timing of confidence measurement, and individual differences among participants. Following a review of two past meta-analyses, a systematic search of APA PsycArticles, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus within the EBSCOhost platform, and some hand searching, 41 articles published between 1986 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the included studies investigated 3711 athletes from 15 countries across 24 sports. The overall random effects estimate of the relationship (expressed as r) between self-confidence and performance was 0.25 (95% CI 0.19, 0.30), with little evidence of publication bias. The summed total risk of the individual study bias score did not moderate the confidence–performance relationship, whereas significant moderator effects emerged for individual sports (0.29) compared with team sports (0.14), objective (0.29) compared to subjective (0.14) performance measures, and 100% male (0.35) compared to 100% female (0.07) samples. In conclusion, the confidence–performance relationship is small in magnitude, nearly free of bias, and moderated by sport type, performance objectivity, and athlete sex.
Insurance Issues as Secondary Stressors Following Flooding in Rural Australia—A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: McKenzie John W. , Longman Jo M. , Bailie Ross , Braddon Maddy , Morgan Geoffrey G. , Jegasothy Edward , Bennett-Levy James
Published: May 2022

Flood events can be dramatic and traumatic. People exposed to floods are liable to suffer from a variety of adverse mental health outcomes. The adverse effects of stressors during the recovery process (secondary stressors) can sometimes be just as severe as the initial trauma. Six months after extensive flooding in rural Australia, a survey of 2530 locals was conducted focusing on their flood experiences and mental health status. This mixed methods study analysed (a) quantitative data from 521 respondents (21% of total survey respondents) who had insurance coverage and whose household was inundated, 96 (18%) of whom reported an insurance dispute or denial; and (b) qualitative data on insurance-related topics in the survey’s open comments sections. The mental health outcomes were all significantly associated with the degree of flood inundation. The association was strong for probable PTSD and ongoing distress (Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals 2.67 (1.8–4.0) and 2.30 (1.6–3.3), respectively). The associations were less strong but still significant for anxiety and depression (AORs 1.79 (1.2–2.7) and 1.84 (1.2–2.9)). The secondary stressor of insurance dispute had stronger associations with ongoing distress and depression than the initial flood exposure (AORs 2.43 (1.5–3.9) and 2.34 (1.4–3.9), respectively). Insurance was frequently mentioned in the open comment sections of the survey. Most comments (78% of comments from all survey respondents) were negative, with common adverse trends including dispute/denial, large premium increases after a claim, inconsistencies in companies’ responses and delayed assessments preventing timely remediation.
Precision Behavioral Management (PBM) and Cognitive Control as a Potential Therapeutic and Prophylactic Modality for Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Is There Enough Evidence?
Authors: Madigan Margaret , Gupta Ashim , Bowirrat Abdalla , Baron David , Badgaiyan Rajendra , Elman Igor , Dennen Catherine , Braverman Eric , Gold Mark , Blum Kenneth
Published: May 2022

This brief commentary aims to provide an overview of the available and relatively new precision management of reward deficiencies manifested as substance and behavioral disorders. Current and future advances, concepts, and the substantial evidential basis of this potential therapeutic and prophylactic treatment modality are presented. Precision Behavioral Management (PBM), conceptualized initially as Precision Addiction Management (PAM), certainly deserves consideration as an important modality for the treatment of impaired cognitive control in reward processing as manifested in people with neurobiologically expressed Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).
Recollection of Physician Information about Risk Factor and Lifestyle Changes in Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Sinnadurai Siamala , Sowa Pawel , Jankowski Piotr , Gasior Zbigniew , Kosior Dariusz A. , Haberka Maciej , Czarnecka Danuta , Pajak Andrzej , Setny Malgorzata , Jamiolkowski Jacek , Sawicka-Śmiarowska Emilia , Kaminski Karol
Published: May 2022

A patient’s compliance to a physician’s lifestyle information is essential in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. We assessed potential characteristics associated with a patient’s recollection of physician information and lifestyle changes. This study recruited and interviewed patients (aged ≤ 80 years) 6–18 months after hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome or elective myocardial revascularization. A physician’s information on risk factors was recognized if patients recollected the assessment of their diet, weight management, blood pressure control, cholesterol level, diabetes, and other lifestyle factors by the doctor. Of a total of 946 chronic coronary syndrome patients, 52.9% (501) of them declared the recollection of providing information on more than 80% of the risk factors. A good recollection of risk factor information was associated with the following: a patient’s age (OR per year: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99), obesity (OR: 4.41; 95% CI: 3.09–6.30), diabetes (OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.96–5.84), diuretic therapy (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.03–1.91), calcium channel blockers (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.04–2.09), and ACEI/sartan (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45–0.94) at hospitalization discharge. In terms of goal attainment, better adherence to antihypertensive drugs (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.07–3.03) was observed in the patients with a good compared to a poor recollection of risk factor information. The recollection of physician risk factor information was significantly associated with more comorbidities. Strategies to tailor the conveying of information to a patient’s perception are needed for optimal patient–doctor communication.
Consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Anaerobic Performances in Young Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Dauty Marc , Grondin Jérôme , Daley Pauline , Louguet Bastien , Menu Pierre , Fouasson-Chailloux Alban
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic required local confinement measures reducing sport practice with possible consequences on the athletes’ performances. Furthermore, anaerobic detraining was underestimated and poorly known in adolescents. This article aimed to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1-month COVID-19 confinement on jump testing in young elite soccer players despite a 1-month multimodal training program followed by a 1-month soccer retraining period. Thirty-one elite soccer players aged 14 were included; 16 were infected by the SARS-CoV-2 and compared with 15 non-infected elite soccer players before and after 1 month of COVID-19 confinement, and after 1 month of a soccer retraining period. Squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps with (CMJs) and without arm swinging (CMJ) and multiple consecutive jumps (stiffness) were used to explore the anaerobic performances. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to compare the positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 groups, taking into account the confinement period (low training) and the retraining soccer period. The jump tests were not altered in the positive SARS-CoV-2 group compared to the negative SARS-CoV-2 group after confinement (SJ: 31.6 ± 5.6 vs. 32.7 ± 3.7; CMJ: 34.1 ± 6.9 vs. 34.2 ± 2.6; CMJs: 38.6 ± 6.8 vs. 40.3 ± 3.9; stiffness: 28.5 ± 4.3 vs. 29.1 ± 3.7) and at 1 month of this period (SJ: 33.8 ± 5.5 vs. 36.2 ± 4.6; CMJ: 34.7 ± 5.5 vs. 36.4 ± 3.5; CMJs: 40.4 ± 6.7 vs. 42.7 ± 5.5; stiffness: 32.6 ± 4.7 vs. 34.0 ± 4.3). The SARS-CoV-2 infection had no consequence on anaerobic performances assessed by jump tests in adolescent soccer players. The adolescents’ growth could explain the absence of alteration of jump performances during the COVID-19 confinement. These results can be useful to manage the recovery of the anaerobic fitness after SARS-CoV-2 infection occurring in adolescent athletes.