bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Autonomous Navigation of Solar-Powered UAVs for Surveillance of Mobile Ground Targets in Urban Environments
Authors: Huang Hailong , Savkin Andrey V.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the navigation of a group of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for periodical monitoring of a set of mobile ground targets in urban environments. We consider the scenario where the number of targets is larger than that of the UAVs, and the targets spread in the environment, so that the UAVs need to carry out a periodical surveillance. The existence of tall buildings in urban environments brings new challenges to the periodical surveillance mission. They may not only block the Line-of-Sight (LoS) between a UAV and a target, but also create some shadow region, so that the surveillance may become invalid, and the UAV may not be able to harvest energy from the sun. The periodical surveillance problem is formulated as an optimization problem to minimize the target revisit time while accounting for the impact of the urban environment. A nearest neighbour based navigation method is proposed to guide the movements of the UAVs. Moreover, we adopt a partitioning scheme to group targets for the purpose of narrowing UAVs’ moving space, which further reduces the target revisit time. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via computer simulations.
Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions in the Oil and Gas Industry: An Overview
Authors: Özgür Şevkat , Wirl Franz
Published: October 2020

This paper surveys cross-border oil and gas mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions in recent years using a large sample of 18,179 transactions announced over the period 2000–2018. M&A activities depend on economic fundamentals, but also on sector specifics and this particularly holds true for the oil and gas industry. Therefore, we have added sector specific to the standard economic explanations of mergers and acquisitions by accounting for institutions, resources, and politics. Indeed, our outputs show that industry-specific factors seem much more important in motivating M&A in the oil and gas industry than the familiar and researched economic conditions. In particular, the pattern of cross-border M&A is almost unrelated to opportunities offered by the resource base in different countries while political, institutional, and legal constraints shape the directions of cross-border M&A. The research covers the recent trends in the oil and gas M&A transactions, strengthens the understanding of various dynamics and sheds light on the potential future directions of the M&A market in the oil and gas industry.
Effects of Cyber Attacks on AC and High-Voltage DC Interconnected Power Systems with Emulated Inertia
Authors: Pan Kaikai , Dong Jingwei , Rakhshani Elyas , Palensky Peter
Published: October 2020

The high penetration of renewable energy resources and power electronic-based components has led to a low-inertia power grid which would bring challenges to system operations. The new model of load frequency control (LFC) must be able to handle the modern scenario where controlled areas are interconnected by parallel AC/HVDC links and storage devices are added to provide virtual inertia. Notably, vulnerabilities within the communication channels for wide-area data exchange in LFC loops may make them exposed to various cyber attacks, while it still remains largely unexplored how the new LFC in the AC/HVDC interconnected system with emulated inertia would be affected under malicious intrusions. Thus, in this article, we are motivated to explore possible effects of the major types of data availability and integrity attacks—Denial of Service (DoS) and false data injection (FDI) attacks—on such a new LFC system. By using a system-theoretic approach, we explore the optimal strategies that attackers can exploit to launch DoS or FDI attacks to corrupt the system stability. Besides, a comparison study is performed to learn the impact of these two types of attacks on LFC models of power systems with or without HVDC link and emulated inertia. The simulation results on the the exemplary two-area system illustrate that both DoS and FDI attacks can cause large frequency deviations or even make the system unstable; moreover, the LFC system with AC/HVDC interconnections and emulated inertia could be more vulnerable to these two types of attacks in many adversarial scenarios.
The Energy Trade-Offs of Transitioning to a Locally Sourced Water Supply Portfolio in the City of Los Angeles
Authors: Zohrabian Angineh , Sanders Kelly T.
Published: October 2020

Predicting the energy needs of future water systems is important for coordinating long-term energy and water management plans, as both systems are interrelated. We use the case study of the Los Angeles City’s Department of Water and Power (LADWP), located in a densely populated, environmentally progressive, and water-poor region, to highlight the trade-offs and tensions that can occur in balancing priorities related to reliable water supply, energy demand for water and greenhouse gas emissions. The city is on its path to achieving higher fractions of local water supplies through the expansion of conservation, water recycling and stormwater capture to replace supply from imported water. We analyze scenarios to simulate a set of future local water supply adoption pathways under average and dry weather conditions, across business as usual and decarbonized grid scenarios. Our results demonstrate that an aggressive local water supply expansion could impact the geospatial distribution of electricity demand for water services, which could place a greater burden on LADWP’s electricity system over the next two decades, although the total energy consumed for the utility’s water supply might not be significantly changed. A decomposition analysis of the major factors driving electricity demand suggests that in most scenarios, a structural change in LADWP’s portfolio of water supply sources affects the electricity demanded for water more than increases in population or water conservation.
Switching Sequence Model Predictive Direct Torque Control of IPMSMs for EVs in Switch Open-Circuit Fault-Tolerant Mode
Authors: Yang Ting , Kawaguchi Takahiro , Hashimoto Seiji , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2020

A switching sequence model predictive direct torque control (MPDTC) of IPMSMs for EVs in switch open-circuit fault-tolerant mode is studied in this paper. Instead of selecting one space vector from the possible four space vectors, the proposed MPDTC method selects an optimized switching sequence from two well-designed switching sequences, including three space vectors, according to a new designed cost function of which the control objectives have been transferred to the dq-axes components of the stator flux-linkage under the maximum-torque-per-ampere control. The calculation method of the durations of the adopted space vectors in the optimized switching sequence is studied to realize the stator flux-linkage reference tracking. In addition, the capacitor voltage balance method, by injecting a dc offset to the current of fault phase, is given. Compared with the conventional MPDTC method, the complicated weighting factors designing process is avoided and the electromagnetic torque ripples can be greatly suppressed. The experimental results prove the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed scheme.
History of Radiation to the Neck Increases the Risk of Denovo Thyroid Dysfunction after Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Paydary Koosha , Zain Farooq Muhammad , Mangla Ankit
Published: October 2020

Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine side effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). We designed a retrospective study, including patients who received ICI for any cancer at our institution. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 levels, and time to development of thyroid dysfunction were measured, and medication used to treat thyroid dysfunction were identified. We reviewed the charts of 104 patients with complete records obtained from our tumor registry. A total of 91 patients were included in the analysis, after excluding 13 patients with a pre-existing thyroid disorder. Twenty-eight (30.77%) patients developed thyroid dysfunction after starting ICI. Race (p-0.048), age (p-0.014), history of radiation therapy (RT) to the neck (p-0.004), history of RT to the chest (p-0.012), and history of venous thrombosis (p-0.004) were significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction on univariate analysis. For multivariate analysis, the history of RT to the neck, adjusted for age, race, and sex, was significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction (adjusted OR-9.64, 95%CI: 1.88, 49.36, p-0.007). In patients receiving ICI for any type of cancer, the previous history of RT to the neck was significantly associated with the development of thyroid dysfunction after starting ICI.
Tree Allergen Pollen-Related Content as Pollution Source in the City of Ourense (NW Spain)
Authors: Álvarez-López Sabela , Fernández-González María , González-Fernández Estefanía , Garrido Alejandro , Rodríguez-Rajo Fco. Javier
Published: October 2020

Allergies became a major public health problem, identified as an important global pandemic with a considerable impact on the worldwide economy. In addition, a higher prevalence of pollen Type I sensitization cases in urban environments in comparison with the rural territories was detected. Our survey sought to assess the main biological pollution episodes caused by the aeroallergens of the major allergenic tree species in urban environments. A Hirst-type volumetric device was used for pollen sampling and a Burkard Cyclone sampler for the detection of tree atmospheric allergens over two years. The main allergens of Alnus, Fraxinus, Betula, Platanus and Olea, were detected in the atmosphere. Three peaks of important pollen concentrations were recorded throughout the year. The developed regression equations between pollen counts and allergen proteins registered great R2 values. The number of days with probability of allergenic symptoms was higher when the pollen and allergen data were assessed altogether. Fraxinus allergens in the atmosphere were detected using Ole e 1 antibodies and the Aln g 1 allergens with Bet v 1 antibodies, demonstrating the cross-reaction processes between the principal allergenic proteins of the Oleaceae and Betulaceae families. Long Distance Transport processes (LDT) showed that pollen from Betula populations located in mountainous areas increased the secondary peaks of pollen and allergen concentrations, and air masses from extensive olive orchards of North-Eastern Portugal triggered the highest concentrations in the atmosphere of Olea pollen and Ole e 1 allergens.
What Drives Household Deforestation Decisions? Insights from the Ecuadorian Lowland Rainforests
Authors: Ojeda Luna Tatiana , Eguiguren Paúl , Günter Sven , Torres Bolier , Dieter Matthias
Published: October 2020

Tropical forests, and more concretely, the Amazon Basin and the Chocó-Darién, are highly affected by deforestation activities. Households are the main land-use decision-makers and are key agents for forest conservation and deforestation. Understanding the determinants of deforestation at the household level is critical for conservation policies and sustainable development. We explore the drivers of household deforestation decisions, focusing on the quality of the forest resources (timber volume potential) and the institutional environment (conservation strategies, titling, and governmental grants). Both aspects are hypothesized to influence deforestation, but there is little empirical evidence. We address the following questions: (i) Does timber availability attract more deforestation? (ii) Do conservation strategies (incentive-based programs in the Central Amazon and protected areas in the Chocó-Darién) influence deforestation decisions in household located outside the areas under conservation? (iii) Does the absence of titling increase the odds of a household to deforest? (iv) Can governmental grants for poverty alleviation help in the fight against deforestation? We estimated a logit model, where the dependent variable reflects whether or not a household cleared forest within the farm. As predictors, we included the above variables and controlled by household-specific characteristics. This study was conducted in the Central Amazon and the Chocó-Darién of Ecuador, two major deforestation fronts in the country. We found that timber volume potential is associated with a higher odds of deforesting in the Central Amazon, but with a lower odds in the Chocó-Darién. Although conservation strategies can influence household decisions, the effects are context-dependent. Households near the incentive-based program (Central Amazon) have a lower odds of deforesting, whereas households near a protected area (Chocó-Darién) showed the opposite effect. Titling is also important for deforestation reduction; more attention is needed in the Chocó-Darién where numerous households are living in untitled lands. Finally, governmental grants for poverty alleviation showed the potential to generate positive environmental outcomes.
Structural and Textural Characteristics of 3D-Printed Protein- and Dietary Fibre-Rich Snacks Made of Milk Powder and Wholegrain Rye Flour
Authors: Lille Martina , Kortekangas Anni , Heiniö Raija-Liisa , Sozer Nesli
Published: October 2020

This study addressed the potential of 3D printing as a processing technology for delivering personalized healthy eating solutions to consumers. Extrusion-based 3D printing was studied as a tool to produce protein- and dietary fibre-rich snack products from whole milk powder and wholegrain rye flour. Aqueous pastes were prepared from the raw materials at various ratios, grid-like samples printed from the pastes at ambient temperature and the printed samples post-processed by oven baking at 150 °C. Printing pastes were characterized by rheological measurements and the baked samples by X-ray micro tomography, texture measurements and sensory analysis. All formulations showed good printability and shape stability after printing. During baking, the milk powder-based samples expanded to a level that caused a total collapse of the printed multiple-layer samples. Shape retention during baking was greatly improved by adding rye flour to the milk formulation. Sensory evaluation revealed that the volume, glossiness, sweetness and saltiness of the baked samples increased with an increasing level of milk powder in the printing paste. A mixture of milk powder and rye flour shows great potential as a formulation for healthy snack products produced by extrusion-based 3D printing.
Influence of Two Different Cryoextraction Procedures on the Quality of Wine Produced from Muscat Grapes
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Ana , Durán-Guerrero Enrique , Natera Ramón , Palma Miguel , Barroso Carmelo G.
Published: October 2020

Freezing grapes is a winemaking technique known as cryoextraction that intends to modify the composition of the final wines. The changes that take place in the frozen grapes facilitate the transfer of certain compounds from the grape skins into the musts because of the grape’s unstructured tissues. For this study, the white grape variety Muscat of Alexandria was selected. Two different cryoextraction procedures have been analyzed as follows: (i) Ultrafast freezing, and (ii) liquid nitrogen freezing. The wines obtained using liquid nitrogen freezing exhibited higher levels of terpenoids, as well as higher levels of hydroxylic compounds and fatty acids than both the wines obtained through traditional methods and ultrafast freezing wines. In any case, both freezing techniques produced wines of a more intense aroma compared with those wines obtained by traditional methods. In fact, liquid nitrogen freezing produced the wines with the most intense aroma and were the best valued by the tasting panel.
Exploring Olfactory–Oral Cross-Modal Interactions through Sensory and Chemical Characteristics of Italian Red Wines
Authors: Pittari Elisabetta , Moio Luigi , Arapitsas Panagiotis , Curioni Andrea , Gerbi Vincenzo , Parpinello Giuseppina Paola , Ugliano Maurizio , Piombino Paola
Published: October 2020

This work aimed at investigating red wine olfactory–oral cross-modal interactions, and at testing their impact on the correlations between sensory and chemical variables. Seventy-four Italian red whole wines (WWs) from 10 varieties, and corresponding deodorized wines (DWs), were evaluated by sensory descriptive assessment. Total phenols, proanthocyanidins, ethanol, reducing sugars, pH, titratable and volatile acidity were determined. PCA results highlighted different sensory features of the 10 wine types. ANOVAs (p < 0.05) showed that olfactory cues might play modulation effects on the perception of in-mouth sensations with 7 (harsh, unripe, dynamic, complex, surface smoothness, sweet, and bitter) out of 10 oral descriptors significantly affected by odours. Three weak but significant positive correlations (Pearson, p < 0.0001) were statistically found and supported in a cognitive dimension: spicy and complex; dehydrated fruits and drying; vegetal and unripe. In the absence of volatiles, correlation coefficients between sensory and chemical parameters mostly increased. Proanthocyanidins correlated well with drying and dynamic astringency, showing highest coefficients (r > 0.7) in absence of olfactory–oral interactions. Unripe astringency did not correlate with polyphenols supporting the idea that this sub-quality is a multisensory feeling greatly impacted by odorants. Results support the significance of cross-modal interactions during red wine tasting, confirming previous findings and adding new insights on astringency sub-qualities and their predictive parameters.
Experimental Characterization of the Drying of Kampot Red Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Morm Elen , Ma Khamphon , Horn Sovivort , Debaste Frédéric , Haut Benoit , In Sokneang
Published: October 2020

The objective of this work is to provide new insights into the mechanisms taking place during the drying of the mature grains of Kampot pepper, a cultivar of pepper (Piper nigrum L.), which is produced in the Kampot Province, Cambodia. Indeed, even if the Kampot pepper is recognized for its organoleptic qualities, no research works were dedicated to the drying of its mature grains, in order to yield red pepper. Experiments with different pretreatment and drying conditions were performed. The results of these experiments were analyzed, regarding the drying kinetics, the color of the dry product, and the degradation of the bioactive compounds during the drying. Regarding these bioactive compounds, several parameters were considered: the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content, and the piperine content. The results show that the Kampot mature pepper is prone to alterations when dried at a temperature of 55°C or 65°C: the color, the total phenolic content, and the flavonoid content are significantly altered, while the piperine content, important for the pungency of this spice, seems unaltered. Raising the temperature leads to more important degradations. However, performing a pretreatment by dipping the pepper grains into boiling water appears to significantly reduce these alterations and, concomitantly, to accelerate the drying. As a conclusion of the analysis of the results, it can be stated that, to increase the product quality, it is recommended to pretreat the pepper by dipping it into boiling water during 5 min., before drying at 55°C.
Functional Food from Endangered Ecosystems: Atriplex portulacoides as a Case Study
Authors: Zanella Lorenzo , Vianello Fabio
Published: October 2020

Biodiversity is a reservoir of potential sources of novel food and feed ingredients with suitable compositions for the improvement of the diet and well-being of humans and farmed animals. The halophyte Atriplex portulacoides occurs in habitats that are exposed to seawater inundations, and shows biochemical adaptations to saline and oxidative stresses. Its composition includes long chain lipids, sterols, phenolic compounds, glutathione and carotenoids. These organic compounds and micronutrients, such as Fe, Zn, Co and Cu, make this plant suitable as an optimal functional food that is potentially able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in humans and animals. Indeed, many of these compounds have a protective activity in humans against cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, and degenerative processes related to aging. The analysis of its history as food and forage, which dates back thousands of years, attests that it can be safely consumed. Here, the limits of its chemical and microbiological contamination are suggested in order to comply with the European regulations. The productivity of A. portulacoides in natural environments, and its adaptability to non-saline soils, make it a potential crop of high economic interest.
Potential Application of Apilactobacillus kunkeei for Human Use: Evaluation of Probiotic and Functional Properties
Authors: Vergalito Franca , Testa Bruno , Cozzolino Autilia , Letizia Francesco , Succi Mariantonietta , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Tremonte Patrizio , Pannella Gianfranco , Di Marco Roberto , Sorrentino Elena , Coppola Raffaele , Iorizzo Massimo
Published: October 2020

Apilactobacillus kunkeei is an insect symbiont with documented beneficial effects on the health of honeybees. It belongs to fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB), a subgroup of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) notably recognized for their safe status. This fact, together with its recurrent isolation from hive products that are traditionally part of the human diet, suggests its possible safe use as human probiotic. Our data concerning three strains of A. kunkeei isolated from bee bread and honeybee gut highlighted several interesting features, such as the presence of beneficial enzymes (β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase and leucine arylamidase), the low antibiotic resistance, the ability to inhibit P. aeruginosa and, for one tested strain, E. faecalis, and an excellent viability in presence of high sugar concentrations, especially for one strain tested in sugar syrup stored at 4 °C for 30 d. This datum is particularly stimulating, since it demonstrates that selected strains of A. kunkeei can be used for the probiotication of fruit preparations, which are often used in the diet of hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Finally, we tested for the first time the survival of strains belonging to the species A. kunkeei during simulated gastrointestinal transit, detecting a similar if not a better performance than that showed by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, used as probiotic control in each trial.
The Influence of Extrusion Processing on the Gelation Properties of Apple Pomace Dispersions: Involved Cell Wall Components and Their Gelation Kinetics
Authors: Schmid Vera , Karbstein Heike P. , Emin M. Azad
Published: October 2020

By-products of fruits and vegetables like apple pomace can serve as techno-functional ingredients in foods. Due to their physicochemical properties, e.g., viscosity, water absorption, or oil-binding, food by-products can modify the texture and sensory perception of products like yogurts and baked goods. It is known that, by extrusion processing, the properties of by-products can be altered. For example, by thermo-mechanical treatment, the capacity of food by-products to increase viscosity is improved. However, the mechanism and involved components leading to the viscosity increase are unknown. Therefore, the complex viscosity of apple pomace dispersions and the involved fractions as pectin (a major part of the water-soluble fraction), water-soluble and water-insoluble fraction, were measured. In the investigated range, an increase in the pectin yield and water solubility was observed with increasing thermo-mechanical treatment by extrusion processing. However, pectin and water-soluble cell wall components had only a limited effect on the complex viscosity of apple pomace dispersions. The insoluble fraction (particles) were investigated regarding their swelling behavior and influence on the complex viscosity. An intensification of thermo-mechanical treatment resulted in increasing swelling behavior.
The Toxic Impact of Honey Adulteration: A Review
Authors: Fakhlaei Rafieh , Selamat Jinap , Khatib Alfi , Razis Ahmad Faizal Abdull , Sukor Rashidah , Ahmad Syahida , Babadi Arman Amani
Published: October 2020

Honey is characterized as a natural and raw foodstuff that can be consumed not only as a sweetener but also as medicine due to its therapeutic impact on human health. It is prone to adulterants caused by humans that manipulate the quality of honey. Although honey consumption has remarkably increased in the last few years all around the world, the safety of honey is not assessed and monitored regularly. Since the number of consumers of honey adulteration have increased in recent years, their trust and interest in this valuable product has decreased. Honey adulterants are any substances that are added to the pure honey. In this regard, this paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of the different types of adulteration, common sugar adulterants and detection methods, and draws a clear perspective toward the impact of honey adulteration on human health. Adulteration increases the consumer’s blood sugar, which can cause diabetes, abdominal weight gain, and obesity, raise the level of blood lipids and can cause high blood pressure. The most common organ affected by honey adulterants is the liver followed by the kidney, heart, and brain, as shown in several in vivo research designs.
Comparison of Whole and Gutted Baltic Herring as a Raw Material for Restructured Fish Product Produced by High-Moisture Extrusion Cooking
Authors: Nisov Anni , Aisala Heikki , Holopainen-Mantila Ulla , Alakomi Hanna-Leena , Nordlund Emilia , Honkapää Kaisu
Published: October 2020

Interest in using undervalued forage fish for human consumption has recently increased due to its environmental benefits. However, feasible strategies to process the undervalued fish species to food use are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility to utilise whole (ungutted) Baltic herring as a raw material for hybrid plant-fish meat analogues produced by high-moisture extrusion cooking. The sample properties were compared with ungutted Baltic herring. Produced meat analogues showed sufficiently high microbial quality, with spoilage microbes showing growth levels of under 1.4 log CFU/g. Whole fish and gutted fish extrudates showed uniform flavour- and odour-related sensory profiles. Colour values of the whole fish (L* 57.8) extrudates were similar to the values of gutted fish extrudates (L* 62.0). The whole and gutted fish extrudates had tensile strength in a cross-cut direction of 25.5 and 46.3 kPa, respectively. This correlated with the tearing force of the extrudates analysed by a trained sensory panel. Furthermore, a more explicit protein network was microscopically observed in gutted fish than in whole fish extrudates. The present study showed that high-moisture extrusion cooking enables the use of whole small-sized fish for human consumption.
Occurrence of n-Alkanes in Vegetable Oils and Their Analytical Determination
Authors: Srbinovska Ana , Conchione Chiara , Menegoz Ursol Luca , Lucci Paolo , Moret Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Vegetable oils contain endogenous linear hydrocarbons, namely n-alkanes, ranging from n-C21 to n-C35, with odd chain lengths prevalent. Different vegetable oils, as well as oils of the same type, but of different variety and provenience, show typical n-alkane patterns, which could be used as a fingerprint to characterize them. In the first part of this review, data on the occurrence of n-alkanes in different vegetable oils (total and predominant n-alkanes) are given, with a focus on obtaining information regarding variety and geographical origin. The second part aims to provide the state of the art on available analytical methods for their determination. In particular, a detailed description of the sample preparation protocols and analytical determination is reported, pointing out the main drawbacks of traditional sample preparation and possible solutions to implement the analysis with the aim to shift toward rapid and solvent-sparing methods.
Games and Fieldwork in Agriculture: A Systematic Review of the 21st Century in Economics and Social Science
Authors: Hernandez-Aguilera J. Nicolas , Mauerman Max , Herrera Alexandra , Vasilaky Kathryn , Baethgen Walter , Loboguerrero Ana Maria , Diro Rahel , Tesfamariam Tekeste Yohana , Osgood Daniel
Published: October 2020

Games are particularly relevant for field research in agriculture, where alternative experimental designs can be costly and unfeasible. Games are also popular for non-experimental purposes such as recreating learning experiences and facilitating dialogue with local communities. After a systematic review of the literature, we found that the volume of published studies employing coordination and cooperation games increased during the 2000–2020 period. In recent years, more attention has been given to the areas of natural resource management, conservation, and ecology, particularly in regions important to agricultural sustainability. Other games, such as trust and risk games, have come to be regarded as standards of artefactual and framed field experiments in agriculture. Regardless of their scope, most games’ results are subject to criticism for their internal and external validity. In particular, a significant portion of the games reviewed here reveal recruitment biases towards women and provide few opportunities for continued impact assessment. However, games’ validity should be judged on a case-by-case basis. Specific cultural aspects of games might reflect the real context, and generalizing games’ conclusions to different settings is often constrained by cost and utility. Overall, games in agriculture could benefit from more significant, frequent, and inclusive experiments and data—all possibilities offered by digital technology. Present-day physical distance restrictions may accelerate this shift. New technologies and engaging mediums to approach farmers might present a turning point for integrating experimental and non-experimental games for agriculture in the 21st century.
GIS Spatial Analysis Modeling for Land Use Change. A Bibliometric Analysis of the Intellectual Base and Trends
Authors: Bielecka Elzbieta
Published: October 2020

The paper aimed to express the cognitive and intellectual structure of research executed in the field of GIS-based land use change modeling. An exploration of the Web of Science database showed that research in GIS spatial analysis modeling for land use change began in the early 1990s and has continued since then, with a substantial growth in the 21st century. By science mapping methods, particularly co-coupling, co-citation, and citation, as well as bibliometric measures, like impact indices, this study distinguishes the most eminent authors, institutions, countries, and journals in GIS-based land use change modeling. The results showed that GIS-based analysis of land use change modeling is a multi- and interdisciplinary research topic, as reflected in the diversity of WoS research categories, the most productive journals, and the topics analyzed. The highest impact on the world sciences in the field have can be attributed to European Universities, particularly from The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Great Britain. However, China and the United States published the highest number of research papers.
Per Oral Pyloromyotomy for Gastroparesis: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature and Future Recommendations
Authors: Chavez Luis O. , Galura Gian , Robles Alejandro , Bustamante-Bernal Marco A. , McCallum Richard
Published: October 2020

Background: Gastric per oral endoscopic myotomy (GPOEM) was developed as a therapeutic option for gastroparesis after the pylorus was identified as a key target for gastroparesis management. This study includes a systematic literature review of studies in which GPOEM was utilized as therapy for gastroparesis. Methods: A literature search was conducted in three databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase) of articles that included the keywords “GPOEM”, “Gastric per oral endoscopy myotomy” or “per oral pyloromyotomy” and “Gastroparesis” in the abstract or title. The search covered articles published until 29 February 2020. Results: A total of 139 articles were identified. Only 15 articles met the final inclusion criteria and were retrieved for qualitative data synthesis. Conclusion: GPOEM for gastroparesis is shown to have a high success rate among the studies but data interpretations are limited because of small sample sizes and short follow-up. Subjective and objective data prior to and post-GPOEM will be mandatory to establish credibility. The procedure is technically feasible and safe based on the limited studies available.
Effects of Food Art Therapy on the Self-Esteem, Self-Expression, and Social Skills of Persons with Mental Illness in Community Rehabilitation Facilities
Authors: Kim Ju-Hye , Choe Kwisoon , Lee Kyoungsook
Published: October 2020

Persons with mental illness often have low self-esteem, a lack of self-expression, and poor social skills. This study used a quasi-experimental two-group pre-test-post-test design to investigate the effects of food art therapy on the self-esteem, self-expression, and social skills of persons with mental illness attending community rehabilitation facilities. The authors recruited persons with mental illness aged 18 years or older attending three community rehabilitation facilities. Participants in two rehabilitation facilities participated in food art therapy (experimental groups 1 and 2; n = 15 for each group), and participants in the third rehabilitation facility participated in regular programs of the facility (control group, n = 30). Participants in the experimental groups attended a total of eight sessions of food art therapy twice per week for four weeks. The Korean versions of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, self-expression scale, and social skill rating system were administered at pre- and post-test in both the experimental and control groups. The self-esteem, self-expression, and social skills of the experimental group improved significantly compared to the control group. The findings suggested that food art therapy would be an excellent psychosocial intervention to help persons with mental illness to rehabilitate in the community.
Low 6-Minute Walk Distance and Muscle Mass Predict Drop out in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Park Ju Hyung , Cho Kyu Kwon , Kim Yong Hwan
Published: October 2020

Cardiac rehabilitation after percutaneous coronary intervention decreases recurrence and mortality but has a high dropout rate. The aim of this study is to identify dropout predictors by comparing the characteristics of complete and dropout patients in cardiac rehabilitation. The study included 593 patients (455 men and 138 women) who received percutaneous coronary intervention and were enrolled in a 1-year cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of home-based cardiac rehabilitation with three center visits. Dropout was defined as participation in the first center visit but not the second or third center visits. Blood lipids, quality of life, socioeconomic status, and 6-minute walk distance measurements at the first visit were compared between participants who completed and dropped out of cardiac rehabilitation. For both men and women, the dropout rate significantly correlated with a low 6-minute walk distance and low muscle mass ratio. The dropout rate was significantly higher for men, but not women, with low education and low income. However, the dropout rate was decreased for women, but not men, with low blood pressure and triglycerides. An improved understanding of the characteristics of participants and the cardiac rehabilitation dropout rate are expected to contribute to the development of cardiac rehabilitation strategies that decrease patient dropout.
Med-Tech Industry Entry Strategy Analysis under COVID-19 Impact
Authors: Fang I-Ching , Chen Peng-Ting , Chiu Hsin-Hui , Lin Chia-Li , Su Fong-Chin
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 has been impacting the Med-Tech industry dramatically since the beginning of 2020. Along with the pandemic continuously growing, the demand for major global medical products such as masks and protective clothing has surged. The Med-Tech industry is facing the huge challenge of a lack of production capacity, including raw material, production equipment, production line, professional human resources, and more. It would require not only the operators in the Med-Tech industry to enlarge their productivity, but also new investors from outside. This study focused on the entry strategy analysis of the Med-Tech industry, developing five driving factors, and conducting an opinion survey from three different aspects, including vendors, channels, and end-users, under COVID-19 impact. A total of 99 valid questionnaires were collected. After that, the Importance Accessibility Analysis-Network Relation Map (IAA-NRM) approach was used to verify the importance and implementation priority of the entry strategies. Then, the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique is used to construct the NRM method. The research results showed that there is a common strategic path, from the regulatory system to operation resources and then marketing promotion. In addition, in these three viewpoints, vendors and end-users have similar priorities in terms of industry attributes and barriers to entry.
Assessment of the Anxiety Level of Andalusian Podiatrists during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Increase Phase
Authors: Vilar-Palomo Samuel , Pabón-Carrasco Manuel , Gonzalez-Elena María Luisa , Ramírez-Baena Lucia , Rodríguez-Gallego Isabel , Castro-Méndez Aurora
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and represents the causative agent of a potentially fatal disease that is of great global public health concern. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease produced by the coronavirus family. The World Health Organization declared the disease a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Podiatrists are in a peculiar situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic: that of a health professional aspect and the singularity that most of them practise as self-employed workers. The aim of the study is to evaluate in a group of podiatrists, working at a national level, their knowledge, perception and degree of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic via the use of a questionnaire specifically developed to this end in the initial phase of the pandemic. We employed a transversal descriptive study with 302 participants, with a purposive sampling technique. The degree of perception and knowledge of the podiatrists about COVID-19 was analysed as well as the cognitive impact of the situation of confinement. The results showed that the podiatrists perceive this situation as serious at the economic and health level, that they have a thorough knowledge of the disease and that they are in a moderate to severe percentile of anxiety. Additionally, 76.2% cancelled their usual work. The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively perceived by this group of podiatrists at the personal, professional, health and economic level, with even a state of anxiety being produced.
Anticipated Social and Healthcare Economic Burden of People with Alzheimer’s Disease in Two Selected Regions of the Czech Republic
Authors: Maresova Petra , Komarkova Lenka , Kuhnova Jitka , Cimler Richard , Pazitny Peter , Kandilaki Daniela , Musilek Kamil , Truhlarova Zuzana , Zemek Filip , Kuca Kamil
Published: October 2020

Increasing life expectancy in modern society is undoubtedly due to improved healthcare, scientific advances in medicine, and the overall healthy lifestyle of the general population. However, this positive trend has led to an increase in the number of older people with a growing need for a sustainable system for the long-term care of this part of the population, which includes social and health services that are essential for a high quality of life. Longevity also brings challenges in the form of a polymorbid geriatric population that places financial pressure on healthcare systems. Regardless, one disease dominates the debate about financial sustainability due to the increasing numbers of people diagnosed, and that is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The presented paper aims to demonstrate the economic burden of social and healthcare services. Data from two regions in the Czech Republic were selected to demonstrate the potential scope of the problem. The future costs connected with AD are calculated by a prediction model, which is based on a population model for predicting the number of people with AD between 2020 and 2070. Based on the presented data from the two regions in the Czech Republic and the prediction model, several trends emerged. There appears to be a significant difference in the annual direct costs per person diagnosed with AD depending on the region in which they reside. This may lead to a significant inequality of the services a person can acquire followed by subsequent social issues that can manifest as a lower quality of life. Furthermore, given the prediction of the growing AD population, the costs expressed in constant prices based on the year 2020 will increase almost threefold during the period 2020–2070. The predicted threefold increase will place additional financial pressure on all stakeholders responsible for social and healthcare services, as the current situation is already challenging.
Ephemeral But Influential? The Correlation between Facebook Stories Usage, Addiction, Narcissism, and Positive Affect
Authors: Yu Sen-Chi , Chen Hong-Ren
Published: October 2020

Despite the steep increase in Facebook Stories users, there is scant research on this topic. This study compared the associations of frequency of Stories update, frequency of news feed updates, time spent reading Stories, and time spent reading news feeds, with regard to social media addiction, narcissism, and positive affect in college students. We recruited a sample of 316 college students from Taiwan. The analytical results show that Facebook Stories are more addictive and provoke more positive affect than conventional news feeds. Moreover, only usage behaviors associated with Stories predict narcissism. This study also found that the prediction of news feeds with regard to addiction, narcissism, and positive affect also seems to be diminishing and is being replaced by those of Stories. Future studies on the psychological consequences and predictors of social media usage should regard Stories as a crucial variable.
Studying Healthcare Affordability during an Economic Recession: The Case of Greece
Authors: Zavras Dimitris
Published: October 2020

The significant deterioration of economic prosperity in Greece during the economic crisis decreased patients’ ability to pay. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the factors affecting healthcare affordability in Greece during an economic recession. This study used data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) 2016. The sample consisted of 18,255 households. Healthcare affordability was regressed on geographic characteristics as well as several variables that refer to the households’ financial condition. Region of residence, ability to make ends meet, and capacity to cope with unexpected financial expenses were found to be statistically significant. Using sample sizes of 1000 and 1096 adults, respectively, the European Quality of Life Surveys (EQLS) of 2007 and 2016 were also used as data sources. Economic crisis was expressed with a dummy variable: (1) 0: 2007, and (2) 1: 2016. Difficulty in responding to healthcare costs was regressed on survey year and several demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, revealing that individuals were more likely to face difficulties in responding to healthcare costs during the economic crisis. These results confirm the mechanism on the basis of which economic crises affect healthcare access: primarily through the effects of demand-side barriers.
Exploring the Factors Influencing Kaohsiung Residents’ Intentions to Choose Age-Friendly Housing
Authors: Wu Kun-Kuang , Lee Chun-Chang , Liang Chih-Min , Yeh Wen-Chih , Yu Zheng
Published: October 2020

Taiwan’s declining birthrate has changed the housing market, which should become more consumer-oriented in the future. In particular, age-friendly housing has become a salient housing choice among buyers. Age-friendly housing consists of housing units that are suitable for occupants of any age. There are three concepts underlying such housing: aging in place, multigenerational-multiunit living arrangements, and lifetime homes. This study aimed to examine the factors affecting consumers’ choice of age-friendly housing. The participants were residents of Kaohsiung City, and data analysis was performed using a binary logistic model. The empirical results indicated that adult sons/daughters, residents who currently live in the city center, residents who have a high or medium monthly family income, residents who are currently part of a stem family, residents who desire to live under multigenerational-multiunit living arrangements, residents who desire to be a part of a stem family, and residents who prioritize housing type when house-buying are significantly more likely to choose age-friendly housing. These results can serve as a reference regarding age-friendly housing investments for investors, as well as for house buyers who are deliberating between age-friendly housing and ordinary housing.
Retrieval of Leaf Area Index Using Sentinel-2 Imagery in a Mixed Mediterranean Forest Area
Authors: Chrysafis Irene , Korakis Georgios , Kyriazopoulos Apostolos P. , Mallinis Giorgos
Published: October 2020

Leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial biophysical indicator for assessing and monitoring the structure and functions of forest ecosystems. Improvements in remote sensing instrumental characteristics and the availability of more efficient statistical algorithms, elevate the potential for more accurate models of vegetation biophysical properties including LAI. The aim of this study was to assess the spectral information of Sentinel-2 MSI satellite imagery for the retrieval of LAI over a mixed forest ecosystem located in northwest Greece. Forty-eight field plots were visited for the collection of ground LAI measurements using an ACCUPAR LP-80: PAR & LAI Ceptometer. Spectral bands and spectral indices were used for LAI model development using the Gaussian processes regression (GPR) algorithm. A variable selection procedure was applied to improve the model’s prediction accuracy, and variable importance was investigated for identifying the most informative variables. The model resulting from spectral indices’ variables selection produced the most precise predictions of LAI with a coefficient of determination of 0.854. Shortwave infrared bands and the normalized canopy index (NCI) were identified as the most important features for LAI prediction.