bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal-Directed Planning and Goal Understanding by Extended Active Inference: Evaluation through Simulated and Physical Robot Experiments
Authors: Matsumoto Takazumi , Ohata Wataru , Benureau Fabien C. Y. , Tani Jun
Published: March 2022

We show that goal-directed action planning and generation in a teleological framework can be formulated by extending the active inference framework. The proposed model, which is built on a variational recurrent neural network model, is characterized by three essential features. These are that (1) goals can be specified for both static sensory states, e.g., for goal images to be reached and dynamic processes, e.g., for moving around an object, (2) the model cannot only generate goal-directed action plans, but can also understand goals through sensory observation, and (3) the model generates future action plans for given goals based on the best estimate of the current state, inferred from past sensory observations. The proposed model is evaluated by conducting experiments on a simulated mobile agent as well as on a real humanoid robot performing object manipulation.
Contingency Table Analysis and Inference via Double Index Measures
Authors: Meselidis Christos , Karagrigoriou Alex
Published: March 2022

In this work, we focus on a general family of measures of divergence for estimation and testing with emphasis on conditional independence in cross tabulations. For this purpose, a restricted minimum divergence estimator is used for the estimation of parameters under constraints and a new double index (dual) divergence test statistic is introduced and thoroughly examined. The associated asymptotic theory is provided and the advantages and practical implications are explored via simulation studies.
Forecasting Network Interface Flow Using a Broad Learning System Based on the Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Li Shaobo , Zhou Peng , Chen Guanglin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a broad learning system based on the sparrow search algorithm. Firstly, in order to avoid the complicated manual parameter tuning process and obtain the best combination of hyperparameters, the sparrow search algorithm is used to optimize the shrinkage coefficient (r) and regularization coefficient (λ) in the broad learning system to improve the prediction accuracy of the model. Second, using the broad learning system to build a network interface flow forecasting model. The flow values in the time period [T−11,T] are used as the characteristic values of the traffic at the moment T+1. The hyperparameters outputted in the previous step are fed into the network to train the broad learning system network traffic prediction model. Finally, to verify the model performance, this paper trains the prediction model on two public network flow datasets and real traffic data of an enterprise cloud platform switch interface and compares the proposed model with the broad learning system, long short-term memory, and other methods. The experiments show that the prediction accuracy of this method is higher than other methods, and the moving average reaches 97%, 98%, and 99% on each dataset, respectively.
On the Thermal Capacity of Solids
Authors: Feldhoff Armin
Published: March 2022

The term thermal capacity appears to suggest a storable thermal quantity. However, this claim is not redeemed when thermal capacity is projected onto “heat”, which, like all energy forms, exits only in transit and is not a part of internal energy. The storable thermal quantity is entropy, and entropy capacity is a well-defined physical coefficient which has the advantage of being a susceptibility. The inverse of the entropy capacity relates the response of the system (change of temperature) to a stimulus (change of entropy) such as the fluid level responses to a change in amount of fluid contained in a vessel. Frequently, entropy capacity has been used implicitly, which is clarified in examples of the low-temperature analysis of phononic and electronic contributions to the thermal capacity of solids. Generally, entropy capacity is used in the estimation of the entropy of a solid. Implicitly, the thermoelectric figure of merit refers to entropy capacity. The advantage of the explicit use of entropy capacity comes with a descriptive fundamental understanding of the thermal behaviour of solids, which is made clear by the examples of the Debye model of phonons in solids, the latest thermochemical modelling of carbon allotropes (diamond and graphite) and not least caloric materials. An electrocaloric cycle of barium titanate close to its paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition is analysed by means of entropy capacity. Entropy capacity is a key to intuitively understanding thermal processes.
Refueling of LH2 Aircraft—Assessment of Turnaround Procedures and Aircraft Design Implication
Authors: Mangold Jonas , Silberhorn Daniel , Moebs Nicolas , Dzikus Niclas , Hoelzen Julian , Zill Thomas , Strohmayer Andreas
Published: March 2022

Green liquid hydrogen (LH2) could play an essential role as a zero-carbon aircraft fuel to reach long-term sustainable aviation. Excluding challenges such as electrolysis, transportation and use of renewable energy in setting up hydrogen (H2) fuel infrastructure, this paper investigates the interface between refueling systems and aircraft, and the impacts on fuel distribution at the airport. Furthermore, it provides an overview of key technology design decisions for LH2 refueling procedures and their effects on the turnaround times as well as on aircraft design. Based on a comparison to Jet A-1 refueling, new LH2 refueling procedures are described and evaluated. Process steps under consideration are connecting/disconnecting, purging, chill-down, and refueling. The actual refueling flow of LH2 is limited to a simplified Reynolds term of v · d = 2.35 m2/s. A mass flow rate of 20 kg/s is reached with an inner hose diameter of 152.4 mm. The previous and subsequent processes (without refueling) require 9 min with purging and 6 min without purging. For the assessment of impacts on LH2 aircraft operation, process changes on the level of ground support equipment are compared to current procedures with Jet A-1. The technical challenges at the airport for refueling trucks as well as pipeline systems and dispensers are presented. In addition to the technological solutions, explosion protection as applicable safety regulations are analyzed, and the overall refueling process is validated. The thermodynamic properties of LH2 as a real, compressible fluid are considered to derive implications for airport-side infrastructure. The advantages and disadvantages of a subcooled liquid are evaluated, and cost impacts are elaborated. Behind the airport storage tank, LH2 must be cooled to at least 19K to prevent two-phase phenomena and a mass flow reduction during distribution. Implications on LH2 aircraft design are investigated by understanding the thermodynamic properties, including calculation methods for the aircraft tank volume, and problems such as cavitation and two-phase flows. In conclusion, the work presented shows that LH2 refueling procedure is feasible, compliant with the applicable explosion protection standards and hence does not impact the turnaround procedure. A turnaround time comparison shows that refueling with LH2 in most cases takes less time than with Jet A-1. The turnaround at the airport can be performed by a fuel truck or a pipeline dispenser system without generating direct losses, i.e., venting to the atmosphere.
The Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio of Hard Coals in Laboratory Tests
Authors: Bukowska Mirosława , Kasza Piotr , Moska Rafał , Jureczka Janusz
Published: March 2022

The Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, parameters reflecting the elastic response of a rock to stress, are the key parameters used in many engineering activities, such as hard coal mining and natural gas extraction. The objective of this paper was to present the results of complex laboratory measurements of the static and dynamic Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for Upper Carboniferous hard coals from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The coals differed in geologic age (Mudstone Series—younger coals; Upper Silesian Sandstone Series—older coals) and petrographic structure (vitrain, clarain, and durain lithotype). Elastic parameters of the coals were determined following compression tests under a complex state of stress, as well as using the ultrasonic method in reservoir conditions. On this basis, linear functional dependences between parameters such as UCS, differential stress, confining pressure, strain rate, P- and S-wave velocities, and the static and dynamic Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were determined. These dependences turned out to be linear, with strong and very strong correlation, as indicated by the high coefficients of determination, R2. These new results significantly broaden the knowledge of elastic properties of Carboniferous hard coals, especially in the field of geoengineering, underground coal gasification, and reservoir stimulation for coal bed methane extraction.
Simulators for Designing Energy-Efficient Power Supplies Based on Solar Panels
Authors: Rekutov Oleg , Surkov Michail , Lyapunov Danil , Muravlev Alexey , Pravikova Alexandra , Yudintsev Anton , Rulevskiy Victor , Bubnov Oleg , Pchelnikov Victor
Published: March 2022

Boosted interest in highly efficient power supplies based on renewables requires involving simulators during both the designing stage and the testing one. It is especially relevant for the power supplies that operate in the harsh environmental conditions of northern territories and alike. Modern solar panels based on polycrystalline Si and GaAs possess relatively high efficiency and energy output. To save designing time and cost, system developers use simulators for the solar panels coupled with the power converters that stabilize the output parameters and ensure the proper output power quality to supply autonomous objects: namely, private houses, small-power (up to 10 kW) industrial buildings, submersible pumps, and other equipment. It is crucial for the simulator to provide a valid solar panel I-V curve in various modes and under different ambient conditions: namely, the consumed power rating, temperature, solar irradiation, etc. This paper considers a solar panel simulator topology representing one of the state-of-the-art solutions. This solution is based on principles of classical control theory involving a pulse buck converter as an object of control. A mathematical model of the converter was developed. Its realization in MATLAB/Simulink confirmed the adequacy and applicability of both discrete and continuous forms of the model during the design stage. Families of I-V curves for a commercially available solar panel within the temperature range from −40 to +25 ∘C were simulated on the model. A prototype of the designed simulator has shown its correspondence to the model in Simulink. The developed simulator allows providing a full-scale simulation of solar panels in various operating modes with the maximum value of the open circuit voltage 60 V and that of the short circuit current 60 A. Issues of statistical processing of experimental data and cognitive visualization of the obtained curves involving the cognitive graphic tool 2-simplex have also been considered within the framework of this research. The simulator designed may serve as a basis for developing a product line of energy-efficient power supplies for autonomous objects based on renewables, including those operating in northern territories.
The Convective Heat Transfer Performance and Structural Optimization of the Cavity in Energy-Saving Thermal Insulation Windows under Cold Air Penetration Condition
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Tian Qi , Jia Jie
Published: March 2022

In buildings with the solar heat collection/insulation energy-saving window (SHC/IESW), when the insulation device is placed at night in winter, a double-wall structure façade (DSF) is formed between the glass and the insulation curtain, and the existence of air inlet and outlet leads to cold air penetration. In this paper, the Nusselt number (Nu) correlation and convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) of the cavity in SHC/IESW were calculated through an experiment combined with a theoretical analysis. Then, numerical simulation was performed on the fluid dynamics and thermal characteristics caused by air convection in an asymmetrically heated cavity under uniform heat flow conditions, to optimize the SHC/IESW structure and analyze its heat transfer mechanism to solve the problem of convection heat transfer between plates under cold air infiltration. Using the calculation formulas obtained from the experiment, the heat transfer coefficient of SHC/IESW is 1.71 W·m−2·K−1. The numerical simulation results showed that with the increase of air layer thickness, the outlet temperature, the average air velocity of the cavity, and the surface temperature of thermal insulation curtain all decrease; with the increase of inlet width, the outlet temperature and the surface temperature of thermal insulation curtain decreases significantly, while the average air velocity of cavity increases. It can help to weaken the convective heat transfer in the cavity and thus, reduce the total heat transfer coefficient to 1.28 W·m−2·K−1 when the air layer thickness is 12 mm and the inlet width is 1 mm.
Investigation and Field Measurements for Demand Side Management Control Technique of Smart Air Conditioners located at Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Sites
Authors: Masood Bilal , Guobing Song , Nebhen Jamel , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Iqbal Muhammad Naveed , Rasheed Iftikhar , Bajaj Mohit , Shafiq Muhammad , Hamam Habib
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the response and characteristics of the narrowband power line communication (NB-PLC) technique for the effective control of electric appliances such as smart air conditioners (SACs) for demand side management (DSM) services. The expression for temperature sensitivity by examining the influence of atmospheric temperature variations on power consumption profile of all possible types of loads, i.e., residential, commercial, and industrial loads is derived and analyzed. Comprehensive field measurements on these power consumers are carried out in Lahore, Pakistan. The responses of low voltage channels, medium voltage channels, and transformer bridge for a 3–500 kHz NB-PLC frequency range are presented for DSM services. The master control room transmits control commands for the thermostat settings of SACs over power lines, crossing the transformer bridge to reach the SACs of power consumers by using communication protocol smart energy profile 1.0. The comparison of hourly and daily power consumption profiles under evaluation loads, by analyzing typical and variable frequency air conditioners on setting thermostat temperature at 25 °C and 27 °C conventionally and then by using DSM control technique, is analyzed. A prominent reduction in power consumption is found with the implementation of the DSM control technique.
Thermal Stability Calculation and Experimental Investigation of Common Binary Chloride Molten Salts Applied in Concentrating Solar Power Plants
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Ding Jing , Lu Jianfeng , Wei Xiaolan , Wang Weilong
Published: March 2022

A computational study on thermal stability was conducted the first time, combining the modified quasi-chemical model, the Antoine equation, and the adiabatic flash evaporation calculation principle to design a method to calculate the system pressure-temperature (P-T) phase diagram of binary chloride molten salts. The evaporation temperature of the molten salt obtained by analyzing the P-T phase diagram of the eutectic molten salt clearly defined the upper limit of the optimal operating temperature of the mixed molten salt. The results indicated that the upper-temperature limits of NaCl-KCl, NaCl-CaCl2, KCl-CaCl2, NaCl-MgCl2, and KCl-MgCl2 are determined to be 1141 K, 1151 K, 1176 K, 1086 K, and 1068 K. The maximum working temperature was measured experimentally using a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the relative error between the calculation and experiment was calculated. The maximum error between the calculated and experimental values of the maximum operating temperature was 6.02%, while the minimum was 1.29%, demonstrating the method’s high accuracy. Combined with the lowest eutectic temperature and the upper-temperature limits of binary chloride molten salts, the stable operating temperature ranges of NaCl-KCl, NaCl-CaCl2, KCl-CaCl2, NaCl-MgCl2, and KCl-MgCl2 are 891~1141 K, 750~1151 K, 874~1176 K, 732~1086 K, and 696~1086 K.
Overpressure: Origin, Prediction, and Its Impact in the Xihu Sag, Eastern China Sea
Authors: Wang Li , Yang Ruizhao , Sun Zhipeng , Wang Lingda , Guo Jialiang , Chen Ming
Published: March 2022

The complex relationship between deep overpressure, abnormal porosity, and hydrocarbon generation in the Pinghu Formation is interesting and challenging for hydrocarbon exploration and development in the East China Sea Shelf Basin. It shows three-stage pore pressure evolution based on the characteristics of logs in the west slope of the Xihu Sag. Disequilibrium compaction was identified as the dominant overpressure mechanism in stage II (1.0 < PC < 1.6). The fluid expansion was identified as the predominant mechanism of overpressure generation in stage III (PC > 1.6), and tectonic compression occurs in Well B. Pore pressure was predicated by the Fillippone method based on the combination of raw velocity spectra and high-resolution velocity parameters obtained by seismic inversion. The overpressure at the bottom of the Pinghu Formation is mainly distributed in the F2 and F3 fault blocks. The deep gas reservoir of the Pinghu Formation is controlled by both lithology and pressure. The overpressure distribution area is consistent with the center of hydrocarbon generation. The overpressure distribution illustrated that overpressure was positively correlated with the porosity and permeability of the reservoir. The first porosity and permeability inversion zone of the Pinghu Formation formed because the overpressure caused by under-compaction offsets the pressure of some overlying strata and slows down diagenesis. Due to a large amount of hydrocarbon generation in source rocks, the acidic fluid with high temperature promoted the development of secondary pores, resulting in the second pore permeability inversion zone of the Pinghu Formation. The index of porosity preserving (IPP) is proposed here to quantitatively describe the relationship between overpressure and porosity. The index of porosity preserving in the second stage is 1.16%/10 MPa, and in the third stage is 1.75%/10 MPa. The results can be used to guide the exploration of the deep-basin gas reservoir of the Xihu Sag in the Eastern China Sea Basin.
Effects of Microbial Inoculation with Different Indigenous Bacillus Species on Physicochemical Characteristics and Bacterial Succession during Short-Term Composting
Authors: Niu Jiayu , Li Xiufen
Published: March 2022

Bacillus accelerates lignocellulose degradation, promotes the stabilization and resource utilization of compost by secreting enzymes, and plays an important role in compost formation and quality control. This study evaluated enzyme activity, lignocellulosic degradation, and bacterial succession in composting inoculated with different microbial Bacillus agents. They were identified as B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. thermoamylovorans, B. thermoruber, and B. hisashii. Four treatments were established, including a CK (uninoculated microorganisms), A (B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. thermoamylovorans,and B. hisashii), B (B. subtilis, B. thermoamylovorans, B. thermoruber, and B. hisashii), and C (B. subtilis, B. thermoamylovorans, and B. hisashii), and the composting lasted 7–14 days. Lignin and cellulose degradation rates in B during composting were 17.1% and 36.7% at the cooling stage, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed that degradation of lignocellulose in the thermophilic stage was mainly related to the secretion of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes after microbial inoculation. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that Bacillus (20.3%) and Thermobifida (20.2%) were the dominant genera. Inoculation with a combination including B. thermoruber was a feasible way to increase lignocellulose degradation and promote maturity in sewage sludge composting.
A Comparative Analysis of In-Situ Optical Velocimetries for Oil Spill Flow Rate Estimation
Authors: Bkar Osman Abu , Ovinis Mark , Mohmmed Abdalellah O.
Published: March 2022

In the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, optical plume velocimetry (OPV), a flow measurement technique for use in seafloor hydrothermal systems, was found to have the least uncertainty in estimating the rate at which oil was escaping from the well in the deep sea. However, OPV still had a high uncertainty of 21%, partly due to the limited accuracy of the temporal cross-correlation algorithm used. In this work, the accuracy of several in-situ optical velocimetries, namely wavelet-based optical velocimetry (WOV), OPV, and two classical correlation-based algorithms, namely fast Fourier transform (FFT) and normalized cross-correlation (NCC), for a plume flow with Reynolds numbers varying from 1847 to 11,656 was investigated. WOV, FFT, and NCC resulted in flow rates closer to the expected turbulent plume flow rate as compared to OPV. Moreover, a noisy velocity field was found using OPV. The accuracy of wavelet-based algorithm outperformed all cross-correlation based algorithms. The flow rate was measured with an error of 8.5% using WOV, whereas errors of 18.2%, 19.7%, to 21.1% were obtained when applying FFT, OPV, and NCC, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between wavelet-based and correlation-based algorithms, but no statistically significant difference between the estimation of the three cross-correlation based velocimetries. WOV outperformed the other velocimetries and estimated flow rates with an error of 8.5%, whereas the OPV, FFT, and NCC were estimated with errors of 19.7%, 18.2%, and 50.8%, respectively.
Topological Structure of the Solution Sets for Impulsive Fractional Neutral Differential Inclusions with Delay and Generated by a Non-Compact Demi Group
Authors: Alsheekhhussain Zainab , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal , Ali Akbar
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we give an affirmative answer to a question about the sufficient conditions which ensure that the set of mild solutions for a fractional impulsive neutral differential inclusion with state-dependent delay, generated by a non-compact semi-group, are not empty compact and an Rδ-set. This means that the solution set may not be a singleton, but it has the same homology group as a one-point space from the point of view of algebraic topology. In fact, we demonstrate that the solution set is an intersection of a decreasing sequence of non-empty compact and contractible sets. Up to now, proving that the solution set for fractional impulsive neutral semilinear differential inclusions in the presence of impulses and delay and generated by a non-compact semigroup is an Rδ-set has not been considered in the literature. Since fractional differential equations have many applications in various fields such as physics and engineering, the aim of our work is important. Two illustrative examples are given to clarify the wide applicability of our results.
The Importance of Whakapapa for Understanding Fertility
Authors: Rarere Moana
Published: March 2022

The Māori fertility transition—which saw a shift from high to low birth rates between 1966 to 1976—was one of the most rapid fertility declines observed anywhere in the world. Since then, Māori fertility has hovered around replacement level (2.1 births per woman), somewhat above that of Pākehā (European) New Zealanders. More striking are differences in timing with Māori women bearing their children younger and over a longer duration. This paper sits within a broader research project that asks: What are the important influences that have sustained contemporary Māori fertility patterns? Drawing on Mana Wahine (Māori women’s discourses) and whakawhiti kōrero (interviews) with wāhine Māori (Māori women) this paper highlights whakapapa (genealogy) as an important concept in broadening and deepening our understandings of fertility, and situating individual fertility and reproduction within a broader set of relations.
Phenotypic Diversity in Wild and Cultivated Date Palm (Phoenix, Arecaceae): Quantitative Analysis Using Information Theory
Authors: Rivera Diego , Alcaraz Francisco , Rivera-Obón Diego J. , Obón Concepción
Published: March 2022

The quantitative study of genetic diversity requires tools to describe quantitatively and in parallel the whole phenotypic diversity in order to produce meaningful comparisons. The genus Phoenix offers examples of species with very different levels of diversity or heterogeneity. Within Phoenix, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major food crop of global relevance. The concept of information entropy was introduced by Claude Shannon; although initially intended to evaluate data communication systems, it has been used to measure biodiversity in terms of richness, evenness and dominance. In the present work, we will use it to describe heterogeneity within the different taxonomic units in the genus Phoenix. The description of the Phoenix morphological diversity in the present work is based on 596 accessions or populations belonging to 43 mutually exclusive taxonomic units (species, subspecies, varieties, landrace groups and hybrids). As Phoenix is a dioecious palm genus, female and male individuals are described separately. Each accession or sample is described using 116 characters totaling 449 states. The Shannon information entropy index allows the quantitative representation of the different levels of heterogeneity in the various taxonomic units of the genus Phoenix. Morphology, consistency and coloration of fruit and seed, followed by the inflorescences and female flowers, comprise the taxonomic characters that contribute the most to heterogeneity. Vegetative characters contribute less than the characters of the reproductive organs as a whole. Phoenix dactylifera and related Mediterranean and Macaronesian taxa present the maximum heterogeneity. Immediately afterwards we find P. loureiroi and, behind, the group of P. pusilla. At the lower limit of heterogeneity, we find species restricted in their distribution area: P. rupicola, P. theophrasti, P. roebelenii and P. acaulis. Phoenix dactylifera conforms to a complex of landraces and cultivars that coexist as phenotypically well-defined geographical groups with numerous intermediate forms and the long-distance translocation of otherwise local cultivars. This results in high heterogeneity. For the western and eastern groups of Phoenix dactylifera, it is extremely difficult to find a set of well-defined differential characters. However, some of the variables analyzed here allow us to propose a set of their respective syndromes. The high phenotypic heterogeneity in various Phoenix species is related to the genetic diversity, age and ancestry of different taxa, hybridization events and introgressions prior to domestication, and selective pressures after domestication and, again, interspecific crosses after domestication.
Willingness-to-Pay for Produce: A Meta-Regression Analysis Comparing the Stated Preferences of Producers and Consumers
Authors: Kilduff Alice , Tregeagle Daniel
Published: March 2022

Willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates help agribusinesses estimate whether a new product is likely to be profitable. For produce, new products, such as new fruit varieties, need to be adopted by producers before they can be sold to consumers. The study of ex ante fruit and vegetable producer preferences is relatively new. This study uses meta-regression analysis to compare the estimated WTP premium between U.S. producers and consumers to determine whether they differ. After controlling for differences in study methods, product attributes, and potential publication bias, the producer WTP was between 14.16 and 27.73 percentage points higher. Subject to several caveats and limitations, this suggests that consumer WTP can be a sufficient metric for the profitability of new produce products.
Antibiotic Use in Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Health Facilities in Sierra Leone in 2020–2021: Practice Does Not Follow Policy
Authors: Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Kumar Ajay M. V. , Maruta Anna , Fofanah Bobson Derrick , Njuguna Charles Kuria , Shongwe Steven , Moses Francis , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Kanu Joseph Sam , Lakoh Sulaiman , Mansaray Alie H. D. , Selvaraj Kalaiselvi , Khogali Mohammed , Zachariah Rony
Published: March 2022

Inappropriate use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we report on the prevalence of antibiotic use and its associated factors among suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to 35 health facilities in Sierra Leone from March 2020–March 2021. This was a cross-sectional study using routinely collected patient data. Of 700 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 47% received antibiotics. The majority (73%) of the antibiotics belonged to the ’WATCH’ group of antibiotics, which are highly toxic and prone to resistance. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were azithromycin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Antibiotic use was significantly higher in patients aged 25–34 years than in those with severe disease. Of 755 suspected COVID-19 patients, 61% received antibiotics, of which the majority (58%) belonged to the ‘WATCH’ category. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone, metronidazole, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and amoxycillin. The prevalence of antibiotic use among suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone was high and not in line with national and WHO case management guidelines. Training of health care providers, strengthening of antimicrobial stewardship programs, and microbiological laboratory capacity are urgently needed.
The Impact of Social Network Characteristics on Health among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Korea: Application of Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jeon Byoung-Jin , Park Kang-Hyun
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Population aging is a reality in most developed countries. In this era, an important health issue for these countries is promoting health and quality of life in the elderly population. Older adults’ social networks are associated with health and quality of life. Therefore, this study examines the association between the characteristics of social networks (friendship networks) and the subjective well-being of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study was conducted between June 2015 and August 2015 with a total of 146 participants. The size and density of social networks were analyzed using social network analysis. Additionally, to investigate the impact of social networks on health, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using NetMiner 4.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: In terms of Model 1, which used social network characteristics as variables, the higher the out-degree (376.161) and in-closeness (201.825), the better the health. In contrast, the higher the in-degree (−279.167) and out-closeness (−52.620), the poorer the health. Regarding Model 2, which used sociodemographic characteristics as variables, the higher the out-degree (218.747) and in-closeness (170.075), the better the health. In addition, religion had a negative effect on health, and a high level of education had a positive effect on health. Conclusions: The findings suggest that higher out-degree and in-closeness intensity positively affect the health of older adults, but higher in-degree and out-closeness intensity negatively affect health. Therefore, health professionals should use appropriate strategies to increase the strength of social networks to improve the health of older adults living in the community.
Participatory Systems Modelling for Youth Mental Health: An Evaluation Study Applying a Comprehensive Multi-Scale Framework
Authors: Lee Grace Yeeun , Hickie Ian Bernard , Occhipinti Jo-An , Song Yun Ju Christine , Camacho Salvador , Skinner Adam , Lawson Kenny , Hockey Samuel J. , Hilber Adriane Martin , Freebairn Louise
Published: March 2022

The youth mental health sector is persistently challenged by issues such as service fragmentation and inefficient resource allocation. Systems modelling and simulation, particularly utilizing participatory approaches, is offering promise in supporting evidence-informed decision making with limited resources by testing alternative strategies in safe virtual environments before implementing them in the real world. However, improved evaluation efforts are needed to understand the critical elements involved in and to improve methods for implementing participatory modelling for youth mental health system and service delivery. An evaluation protocol is described to evaluate the feasibility, value, impact, and sustainability of participatory systems modelling in delivering advanced decision support capabilities for youth mental health. This study applies a comprehensive multi-scale evaluation framework, drawing on participatory action research principles as well as formative, summative, process, and outcome evaluation techniques. Novel data collection procedures are presented, including online surveys that incorporate gamification to enable social network analysis and patient journey mapping. The evaluation approach also explores the experiences of diverse stakeholders, including young people with lived (or living) experience of mental illness. Social and technical opportunities will be uncovered, as well as challenges implementing these interdisciplinary methods in complex settings to improve youth mental health policy, planning, and outcomes. This study protocol can also be adapted for broader international applications, disciplines, and contexts.
Do Managerial Ties Help or Hinder Corporate Green Innovation? The Moderating Roles of Contextual Factors
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yajuan
Published: March 2022

Green innovation has significant implications for firms’ financial, environmental, and social performance. However, its externalities may inhibit the proactive involvement of firms in such initiatives. In this study, we examined the roles of two types of managerial ties (i.e., business and political) in green innovation and further investigated the moderating effects of two types of contextual factors (i.e., environmental regulations and competitive intensity). By conducting an empirical study using survey data from 218 samples, we confirm that business ties positively affect green innovation while political ties have an inverted U-shaped effect. Moreover, the relationship between managerial ties and green innovation is contingent on specific context settings. Our results show that the environmental regulations enforced by the government strengthen both the effects of business and political ties, while the competitive intensity has no effect on the relationship between business ties and green innovation; however, it sharpens the curvilinear effect of political ties.
Single- and Multi-Joint Maximum Weight Lifting Relationship to Free-Fat Mass in Different Exercises for Upper- and Lower-Limbs in Well-Trained Male Young Adults
Authors: Massini Danilo A. , Macedo Anderson G. , Almeida Tiago A. F. , Espada Mário C. , Santos Fernando J. , Castro Eliane A. , Ferreira Daniel C. P. , Neiva Cassiano M. , Pessôa Filho Dalton M.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to analyze whether the relationship between regional and whole-body fat-free mass (FFM) and strength is related to FFM distribution and area according to limb involvement. Thirty well-trained male young adults underwent one-repetition maximum test (1RM) to assess the strength in arm curl (AC), bench press (BP), seated row (SR), leg press 45° (LP45), knee extension (KE), and leg curl (LC). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate FFM. The values for 1RM in AC, BP, and R correlated to FFM in upper limb (R2 = 0.69, 0.84 and 0.75), without an effect of appendicular mass index (API) or area. For 1RM in KE, the correlation with FFM in lower limb increased with thigh area (R2 = 0.56), whereas 1RM in LC and LP45 correlation to whole-body FFM increased with API (R2 = 0.64 and 0.49). The upper limb’s FFM may be reliable for indexing the arms and upper trunk strengths, whereas the relationships between FFM and strength in lower limb improve as muscle mass and thigh area increases between subjects.
Meningococcal Disease in Pediatric Age: A Focus on Epidemiology and Prevention
Authors: Di Pietro Giada Maria , Biffi Giulia , Castellazzi Massimo Luca , Tagliabue Claudia , Pinzani Raffaella , Bosis Samantha , Marchisio Paola Giovanna
Published: March 2022

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis; 13 serogroups have been identified and differentiated from each other through their capsular polysaccharide. Serotypes A, B, C, W, X, and Y are responsible for nearly all infections worldwide. The most common clinical manifestations are meningitis and invasive meningococcal disease, both characterized by high mortality and long-term sequelae. The infection rate is higher in children younger than 1 year and in adolescents, who are frequently asymptomatic carriers. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infection and transmission. Currently, both monovalent meningococcal vaccines (against A, B, and C serotypes) and quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines (against serogroups ACYW) are available and recommended according to local epidemiology. The purpose of this article is to describe the meningococcal vaccines and to identify instruments that are useful for reducing transmission and implementing the vaccination coverage. This aim could be reached by switching from the monovalent to the quadrivalent vaccine in the first year of life, increasing vaccine promotion against ACYW serotypes among adolescents, and extending the free offer of the anti-meningococcal B vaccine to teens, co-administering it with others proposed in the same age group. Greater awareness of the severity of the disease and increased health education through web and social networks could represent the best strategies for promoting adhesion and active participation in the vaccination campaign. Finally, the development of a licensed universal meningococcal vaccine should be another important objective.
The Effect of Psychological Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 on Job Self-Esteem and Job Satisfaction of Airline Flight Attendants
Authors: Shin Yelin , Choi Jinyoung Olivia , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate how psychological anxiety caused by COVID-19 has influenced airline cabin crew job self-esteem and job satisfaction. A questionnaire based on prior research was developed to identify factors of psychological anxiety among cabin crews as a result of COVID-19. The survey sample was limited to current cabin crews who experienced leave of absence due to COVID-19, and questionnaires were distributed to 201 crew members from 15 February to 15 April 2021. As a result of the analysis, the hypothesis that salary reduction, career stagnation, social perception, and employment insecurity have a significant effect on job self-esteem and job satisfaction was supported, while perceived infection risk and benefit reduction were rejected. This study found that psychological anxiety caused by COVID-19 affected cabin crew’s self-esteem and job satisfaction. These findings could aid in the development of strategies for effective airline human resource management to prevent psychological anxiety from creating stress and negatively affecting work. Furthermore, since the alert for the emergence of new viruses will not be eased in the future, this study will prevent psychological anxiety among cabin crews to cause job self-esteem and job dissatisfaction.
Caring for Your Child during COVID-19—Utilizing a Light-Touch Parenting Resource during Lockdown in Indonesia
Authors: El-Khani Aala , Yassine Ali , Haar Karin , Narotama Narendra , Pramitasari Lucky , Rosilawati Melvi , Maalouf Wadih
Published: March 2022

To tackle the spread of COVID-19 globally, countries around the world have responded by implementing measures such as lockdowns, social distance maintenance, temporary school closures, and remote working and learning. COVID-19 social isolation has been found to increase stress, and potentially have long term harmful effects on both mental and physical health. Stress and compromised parenting often place children at risk of violence and abuse. In parallel, times of hardship might also provide an opportunity to build stronger relationships with our children. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) joined many other agencies and international organizations in recognizing the threat the pandemic might have on individual and family wellbeing, and has thus availed a number of light-touch parenting resources. One such tool is the ‘Caring for your child in response to the COVID-19 lockdown’ booklet, developed to enhance parenting skills, and to build family harmony as challenged by the COVID-19 context. This short communication reflects on a feasibility study that took place in Indonesia during the implementation of this booklet with 30 parents in five cities. Thematic analysis identified challenges in parenting during COVID-19, as well as reported positive experiences of engaging in the parenting resource. The findings are discussed with regard to the usefulness of light-touch parenting information, adding to the context of the feasibility and global scalability of reaching families. The implications pave the way to the engagement and implication of more intensive parenting information interventions in high-stress contexts. Despite the challenge, there is promising news for families globally, as agencies and policy-makers begin to recognize the importance of supporting families with the appropriate skills to navigate extreme stress contexts with effective strategies.
Personality Disorders in Childhood: Validity of the Coolidge Personality and Neuropsychological Inventory for Children (CPNI)
Authors: Fortunato Alexandro , Tanzilli Annalisa , Lingiardi Vittorio , Speranza Anna
Published: March 2022

Background: A growing body of evidence has shown that maladaptive traits and emerging patterns of personality can be traced to an early stage of development and may be assessed in childhood. The goal of present study was to provide preliminary data on the validity of the Coolidge Personality and Neuropsychological Inventory for Children (CPNI), an instrument designed to assess personality pathologies and other clinical conditions in childhood. Method: A sample of 146 clinicians completed the CPNI, as well as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate the behavioral problems and social competencies, regarding a child (aged 6–11 years) who had been in their care between 2 and 12 months. The clinicians also filled out a clinical questionnaire to provide information on the children, their families, and psychotherapies. Results: There were significant and clinically consistent associations between the CPNI and CBCL. They confirmed the good concurrent (convergent and discriminant) validity of the CPNI. Conclusions: The findings seem to support the validity of the CPNI as diagnostic instrument, taking children’s PDs and behavioral problems into account. Despite some limitations, the CPNI represents a helpful measure to evaluate the children’s personality configurations according to the DSM model. It may be employed along with other tools based on other diagnostic frameworks within the context of a multi-method and multi-informant assessment to provide an accurate and comprehensive formulation of children’s overall functioning.
Ethnopharmacology for Skin Diseases and Cosmetics during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lithuania
Authors: Pranskuniene Zivile , Grisiute Rugile , Pranskunas Andrius , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: March 2022

The documentation of ethnopharmaceutical knowledge has always been important for the preservation of countries’ cultural, social, and economic identity. The COVID-19 pandemic with the collapse of healthcare, which has left the individual health to self-care, has also forced us to look back at ethnopharmacology from a practical point of view. This is the first study in Lithuania, dedicated entirely to ethnopharmaceuticals used for skin diseases and cosmetics, and the first study to analyse ethnopharmacology as a Lithuanian phenomenon during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate ethnopharmaceutical knowledge regarding skin diseases and cosmetics in Šiauliai District, Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic from July 2020 to October 2021. This study surveyed 50 respondents; the survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 67 species of medicinal plants from 37 different families used for skin diseases (64.18%), cosmetics (13.44%) and cosmeceuticals (22.38%). Of the 67 plant species, 43 (64%) were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 14 species (21%) of all included species were used with European Medicines Agency approved medical indications for skin diseases. In terms of public health, the safety of “self-treatment” and recovery rituals for skin diseases are no less important than ethnopharmacological knowledge and its application, this being especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring the Potential of a School-Based Online Health and Wellbeing Screening Tool: Young People’s Perspectives
Authors: Woodrow Nicholas , Fairbrother Hannah , D’Apice Katrina , Breheny Katie , Albers Patricia , Mills Clare , Tebbett Sarah , Campbell Rona , De Vocht Frank
Published: March 2022

Despite high levels of need, many young people who experience health issues do not seek, access or receive support. Between May and November 2021, using semi-structured interviews, we explored the perspectives of 51 young people (aged 13–14) from two schools who had taken part in a novel online health and wellbeing screening programme, the Digital Health Contact (DHC). One school delivered the DHC during home-learning due to COVID-19 restrictions, whilst the other delivered it in school when restrictions were lifted. The DHC was seen as a useful approach for identifying health need and providing support, and had high levels of acceptability. Young people appreciated the online format of the DHC screening questionnaire and thought this facilitated more honest responses than a face-to-face approach might generate. Completion at home, compared to school-based completion, was perceived as more private and less time-pressured, which young people thought facilitated more honest and detailed responses. Young people’s understanding of the screening process (including professional service involvement and confidentiality) influenced engagement and responses. Overall, our findings afford important insights around young people’s perspectives of participating in screening programmes, and highlight key considerations for the development and delivery of health screening approaches in (and out of) school.