bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Modifiers on the Rutting, Moisture-Induced Damage, and Workability Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Huang Jiandong , Sun Yuantian
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to examine the effect of modifiers (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene and crumb rubber) on the rutting, moisture-induced damage, and workability properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. In this study, three types—namely, control (CB), crumb rubber-modified (CRMB), and polymer-modified (PMB)—of mixtures/binders were evaluated. The rutting properties were evaluated using a wheel tracking device and the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test. The moisture-induced damage properties were evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Strength (modified Lottman) and bitumen bond strength (BBS) tests. The workability properties were evaluated using densification indices (Bahia and locking point method) and a viscosity test. The results indicate that CRMB mixtures were less workable and exhibited a better resistance to rutting than the PMB and CB mixtures. Further, the PMB mixtures had increased resistance to moisture-induced damage, while the effect of the CRMB mixtures was negligible compared to the CB mixtures.
Relationship between Aspect Ratio and Crack Density in Porous-Cracked Rocks Using Experimental and Optimization Methods
Authors: Yoon Hyung-Koo
Published: October 2020

Aspect ratio and crack density are essential parameters to understand the physical properties of porous-cracked rocks, although it is difficult to independently determine each parameter, as both are closely linked. The objective of this study is to propose a relationship between aspect ratio and crack density that can be used to solve for each through experimental and optimization methods. Two different constitutive equations are solved to create expressions explicitly defining aspect ratio and crack density, with all remaining variables arranged as functions of elastic wave velocity. Ten core specimens extracted from construction sites, with diameters of 46 mm, are subjected to artificial weathering to identify how their crack density and aspect ratio evolved with time. The artificial weathering process consisted of chemical and physical weathering cycles using saline solution and slake durability tests, respectively. Compressional and shear wave velocities are measured at every weathering step, and both aspect ratio and crack density are calculated. The random forest as an optimization method is selected to define the important score among input variables. The calculated aspect ratios and crack densities are converted into a crack porosity, the reliability of which is verified through percentage of crack porosity (~6%) in total porosity. This study demonstrates that the relationship between aspect ratio and crack density is robust and has wide-ranging applications in determining individual aspect ratio and crack density parameters in porous-cracked rock.
Application of Bernoulli Polynomials for Solving Variable-Order Fractional Optimal Control-Affine Problems
Authors: Nemati Somayeh , Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: October 2020

We propose two efficient numerical approaches for solving variable-order fractional optimal control-affine problems. The variable-order fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense, which together with the Riemann–Liouville integral operator is used in our new techniques. An accurate operational matrix of variable-order fractional integration for Bernoulli polynomials is introduced. Our methods proceed as follows. First, a specific approximation of the differentiation order of the state function is considered, in terms of Bernoulli polynomials. Such approximation, together with the initial conditions, help us to obtain some approximations for the other existing functions in the dynamical control-affine system. Using these approximations, and the Gauss—Legendre integration formula, the problem is reduced to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Some error bounds are then given for the approximate optimal state and control functions, which allow us to obtain an error bound for the approximate value of the performance index. We end by solving some test problems, which demonstrate the high accuracy of our results.
Finite Series of Distributional Solutions for Certain Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Waiyaworn Nipon , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Orankitjaroen Somsak
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present the distributional solutions of the modified spherical Bessel differential equations t2y″(t)+2ty′(t)−[t2+ν(ν+1)]y(t)=0 and the linear differential equations of the forms t2y″(t)+3ty′(t)−(t2+ν2−1)y(t)=0, where ν∈N∪{0} and t∈R. We find that the distributional solutions, in the form of a finite series of the Dirac delta function and its derivatives, depend on the values of ν. The results of several examples are also presented.
CMT-308, a Nonantimicrobial Chemically-Modified Tetracycline, Exhibits Anti-Melanogenic Activity by Suppression of Melanosome Export
Authors: Goenka Shilpi , Simon Sanford R.
Published: October 2020

CMT-308 is a nonantimicrobial chemically-modified tetracycline (CMT), which we have previously shown exhibits antifungal activity and pleiotropic anti-inflammatory activities, including inhibition of the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Based on its chemical structure, we hypothesized that CMT-308 could inhibit melanogenesis and might be a candidate for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation disorders which occur due to unregulated melanin biosynthesis and/or transport. CMT-308 was first studied for any effects on activity of the enzyme tyrosinase in vitro using a purified preparation of mushroom tyrosinase; the mode of inhibition of the soluble fungal enzyme was evaluated by Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots as well as by non-linear least squares fitting. Next, the effects of CMT-308 were tested in mammalian cell cultures using B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and further validated in darkly-pigmented human melanocytes (HEMn-DP). Our results showed that micromolar concentrations of CMT-308 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase enzyme activity, using the first two substrates in the melanogenesis pathway (l-tyrosine and l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)); CMT-308 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase primarily via a mixed mode of inhibition, with the major contribution from a competitive mode. In B16F10 cell cultures, CMT-308 (10 µM) significantly diminished total melanin levels with a selective reduction of extracellular melanin levels, under both basal and hormone-stimulated conditions without any cytotoxicity over a duration of 72 h. Studies of potential mechanisms of inhibition of melanogenesis in B16F10 cells showed that, in mammalian cells, CMT-308 did not inhibit intracellular tyrosinase activity or the activity of α-glucosidase, an enzyme that regulates maturation of tyrosinase. However, CMT-308 suppressed MITF protein expression in B16F10 cells and showed copper chelating activity and antioxidant activity in a cell-free system. The significantly lower extracellular melanin levels obtained at 10 µM indicate that CMT-308’s anti-melanogenic action may be attributed to a selective inhibition of melanosome export with the perinuclear aggregation of melanosomes, rather than a direct effect on the tyrosinase-catalyzed steps in melanin biosynthesis. These results were validated in HEMn-DP cells where CMT-308 suppressed dendricity in a fully reversible manner without affecting intracellular melanin synthesis. Furthermore, the capacity of CMT-308 to inhibit melanosome export was retained in cocultures of HEMn-DP and HaCaT. In summary, our results offer promise for therapeutic strategies to combat the effects of hyperpigmentation by use of CMT-308 at low micromolar concentrations.
On Nonlinear Regression for Trends in Split-Belt Treadmill Training
Authors: Rashid Usman , Kumari Nitika , Signal Nada , Taylor Denise , Vandal Alain C.
Published: October 2020

Single and double exponential models fitted to step length symmetry series are used to evaluate the timecourse of adaptation and de-adaptation in instrumented split-belt treadmill tasks. Whilst the nonlinear regression literature has developed substantially over time, the split-belt treadmill training literature has not been fully utilising the fruits of these developments. In this research area, the current methods of model fitting and evaluation have three significant limitations: (i) optimisation algorithms that are used for model fitting require a good initial guess for regression parameters; (ii) the coefficient of determination (R2) is used for comparing and evaluating models, yet it is considered to be an inadequate measure of fit for nonlinear regression; and, (iii) inference is based on comparison of the confidence intervals for the regression parameters that are obtained under the untested assumption that the nonlinear model has a good linear approximation. In this research, we propose a transformed set of parameters with a common language interpretation that is relevant to split-belt treadmill training for both the single and double exponential models. We propose parameter bounds for the exponential models which allow the use of particle swarm optimisation for model fitting without an initial guess for the regression parameters. For model evaluation and comparison, we propose the use of residual plots and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). A method for obtaining confidence intervals that does not require the assumption of a good linear approximation is also suggested. A set of MATLAB (MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA) functions developed in order to apply these methods are also presented. Single and double exponential models are fitted to both the group-averaged and participant step length symmetry series in an experimental dataset generating new insights into split-belt treadmill training. The proposed methods may be useful for research involving analysis of gait symmetry with instrumented split-belt treadmills. Moreover, the demonstration of the suggested statistical methods on an experimental dataset may help the uptake of these methods by a wider community of researchers that are interested in timecourse of motor training.
Architecture and Engineering: The Challenges—Trends—Achievements
Authors: Kapliński Oleg , Bonenberg Wojciech
Published: October 2020

The current Special Issue is addressed to architects and engineers. Design and research are areas connecting their activities. A review of 17 published articles confirms the fact that the interface between architecture and engineering is multidimensional. The ways of finding points of contact between the two industries are highlighted. This is favoured by the dynamically changing reality, supported by new design paradigms and new research techniques. The multi-threaded subject matter of the articles is reduced to six blocks: research scopes, methods, design aspects, context, nature of research, and economy and cost calculation. Each of the articles in these six blocks has its weight, and so, in the “Nature of research” block, the following areas have been underscored: laboratory tests, in situ research, field investigations, and street perception experiments. The “Design aspects” block includes design-oriented thinking, geometrical forms, location of buildings, cost prediction, attractor and distractor elements, and shaping spatial structures. The new design and research tools are an inspiration and a keystone bonding architects and engineers.
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic CO2 Utilisation Over Multifunctional Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Verma Priyanka , J. Stewart Daniel , Raja Robert
Published: October 2020

The efficient conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to high-value chemicals using renewable solar energy is a highly attractive but very challenging process that is used to address ever-growing energy demands and environmental issues. In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant research attention owing to their tuneability in terms of their composition, structure, and multifunctional characteristics. The functionalisation of MOFs by metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising approach used to enhance their light absorption and photocatalytic activity. The efficient charge separation and strong CO2 binding affinity of hybrid MOF-based photocatalysts facilitate the CO2 conversion process. This review summarises the latest advancements involving noble metal, non-noble-metal, and miscellaneous species functionalised MOF-based hybrid photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) and other value-added chemicals. The novel synthetic strategies and their corresponding structure–property relationships have also been discussed for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Furthermore, the current challenges and prospects in practical applications are also highlighted for sustainable energy production.
Grain-Size Effects on Multi-Wire Slurry Sawing of Translucent Alumina Ceramics
Authors: Schmidtner Lea , Herrmann Mathias , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: October 2020

The technology of multi-wire sawing is well established in the production of silicon wafers but can also be applied in the production of ceramic substrates. In this study, the influence of the Al2O3-grain size of the alumina ceramic on the efficiency of the multi-wire slurry process was investigated. The grain size of HIPed alumina ceramics was changed by heat treatment processes at 1350 °C and 1400 °C. A B4C slurry was used for the investigation of the cutting of high purity alumina ceramic. With increasing grain size of the ceramic, the efficiency of the sawing process increases. The analysis of the as-cut surface morphology of the substrates shows a change in material removal from trans- to intergranular micro-fracture with increasing grain size. Furthermore, grain coarsening leads to substrates with increased roughness values and reduced biaxial strength.
A QP Solver Implementation for Embedded Systems Applied to Control Allocation
Authors: Schreppel Christina , Brembeck Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Quadratic programming problems (QPs) frequently appear in control engineering. For use on embedded platforms, a QP solver implementation is required in the programming language C. A new solver for quadratic optimization problems, EmbQP, is described, which was implemented in well readable C code. The algorithm is based on the dual method of Goldfarb and Idnani and solves strictly convex QPs with a positive definite objective function matrix and linear equality and inequality constraints. The algorithm is outlined and some details for an efficient implementation in C are shown, with regard to the requirements of embedded systems. The newly implemented QP solver is demonstrated in the context of control allocation of an over-actuated vehicle as application example. Its performance is assessed in a simulation experiment.
COVID-19 Infection-Related Coagulopathy and Viscoelastic Methods: A Paradigm for Their Clinical Utility in Critical Illness
Authors: Tsantes Argirios E. , Tsantes Andreas G. , Kokoris Styliani I. , Bonovas Stefanos , Frantzeskaki Frantzeska , Tsangaris Iraklis , Kopterides Petros
Published: October 2020

Hypercoagulability and thrombosis remain a challenge to diagnose and treat in severe COVID-19 infection. The ability of conventional global coagulation tests to accurately reflect in vivo hypo- or hypercoagulability is questioned. The currently available evidence suggests that markedly increased D-dimers can be used in identifying COVID-19 patients who may need intensive care unit (ICU) admission and close monitoring or not. Viscoelastic methods (VMs), like thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), estimate the dynamics of blood coagulation. The evaluation of coagulopathy by VMs in severe COVID-19 infection seems an increasingly attractive option. Available evidence supports that COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure suffer from severe hypercoagulability rather than consumptive coagulopathy often associated with fibrinolysis shutdown. However, the variability in definitions of both the procoagulant profile and the clinical outcome assessment, in parallel with the small sample sizes in most of these studies, do not allow the establishment of a clear association between the hypercoagulable state and thrombotic events. VMs can effectively provide insight into the pathophysiology of coagulopathy, detecting the presence of hypercoagulability in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, it remains unknown whether the degree of coagulopathy can be used in order to predict the outcome, establish a diagnosis or guide anticoagulant therapy.
On Higher Order Structures in Thermodynamics
Authors: Lychagin Valentin , Roop Mikhail
Published: October 2020

We present the development of the approach to thermodynamics based on measurement. First of all, we recall that considering classical thermodynamics as a theory of measurement of extensive variables one gets the description of thermodynamic states as Legendrian or Lagrangian manifolds representing the average of measurable quantities and extremal measures. Secondly, the variance of random vectors induces the Riemannian structures on the corresponding manifolds. Computing higher order central moments, one drives to the corresponding higher order structures, namely the cubic and the fourth order forms. The cubic form is responsible for the skewness of the extremal distribution. The condition for it to be zero gives us so-called symmetric processes. The positivity of the fourth order structure gives us an additional requirement to thermodynamic state.
The Effect of Simulation-Supported Inquiry on South African Natural Sciences Learners’ Understanding of Atomic and Molecular Structures
Authors: Dunn Justin , Ramnarain Umesh
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effect of interactive computer simulation-supported inquiry on South African grade 8 learners’ comprehension of atoms and molecular structures. Two sample groups of 34 learners per sample group were used, one acting as a control group who were exposed to a teacher-directed pedagogy while the experimental group used simulations in inquiry-based learning as an intervention to enhance their understanding of atomic and molecular structures. Data were collected by means of conceptual tests, a questionnaire survey, and individual interviews. A statistical analysis of quantitative data gleaned from the post-test showed that the learners in the experimental group performed better than the control group learners. This reflects that the interactive simulations using in an inquiry activity impacted more favorably on the conceptual understanding of learners compared to a teacher-directed approach. The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that learners in the experimental class had a positive experience of using the simulations. They recognized that the simulations enhanced their visualization of abstract concepts, and they reflected on their efficacy in manipulating the simulation.
Rights of Indigenous Children: Reading Children’s Literature through an Indigenous Knowledges Lens
Authors: Stagg Peterson Shelley , Robinson Red Bear
Published: October 2020

Indigenous children’s literature supports Indigenous communities’ rights to revitalization, and to the transmission to future generations, of Indigenous histories, languages, and world views, as put forth in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Drawing on Indigenous teachings that were given to him by Elders, an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Red Bear, interprets 10 Indigenous picture books published in Canada between 2015 and 2019 by mainstream and Indigenous publishing companies. These books were selected from the International Best Books for Children Canada’s list of Indigenous books and websites of four Canadian Indigenous publishers. We discuss the Knowledge Keeper’s interpretation of books that are grouped within four categories: intergenerational impact of residential schools, stories using spiritual lessons from nature, autobiography and biography, and stories using teachings about relationships. Recognizing the richness, authenticity, and integrity of Red Bear’s interpretation of the books, we propose that all teachers should strive to learn Indigenous cultural perspectives and knowledge when reading Indigenous children’s literature.
MIMO Channel Estimation in an SDR Platform for Evaluation of D&F Relay Nodes
Authors: Verdecia-Peña Randy , Alonso José I.
Published: October 2020

Relay Nodes (RNs) have received special attention as a radio access technology which can overcome channel fading and improve the channel capacity in high-speed and dense vehicle environments. RNs have been the object of standardization by the 3GPP; however, this process has not been accompanied by the development of hardware that allows for evaluation of the advantages of RNs. Software Defined Radio (SDR) has emerged as a promising technology to implement the concept of RNs at low cost. In this paper, a detailed study of the MIMO wireless channel between an evolved Node-B (eNB) and an RN is carried out. The developed algorithms are implemented in an SDR platform for Decode-and-Forward (D&F) relay node evaluation, resulting in significant improvements of its capabilities on the MIMO channel. A pilot symbol-assisted channel estimation algorithm based on combinations of the Least-Squares (LS) technique and Bi-Cubic (BCI), Bi-Linear (BLI), and Bi-Nearest Neighbors (BNNI) interpolation methods is considered. Furthermore, the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) and Zero-Forcing (ZF) equalization schemes are studied. In the tests conducted, Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) scenarios are considered, demonstrating the capabilities of the developed platform. The performance measurements using different modulation schemes are compared under the same conditions. The simulation results show that the LS technique together with the BCI and MMSE methods performed the best among all evaluated channel estimation and equalization algorithms, in terms of the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance of the received Resource Grid (RG). Furthermore, we show that the Bit Error Rate (BER) and throughput of the core network increase when using the 2 × 2 MIMO technique.
Research and Implementation of Intelligent Decision Based on a Priori Knowledge and DQN Algorithms in Wargame Environment
Authors: Sun Yuxiang , Yuan Bo , Zhang Tao , Tang Bojian , Zheng Wanwen , Zhou Xianzhong
Published: October 2020

The reinforcement learning problem of complex action control in a multi-player wargame has been a hot research topic in recent years. In this paper, a game system based on turn-based confrontation is designed and implemented with state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning models. Specifically, we first design a Q-learning algorithm to achieve intelligent decision-making, which is based on the DQN (Deep Q Network) to model complex game behaviors. Then, an a priori knowledge-based algorithm PK-DQN (Prior Knowledge-Deep Q Network) is introduced to improve the DQN algorithm, which accelerates the convergence speed and stability of the algorithm. The experiments demonstrate the correctness of the PK-DQN algorithm, it is validated, and its performance surpasses the conventional DQN algorithm. Furthermore, the PK-DQN algorithm shows effectiveness in defeating the high level of rule-based opponents, which provides promising results for the exploration of the field of smart chess and intelligent game deduction.
Energy-Efficient Cluster Head Selection via Quantum Approximate Optimization
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Oh Seunghyeok , Kim Joongheon
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes an energy-efficient cluster head selection method in the wireless ad hoc network by using a hybrid quantum-classical approach. The wireless ad hoc network is divided into several clusters via cluster head selection, and the performance of the network topology depends on the distribution of these clusters. For an energy-efficient network topology, none of the selected cluster heads should be neighbors. In addition, all the selected cluster heads should have high energy-consumption efficiency. Accordingly, an energy-efficient cluster head selection policy can be defined as a maximum weight independent set (MWIS) formulation. The cluster head selection policy formulated with MWIS is solved by using the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA), which is a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm. The accuracy of the proposed energy-efficient cluster head selection via QAOA is verified via simulations.
Thermal, Photometric and Radiometric Properties of Multi-Color LEDs Situated on the Common PCB
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Ptak Przemysław
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations illustrating the influence of the spectra of the light emitted by power LEDs on their thermal, photometric and radiometric parameters. The investigations were performed for six diodes emitting white or monochromatic light of different spectra. Each of these diodes was produced by the same manufacturer, mounted in the same package and the tested devices were soldered to the common PCB. In the paper, the manner and set-ups making possible measurements of self and transfer transient thermal impedances, illuminance and the surface power density of the light emitted by the tested devices are described. Selected results of measurements are shown and discussed. These results prove that the spectra of the emitted light influence self-transient thermal impedances of the considered devices and transfer transient thermal impedances between some pairs of these devices. Additionally, it is proved that thermal couplings between the tested diodes strongly influence their junction temperature and the surface power density of the emitted radiation.
Assessment of Intuitiveness and Comfort of Wearable Haptic Feedback Strategies for Assisting Level and Stair Walking
Authors: Cesini Ilaria , Spigler Giacomo , Prasanna Sahana , D’Abbraccio Jessica , De Luca Daniela , Dell’Agnello Filippo , Crea Simona , Vitiello Nicola , Mazzoni Alberto , Oddo Calogero Maria
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, lower-limb prostheses are reaching real-world usability especially on ground-level walking. However, some key tasks such as stair walking are still quite demanding. Providing haptic feedback about the foot placement on the steps might reduce the cognitive load of the task, compensating for increased dependency on vision and lessen the risk of falling. Experiments on intact subjects can be useful to define the feedback strategies prior to clinical trials, but effective methods to assess the efficacy of the strategies are few and usually rely on the emulation of the disability condition. The present study reports on the design and testing of a wearable haptic feedback system in a protocol involving intact subjects to assess candidate strategies to be adopted in clinical trials. The system integrated a sensorized insole wirelessly connected to a textile waist belt equipped with three vibrating motors. Three stimulation strategies for mapping the insole pressure data to vibrotactile feedback were implemented and compared in terms of intuitiveness and comfort perceived during level and stair walking. The strategies were ranked using a relative rating approach, which highlighted the differences between them and suggested guidelines for their improvement. The feedback evaluation procedure proposed could facilitate the selection and improvement of haptic feedback strategies prior to clinical testing.
Reasons for Turnover Intention among Direct Care Workers in Korea’s Long-Term Care Insurance
Authors: Chon Yongho , Kim Yun-Young
Published: October 2020

This study explored reasons for turnover intention among direct care workers under the Korean long-term care insurance (LTCI) system. The author conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 care workers. The study revealed four main themes underlying the intention of care workers to change or leave their jobs. Care workers struggled with demanding working conditions, and their salaries were low. Moreover, the relationships with their directors and supervisors was not good, since some care workers felt that their directors despised them or gave them inappropriate instructions, and their supervisors did not complete administrative work fairly. Lastly, some workers’ health conditions prevented them from carrying out their care work. The results have implications for working practices of care workers, prices of LTCI services, training of directors and supervisors, and coverage of occupational health and safety insurance for care workers.
Influences of Migrant Construction Workers’ Environmental Risk Perception on Their Physical and Mental Health: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yao , Luo Huawei , Yang Fan
Published: October 2020

Employing Chinese General Social Survey 2013 data (N = 678), this study examines the influences of migrant construction workers’ environmental risk perception (ERP) on their physical and mental health. The ERP of migrant construction workers is characterized by six dimensions: perceptions of air pollution, industrial waste pollution and noise pollution at working sites, and perceptions of domestic waste pollution, water pollution and food pollution at living sites. The results indicate that migrant construction workers with stronger ERP have better physical and mental health. The results also suggest the influences of ERP on the physical and mental health of migrant construction workers with different gender and age (<50 and ≥50 years) are heterogeneous. Perceptions of industrial waste pollution, noise pollution and domestic waste pollution significantly affect female workers’ physical health, but not that of male workers. The six dimensions of ERP all significantly influence male workers’ mental health, while except for domestic waste pollution perception, the other perceptions do not influence that of female workers. Perceptions of air pollution, domestic waste pollution, and water pollution significantly influence physical health of workers aged 50 and above, while those of ERP do not work on that of workers younger than 50. Perception of food pollution significantly influences mental health of workers younger than 50, but not that of workers aged 50 and above. The seemingly unrelated regression shows the results in this paper are robust.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Factors in Southeast Spain: A Retrospective Study from 2000 to 2014
Authors: Pérez-Morente María Ángeles , Gázquez-López María , Álvarez-Serrano María Adelaida , Martínez-García Encarnación , Femia-Marzo Pedro , Pozo-Cano María Dolores , Martín-Salvador Adelina
Published: October 2020

The World Health Organization estimates that more than one million people acquire a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) every day, compromising quality of life, sexual and reproductive health, and the health of newborns and children. It is an objective of this study to identify the factors related to a Sexually Transmitted Infection diagnosis in the province of Granada (Spain), as well as those better predicting the risk of acquiring such infections. In this study, 678 cases were analyzed on a retrospective basis, which were treated at the Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Orientation in Granada, between 2000–2014. Descriptive statistics were applied, and by means of binary logistic regression, employing the forward stepwise-likelihood ratio, a predictive model was estimated for the risk of acquiring an STI. Sex, age, occupation, economic crisis period, drug use, number of days in which no condoms were used, number of sexual partners in the last month and in the last year, and number of subsequent visits and new subsequent episodes were associated with an STI diagnosis (p < 0.05). The risk of being diagnosed with an STI increased during the economic crisis period (OR: 1.88; 95%-CI: 1.28–2.76); during the economic crisis and if they were women (OR:2.35, 95%- CI: 1.24–4.44); and if they were women and immigrants (OR: 2.09; 95%- CI:1.22–3.57), while it decreased with age (OR: 0.97, 95%-CI: 0.95–0.98). Identification of the group comprised of immigrant women as an especially vulnerable group regarding the acquisition of an STI in our province reflects the need to incorporate the gender perspective into preventive strategies and STI primary health care.
Development of a Rapid and Eco-Friendly UHPLC Analytical Method for the Detection of Histamine in Fish Products
Authors: Cicero Antonello , Galluzzo Francesco Giuseppe , Cammilleri Gaetano , Pulvirenti Andrea , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Macaluso Andrea , Vella Antonio , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

We developed, validated, and confirmed with proficiency tests a fast ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) method to determine histamine in fish and fishery products. The proposed method consists of two successive solid–liquid extractions: one with a dilute solution of perchloric acid (6%) and the second only with water. The instrumental analysis with UHPLC provides a very fast run time (only 6 min) with a retention time of approximately 4 min, a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 7.2 mg kg−1, a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 mg kg−1, a recovery around 100%, a relative standard deviation (RSD%) between 0.5 and 1.4, and an r2 of calibration curve equal to 0.9995. The method detected optimal values of the validation parameters and required a limited number of reagents in comparison to other methods reported in the literature. Furthermore, the method could detect histamine in a very short time compared with other methods. This method, in addition to being validated, precise, specific, and accurate, avoids wasting time, money, and resources, and limits the use of organic solvents.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Novice and Recreational Runners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Menéndez Claudia , Batalla Lucía , Prieto Alba , Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Crespo Irene , Olmedillas Hugo
Published: October 2020

This systematic review evaluates the existing literature about medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in novice and recreational runners. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases were searched until July 2020. Studies covering risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment methods and time to recovery of MTSS in novice and recreational runners were selected. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The risk factors of MTSS are mainly intrinsic and include higher pelvic tilt in the frontal plane, peak internal rotation of the hip, navicular drop and foot pronation, among others. Computed tomography (CT) and pressure algometry may be valid instruments to corroborate the presence of this injury and confirm the diagnosis. Regarding treatment procedures, arch-support foot orthoses are able to increase contact time, normalize foot pressure distribution and similarly to shockwave therapy, reduce pain. However, it is important to take into account the biases and poor methodological quality of the included studies, more research is needed to confirm these results.
The Association of Caries Increment Dynamics in Preschool Children with Risk Factors: The 3-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Pilbauerova Nela , Cermakova Eva , Koberova Ivancakova Romana , Suchanek Jakub
Published: October 2020

This prospective study monitored the dental status, the presence of plaque, and cariogenic microorganism levels of identical children over three years. The aim was to determine the dynamics of caries increment as well as the relationship between risk factors and caries prevalence. A total number of 125 children (72 boys and 53 girls) was included in the study, with an average age of 3.95 ± 0.06 years at the baseline. During the clinical examination at the nursery schools, the presence of dental plaque was recorded, and saliva samples were collected from the tongue of children for the DentoCult SM test providing easy detection of mutans streptococci from saliva samples. At baseline, 65.6% of the children had no caries, 4% had restored teeth with fillings or crowns or missing teeth due to caries, and 30.4% had at least one untreated caries. The percentages of intact teeth, restored or missing teeth, and untreated caries were 52.8%, 8.8%, 38.4% in the second year and 49.1%, 13.8%, and 31.1% in the third year. The dmft index value was 1.41 ± 0.24 in the first year, 2.29 ± 0.30 in the second year, and 2.33 ± 0.31 in the third year. There was a significant correlation between plaque presence and dt and dmft values (p < 0.05; the statistical analyses were performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). This 3-year longitudinal study highlighted the importance of examining both the oral hygiene and the level of cariogenic microorganisms when undertaking the evaluation of caries risk evaluation in preschool children.
A Safety Climate Framework for Improving Health and Safety in the Indonesian Construction Industry
Authors: Lestari Fatma , Sunindijo Riza Yosia , Loosemore Martin , Kusminanti Yuni , Widanarko Baiduri
Published: October 2020

The Indonesian construction industry is the second largest in Asia and accounts for over 30% of all occupational injuries in the country. Despite the size of the industry, there is a lack of safety research in this context. This research, therefore, aims to assess safety climate and develop a framework to improve safety in the Indonesian construction industry. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 311 construction workers. The results show a moderately healthy safety climate but reflect numerous problems, particularly around perceived conflicts between production and safety logics, cost trade-offs being made against other competing project priorities, poor safety communication, poor working conditions, acceptance of poor safety as the norm, poor reporting and monitoring practices, poor training and a risky and unsupportive working environment which prevents workers from operating safely. Two new safety climate paradoxes are also revealed: contradictions between management communications and management practices; contradictions between worker concern for safety and their low sense of personal accountability and empowerment for acting to reduce these risks. A low locus of control over safety is also identified as a significant problem which is related to prevailing Indonesian cultural norms and poor safety policy implementation and potential conflicts between formal and informal safety norms, practices and procedures. Drawing on these findings, a new integrated framework of safety climate is presented to improve safety performance in the Indonesian construction industry.
The Role of Mobility Digital Ecosystems for Age-Friendly Urban Public Transport: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Loos Eugène , Sourbati Maria , Behrendt Frauke
Published: October 2020

Within the context of the intersection of the global megatrends of urbanisation, ageing societies and digitalisation, this paper explores older people’s mobility, with a particular interest in public transport, and a strong consideration of digital/ICT elements. With a focus on (smart) mobility, the paper aims to conceptualise transport, one of the main domains of age-friendly cities as a core element of a smart, age-friendly ecosystem. It also aims to propose a justice-informed perspective for the study of age-friendly smart mobility; to contribute towards a framework for the evaluation of age-friendly smart transport as a core element of the global age-friendly cities programme that comprises mobility practices, digital data, digital networks, material/physical geographies and digital devices and access; and to introduce the term “mobility digital ecosystem” to describe this framework. The paper uses the method of a narrative literature review to weave together a selected range of perspectives from communications, transport, and mobility studies in order to introduce the embeddedness of both communication technology use and mobility practices into their material conditions. Combining insights from communications, mobility and transport and social gerontology with a justice perspective on ICT access and mobility, the paper then develops a framework to study age-friendly smart mobility. What we call a “mobility digital ecosystem” framework comprises five elements—mobility practices, digital data, digital networks, material geographies, digital devices and access to services. The paper contributes a justice-informed perspective that points towards a conceptualisation of age-friendly smart mobility as a core element of the age-friendly cities and communities in the WHO’s global age-friendly cities programme.
Is Crowdsourcing a Reliable Method for Mass Data Acquisition? The Case of COVID-19 Spread in Greece During Spring 2020
Authors: Antoniou Varvara , Vassilakis Emmanuel , Hatzaki Maria
Published: October 2020

We present a GIS-based crowdsourcing application that was launched soon after the first COVID-19 cases had been recorded in Greece, motivated by the need for fast, location-wise data acquisition regarding COVID-19 disease spread during spring 2020, due to limited testing. A single question was posted through a web App, to which the anonymous participants subjectively answered whether or not they had experienced any COVID-19 disease symptoms. Our main goal was to locate geographical areas with increased number of people feeling the symptoms and to determine any temporal changes in the statistics of the survey entries. It was found that the application was rapidly disseminated to the entire Greek territory via social media, having, thus, a great public reception. The higher percentages of participants experiencing symptoms coincided geographically with the highly populated urban areas, having also increased numbers of confirmed cases, while temporal variations were detected that accorded with the restrictions of activities. This application demonstrates that health systems can use crowdsourcing applications that assure anonymity, as an alternative to tracing apps, to identify possible hot spots and to reach and warn the public within a short time interval, increasing at the same time their situational awareness. However, a continuous reminder for participation should be scheduled.
Coelenterazine-Dependent Luciferases as a Powerful Analytical Tool for Research and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Krasitskaya Vasilisa V. , Bashmakova Eugenia E. , Frank Ludmila A.
Published: October 2020

The functioning of bioluminescent systems in most of the known marine organisms is based on the oxidation reaction of the same substrate—coelenterazine (CTZ), catalyzed by luciferase. Despite the diversity in structures and the functioning mechanisms, these enzymes can be united into a common group called CTZ-dependent luciferases. Among these, there are two sharply different types of the system organization—Ca2+-regulated photoproteins and luciferases themselves that function in accordance with the classical enzyme–substrate kinetics. Along with deep and comprehensive fundamental research on these systems, approaches and methods of their practical use as highly sensitive reporters in analytics have been developed. The research aiming at the creation of artificial luciferases and synthetic CTZ analogues with new unique properties has led to the development of new experimental analytical methods based on them. The commercial availability of many ready-to-use assay systems based on CTZ-dependent luciferases is also important when choosing them by first-time-users. The development of analytical methods based on these bioluminescent systems is currently booming. The bioluminescent systems under consideration were successfully applied in various biological research areas, which confirms them to be a powerful analytical tool. In this review, we consider the main directions, results, and achievements in research involving these luciferases.
Perspectives of Platform Operators, Content Producers, and Information Receivers toward Health and Fitness Apps
Authors: Li Ching , Lee Chia-Wen , Huang Tzu-Chun , Lai Wei-Shiang
Published: October 2020

The interactive mechanism among platform operators, content producers, and information receivers is increasingly complex in human–computer symbiosis. The purpose of this study is to identify the interactive value among platform operators, content producers, and information receivers with regard to information through the health and fitness apps by adopting an advanced Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method derived from professional perspectives of app users and operators, key opinion leaders, scholars, and officers. The AHP method was allocated weightings to the evaluation criteria from the twelve panelists from three groups of platform operators, content producers, and information receivers. After focus group interviews were conducted, four dimensions and twelve sub-dimensions of the initial health and fitness apps were obtained as follows: Content category: Monitoring, exercise, journaling, and sleeping; (2) User reviews: Fuctionality, interactivity, and criticism; (3) Content updates: New feature, correctness, and new language; (4) Platform terms: Privacy, accuracy, ownership, and right of use. The study integrated the panelists’ opinions toward health and fitness apps and analyzed the weight of each indicator according to their importance by Power Choice V2.5. The results revealed that the weights of dimensions of health and fitness apps were sorted by content category, user review, platform terms, and content update, as well as that the weights of the top six sub-dimensions were followed: monitoring, exercise, functionality, interactivity, privacy, and accuracy. Content producers suggested increasing the popularity of their products by adding new features, whereas information receivers preferred to correct problems. Content producers and information receivers graded platform terms as less essential, whereas platform operators rated platform terms higher. This study can contribute to assisting the health and fitness industry and the overall strategic operative process by identifying how the effectiveness in the procedures, estimative process, and cost-down can enhance competitiveness to further improve users experience and satisfaction.
The Effects of Social Media on Sporting Event Satisfaction and Word of Mouth Communication: An Empirical Study of a Mega Sports Event
Authors: Du Juan , Chen Mei-Yen , Wu Yu-Feng
Published: October 2020

This study examines the impact of word of mouth (WOM) communication through social media and how it affects satisfaction with the Summer Universiade in Taipei. This study hopes to understand the usage characteristics of social media among university students and the implementation of social media and their effectiveness as a marketing strategy for sport organization. The hypotheses were verified using a survey of 572 university students from four universities that hosted competitions for the Summer Universiade Games. Data were analyzed using t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis and two-way ANOVA analysis. The results indicated that WOM has impacted satisfaction via social media, and the level of understanding of sporting events was significantly affected by WOM communication and overall satisfaction. Moreover, gender showed no significant differences in WOM communication and overall satisfaction with sporting events. However, male participants had significantly higher value in WOM dissemination than female respondents. In addition, the spectators’ understanding of the sporting event on WOM communication and overall satisfaction was not affected by the continued use of social media. Suggestions are provided, including sufficient sports marketing and service quality from the organizers, in order to maintain good sports events and enhance spectators’ feelings.