bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Hybrid Invasive Weed Optimization and Machine Learning Approach for Fault Detection
Authors: Ibrahim Alasmer , Anayi Fatih , Packianather Michael , Alomari Osama Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Fault diagnosis of induction motor anomalies is vital for achieving industry safety. This paper proposes a new hybrid Machine Learning methodology for induction-motor fault detection. Some of the motor parameters such as the stator currents and vibration signals provide a great deal of information about the motor’s conditions. Therefore, these signals of the motor were selected to test the proposed model. The induction motor was assessed in a laboratory under healthy, mechanical, and electrical faults with different loadings. In this study a new hybrid model was developed using the collected signals, an optimal features selection mechanism is proposed, and machine learning classifiers were trained for fault classification. The procedure is to extract some statistical features from the raw signal using Matching Pursuit (MP) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Then, the Invasive Weed Optimization algorithm (IWO)-based optimal subset was selected to reduce the data dimension and increase the average accuracy of the model. The optimal subset of features was fed into three classification algorithms: k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF), which were trained using k-fold cross-validation to distinguish between the induction motor faults. A similar strategy was performed by applying the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to compare with the performance of the proposed method. The suggested fault detection model’s performance was evaluated by calculating the Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curve, Specificity, Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1 score. The experimental results have proved the superiority of IWO for selecting the discriminant features, which has achieved more than 99.7% accuracy. The proposed hybrid model has successfully proved its robustness for diagnosing the faults under different load conditions.
Developing and Field Testing a Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory System for Buses
Authors: Chen Hao , Rakha Hesham A.
Published: February 2022

In this study, a Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) system for buses (B-GLOSA) was developed. The proposed B-GLOSA system was implemented on diesel buses, and field tested to validate and quantify the potential real-world benefits. The developed system includes a simple and easy-to-calibrate fuel consumption model that computes instantaneous diesel bus fuel consumption rates. The bus fuel consumption model, a vehicle dynamics model, the traffic signal timings, and the relationship between vehicle speed and distance to the intersection are used to construct an optimization problem. A moving-horizon dynamic programming problem solved using the A-star algorithm is used to compute the energy-optimized vehicle trajectory through signalized intersections. The Virginia Smart Road test facility was used to conduct the field test on 30 participants. Each participant drove three scenarios, including a base case uninformed drive, an informed drive with signal timing information communicated to the driver, and an informed drive with the recommended speed computed by the B-GLOSA system. The field test investigated the performance of using the developed B-GLOSA system considering different impact factors, including road grades and red indication offsets, using a split-split-plot experimental design. The test results demonstrated that the proposed B-GLOSA system can produce smoother bus trajectories through signalized intersections, thus producing fuel consumption and travel time savings. Specifically, compared to the uninformed drive, the B-GLOSA system produces fuel and travel time savings of 22.1% and 6.1%, on average, respectively.
Power Quality Mitigation via Smart Demand-Side Management Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Eisenmann Adrian , Streubel Tim , Rudion Krzysztof
Published: February 2022

In modern electrical grids, the number of nonlinear grid elements and actively controlled loads is rising. Maintaining the power quality will therefore become a challenging task. This paper presents a power quality mitigation method via smart demand-side management. The mitigation method is based on a genetic algorithm guided optimization for smart operational planning of the grid elements. The algorithm inherits the possibility to solve multiple, even competing, objectives. The objective function uses and translates the fitness functions of the genetic algorithm into a minimization or maximization problem, thus narrowing down the complexity of the addressed high cardinality optimization problem. The NSGA-II algorithm is used to obtain feasible solutions for the auto optimization of the demand-side management. A simplified industrial grid with five different machines is used as a case study to showcase the minimization of the harmonic distortion to normative limits for all time steps during a day at a specific grid node, while maintaining the productivity of the underlying industrial process.
Does Fossil Fuel Financing Affect Banks’ ESG Ratings?
Authors: Bernardelli Michał , Korzeb Zbigniew , Niedziółka Paweł
Published: February 2022

The study was conducted on a sample of 60 of the world’s biggest banks financing the largest fossil fuel entities. The aim is to identify the determinants of ESG ratings of these banks and to determine how relevant their actual credit and investment exposure is to this assessment. The indirect objective is also an examination of whether coal power financing affects ESG ratings. Two logistic regression models have been explored: one dedicated to the identification of high ESG risk banks and the second to predict low ESG risk, which thereafter were combined into one final model. The results indicate that an increase in the Sustainable Development Index (SDI) translates into a decline in the odds of being assigned to the high-risk ESG group relative to the probability of being qualified to the low- or medium-risk ESG group. This study is the first to analyse the impact of actual exposures of the world’s largest banks to the fossil fuels sector on their ESG ratings. The value added is the use of a unique database, the focus on actual rather than declared effects of banks’ policies, and the use of a two-stage logistic regression model construction. The proved relationships are important and of practical relevance to bank managers, regulators, and ESG rating providers. Since the research is conducted on the basis of ESG provided only by one rating agency verification of conclusions with the use of ratings of other agencies, confronting benefits from financing the fossil fuels sector with losses resulting from an increase in the cost of obtaining financing are only selected directions for further research.
Geopolitical Risk as a Determinant of Renewable Energy Investments
Authors: Flouros Floros , Pistikou Victoria , Plakandaras Vasilios
Published: February 2022

The advent of various initiatives around the globe in shaping an energy transition towards a “greener” energy production future sparked a research interest towards the determinants that will shape their success. In this paper, we depart from the relevant literature evaluating the potential effect of geopolitical tensions on renewable energy investments, building on an explicit quantitative approach that provides clear empirical evidence. In doing so, we compile a large panel of 171 economies and measure the effect of geopolitical risk on “green” investing as measured by popular geopolitical risk indices, while controlling for all major variables proposed by literature. Our flexible Autoregressive Distributed Lag model with heterogenous effects across economies suggests that geopolitical risk has a significantly measurable effect on green investments both in the short and the long run. In fact, our results suggest that proper model specification is robust across alternate risk assessments. Overall, our study has direct policy implications suggesting that renewable energy could be an important part of our energy mix only if we take into account its linkages with geopolitical tensions.
Leveraging Graph Analytics for Energy Efficiency Certificates
Authors: Kapsalis Panagiotis , Kormpakis Giorgos , Alexakis Konstantinos , Askounis Dimitrios
Published: February 2022

As energy efficiency is becoming a subject of utter importance in today’s societies, the European Union and a vast number of organizations have put a lot of focus on it. As a result, huge amounts of data are generated at an unprecedented rate. After thorough analysis and exploration, these data could provide a variety of solutions and optimizations regarding the energy efficiency subject. However, all the potential solutions that could derive from the aforementioned procedures still remain untapped due to the fact that these data are yet fragmented and highly sophisticated. In this paper, we propose an architecture for a Reasoning Engine, a mechanism that provides intelligent querying, insights and search capabilities, by leveraging technologies that will be described below. The proposed architecture has been developed in the context of the H2020 project called MATRYCS. In this paper, the reasons that resulted from the need of efficient ways of querying and analyzing the large amounts of data are firstly explained. Subsequently, several use cases, where related technologies were used to address real-world challenges, are presented. The main focus, however, is put in the detailed presentation of our Reasoning Engine’s implementation steps. Lastly, the outcome of our work is demonstrated, showcasing the derived results and the optimizations that have been implemented.
Investigation on the Ammonia Boiling Heat Transfer Coefficient in Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Ilie Anica , Girip Alina , Calotă Răzvan , Călin Andreea
Published: February 2022

This investigation aims to compare the experimental and theoretical ammonia boiling heat transfer coefficient in a plate heat exchanger (PHE). Measured data were gathered during functioning of a single stage vapor mechanical compression refrigeration system placed in the Thermal Systems Research Center of the Technical University of Civil Buildings Bucharest (TUCEB). Experimental values fall within the range of 1377–3050 W/m2K. Theoretical values were obtained from 12 correlations confirmed by the literature to date, developed for similar working conditions. The experimental values are close to the theoretical ones for Shah and Jokar correlations applied for a vapor quality of 0.5. The theoretical values are in the range of 1440–2076 W/m2K and 1558–2318 W/m2K, respectively. Shah correlation predicted 82.35% of all data within the ±30% error band at an MAE value of 14.23%, and Jokar et al. predicted 76.47% of all data within the ±30% error band with an MAE value of 17.7%.
Dielectric Spectroscopy as a Condition Monitoring Technique for Low-Voltage Cables: Onsite Aging Assessment and Sensitivity Analyses
Authors: Suraci Simone Vincenzo , Li Chuanyang , Fabiani Davide
Published: February 2022

This work presents the development, validation, and sensitivity analyses of a portable device capable of performing high-frequency dielectric spectroscopy tests on site. After a brief introduction on the operation principle and the description of the impact of frequency on dielectric spectroscopy, the article presents the results of tests on reference samples confirming good agreement with expected values. The frequency region in which the device operates, 1–200 kHz, was chosen because of its correlation with oxidative species of polymeric compound. The sensitivity analyses were performed measuring the dielectric response of low voltage cables with different aged lengths. The outcome of these tests is twofold. On the one hand, they confirm the suitability of the technique for aging evaluation, and, on the other hand, they allow the assessment of the minimum aged length (damage ratio) which causes appreciable variations on the obtained dielectric spectrum. This quantity was found to be ~35% of the total cable length.
Effect of Environmental Humidity on the Acoustic Vibration Characteristics of Bamboo
Authors: Deng Liping , Chen Xiaoyi , Chen Fuming , Liu Xing’e , Jiang Zehui
Published: February 2022

Bamboo musical instruments, such as bamboo flute and Ching-hu (Beijing opera fiddle), can generate a crisp and melodious sound closely related to the delicate multiscale pore structure of bamboo. Bamboo is a natural hydrophilic material, and its acoustic vibration characteristics are highly sensitive to changeable environmental humidity levels. Herein, we investigated the acoustic vibration characteristics of bamboo under three conditions: constant relative humidity (status I), changeable relative humidity (status II), and subjected to water extraction (status III). Three typical parameters were selected as evaluation indicators of bamboo acoustic vibration characteristics, namely, specific dynamic elastic modulus (E′/ρ), loss tangent (tanδ), and acoustical converting efficiency (ACE). The outer bamboos (OB) had higher E′/ρ and ACE but lower equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and tanδ than the inner bamboos (IB). Under status I, bamboo showed the maximum E′/ρ and ACE and the minimum tanδ at 35% RH (relative humidity) and about 6% MC. Compared with the bamboo under status II, the bamboo under status I retained higher E′/ρ and ACE and lower tanδ. However, the bamboo under status (III) reached the maximum E′/ρ and ACE and the minimum tanδ. The bamboo musical instrument is made of bamboo with proper removal of water-soluble extractives and high fiber volume fraction and stored in a stable relative humidity environment of 35%, which has suitable acoustic vibration characteristics.
Properties and Characteristics of Acid-Soluble Collagen from Salmon Skin Defatted with the Aid of Ultrasonication
Authors: Nilsuwan Krisana , Fusang Krittaphat , Pripatnanont Prisana , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: February 2022

Salmon skin, a byproduct from the deskinning process, can be used as an alternative source of collagen. Due to the high fat content in skin, the defatting process is required prior to extraction. The properties and characteristics of acid-soluble collagen (ASC) from salmon skin (Oncorhynchus nerka), defatted using isopropanol without and with ultrasonication (70% amplitude for 10 min), were investigated. The ASC from the skin that was defatted with aid of ultrasonication (U-ASC) exhibited lower (p < 0.05) fat content (1.86%) with extraction yield (23.18% w/w, dry weight basis). U-ASC had a higher hydroxyproline content (49.15 mg/g dry sample) and maximum transition temperature (Tmax) (11.6 °C) than C-ASC (collagen extracted from skin defatted without ultrasonication). Both of the ASCs were classified as type I collagen. C-ASC and U-ASC had isoelectric points of 7.17 and 7.40, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and circular dichroism spectra reconfirmed the triple-helix structure of both ASCs. The major amino acid of both collagens was glycine (297–308 residues/1000 residues). A high amount of imino acid (191–193 residues/1000 residues) was also found. After gastrointestinal digestion, the degree of hydrolysis of the digested U-ASC (23.19%) was slightly higher than that of the digested C-ASC (22.31%). However, both digests had no differences in antioxidant activities. Both of the ASCs could be therefore used as functional ingredient.
Comparison between Calculation and Measurement of Total Sediment Load: Application to Streams of NE Greece
Authors: Avgeris Loukas , Kaffas Konstantinos , Hrissanthou Vlassios
Published: February 2022

Sediment transport and stream discharge are two of the natural procedures which affect the hydromorphological profile of a watercourse. Measurements of water discharge, bed load transport rate and suspended sediment concentration were conducted in Kosynthos River and Kimmeria Torrent –two intermittent streams– in north-eastern Greece. The total sediment concentration was calculated, in both streams, by means of various nonlinear regression equations and by means of the formulas of Yang, after calibrating the coefficients of the formulas. In the computations according to the Yang formulas, two different states were examined regarding the incipient motion: one considering and one disregarding the critical conditions. The results obtained from Yang’s multiple regression-derived equations had a better fit compared to the original equations and were acceptable in both cases. Ultimately, two counterparts of Yang’s stream sediment transport formulas were constructed and made available to the readership. The comparison between the calculated and measured total sediment concentrations was achieved by means of several statistical criteria. The results indicate that the modified formulas of Yang can be successfully used for the determination of the total sediment concentration in Kosynthos River and Kimmeria Torrent.
Early Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy and Geochemistry, Northeastern Iraqi Kurdistan: Implications for Paleoclimate and Paleoecological Conditions
Authors: Omar Nagham , McCann Tom , Al-Juboury Ali I. , Ustinova Maria A. , Sharezwri Arkan O.
Published: February 2022

Early Jurassic- to Early Cretaceous-age calcareous nannofossils from the Sarki, Sehkanyian, Sargelu, Naokelekan, Barsarin and Chia Gara formations are investigated for the first time from the Warte area, northeastern Iraqi Kurdistan. A range of isotopic and inorganic geochemical analyses are carried out in order to reconstruct the paleoecological and paleoclimatic conditions during which the Sarki, Sehkanyian, Sargelu, Naokelekan, Barsarin and Chia Gara formations were deposited. The age of the Sargelu Formation was determined as Bajocian–Callovian based on the first occurrence of Cyclagelosphaera margerelii, Watznaueria britannica, W. fossacincta, W. manivitiae, Watznaueria barnesiae and Watznaueria ovata. Geochemical proxies (Sr, Ca, Al, Rb/Sr, Sr/Cu and Sr/Ba) for paleoclimate and paleoecological conditions, along with oxygen isotopes (δ18O) data, suggest that warm and arid climatic conditions were predominant during the Early Jurassic–Early Cretaceous period.
Pitfalls of Early Systemic Corticosteroids Home Therapy in Older Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Okoye Chukwuma , Rogani Sara , Franchi Riccardo , Pompilii Igino Maria , Calabrese Alessia Maria , Mazzarone Tessa , Bianchi Elena , Lemmi Bianca , Calsolaro Valeria , Monzani Fabio
Published: February 2022

Corticosteroids have been widely used for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but their role in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. Our study aimed to determine the effectiveness of early corticosteroid therapy (ECT) in preventing the progression of disease, reducing the escalation of care and improving clinical outcome in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia. A total of 90 subjects (47.7% women; mean age = 82.3 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled. ECT was administered to 33 out of 90 patients before the hospitalization. At admission, no difference was detected in median SOFA score (2, IQR:2 vs. 2, IQR: 2). We found a significant difference in mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio during the first week of hospitalization between ECT patients and controls (F = 5.49, p = 0.002) and in mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio over time (F = 6.94, p < 0.0001). We detected no-significant differences in terms of in-hospital mortality and transfer to ICU between ECT patients and controls (27.1% vs. 22.8%, respectively, p = 0.63). ECT was associated with worse clinical outcomes, showing no benefit in attenuating the progression of the disease or reducing the escalation of care. These findings are crucial given the current pandemic, and further studies are needed to provide additional data on the optimal timing of initiating corticosteroid treatment.
The Mediating Role of Contextual Problems and Sensation Seeking in the Association between Substance Use and Mental Health in Adolescents from Northern Chile
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Atencio-Quevedo Diego , Urzúa Alfonso , Flores Jerome , Irarrázaval Matías
Published: February 2022

Substance use is a risk behavior that has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes in adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between behavioral problems, emotional problems, and substance use as well as the mediating role of contextual problems and sensation seeking in this relation. A cross-sectional study of 2277 adolescents from Northern Chile was conducted. The System for the Evaluation of Children and Adolescents (SENA) was used to assess substance use, contextual problems, sensation seeking, and emotional and behavioral problems. Through a mediational model, it was observed that substance use has a positive indirect effect on emotional and behavioral problems when both contextual problems and sensation seeking act as mediating variables. An indirect effect of substance use on contextual problems with sensation seeking as a mediator was also observed. The results suggests that context and sensation seeking are a relevant source of information in understanding adolescents and their propensity to use drugs. Interventions based on addressing contextual problems (problems with school, peers, and family) and enhancing personal resources should be implemented in order to reduce substance use in adolescents as well as the consequences it can generate in the short, medium, and long term.
Seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in the Population of Kazakhstan: A Nationwide Laboratory-Based Surveillance
Authors: Semenova Yuliya , Kalmatayeva Zhanna , Oshibayeva Ainash , Mamyrbekova Saltanat , Kudirbekova Aynura , Nurbakyt Ardak , Baizhaxynova Ardak , Colet Paolo , Glushkova Natalya , Ivankov Alexandr , Sarria-Santamera Antonio
Published: February 2022

The data on seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Kazakhstani population are non-existent, but are needed for planning of public health interventions targeted to COVID-19 containment. The aim of the study was to estimate the seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Kazakhstani population from 2020 to 2021. We relied on the data obtained from the results from “IN VITRO” laboratories of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for class G immunoglobulins (IgG) and class M (IgM) to SARS-CoV-2. The association of COVID-19 seropositivity was assessed in relation to age, gender, and region of residence. Additionally, we related the monitoring of longitudinal seropositivity with COVID-19 statistics obtained from Our World in Data. The total numbers of tests were 68,732 for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and 85,346 for IgG, of which 22% and 63% were positive, respectively. The highest rates of positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM results were seen during July/August 2020. The rate of IgM seropositivity was the lowest on 25 October 2020 (2%). The lowest daily rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 17% (13 December 2020), while the peak of IgG seropositivity was seen on 6 June 2021 (84%). A longitudinal serological study should be envisaged to facilitate understanding of the dynamics of the epidemiological situation and to forecast future scenarios.
A Retrospective Study of Non-Communicable Diseases amongst Blue-Collar Migrant Workers in Qatar
Authors: Al-Hatimy Fatima , Farooq Abdulaziz , Al Abiad Mohamad , Yerramsetti Shilpi , Al-Nesf Maryam Ali , Manickam Chidambaram , Al-Thani Mohammed H. , Al-Khater Al-Hareth , Samsam Waseem , Mohamed-Ali Vidya , Al-Maadheed Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Background: South Asian workers have a greater predisposition to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that is exacerbated by migration and length of residence in host countries. Aims: To examine the association between length of residence in Qatar with diagnosis of NCDs in male blue-collar workers. Methods: A retrospective investigation of the electronic health records (EHRs) of 119,581 clinical visits by 58,342 patients was conducted. Data included age, nationality and confirmed ICD-10 diagnosis. Based on duration of residence, the population was divided into groups: ≤6 months, 6–12 months, 1–≤2 years, 2–≤5 years, 5–≤6 years, >6 years. It was assumed that the group that had been resident in Qatar for ≤6 months represented diseases that had been acquired in their countries of origin. Results: South Asian (90%) patients presented with NCDs at a younger (mean ± SD age of 34.8 ± 9.0 years) age. Diabetes and hypertension were higher in those who had just arrived (<6 months’ group), compared to the other durations of residence groups. Conversely, acute respiratory infections, as well as dermatitis and eczema, all increased, perhaps a consequence of shared living/working facilities. Only patients with diabetes and hypertension visited the clinic multiple times, and the cost of medication for these NCDs was affordable, relative to earnings. Discussion/Conclusions: Blue-collar workers were predominantly South Asian, from lower socioeconomic classes, with early onset chronic NCDs. Notably, residence in Qatar gave them better access to affordable, significantly subsidized healthcare, leading to effective management of these chronic conditions.
Reducing Health Effects on Deceit in Heterosexual Sexual-Affective Relationships: The Impact of the Preventive Socialization Program (PSP)
Authors: Puigvert-Mallart Lidia , Cullell Roger Campdepadrós , Canal Josep Maria , García-Yeste Carme
Published: February 2022

Background: Health research has provided robust evidence of the negative effects caused by facing deceit in sexual-affective relationships. In this regard, several analyses have been conducted addressing psychological, family therapies, and educational interventions to improve marital problems. On the other hand, many investigations have addressed how the preventive socialization program (PSP), framed on the analysis of a dominant coercive discourse that is connected with the promotion of specific traditional masculine models, impacts on young people’s relationships free of violence. However, the link between deceit, health, and the PSP has not yet been analyzed. To cover this gap, a qualitative study has been performed with a methodology framed on the communicative approach. We enrolled heterosexual women and men aged 25 to 42 years old who have been in contact with the PSP and have experienced or know of any cases of deceit. Two different analytical categories emerged from the analysis, which distinguishes between exclusionary and transformative dimensions. Findings show that the majority of people involved in PSP were able to understand the reasons for deceit as well as to take decisions in their further sexual-affective relationships. Therefore, this study corroborates that access to scientific evidence in the framework of PSP is positively impacting interviewees’ health status.
Bandemia as an Early Predictive Marker of Bacteremia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Harada Taku , Harada Yukinori , Morinaga Kohei , Hirosawa Takanobu , Shimizu Taro
Published: February 2022

This single-center retrospective observational study aimed to verify whether a diagnosis of bandemia could be a predictive marker for bacteremia. We assessed 970 consecutive patients (median age 73 years; male 64.8%) who underwent two or more sets of blood cultures between April 2015 and March 2016 in both inpatient and outpatient settings. We assessed the value of bandemia (band count > 10%) and the percentage band count for predicting bacteremia using logistic regression models. Bandemia was detected in 151 cases (15.6%) and bacteremia was detected in 188 cases (19.4%). The incidence of bacteremia was significantly higher in cases with bandemia (52.3% vs. 13.3%; odds ratio (OR) = 7.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.91–10.5). The sensitivity and specificity of bandemia for predicting bacteremia were 0.42 and 0.91, respectively. The bandemia was retained as an independent predictive factor for the multivariable logistic regression model (OR, 6.13; 95% CI, 4.02–9.40). Bandemia is useful for establishing the risk of bacteremia, regardless of the care setting (inpatient or outpatient), with a demonstrable relationship between increased risk and bacteremia. A bandemia-based electronic alert for blood-culture collection may contribute to the improved diagnosis of bacteremia.
A Simple Method to Locate the Master Knot of Henry Using the Correlation between the Flexor Tendon Length Parameter and the Foot Length
Authors: Park Kwang Rak , Park Won-Jin , Lee Si-Wook , Kim Hongtae , Lee Hyunsu , Lee Jae-Ho
Published: February 2022

The precise location of the Master Knot of Henry (MKH) has important clinical significance, but its anatomical definition has not been agreed upon. The purpose of this study is to present a linear regression equation for predicting length variables based on foot length, by evaluating the correlation of length variables related to flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL), with respect to the location of the MKH. A total of 95 limbs were dissected from 48 adult cadavers, and were fixed in formalin. Measurements were made for the length parameter, with reference to the landmark. The relevance between length variables was analyzed through simple correlation analysis and linear regression analysis. The foot length was 213.69 ± 17.53 mm, MKH-great toe distal phalanx was 140.16 ± 14.69 mm, MKH-FHL insertion was 124.55 ± 13.46 mm, MKH-little toe distal phalanx was 121.79 ± 13.41 mm, MKH-FDL little toe insertion was 109.07 ± 14.16 mm, and the FHL-FDL angle was 33.15 ± 5.39. The correlation coefficient between all the length variables for foot length showed a high positive correlation. We derived a regression equation that can predict the length of each variable. This regression formula is considered to be highly useful because it can estimate the positional relationship of the MKH relatively simply.
A Systematic Review Protocol of Opportunities for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention via Public Space Initiatives in African Cities
Authors: Mogo Ebele R. I. , Lawanson Taibat , Foley Louise , Mapa-Tassou Clarisse , Assah Felix , Ogunro Toluwalope , Onifade Victor , Odekunle Damilola , Unuigboje Richard , Blanche Nfondoh , Alani Rose , Chatzidiakou Lia , Popoola Olalekan , Jones Roderic , Oni Tolu
Published: February 2022

Public spaces have the potential to produce equitable improvements in population health. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to understand the components of, determinants, risks, and outcomes associated with public space initiatives in African cities. This study will include quantitative and qualitative study designs that describe public space initiatives in African cities with implications for promoting health and wellbeing, particularly through the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Only studies published after 1990 and that contain primary or secondary data will be included in the review. Literature search strategies will be developed with a medical librarian. We will search PubMed, using both text words and medical subject headings. We will adapt this search to Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science. This systematic review will adopt a mixed methods analytical approach. Mixing will occur in extracting both qualitative and quantitative findings; in synthesizing findings; and in the analysis where we will integrate the qualitative and quantitative strands. The learnings from this study will contribute to advancing knowledge on noncommunicable disease prevention through public space initiatives in African cities.
Exploring the Relationship between Frailty, Functional Status, Polypharmacy, and Quality of Life in Elderly and Middle-Aged Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hiriscau Elisabeta Ioana , Buzdugan Elena-Cristina , Hui Ligia-Ancuta , Bodolea Constantin
Published: February 2022

The association between frailty, disability in activities of daily living (ADL), polypharmacy, and quality of life (QoL) in middle-aged patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is little investigated. This study sought (a) to explore this association comparatively in elderly and middle-aged hospitalized patients with CVD and (b) to determine which domains of ADL and QoL might improve the frailty prediction. A one-year follow-up study including 90 elderly (≥65 years old) and 89 middle-aged patients (40–65 years old) was conducted. At baseline, frailty assessment was performed based on the Fried criteria; Barthel Index (BI) and Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) were used for ADL, and European Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) for QoL. At follow-up, data were collected via telephone. At baseline, 79 patients (51 elderly and 28 middle-aged) were frail. The CVD frail patients showed functional dependency and a poor QoL compared to the non-frail (p < 0.001) and within each subgroup at follow-up. Mobility was found to predict frailty in both elderly (OR = 2.34) (C.I. (1.03–5.29)) and middle-aged patients (OR = 2.58) (C.I. (1.15–5.78)). The ADL assessment and self-reported QoL may help to identify an aggravation or an advanced frailty condition in hospitalized elderly and middle-aged CVD patients.
Beverage Consumption and Ulcerative Colitis: A Case-Control Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almofarreh Anas , Sheerah Haytham A. , Arafa Ahmed , Ahamed Shaik Shaffi , Alzeer Osama , Al-Hunaishi Weiam , Mhimed Mohamed Ma , Al-Hazmi Ali , Lim Sin How
Published: February 2022

Background: The association between beverage intake and ulcerative colitis (UC) is not well-established, with no available data from Arab countries. Herein, we investigated the potential association of consuming coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks with UC among a population from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study used data of 171 newly diagnosed UC patients and 400 patients with other gastrointestinal conditions who served as controls. All UC cases were ascertained by endoscopy, while beverage intake was assessed by a questionnaire that was completed before diagnosis. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and UC extension for frequent versus infrequent intakes of coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks using logistic regression. Results: Overall, 23.4% of UC patients had pancolitis, 21.1% extensive, 51.4% left-sided, and 4.1% proctitis. UC patients had a similar sex distribution to the controls but were older and had a lower BMI. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking history, frequent intakes of coffee and tea were associated with lower odds of UC: 0.62 (0.42, 0.91) and 0.53 (0.35, 0.79), respectively. On the other hand, frequent intakes of carbonated soft drinks were associated with increased odds of UC: 9.82 (6.12, 15.76). The frequency of beverage consumption was not associated with UC extension. Conclusion: UC was negatively associated with frequent coffee and tea consumption but positively associated with frequent carbonated soft drink intake in Saudi people. More population-based prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Active Health Governance—A Conceptual Framework Based on a Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Kuili , Ran Bing
Published: February 2022

Health policies are regarded as a governance mechanism crucial for reducing health inequity and improving overall health outcomes. Policies that address chronic conditions or health inequity suggest a governance shift toward active health over past decades. However, the current literature in health policy largely focused on some specific health policy changes and their tangible outcomes, or on specific inequality of health policies in gender, age, racial, or economic status, short of comprehensively responding to and addressing the shift. This is exacerbated further by a common confusion that equates health policy with health care policy, which has been burdened by increased population ageing, growing inequalities, rising expenditures, and growing social expectations. This study conducted a narrative literature review to comprehensively and critically analyze the most current knowledge on health policy in order to help us establish a theoretical framework on active health governance. The comprehensive framework proposed in this paper identifies the main elements of a well-defined active health governance and the interactions between these elements. The proposed framework is composed of four elements (governance for health, social determinants of health, lifestyle determinants of health, and health system) and three approaches (whole-of-government approach, whole-of-society approach, and lifespan/life-course approach) that are dynamically interacted to achieve two active health outcomes (health equity and health improvement). The framework provides a conceptual solution to the issues of current literature on health policy and practically serves as a new guide for health policymaking.
Surrogate-Assisted Fine Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment in an Underground Subway Station
Authors: Liu Liyang , Liu Hui , Ma Yiming
Published: February 2022

With the increase in subway travelers, the air quality of underground enclosed spaces at subway stations has attracted much more attention. The study of pollutants exposure assessment, especially fine particulate matter, is important in both pollutant control and metro station design. In this paper, combining pedestrian flow analysis (PFA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, a novel surrogate-assisted particulate matter exposure assessment method is proposed, in which PFA is used to analyze the spatial-temporal movement characteristics of pedestrians to simultaneously consider the location and value of the pedestrian particulate generation source and their exposure streamline to particulate matter; the CFD model is used to analyze the airflow field and particulate matter concentration field in detail. To comprehensively consider the differences in the spatial concentration distribution of particulate matter caused by the time-varying characteristics of the airflow organization state in subway stations, surrogate models reflecting the nonlinear relationship between simulated and measured data are trained to perform accurate pedestrian exposure calculations. The actual measurement data proves the validity of the simulation and calculation methods, and the difference between the calculated and experimental values of the exposure is only about 5%.
Heavy Metals and the Occurrence of Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN) in Sea Trout from the RIVER REGA, Poland—Consumer Health Assessment
Authors: Rajkowska-Myśliwiec Monika , Protasowicki Mikołaj , Tański Adam , Watrak Sandra
Published: February 2022

Various factors, including heavy metals, can make fish more susceptible to disease. This study investigated, inter alia, the relationship between Pb, Cd, and Hg contamination of the organs and muscles of sea trout from the river Rega (Poland) and the occurrence of UDN (ulcerative skin necrosis) symptoms. Moreover, the dietary risk of Pb, Cd, and Hg uptake from the muscles of healthy sea trout was assessed based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDL01 and BMDL10), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The metal concentrations varied, depending on the fish organs and the fish condition. A significantly higher amount of Pb was found in the gonads, gills, and muscles, Cd in the kidneys, and Hg in the muscles of sea trout with UDN symptoms. The lowest concentrations of Pb and Cd were detected in the muscles, and of Hg in the gonads. Dietary exposure to Pb, Cd, and Hg accounted for: 0.4% of BMDL01 and 1.0% of BMDL10, 0.56% of TWI, and 16.5% of TWI, respectively. THQs for each metal and the HI value for combined metals were below 1. The weakening of fish due to UDN-like disease probably increased the accumulation of Pb in the gonads, gills, and muscles, and of Cd in the kidneys, of the sea trout. As regards the maximum levels (MRLs), the muscles of healthy sea trout are safe for consumption. The risk assessment suggests no concern for the health of consumers.
Surf Therapy—Qualitative Analysis: Organization and Structure of Surf Programs and Requirements, Demands and Expectations of Personal Staff
Authors: Podavkova Tereza , Dolejs Martin
Published: February 2022

Surf therapy is an increasingly popular method of mental health intervention. Although previous research documents the benefits of surf therapy for mental health, it is unclear how to navigate the organization structure of said program. This research project is a case study, where the case is an organization of our choice, in which we selected several respondents for each position. The primary study objective was to identify the principles of the surf therapy structure and describe its personnel make-up. The aim was to identify the processes in the organization, to establish their interconnectedness and outline the positives and negatives of their functioning. The respondent sample (n = 11) was composed of participants of a surf therapy program held in Great Britain, including staff (coordinator, surf instructor), volunteers, and clients. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four main thematic clusters were identified (organization of surf therapy, surf therapy staff, surf session, and situations that may arise in surf therapy), as well as several other categories based on participants’ experiences. The information obtained provides a new, as yet unexplored view of surf therapy, and can be used particularly in the development of new surf therapy programs.
Intensification of Type D Personality Traits and Coping Strategies of People Staying in Polish Penitentiary Institutions—Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kołodziej Kinga , Kurowska Anna , Majda Anna
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the intensity of the occurrence of stress-prone personality traits (type D) and the strategies of coping with stress in a group of people staying in Polish penitentiary institutions. This study was conducted in two penitentiary units in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Participants consisted of 152 prisoners. In this cross-sectional study, two standardized research tools—Mini-COPE Inventory for Measurement Coping with Stress and the Type-D Scale (DS14)—were used. The presence of a stress-prone personality (type D) among persons serving a prison sentence concerned 42.11% of the respondents and did not correlate with their sex and age. The convicted persons were more often guided by ‘negative affectivity’ than by ‘social inhibition’. People staying in penitentiary units most often used the strategy of ‘active coping’ and ‘planning’. Types of coping strategies used by the respondents depended on their sex and the presence of type D personal characteristics. Increasing people’s social awareness of the issues of stress experienced by prisoners can contribute to reducing the phenomenon of the marginalization and stigmatization of incarcerated people.
How Self-Efficacy toward, Perceived Importance of, and Beliefs about Smoking Cessation Support Impact-Related Behaviors in Japanese Nursing Professionals
Authors: Sezai Izumi , Taniguchi Chie , Yoshimi Ituro , Hirano Tomoyasu , Wakao Fumihiko
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the relationships among Japanese nursing professionals’ percetions of the importance of smoking cessation support (SCS), attitude toward SCS, SCS self-efficacy, and SCS behaviors. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was administered to 613 nursing professionals (valid response rate: 89.9%) who participated in SCS workshops in Japan between May 2019 and February 2020. The survey measured factors such as SCS behaviors (the 5 As) and attitude toward SCS. Participants responded that they “always” or “usually” performed the 5 As at the following rates: Ask, 65.6%; Advise, 46.7%; Assess, 34.4%; Assist, 19.7%; and Arrange, 20.9%. Significant differences in implementation rates between “non-engagers” and “engagers” were found for all steps except Ask. Those who engaged daily in SCS had significantly higher scores for SCS behaviors and SCS perceived importance, attitude, and self-efficacy than those who did not. Structural equation modeling yielded a model with 61% explanatory power, which demonstrated that beliefs about and perceived importance of SCS had a greater impact on SCS behaviors than self-efficacy. Promotion of SCS behaviors among nursing professionals in Japan requires the beliefs about and recognition of the importance of SCS to be improved. The importance of engaging in SCS daily is also recommended.
Application of Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection to Analyze Eleven Bisphenols in Amniotic Fluid Samples Collected during Amniocentesis
Authors: Tuzimski Tomasz , Szubartowski Szymon
Published: February 2022

Amniocentesis involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid in order to perform a karyotype test and diagnose any genetic defects that may affect the fetus. Amniotic fluid has been collected from patients with an indication for amniocentesis in the 15–26th week of pregnancy. A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method for identification and quantification of eleven selected bisphenols in amniotic fluid samples is proposed. The proposed method involved protein precipitation using acetonitrile, and next the extraction and concentration of analytes by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure with application of Oasis HLB SPE columns performed well for the majority of the analytes, with recoveries in the range of 67–121% and relative standard deviations (RSD%) less than 16%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) of all the investigated analytes were in the range of 0.8–2.5 ng mL−1 and 2.4–7.5 ng mL−1 (curves constructed in methanol) and 1.1–5.2 ng mL−1 and 3.2–15.6 ng mL−1 (curves constructed in the amniotic fluid), respectively. The method was validated at the following two concentration levels: 10 ng mL−1 (2 × LOQ) and 20 ng mL−1 (4 LOQ). The results confirm the validity of the SPE procedure and HPLC-FLD method for identification and quantification of bisphenols in amniotic fluid samples collected during an amniocentesis. The result obtained show that HPLC-FLD is a useful method for determination of bisphenol residues at nanogram per milliliter concentrations in amniotic fluid samples. Residues of five analytes (BADGE·2H2O, BPAF, BADGE, BADGE·H2O·HCl and BADGE·2HCl) were detected in amniotic fluid samples. Additionally, the harmfulness of bisphenols as potential pathogens that may cause karyotype disorders and contribute to preterm birth was estimated.
Attributes of Organizational Health Literacy in Health Care Centers in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study
Authors: Charoghchian Khorasani Elham , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Mahdizadeh Mehrsadat , Doosti Hassan , Tehrani Hadi , Moghzi Mohammad , Jafari Alireza , Peyman Nooshin
Published: February 2022

Organizational Health Literacy (OHL) is described as a new concept to remote health organizations to implement practices, policies, and systems that make it easier for patients to use, understand, and navigate health information to take care their own health. In Iran, there is no consensus on the attributes of OHL, and its practical implications and scope have not been evaluated. This manuscript is one of the first attempts to explain the attributes of the OHL in health care centers in Iran. This study is a content analysis survey, which was guided by the attributes of the OHL provided by Brach et al. and 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Iranian health professionals and employees of healthcare organizations from June 2020 to January 2021. A data analysis was performed using the MAXQDA 10 software. Across the study, ten sub-themes, 21 subcategories, and 67 codes emerged. The 10 main attributes of OHL were management, integration of health literacy in the organization, workforce, participation, range of HL skills, HL strategies, access, media variety, the role of the organization in crisis, and costs. These attributes may guide the planning of health care centers improvements and have the potential to promote health service reforms and public health policy.