bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Disturbances in Children Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Galli Jessica , Loi Erika , Visconti Lucrezia Maria , Mattei Paola , Eusebi Anna , Calza Stefano , Fazzi Elisa ,   ASD Collaborative Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Sleep disturbances are common in children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim of our study was to describe sleep characteristics and disturbances in children with ASD, to evaluate possible related factors, and to assess parental stress.

Methods

Hundred children with a diagnosis of ASD (mean age: 66.7 months, SD: 27.4, range: 24.7–152.1 months, n = 79 males) were included in the study. We collected data on sociodemographic, clinical, genetic and instrumental variables as well as comorbid conditions. Parents filled out the Questionnaire on sleep behavior in the first years of life, the BEARS questionnaire, and the Parenting Stress Index Short Form. From the analysis on sleep characteristics, we excluded 25 children treated with melatonin.

Results

Fifty-seven (57%) out of 100 children met the criteria for insomnia. Sleep disorders were associated with developmental or cognitive delay, emotional and behavioral problems (such as anxiety problems and aggressive behaviors) and absence of strategies for inducing sleep after nocturnal awakenings. From parents' reports, sleep disorders had diurnal repercussions on their offspring; however, we found no statistical correlation between disturbances and family stress. Also, no significant correlation was found between sleep disturbances and epilepsy. Finally, a statistical correlation was found between the regular intake of melatonin and the resolution of insomnia.

Conclusions

Multifactorial variables may be associated to insomnia that could have an impact on the children' behavior. Clinicians need to be aware of the value of screening for sleep disturbance in children with ASD to integrate sleep interventions in the treatment plan.
A Year Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Deleterious Impact of Hormonal Contraception on Psychological Distress in Women
Authors: Brouillard Alexandra , Davignon Lisa Marie , Fortin Justine , Marin Marie France
Published: March 2022

Background

Women are more at risk than men of suffering from psychological distress during disease outbreaks. Interestingly, no biological factors have been studied to explain this disparity in such contexts. Sex hormone variations induced by hormonal contraceptives (HC) have been associated with mental health vulnerabilities. However, most studies have examined current effects of HC without considering whether a chronic modulation of sex hormone levels could induce long-lasting effects that persist after HC cessation.

Objectives

To date, the role of HC on psychological health in women during a disease outbreak is still unknown. We aimed to investigate both current and long-term effects of HC on psychological distress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

At four time points during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020, September 2020, December 2020, March 2021), we collected self-reported data on psychological distress, assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress [via the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)], symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress [via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)]. Linear mixed models were first used to compare men (n = 49), naturally cycling women (n = 73), and women using HC (n = 32) across time. To examine long-lasting effects of HC, exploratory analyses were restricted to women, comparing current HC users (n = 32), past users (n = 56), and never users (n = 17).

Results

The first model revealed that women taking HC reported stable post-traumatic stress symptoms across time, compared to naturally cycling women and men who showed a significant decrease from T1 to T2. HC users also reported greater DASS-21 total scores over time. Moreover, HC users reported higher stress and anxiety symptoms than men. In the second model, results showed that past HC users had similar anxiety levels as current HC users. These two groups reported significantly more anxiety symptoms than never users.

Conclusion

HC users report increased distress during the pandemic relative to naturally cycling women and men. Our results also suggest a long-lasting effect of HC intake, highlighting the importance of considering both the current use of HC and its history. This could provide some insight into potential avenues for explaining why some women are prone to higher psychological distress than men.
The Forgotten (Invisible) Healthcare Heroes: Experiences of Canadian Medical Laboratory Employees Working During the Pandemic
Authors: Gohar Basem , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin
Published: March 2022

Objective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the stressors and coping strategies of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) and assistants (MLAs) working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

In this descriptive qualitative study, we held two focus groups with MLTs and MLA who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus group sessions were transcribed verbatim followed by thematic analysis to develop codes and themes.

Findings

A total of 13 participants across Ontario were involved in our study, which included one MLT (n = 7) group and one MLA (n = 6) MLA. Overall, the stressors and coping methods identified between both focus groups were consistent. Our results revealed four main themes: (1) COVID-19 contributing to the notable and existing staff shortage; (2) the pandemic reinforced that medical laboratory employees are forgotten within the healthcare system; (3) a poor work environment exacerbated by the pandemic; and (4) a resilient and passionate group. Rich descriptions explained the underlying issues related to the themes.

Conclusions

MLTs and MLAs are critical members of the healthcare team and provide vital patient care services. This study explored their experiences working during the pandemic and offers timely recommendations to mitigate against occupational stressors.
The Quality of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Responses Predicts the Neutralizing Antibody Titer in Convalescent Plasma Donors
Authors: Kroemer Marie , Boullerot Laura , Ramseyer Mélanie , Spehner Laurie , Barisien Christophe , Gravelin Eleonore , Renaudin Adeline , Cognasse Fabrice , Gallian Pierre , Hermine Olivier , Lacombe Karine , Tiberghien Pierre , Adotévi Olivier
Published: March 2022

Convalescent plasma therapy has been described as an attractive approach to treat critically ill patients with COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). The selection of convalescent plasma donors (CPD) is commonly based on neutralizing antibody titer. A better understanding of the quality of immune responses following COVID-19 will enable the optimization of convalescent donors' selection in convalescent plasma programs. The involvement of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells in the induction and persistence of high affinity anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody is still poorly investigated. In this study, 115 CPD who presented SARS-CoV-2 and who were eligible for plasma donation were included. Comprehensive analysis of T cells together with humoral responses were performed in regards of sex, age and blood group type. High frequency of T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 related protein such as spike glycoprotein (80.0%), nucleocapsid (NCAP) (70.4%) and membrane protein (VME1) (74.8%) were detected in CPD by ex vivo IFN-γ and TNF-α ELISpot assays. Among CPD responders, most exhibited poly-specific T cell responses (75%) defined by the ability to mount responses against at least two SARS-CoV-2 antigens. We found a positive correlation between the magnitude and the poly-specificity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses in CPD. Notably, both the magnitude and poly-specificity of SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses were highly correlated with neutralizing antibody titer in CPD. The present study highlights that the poly-specificity and strength of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses predicts neutralizing antibody titer following COVID-19. These observations show the interest to combine T cell assays and antibody titer for the selection of CPD and to a latter extend to assess COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in at-risk patients.
Use of COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate, Epidemiological, and Clinical Tools for Guiding Targeted Public Health Interventions
Authors: Gupta Nivedita , Rana Salaj , Panda Samiran , Bhargava Balram
Published: March 2022

India experienced a second wave of COVID-19 infection with an unprecedented upsurge in the number of cases. We have analyzed the effect of different restrictive measures implemented in six Indian states. Further, based on available national and international data on disease transmission and clinical presentation, we have proposed a decision-making matrix for planning adequate resources to combat the future waves of COVID-19. We conclude that pragmatic and well calibrated localized restrictions, tailored as per specific needs may achieve a decline in disease transmission comparable to drastic steps like national lockdowns. Additionally, we have underscored the critical need for countries to generate local epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data alongwith community perception and uptake of various non-pharmaceutical interventions, for effective planning and policy making.
Influence of Hospital Outdoor Rest Space on the Eye Movement Measures and Self-Rating Restoration of Staff
Authors: Cui Weiyi , Li Zao , Xuan Xiaodong , Li Qingtao , Shi Lei , Sun Xin , Zhu Kai , Shi Yi
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of hospital outdoor rest space on the eye movement measures and self-rating restoration of staff.

Background

Relieving the pressure of hospital staff through exposure to hospital outdoor rest space is essential, but there is a scarcity of research on the impact of hospital outdoor rest space on the eye movement measures and self-rating restoration of staff, especially for large Chinese hospitals.

Methods

Cross-analysis was conducted based on the eye movement measures of 76 staff members obtained by eye movement tracking equipment in combination with the self-rating restoration scale and hospital outdoor rest space picture attributes (element proportion and position, brightness and saturation).

Results

The differences in eye movement measures of different staff attributes (occupation, age, and gender) were identified, and the effects of hospital outdoor rest space picture attributes on the eye movement measures and self-rating restoration scale of staff were summarized. A number of proposals were also formulated: hospital outdoor rest space should be set up close to the working area of the group of medical staff; attention should be paid to the actual needs of senior staff members and the work pressure of junior nurses; the exposure to natural environment should be increased and the proportion of hard artificial elements should be reduced; the natural environment should be placed in the visual center; the saturation and brightness of hospital outdoor rest space should be increased; and staff members should have access to the sky environment in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

The present study is an empirical study of evidence-based design on hospital outdoor rest space in China, and the results reveal the effects of hospital outdoor rest space on the eye movement measures and self-rating restoration of staff.
Safe Robot Trajectory Control Using Probabilistic Movement Primitives and Control Barrier Functions
Authors: Davoodi Mohammadreza , Iqbal Asif , Cloud Joseph M. , Beksi William J. , Gans Nicholas R.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we present a novel means of control design for probabilistic movement primitives (ProMPs). Our proposed approach makes use of control barrier functions and control Lyapunov functions defined by a ProMP distribution. Thus, a robot may move along a trajectory within the distribution while guaranteeing that the system state never leaves more than a desired distance from the distribution mean. The control employs feedback linearization to handle nonlinearities in the system dynamics and real-time quadratic programming to ensure a solution exists that satisfies all safety constraints while minimizing control effort. Furthermore, we highlight how the proposed method may allow a designer to emphasize certain safety objectives that are more important than the others. A series of simulations and experiments demonstrate the efficacy of our approach and show it can run in real time.
Assessment of the Clinical Diagnosis of Onychomycosis by Dermoscopy
Authors: Ma Yan , Ji Ying , Cen Wen , Qiao Zusha , Gao Yan , He Lu , Feng Wenli
Published: March 2022

Background

As a common clinical superficial fungal infection, the diagnosis of onychomycosis relies on clinical features, traditional KOH direct microscopy and fungal culture. In recent years, dermoscopy has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and has provided new options for the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Objective

To evaluate the value of dermoscopy in the clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis and to explore the relationship between each clinical subtype and the dermoscopic pattern.

Methods

A retrospective study of 114 cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis was conducted to compare the differences between dermoscopy and fungal pathogenic examination (microscopy and culture) in the diagnostic sensitivity of onychomycosis and to analyze the relationship between nine common dermoscopic modalities and clinical subtypes of onychomycosis.

Results

Among the 114 proposed patients, 87 nails with positive fluorescent staining microscopy and/or positive fungal cultures were diagnosed as onychomycosis. The sensitivity and specificity of dermatoscopy, using the mycological findings as a reference, were 86.21 and 33.33%, respectively. The incidence of common dermatoscopic patterns in the 87 nails with confirmed onychomycosis was as follows: white flocculation in 76 cases (87.35%), longitudinal nail pattern in 72 cases (82.76%), jagged changes in the distal nail plate in 69 cases (79.31%) and yellow staining in 46 cases (52.87%), these four patterns were more commonly seen in the distal lateral subungual onychomycosis and total dystrophic onychomycosis, but there was no statistical difference in the positive dermatoscopic pattern between these two types (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Dermoscopy can be an important aid in the diagnosis of onychomycosis, especially when fungal microscopy or culture is not appropriate, but this method is still not a substitute for fungal microscopy and culture.
A One Medicine Mission for an Effective Rabies Therapy
Authors: Knobel Darryn L. , Jackson Alan C. , Bingham John , Ertl Hildegund C. J. , Gibson Andrew D. , Hughes Daniela , Joubert Kenneth , Mani Reeta S. , Mohr Bert J. , Moore Susan M. , Rivett-Carnac Hugh , Tordo Noël , Yeates James W. , Zambelli Anthony B. , Rupprecht Charles E.
Published: March 2022

Despite the disease's long history, little progress has been made toward a treatment for rabies. The prognosis for patient recovery remains dire. For any prospect of survival, patients require aggressive critical care, which physicians in rabies endemic areas may be reluctant or unable to provide given the cost, clinical expertise required, and uncertain outcome. Systematic clinical research into combination therapies is further hampered by sporadic occurrence of cases. In this Perspective, we examine the case for a One Medicine approach to accelerate development of an effective therapy for rabies through the veterinary care and investigational treatment of naturally infected dogs in appropriate circumstances. We review the pathogenesis of rabies virus in humans and dogs, including recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis for the severe neurological dysfunction. We propose that four categories of disease process need to be managed in patients: viral propagation, neuronal degeneration, inflammation and systemic compromise. Compassionate critical care and investigational treatment of naturally infected dogs receiving supportive therapy that mimics the human clinical scenario could increase opportunities to study combination therapies that address these processes, and to identify biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic response. We discuss the safety and ethics of this approach, and introduce the Canine Rabies Treatment Initiative, a non-profit organization with the mission to apply a One Medicine approach to the investigation of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for rabies in naturally infected dogs, to accelerate transformation of rabies into a treatable disease for all patients.
Pseudomonas spp. Producing Antimicrobial Compounds Regulate Fungal Communities Inhabiting Wheat Crown in Southern Chile
Authors: Doussoulin Herman A. , Arismendi Noberto L. , Moya-Elizondo Ernesto A.
Published: March 2022

The 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG) and phenazine (PCA)-producing Pseudomonas inhibit wheat pathogens’ development, but the relationship between communities of pathogens and genotypes of these bacteria has been little studied. Relationships between wheat crown fungi associated with the presence of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing pseudomonads were evaluated in four commercial wheat crops located in the La Araucanía and Los Lagos Regions of Chile, during two crops seasons. Portions of the base of the first internode of the culm collected during the grain-filling stage were cultured in an artificial medium for fungal isolation, while roots of the same wheat plants and from plants collected previous harvest, and also used to assess yield and plant height, were used for the detection of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing Pseudomonas spp. using PCR with specific primers. Genera Phaeosphaeria, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Microdochium were repeatedly isolated (52.6%, 22.1%, 7.8%, and 4.9%, respectively) and the genetic composition of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing Pseudomonas spp. varied between fields and sampling periods. Genetic groups A, B, D, K, L, and P associated with the phlD gene were detected. The presence of 2,4-DAPG-producing bacteria benefited crop health, relating their existence with increasing yield and plant height, and the reduction in the incidence and severity of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms on the first internode of wheat culms.
Highly Specific Monoclonal Antibody Targeting the Botulinum Neurotoxin Type E Exposed SNAP-25 Neoepitope
Authors: Mechaly Adva , Diamant Eran , Alcalay Ron , Ben David Alon , Dor Eyal , Torgeman Amram , Barnea Ada , Girshengorn Meni , Levin Lilach , Epstein Eyal , Tennenhouse Ariel , Fleishman Sarel J. , Zichel Ran , Mazor Ohad
Published: March 2022

Botulinum neurotoxin type E (BoNT/E), the fastest acting toxin of all BoNTs, cleaves the 25 kDa synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP-25) in motor neurons, leading to flaccid paralysis. The specific detection and quantification of the BoNT/E-cleaved SNAP-25 neoepitope can facilitate the development of cell-based assays for the characterization of anti-BoNT/E antibody preparations. In order to isolate highly specific monoclonal antibodies suitable for the in vitro immuno-detection of the exposed neoepitope, mice and rabbits were immunized with an eight amino acid peptide composed of the C-terminus of the cleaved SNAP-25. The immunized rabbits developed a specific and robust polyclonal antibody response, whereas the immunized mice mostly demonstrated a weak antibody response that could not discriminate between the two forms of SNAP-25. An immune scFv phage-display library was constructed from the immunized rabbits and a panel of antibodies was isolated. The sequence alignment of the isolated clones revealed high similarity between both heavy and light chains with exceptionally short HCDR3 sequences. A chimeric scFv-Fc antibody was further expressed and characterized, exhibiting a selective, ultra-high affinity (pM) towards the SNAP-25 neoepitope. Moreover, this antibody enabled the sensitive detection of cleaved SNAP-25 in BoNT/E treated SiMa cells with no cross reactivity with the intact SNAP-25. Thus, by applying an immunization and selection procedure, we have isolated a novel, specific and high-affinity antibody against the BoNT/E-derived SNAP-25 neoepitope. This novel antibody can be applied in in vitro assays that determine the potency of antitoxin preparations and reduce the use of laboratory animals for these purposes.
Lagoon, Anaerobic Digestion, and Composting of Animal Manure Treatments Impact on Tetracycline Resistance Genes
Authors: Agga Getahun E. , Couch Melanie , Parekh Rohan R. , Mahmoudi Faranak , Appala Keerthi , Kasumba John , Loughrin John H. , Conte Eric D.
Published: March 2022

Increased demand for animal protein is met by increased food animal production resulting in large quantities of manure. Animal producers, therefore, need sustainable agricultural practices to protect environmental health. Large quantities of antimicrobials are used in commercial food animal production. Consequently, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and the resistance genes emerge and are excreted through feces. Manure management is essential for the safe disposal of animal waste. Lagoons, with or without covers, and anaerobic digesters, with the primary purpose of methane production, and composting, with the primary purpose of producing organic fertilizer, are widely used methods of manure treatment. We reviewed manure management practices and their impact on tetracycline resistance genes. Lagoons are maintained at ambient temperatures; especially uncovered lagoons are the least effective in removing tetracycline resistance genes. However, some modifications can improve the performance of lagoons: sequential use of uncovered lagoons and the use of covered lagoons resulted in a one-log reduction, while post-treatments such as biofiltration following covered lagoon treatment resulted in 3.4 log reduction. Mesophilic digestion of animal manure did not have any significant effect; only a 0.7 log reduction in tet(A) was observed in one study. While thermophilic anaerobic digesters are effective, if properly operated, they are expensive for animal producers. Aerobic thermophilic composting is a promising technology if optimized with its economic benefits. Composting of raw animal manure can result in up to a 2.5 log reduction, and postdigestion composting can reduce tetracycline resistance gene concentration by >80%. In general, manure management was not designed to mitigate antimicrobial resistance; future research is needed to optimize the economic benefits of biogas or organic fertilizer on the one hand and for the mitigation of foodborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance on the other.
Potential Mechanisms of the Improvement of Glucose Homeostasis in Type 2 Diabetes by Pomegranate Juice
Authors: Olvera-Sandoval Carlos , Fabela-Illescas Héctor Enrique , Fernández-Martínez Eduardo , Ortiz-Rodríguez María Araceli , Cariño-Cortés Raquel , Ariza-Ortega José Alberto , Hernández-González Juan Carlos , Olivo Diana , Valadez-Vega Carmen , Belefant-Miller Helen , Betanzos-Cabrera Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Pomegranate is a polyphenol-rich fruit. Studies have shown that extracts prepared from its juice or from different parts of the pomegranate plant have various biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. The therapeutic potential has been attributed to various phytochemicals, including ellagic acid, punicic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavones. This review focuses on the scientific evidence of pomegranate juice as hypoglycemic, emphasizing the chemical composition and the possible mechanisms of action associated with this effect. Studies were identified using the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles focused on the hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate juice. The physiological responses to pomegranate juice are reported here, including a decrease of oxidative stress damage, an increase of insulin-dependent glucose uptake, maintenance of β-cell integrity, inhibition of nonenzymatic protein glycation, an increase of insulin sensitivity, modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, inhibition of α-amylase, inhibition of α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and decreases in inflammation. Overall, we found a significant hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate in in vitro and in vivo studies and we summarize the potential mechanisms of action.
Dietary Polyphenols as Therapeutic Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: March 2022

Dietary polyphenols encompass a diverse range of secondary metabolites found in nature, such as fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, wine, and cocoa products, etc. Structurally, they are either derivatives or isomers of phenol acid, isoflavonoids and possess hidden health promoting characteristics, such as antioxidative, anti-aging, anti-cancerous and many more. The use of such polyphenols in combating the neuropathological war raging in this generation is currently a hotly debated topic. Lately, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is emerging as the most common neuropathological disease, destroying the livelihoods of millions in one way or another. Any therapeutic intervention to curtail its advancement in the generation to come has been in vain to date. Using dietary polyphenols to construct the barricade around it is going to be an effective strategy, taking into account their hidden potential to counter multifactorial events taking place under such pathology. Besides their strong antioxidant properties, naturally occurring polyphenols are reported to have neuroprotective effects by modulating the Aβ biogenesis pathway in Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, in this review, I am focusing on unlocking the hidden secrets of dietary polyphenols and their mechanistic advantages to fight the war with AD and related pathology.
Security Risk Analysis in IoT Systems through Factor Identification over IoT Devices
Authors: Andrade Roberto Omar , Yoo Sang Guun , Ortiz-Garces Iván , Barriga Jhonattan
Published: March 2022

IoT systems contribute to digital transformation through the development of smart concepts. However, the IoT has also generated new security challenges that require security tools to be adapted, such as risk analysis methodologies. With this in mind, the purpose of our study is based on the following question: Which factors of IoT devices should be considered within risk assessment methodologies? We have addressed our study with a 4-phase design-research methodology (DRM) that allows us, based on systematic literature review, to experiment and draw upon expert judgment; as a final product, we obtain a risk assessment methodology based on the characteristics of IoT devices. At the end of this study, we establish seven main constructs—Organization, Risk Behaviors, Dependency, Attack Surface, Susceptibility, Severity and Uncertainty—over which security risk in IoT systems can be evaluated.
A Model-Based Approach for Common Representation and Description of Robotics Software Architectures
Authors: Monthe Valery Marcial , Nana Laurent , Kouamou Georges Edouard
Published: March 2022

Unlike conventional software, robotic software suffers from a lack of methods and processes that could systematize and facilitate development. Thus, the application of software engineering techniques is at the heart of current issues in robotics. The work presented in this paper aims to facilitate the development of robotic software and to facilitate communication between experts in the field through the use of software engineering techniques and methods. It proposes RsaML (Robotic Software Architecture Modeling Language), a Domain Specific Modeling Language (DSML) dedicated to robotics, which takes into account the different categories of robotic software architectures and makes it possible to describe the latter independently from the implementation platform. The conceptual model defining the terminology and the hierarchy of concepts used for the description and representation of robotic software architectures in RsaML are presented in this article. RsaML is defined through a meta-model which represents the abstract syntax of the language. The real-time properties of robotic software architectures are identified and included in the meta-model. The use of RsaML is illustrated through several experimental scenarios of the language: the definition of a robotic system and the description of its software architecture, the verification of the semantics of a robotic software architecture, and the modeling of a robotic system whose software architecture does not belong to the usual categories. The support tool used for implementations and experimentation is Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF). The results of experimentation showed good working of the proposed solution and made it possible to validate the main concepts of the RsaML language.
Potential of Onshore Wind Turbine Inertia in Decarbonising the Future Irish Energy System
Authors: Thiesen Henning , Jauch Clemens
Published: March 2022

Power system inertia is an essential part for grid frequency stability and decreases due to the replacement of fossil fuel fired power plants with variable renewable energy sources. This development is not represented sufficiently in unit commitment and economic dispatch models. If considered at all, only synchronous inertia from fossil fuel driven power plants is modelled. This results in increased CO2 emissions, curtailed renewable energy and high system costs. While wind turbines are a source for synthetic inertia and an important renewable energy source, their capability to provide inertia is not incorporated into energy system models. The work at hand closes this research gap and applies a methodology to depict synthetic inertia provided by wind turbines as part of the optimisation dispatch model. A unit commitment and economic inertia dispatch model of the the all-Island Irish power system is created. The potential of wind inertia is analysed and quantified by assessing CO2 emissions, curtailed renewable energy and system costs. Results show that synthetic inertia provided by wind turbines can save up 30.99% of the CO2 emissions, reduce curtailment by up to 39.90% and reduce system costs by 32.72%.
A Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Approach to Eco-Friendly Design Using the Response Surface Method
Authors: Yang Cheng-Jung , Lin Mei Jyun , Chen Jahau Lewis
Published: March 2022

From a life-cycle perspective, the design stage is the key to controlling the environmental impacts of a product because at this stage, all the different parameters can be optimized to realize the required functions while ensuring that the product is environmentally friendly. Here, it is proposed that the optimization of an eco-design should be completed during the concept design stage to strike a balance between the environmental impacts and mechanical property requirements of the product. In this study, experimental data for these two parameters were first obtained via life-cycle assessments and von Mises stress analyses, respectively. Next, the response surface method was adopted to acquire the approximation functions. Finally, a genetic algorithm was employed for multi-objective optimization to realize the eco-design of the product. The proposed methodology was illustrated and evaluated by taking a liquid crystal display monitor design as an example. The results show that material thickness of the mirror is a key parameter that affects both objectives of the product. Although the mechanical properties of ABS are slightly worse than that of PS, it is the best choice for multi-objective optimization while considering the environmental impact at the same time.
A Robust Localization System Fusion Vision-CNN Relocalization and Progressive Scan Matching for Indoor Mobile Robots
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Zhao Changsen , Wei Yanlong
Published: March 2022

Map-based, high-precision dynamic pose tracking and rapid relocalization in the case of unknown poses are very important for indoor navigation robots. This paper aims to propose a robust and high-precision indoor robot positioning algorithm that combines vision and laser sensor information. This algorithm mainly includes two parts: initialization and real-time pose tracking. The initialization component is mainly to solve the problem of the uncertainty of a robot’s initial pose and loss of pose tracking. First, the laser information is added to the posenetLSTM neural network that only considers image information as a geometric constraint, and the loss function is redesigned thereby improving global positioning accuracy. Second, on the basis of visual rough positioning, the branch and bound method is used to quickly search the high-precision pose of the robot. In the real-time tracking component, small-scale correlation sampling is performed on the high-resolution environment grid map, and the robot’s pose is dynamically tracked in real time. When the score of the tracking pose is lower than a certain threshold, the method of nonlinear graph optimization is used to perform the pose optimization. In order to prove the robustness, high precision, and real-time performance of the algorithm, this article first builds a simulation environment in Gazebo for evaluation, and then verifies the relevant performance of the algorithm through the Mir robot platform. Both simulations and experiments show that the introduction of laser information into the neural network can greatly improve the accuracy of vision relocalization and the system can quickly perform high-precision repositioning when the camera is not severely blocked. At the same time, compared with the pose tracking performance of the adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) algorithm, the proposed algorithm has also improved in accuracy and in real-time performance.
Ionospheric Monitoring and Modelling for Space Weather: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Cander Ljiljana R. , Zolesi Bruno
Published: March 2022

Over the last decades, our scientific understanding and user’s community appreciation of the ionospheric space weather and its impacts on Earth’s environment, and some of the technological systems and human beings’ priority areas, have changed considerably [...]
Tree-Ring-Based Drought Reconstruction in Northern North China over the Past Century
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Zhang Huifang , Wang Hui , Guo Jingli , Zhang Erliang , Wang Jun , Li Xiao , Wei Haoliang , Zhou Changliang
Published: March 2022

A tree-ring width chronology was developed from the Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) in northern North China. To acquire a long-term perspective on the history of droughts in this region, the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from August of the previous year to February of the current year was reconstructed for the period of 1903–2012 AD. The reconstruction explained 46.6% of the instrumental records over the calibration period of 1952–2012. Five dry periods (1916–1927, 1962–1973, 1978–1991, 1994–1999 and 2002–2005) and three wet periods (1908–1915, 1928–1961 and 1974–1977) were found in the reconstructed period, and most of the dry years (periods) in the reconstruction were supported by historical records. Comparisons between the reconstruction and other nearby dryness/wetness indices and precipitation reconstructions demonstrated a good repeatability and high reliability in our reconstruction. Spatial correlation implied that the reconstruction could represent regional hydroclimatic characteristics on a larger regional scale. Significant periodicities and correlations were observed between the reconstructed data and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which suggested that the hydroclimatic variation in northern North China may be closely connected to remote oceans. The significant and high correlation between the reconstructed series and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the eastern equatorial and Southeast Pacific Ocean indicated that ENSO may be the main factor influencing the regional climate.
Cross-Talk between p53 and Wnt Signaling in Cancer
Authors: Xiao Qiyun , Werner Johannes , Venkatachalam Nachiyappan , Boonekamp Kim E. , Ebert Matthias P. , Zhan Tianzuo
Published: March 2022

Targeting cancer hallmarks is a cardinal strategy to improve antineoplastic treatment. However, cross-talk between signaling pathways and key oncogenic processes frequently convey resistance to targeted therapies. The p53 and Wnt pathway play vital roles for the biology of many tumors, as they are critically involved in cancer onset and progression. Over recent decades, a high level of interaction between the two pathways has been revealed. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of molecular interactions between the p53 and Wnt pathway discovered in cancer, including complex feedback loops and reciprocal transactivation. The mutational landscape of genes associated with p53 and Wnt signaling is described, including mutual exclusive and co-occurring genetic alterations. Finally, we summarize the functional consequences of this cross-talk for cancer phenotypes, such as invasiveness, metastasis or drug resistance, and discuss potential strategies to pharmacologically target the p53-Wnt interaction.
Cardiac Hypertrophy May Be a Risk Factor for the Development and Severity of Glaucoma
Authors: Suzuki Yukihisa , Kiyosawa Motohiro
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between glaucoma and cardiac abnormalities. We evaluated 581 patients with open-angle glaucoma (285 men and 296 women) and 595 individuals without glaucoma (273 men and 322 women). All of the participants underwent visual field testing using a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (30-2 program), an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood pressure measurement. We examined the ECG abnormalities and other factors (age, intraocular pressure (IOP) and systemic hypertension) involved in the development and severity of glaucoma. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant correlations of glaucoma with IOP (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.36–1.51; p < 0.00001), atrial fibrillation (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.01–4.04; p = 0.04), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.15–4.25; p = 0.02), and bradycardia (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.25–4.70; p = 0.02). Regression analyses revealed significant correlations of the mean deviation of the visual field with age (t = –6.22; 95% CI: −0.15, −0.08; p < 0.00001), IOP (t = −6.47; 95% CI: −0.42, −0.23; p < 0.00001), and LVH (t = −2.15; 95% CI: −3.36, −0.29; p = 0.02). Atrial fibrillation, LVH and bradycardia may decrease the cerebral blood flow, and may also affect the ocular blood flow. Cardiac abnormalities may be associated with the development and severity of glaucoma.
New Evidence on the Linkage of Population Trends and Species Traits to Long-Term Niche Changes
Authors: Tirozzi Pietro , Orioli Valerio , Dondina Olivia , Bani Luciano
Published: March 2022

Despite the assessment of long-term niche dynamics could provide crucial information for investigating species responses to environmental changes, it is a poorly investigated topic in ecology. Here, we present a case study of multi-species niche analysis for 71 common breeding birds in Northern Italy, exploring long-term niche changes from 1992 to 2017 and their relationship with both population trends and species traits. We (i) quantified the realized Grinnellian niche in the environmental space, (ii) compared variations in niche breadth and centroid, (iii) tested niche divergence and conservatism through equivalency and similarity tests, (iv) calculated niche temporal overlap, expansion and unfilling indices, and (v) investigated their association with both population changes and species traits. Results supported niche divergence (equivalency test) for 32% of species, although two-thirds were not supported by the similarity test. We detected a general tendency to adjust the niche centroids towards warmer thermal conditions. Increasing populations were positively correlated with niche expansion, while negatively correlated with niche overlap, albeit at the limit of the significance threshold. We found moderate evidence for a non-random association between niche changes and species traits, especially for body size, clutch size, number of broods per year, inhabited landscape type, and migration strategy. We encourage studies correlating long-term population trends and niche changes with species traits’ information and a specific focus on cause-effect relationship at both the single and multiple-species level.
Do Older and Younger Adults Prefer the Positive or Avoid the Negative?
Authors: Fairfield Beth , Padulo Caterina , Bortolotti Alessandro , Perfetti Bernardo , Mammarella Nicola , Balsamo Michela
Published: March 2022

Affective information is processed in different ways across one’s lifespan. Explanations for this pattern of performance are multiple and range from top-down motivational shifts and cognitive control to faster bottom-up and implicit processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate implicit affective information processing and positivity effects by examining performance in a modified version of the dot-probe task across three image-pair conditions (positive/neutral; negative/neutral; and positive/negative). We examined data from 50 older adults and 50 younger adults. The results showed that affective information processing varies with age and valence and that age effects in affective processing may occur early during information processing. Positivity biases emerge in both younger and older adults. However, while younger adults seem to prioritize positive information independently of context, older adults showed this prioritization only when presented in an emotional (i.e., negative) context. Moreover, older adults showed a tendency to avoid negative information whereas younger adults showed a general bias for affective content modulated by image-pair context.
Outcomes after Flow Diverter Treatment in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis and Development of a Clinical Prediction Model (OUTFLOW)
Authors: ten Brinck Michelle F. M. , Shimanskaya Viktoria E. , Aquarius René , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. , Meijer Frederick J. A. , Koopmans Petra C. , de Jong Guido , Wakhloo Ajay K. , de Vries Joost , Boogaarts Hieronymus D.
Published: March 2022

Background: patients with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) might need a flow diverter (FD) placement for complex acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs). We conducted a meta-analysis and developed a prediction model to estimate the favorable clinical outcome after the FD treatment in acutely ruptured IAs. Methods: a systematic literature search was performed from 2010 to January 2021 in PubMed and Embase databases. Studies with more than five patients treated with FDs within fifteen days were included. In total, 1157 studies were identified. The primary outcome measure was the favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–2). Secondary outcome measures were complete occlusion rates, aneurysm rebleeding, permanent neurologic deficit caused by procedure-related complications, and all-cause mortality. A prediction model was constructed using individual patient-level data. Results: 26 retrospective studies with 357 patients and 368 aneurysms were included. The pooled rates of the favorable clinical outcome, mortality, and complete aneurysm occlusion were 73.7% (95% CI 64.7–81.0), 17.1% (95% CI 13.3–21.8), and 85.6% (95% CI 80.4–89.6), respectively. Rebleeding occurred in 3% of aneurysms (11/368). The c-statistic of the final model was 0.83 (95% CI 0.76–0.89). All the studies provided a very low quality of evidence. Conclusions: FD treatment can be considered for complex ruptured IAs. Despite high complication rates, the pooled clinical outcomes seem favorable. The prediction model needs to be validated by larger prospective studies before clinical application.
Brain Dynamics and Connectivity from Birth through Adolescence
Authors: Aarabi Ardalan
Published: March 2022

The human brain as a complex dynamic system undergoes significant structural and functional changes from birth to adulthood to engender neurocognitive functions [...]
Exposure Risk to Medical Staff in a Nasopharyngeal Swab Sampling Cabin under Four Different Ventilation Strategies
Authors: Ma Jianchao , Qian Hua , Liu Fan , Sui Guodong , Zheng Xiaohong
Published: March 2022

Medical staff working in a nasopharyngeal swab sampling cabin are exposed to a higher exposure risk of COVID-19. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used to evaluate the exposure risk to medical staff in a nasopharyngeal swab sampling cabin of Chinese customs under four different ventilation strategies, i.e., multiple supply fans ventilation (MSFV), multiple exhaust fans ventilation (MEFV), single exhaust fan and outer windows closed ventilation (SEFV), and single exhaust fan and outer windows opened ventilation (SEFV-W). The impact of physical partitions on exposure risk is also discussed. The results show that MSFV performed best in reducing exposure risk. No significant difference was found between MEFV and SEFV. SEFV-W performed better than SEFV with a ventilation rate of 10–50 L/(s∙Person), while it performed worse with a ventilation rate of 50–90 L/(s∙Person). The exposure risk to medical staff did not decrease linearly with the increase in the ventilation flow rate under the four ventilation strategies. For MSFV, the installation of partitions is conducive to the reduction in the exposure risk. This study is expected to provide some guidance for ventilation designs in sampling cabins.
Influence of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Dosage on the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printable Mortars with and without Fiber Reinforcement
Authors: Yalçınkaya Çağlar
Published: March 2022

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is one of the most frequently used viscosity modifying admixtures in 3D printable cement-based materials. In this study, the effects of HPMC dosage on the mechanical properties of 3D printable cement-based mortars were investigated. For this purpose, mortar mixtures with and without micro steel fibers containing three different HPMC dosages (0%, 0.15%, and 0.30% by weight of cement) were produced. Reliant on the HPMC dosage, heat flow and cumulative heat curves were obtained. At the end of 7 and 28 days of standard curing, flexural, compressive, and shear bond strengths, as well as flexural toughness, were measured. Additionally, porosity values were obtained on molded, single-layer, and three-layer printed specimens. The results showed that the increase in HPMC dosage prolonged the setting times and decreased the heat release. Moreover, the porosity values increased with an increase in the HPMC dosage and the number of printed layers. All mechanical properties were drastically decreased with the use of HPMC. The decrements were more significant at the first 0.15% HPMC dosage and the shear bond strengths. Prolonging the curing period from 7 to 28 days did not lead to meaningful recovery in the mechanical properties. The negative effects of HPMC on flexural and shear bond performances were more pronounced in fiber-reinforced mortars.