bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disseminated Cunninghamella spp. Endocarditis in a Beta-Thalassemia Patient after Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Cinteza Eliza , Nicolescu Alin , Ciomartan Tatiana , Gavriliu Liana-Cătălina , Voicu Cristiana , Carabas Adelina , Popescu Monica , Margarint Irina
Published: March 2022

Cunninghamella spp. is a group of fungi belonging to the Mucorales order. Cases of fungal endocarditis are sporadic, but more frequent in immunocompromised patients. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection Disease 2019) infections, prematurity, deferoxamine treatment, iron overload, neutropenia, diabetes, and malignant hemopathies proved to be risk factors for mucormycosis. We present the case of a 7-year-old boy who was treated every three weeks with blood transfusion for major beta-thalassemia, receiving deferoxamine for secondary hemochromatosis. After two weeks with nonspecific respiratory and digestive symptoms, he was admitted for fever, followed by lower limb ischemia and neurological signs. Echocardiography revealed massive endocarditis affecting the mitral and tricuspid valves with embolization phenomena in the brain, lungs, kidney, spleen, and lower limbs. As a particular finding, IgG antibodies for COVID-19 were positive. Emergency cardiac surgery was performed. The mitral valve necessitated replacement with CarboMedics prosthesis. Unfortunately, the patient did not survive. Cunninghamella spp. was confirmed via the PCR analysis of vegetations. Cunninghamella endocarditis in the context of a systemic infection presented as an opportunistic infection affecting a child who had several risk factors. Mucormycosis is challenging to treat, with high mortality. Prophylactic treatment in beta-thalassemia patients with iron-chelator deprivation drugs, such as deferiprone, may help in preventing these particular fungal infections.
Pulsed-Supplied Water Electrolysis via Two-Switch Converter for PV Capacity Firming
Authors: Nikolaidis Pavlos
Published: March 2022

Hydrogen constitutes the only carbon-free fuel that can be used for energy conversion, producing water as the only by-product. With water being one of the most abundant and inexhaustible raw materials in the world, and the required electricity input being provided by renewable resources, the produced hydrogen via water electrolysis constitutes a green pathway towards sustainability. In this work, a hybrid PV power-to-hydrogen, storage and fuel cell system is proposed to satisfy the domestic load of a residential building. Identifying alkaline as a mandatory electrolysis technology, the performance of alkaline electrolysis cells is assessed considering the inclusion of a two-switch buck-boost converter. Following a comprehensive formulation with respect to each distinguished system component, the balance condition at DC and AC buses is determined. The proposed configuration is evaluated, taking into account PV systems of different ratings, namely 3 kW, 5 kW and 7 kW. Based on actual data relating to both PV generation and domestic load for the year 2020, the obtained results from the annual simulations are compared with feed-in tariff and net-metering schemes. According to the results, PV capacity firming is achieved, creating great opportunities for autonomy enhancement, not only for electricity, but also in other energy sectors.
Adaptive Motion Skill Learning of Quadruped Robot on Slopes Based on Augmented Random Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqing , Wang Mingchao , Ruan Xiaogang , Chen Lu , Ji Tingdong , Liu Xinyuan
Published: March 2022

To deal with the problem of stable walking of quadruped robots on slopes, a gait planning algorithm framework for quadruped robots facing unknown slopes is proposed. We estimated the terrain slope by the attitude information measured by the inertial measurement unit (IMU) without relying on the robot vision. The crawl gait was adopted, and the center of gravity trajectory planning was carried out based on the stability criterion zero-moment point (ZMP). Then, the augmented random search (ARS) algorithm was used to modulate the parameters of the Bezier curve to realize the planning of the robot foot trajectory. Additionally, the robot can adjust the posture in real time to follow the desired joint angle, which realizes the adaptive adjustment of the robot’s posture during the slope movement. Simulation experiment results show that the proposed algorithm for slope gait planning can adaptively adjust the robot’s attitude and stably pass through the slope environment when the slope is unknown.
CMOS Perceptron for Vesicle Fusion Classification
Authors: Naumowicz Mariusz , Pietrzak Paweł , Szczęsny Szymon , Huderek Damian
Published: March 2022

Edge computing (processing data close to its source) is one of the fastest developing areas of modern electronics and hardware information technology. This paper presents the implementation process of an analog CMOS preprocessor for use in a distributed environment for processing medical data close to the source. The task of the circuit is to analyze signals of vesicle fusion, which is the basis of life processes in multicellular organisms. The functionality of the preprocessor is based on a classifier of full and partial fusions. The preprocessor is dedicated to operate in amperometric systems, and the analyzed signals are data from carbon nanotube electrodes. The accuracy of the classifier is at the level of 93.67%. The implementation was performed in the 65 nm CMOS technology with a 0.3 V power supply. The circuit operates in the weak-inversion mode and is dedicated to be powered by thermal cells of the human energy harvesting class. The maximum power consumption of the circuit equals 416 nW, which makes it possible to use it as an implantable chip. The results can be used, among others, in the diagnosis of precancerous conditions.
Improved Multiple Vector Representations of Images and Robust Dictionary Learning
Authors: Pan Chengchang , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Zewei , Cui Zhongwei
Published: March 2022

Each sparse representation classifier has different classification accuracy for different samples. It is difficult to achieve good performance with a single feature classification model. In order to balance the large-scale information and global features of images, a robust dictionary learning method based on image multi-vector representation is proposed in this paper. First, this proposed method generates a reasonable virtual image for the original image and obtains the multi-vector representation of all images. Second, the same dictionary learning algorithm is used for each vector representation to obtain multiple sets of image features. The proposed multi-vector representation can provide a good global understanding of the whole image contour and increase the content of dictionary learning. Last, the weighted fusion algorithm is used to classify the test samples. The introduction of influencing factors and the automatic adjustment of the weights of each classifier in the final decision results have a significant indigenous effect on better extracting image features. The study conducted experiments on the proposed algorithm on a number of widely used image databases. A large number of experimental results show that it effectively improves the accuracy of image classification. At the same time, to fully dig and exploit possible representation diversity might be a better way to lead to potential various appearances and high classification accuracy concerning the image.
Analysis of Longitudinal Forest Data on Individual-Tree and Whole-Stand Attributes Using a Stochastic Differential Equation Model
Authors: Rupšys Petras , Petrauskas Edmundas
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on individual-tree and whole-stand growth models for uneven-aged and mixed-species stands in Lithuania. All the growth models were derived using a single trivariate diffusion process defined by a mixed-effect parameters trivariate stochastic differential equation describing the tree diameter, potentially available area, and height. The mixed-effect parameters of the newly developed trivariate transition probability density function were estimated using an approximate maximum likelihood procedure. Using the relationship between the multivariate probability density and univariate marginal (conditional) densities, the growth equations were derived to predict or forecast the individual-tree and whole-stand variables, such as diameter, potentially available area, height, basal area, and stand density. All the results are illustrated using an observed dataset from 53 permanent experimental plots remeasured from 1 to 7 times. The computed statistical measures showed high predictive and forecast accuracy compared with validation data that were not used to find parameter estimates. All the results were implemented in the Maple computer algebra system.
Palaeo-Shoreline Configuration of the Adventure Plateau (Sicilian Channel) at the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Lodolo Emanuele , Loreto Maria Filomena , Melini Daniele , Spada Giorgio , Civile Dario
Published: March 2022

The Adventure Plateau, located in the NW sector of the Sicilian Channel, experienced several episodes of exposure/erosion and subsequent drowning, with the most recent occurring after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Unlike other parts of the Sicilian Channel, the Adventure Plateau is relatively tectonically stable and is therefore best suitable for reconstructing its coastal configuration before the post-LGM marine transgression. Here, we use high-resolution seismic data to identify and map the palaeo-coastline at the LGM on the basis of the internal architecture of the prograding wedges (i.e., the location of the subaqueous clinoform rollover point) and the erosional markers such as the subaerial unconformities and the wave ravinement surfaces. These data, which show an extreme variability in the palaeo-morphology of the coastal margins of the Adventure Plateau, have been complemented with vintage seismic profiles in order to entirely cover its perimeter. The mapped LGM coastline has then been compared to predictions from glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) modeling, which considers the horizontal migration of the shorelines in response to sea level rise and to Earth’s rotational and deformational effects associated with deglaciation. The two shorelines (i.e., the coastline derived from the marine data interpretation and the one derived from the GIA model) are in good agreement at 21 kyears BP, although some discrepancies occur in the southern part of the plateau, where the seabed slope is extremely gentle, which makes the clinoform rollover points and the buried erosional unconformities difficult to detect. After 20 kyears BP, an acceleration in the rate of the sea level rise occurred. The results of this study indicate the importance of comparing experimental data with model predictions in order to refine and calibrate boundary parameters and to gain a better picture of the evolution of sea level rise over various time scales.
Investigation of Metrics for Assessing Human Response to Drone Noise
Authors: Torija Antonio J. , Nicholls Rory K.
Published: March 2022

Novel electric air transportation is emerging as an industry that could help to improve the lives of people living in both metropolitan and rural areas through integration into infrastructure and services. However, as this new resource of accessibility increases in momentum, the need to investigate any potential adverse health impacts on the public becomes paramount. This paper details research investigating the effectiveness of available noise metrics and sound quality metrics (SQMs) for assessing perception of drone noise. A subjective experiment was undertaken to gather data on human response to a comprehensive set of drone sounds and to investigate the relationship between perceived annoyance, perceived loudness and perceived pitch and key psychoacoustic factors. Based on statistical analyses, subjective models were obtained for perceived annoyance, loudness and pitch of drone noise. These models provide understanding on key psychoacoustic features to consider in decision making in order to mitigate the impact of drone noise. For the drone sounds tested in this paper, the main contributors to perceived annoyance are perceived noise level (PNL) and sharpness; for perceived loudness are PNL and fluctuation strength; and for perceived pitch are sharpness, roughness and Aures tonality. Responses for the drone sounds tested were found to be highly sensitive to the distance between drone and receiver, measured in terms of height above ground level (HAGL). All these findings could inform the optimisation of drone operating conditions in order to mitigate community noise.
Prevention of Occupational Hazards Due to Asbestos Exposure in Dentistry. A Proposal from a Panel of Experts
Authors: Anaya-Aguilar Carmen , Bravo Manuel , Magan-Fernandez Antonio , del Castillo-Salmerón Ramon , Rodríguez-Archilla Alberto , Montero Javier , Rosel Eva , Puche Paco , Anaya-Aguilar Rosa
Published: March 2022

Asbestos in all its forms is a Group 1 material agent with proven carcinogenic effects in the human being since 1977. Exposure to asbestos can be considered unsafe. The use of asbestos in the field of dentistry had a common use in the manufacture of dental prostheses in the 1960s and 1970s. Taking into account the long induction period of this agent and the plausibility for being a risk factor in dentistry, the objective of this study is to propose a plan for the prevention of occupational risks due to asbestos exposure in dentistry by means of the contribution of a panel of experts. An Expert Panel (EP) approach was used in which a group of nine experts identified and documented the use of asbestos in the dental profession. EP was created and followed the protocol in accordance with the EuropeAid Assessment Guidelines. As a result of this study, EP documented the common use and sources of asbestos in dentistry in prosthetic materials, dental dressings, and in the coating of casting cylinders. EP also created a consensus document on the priority measures for the Plan for the Prevention of Risks from Asbestos in Dentistry, based on previous reports from the European Commission Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee. The document concluded that obtainment of information, receiving specific training on the subject and performing epidemiological studies, and the proper risk assessments were the priority measures to adopt.
Flood Mitigation in Urban Areas through Deep Aquifer Recharge: The Case of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara
Authors: Vanegas-Espinosa Luis Ignacio , Vargas-del-Río David , Ochoa-Covarrubias Gabriela , Grindlay Alejandro Luis
Published: March 2022

The Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG) experiences water shortage and overexploitation of aquifers. In addition, it suffers from seasonal flooding that is channeled towards inadequate sanitary drainage, creating a strong negative environmental impact. These problems are rooted in the waterproofing of the urban surface. Many cities around the world have used deep injection wells to recover aquifers and remove surface waters. Certain geohydrological conditions are required for the implementation of these deep injection wells, deeper than 30 m, such as significant surface runoff, acceptable water quality for infiltration, considerable depth in the phreatic levels, and good subsoil permeability. All of these conditions exist in the MAG or could be achieved without significant investment. An assessment is presented exploring the viability for a solution based on this technology, as a strategy to recover aquifers and reduce flooding. The first step was to identify, through map algebra, a micro-basin suitable for this technology. Then, mean runoff volumes were obtained and a stratigraphic profile was carried out based on 19 standard penetration tests (SPT). With these data, a numerical simulation of deep injection wells of different dimensions was performed, providing recommendations for a solution based on these calculations. The results show that both problems can be solved with this relatively simple and cheap technology supporting public health.
10Vida: A Mental and Physical Health Intervention for Chronically Ill Adolescents and Their Caregivers in the Hospital Setting: An Open Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Rubio Pilar , Lacomba-Trejo Laura , Valero-Moreno Selene , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada , Pérez-Marín Marián
Published: March 2022

Suffering from a chronic disease (CD) in adolescence can significantly impact the emotional health of adolescents and their families. MHealth can be a useful tool for these groups. However, few intervention programmes include the family system. The aim is to design an intervention programme (10Vida) for a paediatric population with a CD, and their families, to improve their adaptation to the disease. The study is a quasi-experimental repeated measures design in a open study, where the patients themselves, and their families, are their own control group. Participants will receive an intervention of seven individual sessions: five sessions with each patient, and two sessions with their caregivers. In the case of the patients, the aim is to improve their emotional state, their self-esteem, and their emotional competencies, reducing their perceived threat of illness. Furthermore, in the case of the caregivers, the aim is to improve their emotional state and reduce their burden. Indirectly, working with caregivers and those being cared for will improve family ties. The pilot study will involve 25 to 30 chronically ill adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years and their primary caregivers. Following the results, the necessary modifications will be included, and the programme will be offered to adolescents and their families who are willing to participate.
Physical Activity Determinants in Older German Adults at Increased Dementia Risk with Multimorbidity: Baseline Results of the AgeWell.de Study
Authors: Cardona Maria Isabel , Weißenborn Marina , Zöllinger Isabel , Kroeber Eric Sven , Bauer Alexander , Luppa Melanie , Pabst Alexander , Czock David , König Hans-Helmut , Wiese Birgitt , Gensichen Jochen , Frese Thomas , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: March 2022

Background: Multimorbidity is a common issue in aging societies and is usually associated with dementia in older people. Physical activity (PA) may be a beneficial nonpharmacological strategy for patients with complex health needs. However, insufficient PA is predominant in this population. Thus, there is an evident need to expand the knowledge on potential determinants influencing PA engagement among elderly persons at risk of dementia and multimorbidity. Methods: We used baseline data from the multicenter, cluster-randomized controlled AgeWell.de study. The main aim was to describe PA engagement and identify potential PA determinants in a sample of community-dwelling Germans aged 60–77 years old with an increased risk of dementia and multimorbidity. Results: Of the 1030 included participants, approximately half (51.8%) engaged in PA ≥2 times/week for at least 30 min at baseline. We identified self-efficacy (beta = 0.202, (p < 0.001) and BMI (beta = −0.055, (p < 0.001) as potential PA determinants. Conclusions: The identified determinants, self-efficacy, and BMI are consistent with those reported in the literature. Specific knowledge on PA determinants and stages of change in persons with risk of dementia and multimorbidity might guide the development of effective future prevention measures and health services tailored to this population. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (reference number: DRKS00013555).
A Longitudinal Study on Mental Well-Being, Perceived Stress Level and Job-Related Meaningfulness of Austrian Telephone Emergency Service Counselors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Humer Elke , Pieh Christoph , Kisler Ida-Maria , Schimböck Wolfgang , Schadenhofer Petra
Published: March 2022

Telephone emergency service (TES) consultants have been challenged even more since the beginning of the pandemic. How the COVID-19 situation and the associated increasing demand for TES services affect the well-being and stress of TES counselors has not been assessed so far. This longitudinal study examined mental well-being (WHO-5), perceived stress level (PSS-10), and experienced job-related meaningfulness (CERES) of TES counselors at two measurement points during the pandemic. From December 2020 to January 2021 (t1), N = 374 counselors were recruited within the Austrian nationwide organization “TelefonSeelsorge”. From those, N = 108 also participated one year later at t2. Neither well-being nor perceived stress differed significantly between t1 and t2. There was a decrease in job-related meaningfulness (from 5.46 at t1 to 5.34 at t2; p < 0.001). The consultants identified loneliness and mental health as the most common problems of helpline callers at both measurement points. The results confirm a stable level of stress and well-being during the pandemic in TES consultants. However, they also show a slight decrease in perceived job-related meaningfulness. Well-being of counselors should be watched closely, as they are an important part of the psychosocial healthcare system.
Primary School Educators’ Perspectives and Experiences of Nature-Based Play and Learning and Its Benefits, Barriers, and Enablers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Miller Nicole C. , Kumar Saravana , Pearce Karma L. , Baldock Katherine L.
Published: March 2022

Nature-based play and learning is of increasing interest to primary schools and research suggests that it has many potential benefits for children’s health and development. However, little is known about educators’ perspectives and experiences of nature-based play and learning, particularly the barriers, benefits and enablers, despite their direct relevance to the uptake of nature-based play and learning in schools. A qualitative descriptive methodology was employed to uncover these. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 principals and educators from South Australian public primary schools, recruited via a participant contact list from a previous study. The participants were two principals, eight educators and two individuals with dual principal and educator positions. Metropolitan and rural schools were equally represented. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Analysis identified four overarching themes: the practice, perceived benefits, barriers and enablers of nature-based play and learning. Children’s learning, enjoyment, creativity, and a relaxed and flexible environment were clear benefits. Meanwhile educator knowledge and confidence and the crowded curriculum were barriers. Enablers were nature-based play and learning champions and support from school leadership. The findings suggest that schools can help engage students with nature-based play and learning activities by mitigating these barriers and promoting these enablers.
Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Dyslipidemia among Korean Adults: From the Korean National Environmental Health Survey, 2015–2017
Authors: Kim Do-won , Ock Jeongwon , Moon Kyong-Whan , Park Choong-Hee
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in Korea. Dyslipidemia, characterized by the presence of abnormal lipid levels, has been suggested as an early diagnostic and preventable factor for CVD. Recent studies have shown that exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) affects lipid metabolism. This study aimed to verify the association between heavy metal concentrations and serum lipid profiles in the general population. A representative sample of 2591 Korean adults from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015–2017) was analyzed. The associations between heavy metals [Blood Pb (BPb), blood Hg (BHg), urinary Hg (UHg), urinary Cd (UCd)] and serum lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C)] were assessed using regression analysis. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, the proportional changes in serum lipid levels were significantly associated with increases in BPb, BHg, and UHg levels (p for trend < 0.05). Overall, BPb, BHg, and Uhg levels positively correlated with dyslipidemia, whereas UCd levels did not show a significant association. Our results suggest that heavy metal exposure, at low levels, may contribute to an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia in Korean adults.
Pneumocystis Colonization in Dogs Is as in Humans
Authors: Danesi Patrizia , Petini Matteo , Falcaro Christian , Bertola Michela , Mazzotta Elisa , Furlanello Tommaso , Krockenberger Mark , Malik Richard
Published: March 2022

Pneumocystis is an atypical fungus that resides in the pulmonary parenchyma of many mammals, including humans and dogs. Immunocompetent human hosts are usually asymptomatically colonised or show subtle clinical signs, but some immunocompromised people can develop florid life-threatening Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Since much less is known concerning Pneumocystis in dogs, we posit the question: can Pneumocystis colonization be present in dogs with inflammatory airway or lung disease caused by other pathogens or disease processes? In this study, Pneumocystis DNA was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 22/255 dogs (9%) with respiratory distress and/or chronic cough. Although young dogs (<1 year-of-age) and pedigree breeds were more often Pneumocystis-qPCR positive than older dogs and crossbreds, adult dogs with other infectious conditions and/or a history of therapy-resistant pulmonary disease could also be qPCR-positive, including two patients with suppression of the immune system. Absence of pathognomonic clinical or radiographic signs render it impossible to convincingly discriminate between overt PCP versus other lung/airway disease processes colonised by P. canis. It is possible that colonisation with P. canis might play a certain role as a co-pathogen in some canine patients with lower respiratory disease.
Palliative Care in Older People with Multimorbidities: A Scoping Review on the Palliative Care Needs of Patients, Carers, and Health Professionals
Authors: Llop-Medina Laura , Fu Yu , Garcés-Ferrer Jorge , Doñate-Martínez Ascensión
Published: March 2022

Although numerous studies have been conducted previously on the needs of cancer patients at the end of their life, there is a lack of studies focused on older patients with non-oncological complex chronic multipathologies. Examining these needs would help to gain a greater understanding of the profile of this specific population within the palliative care (PC) pathway and how the health and care systems can address them. The aim of this review was to identify the needs influencing PC among older patients with multimorbidities, their relatives or informal caregivers, and the health professionals who provide care for these patients. A scoping literature review guided by the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was carried out with literature searched in the Medline, Embase, CINAHL, WoS, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases from 2009 to 2022. Eighty-one studies were included, demonstrating a great variety of unaddressed needs for PC among chronic older patients and the complexity in detecting those needs and how to refer them to PC pathways. This review also suggested a scarcity of tools and limited pathways for professionals to satisfy their needs for these patients and their families, who often felt ignored by the system. Substantial changes will be needed in health and care systems at the institutional level, providing more specialized PC environments and systematizing PC processes.
Work-Related Stress, Health Status, and Status of Health Apps Use in Korean Adult Workers
Authors: Hwang Won Ju , Kim Minjeong
Published: March 2022

Although health apps have been developed and utilized in many countries, there is no baseline study about what percentage of Korean workers use these types of health apps. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the work-related stress, health status, and utilization of health apps of Korean adult workers. This descriptive study included 95 adults in South Korea. Demographic variables, work-related stress, health status, and utilization of health apps were obtained using an online self-reported survey. Descriptive analyses were used to explore prevalence of each variable. This study found that almost 65% of the participants fell into the higher work-related stress group. About 41.6% of the participants in this sample evaluated their general health status as fair to poor with 26.8% being overweight to obese and 11.6% having hypertension. However, only about 33.7% of the sample have used health apps. Therefore, utilization of health apps as health and stress management tools should be encouraged at a public health level.
Rehabilitation Workforce Challenges to Implement Person-Centered Care
Authors: Fernandes Júlio Belo , Vareta Diana , Fernandes Sónia , Almeida Ana Silva , Peças Dina , Ferreira Noélia , Roldão Liliana
Published: March 2022

There is an increasing emphasis on developing person-centered care in rehabilitation settings. However, this care practice has not been fully implemented due to several factors. This study explores rehabilitation workforce perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centered care (PCC). This was a quantitative descriptive study, which was developed based on interviews with 12 healthcare professionals from a private institution in the region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley in Portugal. The recruitment was made in October 2020. Braun, Clarke, Hayfield, and Terry’s content analysis was applied to the transcripts, and these were transcribed verbatim. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist were applied to this study. Participants described barriers such as an unsupportive organization and leadership, staff constraints, heavy workload, and resistance to change. Unique to this study, a patient’s clinical characteristics were identified as barriers to person-centered care. As facilitators, they described leadership, staff satisfaction, a positive physical environment, training and education, and shared decision-making. It is essential to understand the perceptions of the rehabilitation workforce, as they play an integral role in providing PCC. This study serves as a guide to facilitate person-centered care, as it provides an understanding of key barriers and facilitators for its implementation in rehabilitation settings.
Natural Bioactives: Back to the Future in the Fight against Human Papillomavirus? A Narrative Review
Authors: Massa Silvia , Pagliarello Riccardo , Paolini Francesca , Venuti Aldo
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) still represents an important threat to health worldwide. Better therapy in terms of further improvement of outcomes and attenuation of related side-effects is desirable. The pharmaceutical industry has always targeted natural substances—phytochemicals in particular—to identify lead compounds to be clinically validated and industrially produced as antiviral and anticancer drugs. In the field of HPV, numerous naturally occurring bioactives and dietary phytochemicals have been investigated as potentially valuable in vitro and in vivo. Interference with several pathways and improvement of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents have been demonstrated. Notably, some clinical trials have been conducted. Despite being endowed with general safety, these natural substances are in urgent need of further assessment to foresee their clinical exploitation. This review summarizes the basic research efforts conducted so far in the study of anti-HPV properties of bio-actives with insights into their mechanisms of action and highlights the variety of their natural origin in order to provide comprehensive mapping throughout the different sources. The clinical studies available are reported, as well, to highlight the need of uniformity and consistency of studies in the future to select those natural compounds that may be suited to clinical application.
Mechanical Hyperalgesia but Not Forward Shoulder Posture Is Associated with Shoulder Pain in Volleyball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pecos-Martín Daniel , Patiño-Núñez Sergio , Quintero-Pérez Jessica , Cruz-Riesco Gema , Quevedo-Socas Cintia , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , Beltran-Alacreu Hector , Fernández-Carnero Josué
Published: March 2022

Shoulder antepulsion, altered scapular kinematics and imbalance of muscle activity are commonly associated with shoulder pain. This study aimed to observe if there is an association between the forward shoulder angle (FSA) and the pectoralis minor length index (PMI) in volleyball players with and without shoulder pain. Furthermore, this study observed if there is an association between shoulder posture and upper limb mechanical hyperalgesia in volleyball players with and without shoulder pain. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Physiotherapy and Pain Research Center in Alcalá de Henares (Spain). A total of 56 volleyball players met the inclusion criteria and agreed to enter the study. Subjects were divided into two groups: shoulder pain group (SPG) and control group (without pain). The following measurements of the dominant sides of the players were collected: FSA, PMI, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in serratus anterior, lower trapezius, infraspinatus, teres minor, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, pectoralis major, radial nerve, cubital nerve, and median nerve. Results: The Spearman’s Rho revealed no significant correlations were found between FSA and PMI. Moreover, Spearman’s Rho test revealed in the SPG a negative moderate correlation between FSA and Infraspinatus-PPT (Rho = −0.43; p = 0.02); FSA and levator scapulae-PPT (Rho = −0.55; p < 0.01); FSA and pectoralis major-PPT (Rho = −0.41; p = 0.02); PMI and cubital nerve-PPT (Rho = −0.44; p = 0.01). Conclusions: No association was found between the forward shoulder angle and the pectoralis minor index in volleyball players with and without shoulder pain. There is a moderate negative association between shoulder forward angle and muscle mechanical hyperalgesia in volleyball players with shoulder pain, but no such associations were found in volleyball players without shoulder pain. Treatment of the infraspinatus, levator scapulae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles could improve shoulder pain and ulnar nerve mechanosensitivity.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Previous Lobectomy or Partial Lung Resection: Long-Term Results of an International Multicenter Study
Authors: Demarchi Andrea , Conte Giulio , Chen Shih-Ann , Lo Li-Wei , Chen Wei-Tso , De Potter Tom , Geelen Peter , Sarkozy Andrea , Spera Francesco R. , Reichlin Tobias , Roten Laurent , Defaye Pascal , Carabelli Adrien , Boveda Serge , Bourenane Hamed , Riesinger Lisa , Kochhäuser Simon , Caixal Gala , Mont Lluis , Scherr Daniel , Manninger Martin , Pentimalli Francesco , Cornara Stefano , Klersy Catherine , Auricchio Angelo
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Data regarding the efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and patients’ previous history of pulmonary lobectomy/pneumonectomy are scanty. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and long-term follow-up of catheter ablation in this highly selected group of patients. Material and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (8 females, 40%; median age 65.2 years old) with a history of pneumonectomy/lobectomy and paroxysmal or persistent AF, treated by means of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) at ten participating centers were included. Procedural success, intra-procedural complications, and AF recurrences were considered. Results: Fifteen patients had a previous lobectomy and five patients had a complete pneumonectomy. A large proportion (65%) of PV stumps were electrically active and represented a source of firing in 20% of cases. PVI was performed by radiofrequency ablation in 13 patients (65%) and by cryoablation in the remaining 7 cases. Over a median follow up of 29.7 months, a total of 7 (33%) AF recurrences were recorded with neither a difference between patients treated with cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation or between the two genders. Conclusions: Catheter ablation by radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation in patients with pulmonary stumps is feasible and safe. Long-term outcomes are favorable, and a similar efficacy of catheter ablation has been noticed in both males and females.
Cooperative Design of Devices and Services to Balance Low Power and User Experience
Authors: Hoshino Takayuki , Yoshioka Rentaro , Kohira Yukihide , Tetsuka Shingo
Published: March 2022

CPS (Cyber Physical Systems) is an approach often adopted for improving real-world activities by utilizing data. It also can be used to improve customer experiences in service applications by analyzing customer behavior, captured by sensing devices and by supporting utilization of that data by the service providers, to improve the system. In developing such systems, no method has been established to systematically evaluate the impact of individual component design on the user experience. Knowledge Experience Design is a method for distilling and validating information that affects the quality of the user experience by focusing on user activities and underlying knowledge. This methodology has been applied to a system for a museum, in which visitor activities are observed by sensing devices, to aid the Curator’s awareness for improving museum services. As a result, a cooperative process for designing devices and user experience as a service was derived, in which competing interests of lower power consumption and user experience improvement have been attained. The proposed design method can be used for the co-design of systems that are built on the close coordination of hardware devices and software applications, for providing value-oriented services to users, which aids realization of CPS oriented to evaluating and improving such environments.
The technology of connecting rod recovery by combining electric spark treatment and cold gas dynamic powder spraying
Authors:   CCP ", Zadorozhnii R. N. ,   Nano-Center"
Published: March 2022

The results of studies mikrometrazhnyh repair fund crank engine JAMZ- 238, JAMZ-236 and Raba-MAN. We describe a new technology diesel engines of recovery of rods with an oblique slot-sm by combining the methods of electrical discharge machines and cold n-zodinamicheskogo spray powders. According to the results of experimental studies identified the physical and mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of fretting in the recovery of rods used coatings.
Design of a Customizable Preview Feature on Clothing Website
Authors:   Departemen Manajemen, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Soegoto Eddy Soeryanto , Hafidz Muhammad Ananta , Febiananda Rania ,   Departemen Teknik Informatika, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Maruli Daniel ,   Departemen Desain Komunikasi Visual, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2022

Clothing trends that always change over time, and the tight competition in the clothing business make producers have to rack their brains so that the business they run has additional points for consumers, ranging from changes in design, use of materials, colour selection to the promotion section. The purpose of this research is to create a custom clothing feature on the website that is useful for consumers who have a special desire for the clothes they want to buy. The research method used in this research is descriptive analysis with a quantitative approach. The results show that the addition of the Custom Clothing feature can provide better clothes ordering experience on a digital platform that can be accessed through each computer. The main concept of this feature is a choice of sizes and pieces of clothing that can be chosen without thinking about stock availability. In the end, this feature is here to help consumers who have a special desire for the clothes they want to buy, so that consumers who have special desires can have clothes from that brand without thinking about stock availabilityClothing trends that always change over time, and the tight competition in the clothing business make producers have to rack their brains so that the business they run has additional points for consumers, ranging from changes in design, use of materials, colour selection to the promotion section. The purpose of this research is to create a custom clothing feature on the website that is useful for consumers who have a special desire for the clothes they want to buy. The research method used in this research is descriptive analysis with a quantitative approach. The results show that the addition of the Custom Clothing feature can provide better clothes ordering experience on a digital platform that can be accessed through each computer. The main concept of this feature is a choice of sizes and pieces of clothing that can be chosen without thinking about stock availability. In the end, this feature is here to help consumers who have a special desire for the clothes they want to buy, so that consumers who have special desires can have clothes from that brand without thinking about stock availability
PAKPAK LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR APPLICATION INTO INDONESIAN USING ALGORITHM BOYER MOORE BASED ON ANDROID
Authors: Purba Khairani , Sianturi Charles Jhony Mantho , Sinaga Mikha Dayan , Sembiring Nita Sari , Ginting Erwing , Fauzi Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The lack of preservation is also the knowledge of the Pakpak Language in Indonesia, which causes the Pakpak Language to be less preserved, especially for young people who continue to keep abreast of the times. This causes the process of globalization and urbanization which causes assimilation and acculturation, especially in urban areas. This situation triggers a new language that is very popular, especially for young people who unconsciously, it makes us lose our identity as a society that has tribes and customs each – and the emergence of international and national schools that require students to speak foreign languages. Therefore, learning is needed to preserve Pakpak Language. By making a Pakpak to Indonesian translator application that uses the Android Based Boyer Moore algorithm. This translator application was made for the introduction of the PakpakLangugae to the wider community so that the sustainability of the Pakpak Language is maintained and this translator application can translate the Pakpak Language into Indonesian or vice versa based on the prevailing Pakpak – Indonesian dictionary.
How can we make Students Happier at School? Parental Pressure or Support for Academic Success, Educational Stress and School Happiness of Secondary School Students
Authors: Toraman Çetin , Aktan Osman , Korkmaz Gunes
Published: March 2022

The ongoing debate about if students’ lives are either positively or negatively affected by parental involvement in terms of support or pressure for their children academic success is still important. This study aims to determine the relationships between secondary school students’ gender, parents’ income, grade, parental pressure or support for students’ academic success, educational stress they experience, and their level of school happiness, and to examine the effect of parental pressure or support for academic success on the level of school happiness. The study was carried out with 1051 secondary school students in Düzce, Turkey. To collect data, three separate scales were used, and the data were analyzed using path analysis. The results revealed that happiness at school decreases as hopelessness versus expectation, workload, work pressure increase. On the other hand, happiness at school increases when the parental support for academic success increases. Female students are happier at school than male students. Educational stress leads the parents to put more pressure on their children for their academic success, which makes the school happiness lower. Although the parents support their children for their academic success, the level of happiness at school may decrease if they are under stress. Work pressure sustains the positive effect of parental support for academic success and has a positive impact on school happiness.
Factors Associated to The Use of Iodized Salt by Housewives in Kecamatan Mila Kabupaten Pidie in 2020
Authors: Ramadhaniah Ramadhaniah , Juwita Juwita , Ali Amin Fauzi , Hayuningtyas Afwa
Published: March 2022

To improve the nutritional quality of individuals and communities through improving consumption patterns, it could be obtained by the achievement of household nutrition indicators in Kecamatan Mila Kabupaten Pidie. The intensity of households consuming iodized salt has decreased by year in 2017 (51%), 2018 (44%), and 2019 (31%). This condition resulted in 10 person having disorders due to iodine deficiency, 9 of them suffering goiter and 1 person suffering thyroid disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with the use of iodized salt by housewives in Kecamatan Mila, Kabupaten Pidie in 2020. This study used a cross-sectional analysis method. The result showed that based on univariate analysis family knowledge and support were the most related variables with the use of iodized salt, while the health education variable (1.00) has no significant relationship with the use of iodized salt (p-value = 0.00).
Analisis Keputusan Multi Kriteria dalam Penentuan Rute Optimum sebagai Jalur Darurat dan Evakuasi Kebakaran Hutan di Taman Nasional Gunung Merbabu
Authors: Asbi Adnin Musadri , Siregar Diyanti Isnani
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini mengombinasikan pendekatan Analisis Keputusan Multi Kriteria dan Sistem Geografis Informasi dalam menentukan rute yang paling optimum sebagai jalur darurat dan evakuasi pada saat terjadi kebakaran hutan. Kawasan hutan di Taman Nasional Gunung Merbabu yang rawan terhadap kebakaran dipilih sebagai wilayah studi kasus. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam 4 tahapan yaitu analisis multi kriteria (tutupan lahan, kelerengan, dan jarak dari jalur), analsis daerah rawan kebakaran hutan, analisis rute alternatif menggunakan Least-Cost Path, evaluasi multi kriteria, dan analisis keputusan multi kriteria untuk menentukan rute optimum sebagai jalur darurat dan evakuasi kebakaran hutan. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa terdapat dua rute yang optimum untuk keadaan darurat (Rute Selo dan Alternatif 1) dan tiga rute dipilih sebagai rute evakuasi yang paling optimum (rute Cuntel, Wekas dan Alternatif 4).
Respons Pertumbuhan Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. terhadap Penambahan Pupuk Kandang dan Arang Bambu di Kebun Raya Institut Teknologi Sumatera
Authors: Jayani Faradila Mei , Juniarto Arief
Published: March 2022

The loss of biodiversity in Indonesia is triggered by a decline in forest area. Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) conducts the development of the ITERA Botanical Gardens having an important role as the ex-situ conservation of flora. Reforestation activities are carried out to support the vegetation development in the botanical garden. This activity have to concern in fertilizer needs and soil ameliorant, especially in soil characteristic of ITERA botanical garden. The aim of this research is to analyze combinations of manure and bamboo biochar having the abitily to increase optimal growth of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. in ITERA Botanical Garden. The experimental design used in this research was Completely Randomized Design. The addition of manure and bamboo biochar increased height, diameter, and number of leaves of A. cadamba. The addition of 3 kg manure and 100 g bamboo biochar (B3) was the best treatment to increased height, diameter, and number of leaves of A. cadamba during 12 weeks of observation.