bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Learners’ Conceptual Understanding of Introductory Group Theory Using the CI2GT: Development and Analysis of a Concept Inventory
Authors: Veith Joaquin Marc , Bitzenbauer Philipp , Girnat Boris
Published: May 2022

Prior research has shown how incorporating group theory into upper secondary school or undergraduate mathematics education may positively impact learners’ conceptual understanding of mathematics in general and algebraic concepts in particular. Despite a recently increasing number of empirical research into student learning of introductory group theory, the development of a concept inventory that allows for the valid assessment of a respective conceptual understanding constitutes a desideratum to date. In this article, we contribute to closing this gap: We present the development and evaluation of the Concept Inventory of Introductory Group Theory—the CI2GT. Its development is based on a modern mathematics education research perspective regarding students‘ conceptual mathematics understanding. For the evaluation of the CI2GT, we follow a contemporary conception of validity: We report on results from two consecutive studies to empirically justify that our concept inventory allows for a valid test score interpretation. On the one hand, we present N=9 experts‘ opinions on various aspects of our concept inventory. On the other hand, we administered the CI2GT to N=143 pre-service primary school teachers as a post-test after a two weeks course into introductory group theory. The data allow for a psychometric characterization of the instrument, both from classical and probabilistic test theory perspectives. It is shown that the CI2GT has good to excellent psychometric properties, and the data show a good fit to the Rasch model. This establishes a valuable new concept inventory for assessing students’ conceptual understanding of introductory group theory and, thus, may serve as a fruitful starting point for future research into student learning of abstract algebra.
Impact of Increased Penetration of Low-Carbon Technologies on Cable Lifetime Estimations
Authors: Jiang Xu , Corr Edward , Stephen Bruce , Stewart Brian G.
Published: May 2022

Cables are the largest assets by volume on power distribution networks and the assets with the least health information routinely gathered. Projections over the next 8 years suggest increased penetration of low-carbon technology (LCT) at the distribution level with higher loads resulting from electric vehicle (EV) and heat pump uptake. Over this period, increased cable loading will directly influence their lifetimes and may mean that existing asset management practices need to be revised to understand the specific impact on end-of-life assessment. Accordingly, this paper uses a physics-based thermal lifetime model based on projected uptake trends for LCTs to evaluate the impact on distribution cable lifetime. Two case studies are presented considering portions of network and the ultimate impact on asset life over the next decade. Two commonly used cables are considered to quantify the lifetime reduction caused by LCT for asset fleets. The paper shows that the projected uptake of EVs and heat pumps will have a detrimental effect on cable life with a 30% reduction in cable lifetime possible.
Copa-ICN: Improving Copa as a Congestion Control Algorithm in Information-Centric Networking
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Ni Hong , Han Rui
Published: May 2022

To fundamentally improve the efficiency of content distribution in the network, information-centric networking (ICN) has received extensive attention. However, the existence of a large number of IP facilities in the current network makes the smooth evolution of the network architecture a realistic requirement. The ICN architecture that separates the process of name resolution and message routing is widely accepted for its better compatibility with IP networks. In this architecture, the user first obtains the locator of the content replica node from the name resolution system (NRS) and then completes the data transmission through the locator. In data transmission, receiver-driven congestion control algorithms need to be studied. Therefore, we introduce the Copa algorithm into ICN and propose an improved Copa-ICN algorithm. Experiments show that the Copa-ICN algorithm has a high convergence speed and fairness, and when there is a transmission process in the opposite direction, it can still have a high throughput different from the original Copa algorithm.
Data Augmentation Based on Generative Adversarial Network with Mixed Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yang Yu , Sun Lei , Mao Xiuqing , Zhao Min
Published: May 2022

Some downstream tasks often require enough data for training in deep learning, but it is formidable to acquire data in some particular fields. Generative Adversarial Network has been extensively used in data augmentation. However, it still has problems of unstable training and low quality of generated images. This paper proposed Data Augmentation Based on Generative Adversarial Network with Mixed Attention Mechanism (MA-GAN) to solve those problems. This method can generate consistent objects or scenes by correlating the remote features in the image, thus improving the ability to create details. Firstly, the channel-attention and the self-attention mechanism are added into the generator and discriminator. Then, the spectral normalization is introduced into the generator and discriminator so that the parameter matrix satisfies the Lipschitz constraint, thus improving the stability of the model training process. By qualitative and quantitative evaluations on small-scale benchmarks (CelebA, MNIST, and CIFAR-10), the experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than other methods. Compared with WGAN-GP (Improved Training of Wasserstein GANs) and SAGAN (Self-Attention Generative Adversarial Networks), the proposed method contributes to higher classification accuracy, indicating that this method can effectively augment the data of small samples.
Development of a Single-Phase, Transient, Subchannel Code, within the MOOSE Multi-Physics Computational Framework
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Vasileios , Tano Mauricio E. , Ragusa Jean C.
Published: May 2022

Subchannel codes have been widely used for thermal-hydraulics analyses in nuclear reactors. This paper details the development of a novel subchannel code within the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Multi-physics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). MOOSE is a parallel computational framework targeted at the solution of systems of coupled, nonlinear partial differential equations, that often arise in the simulation of nuclear processes. As such, it includes codes/modules able to solve the multiple linear and nonlinear physics that describe a nuclear reactor, under normal operation conditions or accidents. This includes thermal-hydraulics, fuel performance, and neutronics codes, between others. A MOOSE-based subchannel code is a new addition to the fleet of INL-developed codes, based on the MOOSE framework. In this work, we present the derivation of the subchannel equations for a single-phase fluid, we proceed with the description of the algorithm that is used to solve these equations and describe how this algorithm was implemented within MOOSE. We also present how this code can be coupled to the BISON fuel performance code. Next, we verify the friction model and the turbulent mixing model. We calibrate the turbulent modeling parameters for momentum mixing and enthalpy mixing, CT,β. We validate the code using experimental results and last demonstrate the coupling capabilities using a simple example.
Low Resistance Hot-Spot Diagnosis and Suppression of Photovoltaic Module Based on I-U Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Ge Qiang , Li Zhenzhi , Sun Ziming , Xu Jin , Long Heng , Sun Tao
Published: May 2022

In the hot-spot fault of photovoltaic modules, there is a low resistance hot-spot fault caused by crystal defects, such as internal crack and PN junction failure. When the faulty area is partially shaded, it will produce severe temperature rise, accelerate the aging of battery unit, and even cause fire, which will affect the safe operation of the photovoltaic system. In this paper, the low resistance hot-spot fault endangering the safe operation of photovoltaic modules is taken as the research object; the shunt effect of equivalent low resistance caused by crystal defects under local shadow occlusion is explained by using the reverse characteristic of PN junctions of battery units, and its failure mechanism is analyzed. The three working states of the power generation system and the formation conditions of hot-spots in the process of power generation are analyzed in detail. By building a simulation model, the heating power distribution characteristics of hot-spots under different external local shadow occlusions are simulated, and finally, the fault characteristics and the fault diagnosis criterion of low resistance hot-spots are obtained. A control algorithm for low resistance hot-spot diagnosis and suppression based on I-U characteristic analysis is designed, and verified by simulation and experiment. The experimental results show that the control algorithm proposed in this paper can use the I-U characteristics of photovoltaic modules to determine whether there is a low resistance hot-spot fault, and carry out real-time control according to the judgment results. If it is judged that a low resistance hot-spot module is partially shaded, actively fixing the working point of the system near the safe voltage will protect the safety of the photovoltaic module. Otherwise, performing global MPPT will ensure the maximum power output of the system.
Influence of Flexible Generation Mode on the Stability of Hydropower Generation System: Stability Assessment of Part-Load Operation
Authors: Liu Gongcheng , Qiu Xudi , Ma Jiayi , Chen Diyi , Liang Xiao
Published: May 2022

Utilizing the flexibility of hydropower to integrate more intermittent renewable energy into the power grid requires hydro units to expand the operating range; this duty, however, requires a continuous improvement of their stability during part-load conditions. This study focuses on the stability performance of hydropower generation systems (HGS) during flexible operation. First, a dynamic model of HGS that reflects the characteristics of part-load conditions is established by introducing pressure pulsation in the draft tube. Second, the model of HGS is coupled with a shafting system to investigate the vibration property of the unit. Then, the validity of the coupling model is verified by comparing it with a traditional model and actual data. Finally, some possible ways to mitigate the instability caused by part-load operation are explored. The results show that part-load operation of the system is accompanied by significant dynamic response fluctuations (5%). Moreover, the interaction effect of multiple vibration sources and the vibration performance in a part-load condition are investigated. This paper is expected to provide support for improving the stability of HGS part-load operation and offer useful insights for exploiting the flexibility potential of HGS.
Insulation Degradation Analysis Due to Thermo-Mechanical Stress in Deep-Sea Oil-Filled Motors
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Rui , Fang Youtong , Lin Yuan
Published: May 2022

With the wide application of motors in deep sea exploration, deep-sea motors require a higher power density and a longer lifetime. Motor lifetime mainly depends on the thermo-mechanical stress (TMS) load on its stator insulation. Unlike normal motors, deep-sea motors are usually filled with oil to compensate for the high pressure generated by seawater, which leads to high additional viscous drag loss. This, combined with the high pressure, will greatly change the TMS distribution and further influence motor insulation lifetime. Thus, the insulation degradation analysis of deep-sea oil-filled (DSOF) motors due to TMS has become important. This paper presents a TMS analytical model of DSOF motor insulation, considering the joint effects of high pressure and motor temperature. The CFD method is adopted to perform motor thermal analysis, considering temperature effects on viscous drag loss. The FEA method is adopted for thermo-mechanical analysis and to verify the analytical model accuracy. Rainflow counting and the Miner fatigue method are adopted to evaluate motor lifetime. Results show that compared with motors working in normal environments, TMS on DSOF motor insulation can be reduced by up to 59.5% due to high pressure and the insulation lifetime can be increased by up to 16.02%. Therefore, this research can provide references for high power density DSOF motor design.
Responsible Knowledge Management in Energy Data Ecosystems
Authors: Janev Valentina , Vidal Maria-Esther , Pujić Dea , Popadić Dušan , Iglesias Enrique , Sakor Ahmad , Čampa Andrej
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes the challenges and requirements of establishing energy data ecosystems (EDEs) as data-driven infrastructures that overcome the limitations of currently fragmented energy applications. It proposes a new data- and knowledge-driven approach for management and processing. This approach aims to extend the analytics services portfolio of various energy stakeholders and achieve two-way flows of electricity and information for optimized generation, distribution, and electricity consumption. The approach is based on semantic technologies to create knowledge-based systems that will aid machines in integrating and processing resources contextually and intelligently. Thus, a paradigm shift in the energy data value chain is proposed towards transparency and the responsible management of data and knowledge exchanged by the various stakeholders of an energy data space. The approach can contribute to innovative energy management and the adoption of new business models in future energy data spaces.
Study on the Combined Mining Scheme for Coal Resources under High-Voltage Pylons and the Reinforcement for Pylons
Authors: Liu Hongyang , Du Mingrui , Zhang Boyang , Lin Zhibin , Liu Chengwei , Wang Feng
Published: May 2022

The increasing use of high-voltage transmission wires requires more and more high-voltage pylons, and sometimes, constructing pylons in mining areas is very urgent. To ensure the safe operation of pylons, coal pillars with large side lengths are usually used to provide sufficient support; however, this results in a huge waste of coal. Eight high-voltage pylons are arranged on the ground surface corresponding to the location of working face 1110 of Sima Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, China, which cannot be mined by traditional methods. Taking this as the engineering background, the failure mode of high-voltage pylon is first analyzed. Using FLAC3D numerical simulations, the influence of five different mining plans on ground surface deformation in working face 1110 is evaluated, and the vertical settlement and horizontal deformation in different areas of the ground surface, as well as the variation law of horizontal strain and slope are analyzed. According to the numerical simulation results, the range of thickness-limiting mining or backfill mining in working face 1110 is shown in scheme 3, and the key regions in the mining process are determined. Secondly, the strengthening scheme of high-voltage pylons is designed, that is, the four foundations of high-voltage pylons are connected as a whole with steel supports and steel connectors so as to improve the structural strength of the high-voltage pylon. Finally, the position change in the foundation of high-voltage pylons was monitored for 22 consecutive months. The results show that the maximum settlement of the high-voltage tower foundation is 3.1 m, which is consistent with the actual mining thickness; The high-voltage pylon was stably moved, and the change in transmission line tension and total length was usually less than 1.0%. The combined mining scheme and foundation strengthening scheme can ensure the safe operation of high-voltage pylons and provide a new method for the stability control of ground buildings in coal mining subsidence area.
Responses of Microstructure, Ultrastructure and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity to PEG-Induced Drought Stress in Cyclocarya paliurus Seedlings
Authors: Li Chenhui , Wan Yifeng , Shang Xulan , Fang Shengzuo
Published: May 2022

Drought is one of the most important abiotic constraints on agricultural productivity, while global warming leads to the occurrence of more frequent drought events. Cyclocarya paliurus is a multiple-function tree species with medicinal value and timber production, but no information is available on its drought tolerance. In this hydroponic experiment, variations in leaf anatomical morphology, chloroplast ultrastructure, stomatal characteristics, and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated under six levels of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG)-induced drought treatments to assess the drought adaption and physiological response of C. paliurus seedlings. The results showed that PEG-induced drought treatments reduced leaf epidermis, spongy tissue, leaf vein diameter, and spongy ratio, whereas the ratio of palisade tissue to spongy tissue, cell tense ratio, and vein protuberant degree all increased with enhancing the PEG6000 concentrations. Significant differences in stomatal width, stomatal aperture, and stomatal density existed among the treatments (p < 0.01). The stomatal aperture decreased significantly with the increase in PEG6000 concentrations, whereas the greatest stomatal density was observed in the 15% PEG6000 treatment. Compared with the control, higher drought stresses (20% and 25% PEG concentrations) caused damage at the cellular level and chloroplast lysis occurred. PEG6000 treatments also promoted the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in C. paliurus seedlings, but this increase was insufficient to deal with the membrane lipid peroxidative damage under the high PEG concentrations. Correlation analysis indicated that in most cases there were significant relationships between leaf anatomical characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results suggested that C. paliurus seedlings would not survive well when the PEG6000 concentration was over 15% (equal to soil water potential of −0.30 MPa).
Modeling Optimal Forest Rotation Age for Carbon Sequestration in the Great Khingan Mountains of Northeast China
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Luo Tao , Li Shuzhen , Liu Bin
Published: May 2022

The growing concern about climate change has led to the rise of carbon cycle research. Forest cutting planning affects the carbon cycle due to the carbon sequestration function of forests. In this work, we propose a planning model for determining the regeneration cutting age of forests to optimize carbon sequestration and improving the associated economic and ecological benefits. We first built a model based on the carbon sequestration consumption of forest products and forest carbon sequestration to predict the change in forest carbon sequestration over time. The accuracy of the model was verified with forest data from the Great Khingan mountains. Furthermore, we added in economic and ecological factors to build an improved model, which was also applied to the Great Khingan forest. The improved regeneration cutting ages were calculated as 65, 134, 123, 111 and 73 years for white birch, larch, Scots pine, oak, and poplar trees for natural forests, whereas the ages were 34, 65, 64, 77 and 37 years for planted forests, respectively. It can be predicted that the total carbon sequestration in the Great Khingan forests will accumulate to 974.80 million tons after 100 years. The results of this study can provide useful guidance for local governments to develop a sustainable timeline for forest harvesting to optimize carbon sequestration and improve the associated economic and ecological benefits.
A Meta-Analysis of Essential Oils Use for Beef Cattle Feed: Rumen Fermentation, Blood Metabolites, Meat Quality, Performance and, Environmental and Economic Impact
Authors: Orzuna-Orzuna José Felipe , Dorantes-Iturbide Griselda , Lara-Bueno Alejandro , Miranda-Romero Luis Alberto , Mendoza-Martínez Germán David , Santiago-Figueroa Itzel
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) affected rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, growth performance and meat quality of beef cattle through a meta-analysis. In addition, a simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of EOs on the economic and environmental impact of beef production. Data were extracted from 34 peer-reviewed studies and analyzed using random-effects statistical models to assess the weighted mean difference (WMD) between control and EOs treatments. Dietary supplementation of EOs increased (p < 0.01) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.209 kg/d), final body weight (WMD = 12.843 kg), daily weight gain (WMD = 0.087 kg/d), feed efficiency (WMD = 0.004 kg/kg), hot carcass weight (WMD = 5.45 kg), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (WMD = 3.48 cm2). Lower (p < 0.05) ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen (WMD = −1.18 mg/dL), acetate (WMD = −4.37 mol/100 mol) and total protozoa (WMD = −2.17 × 105/mL), and higher concentration of propionate (WMD = 0.878 mol/100 mol, p < 0.001) were observed in response to EOs supplementation. Serum urea concentration (WMD = −1.35 mg/dL, p = 0.026) and haptoglobin (WMD = −39.67 μg/mL, p = 0.031) were lower in cattle supplemented with EOs. In meat, EOs supplementation reduced (p < 0.001) cooking loss (WMD = −61.765 g/kg), shear force (WMD = −0.211 kgf/cm2), and malondialdehyde content (WMD = −0.040 mg/kg), but did not affect pH, color (L* a* and b*), or chemical composition (p > 0.05). Simulation analysis showed that EOs increased economic income by 1.44% and reduced the environmental footprint by 0.83%. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of EOs improves productive performance and rumen fermentation, while increasing the economic profitability and reducing the environmental impact of beef cattle. In addition, supplementation with EOs improves beef tenderness and oxidative stability.
Multisystem Proteinopathy Due to VCP Mutations: A Review of Clinical Heterogeneity and Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: Pfeffer Gerald , Lee Grace , Pontifex Carly S. , Fanganiello Roberto D. , Peck Allison , Weihl Conrad C. , Kimonis Virginia
Published: May 2022

In this work, we review clinical features and genetic diagnosis of diseases caused by mutations in the gene encoding valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97), the functionally diverse AAA-ATPase. VCP is crucial to a multitude of cellular functions including protein quality control, stress granule formation and clearance, and genomic integrity functions, among others. Pathogenic mutations in VCP cause multisystem proteinopathy (VCP-MSP), an autosomal dominant, adult-onset disorder causing dysfunction in several tissue types. It can result in complex neurodegenerative conditions including inclusion body myopathy, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or combinations of these. There is also an association with other neurodegenerative phenotypes such as Alzheimer-type dementia and Parkinsonism. Non-neurological presentations include Paget disease of bone and may also include cardiac dysfunction. We provide a detailed discussion of genotype-phenotype correlations, recommendations for genetic diagnosis, and genetic counselling implications of VCP-MSP.
Discovery of the New Leaf Rust Resistance Gene Lr82 in Wheat: Molecular Mapping and Marker Development
Authors: Bariana Harbans S. , Babu Prashanth , Forrest Kerrie L. , Park Robert F. , Bansal Urmil K.
Published: May 2022

Breeding for leaf rust resistance has been successful worldwide and is underpinned by the discovery and characterisation of genetically diverse sources of resistance. An English scientist, Arthur Watkins, collected pre-Green Revolution wheat genotypes from 33 locations worldwide in the early part of the 20th Century and this collection is now referred to as the ‘Watkins Collection’. A common wheat genotype, Aus27352 from Yugoslavia, showed resistance to currently predominating Australian pathotypes of the wheat leaf rust pathogen. We crossed Aus27352 with a leaf rust susceptible wheat selection Avocet S and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) F6 population of 200 lines was generated. Initial screening at F3 generation showed monogenic segregation for seedling response to leaf rust in Aus27352. These results were confirmed by screening the Aus27352/Avocet S RIL population. The underlying locus was temporarily named LrAW2. Bulked segregant analysis using the 90K Infinium SNP array located LrAW2 in the long arm of chromosome 2B. Tests with molecular markers linked to two leaf rust resistance genes, Lr50 and Lr58, previously located in chromosome 2B, indicated the uniqueness of LrAW2 and it was formally designated Lr82. Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays were developed for Lr82-linked SNPs. KASP_22131 mapped 0.8 cM proximal to Lr82 and KASP_11333 was placed 1.2 cM distal to this locus. KASP_22131 showed 91% polymorphism among a set of 89 Australian wheat cultivars. We recommend the use of KASP_22131 for marker assisted pyramiding of Lr82 in breeding programs following polymorphism check on parents.
Associations of Sex Steroids and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based Study and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Mou Yuchan , Aribas Elif , Amiri Masoud , Nano Jana , Bramer Wichor M. , Kavousi Maryam , de Knegt Robert J. , Asllanaj Eralda , Ghanbari Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Background: Prior studies have reported inconsistent results or less well-explored associations between sex hormones and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we aimed to investigate the associations of NAFLD with sex steroids and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the population-based study and conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of all published observational studies. Methods: Analyses included 755 men and 1109 women with available data on sex steroids, SHBG, and ultrasound-based NAFLD from the Rotterdam Study. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations. Additionally, we searched five databases from inception to 1 April 2022 and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) method was used for meta-analysis, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the effect estimate, subgroup and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted, and meta-regression was performed to explore the pooled statistics with high heterogeneity. Results: In the Rotterdam Study, lower levels of SHBG were associated with NAFLD in both sexes, while lower testosterone was associated with NAFLD only among women. Similarly, the meta-analysis of 16 studies indicated no sex-specific association between SHBG and NAFLD (men: OR = 0.37, 95%CI 0.21–0.53; women: OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.21–0.60), yet there was a sex-specific association between testosterone and NAFLD (men: OR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.42–0.76; women: OR = 1.06, 95%CI 0.68–1.44). Moreover, men with NAFLD had lower estradiol levels than those without NAFLD. Conclusions: Lower SHBG levels were associated with NAFLD in both sexes, but testosterone levels were associated in a sex-specific manner. In addition, our results showed estradiol with the potential as a protective factor for NAFLD in healthy men.
Adult Inpatients’ Perceptions of Their Fall Risk: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dabkowski Elissa , Cooper Simon , Duncan Jhodie R. , Missen Karen
Published: May 2022

Patient falls in hospitals continue to be a global concern due to the poor health outcomes and costs that can occur. A large number of falls in hospitals are unwitnessed and mostly occur due to patient behaviours and not seeking assistance. Understanding these patient behaviours may help to direct fall prevention strategies, with evidence suggesting the need to integrate patients’ perspectives into fall management. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the extent of the literature about patients’ perceptions and experiences of their fall risk in hospital and/or of falling in hospital. This review was conducted using a five-stage methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O’Malley. A total of nine databases were searched using key search terms such as “fall*”, “perception” and “hospital.” International peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched between the years 2011 and 2021. A total of 41 articles, ranging in study design, met the inclusion criteria. After reporting on the article demographics and fall perception constructs and measures, the qualitative and quantitative findings were organised into five domains: Fall Risk Perception Measures, Patients’ Perceptions of Fall Risk, Patients’ Perceptions of Falling in Hospital, Patients’ Fear of Falling and Barriers to Fall Prevention in Hospital. Approximately two-thirds of study participants did not accurately identify their fall risk compared to that defined by a health professional. This demonstrates the importance of partnering with patients and obtaining their insights on their perceived fall risk, as this may help to inform fall management and care. This review identified further areas for research that may help to inform fall prevention in a hospital setting, including the need for further research into fall risk perception measures.
Analysis of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Incidence of Hysterectomy Using Data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Ouh Yung-Taek , Min Kyung-Jin , Lee Sanghoon , Hong Jin-Hwa , Song Jae Yun , Lee Jae-Kwan , Lee Nak Woo
Published: May 2022

Hysterectomy remains a frequent gynecologic surgery, although its rates have been decreasing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether socioeconomic status affected the risk of hysterectomy in Korean women. This prospective cohort study used epidemiologic data from 2001 to 2016, from the Korean Genomic and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between household income or education level and hysterectomy. Among 5272 Korean women aged 40–69 years, 720 who had a hysterectomy and 4552 controls were selected. Variable factors were adjusted using logistic regression analysis (adjusted model). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for insurance type and hysterectomy were not statistically significant. The aOR was 1.479 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018–2.146, p < 0.05) for women with education of high school or lower compared to college or higher. Women whose monthly household income was <KRW 4,000,000 had a higher risk of undergoing hysterectomy than women whose monthly household income was ≥KRW 4,000,000 (aOR: 2.193, 95% CI: 1.639–2.933, p < 0.001). Overall, the present study elucidated that lower socioeconomic status could increase the incidence of hysterectomy. Our results indicate that the implementation of stratified preventive strategies for uterine disease in those with low education and low income could be beneficial.
The Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaysian Food Truck Vendors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wan Nawawi Wan Nor Fatihah , Ramoo Vimala , Chong Mei Chan , Zaini Noor Hanita , Chui Ping Lei , Abdul Mulud Zamzaliza
Published: May 2022

Foodborne diseases are one of the greatest public health threats, but they can be prevented by maintaining food safety practices. Although the food safety literature has been awash with studies from various food operations, there is very limited information on food safety in the food truck business. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to food safety among food truck vendors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 Malaysian food truck vendors using convenience sampling. Data was collected during the Recovery Movement Control Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic through a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings indicated that food truck vendors generally have fair knowledge (M = 78.8, SD = 9.09), a positive attitude (M = 94.8, SD = 5.95), and good practices (M = 84.7, SD = 6.62) regarding food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hierarchical regression analysis further showed that food truck vendors’ level of education and knowledge of food safety are significant predictors of their food safety practices. This study provides an initial understanding of the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food truck vendors and yields important information in promoting the food safety culture.
Biotransforming the Spent Substrate of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes Berk.): A Synergistic Approach to Biogas Production and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fertilization
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Eid Ebrahem M. , Taher Mostafa A. , El-Morsy Mohamed H. E. , Osman Hanan E. M. , Al-Bakre Dhafer A. , Adelodun Bashir , Abou Fayssal Sami , Goala Madhumita , Mioč Boro , Držaić Valentino , Ajibade Fidelis O. , Choi Kyung Sook , Kumar Vinod , Širić Ivan
Published: May 2022

Agro-wastes, such as crop residues, leaf litter, and sawdust, are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, and consequently a major concern for climate change. Nowadays, mushroom cultivation has appeared as an emerging agribusiness that helps in the sustainable management of agro-wastes. However, partial utilization of agro-wastes by mushrooms results in the generation of a significant quantity of spent mushroom substrates (SMS) that have continued to become an environmental problem. In particular, Shiitake (Lentinula edodes Berk.) mushrooms can be grown on different types of agro-wastes and also generate a considerable amount of SMS. Therefore, this study investigates the biotransformation of SMS obtained after Shiitake mushroom cultivation into biogas and attendant utilization of slurry digestate (SD) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop fertilization. Biogas production experiments were conducted anaerobically using four treatments of SMS, i.e., 0% (control), 25, 50, and 75% inoculated with a proportional amount of cow dung (CD) as inoculum. The results on biogas production revealed that SMS 50% treatment yielded the highest biogas volume (8834 mL or 11.93 mL/g of organic carbon) and methane contents (61%) along with maximum reduction of physicochemical and proximate parameters of slurry. Furthermore, the biogas digestate from 50% treatment further helped to increase the seed germination (93.25%), seedling length (9.2 cm), seedling root length (4.19 cm), plant height (53.10 cm), chlorophyll content (3.38 mg/g), total yield (1.86 kg/plant), flavonoids (5.06 mg/g), phenolics (2.78 mg/g), and tannin (3.40 mg/g) contents of tomato significantly (p < 0.05) in the 10% loading rate. The findings of this study suggest sustainable upcycling of SMS inspired by a circular economy approach through synergistic production of bioenergy and secondary fruit crops, which could potentially contribute to minimize the carbon footprints of the mushroom production sector.
Effects of Social Isolation Measures Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic on Occupational Balance, Participation, and Activities’ Satisfaction in the Spanish Population
Authors: Rodríguez-Rivas Cristina , Camacho-Montaño Lucia Rocío , García-Bravo Cristina , García-de-Miguel María , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta , Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of social and health chaos. Our main aim in this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational balance in the Spanish population, one year post the beginning of the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period. Data were collected among the Spanish population over 18 years of age by the Occupational Balance Questionnaire online survey; questions about satisfaction and performance of activities, and on the modification of routine and habits were asked. A total of 300 participants were included; 55.3% were female, with a mean age of 41.39 years. Significantly greater occupational imbalance was found in 1-year-post-confinement period of pandemic, as well as an increase in the difficulty of performance and a decrease in satisfaction with it. A greater number of the sample had modified their routines (p < 0.01), lost habits (p < 0.01), and did not resume habits (p < 0.01). In the analysis by age groups, differences were found in the variables related to habits and occupational balance. The social restriction measures negatively impacted occupational balance in the Spanish population. There was a decrease in occupational participation, increased difficulty in performance, decreased satisfaction in occupational performance, and modification of habits and routines.
Mechanism of Response of Watershed Water Quality to Agriculture Land-Use Changes in a Typical Fuel Ethanol Raw Material Planting Area—A Case Study on Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Cui Guannan , Bai Xinyu , Wang Pengfei , Wang Haitao , Wang Shiyu , Dong Liming
Published: May 2022

Speeding up the promotion and application of biofuel ethanol has been a national strategy in China, which in turn has affected changes in the raw material planting structure. This study analyzed the response mechanism of water quality to agriculture land-use changes in a cassava fuel ethanol raw material planting area. The results revealed that an increase in cultivated land and construction land would lead to a rise in the load of TN (total nitrogen) and TP (total phosphorus), while an expansion in forest land and grassland area would reduce the load. As for crop structures, corn would have a remarkable positive impact on TN and TP, while rice and cassava performed in an opposite manner. Furthermore, scenarios under the carbon neutralization policy were carried out to forecast the nonpoint source pollutants based on the quantitative relations coefficients. It was proven that cassava planting was suitable for vigorous fuel ethanol development, but the maximum increase area of cassava should be 126 km2 to ensure economic benefits. Under the change in fuel ethanol policy, this study could provide scientific support for local agriculture land-use management in realizing the carbon neutralization vision and also set a good example for the development of the cassava fuel ethanol industry in other cassava-planting countries.
COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Campaign in a Research and University Hospital in Milan, Italy
Authors: Lecce Maurizio , Biganzoli Giacomo , Agnello Luca , Belisario Ignazio , Cicconi Giovanni , D’Amico Marilena , De Giorgi Francesca , Ferilli Angelo , Ferraguzzi Gaia , Guzzardi Fabio , Lanzillotti Danilo , Lattanzio Roberta , Marrocu Chiara , Noto Maria Emanuela , Piccinelli Sara , Sabatelli Noemi , Santisteban Sheila , Sharma Sudwaric , Tognaccini Livia , Castaldi Silvana
Published: May 2022

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a historical key target of influenza vaccination programs. For the 2021–2022 season, WHO considered the coadministration of a flu and a COVID-19 vaccine as acceptable and recommended it to allow for higher uptake of both vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate demographic and occupational features of vaccinated HCWs, reasons behind flu vaccine acceptance and a possible effect of the coadministration of a COVID-19 vaccine, in order to potentially draw general conclusions on HCWs’ attitude towards flu vaccination and inform further strategies for consistent improvement of vaccine acceptance. Methods: a promotional and educational campaign, a gaming strategy, and vaccination delivery through both a large central hub and on-site ambulatories, were the implemented strategies. In the central hub, the flu/COVID-19 vaccine coadministration was offered. Statistical descriptive analysis, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and logistic regression models were performed. Results: 2381 HCWs received the flu vaccine, prompting a vaccination coverage rate (VCR) of 52.0% versus 43.1% in the 2020–2021 campaign. Furthermore, 50.6% vaccinated HCWs belonged to the 18–39 years-old age group. The most expressed reasons for vaccine uptake were “Vaccination is the most effective strategy of prevention” (n = 1928, 81.0%), “As HCW it’s my duty to get vaccinated to protect my patients” (n = 766, 32.2%), and the group of COVID-19-related reasons (n = 586, 24.6%). In addition, 23.3% HCWs received the flu vaccine in the current campaign but not in the previous one (newly vaccinated) and the flu/COVID-19 vaccine coadministration was more frequent in this group. A total of 51.0% HCWs were hesitant towards the coadministration, while residents and nurses showed the highest propensity to receive it. Conclusions: in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fondazione’s influenza VCR continued to increase, with the greatest participation among HCWs aged 18–39 years. A potential propelling role of the COVID-19 vaccine coadministration was highlighted.
Patient Expectations: Searching Websites on How to Apply to Access Medical Records
Authors: Nicol Kay , Lehman Kim , Carlini Joan , Tori Kathleen , Butler-Henderson Kerryn
Published: May 2022

Patients who want to know how to access their medical records from a health organization’s website have certain expectations about what must be included to assist in this process. The purpose of this article is to detail patient expectations of a health care organization website when searching for information on how to apply for access to their medical records. Using expectation confirmation theory, a survey was developed to ask patients, as consumers of health care, about their expectations when accessing websites. The results revealed that patients want websites to be safe and secure and have help available if there are questions about the website or search functionality. In order to improve the patient experience, health care providers need to understand these expectations from the patient perspective about this information-seeking exercise.
Design of a Fuzzy Logic Evaluation to Determine the Ergonomic Risk Level of Manual Material Handling Tasks
Authors: Contreras-Valenzuela Martha Roselia , Seuret-Jiménez Diego , Hdz-Jasso Ana María , León Hernández Viridiana Aydeé , Abundes-Recilla Alma Nataly , Trutié-Carrero Eduardo
Published: May 2022

In this work, we propose a fuzzy inference as a decision support system built in the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Designer for evaluating manual material handling risk conditions. The input variables for the fuzzy decision were: (1) the total time duration of the manual material handling in one shift of 450 min, with 3 h considered the maximal exposition time; (2) 25 kg as a maximal mass reference which should never be exceeded; (3) the repetitiveness of the manual material handling task through the shift considering as the maximal frequency of four lifts per min. Results of 135 earlier direct ergonomic evaluations made using the method proposed by the ISO 11228-1 were used as validator results, and called “expected results”. The experimentation intended to simulate an ergonomic evaluation in different boundary conditions of work and verify if the fuzzy interface could correctly replicate the results of the ergonomic evaluations. As validation, the list with the 135 expected results was compared against the evaluation made by the fuzzy logic interface, called “Work_Conditions”. From the comparison, only three evaluations (0.02%) differed with respect to the expected results. Consequently, it is concluded that the fuzzy interface can be used as a tool for automating the determination of manual material handling ergonomic risk levels, with great precision.
The Relationship between 9/11 Exposure, Systemic Autoimmune Disease, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Mediational Analysis
Authors: Brite Jennifer , Miller-Archie Sara A. , Cone James
Published: May 2022

The relationship between 9/11 exposure, systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) and mental health remains poorly understood. This report builds on a prior analysis of World Trade Center Health Registry data to determine whether 9/11 exposure is associated with higher risk of SAD, and if so, whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mediating factor and whether the association varies by responder/community member status. The final analytic sample comprised 41,656 enrollees with 123 cases of SAD diagnosed post 9/11 through November 2017. SAD diagnosis was ascertained from survey responses and confirmed by medical record review or physician survey. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationship between 9/11 exposure and PTSD and SAD. Causal mediation analysis was used to determine the mediational effect of PTSD. Each analysis was stratified by 9/11 responder/community member status. Rheumatoid arthritis (n = 75) was the most frequent SAD, followed by Sjögren’s syndrome (n = 23), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 20), myositis (n = 9), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 7), and scleroderma (n = 4). In the pooled cohort, those with 9/11-related PTSD had 1.85 times the odds (95% CI: 1.21–2.78) of SAD. Among responders, those with dust cloud exposure had almost twice the odds of SAD, while among community members, those with 9/11-related PTSD had 2.5 times the odds of SAD (95% CI: 1.39, 4.39). PTSD was not a significant mediator. Although emerging evidence suggests 9/11 exposure may be associated with SAD, more research is needed, particularly using pooled data sources from other 9/11-exposed cohorts, to fully characterize this relationship.
Trends of the Prevalence of Pre-gestational Diabetes in 2030 and 2050 in Belgrade Cohort
Authors: Dugalic Stefan , Petronijevic Milos , Vasiljevic Brankica , Todorovic Jovana , Stanisavljevic Dejana , Jotic Aleksandra , Lukic Ljiljana , Milicic Tanja , Lalić Nebojsa , Lalic Katarina , Stoiljkovic Milica , Terzic-Supic Zorica , Stanisavljevic Tamara , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Stefanovic Katarina , Vrzic-Petronijevic Svetlana , Macura Maja , Pantic Igor , Piperac Pavle , Jovanovic Marija , Cerovic Radmila , Djurasevic Sinisa , Babic Sandra , Perkovic-Kepeci Sonja , Gojnic Miroslava
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in diabetes in pregnancy in Belgrade, Serbia for the period of the past decade and forecast the number of women with pre-gestational diabetes for the years 2030 and 2050. The study included the data on all pregnant women with diabetes from the registry of the deliveries in Belgrade, by the City Institute of Public Health of Belgrade, Serbia for the period between 2010 and 2020 and the published data on the deliveries on the territory of Belgrade. During the examined period the total number of live births in Belgrade was 196,987, and the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy was 3.4%, with the total prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes of 0.7% and overall prevalence of GDM of 2.7%. The average age of women in our study was significantly lower in 2010 compared to 2020. The forecasted prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes among all pregnant women for 2030 is 2% and 4% for 2050 in our cohort. Our study showed that the prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes has increased both among all pregnant women and among women with diabetes in pregnancy in the past decade in Belgrade, Serbia and that it is expected to increase further in the next decades and to further double by 2050.