bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Approximations of the Jeffreys Divergence between Univariate Gaussian Mixtures via Mixture Conversions to Exponential-Polynomial Distributions
Authors: Nielsen Frank
Published: October 2021

The Jeffreys divergence is a renown arithmetic symmetrization of the oriented Kullback–Leibler divergence broadly used in information sciences. Since the Jeffreys divergence between Gaussian mixture models is not available in closed-form, various techniques with advantages and disadvantages have been proposed in the literature to either estimate, approximate, or lower and upper bound this divergence. In this paper, we propose a simple yet fast heuristic to approximate the Jeffreys divergence between two univariate Gaussian mixtures with arbitrary number of components. Our heuristic relies on converting the mixtures into pairs of dually parameterized probability densities belonging to an exponential-polynomial family. To measure with a closed-form formula the goodness of fit between a Gaussian mixture and an exponential-polynomial density approximating it, we generalize the Hyvärinen divergence to α-Hyvärinen divergences. In particular, the 2-Hyvärinen divergence allows us to perform model selection by choosing the order of the exponential-polynomial densities used to approximate the mixtures. We experimentally demonstrate that our heuristic to approximate the Jeffreys divergence between mixtures improves over the computational time of stochastic Monte Carlo estimations by several orders of magnitude while approximating the Jeffreys divergence reasonably well, especially when the mixtures have a very small number of modes.
Affective Saturation Index: A Lexical Measure of Affect
Authors: Gennaro Alessandro , Carola Valeria , Ottaviani Cristina , Pesca Chiara , Palmieri Arianna , Salvatore Sergio
Published: October 2021

Affect plays a major role in the individual’s daily life, driving the sensemaking of experience, psychopathological conditions, social representations of phenomena, and ways of coping with others. The characteristics of affect have been traditionally investigated through physiological, self-report, and behavioral measures. The present article proposes a text-based measure to detect affect intensity: the Affective Saturation Index (ASI). The ASI rationale and the conceptualization of affect are overviewed, and an initial validation study on the ASI’s convergent and concurrent validity is presented. Forty individuals completed a non-clinical semi-structured interview. For each interview transcript, the ASI was esteemed and compared to the individual’s physiological index of propensity to affective arousal (measured by heart rate variability (HRV)); transcript semantic complexity (measured through the Semantic Entropy Index (SEI)); and lexical syntactic complexity (measured through the Flesch–Vacca Index (FVI)). ANOVAs and bi-variate correlations estimated the size of the relationships between indexes and sample characteristics (age, gender), then a set of multiple linear regressions tested the ASI’s association with HRV, the SEI, and the FVI. Results support the ASI construct and criteria validity. The ASI proved able to detect affective saturation in interview transcripts (SEI and FVI, adjusted R2 = 0.428 and adjusted R2 = 0.241, respectively) and the way the text’s affective saturation reflected the intensity of the individual’s affective state (HRV, adjusted R2 = 0.428). In conclusion, although the specificity of the sample (psychology students) limits the findings’ generalizability, the ASI provides the chance to use written texts to measure affect in accordance with a dynamic approach, independent of the spatio-temporal setting in which they were produced. In doing so, the ASI provides a way to empower the empirical analysis of fields such as psychotherapy and social group dynamics.
The Influence of Global Financial Liquidity on the Indonesian Economy: Dynamic Analysis with Threshold VAR
Authors: Ekananda Mahjus , Suryanto Tulus
Published: October 2021

Empirical studies of the global liquidity spillover on Indonesia’s economy are still relatively limited. Most of the global contagion literature on Indonesia’s economy focuses only on the effects of real shock (on output) due to financial shock. We assert that the effect of global output on Indonesia macroeconomic conditions is a fairly relevant issue to be studied. This research aims to investigate the interdependent relationships between world GDP, world commodity prices, world inflation, trade flows, capital inflow, capital account transactions, reserve accumulation, global liquidity (e.g., global broad money), and monetary aggregates, with regard to Indonesia’s GDP variables and inflation. This paper uses threshold vector autoregression (TVAR) to capture regime changes in the variables of the world economy. World economic data and Indonesia’s economic data were utilized to prove different responses to the world economic situation in two different regimes. This research identified two groups of upper regime and lower regime world variables—namely, world inflation, world GDP, and world commodity prices. TVAR estimation resulted in a smaller residual sum of squares compared to VAR estimation. Different regimes resulted in differences in Indonesia’s economic responses due to the shock of world economic variables. The findings generated by this research are expected to be insightful to monetary policymakers in Indonesia.
Multi-User Hybrid Beamforming Design for Physical Layer Secured mmWave LOS Communications
Authors: Li Jianguo , Ye Neng , Ma Siqi , Bu Xiangyuan , An Jianping
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a hybrid beamforming design algorithm for a multi-user physical layer security modulation technique. The hybrid beamforming scheme is used in the base station to generate multi-beams according to the direction angle of the target users. The base station first uses a secure analog beamforming scheme to generate analog beams in multiple desired directions, then uses minimum mean square error (MMSE) to design the digital beamforming matrix to eliminate inter-beam interference. Due to randomly selecting a subset of antennas to transmit signals at the symbol rate, the base station transmits the defined constellation to the target users and projects the randomized constellation in the other angles. In addition, the superposition of signals is affected by a randomly selected antennas subset, resulting in higher sidelobe energy. However, due to the integer optimization target, the optimization problem of antenna subsets is non-trivial. Therefore, this paper proposes a cross-entropy iteration method to choose the optimal antenna combination to reduce the sidelobe energy. The simulation shows that the proposed method in this paper has about 10 dB lower sidelobe energy than the random selection method. Besides, the eavesdropper’s symbol error rate of QPSK is always 0.75, while the multi-target users meet the quality of service requirements.
Optimized Device Geometry of Normally-On Field-Plate AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors for High Breakdown Performance Using TCAD Simulation
Authors: Pharkphoumy Sakhone , Janardhanam Vallivedu , Jang Tae-Hoon , Park Jaejun , Shim Kyu-Hwan , Choi Chel-Jong
Published: October 2021

This study presents the optimization of the lateral device geometry and thickness of the channel and barrier layers of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for the enhancement of breakdown voltage (VBR) characteristics using a TCAD simulation. The effect of device geometry on the device performance was explored by varying the device design parameters, such as the field plate length (LFP), gate-to-drain length (LGD), gate-to-source length (LGS), gate length (LG), thickness of the Si3N4 passivation layer (Tox), thickness of the GaN channel (Tch), and AlGaN barrier (Tbarrier). The VBR was estimated from the off-state drain current versus the drain voltage (IDS–VDS) curve, and it exhibited a strong dependence on the length and thickness of the parameters. The optimum values of VBR for all the device’s geometrical parameters were evaluated, based on which, an optimized device geometry of the field-plated AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure was proposed. The optimized AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure exhibited VBR = 970 V at IGS = 0.14 A/mm, which was considerably higher than the results obtained in previous studies. The results obtained in this study could provide vital information for the selection of the device geometry for the implementation of HEMT structures.
Detailed Thermodynamic Modeling of Multi-Zone Buildings with Resistive-Capacitive Method
Authors: Belić Filip , Slišković Dražen , Hocenski Željko
Published: October 2021

Increased use of energy in buildings and HVAC systems requires advanced control schemes like model-based control to improve energy efficiency, which in turn requires accurate thermodynamic models of buildings. The Resistive-Capacitive (RC) method is a popular and versatile approach for thermal modeling of buildings. Despite this, it is not easy to find practical solutions of implementation of the RC method. It is the goal of this paper to clarify the RC method and demonstrate simple implementation of this method, especially for multi-zone buildings, which have more potential for energy savings from use of model-based control. This paper provides two contributions. First is a detailed explanation of the RC method, focusing on its use for developing a structure of a model and first-principles approach for estimation of parameters of a model. Second is a demonstration of an algorithm that enables automatic development of the structure of a model from basic information about a building (layout, construction elements) and its combination with data-based parameter estimation. Use of the algorithm is presented with a case-study on industrial multi-zone building, for which such a grey-box model is developed and analyzed. The resulting model is rapidly developed and used in a simulation with the measured data. The outputs of the model are compared with the measured temperatures and they show good fit.
District Heating as Demand Response Aggregator: Estimation of the Flexible Potential in the Italian Peninsula
Authors: Montuori Lina , Alcázar-Ortega Manuel
Published: October 2021

The liberalization of the gas market has deeply affected the structure of the gas system. The change from a vertically integrated utility structure to a liberalized architecture has resulted in a new network asset where aggregators could play a key role. To enable aggregators’ functionalities, the gas system has moved to a smart configuration. The development of this Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allowing a two-way communication between the utility and the consumers, together with demand response programs, prove to be an advantageous solution. Utilities are allowed to manage consumers’ gas load by asking them to reduce or shift their gas usage so that rebates or back payments could be available for consumers. In this framework, aimed at ensuring the feasibility of the gas system and promoting the aggregation of small gas loads, a new agent has been identified. In this research, the potential of district heating systems as gas market aggregators, together with a novel architecture for the gas network system has been identified. Furthermore, DR benefits in natural gas systems have been assessed with a focus on the Italian peninsula, where the authors have already carried out a previous analysis in this regard.
Analysis of the Use of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters as an Additive to Diesel Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Muślewski Łukasz , Markiewicz Marietta , Pająk Michał , Kałaczyński Tomasz , Kolar Davor
Published: October 2021

This study presents pro-ecological activities focused on an analysis of the use of biofuels as an environmentally friendly fuel. The research objects were different concentration mixtures of diesel fuel and fatty acid methyl esters, that is, transesterified plant oils. The tests involved an assessment of the performance parameters of a drive unit in a vehicle powered by diesel fuel for different mixtures of diesel oil and fatty acid methyl esters in the following proportions: 10%, 30%, 50% and 50% with chemical additives. The tests were comparative and were conducted for ‘pure’ diesel (ON). The study presents test results of selected performance parameters of the analyzed power unit. The object of the tests was a self-injection engine with a maximum power of 81 kW. The main tests which were most important for assessment of the mixtures, from the point of view of their effect on the analyzed performance parameters, involved measuring power and torque, and the toxic components of exhaust gases. Based on the obtained results, a statistical analysis was carried out, and a model for the evaluation of how the research object functions when fed with different fuel mixtures was developed. The research found which mixture can be considered the most optimal, and what the influence of individual fuel mixtures is on the analyzed performance parameters of the tested power unit.
Modeling of Passive and Forced Convection Heat Transfer in Channels with Rib Turbulators
Authors: Stąsiek Jan , Stąsiek Adam , Szkodo Marek
Published: October 2021

The main goal of the research presented in this paper was the experimental and numerical analysis of heat enhancement and aerodynamic phenomena during air flow in a channel equipped with flow turbulators in the form of properly configured ribs. The use of ribs intensifies the heat transfer and at the same time increases not only the flow resistance but also the energy costs. Therefore, designing modern heat exchangers with optimal thermal and flow parameters requires the knowledge of the theory of heat exchangers as well as measurement methods and numerical calculations. Bearing in mind the above, the liquid crystal techniques (LCT), particle image velocimetry (PIV) and digital image processing (DIP) for temperature, velocity, friction factor and heat transfer coefficient measurements are presented herein. These three optical tools (using desktop computers) create an extremely powerful and advanced measuring technique that has not been available anywhere before. Brief histories of these measurement methods and techniques are discussed and some examples are presented. In order to assess and select the value of the measurement technique, local and average distributions of Nusselt numbers (in the measurement section) obtained by the transit analysis method on the inter-rib regions of a plate coated by thermochromics liquid crystal and heated by air as an alternative to the steady-state analysis. In the parallel, numerical calculation was performed with the use of the ANSYS Fluent software code and supported by laser anemometry-computed turbulence intensity of air flow. Comparison of the Nusselt number distributions was determined by three methods, i.e., steady state, the transient method and CFD simulation. Up to three-fold enhancement of the local heat transfer capability was observed. Failure to take into account the surface of the ribs in heat transfer causes differences in the obtained results of the Nusselt number depending on the method used. Apart from the heat transfer data, the pressure drop in the form of friction factors is also presented. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be stated that both qualitative and quantitative coherence was obtained between the experimental and computational studies.
FPGA Implementation of an Ant Colony Optimization Based SVM Algorithm for State of Charge Estimation in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Stighezza Mattia , Bianchi Valentina , De Munari Ilaria
Published: October 2021

Monitoring the State of Charge (SoC) in battery cells is necessary to avoid damage and to extend battery life. Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms and Machine Learning techniques in general can provide real-time SoC estimation without the need to design a cell model. In this work, an SVM was trained by applying an Ant Colony Optimization method. The obtained trained model was 10-fold cross-validated and then designed in Hardware Description Language to be run on FPGA devices, enabling the design of low-cost and compact hardware. Thanks to the choice of a linear SVM kernel, the implemented architecture resulted in low resource usage (about 1.4% of Xilinx Artix7 XC7A100TFPGAG324C FPGA), allowing multiple instances of the SVM SoC estimator model to monitor multiple battery cells or modules, if needed. The ability of the model to maintain its good performance was further verified when applied to a dataset acquired from different driving cycles to the cycle used in the training phase, achieving a Root Mean Square Error of about 1.4%.
Net Zero Energy Communities: Integrated Power System, Building and Transport Sectors
Authors: Moghaddasi Haleh , Culp Charles , Vanegas Jorge
Published: October 2021

A Net Zero Community (NZC) concept and its energy characteristics are presented in this paper. NZC is an emerging topic with multiple variations in terms of scope and calculated methods, which complicates quantifying its performance. This paper covers three key barriers in achieving NZC targets: (1) the main focus of current definitions on buildings, disregarding community power systems and energy use in transportation; (2) different requirements (source, supply, metrics, etc.) in the existing definitions; and (3) lack of updated published reports to track the progress of committed NZC targets. The importance of this research is summarized as due to increased savings in primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions related to the three main energy sectors, namely power systems, buildings, and transportation (PBT). To clarify the current NZC, this paper reviews: (1) variations in the existing definitions and criteria from peer-reviewed publications; (2) the latest climate projection models by policymakers to achieve net zero by 2050; (3) the literature on renewable-based power systems; and (4) three planned NZC cases in international locations, in order to study their NZC targets, energy performance, and challenges. The outcome highlights NZC design guidelines, including energy efficiency measures, electrification, and renewables in PBT sectors that help stakeholders including policymakers, developers, designers, and engineers speed up achievement of NZC targets.
A Study of Thermal Degradation and Fire Behaviour of Polymer Composites and Their Gaseous Emission Assessment
Authors: Ogabi Raphael , Manescau Brady , Chetehouna Khaled , Gascoin Nicolas
Published: October 2021

The use of polymer composite materials in the aeronautics and automotive sectors has increased dramatically, and their fire behaviour has become a critical parameter in terms of fire safety. On this premise, it is critical to demonstrate that these composite materials constitute elements whose safety justifies a high level of confidence. This is based on their combustibility and the rate at which flammable and toxic gaseous species are emitted. Thus, strict fire safety regulations are enforced by the relevant authorities concerned because of their potential fire risk. This study analysed papers published between 1970 and 2021 that described the devices used to characterise the thermal behaviour of composite materials at various scales. The objective was to highlight the thermophysical phenomena, making it possible to accurately assess the flammability and thermal stability of polymer composite materials. The results of this research reveal that the small-scale facilities provide detailed understanding and mastery of the thermal reaction properties of the composites. While with the medium scale, the extended fire reaction parameters, which are the key indicators of the fire safety performance, can be determined. On a large scale, the tests were carried out using devices such as the NexGen burner recommended by the FAA. Therefore, with such assays, it is possible to assess the rates of thermal degradation as well as quantified pyrolysis gases. However, compared to other scales, there were very few works on a large scale. In addition, by focusing on the polluting nature of synthetic composite materials, there is also few research studies aimed at designing new polymer composite materials from biological sources.
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh Produce
Authors: Pintor-Cora Alberto , Álvaro-Llorente Laura , Otero Andrés , Rodríguez-Calleja Jose M. , Santos Jesús A.
Published: October 2021

Fresh vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, but microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables is a serious concern to human health, not only for the presence of foodborne pathogens but because they can be a vehicle for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This work aimed to investigate the importance of fresh produce in the transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 174 samples of vegetables (117) and farm environment (57) were analysed to determine enterobacterial contamination and presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacterial counts above the detection limit were found in 82.9% vegetable samples and 36.8% environmental samples. The average count was 4.2 log cfu/g or mL, with a maximum value of 6.2 log cfu/g in a parsley sample. Leafy vegetables showed statistically significant higher mean counts than other vegetables. A total of 15 ESBL-producing isolates were obtained from vegetables (14) and water (1) samples and were identified as Serratia fonticola (11) and Rahnella aquatilis (4). Five isolates of S. fonticola were considered multi-drug resistant. Even though their implication in human infections is rare, they can become an environmental reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes that can be further disseminated along the food chain.
Olive Tree Derivatives and Hydroxytyrosol: Their Potential Effects on Human Health and Its Use as Functional Ingredient in Meat
Authors: Martínez-Zamora Lorena , Peñalver Rocío , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: October 2021

Olive (Olea europaea) is one of the most extensive crops in the Mediterranean countries, and an important source of extra distinctive compounds that has been widely tested due to its known health benefits. Olive derivatives, such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and olive leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds such as hydroxytyrosol (HXT) and oleuropein and oleic acid, as main monounsaturated fatty acid. Because of HXT molecular structure, its regular consumption reports important beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer. As a matter of fact, its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects made this compound a good preservative agent against meat deterioration and spoilage, capable of replacing some synthetic additives whose continued and regular consumption may negatively affect the human health. On the contrary side, this extract has an unpleasant odor and flavor, so a synthetic source of HXT could also be used to improve the sensory quality of the meat products. In this sense, this review exposes the health benefits provided by the consumption of EVOO and HXT, and the newest research about its application on meat, together new trends about its use as functional ingredient in meat and meat products.
Nonexistence of Global Positive Solutions for p-Laplacian Equations with Non-Linear Memory
Authors: Kirane Mokhtar , Fino Ahmad Z. , Kerbal Sebti
Published: October 2021

The Cauchy problem in Rd,d≥1, for a non-local in time p-Laplacian equations is considered. The nonexistence of nontrivial global weak solutions by using the test function method is obtained.
Glyceraldehyde as an Efficient Chemical Crosslinker Agent for the Formation of Chitosan Hydrogels
Authors: Carmona Pierre , Tasici Anca M. , Sande Sverre A. , Knudsen Kenneth D. , Nyström Bo
Published: October 2021

The rheological changes that occur during the chemical gelation of semidilute solutions of chitosan in the presence of the low-toxicity agent glyceraldehyde (GCA) are presented and discussed in detail. The entanglement concentration for chitosan solutions was found to be approximately 0.2 wt.% and the rheological experiments were carried out on 1 wt.% chitosan solutions with various amounts of GCA at different temperatures (25 °C and 40 °C) and pH values (4.8 and 5.8). High crosslinker concentration, as well as elevated temperature and pH close to the pKa value (pH ≈ 6.3–7) of chitosan are three parameters that all accelerate the gelation process. These conditions also promote a faster solid-like response of the gel-network in the post-gel region after long curing times. The mesh size of the gel-network after a very long (18 h) curing time was found to contract with increasing level of crosslinker addition and elevated temperature. The gelation of chitosan in the presence of other chemical crosslinker agents (glutaraldehyde and genipin) is discussed and a comparison with GCA is made. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) results reveal structural changes between chitosan solutions, incipient gels, and mature gels.
Whole Genome DNA Methylation Variations in Mammary Gland Tissues from Holstein Cattle Producing Milk with Various Fat and Protein Contents
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Bissonnette Nathalie , Dudemaine Pier-Luc , Zhao Xin , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M.
Published: October 2021

Milk fat and protein contents are among key elements of milk quality, and they are attracting more attention in response to consumers′ demand for high-quality dairy products. To investigate the potential regulatory roles of DNA methylation underlying milk component yield, whole genome bisulfite sequencing was employed to profile the global DNA methylation patterns of mammary gland tissues from 17 Canada Holstein cows with various milk fat and protein contents. A total of 706, 2420 and 1645 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) were found between high vs. low milk fat (HMF vs. LMF), high vs. low milk protein (HMP vs. LMP), and high vs. low milk fat and protein (HMFP vs. LMFP) groups, respectively (q value < 0.1). Twenty-seven, 56 and 67 genes harboring DMCs in gene regions (denoted DMC genes) were identified for HMF vs. LMF, HMP vs. LMP and HMFP vs. LMFP, respectively. DMC genes from HMP vs. LMP and HMFP vs. LMFP comparisons were significantly overrepresented in GO terms related to aerobic electron transport chain and/or mitochondrial ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis coupled electron transport. A total of 83 (HMF vs. LMF), 708 (HMP vs. LMP) and 408 (HMFP vs. LMFP) DMCs were co-located with 87, 147 and 158 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for milk component and yield traits, respectively. In conclusion, the identified methylation changes are potentially involved in the regulation of milk fat and protein yields, as well as the variation in reported co-located QTLs.
Long-Term Evolution of Fracture Permeability in Slate: An Experimental Study with Implications for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
Authors: Cheng Chaojie , Herrmann Johannes , Wagner Bianca , Leiss Bernd , Stammeier Jessica A. , Rybacki Erik , Milsch Harald
Published: October 2021

The long-term sustainability of fractures within rocks determines whether it is reasonable to utilize such formations as potential EGS reservoirs. Representative for reservoirs in Variscan metamorphic rocks, three long-term (one month each) fracture permeability experiments on saw-cut slate core samples from the Hahnenklee well (Harz Mountains, Germany) were performed. The purpose was to investigate fracture permeability evolution at temperatures up to 90 °C using both deionized water (DI) and a 0.5 M NaCl solution as the pore fluid. Flow with DI resulted in a fracture permeability decline that is more pronounced at 90 °C, but permeability slightly increased with the NaCl fluid. Microstructural observations and analyses of the effluent composition suggest that fracture permeability evolution is governed by an interplay of free-face dissolution and pressure solution. It is concluded that newly introduced fractures may be subject to a certain permeability reduction due to pressure solution that is unlikely to be mitigated. However, long-term fracture permeability may be sustainable or even increase by free-face dissolution when the injection fluid possesses a certain (NaCl) salinity.
Calcite Twin Formation, Measurement and Use as Stress–Strain Indicators: A Review of Progress over the Last Decade
Authors: Lacombe Olivier , Parlangeau Camille , Beaudoin Nicolas E. , Amrouch Khalid
Published: October 2021

Mechanical twins are common microstructures in deformed calcite. Calcite twins have been used for a long time as indicators of stress/strain orientations and magnitudes. Developments during the last decade point toward significant improvements of existing techniques as well as new applications of calcite twin analysis in tectonic studies. This review summarises the recent progress in the understanding of twin formation, including nucleation and growth of twins, and discusses the concept of CRSS and its dependence on several factors such as strain, temperature and grain size. Classical and recent calcite twin measurement techniques are also presented and their pros and cons are discussed. The newly proposed inversion techniques allowing for the use of calcite twins as indicators of orientations and/or magnitudes of stress and strain are summarized. Benefits for tectonic studies are illustrated through the presentation of several applications, from the scale of the individual tectonic structure to the continental scale. The classical use of calcite twin morphology (e.g., thickness) as a straightforward geothermometer is critically discussed in the light of recent observations that thick twins do not always reflect deformation temperature above 170–200 °C. This review also presents how the age of twinning events in natural rocks can be constrained while individual twins cannot be dated yet. Finally, the review addresses the recent technical and conceptual progress in calcite twinning paleopiezometry, together with the promising combination of this paleopiezometer with mechanical analysis of fractures or stylolite roughness.
New Tools for Precision and Personalized Treatment in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Ghidini Michele
Published: October 2021

Precision medicine aims at treating patients with the most tailored treatments based on individual biological and molecular features [...]
Knowledge Retention of the NIH Stroke Scale among Stroke Unit Health Care Workers Using Video vs. E-Learning: Protocol for a Web-Based, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koka Avinash , Suppan Mélanie , Carrera Emmanuel , Fraga-Freijeiro Paula , Massuk Kiril , Imbeault Marie-Eve , Missilier Perruzzo Nathalie , Achab Sophia , Salerno Alexander , Strambo Davide , Michel Patrik , Stuby Loric , Suppan Laurent
Published: October 2021

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is commonly used to triage and monitor the evolution of stroke victims. Data regarding NIHSS knowledge in nurses and physicians working with stroke patients are scarce, and a progressive decline in specific knowledge regarding this challenging scale is to be expected even among NIHSS certified personnel. This protocol was designed according to the CONSORT-eHealth (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. It describes the design of a randomized controlled trial whose primary objective is to determine if nurses and physicians who work in stroke units improve their NIHSS knowledge more significantly after following a highly interactive e-learning module than after following the traditional didactic video. Univariate and multivariable linear regression will be used to analyze the primary outcome, which will be the difference between the score on a 50-question quiz answered before and immediately after following the allocated learning material. Secondary outcomes will include knowledge retention at one month, assessed using the same 50-question quiz, user satisfaction, user course duration perception, and probability of recommending the allocated learning method. The study is scheduled to begin during the first semester of 2022.
Recommending Suitable Smart Technology Applications to Support Mobile Healthcare after the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Chen Toly , Wang Yu-Cheng
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be entering its final stage. However, to restore normal life, the applications of smart technologies are still necessary. Therefore, this research is dedicated to exploring the applications of smart technologies that can support mobile healthcare after the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, this study compares smart technology applications to support mobile healthcare within the COVID-19 pandemic with those before the pandemic, so as to estimate possible developments in this field. In addition, to quantitatively assess and compare smart technology applications that may support mobile healthcare after the COVID-19 pandemic, the calibrated fuzzy geometric mean (CFGM)-fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) approach is applied. The proposed methodology has been applied to evaluate and compare nine potential smart technology applications for supporting mobile healthcare after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the experimental results, “vaccine passport and related applications” and “smart watches” were the most suitable smart technology applications for supporting mobile healthcare after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dive in the Past: A Serious Game to Promote the Underwater Cultural Heritage of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Cozza Marco , Isabella Salvatore , Di Cuia Paola , Cozza Alessandro , Peluso Raffaele , Cosentino Vincenzo , Barbieri Loris , Muzzupappa Maurizio , Bruno Fabio
Published: October 2021

In the last decades, the popularity of video games has been increasing thanks to their unique ability to engage their audience and create empathy. Among them, serious games have additional purposes besides entertainment, such as learning and behaviour change. Serious games, in fact, have been successfully applied to different fields, including education, health, tourism, and cultural heritage. In this context, the paper describes a novel serious game developed for increasing awareness and promoting the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). In particular, the paper focuses on the Dive in the Past Serious Game which allows users to simulate a virtual dive into the Mediterranean Sea to explore accurate and life-sized 3D reconstructions of underwater archaeological sites. The purpose of the game is twofold: to engage diver and non-diver tourists into a virtual interactive exploration of underwater sites through digital storytelling and challenges; to increase awareness and knowledge on Mediterranean UCH. This work has been carried out in the context of the MeDryDive project, an EU co-funded under the COSME Programme, which aims to create personalized dry dive experiences for the promotion of Mediterranean UCH sites as distinctive tourism destinations.
Unveiling the Complexity of Japanese Metallic Threads
Authors: Geminiani Ludovico , Campione Francesco Paolo , Corti Cristina , Motella Sila , Rampazzi Laura , Recchia Sandro , Luraschi Moira
Published: October 2021

In the framework of an extensive survey campaign on a collection of Japanese samurai armors, metallic threads from different parts of the traditional equipment were studied by several analytical techniques. The collection of armors belongs to Museo delle Culture (Lugano, Switzerland) and it is composed of ten elements, which date back from the 15th to 20th century. Metallic threads under study come from six of ten elements of the collection and represent a complex and unique multimaterial, which shows specific characteristics in Japanese tradition (kinran). The multianalytical approach based on ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy and SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis, together with a careful observation with optical and digital microscopy, permitted to obtain a complete characterization of materials, which have shown a great variability in metal foils and in organic adhesives (urushi, animal glue, starch). Gold and silver turned out to be not so largely used as scholars thought, while aluminum showed a great diffusion. Within the collection of analyzed armors, the obtained results allowed us for the first time to get a complete comprehension of materials and techniques used by Japanese craftsmen, and to observe differences in the quality of the materials and in manufacture technology over the centuries.
Preliminary Report on Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) Winter Sleep Sites
Authors: Dorji Kuenzang , Sheeran Lori K. , Giri Ratan , Barlow Kathleen , Dorji Namgay Pem , Englund Timothy
Published: October 2021

Golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei) in Bhutan have received little research attention in the anthropic environments where most of the population lives. We recorded group sizes and compositions and documented sleep sites for 24 golden langur groups living in a biological corridor (N = 9) and near a human settlement (N = 15) in central Bhutan. We used scan sampling to document behaviors and direct observation and camera traps to record potential predators, and we recorded occurrences of mortality, including two cases of electrocution, one case of roadkill, and one langur skull recovered from a possible leopard prey cache. Golden langur groups were on average significantly larger near human settlements (13.73 individuals) than in the biological corridor (9.55 individuals), and the adult sex ratio was greater near human settlements. The golden langurs usually slept in more than one tree, and our preliminary results indicated rare re-use of the same sleep site. Golden langurs in our study area most often slept in Sapium insigne trees. Sleep trees’ mean DBH was 51.58 cm and the mean height was 19.37 m. We intend for our preliminary data to establish the foundation for future research on the behavior and ecology of golden langurs in Bhutan.
A Study Protocol to Assess the Respiratory Health Risks and Impacts amongst Informal Street Food Vendors in the Inner City of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Sepadi Maasago Mercy , Nkosi Vusumuzi
Published: October 2021

The overall unemployment rate in South Africa was impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which led many people to resort to informal work such as street trading opportunities in big cities. However, this work is located in the same cities where air pollution is of concern. Furthermore, literature has indicated the lack of regulation of the informal trading sector as compared to the formal sector. An analytical cross-sectional study is proposed to be conducted amongst all of the informal food street vendors (indoor/inside buildings and outdoor/street pavements stalls) in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. By adopting a total sampling method of 746 vendor stalls, this study’s key focus is on inhalation as an occupational exposure. In addition, the study aims to assess the respiratory risk factors amongst informal food street vendors’ stalls and their impact on vendors’ respiratory health. The risk factors to be assessed include the five common air pollutants: street vendor’s infrastructure; socioeconomic factors; personal behavior such as tobacco smoking and handwashing practices; wearing of respiratory protective equipment; and vendors’ exposure duration. The data collection will follow three phases using quantitative methods. In the pre-assessment phase, it will include a pilot study to test the walkthrough survey checklist and the respiratory symptoms and diseases questionnaire. The assessment phase includes a total of eight area samples, which will be taken in a 1-day event over four yearly seasons, as well as thirty personal samples taken in winter over an 8-h work shift. The post-assessment phase will be the development of a risk impact assessment and a risk management model. The study is essential for healthy occupational conditions as indicated in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act (no. 85 of 1993) and the Regulations governing general hygiene requirements for food premises, the transport of food, and related matters (no. R638 of 22 June 2018).
Reliability of Isokinetic Hip Flexor and Extensor Strength Measurements in Healthy Subjects and Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Contreras-Díaz Guido , Chirosa-Ríos Luis Javier , Chirosa-Ríos Ignacio , Intelangelo Leonardo , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel , Martinez-Garcia Darío
Published: October 2021

Background: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the reliability of isokinetic measurements of hip strength in flexion and extension in healthy subjects and athletes. Methods: The databases used were Web of Science, SCOPUS, Medline and PubMed. R was used for all statistical analyses. Results: Hip flexion shows moderate reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.46–0.99) and good reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.54–1.04). Hip extension shows excellent reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85–0.96) and moderate reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.48–0.96). Flexion of 120°/s and 180°/s showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85–1.00), (ICC = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–1.01). The 60°/s and 120°/s extension showed good reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82–0.98), (ICC = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75–0.99). The 180°/s extension presented excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82–1.03). Conclusions: The standing position shows good reliability for hip flexion and the supine position shows excellent reliability for hip extension, both movements have excellent reliability at velocities between 120°/s to 180°/s.
Effect of an Unsupervised Exercises-Based Athletics Injury Prevention Programme on Injury Complaints Leading to Participation Restriction in Athletics: A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Steffen Kathrin , Peuriere Marie , Gardet Pierre , Navarro Laurent , Blanco David
Published: October 2021

Objective: To test the efficacy of the Athletics Injury Prevention Programme (AIPP) to reduce the percentage of athletes presenting at least one injury complaint leading to participation restriction (ICPR) over an athletics season. Methods: During the 2017–2018 athletics season, we included in this cluster randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03307434) 840 athletes randomly assigned (randomisation unit: athletic clubs) to a control group (regular training) or to an intervention group (regular training plus the AIPP 2/week). Using a weekly online questionnaire, athletes reported the ICPR, training and competition exposures, and, for the intervention group, the compliance with the AIPP. The primary outcome was the percentage of athletes presenting at least one ICPR over the study follow-up. Results: A total of 449 and 391 athletes were included in the intervention and control groups, respectively. From them, 68 (15.1%) and 100 (25.6%) athletes, respectively, provided 100% of the requested information during the follow-up (39 weeks). A total of 6 (8.8%) performed the AIPP 2/week or more. The proportion of athletes who had at least one ICPR over the follow-up period was similar in the intervention (64.7%) and control groups (65.0%), with adjusted odds ratios: 0.81 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.85). There were no between-group differences when comparing separately the subgroups corresponding with the different compliance levels. Conclusion: This cluster randomised controlled trial reported no efficacy of the AIPP. However, the overall response proportion and the compliance with the AIPP in the intervention group were low. In individual sports especially, efforts should be first made to improve the implementation and adoption of interventions.
Effect of Eight-Month Exercise Intervention on Bone Outcomes of Young Opioid-Dependent Women
Authors: Ding Zenghui , Ma Zuchang , Yang Xianjun , Sun Yining
Published: October 2021

Objective: To evaluate the bone response to an 8 month aerobic gymnastics training program in young opioid-addicted women. Design: Randomized controlled trial (parallel design). Setting: Women’s Specific Drug Rehabilitation Center in China. Patients: One hundred and two young women with low bone quality and previous opioid addiction were divided into two groups: (a) the low bone quality intervention experimental group (n = 55; age: 30.3 ± 6.1) and (b) the low bone quality observed control group (observation group; n = 47; age: 29.0 ± 5.3). Interventions: The intervention group took aerobic gymnastics regularly for 80 min/d and 5 d/wk for 8 months and completed follow-up testing. Main Outcome Measures: Substance use history and other life habits affecting bone quality were assessed by questionnaire-based interviews. Bone quality (stiffness-index, T-score, Z-score) was examined with quantitative ultrasound. Anthropometric characteristics (body weight, fat-free mass, fat mass) were obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: After the 8 month intervention, the stiffness index of bone quality increased significantly (before: 82 ± 6, after: 108 ± 14, p < 0.05) in the experimental group. However, the bone quality did not change significantly in the controls (before: 79 ± 10, after: 77 ± 13, p > 0.05). The bone change in the difference group was significant (experimental group: 31.7% vs observation group: -0.03%). Fat mass decreased in the experimental group (experimental group: before: 19.6 ± 3.7 kg, after: 18.8 ± 4.0 kg, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the change in fat-free mass was the determination of the change in bone quality in the experimental group. Conclusions: Our results suggested that aerobic gymnastics intervention can be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of drug-induced osteoporosis in detoxification addicts.
Patient Satisfaction Determinants of Inpatient Healthcare
Authors: Gavurova Beata , Dvorsky Jan , Popesko Boris
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate the determinants influencing the overall satisfaction of patients with inpatient healthcare in the conditions of the Czech Republic. A total of the 1425 patients, who experienced hospitalisation and agreed to participate, were questioned in the study. A research questionnaire was used to obtain data on satisfaction with hospitalisation. The subject of the research consisted of the indicators related to the following factors: (i) satisfaction with the hospital, clinic, room and meals; (ii) satisfaction with medical staff—nurses, physician expertise and other staff; (iii) the quality of the treatment provided; (iv) satisfaction with leaving the hospital. The formulated statistical hypotheses were evaluated through structural equation modelling. The results of the analyses brought interesting findings. Satisfaction with medical staff is the most significant factor which has a positive effect on satisfaction with hospitalisation. Physician expertise (with trust and good communication skills) is more important for patients than satisfaction with nurses or other staff. The results obtained from the study represent valuable information for policymakers, regional healthcare plans, as well as for managers of hospitals.