bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal of an Adaptive Fault Tolerance Mechanism to Tolerate Intermittent Faults in RAM
Authors: Baraza-Calvo J.-Carlos , Gracia-Morán Joaquín , Saiz-Adalid Luis-J. , Gil-Tomás Daniel , Gil-Vicente Pedro-J.
Published: December 2020

Due to transistor shrinking, intermittent faults are a major concern in current digital systems. This work presents an adaptive fault tolerance mechanism based on error correction codes (ECC), able to modify its behavior when the error conditions change without increasing the redundancy. As a case example, we have designed a mechanism that can detect intermittent faults and swap from an initial generic ECC to a specific ECC capable of tolerating one intermittent fault. We have inserted the mechanism in the memory system of a 32-bit RISC processor and validated it by using VHDL simulation-based fault injection. We have used two (39, 32) codes: a single error correction–double error detection (SEC–DED) and a code developed by our research group, called EPB3932, capable of correcting single errors and double and triple adjacent errors that include a bit previously tagged as error-prone. The results of injecting transient, intermittent, and combinations of intermittent and transient faults show that the proposed mechanism works properly. As an example, the percentage of failures and latent errors is 0% when injecting a triple adjacent fault after an intermittent stuck-at fault. We have synthesized the adaptive fault tolerance mechanism proposed in two types of FPGAs: non-reconfigurable and partially reconfigurable. In both cases, the overhead introduced is affordable in terms of hardware, time and power consumption.
Object Detection Based on Center Point Proposals
Authors: Chen Hao , Zheng Hong
Published: December 2020

Anchor-based detectors are widely adopted in object detection. To improve the accuracy of object detection, multiple anchor boxes are intensively placed on the input image, yet most of them are invalid. Although anchor-free methods can reduce the number of useless anchor boxes, the invalid ones still occupy a high proportion. On this basis, this paper proposes an object-detection method based on center point proposals to reduce the number of useless anchor boxes while improving the quality of anchor boxes, balancing the proportion of positive and negative samples. By introducing the differentiation module in the shallow layer, the new method can alleviate the problem of missing detection caused by overlapping of center points. When trained and tested on COCO (Common Objects in Context) dataset, this algorithm records an increase of about 2% in APS (Average Precision of Small Object), reaching 27.8%. The detector designed in this study outperforms most of the state-of-the-art real-time detectors in speed and accuracy trade-off, achieving the AP of 43.2 in 137 ms.
Audio-Based Aircraft Detection System for Safe RPAS BVLOS Operations
Authors: Mariscal-Harana Jorge , Alarcón Víctor , González Fidel , Calvente Juan José , Pérez-Grau Francisco Javier , Viguria Antidio , Ollero Aníbal
Published: December 2020

For the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) market to continue its current growth rate, cost-effective ‘Detect and Avoid’ systems that enable safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations are critical. We propose an audio-based ‘Detect and Avoid’ system, composed of microphones and an embedded computer, which performs real-time inferences using a sound event detection (SED) deep learning model. Two state-of-the-art SED models, YAMNet and VGGish, are fine-tuned using our dataset of aircraft sounds and their performances are compared for a wide range of configurations. YAMNet, whose MobileNet architecture is designed for embedded applications, outperformed VGGish both in terms of aircraft detection and computational performance. YAMNet’s optimal configuration, with >70% true positive rate and precision, results from combining data augmentation and undersampling with the highest available inference frequency (i.e., 10 Hz). While our proposed ‘Detect and Avoid’ system already allows the detection of small aircraft from sound in real time, additional testing using multiple aircraft types is required. Finally, a larger training dataset, sensor fusion, or remote computations on cloud-based services could further improve system performance.
A Comparative Study of Stochastic Model Predictive Controllers
Authors: González Edwin , Sanchis Javier , García-Nieto Sergio , Salcedo José
Published: December 2020

A comparative study of two state-of-the-art stochastic model predictive controllers for linear systems with parametric and additive uncertainties is presented. On the one hand, Stochastic Model Predictive Control (SMPC) is based on analytical methods and solves an optimal control problem (OCP) similar to a classic Model Predictive Control (MPC) with constraints. SMPC defines probabilistic constraints on the states, which are transformed into equivalent deterministic ones. On the other hand, Scenario-based Model Predictive Control (SCMPC) solves an OCP for a specified number of random realizations of uncertainties, also called scenarios. In this paper, Classic MPC, SMPC and SCMPC are compared through two numerical examples. Thanks to several Monte-Carlo simulations, performances of classic MPC, SMPC and SCMPC are compared using several criteria, such as number of successful runs, number of times the constraints are violated, integral absolute error and computational cost. Moreover, a Stochastic Model Predictive Control Toolbox was developed by the authors, available on MATLAB Central, in which it is possible to simulate a SMPC or a SCMPC to control multivariable linear systems with additive disturbances. This software was used to carry out part of the simulations of the numerical examples in this article and it can be used for results reproduction.
High-Throughput Measurement of the Contact Resistance of Metal Electrode Materials and Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ren Wanbin
Published: December 2020

Low and stable contact resistance of metal electrode materials is mainly demanded for reliable and long lifetime electrical engineering. A novel test rig is developed in order to realize the high-throughput measurement of the contact resistance with the adjustable mechanical load force and load current. The contact potential drop is extracted accurately based on the proposed periodical current chopping (PCC) method in addition to the sliding window average filtering algorithm. The instrument is calibrated by standard resistors of 1 mΩ, 10 mΩ, and 100 mΩ with the accuracy of 0.01% and the associated measurement uncertainty is evaluated systematically. Furthermore, the contact resistance between standard indenter and rivet specimen is measured by the commercial DMM-based instruments and our designed test rig for comparison. The variations in relative expanded uncertainty of the measured contact resistance as a function of various mechanical load force and load current are presented.
Light-Load Efficiency Optimization for an LCC-Parallel Compensated Inductive Power Transfer Battery Charger
Authors: Yang Shuangcheng , Deng Xiangtian , Lu Jianghua , Wu Zhixuan , Du Kai
Published: December 2020

Wireless power transfer (WPT) techniques have gained wide acceptance across a range of battery charging applications such as cell phones, cardiac pacemakers, and electric vehicles. In a wireless battery charging system, a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charging strategy, regardless of the variation of the battery load which may roughly range from a few ohms to several hundred ohms, is typically adopted to ensure the safety, durability, and performance of the battery. However, system efficiency drops significantly as the load increases in CV mode, especially at very light-load conditions. This paper proposes an efficiency optimization method for an LCC-parallel compensated inductive power transfer (IPT) battery charging system without the help of any additional power converter and control method. The equivalent circuit and resonant conditions of the LCC-parallel compensation topology are firstly analyzed to achieve the load-independent CV output at a zero phase angle (ZPA) operating frequency. Over the full range of CV charging mode, the efficiency of the LCC-parallel resonant tank circuit is analyzed and optimized. An IPT battery charger prototype with 48 V charging voltage and 1 A charging current is implemented. A measured DC–DC transfer efficiency of greater than 90.48% is achieved during the whole CV charging profile.
H-Band InP HBT Frequency Tripler Using the Triple-Push Technique
Authors: Jeong Jinho , Choi Jisu , Kim Jongyoun , Choe Wonseok
Published: December 2020

A broadband H-band (220 GHz–325 GHz) frequency tripler using the triple-push technique is presented in 250-nm InP heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) technology. It consisted of three identical unit-cell multipliers, which were individually pumped by the W-band input signals with 120° phase difference. For this purpose, a 120° 3-way power divider was proposed using the 1:2 and 1:1 Lange couplers with 30° phase delay lines. The fundamental and 2nd harmonic signals of each unit-cell multiplier were added out-of-phase at the output, allowing an effective harmonic suppression. On the contrast, the 3rd harmonic components were combined in-phase at the output, so that the entire circuit successfully did the function of the frequency multiplier-by-3. The fabricated frequency tripler exhibited a broadband output power of −7.4 ± 1.4 dBm from 225 GHz to 330 GHz at an input power of 9.6 ± 0.8 dBm, with an average conversion gain of −16.8 dB.
Automated and Intelligent System for Monitoring Swimming Pool Safety Based on the IoT and Transfer Learning
Authors: Alotaibi Aziz
Published: December 2020

Recently, integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) and computer vision has been utilized in swimming pool automated surveillance systems. Several studies have been proposed to overcome off-time surveillance drowning incidents based on using a sequence of videos to track human motion and position. This paper proposes an efficient and reliable detection system that utilizes a single image to detect and classify drowning objects, to prevent drowning incidents. The proposed system utilizes the IoT and transfer learning to provide an intelligent and automated solution for off-time monitoring swimming pool safety. In addition, a specialized transfer-learning-based model utilizing a model pretrained on “ImageNet”, which can extract the most useful and complex features of the captured image to differentiate between humans, animals, and other objects, has been proposed. The proposed system aims to reduce human intervention by processing and sending the classification results to the owner’s mobile device. The performance of the specialized model is evaluated by using a prototype experiment that achieves higher accuracy, sensitivity, and precision, as compared to other deep learning algorithms.
Estimation of Uncertainty in Airborne LiDAR Inventories Using Approaches Based on Bootstrapping-Pairs Methods
Authors: Sandoval Simón , Bustamante-Ortega Ramón
Published: December 2020

LiDAR inventories were carried out to estimate the mean volume and variance in Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens stands. Uncertainty of the population estimates was examined using approximations based on the bootstrap method. Three methods were tested, the traditional bootstrapping-pair method (Method 1) and two additional methods in which the residual variance of the models was incorporated. Method 2 incorporated the residual variance in homoscedastic structure and Method 3 incorporated the heteroscedastic residual variance. Bootstrapping-pairs based on Method 3 generated similar estimates for the mean volume and slightly higher estimates for the variance as the traditional method (Method 1). Variance estimates obtained with the traditional bootstrapping-pairs method could be biased due to the presence of heteroscedasticity. Method 3 was found to best estimate the variance of the mean volume in LiDAR inventories, when the models that describe the relationship between stand variables and LiDAR metrics do not meet the assumption of homoscedasticity. It is shown that the uncertainty of the estimation of the average volume decreased in stands with a larger area, stabilizing the uncertainty of estimates in stands with areas larger than 50 hectares. Our results suggest that the residual variance in the heteroscedastic structure must be incorporated to avoid bias when bootstrapping-pairs are used in small area stands (less than 5 hectares).
Aboveground Wood Production Is Sustained in the First Growing Season after Phloem-Disrupting Disturbance
Authors: Grigri Maxim S. , Atkins Jeff W. , Vogel Christoph , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Gough Christopher M.
Published: December 2020

Carbon (C) cycling processes are particularly dynamic following disturbance, with initial responses often indicative of longer-term change. In northern Michigan, USA, we initiated the Forest Resilience Threshold Experiment (FoRTE) to identify the processes that sustain or lead to the decline of C cycling rates across multiple levels (0, 45, 65 and 85% targeted gross leaf area index loss) of disturbance severity and, in response, to separate disturbance types preferentially targeting large or small diameter trees. Simulating the effects of boring insects, we stem girdled > 3600 trees below diameter at breast height (DBH), immediately and permanently disrupting the phloem. Weekly DBH measurements of girdled and otherwise healthy trees (n > 700) revealed small but significant increases in daily aboveground wood net primary production (ANPPw) in the 65 and 85% disturbance severity treatments that emerged six weeks after girdling. However, we observed minimal change in end-of-season leaf area index and no significant differences in annual ANPPw among disturbance severities or between disturbance types, suggesting continued C fixation by girdled trees sustained stand-scale wood production in the first growing season after disturbance. We hypothesized higher disturbance severities would favor the growth of early successional species but observed no significant difference between early and middle to late successional species’ contributions to ANPPw across the disturbance severity gradient. We conclude that ANPPw stability immediately following phloem disruption is dependent on the continued, but inevitably temporary, growth of phloem-disrupted trees. Our findings provide insight into the tree-to-ecosystem mechanisms supporting stand-scale wood production stability in the first growing season following a phloem-disrupting disturbance.
Correction: Kouassi, J.-L.K., et al. Assessing the Impact of Climate Variability on Wildfires in the N’Zi River Watershed in Central Côte d’Ivoire. Fire 2018, 1, 36
Authors: Kouassi Jean-Luc Kouakou , Wandan Narcisse Eboua , Mbow Cheikh
Published: December 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
High Variability in Implementation of Selective-Prevention Services for Cardiometabolic Diseases in Five European Primary Care Settings
Authors: Lionis Christos , Anastasaki Marilena , Bertsias Antonios , Angelaki Agapi , Carlsson Axel C. , Gudjonsdottir Hrafnhildur , Wändell Per , Larrabee Sonderlund Anders , Thilsing Trine , Søndergaard Jens , Seifert Bohumil , Kral Norbert , De Wit Niek J , Hollander Monika , Korevaar Joke , Schellevis François
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Cardiometabolic diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide. As part of a collaborative European study, this paper aims to explore the implementation of primary care selective-prevention services in five European countries. We assessed the implementation process of the selective-prevention services, participants’ cardiometabolic profile and risk and participants’ evaluation of the services, in terms of feasibility and impact in promoting a healthy lifestyle. (2) Methods: Eligible participants were primary care patients, 40–65 years of age, without any diagnosis of cardiometabolic disease. Two hundred patients were invited to participate per country. The extent to which participants adopted and completed the implementation of selective-prevention services was recorded. Patient demographics, lifestyle-related cardiometabolic risk factors and opinions on the implementation’s feasibility were also collected. (3) Results: Acceptance rates varied from 19.5% (n = 39/200) in Sweden to 100% (n = 200/200) in the Czech Republic. Risk assessment completion rates ranged from 65.4% (n = 70/107) in Greece to 100% (n = 39/39) in Sweden. On a ten-point scale, the median (25–75% quartile) of participant-reported implementation feasibility ranged from 7.4 (6.9–7.8) in Greece to 9.2 (8.2–9.9) in Sweden. Willingness to change lifestyle exceeded 80% in all countries. (4) Conclusions: A substantial variation in the implementation of selective-prevention receptiveness and patient risk profile was observed among countries. Our findings suggest that the design and implementation of behavior change cardiometabolic programmes in each country should be informed by the local context and provide some background evidence towards this direction, which can be even more relevant during the current pandemic period.
Harm Reduction Practices and Needs in a Belgian Chemsex Context: Findings from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Herrijgers Corinne , Poels Karolien , Vandebosch Heidi , Platteau Tom , van Lankveld Jacques , Florence Eric
Published: December 2020

Chemsex is a growing public health concern, with little evidence-based care and support available. The aim of this study is to understand current risk reduction practices, and the information and care needs of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who engage in chemsex. Between January and March 2020, semi structured in-depth interviews with drug-using GBMSM (n = 20) were conducted. Data were analyzed thematically. The reported preparatory measures were: deliberately scheduling chemsex sessions, and discussing preferences regarding setting and attendees. During the event, a logbook is kept to monitor drugs taken by each participant. People try to take care of each other, but this is often counteracted. Respondents highlighted needs: reliable and easily-accessible information, anonymous medical and psychological healthcare, chemsex-specific care, and a value-neutral safe space to talk about chemsex experiences. Results imply two types of users: planned and impulsive users. Adherence to intended harm reduction practices are complicated by drug effects, peer pressure, and feelings of distrust among users.
Sense of Presence and Subjective Well-Being in Online Pet Watching: The Moderation Role of Loneliness and Perceived Stress
Authors: Zhou Zekun , Yin Duo , Gao Quan
Published: December 2020

Watching videos/livestreams concerning pets is becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon among youth in China, thus the social dynamics and psychological impacts of this pet-centred online activities worth in-depth exploration. This study investigates the sensual experiences of the audiences who have watched pet videos/livestreams and examines how these online experiences influence their subjective well-being. We develop a conceptual model that bases on the relationships between telepresence, social presence, flow experience, and subjective well-being to comprehend this mechanism. The result of 439 samples indicates that both telepresence and social presence have significant positive effects on flow experience, and social presence also has a positive impact on subjective well-being. We also examine the role of loneliness and perceived stress in moderating the effects of online pet watching on subjective well-being, showing that loneliness has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between social presence and flow experience, while perceived pressure has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between telepresence and flow experience. This study not only demonstrates the positive effect of an online pet on subjective well-being and but also uses interview data to comprehend the social processes underlying this effect. We also discuss the theoretical and practical values of this study in improving public health in the digital age.
Sleep During “Lockdown” in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Trakada Athanasia , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Andrade Marilia dos Santos , Puccinelli Paulo José , Economou Nicholas-Tiberio , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Knechtle Beat , Trakada Georgia
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to determine if the lockdown measures applied due to the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected the sleep of the general population and health professionals in six different countries (Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Brazil). We used a web-based survey with a short questionnaire of 13 questions, translated into four languages (Greek, German, French, and Portuguese). The questionnaire included information about demographic and professional data, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sleep, degree of abidance in lockdown measures, and data about illness or close contact with active confirmed cases of COVID-19. Initially, 2093 individuals participated. After exclusion of those who did not report their duration of sleep, the final sample comprised 1908 participants (Greek, n = 1271; German, n = 257, French, n = 48; Portuguese, n = 332), aged 42.6 ± 12.7 years, who were considered for further analysis. A main effect of the lockdown week on sleep duration was observed (+0.25 h; 95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.17, 0.32; p < 0.001), with the total sleep time of the lockdown week being longer than that under normal conditions. A week*occupation interaction on sleep duration was demonstrated (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.012). Sleep duration remained stable in health professionals (−0.18 h; 95% CI −0.36, 0.01; p = 0.063), whereas it increased in other occupations by 0.31 h (95% CI, 0.24, 0.39; p < 0.001). In terms of sleep quality, 15% of participants characterized their sleep as bad and 37.9% as average during the lockdown week. Almost 1 in 3 individuals (31.3%) reported worse quality of sleep during the lockdown week than under normal conditions. Sleep during the lockdown week was characterized as good by 47.1%, but only 38% of the health professionals group. In conclusion, the COVID−19 pandemic and lockdown affected sleep in different ways, depending on age, level of education, occupation, and country of residence.
The Restorative Potential of Icelandic Nature
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Harpa Lind , Sigurðardóttir Sigrún , Pálsdóttir Anna María
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate if proposed restorative attributes according to attention restoration theory and supportive environment theory could be experienced and identified in Icelandic landscape and contribute to a restorative experience in nature sites in rural Iceland. A prospective mixed-method study was conducted over the period of one year. Seven different nature sites that were considered likely to have restorative qualities were selected for the evaluation i.e., three forest sites, three seashores, and one park in and in the vicinity of Ísafjörður, Iceland. Each site was evaluated regarding how the participants experienced its restorative qualities and how a stay therein affected their mental state. Nature visits were offered once a week, where the participants visited one of the seven locations for two hours. The findings show that the participants perceived and experienced nature sites as having the characteristics of a restorative environment and that staying at the nature sites positively affected their mental state. External conditions, like weather, which can affect nature visits, were rarely a hinderance. Thus, it can be concluded that numerous coastal areas, forests, and parks in Iceland, especially in rural areas, might possess restorative qualities as well. This result shows that wild and open nature in North West Iceland has the characteristics of a restorative environment and can be utilized for health promotion.
Investigating the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Batra Kavita , Singh Tejinder Pal , Sharma Manoj , Batra Ravi , Schvaneveldt Nena
Published: December 2020

Previous meta-analyses were conducted during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, which utilized a smaller pool of data. The current meta-analysis aims to provide additional (and updated) evidence related to the psychological impact among healthcare workers. The search strategy was developed by a medical librarian and bibliographical databases, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for studies examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of healthcare workers. Articles were screened by three reviewers. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 statistic. The random-effects model was utilized to obtain the pooled prevalence. A subgroup analysis by region, gender, quality of study, assessment methods, healthcare profession, and exposure was performed. Publication bias was assessed by Funnel plot and Egger linear regression test. Sixty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and the total sample constituted 79,437 participants. The pooled prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress syndrome, insomnia, psychological distress, and burnout was 34.4%, 31.8%, 40.3%, 11.4%, 27.8%, 46.1%, and 37.4% respectively. The subgroup analysis indicated higher anxiety and depression prevalence among females, nurses, and frontline responders than males, doctors, and second-line healthcare workers. This study highlights the need for designing a targeted intervention to improve resilience and foster post-traumatic growth among frontline responders.
Salaried Workers’ Self-Perceived Health and Psychosocial Risk in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Authors: Gómez-García Antonio Ramón , Portalanza-Chavarría Cecilia Alexandra , Arias-Ulloa Christian Arturo , Espinoza-Samaniego César Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Self-perceived health is an important indicator of occupational health. This research explored the relationship between poor self-perceived health and exposure to psychosocial risk factors, taking into account potential socio-demographic, occupational, and employment determinants. Using data from the First Survey of Occupational Safety and Health Conditions, covering 1049 salaried workers in Guayaquil, Ecuador, descriptive and stratified binary logistic regression analyses (odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals) were carried out. A significant relationship was found between exposure to psychosocial risk factors and the probability of presenting poor self-perceived health by socio-demographic, occupational, and employment characteristics. Occupational exposure factors to psychosocial risks were predictors of self-perceived ill health and were related to the variables analyzed; the most frequently expressed factors among the respondents were cognitive demands (DCOG) and job insecurity (IL). The results have implications in terms of designing effective workplace interventions pursuant to ensuring the health and well-being of employees.
Levels of Gene Expression of Immunological Biomarkers in Peri-Implant and Periodontal Tissues
Authors: Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Bueno-Silva Bruno , Nogueira Cristiana Fernandes Plutarco , Valadares Leonardo Carneiro , Garcia Katia Marina Morilla , Filho Givelton Coimbra da Luz , Milanello Luciano , Esteves Felipe Machado , Shibli Jamil Awad , Miranda Tamires Szeremeske
Published: December 2020

This study compared the gene expression of the immunoinflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -2, -8, and -9, and the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 and -2 in the gingival tissue of individuals with periodontal and peri-implant disease. The study population included individuals with four periodontal statuses: periodontal health (PH group, n = 20); periodontitis (P group, n = 20); peri-implant health (PIH group, n = 20), and peri-implantitis (PI group, n = 20). Gingival biopsies were collected from one tooth per patient according to the inclusion criteria of each group. The mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were evaluated by qPCR. The levels of IL-1ß were significantly higher in the PI group when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05), while the levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the groups with periodontal and peri-implant disease when compared with the healthy groups (p < 0.05); however, the levels of IL-6 did not differ between the PI and P groups (p > 0.05). For all other studied biomarkers, no significant differences were observed between groups (p > 0.05). IL-6 and IL-1ß presented higher levels of mRNA in diseased periodontal and peri-implant tissues. However, the expression of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors did not differ between the different periodontal statuses.
Mouthwash Based on Ozonated Olive Oil in Caries Prevention: A Preliminary In-Vitro Study
Authors: Nardi Gianna Maria , Fais Sara , Casu Cinzia , Mazur Marta , Di Giorgio Roberto , Grassi Roberta , Grassi Felice Roberto , Orrù Germano
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Ozone (O3) proved to oxidize organic and inorganic compounds, and its efficacy against bacteria, viruses and fungi plasma membranes was of interest. Ozone vehicle can be a gaseous form, ozonated water or ozonized oil. The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of ozonated olive oil against Streptococcus mutans. (2) Methods: Two different commercial mouthwashes were tested: Ialozon Blu (IB) (Gemavip, Cagliari, Italy), with ozonated olive oil, and Ialozon Rose (IR) (Gemavip, Cagliari, Italy), with ozonated olive oil, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. All formulates were analyzed in a dilution range from 2- to 256-folds in saline solution, as to reproduce the salivary dilution. Streptococcus mutans CIP103220 strain was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test, and the Kirby–Bauer inhibition method was performed to evaluate the Minimum Inhibitory (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal (MBC), and Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC). (3) Results: Both formulates showed the same antimicrobial activity. MIC, MBC, and MBIC were observed for dilution factors of 1/32, 1/8 and 1/8, respectively. The mean value of inhibition zone diameter was 16.5 mm for IB, and 18 mm for IR. (4) Conclusions: The results suggested that ozonized olive oil formulates were able to inactivate Streptococcus mutans avoiding the salivary dilution effect in the oral cavity.
The Spillover Influence of Household Waste Sorting on Green Consumption Behavior by Mediation of Environmental Concern: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Wang Huiling , Ma Ying , Yang Shaoxiong , Koondhar Mansoor Ahmed , Kong Rong
Published: December 2020

The spillover effect of environmental behavior has been of wide concern in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of household waste sorting on green consumption (behavioral spillover) and the possible psychological mechanisms involved in such spillover of environmental concern. Though it is important, insufficient attention has been paid to exploring the relationship, and the process of its formation, between waste sorting and green consumption. To narrow this gap, survey data collected in 2018 from 688 rural households from Shaanxi Province in western China were used. The propensity score matching method was employed to measure the effect of waste sorting on rural households’ green consumption. The mediating model was employed to investigate the path of influence in the relationship between waste sorting and green consumption. The results showed that waste sorting behavior positively spilled over into green consumption, with a net effect of 0.205. Environmental concern has a mediating effect on the relationship between waste sorting and green consumption behavior, with a mediating effect of 0.3177. In summary, household waste sorting behavior has a spillover effect on green consumption behavior as a result of the mediation effect of environmental concern. The results of this article fill in our knowledge on the spillover effects of waste sorting behavior in developing countries. Policy makers and regulators should vigorously advocate and implement waste sorting behavior, increase farmers’ concern for the environment, and promote their participation in green consumption behavior, so as to maximize the spillover effect.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being of Young People Living in Austria and Turkey: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Akkaya-Kalayci Türkan , Kothgassner Oswald D. , Wenzel Thomas , Goreis Andreas , Chen Anthony , Ceri Veysi , Özlü-Erkilic Zeliha
Published: December 2020

Little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and psychological well-being of young people. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological well-being and changes in the mental-health state of young people living in Austria and Turkey. By using an anonymous online survey, we recruited 1240 people aged 15–25 years from these two countries. We used the “Psychological General Well-being” and a self-created questionnaire to capture individual experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine period. The native Turks indicated higher “anxiety” (ps < 0.010), lower “vitality” (ps < 0.011), and lower “general health” (ps < 0.011) than native Austrians or Austrian migrants and increased “depression” (p = 0.005) and lower “self-control” (p = 0.022), than Austrian migrants. Moreover, 50.9% of native Turks reported a decrease in their mental health status, compared to 31.1% of native Austrians and 23.7% of Austrian migrants. Participants with financial problems (OR = 1.68) and prior mental health problems (i.e., already in treatment by the time of COVID-19, OR = 5.83) reported a higher probability for a worsening in their mental health status. Our results show that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired the psychological well-being and mental health of young people. Especially people in Turkey were most affected, probably due to the stringent policies to fight COVID-19.
Physical Fitness Level and Mood State Changes in Basic Military Training
Authors: Ahn Hyoyeon , Kim Yongse , Jeong Jaeuk , So Youngho
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of fitness level and mood states in the basic military training (BMT) for midshipmen using latent growth model analysis. A total of 285 midshipmen were selected as participants in BMT. The results were as follow: First, the slope of low initial fitness level increase higher than high initial fitness level. Second, there is no significant on relation between the slope of total mood disturbance score (TMD) and initial TMD level. Third, initial fitness level might increase the difference in participants’ mood state. To Sum up, participants in low initial fitness level scored lower on the results of initial TMD than people in high initial fitness level, and the rate of change in TMD of the stronger participants was larger than the others. Thus, we suggested that to consideration not only fitness level but also psychological, social aspect during in BMT.
Mental Health Disorders and Summer Temperature-Related Mortality: A Case Crossover Study
Authors: Stivanello Elisa , Chierzi Federico , Marzaroli Paolo , Zanella Sara , Miglio Rossella , Biavati Patrizia , Perlangeli Vincenza , Berardi Domenico , Fioritti Angelo , Pandolfi Paolo
Published: December 2020

Identifying the most vulnerable subjects is crucial for the effectiveness of health interventions aimed at limiting the adverse consequences of high temperatures. We conducted a case crossover study aimed at assessing whether suffering from mental health disorders modifies the effect of high temperatures on mortality. We included all deaths occurred in the area of Bologna Local Health Trust during the summers 2004–2017. Subjects with mental disorders were identified by using the local Mental Health Registry. A conditional logistic model was applied, and a z-test was used to study the effect modification. Several models were estimated stratifying by subjects’ characteristics. For every 1 °C above 24 °C, mortality among people without mental disorders increased by 1.9% (95% CI 1.0–2.6, p < 0.0001), while among mental health service users, mortality increased by 5.5% (95% CI 2.4–8.6, p < 0.0001) (z-test equal to p = 0.0259). The effect modification varied according to gender, residency and cause of death. The highest probability of dying due to an increase in temperature was registered in patients with depression and cognitive decline. In order to reduce the effects of high temperatures on mortality, health intervention strategies should include mental health patients among the most vulnerable subjects taking account of their demographic and clinical characteristics.
Relationships of Fat and Muscle Mass with Chronic Kidney Disease in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Bokun , Park Hyuntae , Kim Gwonmin , Isobe Tomonori , Sakae Takeji , Oh Sechang
Published: December 2020

This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to assess the relationships of fat and muscle mass with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults. Serum creatinine concentration was used to measure estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m2) in the 236 subjects, who were allocated to three groups: a normal (≥60.0), a mild CKD (45.0–59.9), and a moderate to severe CKD (<45.0) group. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test and multivariate logistic regression were employed to assess body composition trends and the relationships of % fat mass (FM) or % muscle mass index (MMI) with moderate-to-severe CKD. Body weight, fat-free mass, MMI, and %MMI tended to decrease with an increase in the severity of CKD, but the opposite trend was identified for %FM. No relationship with BMI was identified. The participants in the middle-high and highest quartile for %FM were 6.55 and 14.31 times more likely to have moderate to severe CKD. Conversely, the participants in the highest quartile for %MMI were 0.07 times less likely to have moderate to severe CKD. Thus, high fat and low muscle mass may be more strongly associated with CKD than obesity per se.
Exploring the Bacterial Communities of the Kaiafas Thermal Spring Anigrides Nymphes in Greece Prior to Rehabilitation Actions
Authors: Doulgeraki Agapi I. , Bikouli Vasiliki , Argyri Anthoula A. , Chorianopoulos Nikos , Mitre Elisavet , Charvourou Georgia , Sourri Patra , Tassou Chrysoula C. , Oikonomou Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Anigrides Nymphes of Lake Kaiafas is a thermal spring that is well known for its therapeutical properties, as the hot water (32–34 °C) is rich in sulfur compounds and minerals. Nowadays, efforts are made from the Hellenic Republic to modernize the existing facilities and infrastructure networks of the area. To study the complex ecosystem of the thermal spring, we collected water from four sampling points (Lake, and Caves 1, 2, and 3). Filtration method was used for microbial enumeration. In parallel, total bacterial DNA was extracted and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 166 different bacterial families were detected. Differences in families, genera, and species abundances were detected between the different sampling points. Specifically, Comamonadaceae was the most common family detected in Lake and Cave 3. Similarly, in Caves 1 and 2, Rhodobacteraceae was detected at a higher percentage compared to the rest of the families. Moreover, the detection of sequences assigned to waterborne or opportunistic pathogens, i.e., Enterobacteriaceae, Legionellaceae, Coxiellaceae, and Clostridiaceae, as well as Enterococcus and Vibrio, is of great importance. Although the presence of pathogens was not examined by quantitative PCR, the detection of their sequences strengthens the need of the planned rehabilitation actions of this natural environment in order to allow human swimming.
Effects of Trunk Exercise on Unstable Surfaces in Persons with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Pei-Yun , Huang Jhen-Cih , Tseng Hui-Yu , Yang Yi-Ching , Lin Sang-I
Published: December 2020

Background: Improving balance-related ability is an important goal in stroke rehabilitation. Evidence is needed to demonstrate how this goal could be better achieved. Aim: Determine if trunk exercises on unstable surfaces would improve trunk control and balance for persons in the subacute stage of stroke. Design: An assessor-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatients in the department of rehabilitation in a general hospital. Population: Patients who suffered a first-time stroke with onset from one to six months. Methods: Inpatients with stroke were assigned to upper limb exercises (control group, n = 17) or trunk exercises on unstable surfaces (experimental group, n = 18) to receive training twice a week for six weeks, in addition to their daily conventional stroke rehabilitation. Sensorimotor function tests, including hand grip, plantar sensitivity, stroke rehabilitation assessment of movement and Fugl-Meyer lower extremity motor scale, and clinical outcome assessments, including Trunk Impairment Scale and 6 m walk test, were conducted before and after six weeks of training. The center of the pressure area while maintaining static posture and peak displacement while leaning forward, as well as the average speed of raising the unaffected arm, were measured in sitting without foot support, sitting with foot support and standing to reflect trunk control, sitting balance and standing balance, respectively. Results: The between-group differences in the sensorimotor functions were nonsignificant before and after training. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly greater forward leaning and faster arm raising in sitting without foot support, higher Trunk Impairment Scale total score, and shorter 6 m walking time after training, but not before training. Conclusion: Trunk exercises on unstable surfaces could further improve trunk control, the ability to raise the unaffected arm rapidly in sitting, and walking for persons in the subacute stage of stroke. This intervention may be considered to be included in stroke rehabilitation.
A Process Evaluation Examining the Performance, Adherence, and Acceptability of a Physical Activity and Diet Artificial Intelligence Virtual Health Assistant
Authors: Davis Courtney R. , Murphy Karen J. , Curtis Rachel G. , Maher Carol A.
Published: December 2020

Artificial intelligence virtual health assistants are a promising emerging technology. This study is a process evaluation of a 12-week pilot physical activity and diet program delivered by virtual assistant “Paola”. This single-arm repeated measures study (n = 28, aged 45–75 years) was evaluated on technical performance (accuracy of conversational exchanges), engagement (number of weekly check-ins completed), adherence (percentage of step goal and recommended food servings), and user feedback. Paola correctly asked scripted questions and responded to participants during the check-ins 97% and 96% of the time, respectively, but correctly responded to spontaneous exchanges only 21% of the time. Participants completed 63% of weekly check-ins and conducted a total of 3648 exchanges. Mean dietary adherence was 91% and was lowest for discretionary foods, grains, red meat, and vegetables. Participants met their step goal 59% of the time. Participants enjoyed the program and found Paola useful during check-ins but not for spontaneous exchanges. More in-depth knowledge, personalized advice and spontaneity were identified as important improvements. Virtual health assistants should ensure an adequate knowledge base and ability to recognize intents and entities, include personality and spontaneity, and provide ongoing technical troubleshooting of the virtual assistant to ensure the assistant remains effective.
A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study of a Multi-Component Lighting Intervention for Hospital Shift Workers
Authors: Harrison Elizabeth M. , Schmied Emily A. , Easterling Alexandra P. , Yablonsky Abigail M. , Glickman Gena L.
Published: December 2020

Simple lighting solutions may mitigate the harmful effects of shiftwork. This hybrid effectiveness–implementation study evaluated a multi-component lighting intervention in hospital nurses that included 6500 K architectural lighting in the nurses’ station plus optional behavioral components (a lightbox, blueblocker glasses, eyemasks) with instruction about appropriately timed usage. Selective improvements from baseline were observed in on-shift performance, sleep quality, and caffeine consumption in day workers (all p < 0.05); off-shift sleepiness scores improved for night workers (p < 0.05). Further, self-reported measures of quality of life improved for both groups (p < 0.05). Preliminary implementation data from interviews and questionnaires suggest perceived benefits and high acceptability of the intervention.
Crime Prediction with Historical Crime and Movement Data of Potential Offenders Using a Spatio-Temporal Cokriging Method
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Liu Lin , Yang Bo , Lan Minxuan
Published: December 2020

Crime prediction using machine learning and data fusion assimilation has become a hot topic. Most of the models rely on historical crime data and related environment variables. The activity of potential offenders affects the crime patterns, but the data with fine resolution have not been applied in the crime prediction. The goal of this study is to test the effect of the activity of potential offenders in the crime prediction by combining this data in the prediction models and assessing the prediction accuracies. This study uses the movement data of past offenders collected in routine police stop-and-question operations to infer the movement of future offenders. The offender movement data compensates historical crime data in a Spatio-Temporal Cokriging (ST-Cokriging) model for crime prediction. The models are implemented for weekly, biweekly, and quad-weekly prediction in the XT police district of ZG city, China. Results with the incorporation of the offender movement data are consistently better than those without it. The improvement is most pronounced for the weekly model, followed by the biweekly model, and the quad-weekly model. In sum, the addition of offender movement data enhances crime prediction, especially for short periods.
Defining Dry Eye from a Clinical Perspective
Authors: Tsubota Kazuo , Pflugfelder Stephen C. , Liu Zuguo , Baudouin Christophe , Kim Hyo Myung , Messmer Elisabeth M. , Kruse Friedrich , Liang Lingyi , Carreno-Galeano Jimena Tatiana , Rolando Maurizio , Yokoi Norihiko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Dana Reza
Published: December 2020

Over the past decades, the number of patients with dry eye disease (DED) has increased dramatically. The incidence of DED is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America, suggesting the involvement of cultural or racial factors in DED etiology. Although many definitions of DED have been used, discrepancies exist between the various definitions of dry eye disease (DED) used across the globe. This article presents a clinical consensus on the definition of DED, as formulated in four meetings with global DED experts. The proposed new definition is as follows: “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterized by a persistently unstable and/or deficient tear film (TF) causing discomfort and/or visual impairment, accompanied by variable degrees of ocular surface epitheliopathy, inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities.” The key criteria for the diagnosis of DED are unstable TF, inflammation, ocular discomfort and visual impairment. This definition also recommends the assessment of ocular surface epitheliopathy and neurosensory abnormalities in each patient with suspected DED. It is easily applicable in clinical practice and should help practitioners diagnose DED consistently. This consensus definition of DED should also help to guide research and clinical trials that, to date, have been hampered by the lack of an established surrogate endpoint.