bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CMOS Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator Design Trends: An Overview
Authors: Sobhan Bhuiyan Mohammad Arif , Hossain Md. Rownak , Minhad Khairun Nisa’ , Haque Fahmida , Hemel Mohammad Shahriar Khan , Md Dawi Omar , Ibne Reaz Mamun Bin , Ooi Kelvin J. A.
Published: January 2022

Systems-on-Chip’s (SoC) design complexity demands a high-performance linear regulator architecture to maintain a stable operation for the efficient power management of today’s devices. Over the decades, the low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator design has gained attention due to its design scalability with better performance in various application domains. Industry professionals as well as academia have put forward their innovations such as event-driven explicit time-coding, exponential-ratio array, switched RC bandgap reference circuit, etc., to make a trade-off between several performance parameters such as die area, ripple rejection, supply voltage range, and current efficiency. However, current LDO architectures in micro and nanometer complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology face some challenges, such as short channel effects, gate leakage, fabrication difficulty, and sensitivity to process variations at nanoscale. This review presents the LDO architectures, optimization techniques, and performance comparisons in different LDO design domains such as digital, analog, and hybrid. In this review, various state-of-the-art circuit topologies, deployed for the betterment of LDO performance and focusing on the specific parameter up-gradation to the overall improvement of the functionality, are framed, which will serve as a comparative study and reference for researchers.
SplitTrie: A Fast Update Packet Classification Algorithm with Trie Splitting
Authors: Li Yifei , Wang Jinlin , Chen Xiao , Wu Jinghong
Published: January 2022

Software Defined Network (SDN) currently is widely used in the implementation of new network technologies owing to its distinctive advantages. In changeable SDN environments, the update performance of SDN switches has significant importance for the overall network performance because packet processing could be interrupted by ruleset updating in SDN switches. In order to guarantee high update performance, we propose a new classification algorithm, SplitTrie, based on trie structures and trie splitting. SplitTrie splits rulesets according to the field type vectors of rules. The splitting can improve the update performance because it reduces the trie structure sizes. Experimental results demonstrated that SplitTrie could achieve 20 times of update speed in the complex rulesets comparing the method without trie splitting.
An Experimental Evaluation of Resistive Defects and Different Testing Solutions in Low-Power Back-Biased SRAM Cells
Authors: Mirabella Nunzio , Grosso Michelangelo , Franchino Giovanna , Rinaudo Salvatore , Deretzis Ioannis , La Magna Antonino , Sonza Reorda Matteo
Published: January 2022

This paper compares different types of resistive defects that may occur inside low-power SRAM cells, focusing on their impact on device operation. Notwithstanding the continuous evolution of SRAM device integration, manufacturing processes continue to be very sensitive to production faults, giving rise to defects that can be modeled as resistances, especially for devices designed to work in low-power modes. This work analyzes this type of resistive defect that may impair the device functionalities in subtle ways, depending on the defect characteristics and values that may not be directly or easily detectable by traditional test methods. We analyze each defect in terms of the possible effects inside the SRAM cell, its impact on power consumption, and provide guidelines for selecting the best test methods.
Multi-Population Enhanced Slime Mould Algorithm and with Application to Postgraduate Employment Stability Prediction
Authors: Gao Hongxing , Liang Guoxi , Chen Huiling
Published: January 2022

In this study, the authors aimed to study an effective intelligent method for employment stability prediction in order to provide a reasonable reference for postgraduate employment decision and for policy formulation in related departments. First, this paper introduces an enhanced slime mould algorithm (MSMA) with a multi-population strategy. Moreover, this paper proposes a prediction model based on the modified algorithm and the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm called MSMA-SVM. Among them, the multi-population strategy balances the exploitation and exploration ability of the algorithm and improves the solution accuracy of the algorithm. Additionally, the proposed model enhances the ability to optimize the support vector machine for parameter tuning and for identifying compact feature subsets to obtain more appropriate parameters and feature subsets. Then, the proposed modified slime mould algorithm is compared against various other famous algorithms in experiments on the 30 IEEE CEC2017 benchmark functions. The experimental results indicate that the established modified slime mould algorithm has an observably better performance compared to the algorithms on most functions. Meanwhile, a comparison between the optimal support vector machine model and other several machine learning methods on their ability to predict employment stability was conducted, and the results showed that the suggested the optimal support vector machine model has better classification ability and more stable performance. Therefore, it is possible to infer that the optimal support vector machine model is likely to be an effective tool that can be used to predict employment stability.
Meander-DGS Effect on Electromagnetic Bandgap Structure for Power/Ground Noise Suppression in High-Speed Integrated Circuit Packages and PCBs
Authors: Kim Myunghoi
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present the impact of a meander-shaped defected ground structure (MDGS) on the slow-wave characteristics of a lowest-order passband and a low cutoff frequency of the first stopband of an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure for power/ground noise suppression in high-speed integrated circuit packages and printed circuit boards (PCBs). A semi-analytical method is presented to rigorously analyze the MDGS effect. In the analytical method, a closed-form expression for a low cutoff frequency of the MDGS-EBG structure is extracted with an effective characteristic impedance and a slow-wave factor. The proposed analytical method enables the fast analysis of the MDGS-EBG structure so that it can be easily optimized. The analysis of the MDGS effect revealed that the low cutoff frequency increases up to approximately 19% while comparing weakly and strongly coupled MDGSs. It showed that the miniaturization of the MDGS-EBG structure can be achieved. It was experimentally verified that the low cutoff frequency is reduced from 2.54 GHz to 2.00 GHz by decreasing the MDGS coupling coefficient, which is associated with the miniaturization of the MDGS-EBG structure in high-speed packages and PCBs.
Effectiveness and Benefits of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme: Evidence from Polish Organisations
Authors: Matuszak-Flejszman Alina , Paliwoda Beata
Published: January 2022

Climate change and environmental pollution are considered to be among the main challenges faced by the modern world. The growth of environmental awareness and the adoption of a pro-environmental approach are considered to be the key megatrends with the greatest impact on the global economy in the upcoming years. According to Eurobarometer, EU citizens are particularly aware of the importance of protecting the environment. Although the negative environmental impact of European industry has improved over the past decades, EU citizens believe that there is further scope in terms of helping companies transition towards adopting more sustainable models. One of the factors contributing to the reduction in negative environmental impact is the participation of enterprises in voluntary programs such as the Environmental Management System (EMS), according to ISO 14001, or the Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The whole population of Polish companies registered under the EMAS was included in the study and although the sample size was small, it was a full study, and for that reason allows for the generalisation and conclusion regarding the whole population of EMAS-registered companies in Poland. The results of the study conducted on EMAS-registered organisations in Poland in 2015 suggest that the average effectiveness of the EMAS observed between 2007 and 2014 was 66.4%. The aim of this study was to review the changes in EMAS effectiveness and benefits obtained by participating organisations after five years. The results indicate that the average effectiveness during the period of 2015–2020 increased to 79.1%; nevertheless, registered organisations recognise fewer benefits for participation in the scheme. The study has shown that as EMAS matures in organisations, it becomes more effective. It influences a lot of factors, such as environmental awareness and management commitment, the use of SRDs (including BEMPs), environmental performance indicators for specific sectors, the criteria for the excellence of assessing the level of environmental performance, and the skilful use of indicators in organisations.
An Improved Virtual Inertia Control Strategy for Low Voltage AC Microgrids with Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Liu Ruiming , Wang Shengtie , Liu Guangchen , Wen Sufang , Zhang Jianwei , Ma Yuechao
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a novel virtual inertia control (VIC) method based on a feedforward decoupling strategy to address the low inertia issue of power-converter-interfaced microgrids. The feedforward control scheme is employed to eliminate the coupling between active and reactive power caused by line impedance. The active power-voltage droop can be applied to the battery converter in the hybrid energy storage system (HESS). A novel VIC method is developed for the supercapacitor (SC) converter of HESS to increase the inertia of the microgrid. Detailed small-signal modeling of the SC converter with the proposed VIC was conducted, and the transfer function model was obtained. Parameter analysis of the virtual inertia and virtual damping was carried out with the pole-zero map method, and the step response characteristic of output voltage amplitude with power variation was analyzed in detail, deriving the parameter design principle. The simulation study verifies the effectiveness and validity of the proposed control strategy. The proposed feedforward decoupling method and VIC can be widely applied in microgrids to enhance inertia and improve their power quality.
Does the Policy of Ecological Forest Rangers (EFRs) for the Impoverished Populations Reduce Forest Disasters?—Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Yan Zhongcheng , Wei Feng , Deng Xin , Li Chuan , He Qiang , Qi Yanbin
Published: January 2022

The effective prevention and control of forest disasters is important for forest resources and the well-being of those living in forested areas. This study evaluates the impact of a policy that employs a rural impoverished population as ecological forest rangers (EFRs) for the incidence of forest disasters. We estimate a generalized difference in differences (DID) model using nationwide provincial-level forest disaster data combined with regional data in all policy pilot areas. There are three primary findings. (1) The implementation of the EFR policy failed to effectively reduce the incidence of forest fires, forest pests, forest diseases, forest rodents and other forest disasters, which shows that the EFR policy has not achieved the goal of “forest protection”. (2) The effect of the EFR policy on forest disaster control is not significantly different among provinces with different forest resource endowments and different levels of social and economic development. This shows that there is no significant difference in the implementation of EFR policies between different forest resource endowments and different socioeconomic development areas. (3) The EFR policy failed to achieve the effective coordination of the dual goals of “poverty reduction” and “ecological protection”; this is the main reason for the failure to reduce the incidence of forest disasters while reducing poverty. The pressure of this policy neglected the “forest management and protection” function of the policy and the corresponding assessment requirements. At the same time, the central government also neglected the assessment of the prevention and control of “forest disasters” by local governments when implementing this policy. Ultimately, the opportunism of local governments and ecological rangers was strengthened. Therefore, the goals of environmental service payment items and the corresponding evaluation index settings need to be matched to truly achieve the established goals.
Rolling Shear Properties of Cross-Laminated Timber Made from Australian Plantation Eucalyptus nitens under Planar Shear Test
Authors: Ettelaei Azin , Taoum Assaad , Shanks Jon , Nolan Gregory
Published: January 2022

With the increasing availability of fast-growing Eucalyptus plantation logs in Australia in recent years, the timber manufacturing sector has become interested in discovering the opportunities of producing value-added timber products from this resource. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) could be a potential sustainable product recovered from this resource and supply material for commercial buildings. Shear of the inner cross-laminates, known as rolling shear, is one of the governing factors in serviceability and limit state design for this product under out-of-plane loading. This study evaluated the rolling shear (RS) properties of CLT with heterogonous layup configurations using different structural grade Eucalyptus nitens (E. nitens) timber under the planar shear test. Based on the results, Gr and τr values were shown to be significantly correlated with the density of the CLT panel. There was also a positive correlation between the RS modulus and MOR of the CLT panel. The specimens with high MOE in the top and bottom layers indicated the highest τr and Fmax values. This indicated that using high-grade boards in the top and bottom lamellae plays an important role in increasing the RS strength, whereas using them in the cross-layer has a positive contribution in increasing shear modulus. The maximum observed RS strength and modulus ranged from 2.8–3.4 MPa and 54.3–67.9 MPa, respectively, exceeding the RS characteristic values of the resource. The results obtained in this study were comparable to those recommended in European standards for softwood CLT, demonstrating the potential use for eucalypt timber boards in CLT production. This paper provides an important insight into supporting the potential engineering applications of CLT panel products fabricated with eucalypt plantation.
A Robust Method for Detecting Wind-Fallen Stems from Aerial RGB Images Using a Line Segment Detection Algorithm
Authors: Ritter Tim , Gollob Christoph , Kraßnitzer Ralf , Stampfer Karl , Nothdurft Arne
Published: January 2022

Increased frequencies and windspeeds of storms may cause disproportionately high increases in windthrow damage. Storm-felled trees provide a surplus of breeding material for bark beetles, often resulting in calamities in the subsequent years. Thus, the timely removal of fallen trees is regarded as a good management practice that requires strategic planning of salvage harvesting. Precise information on the number of stems and their location and orientation are needed for the efficient planning of strip roads and/or cable yarding lines. An accurate assessment of these data using conventional field-based methods is very difficult and time-consuming; remote sensing techniques may be a cost-efficient alternative. In this research, a methodology for the automatic detection of fallen stems from aerial RGB images is presented. The presented methodology was based on a line segment detection algorithm and proved to be robust regarding image quality. It was shown that the method can detect frequency, position, spatial distribution and orientation of fallen stems with high accuracy, while stem lengths were systematically underestimated. The methodology can be used for the optimized planning of salvage harvesting in the future and may thus help to reduce consequential bark beetle calamities after storm events.
Quality of Life Scores Remained Different among the Genotypic Groups of Patients with Suspected Hemochromatosis, Even after Treatment Period
Authors: Acevedo Luis Alfredo Utria , Alvarenga Aline Morgan , Fonseca Paula Fernanda Silva , da Silva Nathália Kozikas , Cançado Rodolfo Delfini , Naoum Flavio Augusto , Dinardo Carla Luana , Pereira Alexandre Costa , Brissot Pierre , Santos Paulo Caleb Junior Lima
Published: January 2022

Background: Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition of iron overload caused by deficiency of hepcidin. In a previous stage of this study, patients with suspected hemochromatosis had their quality of life (QL) measured. We observed that QL scores differed among genotypic groups of patients. In this reported final phase of the study, the aims were to compare QL scores after a treatment period of approximately 3 years and to analyze a possible association of the serum ferritin values with QL scores. Methods: Sixty-five patients were enrolled in this final phase and divided into group 1 (patients that showed primary iron overload and homozygous genotype for the HFE p.Cys282Tyr mutation) and group 2 (other kinds of genotypes). Short Form 36 (SF-36) was performed and consisted of eight domains with a physical and also a mental component. Results: Both groups had a significant decrease in serum ferritin concentrations: group 1 had a variation from 1844 ± 1313 ng/mL to 281 ± 294 ng/mL, and group 2 had a variation from 1216 ± 631 ng/mL to 236 ± 174 ng/mL. Group 1 had a smaller mean value for these six SF-36 domains compared with group 2, indicating a worse QL. Conclusions: In this final stage, six domains demonstrated a difference among genotypic groups (role emotional and mental health, adding to the four of the initial phase), reassuring the impact of the identified genotype on the QL of hemochromatosis patients. Furthermore, despite that both patient groups demonstrated similar and significant decreases in serum ferritin values, no association was found between the decrease in this biological parameter and the SF-36 domains.
Analysis of Simian Endogenous Retrovirus (SERV) Full-Length Proviruses in Old World Monkey Genomes
Authors: van der Kuyl Antoinette C.
Published: January 2022

Simian endogenous retrovirus, SERV, is a successful germ line invader restricted to Old World monkey (OWM) species. (1) Background: The availability of high-quality primate genomes warrants a study of the characteristics, evolution, and distribution of SERV proviruses. (2) Methods: Cercopithecinae OWM genomes from public databases were queried for the presence of full-length SERV proviruses. A dataset of 81 Cer-SERV genomes was generated and analyzed. (3) Results: Full-length Cer-SERV proviruses were mainly found in terrestrial OWM, and less so in arboreal, forest- dwelling monkeys. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the existence of two genotypes, Cer-SERV-1 and Cer-SERV-2, with Cer-SERV-1 showing evidence of recent germ-line expansions. Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) variation indicated that most proviruses were of a similar age and were estimated to be between <0.3 and 10 million years old. Integrations shared between species were relatively rare. Sequence analysis further showed extensive CpG methylation-associated mutations, variable Primer Binding Site (PBS) use with Cer-SERV-1 using PBSlys3 and Cer-SERV-2 using PBSlys1,2, and the recent gain of LTR motifs for transcription factors active during embryogenesis in Cer-SERV-1. (4) Conclusions: sequence analysis of 81 SERV proviruses from Cercopithecinae OWM genomes provides evidence for the adaptation of this retrovirus to germ line reproduction.
A Survey of Uncertainty Quantification in Machine Learning for Space Weather Prediction
Authors: Siddique Talha , Mahmud Md , Keesee Amy , Ngwira Chigomezyo , Connor Hyunju
Published: January 2022

With the availability of data and computational technologies in the modern world, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a preferred methodology for data analysis and prediction. While ML holds great promise, the results from such models are not fully unreliable due to the challenges introduced by uncertainty. An ML model generates an optimal solution based on its training data. However, if the uncertainty in the data and the model parameters are not considered, such optimal solutions have a high risk of failure in actual world deployment. This paper surveys the different approaches used in ML to quantify uncertainty. The paper also exhibits the implications of quantifying uncertainty when using ML by performing two case studies with space physics in focus. The first case study consists of the classification of auroral images in predefined labels. In the second case study, the horizontal component of the perturbed magnetic field measured at the Earth’s surface was predicted for the study of Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) by training the model using time series data. In both cases, a Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) was trained to generate predictions, along with epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties. Finally, the pros and cons of both Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) models and Bayesian Deep Learning (DL) are weighed. The paper also provides recommendations for the models that need exploration, focusing on space weather prediction.
First Observation of Unicellular Organisms Concentrating Arsenic in ACC Intracellular Inclusions in Lake Waters
Authors: Martignier Agathe , Filella Montserrat , Jaquet Jean-Michel , Coster Mathieu , Ariztegui Daniel
Published: January 2022

In unicellular organisms, intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) were initially described in cyanobacteria and, later, in unicellular eukaryotes from Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France). Inclusions in unicellular eukaryotes, named micropearls, consist of hydrated ACCs, frequently enriched in Sr or Ba, and displaying internal oscillatory zonations, due to variations in the Ba:Ca or Sr:Ca ratios. An analysis of our database, consisting of 1597 micropearl analyses from Lake Geneva and 34 from Lake Titicaca (Bolivia/Peru), showed that a certain number of Sr- and Ba-enriched micropearls from these lakes contain As in amounts measurable by EDXS. A Q-mode statistical analysis confirmed the existence of five chemically distinct morpho-chemical groups of As-bearing micropearls, among which was a new category identified in Lake Geneva, where As is often associated with Mg. This new type of micropearl is possibly produced in a small (7–12 μm size) bi-flagellated organism. Micropearls from Lake Titicaca, which contain Sr, were found in an organism very similar to Tetraselmis cordiformis, which was observed earlier in Lake Geneva. Lake Titicaca micropearls contain larger As amounts, which can be explained by the high As concentration in the water of this lake. The ubiquity of this observed biomineralization process points to the need for a better understanding of the role of amorphous or crystalline calcium carbonates in As cycling in surface waters.
The Evolution of Preseismic Patterns Related to the Central Crete (Mw6.0) Strong Earthquake on 27 September 2021 Revealed by Multiresolution Wavelets and Natural Time Analysis
Authors: Vallianatos Filippos , Michas Georgios , Hloupis George , Chatzopoulos Georgios
Published: January 2022

On 27 September 2021, a shallow earthquake with focal depth of 10 km and moment magnitude Mw6.0 occurred onshore in central Crete (Greece). The evolution of possible preseismic patterns in the area of central Crete before the Mw6.0 event was investigated by applying the method of multiresolution wavelet analysis (MRWA), along with that of natural time (NT). The monitoring of preseismic patterns by critical parameters defined by NT analysis, integrated with the results of MRWA as the initiation point for the NT analysis, forms a promising framework that may lead to new universal principles that describe the evolution patterns before strong earthquakes. Initially, we apply MRWA to the interevent time series of the successive regional earthquakes in order to investigate the approach of the regional seismicity towards critical stages and to define the starting point of the natural time domain. Then, using the results of MRWA, we apply the NT analysis, showing that the regional seismicity approached criticality for a prolonged period of ~40 days before the occurrence of the Mw6.0 earthquake, when the κ1 natural time parameter reached the critical value of κ1 = 0.070, as suggested by the NT method.
Outdoor Radon as a Tool to Estimate Radon Priority Areas—A Literature Overview
Authors: Čeliković Igor , Pantelić Gordana , Vukanac Ivana , Krneta Nikolić Jelena , Živanović Miloš , Cinelli Giorgia , Gruber Valeria , Baumann Sebastian , Quindos Poncela Luis Santiago , Rabago Daniel
Published: January 2022

Doses from the exposure to outdoor radon are typically an order of magnitude smaller than those from indoor radon, causing a greater interest on investigation of the latter for radiation protection issues. As a consequence, assessment of radon priority areas (RPA) is mainly based on indoor radon measurements. Outdoor radon measurements might be needed to guarantee a complete estimation of radiological risk and may help to improve the estimation of RPA. Therefore, authors have analysed the available literature on outdoor radon to give an overview of outdoor radon surveys and potential correlation with indoor radon and estimation of RPA. The review has shown that outdoor radon surveys were performed at much smaller scale compared to indoor radon. Only a few outdoor radon maps were produced, with a much smaller density, covering a larger area, and therefore putting doubt on the representativeness of this data. Due to a large variety of techniques used for outdoor radon measurements and requirement to have detectors with a high sensitivity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, a standardised measurement protocol should be derived. This is no simple endeavour since there are more applications in different scientific disciplines for outdoor radon measurements compared to indoor radon.
Trends in Smoking Prevalence and Intensity between 2010 and 2018: Implications for Tobacco Control in China
Authors: Zhang Guoting , Zhan Jiajia , Fu Hongqiao
Published: January 2022

Background: China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of cigarettes. Since 2010, the Chinese government has implemented many policies to combat the tobacco epidemic, yet little is known about their overall impacts. This study aims to investigate the trends in smoking prevalence and intensity between 2010 and 2018. Methods: We use five waves of data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a nationally representative survey, to examine the trends in smoking prevalence and intensity. We use the chi-square test and t-test to examine differences across waves. Binary logistic regressions and linear regressions are applied to examine the association between smoking behaviors and risk factors. Results: The current smoking prevalence dropped from 30.30% in 2010 (90% CI 29.47–31.31) to 28.69% (90% CI 27.69–29.69) in 2018. As for smoking intensity, the average daily cigarettes consumption decreased steadily from 16.96 cigarettes (90% CI 16.55–17.36) in 2010 to 15.12 cigarettes (90% CI 15.07–15.94) in 2018. Smoking risk factors for men included marriage status, education level, employment status, alcohol consumption, and physical activities. The smoking risk was higher for women with a lower education level, lower household income, unemployment status, and alcohol consumption behavior. Conclusions: Our study shows declined trends in both smoking prevalence and intensity between 2010 and 2018, suggesting some positive progress in tobacco control in China. Nonetheless, to achieve the goal of reducing smoking prevalence among people aged 15 and above to less than 20% by 2030, the Chinese government needs to take stronger anti-tobacco measures.
Determinants of Nutrition Facts Table Use by Chinese Consumers for Nutritional Value Comparisons
Authors: Huang Zeying , Li Haijun , Huang Jiazhang
Published: January 2022

The nutrition facts table is a nutrition labeling tool designed to inform consumers of food nutritional contents and enable them to make healthier choices by comparing the nutritional values of similar foods. However, its adoption level is considerably low in China. This study employed the Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) algorithm to explore the factors associated with respondents’ adoption of nutrition facts table to compare the nutritional values of similar foods. Data were gathered through a nationally representative online survey of 1500 samples. Results suggested that consumers’ comprehension of the nutrition facts table was a direct explanatory factor for its use. The usage was also indirectly explained by people’s nutrition knowledge, the usage of nutrition facts table by their relatives and friends, and their focus on a healthy diet. Therefore, to increase the use of nutrition facts table by Chinese consumers, the first consideration should be given to enhancing consumers’ comprehension of the labeling
Usefulness of Cochrane Reviews in Clinical Guideline Development—A Survey of 585 Recommendations
Authors: Korfitsen Christoffer Bruun , Mikkelsen Marie-Louise Kirkegaard , Ussing Anja , Walker Karen Christina , Rohde Jeanett Friis , Andersen Henning Keinke , Tarp Simon , Händel Mina Nicole
Published: January 2022

The Danish Health Authority develops clinical practice guidelines to support clinical decision-making based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system and prioritizes using Cochrane reviews. The objective of this study was to explore the usefulness of Cochrane reviews as a source of evidence in the development of clinical recommendations. Evidence-based recommendations in guidelines published by the Danish Health Authority between 2014 and 2021 were reviewed. For each recommendation, it was noted if and how Cochrane reviews were utilized. In total, 374 evidence-based recommendations and 211 expert consensus recommendations were published between 2014 and 2021. Of the 374 evidence-based recommendations, 106 included evidence from Cochrane reviews. In 28 recommendations, all critical and important outcomes included evidence from Cochrane reviews. In 36 recommendations, a minimum of all critical outcomes included evidence from Cochrane reviews, but not all important outcomes. In 33 recommendations, some but not all critical outcomes included evidence from Cochrane reviews. Finally, in nine recommendations, some of the important outcomes included evidence from Cochrane reviews. In almost one-third of the evidence-based recommendations, Cochrane reviews were used to inform clinical recommendations. This evaluation should inform future evaluations of Cochrane review uptake in clinical practice guidelines concerning outcomes important for clinical decision-making.
Cervical Screening in North Sardinia (Italy): Genotype Distribution and Prevalence of HPV among Women with ASC-US Cytology
Authors: Muresu Narcisa , Sotgiu Giovanni , Marras Silvia , Gentili Davide , Sechi Illari , Cossu Andrea , Dettori Arianna , Pietri Roberto Enrico , Paoni Luisa , Ghi Maria Eugenia , Bagella Maria Paola , Marrazzu Adriano , Cossu Antonio , Genovesi Antonio , Piana Andrea , Saderi Laura
Published: January 2022

The assessment of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype dynamics could support the adoption of more tailored preventive actions against cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of HPV infection, HPV genotype distribution, and the epidemiological characteristics of women with ASC-US cytology since the introduction of HPV-DNA testing in Sardinia (Italy), (March 2016–December 2020). Specimens were tested by RT-PCR for 14 high-risk HPV genotypes. A total of 1186 patients were enrolled, with a median (IQR) age of 41 (38–48) years. Of these women, 48.1% were positive for at least one HPV genotype; 311 (26.2%) women were vaccinated with a median (IQR) age of 38 (30/47) years. The percentage of prevalence of HPV-16, -31, -66, -56, and -51 was 36.3%, 18.7%, 11.9%, 11.4% and 10.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence of infection was found in women aged <41 years, and single women. Moreover, women aged >41 years (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.86; p-value: 0.01), having parity (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.96, p-value: 0.04), and higher educational level (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18–0.87; p-value: 0.02) were associated with a lower CIN2+ risk. We did not find a significant difference in terms of prevalence of HPV-16 infection between vaccinated and non-vaccinated (18.3% vs. 17.1%; p-value < 0.001). Our results support the adoption of nonavalent HPV-vaccine to prevent the most prevalent infections caused by HPV-16 and -31 genotypes and underscore the need of surveillance to implement tailored vaccination programs and preventive strategies.
Changes in Reconstructed Soil Physicochemical Properties in an Opencast Mine Dump in the Loess Plateau Area of China
Authors: Li Yuting , Zhou Wenxiang , Jing Ming , Wang Shufei , Huang Yuhan , Geng Bingjin , Cao Yingui
Published: January 2022

Soil construction and revegetation are essential for ecological restoration in mining areas. The influence of vegetation on the horizontal and vertical distribution patterns of soil properties should be fully understood. However, most studies on reconstructed soils in mining areas only concentrate on the surface soil, without exploring the vertical variations in soil properties. Overall, this study aims to explore the potential mechanisms by which surface vegetation exerts some influence on the spatial distribution of soil physicochemical properties, and to provide some insight into revegetation and soil reclamation in mining areas. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) were employed to evaluate the differences in the soil physicochemical properties in horizontal and vertical directions under different land-use types in the south dump of Antaibao opencast mine in Pingshuo, Shanxi Province, China. The main results of this study are as follows: (1) In the horizontal direction, except for the strong variation (variation coefficient ≥ 100%) in soil organic matter (SOM) content at some depths, the degree of variation in other soil physicochemical properties at various depths was moderate or weak (variation coefficient < 100%). The soil physicochemical properties gradually remained constant after years of reclamation. In the vertical direction, the soil bulk density (SBD), soil porosity, SOM content, soil C/N ratio, soil total nitrogen (STN) content, soil available phosphorus (SAP) content, and soil available potassium (SAK) content showed significant variations (p < 0.05) between soil depths. In contrast, no significant difference was found for other physicochemical properties. (2) The SBD, STN, SAK, soil porosity, and soil clay content were significantly different (p < 0.05) under different vegetation cover types, but the influence of vegetation on other soil physicochemical properties seemed to be limited. The results reveal that trees have a stronger ability to reduce soil grain sizes and enhance SAP contents than shrubs or herbs; however, the beneficial effects of herbs on the physicochemical properties of shallow soil are more obvious than those of trees and shrubs. (3) This study indicates that more shrubs and trees should be planted in the areas with low vegetation coverage, and more measures should be taken to improve soil physicochemical properties in order to prevent the occurrence of large-scale degradation. The reconstruction of soil structure should be preferentially considered in the process of soil reconstruction and revegetation in areas under similar conditions. Herbs should first be planted in the early reclamation stage. At the same time, shrubs or trees can be adopted in the middle and late stages of vegetation reconstruction in order to achieve comprehensive revegetation.
Effect of Apartment Community Garden Program on Sense of Community and Stress
Authors: Lee Sang-Mi , Jang Hyun-Jin , Yun Hyung-Kwon , Jung Young-Bin , Hong In-Kyoung
Published: January 2022

Apartment housing has become a dominant form of urban residence. High dwelling density in apartment complexes causes frequent conflicts and disputes. To counter this, it is necessary to promote a sense of community among residents with programs such as a customized horticultural program for the introduction of a community garden in an apartment complex. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a community garden program in an apartment complex in fostering residents’ sense of community and reducing stress. Experiments were performed in three groups: a group participating in the program based on the sense of community theory (SCG; n = 11), a group participating with a focus on horticultural education (HEG; n = 11), and a non-participation group (NPG; n = 10). The experimental results revealed that the sense of community was significantly higher in the SCG than in the HEG and NPG. The results suggest that the SCG positively affected the sense of community, overall energy, ratio between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and stress resistance. Considering these results, community garden programs with appropriate interventions to promote a sense of community are more effective in improving community life and reducing stress than programs based on horticultural education.
Muscle-Skeletal Abnormalities and Muscle Oxygenation during Isokinetic Strength Exercise in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Phenotype: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vale-Lira Amanda , Turri-Silva Natália , Verboven Kenneth , Durigan João Luiz Quagliotti , de Lima Alexandra Corrêa G. B. , Bottaro Martim , Chiappa Gaspar R. , Hansen Dominique , Cipriano Gerson
Published: January 2022

Exercise intolerance, a hallmark of patients with heart failure (HF), is associated with muscle weakness. However, its causative microcirculatory and muscle characteristics among those with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF or HFrEF) phenotype is unclear. The musculoskeletal abnormalities that could result in impaired peripheral microcirculation are sarcopenia and muscle strength reduction in HF, implying lowered oxidative capacity and perfusion affect transport and oxygen utilization during exercise, an essential task from the microvascular muscle function. Besides that, skeletal muscle microcirculatory abnormalities have also been associated with exercise intolerance in HF patients who also present skeletal muscle myopathy. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the muscle microcirculation dynamics via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) response during an isokinetic muscle strength test and ultrasound-derived parameters (echo intensity was rectus femoris muscle, while the muscle thickness parameter was measured on rectus femoris and quadriceps femoris) in heart failure patients with HFpEF and HFrEF phenotypes and different functional severities (Weber Class A, B, and C). Twenty-eight aged-matched patients with HFpEF (n = 16) and HFrEF (n = 12) were assessed. We found phenotype differences among those with Weber C severity, with HFrEF patients reaching lower oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb, μM) (−10.9 ± 3.8 vs. −23.7 ± 5.7, p = 0.029) during exercise, while HFpEF reached lower O2Hb during the recovery period (−3.0 ± 3.4 vs. 5.9 ± 2.8, p = 0.007). HFpEF with Weber Class C also presented a higher echo intensity than HFrEF patients (29.7 ± 8.4 vs. 15.1 ± 6.8, p = 0.017) among the ultrasound-derived variables. Our preliminary study revealed more pronounced impairments in local microcirculatory dynamics in HFpEF vs. HFrEF patients during a muscle strength exercise, combined with muscle-skeletal abnormalities detected via ultrasound imaging, which may help explain the commonly observed exercise intolerance in HFpEF patients.
Online Problem-Based Learning Intervention on Self-Directed Learning and Problem-Solving through Group Work: A Waitlist Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Florence M. F. , Kan Crystal W. Y.
Published: January 2022

Background: Small group work embraces independent study and interactive learning, which enhance knowledge acquisition and skills. Self-directed learning (SDL) and problem-solving (PS) are essential skills in the development of the nursing profession. During the coronavirus pandemic, virtual learning was indispensable. However, little is known about how students develop SDL and PS abilities through online learning through group work. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the online intervention on SDL and PS abilities through interactive group work. Methods: A randomised waitlist-control trial was carried out. A structured intervention using problem-based learning (PBL) as a guideline was used to direct student learning in small group work. Assessments were scheduled at Time 0 (baseline), Time 1 (8th week), Time 2 (16th week), and Time 3 (28th week). Results: The mean student age was 21.45 (SD = 0.86). About 78% of students were female. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and analysis at the baseline. Students in the intervention group reported greater improvement in the SDLRS and PSI at the 8th week, whereas those in the waitlist control group reported greater improvement in the SDLRS and PSI at the 16th week. Sustained effects in the SDLRS and PSI were observed in both the intervention and waitlist control groups at the 16th and 28th weeks, respectively. A repeated-measure analysis was performed to compare the SDLRS and PSI in different periods and revealed statistically significant results (p < 0.001) in all subscales of SDLRS and PSI in the four study periods. Conclusions: The guidelines appear to be an effective treatment for SDL and PS ability enhancement with sustainable effects through interactive group work. The guidelines with explicit instructions and learning objectives provide directions and guidance to students to learn more effectively. The educator plays a vital role in facilitating the students’ SDL and PS ability improvement.
Adaptive Aging Safety of Guidance Marks in Rail Transit Connection Systems Based on Eye Movement Data
Authors: Fang Yong , Zhang Wenli , Hu Hua , Zhou Jiayi , Xiao Dianliang , Li Shaojie
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to meet the visual cognition needs of the elderly population for the guidance marks and safety guidance marks of the rail transit connection system. Based on the visual characteristics of the elderly population, this paper firstly determined the visual field and sight range of the marks of the elderly population from three aspects—visual angle, visual distance, and height of the elderly population—and constructed the visual recognition space of the elderly population. Then, from the perspective of the setting position, the setting height, and the deflection angle, an adaptive aging safety design method for the guidance marks in the rail transit connection system is proposed. Then, based on the eye movement data of fixation duration, initial fixation duration, and the number of visits, a visual behavior index model is constructed to iteratively optimize the adaptive aging safety design of guidance marks in a rail transit connection system. A radar map is used to calculate the comprehensive index of visual behavior to determine the optimal scheme. Finally, taking the traffic connection system of Shanghai Songjiang University Town Station as an example, the eye movement data of 37 participants were collected, according to the principle that each connection path should only be taken once per person; the above method was used to design 7 connection path guidance marks for an adaptive aging safety design. The results showed that the comprehensive index of visual behavior of different paths had different degrees of improvement of up to 14.00%, which verified the effectiveness of the design method. The research results have certain theoretical significance and application value for the adaptive aging safety design and retrofit of guidance marks of rail transit connection systems.
Quantitative Analysis and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Paddy Plants Collected from Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Sibuar Agatha Anak , Zulkafflee Nur Syahirah , Selamat Jinap , Ismail Mohd Razi , Lee Soo Yee , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal
Published: January 2022

Rice is one of the major crops as well as the staple food in Malaysia. However, historical mining activity has raised a concern regarding heavy metal contamination in paddy plants, especially in Perak, a state with major tin mining during the late nineteenth century. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr) contamination in paddy soils and paddy plants in three districts in Perak. The content of heavy metals was determined using ICP-MS, while the absorption and transferability of heavy metals in the paddy plants were investigated through enrichment (EF) and translocation (TF) factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to recognize the pattern of heavy metal contaminations in different sampling areas. Health risk assessment was performed through calculation of various indices. The quantification results showed that root contained highest concentration of the studied heavy metals, with As exhibiting the highest concentration. The EF results revealed the accumulation of As, Cu, and Cr in the rice grains while PCA showed the different compositional pattern in the different sampling areas. The health risk assessment disclosed both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in the local adults and children. Overall, findings from this study show that heavy metal contamination poses potential health risks to the residents and control measure is required.
Construction of Progress Prediction Model of Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Women: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Di , Gao Lei , Jia Yuanyuan , Wang Shiyan , Wang Haibo , Sun Xiuli , Wang Jianliu
Published: January 2022

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem and seriously affects quality of life. Many women lack understanding of UI or are too ashamed to seek medical advice early, leading to a low treatment rate. The aim of this study is to establish an effective UI progress prediction model for elderly women with UI for earlier detection and better treatment. Methods: This study is conducted as a prospective, multi-center, cohort study, and recruits 800 women aged ≥60 with mild or moderate UI in China. Participants are divided into three groups: stress urinary incontinence group (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence group (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence group (MUI). This study will investigate the general conditions of patients, after complete relevant pelvic floor function assessment, as well as after follow up at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months by telephone. The primary endpoint is UI disease progress. Single factor and multi-factor Cox regression model analyses are undertaken to evaluate the associated risk factors affecting the progress of UI to establish a progress prediction model for elderly women. Discussion: This study will provide more predictive information for elderly women with UI, and new clinical references for the intervention and the treatment of UI for medical staff.