bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micronutrient dietary intakes and their food sources in adults: the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS)
Authors: Mitsopoulou Anastasia Vasiliki , Magriplis Emmanuela , Michas George , Micha Renata , Chourdakis Michalis , Chrousos George P. , Roma Eleftheria , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Zampelas Antonis , Karageorgou Dimitra , Bakogianni Ioanna , Dimakopoulos Ioannis , Ntouroupi Triantafyllia , Tsaniklidou Sophia‐Maria , Argyri Konstantina , Fappa Evangelia , Theodoraki Eleni‐Maria , Trichia Eirini , Sialvera Theodora‐Eirini , Varytimiadi Aggeliki , Spyreli Eleni , Koutelidakis Antonis , Karlis George , Zacharia Stauroula , Papageorgiou Anna , Dedoussis Georgios , Dimitriadis George , Manios Ioannis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to assess micronutrient intake among Greek adults and to identify the main food sources that contribute to it.MethodsFood consumption data from 2389 participants in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), collected with 24‐h recalls, was used to calculate micronutrient intakes. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. Nutrient adequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut‐point method, when available, or adequate intake otherwise. The probability approach was used to determine iron intake adequacy in females of reproductive age. Food group contribution for each nutrient assessed was derived to identify their main food sources.ResultsAlmost all individuals had vitamin D intake below EAR, whereas vitamins A, E, K and C, as well as potassium intake, were also insufficient in a considerable percentage of the population (>70% in most age groups). Calcium intake was substantially below the EAR for females aged >50 years and males >70 years; the same for magnesium in males >70 years. Furthermore, 50% of females, including those of reproductive age, had intake of folate below EAR. More than 50% of the population (to 79%) exceeded the upper tolerable limit for sodium (2300 mg day−1). Food contribution analysis revealed that most vitamins were derived from low‐quality foods (i.e. fast‐food).ConclusionsA significant proportion of adults residing in Greece have low nutrient intake and poor food selections. These results provide guidance to public health policy makers for developing strategies to improve the dietary quality in Greece.
Resistance analysis and treatment outcomes in hepatitis C virus genotype 3‐infected patients within the Italian network VIRONET‐C
Authors: Di Maio Velia Chiara , Barbaliscia Silvia , Teti Elisabetta , Fiorentino Gianluca , Milana Martina , Paolucci Stefania , Pollicino Teresa , Morsica Giulia , Starace Mario , Bruzzone Bianca , Gennari William , Micheli Valeria , Yu La Rosa Katia , Foroghi Luca , Calvaruso Vincenza , Lenci Ilaria , Polilli Ennio , Babudieri Sergio , Aghemo Alessio , Raimondo Giovanni , Sarmati Loredana , Coppola Nicola , Pasquazzi Caterina , Baldanti Fausto , Parruti Giustino , Perno Carlo Federico , Angelico Mario , Craxì Antonio , Andreoni Massimo , Ceccherini‐Silberstein Francesca ,   HCV Virology Italian Resistance Network Group (Vironet C)
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the role of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) to direct‐acting‐antivirals (DAAs) in HCV genotype 3 (GT3).MethodsWithin the Italian VIRONET‐C network, a total of 539 GT3‐infected patients (417 DAA‐naïve and 135 DAA‐failures, of them, 13 at both baseline and failure) were analysed. Sanger sequencing of NS3/NS5A/NS5B was performed following home‐made protocols.ResultsThe majority of patients were male (79.4%), 91.4% were injection drug users, 49.3% were cirrhotic and 13.9% were HIV co‐infected. Phylogenetic analysis classified sequences as GT3a‐b‐g‐h (98%‐0.4%‐0.2%‐1.2%) respectively.Overall, 135 patients failed a DAA regimen: sofosbuvir (SOF)/daclatasvir (DCV) or velpatasvir (VEL)±ribavirin (RBV) (N = 91/15) and glecaprevir (G)/pibrentasvir (P) (N = 9). Moreover, 14.8% of patients were treated with suboptimal regimens for GT3: 3D ± RBV (Paritaprevir/r + Ombitasvir+Dasabuvir, N = 15), SOF + Simeprevir (SIM) (N = 1) or SOF/Ledipasvir (LDV) ± RBV (N = 4).RAS prevalence was 15.8% in DAA‐naïve patients. At failure, 81.5% patients showed at least one RAS: 11/25 (44.0%) in NS3, 109/135 (80.7%) in NS5A, 7/111 (6.3%) in NS5B SOF‐failures. In NS5A‐failures, Y93H RAS was the most prevalent (68.5% vs 5.1% DAA‐naïve, P < .001) followed by A30K (12.7% vs 2.8% in DAA‐naïve, P < .001). Analysing baseline samples, a higher prevalence of NS5A‐RASs was observed before treatment in DAA‐failures (5/13, 38.5%) vs DAA‐naïves (61/393, 15.5%, P = .04). Regarding 228 DAA‐naïve patients with an available outcome, 93.9% achieved a SVR. Interestingly, patients with baseline Y93H and/or A30K had SVR rate of 72.2% vs 95.7% for patients without NS5A‐RASs (P = .002).ConclusionsIn this real‐life GT3 cohort, the majority of failures harboured resistant variants carrying NS5A‐RASs, the most frequent being Y93H. The presence of natural NS5A‐RASs before treatment was associated with failure. Further analyses are needed to confirm this observation, particularly for the new current regimens.
Predictors and priority of caring behaviours in intensive care units
Authors: Salimi Saleh , Tarbiat Shadi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing number of studies addressing nurses' perception of caring behaviours; however, on the issue of quality of care, it is important to understand why nurses focus more on certain elements of caring than others, and this needs to investigate influencing factors on, priorities, and predictors of caring behaviours.AimsThe main goal of this study was to determine the predictors and priorities of nurses' caring behaviours in intensive care units to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional survey of nurses working in adult and pediatric ICUs in Iran. The participants were 470 ICU nurses from eight hospitals in Iran. Data were collected over 6 months in 2018 using the Persian version of “Caring Assessment Report Evaluation Q‐Care”; “Determinants of Nurse Caring Behaviors”; and a demographic data form.ResultsBy broad descriptive and analytical analysis, thirteen items were recognized as predictors of caring behaviours. The most important individual predictors reported as "interest in the nursing profession," "moral obligation," and "job experience," respectively. The most important perceived nursing behaviours were, respectively, subscales of "accessible," "monitors/follow‐through" and "explains/facilitates."ConclusionThe results provide insight into new and context‐specific predictors of nurses' caring behaviours. These findings suggest that nursing managers, besides selecting skilful staff for ICUs, may consider employing those of higher "interest in the nursing profession"; "moral obligation"; and "job experience." They, also, need to be aware that organizational culture, climate, and values have a great impact on the caring behaviours of nurses. This could help them to handle the complex issue of improving the quality of care more efficiently.
Dual impedance cardiography: An inexpensive and reliable method to assess arterial stiffness
Authors: Scudder Mark R. , Jennings J. Richard , DuPont Caitlin M. , Lockwood Kimberly G. , Gadagkar Shrenik H. , Best Belen , Jasti Swetha P. , Gianaros Peter J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPulse wave velocity (PWV) is a common measure of arterial stiffness. Non‐invasive methods to measure PWV are widely used in biomedical studies of aging and cardiovascular disease, but they are rarely used in psychophysiology. Barriers to wider use include the prohibitive costs of specialized equipment and need for trained technicians (e.g., ultrasonographers). Here, we describe an impedance cardiography method to measure PWV. By this method, impedance signals are dually collected from the thorax and calf. Combined with ensemble averaging of vascular signals, this dual impedance cardiography (d‐ICG) method allows for the measurement of aortic flow onset and the arrival time of peripheral pulse waveforms to compute PWV. In a community sample of adults (aged 19–78 years), PWV measured with d‐ICG exhibited a strong positive correlation with age. Moreover, age‐specific mean PWV values were within the normative reference intervals established by large scale studies using other techniques. PWV derived from d‐ICG exhibited high test‐retest reliability across several days, as well as excellent inter‐rater reliability. Last, PWV exhibited expected associations with known cardiovascular disease risk factors and indicators of autonomic cardiovascular control. d‐ICG is an inexpensive and reliable method to assess arterial stiffness.
Single‐cell RNA‐seq reveals mRNAs and lncRNAs important for oocytes in vitro matured in pigs
Authors: Yang Cai‐Xia , Wu Zi‐Wei , Liu Xiao‐Man , Liang Hao , Gao Zhuo‐Ran , Wang Yi , Fang Ting , Liu Yun‐Hua , Miao Yi‐Liang , Du Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe faithful execution of molecular programme underlying oocyte maturation and meiosis is vital to generate competent haploid gametes for efficient mammalian reproduction. However, the organization and principle of molecular circuits and modules for oocyte meiosis remain obscure. Here, we employed the recently developed single‐cell RNA‐seq technique to profile the transcriptomes of germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, aiming to discover the dynamic changes of mRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during oocyte in vitro meiotic maturation. During the transition from GV to MII, total number of detected RNAs (mRNAs and lncRNAs) in oocytes decreased. Moreover, 1,807 (602 up‐ and 1,205 down‐regulated) mRNAs and 313 (177 up‐ and 136 down‐regulated) lncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (DE), i.e., more mRNAs down‐regulated, but more lncRNAs up‐regulated. During maturation of pig oocytes, mitochondrial mRNAs were actively transcribed, eight of which (ND6, ND5, CYTB, ND1, ND2, COX1, COX2 and COX3) were significantly up‐regulated. Both DE mRNAs and targets of DE lncRNAs were enriched in multiple biological and signal pathways potentially associated with oocyte meiosis. Highly abundantly expressed mRNAs (including DNMT1, UHRF2, PCNA, ARMC1, BTG4, ASNS and SEP11) and lncRNAs were also discovered. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 20 hub mRNAs in three modules to be important for oocyte meiosis and maturation. Taken together, our findings provide insights and resources for further functional investigation of mRNAs/lncRNAs in in vitro meiotic maturation of pig oocytes.
Existence of solutions for a class of fractional difference equations at resonance
Authors: Chen Huiqin , Cui Yaqiong , Kang Shugui , Lu Youmin , Feng Wenying 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study a class of nonlinear fractional difference equations with nonlocal boundary conditions at resonance. The system is inspired by the three‐point boundary value problem for differential equations that have been extensively studied. It is also an extension to a fractional difference equation arising from real‐world applications. Converting the problem to an equivalent system corresponding to the integral operator and Green's function for differential equations, we are able to apply the coincidence degree theory for semilinear operators to obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions. In addition, we prove a new property of the Gamma function and construct a family of examples to illustrate the applications of the results.
A cross‐ethnoracial comparison of objective and subjective neighborhood predictors of early adolescents' prosocial behavior
Authors: Memmott‐Elison Madison K. , Carlo Gustavo , Maiya Sahitya , Roos Joy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough the Family Stress Model (FSM) has been widely tested, expanded conceptualizations of stressors, intervening mechanisms, and developmental outcomes from this perspective is becoming increasingly common in order to better explain the adolescent adjustment. Additionally, though extant research analyzes the utility of the FSM in African American and European–American samples, little is known about the representativeness of the FSM in Latino/a samples, and cross‐ethnoracial comparisons are scarce. The present study addresses these gaps by conducting cross‐ethnic comparisons in a modified FSM between African American, European–American, and U.S. Latino/a ethnoracial adolescents. Findings revealed that perceived neighborhood safety was indirectly associated with youth prosocial behavior through parent mental health symptoms and family conflict for African Americans, U.S. Latino/as, and European–Americans. Objective neighborhood risk predicted parent mental health symptoms but was not indirectly associated with youths' prosocial behavior. Results generally suggest that the FSM may adequately represent family processes across ethnoracial groups. The usefulness and practical implications of the FSM are discussed.
Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Loss and Heat Transfer for Various Squealer Tips
Authors: Jung Jin-sol , Kim Inkyom , Joo Jin Sung , Lee Sang Woo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper presents aerodynamic loss data for five squealer configurations of a full squealer (FS), a pressure-side squealer (PS), a suction-side squealer (SS), a camberline squealer (CS), and a full-camberline squealer (FCS) in a low-speed turbine cascade. In addition, tip thermal load data are also reported for the FS, PS, and SS tips. The results show that when h/s (tip clearance-to-span ratio) ≥ 0.96%, the mass-averaged loss for the FS tip decreases, has a minimum value, and then increases, as the squealer height (hst) increases. for h/s = 0.48%, however, the loss changes with hst/s are found to be minute. For the FS tip, the loss tends to increase, as the squealer thickness increases. Adding a camberline squealer to the FS tip is not beneficial in the loss reduction. When hst/s &lt; 3.82% for h/s = 0.96%, the FS tip has the lowest mass-averaged loss, the SS tip has the second-lowest loss, the PS tip has higher loss compared to the SS tip, and the CS tip loss is highest, regardless of hst/s. For h/s = 0.96%, the average tip thermal load for the FS tip is lower than the PS tip one but is higher than the SS tip one. Thus, the SS tip delivers the lowest average thermal load, irrespective of hst/s.
New Analysis/Design of Generalized Discrete PI Controller via Discrete Time Delay Control for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Reddy Suresh B. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Proportional-Integral (PI) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers are among the most common schemes for control since their formulation nearly a century ago. They have been very successful in many applications, even as we have migrated from analog implementations to digital control systems. While there is rich literature for design and analysis of PI/PID controllers for linear time-invariant systems with modeled dynamics, the tools for analysis and design for nonlinear systems with unknown dynamics are limited, despite their known effectiveness. This paper extends previous observations about a form of discrete Time Delay Control’s equivalence to a generalized PI controller for more general canonical systems, with additional complimentary feedback linearization of known dynamics, as desired. In addition, sufficient conditions for Bounded Input-Bounded Output (BIBO) as well as exponential stability are developed in this paper for the form of discrete TDC that is closest to generalized discrete PI equivalent controller, for multi-input multi-output nonlinear systems, including nonaffine cases. Accordingly, design procedures are suggested for such discrete TDC, and generalized discrete PI controller for nonlinear systems.
Nonlinear Zero-Dynamics Attacks Targeting Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Farber Jacob A. , Cole Daniel G. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A zero-dynamics attack allows an attacker to input some control action that results in zero measurable output but nonzero response of the internal states. This paper extends previous works on zero-dynamics attacks to nonlinear system dynamics. This is accomplished using invariant subspace techniques that identify the subspace on which zero dynamics exist. An iterative algorithm is presented to identify both this subspace and the resulting zero dynamics of the system. These methods are implemented on a model of a pressurizer in a nuclear power plant, which is a critical subsystem of pressurized water reactors that monitors and controls the system pressure and coolant inventory. This implementation is done by analyzing all combinations of attackable signals. These attackable signals are the set of all system inputs and outputs. From this analysis, there are eight unique combinations of attacked actuators and sensors that result in zero-dynamics attacks. These combinations are characterized by stability and damage time, where damage time is the time it takes to reach some undesirable state. The damage times range from half a day to sixteen days, depending on the number of signals the attacker has access to. These results demonstrate that the physics of the pressurizer system creates some vulnerabilities to zero-dynamics attacks. This work provides plant designers with tools to identify which subsystems are most susceptible to zero-dynamics attacks and might require additional defenses.
Dynamic Locomotion of a Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Through Virtual Constraints Based ZMP Regulation
Authors: Paredes Victor , Hereid Ayonga 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Robotic lower-limb exoskeletons have the potentials to assist individuals with paraplegia to perform normal ambulatory functions and to provide exceptional health benefits. While modern-day hardware for exoskeletons is becoming more powerful, there are still significant challenges in implementing a practical exoskeleton motion control framework that helps paraplegic individuals to complete regular ambulatory tasks stably, safely, and efficiently without the use of arm-crutches. Inspired by the current development in dynamic walking controllers for a bipedal robot, this paper proposes a Hybrid Zero Dynamics (HZD) based control approach for powered lower-limb exoskeletons to achieve dynamic hand-free locomotion. Due to the unmodelled dynamics and exerted forces from the user upon the exoskeleton, the model-based approaches such as Hybrid Zero Dynamics struggles when implementing on the actual hardware. In this paper, we systematically formulate a virtual-constraints-based regulation framework in order to robustly stabilize the system around a stable periodic gait within the HZD framework. This regulator is then used to regulate the zero moment point (ZMP) to improve the lateral stability of the bipedal robot by indirectly regulating the center of mass (CoM) position of the exoskeleton due to the lack of available force sensors at the bottom of the feet. The proposed approach presents a general structure with which the virtual constraints can be heuristically regulated to satisfy the stability condition imposed by the ZMP criteria without compromising the hybrid invariance of the walking gaits. The effectiveness of the regulators was demonstrated through stable walking of a powered lower-limb exoskeleton in simulation and experimentation.
Experimental and Analytical Decentralized Adaptive Control of a 7-DOF Robot Manipulator
Authors: Bertino Alexander , Naseradinmousavi Peiman , Kelkar Atul 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the analytical and experimental control of a 7-DOF robot manipulator. A model-free decentralized adaptive control strategy is presented for the tracking control of the manipulator. The problem formulation and experimental results demonstrate the computational efficiency and simplicity of the proposed method. The results presented here are one of the first known experiments on a redundant 7-DOF robot. The efficacy of the adaptive decentralized controller is demonstrated experimentally by using the Baxter robot to track a desired trajectory. Simulation and experimental results clearly demonstrate the versatility, tracking performance, and computational efficiency of this method.
Effect of Additional Weight on Human Squat Exercise Stability: Ground Reaction Forces and Centers of Pressure
Authors: Galarza Jose , Caruntu Dumitru I. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The main focus of this work is to investigate the effect of weight on the stability of human squat exercise. The squat exercise is a common daily activity. Experiments are conducted using one human subject. A VICON motion analysis system integrated with Force Plates is utilized for these experiments. An experimental protocol is developed and followed. This work analyzes the time series of the normal component of the ground reaction forces and each coordinate of the center of pressure. These time series are used to estimate the Lyapunov Exponents using Rosenstein method. MATLAB software package is used for this investigation. The results of this work are compared with results from literature. Present work gives more information relating the safety of the squat exercise when adding additional weight. One can see that the effect of additional weight on stability depends on its value. In the cases of small and moderate additional weight the stability is the same or increases, while for the largest additional weight the investigated stability decreases.
Bearing-Only Localization of a Quasi-Static Sound Source With a Binaural Microphone Array
Authors: Bradley Aidan J. , Shirazi Masoud J. , Abaid Nicole 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Sound source localization is the ability to successfully understand the bearing and distance of a sound in space. The challenge of sound source localization has been a major are of research for engineers, especially those studying robotics, for decades. One of the main topics of focus is the ability for robots to track objects, human voices, or other robots robustly and accurately. Common ways to accomplish this goal may use large arrays, computationally intensive machine learning methods, or known dynamic models of a system which may not always be available. We seek to simplify this problem using a minimal amount of inexpensive equipment alongside a Bayesian estimator, capable of localizing an emitter using easily available a-priori information and timing data received from a prototype binaural sensor. We perform an experiment in a full anechoic chamber with a sound source moving at a constant speed; this experimental environment provides a space that allows us to isolate the performance of the sensor. We find that, while our current system isn’t perfect, it is able to track the general motion of a sound source and the path to even more accurate tracking in the future is clear.