bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: a structured assessment
Authors: Zvobgo Luckson , Johnston Peter , Williams Portia Adade , Trisos Christopher H. , Simpson Nicholas P. ,   Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative Team
Published: April 2022

AbstractEvidence is increasing of human responses to the impacts of climate change in Africa. However, understanding of the effectiveness of these responses for adaptation to climate change across the diversity of African contexts is still limited. Despite high reliance on indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge (LK) for climate adaptation by African communities, potential of IK and LK to contribute to adaptation through reducing climate risk or supporting transformative adaptation responses is yet to be established. Here, we assess the influence of IK and LK for the implementation of water sector adaptation responses in Africa to better understand the relationship between responses to climate change and indigenous and local knowledge systems. Eighteen (18) water adaptation response types were identified from the academic literature through the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI) and intended nationally determined contributions (iNDCs) for selected African countries. Southern, West, and East Africa show relatively high evidence of the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water adaptation responses, while North and Central Africa show lower evidence. At country level, Zimbabwe displays the highest evidence (77.8%) followed by Ghana (53.6%), Kenya (46.2%), and South Africa (31.3%). Irrigation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and ecosystem-based measures, mainly agroforestry, were the most implemented measures across Africa. These were mainly household and individual measures influenced by local and indigenous knowledge. Adaptation responses with IK and LK influence recorded higher evidence of risk reduction compared to responses without IK and LK. Analysis of iNDCs shows the most implemented water adaptation actions in academic literature are consistent with water sector adaptation targets set by most African governments. Yet only 10.4% of the African governments included IK and LK in adaptation planning in the iNDCs. This study recommends a coordinated approach to adaptation that integrates multiple knowledge sources, including IK and LK, to ensure sustainability of both current and potential water adaptation measures in Africa.
Current applications and limitations of European guidelines on blood pressure measurement: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Tocci Giuliano , Citoni Barbara , Nardoianni Giulia , Figliuzzi Ilaria , Volpe Massimo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHypertension is the most common cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, strongly and independently associated with an increased risk of major CV outcomes, including myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal disease and death due to CV causes. Effective control of hypertension is of key importance for reducing the risk of hypertension-related CV complications, as well as for reducing the global burden of CV mortality. However, several studies reported relatively poor rates of control of high blood pressure (BP) in a setting of real-life practice. To improve hypertension management and control, national and international scientific societies proposed several educational and therapeutic interventions, among which the systematic implementation of out-of-office BP measurements represents a key element. Indeed, proper assessment of individual BP profile, including home, clinic and 24-h ambulatory BP levels, may improve awareness of the disease, ensure high level of adherence to prescribed medications in treated hypertensive patients, and thus contribute to ameliorate BP control in treated hypertensive outpatients. In line with these purposes, recent European guidelines have released practical recommendations and clear indications on how, when and how properly measuring BP levels in different clinical settings, with different techniques and different methods. This review aimed at discussing current applications and potential limitations of European guidelines on how to measure BP in office and out-of-office conditions, and their potential implications in the daily clinical management of hypertension.
Hydrophilized Ultrafiltration Membranes Synthesized from Acrylic Acid Grafted Polyethersulfone for Downstream Processing of Therapeutic Insulin and Cobalamin
Authors: Prasad N. Shiva , Gayatri N. Lakshmi , Sandhya B. Naga , Kalyani S. , Bhargava Suresh K. , Sridhar Sundergopal 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe present study focuses on synthesis of novel high-performance acrylic acid (AA) grafted polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for purification of small therapeutic biomolecules such as urea, insulin, and cobalamin. The membranes were indigenously synthesized by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) of 6 kDa M.Wt. as a pore former and subsequent grafting of AA using 2 to 6 wt.% concentrations under UV-induced photo grafting. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the PEG additive profoundly influences the pore density on the membrane surface. FTIR spectra confirm the graft polymerization of AA with the PES substrate. Separation performance of the grafted membranes was evaluated to establish the trade-off between the degree of grafting and MWCO. From the experimental results, the pure water flux (PWF) of 6% grafted PES membrane was enhanced from 8.5 (PES [0] [6]) to 18.20 l m−2 h−1 (PES [6 +] [6]) in the presence of PEG pore former, respectively. The grafting concentration window of 2–6% resulted in selective membranes to altogether remove uremic toxins into the permeate with retention of high molecular size proteins. Hence, 5 and 6 wt.% AA grafted membranes exhibited > 90% rejection for insulin and cobalamin biomolecules along with 24.5 and 23.8 l m−2 h−1 bar−1 permeability towards urea, respectively. The process results correlate well with the MWCO values of membranes ranging from 1 to 10 kDa. This work provides the efficacy of these grafted membranes for potential application in the downstream processing of therapeutic biomolecules such as insulin and cobalamin.
Enhancing the accountability and comparability of different campuses’ energy profiles through an energy cluster approach
Authors: Sonetti G. , Cottafava D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
International sustainability ranking systems generally set criteria in order to monitor global achievement of universities in terms of sustainability. However, current sustainability ranking systems do not provide specific consumption thresholds according to the different buildings’ function or characteristic and the comparison among universities lacks of precise criteria. Thus, this paper proposes different energy clusters enabling a meaningful comparison among campuses within the international rankings. Energy profiles of two university campuses—Politecnico di Torino (Italy) and Hokkaido University (Japan)—similar for climate, surface, and population have been collected for 4 years as a relevant case study. Five different clusters of homogeneous consumption have been identified: cluster 1 (around 1 GJ/m2/year) includes the Art departments, cluster 2 (2 GJ/m2/year) includes the Science faculties, cluster 3 (3 GJ/m2/year) includes the hospital and the medicine departments, cluster 4 includes the Data Centre (9 GJ/m2/year), and cluster 5 includes special research facilities with consumption over 10 GJ/m2/year. Findings show how comparisons between different buildings should also take into account the electrification rate (dependence on electricity) and the leveling rate (variation of consumption during a year), which variations are directly related to the main building function (e.g., hospitals/data centers have high values, while arts or humanities departments have low values for both rates). The proposed energy cluster approach and the introduction of proper weights for energy performances based on the proposed clusters can significantly enhance the accountability and comparability of different campuses’ energy profiles, contributing to a better evaluation of universities’ energy performances.
Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health complaints: A multilevel latent class analysis in 45 countries
Authors: Hammami Nour , Gobina Inese , Lukoševičiūtė Justė , Kostičová Michaela , Lyyra Nelli , Gariepy Genevieve , Šmigelskas Kastytis , Baban Adriana , Malinowska-Cieślik Marta , Elgar Frank J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOur study evaluated the relationship between adolescent health complaints and socioeconomic position in 45 countries. Data are from the 2017/2018 international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey which used proportionate sampling among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years old (n=228,979). Multilevel, multinomial regression analysis assessed the association between the multilevel latent classes with socioeconomic status (SES; at the household and country level). Three distinct latent classes were identified: No Complaints, Psychological Complaints, and a Physical and Psychological Complaints class; where, low household SES was highest for the physical and psychological complaints class. The findings suggest that health promotion policies and interventions among adolescents should consider the specific needs of adolescents living with low household SES as they report more subjective health complaints.
Character identification is predicted by narrative transportation, immersive tendencies, and interactivity
Authors: Felnhofer Anna , Wittmann Lena , Reichmann Adelais , König-Teshnizi Dorothea , Kothgassner Oswald D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe question of what contributes to users’ identification with media characters remains an open issue in research. Apart from media interactivity, user characteristics like gender, age, immersive tendencies, and factual transportation into the narrative are promising factors. Yet, research is still in its infancy, and the usage of different media limits cross-study comparability. Hence, the current study set out to examine predictors of character identification using a text-based fiction with purported interactivity which was inspired by interactive fiction (IF) games. In an online experiment, 228 participants aged 15–65 years were randomly assigned to either an active condition where they could choose from different options, or a passive condition where they only read the story. Additionally, participants filled out questionnaires assessing immersive tendencies, level of identification, and narrative transportation. A multiple linear regression model tested for predictors of character identification. Apart from age and gender which remained non-significant, interactivity, immersive tendencies, and transportation into narrative significantly predicted identification with the IF’s main character. The current findings support theoretical models on media interactivity and identification, yet several open issues such as the role of media content (engaging vs. mundane) and character features (e.g., similarity with user) remain to be answered.
Recording Business Transactions in Textbook and Receipt Form
Authors: Rohr-Mentele Silja , Holtsch Doreen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAn important prerequisite for meeting professional demands upon completion of an apprenticeship is for apprentices to possess the ability to transfer the professional knowledge and skills they acquire in vocational education and training (VET) to various professional situations. This paper presents the empirical results on knowledge and skills transfer from an exploratory study in commercial VET. In a computer-based test environment, 470 commercial apprentices performed business transactions with the same content but with two different forms of presentation. The results indicated that the apprentices did not fully transfer their knowledge and skills within the same context. However, interest in finance and accounting, prior school knowledge and learning opportunities were able to explain their performances. The results suggest that further research on transfer processes that reflect different theoretical approaches is needed.
A dynamic data driven application system for real-time simulation of resin transfer moulding processes
Authors: Garate Gorka , Harismendy Isabel , Echeverria-Altuna Oihane , Estévez Julián 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical solution to optimize RTM processes based on a DDDAS methodology, taking permeability as stochastic. The model proposed in this investigation allows real-time accurate prediction of the filling rate by adjusting the parameters with the on-line captured process data. The suitability of the proposed model was tested and validated under different process parameters variations like pressure and preform permeability.
Nexuses between crude oil imports, renewable energy, transport services, and technological innovation: a fresh insight from Germany
Authors: Yu Zhang , Zia-ul-haq Hafiz Muhammad , Irshad Ateeq ur Rehman , Tanveer Muhammad , Jameel Kiran , Janjua Laeeq Razzak 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis research attempts to model the association of crude oil imports with several macroeconomic factors such as renewable energy, transport services, trade, industrial value-added, and patents, using Germany’s annual data covering the period of 1990–2020. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, this study finds a significant co-integration relationship among targeted variables. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence on the influence of given macroeconomic factors in determining crude oil imports of Germany. Results reveal that transport services and industrial value-added positively and significantly influence crude oil imports in the long and short run. Similarly, trade is discovered to have a significant positive impact on oil imports only in the long run. In contrast, findings reveal a significant negative association of renewable energy with crude oil imports. Hence, this research implies that the transportation sector and industrial production strongly depend on crude oil consumption. At the same time, promoting renewable energy in these segments could significantly help economies control crude oil demand and achieve sustainability by reducing the economic burden and protecting the environment.
Quantitative evaluation of SPH in TIG spot welding
Authors: Jeske Stefan Rhys , Simon Marek Sebastian , Semenov Oleksii , Kruska Jan , Mokrov Oleg , Sharma Rahul , Reisgen Uwe , Bender Jan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWhile the application of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method for the modeling of welding processes has become increasingly popular in recent years, little is yet known about the quantitative predictive capability of this method. We propose a novel SPH model for the simulation of the tungsten inert gas (TIG) spot welding process and conduct a thorough comparison between our SPH implementation and two finite element method (FEM)-based models. In order to be able to quantitatively compare the results of our SPH simulation method with grid-based methods, we additionally propose an improved particle to grid interpolation method based on linear least-squares with an optional hole-filling pass which accounts for missing particles. We show that SPH is able to yield excellent results, especially given the observed deviations between the investigated FEM methods and as such, we validate the accuracy of the method for an industrially relevant engineering application.
An adaptive model switch-based surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm for noisy expensive multi-objective optimization
Authors: Zheng Nan , Wang Handing , Yuan Bo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTo solve noisy and expensive multi-objective optimization problems, there are only a few function evaluations can be used due to the limitation of time and/or money. Because of the influence of noises, the evaluations are inaccurate. It is challenging for the existing surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms. Due to the influence of noises, the performance of the surrogate model constructed by these algorithms is degraded. At the same time, noises would mislead the evolution direction. More importantly, because of the limitations of function evaluations, noise treatment methods consuming many function evaluations cannot be applied. An adaptive model switch-based surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm is proposed to solve such problems in this paper. The algorithm establishes radial basis function networks for denoising. An adaptive model switch strategy is adopted to select suited surrogate model from Gaussian regression and radial basis function network. It adaptively selects the sampling strategies based on the maximum improvement in the convergence, diversity, and approximation uncertainty to make full use of the limited number of function evaluations. The experimental results on a set of test problems show that the proposed algorithm is more competitive than the five most advanced surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms.
Treatments, resource utilization, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients presenting to emergency departments across pandemic waves: an observational study by the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN)
Authors: Hohl Corinne M. , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Hau Jeffrey P. , Hayward Jake , Landes Megan , Yan Justin W. , Ting Daniel K. , Welsford Michelle , Archambault Patrick M. , Mercier Eric , Chandra Kavish , Davis Philip , Vaillancourt Samuel , Leeies Murdoch , Small Serena , Morrison Laurie J. ,   the Canadian COVID-19 Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) investigators for the Network of Canadian Emergency Researchers, for the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) evolved between pandemic waves. Our objective was to compare treatments, acute care utilization, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) across pandemic waves.

Methods
This observational study enrolled consecutive eligible COVID-19 patients presenting to 46 EDs participating in the Canadian COVID-19 ED Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) between March 1 and December 31, 2020. We collected data by retrospective chart review. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included treatments, hospital and ICU admissions, ED revisits and readmissions. Logistic regression modeling assessed the impact of pandemic wave on outcomes.

Results
We enrolled 9,967 patients in 8 provinces, 3,336 from the first and 6,631 from the second wave. Patients in the second wave were younger, fewer met criteria for severe COVID-19, and more were discharged from the ED. Adjusted for patient characteristics and disease severity, steroid use increased (odds ratio [OR] 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.2–8.9), and invasive mechanical ventilation decreased (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4–0.7) in the second wave compared to the first. After adjusting for differences in patient characteristics and disease severity, the odds of hospitalization (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.6–0.8) and critical care admission (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.6–0.9) decreased, while mortality remained unchanged (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–1.1).

Interpretation
In patients presenting to cute care facilities, we observed rapid uptake of evidence-based therapies and less use of experimental therapies in the second wave. We observed increased rates of ED discharges and lower hospital and critical care resource use over time. Substantial reductions in mechanical ventilation were not associated with increasing mortality. Advances in treatment strategies created health system efficiencies without compromising patient outcomes.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04702945.
Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples
Authors: Tavares Inês M. , Santos-Iglesias Pablo , Nobre Pedro J. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised—herein called the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS and SDS-R)—are among the most widely used self-report instruments to assess sexual distress, but no version for use in the Portuguese population is available to date.AimThe current study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R in samples of women and men with and without distressing sexual problems.MethodsA sample of 1,109 participants without distressing sexual problems (761 women) and 382 participants with distressing sexual problems (283 women), ages ranging from 18 to 72 years, were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese SDS and SDS-R.OutcomesParticipants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the SDS and SDS-R, and measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual quality of life, sexual function, dyadic adjustment, and psychological distress.ResultsResults indicated that the Portuguese SDS and the SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress and showed good evidences of validity based on content and on relations with other variables. Sexual distress was associated with poorer sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of life, with higher psychological distress, and lower dyadic adjustment. Internal consistency and test-retest (1 month) reliabilities were excellent. Tests of differential functioning of items indicated that the SDS and SDS-R scores can be used to compare women and men on sexual distress, but the SDS/SDS-R scores flagged differential functioning of items and test (DFIT) between participants with and without distressing sexual problems.Clinical translationClinicians and researchers can now make use of the SDS and of the SDS-R in the Portuguese population, facilitating the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings.Strengths & LimitationsThe Portuguese SDS/SDS-R scores can be compared between women and men, providing information on sexual distress independently of sexual function. With the current evidence, comparisons between individuals with and without distressing sexual problems should be made with caution, as the scores may be biased against the former.ConclusionThis study provides a validation of the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R that can be used to assess sexual distress in Portuguese women and men and can be used to compare between these 2 groups.
Modeling the influence of workaholism on career success: a PLS–SEM approach
Authors: Gomes Patrícia , Diogo Ana , Santos Eulália , Ratten Vanessa 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOrganizations characterized by a climate and culture of competition and overwork facilitate the emergence of the workaholism phenomenon, as they provide favorable conditions for employees to spend more time in the workplace. Many of these employees are successful in their careers both in financial terms and in job satisfaction. This article aims to study the influence of workaholism on the perception of career success. The sample consists of 234 Portuguese individuals who were working in a professional context. The results reveal that pleasure at work influences career success perception in both objective and subjective dimensions and that work involvement influences only the subjective dimension of the career success perception. The findings of this study will contribute to the increase of knowledge in the workaholism and career success areas in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic so that companies are able to adopt strategies in order to optimize their resources and increase their productivity.