bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Pump Capacity Selection for TPPs with Various Efficiency Levels
Authors: Treshcheva Milana , Anikina Irina , Treshchev Dmitry , Skulkin Sergey
Published: June 2022

The variety of possible solutions for the integration of heat pumps (HP) into the circuits of generation facilities dictates the need for preliminary selection of the most promising options. Determining the maximally economically efficient HP capacity may be the key limiting factor for the potential range of solutions. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of the type of power equipment of a thermal power plant (TPP) on the choice of HP capacity. In the course of the study, we identified factors that can influence the choice of HP capacity. The correlation between the limitation of the maximum capacity of HP (from the point of view of break-even operation in the electricity market) from the electric capacity and the efficiency of the TPP equipment was established. The ranges of HP capacity for the most common types of TPP power equipment in the Russian Federation were determined. The maximum HP capacity for TPPs based on a steam turbine unit (STU) of type K-300-170- 1P was determined. The method proposed in the paper allows limiting the number of circuits options, as well as TPPs and external conditions suitable for the use of HP. Firstly, under the conditions of a given power system and fuel prices, it is possible to determine the type of power equipment of a TPP in combination with which HP can be used. Secondly, under the conditions of a given power system and type of equipment, the maximum fuel price at which HP can be used at thermal power plants can be determined. Thirdly, under the conditions of a given type of equipment and fuel price, it is possible to select an energy system (region) in which it is possible to build a TPP with HP. It was found that increasing the efficiency of thermal power plant equipment contributes to increasing the HP power capacity and expanding the range of external conditions under which the use of HP becomes rational. It was verified that for TPP equipment of a given type, the use of HP is more rational when operating in cogeneration mode. It was found that, all other conditions being equal, an essential factor determining the range of HP capacity is the electric capacity of TPPs.
Harmonic Analysis and Attenuation Strategy for a Two-Stage Matrix Converter Fed by Dual-Inverter Based on Pulse Barycenter Method
Authors: Geng Qiang , Feng Jiahe , Sha Haojie , Zhou Weixi , Zhou Zhanqing
Published: June 2022

Since the DC-link of the dual-inverter two-stage matrix converter (TSMC) has no energy storage element, its grid-side current waveform is closely related to the load-side condition. The conventional modulation strategy of the dual-inverter TSMC is only the stack of the double inverters, without considering the cooperation between both modulation strategies. Thus, the fluctuations in the grid-side currents synthesized by both load-side currents will be obvious. To solve this problem, this paper analyzes the effect of the current pulse position on the grid-side current waveform quality, and relevant relationship between the pulse position and current harmonics is obtained according to Fourier transform. On this basis, the harmonic attenuation strategy for the dual-inverter TSMC is proposed. In the proposed strategy, the grid-side current harmonic is reduced based on the optimal duty-cycle combination, obtained from the harmonic optimization problem. The simulation and experimental results are provided to verify that the theoretical analysis of grid-side current harmonic content is consistent with the actual condition, and the proposed modulation strategy can effectively reduce the grid-side current harmonic.
Available Transfer Capability Enhancement in Deregulated Power System through TLBO Optimised TCSC
Authors: Gautam Anurag , Ibraheem  , Sharma Gulshan , Bokoro Pitshou N. , Ahmer Mohammad F.
Published: June 2022

Rapid industrial development and innovations in technology bring about the menace of congestion in deregulated power systems (DPS). The transmission lines are continuously working under a stressed condition with reduced power transfer capacity. In this situation, the power losses and voltage deviations at the load buses are increased and hence reduce the system stability. To mitigate congestion, improving available transfer capability (ATC) of the transmission system is one of the most feasible and practical solution. This paper focuses on the implementation of Thyristor Controlled Series capacitor (TCSC) to mitigate congestion by enhancing ATC and via reducing power losses. AC Power Transfer Distribution Factor (ACPTDF) is applied to calculate ATC and to find the location of TCSC. To optimize the TCSC parameter (reactance), a Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) is proposed in the present work. The proposed optimization is validated on the IEEE 30 Bus system. The results are validated by matching with the results obtained through standard grey wolf optimization (GWO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques. The results show that despite two antagonistic objectives of ATC enhancement and power loss reduction, TLBO outperformed the other optimization techniques under different contingency conditions. The overall ATC of the IEEE 30 Bus system for the bilateral transactions is enhanced by 11.86%. Further active and reactive power losses are reduced by 16.7% and 29.6% for DPS.
Comparative Analysis of Reactive Power Compensation Devices in a Real Electric Substation
Authors: Tariq Hanan , Czapp Stanislaw , Tariq Sarmad , Cheema Khalid Mehmood , Hussain Aqarib , Milyani Ahmad H. , Alghamdi Sultan , Elbarbary Z. M. Salem
Published: June 2022

A constant worldwide growing load stress over a power system compelled the practice of a reactive power injection to ensure an efficient power network. For this purpose, multiple technologies exist in the knowledge market out of which this paper emphasizes the usage of the flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) and presents a comparative study of the static var compensator (SVC) with the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), inducted in a real electric substation. The aim is to improve the power factor (PF) and power quality and to encounter reliably extreme conditions. A 220 kV electric substation was opted for the analysis, and both the static and dynamic conditions were observed with the help of a power system analysis tool termed PowerFactory-DIgSILENT. Multiple aspects were investigated via software simulations to assess the performance of the aforementioned FACTS devices, such as the voltage profile evaluation via the load flow analysis method (LFA), the harmonic response via the power quality and harmonic analysis tool, and the short-circuit response via the RMS simulation tool. The outcomes were verified and compared with permissible values included in the universal standards, such as IEC and IEEE. The superiority of the STATCOM over the SVC was proven in light of the simulative results.
Over-Expression of Larch DAL1 Accelerates Life-Cycle Progression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ye Zha-Long , Zang Qiao-Lu , Cheng Dong-Xia , Li Xiang-Yi , Qi Li-Wang , Li Wan-Feng
Published: June 2022

Homologs of Larix kaempferiDEFICIENS-AGAMOUS-LIKE 1 (LaDAL1) promote flowering in Arabidopsis. However, their functional role in the whole life-cycle is limited. Here, we analyzed the phenotypes and transcriptomes of Arabidopsis plants over-expressing LaDAL1. With respect to the defined life-cycle stage of Arabidopsis based on the meristem state, the results showed that LaDAL1 promoted seed germination, bolting, flower initiation, and global proliferative arrest, indicating that LaDAL1 accelerates the meristem reactivation, the transitions of vegetative meristem to inflorescence and flower meristem, and meristem arrest. As a marker gene of meristem, TERMINAL FLOWER 1 was down-regulated after LaDAL1 over-expression. These results reveal that LaDAL1 accelerates the life-cycle progression in Arabidopsis by promoting the transition of meristem fate, providing more and novel functional information about the conifer age-related gene DAL1.
Wood Anatomical Traits Respond to Climate but More Individualistically as Compared to Radial Growth: Analyze Trees, Not Means
Authors: Rita Angelo , Camarero Jesús Julio , Colangelo Michele , de Andrés Ester González , Pompa-García Marín
Published: June 2022

Wood encodes environmental information that can be recovered through the study of tree-ring width and wood anatomical variables such as lumen area or cell-wall thickness. Anatomical variables often provide a stronger hydroclimate signal than tree-ring width, but they show a low tree-to-tree coherence. We investigate the sources of variation in tree-ring width, lumen area, and cell-wall thickness in three pine species inhabiting sites with contrasting climate conditions: Pinus lumholtzii in wet-summer northern Mexico, and Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris in dry-summer north-eastern Spain. We quantified the amount of variance of these three variables explained by spring and summer water balance and how it varied among trees. Wood anatomical variables accounted for a larger inter-individual variability than tree-ring width data. Anatomical traits responded to hydroclimate more individualistically than tree-ring width. This individualistic response represents an important issue in long-term studies on wood anatomical characteristics. We emphasized the degree of variation among individuals of the same population, which has far-reaching implications for understanding tree species’ responses to climate change. Dendroclimatic and wood anatomical studies should focus on trees rather than on the mean population series.
Investigation of the Role of Face Shape on the Flow Dynamics and Effectiveness of Face Masks
Authors: Solano Tomas , Shoele Kourosh
Published: June 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used extensively in society. The effectiveness of face masks depends on their material, design, and fit. With much research being focused on quantifying the role of the material, the design and fit of masks have been an afterthought at most. Recent studies, on the other hand, have shown that the mask fit is a significant factor to consider when specifying the effectiveness of the face mask. Moreover, the fit is highly dependent on face topology. Differences in face types and anthropometrics lead to different face mask fit. Here, computational fluid dynamics simulations employing a novel model for porous membranes (i.e., masks) are used to study the leakage pattern of a cough through a face mask on different faces. The three faces studied (female, male, and child) are characteristic faces identified in a previous population study. The female face is observed to have the most leakage through the periphery of the mask, which results in the lowest fitted filtration efficiency of the three faces. The male and child faces had similar gap profiles, leakage and fitted filtration efficiencies. However, the flow of the three faces differs significantly. The effect of the porosity of the mask was also studied. While all faces showed the same general trend with changing porosity, the effect on the child’s face was more significant.
Effect of Encapsulated Ferrous Sulphate Fortified Salt on Hemoglobin Levels in Anemic Rats
Authors: Shinde Dasharath B. , Koratkar Santosh S. , Rale Vinay , NM Shashikala , Mishra Neetu
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a significant nutritional problem all over the world. Salt formulations supplemented with encapsulated iron and iodine (double-fortified) were tested for their efficacy in managing iron deficiency anemia. In this study, we have checked the effect of these double-fortified salt formulations (iron and iodine) on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in anemic Wistar male rats. (2) Methods: The study was divided into two phases, viz., the development of anemia in the first phase and then the random division of anemic rats into five groups (Groups A to E). These rats were fed with three different salt formulations (Groups A to C); Group D was continued on a low iron diet, and Group E was on a normal pellet diet over a period of 84 days. The level of Hb was tested in each group. (3) Results: The rats in Groups A, B, C, and E recovered from anemia significantly, with higher Hb levels. On day 84, however, the Hb level in Group D continued to decrease. The bodyweight of the rats was not affected in any way. In all of the groups, histopathology examinations in various organs revealed no significant changes. (4) Conclusions: All of the three different salt formulations showed significant recovery in the anemic rats as compared to the rats fed with a normal pelleted diet.
Impact of Quality Improvement and Milling Innovations on Durum Wheat and End Products
Authors: Sarkar Ashok , Fu Bin Xiao
Published: June 2022

There are long-standing established intrinsic quality requirements of end products made from durum wheat semolina, with color, textural, and cooking properties of pasta and couscous representing persistent key attributes for consumers. Over time, traditional efforts to advance development in these areas with respect to raw material, equipment, and process improvements have been influenced by growing awareness of issues around food safety, health and nutrition, and climate change, necessitating that development strategies incorporate specific considerations relating to safety, traceability, and sustainability. We examined improvements in durum wheat quality and innovations in milling and the resulting impact on product quality in light of these considerations, which are now fundamental to the planning and development of any food process, as required by consumers and regulators alike.
Grape Pomace as Innovative Flour for the Formulation of Functional Muffins: How Particle Size Affects the Nutritional, Textural and Sensory Properties
Authors: Troilo Marica , Difonzo Graziana , Paradiso Vito Michele , Pasqualone Antonella , Caponio Francesco
Published: June 2022

Every year, the winemaking process generates large quantities of waste and by-products, the management of which is critical due to the large production in a limited period. Grape pomace is a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and antimicrobial properties. Its chemical composition makes it potentially suitable for preparing high-value food products. The aim of this research was to study the effect of adding grape pomace powder with different particle size fractions (600–425, 425–300, 300–212 and 212–150 µm) to the chemical, technological and sensorial characteristics of muffins. The addition of 15% of grape pomace powder, regardless of particle size, led to muffins rich in antioxidant compounds and total dietary fiber (>3/100 g), which could be labelled with the “source of fiber” nutritional claim according to the EC Regulation 1924/2006. As particle size decreased, total anthocyanins, total phenol content and antioxidant activity (evaluated by ABTS and DPPH assays) increased, while muffin hardness and lightness were negatively influenced. The latter observation was confirmed by the sensory evaluation, which also showed that a smaller particle size led to the presence of irregular crumb pores.
Biopreservation of Wild Edible Mushrooms (Boletus edulis, Cantharellus, and Rozites caperata) with Lactic Acid Bacteria Possessing Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Bartkiene Elena , Zokaityte Egle , Starkute Vytaute , Mockus Ernestas , Klupsaite Dovile , Lukseviciute Justina , Bogomolova Alina , Streimikyte Audrone , Ozogul Fatih
Published: June 2022

There is scarce data on the influence of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the quality and safety of edible mushrooms. The aim of this study was to ferment Suillus luteus, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, and Rozites caperata with LAB strains (Lacticaseibacillus casei LUHS210 and Liquorilactobacillus uvarum LUHS245) and to evaluate the influence of this technology on colour characteristics, pH, mould/yeast count, liking, emotional response, volatile compound (VC) profile, and the formation of biogenic amines (BA). Additionally, ultrasonication or prolonged thermal treatment were applied before fermentation. The LUHS245 strain showed better preservation properties in the case of fungal inhibition; however, prolonged thermal treatment and/or ultrasound pre-treatment ensure safer fermentation. Mushroom species and type of pre-treatment had a significant effect on colour coordinates and pH (p ≤ 0.0001). A greater variety of VC was identified in pre-treated and fermented samples. Significant differences were found between the emotions induced in consumers. The lowest sum of BA was found in thermally pre-treated and fermented R. caperata, while the highest was in ultrasonicated and fermented B. edulis. Finally, despite good overall acceptability, it is important to select appropriate LAB strains for the fermentation of edible mushrooms to ensure their safety in the case of BA formation.
Prevalence of Pathogenic Germline BRCA1/2 Variants and Their Association with Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in a Rural Area of Japan
Authors: Abe Akiko , Imoto Issei , Tange Shoichiro , Nishimura Masato , Iwasa Takeshi
Published: June 2022

The prevalence of germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants (gBRCA1/2-PV) in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) in a rural area of Japan and their association with clinical characteristics, including treatment response and survival outcome, were investigated. A total of 123 unbiased patients with OC were tested for gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 using next-generation sequencing-based targeted amplicon sequencing. Clinical characteristics of OC patients with and without gBRCA1/2 status were compared. The overall prevalence of gBRCA1/2-PV was 15.4% (19 cases), with gBRCA2-PV (10.5%, 13 cases) being more common than gBRCA1-PV (4.9%, 6 cases). Among the observed gBRCA1/2-PV, several novel variants were included, suggesting that gBRCA1/2-PV unique to the local area exist. gBRCA1/2-PV was significantly more prevalent in OC patients at an older age, with high-grade serous carcinoma, with advanced-stage tumors, and with a family history of breast cancer or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC)-associated cancers. Patients with advanced-stage OC with gBRCA1/2-PV showed a significantly lower recurrence rate and tended to have better progression-free and overall survival than those with wild-type gBRCA1/2. Genetic testing for gBRCA1/2 status in all OC patients is useful not only for diagnosing HBOC in patients and their relatives to assess the risk of HBOC-associated cancers, but also to estimate therapy response and outcomes in patients.
SSR-Based Molecular Identification and Population Structure Analysis for Forage Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) Landraces
Authors: Haliloglu Kamil , Turkoglu Aras , Tan Mustafa , Poczai Peter
Published: June 2022

Plant genetic diversity has a significant role in providing traits that can help meet future challenges, such as the need to adapt crops to changing climatic conditions or outbreaks of disease. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the diversity of 61 forage pea specimens (P. sativum ssp. arvense L.) collected from the northeastern Anatolia region of Turkey using 28 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. These primers generated a total of 82 polymorphic bands. The number of observed alleles (Na) per primer varied from 2 to 4 with a mean of 2.89 alleles/locus. The mean value of expected heterozygosity (Exp-Het = 0.50) was higher than the mean value of observed heterozygosity (Obs-Het = 0.22). The mean of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.41 with a range of 0.03–0.70. The mean number of effective alleles (Ne) was found to be 2.15, Nei’s expected heterozygosity (H) 0.49, and Shannon’s information index (I) 0.81. Cluster analysis through the unweighted pair-group mean average (UPGMA) method revealed that 61 forage pea landraces were divided into three main clusters. Genetic dissimilarity between the genotypes, calculated with the use of NTSYS-pc software, varied between 0.10 (G30 and G34) and 0.66 (G1 and G32). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that three principal coordinates explained 51.54% of the total variation. Moreover, population structure analysis showed that all genotypes formed three sub-populations. Expected heterozygosity values varied between 0.2669 (the first sub-population) and 0.3223 (third sub-population), with an average value of 0.2924. Average population differentiation measurement (Fst) was identified as 0.2351 for the first sub-population, 0.3838 for the second sub-population, and 0.2506 for the third sub-population. In general, current results suggest that SSR markers could be constantly used to illuminate the genetic diversity of forage pea landraces and can potentially be incorporated into future studies that examine the diversity within a larger collection of forage pea genotypes from diverse regions.
Dominant Stickler Syndrome
Authors: Soh Zack , Richards Allan J. , McNinch Annie , Alexander Philip , Martin Howard , Snead Martin P.
Published: June 2022

The Stickler syndromes are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders associated with an increased risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, deafness, cleft palate, and premature arthritis. This review article focuses on the molecular genetics of the autosomal dominant forms of the disease. Pathogenic variants in COL2A1 causing Stickler syndrome usually result in haploinsufficiency of the protein, whereas pathogenic variants of type XI collagen more usually exert dominant negative effects. The severity of the disease phenotype is thus dependent on the location and nature of the mutation, as well as the normal developmental role of the respective protein.
paPAML: An Improved Computational Tool to Explore Selection Pressure on Protein-Coding Sequences
Authors: Steffen Raphael , Ogoniak Lynn , Grundmann Norbert , Pawluchin Anna , Soehnlein Oliver , Schmitz Jürgen
Published: June 2022

Evolution is change over time. Although neutral changes promoted by drift effects are most reliable for phylogenetic reconstructions, selection-relevant changes are of only limited use to reconstruct phylogenies. On the other hand, comparative analyses of neutral and selected changes of protein-coding DNA sequences (CDS) retrospectively tell us about episodic constrained, relaxed, and adaptive incidences. The ratio of sites with nonsynonymous (amino acid altering) versus synonymous (not altering) mutations directly measures selection pressure and can be analysed by using the Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood (PAML) software package. We developed a CDS extractor for compiling protein-coding sequences (CDS-extractor) and parallel PAML (paPAML) to simplify, amplify, and accelerate selection analyses via parallel processing, including detection of negatively selected sites. paPAML compiles results of site, branch-site, and branch models and detects site-specific negative selection with the output of a codon list labelling significance values. The tool simplifies selection analyses for casual and inexperienced users and accelerates computing speeds up to the number of allocated computer threads. We then applied paPAML to examine the evolutionary impact on a new GINS Complex Subunit 3 exon, and neutrophil-associated as well as lysin and apolipoprotein genes. Compared with codeml (PAML version 4.9j) and HyPhy (HyPhy FEL version 2.5.26), all paPAML test runs performed with 10 computing threads led to identical selection pressure results, whereas the total selection analysis via paPAML, including all model comparisons, was about 3 to 5 times faster than the longest running codeml model and about 7 to 15 times faster than the entire processing time of these codeml runs.
Antioxidant Properties of Tomato Fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as Affected by Cultivar and Processing Method
Authors: Rivero Annia Gonzalez , Keutgen Anna J. , Pawelzik Elke
Published: June 2022

Tomatoes are the most consumed vegetables worldwide and a valuable source of several antioxidants. The consumption of tomato products from appropriate cultivars after suitable processing methods may significantly improve human diet. The purpose of this study was investigating the variations in the contents of the main antioxidants present in tomato fruits, in the new Cuban breeds and yellow varieties, as well as their changes during the processing to tomato puree and ketchup. The quality evaluation comprised the detection of lycopene, ascorbic acid and total phenolics and the analysis of their contribution to antioxidant capacity in selected tomato genotypes. Heating (90–100 °C/15 min) enhanced the content of lycopene and total phenolics in puree, resulting in an increment in antioxidant capacity, despite the reduction in ascorbic acid as a result of concentration processes. The conducted experiments revealed that cultivars ‘Vyta’ and ‘Cima’ are very suitable for industrial purposes due to their high dry-matter content of more than 9% fresh mass and high biological value. With respect to serving size, the best sources of antioxidants are fresh tomatoes, followed closely by tomato puree, irrespective of cultivar. However, the differences are mainly due to the edible portion size (200 g for fresh tomatoes and 60 mL for puree, respectively).
A One-Step Polyphenol Removal Approach for Detection of Multiple Phytohormones from Grape Berry
Authors: Yao Xuechen , Xia Nongyu , Meng Xiao , Duan Changqing , Pan Qiuhong
Published: June 2022

Phytohormones play an important role in regulating the maturation process and the quality-related metabolite accumulation of fruits, and their concentration variation has always been concerned during fruit development. However, berry fruits, such as grape berries, are rich in a large number of secondary metabolites, which brings great challenges to the isolation and determination of hormones. In this work, we used grapes as experimental materials and proposed a solid-phase extraction (SPE) protocol to efficiently isolate multiple hormones from phenol-rich matrix using a mixture of dichloromethane, methanol and formic acid as eluent. A highly sensitive method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed to quantify a total of 11 plant growth regulators, including the recognized phytohormones, in grape pericarp and seed. The established method showed satisfactory precision (RSD < 11.3%) and linearity (R2 > 0.9980). The limits of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.001–0.75 ng/mL and 0.004–2.5 ng/mL, respectively. The recovery for the three levels of analytes spiked ranged from 63% to 118%, and the matrix effect was between 73% and 119%. Finally, the proposed method was applied to investigate the dynamic hormone concentration in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon berries from different vineyards, and assess the changes in endogenous hormones in grapes after treatment with exogenous growth regulators. We found that the contents of IP, ABA and IAA in pericarp and IP, IAA, IBA and SA in seed were significantly down-regulated after 10 days of treatment with NAA concentrations of 10 mg/L and 40 mg/L. In conclusion, this method helps to elucidate the role played by phytohormones in the maturation process and the accumulation of quality-related metabolites in phenol-rich fruits.
Effects of Shaking and Withering Processes on the Aroma Qualities of Black Tea
Authors: Lin Jiazheng , Tu Zheng , Zhu Hongkai , Chen Lin , Wang Yuwan , Yang Yunfei , Lv Haowei , Zhu Yan , Yu Liaoyuan , Ye Yang
Published: June 2022

Combined withering and shaking processes are key steps in the formation of characteristic floral and fruity aromas in black teas. However, the effect of the sequencing of withering and shaking on volatile compounds and aroma formation in black tea has not been evaluated to date. This study used headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to detect volatile compounds in black teas after withering-shaking and shaking-withering processing. Five main differentially volatile components were screened out by partial least squares discriminant analysis and odor activity value analysis, which were 3-carene, geraniol, β-myrcene, τ-cadinol, and β-ionone. Additionally, sensory evaluation showed black tea produced by withering-shaking was fruitier, while shaking-withering produced a more floral tea. This study provides a theoretical basis for the discrimination of aroma characteristics of black tea processed by shaking, as well as a technical guide for the precise production of black teas with different floral-fruity aroma biases.
Effects of Rhizobacteria Application on Leaf and Fruit Nutrient Content of Different Apple Scion–Rootstock Combinations
Authors: Yildiz Ercan , Yaman Mehmet , Ercisli Sezai , Sumbul Ahmet , Sonmez Osman , Gunes Adem , Bozhuyuk Mehmet Ramazan , Kviklys Darius
Published: June 2022

The plant pomological characteristics and physiological behaviors of genotypes in modern apple cultivation could be different depending on the use of rootstock, changing growth ecology and application of biological control agents. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of rhizobacteria application on leaf and fruit nutrient contents in different apple scion–rootstock combinations. This study was carried out with seven standard cultivars (Scarlet Spur, Red Chief, Fuji, Jeromine, Galaxy Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Reinders) budded on M.9 and MM.106 rootstocks. In the experiment, trees were sprayed by a nitrogen + phosphorus solvent rhizobacteria three times, with an interval of 15 days in the spring period. The effect of rhizobacteria application on leaf and fruit nutrient contents was statistically significant and provided generally significant positive contributions, except for leaf Mg content. Comparing both rootstocks, the positive effect of bacterial application was higher on the M.9 rootstock for leaf N and B content and fruit N and Fe content, and on the MM.106 rootstock for other nutrient content. While the effects of bacterial application on the basis of cultivars were generally positive, the highest positive contribution was made in leaf P content (10.7%) and fruit Mn content (32.1%) of the Fuji cultivar. Considering the total increase in nutrients in scion–rootstocks combination, rhizobacteria application had a positive effect on the leaf nutrient contents in Golden Reinders/MM.106, but not leaf K content. The highest increases in leaves of scion-rootstock combinations were determined as 4.0% in N content in Granny Smith/M.9, 14.1% in P content in Scarlet Spur/MM.106, 7.1% in K content in Fuji/MM.106, 4.4% in Ca content in Jeromine/M.9, and 14.0% in Mg content in Granny Smith/MM.106. The highest increase in fruit nutrient contents was between 4.9% (N content) and 13.5% (Ca content) for macro elements, and between 9.5% (Cu content) and 41.8% (Mn content) for microelements. The results of the present study may provide significant leads for further studies on this subject.
Ableism and Contours of the Attitudinal Environment as Identified by Adults with Long-Term Physical Disabilities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Reber Lisa , Kreschmer Jodi M. , James Tyler G. , Junior Jaime D. , DeShong Gina L. , Parker Shan , Meade Michelle A.
Published: June 2022

Adults with physical disabilities experience a continuum of enabling and disabling attitudes in the environment. This study identified where adults with physical disabilities experience the attitudinal environment, the continuum of those attitudes, and how they impact emotional and psychological health and well-being. Focus groups and interviews were conducted in 2019 and 2020 with adults with physical disabilities in southeastern Michigan in the United States. Participants discussed environmental factors that impact healthy aging. From an initial thematic coding of narratives, the attitudinal environment was identified. Transcripts were recoded and analyzed focusing on societal attitudes. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants did not experience societal attitudes as simply positive or negative, and that the contexts in which these attitudes were expressed were not limited to interpersonal interactions. Rather, these attitudes were also experienced in the built environment and through social institutions and organizations and their programs, systems, and structures that provide or deny needed accommodations, resources, and support. The spectrum of overlapping attitudes that participants articulated ranged from understanding and supportive, to not understanding, to being viewed and treated as less than human. Societal structures reflect and influence societal attitudes and have material consequences on the lives of adults with physical disabilities.
Medication Knowledge and Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Brunei Darussalam: A Pioneer Study in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Muhammad Haskani Najwa Hazwani , Goh Hui Poh , Wee Daniel Vui Teck , Hermansyah Andi , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau
Published: June 2022

Aim: The present study measured the medication knowledge and medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes in Brunei Darussalam. Demographic details and diabetes knowledge were also evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted via the administration of a structured questionnaire consisting of 4 sections via a face-to-face interview. Results: A total of 118 participants were interviewed. A majority of the participants were aged 40 years or above (106, 89.8%). The mean number of total medications that the participants were taking was 7.36 ± 2.87 and the mean number of antidiabetic medications was 2.39 ± 1.06. As for the antidiabetic therapy, the largest proportion of the participants were taking oral antidiabetic medications only (87, 73.73%). In the diabetes knowledge section of the questionnaire, more than half of the participants (63, 53.34%) scored higher than the acquired mean score. Family history, education level, and total medications taken were significantly correlated with diabetes knowledge. However, in the medication knowledge section of the questionnaire, the mean score (3.37 ± 1.38) was below the intended score for good knowledge. Medication knowledge has been significantly associated with gender, family history and total medications taken. A majority of the participants reported non-adherence (74, 62.71%) due to various reasons. In this study, those of the Malay race were significantly correlated with adherence to their medication regimen. This study also revealed that there is no significant relationship between diabetes knowledge, medication knowledge and medication adherence. Conclusions: The present study provides insights in regard to patients with type 2 diabetes in Brunei Darussalam and their knowledge towards the disease as well as their medications. Despite the lack of significance between the variables, the rate of non-adherence is still alarming. Further studies are required to better understand the barriers to non-adherence in these patients.
Effects of an Interaction and Cognitive Engagement-Based Blended Teaching on Obstetric and Gynecology Nursing Course
Authors: Zhang Jiayuan , Zhou Yuqiu , Li Yingli
Published: June 2022

An interaction and cognitive engagement-based blended teaching mode was applied to obstetrics and gynecology nursing course to examine the effects on nursing students’ competency, self-directed learning level. A randomized controlled trail design was designed. The experimental group engaged with the blended teaching, and the control group was assigned a usual teaching. The level of competency, self-directed learning was compared between two groups. The total score and scores of each dimension of core competence and self-induced learning ability in intervention group were all higher than those in control group (p < 0.05).
A Transparency Checklist for Carbon Footprint Calculations Applied within a Systematic Review of Virtual Care Interventions
Authors: Lange Oliver , Plath Julian , Dziggel Timo F. , Karpa David F. , Keil Mattis , Becker Tom , Rogowski Wolf H.
Published: June 2022

Increasing concerns about climate change imply that decisions on the digitization of healthcare should consider evidence about its carbon footprint (CF). This study aims to develop a transparency catalogue for reporting CF calculations, to compare results, and to assess the transparency (reporting quality) of the current evidence of virtual care (VC) intervention. We developed a checklist of transparency criteria based on the consolidation of three established standards/norms for CF calculation. We conducted a systematic review of primary studies written in English or German on the CF of VC interventions to check applicability. Based on our checklist, we extracted methodological information. We compared the results and calculated a transparency score. The checklist comprises 22 items in the aim, scope, data and analysis categories. Twenty-three studies out of 1466 records were included, mostly addressing telemedicine. The mean transparency score was 38% (minimum 14%, maximum 68%). On average, 148 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per patient were saved. Digitization may have co-benefits, improving care and reducing the healthcare CF. However, the evidence for this is weak, and CF reports are heterogeneous. Our transparency checklist may serve as a reference for developing a standard to assess the CF of virtual and other healthcare and public health services.
Student Perceptions of Age and Ageing—An Evaluation of Swiss Dental Students Receiving Education in Gerodontology
Authors: Nitschke Ina , Gegner Ulf , Hopfenmüller Werner , Sobotta Bernhard A. J. , Jockusch Julia
Published: June 2022

Society is ageing and the higher number of senior citizens in the total population is a challenge for society and often perceived as a burden. Negative images of old age can lead to ageism and poorer healthcare for older people. The younger generation will have to master these demographic challenges. Therefore, their attitude towards and their perception of the older generation has to be monitored. The aim of this study is to present the images of ageing held by dental students who received education in gerodontology and to assess possible changes between different generations of students over time and separated by gender. An annual, anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among dental students at the end of the 10th semester each year between 2008 and 2021. The questionnaire surveyed personal attitudes towards ageing, the assessment of seniors, and personal experience with seniors (images of ageing, “Aging Semantic Differential”). In addition to confirming Friedan’s phenomenon regarding the assessment of age limits, the present study was able to demonstrate a positive image of ageing in dental students, which has remained almost constant over the years. An education in gerodontology might positively influence student perceptions of age and aging.
The Effectiveness of Multicomponent Intervention on Daily Functioning among the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Myeongshin , Shin Eunyoung , Kim Seyoon , Sok Sohyune
Published: June 2022

The deterioration of physical and cognitive functioning in the elderly is an impairment to their independent self-management and to improving their ability to perform daily functions. Nurses should support the elderly to experience a healthy and a successful aging process by preventing dependence on daily functioning and understanding the care assistance that such persons need. This study aimed to gain insight into the evidence on the effectiveness of multicomponent intervention on the activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among the community-dwelling elderly without cognitive impairment. The design is a systematic review of a randomized controlled trial. The language of the published literature was English, and the search period was from January 2000 to December 2020. Articles were included under the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) framework for: (a) community-dwelling elderly without cognitive impairment; (b) multicomponent intervention; (c) comparison group who did not receive the intervention; and (d) measurement of the effect of ADL and IADL. A total of 4413 references were found, 6 studies were included. Most studies (n = 5) reported that the multicomponent intervention exerted a beneficial effect on ADL and IADL. Only one study showed the highest methodology and reporting quality in the Cochrane review. Common components of the programs included: occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise, memory training, cognitive–behavioral therapy, interdisciplinary intervention, and cognitive training. Multicomponent intervention may be a beneficial way to improve dependence on ADL and IADL as an important area of functional evaluation in the elderly. Considering the physical condition of the elderly, multicomponent interventions, including physical activity, exercise, occupational therapy, and especially individually customized coaching related to ADL and IADL training, may be useful.
Household Pharmaceutical Waste Management Practices in the Johannesburg Area, South Africa
Authors: Magagula Benele K. , Rampedi Isaac T. , Yessoufou Kowiyou
Published: June 2022

Pharmaceutical wastes are expected to increase given the increasing population growth rates and rapidly rising economic burden of human diseases. This challenge calls for appropriate measures for the management of such hazardous wastes. The purpose of this survey was to document and investigate existing practices for the handling, storage, and disposal of household pharmaceutical wastes (HPWs) in the Johannesburg area. Primary data were collected via online surveys with self-administered questionnaires completed by respondents. The research found that 77% (n = 286) of respondents claimed some knowledge about HPWs. Types of medicines that contributed to HPWs included painkillers or analgesics (73%, n = 270) and drugs for treating colds and flu-related illnesses (52%; n = 193). Although there were a few exceptions, the respondents generally exhibited strong disagreements with environmentally unfriendly and health-threatening disposal practices. Moreover, most participants were willing to return expired medicines to pharmacies (40.7%, n = 151), whereas only 8.6% (n = 32) opposed this solution. Awareness levels tended to vary with employment status, educational qualifications, and place of residence. However, place of residence and household size did not correlate with types of pharmaceutical waste. Additionally, the study found that education attainments significantly influenced the willingness of respondents to return pharmaceutical wastes. Finally, there were no significant differences amongst respondents in terms of waste disposal practices. Altogether, the findings suggest the need for targeted efforts to bring about sustainable waste management at a household level.
Factors That Influence the Use of Dietary Supplements among the Students of Wroclaw Medical University in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Merwid-Ląd Anna , Szandruk-Bender Marta , Matuszewska Agnieszka , Trocha Małgorzata , Nowak Beata , Oster Marie , Szeląg Adam
Published: June 2022

Background and aim: The use of dietary supplements (DS) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is increasing every year. The COVID-19 pandemic might additionally influence the use of such preparations. The study aimed to investigate factors influencing the use of dietary supplements (DS), including stress-relieving supplements, by the students. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 624 students of the Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, from the second to the last year of studies, completed the anonymous questionnaire, consisting of 22 items, about the use of DS/OTC drugs during the academic year 2020/2021. Obtained data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, the U-Mann Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with the post-hoc analysis, and with logistic regression. Results: About 70% of students declared the use of any DS, 33% used DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, and 59% used other DS. The most important factors influencing the decision to take any kind of DS were Division (p = 0.0001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.35, and confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.59), a self-estimated level of stress (p = 0.014, OR: 1.13, CI: 1.03–1.25), and self-estimated level of knowledge about DS (p = 0.0000, OR: 1.31, CI: 1.19–1.36). In the case of students taking DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, the level of stress and the declared knowledge had the greatest impact on the decision for such a use of DS (p = 0.0001, OD: 1.24, CI: 1.11–1.39 and p = 0.0000, OD: 1.35, CI: 1.22–1.5, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic did not change the pattern of DS/OTC drug usage in about 33% of students. Those who started taking DS during the pandemic accounted for 19% of all students. Conclusions: The use of DS is common among Wroclaw Medical University students with some differences between subgroups of respondents. Additionally, despite declared good knowledge about DS, most students declare the need to learn more about them.
Prevalence, Features and Degree of Association of Oral Lesions in COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Di Spirito Federica , Iandolo Alfredo , Amato Alessandra , Caggiano Mario , Raimondo Annunziata , Lembo Serena , Martina Stefano
Published: June 2022

Regardless of rapidly emerging findings on oral lesions described in adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, the evidence level remains quite low and rather contrasting; therefore, the present systematic review of systematic reviews primarily aims to point out the overall prevalence of diagnosed cases. Secondary aims are to estimate the degree of association between oral lesions and SARS-CoV-2 infection and to grade, based on the reported frequency, the primary oral lesions, with related clinical presentations and microscopic features, in relation to COVID-19 forms. A study protocol compliant with the PRISMA statement was developed. Twelve studies were included, reporting highly heterogeneous and incomplete findings, thus precluding a meta-analysis. Further studies should be conducted to assess the overall prevalence of cases diagnosed with oral lesions among adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, especially considering novel viral variants, and to determine their degree of association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 forms. Moreover, the reported findings noticed the need to evaluate the putative role both of SARS-CoV-2 in oral lesions genesis and of periodontitis and periodontal microbiome in COVID-19 worsening and re-activations. Deeper insights into oral lesions in adult SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects could enhance the comprehension of illness pathogenesis, natural history and clinical presentation, thus improving the preparedness of health professionals in the inter-disciplinary management of COVID-19.