bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Engineering of Attractive Pickering Emulsion Gel-Templated Porous Materials for Enhanced Solar Vapor Generation
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Wu Baiheng , Wu Qinglin , Chen Li , Ye Fangfu , Chen Dong
Published: September 2021

Solar vapor generation is emerging as one of the most important sustainable techniques for harvesting clean water using abundant and green solar energy. The rational design of solar evaporators to realize high solar evaporation performances has become a great challenge. Here, a porous solar evaporator with integrative optimization of photothermal convention, water transport and thermal management is developed using attractive Pickering emulsions gels (APEG) as templated and followed by interfacial engineering on a molecular scale. The APEG-templated porous evaporators (APEG-TPEs) are intrinsically thermal insulation materials with a thermal conductivity = 0.039 W·m−1·K−1. After hydrolysis, t-butyl groups on the inner-surface are transformed to carboxylic acid groups, making the inner-surface hydrophilic and facilitating water transport through the inter-connected pores. The introduction of polypyrrole layer endows the porous materials with a high light absorption of ~97%, which could effectively convert solar irradiation to heat. Due to the versatility of the APEG systems, the composition, compressive modulus, porosity of APEG-TPEs could be well controlled and a high solar evaporation efficiency of 69% with an evaporation rate of 1.1 kg·m−2·h−1 is achieved under simulated solar irradiation. The interface-engineered APEG-TPEs are promising in clean water harvesting and could inspire the future development of solar evaporators.
Direct Reduction in Greenhouse Gases by Continuous Dry (CO2) Reforming of Methane over Ni-Containing SHS Catalysts
Authors: Xanthopoulou Galina , Varitis Savvas , Zhumabek Manapkhan , Karanasios Konstantinos , Vekinis George , Tungatarova Svetlana A. , Baizhumanova Tolkyn S.
Published: September 2021

The world of energy is on the cusp of profound transformation. Hydrogen or hydrogen-containing fuel mixtures in the form of synthesis gas, as carriers of clean energy, will be in the short term among the most efficient solutions to pressing environmental problems, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases as well as pollution of cities and dependence on oil-based fuels. Carbon dioxide conversion of methane is the most promising method for the production of synthesis gas due to the simultaneous consumption of two greenhouse gases and, accordingly, a successful solution to environmental problems. Ni/Mn-based catalysts have been prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) for this process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen porosimetry. The effects of the catalysts’ composition on activity, selectivity, and product yield were investigated. The influence of the content of Ni, Mn on the behavior of catalysts has been established. Comparison of spinels with different component ratios showed that they have a defective structure. Non-stoichiometric spinels with highly defective catalyst structures were obtained due to very high heating and cooling rates during SHS. They work as active sites, which underlies the high activity of the catalysts.
Optimization of Electric Vehicles Based on Frank-Copula-GlueCVaR Combined Wind and Photovoltaic Output Scheduling Research
Authors: Gao Jianwei , Yang Yu , Gao Fangjie , Liang Pengcheng
Published: September 2021

Improving the efficiency of renewable energy and electricity utilization is an urgent problem for China under the objectives of carbon peaking and carbon neutralization. This paper proposes an optimization scheduling method of electric vehicles (EV) combined with wind and photovoltaic power based on the Frank-Copula-GlueCVaR. First, a joint output model based on copula theory was built to describe the correlation between wind and photovoltaic power output. Second, the Frank-Copula-GlueCVaR index was introduced in a novel way. Operators can now predetermine the future wind-photovoltaic joint output range based on this index and according to their risk preferences. Third, an optimal scheduling model aimed at reducing the group charging cost of EVs was proposed, thereby encouraging EV owners to participate in the demand response. Fourth, this paper: proposes the application of a Variant Roth–Serve algorithm; regards the EV group as a multi-intelligent group; and finds the Pareto optimal strategy of the EV group through continuous learning. Finally, case study results are shown to effectively absorb more renewable energy, reduce the consumption cost of the EV group, and suppress the load fluctuation of the whole EV group, which has a practical significance and theoretical value.
Optimal Maintenance Policy for Offshore Wind Systems
Authors: Yu Vincent F. , Le Thi Huynh Anh , Su Tai-Sheng , Lin Shih-Wei
Published: September 2021

Employing maintenance threshold plays a critical step in determining an optimal maintenance policy for an offshore wind system to reduce maintenance costs while increasing system reliability. Considering the limited works on this topic, we propose a two-stage procedure to determine the optimal maintenance thresholds for multiple components of an offshore wind power system in order to minimize maintenance costs while achieving the highest possible system reliability. First, using genetic algorithms, a dynamic strategy is developed to determine the maintenance thresholds of individual components where the cost of maintenance and the rate of failure are critical. Then, fuzzy multi-objective programming is applied to find the system’s optimal maintenance threshold considering all components. A variety of factors including weather conditions, system reliability, power generation losses, and electricity market price are carefully considered to enhance the system’s reliability and reduce the costs of maintenance. When maintenance threshold results are compared, component-wise versus system-wise, an average system savings of 1.19% for maintenance cost is obtained while the system reliability is increased by 1.62% on average.
Development of a Common Framework for Analysing Public Transport Smart Card Data
Authors: Zaragozí Benito , Trilles Sergio , Gutiérrez Aaron , Miravet Daniel
Published: September 2021

The data generated in public transport systems have proven to be of great importance in improving knowledge of public transport systems, being very valuable in promoting the sustainability of public transport through rational management. However, the analysis of this data involves numerous tasks, so that when the value of analysing the data is finally verified, the effort has already been very great. The management and analysis of the collected data face some difficulties. This is the case of the data collected by the current automated fare collection systems. These systems do not follow any open standards and are not usually designed with a multipurpose nature, so they do not facilitate the data analysis workflow (i.e., acquisition, storage, quality control, integration and quantitative analysis). Intending to reduce this workload, we propose a conceptual framework for analysing data from automated fare collection systems in mobility studies. The main components of this framework are (1) a simple data model, (2) scripts for creating and querying the database and (3) a system for reusing the most useful queries. This framework has been tested in a real public transport consortium in a Spanish region shaped by tourism. The outcomes of this research work could be reused and applied, with a lower initial effort, in other areas that have data recorded by an automated fare collection system but are not sure if it is worth investing in exploiting the data. After this experience, we consider that, even with the legal limitations applicable to the analysis of this type of data, the use of open standards by automated fare collection systems would facilitate the use of this type of data to its full potential. Meanwhile, the use of a common framework may be enough to start analysing the data.
DC Microgrid Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Phasor Measurement Unit Assisted Inverter
Authors: Yaqub Raziq , Ali Mohamed , Ali Hassan
Published: September 2021

Community microgrids are set to change the landscape of future energy markets. The technology is being deployed in many cities around the globe. However, a wide-scale deployment faces three major issues: initial synchronization of microgrids with the utility grids, slip management during its operation, and mitigation of distortions produced by the inverter. This paper proposes a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) Assisted Inverter (PAI) that addresses these three issues in a single solution. The proposed PAI continually receives real-time data from a Phasor Measurement Unit installed in the distribution system of a utility company and keeps constructing a real-time reference signal for the inverter. To validate the concept, a unique intelligent DC microgrid architecture that employs the proposed Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) Assisted Inverter (PAI) is also presented, alongside the cloud-based Artificial Intelligence (AI), which harnesses energy from community shared resources, such as batteries and the community’s rooftop solar resources. The results show that the proposed system produces quality output and is 98.5% efficient.
Geochemical Changes Associated with High-Temperature Heat Storage at Intermediate Depth: Thermodynamic Equilibrium Models for the DeepStor Site in the Upper Rhine Graben, Germany
Authors: Banks Jonathan , Poulette Spencer , Grimmer Jens , Bauer Florian , Schill Eva
Published: September 2021

The campus of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) contains several waste heat streams. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing thermal power consumption on the campus, researchers at the KIT are proposing a ‘DeepStor’ project, which will sequester waste heat from these streams in an underground reservoir during the summer months, when the heat is not required. The stored heat will then be reproduced in the winter, when the campus’s thermal power demand is much higher. This paper contains a preliminary geochemical risk assessment for the operation of this subsurface, seasonal geothermal energy storage system. We used equilibrium thermodynamics to determine the potential phases and extent of mineral scale formation in the plant’s surface infrastructure, and to identify possible precipitation, dissolution, and ion exchange reactions that may lead to formation damage in the reservoir. The reservoir in question is the Meletta Beds of the Upper Rhein Graben’s Froidefontaine Formation. We modeled scale- and formation damage-causing reactions during six months of injecting 140 °C fluid into the reservoir during the summer thermal storage season and six months of injecting 80 °C fluid during the winter thermal consumption season. Overall, we ran the models for 5 years. Anhydrite and calcite are expected mineral scales during the thermal storage season (summer). Quartz is the predicted scale-forming mineral during the thermal consumption period (winter). Within ~20 m of the wellbores, magnesium and iron are leached from biotite; calcium and magnesium are leached from dolomite; and sodium, aluminum, and silica are leached from albite. These reactions lead to a net increase in both porosity and permeability in the wellbore adjacent region. At a distance of ~20–75 m from the wellbores, the leached ions recombine with the reservoir rocks to form a variety of clays, i.e., saponite, minnesotaite, and daphnite. These alteration products lead to a net loss in porosity and permeability in this zone. After each thermal storage and production cycle, the reservoir shows a net retention of heat, suggesting that the operation of the proposed DeepStor project could successfully store heat, if the geochemical risks described in this paper can managed.
Mapping of Fault and Hydrothermal System beneath the Seulawah Volcano Inferred from a Magnetotellurics Structure
Authors: Marwan Marwan , Yanis Muhammad , Nugraha Gartika Setiya , Zainal Muzakir , Arahman Nasrul , Idroes Rinaldi , Dharma Dian Budi , Saputra Deni , Gunawan Poernomo
Published: September 2021

Magnetotellurics (MT) is an important geophysical method for exploring geothermal systems, with the Earth resistivity obtained from the MT method proving to be useful for the hydrothermal imaging changes of the system. In this research, we applied the MT method to map the geothermal system of the Seulawah Agam volcano in northern Sumatra, a site intended for the construction of a geothermal power plant with an estimated energy of 230 Mwe. Herein, 3D MT measurements were carried out, covering the entire area of the volcano and the various intersecting local faults from the Seulimeum segment in the NW–SE direction. Based on Occam 2D inversion, a conductive anomaly (<10 ohm·m) near the surface was identified in response to specific manifestation areas, including the Heutsz crater on the northern side and the Cempaga crater on the southern side. A further conductive anomaly was also found at a depth of 1 km, which was presumably due to a clay cap layer covering the fluid in the reservoir layer below the surface, where the manifestation areas are formed at various locations (where faults and fractures are found) owing to the fluid in the reservoir rising to the surface. The MT modeling also revealed that the reservoir layer in Seulawah Agam lies at a depth of 2 km with a higher resistivity of 40–150 ohm·m, which is the main target of geothermal energy exploration. At the same time, the heat source zone where magma is located was estimated to lie in two locations, namely, on the northern side centering on the Heutsz crater area and the southern side in the Cempaga crater area. A clear 3D structure obtained via Occam inversion was also used to visualize the hydrothermal flow in the Seulawah Agam volcano that originates from two heat source zones, where one structure that was consistent across all models is the conductive zone that reaches a depth of 5 km in the south in response to the regional faulting of the Seulimeum segment. Based on the MT research, we concluded that the volcano has the geothermal potential to be tapped into power plant energy in the future.
An Enhanced Distributed Voltage Regulation Scheme for Radial Feeder in Islanded Microgrid
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zahid , Mu Chaoxu , Habib Salman , Alhosaini Waleed , Ahmed Emad M.
Published: September 2021

Even the simplest version of the distribution networks face challenges such as maintaining load voltage and system frequency stability and at the same time minimizing the circulating reactive power in grid-forming nodes. As the consumers at the far end of the radial distribution network face serious voltage fluctuations and deviations once the load varies. Therefore, this paper presents an enhanced distributed control strategy to restore the load voltage magnitude and to realize power-sharing proportionally in islanded microgrids. This proposed study considers the voltage regulation at the load node as opposed to the inverter terminal. At the same time, a supervisory control layer is put on to observe and correct the load voltage and system frequency deviations. This presented method is aimed at replacing paralleled inverter control methods hitherto used. Stability analysis using system-wide methodical small-signal models, the MATLAB/Simulink, and experimental results obtained with conventional and proposed control schemes verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Depth-Dependent C-N-P Stocks and Stoichiometry in Ultisols Resulting from Conversion of Secondary Forests to Plantations and Driving Forces
Authors: Ding Xiaogang , Li Xiaochuan , Qi Ye , Zhao Zhengyong , Sun Dongxiao , Wei Hongxu
Published: September 2021

Stocks and stoichiometry of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in ultisols are not well documented for converted forests. In this study, Ultisols were sampled in 175 plots from one type of secondary forest and four plantations of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.), Slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), Eucalypt (Eucalyptus obliqua L’Hér.), and Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn., 1782) in Yunfu, Guangdong province, South China. Five layers of soil were sampled with a distance of 20 cm between two adjacent layers up to a depth of 100 cm. We did not find interactive effects between forest type and soil layer depth on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations and storages. Storage of SOC was not different between secondary forests and Eucalypt plantations, but SOC of these two forest types were lower than that in Litchi, Masson pine, and Slash pine plantations. Soil C:P was higher in Slash pine plantations than in secondary forests. Soil CNP showed a decreasing trend with the increase of soil depth. Soil TP did not show any significant difference among soil layers. Soil bulk density had a negative contribution to soil C and P stocks, and longitude and elevation were positive drivers for soil C, N, and P stocks. Overall, Litchi plantations are the only type of plantation that obtained enhanced C storage in 0–100 cm soils and diverse N concentrations among soil layers during the conversion from secondary forests to plantations over ultisols.
Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genome of Santalum (Santalaceae)
Authors: Liu Xiaojin , Xu Daping , Hong Zhou , Zhang Ningnan , Cui Zhiyi
Published: September 2021

Santalum (Santalaceae, sandalwood) is a hemiparasitic genus that includes approximately 15 extant species. It is known for its aromatic heartwood oil, which is used in incense and perfume. Demand for sandalwood-based products has led to drastic over-harvesting, and wild Santalum populations are now threatened. Knowledge of phylogenetic relationships will be critical for the conservation and proper management of this genus. Here, we sequenced the chloroplast genome of 11 Santalum species. The data were then used to investigate chloroplast genome evolutionary dynamics and relationships and divergence time within Santalum and related species. The Santalum chloroplast genome contains typical quadripartite structures, ranging from 143,291 to 144,263 bp. The chloroplast genome contains 110 unique genes. The whole set of ndh genes and the infA gene were found to lose their functions. The P-distance among the Santalum species was 0.0003 to 0.00828. Three mutation hotspot regions, 14 small inversions, and 460 indels events were discovered in the Santalum chloroplast genome. Branch-model-based selection analyses showed that the Santalum species were under widespread purifying selection. Our phylogenomic assessment provides an improved resolution to the phylogenetic relationships of Santalum compared to the past analyses. Our divergence time analysis showed that the crown age of Santalum was 8.46 Mya (million years ago), the first divergence occurred around 6.97 Mya, and diversification was completed approximately 1 Mya. By sequencing the 11 Santalum species chloroplast genomes, we identified the variations in the Santalum chloroplast genomes. Using the chloroplast genome sequences, phylogeny and divergence time analyses discovered that the Santalum species were likely to originate due to radiation evolution, and most speciation events occurred less than 1 Mya.
Isolated Sandbox Environment Architecture for Running Cognitive Psychological Experiments in Web Platforms
Authors: Nikulchev Evgeny , Ilin Dmitry , Kolyasnikov Pavel , Magomedov Shamil , Alexeenko Anna , Kosenkov Alexander N. , Sokolov Andrey , Malykh Artem , Ismatullina Victoria , Malykh Sergey
Published: September 2021

Web surveys are an integral part of the feedback of Internet services, a research tool for respondents, including in the field of health and psychology. Web technologies allow conducting research on large samples. For mental health, an important metric is reaction time in cognitive tests and in answering questions. The use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets has increased markedly in web surveys, so the impact of device types and operating systems needs to be investigated. This article proposes an architectural solution aimed at reducing the effect of device variability on the results of cognitive psychological experiments. An experiment was carried out to formulate the requirements for software and hardware. Three groups of 1000 respondents were considered, corresponding to three types of computers and operating systems: Mobile Device, Legacy PC, and Modern PC. The results obtained showed a slight bias in the estimates for each group. It is noticed that the error for a group of devices differs both upward and downward for various tasks in a psychological experiment. Thus, for cognitive tests, in which the reaction time is critical, an architectural solution was synthesized for conducting psychological research in a web browser. The proposed architectural solution considers the characteristics of the device used by participants to undergo research in the web platform and allows to restrict access from devices that do not meet the specified criteria.
Tebuconazole Fungicide Induces Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Cheol , Kim Do-Hyun , Jeong Chang-Hee , Kim Yea-Ji , Han Jong-Hyun , Lim Su-Jin , Shin Dong-Min , Kim Dong-Wook , Han Sung-Gu
Published: September 2021

Tebuconazole (TEB), a triazole fungicide, is frequently applied to agriculture for the increase of food production. Although TEB causes liver toxicity, its effects on cellular lipid accumulation are rarely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to study the effects of TEB on lipid metabolism and accumulation in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were exposed to 0–320 µM TEB for 1–24 h. TEB (20–80 µM, 24 h)-treated cells showed lipid accumulation. Further, TEB (20–80 µM, 1–12 h) increased the nuclear translocation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and the expression of lipid uptake and oxidation-related markers such as cluster of differentiation 36, fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 2, FATP5, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1. Oxidative stress levels in TEB-treated cells (20–80 µM, 24 h) were higher, compared to those in the control. TEB (20–80 µM, 24 h) also induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and lower levels of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein in the cells. Thus, TEB can induce lipid accumulation by altering the expression of lipid-metabolizing molecules and can therefore impair lipid metabolism. Our data suggest that human exposure to TEB may be a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
PRKG2 Splice Site Variant in Dogo Argentino Dogs with Disproportionate Dwarfism
Authors: Rudd Garces Gabriela , Turba Maria Elena , Muracchini Myriam , Diana Alessia , Jagannathan Vidhya , Gentilini Fabio , Leeb Tosso
Published: September 2021

Dwarfism phenotypes occur in many species and may be caused by genetic or environmental factors. In this study, we investigated a family of nine Dogo Argentino dogs, in which two dogs were affected by disproportionate dwarfism. Radiographs of an affected dog revealed a decreased level of endochondral ossification in its growth plates, and a premature closure of the distal ulnar physes. The pedigree of the dogs presented evidence of monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance; combined linkage and homozygosity mapping assigned the most likely position of a potential genetic defect to 34 genome segments, totaling 125 Mb. The genome of an affected dog was sequenced and compared to 795 control genomes. The prioritization of private variants revealed a clear top candidate variant for the observed dwarfism. This variant, PRKG2:XM_022413533.1:c.1634+1G>T, affects the splice donor site and is therefore predicted to disrupt the function of the PKRG2 gene encoding protein, kinase cGMP-dependent type 2, a known regulator of chondrocyte differentiation. The genotypes of the PRKG2 variant were perfectly associated with the phenotype in the studied family of dogs. PRKG2 loss-of-function variants were previously reported to cause disproportionate dwarfism in humans, cattle, mice, and rats. Together with the comparative data from other species, our data strongly suggest PRKG2:c.1634+1G>T to be a candidate causative variant for the observed dwarfism phenotype in Dogo Argentino dogs.
Assessing Cranial Nerves in Physical Therapy Practice: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey and Implication for Clinical Practice
Authors: Mourad Firas , Lopez Giovanni , Cataldi Fabio , Maselli Filippo , Pellicciari Leonardo , Salomon Mattia , Kranenburg Hendrikus , Kerry Roger , Taylor Alan , Hutting Nathan
Published: September 2021

Background and objective: Serious pathologies of the neck can potentially result in cranial nerve palsy. Knowledge about cranial nerve examination (CNE) seems sparse, and its use is still unknown. We aim to investigate the knowledge, skills, and utilization of CNE of Italian physiotherapists. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey. Results: 396 completed the survey, reaching the required sample size. Although Italian physiotherapists consider CNE relevant (mean ± SD = 7.6/10 ± 2.0), over half of all responders (n = 229 (57.8%)) were not trained in the fundamentals and around a third did not use it in their daily practice (n = 138 (34.8%)). Additionally, participants were unconfident and insecure in conducting (n = 152 (38.4%) and n = 147 (37.1%)), interpreting (n = 140 (35.4%) and n = 164 (41.4%)), and managing the CNE (n = 141 (35.6%) and n = 154 (38.9%)). Possessing a musculoskeletal specialization was associated with an increased value attributed to clinical practice guidelines and reduced the lack of confidence in conducting, interpreting, and managing the CNE (respectively, n = 35 (25.5%), p = 0.0001; n = 32 (23.4%) p = 0.0002; n = 32 (23.4%) p = 0.0002). Working in a direct access setting significantly increased the considered relevance of guidelines and the concerns about arterial (p = 0.004) and other serious pathologies (p = 0.021). Pain and visual disturbances were considered the main indicators to CNE, demonstrating limited knowledge of signs and symptoms’ indicating CNE. Participants considered specific training in CNE as relevant (mean ± SD = 7.6/10 = 2.1). Conclusions: a substantial proportion of Italian physiotherapists are not schooled in the fundamentals of cranial nerve examination. Given the number of physiotherapists who work in first contact roles, this is a professional concern.
Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment on Fruit Quality during Cold Storage in Apple Cultivars Grown in Korea
Authors: Yoo Jingi , Win Nay Myo , Mang Hyunggon , Cho Young-Je , Jung Hee-Young , Kang In-Kyu
Published: September 2021

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on improving the storability of four apple cultivars (‘Hwangok’, ‘Picnic’, ‘Gamhong’, and ‘Fuji’) was investigated by analyzing the physiological and biochemical factors associated with their postharvest quality attributes. The flesh firmness, titratable acidity, and soluble solids content of the cultivars were higher in treated fruits than untreated fruits, while the opposite results were observed for ethylene production. In the treated fruits, the traits affected by 1-MCP varied depending on the cultivars used. Higher firmness and lower ethylene production were observed in the ‘Hwangok’ and ‘Picnic’ than ‘Gamhong’ and ‘Fuji’ cultivars. However, 1-MCP only affected weight loss in the ‘Gamhong’ cultivar, while the sugar content was affected in all of the cultivars except ‘Hwangok’. When analyzing cell wall hydrolase activities, 1-MCP differently affected the activities (β-galactosidase, α-galactosidase, β-glucosidase, α-mannosidase, β-xylosidase, and β-arabinosidase), with greater effects in the ‘Fuji’ and ‘Picnic’ cultivars and moderate effects in the ‘Gamhong’ and ‘Hwangok’ cultivars. In this study, the suppression of ethylene production by 1-MCP was positively associated with a transcriptional decrease in the ethylene biosynthesis genes MdACS1 and MdACO1. Overall, this study suggests that 1-MCP distinctly enhanced the storability of all apple cultivars, with a greater effect on ‘Hwangok’.
Exogenous Application of Chitosan Alleviate Salinity Stress in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Geng , Wang Yuanhua , Wu Kai , Zhang Qing , Feng Yingna , Miao Yu , Yan Zhiming
Published: September 2021

Soil salinity is one of the major factors that affect plant growth and decrease agricultural productivity worldwide. Chitosan (CTS) has been shown to promote plant growth and increase the abiotic stress tolerance of plants. However, it still remains unknown whether the application of exogenous CTS can mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress on lettuce plants. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of foliar application of exogenous CTS to lettuce plants grown under 100 mM NaCl saline conditions. The results showed that exogenous CTS increased the lettuce total leaf area, shoot fresh weight, and shoot and root dry weight, increased leaf chlorophyll a, proline, and soluble sugar contents, enhanced peroxidase and catalase activities, and alleviated membrane lipid peroxidation, in comparison with untreated plants, in response to salt stress. Furthermore, the application of exogenous CTS increased the accumulation of K+ in lettuce but showed no significant effect on the K+/Na+ ratio, as compared with that of plants treated with NaCl alone. These results suggested that exogenous CTS might mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on plant growth and biomass by modulating the intracellular ion concentration, controlling osmotic adjustment, and increasing antioxidant enzymatic activity in lettuce leaves.
Innovations in Health Care—A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Flessa Steffen , Huebner Claudia
Published: September 2021

Innovations are the source of all human development and improvement of quality of life. At the same time, they challenge existing standards, solutions and societal patterns. In health care in particular, innovations enable us to treat previously incurable diseases or to make better use of scarce resources. However, they also make existing health care technologies obsolete, force specialists to learn completely new methods and require high investments. Consequently, in this paper we develop a conceptual framework model for the development, adoption and diffusion of innovations in health care. We analyse barriers and promoters of innovations, in particular meta-stability, costs, innovative ability and leadership and apply the framework to three innovations: personalized medicine, digital health, and implants. We conclude that strategic innovation management in healthcare is a prerequisite of the rapid development and adoption of innovations and the improvement of quality of life of the (aging) population.
Do Menopausal Symptoms Affect the Relationship between Job Demands, Work Ability, and Exhaustion? Testing a Moderated Mediation Model in a Sample of Italian Administrative Employees
Authors: Viotti Sara , Guidetti Gloria , Sottimano Ilaria , Travierso Lucia , Martini Mara , Converso Daniela
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: The increasing presence of employed women undergoing menopause has stimulated a growing corpus of research highlighting the complex relationship between menopause and work. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the mechanism by which menopause affects work ability and work-related well-being. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the present study examines whether and how menopausal symptoms affect the relationship between job demands, work ability, and exhaustion. (2) Method: In total, 1069 menopausal women, employed as administrative officers in a public organization, filled out a self-report questionnaire. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the latent moderated structural (LMS) equation. (3) Findings: The findings of this analysis indicate that the indirect effect of work ability on the relationship between job demands and exhaustion is influenced by the exacerbating effect of menopausal symptoms on the relationship between job demands and work ability. Moreover, the conditional effect confirmed that women with high menopausal symptoms receive more exposure to the negative effects of job demands on work ability compared to women with low menopausal symptoms. (4) Conclusion: The present findings may help in addressing interventions to prevent negative outcomes for menopausal women and their organizations.
An Exploratory, Qualitative Study of How Organizations Implement the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to Total Worker Health®
Authors: Hudson Heidi L. , Schill Anita L. , Richards Reid
Published: September 2021

Understanding of how Total Worker Health® (TWH) guidelines are implemented in employment organizations in the USA is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to explore how the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to NIOSH Total Worker Health (TWH HoC), have been implemented among organizations featured as Promising Practices for TWH between 2012–2019, with special focus on the work-related issues of fatigue, stress, sedentary work, and tobacco control. We also sought to identify benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned in the implementation of the TWH HoC. Eighteen organizations were identified to be included in the study. Using a qualitative cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, seven in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen key informants. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to guide the thematic analysis and interpretation of qualitative data. Four themes identified include recognition of the TWH approach and TWH HoC, implementation of the TWH HoC, barriers and facilitators in addressing specific work-related issues, and implementation climate primes benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned. The inner setting (i.e., culture, implementation climate, readiness for implementation) of organizations was a prominent determinant of the implementation of integrated worker safety, health, and well-being interventions.
Reducing Hindering Job Demands: The Role of Belief in Life as a Zero-Sum Game and Workload
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: September 2021

When individuals engage in job crafting by decreasing their job demands, the workload of their teammates rises. Pursuing self-interest at the expense of others requires holding a belief about the antagonistic nature of human relations. The present research demonstrates how belief in life as a zero-sum game (BZSG) shapes workplace behaviors. Our two studies—one cross-sectional and one time-lagged—support our predictions that a strong BZSG weakens proactivity and increases the tendency to decrease one’s job demands at the expense of others. We also observed a suppression effect: workload triggers a reduction in job demands indirectly by activating BZSG, while the direct link between workload and reducing hindering job demands is negative. The results are important for both theory and practice because they delineate the conditions that prompt the avoidance of job demands by the employees.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Disorders. A Critical Review
Authors: Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier , Martínez-González Marina Begoña , Benitez-Agudelo Juan Camilo , Navarro-Jiménez Eduardo , Beltran-Velasco Ana Isabel , Ruisoto Pablo , Diaz Arroyo Esperanza , Laborde-Cárdenas Carmen Cecilia , Tornero-Aguilera Jose Francisco
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of the worldwide population. Citizens suffer the social, economic, physiological, and psychological effects of this pandemic. Primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages were used for a consensus critical review. The method was a narrative review of the available literature to summarize the existing literature addressing mental health concerns and stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found the pandemic has had a direct impact on psychopathologies such as anxiety, increasing its ratios, and depression. Other syndromes such as burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder have increased with the pandemic, showing a larger incidence among medical personnel. Moreover, eating disorders and violence have also increased. Public authorities must prepare healthcare systems for increasing incidences of mental pathologies. Mental health apps are one of the tools that can be used to reach the general population.
Effects of a Brief E-Learning Resource on Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Professionals Working in Prostate Cancer Care: A Pilot Study
Authors: McCaughan Eilís M. , Flannagan Carrie , Parahoo Kader , Bingham Sharon L. , Brady Nuala , Connaghan John , Maguire Roma , Thompson Samantha , Jain Suneil , Kirby Michael , O’Connor Seán R.
Published: September 2021

Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer, and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. In brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.
Comprehensive Insights into Spatial-Temporal Evolution Patterns, Dominant Factors of NDVI from Pixel Scale, as a Case of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Gu Hongliang , Chen Min
Published: September 2021

Based on long term NDVI (1982–2015), climate, topographic factors, and land use type data information in Shaanxi Province, multiple methods (linear regression, partial and multiple correlation analysis, redundancy analysis and boosted regression trees method) were conducted to evaluate the spatial-temporal change footprints and driving mechanisms in the pixel scale. The results demonstrated that (1) the overall annual average and seasonal NDVI in this region showed a fluctuating upward trend, especially in spring. The difference between the end of season (eos) and start of season (sos) gradually increased, indicating the occurrence of temporal “greening” across most Shaanxi Province. (2) The overall spatial distribution of annual mean NDVI in Shaanxi Province was prominent in the south and low in the north, and 98.83% of the areas had a stable and increasing trend. Pixel scale analysis reflected the spatial continuity and heterogeneity of NDVI evolution. (3) Trend and breakpoint evaluation results showed that evolutionary trends were not homogeneous. There were obvious breakpoints in the latitude direction of NDVI evolution in Shaanxi Province, especially between 32–33 °N and in the north of 37 °N. (4) Compared with precipitation, the annual average temperature was significantly correlated with the vegetation indices (annual NDVI, max NDVI, time integrated NDVI) and phenology metrics (sos, eos). (5) Considering the interaction between environmental variables, the NDVI evolution was dominated by the combined influence of climate and geographic location factors in most areas.
Exploring Complementary Models Consisting of Machine Learning Algorithms for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Hu Han , Wang Changming , Liang Zhu , Gao Ruiyuan , Li Bailong
Published: September 2021

Landslides frequently occur because of natural or human factors. Landslides cause huge losses to the economy as well as human beings every year around the globe. Landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP) plays a key role in the prevention of landslides and has been under investigation for years. Although new machine learning algorithms have achieved excellent performance in terms of prediction accuracy, a sufficient quantity of training samples is essential. In contrast, it is hard to obtain enough landslide samples in most the areas, especially for the county-level area. The present study aims to explore an optimization model in conjunction with conventional unsupervised and supervised learning methods, which performs well with respect to prediction accuracy and comprehensibility. Logistic regression (LR), fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) and factor analysis (FA) were combined to establish four models: LR model, FCM coupled with LR model, FA coupled with LR model, and FCM, FA coupled with LR model and applied in a specific area. Firstly, an inventory with 114 landslides and 10 conditioning factors was prepared for modeling. Subsequently, four models were applied to LSP. Finally, the performance was evaluated and compared by k-fold cross-validation based on statistical measures. The results showed that the coupled model by FCM, FA and LR achieved the greatest performance among these models with the AUC (Area under the curve) value of 0.827, accuracy of 85.25%, sensitivity of 74.96% and specificity of 86.21%. While the LR model performed the worst with an AUC value of 0.736, accuracy of 77%, sensitivity of 62.52% and specificity of 72.55%. It was concluded that both the dimension reduction and sample size should be considered in modeling, and the performance can be enhanced by combining complementary methods. The combination of models should be more flexible and purposeful. This work provides reference for related research and better guidance to engineering activities, decision-making by local administrations and land use planning.
Mass Spectrometric and Bio-Computational Binding Strength Analysis of Multiply Charged RNAse S Gas-Phase Complexes Obtained by Electrospray Ionization from Varying In-Solution Equilibrium Conditions
Authors: Koy Cornelia , Opuni Kwabena F. M. , Danquah Bright D. , Neamtu Andrei , Glocker Michael O.
Published: September 2021

We investigated the influence of a solvent’s composition on the stability of desorbed and multiply charged RNAse S ions by analyzing the non-covalent complex’s gas-phase dissociation processes. RNAse S was dissolved in electrospray ionization-compatible buffers with either increasing organic co-solvent content or different pHs. The direct transition of all the ions and the evaporation of the solvent from all the in-solution components of RNAse S under the respective in-solution conditions by electrospray ionization was followed by a collision-induced dissociation of the surviving non-covalent RNAse S complex ions. Both types of changes of solvent conditions yielded in mass spectrometrically observable differences of the in-solution complexation equilibria. Through quantitative analysis of the dissociation products, i.e., from normalized ion abundances of RNAse S, S-protein, and S-peptide, the apparent kinetic and apparent thermodynamic gas-phase complex properties were deduced. From the experimental data, it is concluded that the stability of RNAse S in the gas phase is independent of its in-solution equilibrium but is sensitive to the complexes’ gas-phase charge states. Bio-computational in-silico studies showed that after desolvation and ionization by electrospray, the remaining binding forces kept the S-peptide and S-protein together in the gas phase predominantly by polar interactions, which indirectly stabilized the in-bulk solution predominating non-polar intermolecular interactions. As polar interactions are sensitive to in-solution protonation, bio-computational results provide an explanation of quantitative experimental data with single amino acid residue resolution.
Cyclosporine A Protects Retinal Explants against Hypoxia
Authors: Schnichels Sven , Schultheiss Maximilian , Klemm Patricia , Blak Matthias , Herrmann Thoralf , Melchinger Marion , Bartz-Schmidt Karl-Ulrich , Löscher Marina , Zeck Günther , Spitzer Martin Stehphan , Hurst José
Published: September 2021

The retina is a complex neurological tissue and is extremely sensitive to an insufficient supply of oxygen. Hypoxia plays a major role in several retinal diseases, and often results in the loss of cells that are essential for vision. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive drug. Furthermore, treatment with CsA has neuroprotective effects in several neurologic disorders. No data are currently available on the tolerated concentration of CsA when applied to the retina. To reveal the most effective dose, retinal explants from rat eyes were exposed to different CsA concentrations (1–9 µg/mL). Immunohistochemistry with brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3a (Brn3a) and TUNEL staining was performed to determine the percentage of total and apoptotic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as well as the responses of micro- and macroglial cells. Furthermore, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed to measure the changes in retinal thickness, and recordings with multielectrode array (MEA) were performed to evaluate spontaneous RGC spiking. To examine the neuroprotective effects, retinas were subjected to a hypoxic insult by placing them in a nitrogen-streamed hypoxic chamber prior to CsA treatment. In the biocompatibility tests, the different CsA concentrations had no negative effect on RGCs and microglia. Neuroprotective effects after a hypoxic insult on RGCs was demonstrated at a concentration of 9 µg/mL CsA. CsA counteracted the hypoxia-induced loss of RGCs, reduced the percentage of TUNEL+ RGCs, and prevented a decrease in retinal thickness. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that CsA can effectively protect RGCs from hypoxia, and the administered concentrations were well tolerated. Further in vivo studies are needed to determine whether local CsA treatment may be a suitable option for hypoxic retinal diseases.