bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Lightning Current Parameters and Earthing System Designs on Tower Footing Impedance of 500 kV Lines
Authors: Mohamad Nasir Nur Alia Farina , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Osman Miszaina , Abd Rahman Muhamad Safwan , Ungku Amirulddin Ungku Anisa , Mohd Nasir Mohd Solehin , Zaini Nur Hazirah , Nik Ali Nik Hakimi
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an optimum earthing system design for improving the lightning performance of a 500 kV transmission line for its sustainable operation. The study includes an interpretation of the soil profile and compares the results between default and new earthing arrangements for improving tower footing resistance and tower footing impedance. An evaluation of the tower footing resistance (TFR) and impedance (Ri) before and after earthing improvement was carried out. Moreover, the effects of TFR and Ri, also known as low and high-frequency earthing, respectively, based on a specification of TFR and soil resistivity (SR) ranges at various sites were also considered. The analysis was carried out using the SESCAD tool of Current Distribution Electromagnetic Field Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis software (CDEGS) and PSCAD/EMTDC software for low and high frequency earthing, respectively. From the analysis, the results showed that the new earthing arrangement reduced the TFR by 74.11% for Tower T40, 75.71% for Tower T41 and 80.83% for Tower T42. For Ri, the results also demonstrated that the values were significantly decreased below the TFR during a high frequency operation due to the soil ionisation phenomenon that took place during the lightning. All these improvements are now being investigated and studied in all 500 kV networks in Malaysia, where lightning is considered as a major threat in relation to power outages.
Performance Quantification of Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods in Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Kharrat Riyaz , Zallaghi Mehdi , Ott Holger
Published: August 2021

The enhanced oil recovery mechanisms in fractured reservoirs are complex and not fully understood. It is technically challenging to quantify the related driving forces and their interaction in the matrix and fractures medium. Gravity and capillary forces play a leading role in the recovery process of fractured reservoirs. This study aims to quantify the performance of EOR methods in fractured reservoirs using dimensionless numbers. A systematic approach consisting of the design of experiments, simulations, and proxy-based optimization was used in this work. The effect of driving forces on oil recovery for water injection and several EOR processes such as gas injection, foam injection, water-alternating gas (WAG) injection, and foam-assisted water-alternating gas (FAWAG) injection was analyzed using dimensionless numbers and a surface response model. The results show that equilibrium between gravitational and viscous forces in fracture and capillary and gravity forces in matrix blocks determines oil recovery performance during EOR in fractured reservoirs. When capillary forces are dominant in gas injection, fluid exchange between fracture and matrix is low; consequently, the oil recovery is low. In foam-assisted water-alternating gas injection, gravity and capillary forces are in equilibrium conditions as several mechanisms are involved. The capillary forces dominate the water cycle, while gravitational forces govern the gas cycle due to the foam enhancement properties, which results in the highest oil recovery factor. Based on the performed sensitivity analysis of matrix–fracture interaction on the performance of the EOR processes, the foam and FAWAG injection methods were found to be more sensitive to permeability contrast, density, and matrix block highs than WAG injection.
Bi-Level Multi-Objective Optimization Scheduling for Regional Integrated Energy Systems Based on Quantum Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Fan Wen , Liu Qing , Wang Mingyu
Published: August 2021

Integrated energy systems have become an important research topic in the pursuit of sustainable energy development. This paper examines regional integrated energy systems, presents the typical architecture of regional integrated energy systems, and builds an integrated energy system model. Two evaluation indexes are proposed: the integrated energy self-sufficiency rate and the expected energy deficiency index. Based on these evaluation indexes and taking into account the uncertainty of wind power generation, a bi-level optimization model based on meta-heuristic algorithms and multi-objective programming is established to solve the problem of regional integrated energy system planning under different load structures and for multi-period and multi-scenario operation modes. A quantum evolutionary algorithm is combined with genetic algorithms to solve the problem.
Minimum Number of Experimental Data for the Thermal Characterization of a Hot Water Storage Tank
Authors: Gasque María , Ibáñez Federico , González-Altozano Pablo
Published: August 2021

This paper demonstrates that it is possible to characterize the water temperature profile and its temporal trend in a hot water storage tank during the thermal charge process, using a minimum number of thermocouples (TC), with minor differences compared to experimental data. Four experimental tests (two types of inlet and two water flow rates) were conducted in a 950 L capacity tank. For each experimental test (with 12 TC), four models were developed using a decreasing number of TC (7, 4, 3 and 2, respectively). The results of the estimation of water temperature obtained with each of the four models were compared with those of a fifth model performed with 12 TC. All models were tested for constant inlet temperature. Very acceptable results were achieved (RMSE between 0.2065 °C and 0.8706 °C in models with 3 TC). The models were also useful to estimate the water temperature profile and the evolution of thermocline thickness even with only 3 TC (RMSE between 0.00247 °C and 0.00292 °C). A comparison with a CFD model was carried out to complete the study with very small differences between both approaches when applied to the estimation of the instantaneous temperature profile. The proposed methodology has proven to be very effective in estimating several of the temperature-based indices commonly employed to evaluate thermal stratification in water storage tanks, with only two or three experimental temperature data measurements. It can also be used as a complementary tool to other techniques such as the validation of numerical simulations or in cases where only a few experimental temperature values are available.
Micronization of Hard Coal with the Use of a High-Pressure Water Jet
Authors: Borkowski Przemysław J. , Szada-Borzyszkowski Wiesław
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an original method for the micronization of coal particles in a hydro-jet mill, which allows effective comminuting of coal in the pressure range of 100–250 MPa, at a variable water flow rate of 0.2–0.5 dm3/s. The discussed high-pressure water jet mill (HPWJM) allows the comminution of standard fines, with a grain size up to 2 mm, and at a relatively high comminuting efficiency of 8 to 55 g/s. In addition, the paper presents energy-consumption ratios, and indicates the advantage of this method over mechanical grinding in a planetary ball-mill. At optimum conditions, coal comminution at an efficiency of Qc = 38.4 g/s and at an energy input of EH = 1.1 MJ/kg provides an average particle size of about 40 µm. The degree of comminution was further improved by applying roto-turbulent micronization, which resulted in an average size of comminuted coal particles of only 17 µm. As an additional result, the actual surface area of the particles increased by 10–30 thousand times when compared to ground fines—this fact is of significance for the application of micronized particles in quasi-liquid coal-water fuel.
Hot Compressed Water Pretreatment and Surfactant Effect on Enzymatic Hydrolysis Using Agave Bagasse
Authors: Pino Marcela Sofia , Michelin Michele , Rodríguez-Jasso Rosa M. , Oliva-Taravilla Alfredo , Teixeira José A. , Ruiz Héctor A.
Published: August 2021

Agave bagasse is a residual biomass in the production of the alcoholic beverage tequila, and therefore, it is a promising raw material in the development of biorefineries using hot compressed water pretreatment (hydrothermal processing). Surfactants application has been frequently reported as an alternative to enhance monomeric sugars production efficiency and as a possibility to reduce the enzyme loading required. Nevertheless, the surfactant’s action mechanisms in the enzymatic hydrolysis is still not elucidated. In this work, hot compressed water pretreatment was applied on agave bagasse for biomass fractionation at 194 °C in isothermal regime for 30 min, and the effect of non-ionic surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80, Span 80, and Polyethylene glycol (PEG 400)) was studied as a potential enhancer of enzymatic saccharification of hydrothermally pretreated solids of agave bagasse (AGB). It was found that non-ionic surfactants show an improvement in the conversion yield of cellulose to glucose (100%) and production of glucose (79.76 g/L) at 15 FPU/g glucan, the highest enhancement obtained being 7% regarding the control (no surfactant addition), using PEG 400 as an additive. The use of surfactants allows improving the production of fermentable sugars for the development of second-generation biorefineries.
Selecting Freight Transportation Modes in Last-Mile Urban Distribution in Pamplona (Spain): An Option for Drone Delivery in Smart Cities
Authors: Serrano-Hernandez Adrian , Ballano Aitor , Faulin Javier
Published: August 2021

Urban distribution in medium-sized cities faces a major challenge, mainly when deliveries are difficult in the city center due to: an increase of e-commerce, weak public transportation system, and the promotion of urban sustainability plans. As a result, private cars, public transportation, and freight transportation compete for the same space. This paper analyses the current state for freight logistics in the city center of Pamplona (Spain) and proposes alternative transportation routes and transportation modes in the last-mile city center distribution according to different criteria evaluated by residents. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was developed. A number of alternatives have been assessed considering routes and transportation modes: the shortest route criterion and avoiding some city center area policies are combined with traditional van-based, bike, and aerial (drone) distribution protocols for delivering parcels and bar/restaurant supplies. These alternatives have been evaluated within a multicriteria framework in which economic, environmental, and social objectives are considered at the same time. The point in this multicriteria framework is that the criteria/alternative AHP weights and priorities have been set according to a survey deployed in the city of Pamplona (Navarre, Spain). The survey and AHP results show the preference for the use of drone or bike distribution in city center in order to reduce social and environmental issues.
Comparative Study of Stepwise Optimization and Global Optimization on a Nine-Phase Flux-Switching PM Generator
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Xiaoyong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the design procedure and optimization process of a multi-phase flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) generator for wind power generation system is investigated. Two different optimization methods—stepwise optimization and global optimization—are implemented and applied to the optimization of the proposed nine-phase FSPM generator-based wind power system. Both the advantages and disadvantages of two optimization methods are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the stepwise optimization can achieve good effects on individual optimization objectives, whereas the global optimization can not only achieve a good optimization effect on a single objective, but also can find design point on the Pareto front, which can effectively optimize different multi-objects. The electromagnetic performance of the nine-phase FSPM generator is verified by experiments on a prototyped machine and the measured results show that the proposed generator exhibits the favorable characteristics of high torque, low torque ripple, and high efficiency.
Evaluating the Functioning Quality of Data Transmission Networks in the Context of Cyberattacks
Authors: Privalov Andrey , Kotenko Igor , Saenko Igor , Evglevskaya Natalya , Titov Daniil
Published: August 2021

Cyberattacks against the elements of technological data transmission networks represent a rather significant threat of disrupting the management of regional electric power complexes. Therefore, evaluating the functioning quality of data transmission networks in the context of cyberattacks is an important task that helps to make the right decisions on the telecommunication support of electric power systems. The known models and methods for solving this problem have limited application areas determined by the admissible packet distribution laws. The paper proposes a new method for evaluating the quality of the functioning of data transmission networks, based on modeling the process of functioning of data transmission networks in the form of a stochastic network. The proposed method removes restrictions on the form of the initial distributions and makes the assumptions about the exponential distribution of the expected time and packet servicing in modern technological data transmission networks unnecessary. The method gives the possibility to evaluate the quality of the network functioning in the context of cyberattacks for stationary Poisson transmission and self-similar traffic, represented by Pareto and Weibul flows models. The obtained evaluation results are in good agreement with the data represented in previously published papers.
Augmented Power Dispatch for Resilient Operation through Controllable Series Compensation and N-1-1 Contingency Assessment
Authors: Huang Liping , Huang Zhaoxiong , Lai Chun Sing , Yang Guangya , Zhao Zhuoli , Tong Ning , Wu Xiaomei , Lai Loi Lei
Published: August 2021

Research on enhancing power system resilience against extreme events is attracting significant attention and becoming a top global agenda. In this paper, a preventive augmented power dispatch model is proposed to provide a resilient operation. In the proposed model, a new N-1-1 security criterion is proposed to select disruptive N-1-1 contingency cases that might trigger cascading blackouts, and an iterative contingency assessment process based on the line outage distribution factor is proposed to deal with security constraints. In terms of optimization objectives, two objectives related to power flow on the transmission line are considered to reduce the possibility of overload outages. Controllable series compensation devices are also considered in the model to improve the power flow distribution. Case studies conducted on the modified IEEE 30-bus, 118-bus and Polish 2382-bus systems show that the power flow solution of the proposed power dispatch model can avoid some branches from undertaking excessively heavy loads, especially lines forecasted to be affected by extreme events. The results of blackout simulations through a hidden failure cascading outage simulation model show that the average power losses of the proposed model are reduced by around 40% in some cases as compared to the classical economic dispatch model.
A Reference Thermal-Hydrologic-Mechanical Native State Model of the Utah FORGE Enhanced Geothermal Site
Authors: Podgorney Robert , Finnila Aleta , Simmons Stuart , McLennan John
Published: August 2021

The Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site is a multi-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy for enhanced geothermal system research and development. The site is located on the margin of the Great Basin near the town of Milford, Utah. Work has so far resulted in the compilation of a large amount of subsurface data which have been used to improve the geologic understanding of the site. Based on the compiled data, a three-dimensional geologic model describing the structure, composition, permeability, and temperature at the Utah FORGE site was developed. A deep exploratory well (Well 58-32) and numerous tests conducted therein provide information on reservoir rock type, temperature, stress, permeability, etc. Modeling and simulation will play a critical role at the site and need to be considered as a general scientific discovery tool to elucidate the behavior of enhanced geothermal systems and as a deterministic (or stochastic) tool to plan and predict specific activities. This paper will present the development of a reference native state model and the calibration of the model to the reservoir pressure, temperature, and stress measured in Well 58-32.
Evaluation of the Effective Material Use from the View of EU Environmental Policy Goals
Authors: Taušová Marcela , Čulková Katarína , Tauš Peter , Domaracká Lucia , Seňová Andrea
Published: August 2021

Humanity is dependent on natural resources. Use and productivity of these resources plays an important role in energy savings and circular economy. The goal of this contribution is to evaluate productivity of resources in the frame of EU countries. Single analysis deals with data from the publicly available portal database and collected data were processed in the statistical software JMP. The trend of development and analysis of variability and linear dependence helped to create cluster analysis and comparison of the EU countries. The results from the view of average value of the indicator registered the growth, and from the view of variability the statistically important differences were verified for EU member states. Some pairs of indicators recorded positive, while some pairs recorded negative linear dependence. Cluster analysis shows two groups of countries—the first one with positive results, having the lowest tax burden in the case of energy taxes and environment, and the second one with negative results, having the highest tax burden of environmental and energy policy. The results are useful for a proper setting of energy and environmental goals that can increase the effectiveness of resource productivity in the countries studied.
Geometric Design of Suburban Roundabouts
Authors: Ahac Saša , Dragčević Vesna
Published: August 2021

A modern roundabout is an intersection with a circulatory roadway at which the vehicle speed is low, and the traffic is continuous and circulating in one direction around the central island towards the exits at the approach legs. Modern roundabout design is an iterative process that is composed of the following steps: (1) the identification of the roundabout as the optimal traffic solution; (2) the definition of the number of lanes at the intersection based on the required capacity and the level of service; (3) the initial design of the roundabout geometry; (4) design vehicle swept path, the fastest path analysis, and visibility performance checks; and (5) detailed roundabout design if the results of the performance checks are in line with the design recommendations. Initial roundabout geometry design elements are not independent of each other; therefore, care must be taken to provide compatibility between them. An overview and a comparative analysis of the initial geometric design elements for suburban single-lane roundabouts defined in roundabout design guidelines and norms used in Croatia, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Serbia, and Switzerland is given in this entry.
Factors Affecting e-Government Adoption by Dairy Farmers: A Case Study in the North-West of Spain
Authors: Vázquez-López Alba , Marey-Perez Manuel
Published: August 2021

With the objective of assessing the farmers’ situation regarding the use of the ICT and their relations with the electronic government, a case study consisting in the realization of 34 face-to-face surveys was conducted between February and March 2020 in dairy farms in the region of Galicia (Spain). The sample was selected according to one of the most important online journals in the farming sector at a national level. From the census, we chose those farms considered most representative taking into account the main criteria: the level of PAC (Common Agrarian Politics) subsidies and milk production (litres/cow and year). The results show that the majority of the farmers used the internet, but on many an occasion, they were discontented in relation to the poor connection quality in their farms. In regard to the use of the electronic government for procedures related to their farms, many of them were able to perform them through the government website; however, there were procedures which the users defined as “complex” and which had to be outsourced to authorised entities. The results also show that the farmers do want to employ the e-government, mainly because of the time and cost saving; however, the current web pages do not meet the users’ expectations. Finally, this situation, applied to a region placed among the 10 most productive regions of milk, is comparable to what happens in other regions.
Diving Deep into the Data: A Review of Deep Learning Approaches and Potential Applications in Foodomics
Authors: Class Lisa-Carina , Kuhnen Gesine , Rohn Sascha , Kuballa Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Deep learning is a trending field in bioinformatics; so far, mostly known for image processing and speech recognition, but it also shows promising possibilities for data processing in food analysis, especially, foodomics. Thus, more and more deep learning approaches are used. This review presents an introduction into deep learning in the context of metabolomics and proteomics, focusing on the prediction of shelf-life, food authenticity, and food quality. Apart from the direct food-related applications, this review summarizes deep learning for peptide sequencing and its context to food analysis. The review’s focus further lays on MS (mass spectrometry)-based approaches. As a result of the constant development and improvement of analytical devices, as well as more complex holistic research questions, especially with the diverse and complex matrix food, there is a need for more effective methods for data processing. Deep learning might offer meeting this need and gives prospect to deal with the vast amount and complexity of data.
Specific Hygiene Procedures and Practices Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study in Fresh Fishery Product Retailers of Lisbon’s Traditional Food Markets
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Sousa , Rodrigues Maria José , Henriques Ana Rita
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to assess the compliance of specific hand hygiene and food contact surfaces hygiene in fresh fishery product retailers (FFPR) and its relation to socio-demographic characteristics that might influence the observed procedures and practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted in traditional food markets’ FFPRs (N = 74) using interviews and audits for data collection purposes. Results revealed that women were overrepresented among FFPR managers; most were over 50 years of age and had a long working experience in fish retail activities, despite a low educational level. The majority had attended training courses in food hygiene, safety, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points-based procedures. Both documental assessment and hand hygiene procedures and practices verification revealed a low level of compliance. Many documents supporting hygiene practices were lacking. Several non-conforming requisites were identified related to the handwashing procedure and equipment and to glove wearing practices. A higher level of compliance was obtained in food contact surfaces hygiene procedures and practices verification, with complete hygiene procedures applied and proper cleaning of utensils and chemical products management in several cases. These findings reflect an ambiguous understanding and misconceptions related to hygiene procedures and practices, suggesting the need to improve and update FFPR food handler training regarding basic food hygiene and safety.
The Influence of Flower Head Order and Gibberellic Acid Treatment on the Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Luteolin Derivatives Content in Globe Artichoke Cultivars
Authors: Giménez María José , Giménez-Berenguer Marina , García-Pastor María Emma , Parra Joaquín , Zapata Pedro Javier , Castillo Salvador
Published: August 2021

Flower head orders and the use of GA3 (gibberellic acid) treatment could be two influencing factors determining the bioactive compound levels in artichoke, but little to no information is available about their effects. In this study, we have therefore evaluated the influence of these factors on the hydroxycinnamic acid and luteolin derivative levels in three categories of artichoke: Seed-propagated open-pollinated cultivars; vegetatively propagated cultivars; and seed-propagated hybrids. The hydroxycinnamic acids and luteolin derivatives were quantified by RP-HPLC-DAD. The average flower head weight was the lowest in tertiary heads and GA3-treated artichokes, followed by secondary and main heads. Moreover, the hydroxycinnamic acid and luteolin derivatives levels were significantly higher in tertiary heads than in secondary or main heads. In addition, the GA3 treatment significantly reduced the hydroxycinnamic acid content and, in contrast, improved luteolin derivatives levels. These effects depended on the flower head order and cultivar. Knowledge of the effects of flower head order and GA3 treatment is therefore key in order to achieve the greatest health-benefits from artichoke consumption.
New Results on Controllability for a Class of Fractional Integrodifferential Dynamical Systems with Delay in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhao Daliang
Published: August 2021

The present work addresses some new controllability results for a class of fractional integrodifferential dynamical systems with a delay in Banach spaces. Under the new definition of controllability , first introduced by us, we obtain some sufficient conditions of controllability for the considered dynamic systems. To conquer the difficulties arising from time delay, we also introduce a suitable delay item in a special complete space. In this work, a nonlinear item is not assumed to have Lipschitz continuity or other growth hypotheses compared with most existing articles. Our main tools are resolvent operator theory and fixed point theory. At last, an example is presented to explain our abstract conclusions.
Expanding the Search for Sperm Transmission Elements in the Mitochondrial Genomes of Bivalve Mollusks
Authors: Stewart Donald T. , Robicheau Brent M. , Youssef Noor , Garrido-Ramos Manuel A. , Chase Emily E. , Breton Sophie
Published: August 2021

Doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in bivalve mollusks is one of the most notable departures from the paradigm of strict maternal inheritance of mtDNA among metazoans. Recently, work on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis suggested that a nucleotide motif in the control region of this species, known as the sperm transmission element (STE), helps protect male-transmitted mitochondria from destruction during spermatogenesis. Subsequent studies found similar, yet divergent, STE motifs in other marine mussels. Here, we extend the in silico search for mtDNA signatures resembling known STEs. This search is carried out for the large unassigned regions of 157 complete mitochondrial genomes from within the Mytiloida, Veneroida, Unionoida, and Ostreoida bivalve orders. Based on a sliding window approach, we present evidence that there are additional putative STE signatures in the large unassigned regions of several marine clams and freshwater mussels with DUI. We discuss the implications of this finding for interpreting the origin of doubly uniparental inheritance in ancestral bivalve mollusks, as well as potential future in vitro and in silico studies that could further refine our understanding of the early evolution of this unusual system of mtDNA inheritance.
Total Knee Arthroplasty for the Oldest Old
Authors: da Casa Carmen , Fidalgo Helena , Nieto Javier , Cano-Lallave Enrique , Blanco Juan F.
Published: August 2021

The present study describes and compares the early functional results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of the oldest-old population (aged over 84 years) and a randomly matched younger septuagenarian cohort so treated. We aimed to evaluate the early functional outcomes after patients’ rehabilitation and the yearly requirements for hospital readmission and emergency room visits after TKA. We noted a similar length of hospital stay for octogenarian and septuagenarian patients, and we determined that both groups of patients were improving ROM (both flexion and extension) after the rehabilitation program (p < 0.05, in all cases), but there were no significant differences between octogenarian and septuagenarian improvement of the knee function (p > 0.05, in all cases). Patients from both age groups behaved similarly in terms of mobility before starting rehabilitation and after completion of the rehabilitation program. We noted that older octogenarian patients showed a higher one-year hospital readmission rate than younger septuagenarian patients, but similar early emergency room visits for both age groups. The findings of this study allow us to conclude that advanced age in itself should not be a contraindication for TKA.
Automatic Information Exchange in the Early Rescue Chain Using the International Standard Accident Number (ISAN)
Authors: Haghi Mostafa , Barakat Ramon , Spicher Nicolai , Heinrich Christian , Jageniak Justin , Öktem Gamze Söylev , Krips Maike , Wang Ju , Hackel Siegfried , Deserno Thomas M.
Published: August 2021

Thus far, emergency calls are answered by human operators who interview the calling person in order to obtain all relevant information. In the near future—based on the Internet of (Medical) Things (IoT, IoMT)—accidents, emergencies, or adverse health events will be reported automatically by smart homes, smart vehicles, or smart wearables, without any human in the loop. Several parties are involved in this communication: the alerting system, the rescue service (responding system), and the emergency department in the hospital (curing system). In many countries, these parties use isolated information and communication technology (ICT) systems. Previously, the International Standard Accident Number (ISAN) has been proposed to securely link the data in these systems. In this work, we propose an ISAN-based communication platform that allows semantically interoperable information exchange. Our aims are threefold: (i) to enable data exchange between the isolated systems, (ii) to avoid data misinterpretation, and (iii) to integrate additional data sources. The suggested platform is composed of an alerting, responding, and curing system manager, a workflow manager, and a communication manager. First, the ICT systems of all parties in the early rescue chain register with their according system manager, which tracks the keep-alive. In case of emergency, the alerting system sends an ISAN to the platform. The responsible rescue services and hospitals are determined and interconnected for platform-based communication. Next to the conceptual design of the platform, we evaluate a proof-of-concept implementation according to (1) the registration, (2) channel establishment, (3) data encryption, (4) event alert, and (5) information exchange. Our concept meets the requirements for scalability, error handling, and information security. In the future, it will be used to implement a virtual accident registry.
Student Nurses Undertaking Acute Hospital Paid Placements during COVID-19: Rationale for Opting-In? A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: McSherry Robert , Eost-Telling Charlotte , Stevens Dean , Bailey Jan , Crompton Rhian , Taylor Louise , Kingston Paul , Simpson Angela
Published: August 2021

The research aim was to evaluate the rationale of undergraduate final-year student nurses to undertake paid clinical placements during COVID-19 (Wave 1). The nursing profession reacted innovatively to meet demands placed on the National Health Service during COVID-19. Temporary changes to professional regulation enabled final-year United Kingdom nursing students to voluntarily undertake paid placements in the National Health Service. Neither full-time employees nor full-time students, volunteers undertook a unique hybrid role bolstering the front-line health workforce. Using reflective qualitative inquiry, 17 volunteers evaluated reasoning for entering practice in acute hospitals. Online surveys based around the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council Competency Framework (NMC 2012) were completed weekly for 6 weeks. Data were thematically analysed. Six themes were identified, including sense of duty, and opting-in or out. These highlighted the importance of collaboration and the tripartite relationship between University, host and student during placement, and the influence of these on the learning experience. Several significant insights emerged for nurse education and curricula during pandemics related to patient safety, safety climate and governance. The insights were used to develop a “Student Nurses Placement Framework” with recommendations for Pre-During-Post placement, offering a guide for future nursing workforce recruitment and retention.
Intestinal Exposure to Food-Derived Protease Inhibitors: Digestion Physiology- and Gut Health-Related Effects
Authors: Kårlund Anna , Paukkonen Isa , Gómez-Gallego Carlos , Kolehmainen Marjukka
Published: August 2021

Plant-derived protease inhibitors (PI), such as Bowman-Birk inhibitors and Kunitz-type inhibitors, have been suggested to negatively affect dietary protein digestion by blocking the activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the human gastrointestinal system. In addition, some PIs may possess proinflammatory activities. However, there is also scientific evidence on some beneficial effects of PIs, for example, gut-related anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive activities in vitro and in vivo. Some PIs are sensitive to processing and digestion; thus, their survival is an important aspect when considering their positive and negative bioactivities. The aim of this review was to evaluate the relevance of PIs in protein digestion in humans and to discuss the potential of PIs from whole foods and as purified compounds in decreasing symptoms of bowel-related conditions. Based on the reviewed literature, we concluded that while the complex interactions affecting plant protein digestibility and bioavailability remain unclear, PI supplements could be considered for targeted purposes to mitigate inflammation and gastric pain.
Retrieving Tarnished Daguerreotype Content Using X-ray Fluorescence Imaging—Recent Observations on the Effect of Chemical and Electrochemical Cleaning Methods
Authors: Stark Alison , Filice Fraser , Noël James J. , Martin Ronald R. , Sham Tsun-Kong , Finfrock Yanhui Zou , Heald Steve M.
Published: August 2021

We report a study on the effect of chemical and electrochemical cleaning of tarnished daguerreotypes observed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy with a micro-focussed X-ray beam from a synchrotron source. It has been found that, while both techniques result in some success depending on the condition of the plate and the experimental parameters (chemical concentration, voltage, current, etc.) the effect varies, and cleaning is often incomplete. The XRF images using Hg Lα,β at an excitation energy just above the L3 edge threshold produce fine images, regardless of the treatment. This finding confirms previous observations that if the bulk of the image particles remains intact, the surface tarnish has little effect on the quality of the original daguerreotype image retrievable from XRF.
The Growth of Leaf Lettuce and Bacterial Communities in a Closed Aquaponics System with Catfish
Authors: Yamane Kenji , Kimura Yuuki , Takahashi Keita , Maeda Isamu , Iigo Masayuki , Ikeguchi Atsuo , Kim Hye-Ji
Published: August 2021

Aquaponics is a circulating and sustainable system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics and forms a symbiotic relationship between fish, plants, and microorganisms. We hypothesized that feed alone could support plant growth, but the symbiosis with fish adds some beneficial effects on plant growth in aquaponics. In this study, we created three closed culture systems, namely, aquaponics, hydroponics without nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and aquaculture, and added the same amount of feed containing N and P to all the treatments in order to test the hypothesis. Accumulation of NO3− and PO43− was alleviated in aquaponics and hydroponics as a result of plant uptake. Lettuce plants grown in aquaponics grew vigorously until 2 weeks and contained a constant level of N in plants throughout the production period, whereas those in hydroponics grew slowly in the early stage and then vigorously after 2 weeks with a late increment of N concentration. These results suggest that catfish help with the faster decomposition of the feed, but, in hydroponics, feed can be slowly dissolved and decomposed owing to the absence of the fish. The bacterial community structures of the culture solution were investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. At the class level, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria were the major microbial groups in the solutions. Aquaponics prevented the pollution of tank solution and maintained a higher water quality compared with hydroponics and aquaculture, suggesting that aquaponics is a more sustainable cultivation system even in a small-scale system.
Exogenously Applied Chitosan and Chitosan Nanoparticles Improved Apple Fruit Resistance to Blue Mold, Upregulated Defense-Related Genes Expression, and Maintained Fruit Quality
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Fayz A. , Monir Gehan A. , Hassan Mabrouk S. S. , Ahmed Yosra , Refaat Mohamed H. , Ismail Ismail A. , El-Garhy Hoda A. S.
Published: August 2021

Blue rot disease caused by Penicillium expansum is one of the most widespread fungal diseases that affects apples worldwide. This work was to verify the effect of chitosan (2 and 4 g/L) and its nano-form (0.2 and 0.4 g/L) against blue rot disease on apples and their effect on the expression of six defense-related genes as well as fruit quality parameters. Regarding disease incidence, in most cases, chitosan NPs performed better as compared to their raw materials for both artificial and natural infections. The highest efficacy was obtained for chitosan NPs at 0.4 g/L for artificial and natural infection in both 2019 and 2020 seasons. All treatments kept fruit quality parameters regarding firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity for artificial and natural infection in both seasons. As expected, the exogenous application of chitosan NPs and bulk form triggered an increase in the expression levels of six defense-related genes including chitinase, peroxidase, β-1,3-glucanase, Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET), pathogenesis-related protein (PR8), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase-1 (PAL1). Moreover, the highest mRNA quantity of all the studied genes was detected in leaves treated with chitosan NPs at both concentrations compared to other treatments. Chitosan NPs can be considered an eco-friendly and effective approach against blue mold of apples and can be integrated into management programs to maintain postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of fruits.
Genetic Architecture of Chile Pepper (Capsicum spp.) QTLome Revealed Using Meta-QTL Analysis
Authors: Lozada Dennis N. , Whelpley Madelin , Acuña-Galindo Andrea
Published: August 2021

In recent years, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping approaches have been widely implemented to identify genomic regions affecting variation for different traits for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Meta-QTL analysis for different traits in chile peppers (Capsicum spp.) remains lacking, and therefore it would be necessary to re-evaluate identified QTL for a more precise MAS for genetic improvement. We report the first known meta-QTL analysis for diverse traits in the chile pepper QTLome. A literature survey using 29 published linkage mapping studies identified 766 individual QTL from five different trait classes. A total of 311 QTL were projected into a consensus map. Meta-analysis identified 30 meta-QTL regions distributed across the 12 chromosomes of Capsicum. MQTL5.1 and MQTL5.2 related to Phytophthora capsici fruit and root rot resistance were delimited to < 1.0 cM confidence intervals in chromosome P5. Candidate gene analysis for the P5 meta-QTL revealed functions related to histone methylation and demethylation, indicating the potential role of epigenetics for P. capsici resistance. Allele-specific markers for the meta-QTL will be developed and validated for MAS of P. capsici resistant lines. Altogether, results from meta-QTL analysis for chile pepper QTLome rendered further insights into the genetic architecture of different traits for this valuable horticultural crop.
The Risk of Subsequent Miscarriage in Pregnant Women with Prior Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Pan Mei-Lien , Chen Li-Ru , Chen Kuo-Hu
Published: August 2021

Objective: To assess the risk of subsequent miscarriage in pregnant women with a prior diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Using a nationwide, population-based database (Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database) during 1998–2012, the study retrieved 1,000,000 randomly-sampled insured citizens as research subjects. The women with a diagnosis of pre-pregnancy PCOS (n = 13,562) who had chromosomal anomalies, artificial abortion, inconsistent diagnoses, and who were initially diagnosed with PCOS at >45 or <15 year-old were excluded, respectively. The records of gynecologic ultrasonography and/or blood tests were checked to verify the accuracy of the diagnoses of both PCOS and miscarriage (ICD-9 CM codes). After pregnancy, every woman with prior PCOS was age-matched to four women without prior PCOS. Results: Pregnant women with prior PCOS (the case group; n = 1926) and those without prior PCOS (the control group; n = 7704) were compared. The incidence of subsequent miscarriage was much higher in the case group compared with the control group (33.80% vs. 4.09%, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of subsequent miscarriage was significantly higher in the case group than the control group (odds ratio [OR] 11.98; 95% CI 10.34–13.87, p < 0.0001), and the result remained similar while adjusted with covariates (adjusted OR 11.97; 95% CI 10.27–13.95, p < 0.0001). In the case group, the patient who used metformin had a lower risk of subsequent miscarriage (adjusted OR 9.53; 95% CI 6.69–13.57) when compared with those who did not receive metformin treatment (adjusted OR 12.13; 95% CI 10.38–14.18). Conclusion: For pregnant women, a pre-pregnancy diagnosis of PCOS is an independent and significant risk factor for subsequent miscarriage. The risk of subsequent miscarriage is reduced by about 1/4 for the PCOS patients who undergo metformin treatment compared with those who do not.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Antibiotic Use among the Population of Boyolali, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Karuniawati Hidayah , Hassali Mohamed Azmi Ahmad , Suryawati Sri , Ismail Wan Ismahanisa , Taufik Taufik , Hossain Md. Sanower
Published: August 2021

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are potential causes of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Having information about the knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning antibiotics use by the public might help control ABR growth. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the levels and associated factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of antibiotics use among the public. A questionnaire was designed and validated, which consisted of a total of 51 questions with four sections: demographics (6), knowledge (20), attitude (12), and practice (13) to measure KAP. Univariate analysis (using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis analysis) was applied to assess the differences in the mean scores of KAP. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with KAP. Finally, using Spearman analysis we have examined the correlation between responses to the KAP. The sample size of this study was 575, with a 99.96% response rate. Regarding knowledge, 73.12% of respondents stated that antibiotics could be used to treat viral infections, and 63.35% of respondents answered that antibiotics could reduce fever. Concerning attitude, 50% of respondents had considered stopping taking antibiotics as soon as symptoms had disappeared. In analyzing practice, we found 40% of respondents obtained antibiotics from a pharmacy without a prescription from a physician, a nurse, or a midwife. Statistical analysis revealed that KAP about antibiotic use was significantly associated with gender, area of residence, level of education, and monthly income (p < 0.05). Our findings concluded that men, respondents with low income, those with low-level education, and those living in rural areas are more prone to excessive use of antibiotics without knowing the adverse effects of improper use and how it can contribute to high ABR. So it is urgently necessary to strengthen policies on antibiotics use, including drug provision, distribution, and sales. In addition, people with low KAP should be a priority consideration in education outreach initiatives.
A Systematic Review of Characteristics Associated with COVID-19 in Children with Typical Presentation and with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Kornitzer Jeffrey , Johnson Jacklyn , Yang Max , Pecor Keith W. , Cohen Nicholas , Jiang Carolyn , Ming Xue
Published: August 2021

Setting off a global pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been marked by a heterogeneous clinical presentation that runs the gamut from asymptomatic to severe and fatal. Although less lethal in children than adults, COVID-19 has nonetheless afflicted the pediatric population. This systematic review used clinical information from published literature to assess the spectrum of COVID-19 presentation in children, with special emphasis on characteristics associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). An electronic literature search for English and Chinese language articles in COVIDSeer, MEDLINE, and PubMed from 1 January 2020 through 1 March 2021 returned 579 records, of which 54 were included for full evaluation. Out of the total 4811 patients, 543 (11.29%) exhibited MIS-C. The most common symptoms across all children were fever and sore throat. Children presenting with MIS-C were less likely to exhibit sore throat and respiratory symptoms (i.e., cough, shortness of breath) compared to children without MIS-C. Inflammatory (e.g., rash, fever, and weakness) and gastrointestinal (e.g., nausea/vomiting and diarrhea) symptoms were present to a greater extent in children with both COVID-19 and MIS-C, suggesting that children testing positive for COVID-19 and exhibiting such symptoms should be evaluated for MIS-C.