bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating a Heat Sink into Concentrated Wound Coils to Improve the Current Density of an Axial Flux, Direct Liquid Cooled Electrical Machine with Segmented Stator
Authors: Camilleri Robert , McCulloch Malcolm D.
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a new construction with a heat sink integrated into the concentrated wound coils of an axial flux, direct liquid cooled electrical machine. A preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of the heat sink and its position is made using computational fluid dynamics. Lumped-parameter thermal models are also developed, thus allowing accurate comparison of the thermal profile of the two constructions. Following experimental calibration of the model and thermal validation, the temperature profile of the new construction is compared to that from a traditional concentrated wound coil. The model is then used to estimate the effect of the new construction on the current density of the stator windings. The paper demonstrates that for an axial flux motor run at a typical operating point of 300 Nm and 1500 rpm, the maximum temperature is reduced by 87 K. The current density can be increased by 140% before the limiting maximum coil temperature is achieved.
Intelligent Energy Management in a Prosumer Community Considering the Load Factor Enhancement
Authors: Cerna Fernando V. , Pourakbari-Kasmaei Mahdi , Pinheiro Luizalba S. S. , Naderi Ehsan , Lehtonen Matti , Contreras Javier
Published: June 2021

In prosumers’ communities, the use of storage batteries (SBs) as support for photovoltaic (PV) sources combined with coordination in household appliances usage guarantees several gains. Although these technologies increase the reliability of the electricity supply, the large-scale use of home appliances in periods of lower solar radiation and low electricity tariff can impair the performance of the electrical system. The appearance of new consumption peaks can lead to disturbances. Moreover, the repetition of these events in the short term can cause rapid fatigue of the assets. To address these concerns, this research proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model aiming at the optimal operation of the SBs and the appliance usage of each prosumer, as well as a PV plant within a community to achieve the maximum load factor (LF) increase. Constraints related to the household appliances, including the electric vehicle (EV), shared PV plant, and the SBs, are considered. Uncertainties in consumption habits are simulated using a Monte Carlo algorithm. The proposed model was solved using the CPLEX solver. The effectiveness of our proposed model is evaluated with/without the LF improvement. Results corroborate the efficient performance of the proposed tool. Financial benefits are obtained for both prosumers and the energy company.
Nuclear Power in Poland’s Energy Transition
Authors: Gierszewski Janusz , Młynarkiewicz Łukasz , Nowacki Tomasz R. , Dworzecki Jacek
Published: June 2021

This article presents an analysis of the future role of nuclear energy in Poland’s path to a low-carbon energy transition. The arguments in favor of implementing nuclear power are to be found on three levels: energy security, economic competitiveness and energy efficiency, and lastly, limited environmental impact. In the process of creating this study, the methodology in the field of security sciences was used, including its interdisciplinary approach. Theoretical methods were used, e.g., critical analysis of scientific sources and comparison of statistical data and empirical methods, e.g., document analysis, comparative analysis. The article is based on an analysis of the literature on the subject, applicable legal acts, and government strategies in the field of energy security. The article contains the results of research no. BS.21.6.13 carried out by a research team from the Pomeranian Academy in Słupsk that allowed to indicate the probable directions of transformation of the energy sector in Poland in the next decade.
Financial Development, Financial Inclusion and Primary Energy Use: Evidence from the European Union Transition Economies
Authors: Bayar Yilmaz , Ozkaya Mehmet Hilmi , Herta Laura , Gavriletea Marius Dan
Published: June 2021

The main objective of the research is to analyze the impact of financial sector development indicators and financial institutions access on primary energy use based on a sample of European Union transition members over 20 years period (1996–2017) through panel cointegration and causality tests that allow for cross-section dependence. The causality analysis revealed that the direction of the causality among financial development indicators, financial institutions access, and primary energy use varied among the countries. On the other side, panel cointegration coefficients disclosed that the financial development index positively affected the primary energy use, but private credit did not have a significant effect on the primary energy use. Furthermore, financial institutions’ access had a significant negative impact on primary energy use. However, country-level cointegration coefficients indicated that the financial development index positively affected the primary energy use in Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovenia, and private credit also had a positive impact on primary energy use in Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia, but the effect of financial development index on primary energy use was found to be very higher than that of private credit. Moreover, financial institutions’ access negatively affected the primary energy use in Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Axial-Radial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine with Halbach-Array Permanent Magnets
Authors: Huang Rundong , Liu Chunhua , Song Zaixin , Zhao Hang
Published: June 2021

Electric machines with high torque density are needed in many applications, such as electric vehicles, electric robotics, electric ships, electric aircraft, etc. and they can avoid planetary gears thus reducing manufacturing costs. This paper presents a novel axial-radial flux permanent magnet (ARFPM) machine with high torque density. The proposed ARFPM machine integrates both axial-flux and radial-flux machine topologies in a compact space, which effectively improves the copper utilization of the machine. First, the radial rotor can balance the large axial forces on axial rotors and prevent them from deforming due to the forces. On the other hand, the machine adopts Halbach-array permanent magnets (PMs) on the rotors to suppress air-gap flux density harmonics. Also, the Halbach-array PMs can reduce the total attracted force on axial rotors. The operational principle of the ARFPM machine was investigated and analyzed. Then, 3D finite-element analysis (FEA) was conducted to show the merits of the ARFPM machine. Demonstration results with different parameters are compared to obtain an optimal structure. These indicated that the proposed ARFPM machine with Halbach-array PMs can achieve a more sinusoidal back electromotive force (EMF). In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted for the proposed ARFPM machine. The machine was compared with a conventional axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine and a radial-flux permanent magnet (RFPM) machine based on the same dimensions. This showed that the proposed ARFPM machine had the highest torque density and relatively small torque ripple.
Dynamic Modelling of LNG Powered Combined Energy Systems in Port Areas
Authors: Borelli Davide , Devia Francesco , Schenone Corrado , Silenzi Federico , Tagliafico Luca A.
Published: June 2021

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a crucial resource to reduce the environmental impact of fossil-fueled vehicles, especially with regards to maritime transport, where LNG is increasingly used for ship bunkering. The present paper gives insights on how the installation of LNG tanks inside harbors can be capitalized to increase the energy efficiency of port cities and reduce GHG emissions. To this purpose, a novel integrated energy system is introduced. The Boil Off Gas (BOG) from LNG tanks is exploited in a combined plant, where heat and power are produced by a regenerated gas turbine cycle; at the same time, cold exergy from LNG regasification contributes to an increase in the efficiency of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In the paper, the integrated energy system is simulated by means of dynamic modeling under daily variable working conditions. Results confirm that the model is stable and able to determine the time behavior of the integrated plant. Energy saving is evaluated, and daily trends of key thermophysical parameters are reported and discussed. The analysis of thermal recovering from the flue gases shows that it is possible to recover a large energy share from the turbine exhausts. Hence, the system can generate electricity for port cold ironing and, through a secondary brine loop, cold exergy for a refrigeration plant. Overall, the proposed solution allows primary energy savings up to 22% when compared with equivalent standard technologies with the same final user needs. The exploitation of an LNG regasification process through smart integration of energy systems and implementation of efficient energy grids can contribute to greener energy management in harbors.
Assessing the Ecological Value of an Urban Forest Park: A Case Study of Sinhua Forest Park in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Wan-Yu , Lin Yo-Zheng , Hsieh Chi-Ming
Published: June 2021

Urban forests offer multiple functions: they can balance negative effects from the environment and provide the public with a place for leisure and recreation. Hence, urban forests are crucial to urban ecology and have been widely studied. In addition, relevant study results were applied for policymaking in urban development and forest park management. This study evaluated the ecological value of the Sinhua Forest Park and examined whether the socioeconomic background of participants influences their willingness to pay (WTP) for ecological conservation. Questionnaires were distributed to visitors in the Sinhua Forest Park in Tainan, Taiwan, and the payment card format of the contingent valuation method was employed to evaluate the ecological value. The results showed that the visitors had an annual WTP of $22.01 per person. However, when samples with protest responses were excluded, the WTP rose to $24.58. By considering the total number of visitors of a year, the total ecological value was $1,426,964.14/year and reached $1,593,257.31/year after excluding the protest samples. This study also analyzed participants’ within-variable socioeconomic background (e.g., gender and education) and discovered that male participants who are aged 60 years or older, with an education level of senior/vocational high school, and those who visited green spaces two to three times per week presented a high WTP score on average. A Tobit regression model was employed for examination, and the results indicated that participants’ education and frequency of visiting green spaces significantly influenced their WTP for the ecological conservation of the Sinhua Forest Park.
Ontology-Based Feature Selection: A Survey
Authors: Sikelis Konstantinos , Tsekouras George E. , Kotis Konstantinos
Published: June 2021

The Semantic Web emerged as an extension to the traditional Web, adding meaning (semantics) to a distributed Web of structured and linked information. At its core, the concept of ontology provides the means to semantically describe and structure information, and expose it to software and human agents in a machine and human-readable form. For software agents to be realized, it is crucial to develop powerful artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques, able to extract knowledge from information sources, and represent it in the underlying ontology. This survey aims to provide insight into key aspects of ontology-based knowledge extraction from various sources such as text, databases, and human expertise, realized in the realm of feature selection. First, common classification and feature selection algorithms are presented. Then, selected approaches, which utilize ontologies to represent features and perform feature selection and classification, are described. The selective and representative approaches span diverse application domains, such as document classification, opinion mining, manufacturing, recommendation systems, urban management, information security systems, and demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of such methods. This survey, in addition to the criteria-based presentation of related works, contributes a number of open issues and challenges related to this still active research topic.
Cis-Segregation of c.1171C>T Stop Codon (p.R391*) in SERPINC1 Gene and c.1691G>A Transition (p.R506Q) in F5 Gene and Selected GWAS Multilocus Approach in Inherited Thrombophilia
Authors: Gemmati Donato , Longo Giovanna , Franchini Eugenia , Araujo Silva Juliana , Gallo Ines , Lunghi Barbara , Moratelli Stefano , Maestri Iva , Serino Maria Luisa , Tisato Veronica
Published: June 2021

Inherited thrombophilia (e.g., venous thromboembolism, VTE) is due to rare loss-of-function mutations in anticoagulant factors genes (i.e., SERPINC1, PROC, PROS1), common gain-of-function mutations in procoagulant factors genes (i.e., F5, F2), and acquired risk conditions. Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) recently recognized several genes associated with VTE though gene defects may unpredictably remain asymptomatic, so calculating the individual genetic predisposition is a challenging task. We investigated a large family with severe, recurrent, early-onset VTE in which two sisters experienced VTE during pregnancies characterized by a perinatal in-utero thrombosis in the newborn and a life-saving pregnancy-interruption because of massive VTE, respectively. A nonsense mutation (CGA > TGA) generating a premature stop-codon (c.1171C>T; p.R391*) in the exon 6 of SERPINC1 gene (1q25.1) causing Antithrombin (AT) deficiency and the common missense mutation (c.1691G>A; p.R506Q) in the exon 10 of F5 gene (1q24.2) (i.e., FV Leiden; rs6025) were coinherited in all the symptomatic members investigated suspecting a cis-segregation further confirmed by STR-linkage-analyses [i.e., SERPINC1 IVS5 (ATT)5–18, F5 IVS2 (AT)6–33 and F5 IVS11 (GT)12–16] and SERPINC1 intragenic variants (i.e., rs5878 and rs677). A multilocus investigation of blood-coagulation balance genes detected the coexistence of FV Leiden (rs6025) in trans with FV HR2-haplotype (p.H1299R; rs1800595) in the aborted fetus, and F11 rs2289252, F12 rs1801020, F13A1 rs5985, and KNG1 rs710446 in the newborn and other members. Common selected gene variants may strongly synergize with less common mutations tuning potential life-threatening conditions when combined with rare severest mutations. Merging classic and newly GWAS-identified gene markers in at risk families is mandatory for VTE risk estimation in the clinical practice, avoiding partial risk score evaluation in unrecognized at risk patients.
God Below: A Faith Born in Hell—Life and Fate and the Otherwise Than Being
Authors: SenGupta Karl Shankar
Published: June 2021

This essay examines the idea of kenosis and holy folly in the years before, during, and after the Holocaust. The primary focus will be Vasily Grossman’s Life and Fate, though it also will touch upon Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Demons and the ethics of the Lithuanian-Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, speaking to their intersecting ideas. Dostoevsky, true enough, predates the Shoah, whereas Grossman was a Soviet Jew who served as a journalist (most famously at the Battle of Stalingrad), and Levinas was a soldier in the French army, captured by the Nazis and placed in a POW camp. Each of these writers wrestles with the problem of evil in various ways, Dostoevsky and Levinas as theists—one Christian, the other Jewish—and Grossman as an atheist; yet, despite their differences, there are ever deeper resonances in that all are drawn to the idea of kenosis and the holy fool, and each writer employs variations of this idea in their respective answers to the problem of evil. Each argues, more or less, that evil arises in totalizing utopian thought which reifies individual humans to abstractions—to The Human, and goodness to The Good. Each looks to kenosis as the “antidote” to this utopian reification.
Local Government Approaches to Combating COVID-19 Inequities: A Durham County Department of Public Health Perspective
Authors: Burwell-Naney Kristen , Mortiboy Marissa , Zitta John-Paul , Stevens Elizabeth , Patterson Kristen , Salter James Christopher , Easterling Michele , Bickers Bock Lindsey , Wood Hattie , Rayner Malkia , Jenkins Rodney
Published: June 2021

When a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) made major headlines in 2020, it further exposed an existing public health crisis related to inequities within our communities and health care delivery system. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, populations of color had higher infection and mortality rates, and even experienced greater disease severity compared to whites. Populations of color often bear the brunt of COVID-19 and other health inequities, due to the multifaceted relationship between systemic racism and the social determinants of health. As this relationship continues to perpetuate health inequities, the local health department is an agency that has the jurisdiction and responsibility to prevent disease and protect the health of the communities they serve. When equity is integrated into a health department’s operational infrastructure as a disease prevention strategy, it can elevate the agency’s response to public health emergencies. Collecting, reporting, and tracking demographic data that is necessary to identify inequities becomes a priority to facilitate a more robust public health response. The purpose of this paper is to present strategies of how a local health department operationalized equity in various stages of COVID-19 response and apply these methods to future public health emergencies to better serve vulnerable communities.
Relationships between Renewable Energy and the Prevalence of Morbidity in the Countries of the European Union: A Panel Regression Approach
Authors: Stefko Robert , Gavurova Beata , Kelemen Miroslav , Rigelsky Martin , Ivankova Viera
Published: June 2021

The main objective of the presented study was to examine the associations between the use of renewable energy sources in selected sectors (transport, electricity, heating, and cooling) and the prevalence of selected groups of diseases in the European Union, with an emphasis on the application of statistical methods considering the structure of data. The analyses included data on 27 countries of the European Union from 2010 to 2019 published in the Eurostat database and the Global Burden of Disease Study. Panel regression models (pooling model, fixed (within) effects model, random effects model) were primarily used in analytical procedures, in which a panel variable was represented by countries. In most cases, positive and significant associations between the use of renewable energy sources and the prevalence of diseases were confirmed. The results of panel regression models could be generally interpreted as meaning that renewable energy sources are associated with the prevalence of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, digestive diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neoplasms, sense organ diseases, and skin and subcutaneous diseases at a significance level (α) of 0.05 and lower. These findings could be explained by the awareness of the health problem and the response in the form of preference for renewable energy sources. Regarding statistical methods used for country data or for data with a specific structure, it is recommended to use the methods that take this structure into account. The absence of these methods could lead to misleading conclusions.
The Role Complexities in Advance Care Planning for End-of-Life Care—Nursing Students’ Perception of the Nursing Profession
Authors: Ng Suet Ying , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi
Published: June 2021

Nurses’ perceptions of being responsible for advance care planning (ACP) vary greatly across different studies. It could, however, affect their involvement in advance care planning and patients’ quality of death. Recent studies on this topic have mostly focused on advance directives but not ACP and nurses in the ward setting. This study aimed to assess the perception of Hong Kong nursing undergraduates of the nurse’s role in advance care planning and examine its associations with knowledge, attitude, and experience. A cross-sectional 57-item survey was delivered to nursing undergraduates between June and August 2020. The chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test were used for univariate analysis. The multiple logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. A total of 469 participants were assessed for eligibility; 242 of them were included in the data analysis, with a response rate of 97.6%. The majority of respondents—77.3% (95% CI: 72.0–82.6%)—perceived having a role in ACP, but large discrepancies were found between their perception of their role regarding different aspects of ACP. Participants who had a better knowledge status (p = 0.029) or supported the use of ACP (p < 0.001) were more likely to have a positive perception of their role in ACP. A negative correlation was found between the experience of life threat and positive role perception (p < 0.001). Through strengthening training, the role clarity of nursing undergraduates could be achieved, maximizing their cooperation with and implementation of ACP in their future nursing career. The enhancement of end-of-life education could also be undertaken to fill nursing undergraduates’ knowledge gap in this area and change their attitudes.
A Sustainable Solution to Obtain P-K-Mn Glass Fertilizers from Cheap and Readily Available Wastes
Authors: Vancea Cosmin , Mosoarca Giannin , Popa Simona
Published: June 2021

The sustainable economy framework imposes the adoption of new ways for waste reuse and recycling. In this context, this paper proposes a new alternative to obtain glass fertilizers (agriglasses) by reusing two cheap and easily available wastes, wood ash and manganese rich sludge resulting from drinking water treatment processes for groundwater sources. Glasses were obtained using different amounts of wastes together with (NH4)2HPO4 and K2CO3 as raw materials. The P-K-Mn nutrient solubilization from the obtained glasses was investigated using a citric acid solution. The kinetics of the leaching process was studied after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively. The intraparticle diffusion model was used to interpret kinetic data. Two distinct stages of the ion leaching process were recorded for all of the studied compositions: first through intraparticle diffusion (the rate-controlling stage) and second through diffusion through the particle–medium interface. The fertilization effect of the obtained agriglasses was studied on a barley crop. The specific plant growth parameters of germination percentage, average plant height, biomass and relative growth rate were determinate. The positive impact of the agriglasses upon the plants biomass and relative growth rate was highlighted. The effects of agriglasses can be tuned through glass compositions that affect the solubility of the nutrients.
Urban Green Spaces, Greenness Exposure and Species Richness in Residential Environments and Relations with Physical Activity and BMI in Portuguese Adolescents
Authors: Melo Juliana , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Aznar Susana , Pizarro Andreia , Santos Maria Paula
Published: June 2021

Environmental factors play an important role in obesity-related behaviors. Evidence indicates significant associations between weight and urban green spaces in adults, but it is not clear whether this relationship applies to adolescents. Therefore, our aim was to determine the associations between urban green spaces, greenness exposure and species richness in residential environments with physical activity and body mass index. Sixty-two adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age answered a self-administered questionnaire, providing information on height, weight, age, sex and home address. Data on socioeconomic deprivation were obtained from the European Index of Deprivation for Small Portuguese Areas. Physical activity levels were assessed using accelerometers. Urban green space counts and the normalized difference vegetation index values were measured using buffers along the roads with distances of 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 m from each participant’s residence. To quantify the species richness, the species richness index was used. Linear regression models were fitted to analyze whether urban green spaces, exposure to green spaces and species richness counts for each distance were associated with physical activity and self-reported body mass index. We did not find significant associations between the independent variables and the probability of overweight or obesity. The relationship between environmental variables, adolescents’ physical activity and body weight seems to be complex and further studies may contribute to better understanding of the topic.
Expression Profiling and Bioinformatics Analysis of CircRNA in Mice Brain Infected with Rabies Virus
Authors: Zhao Wen , Su Jingyin , Wang Ningning , Zhao Naiyu , Su Shuo
Published: June 2021

Rabies virus (RABV) induces acute, fatal encephalitis in mammals including humans. The circRNAs are important in virus infection process, but whether circRNAs regulated RABV infection remains largely unknown. Here, mice brain with or without the RABV CVS-11 strain were subjected to RNA sequencing and a total of 30,985 circRNAs were obtained. Among these, 9021 candidates were shared in both groups, and 14,610 and 7354 circRNAs were expressed specifically to the control and experimental groups, indicating that certain circRNAs were specifically inhibited or induced on RABV infection. The circRNAs mainly derived from coding exons. In total, 636 circRNAs were differentially expressed in RABV infection, of which 426 significantly upregulated and 210 significantly downregulated (p < 0.05 and fold change ≥2). The expression of randomly selected 6 upregulated and 6 downregulated circRNAs was tested by RT-qPCR, and the expression trend of the 11 out of 12 circRNAs was consistent in RT- qPCR and RNA-seq analysis. Rnase R-resistant assay and Sanger sequencing were conducted to verify the circularity of circRNAs. GO analysis demonstrated that source genes of all differentially regulated circRNAs were mainly related to cell plasticity and synapse function. Both KEGG and GSEA analysis revealed that these source genes were engaged in the cGMP–PKG and MAPK signaling pathway, and HTLV-I infection. Also, pathways related to glucose metabolism and synaptic functions were enriched in KEGG analysis. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network was built with 25 of 636 differentially expressed circRNAs, 264 mRNAs involved in RABV infection, and 29 miRNAs. Several miRNAs and many mRNAs in the network were reported to be related to viral infection and the immune response, suggesting that circRNAs could regulate RABV infection via interacting with miRNAs and mRNAs. Taken together, this study first characterized the transcriptomic pattern of circRNAs, and signaling pathways and function that circRNAs are involved in, which may indicate directions for further research to understand mechanisms of RABV pathogenesis.
In Vitro Metabolism of Six C-Glycosidic Flavonoids from Passiflora incarnata L.
Authors: Tremmel Martina , Kiermaier Josef , Heilmann Jörg
Published: June 2021

Several medical plants, such as Passiflora incarnata L., contain C-glycosylated flavonoids, which may contribute to their efficacy. Information regarding the bioavailability and metabolism of these compounds is essential, but not sufficiently available. Therefore, the metabolism of the C-glycosylated flavones orientin, isoorientin, schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vitexin, and isovitexin was investigated using the Caco-2 cell line as an in vitro intestinal and epithelial metabolism model. Isovitexin, orientin, and isoorientin showed broad ranges of phase I and II metabolites containing hydroxylated, methoxylated, and sulfated compounds, whereas schaftoside, isoschaftoside, and vitexin underwent poor metabolism. All metabolites were identified via UHPLC-MS or UHPLC-MS/MS using compound libraries containing all conceivable metabolites. Some structures were confirmed via UHPLC-MS experiments with reference compounds after a cleavage reaction using glucuronidase and sulfatase. Of particular interest is the observed cleavage of the C–C bonds between sugar and aglycone residues in isovitexin, orientin, and isoorientin, resulting in unexpected glucuronidated or sulfated luteolin and apigenin derivatives. These findings indicate that C-glycosidic flavones can be highly metabolized in the intestine. In particular, flavonoids with ortho-dihydroxy groups showed sulfated metabolites. The identified glucuronidated or sulfated aglycones demonstrate that enzymes expressed by Caco-2 cells are able to potentially cleave C–C bonds in vitro.
Induction of a Compensatory Photosynthetic Response Mechanism in Tomato Leaves upon Short Time Feeding by the Chewing Insect Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Moustaka Julietta , Meyling Nicolai Vitt , Hauser Thure Pavlo
Published: June 2021

In addition to direct tissue consumption, herbivory may affect other important plant processes. Here, we evaluated the effects of short-time leaf feeding by Spodoptera exigua larvae on the photosynthetic efficiency of tomato plants, using chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging analysis. After 15 min of feeding, the light used for photochemistry at photosystem II (PSII) (ΦPSII), and the regulated heat loss at PSII (ΦNPQ) decreased locally at the feeding zones, accompanied by increased non-regulated energy losses (ΦNO) that indicated increased singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. In contrast, in zones neighboring the feeding zones and in the rest of the leaf, ΦPSII increased due to a decreased ΦNPQ. This suggests that leaf areas not directly affected by herbivory compensate for the photosynthetic losses by increasing the fraction of open PSII reaction centers (qp) and the efficiency of these centers (Fv’/Fm’), because of decreased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). This compensatory reaction mechanism may be signaled by singlet oxygen formed at the feeding zone. PSII functionality at the feeding zones began to balance with the rest of the leaf 3 h after feeding, in parallel with decreased compensatory responses. Thus, 3 h after feeding, PSII efficiency at the whole-leaf level was the same as before feeding, indicating that the plant managed to overcome the feeding effects with no or minor photosynthetic costs.
Effects of Congested Fixture on Men’s Volleyball Load Demands: Interactions with Sets Played
Authors: Lima Ricardo , Castro Henrique de Oliveira , Afonso José , Costa Gustavo De Conti Teixeira , Matos Sérgio , Fernandes Sara , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the external load, internal load, and technical efficacy between the first and the second matches (M1 and M2) occurring in congested fixtures (two matches in two days) using the number of sets as a moderating factor. An observational analytic research design was adopted. Data from official volleyball matches were collected during the first competitive period of the championship, comprising 14 competitive games within 10 weeks. Ten male elite volleyball athletes (age: 21.7 ± 4.19 years of age; experience: 6.2 ± 3.8 years; body mass: 85.7 ± 8.69 kg; height: 192.4 ± 6.25 cm; BMI: 23.1 ± 1.40 kg/m2) participated in this study. Players were monitored for external load (number of jumps and height of jumps) and internal load (using the rate of perceived exertion—RPE). Additionally, notational analysis collected information about attack efficacy and receptions made during matches. The mixed ANOVA revealed no significant interaction between time (M1 vs. M2) and number of sets for number of jumps per minute (p = 0.235; ηp2 = 0.114), mean jump height (p = 0.076; ηp2 = 0.193), RPE (p = 0.261; ηp2 = 0.106), attack efficacy (p = 0.346; ηp2 = 0.085), Positive reception (p = 0.980; ηp2 = 0.002) and Perfect reception (p = 0.762; ηp2 = 0.022). In conclusion, congested fixtures do not seem to affect the performance of volleyball players negatively.
An Examination of Social, Phonetic, and Lexical Variables on the Lenition of Intervocalic Voiced Stops by Spanish Heritage Speakers
Authors: Blair Kaylyn , Lease Sarah
Published: June 2021

The lenition of Spanish intervocalic voiced stops, commonly grouped as /bdg/, has increasingly been examined within Spanish as a Heritage Language research. This study seeks to identify social, phonetic, and lexical factors that predict the degree of lenition of /bdg/ among heritage speakers of Spanish. We analyzed 850 intervocalic productions of /bdg/ by 20 adult Spanish heritage speakers of various generations in an oral word list production task. Using spectrographic analyses, productions were categorized as full approximant, tense approximant, and occlusive. Results from linear mixed-effects models indicated that the phonetic context and the number of family generations residing in the US significantly predicted the degree of lenition of intervocalic voiced segments while age of acquisition of Spanish, current contact hours, and cognate status did not predict changes in the degree of lenition. Specifically, as the speaker’s number of family generations residing in the US increased, fewer segments were lenited. We conclude that variations in /bdg/ lenition among heritage speakers of Spanish reflect the changes in pronunciation of other segments of heritage speakers over generations.
Thin Film Mixed Matrix Hollow Fiber Membrane Fabricated by Incorporation of Amine Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework for CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Kujawski Wojciech , Knozowska Katarzyna , Kujawa Joanna
Published: June 2021

Membrane separation technology can used to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas. However, plenty of research has been focused on the flat sheet mixed matrix membrane rather than the mixed matrix thin film hollow fiber membranes. In this work, mixed matrix thin film hollow fiber membranes were fabricated by incorporating amine functionalized UiO-66 nanoparticles into the Pebax® 2533 thin selective layer on the polypropylene (PP) hollow fiber supports via dip-coating process. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping analysis, and thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) were used to characterize the synthesized UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles. The morphology, surface chemistry, and the gas separation performance of the fabricated Pebax® 2533-UiO-66-NH2/PP mixed matrix thin film hollow fiber membranes were characterized by using SEM, ATR-FTIR, and gas permeance measurements, respectively. It was found that the surface morphology of the prepared membranes was influenced by the incorporation of UiO-66 nanoparticles. The CO2 permeance increased along with an increase of UiO-66 nanoparticles content in the prepared membranes, while the CO2/N2 ideal gas selectively firstly increased then decreased due to the aggregation of UiO-66 nanoparticles. The Pebax® 2533-UiO-66-NH2/PP mixed matrix thin film hollow fiber membranes containing 10 wt% UiO-66 nanoparticles exhibited the CO2 permeance of 26 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity of 37.
Mechanical Properties of Dental Alloys According to Manufacturing Process
Authors: Yu Ji-Min , Kang Seen-Young , Lee Jun-Seok , Jeong Ho-Sang , Lee Seung-Youl
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the fabrication method of dental prosthesis on the mechanical properties. Casting was produced using the lost wax casting method, and milling was designed using a CAD/CAM program. The 3D printing method used the SLS technique to create a three-dimensional structure by sintering metal powder with a laser. When making the specimen, the specimen was oriented at 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees. All test specimens complied with the requirements of the international standard ISO 22674 for dental alloys. Tensile strength was measured for yield strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation by applying a load until fracture of the specimen at a crosshead speed of 1.5 ± 0.5 mm/min (n = 6, modulus of elasticity n = 3). After the tensile test, the cross section of the fractured specimen was observed with a scanning electron microscope, and the statistics of the data were analyzed with a statistical program SPSS (IBM Corp. Released 2020. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp.) and using Anova and multiple comparison post-tests (scheffe method). The yield strength was the highest at 1042 MPa at an angle of 0 degrees in the specimen produced by 3D printing method, and the elongation was the highest at 14% at an angle of 90 degrees in the specimen produced by 3D printing method. The modulus of elasticity was the highest at 235 GPa in the milled specimen. In particular, the 3D printing group showed a difference in yield strength and elongation according to the build direction. The introduction of various advanced technologies and digital equipment is expected to bring high prospects for the growth of the dental market.
Open Porosity and Pore Size Distribution of Mesoporous Silica Films Investigated by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy and Ellipsometric Porosimetry
Authors: Xiong Bangyun , Li Jingjing , He Chunqing , Lai Jiale , Liu Xiangjia , Huang Tao
Published: June 2021

Tunable mesoporous silica films were prepared though a sol-gel process directed by the self-assembly of various triblock copolymers. Positron annihilation γ-ray energy spectroscopy and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) based on intense pulsed slow positron beams as well as ellipsometric porosimetry (EP) combined with heptane adsorption were utilized to characterize the open porosity/interconnectivity and pore size distribution for the prepared films. The consistency between the open porosities was examined by the variations of orthopositronium (o-Ps) 3γ annihilation fractions and the total adsorbed volumes of heptane. The average pore sizes deduced by PALS from the longest-lived o-Ps lifetimes are in good agreement with those by EP on the basis of the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda model, as indicated by a well fitted line of slope k = 1. The results indicate that the EP combined with heptane adsorption is a useful method with high sensitivity for calibrating the mesopore size in highly interconnected mesoporous films, whereas PALS is a novel, complementary tool for characterizing both closed and open pores in them.
Retention Forces of Monolithic CAD/CAM Crowns Adhesively Cemented to Titanium Base Abutments—Effect of Saliva Contamination Followed by Cleaning of the Titanium Bond Surface
Authors: Burkhardt Felix , Pitta João , Fehmer Vincent , Mojon Philippe , Sailer Irena
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of saliva contamination and the cleaning of the bond surface of titanium base (ti-base) abutments on the bonding stability and retention force values. The bond surface of the ti-base abutments was treated with airborne-particle abrasion. After contamination, the ti-base abutments underwent different cleaning protocols: water spray (H2O); alcohol (ALC); suspension of zirconium particles (SZP); reapplied airborne-particle abrasion (APA); and a control condition without contamination and cleaning (CTR). All lithium disilicate crowns were bonded to the ti-base abutments using a primer and a self-curing composite. Bonded specimens underwent thermo-mechanical aging. Bond failure analysis and pull-off testing were performed. Bond failure occurred more frequently in groups H2O, ALC, SZP, and APA (p < 0.05). Significant differences in retention force values were only found between CTR and ALC (p < 0.05). Specimens which did not show bond failure after ageing had higher retention force values than the specimens that showed bond failure (p < 0.05). Saliva contamination with cleaning can degrade the bonding properties to titanium. For the retention force values, only the protocol with alcohol after contamination could not restore the values.
Direct Pattern Growth of Carbon Nanomaterials by Laser Scribing on Spin-Coated Cu-PI Composite Films and Their Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Ko Yong-il , Lee Geonhee , Kim Min Jae , Lee Dong Yun , Nam Jungtae , Jang A-Rang , Lee Jeong-O , Kim Keun Soo
Published: June 2021

The excellent physical and chemical properties of carbon nanomaterials render them suitable for application in gas sensors. However, the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials using high-temperature furnaces is time consuming and expensive. In this study, we synthesize a carbon nanomaterial using local laser-scribing on a substrate coated with a Cu-embedded polyimide (PI) thin film to reduce the processing time and cost. Spin coating using a Cu-embedded PI solution is performed to deposit a Cu-embedded PI thin film (Cu@PI) on a quartz substrate, followed by the application of a pulsed laser for carbonization. In contrast to a pristine PI solution-based PI thin film, the laser absorption of the Cu-embedded PI thin film based on Cu@PI improved. The laser-scribed carbon nanomaterial synthesized using Cu@PI exhibits a three-dimensional structure that facilitates gas molecule absorption, and when it is exposed to NO2 and NH3, its electrical resistance changes by −0.79% and +0.33%, respectively.
The Impact of Elongation on Change in Electrical Resistance of Electrically Conductive Yarns Woven into Fabric
Authors: Knezić Željko , Penava Željko , Penava Diana Šimić , Rogale Dubravko
Published: June 2021

Electrically conductive yarns (ECYs) are gaining increasing applications in woven textile materials, especially in woven sensors suitable for incorporation into clothing. In this paper, the effect of the yarn count of ECYs woven into fabric on values of electrical resistance is analyzed. We also observe how the direction of action of elongation force, considering the position of the woven ECY, effects the change in the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive fabric. The measurements were performed on nine different samples of fabric in a plain weave, into which were woven ECYs with three different yarn counts and three different directions. Relationship curves between values of elongation forces and elongation to break, as well as relationship curves between values of electrical resistance of fabrics with ECYs and elongation, were experimentally obtained. An analytical mathematical model was also established, and analysis was conducted, which determined the models of function of connection between force and elongation, and between electrical resistance and elongation. The connection between the measurement results and the mathematical model was confirmed. The connection between the mathematical model and the experimental results enables the design of ECY properties in woven materials, especially textile force and elongation sensors.
COVID-19 Causing Hypotension in Frail Geriatric Hypertensive Patients?
Authors: Koudelka Marek , Sovová Eliška
Published: June 2021

Background: The association of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with hypertension has been one of the frequently discussed topics in current studies since hypertension was identified as a risk factor for coronavirus disease. However, no studies seem to be focused on the BP (blood pressure) in patients with hypertension after COVID-19. Report: This report presents the cases of five frail geriatric patients (avg. age 78.3 (±6.4) years) with sarcopenia and controlled hypertension (office BP < 140 mmHg) who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Findings: Control ABPM performed after COVID-19 showed that these hypertensive patients were hypotensive and that the previously well-established therapy was suddenly too intensive for them. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BP control after COVID-19 is needed and that ABPM is, particularly in frail geriatric patients, by no means a luxury but a necessity.
Special Issue—The Conformational Universe of Proteins and Peptides: Tales of Order and Disorder
Authors: Leone Marilisa
Published: June 2021

Among biological macromolecules, proteins hold prominent roles in a vast array of physiological and pathological processes [...]
Nutrient Intakes of Children: Associations with Maternal Use of Pressure to Eat and a Healthy Home Food Environment
Authors: Kutbi Hebah Alawi
Published: June 2021

Maternal feeding practices have been shown to have a powerful influence on shaping dietary behaviors of children. Nonetheless, the association with the nutrient intake of children has not been previously explored. This study aimed to investigate the associations of maternal use of pressure to eat (PE) and a healthy home food environment (HHFE) with nutrient intakes in children (6–12 years old). Data of 424 mother–child dyads were included. Maternal use of PE and a HHFE were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Child food intake was collected using telephone-administered 24 h recalls. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of maternal feeding practices with energy and nutrient intakes of children. Maternal use of PE predicted higher children’s intake of carbohydrate (B = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 1.62) and dietary fiber (B = 1.25, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.18) and lower fat intake (B = −0.74, 95% CI −1.37 to −0.11). Maternal use of a HHFE was significantly positively associated with protein intake (B = 0.99, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.46) and negatively associated with free sugar intake in children (B = −3.56, 95% CI −5.03 to −2.09). Our findings indicate that nutrient intakes of children are linked to feeding practices employed by mothers. Further studies are warranted to gain a more contextualized understanding of mother–child feeding interactions and to develop effective interventions.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Gingiva, Edentulous Ridge, and Retromolar Pad: A Case Series
Authors: Lo Russo Lucio , Lo Muzio Eleonora , Colella Giuseppe , Bizzoca Maria Eleonora , Panzarella Vera , Campisi Giuseppina , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Gingival cancer has a significant incidence and is often diagnosed at advanced stages. The aim of this paper is to highlight its clinical aspects on the basis of a case series analysis in order to promote awareness and improve the diagnosis process. (2) Methods: Oral cancers diagnosed and treated at three Italian University Hospitals over ten years were retrospectively investigated. Cancer location on the gingiva, edentulous ridge, and retromolar pad was addressed. Data regarding clinical features, stage at the diagnosis, and time from presenting symptoms to first medical consultation were retrieved. (3) Results: Thirty-three cancers located on the gingiva, edentulous ridge, and retromolar pad were retrieved from 276 total oral cancer cases (11.9%). A median of 50 days (range 2–300) passed for the patient to seek for a medical evaluation. At the time of diagnosis, 63.3% were advanced stage cancers, mainly located at the mandible (91%), especially in the retromolar pad (48.5%) and the edentulous alveolar ridge (24.2%). Lesions were red (45.5%), red and white (45.4%), or white (9.1%), appearing as an ulcer (69.7%), exophytic mass (12.1%) or flat lesion (12.1%). Sixty-six percent of cancers were completely asymptomatic, regardless their clinical appearance. A statistically significant association between the time from the presentation of symptoms to the first medical consultation and the cancers stage was found. (4) Conclusions: The clinical appearance of gingival cancer is very polymorphous; its understanding may be significant to improve patient education and early medical consultation.