bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Gas Injection Efficiency for Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoir in Western Siberia: Experiments and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Sorokin Alexey , Bolotov Alexander , Varfolomeev Mikhail , Minkhanov Ilgiz , Gimazov Azat , Sergeyev Evgeny , Balionis Angelica
Published: November 2021

Gas injection is one of the prospective methods in the development of unconventional oil reserves. Before implementation in the field, it is necessary to justify the effectiveness of using gas agents in specific object conditions. Experiments of oil displacement on physical models with subsequent numerical modeling can provide the information necessary to justify the feasibility of using gas injection in specific reservoir conditions. This work is devoted to a series of experiments determining the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) on a slim tube model and the analysis of oil displacement dynamics for various gas compositions, as well as numerical modeling. Displacement experiments were carried out using a recombined oil sample from one of the fields in Western Siberia. The MMP was determined by the classical method of inflection point on the displacement efficiency versus injection pressure curve, which was 34.6 MPa for associated petroleum gas (APG) and 49.9 MPa for methane. The dysnamics of oil displacement for different gas compositions at the same injection pressure showed that APG and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the most effective in the conditions of the studied field. The influence of the gas composition on the gas breakthrough point was also shown. It is revealed that the change in the concentration of the displacing agent in the outgoing separation gas helps define in more detail the process of displacement and the processes implemented in this case for various displacing gas agents. Similarly, it is shown that the displacing efficiency of a gas agent in a miscibility injection mode is affected by the configuration of wells when it is necessary to achieve MMP in reservoir conditions. For the immiscible gas injection mode, no influence of the well configuration was observed.
Energetic and Exergetic Performances of a Retrofitted, Large-Scale, Biomass-Fired CHP Coupled to a Steam-Explosion Biomass Upgrading Plant, a Biorefinery Process and a High-Temperature Heat Network
Authors: De Meulenaere Roeland De , Maertens Tim , Sikkema Ale , Brusletto Rune , Barth Tanja , Blondeau Julien
Published: November 2021

This paper aims at assessing the impact of retrofitting an existing, 730 MWe, coal-fired power plant into a biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant on its energetic and exergetic performances. A comprehensive thermodynamic model of the power plant was developed and validated against field data, resulting in less than 1% deviation between the model and the measurements for the main process parameters. The validated model was then used to predict the behaviour of the biomass CHP after retrofitting. The modelled CHP unit is coupled to a steam-explosion biomass upgrading plant, a biorefinery process, and a high-temperature heat network. 13 scenarios were studied. At constant boiler load, delivering heat to the considered heat clients can increase the total energy efficiency of the plant from 44% (electricity only) to 64%, while the total exergy efficiency decreases from 39% to 35%. A total energy efficiency of 67% could be reached by lowering the network temperature from 120∘C to 70∘C. Identifying the needed heat clients could, however, represent a limiting factor to reach such high efficiencies. For a constant power demand, increasing the boiler load from 80 to 100% in order to provide additional heat makes the total energy efficiency increase from 43% to 55%, while the total exergy efficiency decreases from 39% to 36%.
A Comparative Analysis of Computer-Aided Design Tools for Complex Power Electronics Systems
Authors: Bucolo Maide , Buscarino Arturo , Fortuna Luigi , Famoso Carlo , Frasca Mattia , Cucuccio Antonino , Rasconà Gaetano , Vinci Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Companies working on semiconductors must currently assure the customers of not only the performance of the semiconductor device per se, but also its performance when it is implemented in a real board, therefore including the role of parasitic effects. It is therefore very important to evaluate, especially during the design phase, not only the single device, but the complete board and their mutual interactions. This consideration opens a new area of investigation in the field of electronic systems engineering. In the current literature, the problem of a software evaluation of parasitic dynamics and electromagnetic effects on printed boards is addressed from the point of view of researchers. Moreover, it is fundamental to have a complete view of the various tools that could be usefully adopted from the perspective of manufacturers. This is the main motivation of this technical note, which performs a comparative analysis of the most prominent software tools for printed circuit boards’ (PCBs) simulation. The main features, the key aspects, and the limitations of the software packages are analyzed in terms of the industrial design of power electronics devices, in order to ensure efficiency and fastness in the semiconductor market.
Study on the Mechanical Extended-Reach Limit Prediction Model of Horizontal Drilling with Dual-Channel Drillpipes
Authors: Tan Tianyi , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2021

Extended-reach horizontal wells are critical for the development of unconventional reservoirs. Dual-channel drill pipe drilling has a great advantage in improving the horizontal section length, while the research on its mechanical extended-reach limit prediction model is insufficient. In this paper, the torque and drag model is built considering the additional axial force of the sliding piston on the dual-channel drillpipe. Based on the torque and drag model, the mechanical extended-reach limit model for dual-channel drilling is established. A case study including a comparison to the conventional drilling method and sensitivity analysis is conducted. The result shows that under the same conditions, the mechanical extended-reach limit of the dual-channel drilling method is 10,592.2 m, while it is 9030.6 m of the conventional drilling method. The dual-channel drilling method achieves a further mechanical extended-reach limit than the conventional drilling method. To improve the mechanical extended-reach limit of dual-channel drilling, a higher back pressure on the sliding piston, a deeper measured depth of the sliding piston, a higher density of the passive drilling fluid, a smaller outer diameter of the outer pipe, a lower weight on bit and rate of penetration should be adopted. The work in this paper completes the extended-reach limit theory of dual-channel drilling, providing a guide for better use in unconventional reservoir development.
Environmental Efficiency Aspects of Basalt Fibers Reinforcement in Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Fořt Jan , Kočí Jan , Černý Robert
Published: November 2021

Modern building materials must fulfill not only functional performance criteria but also reduce the environmental impact accompanied by their production. Within the past decades, fiber-reinforced materials have been found to be promising and durable materials that can be utilized in various fields. Among a wide range of reinforcement types, basalt fibers have been introduced as an alternative to broadly used steel fibers. As informed by the available literature, benefits linked with less energy-intensive production indicate a very good potential application of this material in terms of functional properties and, at the same time, a reduction in environmental burden. However, only a very limited amount of information is available on the actual impact of using basalt fibers in terms of environmental impact. In order to fill this gap, the present study describes, using Life Cycle Assessment, the environmental impacts associated with the production of basalt fibers. In order provide a more reliable and coherent overview, an analysis combining functional and environmental indicators was performed. The presented results reveal that the use of basalt reinforcement provides a significantly lower environmental intensity per strength unit, especially in the case of compressive and flexural strength.
Performance of an Environmentally Friendly Alternative Fluid in a Loop Heat Pipe-Based Battery Thermal Management System
Authors: Bernagozzi Marco , Miché Nicolas , Georgoulas Anastasios , Rouaud Cedric , Marengo Marco
Published: November 2021

The present investigation aims to devise a thermal management system (TMS) for electric vehicles able to improve on limitations like charging time and all-electric range, together with the safety and environmental impact of the chosen thermal medium. A research gap is identified, as focus is often on addressing system thermal performance without considering that the thermal medium must not only provide suitable performances, but also must not add risks to both passengers and the environment. Thus, this work proposes an innovative cooling system including graphite sheets and a Loop Heat Pipe, filled with Novec™ 649 as working fluid, due to its exceptional environmental properties (GWP = 1 − ODP = 0) and safety features (non-flammable, non-toxic, dielectric). A three-cell module experimental demonstrator was built to compare temperatures when the proposed TMS is run with Novec™ 649 and ethanol. Results of testing over a bespoke fast charge driving cycle show that Novec™ 649 gave a faster start-up and a slightly higher maximum temperature (0.7 °C), meaning that the gains in safety and lower environmental impact brought by Novec™ 649 came without lowering the thermal performance. Finally, the TMS was tested under three different fast charge conditions (1C, 2C, 3C), obtaining maximum temperatures of 28.4 °C, 36.3 °C and 46.4 °C, respectively.
Case Study and Feasibility Analysis of Multi-Objective Life Cycle Energy System Optimization in a Nordic Campus Building
Authors: Eloranta Vilppu , Grönman Aki , Woszczek Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

Due to the high energy consumption of buildings, there is a demand for both economically and environmentally effective designs for building energy system retrofits. While multi-objective optimization can be used to solve complicated problems, its use is not yet widespread in the industry. This study first aims to develop an efficient and applicable multi-objective building energy system optimization method, used to dimension energy production and storage retrofit components in a case campus building in Lahti, Finland. Energy consumption data of the building are obtained with a dynamic energy model. The optimization model includes economic and environmental objectives, and the approach is found to function satisfactorily. Second, this study aims to assess the feasibility and issues of multi-objective single-building energy system optimization via the analysis of the case optimization results. The results suggest that economically beneficial local energy production and storage retrofits could not always lead to life cycle CO2-eq emission reductions. The recognized causes are high life cycle emissions from the retrofit components and low Nordic grid energy emissions. The performed sensitivity and feasibility analyses show that correctness and methodological comparability of the used emission factors and future assumptions are crucial for reliable optimization results.
Green Energy in Ukraine: State, Public Demands, and Trends
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Lobanova Alla , Kalashnikova Liudmyla
Published: November 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze and address the challenges of implementing green energy in Ukraine, in particular, to identify its advantages and disadvantages. The implementation of solar renewable sources—stations, panels, and batteries—is emphasized. The results of sociological surveys of Ukrainian public opinion on environmental issues, in particular, energy issues, are presented. The existence of public demand for renewable energy and the readiness of the population to use renewable energy sources are identified. A strategy for strengthening the country’s energy independence in the face of new globalization challenges is defined. General scientific methods as well as special methods were used in this paper: statistical analysis, secondary analysis of data from sociological studies of public institutions, and desk analysis of documents and reports from public services. In this paper, it is concluded that Ukraine is geographically and territorially attractive for green energy development and investment. It is important that there is a public and state demand in the country to strengthen the country’s energy security, in particular, through the introduction of renewable energy sources. Therefore, despite drawbacks and obstacles, green energy in Ukraine has great prospects.
Mechanical Performance of Fused Filament Fabricated and 3D-Printed Polycarbonate Polymer and Polycarbonate/Cellulose Nanofiber Nanocomposites
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Velidakis Emmanouil , Spiridaki Mariza , Kechagias John D.
Published: November 2021

In this study, nanocomposites were fabricated with polycarbonate (PC) as the matrix material. Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) at low filler loadings (0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.%) was used as the filler. Samples were produced using melt mixing extrusion with the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process. The optimum 3D-printing parameters were experimentally determined and the required specimens for each tested material were manufactured using FFF 3D printing. Tests conducted for mechanical performance were tensile, flexural, impact, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) tests, while images of the side and the fracture area of the specimens were acquired using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), aiming to determine the morphology of the specimens and the fracture mechanism. It was concluded that the filler’s ratio addition of 0.5 wt.% created the optimum performance when compared to pure PC and PC CNF 1.0 wt.% nanocomposite material.
Durability Assessment of a Plasma-Polymerized Coating with Anti-Biofilm Activity against L. monocytogenes Subjected to Repeated Sanitization
Authors: Muro-Fraguas Ignacio , Fernández-Gómez Paula , Múgica-Vidal Rodolfo , Sainz-García Ana , Sainz-García Elisa , Oliveira Márcia , González-Raurich Montserrat , López María , Rojo-Bezares Beatriz , López Mercedes , Alba-Elías Fernando
Published: November 2021

Biofilm formation on food-contact surfaces is a matter of major concern causing food safety and spoilage issues to this sector. The aim of this study was to assess the durability of the anti-biofilm capacity of a plasma-polymerized coating composed of a base coating of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and a functional coating of acrylic acid (AcAc). Coated and uncoated AISI 316 stainless steel (SS) plates were subjected to five sanitization cycles with sodium hypochlorite (0.05%) and peracetic acid (0.5%). The effectiveness of the coating for the inhibition of multi-strain Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation was confirmed using a three-strain cocktail, which was grown on the SS plates at 12 °C for 6 days. Compared to the uncoated SS, relative biofilm productions of 14.6% on the non-sanitized coating, 27.9% on the coating after sanitization with sodium hypochlorite, and 82.3% on the coating after sanitization with peracetic acid were obtained. Morphological and physicochemical characterization of the coatings suggested that the greater anti-biofilm effectiveness after sanitization with sodium hypochlorite was due to the high pH of this solution, which caused a deprotonation of the carboxylic acid groups of the functional coating. This fact conferred it a strong hydrophilicity and negatively charged its surface, which was favorable for preventing bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.
The Influence of Hazelnut Skin Addition on Quality Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Functional Yogurt
Authors: Dinkçi Nayil , Aktaş Merve , Akdeniz Vildan , Sirbu Alexandrina
Published: November 2021

There is an increasing interest in applying fruit-processing wastes as functional food ingredients. Hazelnut skin, an interesting and innovative ingredient has recently been evaluated as one of the richest edible sources of polyphenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hazelnut skin as a functional additive in yogurt and to determine the effect of various percentages (2%, 3%, and 4%) of hazelnut skin on the physicochemical, microbiological, rheological, biochemical, and sensorial properties of yogurt. The results showed that the addition of hazelnut skin significantly increased total solids from 16.5% to 17.7% and fat content from 3.45% to 4.60% and decreased titratable acidity by up to 36%. The enrichment with hazelnut skin also improved the viability of yogurt bacteria, water holding capacity (WHC), and antioxidant activity of yogurts. Better results for WHC and antioxidant values were found in yogurt enriched with 4% hazelnut skin. Total phenolic content and Fe2+ chelating activity of yogurts increased with the increasing hazelnut skin ratio. However, yogurts with hazelnut skin had low instrumental texture parameters and apparent viscosity values. On the other hand, acceptable sensorial properties similar to control yogurts increase the consumption potential of yogurts enriched with hazelnut skin.
Mapping the Greek Wine Supply Chain: A Proposed Research Framework
Authors: Anastasiadis Foivos , Alebaki Maria
Published: November 2021

The wine industry involves both the production (i.e., from vine to wine) and consumption of wine (i.e., dining and tourism experiences). This results in a complicated system of intertwined product and services supply chains. Recent studies in the field suggest several key perspectives for future research, such as sustainability, resilience and circular economy. However, the complex nature of the sector which comprises numerous stakeholders and flows (i.e., products—services—information), entailing knotty interactions and interdependencies, makes any research direction questionable in terms of its effectiveness. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a tool for designing targeted future research in such multiple environments. We employed an end-to-end mapping approach using data from the Greek wine supply chain, identifying essential insights for a compelling research agenda. The key output is a set of three supply chain maps revealing the structure, processes and actors from all the main angles: basic production, value chain and stakeholders. A synthesis of these maps supports an overall understanding of the sector, unmasking any interaction and hidden information holdups. The study thus aims to offer an integrated research framework that highlights the leading priorities of the Greek wine industry.
Sensory Attributes of Buckwheat Jelly (Memilmuk) with Mung Bean Starch Added to Improve Texture and Taste
Authors: Kwon Yongseok , Ryu Jihye , Ju Seyoung
Published: November 2021

Buckwheat contains more essential proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and diverse phytochemicals than wheat and rice. The aims of this study are to develop the descriptive sensory attributes and evaluate the consumer acceptability of six buckwheat jellies (memilmuk) with added mung bean starch and to analyze the relationship between their descriptive sensory attributes and consumer acceptability. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR). A total of 18 sensory attributes of buckwheat jelly, including appearance (brown, brightness, and roughness), odor/aroma (soymilk smell, grain smell, red bean porridge smell, and buckwheat tea smell), flavor or taste (savory flavor, plain taste, buckwheat taste, sweet taste, salty taste, and umami), and texture (squashed, dry, smooth, elasticity and stickiness) were developed. Consumer acceptability tests of six buckwheat jellies were conducted by 93 consumers evaluating for color, smell, savory taste, aftertaste, harmony with the sauce, overall liking, and would recommend or try again. Buckwheat jelly with 25% of mung bean starch (BJ_916) was the most favorable jelly sample among the six samples. All attributes except color, smell, and the savory taste of samples showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). BJ_916 showed a close relationship with a grain smell, elasticity, red bean porridge smell, and sweet taste of descriptive attributes and also all attributes of consumer acceptability. The determination of sensory attributes and consumer acceptability of buckwheat jelly will help to improve sensory characteristics to fulfill consumer needs and desires. Furthermore, this current study will help facilitate the expansion of the buckwheat consumption market.
Evolution of Food Fermentation Processes and the Use of Multi-Omics in Deciphering the Roles of the Microbiota
Authors: Mannaa Mohamed , Han Gil , Seo Young-Su , Park Inmyoung
Published: November 2021

Food fermentation has been practised since ancient times to improve sensory properties and food preservation. This review discusses the process of fermentation, which has undergone remarkable improvement over the years, from relying on natural microbes and spontaneous fermentation to back-slopping and the use of starter cultures. Modern biotechnological approaches, including genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9, have been investigated and hold promise for improving the fermentation process. The invention of next-generation sequencing techniques and the rise of meta-omics tools have advanced our knowledge on the characterisation of microbiomes involved in food fermentation and their functional roles. The contribution and potential advantages of meta-omics technologies in understanding the process of fermentation and examples of recent studies utilising multi-omics approaches for studying food-fermentation microbiomes are reviewed. Recent technological advances in studying food fermentation have provided insights into the ancient wisdom in the practice of food fermentation, such as the choice of substrates and fermentation conditions leading to desirable properties. This review aims to stimulate research on the process of fermentation and the associated microbiomes to produce fermented food efficiently and sustainably. Prospects and the usefulness of recent advances in molecular tools and integrated multi-omics approaches are highlighted.
Skewed Jensen—Fisher Divergence and Its Bounds
Authors: Yamano Takuya
Published: November 2021

A non-uniform (skewed) mixture of probability density functions occurs in various disciplines. One needs a measure of similarity to the respective constituents and its bounds. We introduce a skewed Jensen–Fisher divergence based on relative Fisher information, and provide some bounds in terms of the skewed Jensen–Shannon divergence and of the variational distance. The defined measure coincides with the definition from the skewed Jensen–Shannon divergence via the de Bruijn identity. Our results follow from applying the logarithmic Sobolev inequality and Poincaré inequality.
A Data-Driven Memory-Dependent Modeling Framework for Anomalous Rheology: Application to Urinary Bladder Tissue
Authors: Suzuki Jorge L. , Tuttle Tyler G. , Roccabianca Sara , Zayernouri Mohsen
Published: November 2021

We introduce a data-driven fractional modeling framework for complex materials, and particularly bio-tissues. From multi-step relaxation experiments of distinct anatomical locations of porcine urinary bladder, we identify an anomalous relaxation character, with two power-law-like behaviors for short/long long times, and nonlinearity for strains greater than 25%. The first component of our framework is an existence study, to determine admissible fractional viscoelastic models that qualitatively describe linear relaxation. After the linear viscoelastic model is selected, the second stage adds large-strain effects to the framework through a fractional quasi-linear viscoelastic approach for the nonlinear elastic response of the bio-tissue of interest. From single-step relaxation data of the urinary bladder, a fractional Maxwell model captures both short/long-term behaviors with two fractional orders, being the most suitable model for small strains at the first stage. For the second stage, multi-step relaxation data under large strains were employed to calibrate a four-parameter fractional quasi-linear viscoelastic model, that combines a Scott-Blair relaxation function and an exponential instantaneous stress response, to describe the elastin/collagen phases of bladder rheology. Our obtained results demonstrate that the employed fractional quasi-linear model, with a single fractional order in the range α = 0.25–0.30, is suitable for the porcine urinary bladder, producing errors below 2% without need for recalibration over subsequent applied strains. We conclude that fractional models are attractive tools to capture the bladder tissue behavior under small-to-large strains and multiple time scales, therefore being potential alternatives to describe multiple stages of bladder functionality.
Fractal Methods and Power Spectral Density as Means to Explore EEG Patterns in Patients Undertaking Mental Tasks
Authors: Valentim Carlos Alberto , Inacio Claudio Marcio Cassela , David Sergio Adriani
Published: November 2021

Brain electrical activity recorded as electroencephalogram data provides relevant information that can contribute to a better understanding of pathologies and human behaviour. This study explores extant electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in search of patterns that could differentiate subjects undertaking mental tasks and reveals insights on said data. We estimated the power spectral density of the signals and found that the subjects showed stronger gamma brain waves during activity while presenting alpha waves at rest. We also found that subjects who performed better in those tasks seemed to present less power density in high-frequency ranges, which could imply decreased brain activity during tasks. In a time-domain analysis, we used Hall–Wood and Robust–Genton estimators along with the Hurst exponent by means of a detrented fluctuation analysis and found that the first two fractal measures are capable of better differentiating signals between the rest and activity datasets. The statistical results indicated that the brain region corresponding to Fp channels might be more suitable for analysing EEG data from patients conducting arithmetic tasks. In summary, both frequency- and time-based methods employed in the study provided useful insights and should be preferably used together in EEG analysis.
Between 2D and 3D: Studying Structural Complexity of Urban Fabric Using Voxels and LiDAR-Derived DSMs
Authors: Tara Ata , Patuano Agnès , Lawson Gillian
Published: November 2021

Cities are complex systems and their physical forms are the manifestation of cultural, social and economic processes shaped by the geometry of natural and man-made elements. Digital Surface Models (DSM) using LiDAR provide an efficient volumetric transformation of urban fabric including all built and natural elements which allows the study of urban complexity through the lens of fractal dimension (D). Founded on the “box-counting” method, we reveal a voxelization technique developed in GIS (Geographic Information System) to estimate D values of ten DSM samples across central Melbourne. Estimated D values of surface models (between 2 and 3) provide a measure to interpret the structural complexity of different urban characters defined by the pattern of developments and densities. The correlations between D values with other DSM properties such as elevation, volume, solar radiation and surface roughness, showed a strong relationship between DSM volume and mean elevation. Lower strength correlations were recorded with solar radiation and surface roughness. The proposed method provides opportunities for fractal research to study pressing issues in complex urban environments such as declining physical fitness, mental health and urban biodiversity.
Solvability of a New q-Differential Equation Related to q-Differential Inequality of a Special Type of Analytic Functions
Authors: Aldawish Ibtisam , Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: November 2021

The current study acts on the notion of quantum calculus together with a symmetric differential operator joining a special class of meromorphic multivalent functions in the puncher unit disk. We formulate a quantum symmetric differential operator and employ it to investigate the geometric properties of a class of meromorphic multivalent functions. We illustrate a set of differential inequalities based on the theory of subordination and superordination. In this real case study, we found the analytic solutions of q-differential equations. We indicate that the solutions are given in terms of confluent hypergeometric function of the second type and Laguerre polynomial.
COVID-19 Delta Variant: Perceptions, Worries, and Vaccine-Booster Acceptability among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Alhasan Khalid , Aljamaan Fadi , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Alshahrani Fatimah , Bassrawi Rolan , Alhaboob Ali , Assiri Rasha , Alenezi Shuliweeh , Alaraj Ali , Alhomoudi Reham I. , Batais Mohammed A. , Al-Eyadhy Lama , Halwani Rabih , AbdulMajeed Naif , Al-Jedai Ahmed , Senjab Abdulrahman , Memish Ziad A. , Al-Subaie Sarah , Barry Mazin , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A.
Published: November 2021

Background: As the COVID-19 Delta variant has spread across the globe, healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, worries, and vaccine booster acceptance should be assessed. Methods: Online questionnaires aimed at HCWs in Saudi Arabia were distributed between 9 and 12 August 2021, aiming to evaluate HCWs’ perceptions and worries about the Delta variant as well as their feelings about receiving a booster-vaccine. Results: A total of 1279 HCWs participated, with 51.1% being physicians and 41.7% nurses. 92.5% were aware of the emergence of the Delta variant. Still, only 28.7% were found to have sufficient knowledge of the variant, and their level of worry about it was higher than their level of worry about the Alpha variant (2.32/5 versus 1.79/5). The main information sources cited by the participants were social media (50.5%), while 30.5% used scientific journals. Overall, 55.3% were willing to receive a vaccine booster, while one third would have preferred to receive a new mRNA vaccine specifically developed for the Delta variant. Factors associated with vaccine booster acceptance were receiving both vaccination doses (p = 0.008), believing that the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine is effective against variants (p < 0.001), and agreement that mixing/matching vaccines is effective against variants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A high percentage of HCWs were aware of the Delta variant, but only a small fraction had decent quality of knowledge about it. The participants exhibited high worry levels and showed a modest acceptance of receiving a vaccine booster dose. These results should encourage public health officials to scale up educational efforts to disseminate reliable information about the different variants and provide recommendations about receiving a vaccine booster. Further research on methods to alleviate HCWs’ worries about emerging variants is warranted.
The Association between Mental Motor Imagery and Real Movement in Stroke
Authors: Poveda-García Ana , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Gómez-Martínez Miguel
Published: November 2021

Background: Stroke is the main cause of disability in adults; the most common and long-term sequela is upper-limb hemiparesis. Many studies support the idea that mental motor imagery, which is related to the visualization of movement patterns, activates the same areas of the cortex as if the movement occurred. Objectives: This study aims to examine the capacity to elaborate mental motor images, as well as its relationship to loss of movement in the upper limbs after a stroke. Method: An observational study, in a sample of 39 adults who suffered a stroke, was carried out. The upper limb movement and functionality, cognitive disorders, the ability to visualize mental images, and activities of daily living were examined. Results: The results depicted a statistically significant correlation between the ability to visualize upper limb mental motor images with movement, functionality, and strength. In addition, a correlation between visual–spatial skills and mental visualization of motor ability and upper limb movement was found. Conclusions: These results suggest that the rehabilitation approach focused on the improvement of mental motor imagery could be of interest for the upper limb rehabilitation of movement and functionality.
Status Epilepticus Mortality Risk Factors and a Correlation Survey with the Newly Modified STESS
Authors: Huang Tzu-Hsin , Lai Ming-Chi , Chen Yu-Shiue , Huang Chin-Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency and is usually associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Several clinical scales have been proposed to predict the clinical outcome of such incidents, including the Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS), the modified STESS (mSTESS), and the Encephalitis-Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus-Diazepam Resistance-Image Abnormalities-Tracheal intubation (END-IT). Nevertheless, there is still a need for a more practical and precise predictive scale. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study which examines data from patients with SE in our Department of Neurology between 2009 and 2020. Based on the outcome of each case, the patients were divided into survivor and non-survivor groups. We analyzed the independent factors and adjusted the STESS to achieve a better prediction of prognosis. The predictive accuracy of our new STESS scale was then compared with that of the mSTESS and the END-IT. Results: Data on a total of 59 patients were collected, with 6 of them classified as non-survivors. The effects of the variables of age, sex, underlying disease(s), and type(s) of antiepileptic drug (AED) use showed no significant differences between the survivor and non-survivor groups. Importantly, the number of AEDs used in the first week and the use of thiobarbiturates predicted non-survival. We adjusted the STESS to create the newly modified STESS (nSTESS), which showed a better predictive capacity than the STESS, the mSTESS, and the END-IT. Conclusions: Our adjustment of the STESS with the addition of the factors “number of AEDs within the first week” and “use of thiobarbiturates”, could have a positive impact on the prediction of mortality rates compared with currently used scales. This nSTESS could potentially be useful in clinical practices, for the early prediction of outcomes for patients with SE.
Relationships between Gait Regularity and Cognitive Function, including Cognitive Domains and Mild Cognitive Impairment, in Community-Dwelling Older People
Authors: Miyazaki Takasuke , Kiyama Ryoji , Nakai Yuki , Kawada Masayuki , Takeshita Yasufumi , Araki Sota , Makizako Hyuma
Published: November 2021

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlations between gait regularity, cognitive functions including cognitive domains, and the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older people. This study included 463 older adults (63.4% women, mean age: 74.1), and their step and stride regularity along the three-axis components was estimated from trunk acceleration, which was measured by inertial measurement units during a comfortable gait. Four aspects of cognitive function were assessed using a tablet computer: attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory, and participants were classified into those with or without MCI. The vertical component of stride and step regularity was associated with attention and executive function (r = −0.176–−0.109, p ≤ 0.019), and processing speed (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), after it was adjusted for age and gait speed. The low vertical component of step regularity was related to the MCI after it was adjusted for covariates (OR 0.019; p = 0.016). The results revealed that cognitive function could affect gait regularity, and the vertical component of gait regularity, as measured by a wearable sensor, could play an important role in investigating cognitive decline in older people.
Perinatal Mental Health; The Role and the Effect of the Partner: A Systematic Review
Authors: Antoniou Evangelia , Stamoulou Pinelopi , Tzanoulinou Maria-Dalida , Orovou Eirini
Published: November 2021

Pregnancy is a transitional period involving the most complex experiences in a woman’s life, during which the woman’s psychological status can be affected by a wide range of psychosocial variables. However, positive interpersonal relationships appear to constitute a supportive network that significantly influences perinatal mental health. Therefore, the presence of a supportive partner works psycho-protectively against the difficulties and pressures created by the transition to maternity. The aim of this study was to review systematically the influence of the partner on the woman’s psychology during the perinatal period. Fourteen research articles from PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and PsycINFO were included in the review from a total of 1846 articles. Most studies have shown a correlation between the support from the partner and prenatal depression and anxiety. Support from the spouse during childbirth is related to the extent to which women feel safe during labor as well as the stress during childbirth. The role of the partner is very important in the occurrence of perinatal mental disorders in women. Of course, more research needs to be done in the field of perinatal mental health. The risk factors that lead to mental disorders need to be clarified and the role of the partner in the perinatal period requires reinforcement and needs to be given the necessary importance.
The Role of Vitamin E in Slowing Down Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lakhan Ram , Sharma Manoj , Batra Kavita , Beatty Frazier B.
Published: November 2021

With the aging population, dementia emerges as a public health concern. In 2012, the Health and Retirement Study found that 8.8% of adults over 65 years suffered from dementia. The etiopathogenesis and treatment of dementia are not well understood. Antioxidant properties of Vitamin E and its major elements tocopherols and tocotrienols have been reported to be effective in slowing down the progression of dementia from its initial stage of Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the current review aims to explore the role of vitamin E on MCI. A literature search using the key words “Vitamin E, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and mild cognitive impairment” was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were: (1) articles published in the past ten years; (2) published in English language; (3) published in peer-reviewed journals; and (4) descriptive and epidemiological or evaluation studies. Articles published prior to 2010, focused on other forms of dementia than MCI, grey literature and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded. A total of 22 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. The results were equivocal. Eleven studies showed some level of the neuroprotective effect of Vitamin E, tocopherols and tocotrienols on the progression of MCI. The mixed results of this review suggest further exploration of the possible protective effects of Vitamin E on the development of dementia. Future studies can be conducted to decipher antioxidant properties of vitamin E and its association with slowing down the cognitive decline.
Burnout, Attachment and Mentalization in Nursing Students and Nurse Professionals
Authors: Bordoagni Giulia , Fino Edita , Agostini Alessandro
Published: November 2021

(1) Background. In caretaking professions, attachment style and mentalization capacities are essential factors for establishing an effective caretaker–patient relationship and for buffering burnout. While attachment avoidance and dependency are considered risk factors for burnout, impairment in mentalization capacity is associated with psychological distress and ineffective emotion regulation. (2) Objective: Evaluating the attachment style and mentalization capacity in nurse professionals and nursing students. We further investigated the impact of these factors on burnout in professional nurses. (3) Method: 94 nursing students and 94 controls and 34 professional nurses completed the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ). For professional nurses, the Maslach’s Burnout Inventory (MBI) was also administered. (4) Results: Nursing students exhibited lower scores in secure attachment and higher scores in anxiety over relationships compared to controls while no difference in mentalization capacity was found between both groups. Importantly, attachment anxiety resulted a significant predictor of burnout in professional nurses. (5) Conclusions: Nursing students might compensate their attachment insecurity with high mentalization. Attachment security may play a protective role against burnout in the professional nurses. Education programs aimed at enhancing mentalizing abilities might facilitate nursing students’ entrance in the forthcoming clinical environment and practice. Implementing training strategies based on attachment theory may contribute to burnout prevention in nurse professionals.
Industrial Co-Agglomeration and Air Pollution Reduction: An Empirical Evidence Based on Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Zhuang Rulong , Mi Kena , Feng Zhangwei
Published: November 2021

Industrial co-agglomeration plays a significant role in the moving up of the manufacturing industry in the value chain and in transforming China from a manufacturing giant into a world manufacturing power. This study establishes a co-aggregation index to explore spatio-temporal changes of the co-agglomeration between manufacturing and producer services in 30 provinces of China from 2004 to 2019. Furthermore, we use spatial Durbin model to analyze the impact of industrial co-agglomeration on air pollution reduction. We find that (1) the co-agglomeration index varies remarkably at spatio-temporal scale; (2) high co-agglomeration index is mainly distributed in eastern and central China, while low co-agglomeration index is mainly located in the western region; (3) the co-agglomeration index presents a cluster pattern among provinces, with the cluster of high value in eastern China and the cluster of low value in western China; and (4) the co-agglomeration between manufacturing and producer services is proven effetely to reduce air pollution, which is accompanied with spatial spillover effect. We also provided policy implications in line with diverse industries, multi hierarchies, and different regions, promoting the coordination of manufacturing and producer services and improving air quality.
MCAM/MUC18/CD146 as a Multifaceted Warning Marker of Melanoma Progression in Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Rapanotti Maria Cristina , Cugini Elisa , Nuccetelli Marzia , Terrinoni Alessandro , Di Raimondo Cosimo , Lombardo Paolo , Costanza Gaetana , Cosio Terenzio , Rossi Piero , Orlandi Augusto , Campione Elena , Bernardini Sergio , Blot-Chabaud Marcel , Bianchi Luca
Published: November 2021

Human malignant melanoma shows a high rate of mortality after metastasization, and its incidence is continuously rising worldwide. Several studies have suggested that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 plays an important role in the progression of this malignant disease. MCAM/MUC18/CD146 is a typical single-spanning transmembrane glycoprotein, existing as two membrane isoforms, long and short, and an additional soluble form, sCD146. We previously documented that molecular MCAM/MUC18/CD146 expression is strongly associated with disease progression. Recently, we showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 can serve as melanoma-specific-targets in the selection of highly primitive circulating melanoma cells, and constitute putative proteins associated with disease spreading progression. Here, we analyzed CD146 molecular expression at onset or at disease recurrence in an enlarged melanoma case series. For some patients, we also performed the time courses of molecular monitoring. Moreover, we explored the role of soluble CD146 in different cohorts of melanoma patients at onset or disease progression, rather than in clinical remission, undergoing immune therapy or free from any clinical treatment. We showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 can be considered as: (1) a membrane antigen suitable for identification and enrichment in melanoma liquid biopsy; (2) a highly effective molecular “warning” marker for minimal residual disease monitoring; and (3) a soluble protein index of inflammation and putative response to therapeutic treatments.
CD93 Signaling via Rho Proteins Drives Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Spreading Endothelial Cells
Authors: Barbera Stefano , Raucci Luisa , Lugano Roberta , Tosi Gian Marco , Dimberg Anna , Santucci Annalisa , Galvagni Federico , Orlandini Maurizio
Published: November 2021

During angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules expressed on the endothelial cell surface promote the growth and survival of newly forming vessels. Hence, elucidation of the signaling pathways activated by cell-to-matrix adhesion may assist in the discovery of new targets to be used in antiangiogenic therapy. In proliferating endothelial cells, the single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein CD93 has recently emerged as an important endothelial cell adhesion molecule regulating vascular maturation. In this study, we unveil a signaling pathway triggered by CD93 that regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics responsible of endothelial cell adhesion. We show that the Src-dependent phosphorylation of CD93 and the adaptor protein Cbl leads to the recruitment of Crk, which works as a downstream integrator in the CD93-mediated signaling. Moreover, confocal microscopy analysis of FRET-based biosensors shows that CD93 drives the coordinated activation of Rac1 and RhoA at the cell edge of spreading cells, thus promoting the establishment of cell polarity and adhesion required for cell motility.
CalDAG-GEFI Deficiency in a Family with Symptomatic Heterozygous and Homozygous Carriers of a Likely Pathogenic Variant in RASGRP2
Authors: Morais Sara , Pereira Mónica , Lau Catarina , Gonçalves Ana , Monteiro Catarina , Gonçalves Marta , Oliveira Jorge , Moreira Lurdes , Cruz Eugénia , Santos Rosário , Lima Margarida
Published: November 2021

RASGRP2 encodes the calcium and diacylglycerol (DAG)-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor I (CalDAG-GEFI) identified as a Rap1-activating molecule. Pathogenic variants previously identified in RASGRP2 allowed the characterization of CalDAG-GEFI deficiency as a non-syndromic, autosomal recessive platelet function disease. We report on the clinical manifestations and laboratory features of a Portuguese family with a likely pathogenic variant in RASGRP2 (c.999G>C leading to a p.Lys333Asn change in the CDC25 catalytic domain of CalDAG-GEFI) and discuss the contribution of this variant to the disease manifestations. Based on the study of this family with one homozygous patient and five heterozygous carriers and on a critical analysis of the literature, we challenge previous knowledge that CalDAG-GEFI deficiency only manifests in homozygous patients. Our data suggest that at least for the RASGRP2 variant reported herein, there is a phenotypic expression, albeit milder, in heterozygous carriers.