bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Stock Markets among BRICS Members Integrated? A Regime Shift-Based Co-Integration Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Ayesha , Shamim Mohd , Asif Mohammad , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: April 2022

Long-run relationships and structural breaks have often been confused so that many investigators ignore the structural breaks in long-run stock price relationships. In this paper, we investigate the long-run relationships among stock prices in BRICS countries in a bivariate framework. We used a non-linear threshold cointegration test, which endogenously incorporates possible regime shift behaviors into the long-run relationships from 2004 to 2018. The Johansen cointegration test, the Gregory and Hansen cointegration test, and the Hatemi-J regime shift cointegration test, which allow for single and double structural breaks, were used. The principal finding of this paper confirms the presence of cointegration among the BRICS stock markets with two endogenous structural breaks. The study confirms that ignoring the presence of structural breaks in long-run series data can produce ambiguous results. It also confirms the absence of cointegration among these stock markets (Brazil and China, India and China, and China and South Africa) after two endogenous structural breaks. These empirical findings support conjecture on more than just the changes in the relationships between the BRICS stock markets. The disintegrated markets suggest the absence of arbitrage activity and vice versa. Thus, disintegrated markets mean that investors can obtain long-term gains through international portfolio diversification. While the benefit of the diversification is very limited in the long run, it is unlikely to be eliminated in practice. Hence, there is a possibility of obtaining an unusual profit in such a market, and consequently the assumptions of market efficiency could also be violated.
Accelerated Diagnosis of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Computer Vision with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
Authors: Ghani Arfan , Aina Akinyemi , See Chan Hwang , Yu Hongnian , Keates Simeon
Published: April 2022

Early detection and diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as the exact separation of non-COVID-19 cases in a non-invasive manner in the earliest stages of the disease, are critical concerns in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based models offer a remarkable capacity for providing an accurate and efficient system for the detection and diagnosis of COVID-19. Due to the limited availability of RT-PCR (Reverse transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction) tests in developing countries, imaging-based techniques could offer an alternative and affordable solution to detect COVID-19 symptoms. This paper reviewed the current CNN-based approaches and investigated a custom-designed CNN method to detect COVID-19 symptoms from CT (Computed Tomography) chest scan images. This study demonstrated an integrated method to accelerate the process of classifying CT scan images. In order to improve the computational time, a hardware-based acceleration method was investigated and implemented on a reconfigurable platform (FPGA). Experimental results highlight the difference between various approximations of the design, providing a range of design options corresponding to both software and hardware. The FPGA-based implementation involved a reduced pre-processed feature vector for the classification task, which is a unique advantage of this particular application. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, results from the CPU-based classification and the FPGA were measured separately and compared retrospectively.
Design of a Low-Profile Wideband Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna with Reduced Gain Drop
Authors: Li Zhiyi , Chen Xing , Tang Yuzhu , Liao Liangbing , Deng Linwan , Zhao Zhifan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a novel low-profile magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna with wideband is presented. The conventional vertical fixing structure is bended four times from the center to the sides. The Γ-shaped feeding structure is bended two times to lower the height of the antenna step by step. The effect of three kinds of vertical wall is discussed to show their influence on boresight gain. Through comparison, only one vertical wall is erected on the left side of the ground to decrease the boresight gain drop at 2.2 GHz. Both simulation and analysis are made to sufficiently explain the working principle. At last, the proposed ME dipole antenna has only 0.095λ0 (λ0 is the center operating wavelength in free space) in height, and the wideband property is still maintained. By simulation, the relative bandwidth for VSWR < 2.0 is 47.9% (from 1.35 to 2.2 GHz). The boresight gain ranges from 8.1 to 9.6 dBi in the operating band. The measured relative bandwidth for VSWR < 2.0 is 50.3% (from 1.34 to 2.24 GHz), and the boresight gain ranges from 7.38 to 8.73 dBi. The gain drop on boresight is less than 1.4 dBi. Radiation patterns show a unidirectional characteristic in the whole operating band. Additionally, the cross-polarization level is less than −25 dB on boresight. The simulating and measuring results agree well with each other. Therefore, the proposed antenna is suitable for applications of limited height and wideband.
Development of a Predicting Model for Calculating the Geometry and the Characteristic Curves of Pumps Running as Turbines in Both Operating Modes
Authors: Barbarelli Silvio , Pisano Vincenzo , Amelio Mario
Published: April 2022

This article is part of a scientific research project dedicated to the study of plants generating electricity from hydraulic sources by exploiting the technology of inverted flow centrifugal pumps, also known as PAT. The main purpose is to provide a contribution to the methodologies already existing in the literature, creating a one-dimensional model capable of predicting the characteristic curves of the machine, in both operating modes, without knowing its geometry. The first part of the work is therefore focused on the description of the fluid dynamic model, capable of determining the losses in the various sections of the machine, using different calculation approaches. The development of this model was carried out using a set of six centrifugal pumps, measured at the DIMEG Department of the University of Calabria and at the University of Trento. For this range of pumps, the characteristic curves were therefore obtained, both in pump and turbine operation. The second part of this work focuses on the description of the geometric model, useful as generally few data are provided in the manufacturer’s catalog, which is necessary for the correct installation of the machine. The geometric model can determine, using these parameters and through good design techniques and statistical diagrams, the entire geometry of the machine. This model refers to a pump prototype, having a simplified geometry, for which the characteristic curves of the PAT are obtained in pump operation. These curves are compared with those present in the manufacturer’s catalog, and if they show too high deviations, it is possible to act on some geometric parameters, chosen based on a sensitivity analysis. Once satisfactory results have been obtained, it is possible to obtain the characteristic curves also in turbine operation. This procedure has been finally applied to another PAT, taken as an example.
Process-Product Interdependencies in Lamination of Electrodes and Separators for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Leithoff Ruben , Fröhlich Arian , Masuch Steffen , Ventura Silva Gabriela , Dröder Klaus
Published: April 2022

In today’s cell production, the focus lies on maximizing productivity while maintaining product quality. To achieve this, the lamination of electrode and separator is one key process technology, as it bonds the electrode and separator to form mechanically resilient intermediate products. These mechanically resilient intermediates are necessary to enable high throughput processes. Although the lamination process has significant effects on the electrochemical performance of battery cells, it has not been sufficiently researched with regard to its process-product interdependencies. Therefore, this paper addresses the investigation of these interdependencies and proposes three characterization methods (grey scale analysis, high potential tests, electrochemical cycling and C-rate tests). The results of the three methods show that the lamination process with its process parameters (lamination temperature, lamination pressure and material feed rate) has an influence on both the properties of the intermediate product and the cell properties. In conclusion, the knowledge of the process-product interdependencies is essential in order to utilize the advantages of lamination integrated into the process chain and consequently achieve quality-assured cell production.
Numerical Simulation on Heating Effects during Hydrogen Absorption in Metal Hydride Systems for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Tan Jiahui , Chai Mu , He Kuanfang , Chen Yong
Published: April 2022

A 2-D numerical simulation model was established based on a small-sized metal hydride storage tank, and the model was validated by the existing experiments. An external cooling bath was equipped to simulate the heating effects of hydrogen absorption reactions. Furthermore, both the type and the flow rate of the cooling fluids in the cooling bath were altered, so that changes in temperature and hydrogen storage capacity in the hydrogen storage model could be analyzed. It is demonstrated that the reaction rate in the center of the hydrogen storage tank gradually becomes lower than that at the wall surface. When the flow rate of the fluid is small, significant differences can be found in the cooling liquid temperature at the inlet and the outlet cooling bath. In areas adjacent to its inlet, the reaction rate is higher than that at the outlet, and a better cooling effect is produced by water. As the flow rate increases, the total time consumed by hydrogen adsorption reaction is gradually reduced to a constant value. At the same flow rate, the wall surface of the tank shows a reaction rate insignificantly different from that in its center, provided that cooling water or oil coolant is replaced with air.
Survey Results on Using Nudges for Choice of Green-Energy Supplier
Authors: Miłaszewicz Danuta
Published: April 2022

One of the most important climate change mitigation strategies is to exploit the potential of individual behavioral changes in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the insights of behavioral economics are proving helpful in this regard. This contributes to improving traditional instruments, developing new ones related to choice architecture (nudges), and combining them within behavioral decarbonization intervention strategies. It is important, in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency, whether the instruments of such interventions are supported by citizens. This paper presents the results of a survey of Polish respondents’ (n = 1064) reactions to hypothetical nudges regarding the choice of a “green energy” supplier. The main research questions of the study are: how much civic support do these behavioral intervention tools have, and what is the importance of selected factors for their acceptance? The aim of the study is to present nudges as one of the strategies of pro-environmental behavioral change and to analyze selected factors of acceptance of these instruments by the Polish society. There are two main conclusions of the research: (1) Poles’ support for the green nudges analyzed is comparatively high, like in other European countries; (2) statistically significant differences in support for one of them are age and individual political party preferences.
Polyhumous Dystrophic Pit Lakes: Hydrographic and Hydrochemical Characteristics on the Example of Reservoirs in the Włoszczowska Basin, Central Poland
Authors: Molenda Tadeusz , Kostka Beata , Malik Ireneusz , Lejwoda Paweł , Radziejowski Wiktor , Kidawa Joanna
Published: April 2022

The article presents the hydrographic and hydrochemical characteristics of post-exploitation reservoirs formed in peat excavations. Two natural bog lakes were selected as the control objects for the study. The research indicated that both the waters of post-exploitation peat reservoirs and natural bog lakes show low electrolytic conductivity (<100 µS/cm) and acidic water reaction (pH < 5.5). The concentration of major cations and anions is also very low. The concentration of calcium and magnesium does not exceed a few mg/L. Hydrochemically, all post-exploitation peat reservoirs are bi-ionic sulphate–calcium (SO42−-Ca2+). This distinguishes post-exploitation peat reservoirs from natural bog lakes in which multi-ion waters were found, for example, sulphate–chloride–calcium (SO42−-Cl−-Ca2+) and sulphate–calcium–sodium (SO42−-Ca2+-Na+). The calculated water humic state index (HSI) allowed the classifying of the examined reservoirs as polyhumous. The value of this index, in all reservoirs, was >50. Based on the calculated hydrochemical dystrophy index (HDI), it was found that all post-exploitation peat reservoirs are dystrophic. So far, no such hydrochemical type has been found in other post-exploitation peat reservoirs. Therefore, the examined objects should be classified as unique post-exploitation peat reservoirs.
Location and Technical Requirements for Photovoltaic Power Stations in Poland
Authors: Kurowska Krystyna , Kryszk Hubert , Bielski Stanisław
Published: April 2022

The objective of Poland’s energy policy is to guarantee energy security while enhancing economic competitiveness and energy efficiency, thus minimizing the power sector’s environmental impact and optimizing the use of energy resources in the country. Poland is not the only European country to rely on coal for power generation. Historical factors and large coal deposits act as natural barriers to increasing the share of renewable energy in the Polish power sector. Yet, today, environmental concerns and climate change are prompting many countries to move away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, are an alternative to traditional energy generated from fossil fuels. However, investors developing solar and wind farms in Poland encounter numerous problems at each stage of the project. These difficulties are associated mainly with the location, technical requirements, infrastructure and formal and legal documents. This study aimed to identify the key factors that influence the development of photovoltaic power stations in Poland, with special emphasis on the choice of location and technical aspects of the investment process. The demand for clean energy and the renewable energy prospects for Poland are discussed based on the example of solar farms. Sixty-seven prospective farm locations were analyzed, and the results of the analysis were used to identify the main barriers and opportunities for renewable energy development in Poland. The option of connecting solar farms to the existing power grid was also examined. This study demonstrates that the development of solar farms in Poland is inhibited mainly by technical barriers, in particular the lack of options for connecting farms to the power grid, as well as the absence of support mechanisms and dedicated legislative solutions, rather than environmental obstacles.
Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicles as Mobile Coupled Heat and Power Backup-Plant in Neighbourhoods
Authors: Tiedemann Tobias , Kroener Michael , Vehse Martin , Agert Carsten
Published: April 2022

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can be used during idle times to convert hydrogen into electricity in a decentralised manner, thus ensuring a completely renewable energy supply. In addition to the electric power, waste heat is generated in the fuel cell stack that can also be used. This paper investigates how the energy demand of a compiled German neighbourhood can be met by FCEVs and identifies potential technical problems. For this purpose, energy scenarios are modelled in the Open Energy System Modelling Framework (oemof). An optimisation simulation finds the most energetically favourable solution for the 10-day period under consideration. Up to 49% of the heat demand for heating and hot water can be covered directly by the waste heat of the FCEVs. As the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to be charged increases, so does this share. 5 of the 252 residents must permanently provide an FCEV to supply the neighbourhood. The amount of hydrogen required was identified as a problem. If the vehicles cannot be supplied with hydrogen in a stationary way, 15 times more vehicles are needed than required in terms of performance due to the energy demand.
Effects of Microbial Inoculants on Fermentation Quality and Aerobic Stability of Paper Mulberry Silages Prepared with Molasses or Cellulase
Authors: Zhang Ying-Chao , Wang Xue-Kai , Lin Yan-Li , Zheng Yu-Long , Ni Kui-Kui , Yang Fu-Yu
Published: April 2022

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.) is an unconventional forage with high crude protein content and is widely used in China. In order to evaluate the pattern of fermentation quality and the aerobic stability when inoculated with lactic acid bacteria, laboratory-scale silage was prepared. The experimental groups included a control group (CK), a Lactobacillus plantarum ‘LC365283’ (selected from paper mulberry silage) treatment (L1), a commercial inoculant Lactobacillus plantarum treatment (GF), a commercial inoculant Lactobacillus buchneri treatment (FR), a 3% molasses treatment (MO), a 150 U/g cellulase treatment (CE), and their combinations (MO + L1, MO + GF, MO + FR, CE + L1, CE + GF, and CE + FR). The changes in bacterial community and composition of the fermentation products were evaluated after being ensiled for 30 days and unsealed for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. Compared with the CK, MO and CE, the silages treated with L1, MO + L1, and CE + L1 showed higher lactic acid concentrations, lower pH values, and lower ammonia nitrogen concentrations (p < 0.05). During the first 3 days of aerobic exposure, the pH values and organic acid content changed slightly in all treatments. The present study suggests that addition of L1 was better than commercial inoculum, and the paper mulberry silages could be well preserved after being unsealed for 3 days.
Interoperable Data Analytics Reference Architectures Empowering Digital-Twin-Aided Manufacturing
Authors: Marosi Attila Csaba , Emodi Márk , Hajnal Ákos , Lovas Róbert , Kiss Tamás , Poser Valerie , Antony Jibinraj , Bergweiler Simon , Hamzeh Hamed , Deslauriers James , Kovács József
Published: April 2022

The use of mature, reliable, and validated solutions can save significant time and cost when introducing new technologies to companies. Reference Architectures represent such best-practice techniques and have the potential to increase the speed and reliability of the development process in many application domains. One area where Reference Architectures are increasingly utilized is cloud-based systems. Exploiting the high-performance computing capability offered by clouds, while keeping sovereignty and governance of proprietary information assets can be challenging. This paper explores how Reference Architectures can be applied to overcome this challenge when developing cloud-based applications. The presented approach was developed within the DIGITbrain European project, which aims at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in realizing smart business models called Manufacturing as a Service, via the efficient utilization of Digital Twins. In this paper, an overview of Reference Architecture concepts, as well as their classification, specialization, and particular application possibilities are presented. Various data management and potentially spatially detached data processing configurations are discussed, with special attention to machine learning techniques, which are of high interest within various sectors, including manufacturing. A framework that enables the deployment and orchestration of such overall data analytics Reference Architectures in clouds resources is also presented, followed by a demonstrative application example where the applicability of the introduced techniques and solutions are showcased in practice.
Evaluating the Performance of Fire Rate of Spread Models in Northern-European Calluna vulgaris Heathlands
Authors: Minsavage-Davis Charles D. , Davies G. Matt
Published: April 2022

Land-use, climate, and policy changes have impacted the fire regimes of many landscapes across northern Europe. Heathlands in oceanic climates are globally important ecosystems that have experienced an increase in the prevalence of destructive wildfire. Many of these landscapes are also managed using traditional prescribed burning that enhances their structural diversity and agricultural productivity. The changing role of wild and managed fire highlights a necessity to better understand the performance of fire behaviour prediction models for these ecosystems to support sustainable fire risk management. Our research evaluates the outputs of several empirical and quasi-empirical prediction models, as well as their varying software implementations, against observations of fire behaviour. The Rothermel model and its implementations predict rates of spread with similar accuracy to baseline empirical models and provide tolerable estimates of observed fire rate of spread. The generic shrubland empirical model developed by Anderson et al. consistently overpredicts observed rates of spread for prescribed burns in target fuel structures, but its predictions otherwise have a strong correlation with observed spread rate. A range of empirical models and software tools thus appear appropriate to assist managers who wish to evaluate potential fire behaviour and assess risk in heathland landscapes.
A Study on the Factors Affecting Customer Satisfaction with Institutional Foodservice during COVID-19
Authors: Guak Jie-Won , Oh Ji-Eun , Cho Mi-Sook
Published: April 2022

This study used a mixed-methods design combining qualitative and quantitative research to understand the factors affecting customer satisfaction with institutional foodservice during COVID-19. First, in-depth interviews and open coding were conducted with institutional foodservice users, and they indicated that harmonious menu composition, food taste, food temperature, close proximity to the restaurant, clean tableware, staff hygiene, hand sanitizer use, and table dividers were important concepts (qualities). Second, factors affecting customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction with institutional foodservice were analyzed using the Kano model, customer satisfaction coefficient, and importance–satisfaction analysis. The highest priorities derived from those analyses for improving the quality of institutional foodservice were harmonious menu composition and food temperature. This mixed-methods study is meaningful because it comprehensively analyzes the satisfaction factors important to customers of institutional foodservice, which have changed because of COVID-19. Therefore, these results will help to improve institutional foodservice and industrial development.
Effect of Lentinan on Lipid Oxidation and Quality Change in Goose Meatballs during Cold Storage
Authors: Fu Li , Du Lihui , Sun Yangying , Fan Xiankang , Zhou Changyu , He Jun , Pan Daodong
Published: April 2022

The effects of different concentrations of lentinan (LNT) (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4%) on the oxidation characteristics and physicochemical properties of goose meatballs were investigated during different cold storage (4 °C) stages (3, 7 and 12 days). After adding LNT, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) of goose meatballs significantly decreased compared to the LNT-free sample during cold storage, which indicated that LNT can inhibit the fat oxidation and the release of nitrogenous substances. Meanwhile, the presence of LNT makes microstructure of the goose meatball samples become denser during the whole storage time. The headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MC) results showed that the proportion of aldehydes in the 4% LNT group reached 0 during storage, suggesting that high LNT concentration inhibits the formation of oxidized products in meat products. The sensory evaluation showed that the addition of LNT improved the color, appearance, flavor, and overall acceptance of goose meatballs, and the 2% LNT group had the highest score in overall acceptance. In summary, the addition of LNT could delay lipid oxidation and improve the quality of goose meatballs during cold storage.
Security Risk Level Prediction of Carbofuran Pesticide Residues in Chinese Vegetables Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Jiang Tongqiang , Liu Tianqi , Dong Wei , Liu Yingjie , Zhang Qingchuan
Published: April 2022

The supervision of security risk level of carbofuran pesticide residues can guarantee the food quality and security of residents effectively. In order to predict the potential key risk vegetables and regions, this paper constructs a security risk assessment model, combined with the k-means++ algorithm, to establish the risk security level. Then the evaluation index value of the security risk model is predicted to determine the security risk level based on the deep learning model. The model consists of a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM) optimized by an arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA), namely, CNN-AOA-LSTM. In this paper, a comparative experiment is conducted on a small sample data set of independently constructed security risk assessment indicators. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the CNN-AOA-LSTM prediction model based on attention mechanism is 6.12% to 18.99% higher than several commonly used deep neural network models (gated recurrent unit, LSTM, and recurrent neural networks). The prediction model proposed in this paper provides scientific reference to establish the priority order of supervision, and provides forward-looking supervision for the government.
Bioactivity and Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds in Gastrointestinal Digestion of Tomato Bagasse Extracts
Authors: Coelho Marta , Oliveira Carla , Coscueta Ezequiel R. , Fernandes João , Pereira Ricardo N. , Teixeira José A. , Rodrigues António Sebastião , Pintado Manuela E.
Published: April 2022

A nutrient-rich diet is a key to improving the chemical signals, such as antioxidants, which modulate pathogens’ resistance in the gut and prevent diseases. A current industrial problem is the generation of undervalued by-products, such as tomato bagasse, which are rich in bioactive compounds and of commercial interest (carotenoids and phenolic compounds). This work analyzed the effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the bioactivity and bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from tomato bagasse extracts. Thus, the extraction by ohmic heating (OH) technology was compared with conventional (organic solvents). The results showed that the main phenolic compounds identified by UPLC-qTOF-MS were p-coumaric acid, naringenin, and luteolin. A higher recovery index for total phenolic compounds throughout the gastrointestinal digestion was observed for OH while for carotenoids, a strong reduction after stomach conditions was observed for both extracts. Furthermore, colon-available fraction exhibited a prebiotic effect upon different Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, but a strain-dependent and more accentuated effect on OH. Thus, the extraction technology highly influenced bioaccessibility, with OH demonstrating a positive impact on the recovery of bioactive compounds and related health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, prebiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Of these properties, the last is demonstrated here for the first time.
Synthesis of Bioactive Materials by In Situ One-Step Direct Loading of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil into Chitosan-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Stoleru Elena , Dumitriu Raluca P. , Ailiesei Gabriela-Liliana , Yilmaz Catalina , Brebu Mihai
Published: April 2022

Hydrogel conjugates based on chitosan and an essential oil were synthetized by an ultrasound-assisted emulsification approach. Rheology studies revealed a gel-type structure with pronounced compactness and flexibility while SEM showed the formation of a two-level ordered network with highly interconnected pores. The swelling studies indicated a pH-dependent behavior with a significant overshooting effect. The synergistic effects of the components in clove essential oil led to a strong antioxidant character and an enhanced antimicrobial activity of the conjugate hydrogels. The bioactivity was maintained for 6 months, despite a slight decrease in the antimicrobial effect. Hydrogel conjugates were found to be very stable even after two months immersed in acidic solutions that would otherwise dissolve the chitosan matrix. Ultrasound emulsification was proved as an efficient one-step loading method of hydrophobic clove essential oil into hydrophilic chitosan matrix. It was found that clove oil and its components have a double role. Besides providing bioactivity, they also behave as gelation-inducing agents, acting as an alternative to the classical chemical cross-linkers to ensure the good physical and chemical stabilization of chitosan.
Advances in Deformation and Permeability Evolution during Creep of Rocks
Authors: Wu Xiancheng , Liu Zaobao
Published: April 2022

The goal of this paper is to review the research advances in deformation and permeability evolution during the creep of rocks in geoengineering problems through aspects of experiments, models, and methods. On the experimental side, we reviewed the reports related to creep-permeability evolution in resolving real geoengineering problems. In the section on the constitutive model, we summarized the equations of the relationship between creep deformation and permeability evolution in reproducing the interaction mechanism of creep-permeability. In addition, in the section on the numerical modeling method, we examined the modelling methods able to apply the mechanism of creep-permeability evolution as a real problem. Our report concludes that it is important to conduct experiments to demonstrate the deformation and permeability evolution during the creep of heterogeneous rocks in multi physics fields (Thermal-Mechanics-Hydraulic-Chemical). Additionally, we confirm that it is necessary to improve the proposed equation of permeability evolution by considering strain and damage. Finally, this paper suggests that the DEM (Discrete Element Method) is available to evaluate the influence of the heterogeneousness of rocks on deformation and permeability evolution.
Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence among Young Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alagal Reham I. , AlFaris Nora A. , AlTamimi Jozaa Z. , Alshwaiyat Naseem M. , Ahmad Aryati , Alzaheb Riyadh A. , AlKehayez Nora M.
Published: April 2022

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries who live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The body weight and height of 3600 young men (aged 20 to 35 years) were measured using standardized methods. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were collected using face-to-face interviews. Results: Overweight and obesity was reported in 48.3% of the study sample; 42.2% were overweight, and 6.2% were obese. The overweight and obesity rate was associated with the nationality of the participants. The lowest rate of overweight and obesity was observed among participants from Bangladesh (19.4%), while the highest rate was reported among participants from Egypt (67.5%). Older age and longer residency duration were associated with overweight and obesity risk among the subjects. Conclusion: The outcomes revealed a fairly high prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants. The notable disparity in overweight and obesity rates among participants of different nationalities is confirmed. The risk of overweight and obesity among young men in Saudi Arabia is associated with nationality, age, and residency duration.
Ancient Restoration in Roman Polychromy: Detecting Aesthetic Changes?
Authors: Neri Elisabetta , Nasr Nesrine , Strivay David
Published: April 2022

Few instances of material evidence for ancient colour restorations have been documented over the last 20 years, during which time the scientific approach to the study of polychromy has been defined. This article presents eight new cases of ancient restoration of colour from the Roman Imperial Age. By combining observations in visible and UV light and video microscopy with a micro-stratigraphic approach, MA-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and contextual archaeological data, we have observed evidence which could suggest an aesthetic change in the use of colour between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE: from polychrome and multitone effects to the use of monochromatic, flat, and uniform colour finishes.
Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Characteristics of Sambucus nigra L. Blossom from Different Regions in Bulgaria
Authors: Gentscheva Galia , Milkova-Tomova Iliana , Nikolova Krastena , Buhalova Dragomira , Andonova Velichka , Gugleva Viliana , Petkova Nadezhda , Yotkovska Ina , Ivanova Nadezhda
Published: April 2022

The aim of the current study was to investigate some bioactive compounds from Sambucus nigra L. blossoms and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the obtained extracts. In this study, samples from four different regions of Bulgaria /Rhodopes, Plovdiv, Strandzha and Dobrich region/ from Sambucus nigra L. were collected and analyzed for total phenols, flavonoids, sugars and amino acids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by four assays based on different mechanisms. The sweetness index and total sweetness index of the extracts were also evaluated. The carbohydrate composition of the leaves and the blossoms was determined, with glucose and fructose predominating in both cases, as their contents were not above 3%. Nineteen amino acids have been identified in the composition of Sambucus nigra L., and glutamic, leucine and asparagine acids are predominant. The highest antioxidant activity and total content of phenols (49.2 ± 1 mg GAE/g) and flavonols (18.6 ± 0.5 mgQE/g) were found in the sample from the Rhodope region. Therefore, the higher altitude and lower temperature in mountains could influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in blossoms of Sambucus nigra L., which improves the antioxidant potential of the samples.
Complementary Food Feeding Hygiene Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers with Children Aged 6–24 Months in Tegedie District, Northwest Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Teshome Habtam Ayenew , Yallew Walelegn Worku , Mulualem Jember Azanaw , Engdaw Garedew Tadege , Zeleke Agerie Mengistie
Published: April 2022

The hygienic practices of mothers during complementary food feeding are crucial in the protection of vulnerable infants and children aged 6–24 months from childhood communicable diseases such as diarrhea and malnutrition. However, sufficient evidence on the hygienic practices of mothers during complementary food feeding and their associated factors is limited. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the levels of complementary feeding hygiene practice and its associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–24 months in the Tegedie District, Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 March to 17 April 2021, among 576 mothers with children aged 6–24 months in the Tegedie District, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, then entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with outcome variables, and variables with p-values of <0.05 in the final models were considered statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of hygienic practice during complementary food feeding of their children aged 6–24 months was 33.6%, with 95% (CI 29.7% to 37.6%) of them having good practice. Living in an urban area (AOR = 7.02, 95% CI: (4.14, 11.88)), the presence of a handwashing facility near the latrine (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.18, 7.70)), the presence of a separate area to store raw and cooked foods (AOR = 5.87, 95% CI: (2.84, 12.13)), and the presence of a three-compartment dish washing system (AOR = 5.70, 95%,CI: (3.41, 9.54)) were predictors of practicing good hygienic complementary food feeding. The prevalence of good hygienic practices during complementary feeding among mothers was low. The district health office and health extension workers should work to improve maternal hygienic practices during complementary feeding.
Saccharides as Particulate Matter Tracers of Biomass Burning: A Review
Authors: Vincenti Beatrice , Paris Enrico , Carnevale Monica , Palma Adriano , Guerriero Ettore , Borello Domenico , Paolini Valerio , Gallucci Francesco
Published: April 2022

The adverse effects of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) on health and ecosystems, as well as on meteorology and climate change, are well known to the scientific community. It is therefore undeniable that a good understanding of the sources of PM is crucial for effective control of emissions and to protect public health. One of the major contributions to atmospheric PM is biomass burning, a practice used both in agriculture and home heating, which can be traced and identified by analyzing sugars emitted from the combustion of cellulose and hemicellulose that make up biomass. In this review comparing almost 200 selected articles, we highlight the most recent studies that broaden such category of tracers, covering research publications on residential wood combustions, open-fire or combustion chamber burnings and ambient PM in different regions of Asia, America and Europe. The purpose of the present work is to collect data in the literature that indicate a direct correspondence between biomass burning and saccharides emitted into the atmosphere with regard to distinguishing common sugars attributed to biomass burning from those that have co-causes of issue. In this paper, we provide a list of 24 compounds, including those most commonly recognized as biomass burning tracers (i.e., levoglucosan, mannosan and galactosan), from which it emerges that monosaccharide anhydrides, sugar alcohols and primary sugars have been widely reported as organic tracers for biomass combustion, although it has also been shown that emissions of these compounds depend not only on combustion characteristics and equipment but also on fuel type, combustion quality and weather conditions. Although it appears that it is currently not possible to define a single compound as a universal indicator of biomass combustion, this review provides a valuable tool for the collection of information in the literature and identifies analytes that can lead to the determination of patterns for the distribution between PM generated by biomass combustion.
The Impact of Two-Invoice System on Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Selling Expenses in China: A Difference-in-Differences Approach
Authors: Ran Yi , Hu Yuanyuan , Chen Shouming , Qiu Fangjun , Rabeeu Ahmed
Published: April 2022

A perennial question for the pharmaceutical industry has been excessive drug prices. To alleviate patients’ burden of expensive medical bills and increase the affordability of medicines, China adopted the Two-Invoice System (TIS) in drug procurement for public medical institutions in 2017. In this paper, we study the impact of the TIS on pharmaceutical manufacturers’ selling expenses. Using a Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology and a sample of the A-share pharmaceutical manufacturing firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from the years 2014 to 2020, we find that the TIS leads to a significant increase in pharmaceutical manufacturers’ selling expenses but gradually weakens over time. In addition, we further explore whether the impact of the TIS on pharmaceutical manufacturers’ selling expenses is affected by the pharmaceutical manufacturers’ previous drug circulation mode. The results indicate that the TIS could significantly increase the pharmaceutical manufacturers’ selling expenses in the agency mode group. However, there is no evidence to support the TIS having the same effect in the direct sales office model group.
Optimization of Urban Shelter Locations Using Bi-Level Multi-Objective Location-Allocation Model
Authors: He Lei , Xie Ziang
Published: April 2022

Recently, global natural disasters have occurred frequently and caused serious damage. As an important urban space resource and public service facility, the reasonable planning and layout optimization of shelters is very important to reduce the disaster loss and improve the sustainable development of cities. Based on the review of location theory and models for shelter site selection, this study constructs a bi-level multi-objective location-allocation model, an accessibility, economy, and efficiency (AEE) model, based on sequential decision logic to maximize the economic sustainability and social utility. The model comprehensively considers factors such as the level of decision-making, the utilization efficiency, and capacity constraints of shelters. The gravity model is introduced to simulate the decision-making behavior of evacuees. A calculation example and its solution prove the high practicability and operability of the AEE model in an actual shelter site selection and construction investment, which can achieve the global optimization of evacuation time and the maximization of the use efficiency of the shelters under the financial constraints. It provides a scientific and effective decision-making method for the multi-objective location optimization problem of shelters.
The Nurse’s Role in Educating Pediatric Patients on Correct Inhaler Technique: An Interventional Study
Authors: Benito-Ruiz Eva , Sánchez-Recio Raquel , Alijarde-Lorente Roberto , Iguacel Isabel , Pérez-Corral María , Martín de Vicente Carlos Luis , Jiménez-Olmos Ainhoa , Gasch-Gallén Ángel
Published: April 2022

The prevalence of pediatric respiratory diseases in Spain is 23%. Inhalation is the preferred route of administration but there are frequent errors in the performance of the inhalation technique leading a poor control of the disease. The aim of this research was to detect errors in the execution of the inhalation technique at a Pediatric Pulmonology Unit in a hospital of Aragón (Spain). In order to improve the administration of inhaled medication, an educational intervention for 1 year by nursing was conducted. This interventional study, including children aged 1 to 15 years with an inhalation therapy and who attended the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, was conducted between September 2017 and September 2018. Logistic Regression models were conducted in SPSS. This study involved 393 children (61.1% boys). Before the intervention, 39.4% achieved a correct inhalation technique increasing up to 62.1% after the intervention. Those who had their first visit to the Unit, young children and girls had a higher risk of incorrect performance than those with subsequent visits, older children, and boys, respectively. The most common errors in the inhalation technique were not performing adequate apnoea after inhaling and not rinsing the mouth at the end of the procedure. The education given by nurses to pediatric patients improved the inhalation technique, achieving better control of the disease and use of the health system.
A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Canadian and Australian Adolescents’ Perceived Experiences of COVID-19: Gender Differences and Mental Health Implications
Authors: Marie Riana , Journault Audrey-Ann , Cernik Rebecca , Welch Paul , Lupien Sonia , McDermott Brett , Moxon Joseph V. , Sarnyai Zoltan
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes. This cross-cultural study (N = 1326, 71% female) aimed to investigate Canadian and Australian adolescents’ subjective experiences of COVID-19, gender differences, and psychological implications. Mixed-methods analyses were used to examine differences in COVID-19 experiences and mental health outcomes between country and gender in a Canadian (N = 913, 78% female) and an Australian sample (N = 413, 57% female) of adolescents. Canadian adolescents reported increased COVID-19 discussions and more concerns related to their COVID-19 experiences compared to Australian adolescents. Girls consistently reported more concerns related to COVID-19 and poorer psychological outcomes compared to boys. School lockdown for the Canadian sample may have played a role in these country differences. Further, girls might be at significantly more risk for mental health concerns during COVID-19, which should be considered in adolescent mental health initiatives during the pandemic. Although school disruption and separation of peers due to the pandemic likely have a role in adolescent perceived stressors and mental health, the differences between Canadian and Australian adolescents were less clear and future investigations comparing more objective pre-COVID-19 data to current data are needed.
Numerical Investigation of Safety Strategy for Gas Disaster Prevention in Successive Panels Using Upper Protective Layer Mining: A Case Study
Authors: Ma Yankun , Shu Longyong , Li Hongyan , Cui Cong , Zhou Yang , Li Yang
Published: April 2022

Mine gas disasters are a major safety concern in underground coal mining. Protective layer mining is widely used in gas disaster control, but there are limited theoretical and experimental results that can provide guidance for site-specific mining circumstances. Taking the Xinji No. 1 mine as an example, gas disaster treatments were conducted in a new panel with overlying goaf located 85 m above the coal mine and adjacent goaf located at 30 m intervals. This study involved a comprehensive investigation, which included four steps: the selection of the first mining face, gas control and prevention, tracking and investigation, and effect analysis and assessment. The safety strategy focused on gas control planning in new mining areas or panels. The distribution and evolution characteristics of the stress, the gas permeability coefficient and the deformation volume within the protected layer were determined by numerical simulation. The coal deformation, gas emission and extraction effect were analyzed by field observation. The deformation and gas permeability of the coal seam were consistent with the stress evolution, for which the maximum compressional and expansional deformation of 6-1 coal were 18‰ and 28‰, respectively. Gas disaster control and prevention treatment of the mining face produced a significant protective effect on the underlying No. 6-1 coal seam. This work is beneficial for the planning of gas control in successive panels.