bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MSAM: Modular Statistical Analytical Model for MAC and Queuing Latency of VLC Networks under ICS Conditions
Authors: Baz Mohammed , Baz Abdullah
Published: June 2021

Visible Light Communication (VLC) offers distinctive advantages over conventional radio frequency; wide unlicensed spectrum, resistance to electrometric interference and low susceptibility to security risks, are few to name. Excitingly, VLC becomes a cornerstone in several communication systems such as light fidelity, optical camera communication and the Internet of Radio Light. Most of these networks adopt the Carrier Sensing Multiple Access-Collision Avoidance (CSMA-CA) of IEEE 802.15.7, the official standard for the VLC, as a Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol. Motivated by the crucial roles of MAC in shaping the performance of the VLC and the wide variety of operational conditions demanded by the enormous applications, this paper proposes a Modular Statistical Analytical Model (MSAM). The fundamental approach of MSAM is to segregate the interacting stochastic processes imposed by the CSMA-CA protocol into a set of its elementary subprocesses. The MSAM then synthesises these processes in such a way that quantifies their mutual dependency without making a strict assumption on their characteristics; thus, different operational conditions can be assessed without a need to reconstruct the model. Besides, MSAM employs the radiometry and photometry of VLC to derive mathematical expressions describing the hidden and exposed nodes from which the Imperfect Carrier Sensing (ICS) conditions are defined. The MSAM exploits statistical and queuing theorems to model a VLC as a network of G/G/1 queues from which several probability distributions, characterising the operations of VLC from different perspectives, are derived. Inter-departure, queuing, service time and successful service time are the main distributions in conjunction with throughput, total delay, probability of exposed and hidden node collisions, which are the main outputs of MSAM. Validation for the integrity of the MSAM under different scenarios is carried out by conducting a head-to-head comparison between its results and simulation outcomes.
A Study of Low-Potential Heat Utilization Methods for Oxy-Fuel Combustion Power Cycles
Authors: Rogalev Andrey , Rogalev Nikolay , Kindra Vladimir , Zlyvko Olga , Vegera Andrey
Published: June 2021

The world community is worried about the effects of global warming. A few agreements on the reduction of CO2 emissions have been signed recently. A large part of these emissions is produced by the power production industry. Soon, the requirements for thermal power plant ecology and efficiency performance may become significantly higher. Thus, the contemporary problem is the development of highly efficient power production facilities with low toxic and greenhouse gas emission. An efficient way to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which implies maintaining economic growth, is the creation of closed thermodynamic cycles with oxy-fuel combustion. The Allam cycle is one of the most promising among oxy-fuel power plants. A 50 MW pilot Allam cycle plant was built in Texas. The design for a commercial system with an electrical output of 300 MW is under development. This work is devoted to the improvement of the efficiency and environmental safety of oxy-fuel combustion power cycles via the utilization of compressed working fluid heat. The results of computer simulation obtained using AspenONE software demonstrated that an additional circuit in the multi-flow regenerator might increase net efficiency by 3.5%. Besides this, the incorporation of a supercritical carbon dioxide (S–CO2) Brayton cycle with recompression increased the efficiency by 0.2%. Therefore, the maximum net efficiency of the prospective power unit was 51.4%.
Modeling and Analysis of the Power Conditioning Circuit for an Electromagnetic Human Walking-Induced Energy Harvester
Authors: Molina Arias Ludwin , Iwaniec Joanna , Iwaniec Marek
Published: June 2021

Among the various alternative energy sources, harvesting energy from the movement of the human body has emerged as a promising technology. The interaction between the energy harvesting structure and the power conditioning circuit is nonlinear in nature, which makes selecting the appropriate design parameters a complex task. In this work, we present an electromagnetic energy harvesting system suitable for recovering energy from the movement of the lower limb joints during walking. The system under study is modeled and simulated, considering three different scenarios in which the energy source is the hip, knee, and ankle joint. The power generated by the energy harvester is estimated from kinematic data collected from an experimental gait study on a selected participant. State-space representation and Recurrence plots (RPs) are used to study the dynamical system’s behavior resulting from the interaction between the electromagnetic structure and the power conditioning circuit. The maximum power obtained through the simulation considering a constant walking speed of 4.5 km/h lays in the range of 1.4 mW (ankle joint) to 90 mW (knee joint) without implementing a multiplier gear.
Modelling the Costs and Benefits of Modern Energy Cooking Services—Methods and Case Studies
Authors: Leach Matthew , Mullen Chris , Lee Jacquetta , Soltowski Bartosz , Wade Neal , Galloway Stuart , Coley William , Keddar Shafiqa , Scott Nigel , Batchelor Simon
Published: June 2021

Globally, 2.8 billion people still cook with biomass, resulting in health, environmental, and social challenges; electric cooking is a key option for a transition to modern energy cooking services. However, electric cooking is assumed to be too expensive, grids can be unreliable and the connection capacity of mini-grids and solar home systems is widely assumed to be insufficient. Developments in higher performance and lower cost batteries and solar photovoltaics can help, but they raise questions of affordability and environmental impacts. The range of issues is wide, and existing studies do not capture them coherently. A new suite of models is outlined that represents the technical, economic, human, and environmental benefits and impacts of delivering electric cooking services, with a life-cycle perspective. This paper represents the first time this diverse range of approaches has been brought together. The paper illustrates their use through combined application to case studies for transitions of households from traditional fuels to electric cooking: for urban grid-connected households in Zambia; for mini-grid connected households in Tanzania; and for off-grid households in Kenya. The results show that electric cooking can be cost-effective, and they demonstrate overall reductions in human and ecological impacts but point out potential impact ‘hotspots’. The network analysis shows that electric cooking can be accommodated to a significant extent on existing grids, due partly to diversity effects in the nature and timing of cooking practices.
A New Approach for Characterizing Pile Heat Exchangers Using Thermal Response Tests
Authors: Maragna Charles , Loveridge Fleur
Published: June 2021

Pile heat exchangers offer a cost effective route to implementation of ground-source heat pump systems for many large commercial buildings compared with traditional boreholes. Such projects typically use thermal response tests to determine the key input parameters for system design, namely soil thermal conductivity and heat exchanger thermal resistance. However, this brings challenges for pile heat exchanger based systems, where in situ thermal response tests are known to be less reliable due to the large thermal capacity of the pile. This paper presents a new “black box” resistance capacitive model for applications to pile thermal response tests. The approach is tested against case study data and shown to perform well. Additional test duration savings are shown to be possible if a novel combination of borehole and pile thermal response tests is applied together to determine design parameters.
Corner Separation Control Using a New Combined Slotted Configuration in a High-Turning Compressor Cascade under Different Solidities
Authors: Wang Hejian , Qing Yanshan , Liu Bo , Mao Xiaochen
Published: June 2021

In order to comprehensively control the corner separation and the blade trailing edge (TE) separation in a high-turning compressor stator cascade, this research proposes a new combined slotted configuration consisting of one full-span slot and two blade-end slots. Taking into account the effect of the blade solidity, the performance of the original cascade and the combined slotted cascade was calculated and evaluated in a wide incidence angle range at two blade solidities. The results indicated that the blade loading and the corner separation range of the original cascade becomes larger as the blade solidity decreases from 1.66 to 1.36, which leads to higher total pressure loss and lower pressure diffusing capacity under positive incidence angles. The low-momentum fluid in the boundary layer can be significantly re-energized by the high-momentum blade-end and full-span slots jets, hence the combined slotted configuration can eliminate the blade TE separation and reduce the corner separation remarkably in the full incidence angle range at the two blade solidities. By adopting the combined slotted configuration, the total pressure loss, turning angle and static pressure coefficient of the original cascade can be increased by −23.2%, 2.7° and 4.7% on average, respectively, when the blade solidity is 1.66, while they can be increased by −27.7%, 3.3° and 7.6% on average, respectively, when the blade solidity is 1.36. The combined slotted configuration has a significant adaptability to the low blade solidity (or high loading) condition and it shows a certain potential in increasing the aeroengine thrust-to-weight ratio by decreasing the compressor single-stage blade number.
Methodology for Sensitivity Analysis of Homogenized Cross-Sections to Instantaneous and Historical Lattice Conditions with Application to AP1000® PWR Lattice
Authors: Price Dean , Folk Thomas , Duschenes Matthew , Garikipati Krishna , Kochunas Brendan
Published: June 2021

In the two-step method for nuclear reactor simulation, lattice physics calculations are performed to compute homogenized cross-sections for a variety of burnups and lattice configurations. A nodal code is then used to perform full-core analysis using the pre-calculated homogenized cross-sections. One source of uncertainty introduced in this method is that the lattice configuration or depletion conditions typically do not match a pre-calculated one from the lattice physics simulations. Therefore, some interpolation model must be used to estimate the homogenized cross-sections in the nodal code. This current study provides a methodology for sensitivity analysis to quantify the impact of state variables on the homogenized cross-sections. This methodology also allows for analyses of the historical effect that the state variables have on homogenized cross-sections. An application of this methodology on a lattice for the Westinghouse AP1000® reactor is presented where coolant density, fuel temperature, soluble boron concentration, and control rod insertion are the state variables of interest. The effects of considering the instantaneous values of the state variables, historical values of the state variables, and burnup-averaged values of the state variables are analyzed. Using these methods, it was found that a linear model that only considers the instantaneous and burnup-averaged values of state variables can fail to capture some variations in the homogenized cross-sections.
Experimental Evaluation of Dynamic Rock Scour Protection in Morphodynamic Environments for Offshore Wind Jackets
Authors: Sarmiento Javier , Guanche Raúl , Iturrioz Arantza , Ojanguren Teresa , Ávila Alberto , Yanes César
Published: June 2021

Bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines are generally built on continental-shelf sections that are morphodynamically active due to their shallow depths and severe wave and current conditions. Such sites are commonly protected against scour to prevent the loss of structural stability. Scour protection can be designed using static or dynamic solutions. Designing dynamic protection requires experimental validation, especially for singular or unconventional structures. This article presents an experimental method for the laboratory analysis of scour protection for jacket foundations placed at morphodynamically active sites. The test campaign was conducted within the project East Anglia ONE (UK) as part of the asset owner studies and aimed to evaluate operation and maintenance (O&M) aspects, independent of the contractor’s original design assessments. The physical experiments explored morphodynamic changes on the sea bottom and their importance to scour protection, as well as the importance of the history of the wave loads to the deformation of the rock scour protection. This was explored by repeating different cumulative tests, including a succession of randomly ordered sea states (Return Period (RP) 1-10-20-50 years). The experimental results show that the deformation of the rock sour protection was the greatest when the most energetic sea states occurred at the beginning of the experimental test campaign. The maximum deformation was at 5D50 when the first test was also the most energetic, while it was at 3D50 when not included as the first test, yielding a 40% reduction in the scour protection deformation.
Supra-Regional District Heating Networks: A Missing Infrastructure for a Sustainable Energy System
Authors: Moser Simon , Puschnigg Stefan
Published: June 2021

In analogy to electricity transmission networks, this paper analyzes the concept of supra-regional district heating networks (SR-DHN), connecting a large number of actors. Using a back-casting approach, a SR-DHN is assumed to exist and thus, implementation challenges, such as economic feasibility and energy losses, are circumvented in the first step (but are analyzed in the discourse). The paper then analyzes, in an interdisciplinary qualitative manner and supported by a case study, what technical, operational, economic and legal issues must have been resolved. Results show that the heat transmission network, being the backbone of the SR-DHN, is an expensive infrastructure, but is likely to become economic in a non-fossil energy system. By decreasing the reliance on single waste heat sources, SR-DHN allows longer payback periods and can thus be an enabler for using industrial waste heat. However, involving many actors requires comprehensive contractual foundations. The derived hypothesis is that SR-DHN, which is predominantly fed by waste heat, shall be operated with lower temperatures in winter (feeding the return while minimizing expensive winter losses) and high temperatures in summer (enabling alternative usages while accepting high but inexpensive summer losses).
Flow Configurations of Membraneless Microfluidic Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: June 2021

Membraneless microfluidic fuel cells (MMFCs) are being studied extensively as an alternative to batteries and conventional membrane fuel cells because of their simple functioning and lower manufacturing cost. MMFCs use the laminar flow of reactant species (fuel and oxidant) to eliminate the electrolyte membrane, which has conventionally been used to isolate anodic and cathodic half-cell reactions. This review article summarizes the MMFCs with six major categories of flow configurations that have been reported from 2002 to 2020. The discussion highlights the critical factors that affect and limit the performance of MMFCs. Since MMFCs are diffusion-limited, most of this review focuses on how different flow configurations act to reduce or modify diffusive mixing and depletion zones to enhance the power density output. Research opportunities are also pointed out, and the challenges in MMFCs are suggested to improve cell performance and make them practical in the near future.
Analysis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Surge Arrester Connected to Various Ground Electrodes
Authors: Hizamul-Din Hanis Hamizah , Nor Normiza Mohamad
Published: June 2021

This paper presents impulse tests results on a zinc oxide (ZnO) surge arrester connected to four ground electrodes, with its resistance values ranging from 17 Ω to 104 Ω. It has been noted that when in series with various ground resistance values, the voltage–current characteristics of the zinc oxide (ZnO) surge arrester are far from the one tested using a common grounding, which is a standard measurement method described in IEC 60060-1. This paper clarifies the relationship between the surge arrester with various ground electrodes and its performance when tested with a common practice, based on IEC 60060-1. The tests carried out on a 15 kV ZnO surge arrester, under high-impulse conditions by field measurements, provide important information on the characteristics and ability of the surge arrester to adequately function in various ground electrodes.
Multifaceted Comparison Efficiency and Emission Characteristics of Multi-Fuel Power Generator Fueled by Different Fuels and Biofuels
Authors: Gracz Weronika , Marcinkowski Damian , Golimowski Wojciech , Szwajca Filip , Strzelczyk Maria , Wasilewski Jacek , Krzaczek Paweł
Published: June 2021

The negative effect of liquid and gaseous fuel combustion is toxic gases (i.e., carbon and nitrogen oxides NOx) and particulate matter (PM) formation. The content of harmful and toxic components of exhaust gases is strongly dependent on the quality and type of burnt fuel. Experimental research is required to verify the use of current technical and technological solutions for the production of electricity on farms, using various types of conventional fuels and biofuels. The aim of the current research was to comprehensively verify the use of commonly available fuels and biofuels without adapting the internal combustion engine. Gaseous fuels—propane-butane mixture (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and biogas (BG)—were added to liquid fuels—methyl esters of higher fatty acids (RME) and diesel fuel (DF)—in six different power configurations to evaluate the effect on the emission of toxic gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitric dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), and the efficiency of fuel conversion. The use of RME in various configurations with gaseous fuels increased the emission of oxides and reduced the emission of PM. Increasing the share of LPG and CNG significantly increased the level of NO emissions. The use of gaseous fuels reduced the efficiency of the generator, particularly in the case of co-firing with DF. For medium and high loads, the lowest decrease in efficiency was recorded for the RME configuration with BG. Taking into account the compromise between individual emissions and the configuration of RME with BG, the most advantageous approach is to use it in power generators.
A Practical GERI-Based Method for Identifying Multiple Erroneous Parameters and Measurements Simultaneously
Authors: Guo Ruipeng , Dong Lilan , Wu Hao , Hou Fangdi , Fang Chen
Published: June 2021

Even with modern smart metering systems, erroneous measurements of the real and reactive power in the power system are unavoidable. Multiple erroneous parameters and measurements may occur simultaneously in the state estimation of a bulk power system. This paper proposes a gross error reduction index (GERI)-based method as an additional module for existing state estimators in order to identify multiple erroneous parameters and measurements simultaneously. The measurements are acquired from a supervisory control and data acquisition system and mainly include voltage amplitudes, branch current amplitudes, active power flow, and reactive power flow. This method uses a structure consisting of nested two loops. First, gross errors and the GERI indexes are calculated in the inner loop. Second, the GERI indexes are compared and the maximum GERI in each inner loop is associated with the most suspicious parameter or measurement. Third, when the maximum GERI is less than a given threshold in the outer loop, its corresponding erroneous parameter or measurement is identified. Multiple measurement scans are also adopted in order to increase the redundancy of measurements and the observability of parameters. It should be noted that the proposed algorithm can be directly integrated into the Weighted Least Square estimator. Furthermore, using a faster simplified calculation technique with Givens rotations reduces the required computer memory and increases the computation speed. This method has been demonstrated in the IEEE 14-bus test system and several matpower cases. Due to its outstanding practical performance, it is now used at six provincial power control centers in the Eastern Grid of China.
Soil Bacterial Community Composition in Cryptomeria japonica Plantation at Different Times after Clear-Cutting
Authors: Abe Yukiko , Kurokochi Hiroyuki , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Yonezawa Ryo , Asakawa Shuichi , Tange Takeshi
Published: June 2021

To understand the mechanism of carbon release from the soil after clear-cutting, it is first necessary to understand the soil microbes, which are the decomposers of organic matter. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge on the composition of the soil bacterial community in a Cryptomeria japonica plantation at different times after clear-cutting. We established three clear-cutting plots—CC1, CC2, and CC3—in March 2013, May 2017, and December 2017, respectively, and one unlogged plot (Control) in March 2013 in a 35–39-year-old C. japonica plantation in eastern Japan. We collected the soil in May and September 2018 and examined the soil bacterial community compositions of the plots at 5–9, 12–16, and 62–66 months after clear-cutting. The soil bacterial community composition at the phylum level showed a small difference between plots for CC1, CC2, CC3, and the Control. On the other hand, most of the taxa showed similar compositional ratios in the four plots, but some taxa, such as Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, showed differences. Proteobacteria appeared more frequently in CC1, CC2, and CC3 than in the Control, indicating a longer period of high soil temperature due to clear-cutting. The frequency of Acidobacteria was significantly lower in CC1 and CC2 than in CC3 and the Control, which might be due to the lack of the organic layer (Ao) after clear-cutting.
Molecular Characterization of Muellerian Tumors of the Urinary Tract
Authors: Ortiz-Brüchle Nadina , Wucherpfennig Sophie , Rose Michael , Garczyk Stefan , Bertz Simone , Hartmann Arndt , Reis Henning , Szarvas Tibor , Kiss András , Bremmer Felix , Golz Reinhard , Knüchel Ruth , Gaisa Nadine T.
Published: June 2021

In the 2016 WHO classification of genitourinary tumors Muellerian tumors of the urinary tract (MTUT) comprise clear cell adenocarcinomas and endometrioid carcinomas. Since these rare tumors remained understudied, we aimed to characterize their molecular background by performing DNA- and RNA-based targeted panel sequencing. All tumors (n = 11) presented single nucleotide alterations (SNVs), with ARID1A mutations being the most prevalent (5/11, 45%). Besides frequent ARID1A mutations, loss of ARID1A protein is not a suitable marker since protein expression is (partly) preserved also in mutated cases. Copy number alterations (CNVs) were found in 64% of cases (7/11), exclusively gene amplifications. Interestingly, a functionally relevant RSPO2 gene fusion/microdeletion was discovered in the endometrioid adenocarcinoma case. Comparing our findings with mutational profiles of other tumor entities, absence of TERT promoter mutations argues for a non-urothelial origin. No similarities were also found between MTUT and kidney cancers while parallels were observed for specific SNVs with endometrial carcinomas. In conclusion, immunohistochemical PAX8-positivity and lack of TERT promoter mutations could serve as key diagnostic features in difficult cases. Thus, understanding the molecular background of these tumors helps to refine treatment options and offers the possibility of targeted therapies in cases where needed.
The Combined Human Genotype of Truncating TTN and RBM20 Mutations Is Associated with Severe and Early Onset of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gaertner Anna , Bloebaum Julia , Brodehl Andreas , Klauke Baerbel , Sielemann Katharina , Kassner Astrid , Fox Henrik , Morshuis Michiel , Tiesmeier Jens , Schulz Uwe , Knoell Ralph , Gummert Jan , Milting Hendrik
Published: June 2021

A major cause of heart failure is cardiomyopathies, with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as the most common form. Over 40 genes are linked to DCM, among them TTN and RBM20. Next Generation Sequencing in clinical DCM cohorts revealed truncating variants in TTN (TTNtv), accounting for up to 25% of familial DCM cases. Mutations in the cardiac splicing factor RNA binding motif protein 20 (RBM20) are also known to be associated with severe cardiomyopathies. TTN is one of the major RBM20 splicing targets. Most of the pathogenic RBM20 mutations are localized in the highly conserved arginine serine rich domain (RS), leading to a cytoplasmic mislocalization of mutant RBM20. Here, we present a patient with an early onset DCM carrying a combination of (likely) pathogenic TTN and RBM20 mutations. We show that the splicing of RBM20 target genes is affected in the mutation carrier. Furthermore, we reveal RBM20 haploinsufficiency presumably caused by the frameshift mutation in RBM20.
Arabidopsis NPF4.6 and NPF5.1 Control Leaf Stomatal Aperture by Regulating Abscisic Acid Transport
Authors: Shimizu Takafumi , Kanno Yuri , Suzuki Hiromi , Watanabe Shunsuke , Seo Mitsunori
Published: June 2021

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is actively synthesized in vascular tissues and transported to guard cells to promote stomatal closure. Although several transmembrane ABA transporters have been identified, how the movement of ABA within plants is regulated is not fully understood. In this study, we determined that Arabidopsis NPF4.6, previously identified as an ABA transporter expressed in vascular tissues, is also present in guard cells and positively regulates stomatal closure in leaves. We also found that mutants defective in NPF5.1 had a higher leaf surface temperature compared to the wild type. Additionally, NPF5.1 mediated cellular ABA uptake when expressed in a heterologous yeast system. Promoter activities of NPF5.1 were detected in several leaf cell types. Taken together, these observations indicate that NPF5.1 negatively regulates stomatal closure by regulating the amount of ABA that can be transported from vascular tissues to guard cells.
Exploring Viral Diversity in a Gypsum Karst Lake Ecosystem Using Targeted Single-Cell Genomics
Authors: Šulčius Sigitas , Alzbutas Gediminas , Juknevičiūtė Viktorija , Šimoliūnas Eugenijus , Venckus Petras , Šimoliūnienė Monika , Paškauskas Ričardas
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the diversity and distribution of viruses infecting green sulfur bacteria (GSB) thriving in euxinic (sulfuric and anoxic) habitats, including gypsum karst lake ecosystems. In this study, we used targeted cell sorting combined with single-cell sequencing to gain insights into the gene content and genomic potential of viruses infecting sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Chlorobium clathratiforme, obtained from water samples collected during summer stratification in gypsum karst Lake Kirkilai (Lithuania). In total, 82 viral contigs were bioinformatically identified in 62 single amplified genomes (SAGs) of C. clathratiforme. The majority of viral gene and protein sequences showed little to no similarity with phage sequences in public databases, uncovering the vast diversity of previously undescribed GSB viruses. We observed a high level of lysogenization in the C. clathratiforme population, as 87% SAGs contained intact prophages. Among the thirty identified auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), two, thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST) and thioredoxin-dependent phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase (cysH), were found to be involved in the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds, suggesting that viruses can influence the metabolism and cycling of this essential element. Finally, the analysis of CRISPR spacers retrieved from the consensus C. clathratiforme genome imply persistent and active virus–host interactions for several putative phages prevalent among C. clathratiforme SAGs. Overall, this study provides a glimpse into the diversity of phages associated with naturally occurring and highly abundant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.
Appropriate Antibiotic Use and Associated Factors in Vietnamese Outpatients
Authors: Nguyen Lam V. , Pham Lien T. T. , Bui Anh L. , Vi Mai T. , Nguyen Nguyet K. , Le Tam T. , Pham Suol T. , Nguyen Phuong M. , Nguyen Thao H. , Taxis Katja , Nguyen Thang , Tran Hung D.
Published: June 2021

Background: Inappropriate antibiotic use among outpatients is recognized as the primary driver of antibiotic resistance. A proper understanding of appropriate antibiotic usage and associated factors helps to determine and limit inappropriateness. We aimed to identify the rate of appropriate use of antibiotics and identify factors associated with the inappropriate prescriptions. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in outpatient antibiotic use at a hospital in Can Tho City, Vietnam, from August 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020. Data were extracted from all outpatient prescriptions at the Medical Examination Department and analyzed by SPSS 18 and Chi-squared tests, with 95% confidence intervals. The rationale for antibiotic use was evaluated through antibiotic selection, dose, dosing frequency, dosing time, interactions between antibiotics and other drugs, and general appropriate usage. Results: A total of 420 prescriptions were 51.7% for females, 61.7% with health insurance, and 44.0% for patients with one comorbid condition. The general appropriate antibiotic usage rate was 86.7%. Prescriptions showed that 11.0% and 9.5% had a higher dosing frequency and dose than recommended, respectively; 10.2% had an inappropriate dosing time; 3.1% had drug interactions; and only 1.7% had been prescribed inappropriate antibiotics. The risk of inappropriate antibiotic use increased in patients with comorbidities and antibiotic treatment lasting >7 days (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study indicated a need for more consideration when prescribing antibiotics to patients with comorbidities or using more than 7 days of treatment.
The Moderating Effect of Parenting on Adaptation of Children with Leukemia
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Taverna Livia , Bonichini Sabrina , Putti Maria Caterina , Tumino Manuela , Biffi Alessandra
Published: June 2021

Parents’ attitudes and practices may support the children’s reactions to treatments for leukaemia and their general adjustment. This study has two aims: to explore parenting depending on the child’s age and to develop and test a model on how family processes influence the psycho-social development of children with leukaemia. Patients were 118 leukemic children and their parents recruited at the Haematology–Oncologic Clinic of the Department of Paediatrics, University of Padua. All parents were Caucasian with a mean age of 37.39 years (SD = 6.03). Children’s mean age was 5.89 years (SD = 4.21). After the signature of the informed consent, the parents were interviewed using the EFI-C from which we derived Parenting dimension and three parental perceptions on the child’s factors. One year later, the clinical psychologist interviewed again parents using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). The analyses revealed the presence of a significant difference in parenting by the child’s age: Infants required a higher and more intensive parenting. The child’s coping with medical procedures at the second week after the diagnosis, controlled for parenting effect, impacted upon the child’s adaptation one-year post diagnosis. Specific intervention programmes are proposed in order to help children more at risk just after the diagnosis of developmental delays.
The Clinical and Biological Effects of PD-1 Expression on Tumor Cells in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hanamura Ichiro , Suzuki Susumu , Ota Akinobu , Murakami Satsuki , Satou Akira , Takahara Taishi , Karnan Sivasundaram , Lam Vu Quang , Nakamura Ayano , Takasugi Souichi , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Banno Shogo , Ejiri Masayuki , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Hosokawa Yoshitaka , Ueda Ryuzo , Takami Akiyoshi
Published: June 2021

The clinical and biological significance of programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression by B-lymphoma cells is largely unknown. Here, using multicolor immunofluorescent staining (MC-IF), we investigated PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in PAX5+ (B-lymphoma), CD68+ (macrophage), or CD3+ (T-cell) cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 32 consecutive patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with rituximab plus chemotherapy. PD-1- and PD-L1-expressing PAX5+ cells were observed in 59% and 3% of the patients, respectively. PD-1-expressing CD3+ lymphocytes and PD-L1-expressing CD68+ macrophages were observed in 89% and 86% of the patients, respectively. PD-L1 expression on PAX5+ lymphoma cells or CD68+ macrophages and PD-1 expression on CD3+ lymphocytes were not correlated with prognosis. However, patients with PD-1 expression on lymphoma cells showed shorter progression-free survival than those lacking PD-1-expressing lymphoma cells (p = 0.033). Furthermore, genetically modified PD-1-knockout human B-lymphoma VAL cells showed reduced cell growth and migration, and decreased S6 kinase phosphorylation than VAL/mock cells. Our data suggest that PD-1 expression on DLBCL cells detected by MC-IF was associated with poor prognosis and cell-intrinsic PD-1 signaling was related with cell growth and migration in a subpopulation of B-cell lymphoma. These findings may allow the development of distinct DLBCL subtypes affecting prognosis.
Rootstocks Genotypes Impact on Tree Development and Industrial Properties of ‘Valencia’ Sweet Orange Juice
Authors: Domingues Allan Ricardo , Marcolini Ciro Daniel Marques , Gonçalves Carlos Henrique da Silva , Resende Juliano Tadeu Vilela de , Roberto Sergio Ruffo , Carlos Eduardo Fermino
Published: June 2021

The low diversification of rootstock genotypes in orchards limits the expansion of the citrus industry, restricting increases in productivity and cost-saving via phytosanitary treatments and other horticultural practices. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of rootstock genotypes on tree development and industrial properties of ‘Valencia’ sweet orange juice (Citrus sinensis). Twenty rootstock genotypes were evaluated by measuring tree growth and industrial properties of orange juices, including ‘Trifoliata’ hybrids with tangerine (citrandarins) and grapefruit (citrumelos), as well ‘Rangpur’ lime and other potential rootstocks. The experimental orchard was planted in Rancho Alegre, PR, Brazil, under clay soil and subtropical rainfed conditions. A randomized block design with four replicates was used. Trees grown on IPEACS–239 and IPEACS–256 citrandarins, and on ‘US–802’ pummelo hybrid had low vigor, high production efficiency and high industrial properties of orange juice, and are therefore potential alternatives for high-density plantings. The F.80–3 and F.80–5 citrumelos also had good dwarfing potential and high production efficiency, but lower industrial properties of juice compared to the other ‘Trifoliata’ hybrid rootstocks. Trees grown on ‘US–812’ citrandarin rootstock had low vigor, good productive performance, accumulated production and production efficiency similar to ‘Rangpur’ lime, and high industrial properties of juices. Although the ‘Rangpur’ lime and the ‘Florida’ rough lemon allowed high yields, the trees are very vigorous, with low-quality fruits. A Quick Reference Chart was created to provide practical and objective identification of the best rootstock alternatives for ‘Valencia’ orange trees in terms of tree development and industrial properties of juices.
Manual Therapy in Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kuligowski Tomasz , Skrzek Anna , Cieślik Błażej
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to describe and update current knowledge of manual therapy accuracy in treating cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, to identify the limitations in current studies, and to suggest areas for future research. The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2020. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) presence of radiculopathy; (2) treatment defined as manual therapy (i.e., traction, manipulation, mobilization); and (3) publication defined as a Randomized Controlled Trial. The electronic literature search resulted in 473 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 27 articles were accepted: 21 on cervical (CR) and 6 in lumbar radiculopathy (LR). The mean PEDro score for CR was 6.6 (SD 1.3), and for LR 6.7 (SD 1.6). Traction-oriented techniques are the most frequently chosen treatment form for CR and are efficient in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. In LR, each of the included publications used a different form of manual therapy, which makes it challenging to summarize knowledge in this group. Of included publications, 93% were either of moderate or low quality, which indicates that quality improvement is necessary for this type of research.
Control Models and Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Air Pollution in the Rapidly Developing Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Liang Longwu , Wang Zhenbo
Published: June 2021

This paper systematically summarizes the hierarchical cross-regional multi-directional linkage in terms of air pollution control models implemented in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, including the hierarchical linkage structure of national-urban agglomeration-city, the cross-regional linkage governance of multiple provinces and municipalities, the multi-directional linkage mechanism mainly involving industry access, energy structure, green transportation, cross-regional assistance, monitoring and warning, consultation, and accountability. The concentration data of six air pollutants were used to analyze spatiotemporal characteristics. The concentrations of SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, CO decreased, and the concentration of O3 increased from 2014 to 2017; the air pollution control has achieved good effect. The concentration of O3 was the highest in summer and lowest in winter, while those of other pollutants were the highest in winter and lowest in summer. The high pollution ranges of O3 diffused from south to north, and those of other pollutants decreased significantly from north to south. Finally, we suggest strengthening the traceability and process research of heavy pollution, increasing the traceability and process research of O3 pollution, promoting the joint legislation of different regions in urban agglomeration, create innovative pollution discharge supervision mechanisms, in order to provide significant reference for the joint prevention and control of air pollution in urban agglomerations.
Lockdown-Related Disparities Experienced by People with Disabilities during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review with Thematic Analysis
Authors: Jesus Tiago , Bhattacharjya Sutanuka , Papadimitriou Christina , Bogdanova Yelena , Bentley Jacob , Arango-Lasprilla Juan , Kamalakannan Sureshkumar ,   The Refugee Empowerment Task Force, International Networking Group of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
Published: June 2021

People with disabilities may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesize the literature on broader health and social impacts on people with disabilities arising from lockdown-related measures. Methods: Scoping review with thematic analysis. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three pre-print servers were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers addressing lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Snowballing searches and experts’ consultation also occurred. Two independent reviewers took eligibility decisions and performed data extractions. Results: Out of 1026 unique references, 85 addressed lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Ten primary and two central themes were identified: (1) Disrupted access to healthcare (other than for COVID-19); (2) Reduced physical activity leading to health and functional decline; (3) From physical distance and inactivity to social isolation and loneliness; (4) Disruption of personal assistance and community support networks; (5) Children with disabilities disproportionally affected by school closures; (6) Psychological consequences of disrupted routines, activities, and support; (7) Family and informal caregiver burden and stress; (8) Risks of maltreatment, violence, and self-harm; (9) Reduced employment and/or income exacerbating disparities; and (10) Digital divide in access to health, education, and support services. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and structural, pre-pandemic disparities were the central themes. Conclusions: Lockdown-related measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic can disproportionally affect people with disabilities with broader impact on their health and social grounds. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and pre-pandemic disparities created structural disadvantages, exacerbated during the pandemic. Both structural disparities and their pandemic ramifications require the development and implementation of disability-inclusive public health and policy measures.
Breastfeeding Communication Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities in the Twitter-Verse: Perspectives of Influencers and Social Network Analysis
Authors: Moukarzel Sara , Caduff Anita , Rehm Martin , del Fresno Miguel , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael , Daly Alan J.
Published: June 2021

Using social media is one important strategy to communicate research and public health guidelines to the scientific community and general public. Empirical evidence about which communication strategies are effective around breastfeeding messaging is scarce. To fill this gap, we aimed to identify influencers in the largest available Twitter database using social network analysis (n = 10,694 users), inductively analyze tweets, and explore communication strategies, motivations, and challenges via semi-structured interviews. Influencers had diverse backgrounds within and beyond the scientific health community (SHC; 42.7%): 54.7% were from the general public and 3% were companies. SHC contributed to most of the tweets (n = 798 tweets), disseminating guidelines and research findings more frequently than others (p < 0.001). Influencers from the general community mostly tweeted opinions regarding the current state of breastfeeding research and advocacy. Interviewees provided practical strategies (e.g., preferred visuals, tone, and writing style) to achieve personal and societal goals including career opportunities, community support, and improved breastfeeding practices. Complex challenges that need to be addressed were identified. Ideological differences regarding infant feeding may be hampering constructive communication, including differences in influencers’ interpretation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and in perspectives regarding which social media interactions encompass conflict of interest.
Differences in Abortion Rates between Asian Populations by Country of Origin and Nativity Status in New York City, 2011–2015
Authors: Desai Sheila , Huynh Mary , Jones Heidi E.
Published: June 2021

Despite the size of the Asian population in New York City (NYC) and the city’s robust abortion surveillance system, abortion-related estimates for this population have not been calculated previously. This study examined the use of abortion services among specific Asian groups in NYC from 2011–2015. Using NYC surveillance data, we estimated abortion rates for Asians, disaggregated by five country of origin groups and nativity status, and for other major racial/ethnic groups. We compared rates between groups and over time. From 2014–2015, the abortion rate for Asian women in NYC was 12.6 abortions per 1000 women aged 15–44 years, lower than the rates for other major racial/ethnic groups. Among country of origin groups, Indian women had the highest rate (30.5 abortions per 1000 women), followed by Japanese women (17.0), Vietnamese women (13.0), Chinese women (8.8), and Korean women (5.1). Rates were higher for U.S.-born Asian groups compared to foreign-born groups, although the differential varied by country of origin. The abortion rate declined or remained steady for nearly all Asian groups from 2011–2015. These findings reinforce the importance of disaggregating data on this population at multiple levels and begin to provide much-needed evidence on the use of abortion services among Asian groups.
The Gender Gap in the Diagnostic-Therapeutic Journey of the Infertile Couple
Authors: Gullo Giuseppe , Cucinella Gaspare , Perino Antonio , Gullo Domenico , Segreto Daniela , Laganà Antonio Simone , Buzzaccarini Giovanni , Donarelli Zaira , Marino Angelo , Allegra Adolfo , Maranto Marianna , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Garofalo Piernicola , Tomaiuolo Rossella
Published: June 2021

Medical procreation impairs both the biological and psychological lives of couples. However, male and female attitudes to infertility are different and require a different approach during the IVF journey. Thus, the gender impact assessment (GIA) method was used to analyse original studies present in the literature. We found some gender-related differences and, subsequently, possible outcomes of intervention to improve healthy reproduction management and prevent infertility. In particular, it became apparent that there was the need for an in-depth male infertility assessment and a gender-specific follow-up.
Spatial-Temporal Changes and Associated Determinants of Global Heating Degree Days
Authors: Li Yuanzheng , Li Jinyuan , Xu Ao , Feng Zhizhi , Hu Chanjuan , Zhao Guosong
Published: June 2021

The heating degree days (HDDs) could indicate the climate impact on energy consumption and thermal environment conditions effectively during the winter season. Nevertheless, studies on the spatial-temporal changes in global HDDs and their determinants are scarce. This study used multi-source data and several methods to explore the rules of the spatial distribution of global HDDs and their interannual changes over the past 49 years and some critical determinants. The results show that global HDDs generally became larger in regions with higher latitudes and altitudes. Most global change rates of HDDs were negative (p < 0.10) and decreased to a greater extent in areas with higher latitudes. Most global HDDs showed sustainability trends in the future. Both the HDDs and their change rates were significantly partially correlated with latitude, altitude, mean albedo, and EVI during winter, annual mean PM2.5 concentration, and nighttime light intensity (p = 0.000). The HDDs and their change rates could be simulated well by the machine learning method. Their RMSEs were 564.08 °C * days and 3.59 °C * days * year−1, respectively. Our findings could support the scientific response to climate warming, the construction of living environments, sustainable development, etc.