bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Analysis Comparison of Three Air-Cooling Systems in Terms of Thermal Comfort, Air Quality and Energy Consumption for School Buildings in Mediterranean Climates
Authors: Romero-Lara María Jesús , Comino Francisco , Ruiz de Adana Manuel
Published: July 2021

Efficient air-cooling systems for hot climatic conditions, such as Southern Europe, are required in the context of nearly Zero Energy Buildings, nZEB. Innovative air-cooling systems such as regenerative indirect evaporative coolers, RIEC and desiccant regenerative indirect evaporative coolers, DRIEC, can be considered an interesting alternative to direct expansion air-cooling systems, DX. The main aim of the present work was to evaluate the seasonal performance of three air-cooling systems in terms of air quality, thermal comfort and energy consumption in a standard classroom. Several annual energy simulations were carried out to evaluate these indexes for four different climate zones in the Mediterranean area. The simulations were carried out with empirically validated models. The results showed that DRIEC and DX improved by 29.8% and 14.6% over RIEC regarding thermal comfort, for the warmest climatic conditions, Lampedusa and Seville. However, DX showed an energy consumption three and four times higher than DRIEC for these climatic conditions, respectively. RIEC provided the highest percentage of hours with favorable indoor air quality for all climate zones, between 46.3% and 67.5%. Therefore, the air-cooling systems DRIEC and RIEC have a significant potential to reduce energy consumption, achieving the user’s thermal comfort and improving indoor air quality.
Multivariable State-Feedback Controller Design for PV Inverter Connected to a Weak Grid
Authors: Antoine MUSENGIMANA , Li Haoyu , Zheng Xuemei , Yu Yanxue
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a robust multi-input multi-output (MIMO) state-feedback control scheme for a photovoltaic (PV) inverter connected to a weak grid. For a weak grid, the point of common coupling (PCC) voltage is very sensitive to the power disturbances and it is dynamically coupled to the PLL dynamics. So far, most of the control methods do not take into accounts these couplings. Therefore, in this paper, the MIMO controller was designed taking into account the dynamics of the phase-locked loop (PLL) and coupling effects between PCC voltage and the active power to enhance the system’s robustness. As result, the robust performance of the PV inverter interfaced to a weak grid was yielded. In addition, the sensitivity of the system to PLL was eliminated, allowing the use of larger PLL bandwidth even in a very weak grid. Based on the eigenvalues analysis method, a comparative study between the proposed control method and the conventional vector control method was performed. The proposed method is verified with simulations in PLECS and real-time simulations in the RT Box. The results show that the proposed MIMO control method preserves the system stability robustness against any change of grid strength, generated power and PLL bandwidth.
Low-Speed Marine Diesel Engine Modeling for NOx Prediction in Exhaust Gases
Authors: Lalić Branko , Poljak Andrijana , Radica Gojmir , Mišura Antonija
Published: July 2021

Knowing the process of generating exhaust emissions and the determination of influential parameters are important factors in improving two-stroke slow-speed marine engines, particularly for further reductions in fuel consumption and stringent regulations on the limitation of nitrogen oxide emissions. In this article, a model of a marine low-speed two-stroke diesel engine has been developed. Experimental and numerical analyses of the nitrogen monoxide formations were carried out. When measuring the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust emissions, the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is usually measured, because nitrogen monoxide is very unstable, and due to the large amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, it is rapidly converted into nitrogen dioxide and its amount is included in the total emission of nitrogen oxides. In this paper, the most significant parameters for the formation of nitrogen monoxide have been determined. Model validation was performed based on measured combustion pressures, engine power, and concentrations of nitrogen oxides at 50% and 75% of maximum continuous engine load. The possibilities of fuel consumption optimization and reduction in nitrogen monoxide emissions by correcting the injection timing and changing the compression ratio were examined. An engine model was developed, based on measured combustion pressures and scavenging air flow, to be used on board by marine engineers for rapid analyses and determining changes in the concentration of nitrogen oxides in exhaust emissions. The amount of nitrogen oxide in exhaust emissions is influenced by the relevant features described in this paper: fuel injection timing and engine compression ratio. The presented methodology provides a basis for further research about the simultaneous impact of changing the injection timing and compression ratio, exhaust valve opening and closing times, as well as the impact of multiple fuel injection to reduce consumption and maintain exhaust emissions within the permissible limits.
Screening of Fungal Strains for Cellulolytic and Xylanolytic Activities Production and Evaluation of Brewers’ Spent Grain as Substrate for Enzyme Production by Selected Fungi
Authors: Liguori Rossana , Pennacchio Anna , Vandenberghe Luciana Porto de Souza , De Chiaro Addolorata , Birolo Leila , Soccol Carlos Ricardo , Faraco Vincenza
Published: July 2021

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the solid residue of beer production, is attracting significant attention as raw material for the production of added value substances, since until recently it was mainly used as animal feed or deposited in landfills, causing serious environmental problems. Therefore, this work aimed at developing a bioprocess using BSG as a substrate for the production of cellulases and xylanases for waste saccharification and bioenergy production. Different fungi were analyzed for their cellulolytic and xylanolytic abilities, through a first screening on solid media by assessment of fungal growth and enzyme production on agar containing carboxylmethylcellulose or xylan as the sole carbon source, respectively. The best cellulase and xylanase producers were subjected to quantitative evaluation of enzyme production in liquid cultures. Aspergillus niger LPB-334 was selected for its ability to produce cellulase and xylanase at high levels and it was cultivated on BSG by solid state fermentation. The cellulase production reached a maximum of 118.04 ± 8.4 U/g of dry substrate after 10 days of fermentation, while a maximum xylanase production of 1315.15 ± 37.5 U/g of dry substrate was reached after 4 days. Preliminary characterization of cellulase and xylanase activities and identification of the enzymes responsible were carried out.
An Experimental Framework for 5G Wireless System Integration into Industry 4.0 Applications
Authors: Rodriguez Ignacio , Mogensen Rasmus Suhr , Fink Andreas , Raunholt Taus , Markussen Søren , Christensen Per Hartmann , Berardinelli Gilberto , Mogensen Preben , Schou Casper , Madsen Ole
Published: July 2021

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 (I4.0), makes use of wireless technologies together with other industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) technologies, cyber–physical systems (CPS), and edge computing to enable the optimization and the faster re-configuration of industrial production processes. As I4.0 deployments are ramping up, the practical integration of 5G wireless systems with existing industrial applications is being explored in both Industry and Academia, in order to find optimized strategies and to develop guidelines oriented towards ensuring the success of the industrial wireless digitalization process. This paper explores the challenges arisen from such integration between industrial systems and 5G wireless, and presents a framework applicable to achieve a structured and successful integration. The paper aims at describing the different aspects of the framework such as the application operational flow and its associated tools, developed based on analytical and experimental applied research methodologies. The applicability of the framework is illustrated by addressing the integration of 5G technology into a specific industrial use case: the control of autonomous mobile robots. The results indicate that 5G technology can be used for reliable fleet management control of autonomous mobile robots in industrial scenarios, and that 5G can support the migration of the on-board path planning intelligence to the edge-cloud.
Analysis and Evaluation of the Feasibility of Positive Energy Districts in Selected Urban Typologies in Vienna Using a Bottom-Up District Energy Modelling Approach
Authors: Neumann Hans-Martin , Hainoun Ali , Stollnberger Romana , Etminan Ghazal , Schaffler Volker
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the potential of selected urban typologies in Vienna to reach the state of Positive Energy Districts (PED) by achieving a positive annual energy balance. It follows the EU initiative for implementing at least 100 PED in Europe by 2025. Four urban typologies have been assessed using the bottom-up energy modelling tool MAPED that enables a simplified energy demand-supply analysis at the district scale. Considering relevant urban typologies in different construction periods, the analysis focused on converting the allocated building stocks into PED by employing comprehensive thermal refurbishment and energy efficiency measures, electrification of end-uses and fuel switching, exploitation of local renewable energy potential, and flexible interaction with the regional energy system. The results reveal that a detached housing district can achieve a positive annual energy balance (for heat and power) of 110% due to the fact that there are sufficient surfaces (roofs, facades, open land) available for the production of local renewable energy, whereas the remaining typologies fail to achieve the criteria with an annual balance ranking between 61% and 97%, showing additional margins for improvement to meet the PED conditions. The presented concept offers a practical approach to investigate the PED suitability of urban typologies. It will help the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action and Environment to identify appropriate strategies for the refurbishment of existing urban areas towards the PED standard.
Exploring Avoided Environmental Impacts as Well as Energy and Resource Recovery from Microbial Desalination Cell Treatment of Brine
Authors: Nastro Rosa Anna , Leccisi Enrica , Toscanesi Maria , Liu Gengyuan , Trifuoggi Marco , Ulgiati Sergio
Published: July 2021

Seawater represents a potential resource to ensure sustainable availability of water for population and irrigation purposes, especially in some areas of the world. Desalination processes allow the production of fresh water, but they generate also brine as waste product. Sustainable brine management should be identified to ensure proper disposal and potentially resource recovery. This experimental study showed that emerging technologies such as Microbial Desalination Cells (MDCs) may provide a valuable contribution to the sustainability of the seawater desalination sector. In this paper, we report results on lab-scale desalination brine treatments applying MDCs, which allow energy savings, resource recovery, environmental impact minimization, and reduction of the organic load in municipal wastewater. Our results showed that MDCs’ treatment allows the removal of approximately 33 g of salts (62% of the total)—including chlorides, bromides, and sulphates—from 20 mL of brine within 96 h. The MDCs, according to the source of energy and the presence of mature biofilm at the anode, spent 7.2 J, 7.9 J, and 9.6 J in the desalination process, with the higher amount of energy required by the abiotic system and the lesser by the MDCs fed with just wastewater. Our approach also showed environmental and energy reductions because of potential metal recovery instead of returning them into marine environment. We quantified the avoided life cycle of human and marine eco-toxicity impacts as well as the reduction of cumulative energy demand of recovered metals. The main benefit in terms of avoided toxicity would arise from the mercury and copper recovery, while potential economic advantages would derive from the recovered cobalt that represents a strategic resource for many products such as battery storage systems.
Stacked: In Their Favour? The Complexities of Fuel Stacking and Cooking Transitions in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Zambia
Authors: Price Martin , Barnard-Tallier Melinda , Troncoso Karin
Published: July 2021

It remains unclear whether the decision to cook with both polluting and cleaner-burning fuels (‘fuel stacking’) serves as a transition phase towards the full adoption of clean-cooking practices, or whether stacking allows households to enhance fuel security and choose from a variety of cooking technologies and processes. This paper offers a unique contribution to the debate by positioning fuel stacking as the central research question in the exploration of existing household survey data. This research analyses the World Bank’s Multi-Tier Framework survey data concerning energy access and cooking practices in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Zambia. Its novel approach uses fuel expenditure data to group urban households according to the intensity of biomass consumption (wood, charcoal) relative to modern fuel consumption (electricity, gas). The research explores how different fuel-stacking contexts are associated with factors related to household finances, composition, experiences of electricity, and attitudes towards modern fuels. This study shows the diversity of characteristics and behaviours associated with fuel stacking in urban contexts, thus demonstrating the need for fuel stacking to feature prominently in future data collection activities. The paper ends with five key recommendations for further research into fuel stacking and its role in clean-cooking transitions.
Distribution of Gonipterus Species and Their Egg Parasitoids in Australia: Implications for Biological Control
Authors: Schröder Michelle L. , Nahrung Helen F. , de Souza Natalia M. , Lawson Simon A. , Slippers Bernard , Wingfield Michael J. , Hurley Brett P.
Published: July 2021

Gonipterus species are pests of Eucalyptus plantations worldwide. The egg parasitoid wasp Anaphes nitens is used in many countries for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. Recent taxonomic studies have shown that the three invasive Gonipterus spp., which were previously considered as G. scutellatus, form part of a cryptic species complex. These taxonomic changes have implications for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. The aims of this study were to understand the species composition and distribution of Gonipterus spp. and their egg parasitoids in Australia. Gonipterus spp. adults and egg capsules were collected in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Adult Gonipterus were identified using morphology and DNA barcoding. Parasitoids were reared from Gonipterus egg capsules and identified. Thirteen Gonipterus species were collected: twelve species were found on the Australian mainland and one species in Tasmania. These included three described species, four previously recognized but undescribed species, two undescribed species and four unidentified species. Five egg parasitoid species that attack Gonipterus spp. were identified. Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were identified on the Australian mainland and A. tasmaniae and A. inexpectatus were identified in Tasmania. The results from this study will contribute to the improvement of Gonipterus biological control in the future.
Habitat-Related Differences in Winter Presence and Spring–Summer Activity of Roe Deer in Warsaw
Authors: Jasińska Karolina D. , Jackowiak Mateusz , Gryz Jakub , Bijak Szymon , Szyc Katarzyna , Krauze-Gryz Dagny
Published: July 2021

Preliminary research conducted in Warsaw in the 1970s and 2000s showed that roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) stayed in forest habitat and avoided anthropogenic areas. Activity and exploration patterns of animals are shaped by indices of anthropogenic disturbances, elevated in large cities. The aims of the study were (1) to compare the presence of roe deer in natural and anthropogenic habitats of Warsaw during three periods: 1976–1978, 2005–2008 and 2017–2021, based on snow tracking on transect routes (681.2 km in total), and (2) to describe the presence and activity of roe deer in relation to human disturbances in selected urban forests in its reproductive period (March–August), based on camera trap survey (2019–2020, 859 observations, 5317 trap-days in total). The number of tracks was higher in natural habitat during all three periods, with the highest value in 2017–2021 (9.85/km/24h). The peak of roe deer activity was recorded at dusk, and it changed with moon phases between spring and summer. Landscape connectivity and level of light pollution did not affect the activity pattern of roe deer. Our research showed that roe deer inhabiting urban areas avoided human presence by using well-covered habitats and being active in periods when the level of human disturbance was lower.
Is the Survivability of Silver Fir under Condition of Strong Ungulate Pressure Related to Mycobiota of Bark-Stripping Wounds?
Authors: Pusz Wojciech , Baturo-Cieśniewska Anna , Kaczmarek-Pieńczewska Agata , Patejuk Katarzyna , Czarnota Paweł
Published: July 2021

The aim of the research was to check whether the healing of bark-stripping wounds of the silver fir tree trunks reduces the share of wood-decomposing fungi, which may be the result of inter-species interactions. The study carried out in Gorce National Park in Polish Western Carpathians analyzed drill holes of sapwood from three types of wounds (fresh, healed and old) on fir trunks with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 4.0–16.9 cm as a result of bark-stripping by red deer (Cervus elaphus). In the wood of fresh wounds Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. and Arthrinium arundinis (Corda) Dyko & B. Sutton had the largest share in mycobiota. Phompsis spp. and the species Sydowia polyspora (Bref. & Tavel) E. Müll. and Epicoccum nigrum Link were also isolated. The dominants in old wounds were Eutypa spp., Phomopsis spp. and Cylindrobasidium evolvens (Fr.) Jülich. Healed wounds were dominated by Trichoderma atroviride P. Karst, a fungus antagonistic to many fungal pathogens. Such properties are shared by A. arundinis, especially common in fresh wound wood. It seems that these fungi support the process of wounded tree regeneration (healing of wounds) and limit the activity of wood-decaying fungi in old age, which makes fir survival very high. Thus, even a strong red deer pressure cannot be considered the basic factor determining the dynamics of fir in this part of the Carpathians.
Growth of Non-Saccharomyces Native Strains under Different Fermentative Stress Conditions
Authors: García Margarita , Crespo Julia , Cabellos Juan Mariano , Arroyo Teresa
Published: July 2021

The selection of yeast strains adapted to fermentation stresses in their winegrowing area is a key factor to produce quality wines. Twelve non-Saccharomyces native strains from Denomination of Origin (D.O.) “Vinos de Madrid” (Spain), a warm climate winegrowing region, were tested under osmotic pressure, ethanol, and acidic pH stresses. In addition, mixed combinations between non-Saccharomyces and a native Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain were practised. Phenotypic microarray technology has been employed to study the metabolic output of yeasts under the different stress situations. The yeast strains, Lachancea fermentati, Lachancea thermotolerans, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe showed the best adaptation to three stress conditions examined. The use of mixed cultures improved the tolerance to osmotic pressure by Torulaspora delbrueckii, S. pombe, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii strains and to high ethanol content by Candida stellata, S. pombe, and Z. bailii strains regarding the control. In general, the good adaptation of the native non-Saccharomyces strains to fermentative stress conditions makes them great candidates for wine elaboration in warm climate areas.
Prebiotic and Immunomodulatory Properties of the Microalga Chlorella vulgaris and Its Synergistic Triglyceride-Lowering Effect with Bifidobacteria
Authors: Hyrslova Ivana , Krausova Gabriela , Smolova Jana , Stankova Barbora , Branyik Tomas , Malinska Hana , Huttl Martina , Kana Antonin , Doskocil Ivo , Curda Ladislav
Published: July 2021

The microalga Chlorella and strains of Bifidobacterium have been used in human or animal food supplements for decades because of their positive health effects. The presented study assessed different properties of C. vulgaris and its combination with bifidobacteria with the aim to develop new functional foods. The growth of four bifidobacteria strains in milk and whey supplemented with 1.0% (w/v) C. vulgaris and the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous Chlorella solutions (0.5%, 1.0%, and 3.0%) on human peripheral mononuclear cells were evaluated. Furthermore, synergistic effects on lipid metabolism of rats fed a high-fat diet with Chlorella and B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® were analysed. Chlorella had a positive growth-promoting effect on the tested bifidobacteria (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and interleukin-6), depending on the concentration of Chlorella (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks, significant synergistic effects of Chlorella and bifidobacteria on triglyceride levels in rat heart, liver, and serum were observed (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that various combinations of Chlorella and bifidobacteria have significant potential for the development of new fermented products, dependent on the algal species, probiotic strain, application form, and concentrations for acceptable sensory quality for consumers.
In Vitro Starch Digestibility, Rheological, and Physicochemical Properties of Water Caltrop Starch Modified with Cycled Heat-Moisture Treatment
Authors: Tsai Po-Ching , Lai Lih-Shiuh
Published: July 2021

This study focused on the effect of cycled heat-moisture treatment (cHMT) on the in vitro digestibility, rheological, and physicochemical properties of water caltrop starch. The amylose content increased significantly by cHMT, whereas damaged starch content decreased only in the groups with more than two cycles applications. cHMT generally increased the weight-average molecular weight, except for single cycle treatment which showed the reverse result. In thermal properties, the onset temperature (T0), peak temperature (Tp), and conclusion temperature (Tc) increased, while the enthalpy needed to complete the gelatinization was lowered by cHMT. Water caltrop starch paste showed less shear-thinning behavior with cHMT. Meanwhile, the viscosity and tendency to form strong gel were enfeebled with modification. cHMT significantly changed predicted glycemic index (pGI) value, especially in samples that underwent the most cycles of treatment, which showed the lowest pGI compared to native and other treatment. These results suggested that cHMT water caltrop starch was effectively modified and showed diversified properties.
Frying Conditions, Methyl Cellulose, and K-Carrageenan Edible Coatings: Useful Strategies to Reduce Oil Uptake in Fried Mushrooms
Authors: Martínez-Pineda Montserrat , Yagüe-Ruiz Cristina , Vercet Antonio
Published: July 2021

Despite being widely consumed and appreciated, fried food has the unhealthy characteristic of high final oil content. Therefore, alternatives to reduce the oil uptake of fried products are being researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 0.5% methyl cellulose and 0.5% kappa-carrageenan edible films, as well as different frying procedure parameters, such as oil temperatures (from 150 to 180 °C), and thickness of slices (from 2 to 6 mm) on the oil uptake of whole fried mushrooms and their parts. The results showed a lower final oil content when lower frying temperature and thicker slices are applied. Hydrocolloid suspensions of methyl cellulose and kappa-carrageenan, used as edible coatings, were effective at reducing moisture evaporation and, consequently, oil uptake independently of the hydrocolloid temperature. A reduction of 10–22% in the final oil content was achieved. Adjusting the frying parameters and the use of methyl cellulose or kappa-carrageenan as an edible coating were useful strategies to reduce the oil uptake in fried products.
Non-Specific Binding and Cross-Reaction of ELISA: A Case Study of Porcine Hemoglobin Detection
Authors: Jiang Xingyi , Wu Meng , Albo Jonathan , Rao Qinchun
Published: July 2021

Different types of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) have been widely used to control food safety and quality. To develop an accurate and reproducible ELISA, false immunodetection results caused by non-specific binding (NSB) and cross-reaction must be prevented. During the case study of sandwich ELISA development for the detection of porcine hemoglobin (PHb), several critical factors leading to NSB and cross-reaction were found. First, to reduce the NSB of the target analyte, the selection of microplate and blocker was discussed. Second, cross-reactions between enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies and sample proteins were demonstrated. In addition, the function of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was evaluated. Overall, this study highlights the essence of both antibody and assay validation to minimize any false-positive/negative immunodetection results.
Food Import Dependency and National Food Security: A Price Transmission Analysis for the Wheat Sector
Authors: Luo Pengfei , Tanaka Tetsuji
Published: July 2021

Agricultural trade liberalization and protecting domestic markets encompass conflicting policy goals. Even though after the food crisis in 2008, national governments of food-deficit nations aimed at reducing food supply dependency on external markets, no research has assessed the impacts of food import reliance on price or price volatility transmissions to local markets. We constructed a dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)–generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model to examine whether wheat import dependency could make a country vulnerable to overseas shocks by analyzing the inter-relationships between the international wheat price and retail wheat flour prices in 10 net importing countries over the sample period from January 2005 to December 2019. It was found that retail price volatility in each region was positively correlated with international price volatility for most of the period concerned. We also discovered that external dependency could significantly protect the domestic market from the global one, implying that lowering wheat dependency on foreign markets improves “stability” and “availability” of food security without sacrificing “utilization”, but it may aggravate “access”.
In Prototypical Autism, the Genetic Ability to Learn Language Is Triggered by Structured Information, Not Only by Exposure to Oral Language
Authors: Mottron Laurent , Ostrolenk Alexia , Gagnon David
Published: July 2021

What does the way that autistic individuals bypass, learn, and eventually master language tell us about humans’ genetically encoded linguistic ability? In this theoretical review, we argue that autistic non-social acquisition of language and autistic savant abilities provide a strong argument for an innate, human-specific orientation towards (and mastery of) complex embedded structures. Autistic non-social language learning may represent a widening of the material processed during development beyond oral language. The structure detection and manipulation and generative production of non-linguistic embedded and chained material (savant abilities in calendar calculation, musical composition, musical interpretation, and three-dimensional drawing) may thus represent an application of such innate mechanisms to non-standard materials. Typical language learning through exposure to the child’s mother tongue may represent but one of many possible achievements of the same capacity. The deviation from typical language development in autism may ultimately allow access to oral language, sometimes in its most elaborate forms, and also explain the possibility of the absence of its development when applied exclusively to non-linguistic structured material. Such an extension of human capacities beyond or in parallel to their usual limits call into question what we consider to be specific or expected in humans and therefore does not necessarily represent a genetic “error”. Regardless of the adaptive success or failure of non-social language learning, it is the duty of science and ethical principles to strive to maintain autism as a human potentiality to further foster our vision of a plural society.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of the Tineola bisselliella Larval Gut Transcriptome Reveals Candidate Enzymes for Keratin Digestion
Authors: Schwabe Michael , Griep Sven , Schmidtberg Henrike , Plarre Rudy , Goesmann Alexander , Vilcinskas Andreas , Vogel Heiko , Brinkrolf Karina
Published: July 2021

The clothes moth Tineola bisselliella is one of a few insects that can digest keratin, leading to the destruction of clothing, textiles and artwork. The mechanism of keratin digestion is not yet fully understood, partly reflecting the lack of publicly available genomic and transcriptomic data. Here we present a high-quality gut transcriptome of T. bisselliella generated from larvae reared on keratin-rich and keratin-free diets. The overall transcriptome consists of 428,221 contigs that were functionally annotated and screened for candidate enzymes involved in keratin utilization. As a mechanism for keratin digestion, we identified cysteine synthases, cystathionine β-synthases and cystathionine γ-lyases. These enzymes release hydrogen sulfite, which may reduce the disulfide bonds in keratin. The dataset also included 27 differentially expressed contigs with trypsin domains, among which 20 were associated with keratin feeding. Finally, we identified seven collagenases that were upregulated on the keratin-rich diet. In addition to this enzymatic repertoire potentially involved in breaking down keratin, our analysis of poly(A)-enriched and poly(A)-depleted transcripts suggested that T. bisselliella larvae possess an unstable intestinal microbiome that may nevertheless contribute to keratin digestion.
Patient Satisfaction with Private Recovery Services and Importance of Physician Behavior during COVID Time
Authors: Coman Ecaterina , Diaconu Alexandru , Mesesan Schmitz Luiza , Repanovici Angela , Baritz Mihaela , Coman Claudiu , Fotea Silvia
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Patient satisfaction represents an essential indicator of the quality of care in the medical recuperation sector. This study aimed to identify the degree of satisfaction in patients who benefit from medical recuperation services in one private clinic from Romania and the factors that played a part in this respect. Method: An online questionnaire was completed by 105 patients of a private clinic in the period immediately following the opening of the clinic after the quarantine period due to COVID-19. The following concepts were measured: general satisfaction with clinical recuperation services (SG), physician’s behavior (PB), the impact of interventions on the state of health (IHI), modern equipment (ME), and the intention to return to the clinic (IRC). Based on a linear regression model, the impact of PB, IHI, ME, and IRC variables on general satisfaction (SG) was established. Results: The study results confirm the data from studies carried out in different sociocultural contexts in ordinary time, where physician behavior is the most crucial factor in patients’ satisfaction. Therefore, we can say that the physiotherapist’s behavior has an essential role in determining the patients’ satisfaction both in ordinary time and in COVID-19 time. The data in this study reflect the fact that satisfaction with the services offered by a medical recuperation clinic is a predictor for using the services in the future. Still, our study reflects a moderate relationship in intensity.
Cucumis melo L. Germplasm in Tunisia: Unexploited Sources of Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Chikh-Rouhou Hela , Gómez-Guillamón Maria Luisa , González Vicente , Sta-Baba Rafika , Garcés-Claver Ana
Published: July 2021

Breeding for disease resistance has been one of the most important research objectives in melon for the last few decades. Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) is among the most threatening melon fungal diseases along the Mediterranean coast, affecting yield and quality. Since genetic resistance is one of the best sustainable strategies that can be used to control this pathogen, 27 Tunisian melon accessions collected from local farmers have been tested using phenotypic and molecular approaches to identify new sources of resistance to be used directly as cultivars in affected areas or as resistance donors in breeding programs. The phenotypic evaluations, using artificial inoculations, showed several resistant accessions to the pathogenic races of Fom. Additionally, molecular analysis revealed that 13 out of 27 accessions carried the resistance Fom-1 gene (7 in homozygous state and 6 in heterozygous state), confirming their resistance to races 0 and 2. Two of them were also identified as heterozygous for the Fom-2 gene, being resistant to races 0 and 1. Furthermore, two accessions with a high level of resistance to the most virulent race 1.2 have been also reported. This melon germplasm should be explored as a potential source of resistance genes in breeding programs to develop new resistant melon cultivars.
Increased Transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha Variant in a Japanese Population
Authors: Tanaka Hideo , Hirayama Atsushi , Nagai Hitomi , Shirai Chika , Takahashi Yuki , Shinomiya Hiroto , Taniguchi Chie , Ogata Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2021

To assess the relative transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant compared to the pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 in Japan, we performed a cross-sectional study to determine the secondary attack rate of COVID-19 in household contacts before and after the Alpha variant became dominant in Osaka. We accessed 290 household contacts whose index cases were diagnosed between 1 and 20 December 2020 (the third epidemic group), at a time when Osaka was free of the Alpha variant. We also accessed 398 household contacts whose index cases were diagnosed between 20 April and 3 May 2021 (the fourth epidemic group), by which time the Alpha variant had become dominant. We identified 124 household contacts whose index case was determined positive for the Alpha variant (Alpha group) in this fourth group. The secondary attack rates in the fourth group (34.7%) and the Alpha group (38.7%) were significantly higher than that in the third group (19.3%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Poisson regression analysis with a robust error variance showed a significant excess risk in the fourth group (1.90, 95% CI = 1.47–2.48) and the Alpha group (2.34, 95% CI = 1.71–3.21). This finding indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant has an approximately 1.9–2.3-fold higher transmissibility than the pre-existing virus in the Japanese population.
Implementing the Ideal Clinic Program at Selected Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Africa
Authors: Muthelo Livhuwani , Moradi Faith , Phukubye Thabo Arthur , Mbombi Masenyani Oupa , Malema Rambelani Nancy , Mabila Linneth Nkateko
Published: July 2021

Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) in South Africa often experiences crucial challenges that lead to patients’ negative experiences regarding their care, compromising the significant role that PHC services could play in health promotion and disease prevention. The primary purpose of implementing the Ideal Clinic (IC) in South Africa was to improve patients’ care quality at the clinics. There seems to be a paucity of studies determining professional nurses’ experiences when implementing the IC. Purpose: This study aimed to explore and describe professional nurses’ experiences regarding implementing the IC at three selected clinics in the Makhado local area. Study method: A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to explore professional nurses’ experiences regarding IC implementation. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 professional nurses working at the three selected clinics. Data were collected using semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria, i.e., credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Limpopo Turfloop Research and Ethics Committee, and permission to conduct the study was obtained from Limpopo Province Department of Health Research and Ethics Committee. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: The following themes emerged from the study findings: perceived benefits of the IC on the primary healthcare services provided to the community, challenges experienced by professional nurses when implementing the IC program, and challenges related to the supply of resources for implementing the IC. The study results revealed that, although the IC aimed to improve the overburdened PHC facilities in SA, the professional nurses still experienced some challenges when implementing the IC program. Some of the challenges faced were a lack of knowledge and training in the IC program, poor infrastructure and the shortage of equipment, and inadequate provision of support by line managers, all of which resulted in poor-quality patient care. Conclusion: This study revealed that the introduction and implementation of the IC can have potential benefits to the community and the primary healthcare system. However, it was not introduced and appropriately implemented, which resulted in professional nurses experiencing several challenges. The national department of health needs to strengthen the program’s implementation through proper training, consultation, and continuous support of the nurses. Provision of quality equipment and supplies is also recommended.
Relationship of Overweight and Obesity with Body Self-Image Dissatisfaction in Urban Mediterranean Adolescents
Authors: Escrivá Dolores , Moreno-Latorre Esther , Caplliure-Llopis Jordi , Benet Inmaculada , Barrios Carlos
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze whether weight status has a relationship with the prevalence of body self-image dissatisfaction in Mediterranean urban teenagers. A series of 809 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years underwent anthropometric measurements according to ISAK protocols and completed the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). The overall overweight prevalence according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria was 11.5%, and 2.7% for obesity. Girls showed higher overweight prevalence than boys (18.4% vs. 12.9%; p < 0.05). At the late adolescence period (16–17 y), obesity was observed in the boys but not in the girls (8.7% vs. 0%; p < 0.01). There was a relative low prevalence of body image (BI) dissatisfaction among participants (boys 17.3%; girls 22.7%). In the late adolescence period, the girls were more often classified as being dissatisfied (31%). A weak correlation between the BSQ scores and all the anthropometric variables related to the adiposity profile was detected only in the boys. A logistic regression confirmed that female adolescents and the late pubertal period had a significant association with body dissatisfaction, regardless of their weight status. As BI are not related to weight status measured by body mass index (BMI) percentiles, other factors beyond anthropometry deserve further research to explain BI concerns specifically in girls.
Factors That Shape People’s Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany—The Influence of MEDIA, Politics and Personal Characteristics
Authors: El-Far Cardo Aida , Kraus Thomas , Kaifie Andrea
Published: July 2021

Misinformation that accompanied the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an impaired risk perception, resulting in the refusal of personal protection measures, as well as a reduced willingness to receive a vaccination. In order to identify factors that might influence people’s attitudes towards COVID-19 policies and engagement in mitigation measures, we carried out a cross-sectional study in Germany. Altogether, n = 808 participants completed our questionnaire concerning items on demographics, media consumption, risk perception, and trust in health authorities, as well as willingness to receive a vaccination. An overwhelming majority of our participants perceived SARS-CoV-2 as a health threat (85.7%), and almost two thirds (63.5%) mentioned they would get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 when a vaccination was available. A greater likelihood of vaccination intention was associated with being male (71.5% male vs. 60% female, p < 0.05), left-wing voting, trusting health authorities, using public media as an information source about COVID-19, and, in particular, perceiving COVID-19 as a health threat. A better understanding of factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy is indispensable in order to eliminate doubts, increase vaccination rates, and create herd immunity, to stop further virus transmission.
Development and Validation of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Nursing Educators’ Role in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasekara Shyamamala S. , Oh Jina , Cho Haeryun , Im Mihae
Published: July 2021

This study develops a scale that assesses the self-efficacy of Sri Lankan nursing educators in assuming the roles of nursing educators and validates its psychometric properties. This methodological research followed the DeVellis Scale Development Model, which involves six steps of instrument development and evaluation. Preliminary items were determined through a literature review and focus group interviews with nine Sri Lankan nursing experts. The experts, comprising five South Korean and two Sri Lankan nursing professors, tested the scale’s content validity. Moreover, 15 nursing educators participated in a pilot study, and 126 educators took part in the main survey. To evaluate the scale’s validity and reliability, the data from a preliminary questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS/IBM and AMOS 24.0. Further, construct validity was tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and reliability was tested by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and performing split-half testing. Finally, 39 items under four themes, “clinical mentorship” (18 items), “research” (10), “teaching” (6), and “advising” (5), explained 63.5% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis results revealed an acceptable model fit for the final scale. The developed scale achieved a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.97. Thus, the psychometrical properties of the scale measuring Sri Lankan nursing educators’ self-efficacy were comprehensively evaluated and found acceptable. The developed scale will be useful in guideline development or studies regarding the self-efficacy of nursing educators’ roles in developing countries with similar context to Sri Lanka.
Health-Related Fitness Levels among Title I Elementary School Students
Authors: Ha Taemin , Moon Jongho , Dauenhauer Brian , Krause Jennifer , McMullen Jaimie , Gaudreault Karen
Published: July 2021

Over the past few decades, studies have emphasized improving children’s health by increasing health-related fitness levels. Despite the known benefits of health-related fitness in youth, studies have also highlighted a lack of physical activity opportunities for children living in low-income households. The purpose of this study was to investigate the health-related fitness levels of students attending Title I (low-income) elementary schools. A total of 77 elementary students (50.6% female; Mage = 10.0, SD = 0.827) from two Title I elementary schools in the western United States completed the FitnessGram assessments of aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the number of students in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) based upon the FitnessGram HFZ Performance Standards. Less than 17% of students achieved the HFZ for aerobic capacity and only 31.2% achieved the HFZ for upper body strength and endurance. Students performed better for abdominal strength and endurance and flexibility with 55.8% and 68.8% achieving the HFZ, respectively. The results of this study offer insights into the health-related fitness levels of a unique population, students attending Title I schools. School health professionals, including physical education teachers, need to be aware of existing disparities and make efforts to systematically intervene.
DEEP SCOPE: A Framework for Safe Healthcare Design
Authors: Taylor Ellen , Hignett Sue
Published: July 2021

Thinking in patient safety has evolved over time from more simplistic accident causation models to more robust frameworks of work system design. Throughout this evolution, less consideration has been given to the role of the built environment in supporting safety. The aim of this paper is to theoretically explore how we think about harm as a systems problem by mitigating the risk of adverse events through proactive healthcare facility design. We review the evolution of thinking in safety as a safety science. Using falls as a case study topic, we use a previously published model (SCOPE: Safety as Complexity of the Organization, People, and Environment) to develop an expanded framework. The resulting theoretical model and matrix, DEEP SCOPE (DEsigning with Ergonomic Principles), provide a way to synthesize design interventions into a systems-based model for healthcare facility design using human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) design principles. The DEEP SCOPE matrix is proposed to highlight the design of safe healthcare facilities as an ergonomic problem of design that fits the environment to the user by understanding built environments that support the “human” factor.
Sociodemographic Patterns of Exclusive and Dual Use of ENDS and Menthol/Non-Menthol Cigarettes among US Youth (Ages 15–17) Using Two Nationally Representative Surveys (2013–2017)
Authors: Patel Akash , Hirschtick Jana L. , Cook Steven , Usidame Bukola , Mistry Ritesh , Levy David T. , Meza Rafael , Fleischer Nancy L.
Published: July 2021

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth in the United States has increased rapidly in the past decade. Simultaneously, while youth cigarette smoking has declined considerably, youth are still more likely to use menthol cigarettes than any other age group. We used nationally representative data on 15–17-year-olds from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study and the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) (2013–2017) to better understand current cigarette (by menthol flavoring) and ENDS use in the US. We calculated weighted population prevalence estimates across years for multiple patterns of current cigarette and ENDS use (i.e., exclusive menthol cigarette, exclusive non-menthol cigarette, exclusive ENDS, dual ENDS and menthol cigarette, and dual ENDS and non-menthol cigarette) by sex, race/ethnicity, parental education level, household income, and homeownership. Overall, both exclusive menthol and non-menthol cigarette use declined from 2013–2017. Exclusive ENDS use increased, particularly among youth who were non-Hispanic White or had a higher socioeconomic status (measured by parental education, household income, and homeownership). Dual use of ENDS with either menthol or non-menthol cigarettes did not change significantly. Monitoring changes in these sociodemographic patterns will help inform future youth tobacco prevention strategies.