bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of the Zika IgM Antibody Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Zika MAC-ELISA) for Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Machado Portilho Moyra , de Moraes Laise , Kikuti Mariana , Jacob Nascimento Leile Camila , Galvão Reis Mitermayer , Sampaio Boaventura Viviane , Khouri Ricardo , Sousa Ribeiro Guilherme
Published: October 2020

Serological diagnosis of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is challenging because of antigenic cross-reactivity with dengue virus (DENV). This study evaluated the accuracy of the Zika IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CDC Zika IgM MAC-ELISA) in differentiating between ZIKV and DENV infections. To determine sensitivity, we used acute- and convalescent-phase sera from 21 patients with RT-PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection. To determine specificity, we used acute- and convalescent-phase sera from 60 RT-PCR-confirmed dengue cases and sera from 23 blood donors. During the acute-phase of the illness, the assay presented a sensitivity of 12.5% (2/16) for samples collected 0–4 days post symptoms onset (DPSO), and of 75.0% (3/4) for samples collected 5–9 DPSO. During the convalescent-phase of the illness, the test sensitivity was 90.9% (10/11), 100% (2/2), and 0% (0/2) for samples obtained 12–102, 258–260, and 722–727 DPSO, respectively. Specificity for acute- and convalescent-phase samples from RT-PCR-confirmed dengue cases was 100% and 93.2%, respectively. Specificity for blood donor samples was 100%. The assay is an accurate method for Zika serological diagnosis and proved to be reliable for use during surveillance and outbreak investigations in settings where ZIKV and DENV cocirculate.
Managing Deviating EQA Results: A Survey to Assess the Corrective and Preventive Actions of Medical Laboratories Testing for Oncological Biomarkers
Authors: Keppens Cleo , Schuuring Ed , Dequeker Elisabeth MC
Published: October 2020

Laboratories testing predictive biomarkers in lung and colorectal cancer are advised to participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. This study aimed to investigate which corrective actions were taken by laboratories if predetermined performance criteria were not met, to ultimately improve current test practices. EQA participants from the European Society of Pathology between 2014 and 2018 for lung and colorectal cancer were contacted, if they had at least one analysis error or test failure in the provided cases, to complete a survey. For 72.4% of 514 deviating EQA results, an appropriate action was performed, most often including staff training (15.2%) and protocol revisions (14.6%). Main assigned persons were the molecular biologist (40.0%) and pathologist (46.5%). A change in test method or the use of complex techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, required more training and the involvement of dedicated personnel to reduce future test failures. The majority of participants adhered to ISO 15189 and implemented suitable actions by designated staff, not limited to accredited laboratories. However, for 27.6% of cases (by 20 laboratories) no corrective action was taken, especially for pre-analytic problems and complex techniques. The surveys were feasible to request information on results follow-up and further recommendations were provided.
Experiences of Preservice and In-Service Teachers in a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Infusion Curriculum
Authors: Goh Tan Leng , Moosbrugger Michelle , Mello Desmond
Published: October 2020

Considering the limited field experience offered for preservice teachers to competently prepare them to implement the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) in schools, the purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of preservice and in-service teachers participating in a CSPAP infusion curriculum within a physical education teacher education program. Fourteen preservice teachers enrolled in an elementary physical education course implemented four CSPAP projects in four elementary schools as part of coursework. At the end of the project, the preservice teachers participated in focus group discussions and submitted self-reflection papers, while four in-service teachers who partnered in the program participated in interviews. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, results indicated that the preservice teachers developed competency and experienced autonomy in CSPAP implementation during field experiences. Furthermore, they felt a sense of relatedness with the teachers, classmates, and children throughout the program. Support for future implementation is spurred through the school community. In view of the increasing need for preservice teachers to be equipped with the skills to implement CSPAPs, infusing a CSPAP curriculum within a physical education course is viable to facilitate intrinsic motivation among preservice teachers to implement physical activity programs in the future.
Frequency Occurrence Plot-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Motor Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Piedad Eduardo Jr , Chen Yu-Tung , Chang Hong-Chan , Kuo Cheng-Chien
Published: October 2020

A novel motor fault diagnosis using only motor current signature is developed using a frequency occurrence plot-based convolutional neural network (FOP-CNN). In this study, a healthy motor and four identical motors with synthetically applied fault conditions—bearing axis deviation, stator coil inter-turn short circuiting, a broken rotor strip, and outer bearing ring damage—are tested. A set of 150 three-second sampling stator current signals from each motor fault condition are taken under five artificial coupling loads (0, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). The sampling signals are collected and processed into frequency occurrence plots (FOPs) which later serve as CNN inputs. This is done first by transforming the time series signals into its frequency spectra then convert these into two-dimensional FOPs. Fivefold stratified sampling cross-validation is performed. When motor load variations are considered as input labels, FOP-CNN predicts motor fault conditions with a 92.37% classification accuracy. It precisely classifies and recalls bearing axis deviation fault and healthy conditions with 99.92% and 96.13% f-scores, respectively. When motor loading variations are not used as input data labels, FOP-CNN still satisfactorily predicts motor condition with an 80.25% overall accuracy. FOP-CNN serves as a new feature extraction technique for time series input signals such as vibration sensors, thermocouples, and acoustics.
Comparing Novel MMIC and Hybrid Circuit High Efficiency GaAs Schottky Diode mm-Wave Frequency Doublers
Authors: Powell J. R. , Viegas Colin , Sanghera Hoshiar Singh , Huggard P. G. , Alderman Byron
Published: October 2020

A novel Schottky diode frequency doubler in E-band, using biased series-connected diodes in the output waveguide, is reported. The doubler was implemented using a GaAs Schottky Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) process with integrated capacitors and beam leads. A comparison is made with a hybrid doubler using a more conventional single-ended configuration with two discrete diodes in a planar transmission line circuit. Both devices exhibit excellent performance over the 67–78 GHz design bandwidth, with the novel MMIC design producing 25 to 55 mW at 12 to 22% power conversion efficiency. Good agreement of measurements with simulations was also found.
Demand-Based Control Design for Efficient Heat Pump Operation of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Dvorak Dominik , Basciotti Daniele , Gellai Imre
Published: October 2020

Thermal management systems of passenger vehicles are fundamental to provide adequate cabin thermal comfort. However, for battery electric vehicles they can use a significant amount of battery energy and thus reduce the real driving range. Indeed, when heating or cooling the vehicle cabin the thermal management system can consume up to 84% of the battery capacity. This study proposes a model-based approach to design an energy-efficient control strategy for heating electric vehicles, considering the entire climate control system at different ambient conditions. Specifically, the study aims at reducing the energy demand of the compressor and water pumps when operating in heat pump mode. At this scope, the climate control system of the reference vehicle is modelled and validated, enabling a system efficiency analysis in different operating points. Based on the system performance assessment, the optimized operating strategy for the compressor and the water pumps is elaborated and the results show that the demand-based control achieves up to 34% energy reduction when compared to the standard control.
Influence of Graphene Oxide on Rheological Parameters of Cement Slurries
Authors: Kremieniewski Marcin
Published: October 2020

In recent years, graphene-based nanomaterials have been increasingly and widely used in numerous industrial sectors. In the drilling industry, graphene oxide in cement slurry has significantly improved the mechanical parameters of cement composites and is a future-proof solution. However, prior to placing it in a borehole ring space, cement slurry must feature appropriate fluidity. Graphene oxide has a significant influence on rheological parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to study graphene oxide’s influence on the rheological parameters of cement slurries. Thus, this paper presents rheological models and the results of studies on rheological parameters. A basic cement slurry and a slurry with a latex addition were used. The latex admixture was applied at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.03%, and 0.06%. In total, studies were carried out for six slurries with graphene oxide and two basic slurries. The obtained results of studies on the slurries with graphene oxide were compared with the control slurry. It was found that the smallest graphene oxide concentration increased slurry value, some rheological parameter values, plastic viscosity, and the flow limit. Surprisingly, a concentration up to 0.03% was an acceptable value, since the increase in plastic viscosity was not excessively high, which allowed the use of cement slurry to seal the hole. Once this value was exceeded, the slurry caused problems at its injection to the borehole.
Development of HVRT and LVRT Control Strategy for PMSG-Based Wind Turbine Generators
Authors: Yuan Liang , Meng Ke , Huang Jingjie , Dong Zhao Yang , Zhang Wang , Xie Xiaorong
Published: October 2020

Various challenges are acknowledged in practical cases with high wind power penetration. Fault ride-through (FRT) capability has become the most dominant grid integration requirements for the wind energy conversion system worldwide. The high voltage ride-through (HVRT) and low voltage ride-through (LVRT) performance play a vital role in the grid-friendly integration into the system. In this paper, a coordinated HVRT and LVRT control strategy is proposed to enhance the FRT capability of the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind turbine generators (WTG). A dual-mode chopper protection is developed to avoid DC-link overvoltage, and a deadband protection is proposed to prevent oscillations under edge voltage conditions. The proposed strategy can ride through different levels of voltage sags or swells and provide auxiliary dynamic reactive power support simultaneously. The performance of the proposed control scheme is validated through various comparison case tests in PSCAD/EMTDC.
Time-Frequency Image Analysis and Transfer Learning for Capacity Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: El-Dalahmeh Ma’d , Al-Greer Maher , El-Dalahmeh Mo’ath , Short Michael
Published: October 2020

Energy storage is recognized as a key technology for enabling the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future. Energy storage requires careful management, and capacity prediction of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) is an essential indicator in a battery management system for Electric Vehicles and Electricity Grid Management. However, present techniques for capacity prediction rely mainly on the quality of the features extracted from measured signals under strict operating conditions. To improve flexibility and accuracy, this paper introduces a new paradigm based on a multi-domain features time-frequency image (TFI) analysis and transfer deep learning algorithm, in order to extract diagnostic characteristics on the degradation inside the LIB. Continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is used to transfer the one-dimensional (1D) terminal voltage signals of the battery into 2D images (i.e., wavelet energy concentration). The generated TFIs are fed into the 2D deep learning algorithms to extract the features from the battery voltage images. The extracted features are then used to predict the capacity of the LIB. To validate the proposed technique, experimental data on LIB cells from the experimental datasets published by the Prognostics Center of Excellence (PCoE) NASA were used. The results show that the TFI analysis clearly visualised the degradation process of the battery due to its capability to extract different information on electrochemical features from the non-stationary and non-linear nature of the battery signal in both the time and frequency domains. AlexNet and VGG-16 transfer deep learning neural networks combined with stochastic gradient descent with momentum (SGDM) and adaptive data momentum (ADAM) optimization algorithms are examined to classify the obtained TFIs at different capacity values. The results reveal that the proposed scheme achieves 95.60% prediction accuracy, indicating good potential for the design of improved battery management systems.
Short-Term Electricity Price Forecasting with Recurrent Regimes and Structural Breaks
Authors: Marcos Rodrigo A. de , Bunn Derek W. , Bello Antonio , Reneses Javier
Published: October 2020

This paper develops a new approach to short-term electricity forecasting by focusing upon the dynamic specification of an appropriate calibration dataset prior to model specification. It challenges the conventional forecasting principles which argue that adaptive methods should place most emphasis upon recent data and that regime-switching should likewise model transitions from the latest regime. The approach in this paper recognises that the most relevant dataset in the episodic, recurrent nature of electricity dynamics may not be the most recent. This methodology provides a dynamic calibration dataset approach that is based on cluster analysis applied to fundamental market regime indicators, as well as structural time series breakpoint analyses. Forecasting is based upon applying a hybrid fundamental optimisation model with a neural network to the appropriate calibration data. The results outperform other benchmark models in backtesting on data from the Iberian electricity market of 2017, which presents a considerable number of market structural breaks and evolving market price drivers.
Integration of Micro-Cogeneration Units and Electric Storages into a Micro-Scale Residential Solar District Heating System Operating with a Seasonal Thermal Storage
Authors: Rosato Antonio , Ciervo Antonio , Ciampi Giovanni , Scorpio Michelangelo , Sibilio Sergio
Published: October 2020

A micro-scale district heating network based on the operation of solar thermal collectors coupled to a long-term borehole thermal storage is modeled, simulated and investigated over a period of five years. The plant is devoted to covering the domestic hot water and space heating demands of a district composed of six typical residential buildings located in Naples (southern Italy). Three alternative natural gas-fueled back-up auxiliary systems (condensing boiler and two different technologies of micro-cogeneration) aiming at balancing the solar energy intermittency are investigated. The utilization of electric storages in combination with the cogeneration systems is also considered with the aim of improving the self-consumption of cogenerated electric energy; heat recovery from the distribution circuit is also evaluated to pre-heat the mains water for domestic hot water production. The performances of the proposed plant schemes are contrasted with those of a typical Italian decentralized heating plant (based on the utilization of natural gas-fueled non-condensing boilers). The comparison highlighted that the proposed configurations can decrease the primary energy consumption (up to 11.3%), the equivalent emissions of carbon dioxide (up to 11.3%), and the operation costs (up to 14.3%), together with an acceptable simple pay-back period (about 4.4 years).
A Serverless Advanced Metering Infrastructure Based on Fog-Edge Computing for a Smart Grid: A Comparison Study for Energy Sector in Iraq
Authors: Albayati Ammar , Abdullah Nor Fadzilah , Abu-Samah Asma , Mutlag Ammar Hussein , Nordin Rosdiadee
Published: October 2020

The development of the smart grid (SG) has the potential to bring significant improvements to the energy generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. Hence, adequate handling of fluctuating energy demands is required. This can only be achieved by implementing the concept of transactive energy. Transactive energy aims to optimize energy production, transmission, and distribution combined with next-generation hardware and software, making it a challenge for implementation at a national level, and to ensure the effective collaboration of energy exchange between consumers and producers, a serverless architecture based on functionality can make significant contributions to the smart grids advanced metering infrastructure (SG-AMI). In this paper, a scalable serverless SG-AMI architecture is proposed based on fog-edge computing, virtualization consideration, and Function as a service (FaaS) as a services model to increase the operational flexibility, increase the system performance, and reduce the total cost of ownership. The design was benchmarked against the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MOELC) proposed designs for the smart grid, and it was evaluated based on the MOELC traditional computing-design, and a related cloud computing-based design. The results show that our proposed design offers an improvement of 20% to 65% performance on network traffic load, latency, and time to respond, with a reduction of 50% to 67% on the total cost of ownership, lower power and cooling consumption compared to the SG design proposed by MOELC. From this paper, it can be observed that a robust roadmap for SG-AMI architecture can effectively contribute towards increasing the scalability and interoperability, automation, and standardization of the energy sector.
Terrestrial Image-Based Point Clouds for Mapping Near-Ground Vegetation Structure: Potential and Limitations
Authors: Wallace Luke , Hally Bryan , Hillman Samuel , Jones Simon D. , Reinke Karin
Published: October 2020

Site-specific information concerning fuel hazard characteristics is needed to support wildfire management interventions and fuel hazard reduction programs. Currently, routine visual assessments provide subjective information, with the resulting estimate of fuel hazard varying due to observer experience and the rigor applied in making assessments. Terrestrial remote sensing techniques have been demonstrated to be capable of capturing quantitative information on the spatial distribution of biomass to inform fuel hazard assessments. This paper explores the use of image-based point clouds generated from imagery captured using a low-cost compact camera for describing the fuel hazard within the surface and near-surface layers. Terrestrial imagery was obtained at three distances for five target plots. Subsets of these images were then processed to determine the effect of varying overlap and distribution of image captures. The majority of the point clouds produced using this image-based technique provide an accurate representation of the 3D structure of the surface and near-surface fuels. Results indicate that high image overlap and pixel size are critical; multi-angle image capture is shown to be crucial in providing a representation of the vertical stratification of fuel. Terrestrial image-based point clouds represent a viable technique for low cost and rapid assessment of fuel structure.
Oregano Phytocomplex Induces Programmed Cell Death in Melanoma Lines via Mitochondria and DNA Damage
Authors: Nanni Valentina , Di Marco Gabriele , Sacchetti Gianni , Canini Antonella , Gismondi Angelo
Published: October 2020

Plant secondary metabolites possess chemopreventive and antineoplastic properties, but the lack of information about their exact mechanism of action in mammalian cells hinders the translation of these compounds in suitable therapies. In light of this, firstly, Origanum vulgare L. hydroalcoholic extract was chemically characterized by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses; then, the molecular bases underlying its antitumor activity on B16-F10 and A375 melanoma cells were investigated. Oregano extract induced oxidative stress and inhibited melanogenesis and tumor cell proliferation, triggering programmed cell death pathways (both apoptosis and necroptosis) through mitochondria and DNA damage. By contrast, oregano extract was safe on healthy tissues, revealing no cytotoxicity and mutagenicity on C2C12 myoblasts, considered as non-tumor proliferating cell model system, and on Salmonella strains, by the Ames test. All these data provide scientific evidence about the potential application of this food plant as an anticancer agent in in vivo studies and clinical trials.
Inclusion of Healthy Oils for Improving the Nutritional Characteristics of Dry-Fermented Deer Sausage
Authors: Vargas-Ramella Márcio , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Gagaoua Mohammed , Franco Daniel , Campagnol Paulo C. B. , Pateiro Mirian , Barretto Andrea Carla da Silva , Domínguez Rubén , Lorenzo José M.
Published: October 2020

The influence of partial replacement of animal fat by healthy oils on composition, physicochemical, volatile, and sensory properties of dry-fermented deer sausage was evaluated. Four different batches were manufactured: the control was formulated with animal fat (18.2%), while in the reformulated batches the 50% of animal fat was substituted by olive, canola, and soy oil emulsions immobilized in Prosella gel. The reformulation resulted in a decrease of moisture and fat contents and an increase of protein and ash amount. Moreover, reformulated sausages were harder, darker, and had higher pH values. This fact is related to the lower moisture content in these samples. As expected, the fatty acid composition was changed by the reformulation. The use of soy and canola oils increased polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 content and decreased n-6/n-3 ratio and saturated fatty acids. Thus, the use of these two oils presented the best nutritional benefits. The changes observed in the fatty acids reflected the fatty acid composition of the oils employed in the emulsions. Regarding volatile compounds (VOC), the replacement of animal fat by healthy emulsion gels increased the content of both total VOC and most of individual VOC. However, the lipid-derived VOC did not show this trend. Generally speaking, the control samples presented similar or higher VOC derived from lipid oxidation processes, which could be related to the natural antioxidant compounds present in the vegetable oils. Finally, all reformulated sausages presented higher consumer acceptability than control samples. In fact, the sausage reformulated with soy oil emulsion gel was the most preferred. Thus, as a general conclusion, the reformulation of deer sausages with soy emulsion gel improves both composition and sensory quality of the final product, which could be an excellent strategy to the elaboration of healthy fermented sausages.
The Antibacterial Efficacy and Mechanism of Plasma-Activated Water Against Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 13076) on Shell Eggs
Authors: Lin Chia-Min , Hsiao Chun-Ping , Lin Hong-Siou , Liou Jian Sin , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Wu Jong-Shinn , Hou Chih-Yao
Published: October 2020

Eggs are one of the most commonly consumed food items. Currently, chlorine washing is the most common method used to sanitize shell eggs. However, chlorine could react with organic matters to form a potential carcinogen, trihalomethanes, which can have a negative impact on human health. Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been demonstrated to inactivate microorganisms effectively without compromising the sensory qualities of shell eggs. For this study, various amounts (250, 500, 750, or 1000 mL) of PAW were generated by using one or two plasma jet(s) at 60 watts for 20 min with an air flow rate at 6 or 10 standard liters per minute (slm). After being inoculated with 7.0 log CFU Salmonella Enteritidis, one shell egg was placed into PAW for 30, 60, or 90 s with 1 or 2 acting plasma jet(s). When 2 plasma jets were used in a large amount of water (1000 mL), populations of S. Enteritidis were reduced from 7.92 log CFU/egg to 2.84 CFU/egg after 60 s of treatment. In addition, concentrations of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, nitrate, and nitrite in the PAW were correlated with the levels of antibacterial efficacy. The highest concentrations of ozone (1.22 ppm) and nitrate (55.5 ppm) were obtained with a larger water amount and lower air flow rate. High oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and low pH values were obtained with longer activation time, more plasma jet, and a lower air flow rate. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated in the PAW. The observation under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that bacterial cells were swollen, or even erupted after treatment with PAW. These results indicate that the bacterial cells lost control of cell permeability after the PAW treatment. This study shows that PAW is effective against S. Enteritidis on shell eggs in a large amount of water. Ozone, nitrate, and ROS could be the main causes for the inactivation of bacterial cells.
Technological Properties and Consumer Acceptability of Bakery Products Enriched with Brewers’ Spent Grains
Authors: Amoriello Tiziana , Mellara Francesco , Galli Vincenzo , Amoriello Monica , Ciccoritti Roberto
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, brewers’ spent grains (BSG) is considered the most abundant and low-cost brewing by-products, presenting a great potential as a functional food ingredient. Since BSG is rich in dietary fiber and protein, it can be a raw material of interest in bakery products. However, blending wheat flour with BSG can affect dough rheology and the structural and sensorial properties of products. In this context, BSG flour at different levels (0%, 5%, and 10%) was used to enrich three commercial soft wheat flours, and to develop new formulations for bakery products (bread, breadsticks and pizza). As expected, the enrichment caused a significant increase of proteins, dietary fibers, lipids, and ash related to the BSG enrichment level. Significant changes in dough rheological properties (e.g., higher water absorption, lower development time and stability, dough strength, and tenacity) and in the color of the crust and crumbs of bakery products were also observed. At last, the consumer test pointed out that the 5% BSG enrichment showed the higher overall acceptability of proposed bakery products.
Optimisation of Sequential Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Essential Oil and Pigment from Lemon Peels Waste
Authors: Martínez-Abad Antonio , Ramos Marina , Hamzaoui Mahmoud , Kohnen Stephane , Jiménez Alfonso , Garrigós María Carmen
Published: October 2020

In this work, a cascade approach to obtain different valuable fractions from lemon peels waste was optimised using microwave-assisted processes. Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) with a Clevenger apparatus was firstly used to obtain the lemon essential oil (LEO). The remaining residue was then submitted to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to extract the lemon pigment (LP). A Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the influence of ethanol concentration, temperature and time in LP extraction in terms of extraction yield and colour intensity. Optimal extraction conditions for LP were 80% (v/v) ethanol, 80 °C and 50 min, with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1:10. The obtained yields for LEO and LP were around 2 wt.% and 6 wt.%, respectively. The composition of LEO was analysed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID), and limonene (65.082 wt.%), β-pinene (14.517 wt.%) and γ-terpinene (9.743 wt.%) were mainly identified. LP was purified by using different Amberlite adsorption resins (XAD4, XAD7HP and XAD16N), showing XAD16N the best adsorption capacity. Enrichment factors of 4.3, 4.5 and 5.0 were found for eriocitrin, diosmin and hesperidin, respectively, which were detected as the main components in LP by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS) analysis, with final concentrations of 4.728 wt.%, 7.368 wt.% and 2.658 wt.%, respectively. Successful antimicrobial capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was obtained for LEO. The results from this work showed the potential of applying a cascading approach based on microwave-assisted processes to valorise lemon wastes, obtaining natural pigments and antimicrobials to be applied in food, cosmetic and polymer industries.
Earth Tides and H2 Venting in the Sao Francisco Basin, Brazil
Authors: Simon Jacob , Fulton Patrick , Prinzhofer Alain , Cathles Lawrence
Published: October 2020

Hydrogen gas seeping from Proterozoic basins worldwide is a potential non-carbon energy resource, and the vents are consequently receiving research attention. A curious feature of H2 venting in the Sao Francisco Basin in Brazil is that the venting displays a very regular daily cycle. It has been shown that atmospheric pressure tides could explain this cycle, but solid earth tides might be an alternative explanation. We show here that it is unlikely that solid earth tides are a dominant control because they have two equally strong peaks per day whereas the H2 venting has only one.
Evaluation of a Combined HIV and Geriatrics Clinic for Older People Living with HIV: The Silver Clinic in Brighton, UK
Authors: Levett Tom , Alford Katie , Roberts Jonathan , Adler Zoe , Wright Juliet , Vera Jaime H.
Published: October 2020

As life expectancy in people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased, the focus of management has shifted to preventing and treating chronic illnesses, but few services exist for the assessment and management of these individuals. Here, we provide an initial description of a geriatric service for people living with HIV and present data from a service evaluation undertaken in the clinic. We conducted an evaluation of the first 52 patients seen in the clinic between 2016 and 2019. We present patient demographic data, assessment outcomes, diagnoses given, and interventions delivered to those seen in the clinic. The average age of attendees was 67. Primary reasons for referral to the clinic included management of complex comorbidities, polypharmacy, and suspected geriatric syndrome (falls, frailty, poor mobility, or cognitive decline). The median (range) number of comorbidities and comedications (non-antiretrovirals) was 7 (2–19) and 9 (1–15), respectively. All attendees had an undetectable viral load. Geriatric syndromes were observed in 26 (50%) patients reviewed in the clinic, with frailty and mental health disease being the most common syndromes. Interventions offered to patients included combination antiretroviral therapy modification, further health investigations, signposting to rehabilitation or social care services, and in-clinic advice. High levels of acceptability among patients and healthcare professionals were reported. The evaluation suggests that specialist geriatric HIV services might play a role in the management of older people with HIV with geriatric syndromes.
Haunted Oppressors: The Deconstruction of Manliness in the Imperial Gothic Stories of Rudyard Kipling and Arthur Conan Doyle
Authors: Berger Anna
Published: October 2020

Building on Patrick Brantlinger’s description of imperial Gothic fiction as “that blend of adventure story with Gothic elements”, this article compares the narrative formula of adventure fiction to two tales of haunting produced in a colonial context: Rudyard Kipling’s “The Mark of the Beast” (1890) and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Brown Hand” (1899). My central argument is that these stories form an antithesis to adventure fiction: while adventure stories reaffirm the belief in the imperial mission and the racial superiority of the British through the display of hypermasculine heroes, Kipling’s and Conan Doyle’s Gothic tales establish connections between imperial decline and masculine failure. In doing so, they destabilise the binary construction between civilised Western self and savage Eastern Other and thus anticipate one of the major concerns of postcolonial criticism. This article proposes, therefore, that it is useful to examine “The Mark of the Beast” and “The Brown Hand” through a postcolonial lens.
Identification of Heat Tolerance in Chinese Wildgrape Germplasm Resources
Authors: Liu Yongxiang , Jiang Jianfu , Fan Xiucai , Zhang Ying , Wu Jiuyun , Wang Lijun , Liu Chonghuai
Published: October 2020

Global climate warming will significantly impact grapevine growth and development, and thus grape and wine industries worldwide. Heat-tolerant germplasms are very valuable for grapevine breeding programs. In this study, we assessed the thermotolerance of 247 wild grape accessions by chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm) under critical high temperature according to Xu et al. in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The results showed that 36 grape accessions showed strong heat tolerance. Therefore, these accessions can be used as parents for breeding heat-tolerant grape cultivars.
Study on the Growth Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Pak Choi (Brassica chinensis) in Different Aquaponic Growing Systems
Authors: Sundar Laurence Shiva , Chen Guangyau Stanley
Published: October 2020

Aquaponics is a human-made recirculating ecosystem that integrates the cultivation of crops and aquaculture to produce higher-quality, safe, and nutritious food. However, limited studies have been conducted to investigate the performance of different aquaponic plant growing systems. As such, the current research focuses on evaluating the overall performance of four different aquaponic growing systems in the growth and yield of lettuce and pak choi. The data on the shoot and root biomass and growth parameters were collected, and the growth analysis was performed. The relative growth rate results indicated that the appropriate environmental conditions were provided for lettuce and pak choi to grow successfully in all the four aquaponic growing systems. The crop growth rate results revealed that all four aquaponic growing systems tested in this experiment were able to grow crops and provide yield successfully. However, the substrate-based closed capillary water distribution system (CCWD) had the best overall result, which showed great potential for aquaponic applications to promote alternative agriculture production under unfavored climate conditions.
Family Income and Children’s Emotional Wellbeing: the Mediational Role of Parents’ Life Satisfaction and Emotional Wellbeing in China
Authors: Qi Di , Wu Yichao
Published: October 2020

Utilizing the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) dataset and the structural equation model, this paper examines the direct and indirect influences of family income on children’s emotional wellbeing as a function of parents’ life satisfaction and parents’ emotional wellbeing. Firstly, the empirical analysis of this paper shows that family income exerts a positive influence on children’s emotional wellbeing outcomes, including depressed, hopeless, helpless, and meaningless feelings. Secondly, the findings show that family income is significantly associated with parents’ emotional wellbeing, through which children’s wellbeing is affected. The intergenerational emotional transmission mechanism is validated. The ability to control personal emotions is an important skill, related not only to personal health but also to children’s health and wellbeing. Furthermore, parents’ life satisfaction serves as the mediator between family income and parents’ emotional wellbeing. If parents are more satisfied with their own lives, they are less likely to experience emotional problems. Policy implications are discussed in the end.
Cultural Adaptation, Validation, and Primary Application of a Questionnaire to Assess Intentions to Eat Low-Glycemic Index Foods among Rural Chinese Women
Authors: Li Mingshu , Li Fang , Lin Qian , Shi Jingzheng , Luo Jing , Long Qing , Yang Qiping , Ouyang Yufeng , Liu Hanmei , Bell Rhonda C. , Guo Jia
Published: October 2020

Different lines of evidence indicate that knowledge of low-glycemic index (GI) foods and the practice of eating them play important roles in blood glucose management and preventing T2DM in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to the theory of planned behavior (TPB), intention is a critical factor in complying with health-related behaviors. However, an instrument for assessing the intention to eat low-GI foods is lacking in China. We aimed to (1) adapt and validate a Chinese version of the intentions to eat low-GI foods questionnaire (CIELQ) and (2) apply the CIELQ among rural Chinese women to explore the associations between CIELQ scores and glycemic status. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 nondiabetic, nonpregnant participants with a history of GDM in Hunan, China. After cultural adaptation and validation, the CIELQ was applied in a target population. Glycemic status, anthropometric variables, dietary intake, and physical activity were measured; a self-developed, standard questionnaire was applied to collect relevant information. The CIELQ showed good internal consistency; model fitness was acceptable based on the confirmatory factor analysis results. Awareness of the glycemic index was low among the study population. TPB factors were found to be associated with each other; education level and parents’ diabetes history were associated with specific factors. The score for instrumental attitude showed a positive association with the risk for a high level of the 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (odds ratio, OR = 1.330), while the score for perceived behavior control (PBC) showed a negative association with the risk for a high level (OR = 0.793). The CIELQ was determined to be a valid instrument for assessing the intention to eat a low-GI diet among the study population. The awareness of the GI was poor among the study population. The score for instrumental attitude showed a positive association with the risk of a high level on the 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the score for PBC showed a negative association with the risk for a high level on OGTT.
Vagal Threshold Determination during Incremental Stepwise Exercise in Normoxia and Normobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Neuls Filip , Krejci Jakub , Jakubec Ales , Botek Michal , Valenta Michal
Published: October 2020

This study focuses on the determination of the vagal threshold (Tva) during exercise with increasing intensity in normoxia and normobaric hypoxia. The experimental protocol was performed by 28 healthy men aged 20 to 30 years. It included three stages of exercise on a bicycle ergometer with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) 20.9% (normoxia), 17.3% (simulated altitude ~1500 m), and 15.3% (~2500 m) at intensity associated with 20% to 70% of the maximal heart rate reserve (MHRR) set in normoxia. Tva level in normoxia was determined at exercise intensity corresponding with (M ± SD) 45.0 ± 5.6% of MHRR. Power output at Tva (POth), representing threshold exercise intensity, decreased with increasing degree of hypoxia (normoxia: 114 ± 29 W; FiO2 = 17.3%: 110 ± 27 W; FiO2 = 15.3%: 96 ± 32 W). Significant changes in POth were observed with FiO2 = 15.3% compared to normoxia (p = 0.007) and FiO2 = 17.3% (p = 0.001). Consequentially, normoxic %MHRR adjusted for hypoxia with FiO2 = 15.3% was reduced to 39.9 ± 5.5%. Considering the convenient altitude for exercise in hypoxia, POth did not differ excessively between normoxic conditions and the simulated altitude of ~1500 m, while more substantial decline of POth occurred at the simulated altitude of ~2500 m compared to the other two conditions.
Vaccination Coverage among Prisoners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vicente-Alcalde Nancy , Ruescas-Escolano Esther , Harboe Zitta Barrella , Tuells José
Published: October 2020

Prison inmates are highly susceptible for several infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a systematic international literature review on vaccination coverage against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), combined HAV/HBV, tetanus-diphtheria, influenza, pneumococcal, and combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in prison inmates, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases were used Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cinhal. No language or time limit were applied to the search. We defined vaccination coverage as the proportion of vaccinated prisoners. There were no limitations in the search strategy regarding time period or language. Of 1079 identified studies, 28 studies were included in the review. In total, 21 reported on HBV vaccine coverage (range between 16–82%); three on HAV (range between 91–96%); two studies on combined HAV/HBV (77% in the second dose and 58% in the third); three studies on influenza vaccine (range between 36–46%), one of pneumococcal vaccine coverage (12%), and one on MMR coverage (74%). We found that data on vaccination coverage in prison inmates are scarce, heterogeneous, and do not include all relevant vaccines for this group. Current published literature indicate that prison inmates are under-immunized, particularly against HBV, influenza, MMR, and pneumococci. Strengthen immunization programs specifically for this population at risk and improvement of data record systems may contribute to better health care in prisoners.
A Model Depicting the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interactions: Components, Outcomes, and Future Directions
Authors: Winkler Megan R. , Zenk Shannon N. , Baquero Barbara , Steeves Elizabeth Anderson , Fleischhacker Sheila E. , Gittelsohn Joel , Leone Lucia A , Racine Elizabeth F.
Published: October 2020

The retail food environment (RFE) has important implications for dietary intake and health, and dramatic changes in RFEs have been observed over the past few decades and years. Prior conceptual models of the RFE and its relationships with health and behavior have played an important role in guiding research; yet, the convergence of RFE changes and scientific advances in the field suggest the time is ripe to revisit this conceptualization. In this paper, we propose the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interaction Model to convey the evolving variety of factors and relationships that convene to influence food choice at the point of purchase. The model details specific components of the RFE, including business approaches, actors, sources, and the customer retail experience; describes individual, interpersonal, and household characteristics that affect customer purchasing; highlights the macro-level contexts (e.g., communities and nations) in which the RFE and customers behave; and addresses the wide-ranging outcomes produced by RFEs and customers, including: population health, food security, food justice, environmental sustainability, and business sustainability. We believe the proposed conceptualization helps to (1) provide broad implications for future research and (2) further highlight the need for transdisciplinary collaborations to ultimately improve a range of critical population outcomes.
Applying a Capabilities Approach to Understanding Older LGBT People’s Disclosures of Identity in Community Primary Care
Authors: Toze Michael , Fish Julie , Hafford-Letchfield Trish , Almack Kathryn
Published: October 2020

Internationally, there is increasing recognition that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) populations experience substantial public health inequalities and require interventions to address these inequalities, yet data on this population is often not routinely collected. This paper considers the case study of the UK, where there are proposals to improve government and health data collection on LGBT populations, but also a degree of apparent uncertainty over the purpose and relevance of information about LGBT status in healthcare. This paper applies a health capabilities framework, arguing that the value of health information about LGBT status should be assessed according to whether it improves LGBT people’s capability to achieve good health. We draw upon 36 older LGBT people’s qualitative accounts of disclosing LGBT status within UK general practice healthcare. Participants’ accounts of the benefits and risks of disclosure could be mapped against multiple domains of capability, including those that closely align with biomedical accounts (e.g., longevity and physical health), but also more holistic considerations (e.g., emotion and affiliation). However, across all domains, individuals tend to assess capabilities at an individual level, with relatively little reference to population-level impact of disclosure. Clearer articulation of the benefits of disclosure and data collection for the collective capabilities of LGBT populations may be a beneficial strategy for improving the quality of information on LGBT populations.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Lingual Validation of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)-Specific for Cholesterol Lowering Drugs in the Visegrad Countries
Authors: Boruzs Klára , Dombrádi Viktor , Sándor János , Bányai Gábor , Horne Robert , Bíró Klára , Nagy Attila
Published: October 2020

The goal of this study was to translate the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire—Specific (BMQ-Specific) for cholesterol-lowering drugs, into the Hungarian, Slovak, Czech and Polish languages and test their reliability with statistical methods. For this purpose, Cronbach’s alpha, confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were conducted. The analyses included 235 Czech, 205 Hungarian, 200 Polish, and 200 Slovak respondents, all of whom were taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. The translations from English into the target languages were always done by two independent translators. As part of the validation process these translations were pilot tested and after the necessary alterations, they were translated back into English by a third translator. After the approval by the creator of the questionnaire, nationwide surveys were conducted in all four countries. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were exceptionally good for the Czech and Slovak translations, while the Polish and Hungarian translations marginally crossed the predetermined thresholds. With the exception of a single Polish question, the results of the exploratory factor analysis were deemed acceptable. The translated versions of BMQ-Specific are reliable and valid tools to assess patients’ beliefs about medication, especially medication adherence among patients taking cholesterol-lowering medication. A comparison between the four countries with this questionnaire is now possible.