bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of the System Stability of DB-Controlled VSC Links Parallel Operated with a Weak Multi-Machine AC Power System
Authors: Wang Liying , Ertugrul Nesimi , Negnevitsky Michael
Published: March 2022

To allow the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, VSC-HVDC is commonly utilized. However, with greater integration, several power system stability issues arise. In this study, we examined the small-signal rotor angle stability of a model of the Australian power system with embedded VSC-based HVDC links. A simplified model of the Australian power network was used to connect the potential geothermal resources in the region of Innamincka using a 1100 km HVDC link. We observed that the introduction of the new source of geothermal power generation had an adverse impact on the damping performance of the system. Therefore, two forms of stabilization are examined here: (i) generator power system stabilizers (PSS) fitted to the synchronous machines, which are used to convert geothermal energy to electrical power; and (ii) power oscillation damping controllers (PODs) fitted to the VSC-HVDC link. In the case of the PODs, two types of stabilizing input signals are considered: (i) local signals such as power flow in adjacent AC lines, and (ii) wide-area signals such as bus voltage angles at key nodes in the various regions of the system. It was concluded that the small-signal rotor angle stability of the interconnected AC/DC system can be greatly enhanced by employing the designed damping controllers.
Towards Designing an Innovative Industrial Fan: Developing Regression and Neural Models Based on Remote Mass Measurements
Authors: Czyżewicz Jacek , Jaskólski Piotr , Ziemiański Paweł , Piwowarski Marian , Bortkiewicz Mateusz , Laszuk Krzysztof , Galara Ireneusz , Pawłowska Marta , Cybulski Karol
Published: March 2022

This article presents the process of the construction and testing a remote, fully autonomous system for measuring the operational parameters of fans. The measurement results obtained made it possible to create and verify mathematical models using linear regression and neural networks. The process was implemented as part of the first stage of an innovative project. The article presents detailed steps of constructing a system to collect and process measurement data from fans installed in actual operating conditions and the results of analysis of this data. In particular, a measurement infrastructure was developed, defined, and implemented. Measuring equipment was mounted on selected ventilation systems with relevant fans. Systems were implemented that allowed continuous measurement of ventilation system parameters and remote transmission of data to a server where it was regularly analysed and selected for use in the process of modelling and diagnostics. Pearson’s correlation analysis for p < 0.05 indicated that all seven parameters (suction temperature, discharge temperature, suction pressure, current consumption, rotational speed, humidity, and flow) were significantly correlated with efficiency (p < 0.001). A satisfactory level of correlation between the selected parameters measured in actual conditions and the characteristics of the fan and the ventilation system was experimentally verified. This was determined by finding 4 statistically significant parameters at a confidence level of 95%. This allowed the creation of two mathematical models of the fan system and the ventilation system using linear regression and neural networks. The linear regression model showed that the suction temperature, discharge temperature, and air humidity did not affect the fan efficiency (they are statistically insignificant, p > 0.05). The neural model, which considered all measured parameters, achieved the same accuracy as the model based on four significant parameters: suction pressure, current consumption, rotational speed, and flow.
On Deploying the Internet of Energy with 5G Open RAN Technology including Beamforming Mechanism
Authors: Mongay Batalla Jordi , Moshin Mustafa , Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Wesołowski Krzysztof , Mastorakis George , Krzykowska-Piotrowska Karolina
Published: March 2022

The Internet of Energy is the deployment of IoT technology within energy systems (including distributed power monitoring and measuring points, energy plant sensors, points of distribution) to increase the efficiency of the whole infrastructure while decreasing energy waste. Due to criticality and the extension of the Internet of Energy, it needs an underlying network with vast coverage and high-efficiency parameters. In this paper, we argue that the 5G network is suitable for the Internet of Energy and present a concrete 5G implementation based on Open RAN that may gain in flexibility while reducing costs. In our simulations, we model and validate beamforming mechanism in Open RAN 5G and show that beamforming may achieve high-efficiency parameters that the Internet of Energy requires.
Internet of Things as a Sustainable Energy Management Solution at Tourism Destinations in India
Authors: Tiwari Sunil , Rosak-Szyrocka Joanna , Żywiołek Justyna
Published: March 2022

The development of tourist destinations has been determined by sustainable energy management and the advancement of traditional methods. The rate of development must adapt to technological innovations while also considering future generations. The present study aims to determine to what extent tourism personnel are aware of the skills, knowledge, and methods for sustainable energy management, and also to analyze the Internet of Things as a technological solution for sustainable energy management at tourism destinations in India with the help of the Servqual method. It is important to implement modern technologies such as internal things and develop a sustainable attitude toward tourism. Findings suggested that over each attribute of Servqual model, reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy and responsiveness of IoT as sustainable energy management solutions at tourism destinations in India, tourism stakeholders have higher level of expectations (23.41, 19.86, 18.45, 23.60 and 24.73) and perceptions (18.34, 16.50, 14.97, 18.17 and 19.20) followed by tourists expectations (22.10, 17.36, 16.01, 22.62 and 21.87) and perceptions (19.32, 11.75, 09.46, 15.06 and 17.43) and local residents expectations (20.17, 14.61, 14.87, 19.46 and 18.81) and perceptions (13.48, 08.85, 07.73, 13.54 and 12.94), respectively. Results also showed that older generations and traditional tourism destinations are unable to cope with the modern advanced terminology, tools, and management strategies, which makes the present study the most significant about changing the traditional way of energy management and developing tourism destinations as sustainable and responsible.
Planning of New Distribution Network Considering Green Power Certificate Trading and Carbon Emissions Trading
Authors: Wang Hujun , Shen Xiaodong , Liu Junyong
Published: March 2022

In order to adapt to the development of the green power certificate trading (GPCT) and carbon emissions trading (CET) market, reduce the carbon emissions of the distribution network and increase the investment income, this paper proposes a new distribution network (NDN) planning and simulation operation bi-layer model with new energy (NE) as the main body, considering the GPCT and CET mechanisms. First, the upper layer determines the capacity and location of wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic (PV), hydraulic turbine (HT), micro turbine (MT), and energy storage (ES), while the lower simulation operation considers the operation costs of WT, PV, HT, MT, ES, load demand response (DR) and carbon emissions. The planning objective was to minimize the total cost of investment, operation and carbon emissions in the planning period. Then, on the basis of a traditional distribution network (TDN), security constraints, carbon emissions intensity, GPCT volume and CET volume were added. Finally, the cases study of the improved IEEE33 node and PG&E69 node NDN planning were provided. The results of NDN planning and TDN planning are compared and analyzed, and a sensitivity analysis was carried out to study the impact of GPCT and CET mechanisms with different price levels on investment planning. The results verify the applicability and rationality of the model.
Control of a Three-Phase Current Source Rectifier for H2 Storage Applications in AC Microgrids
Authors: Combe Quentin , Abasian Alireza , Pierfederici Serge , Weber Mathieu , Dufour Stéphane
Published: March 2022

The share of electrical energy from renewable sources has increased considerably in recent years in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate the uncertainties of these sources and to balance energy production with consumption, an energy storage system (ESS) based on water electrolysis to produce hydrogen is studied. It can be applied to AC microgrids, where several renewable energy sources and several loads may be connected, which is the focus of the study. When excess electricity production is converted into hydrogen via water electrolysis, low DC voltages and high currents are applied, which needs specific power converters. The use of a three-phase, buck-type current source converter, in a single conversion stage, allows for an adjustable DC voltage to be obtained at the terminals of the electrolyzer from a three-phase AC microgrid. The voltage control is preferred to the current control in order to improve the durability of the system. The classical control of the buck-type rectifier is generally done using two loops that correspond only to the control of its output variables. The lack of control of the input variables may generate oscillations of the grid current. Our contribution in this article is to propose a new control for the buck-type rectifier that controls both the input and output variables of the converter to avoid these grid current oscillations, without the use of active damping methods. The suggested control method is based on an approach using the flatness properties of differential systems: it ensures the large-signal stability of the converter. The proposed control shows better results than the classical control, especially in oscillation mitigation and dynamic performances with respect to the rejection of disturbances caused by a load step.
A Perylenediimide-Based Zinc-Coordination Polymer for Photosensitized Singlet-Oxygen Generation
Authors: Deger Simon N. , Weishäupl Sebastian J. , Pöthig Alexander , Fischer Roland A.
Published: March 2022

In the face of anthropogenic global warming the design and synthesis of materials, which enable energy transfer processes using sunlight as an energy source, are of high interest. Perylenediimides are a highly absorbing class of chromophores suitable for sunlight absorption and conversion. Therefore, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs) with incorporated organic perylene chromophores are highly interesting materials both for applied, but also fundamental, photophysical research. MOFs/CPs have the advantage of a modular adjustability of interchromophoric distances and angles, and the choice of metal nodes can be used to further tune the material towards the desired photophysical properties. In the present paper, we present a study using a reported organic perylenediimide (PDI) chromophore (H2tpdb) as a linker to be incorporated into coordination polymer and test towards applicability within the photochemical 1O2 generation. In detail, a novel zinc 2D -coordination polymer Zn(tpdb)(DMF)3 is reported, which is synthesized using a solvothermal synthesis with Zn(NO3)2 and a ditopic organic perylene linker. Both the linker and Zn-CP are fully characterized, including SC-XRD, showing a strong aggregation of tightly packed chromophores in the solid state. The photophysical properties are examined and discussed, including the observed shifts within the absorption spectra of the CP are compared to the linker in solution. These shifts are mainly attributed to the for PDIs known H-type aggregation and an additional charge transfer in the framework structure, causing a limited quantum yield of the emission. Finally, the photosensitization of triplet oxygen to singlet oxygen using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofurane (DBPF) as a trapping agent is investigated both for the free linker and the Zn-CP, showing that the perylene chromophore is an efficient photosensitizer and its activity can, in principle, be retained after its incorporation in the coordination polymer.
Leaf-Level Spectroscopy for Analysis of Invasive Pest Impact on Trees in a Stressed Environment: An Example Using Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) in Ash Trees (Fraxinus spp.), Kansas, USA
Authors: Moley Laura M. , Goodin Douglas G. , Winslow William P.
Published: March 2022

The most visible symptoms of emerald ash borer (EAB) (Argilus planipennis Fairmaire) infestation do not usually appear until six years after the borer’s arrival, by which time the prognosis is so grim that many communities have resorted to either heavy chemical use that only slows mortality, or clear-cutting the entire ash tree population. We utilized leaf-level spectroscopy for early detection of invasive pest-related stress, focusing on EAB as it reaches the edges of the geographic range for green and white ash trees (Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Fraxinus americana) in North America. Over the course of two full growing seasons, we sampled trees in three study areas with EAB infestation in Johnson County, Kansas, and two sample groups without infestation in Riley County, Kansas. Our method utilizes field spectrometer readings for reflectance, along with lab spectrophotometry for estimation of leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content at several points during the growing season. Results show significant differences between pigment ratios and hyperspectral indicators between infested and non-infested ash trees, although the extent of the separation varies across the foliar season. This work has the potential to make stress diagnosis more effective, thereby improving response, and decreasing both chemical application and plant loss.
Estimation of Aboveground Vegetation Water Storage in Natural Forests in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve of China Using Machine Learning and the Combination of Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Zhou Xiangshan , Yang Wunian , Luo Ke , Tang Xiaolu
Published: March 2022

Aboveground vegetation water storage (AVWS) is a fundamental ecological parameter of terrestrial ecosystems which participates in plant metabolism, nutrient and sugar transport, and maintains the integrity of the hydraulic system of the plant. The Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve (JNNR) is located in the Eastern Tibet Plateau and it is very sensitive to climate change. However, a regional estimate of the AVWS based on observations is still lacking in the JNNR and improving the model accuracy in such mountainous areas is challenging. Therefore, in this study, we combined the Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 data to estimate AVWS using multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) with the linkage of 54 field observations in the JNNR. The results showed that AVWS varied among different forest types. The coniferous forests had the highest AVWS (212.29 ± 84.43 Mg ha−1), followed by mixed forests (166.29 ± 72.73 Mg ha−1) and broadleaf forests (142.60 ± 46.36 Mg ha−1). The average AVWS was 171.2 Mg ha−1. Regardless of the modelling approaches, both Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 successfully estimated AVWS separately. Prediction accuracy of AVWS was improved by combining Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 images. Among the three machine learning approaches, the XGBoost model performed best with a model efficiency of 0.57 and root mean square error of 48 Mg ha−1. Predicted AVWS using XGBoost showed a strong spatial pattern of across the study area. The total AVWS was 5.24 × 106 Mg with 67.2% coming from conifer forests. The results highlight the potential of improving the accuracy of AVWS estimation by integrating different optical images and using machine learning approaches in mountainous areas.
Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in a Warm-Temperate Forested Watershed—A Possibility of Ultraviolet Absorbance as an Indicator of DOM
Authors: Kaneko Shinji , Furusawa Hitomi , Okamoto Toru , Hirano Yasuhiro
Published: March 2022

We investigated changes in the quantity and quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from rain to stream water in a forested watershed at Yamashiro Experimental Forest (YMS) in southern Kyoto prefecture. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) in rainwater increased in the order of bulk rain, throughfall, stemflow, and O layer leachate because of the DOM supply from tree tissue and O layer. Decreases in DOC concentration and SUVA254 with soil depth were not observed in the soil-percolating water. This finding may have been caused by the low free oxide content of the soil and the collection of soil water with a tension-free lysimeter. The DOC concentration was very low in both seepage and stream waters; seasonal variation with a high concentration in summer was observed in the stream water. An increase in K+ concentration in summer was also observed in the stream water; thus, we presumed that DOC seasonal variation was caused by the DOM supply with the accumulated decomposition of litter in the streambed. The significant correlation between DOC concentration and absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) was observed for all sample types of observation target in the watershed; the ratio of DOC concentration to UV254 was different, while the correlation coefficient between DOC concentration and UV254 value differed among sample types in the watershed. We concluded that UV254 which can be measured by simply and easily is a good indicator for estimating DOC concentration in liquid samples in forested watersheds.
Structure and Properties of Organogels Prepared from Rapeseed Oil with Stigmasterol
Authors: Tang Caili , Wan Zheng , Chen Yilu , Tang Yiyun , Fan Wei , Cao Yong , Song Mingyue , Qin Jingping , Xiao Hang , Guo Shiyin , Tang Zhonghai
Published: March 2022

This work used the natural ingredient stigmasterol as an oleogelator to explore the effect of concentration on the properties of organogels. Organogels based on rapeseed oil were investigated using various techniques (oil binding capacity, rheology, polarized light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) to better understand their physical and microscopic properties. Results showed that stigmasterol was an efficient and thermoreversible oleogelator, capable of structuring rapeseed oil at a stigmasterol concentration as low as 2% with a gelation temperature of 5 °C. The oil binding capacity values of organogels increased to 99.74% as the concentration of stigmasterol was increased to 6%. The rheological properties revealed that organogels prepared with stigmasterol were a pseudoplastic fluid with non-covalent physical crosslinking, and the G’ of the organogels did not change with the frequency of scanning increased, showing the characteristics of strong gel. The microscopic properties and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that stigmasterol formed rod-like crystals through the self-assembly of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, fixing rapeseed oil in its three-dimensional structure to form organogels. Therefore, stigmasterol can be considered as a good organogelator. It is expected to be widely used in food, medicine, and other biological-related fields.
Physicochemical Properties and Mouthfeel in Commercial Plant-Based Yogurts
Authors: Greis Maija , Sainio Taru , Katina Kati , Nolden Alissa A. , Kinchla Amanda J. , Seppä Laila , Partanen Riitta
Published: March 2022

There is a growing need for plant-based yogurts that meet consumer demands in terms of texture. However, more research is required to understand the relationship between physicochemical and mouthfeel properties in plant-based yogurts. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties of five commercial plant-based yogurt alternatives with different chemical compositions, making comparisons to dairy yogurts and thick, creamy, thin, and watery mouthfeel sensations. The physicochemical parameters studied included large and small deformation rheology, particle size, soluble solids, acidity, and chemical composition. Significant differences in flow behavior and small deformation rheology were found between dairy- and plant-based yogurts. Among plant-based yogurts thick, creamy, thin, and watery mouthfeel sensations were strongly associated with steady shear rates and apparent viscosity. The results highlight the importance of large deformation rheology to advance the use of plant-based ingredients in the development of yogurt alternatives. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that dairy- and plant-based yogurts with a similar mouthfeel profiles may have different viscoelastic properties, which indicates that instrumental and sensory methods should not be considered substitutive but complementary methods when developing plant-based yogurts in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Sandwich Fluorescence Detection of Foodborne Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus with CD Fluorescence Signal Amplification in Food Samples
Authors: Du Han , Ping Tao , Wu Wei , Yang Qingli
Published: March 2022

Timely detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is critical because it can multiply to disease−causing levels in a matter of hours. Herein, a simple and sensitive DNA tetrahedral (Td) fluorescence signal amplifier with blue carbon quantum dots (bCDs) was prepared for sandwich detection of S. aureus. bCD was modified at the apex of Td, and an aptamer on Td was used to accurately identify and “adsorb” the amplifier to the surface of S. aureus. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrates the successful preparation of this signal amplifier. The fluorescence intensity emitted in this strategy increased 4.72 times. The strategy showed a stronger fluorescence intensity change, sensitivity (linear range of 7.22 × 100–1.44  × 109 CFU/mL with a LOD of 4 CFU/mL), and selectivity. The recovery rate in qualified pasteurized milk and drinking water samples was 96.54% to 104.72%. Compared with simple aptamer sandwich detection, these fluorescence signal amplifiers have improved fluorescence detection of S. aureus. Additionally, this fluorescent signal amplification strategy may be applied to the detection of other food pathogens or environmental microorganisms in the future.
Bioprospecting Bioactive Polar Lipids from Olive (Olea europaea cv. Galega vulgar) Fruit Seeds: LC-HR-MS/MS Fingerprinting and Sub-Geographic Comparison
Authors: Alves Eliana , Rey Felisa , Melo Tânia , Barros Madalena P. , Domingues Pedro , Domingues Rosário
Published: March 2022

Olive seeds have been considered as a new nutritionally healthy food supplement. They are rich in monounsaturated n-9 and essential polyunsaturated n-6 lipids. However, little is known about their polar lipids, potentially bioactive and chemical identity markers for olive pulp and oil. This work aimed to identify the polar lipidome of olive seeds to find possible bioactive compounds and markers of geographic origin, by studying samples from six Portuguese sub-regions. Polar lipids were obtained by solid/liquid extraction, NH2-solid-phase extraction, and identified by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-HR-ESI-MS and MS/MS. Ninety-four compounds were identified, including phospholipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, and acyl sterol glycosides, several of which bear polyunsaturated fatty acids. Multivariate statistical analysis found unique profiles within each sub-region and markers of geographic identity, primarily phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and lysophosphatidylethanolamines. Therefore, polar lipid signatures should be further investigated, to assess their bioactivity, nutritional value, and chemical identity for valuing olive seeds and their oil.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Intensity on Structural Modifications in Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Proteins
Authors: Boukil Abir , Marciniak Alice , Mezdour Samir , Pouliot Yves , Doyen Alain
Published: March 2022

Processing edible insects into protein extracts may improve consumer acceptability. However, a better understanding of the effects of food processing on the proteins is needed to facilitate their incorporation into food matrices. In this study, soluble proteins from Tenebrio molitor (10% w/v) were pressurized using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 70–600 MPa for 5 min and compared to a non-pressurized control (0.1 MPa). Protein structural modifications were evaluated using turbidity measurement, particle-size distribution, intrinsic fluorescence, surface hydrophobicity, gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The observed decrease in fluorescence intensity, shift in the maximum emission wavelength, and increase in surface hydrophobicity reflected the unfolding of mealworm proteins. The formation of large protein aggregates consisting mainly of hexamerin 2 and ⍺-amylase were confirmed by protein profiles on gel electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, and TEM analysis. The typical aggregate shape and network observed by TEM after pressurization indicated the potential involvement of myosin and actin in aggregate formation, and these were detected by mass spectrometry. For the first time, the identification of mealworm proteins involved in protein aggregation phenomena under HHP was documented. This work is the first step in understanding the mealworm protein–protein interactions necessary for the development of innovative insect-based ingredients in food formulations.
Novel Protein Sources for Applications in Meat-Alternative Products—Insight and Challenges
Authors: Kurek Marcin A. , Onopiuk Anna , Pogorzelska-Nowicka Ewelina , Szpicer Arkadiusz , Zalewska Magdalena , Półtorak Andrzej
Published: March 2022

Many people are increasingly interested in a vegetarian or vegan diet. Looking at the research and the available options in the market, there are two generations of products based on typical proteins, such as soy or gluten, and newer generation proteins, such as peas or faba beans, or even proteins based on previously used feed proteins. In the review, we present the characteristics of several proteins that can be consumed as alternatives to first-generation proteins used in vegan foods. In the following part of the work, we describe the research in which novel protein sources were used in terms of the product they are used for. The paper describes protein sources such as cereal proteins, oilseeds proteins coming from the cakes after oil pressing, and novel sources such as algae, insects, and fungus for use in meat analog products. Technological processes that can make non-animal proteins similar to meat are also discussed, as well as the challenges faced by technologists working in the field of vegan products.
Bacteriocin-Producing Strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP17L/1 Isolated from Traditional Stored Ewe’s Milk Cheese and Its Beneficial Potential
Authors: Lauková Andrea , Tomáška Martin , Fraqueza Maria Joao , Szabóová Renáta , Bino Eva , Ščerbová Jana , Pogány Simonová Monika , Dvorožňáková Emília
Published: March 2022

Stored ewe’s milk lump cheese is a local product that can be a source of autochthonous beneficial microbiota, especially lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to show the antimicrobial potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP17L/1 isolated from stored ewe’s milk lump cheese. Lpb. plantarum LP17L/1 is a non-hemolytic, non-biofilm-forming strain, susceptible to antibiotics. It contains genes for 10 bacteriocins—plantaricins and exerted active bacteriocin with in vitro anti-staphylococcal and anti-listerial effect. It does not produce damaging enzymes, but it produces β-galactosidase. It also sufficiently survives in Balb/c mice without side effects which indicate its safety. Moreover, a reduction in coliforms in mice jejunum was noted. LP17L/1 is supposed to be a promising additive for Slovak local dairy products.
Effectiveness of Two Universal Angiosperm Probe Sets Tested In Silico for Caryophyllids Taxa with Emphasis on Cacti Species
Authors: Chincoya Delil A. , Solórzano Sofía
Published: March 2022

In angiosperms, huge advances in massive DNA sequencing technologies have impacted phylogenetic studies. Probe sets have been developed with the purpose of recovering hundreds of orthologous loci of targeted DNA sequences (TDS) across different plant lineages. We tested in silico the effectiveness of two universal probe sets in the whole available genomes of Caryophyllids, emphasizing phylogenetic issues in cacti species. A total of 870 TDS (517 TDS from Angiosperm v.1 and 353 from Angiosperms353) were individually tested in nine cacti species and Amaranthus hypochondriacus (external group) with ≥17 Gbp of available DNA data. The effectiveness was measured by the total number of orthologous loci recovered and their length, the percentage of loci discarded by paralogy, and the proportion of informative sites (PIS) in the alignments. The results showed that, on average, Angiosperms353 was better than Angiosperm v.1 for cacti species, since the former obtained an average of 275.6 loci that represent 123,687 bp, 2.48% of paralogous loci, and 4.32% of PIS in alignments, whereas the latter recovered 148.4 loci (37,683 bp), 10.38% of paralogous loci, and 3.49% of PIS. We recommend the use of predesigned universal probe sets for Caryophyllids, since these recover a high number of orthologous loci that resolve phylogenetic relationships.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta/Ehlers–Danlos Overlap Syndrome and Neuroblastoma—Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Morabito Letteria Anna , Allegri Anna Elsa Maria , Capra Anna Paola , Capasso Mario , Capra Valeria , Garaventa Alberto , Maghnie Mohamad , Briuglia Silvana , Wasniewska Malgorzata Gabriela
Published: March 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta/Ehlers–Danlos (OI/EDS) overlap syndrome is a recently described disorder of connective tissue, characterized by mutation of COL1A1 (17q21.33) or COL1A2 (7q21.3) genes, that are involved in α-1 and α-2 chains of type 1 collagen synthesis. The clinical spectrum of this new clinical entity is broad: patients could present a mixed phenotype that includes features of both osteogenesis imperfecta (bone fragility, long bone fractures, blue sclerae, short stature) and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (joint hyperextensibility, soft and hyperextensible skin, abnormal wound healing, easy bruising, vascular fragility). We reported the case of a young Caucasian girl with severe short stature and a previous history of neuroblastoma, who displayed the compound phenotype of OI/EDS. Next generation sequencing was applied to the proband and her parent genome. Our patient presented a de novo heterozygous COL1A1 variant (c.3235G>A, p.Gly1079Ser), whose presence might be indicative of diagnosis of OI/EDS overlap syndrome. We also hypothesize that the association with the previous history of neuroblastoma could be influenced by the presence of COL1A1 mutation, whose role has been already described in the behavior and progression of some cancers.
Association of Long Non-Coding RNA Growth Arrest-Specific 5 Genetic Variants with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lee Chee-Ming , Yang Yi-Sun , Kornelius Edy , Huang Chien-Ning , Hsu Min-Yen , Lee Chia-Yi , Peng Shu-Yen , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work was to appraise the potential associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of long non-coding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a diabetes mellitus (DM) population. Two loci of the GAS5 SNPs (rs55829688 and rs145204276) were genotyped via TaqMan allelic discrimination in 449 non-DR patients and 273 DR subjects. The SNP rs145204276 Del/Del showed a significantly higher distribution in the DR group compared to the non-DR group (AOR: 2.487, 95% CI: 1.424–4.344, p = 0.001). During subgroup analyses, the non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) subgroup demonstrated a significantly higher ratio of the SNP rs145204276 Del/Del (AOR: 2.917, 95% CI: 1.574–5.406, p = 0.001) and Ins/Del + Del/Del (AOR: 1.242, 95% CI: 1.016–1.519, p = 0.034) compared to the non-DR population, while the proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) subgroup did not reveal significant differences in either SNP rs145204276 or rs55829688 distributions compared to the non-DR group. Furthermore, patients with a GAS5 SNP rs145204276 Del/Del showed a significantly shorter DM duration than the wild type (Ins/Ins) (p = 0.021). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the GAS5 SNP rs145204276 Del/Del variant is associated with an increased susceptibility to DR in DM patients, particularly in those patients with NPDR.
The Porosity in Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoir Rocks: Tectonic versus Diagenetic Imprint—A Multi-Scale Study from the Hyblean Plateau (SE Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Maniscalco Rosanna , Fazio Eugenio , Punturo Rosalda , Cirrincione Rosolino , Di Stefano Agata , Distefano Salvatore , Forzese Martina , Lanzafame Gabriele , Leonardi Giusy Simona , Montalbano Sergio , Pellegrino Alessandra Giovanna , Raele Antonino , Palmeri Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

The petroleum industry has always been pursuing highly exploitable gas fields, which are often hosted in carbonate rocks. However, carbonates are highly heterogeneous and show different fabrics and structures as the result of sedimentation in various environments, and subsequent diagenesis and deformation. In this study, a multi-scale and multidisciplinary approach has been performed on classical reservoir rocks from the subsurface of the Hyblean Plateau (Sicily, Italy). We aim at unravelling the important and debated role of tectonic and diagenetic structures (mainly fractures as well as stylolites) in enhancing or reducing the porosity. Black shales, limestones, and laminites of intertidal environment represent the main lithologies. Structure cross-cutting relationships record different stages of the basin geological history, which are related to the tectonic evolution of the area. Our results show that porosity is uncommonly lightly affected by fractures and faults, because of their mineralization, whereas stylolites, which are often considered as barriers to fluid flow, show a certain porosity. Therefore, we want to highlight the importance of a multi-scale and multidisciplinary approach in the analysis of heterogeneously porous, fractured- and stylolite-rich carbonate rocks, and our study aspires to boost other similar gas reservoir studies in energy transition times.
Association between Chronic Disease Self-Management, Health Status, and Quality of Life in Older Taiwanese Adults with Chronic Illnesses
Authors: Han Tung-Chen , Lin Huey-Shyan , Chen Ching-Min
Published: March 2022

Aging is accompanied by many chronic comorbidities and disabilities, and entails medical expenses, which affects the quality of life among older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the health status of older adults with chronic diseases mediates chronic disease self-management to predict quality of life. Methods: This research adopted a cross-sectional correlation study design. Convenient sampling was performed in outpatient departments commonly visited by older adults in a medical center in Southern Taiwan. The following measures were collected: (1) Physiological measurement: left handgrip, right handgrip, and lower extremities’ muscle strength. (2) Questionnaires: cognitive function was measured by the Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-8 scale, possible frailty with the Kihon Checklist (KCL), functional status with the Barthel Index (BI) and the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales, and self-management for chronic disease and quality of life with the (WHOQOL)-BREF, Taiwan version. Results: Chronic disease self-management is correlated with health status and is directly related to quality of life. Chronic disease self-management also indirectly affects quality of life through health status (cognitive status and risk of frailty), showing that health status partly mediates the correlation between chronic disease self-management and quality of life. Conclusions: A health status feedback system should be introduced in related chronic disease self-management measures for older adults so that they can be aware of their own health status and so that their quality of life is improved. Custom-made nursing interventions are necessary for the reduction in or delay of disability or risk of frailty in older adults, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Attitudes and Beliefs of Portuguese and American Nursing Students about Patients’ Sexuality
Authors: Sim-Sim Margarida , Aaberg Vicki , Dias Hélia , Caldeira Ermelinda , Gradellini Cinzia , Mecugni Daniela , Gomez-Cantarino Sagrario
Published: March 2022

Nursing school graduates must be prepared to interact comfortably and effectively with patients about their sexual health. This study analyses the attitudes and beliefs about patient sexuality held by Portuguese and American nursing students. Objective: In Portuguese and American nursing students, (1) we analyzed students’ attitudes and beliefs towards sexuality using the Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (SABS); (2) we identified nationality, socio-demographic information, and affective-sexual beliefs and attitudes. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional study; convenience sample of 296 students (63.2% Portuguese; 36.8% American); mean age: 21.9 years (SD = 3.12); two-way ANOVA and multiple correspondence analyses were performed. Results: Attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality: Portuguese women are more liberal than men, contrary to American students. Among both nationalities, participants with multiple sexual partners held more conservative attitudes. Sexual orientation: bisexual American students and homosexual Portuguese students are conservative. Multiple correspondence analysis revealed two profiles: (1) Portuguese students: liberal-tolerant in attitudes towards patient sexuality, live with family/roommate, 18 to 21 years old, no or one sexual partner; (2) US students: traditionalist attitudes towards patient sexuality, share house, 22 and 23 years old, multiple partners. Conclusion: Human sexuality must be addressed in nursing education curricula.
What Is the Impact of Nutrition Literacy Interventions on Children’s Food Habits and Nutrition Security? A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Velpini Beatrice , Vaccaro Gabriele , Vettori Virginia , Lorini Chiara , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Nutrition literacy is a relatively new concept that seems to have a relevant role on the quality of people’s diets; however, we do not know the role of nutrition literacy interventions on children’s food habits and nutrition security. Methods: We conducted a literature review on four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) and we considered studies describing the impact of interventions aimed at improving the quality of children’s diet. Results: A total of six articles were finally included. The total number of participants included in the studies was 4016, and the median study size was equal to 224 participants. Studies included in the review reflected a broad heterogeneity of interventions. Conclusions: The results were contrasting and revealed that the most effective type of nutrition literacy interventions included the following characteristics: technological components, involvement with multiple modalities, duration of more than 4 weeks, and face to face sessions.
Reply to Takeshita, W.M.; Ribeiro, D.A. Comment on “Pop et al. Early Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Alterations in Smokers and E-Cigarette Users Based on Micronuclei Count: A Cross-Sectional Study among Dental Students. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 13246”
Authors: Pop Anca Maria , Coroș Raluca , Stoica Alexandra Mihaela , Monea Monica
Published: March 2022

Thank you for your interest [...]
Assessing Smoke-Free Housing Implementation Approaches to Inform Best Practices: A National Survey of Early-Adopting Public Housing Authorities
Authors: Childs Ellen , Geller Alan C. , Brooks Daniel R. , Davine Jessica , Kane John , Keske Robyn , Anthony Jodi , Rees Vaughan W.
Published: March 2022

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes chronic illness and occurs at a higher prevalence in low-income communities than the general public. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted a smoke-free housing rule for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to address persistent health inequities. However, the success of smoke-free housing requires evidence to inform effective implementation approaches. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey was conducted in a national sample of PHAs. Questions focused on housing officials’ use of specific implementation strategies. Adjusted odds ratios were used to assess associations between implementation approaches and variations among PHAs (i.e., region, size, or recency of policy adoption). Qualitative analyses were conducted to assess the perceived effectiveness of implementation strategies. Resident engagement, staff training, and smoking cessation support were the most frequently used implementation strategies. Engagement with local stakeholders was cited less frequently. Enforcement actions were limited with no violations referred to housing court. Support for policy adherence was identified as a sixth implementation strategy. While most PHAs used at least some evidence-informed implementation strategies, a lack of a systematic approach may limit overall effectiveness. Further research is required to resolve implementation barriers experienced disproportionately by a subset of PHAs, and to inform a best practice implementation framework that meets the needs of a heterogeneous population.
RETRACTED: Lee et al. Nurses’ Attitudes toward Psychiatric Help for Depression: The Serial Mediation Effect of Self-Stigma and Depression on Public Stigma and Attitudes toward Psychiatric Help. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5073
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Jeong Yoo , Yi Su
Published: March 2022

The published article [...]
Food Preferences in Undergraduate Nursing Students and Its Relationship with Food Addiction and Physical Activity
Authors: Romero-Blanco Cristina , Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Parra-Fernández María Laura , Onieva-Zafra María Dolores , Prado-Laguna María del Carmen , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián
Published: March 2022

The transition to college is a decisive stage for the acquisition of eating habits that continue into adulthood. The aim of this study is to assess the consumption of healthy elements of the Mediterranean diet in a group of university students and to evaluate whether the consumption pattern was related to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), food addiction or the amount of physical activity performed. A total of 515 nursing students participated. The Mediterranean diet adherence questionnaire (PREDIMED), the food addiction scale (YFAS 2.0) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were completed. For data analysis, multivariate analysis was performed with multiple linear regression and adjusted for sex, age, and BMI. The results showed that females consumed various types of meats (white/red, processed) in a healthier proportion (p < 0.05). Students that consumed more than one per day (unhealthy) of red/processed meats (mean difference (MD) = −0.49; 95% CI: −0.83; −0.15), soft drinks (MD = −0.82; 95% CI: 82–1.36; −0.27) and pastries (MD = −0.63; 95% CI: −0.97; −0.30) displayed higher food addiction scores. In addition, students who skipped breakfast also scored higher on food addiction (MD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.31–1.19). Higher values of physical activity were observed in those who presented a healthy consumption of vegetables (MD = 140.86; 95% CI: 72.71–209.02), fruit (MD = 145.78; 95% CI: 69.35–222.21), legumes (MD = 136.46; 95% CI: 60.43–212.50) and nuts (MD = 74.36; 95% CI: 14.23–134.49). Students who consumed more red or processed meats, more pastries and more soft drinks had higher values of food addiction, while those who consumed more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts had more minutes of physical activity per week. These findings invite us to insist on expanding knowledge regarding the health benefits of consuming a Mediterranean-type diet as a whole. The healthy consumption of fish, fruit and legumes should also be emphasized, especially among university students.
Tobacco Use among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women and Men in Zambia—Demographic and Health Survey, 2018
Authors: Kress Alissa C. , Stadnik Carlen , Phiri Masauso Moses , Goma Fastone M. , Twentyman Evelyn
Published: March 2022

Country-specific estimates of tobacco use among people living with HIV (PLWH) are lacking for much of sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to evaluate the association between the HIV status and tobacco product use status, frequency, and intensity, using nationally representative data from Zambia. We analyzed data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey conducted in Zambia among women aged 15–49 years and men aged 15–59 years. We performed logistic regression to assess the associations of HIV status, selected sociodemographic, and other characteristics with indicators of tobacco use (i.e., status, frequency, and intensity). Among women, 14.3% tested positive for HIV and 2.7% reported current smoking or tobacco use; women living with HIV were more likely to report currently smoking or using tobacco than women living without HIV (4.4% vs. 2.4%; aPR: 1.46). Among men, 8.4% tested positive for HIV and 19.5% reported current smoking; men living with HIV were more likely than men living without HIV to report current smoking (27.8% vs. 18.7%; aPR: 1.22). Several sociodemographic characteristics were associated with tobacco use, including age, residence (urban/rural), education level, employment status, and wealth index. The frequency and intensity of smoking among men who currently smoked did not differ by HIV status. Tobacco use was more likely in PLWH than those without HIV in Zambia. Our findings highlight the need to encourage and support tobacco cessation among PLWH, possibly by offering cessation services at existing intersections with health care or integrating cessation support into mHealth and other alternative models of care.
Who Benefits from Fermented Food Consumption? A Comparative Analysis between Psychiatrically Ill and Psychiatrically Healthy Medical Students
Authors: Karbownik Michał Seweryn , Mokros Łukasz , Kowalczyk Edward
Published: March 2022

Probiotic therapies and fermented food diets hold promise for improving mental health. Although in this regard psychiatric patients appear to benefit more than healthy individuals, no research has been performed to directly evaluate this hypothesis. The present study examined a cohort of medical students facing a stressful event, and some of the students reported suffering from chronic psychiatric diseases. The amount of fermented food consumption was calculated with the use of seven-day dietary records, while depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. In psychiatrically healthy medical students under psychological stress (n = 372), higher fermented food consumption was associated with more depressive and anxiety symptoms. In contrast, psychiatrically ill medical students (n = 25, 6.3% of all the participants) were found to present a negative association between the amount of fermented food consumed and the severity of depressive symptoms (adjusted β −0.52, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.19, p = 0.0042); however, this relationship was insignificant for anxiety symptoms (adjusted β −0.22, 95% CI −0.59 to 0.15, p = 0.22). A significant interaction was found between the consumption of fermented food and psychiatric diagnosis in predicting depressive symptoms (p = 0.0001), and a borderline significant interaction for anxiety symptoms (p = 0.053). In conclusion, psychiatrically ill people, but not healthy ones, may benefit from fermented food consumption in terms of alleviation of depressive symptoms. Our findings require cautious interpretation and further investigation.