bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Condition and Mental Health Status in Physically Independent Older Women
Authors: Zaragoza Ana , Carrasco María
Published: March 2021

There exists both a physical and mental deterioration that affects the functional status of elderly people. It is expected to determine the level of physical condition and the mental health status of old physically autonomous women and establish relationships. A sample of thirty women aged 67.52±3.1 was taken. While physical condition was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), for the mental health was used the Mini-Mental test. Besides, weight and height were recorded and body mass index was calculated (BMI). Regarding BMI and following World Health Organization’s criteria related to obesity, the sample is not outside the typical limits. Scores of SFT determined that all results were within normal limits except those of the two-minute walk’s test and the flexibility focused on the lower body, balance and agility. The Mini-Mental test results are also within the normal limits. A positive moderate correlation (r=0.67) was obtained from the static equilibrium test thanks to a strength test of the lower extremity. People with more strength in the lower extremity obtained lower scores in the agility test (r=-0.67). There is moderate positive correlation (r=0.62) between the test of agility and speed of travel. Correlations of physical test with the Mini-Mental are low. Definitely, the level of physical fitness and mental health is in the normal range. It has not been found a relationship between the physical fitness and the mental health status.
Quality of Life And Gerontology: Description of a Research Line
Authors: Serdà Ferrer Bernat-Carles
Published: March 2021

The Quality of Life (QoL) is a multidimensional, dynamic and modular concept. QoL is influenced by psychological mechanisms related to the adaptation disease. The aim of this paper is to describe the research line on QoL and chronic disease. The specific objective is to determine the mechanisms involved in the change of QoL in a group of elderly people with cancer. Method. The study is prospective quasi-experimental. With a sample of 130 participants with cancer. Results. The rehabilitation program improves muscular fitness, cardiovascular efficiency, (at rest and effort) and reduces the continued decline related to treatment. We have observed a significant increase in QoL in the period evaluated. This result confirms that QoL at baseline of the disease is low. Adherence to the program achieved is 93%. Conclusions. We confirm the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program tailored to the symptoms generated by the disease and cancer treatment in improving QoL of older people. The program is a therapeutic option to preserve the QoL of the patient in the continuum of the disease. Now we are studying the timing where the implementation of the program is most effective.
Daily Stimulation and Cognitive Functioning: The Importance of the Participation of Healthy Older People in Cognitively Demanding Everyday Activities
Authors: Labra Pérez José Antonio , Menor Julio
Published: March 2021

The participation of the elderly in cognitively demanding activities is considered an enhancing factor of cognitive function. However, the life cycle psychosocial variables such as education and type of profession also influence in cognitive functioning. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between daily stimulation and cognitive functioning in a sample of healthy older adults, controlling the effects of education and the type of profession. The study involved 164 adults over 60 years, from rural and urban areas, with different levels of education and professional level which were assessed with an extensive battery of neuropsychological measures, as well as in an inventory of everyday activities built ad hoc. The results show that different cognitively demanding everyday activities are related to with cognitive processes, both fluids and crystallized. Furthermore, it was found that daily stimulation plays an important role in cognitive functioning outside of education and the type of profession performed. Overall, the results of this study shows the importance of everyday activity as a protective mechanism against cognitive decline, as well as the need to adopt a model of active aging
Stimulating Emotional Intelligence in Seniors: The Peci-Pm Program
Authors: Pérez-Fuentes Mª del Carmen , Molero Mª del Mar , Gázquez José J. , Soler Francisco J.
Published: March 2021

The Cognitive Stimulation and Emotional Intelligence for Seniors Program (PECI-PM), combines cognitive stimulation with intervention and stimulation of aspects related to emotional intelligence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the emotional intelligence results of the first stage of PECI-PM implementation. A sample of 28 program users who had completed 20 sessions and participated in the two evaluations (pre-post) was employed for this. Emotional Intelligence was evaluated before and after intervention using the Inventario Breve de Inteligencia Emocional para Mayores [Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Senior Citizens] (EQ-i-M20). After intervention with the PECI-PM, improvement was observed in most of the emotional intelligence dimensions (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability and Mood). In the Stress Management dimension, there was no change in scores after intervention, which leads us to reconsider the weight of this emotional intelligence dimension in the older population. On the other hand, the role of the Interpersonal dimension, which correlates significantly with other emotional intelligence factors (Intrapersonal and Adaptability) in older people, should be emphasized.
Quality Assurance Systems in Nursing. A turning point in the world of nursing homes
Authors: Andreo Pedro , Gómez Carmelo , Carrasco Elena , Martínez-Escámez Inmaculada , Alguazas Inmaculada , Andreo Francisca
Published: March 2021

Developing and trying to achieve a high quality in the service nursing personnel provide at nursing homes by means of implementing quality assurance systems is a topic of general interest nowadays. These systems have already proved to be effective in other fields. That is why the focus of this study is to analyse the most relevant effects due to the implementation of a quality assurance method based on standard UNE EN ISO 9001:2008 in the nursing service of four nursing homes. An analysis of more than 200 answers of a satisfaction survey about the nursing service at four nursing homes has been carried out. A study on the available bibliography about the results obtained after having implemented a quality assurance system in the nursing service at nursing homes has also been carried out. Very positive results can be appreciated in the daily nursing practice at nursing homes as a consequence of using a quality assurance system. Clinical practice has improved considerably as a consequence. The study shows quality assurance systems to be a useful tool at the service of nursing practice at nursing homes. Positive effects resulting from the implementation of such quality assurance systems are evident as it can be seen from satisfaction surveys and health indicators.
The generativity as a way of successful aging. Study of the mediating effect of social relationships
Authors: Arias Ana V. , Iglesias Sergio
Published: March 2021

In this paper are analyzed the effects of generativity on both perceived and objective health as well as the possible mediating role in this model of the structure of social relations. The participants are 168 people over 60 years old (83 men and 85 women). Obtained results indicate direct effects on health generativity. This influence persists even when is controlled the effect of structural aspects of social relations classified by the Convoy Relationship Model. Additionally, our results indicate a significant mediating effect of the relationship structure on the generativity-health axis. However, this mediating effect does not occur uniformly and consistently in the different circles of convoy relationships. Our data converge with previous research suggesting the importance of the relationship between generativity and health but going further because our simultaneous study of the structural aspects of social networks. Our results allow going further in the understanding of generativity-health relationship.
Analysis of knowledge on drug delivery
Authors: Carmona Juan M. , Baena Ana M. , Berral Ana C. , Sotelo Quintiliano , Recio Beatriz , Recio Irene
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of health professionals Hospital of Montilla on the administration of drugs in emergencies. Material: cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Hospital of Montilla (Córdoba). A questionnaire to doctors and nurses were distributed by random sampling during the month of December 2014. A survey of Machado de Azevedo et al. (2012) that consists of 9 items for the assessment of knowledge on medication administration was used. Results: The sample was composed of 59.1% of physicians and 40.9% of nurses with an average age of 38.05 (SD±8.981). Regarding the situation of respondents, 72.7% had received prior training. Regarding their own self-assessment, 72.7% considered to have a satisfactory knowledge of drug administration. 90.9% of respondents known to exist protocols on the administration of drugs in his unit. Discussion: Although the knowledge of drug delivery is acceptable for health workers, there are differences between the two analyzed collectives. Therefore, it would be ideal to perform adequate training and retraining of staff for optimal knowledge and, in this way, improve health care.
Instruments for evaluating the burden of family caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Martos África , Cardila Fernando , Barragán Ana B. , del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes Mª , del Mar Molero Mª , Gázquez José J.
Published: March 2021

The aging population in developing countries is a reality which has given rise to degenerative diseases, among them dementia. The changes undergone during dementia cause a loss of functions which makes the person affected more dependent on others in performing their activities, and therefore these activities are taken over by the caregiver. The process of becoming a caretaker often means the appearance of overload, referring to the perception that the caregiver has of the influence that caring for that person has on their health, social and personal life and economy. Quantification of the risk of exhaustion should be done using a common procedure. Therefore, this study was intended to review instruments for evaluating the burden on family caregivers of persons with dementia. The method used was systematic review of the Lilacs, ProQuest, PsycArticles and Dialnet Plus databases, after which the primary sources of the instruments used in those studies were found. Six different versions of four different instruments were found in this way. In 34 of 42 studies, the burden evaluation instrument used was the Zarit scale (Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview) or a version or adaptation of it. These results show that the preference for this scale for evaluating burden in caregivers is continuous and without variation since the nineties.
Changes during aging in the electroencephalographic cortical synchronization under visual stimulation
Authors: Alba Guzmán , González Almudena , González Julián J.
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes changes during aging in the electroencephalographic (EEG) synchronization between different areas of the cerebral cortex in healthy elderly subjects under visual stimulation. Two groups were selected: one (A) of 10 adults aged 50-65 years and another (B) of 15 subjects aged 66-80 years. EEG recordings of 16 "monopolar" channels were carried out (digitized at 256 Hz), all referenced to the mean and following the standard 10-20 system, and were performed at rest with eyes closed under visual stimulation. From an index (L) of nonlinear generalized synchronization, the average cortical synchronization (ACS) of each channel with the rest and the corresponding average asymmetry in the synchronization (ACM) was estimated. Changes with age (A vs. B) in cortical synchronization and in average interhemispheric asymmetry for all cortical areas were estimated via a repeated measures MANOVA. The results show that under visual stimulation, the SCM decreases with age for most channels (p < 0.01) except for the frontals. The channels that showed asymmetry in the synchronization (p < 0.01) were the frontals F3, F4 y Fp2, the parietal P3 and the temporal T5, in all of them a significant reduction in asymmetry with age (p < 0.01) was observed.
Parenting styles and alcohol use among adolescents: A longitudinal study
Authors: Martínez-Loredo Víctor , Fernández-Artamendi Sergio , Weidberg Sara , Pericot Irene , López-Núñez Carla , Fernández-Hermida José R. , Secades Roberto
Published: March 2021

Parenting style has been identified as one of the most important risk and protective factors for substance use in adolescents. Evidence suggests that the influence of each parenting style on adolescent’s substance use varies across countries. Research studies with Spanish population have been mostly restricted to cross-sectional designs, limiting the interpretation of directionality in the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent substance use. This longitudinal study explores the predictive validity of perceived parenting style on prospective drug use and alcohol related problems in a sample of adolescents. Participants were 346 adolescents (53.64% males) who were assessed twice in a period of two years. In the first wave participants were 12.89 years old (SD = 0.54). Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the prospective relationship between perceived parenting style at first wave and substance involvement outcomes at the second. Adolescents that perceived their parents as neglectful had higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder two years later [odds ratio (OR) : 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-3.86 (p = .012)]. The findings of this study indicate that special attention should be given to those adolescents who perceived their parenting style as neglectful.
Identification of the competences and skills of the good professional who works with older people via Deplhi technique
Authors: Vives Marga , Orte Carmen , Sánchez Lydia
Published: March 2021

Several handbooks and best practice guides, also scientific reference documents focus on the good treatment of the health services for older people take into account professionals as a key factor. However, there are few studies have been dedicated exclusively to them. This article is the result of a debate of a sample of health professionals who works with older people and of older people users of this health services using Deplhi methodology. Through different questionnaires we focus our attention in skills and competences that must have the good professional who attend to older people. The combination of the different point of views (professionals and users) enable us not only to get a proposal of these competences and skills that the “good” health professional must have and use, also these results could improve the selection of these professionals, improve the relationships between health professional and user and, ultimately improve the quality of the health service or program offered. The aim of this paper is to analyze the competences and basic skills of a good professional who works in health area with older people.
Validation of an explicative model of the successful aging process with psychological, physical, relational, and leisure variables
Authors: Oliver Amparo , Gutiér Melchor , Tomás José M. , Galiana Laura , Sancho Patricia
Published: March 2021

Increasingly, research on the aging process tends to adopt a dual perspective emic (specific to a culture) and etic (universal), requiring further studies to address this cross-cultural approach. The aim is to obtain an empirical answer to the question of whether a model of successful aging raised from a different context such as the Taiwanese context, is suitable to represent this process in our elders. The sample consisted of 737 elderly. Socio-demographic-data and different scales to assess life satisfaction, leisure, health, and social support were collected. A structural equation model taken from Lee et al. (2011), in which leisure, health and social support predicted life satisfaction, was tested. Results showed a proper fit. In particular, it was observed that, in the context of other factors theoretically influential -health and social support-, this new aspect of how older people manage their leisure time, although explanatory, is not such a determining factor as in the study of reference.
Attitudes towards math in primary school students: Differences depending on the grade and gender
Authors: Valle Antonio , Regueiro Bibiana , Piñeiro Isabel , Sánchez Benigno , Freire Carlos , Ferradás Mar
Published: March 2021

The main aim of this study is to check whether there are differences in some variables related to attitudes towards math in primary school students according to the course and gender. The sample consists of 897 students of the fifth and sixth year of primary education (50.2% boys and 49.8% girls). The results indicate that the boys, compared to girls, have a higher perceived competence in math, they are more intrinsically motivated extrinsic and exhibit lower levels of anxiety. As for the differences in terms of this variable, the results indicate that students in grade 5 have a higher perceived competence for math, perceive most useful, are more intrinsically motivated to this subject and show anxiety levels and some negative feelings toward the lower than grade 6. Therefore, girls show a "profile" of less adaptive than men conditions, both in terms of their perceived competition as their motivation towards math and also in terms of the emotions associated with this matter. As for the differences depending on the course, students from grade 5 are those with a much more positive attitudinal and motivational conditions than grade 6.
Shared flow in collective physical and sports activities and subjective well-being
Authors: Zumeta Larraitz N. , Basabe Nekane , Telletxea Saioa , Amutio Alberto , Bobowik Magdalena
Published: March 2021

This study examines physical and sport activities as a source of shared flow or optimal shared experiences and their relationship with subjective well-being (SWB). Two studies are presented with university students (N=88 and N=285) participating in group sports and physical activities. Measures included the degree of engagement in the activity, individual and shared flow, positive emotions, and subjective well-being (SWB). The first study showed that shared flow was more intense than individual flow. In the second study, confirmatory factor analyses and multiple mediation analyses were performed. The results showed a second order factorial structure with nine primary dimensions, in addition to mediating effects of shared flow and positive emotions on SWB. The results confirm the relevance of shared flow during collective gatherings and its relations with SWB.
Socially prescribed perfectionism and affectivity in Spanish child population
Authors: Vicent María , Inglés Cándido , Sanmartín Ricardo , Gonzálvez Carolina , Granados Alós Lucía , García-Fernández José Manuel
Published: March 2021

This study aims to analyze the relationship between Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) and affect during childhood. A sample of 804 students aged between 8 and 11 years old (M=9.57; SD=1.12), as well as the SPP subscale of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and the 10-Item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children, which assess the Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA), were employed. The mean scores in PA and NA between students with high and low levels of SPP were compared. Students with high SPP significantly scored higher than their peers with low SPP, both in PA and NA. The effect magnitude of the found differences was small. Accordingly, the results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that both affective dimensions predicted positively and significantly high scores in SPP with Odd Ratio values of 1.08 and 1.05, respectively, for PA and NA. The results do not match the previous empirical evidence in adult and adolescent population. This implies that the consequences of considering the environment as demanding of perfectionism does not have the same consequences in childhood than in later ages.
Comparison of Different Large Signal Measurement Setups for High Frequency Inductors
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Jaime , Fernandez Cristina , Barrado Andrés , Zumel Pablo
Published: March 2021

The growing interest of miniaturized power converters has pushed the development of high frequency inductors integrated in Power Supply on Chip or Power Supply in Package. The proper characterization of inductor impedance is a challenge due to the dependence of the impedance on the current, the high quality factor (Q) and the high frequency range where these devices operate. In this paper, we present a comparison of different measuring methods to characterize high frequency and high Q inductors. The comparison is based on a systematic analysis of the measurement process, quantifying the influence of the parameters that affect the measurement result. Four common measurement setups are analyzed and compared. To validate the calculations, the resistance of a high frequency, high-Q inductor is characterized using every presented setup. The good match between calculations, simulation and measurement validates the analysis and the conclusions extracted.
Investigating the Investments Required to Transition New Zealand’s Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Hydrogen
Authors: Kotze Rick , Brent Alan C. , Musango Josephine , de Kock Imke , Malczynski Leonard A.
Published: March 2021

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector is known to be an important contribution to climate change mitigation. Some parts of the transport sector are particularly difficult to decarbonize; this includes the heavy-duty vehicle sector, which is considered one of the “hard-to-abate” sectors of the economy. Transitioning from diesel trucks to hydrogen fuel cell trucks has been identified as a potential way to decarbonize the sector. However, the current and future costs and efficiencies of the enabling technologies remain unclear. In light of these uncertainties, this paper investigates the investments required to decarbonize New Zealand’s heavy-duty vehicle sector with green hydrogen. By combining system dynamics modelling literature and hydrogen transition modelling literature a customized methodology is developed for modelling hydrogen transitions with system dynamics modelling. Results are presented in terms of the investments required to purchase the hydrogen production capacity and the investments required to supply electricity to the hydrogen production systems. Production capacity investments are found to range between 1.59 and 2.58 billion New Zealand Dollars, and marginal electricity investments are found to range between 4.14 and 7.65 billion New Zealand Dollars. These investments represent scenarios in which 71% to 90% of the heavy-duty vehicle fleet are replaced with fuel cell trucks by 2050. The wide range of these findings reflects the large uncertainties in estimates of how hydrogen technologies will develop over the course of the next thirty years. Policy recommendations are drawn from these results, and a clear opportunity for future work is outlined. Most notably, the results from this study should be compared with research investigating the investments required to decarbonize the heavy-duty vehicle sectors with alternative technologies such as battery-electric trucks, biodiesel, and catenary systems. Such a comparison would ensure that the most cost effective decarbonization strategy is employed.
Determination of the Theoretical and Actual Working Volume of a Hydraulic Motor—Part II (The Method Based on the Characteristics of Effective Absorbency of the Motor)
Authors: Sliwinski Pawel
Published: March 2021

In this article, the second method of determination of the theoretical and actual working volume of a hydraulic motor is described. The proposed new method is based on the characteristics of effective absorbency of the motor. The effective absorbency has been defined as the ratio of flow rate in a motor to the rotational speed of the motor’s shaft. It has been shown that the effective absorbency is a nonlinear function of the rotational speed and nonlinear function of the pressure drop in the motor’s working chambers. Furthermore, it has been proven that the actual working volume of a motor is a function of a third degree of pressure drop in the motor’s working chamber. The actual working volume should be taken to assess the mechanical and volumetric energy losses in the motor. Furthermore, the influence of the flowmeter location in the measurement system and the compressibility of liquid on the result of the theoretical and actual working volume calculation was also taken into account and is described in this article. The differences in the assessment of the volumetric efficiency assuming the theoretical and actual working volume was also shown.
Effects of Two Pilot Injection on Combustion and Emissions in a PCCI Diesel Engine
Authors: Mei Deqing , Yu Qisong , Zhang Zhengjun , Yue Shan , Tu Lizhi
Published: March 2021

The effects of two pilot injections on combustion and emissions were evaluated in a single−cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which operated in premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) modes with multiple injections and heavy exhaust gas recirculation under the low load by experiments and simulation. It was revealed that with the delay of the start of the first pilot injection (SOI−P1) or the advance of the start of second pilot injection (SOI−P2), respectively, the pressure, heat release rate (HRR), and temperature peak were all increased. Analysis of the combustion process indicates that, during the two pilot injection periods, the ignition timing was mainly determined by the SOI−P2 while the first released heat peak was influenced by SOI−P1. With the delay of SOI−P1 or the advance of SOI−P2, nitrogen oxide (NOx) generation increased significantly while soot generation varied a little. In addition, increasing Q1 and decreasing the second pilot injection quantity (Q2) can manipulate the NOx and soot at a low level. The advance in SOI−P2 of 5 °CA couple with increasing Q1 and reducing Q2 was proposed, which can mitigate the compromise between emissions and thermal efficiency under the low load in the present PCCI mode.
Fault Simulations in a Multiterminal High Voltage DC Network with Modular Multilevel Converters Using Full-Bridge Submodules
Authors: Damian Ioan-Cătălin , Eremia Mircea , Toma Lucian
Published: March 2021

The concept of high-voltage DC transmission using a multiterminal configuration is presently a central topic of research and investment due to rekindled interest in renewable energy resource integration. Moreover, great attention is given to fault analysis, which leads to the necessity of developing proper tools that enable proficient dynamic simulations. This paper leverages models and control system design techniques and demonstrates their appropriateness for scenarios in which faults are applied. Furthermore, this paper relies on full-bridge submodule topologies in order to underline the increase in resilience that such a configuration brings to the multiterminal DC network, after an unexpected disturbance. Therefore, strong focus is given to fault response, considering that converters use a full-bridge topology and that overhead power lines connect the terminals.
A Comparative Study of Laminar-Turbulent Displacement in an Eccentric Annulus under Imposed Flow Rate and Imposed Pressure Drop Conditions
Authors: Foolad Yasaman , Bizhani Majid , Frigaard Ian A.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a series of experiments focused on the displacement of viscoplastic fluids by various Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids from a long horizontal, eccentric annulus. The flow regimes range from high Reynolds number laminar regimes through to fully turbulent. These experiments represent the primary cementing operation in a horizontal well. The main objective of our experiments is to gain insight into the role of the flow regime in the fluid-fluid displacement flows of relevance to primary cementing. We study strongly eccentric annuli and displaced fluids with a significant yield stress, i.e., those scenarios where a mud channel is most likely to persist. For fully eccentric annuli, the displacements are uniformly poor, regardless of regime. This improves for an eccentricity of 0.7. However, at these large eccentricities that are typical of horizontal well cementing, the displacement is generally poor and involves a rapid “breakthrough” advance along the wide upper side of the annulus followed only by a much slower removal of the residual fluids. This dynamic renders contact time estimates meaningless. We conclude that some of the simple statements/preferences widely employed in industry do not necessarily apply for all design scenarios. Instead, a detailed study of the fluids involved and the specification of the operational constraints is needed to yield improved displacement quality.
Comparative Dynamics of Above-Ground Litter Production and Decomposition from Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L., and Their Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Baietto Andrés , Hernández Jorge , del Pino Amabelia
Published: March 2021

The replacement of native pasture by exotic commercial forest species is an infrequent situation worldwide. In these systems, a new component is introduced, forest litter, which constitutes one of the main ways of incorporating carbon into the soil–plant system. The present work seeks to establish a methodological approach to study the dynamics of litter production and decomposition in an integrated way. The general objective was to characterize and compare the litter production dynamics in 14-year-old Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L. commercial plantations. During two years, seasonal evaluations of fall, decomposition and accumulation of litter were carried out in stands of both species. In turn, the contribution of carbon from forest species to the soil through isotopic analysis techniques was quantified. Litterfall in E. grandis showed maximums during the spring of the first year and in the spring and summer of the second. In P. taeda, the maximums occurred in summer of the first year and in autumn of the second. In relation to the decomposition rate, the results based on short periods of evaluation between 15 and 21 months did not show differences between species, nor for the different moments of beginning of the evaluation, obtaining average values of 0.0369 month−1 for E. grandis and 0.0357 month−1 for P. taeda. In turn, both the decomposition rate of the material as a whole and the estimates of accumulated biomass in equilibrium state did not show significant differences between the species. Additionally, there was a relevant incorporation of carbon into the soil by forest species, fundamentally in the first few centimeters, substituting an important proportion of the carbon inherited by the original cover of native pastures. Finally, it is necessary to specify that the scope of the findings obtained is greatly limited by the sample size used in this study.
Concentrating Model Solutions and Fruit Juices Using CO2 Hydrate Technology and Its Quantitative Effect on Phenols, Carotenoids, Vitamin C and Betanin
Authors: Rudolph Alexander , El-Mohamad Amna , McHardy Christopher , Rauh Cornelia
Published: March 2021

Fruits have an important economic impact in the context of plant-based food production. The consumption of fruit juices, mostly produced from concentrates, is particularly noteworthy. Conventional concentration methods do not always enable a sustainable and gentle concentration. The innovative gas hydrate technology addresses this point with its energy-saving, gentle character, and high concentration potential. In this study, the concentration of fruit juices and model solutions using CO2 hydrate technology was investigated. To find a suitable operating point for hydrate formation in the used bubble column, the hydrate formation in a water–sucrose model solution was evaluated at different pressure and temperature combinations (1, 3, 5 °C and 32.5, 37.5, 40 bar). The degrees of concentration indicate that the bubble column reactor operates best at 37.5 bar and 3 °C. To investigate the gentle processing character of the hydrate technology, its quantitative effects on vitamin C, betanin, polyphenols, and carotenoids were analyzed in the produced concentrates and hydrates via HPLC and UV/VIS spectrophotometry. The results for fruit juices and model solutions imply that all examined substances are accumulated in the concentrate, while only small amounts remain in the hydrate. These amounts can be related to an inefficient separation process.
Crude Pectic Oligosaccharide Recovery from Thai Chok Anan Mango Peel Using Pectinolytic Enzyme Hydrolysis
Authors: Wongkaew Malaiporn , Tinpovong Bow , Sringarm Korawan , Leksawasdi Noppol , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Hanmoungjai Prasert , Sommano Sarana Rose
Published: March 2021

Pectin recovered from mango peel biomass can be used as a potential source for pectic oligosaccharide hydrolysate with excellent probiotic growth-enhancing performance and prebiotic potentials. Consequently, the objectives of the current study were to optimise the enzyme hydrolysis treatment of mango peel pectin (MPP) and to evaluate the pectic oligosaccharide effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis TISTR 2195. Mango of “chok anan” variety was chosen due to its excessive volume of biomass in processing and high pectin content. The optimal treatment for mango peel pectic oligosaccharide (MPOS) valorisation was 24 h of fermentation with 0.3% (v/v) pectinase. This condition provided small oligosaccharides with the molecular weight of 643 Da that demonstrated the highest score of prebiotic activity for both of B. animalis TISTR 2195 (7.76) and L. reuteri DSM 17938 (6.87). The major sugar compositions of the oligosaccharide were fructose (24.41% (w/w)) and glucose (19.52% (w/w)). For the simulation of prebiotic fermentation, B. animalis TISTR 2195 showed higher proliferation in 4% (w/v) of MPOS supplemented (8.92 log CFU/mL) than that of L. reuteri (8.53 CFU/mL) at 72 h of the fermentation time. The main short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from MPOS were acetic acid and propionic acid. The highest value of total SCFA was achieved from the 4% (w/v) MPOS supplementation for both of B. animalis (68.57 mM) and L. reuteri (69.15 mM). The result of this study therefore conclusively advises that MPOS is a novel pectic oligosaccharide resource providing the opportunity for the sustainable development approach through utilising by-products from the fruit industry.
Wheat Varietal Response to Tilletia controversa J. G. Kühn Using qRT-PCR and Laser Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Chen Delai , Muhae-Ud-Din Ghulam , Liu Taiguo , Chen Wanquan , Liu Changzhong , Gao Li
Published: March 2021

Tilletia controversa J. G. Kühn is a causal organism of dwarf bunt in wheat. Understanding the interaction of wheat and T. controversa is of practical and scientific importance for disease control. In this study, the relative expression of TaLHY and TaPR-4 and TaPR-5 genes was higher in a resistant (Yinong 18) and moderately resistant (Pin 9928) cultivars rather than susceptible (Dongxuan 3) cultivar at 72 h post inoculation (hpi) with T. controversa. Similarly, the expression of defensin, TaPR-2 and TaPR-10 genes was observed higher in resistant and moderately resistant cultivars after exogenous application of phytohormones, including methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid. Laser confocal microscopy was used to track the fungal hyphae in the roots, leaves, and tapetum cells, which of susceptible cultivar were infected harshly by T. controversa than moderately resistant and resistant cultivars. There were no fungal hyphae in tapetum cells in susceptible cultivar after methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and abscisic acid treatments. Moreover, after T. controversa infection, the pollen germination was of 80.06, 58.73, and 0.67% in resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible cultivars, respectively. The above results suggested that the use using of resistant cultivar is a good option against the dwarf bunt disease.
Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life in Multimorbidity
Authors: Lee Eunmi , Cha Sunkyung , Kim Geun Myun
Published: March 2021

We investigated the effect of predisposing, enabling, need factors, and health behaviors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with multimorbidity according to Andersen’s model. This study is a secondary analysis of population-based cross-sectional surveys. Data from 328 patients with multimorbidity (≥3 co-occurring chronic diseases) from the 6th/7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed using logistic regression. Patients ≥65 years, without private insurance, with poor subjective health, unmet medical needs, and/or limited activity were more likely to experience mobility problems. Self-care problems were more likely among those without private insurance and/or with limited activity. Patients lacking living security, with poor subjective health, limited activity, and/or who smoked were more likely to experience problems performing usual activities. Pain/discomfort was more likely among females, Medicaid beneficiaries, and patients with limited activity and/or with poor subjective health. Patients with poor subjective health, limited activity, and/or unmet medical needs were more likely to experience anxiety/depression. The investigation of HRQoL in multimorbidity should consider predisposing, enabling, need factors, and health behaviors. Interventions addressing movement restrictions and personalized care based on HRQoL domains should be prioritized.
Off-Gassing of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds from Fire-Fighters’ Uniforms in Private Vehicles—A Pilot Study
Authors: Banks Andrew P. W. , Wang Xianyu , He Chang , Gallen Michael , Thomas Kevin V. , Mueller Jochen F.
Published: March 2021

Firefighters’ uniforms become contaminated with a wide range of chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Laundering practices do not completely remove PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs from firefighting uniforms. This residual contamination of firefighting ensembles may be an ongoing source of exposure to firefighters. Firefighters are known to occasionally store firefighting ensembles in private vehicles. This study aimed to assess whether a firefighting uniform in a vehicle could act as a source for PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs to vehicle users. The shell layers of four laundered firefighting uniforms were sampled non-destructively. Three of these uniforms were heated in a laboratory oven (40, 60, and 80 °C) while the fourth was placed in a private vehicle on a summer day and off-gassing samples were collected from the uniforms. The off-gassing results for PAHs and OPFRs were relatively consistent between laboratory oven and the in-vehicle sample with ∑13 PAHs in off-gas ranging from 7800–23,000 ng uniform−1 day−1, while the ∑6 OPFRs off-gassed was an order of magnitude lower at 620–1600 ng uniform−1 day−1. The off-gassing results for PBDEs were much lower and less consistent between the experiments, which may reflect differences in uniform history. Currently, there is limited understanding of how PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs off-gassed from firefighting uniforms influence firefighter exposure to these chemicals. These findings suggest that firefighting ensembles off-gassing in private vehicles could be a relevant source of PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs that contributes to firefighters’ exposure and that this warrants further investigation.
Halal Food Performance and Its Influence on Patron Retention Process at Tourism Destination
Authors: Han Heesup , Lho Linda Heejung , Raposo António , Radic Aleksandar , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: March 2021

Muslim tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the international tourism industry. Nevertheless, halal food performance and its relationship with international Muslim traveler decision-making and behaviors have not been sufficiently examined. The present research explored the influence of halal food performance, which encompasses availability, health/nutrition, accreditation, and cleanness/safety/hygiene factors, on the Muslim traveler retention process at a non-Islamic destination. A survey methodology with a quantitative data analytic approach was employed to achieve research goals. Our findings indicated that halal food performance increased destination trust and destination attachment, which in turn influenced Muslim traveler retention. Additionally, the efficacy of the higher-order framework of halal food performance was defined. Both destination trust and attachment mediated the effect of halal food performance on retention. A halal-friendly destination image included a moderating influence on the retention process. The effectiveness of the proposed theoretical framework for explicating Muslim traveler behaviors was uncovered. This research better introduces the importance of halal food performance and its attributes for the elicitation of Muslim traveler approach responses and behaviors at a non-Islamic destination to researchers and practitioners.
Loneliness among Homeless Individuals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bertram Franziska , Heinrich Fabian , Fröb Daniela , Wulff Birgit , Ondruschka Benjamin , Püschel Klaus , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: March 2021

The feeling of loneliness is a major public health concern associated with multiple somatic and psychiatric illnesses. Studies have shown increasing incidence of loneliness in the general population during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeless individuals are a particularly vulnerable group; however, little is known about loneliness among homeless individuals. We therefore aimed to examine the prevalence of loneliness among homeless individuals during the pandemic. Furthermore, we estimated the association between loneliness and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, as well as the self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Data from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals were used, including 151 homeless individuals that were recruited in spring of 2020. Loneliness was measured by the 3- item version of the UCLA-3 Loneliness Scale. To summarize, 48.5% of the participants experienced loneliness. Multiple linear regressions showed increased loneliness to be associated with male gender (β = 1.07, p = 0.01), being single (β = 1.33, p = 0.00), originating from Germany (β = 1.48, p = 0.00), high frequency of sharing a sleeping space with more than three people (β = 0.42, p = 0.02) and a higher self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 (β = 0.41, p = 0.02). On the contrary, there was no association of loneliness with age, educational level, chronic alcohol consumption or frequently sharing a sleeping space. In conclusion, the magnitude of loneliness among homeless individuals during the pandemic was highlighted. Description of factors determining loneliness may help to identify homeless individuals at risk.
Experimental Investigation of Aerosol and CO2 Dispersion for Evaluation of COVID-19 Infection Risk in a Concert Hall
Authors: Schade Wolfgang , Reimer Vladislav , Seipenbusch Martin , Willer Ulrike
Published: March 2021

The dispersion of small aerosols in a concert hall is experimentally studied for estimating the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 during a concert. A mannequin was modified to emit an air stream containing aerosols and CO2. The aerosols have a size distribution with a peak diameter (δ) close to 0.3 µm and a horizontal initial particle velocity (vp,x) of 2.4 m/s. The CO2-concentration (c) emitted simultaneously is 7500 ppm. It is investigated, if the spatial dissipation of aerosols and CO2 can be correlated. This would allow the use of technically easier CO2 measurements to monitor compliance with aerosol concentration limits. Both aerosol and CO2 concentrations are mapped by different sensors placed around the mannequin. As a result, no significant enrichment of aerosols and CO2 was obtained outside a radius of 1.5 m when the fresh air ventilation in the concert hall has a steady vertical flow with a velocity of vg,z=0.05 m/s and the installed ventilation system was operating at an air change rate per hour (ACH) of 3, corresponding to an air exchange rate of 51,000 m3/h. A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.77 was obtained for CO2 and aerosol concentrations measured simultaneously at different positions within the concert hall.
A Two-Stage DEA Model to Evaluate the Technical Eco-Efficiency Indicator in the EU Countries
Authors: Moutinho Victor , Madaleno Mara
Published: March 2021

This paper evaluates the evolution of eco-efficiency for the 27 European Union (EU) countries over the period 2008–2018, provided the traditional high concerns of the EU concerning the economic growth-environmental performance relationship. The EU has triggered several initiatives and regulations regarding environmental protection over the years, but as well the Sustainable Development Goals demand it. Under this setting, we conduct a two-stage analysis, which computes eco-efficiency scores in the first stage for each of the pairs EU 27-year, through the nonparametric method data envelopment analysis (DEA), considering the ratio GDP per capita and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In the second stage, scores are used as a dependent variable in the proposed fractional regression model (FRM), whose determinants considered were eight pollutants (three greenhouse gases and five atmospheric pollutants). CO2/area and N2O/area effects are negative and significant, improving the eco-efficiency of the EU 27 countries. When the efficient European countries are excluded from the estimations, the results evidence that CO2/area and CH4/area decrease the DEA score. The country with the lowest GHG emissions and pollutant gases was Ireland, being the country within the considered period that mostly reduced emissions, particularly SOx and PM10, increasing its score.