bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Response of a Single-Stage Centrifugal Compressor to Fluid-Induced Excitations at Low-Flow Operating Condition: Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Kabalyk Kirill , Jaeschke Andrzej , Liśkiewicz Grzegorz , Kulak Michał , Szydłowski Tomasz , Pietruszewski Robert
Published: July 2021

The article describes an assessment of possible changes in constant fatigue life of a medium flow-coefficient centrifugal compressor impeller subject to operation at close-to-surge point. Some aspects of duct acoustics are additionally analyzed. The experimental measurements at partial load are presented and are primarily used for validation of unidirectionally coupled fluid-structural numerical model. The model is based on unsteady finite-volume fluid-flow simulations and on finite-element transient structural analysis. The validation is followed by the model implementation to replicate the industry-scale loads with reasonably higher rotational speed and suction pressure. The approach demonstrates satisfactory accuracy in prediction of stage performance and unsteady flow field in vaneless diffuser. The latter is deduced from signal analysis relying on continuous wavelet transformations. On the other hand, it is found that the aerodynamic incidence losses at close-to-surge point are underpredicted. The structural simulation generates considerable amounts of numerical noise, which has to be separated prior to evaluation of fluid-induced dynamic strain. The main source of disturbance is defined as a stationary region of static pressure drop caused by flow contraction at volute tongue and leading to first engine-order excitation in rotating frame of reference. Eventually, it is concluded that the amplitude of excitation is too low to lead to any additional fatigue.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Vehicle Traffic and Roadside Environmental Pollution: Rzeszow City as a Case Study
Authors: Smieszek Miroslaw , Mateichyk Vasyl , Dobrzanska Magdalena , Dobrzanski Pawel , Weigang Ganna
Published: July 2021

The development of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown had a major impact on vehicle traffic in cities. Based on available data from the selected city of Rzeszow, Poland, it was decided to assess changes in vehicle traffic and the impact of these changes on roadside environmental pollution. As part of the research, data from the first half of 2020 regarding vehicle traffic on selected streets of the city and on the city’s inlet routes were analyzed. For the selected road sections, changes in hourly traffic volume in 2020, compared with 2019, were also determined. With data on traffic volume, an attempt was made to estimate the impact of changes in traffic volume on air pollution in the city. Research on air pollution from motor vehicles was focused on a selected section of a city road that was equipped with an automatic air pollution measurement station located very close to the road. Additionally, at the road intersection and in the vicinity of the measuring station, a sensor was installed in the roadway to count passing vehicles. A preliminary analysis of air pollution data revealed that factors such as wind speed and direction and outside temperature had a large impact on measurement results. To eliminate the influence of these factors and to obtain data concerning only contamination originating from motor vehicles traveling along the road, an appropriate mathematical model of the traffic flow–roadside environment system was built. This model was designed to determine the air pollution in the vicinity of the road generated by traffic flow. The constructed model was verified, and the conditions for its use were determined in order to study the impact of traffic and roadside environment on the level of air pollution from harmful exhaust substances. It was shown that at certain times of the day, especially at low temperatures, other sources of harmful emissions related to home heating play a major role in air pollution in the city.
Optical Performance of Single Point-Focus Fresnel Lens Concentrator System for Multiple Multi-Junction Solar Cells—A Numerical Study
Authors: Alamri Yassir A. , Mahmoud Saad , Al-Dadah Raya , Sharma Shivangi , Roy J. N. , Ding Yulong
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the potential of a new integrated solar concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system that uses a solo point focus Fresnel lens for multiple multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs). The proposed system comprises of an FL concentrator as the primary optical element, a multi-leg homogeniser as the secondary optical element (SOE), a plano-concave lens, and four MJSCs. A three-dimensional model of this system was developed using the ray tracing method to predict the influence of aperture width, height, and position with respect to MJSCs of different reflective and refractive SOE on the overall optical efficiency of the system and the irradiance uniformity achieved on the MJSCs’ surfaces. The results show that the refractive homogeniser using N-BK7 glass can achieve higher optical efficiency (79%) compared to the reflective homogeniser (57.5%). In addition, the peak to average ratio of illumination at MJSCs for the reflective homogeniser ranges from 1.07 to 1.14, while for the refractive homogeniser, it ranges from 1.06 to 1.34, causing minimum effects on the electrical performance of the MJSCs. The novelty of this paper is the development of a high concentration CPV system that integrates multiple MJSCs with a uniform distribution of rays, unlike the conventional CPV systems that utilise a single concentrator onto a single MJSC. The optical efficiency of the CPV system was also examined using both the types of homogeniser (reflective and refractive).
Growth and Potential of Lomatia hirsuta Forests from Stump Shoots in the Valley of El Manso/Patagonia/Argentina
Authors: Kühn Hendrik , Loguercio Gabriel A. , Caselli Marina , Thren Martin
Published: July 2021

Lomatia hirsuta (Lam.) Diels is a pioneer tree species that develops after wildfires, and in advanced successional stages, it is often found as a secondary species in Patagonian forests. However, in El Manso Valley, Province of Río Negro in Western Argentina, L. hirsuta forms mature pure stands, originated from stump shoots. The wood is very attractive for its colourful appearance and beautiful grain. Nevertheless, these forests are not managed for timber production, they are mostly strong thinned for grazing, and the wood is mainly used as firewood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility to improve quality wood production in stands through silvicultural interventions in a sustainable way. Samples have been carried out in stands of different developmental stages. We evaluated the state and quality of the trees, and their growth has been studied by means of trunk analysis. The results indicate that there is significant potential to improve the production of quality wood in dense stands by thinning to release crop trees. Thinning should start in young stands. It also became apparent that forest management is first necessary to stabilise these nearly unattended forests.
Case Study of Anatomy, Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Sapwood and Heartwood of Random Tree Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco from South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Laskowska Agnieszka , Majewska Karolina , Kozakiewicz Paweł , Mamiński Mariusz , Bryk Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

Oriental arborvitae is not fully characterized in terms of its microscopic structure or physical or mechanical properties. Moreover, there is a lot of contradictory information in the literature about oriental arborvitae, especially in terms of microscopic structure. Therefore, the sapwood (S) and heartwood (H) of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco from Central Europe were subjected to examinations. The presence of helical thickenings was found in earlywood tracheids (E). Latewood tracheids (L) were characterized by a similar thickness of radial and tangential walls and a similar diameter in the tangential direction in the sapwood and heartwood zones. In the case of earlywood tracheids, such a similarity was found only in the thickness of the tangential walls. The volume swelling (VS) of sapwood and heartwood after reaching maximum moisture content (MMC) was 12.8% (±0.5%) and 11.2% (±0.5%), respectively. The average velocity of ultrasonic waves along the fibers (υ) for a frequency of 40 kHz was about 6% lower in the heartwood zone than in the sapwood zone. The dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOED) was about 8% lower in the heartwood zone than in the sapwood zone. These differences, both in the case of υ and MOED, were statistically significant. However, no statistically significant differences were found for the static bending strength (MOR, approx. 90 MPa), modulus of elasticity at static bending (MOE, approx. 4800 MPa), or compression strength parallel to the grain (CS, approx. 47 MPa) in relation to the wood zone (sapwood, heartwood).
Phytochemical Screening of Volatile Organic Compounds in Three Common Coniferous Tree Species in Terms of Forest Ecosystem Services
Authors: Zorić Martina , Kostić Saša , Kladar Nebojša , Božin Biljana , Vasić Verica , Kebert Marko , Orlović Saša
Published: July 2021

Multiple positive effects that forests have on human health and overall well-being have been reported widely in the literature. Still, multiple elements of this relationship remain unidentified and unexplained. In this study, the composition of leaf volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) content in three common coniferous species: the Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Spruce (Picea abies), was analyzed. The specificity of BVOCs content in the examined species and their genotypes is observed as a plant potential to evaporate these organic compounds and potentially improve human health and well-being. Principal component analysis applied on BVOCs content among species showed significant differences between compounds that have previously been characterized as having positive effects on human health by acting as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. Variations among genotypes of the investigated species were observed in the content of BVOCs relevant for human health improvement, such as limonene, terpinolene, β-pinene, linalool, camphene, camphor, citronellol and α-cadinol. The observed intra- and inter-species variations in the BVOCs content provide an appropriate base for further research on the forest–human health relationship, breeding and selection of the most suitable genotypes for human health improvement, and could I mpact the sustainable management of forests.
Effect of Tree Density on Seed Production and Dispersal of Birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrhs)
Authors: Liu Zetian , Evans Matthew
Published: July 2021

Silver and downy birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrhs) are pioneer species which play an important role in forest regeneration in disturbed areas. Knowledge of birch seed production and dispersal is key to making good predictions of the persistence and colonization of birch. Both processes can be affected by the density of trees in the neighbourhood. In this study, we studied the seed production and dispersal of birch trees in two plots in Wytham Woods, UK, in 2015, and investigated the potential effect of neighbourhood tree density. We applied inverse modelling to seed trap data, incorporating tree density around the source tree and on the seed path to estimate birch fecundity and the dispersal kernel of the seeds. We show that the pattern of dispersed seeds was best explained by a model that included an effect of tree density on seed dispersal. There was no strong evidence that conspecific or heterospecific tree density had an effect on birch fecundity in Wytham Woods. A birch with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 20 cm is estimated to have produced ~137,000 seeds in 2015. Mean dispersal distance in an open area is estimated to be 65 m but would be reduced to 38 m in a closed stand. Both the mean dispersal distance and the probability of long-distance dispersal of birch decreases in dense environments. Areas with higher tree density also would intercept more seeds. These results highlight the importance of considering tree density in the neighbourhood and in the overall landscape when predicting the colonization and recruitment of birch.
Allometry and Post-Drought Growth Resilience of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) Varieties
Authors: Kostić Saša , Orlović Saša , Karaklić Velisav , Kesić Lazar , Zorić Martina , Stojanović Dejan B.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an analysis of the radial growth, tree dimensions, and allometry of three phenological pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.; QURO) varieties (early (E-QURO), typical (T-QURO), and late (L-QURO)), from a common garden experiment. We focused on the resistance and resilience of each variety to drought events, which occurred in 2012 and 2017, as well as their recovery potential during juvenile and mature growth phases, with the goal of clarifying how QURO drought sensitivity is influenced by tree phenology and growth stage. Our results indicate that E-QURO is more drought resistant, while T-QURO and L-QURO exhibit greater recovery potential after a drought event. Hence, typical and late QURO varieties are better prepared to withstand climate change. We also noted differences in the physical dimensions and the allometry of the studied QURO varieties. On average, 21-year-old QURO specimens from the analyzed stand are 9.35 m tall, have a crown width (CW) of 8.05 m, and a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 23.71 cm. Although T-QURO varieties had the greatest DBH and CW, they were shorter than E- and L-QURO, which are similar in height. T-QURO is also shorter relative to DBH, while L-QURO has a wider crown relative to tree height (TH). Intra-variety variations are higher than variations among half-sib (open-pollinated) families of each variety. Moreover, the adopted regression model provided a better fit to the CW/DBH ratio than to TH/DBH and CW/TH.
Competition Effects on Growth and Crown Dimensions of Shortleaf and Loblolly Pine in Mature, Natural-Origin, Pine–Hardwood Mixtures of the Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas, USA: A Neighborhood Analysis
Authors: Bataineh Mohammad , Childs Ethan
Published: July 2021

The need for a comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of competition has never been more important as plants adapt to a changing environment and as forest management evolves to focus on maintaining and enhancing complexity. With the recent decline in shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) land area, it is critical to determine the effects of competition on shortleaf pine and its performance against loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), the preferred planted replacement. We evaluate differences in shortleaf and loblolly pine 10 year mean basal area increment (BAI) and crown dimensions across a gradient of neighborhoods. Linear mixed-effects regression models were developed using BAI and several crown metrics as responses and crowding, competitor species abundance and identity, and initial size and species identity of focal tree as predictors. Crowding of focal trees negatively impacted BAI and crown size (p < 0.001, respectively). Although loblolly pine had three times higher BAI as compared to shortleaf pine within similar neighborhoods, BAI was variable, and the crowding effect did not differ between shortleaf and loblolly pine (p ranged from 0.51–0.99). Competitive impacts on focal trees did not differ by competitor identity (p ranged from 0.07–0.70). Distance-independent competition indices better explained the variation in BAI and horizontal crown metrics, while distance-dependent size ratios were more effective at evaluating vertical crown metrics. These findings highlight shortleaf pine competitive potential in mature, natural-origin stands and provide support for the restoration of pine–hardwood and hardwood–pine stratified mixtures as well as management of shortleaf pine at long rotations.
Invasive vs. Invasive, Parthenium hysterophorus as a Bio-Control Agent against Invasive Mealybugs
Authors: Ahsan Taswar , Li Bingxue , Wu Yuanhua
Published: July 2021

Parthenium hysterophorus has an antagonistic potential against mealybugs, which are hosted on wild Dalbergia sissoo. In the current study, an aqueous extract of Parthenium was evaluated against mealybugs on Dalbergia sissoo. A serial dose of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 µg/mL of aqueous extract was prepared from all parts of the Parthenium plant. After 72 h at high doses, 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL aqueous extracts had high mortality of 76.67% and 73.33% via the residual method, respectively. Meanwhile at same dose after 72 h, the contact method had higher mortality percentages of 80% and 80% at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. After 48 h at a high dose (200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL), the mortality of the mealybugs was highest via the contact method. The results show a mortality of 73.33% with both doses. Meanwhile the same doses, via the contact method, after 48 h had a 63.33% mortality rate. After 24 h via the contact method, at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL the mortality of mealybug was 70% with both doses, whereas via the mortality rate via the residual method at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL doses was 56.67% and 66.67%, respectively. These results indicate that Parthenium is a strong bio-control agent against mealybugs. Aqueous extracts could lead to a cost effective and environmentally friendly insecticidal for sustainable use in large scale forestry.
A Novel Multi-Scale Attention PFE-UNet for Forest Image Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Boyang , Mu Hongbo , Gao Mingyu , Ni Haiming , Chen Jianfeng , Yang Hong , Qi Dawei
Published: July 2021

The precise segmentation of forest areas is essential for monitoring tasks related to forest exploration, extraction, and statistics. However, the effective and accurate segmentation of forest images will be affected by factors such as blurring and discontinuity of forest boundaries. Therefore, a Pyramid Feature Extraction-UNet network (PFE-UNet) based on traditional UNet is proposed to be applied to end-to-end forest image segmentation. Among them, the Pyramid Feature Extraction module (PFE) is introduced in the network transition layer, which obtains multi-scale forest image information through different receptive fields. The spatial attention module (SA) and the channel-wise attention module (CA) are applied to low-level feature maps and PFE feature maps, respectively, to highlight specific segmentation task features while fusing context information and suppressing irrelevant regions. The standard convolution block is replaced by a novel depthwise separable convolutional unit (DSC Unit), which not only reduces the computational cost but also prevents overfitting. This paper presents an extensive evaluation with the DeepGlobe dataset and a comparative analysis with several state-of-the-art networks. The experimental results show that the PFE-UNet network obtains an accuracy of 94.23% in handling the real-time forest image segmentation, which is significantly higher than other advanced networks. This means that the proposed PFE-UNet also provides a valuable reference for the precise segmentation of forest images.
Stability of Fucoxanthin in Pasteurized Skim and Whole Goat Milk
Authors: Nuñez de González Maryuri T. , Attaie Rahmat , Mora-Gutierrez Adela , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Jung Yoonsung
Published: July 2021

Obesity has become a worldwide problem giving rise to several health issues. Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid with anti-obesity activity, has potential application as a biofunctional ingredient in human food. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal stability of fucoxanthin at pasteurization temperature and, subsequently, its storage stability in goat whole milk (WM) and skim milk (SM) at refrigeration temperature for four weeks. Additionally, the effect of supplementation of fucoxanthin on the composition of milk, pH, acidity, color, and lipid oxidation of WM and SM was evaluated during the four week storage period. Fresh goat WM and SM were supplemented with fucoxanthin at a concentration of 10.67 µg/mL (2.56 mg/240 mL of milk, one serving), pasteurized at 64 °C for 30 min and stored at 4 °C for four weeks. The quantification of fucoxanthin in WM and SM was performed every week using a HPLC method. Moreover, the effect of supplementation of fucoxanthin on the composition of WM and SM was evaluated by a LactiCheck milk analyzer, and the color was evaluated by reflectance using a HunterLab colorimeter. Lipid oxidation, as the 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) at A532, was determined using a Spectramax Plus spectrophotometer during storage. Data were analyzed by a split-plot design using PROC MIXED of SAS. The recovery yields of fucoxanthin from the pasteurized WM and SM were 96.17 ± 1.5 % and 96.89 ± 1.5 %, respectively. Both milks exhibited high recovery yields of fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin was stable in goat WM and SM during storage at 4 °C for four weeks. The addition of fucoxanthin, at the concentration reported to have an anti-obesity effect in humans, to pasteurized WM and SM did not affect the composition or the physicochemical properties of milks but influenced the color, especially increasing the yellowness in the samples. These results revealed that goat milk can be used as a suitable matrix for the supplementation of fucoxanthin as a biofunctional ingredient in human foods.
Alkaline Phosphatase Survey in Pecorino Siciliano PDO Cheese
Authors: Todaro Massimo , Lo Presti Vittorio , Macaluso Alessandro , Alleri Maria , Licitra Giuseppe , Chiofalo Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

The determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in cheeses has become an official method for controlling cheeses with a protected designation of origin (PDO), all of which use raw milk. PDO cheeses, characterized by high craftsmanship, usually have an uneven quality. However, for these cheeses, it is necessary to establish ALP values so that they can be defined as a raw milk product. In this study, a dataset with Pecorino Siciliano PDO samples was analyzed to determine ALP both at the core and under the rind. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the different zones in Pecorino cheese. A second dataset of 100 pecorino cheese samples determined that ALP was only at the core of the cheese. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the ALP values of cheeses produced with raw milk and those produced with pasteurized milk. Furthermore, according to the temperatures, a wide variability of ALP values was observed in the Pecorino Siciliano PDO samples from the core of the cheeses. This was a result of several under scotta whey cooking methodologies adopted by cheesemakers, which do not permit a clear range. Therefore, further investigation is desirable.
High-CO2 Treatment Prolongs the Postharvest Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruits by Reducing Decay and Cell Wall Degradation
Authors: Eum Hyang-Lan , Han Seung-Hyun , Lee Eun-Jin
Published: July 2021

Improved methods are needed to extend the shelf life of strawberry fruits. The objective of this study was to determine the postharvest physiological mechanism of high-CO2 treatment in strawberries. Harvested strawberries were stored at 10 °C after 3 h of exposure to a treatment with 30% CO2 or air. Pectin and gene expression levels related to cell wall degradation were measured to assess the high-CO2 effects on the cell wall and lipid metabolism. Strawberries subjected to high-CO2 treatment presented higher pectin content and firmness and lower decay than those of control fruits. Genes encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes (pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, and pectate lyase) were downregulated after high-CO2 treatment. High-CO2 induced the expression of oligogalacturonides, thereby conferring defense against Botrytis cinerea in strawberry fruits, and lowering the decay incidence at seven days after its inoculation. Our findings suggest that high-CO2 treatment can maintain strawberry quality by reducing decay and cell wall degradation.
Prenatal Versus Postnatal Diagnosis of Meckel–Gruber and Joubert Syndrome in Patients with TMEM67 Mutations
Authors: Stembalska Agnieszka , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Pollak Agnieszka , Kostrzewa Grazyna , Stawinski Piotr , Biela Mateusz , Ploski Rafal , Smigiel Robert
Published: July 2021

Renal cystic diseases are characterized by genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Congenital renal cysts can be classified as developmental disorders and are commonly diagnosed prenatally using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Progress in molecular diagnostics and availability of exome sequencing procedures allows diagnosis of single-gene disorders in the prenatal period. Two patients with a prenatal diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease are presented in this article. TMEM67 mutations were identified in both fetuses using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) study. In one of them, the phenotypic syndrome diagnosed prenatally was different from that diagnosed in the postnatal period.
Mating-Type Locus Organization and Mating-Type Chromosome Differentiation in the Bipolar Edible Button Mushroom Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Foulongne-Oriol Marie , Taskent Ozgur , Kües Ursula , Sonnenberg Anton S. M. , van Peer Arend F. , Giraud Tatiana
Published: July 2021

In heterothallic basidiomycete fungi, sexual compatibility is restricted by mating types, typically controlled by two loci: PR, encoding pheromone precursors and pheromone receptors, and HD, encoding two types of homeodomain transcription factors. We analysed the single mating-type locus of the commercial button mushroom variety, Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus, and of the related variety burnettii. We identified the location of the mating-type locus using genetic map and genome information, corresponding to the HD locus, the PR locus having lost its mating-type role. We found the mip1 and β-fg genes flanking the HD genes as in several Agaricomycetes, two copies of the β-fg gene, an additional HD2 copy in the reference genome of A. bisporus var. bisporus and an additional HD1 copy in the reference genome of A. bisporus var. burnettii. We detected a 140 kb-long inversion between mating types in an A. bisporus var. burnettii heterokaryon, trapping the HD genes, the mip1 gene and fragments of additional genes. The two varieties had islands of transposable elements at the mating-type locus, spanning 35 kb in the A. bisporus var. burnettii reference genome. Linkage analyses showed a region with low recombination in the mating-type locus region in the A. bisporus var. burnettii variety. We found high differentiation between β-fg alleles in both varieties, indicating an ancient event of recombination suppression, followed more recently by a suppression of recombination at the mip1 gene through the inversion in A. bisporus var. burnettii and a suppression of recombination across whole chromosomes in A. bisporus var. bisporus, constituting stepwise recombination suppression as in many other mating-type chromosomes and sex chromosomes.
Cross-National Study of Worrying, Loneliness, and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Individuals with and without Infection in the Family
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Leung Janni , Schoultz Mariyana , Thygesen Hilde , Price Daicia , Ruffolo Mary , Geirdal Amy Østertun
Published: July 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine differences in worry, loneliness, and mental health between those individuals infected by COVID-19 or having someone their family infected, and the rest of the population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA, and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness, and mental health) in both groups. Results: Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001) and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of education, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions: In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had an infection within the family but extend to the wider population.
Under the COVID-19 Environment, Will Tourism Decision Making, Environmental Risks, and Epidemic Prevention Attitudes Affect the People’s Firm Belief in Participating in Leisure Tourism Activities?
Authors: Tseng Kuan-Chieh , Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Lin Jan-Wei , Chen I-Shen , Hsu Chin-Hsien
Published: July 2021

The study was conducted to understand the travel intentions of Dajia Matsu pilgrimage participants through tourism decision making, environmental risk perception, epidemic prevention attitude, and physical and mental health assessment. A questionnaire survey was used to collect 230 questionnaires in the field during the 2021 pilgrimage, and structural analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 20.0 statistical programs. The results showed that environmental risk and physical and mental health awareness were not significantly associated with the travel intention of Dajia Matsu pilgrimage participants (p > 0.05), while travel decision and attitude toward epidemic prevention were significantly associated with travel intention (p < 0.05).
Modulation of Instagram Number of Followings by Avoidance in Close Relationships in Young Adults under a Gene x Environment Perspective
Authors: Bonassi Andrea , Carollo Alessandro , Cataldo Ilaria , Gabrieli Giulio , Tandiono Moses , Foo Jia Nee , Lepri Bruno , Esposito Gianluca
Published: July 2021

Social networking sites have determined radical changes in human life, demanding investigations on online socialization mechanisms. The knowledge acquired on in-person sociability could guide researchers to consider both environmental and genetic features as candidates of online socialization. Here, we explored the impact of the quality of adult attachment and the genetic properties of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) on Instagram social behavior. Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire was adopted to assess 57 Instagram users’ attachment pattern in close relationships with partners. Genotypes from the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 region were extracted from the users’ buccal mucosa and analyzed. Users’ Instagram social behavior was examined from four indexes: number of posts, number of followed users (“followings”) and number of followers, and the Social Desirability Index calculated from the followers to followings ratio. Although no interaction between rs25531 and ECR-R dimensions was found, an association between avoidance in close relationships and Instagram number of followings emerged. Post hoc analyses revealed adult avoidance from the partner predicts the Instagram number of followings with good evidence. Moreover, users reporting high avoidance levels displayed fewer followings than users who reported low levels of avoidance. This research provides a window into the psychobiological understanding of online socialization on Instagram.
Cariogenic Risk and COVID-19 Lockdown in a Paediatric Population
Authors: Docimo Raffaella , Costacurta Micaela , Gualtieri Paola , Pujia Alberto , Leggeri Claudia , Attinà Alda , Cinelli Giulia , Giannattasio Silvia , Rampello Tiziana , Di Renzo Laura
Published: July 2021

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 disease COVID-19 pandemic caused several lifestyle changes, especially among younger people. The study aimed to describe the impact of eating habits, lifestyle, and home oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the cariogenic risk in the Italian paediatric population, by using an online survey. The survey was conducted through a virtual questionnaire divided into four parts: child personal and anthropometric data; oral health; child dietary habits (KIDMED test); and child lifestyle, before and during COVID-19 lockdown. During the lockdown, only 18.6% of the participants had high adherence to a Mediterranean diet, recording an increase in sweets consumption and the number of meals (p < 0.001). In terms of lifestyle, the percentage of moderately and vigorously active children decreased (41.4% and 5.0%, respectively) (p = 0.014). The percentage of children sleeping more than 9 h increased (p < 0.001). They watched more television programs (p < 0.001). Regarding oral hygiene, children did not change their brushing habits (p = 0.225). The percentage of children using non-fluoridated toothpaste was higher (6.4%), and no changes were observed (p > 0.05). In some cases, dental pain and abscesses were declared (10% and 2.7%, respectively). This study confirms the need for campaigns to promote hygiene and dental care in combination with food education for a correct habit and promotion of a healthy and sustainable dietary style.
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Psychological Flexibility among Geriatric Nurses: A Multicenter Study in Spain
Authors: Sarabia-Cobo Carmen , Pérez Victoria , de Lorena Pablo , Fernández-Rodríguez Ángela , González-López José Rafael , González-Vaca Julia
Published: July 2021

Nurses working at nursing homes are one of the most vulnerable populations for suffering burnout and compassion fatigue. In Spain, the concept of compassion fatigue and psychological flexibility related to stress in geriatric nurses has not been fully explored until now. It is important to analyze their situation in order to design robust coping and management strategies. The aim was to analyze the relationship between burnout, compassion fatigue and psychological flexibility in geriatric nurses in Spain. Participants included 291 nurses from 97 centers in 51 cities across Spain. Psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), burnout (MBI) and compassion fatigue (ProQOL) were evaluated. Responses were recievced from 281 nurses (91% women), with an average of 7.6 years of work experience. The MBI results were average (26.71), and the ProQOL scores were average for compassion fatigue (40.2%) and high for compassion satisfaction (70.3%), whereas for AAQ-II, the mean score was 37.34 (SD 4.21). The correlation was significant and negative for flexibility, burnout and compassion fatigue, and positive for compassion satisfaction. The ANOVA indicated a significant association between all variables (p < 0.05). We can conclude that geriatric nurses suffer from medium levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, together with high levels of psychological flexibility, which appears to act as a stress reliever, supporting compassion satisfaction.
Using the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design to Investigate Dental Patients’ Perceptions and Needs Concerning Oral Cancer Information, Examination, Prevention and Behavior
Authors: Jafer Mohammed , Crutzen Rik , Ibrahim Abdalla , Moafa Ibtisam , Zaylaee Haitham , Ajeely Mohammad , van den Borne Bart , Zanza Alessio , Testarelli Luca , Patil Shankargouda
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate dental patients’ behavior, thoughts, opinions and needs for oral cancer information, and dentists’ behavior regarding prevention and examination of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: This study utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted for forty dental patients of both sexes. Based on the qualitative analysis, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among the participants. Data were analyzed for 315 participants to quantify their thoughts, needs, behavior and behavior expected from dentists regarding oral cancer. Frequency, percentages and cumulative percentages were calculated. Results: This study reveals that patients’ oral cancer knowledge levels were adequate, but most reported that their dentist had never examined them for oral cancer. Additionally, the participants had never performed self-examinations for oral cancer, nor were they aware of the possibility of doing so. Participants showed a preference for being examined and educated by their dentist about oral cancer and believed it would help early detection. Conclusions: The study participants are aware of oral cancer and its risk factors. The practice of oral cancer examinations and patient education of its risk factors by dental practitioners is limited. Patients feel a need for more attention to be paid to oral cancer examinations, preventive measures and targeted information on oral cancer risk factors.
Ethical Problems and Moral Distress in Primary Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Giannetta Noemi , Villa Giulia , Pennestrì Federico , Sala Roberta , Mordacci Roberto , Manara Duilio Fiorenzo
Published: July 2021

Background: Since 1997, nursing ethics research has focused on solving ethical dilemmas, enhancing decision-making strategies, and introducing professional education. Few studies describe the triggers of ethical dilemmas among primary care nurses. The aim of this study was to explore the moral distress and ethical dilemmas among primary care nurses. Methods: A scoping review was performed following Arskey and O’Malley’s framework. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus were searched systematically to retrieve relevant titles and abstracts. A temporal filter was applied to focus on the most recent literature (years of 2010–2020). The research was completed on 17 November 2020. Results: Of 184 articles retrieved, 15 were included in the review. Some (n = 7) studies had a qualitative design, and the most productive country was Brazil (n = 7). The total number of nurses involved in quantitative studies was 1137 (range: 36–433); the total number of nurses involved in qualitative studies was 144 (range: 7–73). Three main focus areas were identified: (a) frequent ethical conflicts and moral distress episodes among nurses working in primary care settings; (b) frequent moral distress measures here employed; (c) coping strategies here adopted to prevent or manage moral distress. Conclusion: Further research is needed to examine the differences between moral distress triggers and sources of ethical dilemmas among the different care environments, such as primary care and acute care settings.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Human-Machine Interaction Methodology for Electric-Powered Wheelchairs Driving from 1998 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Hui Lanxin , Wei Linchao , Song Fuchuan , Hu Fei
Published: July 2021

Electric power wheelchairs (EPWs) enhance the mobility capability of the elderly and the disabled, while the human-machine interaction (HMI) determines how well the human intention will be precisely delivered and how human-machine system cooperation will be efficiently conducted. A bibliometric quantitative analysis of 1154 publications related to this research field, published between 1998 and 2020, was conducted. We identified the development status, contributors, hot topics, and potential future research directions of this field. We believe that the combination of intelligence and humanization of an EPW HMI system based on human-machine collaboration is an emerging trend in EPW HMI methodology research. Particular attention should be paid to evaluating the applicability and benefits of the EPW HMI methodology for the users, as well as how much it contributes to society. This study offers researchers a comprehensive understanding of EPW HMI studies in the past 22 years and latest trends from the evolutionary footprints and forward-thinking insights regarding future research.
Background Noise, Noise Sensitivity, and Attitudes towards Neighbours, and a Subjective Experiment Using a Rubber Ball Impact Sound
Authors: Jeong Jeongho
Published: July 2021

When children run and jump or adults walk indoors, the impact sounds conveyed to neighbouring households have relatively high energy in low-frequency bands. The experience of and response to low-frequency floor impact sounds can differ depending on factors such as the duration of exposure, the listener’s noise sensitivity, and the level of background noise in housing complexes. In order to study responses to actual floor impact sounds, it is necessary to investigate how the response is affected by changes in the background noise and differences in the response when focusing on other tasks. In this study, the author presented subjects with a rubber ball impact sound recorded from different apartment buildings and housings and investigated the subjects’ responses to varying levels of background noise and when they were assigned tasks to change their level of attention on the presented sound. The subjects’ noise sensitivity and response to their neighbours were also compared. The results of the subjective experiment showed differences in the subjective responses depending on the level of background noise, and high intensity rubber ball impact sounds were associated with larger subjective responses. In addition, when subjects were performing a task like browsing the internet, they attended less to the rubber ball impact sound, showing a less sensitive response to the same intensity of impact sound. The responses of the group with high noise sensitivity showed an even steeper response curve with the same change in impact sound intensity. The group with less positive opinions of their neighbours showed larger changes in their subjective response, resulting in the expression of stronger opinions even to the same change in loudness of the impact sound. It was found that subjective responses were different when subjects were performing activities of daily living, such as reading or watching TV in the evening, and when they were focused on floor impact sounds in the middle of the night.
How Capital Endowment and Ecological Cognition Affect Environment-Friendly Technology Adoption: A Case of Apple Farmers of Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Wang Xiaolei , Sarkar Apurbo , Zhang Fuhong
Published: July 2021

Ever-increasing global environmental issues, land degradation, and groundwater contamination may significantly impact the agricultural sector of any country. The situation worsens while the global agricultural sectors are going through the unsustainable intensification of agricultural production powered by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This trend leads the sector to exercise environmentally friendly technology (EFT). Capital endowment and ecological cognition may significantly impact fostering farmers’ adoption of environmentally friendly technology. The government also tends to change the existing policies to cope with ever-increasing challenges like pollution control, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting agricultural sectors substantially by employing ecological compensation policy. The study’s main objective is to explore the impacts of farmer’s ecological compensation, capital endowment, and ecological cognition for the adoption of EFT. The empirical setup of the study quantifies with survey data of 471 apple farmers from nine counties of Shandong province. The study used Heckman’s two-stage model to craft the findings. The results showed that 52.02% of fruit farmers adopted two environmentally friendly technologies, and 23.99% of fruit farmers adopted three forms of environmentally friendly technologies. At the same time, we have traced that the capital endowment, planting scale, family income, and technical specialization of fruit farmers significantly impact adopting EFT. The study also revealed that understanding ecological compensation policy has a significant positive effect on adopting environmentally friendly technology. Seemingly, ecological compensation policy has a specific regulatory effect on fruit farmers’ capital endowment and ecological cognition. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the demonstration facilities, training, and frequently arrange awareness-building campaigns regarding rural non-point source pollution hazards and improve the cognition level of farmers. The agriculture extension department should strengthen the agricultural value chain facilities to make farmers fully realize the importance of EFT. Government should promote and extend the supports for availing new and innovative EFT at a reasonable price. Moreover, cooperative, financial, and credit organizations need to lead for the smooth transition of EFT. The agricultural cooperatives and formal risk-taking networks should act responsibly for shaping the behavioral factors of farmers.
Adverse Drug Reactions among Children with Tuberculosis in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2019
Authors: Abdusalomova Makhliyo , Denisiuk Olga , Davtyan Hayk , Gadoev Jamshid , Abdusamatova Barno , Parpieva Nargiza , Sodikov Abduvohid
Published: July 2021

The treatment of childhood tuberculosis can be challenging due to the lack of pediatric drug formulations and monitoring of drug-toxicity in routine settings. There are no published studies from Uzbekistan on the adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with anti-tuberculosis treatment in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ADR associated with anti-tuberculosis treatment in children. This was a cohort study using secondary program data of children treated at the city and regional tuberculosis clinics in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Of the 302 patients evaluated, 135 (44.7%) reported ADR. New tuberculosis was registered in 277 (92%) patients and 262 (87%) had extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Factors associated with ADR included treatment at a regional hospital (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.75; p = 0.026), female sex (aOR = 2.2; p = 0.004), and treatment with second-line drugs (aOR = 8.82; p < 0.001). The most common ADRs were gastrointestinal disorders (28.5%) followed by hepatitis (8.9%) and dermatologic reactions (8.6%). Most of the ADRs were mild (55.6%) or moderate (43.7%), only one child had severe ADR. Patients with the identified risk factors should be closely monitored during the treatment. We also recommend expansion of ADR surveillance throughout the country for more representative data in the future.
Homeworking, Well-Being and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Diary Study
Authors: Wood Stephen James , Michaelides George , Inceoglu Ilke , Hurren Elizabeth T. , Daniels Kevin , Niven Karen
Published: July 2021

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments encouraged or mandated homeworking wherever possible. This study examines the impact of this public health initiative on homeworkers’ well-being. It explores if the general factors such as job autonomy, demands, social support and work–nonwork conflict, which under normal circumstances are crucial for employees’ well-being, are outweighed by factors specific to homeworking and the pandemic as predictors of well-being. Using data from four-week diary studies conducted at two time periods in 2020 involving university employees in the UK, we assessed five factors that may be associated with their well-being: job characteristics, the work–home interface, home location, the enforced nature of the homeworking, and the pandemic context. Multi-level analysis confirms the relationship between four of the five factors and variability in within-person well-being, the exception being variables connected to the enforced homeworking. The results are very similar in both waves. A smaller set of variables explained between-person variability: psychological detachment, loneliness and job insecurity in both periods. Well-being was lower in the second than the first wave, as loneliness increased and the ability to detach from work declined. The findings highlight downsides of homeworking, will be relevant for employees’ and employers’ decisions about working arrangements post-pandemic, and contribute to the debate about the limits of employee well-being models centred on job characteristics.