bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hygrothermal Risk in Museum Buildings Located in Moderate Climate
Authors: Ferdyn-Grygierek Joanna , Kaczmarczyk Jan , Blaszczok Monika , Lubina Piotr , Koper Piotr , Bulińska Anna
Published: January 2020

Works of art are sensitive to environmental factors—mainly temperature and relative humidity—which, when stable, are generally recommended as ideal protection conditions, but in historical museum buildings, the required conditions are difficult to maintain, due to a lack of adequate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The paper presents the analysis of one-year measurements of temperature and relative humidity in three different museums in Poland. The aim of the research was to identify the risk to museum collections, due to unbalanced moisture loads and unstable indoor air temperatures, as well as to identify possible causes of fluctuations in these parameters. This article focuses on assessing the impact of variable external and internal loads on the hygrothermal parameters of indoor air. The profile of internal hygrothermal loads in exhibition halls varied over time, which resulted in a temporary variation of the indoor environmental parameters. The lack of appropriate systems, shaping the microclimate in the analyzed museums, and the lack of automatic control in existing devices did not allow to maintain the temperature and relative humidity within appropriate limits. In the museums, the maximum indoor temperature values were higher than those recommended in the requirements. Relative humidity values in all museums exceeded the recommended range both above and below.
Assessment of Unintentional Islanding Operations in Distribution Networks with Large Induction Motors
Authors: Casals-Torrens Pau , Martinez-Velasco Juan A. , Serrano-Fontova Alexandre , Bosch Ricard
Published: January 2020

This paper is aimed at assessing the impact of unintentional islanding operations (IOs) in the presence of large induction motors (IMs) within distribution networks (DNs). When a fault occurs, following the circuit breaker (CB) fault clearing, the IMs act transiently as generators, due to its inertia, until the CB reclosing takes place. The present work is the outcome of a project carried out in a small DN, where field measurements were recorded over two years. This paper provides a detailed description of the test system, a selected list of field measurements, and a discussion on modeling guidelines used to create the model of the actual power system. The main goal is to validate the system model by comparing field measurements with simulation results. The comparison of simulations and field measurements prove the appropriateness of the modeling guidelines used in this work and highlight the high accuracy achieved in the implemented three-phase Matlab/Simulink model.
Comparison of Power Output Forecasting on the Photovoltaic System Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems and Particle Swarm Optimization-Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Dawan Promphak , Sriprapha Kobsak , Kittisontirak Songkiate , Boonraksa Terapong , Junhuathon Nitikorn , Titiroongruang Wisut , Niemcharoen Surasak
Published: January 2020

The power output forecasting of the photovoltaic (PV) system is essential before deciding to install a photovoltaic system in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, due to the uneven power production and unstable data. This research simulates the power output forecasting of PV systems by using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), comparing accuracy with particle swarm optimization combined with artificial neural network methods (PSO-ANN). The simulation results show that the forecasting with the ANFIS method is more accurate than the PSO-ANN method. The performance of the ANFIS and PSO-ANN models were verified with mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAP) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE). The accuracy of the ANFIS model is 99.8532%, and the PSO-ANN method is 98.9157%. The power output forecast results of the model were evaluated and show that the proposed ANFIS forecasting method is more beneficial compared to the existing method for the computation of power output and investment decision making. Therefore, the analysis of the production of power output from PV systems is essential to be used for the most benefit and analysis of the investment cost.
A Review of Radioactive Wastes Production and Potential Environmental Releases at Experimental Nuclear Fusion Facilities
Authors: Sandri Sandro , Contessa Gian Marco , D’Arienzo Marco , Guardati Manuela , Guarracino Maurizio , Poggi Claudio , Villari Rosaria
Published: January 2020

The development of experimental nuclear fusion facilities and the systems connected to them currently involves the operation (or advanced design) of some large plants in the national territory. Devices such as neutron generators and plasma focus systems are also included. The machines developed to test the main components of these systems such as neutral beam generators (Neutral Beam Injector) and the experimental plants for thermonuclear fusion, mainly in the Tokamak configuration (toroidal geometry), are in the list. These applications are characterized by high neutron fluxes of high energy (typically 2.5 and 14 MeV from deuterium-deuterium and deuterium-tritium fusion reactions, respectively). They involve the production of radionuclides in the components of the machines and in the fluids used for targets’ cooling and in the primary containments. In many cases, the atmosphere of the rooms containing these structures is activated and may be affected by the dispersion of powders that are more or less radioactive. The present work addresses the issues mentioned so far, taking into consideration the real cases relating to the devices and the facilities in operation, under construction, and in the advanced design phase. The conclusions highlight the critical aspects related to the management of these types of waste, as well as the low or very low environmental impact, from a radiological point of view, of the examined facilities.
Stem Taper Approximation by Artificial Neural Network and a Regression Set Models
Authors: Socha Jaroslaw , Netzel Pawel , Cywicka Dominika
Published: January 2020

Variation in tree stem form depends on species, age, site conditions, etc. Stem taper models that estimate stem diameter at any height and volume should comply with this complexity. In the paper, we propose new methods taking into account both unbiased estimates and stem variability: (i) an expert model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) and (ii) a statistical model built using a regression tree (REG). We used the variable-exponent taper equation (STE) as a reference for these two models. Input data contain information about 2856 trees representing eight dominant forest-forming tree species in Poland (birch, beech, oak, fir, larch, alder, pine, and spruce). The trees were selected across stands varied in terms of age and site conditions. Based on the data, we built ANN and REG models and calculated both stem taper and tree volumes. The results show that ANN is a universal approach that offers the most precise estimation of stem diameter at a particular stem height for different tree species. The results for alder are an exception. In this case, the REG model performs slightly better than ANN. In terms of volume prediction, the ANN model provides the most accurate predictions for coniferous and beech. In general, flexibility and predictive performance of the ANN are better than REG and reference the STE equation.
Gap Structure and Regeneration in the Mixed Old-Growth Forests of National Nature Reserve Sitno, Slovakia
Authors: Jaloviar Peter , Sedmáková Denisa , Pittner Ján , Jarčušková Danková Lucia , Kucbel Stanislav , Sedmák Robert , Saniga Milan
Published: January 2020

Forest management mimicking natural processes represents an approach to maintain mixed, uneven-aged stands at small spatial scales. The reliance on natural processes, especially on natural regeneration leads to the use of gap-based regeneration as a fundamental silvicultural technique. As a baseline for such management, we investigated mixed forest in unmanaged National Nature Reserve Sitno in the Western Carpathians, which harbours extraordinary diversity on a rather small scale. To quantify the impact of gaps on gap-filling processes and to assess the role they play in recently observed changes in tree species composition we established a large (2.5 ha) permanent research plot and surveyed the status of natural regeneration, forest structure, tree species composition, and disturbance regime. Our research highlights the long-term and contemporary difficulties in the establishment of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl and Fagus sylvatica (L.). Based on the provided evidence, the native tree species diversity in one of the few preserved old-growth multi-species beech-oak forest remnants is not likely to persist, what could have many implications for future ecosystem functioning. Our results suggest that variation in gap size is an important factor contributing to composition of tree species composition of natural regeneration. The recent intermediate-scale disturbance pattern dominating the old-growth beech-oak forest is beneficial to canopy recruitment of species less shade-tolerant than Fagus sylvatica, as Acer pseudoplatanus (L.), Acer platanoides (L.), and Fraxinus excelsior (L.). We discuss possible factors behind observed shifts in tree species composition and limitations for application of gap dynamics to forest practice in managed beech-oak forest systems. Overall, results of this study may help to design silvicultural measures promoting mixed-species forests to deliver a range of desired ecosystem services.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Bisabolene Synthetase (SaBS) Promoter from Santalum album
Authors: Yan Haifeng , Xiong Yuping , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Pang Jinhui , Zhang Ting , Yu Xincheng , Zhang Xinhua , Niu Meiyun , Ma Guohua
Published: January 2020

Bisabolene-type sesquiterpenoids, which have multiple bioactivities, including anticancer activity, are one of the main groups of compounds in the essential oil extracted from Santalum album L. and other Santalum species. Bisabolene synthetase (SaBS) is a key enzyme for the synthesis of bisabolene in S. album, but the regulation of the SaBS gene’s expression is poorly understood. In this study, a 1390-bp promoter sequence of the SaBS gene was isolated from the leaves of six-year-old S. album. A bioinformatics analysis showed that certain environment stresses and phytohormone-activated cis-acting elements were distributed in different regions of the SaBS promoter (PSaBS). Transgenic Arabidopsis carrying full-length PSaBS had significantly higher β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity than the untreated control after treatment with salicylic acid (SA), suggesting that PSaBS is a SA-inducible promoter. Histochemical GUS staining and GUS fluorometric assays of transgenic Arabidopsis showed that the GUS activity directed by PSaBS was mainly expressed in stem tissue, followed by leaves and flowers. Moreover, different regions of PSaBS showed significantly different GUS activity. A 171-bp fragment upstream of the transcriptional initiation codon (ATG) is the core promoter region of PSaBS. Our results provide insight into and a greater understanding of the transcriptional regulation mechanism of the SaBS gene, which could serve as an alternative inducible promoter for transgenic plant breeding.
How Well Do Stakeholder-Defined Forest Management Scenarios Balance Economic and Ecological Forest Values?
Authors: Eggers Jeannette , Räty Minna , Öhman Karin , Snäll Tord
Published: January 2020

Research Highlights: We show the difference in the long-term effects on economic and ecological forest values between four forest management scenarios of a large representative forest landscape. The scenarios were largely formulated by stakeholders representing the main views on how to manage north-European forests. Background and Objectives: Views on how to balance forest management between wood production and biodiversity differ widely between different stakeholder groups. We aim to show the long-term consequences of stakeholder-defined management scenarios, in terms of ecological and economic forest values. Materials and Methods: We simulated management scenarios for a forest landscape in Sweden, based on the management objectives and strategies of key stakeholders. We specifically investigated the difference in economic forest values coupled to wood supply and ecological indicators coupled to structural biodiversity between the scenarios over a 100-year period. The indicators were net present value, harvest, growing stock and increment, along with deadwood volume, the density of large trees, area of old forests and mature broadleaf-rich forests. Results: We show that the scenarios have widely different outcomes in terms of the studied indicators, and that differences in indicator outcome were largely due to different distributions in management regimes, i.e., the proportion of forest left unmanaged or under even-aged management or continuous cover forest, as well as specific retention practices. Retention and continuous cover forestry mitigate the negative effects that clear-cut forestry has upon biodiversity. Conclusions: We found that an increase in the forest area under the continuous cover forestry regime could be a cost-efficient way to increase structural diversity in managed boreal forests. On the other hand, no single management regime performed best with respect to all indicators, which means that a mixture of several management regimes is needed to balance conflicting objectives. We also show that the trade-off between economic and ecological indicators was not directly proportional, meaning that an increase in structural biodiversity may be obtained at a proportionally low cost with appropriate management planning.
Evaluation of Pediococcus pentosaceus SP2 as Starter Culture on Sourdough Bread Making
Authors: Plessas Stavros , Mantzourani Ioanna , Bekatorou Argyro
Published: January 2020

In the present study, a novel Pediococcus pentosaceus SP2 strain, recently isolated from kefir grains, was evaluated as a starter culture in sourdough bread making. The novel starter was applied in fresh, freeze-dried, and freeze-dried immobilized (on wheat bran) form. The type of culture (fresh, freeze-dried, immobilized cells) influenced the bread characteristics. Specifically, the application of freeze-dried immobilized cells led to higher total titratable acidity (TTA) values (9.81 mL NaOH N/10), and the produced bread presented higher resistance to mold and rope spoilage. Moreover, the produced sourdough breads were significantly better in terms of pH, TTA, organic acids content, and resistance to mold and rope spoilage, compared to breads made with a commercial, wild microbiota, sourdough. The organic acids content was also significantly higher than the commercial sourdough sample (2.93 g/kg lactic acid; 1.01 g/kg acetic acid). Determination of volatile compounds through solid-phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and sensorial assessments indicated no significant differences between the tested sourdough breads.
Effects of Pre-Processing Hot-Water Treatment on Aroma Relevant VOCs of Fresh-Cut Apple Slices Stored in Sugar Syrup
Authors: Rux Guido , Efe Efecan , Ulrichs Christian , Huyskens-Keil Susanne , Hassenberg Karin , Herppich Werner B.
Published: January 2020

In practice, fresh-cut fruit and fruit salads are currently stored submerged in sugar syrup (approx. 20%) to prevent browning, to slow down physiological processes and to extend shelf life. To minimize browning and microbial spoilage, slices may also be dipped in a citric acid/ascorbic acid solution for 5 min before storage in sugar syrup. To prevent the use of chemicals in organic production, short-term (30 s) hot-water treatment (sHWT) may be an alternative for gentle sanitation. Currently, profound knowledge on the impact of both sugar solution and sHWT on aroma and physiological properties of immersed fresh-cuts is lacking. Aroma is a very important aspect of fruit quality and generated by a great variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thus, potential interactive effects of sHWT and sugar syrup storage on quality of fresh-cut apple slices were evaluated, focusing on processing-induced changes in VOCs profiles. Intact ’Braeburn’ apples were sHW-treated at 55 °C and 65 °C for 30 s, sliced, partially treated with a commercial ascorbic/citric acid solution and slices stored in sugar syrup at 4 °C up to 13 days. Volatile emission, respiration and ethylene release were measured on storage days 5, 10 and 13. The impact of sHWT on VOCs was low while immersion and storage in sugar syrup had a much higher influence on aroma. sHWT did not negatively affect aroma quality of products and may replace acid dipping.
Androgen Receptor Gene Variants in New Cases of Equine Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Villagomez Daniel A.F. , Welsford Eastman G. , King W. Allan , Revay Tamas
Published: January 2020

In the domestic horse; failure of normal masculinization and virilization due to deficiency of androgenic action leads to a specific disorder of sexual development known as equine androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Affected individuals appear to demonstrate an incoherency between their genetic sex and sexual phenotype; i.e., XY-sex chromosome constitution and female phenotypic appearance. AIS is well documented in humans. Here we report the finding of two novel genetic variants for the AR-gene identified in a Tennessee Walking Horse and a Thoroughbred horse mare; each in individual clinical cases of horse AIS syndrome.
Influence of Heterogeneous Karst Microhabitats on the Root Foraging Ability of Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Seedlings
Authors: Liu Yingying , Wei Xiaoli , Zhou Zijing , Shao Changchang , Su Shicheng
Published: January 2020

Chinese windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) are widely planted in karst bedrock outcrop areas in southwest China because of their high economic and ecological values. The aims of this study were to investigate the foraging ability of Chinese windmill palm seedlings planted in six different types of karst microhabitat and to identify the main environmental factors that influence root foraging ability. We planted three-year-old Chinese windmill palm seedlings in six typical karst microhabitats (i.e., rocky trough, rocky surface, rocky gully, rocky soil surface, rocky pit, and soil surface microhabitats). One year after transplanting, the seedlings were excavated to determine the morphological parameters values of new roots and the nutrient concentrations of new roots and leaves. The root foraging ability of Chinese windmill palm seedlings, defined as new root length and new root surface area, was significantly greater in the rocky trough, rocky soil surface, and soil surface microhabitats than in the rocky gully, rocky surface, and rocky pit microhabitats (p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis revealed that the main positive factor affecting the rooting ability of Chinese windmill palm seedlings was soil thickness. Chinese windmill palm seedlings improved their root absorption efficiency by increasing their root length and root surface area under soil nutrient deficiency conditions. The organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium in soil positively influenced the concentration of N and K in roots. Total potassium in soil negatively influenced the biomass of new annual leaves and concentrations of N, P and K in new annual roots and leaves. Chinese windmill palm seedlings can be grown in the different karst microhabitats, especially in the rocky trough, rocky soil surface, and soil surface microhabitats, and, therefore, it is suitable for use in the regeneration of karst forests.
A Novel Approach for a Sustainability Evaluation of Developing System Interchange: The Case Study of the Sheikhfazolah-Yadegar Interchange, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Shishegaran Aydin , Shishegaran Arshia , Mazzulla Gabriella , Forciniti Carmen
Published: January 2020

To resolve environmental and social problems and traffic congestion, a sustainability evaluation of transportation infrastructure should be done for current and proposed situations. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the sustainability of infrastructure project on system interchange and assess their results with respect to sustainable development indicators. Based on interviews with experts, intensive observation, and development infrastructure related to the case study, six proposed scenarios are proposed to improve traffic condition of the Sheikhfazolah-Yadegar interchange in Tehran. The proposed scenarios are modeled and calibrated in AIMSUN 8.0, then the value of all indicators are determined through an indirect and direct procedure by AIMSUN results. A technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is used to integrate the results of proposed indicators. Although the weight of each indicator specifies its effect in sustainability evaluation, changes intensity of indicator value was not applied in sustainability evaluation by the previous methods of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). In this study, for the first time, a simplified approach is defined and used to evaluate sustainable development of all scenarios that can apply the effect of changes intensity in sustainability evaluation. This method is named the applied effect of changes intensity in each indicator (AECIEI). According to the purposes of Tehran vision in 2025, all proposed scenarios are ranked based on TOPSIS results and the simplified approach, and then results of these methods are compared.
Too-Much-Of-A-Good-Thing Effect of External Resource Investment—A Study on the Moderating Effect of Psychological Capital on the Contribution of Social Support to Work Engagement
Authors: Xi Yiheng , Xu Yangyang , Wang Ying
Published: January 2020

Built on the job demands-resources model (JD-R) and self-determination theory, the present research proposed that the relationship between work resources (social support) and employees’ work engagement takes on an inverted U-shaped curve, and presents a model of the moderation of personal resources (psychological capital) on the relationship. The hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regression analysis and path analysis with 535 surveys collected in 19 enterprises. The findings demonstrated an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between enterprises’ social support and employees’ work engagement and further suggested that the predicting effect of social support on work engagement is influenced by employees’ psychological capital, that is to say, the transformation from social support to work engagement bears higher efficiency in employees with high psychological capital than in those with low psychological capital. However, psychological capital fails to display a moderating effect on the curve relationship between social support and work engagement. The present study, casting doubt on the assumption that enterprise supply must meet the needs of employees, argued that the effectiveness of enterprises’ resource support is influenced by the individual needs of employees.
The Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents in China: Differences in Only Child and Non-Only Child Groups
Authors: Chi Xinli , Huang Liuyue , Wang Jian , Zhang Peichao
Published: January 2020

This study explores the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of depressive symptoms in early adolescents in China, as well as the differences between an only child and non-only child group. A total of 2059 seventh-grade Chinese students were invited to complete a questionnaire, which included questions concerning socio-demographic factors, family function, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The results revealed the following things. (1) thirty-four point seven percent of the participating Chinese early adolescents display symptoms of depression according to Radloff’s criteria. Differences are significant across the four dimensions (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, somatic symptoms and retarded activity, and interpersonal difficulties), as well as across total scores between only children and children with sibling(s). (2) Academic achievement, having sibling(s) or not, migration, and family function can significantly predict depressive symptoms. (3) Two significant interactions were found, which were between sibling(s) and gender as well as sibling(s) and family function. Girls from the non-only child group and adolescents from the only child group with poor family function were more likely to have depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that a greater focus should be placed on girls from non-only child families, academic under-performers, migrants, and adolescents from poor family environments, and especially only children, to prevent or reduce the propensity for depressive symptoms.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Occupational Hepatitis C Infections in Germany
Authors: Runge Melanie , Krensel Magdalene , Westermann Claudia , Bindl Dominik , Nagels Klaus , Augustin Matthias , Nienhaus Albert
Published: January 2020

Around 1% of the world’s population is infected with hepatitis C. The introduction of new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in 2014 has substantially improved hepatitis C treatment outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term cost effectiveness of DAAs in health care personnel (HP) with confirmed occupational diseases in Germany. A standardised database from a German statutory accident insurance was used to analyse the cost-effectiveness ratio for the DAA regimen in comparison with interferon-based triple therapies. Taking account of the clinical progression of the disease, a Markov model was applied to perform a base case analysis for a period of 20 years. The robustness of the results was determined using a univariate deterministic sensitivity analysis. The results show that treatment with DAAs is more expensive, but also more effective than triple therapies. The model also revealed that the loss of 3.23 life years can be averted per patient over the 20 years. Compared to triple therapies, DAA treatment leads to a higher sustained virologic response (SVR). Although this results in a decrease of costs in the long term, e.g., pension payments, DAA therapy will cause greater expense in the future due to the high costs of the drugs.
Health Professionals’ Counseling about Electronic Cigarettes for Smokers and Vapers in a Country That Bans the Sales and Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Inti , Arillo-Santillán Edna , Zavala-Arciniega Luis , Cho Yoo Jin , Thrasher James F.
Published: January 2020

This study describes the prevalence and correlates of adult smokers’ discussions about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) with health professionals (HPs), including whether these discussions may lead smokers and vapers to use e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Methods: We analyzed data from an online survey of Mexican smokers recruited from a consumer panel for marketing research. Participants who had visited an HP in the prior four months (n = 1073) were asked about discussions of e-cigarettes during that visit and whether this led them to try to quit. Logistic models regressed these variables on socio-demographics and tobacco use-related variables. Results: Smokers who also used e-cigarettes (i.e., dual users) were more likely than exclusive smokers to have discussed e-cigarettes with their HP (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.96; 95% C.I. 2.73, 5.74), as were those who had recently attempted to quit smoking (AOR = 1.89; 95% C.I. 1.33, 2.7). Of smokers who had discussed e-cigarettes, 53.3% reported that the discussion led them to use e-cigarettes in their quit attempt. Also, dual users (AOR = 2.6; 95% C.I. 1.5, 4.5) and daily smokers (>5 cigarettes per day) (AOR = 3.62; 95% C.I. 1.9, 6.8) were more likely to report being led by their HP to use e-cigarettes in the quit attempt compared to exclusive smokers and non-daily smokers, respectively. Conclusions: Discussions between HP and smokers about e-cigarettes were relatively common in Mexico, where e-cigarettes are banned. These discussions appear driven by the use of e-cigarettes, as well as by greater smoking frequency and intentions to quit smoking.
Health Literacy among People in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Associations with Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Heart Skills Study in Denmark
Authors: Aaby Anna , Friis Karina , Christensen Bo , Maindal Helle Terkildsen
Published: January 2020

Health literacy (HL) is a dynamic determinant of health and a promising target of health equity interventions in noncommunicable disease prevention. Among people referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program, we examined the associations between (1) HL and participation in cardiac rehabilitation and (2) HL and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Using a cross-sectional design, we invited 193 people referred to cardiac rehabilitation in Randers Municipal Rehabilitation Unit, Denmark, to respond to a questionnaire in 2017. Of these, 150 people responded (77.7%). HL was measured using the nine scales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), while HRQoL was measured using the Short Form Health Survey 12 (version 2) (SF-12). The mean age of respondents was 67.0 years; 71.3% of the sample were men. Nonrespondents had significantly lower educational attainment and more often lived alone than respondents. Using multiple regression analyses, we found no significant associations between HL and participation in cardiac rehabilitation. There were significant positive associations between several aspects of HL and physical and mental HRQoL. HL could be a factor of interest in initiatives aimed at improving participation and outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation.
The Double-Edged Sword of Urbanization and Its Nexus with Eco-Efficiency in China
Authors: Yue Li , Xue Dan , Draz Muhammad Umar , Ahmad Fayyaz , Li Jiaojiao , Shahzad Farrukh , Ali Shahid
Published: January 2020

Urbanization has made tremendous contributions to China’s economic development since its economic reforms and opening up. At the same time, population agglomeration has aggravated environmental pollution and posed serious challenges to China’s environment. This article empirically investigates the impacts of China’s urbanization on eco-efficiency, comprehensively reflecting economic growth, resource input, and waste discharge. We first measured the provincial eco-efficiency in China from 2005 to 2015 using the Super Slack-Based model (Super-SBM). We then constructed a spatial model to empirically analyze the effects of urbanization on eco-efficiency at the national level, and at four regional levels. The results indicated that the regional eco-efficiency in China has fluctuated, but is generally improving, and that a gap between regions was evident, with a trend toward further gap expansion. We observed an effect of spatial spillover in eco-efficiency, which was significant and positive for the whole country, except for the western region. The influence of urbanization on China’s eco-efficiency exhibited a U-curve relationship. The changing trend in the eastern, central, and western regions was the same as that in the whole country; however, the trend exhibited an inverted U-curve relationship in the northeastern region. To the best of our knowledge, covering a time period of 2005–2015, this article is the first of its kind to study the impact of urbanization on eco-efficiency in China at both the national and regional levels. This study may help policy-makers to create sustainable policies that could be helpful in balancing urbanization and the ecological environment.
Predictors of Spontaneous Remission of Problematic Internet Use in Adolescence: A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Wartberg Lutz , Lindenberg Katajun
Published: January 2020

Problematic use of the Internet is becoming increasingly important and especially for adolescents, high prevalence rates are reported in many countries. Despite the growing international research activities and the reported prevalence estimates, comparatively very few studies have focused on spontaneous remission and its possible causes. In a risk population of 272 adolescents, we used standardized diagnostic instruments to investigate which socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics at baseline (at t1) predicted spontaneous remission of problematic Internet use one year later (at t2). The predictors were determined by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. In the bivariate regressions, we found male gender, higher self-efficacy (t1), a lower level of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (t1), lower depression (t1), lower performance and school anxiety (t1), lower social-interaction anxiety (t1), and lower procrastination (t1) to predict spontaneous remission of problematic Internet use at t2. In the multivariable analysis, a lower level of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (t1) was the sole statistically significant predictor for the remission one year later (t2). For the first time, the high relevance of emotion regulation for spontaneous remission of adolescent problematic Internet use was observed. Based on these findings, emotion regulation could be specifically trained and promoted in future prevention measures.
Erratum: ten Bosch et al. Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Comb—A Physical Approach for Pediculosis Treatment
Authors: ten Bosch Lars , Habedank Birgit , Siebert Dominik , Mrotzek Julia , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Due to an error during production and a corrupted data set, Section 3 [...]
Sowing Seeds to Harvest Healthier Adults: The Working Principles and Impact of Participatory Health Research with Children in a Primary School Context
Authors: Abma Tineke , Lips Sarah , Schrijver Janine
Published: January 2020

Participatory research on health-related topics with children is promising but current literature offers limited guidance on how to involve children and falls short on the reporting impact. The purpose of this article is to heighten our understanding of the working principles and impact of participatory health research (PHR) with children. We completed a PHR project in two primary schools, which included children from a multiethnic, deprived neighborhood in the second largest city in The Netherlands over a period of three school years (2016–2019). The impact on the children’s subjective health has been measured via process evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods from the perspectives of all involved (children, their teachers, parents, and community partners). The main working principles included: Experiential learning; addressing uncomfortable issues; stepping outside your environment; and keeping it simple. Participatory actions valued most by the children included: Walking tours, photovoice, foodlabs, sportlabs, and to a lesser extent: Making a newspaper, mindfulness, and Capoeira. The project reached and engaged many children, parents, teachers, and community partners into healthy lifestyles and broadened and deepened the children’s awareness and understanding of health behavior. ‘Sowing seeds’ is the metaphor that captures the broader impact of this project: Planting seeds to harvest healthier adults.
Objective and Subjective Dementia Caregiving Burden: The Moderating Role of Immanent Justice Reasoning and Social Support
Authors: Cao Yanchun , Yang Fan
Published: January 2020

Caregiving burden significantly effects the physical and mental health of family dementia caregivers. While the association between objective caregiving burden (OCB) and subjective caregiving burden (SCB) of family dementia caregivers is well documented, little is known as with how the association is moderated by the configuration of intrapersonal resource (e.g., immanent justice reasoning) and interpersonal resource (e.g., social support). The present study collected cross-sectional data on 157 major family caregivers of non-institutionalized persons with dementia in an urbanizing region of Western China’s Sichuan Province. They responded to questions on daily time spent on caregiving, the short version of Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), a sub-scale of a caregiver meaning scale, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and demographic questions. Controlling for the demographic variables of the caregivers, this study found that the objective and subjective dementia caregiving burden were significantly associated (p < 0.001), and immanent justice reasoning was positively correlated with subjective burden (p < 0.01). Moreover, the association between OCB and SCB was significantly positive when social support and immanent justice reasoning were both high (p < 0.001), but neutral when social support was high and immanent justice reasoning was low. The association between OCB and SCB was significantly positive when social support and immanent justice reasoning were both low (p < 0.05), but neutral when social support was low and immanent justice reasoning was high. This research suggests the importance of developing intervention programs that consider the configuration of the external supporting resources and internal meaning-making of caregiving of the family dementia caregivers.
The Effect of Sense of Community Responsibility on Residents’ Altruistic Behavior: Evidence from the Dictator Game
Authors: Yang Chao , Wang Yanli , Wang Yuhui , Zhang Xuemeng , Liu Yong , Chen Hong
Published: January 2020

Understanding the new mechanism of altruistic behavior is pivotal to people’s health and social development. Despite the rich literature on altruism, this is the first study exploring the association between the sense of community responsibility (SOC-R) and altruistic behavior by repeated dictator games. Data were gathered from 95 residents (30% male; M age = 33.20 years). Demographic variables, money motivation, and SOC-R were measured. The results revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between SOC-R and altruistic behavior, and SOC-R had a positive predictive effect on residents’ altruistic behavior. With the increasing of the number of tasks assigned, the level of residents’ altruistic behavior gradually decreased. There was a significant difference in money allocation between the groups with high and low levels of SOC-R. The level of altruistic behavior in the group with a high level of SOC-R was significantly higher than that in the the group with a low level of SOC-R. Findings from the present study highlighted the potential value of strengthening residents’ SOC-R in the improvement of altruism. Implications and directions for future research were also discussed.
Prediction of Myopia in Adolescents through Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Yang Xu , Chen Guo , Qian Yunchong , Wang Yuhan , Zhai Yisong , Fan Debao , Xu Yang
Published: January 2020

According to literature, myopia has become the second most common eye disease in China, and the incidence of myopia is increasing year by year, and showing a trend of younger age. Previous researches have shown that the occurrence of myopia is mainly determined by poor eye habits, including reading and writing posture, eye length, and so on, and parents’ heredity. In order to better prevent myopia in adolescents, this paper studies the influence of related factors on myopia incidence in adolescents based on machine learning method. A feature selection method based on both univariate correlation analysis and multivariate correlation analysis is used to better construct a feature sub-set for model training. A method based on GBRT is provided to help fill in missing items in the original data. The prediction model is built based on SVM model. Data transformation has been used to improve the prediction accuracy. Results show that our method could achieve reasonable performance and accuracy.
Role of Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 and Glibenclamide in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Jha Ruchira M. , Bell Josh , Citerio Giuseppe , Hemphill J. Claude , Kimberly W. Taylor , Narayan Raj K. , Sahuquillo Juan , Sheth Kevin N. , Simard J. Marc
Published: January 2020

Cerebral edema and contusion expansion are major determinants of morbidity and mortality after TBI. Current treatment options are reactive, suboptimal and associated with significant side effects. First discovered in models of focal cerebral ischemia, there is increasing evidence that the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1)—Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel plays a key role in these critical secondary injury processes after TBI. Targeted SUR1-TRPM4 channel inhibition with glibenclamide has been shown to reduce edema and progression of hemorrhage, particularly in preclinical models of contusional TBI. Results from small clinical trials evaluating glibenclamide in TBI have been encouraging. A Phase-2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of intravenous glibenclamide (BIIB093) in brain contusion is actively enrolling subjects. In this comprehensive narrative review, we summarize the molecular basis of SUR1-TRPM4 related pathology and discuss TBI-specific expression patterns, biomarker potential, genetic variation, preclinical experiments, and clinical studies evaluating the utility of treatment with glibenclamide in this disease.
Clinical Trials of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Treated with Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Oliva Joan , Bardag-Gorce Fawzia , Niihara Yutaka
Published: January 2020

The corneal surface is an essential organ necessary for vision, and its clarity must be maintained. The corneal epithelium is renewed by limbal stem cells, located in the limbus and in palisades of Vogt. Palisades of Vogt maintain the clearness of the corneal epithelium by blocking the growth of conjunctival epithelium and the invasion of blood vessels over the cornea. The limbal region can be damaged by chemical burns, physical damage (e.g., by contact lenses), congenital disease, chronic inflammation, or limbal surgeries. The degree of limbus damage is associated with the degree of limbal stem cells deficiency (partial or total). For a long time, the only treatment to restore vision was grafting part of the healthy cornea from the other eye of the patient or by transplanting a cornea from cadavers. The regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies have been applied to restore normal vision using different methodologies. The source of stem cells varies from embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, to induced pluripotent stem cells. This review focuses on the use of oral mucosa epithelial stem cells and their use in engineering cell sheets to treat limbal stem cell deficient patients.
The Application of (+)-Catechin and Polydatin as Functional Additives for Biodegradable Polyesters
Authors: Latos-Brozio Malgorzata , Masek Anna
Published: January 2020

Plant polyphenols are a huge group of compounds with a wide spectrum of applications. Substances from this group have been used in polymer materials such as stabilizers, dyes, indicators, fungicides, and bactericides, especially in new generation packaging materials. The aim of this study is to obtain environmentally friendly materials based on the biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), with plant functional additives, (+)-catechin and polydatin. These natural polyphenols (polydatin and (+)-catechin) have not been used so far in polymer materials (especially in biodegradable polyesters) as stabilizers, dyes, and indicators of aging. The application of polydatin and (+)-catechin as multifunctional additives for biodegradable polymers is a scientific novelty. This paper presents the following analyses of polyester materials: SEM microscopy, wide angle x-ray diffraction, mechanical properties, thermal analysis, surface free energy analysis, and determination of change of color after controlled UV exposure, thermal oxidation and weathering. Both PLA and PHA polyesters were characterized by higher resistance to oxidation and greater resistance to degradation under the influence of UV radiation. In addition, (+)-catechin was used simultaneously as a dye and an indicator of the aging time of polymeric materials. In contrast, polydatin did not dye polymers, but was a very good indicator of their lifetime, changing color under the influence of various external factors. Both polyphenols can be successfully used as natural additives for pro-ecological polyesters.
Identification and Characterization of a β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase with a Biosynthetic Activity from the Marine Bacterium Paraglaciecola hydrolytica S66T
Authors: Visnapuu Triinu , Teze David , Kjeldsen Christian , Lie Aleksander , Duus Jens Øllgaard , André-Miral Corinne , Pedersen Lars Haastrup , Stougaard Peter , Svensson Birte
Published: January 2020

β-N-Acetylhexosaminidases are glycoside hydrolases (GHs) acting on N-acetylated carbohydrates and glycoproteins with the release of N-acetylhexosamines. Members of the family GH20 have been reported to catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to an acceptor, i.e., the reverse of hydrolysis, thus representing an alternative to chemical oligosaccharide synthesis. Two putative GH20 β-N-acetylhexosaminidases, PhNah20A and PhNah20B, encoded by the marine bacterium Paraglaciecola hydrolytica S66T, are distantly related to previously characterized enzymes. Remarkably, PhNah20A was located by phylogenetic analysis outside clusters of other studied β-N-acetylhexosaminidases, in a unique position between bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes. We successfully produced recombinant PhNah20A showing optimum activity at pH 6.0 and 50 °C, hydrolysis of GlcNAc β-1,4 and β-1,3 linkages in chitobiose (GlcNAc)2 and GlcNAc-1,3-β-Gal-1,4-β-Glc (LNT2), a human milk oligosaccharide core structure. The kinetic parameters of PhNah20A for p-nitrophenyl-GlcNAc and p-nitrophenyl-GalNAc were highly similar: kcat/KM being 341 and 344 mM−1·s−1, respectively. PhNah20A was unstable in dilute solution, but retained full activity in the presence of 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA). PhNah20A catalyzed the formation of LNT2, the non-reducing trisaccharide β-Gal-1,4-β-Glc-1,1-β-GlcNAc, and in low amounts the β-1,2- or β-1,3-linked trisaccharide β-Gal-1,4(β-GlcNAc)-1,x-Glc by a transglycosylation of lactose using 2-methyl-(1,2-dideoxy-α-d-glucopyrano)-oxazoline (NAG-oxazoline) as the donor. PhNah20A is the first characterized member of a distinct subgroup within GH20 β-N-acetylhexosaminidases.
Uncovering the Pharmacological Mechanism of Stemazole in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases Based on a Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Huajun , Zhang Yubo , Zhao Chaoran , Zhu Yizi , Han Mei
Published: January 2020

Stemazole exerts potent pharmacological effects against neurodegenerative diseases and protective effects in stem cells. However, on the basis of the current understanding, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of stemazole in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a network pharmacology-based strategy integrating target prediction, network construction, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was adopted to predict the targets of stemazole relevant to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and to further explore the involved pharmacological mechanisms. The majority of the predicted targets were highly involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), caspase-3 (CASP3), caspase-8 (CASP8), mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) are the core targets regulated by stemazole and play a central role in its anti-apoptosis effects. This work provides a scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism underlying the effects of stemazole in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.