bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rényi Entropy and Free Energy
Authors: Baez John C.
Published: May 2022

The Rényi entropy is a generalization of the usual concept of entropy which depends on a parameter q. In fact, Rényi entropy is closely related to free energy. Suppose we start with a system in thermal equilibrium and then suddenly divide the temperature by q. Then the maximum amount of work the system can perform as it moves to equilibrium at the new temperature divided by the change in temperature equals the system’s Rényi entropy in its original state. This result applies to both classical and quantum systems. Mathematically, we can express this result as follows: the Rényi entropy of a system in thermal equilibrium is without the ‘q−1-derivative’ of its free energy with respect to the temperature. This shows that Rényi entropy is a q-deformation of the usual concept of entropy.
Estimation of Time-Frequency Muscle Synergy in Wrist Movements
Authors: Xie Ping , Chang Qingya , Zhang Yuanyuan , Dong Xiaojiao , Yu Jinxu , Chen Xiaoling
Published: May 2022

Muscle synergy analysis is a kind of modularized decomposition of muscles during exercise controlled by the central nervous system (CNS). It can not only extract the synergistic muscles in exercise, but also obtain the activation states of muscles to reflect the coordination and control relationship between muscles. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the time-domain synergy without considering the frequency-specific characteristics within synergy structures. Therefore, this study proposes a novel method, named time-frequency non-negative matrix factorization (TF-NMF), to explore the time-varying regularity of muscle synergy characteristics of multi-channel surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals at different frequency bands. In this method, the wavelet packet transform (WPT) is used to transform the time-scale signals into time-frequency dimension. Then, the NMF method is calculated in each time-frequency window to extract the synergy modules. Finally, this method is used to analyze the sEMG signals recorded from 8 muscles during the conversion between wrist flexion (WF stage) and wrist extension (WE stage) movements in 12 healthy people. The experimental results show that the number of synergy modules in wrist flexion transmission to wrist extension (Motion Conversion, MC stage) is more than that in the WF stage and WE stage. Furthermore, the number of flexor and extensor muscle synergies in the frequency band of 0–125 Hz during the MC stage is more than that in the frequency band of 125–250 Hz. Further analysis shows that the flexion muscle synergies mostly exist in the frequency band of 140.625–156.25 Hz during the WF stage, and the extension muscle synergies appear in the frequency band of 125–156.25 Hz during the WE stage. These results can help to better understand the time-frequency features of muscle synergy, and expand study perspective related to motor control in nervous system.
Evolutionary Game Analysis on Cloud Providers and Enterprises’ Strategies for Migrating to Cloud-Native under Digital Transformation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Yuewen , Li Hongyan , Wang Qiaosong
Published: May 2022

Cloud-native is an innovative technology and methodology that is necessary to realize the digital transformation of enterprises. Promoting the wide adoption of cloud-native in cloud providers and enterprises has gained popularity in recent years. According to the technological and commercial characteristics of cloud-native, this paper analyzes the game relationship between cloud providers and enterprises on the selection of cloud-native, and combines evolutionary game theory to establish a model. In addition, empirical analysis indicates the impact of parameter changes on the dynamic evolution process. The results show that (1) enterprises are more vulnerable to the impact of direct benefit to adopt cloud-native, and cloud providers are especially affected by the cost of providing cloud-native; (2) enterprises are more likely to be impacted by the invisible benefit than cloud providers, but the impact has a marginal decreasing effect; (3) the low price is one of the reasons to attract enterprises; (4) enterprises are more concerned about the potential loss caused by the supply and demand mismatch. The results of the discussion provide a reference for all stakeholders to promote the implementation of cloud-native and the digital transformation of enterprises.
Personalized Virtual Reality Environments for Intervention with People with Disability
Authors: Lagos Rodríguez Manuel , García Ángel Gómez , Loureiro Javier Pereira , García Thais Pousada
Published: May 2022

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a technological resource that allows the generation of an environment of great realism while achieving user immersion. The purpose of this project is to use VR as a complementary tool in the rehabilitation process of people with physical and cognitive disabilities. An approach based on performing activities of daily living is proposed. Methods: Through joint work between health and IT professionals, the VR scenarios and skills to be trained are defined. We organized discussion groups in which health professionals and users with spinal injury, stroke, or cognitive impairment participated. A testing phase was carried out, followed by a qualitative perspective. As materials, Unity was used as a development platform, HTC VIVE as a VR system, and Leap Motion as a hand tracking device and as a means of interacting with the scenarios. Results: A VR application was developed, consisting of four scenarios that allow for practicing different activities of daily living. Three scenarios are focused on hand mobility rehabilitation, while the remaining scenario is intended to work on a cognitive skill related to the identification of elements to perform a task. Conclusions: Performing activities of daily living using VR environments provides an enjoyable, motivating, and safe means of rehabilitation in the daily living process of people with disabilities and is a valuable source of information for healthcare professionals to assess a patient’s evolution.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization of Pomegranate Peels into Hydrochar for Environmental Applications
Authors: Hessien Manal
Published: May 2022

Several studies have reported that the hydrothermal carbonization method (HTC) of agricultural waste is able to produce a solid residue with interesting properties for the adsorption of organic pollutants from contaminated water. This work represents a facile method to prepare hydrochar (HC) from pomegranate peels’ waste using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization method (MHTC) at 200 °C for 1 h with a mass ratio of peel to water = 1:10. Activated hydrochar (AHC) was prepared by in situ chemical activation using ZnCl2 and MHTC. Several techniques have been applied to characterize the prepared samples as FTIR, XRD, TEM and SEM. The samples were investigated for their possible use as adsorbents of methylene blue (MB) dye. The results confirm the formation of amorphous hydrochar with a porous structure. The pH of zero point charge (pHzpc) is 4.3 and 4.6 for HC and AHC samples, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of HC and AHC samples are 194.9 and 12.55 mg/g (i.e., mg of adsorbate/g of adsorbent), respectively.
Multi-Type Energy Demand Response Management Strategy Considering Energy Cascade Utilization
Authors: Yu Jie , Pan Yi , Wu Juewei , Li Yang
Published: May 2022

Using cascade utilization between multiple energy sources to realize multi-energy complementarity can significantly improve the economic benefits and energy utilization of integrated energy service providers. Integrated energy service providers consider the cascade utilization of energy in the regional energy system. Through the demand response management of user power loads and different qualities of heat energy, the energy loss of the system can be reduced and the energy utilization efficiency of the system can be further improved. In this paper, we creatively establish a multi-objective optimization model with the goal of a minimum total cost and minimum exergy loss, considering cross elasticity, which is solved with the constraints of equipment operation and the energy balance in the region. The calculation example proves that the implementation of energy cascade utilization and demand response management for different users, by integrated energy service providers, can effectively reduce the system cost and improve exergy efficiency, so as to realize the optimal management of economic utilization and energy value.
Physicochemical Characterization of Phase Change Materials for Industrial Waste Heat Recovery Applications
Authors: Fernández Angel G. , González-Fernández Luis , Grosu Yaroslav , Labidi Jalel
Published: May 2022

The recovery and storage of process heat in industrial applications are some of the key factors to improve the sustainability and reliability of high temperature applications. In this sense, one of the main drawbacks is focused on the selection of proper thermal energy storage (TES) materials. This paper performs a full characterization of four phase change storage materials (PCM), KOH, LiOH, NaNO3 and KNO3, which are proposed for storage applications between 270 and 500 °C, according to the results obtained through differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis. One of the main innovations includes the corrosive evaluation of these materials in a promising alumina forming alloy (OC4), close to their corresponding phase change temperature during 500 h. The physicochemical properties obtained confirm the optimal use of NaNO3 and KNO3 and recommend the use, with caution, of KOH, due to its higher corrosive potential. FeCr2O4, NiCr2O4 and FeAl2O4 were the main protective spinels formed in the alloy surface, however, the cross-section study in the alloy immersed in KOH, revealed a non-uniform behavior, presenting some cracks and spallation in the surface. On the other hand, the proposal of LiOH was disregarded since it presents a narrow operation temperature range between melting and solidification point.
Effects of Degradation in Textolite Elements of Damaged Surge Arresters
Authors: Śmietanka Hubert , Ranachowski Przemysław , Ranachowski Zbigniew , Wieczorek Krzysztof , Kudela Stanislav
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of the currents flowing through surge arresters on the internal insulating textolite structure. The samples were removed from high-voltage arresters that were taken out of service due to malfunction or failure. Discharge (short-circuit) currents of diverse intensities and durations caused degradation effects of varying degrees of advancement in the material of the tested elements. The samples were examined using microscopic methods. The use of the microanalysis technique EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) made it possible to register changes in the elemental composition of the surface layer of the textolite materials, along with the intensification of the degradation effects. It was found that the high discharge current flows were subject to melting, charring and even burning of the organic adhesive. These effects caused serious changes in the content of elements in the top layer of the textolite and were the cause of a reduction in the service life, durability and reliability of the surge arresters. It was shown that the textolite materials had insufficient resistance to the effects of the emergency operation of the arresters after moisture ingress, which was a consequence of unsealing of the housing. A solution to this problem proposed by the authors could be the use of silicone elastomer as a covering of the textolite internal structure of surge arresters.
Predicting Electricity Imbalance Prices and Volumes: Capabilities and Opportunities
Authors: Browell Jethro , Gilbert Ciaran
Published: May 2022

Electricity imbalance pricing provides the ultimate incentive for generators and suppliers to contract with one another ahead of time and deliver against their obligations. As delivery time approaches, traders must judge whether to trade-out a position or settle it in the balancing market at the as-yet-unknown imbalance price. Forecasting the imbalance price (and related volumes) is therefore a necessity in short-term markets. However, this topic has received surprisingly little attention in the academic literature despite clear need by practitioners. Furthermore, the emergence of algorithmic trading demands automated forecasting and decision-making, with those best able to extract predictive information from available data gaining a competitive advantage. Here we present the case for developing imbalance price forecasting methods and provide motivating examples from the Great Britain’s balancing market, demonstrating forecast skill and value.
Enhanced As, Pb and Zn Uptake by Helianthus annuus from a Heavily Contaminated Mining Soil Amended with EDTA and Olive Mill Wastewater Due to Increased Element Mobilization, as Verified by Sequential Extraction Schemes
Authors: Kalyvas Georgios , Bilias Fotis , Gasparatos Dionisios , Zafeiriou Ioannis , Eissa Rania , Karamountzou Eleftheria , Massas Ioannis
Published: May 2022

Soils close to former mines or metallurgical facilities often contain extreme concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and among soil remediation actions needed, enhanced phytoextraction techniques using chelating agents could be a very promising option. In this context, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Na2-EDTA, olive mill wastewater (OMW), and their combination (EDTA + OMW) on As, Pb and Zn uptake by Helianthus annuus (sunflower), grown in a heavily contaminated soil from Lavrio, Greece. After harvest, aboveground and belowground biomass and the concentrations of As, Pb and Zn were determined. Additionally, composite soil samples of all treatments were subjected to appropriate sequential extraction procedures for each PTE. Results showed that although nonstatistically significant effects on plant growth and As concentration were observed, Pb and Zn plant concentrations increased by the EDTA addition, alone or combined with OMW. When the total bioavailability parameter was assessed, EDTA treatment was also found to significantly enhance As uptake (50% increase, p ≤ 0.05). These results were further supported by the respective sequential extraction schemes in which both Pb and As showed increased concentration in the corresponding more soluble soil fractions, probably as an outcome of partial Fe–Mn amorphous oxide dissolution. Our study thus suggests that the applied treatments of EDTA, OMW or their combined application could play a key role as reductive agents in enhancing the mobility of these PTEs in the soil environment, triggering their increased uptake by H. annuus.
The Seasonal Fluctuation of Timber Prices in Hyrcanian Temperate Forests, Northern Iran
Authors: Heshmatol Vaezin Seyed Mahdi , Moftakhar Juybari Mohammad , Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad Moein , Banaś Jan , Marcu Marina Viorela
Published: May 2022

Seasonal fluctuations play an important role in the pricing of a timber sale. A good understanding of timber price mechanisms and predictability in the timber market would be very practical for forest owners, managers, and investors, and is crucial for the correct functioning of the timber sector. This research aimed to analyze the effect of sale season on timber (sawlog and lumber) prices of high-value species groups (e.g., oriental beech, chestnut-leaved oak, common alder, velvet maple, and common hornbeam) in the Hyrcanian temperate forests (Northern Iran). The data were collected from official sale documents of the Azarroud Forestry Plan from 1992 to 2015. The relevant data of 592 sale lots at forest roadside were extracted into a data set. Then, the average timber prices (sawlog and lumber) per season/year in quarterly frequency were calculated. In doing so, two-time series of seasonal prices for the sawlog and lumber was obtained. The stationarity of the time series was statistically verified using the augmented Dickey–Fuller test. The effect of sale seasons on timber price was first analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis dummy variables. The results showed that autumn and summer have a significant positive effect on timber prices of 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Additionally, the decomposition of time series results showed that the highest prices of the sawlog and lumber were in quarter 3 and quarter 2, respectively, due to an increase in construction activities that picked up in the autumn season. Information about potential price fluctuations will be plausible and allow suppliers and users of sawlogs to adjust their supply and demand. This valuable information can be used in marketing and strategic forest management planning for Hyrcanian temperate forests and other temperate countries with similar conditions.
Assessing the Traffic Noise Reduction Effect of Roadside Green Space Using LiDAR Point Cloud Data in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Xu Chao , Han Baolong , Lu Fei , Wu Tong
Published: May 2022

The characteristics of vegetation in urban road side green spaces affect their noise reduction capacity. How to objectively, extensively, and accurately evaluate the noise reduction effect of these complex structures is challenging. In this study, we take urban roadside green space quadrats as the research object, use knapsack LiDAR to collect point cloud data of vegetation in the quadrats, and then construct and extract factor indices that can reflect the different vegetation characteristics based on LiDAR point cloud data with LiDAR360 software. We then combine the actual collected and calculate attenuation of traffic noise using correlation analysis and ordinary least square regression analysis to clarify the characteristic factors and correlation of noise attenuation in order to explore the influence of vegetation characteristics on the effect of noise reduction. The results show that a variety of factors affect the noise reduction effect of complex vegetation structures, and the importance degree is the following: horizontal occlusion degree > width > percentage of point cloud grid > leaf area index > coverage degree. By comparing the vegetation characteristic factors at different heights, we found that coverage degree, leaf area index, horizontal occlusion degree, and the percentage of the point cloud grid have the most significant positive correlation with the actual attenuation at a height of 5 m, but the coverage degree and leaf area index at absolute height have no correlation with the actual attenuation. The amount of vegetation near the road has a greater effect on noise reduction than that on the far side. The actual noise attenuation and the vegetation characteristic factors of green space have a non-linear relationship, and the interaction has a comprehensive influence on the noise reduction effect. These findings can provide a scientific basis for the reduction of traffic noise through the structural optimization of urban green space.
Threshold Responses of Canopy Cover and Tree Growth to Drought and Siberian silk Moth Outbreak in Southern Taiga Picea obovata Forests
Authors: Camarero Jesús Julio , Shestakova Tatiana A. , Pizarro Manuel
Published: May 2022

The consecutive occurrence of drought and insect outbreaks could lead to cumulative, negative impacts on boreal forest productivity. To disentangle how both stressors affected productivity, we compared changes in tree canopy cover and radial growth after a severe outbreak in Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) southern taiga forests. Specifically, we studied the impacts of the 2012 severe drought followed by a Siberian silk moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus, hereafter SSM) outbreak, which started in 2016, on spruce forests by comparing one non-defoliated site and two, nearby fully defoliated sites, using remote sensing and tree-ring data. The SSM outbreak caused total defoliation and death of trees in the infested stands. We found a sharp drop (–32%) in the normalized difference infrared index and reduced radial growth in the defoliated sites in 2018. The growth reduction due to the 2012 drought was –37%, whereas it dropped to 4% of pre-outbreak growth in 2018. Tree growth was constrained by warm and dry conditions from June to July, but such a negative effect of summer water shortage was more pronounced in the defoliated sites than in the non-defoliated site. This suggests a predisposition of sites where trees show a higher growth responsivity to drought to SSM-outbreak defoliation. Insect defoliation and drought differently impacted taiga forest productivity since tree cover dropped due to the SSM outbreak, whereas tree growth was reduced either by summer drought or by the SSM outbreak. The impacts of abiotic and biotic stressors on boreal forests could be disentangled by combining measures or proxies of canopy cover and radial growth which also allow the investigation of drought sensitivity predisposes to insect damage.
The Fishery Value Chain Analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Tsung-Yu , Lin Hsing-Chun , Liu Wen-Hong
Published: May 2022

Although the GDP of the fishery sector accounts for less than 0.3% of Taiwan’s GDP, there are many secondary and tertiary industries related to fisheries that add great value to the country’s economy. Therefore, when analyzing and calculating the output value and value added of the fishery sector, the relevance of these upstream and downstream industries should be considered jointly, and the value chain of the fishery industry should be studied and analyzed in order to truly present the value added created by fishery. This study aims to do this by first analyzing not only the primary fishery industry, but the value chain of the fishery industry at different stages such as fishery production, marine fishing, aquaculture, fishery processing, retail and services, and supportive systems. Then the value added of the whole fishery value chain to Taiwan’s GDP is estimated by using the Leontief input–output model, from the perspective of industry linkages and covering the period from 2011 to 2018. The empirical results suggest that the value added created by fishery and related industries accounted for 2.96% of the GDP in 2011, which rose to 3.11% in 2014, fell to 2.87% in 2015, rose to 2.93% in 2017, and fell to 2.84% in 2018. From 2011 to 2018, the amount of value added created by fisheries and related industries rose from NT$ 422.8 billion to NT$ 520.9 billion. The primary fishery sector has the largest contribution, followed by the fishery input sector, and transportation and sale service sector, and the fishery product processing sector has the lowest contribution rate. The empirical results provide important implications and references to the policy makers.
Antibiotic Use in Livestock and Residues in Food—A Public Health Threat: A Review
Authors: Ghimpețeanu Oana Mărgărita , Pogurschi Elena Narcisa , Popa Dana Cătălina , Dragomir Nela , Drăgotoiu Tomița , Mihai Oana Diana , Petcu Carmen Daniela
Published: May 2022

The usage of antibiotics has been, and remains, a topic of utmost importance; on the one hand, for animal breeders, and on the other hand, for food safety. Although many countries have established strict rules for using antibiotics in animal husbandry for the food industry, their misuse and irregularities in compliance with withdrawal periods are still identified. In addition to animal-origin foods that may cause antibiotic residue problems, more and more non-animal-origin foods with this type of non-compliance are identified. In this context, we aim to summarize the available information regarding the presence of antibiotic residues in food products, obtained in various parts of the world, as well as the impact of consumption of food with antibiotic residues on consumer health. We also aim to present the methods of analysis that are currently used to determine antibiotic residues in food, as well as methods that are characterized by the speed of obtaining results or by the possibility of identifying very small amounts of residues.
Carbon Foam-Reinforced Polyimide-Based Carbon Aerogel Composites Prepared via Co-Carbonization as Insulation Material
Authors: Zheng Zixuan , Liang Guojie , Li Li , Liu Jing , Wang Xinbo , Sun Yi , Li Kai
Published: May 2022

The weak inherent non-covalent interactions between carbon aerogel backbone nanoparticles obtained by the pyrolysis of conventional organic aerogel can lead to poor mechanical properties. When applied in the thermal protection system of a high-speed spacecraft, the preparation of carbon aerogel insulation materials with excellent formability and high mechanical strength still remains a huge challenge. This work reports an efficient approach for fabricating carbon foam-reinforced carbon aerogel composites by compounding the nanoporous polyimide aerogel into the microporous pre-carbonized phenolic resin-based carbon foam via vacuum impregnation, gelatinizing and co-carbonization. Benefiting from the co-shrinkage caused by co−carbonization, the thermal insulation capacity of the carbon aerogel and the formability of the pre−carbonized foam are efficiently utilized. The shrinkage, density and carbon yield of aerogels, pre-carbonized foams and the composites at different temperatures were measured to analyze the formation of the interfacial gap within the composite. The co-carbonization mechanism of the polyimide aerogels and phenolic resin-based pre-carbonized foams was analyzed through XPS, TG-MS, and FT-IR. Among the prepared samples, CF30-CPI-1000 °C with small interfacial gaps showed the lowest thermal conductivity, which was as low as 0.56 W/(m·K) at 1900 °C, and the corresponding compressive strength and elastic modulus were as high as 0.532 MPa and 9.091 MPa, respectively.
Mobilome of Apicomplexa Parasites
Authors: Rodriguez Matias , Makalowski Wojciech
Published: May 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements found in the majority of eukaryotic genomes. Genomic studies of protozoan parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa have only reported a handful of TEs in some species and a complete absence in others. Here, we studied sixty-four Apicomplexa genomes available in public databases, using a ‘de novo’ approach to build candidate TE models and multiple strategies from known TE sequence databases, pattern recognition of TEs, and protein domain databases, to identify possible TEs. We offer an insight into the distribution and the type of TEs that are present in these genomes, aiming to shed some light on the process of gains and losses of TEs in this phylum. We found that TEs comprise a very small portion in these genomes compared to other organisms, and in many cases, there are no apparent traces of TEs. We were able to build and classify 151 models from the TE consensus sequences obtained with RepeatModeler, 96 LTR TEs with LTRpred, and 44 LINE TEs with MGEScan. We found LTR Gypsy-like TEs in Eimeria, Gregarines, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium genera. Additionally, we described LINE-like TEs in some species from the genera Babesia and Theileria. Finally, we confirmed the absence of TEs in the genus Cryptosporidium. Interestingly, Apicomplexa seem to be devoid of Class II transposons.
Terrace Morpho-Sedimentary Sequences on the Sibari Plain (Calabria, Southern Italy): Implication for Sea Level and Tectonic Controls
Authors: Lucà Federica , Brogno Andrea , Tripodi Vincenzo , Robustelli Gaetano
Published: May 2022

The Sibari Plain (northeastern Calabria) shows a well-developed stair of late Quaternary marine/coastal terraces resulting from the interaction between sea level fluctuations and tectonic uplift. This paper (i) provides a stratigraphic description of terraced deposits between the Raganello and Coscile rivers, (ii) assesses the relative controls of eustacy and uplift on the staircase formation, and (iii) unravels the Quaternary morphosedimentary evolution of the study area. A geomorphological approach was coupled with stratigraphic field surveys. Photo interpretation, topographic map analyses, and field surveys allowed us to map ten orders of terraces forming telescopically incised valley-fills. Based on the uppermost position of foreshore deposits on inner margins and an average uplift rate of ~1 mm/y, inferred from the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5.5, terraces were correlated with highstands. Sedimentological and stratigraphic analyses allowed us to recognize four assemblages of genetically associated sedimentary facies related to superimposed and juxtaposed coastal and alluvial systems, showing a seaward-stepping architecture. Based on stratal geometry and facies association, we argue that alluvial/fluvial sediments and coastal depositional systems formed contemporaneously along the same terrace. Terrace arrangement resulted from repeated cycles of valley incision (sea level fall) and aggradational to progradational stacking pattern (sea level rise and highstands) in a framework of sustained uplift.
Effects of Abdominal Microcurrent in the Consumption and Proportion of Energy Substrates during Aerobic Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vilarinho Rui , Faria Susana Miriam , Monteiro Pedro Ribeiro Rocha , Melo Cristina , Santos Rubim , Noites Andreia
Published: May 2022

Microcurrent therapy can increase lipolytic activity. However, it is unknown if the increased availability of lipids can influence the selection of energy substrates during a single session of aerobic exercise. We aimed to analyze the effect of microcurrent application to the abdominal region in the consumption of lipids and carbohydrates, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a single session of moderate aerobic exercise in young adults. A pilot study was conducted in which participants were allocated to intervention (IG) or placebo (PG) groups. In both groups, 40 min of microcurrent application with two frequencies (25 and 10 Hz) followed by 50 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (45–55% of heart rate reserve) on a cycloergometer were performed. The microcurrent application was performed without intensity in the PG. A portable gas analyzer (K4b2) was used during exercise in both groups. Thirty-eight participants (20.6 ± 1.8 years; 18 in IG and 20 in PG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the consumption of substrates or RER between the groups during exercise (p > 0.05). Microcurrent application seems to be insufficient to influence the consumption of energy substrates and RER during a single session of aerobic exercise in young adults.
Variation in Hemodynamic Characteristics during Periodontal Crown-Lengthening Surgical Procedure: An Uncontrolled Cohort Study
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah Saad , Sharanesha Rajashekhara Bhari , Gufran Khalid , Alqhtani Nasser Raqe , Abushanan Alwaleed , Alasqah Mohammed , Alsakr Abdulaziz Mohammad , Alkharaan Hassan
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the changes in primary hemodynamic parameters and oxygen saturation in systemically healthy patients during the surgical procedure involving crown lengthening. (2) Methods: A total of 44 patients who required a crown-lengthening procedure in a single tooth in the maxillary arch were included in this study. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured in all the subjects at three different intervals: before injecting the anesthetic (T1), after the anesthetic injection (T2) and after the procedure (T3). Descriptive statistics were computed, and observations were recorded as mean and standard deviation (SD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean observation within parameters at different time intervals. (3) Results: All primary hemodynamic parameters were increased in the T2 phase over T1 and decreased in the T3 phase over T2. However, SpO2 decreased in both the T2 and T3 phases compared to the initial T1 phase. No significant differences were observed among the primary hemodynamic variables. However, SpO2 showed a significant difference (p = 0.013) among the T1, T2 and T3 phases. (4) Conclusions: Further study with larger sample size is required in order to analyze the accurate hemodynamic alterations.
Synergism of Industrial and Agricultural Waste as a Suitable Carrier Material for Developing Potential Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agricultural Production of Eggplant
Authors: Tripti  , Kumar Adarsh , Kumar Vipin , Anshumali  , Bruno L. Benedict , Rajkumar Mani
Published: May 2022

The study investigates biochar from agriculture waste and flyash from coal power station as possible carrier materials for two plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial strains Burkholderia sp. L2 and Bacillus sp. A30 for enhanced eggplant growth and yield. Biochar-based biofertilizers with/without flyash showed higher viability up to 270 days of storage period. The maximum percentage of seed germination was observed in L2-based biochar and flyash + biochar (1:1) bifertilizer. Moreover, the L2 + biochar+flyash produced a maximum percentage increase in fruit yield with significant (p < 0.05) improvement in plant growth parameters. Post-harvest soil status also showed enhanced physical (water holding capacity, moisture content), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity, NPK), and dehydrogenase activity. The study suggests that biofertilizer of L2 strain with agriculture waste generated biochar and flyash as carrier materials can tremendously enhance the productivity of eggplant and could act as a substitute for chemical fertilizer thus solving their disposal problem by sustainable waste management.
The Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment Project’s Policy Advisory Group on Long-Term Services and Supports: Setting a Research Equity Agenda
Authors: Portacolone Elena , Torres Jacqueline M. , Johnson Julene K. , Benton Donna , Rapp Thomas , Tran Thi , Martinez Paula , Graham Carrie
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: A United States national policy advisory group (PAG) was convened to identify barriers and facilitators to expand formal long-term services and support (LTSS) for people living alone with cognitive impairment (PLACI), with a focus on equitable access among diverse older adults. The PAG’s insights will inform the research activities of the Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment Project, which is aimed at ensuring the equitable treatment of PLACI. (2) Methods: The PAG identified barriers and facilitators of providing effective and culturally relevant LTSS to PLACI via one-on-one meetings with researchers, followed by professionally facilitated discussions among themselves. (3) Results: The PAG identified three factors that were relevant to providing effective and culturally relevant LTSS to PLACI: (i) better characterization of PLACI, (ii) leveraging the diagnosis of cognitive impairment, and (iii) expanding and enhancing services. For each factor, the PAG identified barriers and facilitators, as well as directions for future research. (4) Conclusions: The barriers and facilitators the PAG identified inform an equity research agenda that will help inform policy change.
Academic Performance and the Link with Depressive Symptoms among Rural Han and Minority Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Feng Tianli , Jia Xiyuan , Pappas Lucy , Zheng Xiaojun , Shao Teresa , Sun Letao , Weisberg Charlie , Li Madeline Lu , Rozelle Scott , Ma Yue
Published: May 2022

The objectives of this paper were to examine the risk of depression and depressive symptoms among Han and minority children and adolescents in rural China, the links between academic performance and depressive symptoms, and the prevalence of these links among specific subgroups. A total of 8392 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students at 105 sample rural schools in eight low-income counties and districts in a prefectural-level city in Southwestern China were randomly selected using a three-step sampling strategy. A total of 51% of the sample were female (SD = 0.50), and the age range was 7 to 19 years (mean = 11.35 years; SD = 1.05). Using the Patient Health Questionnaire 8-item depression scale, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was assessed, while data on students’ academic performance (standardized math test) and demographic characteristics were also collected. Our results show that the rates of major depression were 19% for Han students, 18% for Tibetan students, and 22% for Yi students; the rates of severe depression were 2% for Han and Tibetan students, and 3% for Yi students. Yi students were at significantly higher risks for major and severe depression than Han students. We conducted multivariate regression and heterogeneous analyses. Academic performance was negatively and significantly correlated to depressive symptoms. Across the whole sample, students with lower math scores, minority students, boys, younger students, and students with migrant parents were most vulnerable to depressive symptoms. The heterogeneous analysis suggests that among poor-performing students, subgroups at higher risk for depression include boys, non-boarding students, and students whose mothers had graduated from high school or above. These findings indicate a need to improve mental health outcomes of rural Han and minority primary school students, targeting academic performance for possible intervention.
Effect of a Park-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Wellbeing at the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Toselli Stefania , Bragonzoni Laura , Grigoletto Alessia , Masini Alice , Marini Sofia , Barone Giuseppe , Pinelli Erika , Zinno Raffaele , Mauro Mario , Pilone Pietro Loro , Arduini Sonia , Galli Simona , Vitiello Mauro , Vicentini Bruno , Boldrini Giorgia , Musti Muriel Assunta , Pandolfi Paolo , Liberti Maurizio , Astorino Gerardo , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino , Dallolio Laura
Published: May 2022

Practicing regular physical activity in green spaces has been invocated as a promising strategy for improving wellbeing in urban settings. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a structured park-based physical activity intervention, the “Moving Parks” project, on citizens’ wellbeing at the time of COVID-19. The intervention was carried out in six public parks in Bologna (Italy) and administered by qualified instructors (from May 2021 to September 2021). The Psychological General Well Being Index short form questionnaire was administered before and after the three months of outdoor activities. A total of 328 participants completed the questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the project. In September 2021, all psychosocial domains of the questionnaire (anxiety, depressed mood, self-control, positive well-being, vitality energy, and vitality-tiredness) significantly improved in the female sample (p value < 0.01) and only the last two in the male sample (p value < 0.05). The “Moving Parks” project seems to be able to improve citizens’ psychological wellbeing, particularly in women.
Stakeholder Engagement Behavior(s) in Sustainable Brownfield Regeneration: A Network Embeddedness Perspective
Authors: Lin Hongli , Zhu Yuming , Zhou Jiahe , Mu Bingxu , Liu Caihong
Published: May 2022

Brownfield regeneration (BR) is an important initiative for sustainable land development and the promotion of carbon neutrality. Insufficient stakeholder engagement is one of the main obstacles to the progress of BR. The relationship network formed through continuous interaction among stakeholders ensures the exchange and transfer of information resources. Different structural features of the relationship network may lead to differences in the engagement level of stakeholders. Therefore, based on network embeddedness theory, this study conducts an empirical analysis to explore the impact of the relationship network structure on engagement behavior, for the purpose of increasing the stakeholder engagement level. A theoretical model is developed, in which network centrality, behavioral willingness and involvement climate are selected as the dependent variables of engagement behavior. Using an effective sample of 245 stakeholders involved in BR from ten cities in China, we find that stakeholder network centrality positively affects engagement behavior. There is also a positive relationship between network centrality and behavioral willingness. The behavioral willingness plays an intermediary role between network centrality and engagement behavior, and the involvement climate has a moderating role between behavioral willingness and engagement behavior. Additionally, various strategies can be adopted to promote the engagement level of stakeholders. The findings are useful in establishing a benchmarking framework for BR stakeholder engagement.
The Influence of FTO, FABP2, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R Genes on Obesity Parameters in Physically Active Caucasian Men
Authors: Maculewicz Ewelina , Leońska-Duniec Agata , Mastalerz Andrzej , Szarska Ewa , Garbacz Aleksandra , Lepionka Tomasz , Łakomy Roman , Anyżewska Anna , Bertrandt Jerzy
Published: May 2022

Obesity is a complex multifactorial abnormality that has a well-confirmed genetic basis. However, the problem still lies in identifying the polymorphisms linked to body mass and composition. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze associations between FTO (rs9939609), FABP2 (rs1799883), and LEP (rs2167270), LEPR (rs1137101), and MC4R (rs17782313) polymorphisms and obesity-related parameters. Unrelated Caucasian males (n = 165) were recruited. All participants had similar physical activity levels. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI). All samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). When tested individually, only one statistically significant result was found. The FTO A/T polymorphism was significantly associated with FMI (p = 0.01). The chance of having increased FMI was >2-fold higher for the FTO A allele carriers (p < 0.01). Gene–gene interaction analyses showed the additional influence of all investigated genes on BMI and FMI. In summary, it was demonstrated that harboring the FTO A allele might be a risk factor for elevated fat mass. Additionally, this study confirmed that all five polymorphisms are involved in the development of common obesity in the studied population and the genetic risk of obesity is linked to the accumulation of numerous variants.
Palliative Professionals’ Views on the Importance of Religion, Belief, and Spiritual Identities toward the End of Life
Authors: Pentaris Panagiotis , Tripathi Khyati
Published: May 2022

Abundant literature has argued the significance of religion, belief, and spirituality at the end of life. This study aims to add to this literature by exploring palliative professionals’ views in this area. By means of an in-depth interviewing method, this paper reports data from 15 hospice and palliative care professionals. Participants were recruited from five hospice and palliative care organisations, and the data were managed and analysed with thematic analysis and NVivo (version 11). This study found three main reasons that make religion, belief, and spirituality important for patients and their loved ones when facing imminent death: the sense of comfort and security, meaning making, and closure. These reasons are not independent from one another, but complementary. This paper offers some implications for practice and concludes with a call for further research.
Effectiveness of Intermediate Respiratory Care Units as an Alternative to Intensive Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia
Authors: Galdeano Lozano Marina , Alfaro Álvarez Julio César , Parra Macías Núria , Salas Campos Rosario , Heili Frades Sarah , Montserrat Josep Maria , Rosell Gratacós Antoni , Abad Capa Jorge , Parra Ordaz Olga , López Seguí Francesc
Published: May 2022

Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of collapse for the health system created great difficulties. We will demonstrate that intermediate respiratory care units (IRCU) provide adequate management of patients with non-invasive respiratory support, which is particularly important for patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Methods: A prospective observational study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, pharmacological, respiratory support, laboratory and blood gas variables were collected. The overall cost of the unit was subsequently analyzed. Results: 991 patients were admitted, 56 to the IRCU (from a of 81 admitted to the critical care unit). Mean age was 65 years (SD 12.8), Barthel index 75 (SD 8.3), Charlson comorbidity index 3.1 (SD 2.2), HTN 27%, COPD 89% and obesity 24%. A significant relationship (p < 0.05) with higher mortality was noted for the following parameters: fever greater than or equal to 39 °C [OR 5.6; 95% CI (1.2–2.7); p = 0.020], protocolized pharmacological treatment [OR 0.3; 95% CI (0.1–0.9); p = 0.023] and IOI [OR 3.7; 95% CI (1.1–12.3); p = 0.025]. NIMV had less of a negative impact [OR 1.8; 95% CI (0.4–8.4); p = 0.423] than IOI. The total cost of the IRCU amounted to €66,233. The cost per day of stay in the IRCU was €164 per patient. The total cost avoided was €214,865. Conclusions: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of IRCUs in facilitating the management of a high patient volume. The treatment carried out in IRCUs is effective and efficient, reducing both admissions to and stays in the ICU.
Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Dispersive Solid-Phase Microextraction of Three UV Blockers Prior to Their Determination by HPLC-DAD
Authors: Abughrin Suad E. , Alshana Usama , Bakirdere Sezgin
Published: May 2022

The need for proper handling of environmental samples is significant, owing to their environmental effects on both humans and animals, as well as their immediate surroundings. In the current study, magnetic nanoparticle-based dispersive solid-phase microextraction was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography using a diode array as the detector (HPLC-DAD) for both the separation and determination of three different UV blockers, namely octocrylene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone. The optimum conditions for the extraction were found to be as follows: Stearic acid magnetic nanoparticles (20 mg) as the sorbent, acetonitrile (100 µL) as the eluent, as well as a sample pH of 2.50, adsorption and desorption time of 1.0 min, with a 3.0 mL sample volume. The limits of detection were as low as 0.05 µg mL−1. The coefficient of determination (R2) was above 0.9950, while the percentages of relative recoveries (%RR) were between 81.2 and 112% for the three UV blockers from the environmental water samples and sunscreen products.
Gram-Negative Rods on Inanimate Surfaces of Selected Hospital Facilities and Their Nosocomial Significance
Authors: Zahornacký Ondrej , Porubčin Štefan , Rovňáková Alena , Jarčuška Pavol
Published: May 2022

Inanimate surfaces are often referred to as nosocomial bacterial reservoirs and represent an important vector in the process of spreading pathogens to patients. Most gram-negative rods can survive on inanimate surfaces for several months. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and resistance of gram-negative bacteria isolated from the inanimate surfaces of two selected hospital departments. MALDI-TOF identified gram-negative rods isolated from inanimate surfaces. Antibiotic resistance was determined using a disk diffusion method, and the phenotype of resistance was determined using an inhibitory analyzer. From the inanimate surfaces, 98 strains of gram-negative nosocomial bacteria were identified by the MALDI-TOF MS. The most frequently isolated bacterium occurring in both departments was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 33), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 20) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 14). The most common phenotypic type of resistance in both departments was ampicillin resistance—AmpC (n = 38), then production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) (n = 33), followed by SHV-1 (n = 11), TEM-1 (n = 11), and fluoroquinolone resistance—Qnr (n = 22). The nosocomial important enzymes capable of hydrolyzing carbapenems, OXA-48 and metallo-β-lactamases, were confirmed in 12 and 2 cases, respectively. The results of our study prove that inanimate surfaces in hospitals are a reservoir of resistant gram-negative bacteria, which directly threaten hospitalized patients.