bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Blockchain-Enhanced Secure Data Storage and Sharing in Vehicular Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Firdaus Muhammad , Rhee Kyung-Hyune
Published: January 2021

The conventional architecture of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) with a centralized approach has difficulty overcoming the increasing complexity of intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications as well as challenges in providing large amounts of data storage, trust management, and information security. Therefore, vehicular edge computing networks (VECNets) have emerged to provide massive storage resources with powerful computing on network edges. However, a centralized server in VECNets is insufficient due to potential data leakage and security risks as it can still allow a single point of failure (SPoF). We propose consortium blockchain and smart contracts to ensure a trustworthy environment for secure data storage and sharing in the system to address these challenges. Practical byzantine fault tolerance (PBFT) is utilized because it is suitable for consortium blockchain to audit publicly, store data sharing, and records the whole consensus process. It can defend against system failures with or without symptoms to reach an agreement among consensus participants. Furthermore, we use an incentive mechanism to motivate the vehicle to contribute and honestly share their data. The simulation results satisfy the proposed model’s design goals by increasing vehicular networks’ performance in general.
Motion Planning for Mobile Robot with Modified BIT* and MPC
Authors: Xu Puyong , Wang Ning , Dai Shi-Lu , Zuo Lei
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a mobile robot motion planning method with modified BIT* (batch informed trees) and MPC (Model Predictive Control) is presented. The conventional BIT* was modified here by integrating a stretch method that improves the path points connections, to get a collision-free path more quickly. After getting a reference path, the MPC method is employed to determine the motion at each moment with a given objective function. In the objective function, a repulsive function based on the direction and distance of the obstacles is introduced to avoid the robot being too close to the obstacle, so the safety can be ensured. Simulation results show the good navigation performance of the whole framework in different scenarios.
Extending the Shelf Life of Strawberries by the Sonochemical Coating of their Surface with Nanoparticles of an Edible Anti-Bacterial Compound
Authors: Abu Salha Belal , Gedanken Aharon
Published: January 2021

The current paper presents the coating of harvested strawberries with edible nanoparticles of Chitosan. The NPs were formed by the application of ultrasonic waves on an acidic solution of chitosan. In a one-step process the nanoparticles were created and subsequent to their formation they were deposited on the strawberries surface. The shelf life of the NPs coated was compared with the deposition of the same amount of non-sonicated chitosan, i.e., coating of individual chitosan molecules on the fruit. The characterization of the coated fruits was carried out by monitoring the weight loss. TSS (total soluble solids), pH, TA (titratable acidity), and Vitamin C. Finally, the freshness of the strawberries was determined by eye observation. In addition, the characterization of the chitosan NPs was also conducted in this study by (DLS) dynamic light scattering and (SEM) scanning electron microscopy.
MultiStep Ahead Forecasting for Hourly PM10 and PM2.5 Based on Two-Stage Decomposition Embedded Sample Entropy and Group Teacher Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Feng , Qiao Yaqian , Jiang Xuchu , Tian Tianhai
Published: January 2021

The randomness, nonstationarity and irregularity of air pollutant data bring difficulties to forecasting. To improve the forecast accuracy, we propose a novel hybrid approach based on two-stage decomposition embedded sample entropy, group teaching optimization algorithm (GTOA), and extreme learning machine (ELM) to forecast the concentration of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). First, the improvement complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) is employed to decompose the concentration data of PM10 and PM2.5 into a set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with different frequencies. In addition, wavelet transform (WT) is utilized to decompose the IMFs with high frequency based on sample entropy values. Then the GTOA algorithm is used to optimize ELM. Furthermore, the GTOA-ELM is utilized to predict all the subseries. The final forecast result is obtained by ensemble of the forecast results of all subseries. To further prove the predictable performance of the hybrid approach on air pollutants, the hourly concentration data of PM2.5 and PM10 are used to make one-step-, two-step- and three-step-ahead predictions. The empirical results demonstrate that the hybrid ICEEMDAN-WT-GTOA-ELM approach has superior forecasting performance and stability over other methods. This novel method also provides an effective and efficient approach to make predictions for nonlinear, nonstationary and irregular data.
Executive Functions and Attention Processes in Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Zagaria Tommasa , Antonucci Gabriella , Buono Serafino , Recupero Marilena , Zoccolotti Pierluigi
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: We made a comprehensive evaluation of executive functions (EFs) and attention processes in a group of adolescents and young adults with mild intellectual disability (ID). (2) Methods: 27 adolescents and young adults (14 females and 13 males) with ID, aged between 15.1 and 23 years (M = 17.4; SD = 2.04), were compared to a control group free of cognitive problems and individually matched for gender and age. (3) Results: As for EFs, individuals with ID were severely impaired on all subtests of the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) battery. However, we also found appreciable individual differences, with eight individuals (approximately 30%) scoring within normal limits. On the attention tests, individuals with ID were not generally slower but presented specific deficits only on some attention tests (i.e., Choice Reaction Times, Color Naming and Color–Word Interference, and Shifting of Attention for Verbal and for Visual Targets).The role of a global factor (i.e., cognitive speed) was modest in contributing to the group differences; i.e., when present, group differences were selectively associated with specific task manipulations, not global differences in cognitive speed. (4) Conclusions: The study confirmed large group differences in EFs; deficits in attentional processing were more specific and occurred primarily in tasks taxing the selective dimension of attention, with performance on intensive tasks almost entirely spared.
Transcranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound with a 1.5 Tesla Scanner: A Prospective Intraindividual Comparison Study of Intraoperative Imaging
Authors: Gagliardo Cesare , Cannella Roberto , D’Angelo Costanza , Toia Patrizia , Salvaggio Giuseppe , Feraco Paola , Marrale Maurizio , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , D’Amelio Marco , La Tona Giuseppe , La Grutta Ludovico , Midiri Massimo
Published: January 2021

Background: High-quality intraoperative imaging is needed for optimal monitoring of patients undergoing transcranial MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) thalamotomy. In this paper, we compare the intraoperative imaging obtained with dedicated FUS-Head coil and standard body radiofrequency coil in tcMRgFUS thalamotomy using 1.5-T MR scanner. Methods: This prospective study included adult patients undergoing tcMRgFUS for treatment of essential tremor. Intraoperative T2-weighted FRFSE sequences were acquired after the last high-energy sonication using a dedicated two-channel FUS-Head (2ch-FUS) coil and body radiofrequency (body-RF) coil. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 48 h using an eight-channel phased-array (8ch-HEAD) coil. Two readers independently assessed the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and evaluated the presence of concentric lesional zones (zone I, II and III). Intraindividual differences in SNR and lesional findings were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and McNemar test. Results: Eight patients underwent tcMRgFUS thalamotomy. Intraoperative T2-weighted FRFSE images acquired using the 2ch-FUS coil demonstrated significantly higher SNR (R1 median SNR: 10.54; R2: 9.52) compared to the body-RF coil (R1: 2.96, p < 0.001; R2: 2.99, p < 0.001). The SNR was lower compared to the 48-h follow-up (p < 0.001 for both readers). Intraoperative zone I and zone II were more commonly visualized using the 2ch-FUS coil (R1, p = 0.031 and p = 0.008, R2, p = 0.016, p = 0.008), without significant differences with 48-h follow-up (p ≥ 0.063). The inter-reader agreement was almost perfect for both SNR (ICC: 0.85) and lesional findings (k: 0.82–0.91). Conclusions: In the study population, the dedicated 2ch-FUS coil significantly improved the SNR and visualization of lesional zones on intraoperative imaging during tcMRgFUS performed with a 1.5-T MR scanner.
Review of the Construction Labour Demand and Shortages in the EU
Authors: Brucker Juricic Belinda , Galic Mario , Marenjak Sasa
Published: January 2021

This paper reviews the recent literature on skill and labour shortages in the labour market with special emphasis on the construction sector in the European Union Member States, foreseeing the Construction 4.0 era. The free movement of people is one of the rights of all citizens of the EU which also includes the free movement of workers. Labour shortages in the EU are expected to increase in the future due to a declining population and an ageing workforce. In order to recognize and forecast labour shortages, EU Member states use a variety of instruments but they do not answer as to whether it is possible to use migrant labour to appease those shortages. There are several systems used to classify labour shortages in the EU Member states. Most of the countries classify labour shortages in relation to different sectors or occupation groups as well as by skill levels, but in some Member States, classification is made according to the type of employment. Instruments used to measure labour shortages significantly differ from country to country. Several criteria are used for creating lists of shortage occupations and most of the criteria include demand side and supply side criteria. A majority of the Member States are facing labour and skill shortages in various sectors and the construction sector is not an exception. As total employment in the construction sector decreased, so did the share of employed migrants. Labour shortages in the construction sector can be eased by the availability of a labour supply willing to accept unqualified and low-paying jobs. The construction sector seeks low-, medium-, and high-skilled individuals and is most likely the sector where most of the incoming migrants will be working, which has an impact on the development and implementation dynamic of Construction 4.0.
Mutation of the Cell Cycle Regulator p27kip1 Drives Pseudohypoxic Pheochromocytoma Development
Authors: Mohr Hermine , Ballke Simone , Bechmann Nicole , Gulde Sebastian , Malekzadeh-Najafabadi Jaber , Peitzsch Mirko , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Steiger Katja , Wiedemann Tobias , Pellegata Natalia S.
Published: January 2021

Background: Pseudohypoxic tumors activate pro-oncogenic pathways typically associated with severe hypoxia even when sufficient oxygen is present, leading to highly aggressive tumors. Prime examples are pseudohypoxic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (p-PPGLs), neuroendendocrine tumors currently lacking effective therapy. Previous attempts to generate mouse models for p-PPGLs all failed. Here, we describe that the rat MENX line, carrying a Cdkn1b (p27) frameshift-mutation, spontaneously develops pseudohypoxic pheochromocytoma (p-PCC). Methods: We compared rat p-PCCs with their cognate human tumors at different levels: histology, immunohistochemistry, catecholamine profiling, electron microscopy, transcriptome and metabolome. The vessel architecture and angiogenic potential of pheochromocytomas (PCCs) was analyzed by light-sheet fluorescence microscopy ex vivo and multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) in vivo. Results: The analysis of tissues at various stages, from hyperplasia to advanced grades, allowed us to correlate tumor characteristics with progression. Pathological changes affecting the mitochrondrial ultrastructure where present already in hyperplasias. Rat PCCs secreted high levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed changes in oxidative phosphorylation that aggravated over time, leading to an accumulation of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, and to hypermethylation, evident by the loss of the epigenetic mark 5-hmC. While rat PCC xenografts showed high oxygenation, induced by massive neoangiogenesis, rat primary PCC transcriptomes possessed a pseudohypoxic signature of high Hif2a, Vegfa, and low Pnmt expression, thereby clustering with human p-PPGL. Conclusion: Endogenous rat PCCs recapitulate key phenotypic features of human p-PPGLs. Thus, MENX rats emerge as the best available animal model of these aggressive tumors. Our study provides evidence of a link between cell cycle dysregulation and pseudohypoxia.
From Allergy to Cancer—Clinical Usefulness of Eotaxins
Authors: Zajkowska Monika , Mroczko Barbara
Published: January 2021

Eotaxins are proteins which belong to the group of cytokines. These small molecules are secreted by cells that are mainly involved in immune-mediated reactions in the course of allergic diseases. Eotaxins were discovered in 1994 and their main role was considered to be the selective recruitment of eosinophils. As those blood cells are involved in the course of all inflammatory diseases, including cancer, we decided to perform an extensive search of the literature pertaining to our investigation via the MEDLINE/PubMed database. On the basis of available literature, we can assume that eotaxins can be used as markers for the detection and determination of origin or type of allergic disease. Many publications also confirm that eotaxins can be used in the determination of allergic disease treatment. Moreover, there are also studies indicating a connection between eotaxins and cancer. Some researchers revealed that CCL11 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 11, eotaxin-1) concentrations differed between the control and tested groups indicating their possible usefulness in cancer detection. Furthermore, some papers showed usefulness of eotaxins in determining the treatment efficacy as markers of decreasing inflammation. Therefore, in this paper we present the current knowledge on eotaxins in the course of allergic and cancerous diseases.
Flavonoids Targeting HIF-1: Implications on Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Samec Marek , Liskova Alena , Koklesova Lenka , Mersakova Sandra , Strnadel Jan , Kajo Karol , Pec Martin , Zhai Kevin , Smejkal Karel , Mirzaei Sepideh , Hushmandi Kiavash , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Saso Luciano , Brockmueller Aranka , Shakibaei Mehdi , Büsselberg Dietrich , Kubatka Peter
Published: January 2021

Tumor hypoxia is described as an oxygen deprivation in malignant tissue. The hypoxic condition is a consequence of an imbalance between rapidly proliferating cells and a vascularization that leads to lower oxygen levels in tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is an essential transcription factor contributing to the regulation of hypoxia-associated genes. Some of these genes modulate molecular cascades associated with the Warburg effect and its accompanying pathways and, therefore, represent promising targets for cancer treatment. Current progress in the development of therapeutic approaches brings several promising inhibitors of HIF-1. Flavonoids, widely occurring in various plants, exert a broad spectrum of beneficial effects on human health, and are potentially powerful therapeutic tools against cancer. Recent evidences identified numerous natural flavonoids and their derivatives as inhibitors of HIF-1, associated with the regulation of critical glycolytic components in cancer cells, including pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), glucose transporters (GLUTs), hexokinase II (HKII), phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Here, we discuss the results of most recent studies evaluating the impact of flavonoids on HIF-1 accompanied by the regulation of critical enzymes contributing to the Warburg phenotype. Besides, flavonoid effects on glucose metabolism via regulation of HIF-1 activity represent a promising avenue in cancer-related research. At the same time, only more-in depth investigations can further elucidate the mechanistic and clinical connections between HIF-1 and cancer metabolism.
The p53 Pathway and Metabolism: The Tree That Hides the Forest
Authors: Lahalle Airelle , Lacroix Matthieu , De Blasio Carlo , Cissé Madi Y. , Linares Laetitia K. , Le Cam Laurent
Published: January 2021

The p53 pathway is functionally inactivated in most, if not all, human cancers. The p53 protein is a central effector of numerous stress-related molecular cascades. p53 controls a safeguard mechanism that prevents accumulation of abnormal cells and their transformation by regulating DNA repair, cell cycle progression, cell death, or senescence. The multiple cellular processes regulated by p53 were more recently extended to the control of metabolism and many studies support the notion that perturbations of p53-associated metabolic activities are linked to cancer development, as well as to other pathophysiological conditions including aging, type II diabetes, and liver disease. Although much less documented than p53 metabolic activities, converging lines of evidence indicate that other key components of this tumor suppressor pathway are also involved in cellular metabolism through p53-dependent as well as p53-independent mechanisms. Thus, at least from a metabolic standpoint, the p53 pathway must be considered as a non-linear pathway, but the complex metabolic network controlled by these p53 regulators and the mechanisms by which their activities are coordinated with p53 metabolic functions remain poorly understood. In this review, we highlight some of the metabolic pathways controlled by several central components of the p53 pathway and their role in tissue homeostasis, metabolic diseases, and cancer.
Ursolic Acid and Its Nanoparticles Are Potentiators of Oncolytic Measles Virotherapy against Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Ching-Hsuan , Wong Shu Hui , Tai Chen-Jei , Tai Cheng-Jeng , Pan Yu-Chi , Hsu Hsue-Yin , Richardson Christopher D. , Lin Liang-Tzung
Published: January 2021

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) and phytochemical ursolic acid (UA) are two efficacious therapeutic candidates in development against breast cancer, the deadliest women’s cancer worldwide. However, as single agents, OVs and UA have limited clinical efficacies. As a common strategy of enhancing monotherapeutic anticancer efficacy, we explored the combinatorial chemovirotherapeutic approach of combining oncolytic measles virus (MV), which targets the breast tumor marker Nectin-4, and the anticancer UA against breast adenocarcinoma. Our findings revealed that in vitro co-treatment with UA synergistically potentiated the killing of human breast cancer cells by oncolytic MV, without UA interfering the various steps of the viral infection. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic outcome from the combined treatment was mediated through UA’s potentiation of apoptotic killing by MV. To circumvent UA’s poor solubility and bioavailability and strengthen its clinical applicability, we further developed UA nanoparticles (UA-NP) by nanoemulsification. Compared to the non-formulated UA, UA-NP exhibited improved drug dissolution property and similarly synergized with oncolytic MV in inducing apoptotic breast cancer cell death. This oncolytic potentiation was partly attributed to the enhanced autophagic flux induced by the UA-NP and MV combined treatment. Finally, the synergistic effect from the UA-NP and MV combination was also observed in BT-474 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Our study thus highlights the potential value of oncolytic MV and UA-based chemovirotherapy for further development as a treatment strategy against breast cancer, and the feasibility of employing nanoformulation to enhance UA’s applicability.
Master Regulators of Muscle Atrophy: Role of Costamere Components
Authors: Gorza Luisa , Sorge Matteo , Seclì Laura , Brancaccio Mara
Published: January 2021

The loss of muscle mass and force characterizes muscle atrophy in several different conditions, which share the expression of atrogenes and the activation of their transcriptional regulators. However, attempts to antagonize muscle atrophy development in different experimental contexts by targeting contributors to the atrogene pathway showed partial effects in most cases. Other master regulators might independently contribute to muscle atrophy, as suggested by our recent evidence about the co-requirement of the muscle-specific chaperone protein melusin to inhibit unloading muscle atrophy development. Furthermore, melusin and other muscle mass regulators, such as nNOS, belong to costameres, the macromolecular complexes that connect sarcolemma to myofibrils and to the extracellular matrix, in correspondence with specific sarcomeric sites. Costameres sense a mechanical load and transduce it both as lateral force and biochemical signals. Recent evidence further broadens this classic view, by revealing the crucial participation of costameres in a sarcolemmal “signaling hub” integrating mechanical and humoral stimuli, where mechanical signals are coupled with insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor stimulation to regulate muscle mass. Therefore, this review aims to enucleate available evidence concerning the early involvement of costamere components and additional putative master regulators in the development of major types of muscle atrophy.
Nanoplasmonic Biosensing Approach for Endotoxin Detection in Pharmaceutical Field
Authors: Colombelli Adriano , Primiceri Elisabetta , Rizzato Silvia , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Maruccio Giuseppe , Rella Roberto , Manera Maria Grazia
Published: January 2021

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains bacterial endotoxins known as Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Owing to the strong immune responses induced in humans and animals, these large molecules have a strong toxic effect that can cause severe fever, hypotension, shock, and death. Endotoxins are often present in the environment and medical implants and represent undesirable contaminations of pharmaceutical preparations and medical devices. To overcome the limitations of the standard technique, novel methods for early and sensitive detection of LPS will be of crucial importance. In this work, an interesting approach for the sensitive detection of LPS has been realized by exploiting optical features of nanoplasmonic transducers supporting Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances (LSPRs). Ordered arrays of gold nano-prisms and nano-disks have been realized by nanospheres lithography. The realized transducers have been integrated into a simple and miniaturized lab-on-a-chip (LOC) platform and functionalized with specific antibodies as sensing elements for the detection of LPS. Interactions of specific antibodies anchored on protein A-modified sensor chips with the investigated analyte resulted in a spectral shift in the plasmonic resonance peak of the transducers. A good linear relationship between peak shifts and the LPS concentration has been demonstrated for the fabricated nano-structures with a detection limit down to 5 ng/mL. Integration with a proper microfluidic platform demonstrates the possibility of yielding a prototypal compact device to be used as an analytical test for quality determination of pharmaceutical products.
Investigating the Nano-Films Effect on Physical, Mechanical Properties, Chemical Changes, and Microbial Load Contamination of White Button Mushrooms during Storage
Authors: Rokayya Sami , Khojah Ebtihal , Elhakem Abeer , Benajiba Nada , Chavali Murthy , Vivek Kambhampati , Iqbal Abdullah , Helal Mahmoud
Published: January 2021

Nutrient-rich edible white button mushrooms were coated with Chitosan (1%), Chitosan/nano-silica, and Chitosan/nano-titanium and then stored at 4 °C to investigate the physical, mechanical properties, chemical changes, and microbial load contamination at an interval of 3 days up to a 12 days storage period. It was noticed that Chitosan/nano-titanium and Chitosan/nano-silica preserved the weight loss percentages as 11.80% and 12.69%, respectively. Treatment with Chitosan/nano-silica coating was found to have positive impacts on the overall color parameters. Both of the nano-coating films enhanced headspace gas compositions and firmness. Chitosan/nano-silica samples recorded the least electrolyte leakage value (24.44%), as low oxygen gas concentration can reduce the respiration rate, weight loss, and cap opening. Chitosan/nano-titanium treatment showed the lowest cap opening value (19.58%), PPO activity (16.98 mg−1 protein), and microbial load contamination (6.12 log CFU/g) at the end of the whole storage period, suggesting that nano-films are a promising preservation method for prolonging the white button mushroom’s shelf-life.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Macroherbivore Grazing in a Multi-Species Tropical Seagrass Meadow of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Scott Abigail L. , York Paul H. , Rasheed Michael A.
Published: January 2021

Macroherbivory is an important process in seagrass meadows worldwide; however, the impact of macroherbivores on seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has received little attention. We used exclusion cages and seagrass tethering assays to understand how the intensity of macroherbivory varies over space and time in the seagrass meadows around Green Island (Queensland), and what impact this has on overall meadow structure. Rates of macroherbivory were comparatively low, between 0.25–44% of daily seagrass productivity; however, rates were highly variable over a one-year period, and among sites. Loss of seagrass material to macroherbivory was predominantly due to fish; however, urchin herbivory was also taking place. Macroherbivory rates were of insufficient intensity to impact overall meadow structure. No macroherbivory events were identified on video cameras that filmed in the day, indicating that feeding may be occurring infrequently in large shoals, or at night. While relatively low compared to some meadows, seagrass macroherbivory was still an important process at this site. We suggest that in this highly protected area of the GBR, where the ecosystem and food webs remain largely intact, macroherbivory was maintained at a low level and was unlikely to cause the large-scale meadow structuring influence that can be seen in more modified seagrass systems.
Application of Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Illescas-Montes Rebeca , Costela-Ruiz Víctor J. , Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucía , De Luna-Bertos Elvira , Ruiz Concepción , Ramos-Torrecillas Javier
Published: January 2021

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent syndrome that impairs the quality of life of the patients; however, its diagnosis is complex and mainly centered on pain symptoms. The study of salivary biomarkers has proven highly useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of numerous diseases. The objective of this review was to gather published data on the utilization of salivary biomarkers to facilitate and complement the diagnosis of FM. Salivary biomarkers used in FM diagnosis include cortisol; calgranulin; and the enzymes α-amylase, transaldolase, and phosphoglycerate mutase. Increased serum levels of C-reactive protein, cytokines interleukin 1-β, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, interleukin 17, tumor necrosis factor α, and various chemokines may serve as salivary biomarkers, given observations of their increased serum levels in patients with FM. Further research is warranted to study in depth the role and performance of biomarkers currently used in FM diagnosis/prognosis and to identify novel salivary biomarkers for this disease.
Effect of P2G on Flexibility in Integrated Power-Natural Gas-Heating Energy Systems with Gas Storage
Authors: Liu Jing , Sun Wei , Yan Jinghao
Published: January 2021

The low carbon transition requires the high growth of renewable generation penetration in energy systems to ultimately achieve net-zero carbon target. To ensure the reliable operation of energy systems with high intermittent renewable output, it is critical to have sufficient flexible resources to avoid curtailment. Therefore, the integrated power-natural gas-heating energy systems with power to gas (P2G) and gas storage has attracted great research interest especially on the combined operation method to enhance the flexibility provision between each other. In this paper, taking heating demand, P2G and gas storage into consideration, a multi-objective optimal operation strategy of integrated power-natural gas-heating energy systems is presented to obtain the maximum economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, a novel model of flexibility metric is proposed based on redundant linepack and gas storage. Case studies without P2G and with P2G are carried out on integrated IEEE 39-bus power and Belgian 20-node gas system. Simulation results demonstrate that P2G not only can be beneficial for operation of the integrated energy systems in terms of total operational cost decline from M$2.510 to M$2.503, CO2 emission reduction from 62,860 ton to 62,240 ton and wind curtailment decrease from 25.58% to 4.22% but also has significant effect on flexibility improvement of a 71.72% increase.
Analysis of the Development of the Electromobility Market in Poland in the Context of the Implemented Subsidies
Authors: Sendek-Matysiak Ewelina , Łosiewicz Zbigniew
Published: January 2021

The flagship project in this area in Poland is the Electromobility Development Program, one of the strategic documents of which is the Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels of 11 January 2018, which includes a system of benefits aimed at influencing consumer behaviors towards the choice of electric vehicles. According to the decision-makers, its implementation is expected to result in the achievement of a number of goals, among others, 1 million of such vehicles are forecast to be present at the national level in 2025. The intention of the authors is to analyze the progress in the development of electromobility in Poland, in the areas such as the market of electric cars, charging infrastructure, with an indication of whether the actions that are implemented by the legislator, i.e., guidelines on where and in what quantities charging stations dedicated to such vehicles are to be established, subsidies in the form of the possibility of driving on the lanes designed for buses, subsidies for the purchase of such vehicles intensify the development of electromobility in the country. The considerations were carried out for cars powered exclusively by electricity, i.e., BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) type, category M1. Cars in this category represent the largest share of the automotive market in Poland—over 75%. The utilitarian value of this research may be supported by the fact that the example of Poland and its problems concerning the discussed issue may be a source of preliminary analysis for other countries of the European Union.
Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Refugee and Migrant Patients in a Primary Healthcare Setting in Greece: A Pilot Intervention
Authors: Kolomvotsou Anastasia I , Riza Elena
Published: January 2021

Over the past years there is a substantial wave of migrants and refugees all over the world. Europe accepts approximately one-third of the international migrant population with Greece, in particular, having received large numbers of refugees and migrants by land and sea since the beginning of the civil war in Syria. Diabetes, a non-communicable disease, is a global health problem, affecting people in developing countries, refugees and migrants, and its basic treatment tool includes self-management and education. In this pilot study, we organized educational, interactive group sessions for diabetic refugees, based on culture, health, and nutritional needs according to a questionnaire developed for the study. The sessions were weekly, for two months, in the context of primary healthcare, organized by a dietitian. Nine individuals completed the sessions, five of nine were diagnosed in Greece and seven of nine needed diabetes education. Their waist circumference was above normal and they were all cooking at home. Their nutritional habits improved by attending the sessions and the interaction helped their social integration. They all found the sessions useful, and felt more self-confident regarding diabetes control and healthier.
Evaluation of Responsivity to Drought Stress Using Infrared Thermography and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Potted Clones of Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Takashima Yuya , Hiraoka Yuichiro , Matsushita Michinari , Takahashi Makoto
Published: January 2021

As climate change progresses, the breeding of drought-tolerant forest trees is necessary. Breeding drought-tolerant trees requires screening for drought stress using a large number of individuals and a high-throughput phenotyping method. The aim of this study was therefore to establish high-throughput methods for evaluating the clonal stress responses to drought stress using infrared thermography and chlorophyll fluorescence methods in Cryptomeria japonica. The stomatal conductance index (Ig), maximum photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and axial growth of four plus-tree clones of C. japonica planted in pots were measured weekly for 85 days after irrigation was stopped. The phenotypic trait responsivity to drought stress was estimated by a nonlinear mixed model and by introducing the cumulative water index, which considers the past history of the soil water environment. These methods and procedures enabled us to evaluate the clonal stress responses in C. japonica and could be applied to large-scale clone materials to promote the breeding program for drought tolerance.
Numerical Investigation of Thermally Developing and Fully Developed Electro-Osmotic Flow in Channels with Rounded Corners
Authors: Suzzi Nicola , Lorenzini Marco
Published: January 2021

Electro-osmotic flow, that is, the motion of a polar fluid in microducts induced by an external electric field, is one micro-effect which allows fluid circulation without the use of mechanical pumping. This is of interest in the thermal management of electronic devices, as microchannels with cross sections of almost arbitrary shape can easily be integrated on the chips. It is therefore important to assess how the geometry of the channel influences the heat transfer performance. In this paper, the thermal entry region and the fully developed electro-osmotic flow in a microchannel of rectangular cross section with smoothed corners is investigated for uniform wall temperature. For the fully developed region, correlations for the Poiseuille and Nusselt numbers considering the aspect ratio and nondimensional smoothing radius are given, which can be used for practical design purposes. For thermally developing flow, it is highlighted how smoothing the corners increases the value of the local Nusselt number, with increases up to 18% over sharp corners, but that it also shortens the thermal entry length. It is also found that Joule heating in the fluid may cause a reversal of the heat flux, and that the thermal entry length has a linear dependence on the Reynolds number and the hydraulic diameter and on the logarithm of the nondimensional Joule heating.
One4Two®: An Integrated Molecular Approach to Optimize Infertile Couples’ Journey
Authors: D’Argenio Valeria , Cariati Federica , Tomaiuolo Rossella
Published: January 2021

The current diagnostic path of infertile couples is long lasting and often ineffective. Genetic tests, in particular, appear as a limiting step due to their jeopardized use on one side, and to the limited number of genes evaluated on the other. In this context, the development and diffusion, also in routine diagnostic settings, of next generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods for the analyses of several genes in multiple subjects at a time is improving the diagnostic sensitivity of molecular analyses. Thus, we developed One4Two®, a custom NGS panel to optimize the diagnostic journey of infertile couples. The panel validation was carried out in three steps analyzing a total of 83 subjects. Interestingly, all the previously identified variants were confirmed, assessing the analytic sensitivity of the method. Moreover, additional pathogenic variants have been identified underlying the diagnostic efficacy of the proposed method. One4Two® allows the simultaneous analysis of infertility-related genes, disease-genes of common inherited diseases, and of polymorphisms related to therapy outcome. Thus, One4Two® is able to improve the diagnostic journey of infertile couples by simplifying the whole process not only for patients, but also for laboratories and reproduction specialists moving toward an even more personalized medicine.
Toxocariasis in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pieroni Filippo , Massei Francesco , Micheletti Maria Vittoria , Luti Laura , De Marco Emanuela , Ludovisi Alessandra , Casazza Gabriella , Bruschi Fabrizio
Published: January 2021

A boy affected by autism spectrum disorder was admitted for persistent high fever, without shiver, for two weeks. The boy referred to abdominal pain, in the first week of fever, and to mild anorexia in the last days before admittance to our hospital centre. The father reported that the boy suffered by geophagia and coprophagia and he has been going to a didactical farm (where he has been exposed to several kinds of animals) to improve his neuropsychiatric condition. Blood analysis shows severe eosinophilia and high levels of total IgE, and abdominal echocardiography showed hepatic lesions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB) confirmed the suspicion of toxocariasis, linked to the habit of the boy to ingest ground or animal faeces in a didactic farm frequented by the boy. Treatment with albendazole and prednisone was administered with a rapid improvement of the symptoms and the laboratory findings and significant reduction of the hepatic lesion.
Children’s Active School Travel: Examining the Combined Perceived and Objective Built-Environment Factors from Space Syntax
Authors: Ozbil Ayse , Yesiltepe Demet , Argin Gorsev , Rybarczyk Greg
Published: January 2021

Increasing active school travel (AST) among children may provide the required level of daily physical activity and reduce the prevalence of obesity. Despite efforts to promote this mode, recent evidence shows that AST rates continue to decrease in suburban and urban areas alike. The aim of this research study, therefore, is to facilitate our understanding of how objective and perceived factors near the home influence children’s AST in an understudied city, İstanbul, Turkey. Using data from a cross-sectional sample of students aged 12–14 from 20 elementary schools (n = 1802) and consenting parents (n = 843), we applied a nominal logistic regression model to highlight important predictors of AST. The findings showed that street network connectivity (as measured by two novel space syntax measures, metric reach and directional reach) was the main deciding factor for active commuting to school, while parents’ perceptions of condition of sidewalks and shade-casting street trees were moderately significant factors associated with AST. Overall, this study demonstrated the significance of spatial structure of street network around the homes in the potential for encouraging AST, and more importantly, the need to consider objective and perceived environmental attributes when strategizing means to increase this mode choice and reduce ill-health among children.
The Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Educational Program on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ EBP Knowledge and Skills: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Cardoso Daniela , Couto Filipa , Cardoso Ana Filipa , Bobrowicz-Campos Elzbieta , Santos Luísa , Rodrigues Rogério , Coutinho Verónica , Pinto Daniela , Ramis Mary-Anne , Rodrigues Manuel Alves , Apóstolo João
Published: January 2021

Evidence-based practice (EBP) prevents unsafe/inefficient practices and improves healthcare quality, but its implementation is challenging due to research and practice gaps. A focused educational program can assist future nurses to minimize these gaps. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an EBP educational program on undergraduate nursing students’ EBP knowledge and skills. A cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Six optional courses in the Bachelor of Nursing final year were randomly assigned to the experimental (EBP educational program) or control group. Nursing students’ EBP knowledge and skills were measured at baseline and post-intervention. A qualitative analysis of 18 students’ final written work was also performed. Results show a statistically significant interaction between the intervention and time on EBP knowledge and skills (p = 0.002). From pre- to post-intervention, students’ knowledge and skills on EBP improved in both groups (intervention group: p < 0.001; control group: p < 0.001). At the post-intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in EBP knowledge and skills between intervention and control groups (p = 0.011). Students in the intervention group presented monographs with clearer review questions, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and methodology compared to students in the control group. The EBP educational program showed a potential to promote the EBP knowledge and skills of future nurses.
Home Language Activities and Expressive Vocabulary of Toddlers from Low-SES Monolingual Families and Bilingual Immigrant Families
Authors: Florit Elena , Barachetti Chiara , Majorano Marinella , Lavelli Manuela
Published: January 2021

Children from low-SES (socioeconomic status) and minority language immigrant families are at risk of vocabulary difficulties due to the less varied and complex language in the home environment. Children are less likely to be involved in home language activities (HLA) in interaction with adults in low-SES than in higher-SES families. However, few studies have investigated the HLA variability among low-SES, minority language bilingual immigrant families. This longitudinal study analyzes the frequency and duration of HLA and their predictive roles for expressive vocabulary acquisition in 70 equivalent low-SES monolingual and bilingual toddlers from minority contexts. HLA and vocabulary were assessed at 24 and 30 months in the majority language (Italian) and in total (majority+minority language) using parent and teacher reports. The frequency and duration of HLA in interaction with adults in total, but not in the majority language, at 24 months were similar for the two groups. These activities uniquely accounted for expressive vocabulary at 30 months, after accounting for total vocabulary at 24 months, in both groups. In conclusion, a minority-majority language context is not an additional risk factor for vocabulary acquisition if HLA is considered in interaction with adults in both languages. HLA are proximal environmental protective factors for vocabulary acquisition.
Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Costi Stefania , Paltrinieri Sara , Bressi Barbara , Fugazzaro Stefania , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Mazzini Elisa
Published: January 2021

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems.
Air Pollution Is Associated with Poor Cognitive Function in Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Chen Meng-Chieh , Wang Chen-Feng , Lai Bo-Cheng , Hsieh Sun-Wung , Chen Szu-Chia , Hung Chih-Hsing , Kuo Chao-Hung
Published: January 2021

The issue of air pollution is gaining increasing attention worldwide, and mounting evidence has shown an association between air pollution and cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between air pollutants and cognitive impairment using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and its sub-domains. In this study, we used data from the Taiwan Biobank combined with detailed daily data on air pollution. Cognitive function was assessed using the MMSE and its five subgroups of cognitive functioning. After multivariable linear regression analysis, a high level of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), low ozone (O3), high carbon monoxide (CO), high sulfur dioxide (SO2), high nitric oxide (NO), high nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and high nitrogen oxide (NOx) were significantly associated with low total MMSE scores. Further, high SO2 and low O3 were significantly associated with low MMSE G1 scores. Low O3, high CO, high SO2, high NO2, and high NOx were significantly associated with low MMSE G4 scores, and high PM2.5, high particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm (PM10), high SO2, high NO2, and high NOx were significantly associated with low MMSE G5 scores. Our results showed that exposure to different air pollutants may lead to general cognitive decline and impairment of specific domains of cognitive functioning, and O3 may be a protective factor. These findings may be helpful in the development of policies regarding the regulation of air pollution.
Does Time Varying Risk Premia Exist in the International Bond Market? An Empirical Evidence from Australian and French Bond Market
Authors: Aftab Hira , Beg A. B. M. Rabiul Alam
Published: January 2021

The presence of risk premium is an issue that weakens the rational expectation hypothesis. This paper investigates changing behavior of time varying risk premium for holding 10 year maturity bond using a bivariate VARMA-DBEKK-AGARCH-M model. The model allows for asymmetric risk premia, causality and co-volatility spillovers jointly in the global bond markets. Empirical results show significant asymmetric partial co-volatility spillovers and risk premium exist in the bond markets. The estimates of the bivariate risk premia show bi-directional causality exist between the Australia and France Bond markets. Overall results suggest nonexistence of pure rational expectation theory in the risk premium model. This information is useful for the agents’ strategic policy decision making in global bond markets.