bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibility Study of Silicone Rubber and Mineral Oil
Authors: Karambar Smitha , Tenbohlen Stefan
Published: September 2021

In this study, three types of silicone rubbers, namely, insulative silicone rubber, conductive silicone rubber and silicone rubber with conductive as well as insulative layers are investigated for their compatibility with mineral oil. Mineral oil with different silicone rubber samples is thermally aged at 130 °C for 360 h, 720 h and 1080 h and at 23 °C, 98 °C and 130 °C for 360 h. At the end of each ageing interval, mineral oil and oil-impregnated silicone rubbers are investigated for their dielectric properties. Aged mineral oil samples are investigated for their moisture content, breakdown voltage, colour number, dissolved gases and total acid number, whereas solid insulation samples are investigated for their moisture content. Additionally, pressboard samples in mineral oil and mineral oil without any solid insulation materials are also aged under the same conditions and are investigated for their dielectric properties. From the obtained results, it can be assessed that the presence of carbon particles in conductive silicone rubber negatively impacts the dielectric properties of mineral oil. Among the investigated silicone rubbers, the insulative silicone rubber exhibits good compatibility with mineral oil and a strong potential for being used in mineral oil.
A Digitalized Design Risk Analysis Tool with Machine-Learning Algorithm for EPC Contractor’s Technical Specifications Assessment on Bidding
Authors: Park Min-Ji , Lee Eul-Bum , Lee Seung-Yeab , Kim Jong-Hyun
Published: September 2021

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects span the entire cycle of industrial plants, from bidding to engineering, construction, and start-up operation and maintenance. Most EPC contractors do not have systematic decision-making tools when bidding for the project; therefore, they rely on manual analysis and experience in evaluating the bidding contract documents, including technical specifications. Oftentimes, they miss or underestimate the presence of technical risk clauses or risk severity, potentially create with a low bid price and tight construction schedule, and eventually experience severe cost overrun or/and completion delays. Through this study, two digital modules, Technical Risk Extraction and Design Parameter Extraction, were developed to extract and analyze risks in the project’s technical specifications based on machine learning and AI algorithms. In the Technical Risk Extraction module, technical risk keywords in the bidding technical specifications are collected, lexiconized, and then extracted through phrase matcher technology, a machine learning natural language processing technique. The Design Parameter Extraction module compares the collected engineering standards’ so-called standard design parameters and the plant owner’s technical requirements on the bid so that a contractor’s engineers can detect the difference between them and negotiate them. As described above, through the two modules, the risk clauses of the technical specifications of the project are extracted, and the risks are detected and reconsidered in the bidding or execution of the project, thereby minimizing project risk and providing a theoretical foundation and system for contractors. As a result of the pilot test performed to verify the performance and validity of the two modules, the design risk extraction accuracy of the system module has a relative advantage of 50 percent or more, compared to the risk extraction accuracy of manual evaluation by engineers. In addition, the speed of the automatic extraction and analysis of the system modules are 80 times faster than the engineer’s manual analysis time, thereby minimizing project loss due to errors or omissions due to design risk analysis during the project bidding period with a set deadline.
Solar Coatings Based on Ag Infrared Reflector with High Stability at Medium and High Temperature
Authors: Esposito Salvatore , D’Angelo Antonio , Diletto Claudia , Guglielmo Antonio , Lanchi Michela , Rossi Gabriella
Published: September 2021

The manufacturing of thermally stable solar coatings with high photo-thermal performance represents a key factor for the further deployment of the CSP technology. Since 2005, ENEA has been developing solar coatings suitable for medium and high temperature applications based on the technology of double nitride cermet, by employing silver and tungsten as infrared reflectors, respectively. Thanks to the high infrared reflectance of silver, the corresponding coatings have better optical performance than those with tungsten; however, the high diffusivity of silver compromises its use at high temperature. In order to improve the structural and chemical stability at medium and high temperature of coatings based on silver, this infrared reflector was placed between compact and uniform layers of metal and cermet manufactured by using high-energy and fast deposition processes. In particular, an Unbalanced Magnetron cathode was adopted to promote an ion-assisted deposition process that improved uniformity and compactness of the metal and cermet films. The new coating shows no photo-thermal parameters degradation after 25 years of service at the operating temperature of 400 °C, while its photo-thermal conversion efficiency decreases by only 1.5% after 25 years of service at an operating temperature of 514 °C.
Liquid Hydrogen: A Review on Liquefaction, Storage, Transportation, and Safety
Authors: Aziz Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Decarbonization plays an important role in future energy systems for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and establishing a zero-carbon society. Hydrogen is believed to be a promising secondary energy source (energy carrier) that can be converted, stored, and utilized efficiently, leading to a broad range of possibilities for future applications. Moreover, hydrogen and electricity are mutually converted, creating high energy security and broad economic opportunities toward high energy resilience. Hydrogen can be stored in various forms, including compressed gas, liquid hydrogen, hydrides, adsorbed hydrogen, and reformed fuels. Among these, liquid hydrogen has advantages, including high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities and hydrogen purity. However, liquid hydrogen is garnering increasing attention owing to the demand for long storage periods, long transportation distances, and economic performance. This paper reviews the characteristics of liquid hydrogen, liquefaction technology, storage and transportation methods, and safety standards to handle liquid hydrogen. The main challenges in utilizing liquid hydrogen are its extremely low temperature and ortho- to para-hydrogen conversion. These two characteristics have led to the urgent development of hydrogen liquefaction, storage, and transportation. In addition, safety standards for handling liquid hydrogen must be updated regularly, especially to facilitate massive and large-scale hydrogen liquefaction, storage, and transportation.
Intelligent Condition Monitoring of Wind Power Systems: State of the Art Review
Authors: Benbouzid Mohamed , Berghout Tarek , Sarma Nur , Djurović Siniša , Wu Yueqi , Ma Xiandong
Published: September 2021

Modern wind turbines operate in continuously transient conditions, with varying speed, torque, and power based on the stochastic nature of the wind resource. This variability affects not only the operational performance of the wind power system, but can also affect its integrity under service conditions. Condition monitoring continues to play an important role in achieving reliable and economic operation of wind turbines. This paper reviews the current advances in wind turbine condition monitoring, ranging from conventional condition monitoring and signal processing tools to machine-learning-based condition monitoring and usage of big data mining for predictive maintenance. A systematic review is presented of signal-based and data-driven modeling methodologies using intelligent and machine learning approaches, with the view to providing a critical evaluation of the recent developments in this area, and their applications in diagnosis, prognosis, health assessment, and predictive maintenance of wind turbines and farms.
Bicycle Traffic Model for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning
Authors: Oskarbski Jacek , Birr Krystian , Żarski Karol
Published: September 2021

Modelling tools and transport models are required to assess the impact of measures for the effective planning of cycling routes in cities. This paper presents the methodology for developing a four-stage macroscopic model of bicycle traffic for the city of Gdynia, and its use in planning new bicycle routes, considering a modal shift. The model presented in this paper allows for the evaluation of the influence of the characteristics of the cycling infrastructure, along with the development of the cycling network based on the choice of cycling as an alternative to other modes of transport, by taking into account the modal shift. The model takes into account the influence of the longitudinal gradient, link, and surface type of cycling routes on the distribution and demand for bicycle traffic. The results of our research allow us to assess the impact of planned cycling routes on the reduction in the volume of car traffic, which is crucial for reducing energy consumption and negative environmental impacts. Experiences from the application of the model in Gdynia suggest that the model provides a strong basis to support mobility planning and monitoring processes in cities worldwide. Cities should take into account the methods proposed in this paper when planning the development of their transport systems.
Home-Microgrid Energy Management Strategy Considering EV’s Participation in DR
Authors: Fouladfar Mohammad Hossein , Saeed Nagham , Marzband Mousa , Franchini Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot of potential to play an essential role in the smart power grid. EVs not only can reduce the amount of emission yielded from fossil fuels but also can be considered as an energy storage system (ES) and a backup system. EVs could support the demand response (DR) strategy that is considered as utmost importance to shift electricity demand in peak hours. This article aims to assess the impact of the presence of EV on DR strategy in a home-microgrid (H-MG). In order to reach the optimal set point, our energy management system (EMS) has been merged with differential evolution (DE) method. The results were auspicious and showed that the proposed method could decrease market clearing price (MCP) by 26% and increase the performance of DR by 17%.
Investigation of Water Injection Influence on Cloud Cavitating Vortical Flow for a NACA66 (MOD) Hydrofoil
Authors: Li Zhijian , Wang Wei , Ji Xiang , Wang Xiaofang
Published: September 2021

Re-entrant jet causes cloud cavitation shedding, and cavitating vortical flow results in flow field instability. In the present work, a method of water injection is proposed to hinder re-entrant jet and suppress vortex in cloud cavitating flow of a NACA66 (MOD) hydrofoil (Re = 5.1 × 105, σ = 0.83). A combination of filter-based density corrected turbulence model (FBDCM) with the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model (ZGB) is adopted to obtain the transient flow characteristics while vortex structures are identified by Q criterion & λ2 criterion. Results demonstrate that the injected water flow reduces the range of the low-pressure zone below 1940 Pa on the suction surface by 54.76%. Vortex structures are observed both inside the attached and shedding cavitation, and the water injection shrinks the vortex region. The water injection successfully blocks the re-entrant jet by generating a favorable pressure gradient (FPG) and effectively weakens the re-entrant jet intensity by 46.98%. The water injection shrinks the vortex distribution area near the hydrofoil suction surface, which makes the flow in the boundary layer more stable. From an energy transfer perspective, the water injection supplies energy to the near-wall flow, and hence keeps the steadiness of the flow field.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Damage
Authors: Katsaprakakis Dimitris Al. , Papadakis Nikos , Ntintakis Ioannis
Published: September 2021

The scope of this article is to review the potential causes that can lead to wind turbine blade failures, assess their significance to a turbine’s performance and secure operation and summarize the techniques proposed to prevent these failures and eliminate their consequences. Damage to wind turbine blades can be induced by lightning, fatigue loads, accumulation of icing on the blade surfaces and the exposure of blades to airborne particulates, causing so-called leading edge erosion. The above effects can lead to damage ranging from minor outer surface erosion to total destruction of the blade. All potential causes of damage to wind turbine blades strongly depend on the surrounding environment and climate conditions. Consequently, the selection of an installation site with favourable conditions is the most effective measure to minimize the possibility of blade damage. Otherwise, several techniques and methods have already been applied or are being developed to prevent blade damage, aiming to reduce damage risk if not able to eliminate it. The combined application of damage prevention strategies with a SCADA system is the optimal approach to adequate treatment.
Evaporative Cooling Integrated with Solid Desiccant Systems: A Review
Authors: Lai Lanbo , Wang Xiaolin , Kefayati Gholamreza , Hu Eric
Published: September 2021

Evaporative cooling technology (ECT) has been deemed as an alternative to the conventional vapor-compression air conditioning system for dry climates in recent years due to its simple structure and low operating cost. Generally speaking, the ECT includes two types of different technologies, direct evaporative cooling (DEC) and indirect evaporative cooling (IEC). Both technologies can theoretically reduce the air temperature to the wet-bulb temperature of outdoor air. The major difference between these two technologies is that DEC will introduce extra moisture to the supply air while IEC will not. The enhanced IEC, Maisotsenko-cycle (M-cyle) IEC, can even bring down the air temperature to the dew point temperature. The ECT integrated with solid desiccant systems, i.e., solid desiccant-assisted evaporative cooling technologies (SDECT), could make the technology applicable to a wider range of weather conditions, e.g., weather with high humidity. In this paper, the recent development of various evaporative cooling technologies (ECT), solid desiccant material and the integration of these two technologies, the SDECT, were thoroughly reviewed with respect to their configuration, optimization and desiccant unit improvement. Furthermore, modeling techniques for simulating SDECT with their pros and cons were also reviewed. Potential opportunities and research recommendations were indicated, which include improving the structure and material of M-cycle IEC, developing novel desiccant material and optimizing configuration, water consumption rate and operation strategy of SDECT system. This review paper indicated that the SDECT system could be a potential replacement for the conventional vapor-compressed cooling system and could be applied in hot and humid environments with proper arrangements.
A Survey on FOPID Controllers for LFO Damping in Power Systems Using Synchronous Generators, FACTS Devices and Inverter-Based Power Plants
Authors: Saadatmand Mahdi , Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Kamwa Innocent , Siano Pierluigi , Guerrero Josep M. , Haes Alhelou Hassan
Published: September 2021

In recent decades, various types of control techniques have been proposed for use in power systems. Among them, the use of a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is widely recognized as an effective technique. The generalized type of this controller is the fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller. This type of controller provides a wider range of stability area due to the fractional orders of integrals and derivatives. These types of controllers have been significantly considered as a new approach in power engineering that can enhance the operation and stability of power systems. This paper represents a comprehensive overview of the FOPID controller and its applications in modern power systems for enhancing low-frequency oscillation (LFO) damping. In addition, the performance of this type of controller has been evaluated in a benchmark test system. It can be a driver for the development of FOPID controller applications in modern power systems. Investigation of different pieces of research shows that FOPID controllers, as robust controllers, can play an efficient role in modern power systems.
Evaporator Frosting in Refrigerating Appliances: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Hermes Christian J. L. , Boeng Joel , da Silva Diogo L. , Knabben Fernando T. , Sommers Andrew D.
Published: September 2021

Modern refrigerators are equipped with fan-supplied evaporators often tailor-made to mitigate the impacts of frost accretion, not only in terms of frost blocking, which depletes the cooling capacity and therefore the refrigerator coefficient of performance (COP), but also to allow optimal defrosting, thereby avoiding the undesired consequences of condensate retention and additional thermal loads. Evaporator design for frosting conditions can be done either empirically through trial-and-error approaches or using simulation models suitable to predict the distribution of the frost mass along the finned coil. Albeit the former is mandatory for robustness verification prior to product approval, it has been advocated that the latter speeds up the design process and reduces the costs of the engineering undertaking. Therefore, this article is aimed at summarizing the required foundations for the design of efficient evaporators and defrosting systems with minimized performance impacts due to frosting. The thermodynamics, and the heat and mass transfer principles involved in the frost nucleation, growth, and densification phenomena are presented. The thermophysical properties of frost, such as density and thermal conductivity, are discussed, and their relationship with refrigeration operating conditions are established. A first-principles model is presented to predict the growth of the frost layer on the evaporator surface as a function of geometric and operating conditions. The relation between the microscopic properties of frost and their macroscopic effects on the evaporator thermo-hydraulic performance is established and confirmed with experimental evidence. Furthermore, different defrost strategies are compared, and the concept of optimal defrost is formulated. Finally, the results are used to analyze the efficiency of the defrost operation based on the net cooling capacity of the refrigeration system for different duty cycles and evaporator geometries.
Discontinuous Current Mode Modeling and Zero Current Switching of Flyback Converter
Authors: Kumar Rustam , Wu Chih-Chiang , Liu Ching-Yao , Hsiao Yu-Lin , Chieng Wei-Hua , Chang Edward-Yi
Published: September 2021

The flyback converters are widely used in low power applications. The switch typically requires 600 V breakdown voltage in order to perform large step-down voltage. Thus, slight variation on the switch control can either permanently damage the switch or decrease the efficiency of the power conversion. In order to achieve higher power efficiency, the previous literature suggested operating the flyback converter in the discontinuous current mode (DCM). It is then required to understand the critical conditions of the DCM through analyzing the dynamic behavior and discontinuous current mechanism. This paper started from the current waveform analyses, proceeded to the derivation of zero current switching (ZCS) formulation, and finally reached the necessary conditions for the DCM. The entire DCM operation was divided into three phases that subsequently affect the result of the zero voltage switching (ZVS) and then to the ZCS. The experiment shows a power efficiency of over 96% when the output power is around 65 W. The switch used in this paper is a Gallium Nitride High-Electron-Mobility Transistor (GaN HEMT) that is advantageous at the high breakdown voltage up to 800 V. The important findings from the experiments include that the output power increases with the increasing input DC voltage and the duty cycle is rather linearly decreasing with the increasing switching frequency when both the zero voltage switching (ZVS) and ZCS conditions are satisfied simultaneously.
Variation in Carbon Content among the Major Tree Species in Hemiboreal Forests in Latvia
Authors: Bārdule Arta , Liepiņš Jānis , Liepiņš Kaspars , Stola Jeļena , Butlers Aldis , Lazdiņš Andis
Published: September 2021

This study was designed to estimate the variation in non-volatile carbon (C) content in different above- and belowground tree parts (stem, living branches, dead branches, stumps, coarse roots and small roots) and to develop country-specific weighted mean C content values for the major tree species in hemiboreal forests in Latvia: Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), birch spp. (Betula spp.) and European aspen (Populus tremula L.). In total, 372 sample trees from 124 forest stands were selected and destructively sampled. As the tree samples were pre-treated by oven-drying before elemental analysis, the results of this study represent the non-volatile C fraction. Our findings indicate a significant variation in C content among the tree parts and studied species with a range of 504.6 ± 3.4 g·kg−1 (European aspen, coarse roots) to 550.6 ± 2.4 g·kg−1 (Scots pine, dead branches). The weighted mean C content values for whole trees ranged from 509.0 ± 1.6 g·kg−1 for European aspen to 533.2 ± 1.6 g·kg−1 for Scots pine. Only in Norway spruce was the whole tree C content significantly influenced by tree age and size. Our analysis revealed that the use of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) default C content values recommended for temperate and boreal ecological zones leads to a 5.1% underestimation of C stock in living tree biomass in Latvia’s forests. Thus, the country-specific weighted mean C content values for major tree species we provide may improve the accuracy of National Greenhouse Gas Inventory estimates.
The Application of Pulse Flours in the Development of Plant-Based Cheese Analogues: Proximate Composition, Color, and Texture Properties
Authors: Ferawati Ferawati , Hefni Mohammed , Östbring Karolina , Witthöft Cornelia
Published: September 2021

Despite the many benefits of pulses, their consumption is still very low in many Western countries. One approach to solving this issue is to develop attractive pulse-based foods, e.g., plant-based cheeses. This study aimed to assess the suitability of different types of pulse flour, from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans, to develop plant-based cheese analogues. Different stabilizer combinations (kappa- and iota-carrageenan, kappa-carrageenan, and xanthan gum) were tested. The results showed that firm and sliceable pulse-based cheese analogues could be prepared using all types of pulse flour using a flour-to-water ratio of 1:4 with the addition of 1% (w/w) kappa-carrageenan. The hardness levels of the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were higher (1883–2903 g, p < 0.01) than the reference Gouda cheese (1636 g) but lower than the commercial vegan cheese analogue (5787 g, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the crude protein (4–6% wb) and total dietary fiber (6–8% wb) contents in the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in the commercial vegan cheese analogue, whereas the fat contents were lower. In conclusion, flours from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans have been shown to be suitable as raw materials for developing cheese analogues with nutritional benefits.
Food Metabolites as Tools for Authentication, Processing, and Nutritive Value Assessment
Authors: Pedrosa Mariana C. , Lima Laíres , Heleno Sandrina , Carocho Márcio , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: September 2021

Secondary metabolites are molecules with unlimited applications that have been gaining importance in various industries and studied from many angles. They are mainly used for their bioactive capabilities, but due to the improvement of sensibility in analytical chemistry, they are also used for authentication and as a quality control parameter for foods, further allowing to help avoid food adulteration and food fraud, as well as helping understand the nutritional value of foods. This manuscript covers the examples of secondary metabolites that have been used as qualitative and authentication molecules in foods, from production, through processing and along their shelf-life. Furthermore, perspectives of analytical chemistry and their contribution to metabolite detection and general perspectives of metabolomics are also discussed.
Variation and Selection in the Putative Sperm-Binding Region of ZP3 in Muroid Rodents: A Comparison between Cricetids and Murines
Authors: Duarte Margarida Alexandra , Fernandes Carlos Rodríguez , Heckel Gerald , da Luz Mathias Maria , Bastos-Silveira Cristiane
Published: September 2021

In mammals, the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) is considered a primary sperm receptor of the oocyte and is hypothesized to be involved in reproductive isolation. We investigated patterns of diversity and selection in the putative sperm-binding region (pSBR) of mouse ZP3 across Cricetidae and Murinae, two hyperdiverse taxonomic groups within muroid rodents. In murines, the pSBR is fairly conserved, in particular the serine-rich stretch containing the glycosylation sites proposed as essential for sperm binding. In contrast, cricetid amino acid sequences of the pSBR were much more variable and the serine-rich motif, typical of murines, was generally substantially modified. Overall, our results suggest a general lack of species specificity of the pSBR across the two muroid families. We document statistical evidence of positive selection acting on exons 6 and 7 of ZP3 and identified several amino acid sites that are likely targets of selection, with most positively selected sites falling within or adjacent to the pSBR.
Sensogenomics and the Biological Background Underlying Musical Stimuli: Perspectives for a New Era of Musical Research
Authors: Navarro Laura , Martinón-Torres Federico , Salas Antonio
Published: September 2021

What is the actual impact of music on the human being and the scope for scientific research in this realm? Compared to other areas, the study of the relationship between music and human biology has received limited attention. At the same time, evidence of music’s value in clinical science, neuroscience, and social science keeps increasing. This review article synthesizes the existing knowledge of genetics related to music. While the success of genomics has been demonstrated in medical research, with thousands of genes that cause inherited diseases or a predisposition to multifactorial disorders identified, much less attention has been paid to other human traits. We argue for the development of a new discipline, sensogenomics, aimed at investigating the impact of the sensorial input on gene expression and taking advantage of new, discovery-based ‘omic’ approaches that allow for the exploration of the whole transcriptome of individuals under controlled experiments and circumstances.
Mediating Effects of Emotion Regulation between Socio-Cognitive Mindfulness and Achievement Emotions in Nursing Students
Authors: Lee Mikyoung , Jang Keum-Seong
Published: September 2021

Background: Mindfulness is known as an effective emotion regulation strategy and is beneficial for improving emotions. While meditative mindfulness has been widely studied, socio-cognitive mindfulness has received little attention in nursing literature, despite its potential benefits to the field. This study investigated relationships between nursing students’ socio-cognitive mindfulness, emotion regulation (reappraisal and suppression), and achievement emotions, and explored the mediating effects of emotion regulation. Methods: A total of 459 nursing students from three universities in Korea completed the questionnaire measuring the study variables. Structural equation modeling and path analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses. Results: Socio-cognitive mindfulness was found to positively influence reappraisal while negatively influencing suppression. Additionally, socio-cognitive mindfulness positively predicted positive achievement emotions but negatively predicted negative emotions. Reappraisal positively influenced positive emotions, whereas suppression positively influenced negative emotions. Furthermore, reappraisal mediated the link between mindfulness and positive emotions, and suppression mediated the link between mindfulness and negative emotions. Conclusions: Socio-cognitive mindfulness may be effective in regulating emotions among nursing students by enhancing reappraisal and reducing suppression. Mediating effects highlight the relevance of students’ emotion regulation in nursing education, suggesting the need to develop emotion regulation education programs.
A Retrospective Study on the Factors Associated with Long-Stay Hospitalization in a Child Neuropsychiatry Unit
Authors: Zanato Silvia , Miscioscia Marina , Traverso Annalisa , Gatto Miriam , Poli Mikael , Raffagnato Alessia , Gatta Michela
Published: September 2021

The past twenty years have seen a rapid increase in acute psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents, with a subsequent rise in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations. This paper aims to: (a) describe the epidemiology of hospitalizations and some of the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of pediatric patients admitted to a regional referral Complex Operative Child Neuropsychiatry Hospital Unit in Northeast Italy and (b) identify potential factors correlated with the length of hospital stay. Methods: 318 (M = 12.8 years; SD = 3.11; 72% Female) patients hospitalized for mental health disorders from 2013 to 2019. Results: Around 60% of hospital admissions occurred via the emergency room, mostly due to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts (24%). Affective disorders were the most frequent discharge diagnosis (40%). As for factors correlated with length of hospital stay, we found significant links with chronological age, way of hospital admission, cause of admission, discharge diagnosis, presence of psychiatric comorbidity, family conflict, and psychiatric family history. Conclusions: These results provide information about global characteristics associated with the length of psychiatric hospital stays in pediatric patients and provide a basis on which specific precautions can be hypothesized with the aim of developing more focused treatments.
Alteration of Flower Color in Viola cornuta cv. “Lutea Splendens” through Metabolic Engineering of Capsanthin/Capsorubin Synthesis
Authors: Trajković Milena , Jevremović Slađana , Dragićević Milan , Simonović Ana D. , Subotić Angelina R. , Milošević Snežana , Cingel Aleksandar
Published: September 2021

Flower color is an important characteristic that determines the commercial value of ornamental plants. The development of modern biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering enables the creation of new flower colors that cannot be achieved with classical methods of hybridization or mutational breeding. This is the first report on the successful Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Viola cornuta L. The hypocotyl explants of cv. “Lutea Splendens” variety with yellow flowers were transformed with A. tumefaciens carrying empty pWBVec10a vector (Llccs−) or pWBVec10a/CaMV 35S::Llccs::TNos vector (Llccs+) for capsanthin/capsorubin synthase gene (Llccs) from tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium). A comparative study of shoot multiplication, rooting ability during culture in vitro, as well as phenotypic characteristics of untransformed (control) and transgenic Llccs− and Llccs+ plants during ex vitro growth and flowering is presented. Successful integration of Llccs transgene allows the synthesis of red pigment capsanthin in petal cells that gives flowers different shades of an orange/reddish color. We demonstrate that the ectopic expression of Llccs gene in ornamental plants, such as V. cornuta “Lutea Splendens” could successfully be used to change flower color from yellow to different shades of orange.
When Do Hedonic and Eudaimonic Orientations Lead to Happiness? Moderating Effects of Orientation Priority
Authors: Chen Hezhi , Zeng Zhijia
Published: September 2021

The effects of hedonic and eudaimonic orientations on individual well-being have received much scholarly attention. However, the empirical findings from previous research are not consistent, raising the question of when the pursuit of hedonia and eudaimonia lead to actual improvements in individual well-being. We argue that the relationship between orientations to happiness and well-being outcomes are moderated by orientation priorities, which reflect the relative level of importance individuals place on eudaimonic motives compared to hedonic motives. A total of 312 Chinese undergraduate students completed surveys assessing hedonic and eudaimonic orientations, orientation priorities, and well-being outcomes, including psychological well-being, positive affect, and negative affect. The results revealed that a eudaimonic orientation was positively related to psychological well-being, a hedonic orientation was positively related to positive affect, and both relationships were moderated by orientation priorities. For individuals who prioritized eudaimonia over hedonia, both orientations improved well-being. For individuals who prioritized hedonia over eudaimonia, the benefits related to well-being from both orientations decreased or disappeared. These findings suggest that orientation priorities are of equal importance in regard to hedonic and eudaimonic orientations.
First-Year College Student Life Experiences during COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Jun Mikyung , Lee Songyi , Shim Taeeun
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the first-year students’ experience in college during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a better understanding of their daily life. Using inductive content analysis, this study examined the characteristics and experiences of students who started college during the COVID-19 period in South Korea. We analyzed 623 pieces of content, using data presented by a total of 81 study subjects. From this analysis, we derived 22 primary keywords, which we divided into eight categories, and then reclassified into three general topics: self-awareness (i.e., self-reflection), activities (i.e., engagement in activities), and resources (i.e., creating relationships or producing results). The results showed that, although first-year college students experienced difficulties in adapting to the COVID-19 situation, they tried to cope with them. Our findings shed light on the experiences of college students who experienced psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and overcame related challenges.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Italian University Students’ Mental Health: Changes across the Waves
Authors: Di Consiglio Micaela , Merola Sheila , Pascucci Tiziana , Violani Cristiano , Couyoumdjian Alessandro
Published: September 2021

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Italian government imposed a rigid lockdown and, for a whole year, continued to declare stringent rules to curb the community spread. This study provides an overview of university students’ symptomatology and help-seeking behaviour before and during the pandemic. It aims to evaluate the impact of the different phases of the pandemic on students’ mental health. We collected data in four-time points between March 2019 and March 2021. A total of 454 students (F = 85; M = 15) were included in the study. Students answered a socio-demographic and a standardized questionnaire (i.e., SCL-90-R) to evaluate a broad range of symptomatology. The results suggest that students experienced moderate to severe levels of depressive, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptomatology. About 14% of the sample met the criteria for at least one mental health disorder, but most were not receiving mental health care. During the lockdown, compared with other phases, female students reported worse symptoms in the obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism dimensions. The increasing symptomatology disappeared after the lifting of the lockdown. The results showed no difference in the male groups. Preventive and support strategies should be improved in the university context.
National Trends and Policy Impacts on Provision of Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews in Older Australians, 2009–2019
Authors: Sluggett Janet , Collier Luke , Bartholomaeus Jonathan , Inacio Maria , Wesselingh Steve , Caughey Gillian
Published: September 2021

Comprehensive medicines reviews such as Home Medicines Review (HMR) and Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) can resolve medicines-related problems. Changes to Australia’s longstanding HMR and RMMR programs were implemented between 2011 and 2014. This study examined trends in HMR and RMMR provision among older Australians during 2009–2019 and determined the impact of program changes on service provision. Monthly rates of general medical practitioner (GP) HMR claims per 1000 people aged ≥65 years and RMMR claims per 1000 older residents of aged care facilities were determined using publicly available data. Interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine changes coinciding with dates of program changes. In January 2009, monthly HMR and RMMR rates were 0.80/1000 older people and 20.17/1000 older residents, respectively. Small monthly increases occurred thereafter, with 1.89 HMRs/1000 and 34.73 RMMRs/1000 provided in February 2014. In March 2014, immediate decreases of –0.32 (95%CI –0.52 to –0.11) HMRs/1000 and –12.80 (95%CI –15.22 to –10.37) RMMRs/1000 were observed. There were 1.07 HMRs/1000 and 35.36 RMMRs/1000 provided in December 2019. In conclusion, HMR and RMMR program changes in March 2014 restricted access to subsidized medicines reviews and were associated with marked decreases in service provision. The low levels of HMR and RMMR provision observed do not represent a proactive approach to medicines safety and effectiveness among older Australians.
Effectiveness of National Residential Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: Park Mi-Jeong , Seo Young-Gyun , Noh Hye-Mi , Kim Yeol , Yoon Jong Lull , Paek Yu-Jin
Published: September 2021

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Korean national five-day residential smoking cessation program and the factors affecting the long-term smoking cessation of participants. The residential smoking cessation program (2017–2018) recruited smokers with a smoking duration ≥ 20 years and who have attempted to quit smoking more than twice and/or smokers with chronic morbidities. Participants underwent an intensive intervention, including individual psychological therapy, group therapy, medical counseling, and pharmacotherapy. The 6-month continuous abstinence rate (CAR) was assessed via self-reports, the urine cotinine levels, and/or expired-air carbon monoxide levels. Logistic regression was used to analyze the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) to assess factors related to smoking cessation. Overall, 484 participants who completed the residential program and questionnaire were evaluated. The 3- and 6-month CAR were 81.82% and 63.22%, respectively. The aOR of 6-month continuous abstinence was lower among participants with severe nicotine dependence (aOR: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.81) and higher among participants with combination therapy of varenicline with short-term nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07–2.51), with higher self-efficacy (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.15–3.37). The residential smoking cessation program was effective. High self-efficacy, combination therapy of varenicline with short-term NRT, and low nicotine dependence were associated with a high 6-month CAR.
Changing the Narrative: Structural Barriers and Racial and Ethnic Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Njoku Anuli , Joseph Marcelin , Felix Rochelle
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Although a promising solution of the COVID-19 vaccination offers hope, disparities in access again threaten the health of these communities. Various explanations have arisen for the cause of disparate vaccination rates among racial and ethnic minorities, including discussion of vaccine hesitancy. Conversely, the role of vaccine accessibility rooted in structural racism as a driver in these disparities should be further explored. This paper discusses the impact of structural barriers on racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. We also recommend public health, health system, and community-engaged approaches to reduce racial disparities in COVID-19 disease and mortality.
Effects of Air Pollutants on Airway Diseases
Authors: Lee Yun-Gi , Lee Pureun-Haneul , Choi Seon-Muk , An Min-Hyeok , Jang An-Soo
Published: September 2021

Air pollutants include toxic particles and gases emitted in large quantities from many different combustible materials. They also include particulate matter (PM) and ozone, and biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which can penetrate the human airway and reach the bloodstream, triggering airway inflammation, dysfunction, and fibrosis. Pollutants that accumulate in the lungs exacerbate symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma, a heterogeneous disease with complex pathological mechanisms, is characterized by particular symptoms such as shortness of breath, a tight chest, coughing, and wheezing. Patients with COPD often experience exacerbations and worsening of symptoms, which may result in hospitalization and disease progression. PM varies in terms of composition, and can include solid and liquid particles of various sizes. PM concentrations are higher in urban areas. Ozone is one of the most toxic photochemical air pollutants. In general, air pollution decreases quality of life and life expectancy. It exacerbates acute and chronic respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic airway diseases, and increases the morbidity and risk of hospitalization associated with respiratory diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Therefore, we reviewed the impact of air pollutants on airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, focusing on their underlying mechanisms.
Impact of Pesticide Exposure among Rural and Urban Female Population. An Overview
Authors: Dahiri Bouchra , Martín-Reina José , Carbonero-Aguilar Pilar , Aguilera-Velázquez José Raúl , Bautista Juan , Moreno Isabel
Published: September 2021

Pesticides are substances that have become widely used in agriculture and the human exposure to these substances may cause adverse health outcomes. Non-occupational exposure to them can come from many sources, such as food or water. For occupational exposure, many studies have been conducted in men, as they have been mostly in charge of work related to these substances. Nonetheless, the information available concerning the exposure in women is very scarce. In addition, an important differentiation between rural and urban areas has been established, rural areas being known as the most exposed ones due to plantation fields. However, the application of higher concentrations of herbicides in small urban areas is taking a lot of importance currently as well. Regardless of gender, the conditions of exposure, and the environment, the exposure to these pesticides can have different effects on health from early life stages, resulting in different outcomes ranging from neurodevelopmental effects in newborns to different types of cancers. In this review, we discussed the toxicity of the most commonly used pesticides and the main impact on the health of the general population, focusing mainly on the effect in women from both rural and urban areas, and the different stages of development, from pregnancy or lactation to the outcomes of these exposures for their children.
Microbiological, Health and Comfort Aspects of Indoor Air Quality in a Romanian Historical Wooden Church
Authors: Marcu Florin , Hodor Nicolaie , Indrie Liliana , Dejeu Paula , Ilieș Marin , Albu Adina , Sandor Mircea , Sicora Cosmin , Costea Monica , Ilieș Dorina Camelia , Caciora Tudor , Huniadi Anca , Chiș Iuliana , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Szabo-Alexi Paul , Grama Vasile , Safarov Bahodirhon
Published: September 2021

Monitoring the indoor microclimate in old buildings of cultural heritage and significance is a practice of great importance because of the importance of their identity for local communities and national consciousness. Most aged heritage buildings, especially those made of wood, develop an indoor microclimate conducive to the development of microorganisms. This study aims to analyze one wooden church dating back to the 1710s in Romania from the microclimatic perspective, i.e., temperature and relative humidity and the fungal load of the air and surfaces. One further aim was to determine if the internal microclimate of the monument is favorable for the health of parishioners and visitors, as well as for the integrity of the church itself. The research methodology involved monitoring of the microclimate for a period of nine weeks (November 2020–January 2021) and evaluating the fungal load in indoor air as well as on the surfaces. The results show a very high contamination of air and surfaces (>2000 CFU/m3). In terms of fungal contamination, Aspergillus spp. (two different species), Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp. (two different species) and Trichopyton spp. were the genera of fungi identified in the indoor wooden church air and Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp. (two different species) and Botrytis spp. on the surfaces (church walls and iconostasis). The results obtained reveal that the internal microclimate not only imposes a potential risk factor for the parishioners and visitors, but also for the preservation of the wooden church as a historical monument, which is facing a crisis of biodeterioration of its artwork.