bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decision-Making Model for Optimized Energy Plans for Buildings Considering Peak Demand Charge—A South Korea Case Study
Authors: Shin Jinho , Jung Jihwa , Heo Jaehaeng , Noh Junwoo
Published: August 2022

The energy industry has been trying to reduce the use of fossil fuels that emit carbon and to proliferate renewable energy as a way to respond to climate change. The attempts to reduce carbon emissions resulting from the process of generating the electric and thermal energy needed by a building were bolstered with the introduction of the concept of nZEB (nearly zero-energy building). In line with such initiatives, the South Korean government made it mandatory for new buildings to have an nZEB certificate as a way to promote the supply of renewable energy. The criteria for Energy Independence Rate, which is one of the nZEB certification criteria in South Korea, is to maintain the share of renewable energy as at least 20% of the primary energy sources for the building. For a new building in South Korea to have an nZEB certificate, it is required to establish an energy plan that would allow the building to meet the Energy Independence requirement. This optimally reflects the cost of installation for renewable energy facilities and the cost of purchasing energy from external sources, such as the national grid or district heating companies. In South Korea, the base retail rate of energy is calculated based on the peak demand per hour over the year, rather than the contracted energy. This has produced difficulties in standardizing the process with a mathematical model; in addition, there have not been many preceding studies that could be used as a reference. In this regard, this paper analyzed a modeling strategy for developing a realistic yet optimized energy plan in consideration of the unique conditions of the retail energy rates of South Korea, and analyzed the impact of the rates based on peak demands upon the total energy plan. In this study, our research team analyzed the electric billing system, conducted a case study, and analyzed the impact of the billing system that is based on the peak demand upon the optimal cost. By utilizing the restrictions for reaching the 20% Energy Independence goal, this paper calculated the proper energy supply facility capacity for renewable energy. Then, the cases in which the maximum demand modeling was used and the cases without one were compared to confirm the cost benefits observable when the suggested model is added or implemented.
Hierarchical Clustering-Based Framework for Interconnected Power System Contingency Analysis
Authors: Hemad Bassam A. , Ibrahim Nader M. A. , Fayad Shereen A. , Talaat Hossam E. A.
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates a conceptual, theoretical framework for power system contingency analysis based on agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The security and integrity of modern power system networks have received considerable critical attention, and contingency analysis plays a vital role in assessing the adverse effects of losing a single element or more on the integrity of the power system network. However, the number of possible scenarios that should be investigated would be enormous, even for a small network. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are well known for their remarkable ability to deal with massive data. Rapid developments in AI have led to a renewed interest in its applications in many power system studies over the last decades. Hence, this paper addresses the application of the hierarchical clustering algorithm supported by principal component analysis (PCA) for power system contingency screening and ranking. The study investigates the hierarchy clustering under different clustering numbers and similarity measures. The performance of the developed framework has been evaluated using the IEEE 24-bus test system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed framework for contingency analysis.
A Heat Exchanger with Water Vapor Condensation on the External Surface of a Vertical Pipe
Authors: Kracík Petr , Toman Filip , Pospíšil Jiří , Kraml Stanislav
Published: August 2022

The paper is concerned with water vapor condensation on vertical pipes. The vertical position of pipes in a condenser is not discussed very often. Its application has a number of particularities in terms of the numerical determination of heat transfer. In the first stage of this paper, the authors focus on the experimental identification of heat transfer during vapor condensation on vertical pipes with a diameter of 14.0 × 1.0 mm. The pipes are placed in a narrow channel and the steam flows around them in a perpendicular direction. Two channel widths were tested, i.e., 20.0 and 24.0 mm. In the second stage, numerical modelling (CFD) is used for a detailed identification of the vapor velocity fields near the pipes. In the third stage, the results of the experimental measurements and numerical modelling are compared with data published by various authors. There are studies in the literature dealing with axial flow around vertical pipes; however, the associated results are based on conditions which are distinct from those applied in our study. The outcome of this paper is the specification of the heat transfer coefficient and the calculation formulas precisely describing the studied condenser configuration.
Principles of Magnetohydrodynamical Control of Internal and External Supersonic Flows
Authors: Lapushkina Tatiana
Published: August 2022

This paper demonstrates the possibility of active magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) control of supersonic flows containing shock waves. The shock wave configurations that occur at the inlet to a supersonic diffuser and in front of a streamlined semicylindrical model are used for the purpose of investigation. The impact is carried out by organizing local gas discharge regions when applying a magnetic field transverse to gas discharge currents. It has been shown that by changing the local region of application, the intensity and the direction of the gas discharge currents, it is possible to change the intensity and direction of the ponderomotive force acting on the gas flow during MHD interaction. The ponderomotive force control allows for acting locally on the shape and position of shock waves, the speed and direction of the flow, and the increase or reduction of pressure near the surface of the streamlined body. The experiments were carried out on a gas dynamic setup based on a shock tube in a gas dynamic path, capable of creating supersonic flows in a wide range of Mach numbers at M = 4–7. There was a possibility of organizing the electric and pulsed magnetic fields with an intensity of up to 1.5 T. The given experimental Schlieren flow patterns and the analysis of the obtained data demonstrate the MHD effect on: the change in the angle of inclination of the attached shocks, both into increase and decrease; the bow shock wave approaching the body or the removal from it; and the change in the aerodynamic drag and lift force of the streamlined bodies.
A Novel Control Strategy in Grid-Integrated Photovoltaic System for Power Quality Enhancement
Authors: Nkambule Mpho , Hasan Ali , Ali Ahmed , Shongwe Thokozani
Published: August 2022

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and utility grids has gradually gained significant interest in improving the sustainability of clean power supply for society. However, power quality remains a challenge due to partial shading conditions and harmonics. To overcome these drawbacks, a flexible radial movement optimization based on a dynamic safety perimeter maximum power point tracking algorithm is employed to track maximum power out of a PV system and to ensure that the optimum voltage level at the common DC bus is obtained under partial shading conditions using fixed-tilt installation configuration. Furthermore, a novel inverter control loop system with a double second order generalized integrator phase-locked loop (DSOGI-PLL) is also proposed to mitigate harmonics and improve the power quality of the grid interfacing PV system using MATLAB SIMULINK software. The proposed system has several merits, such as better harmonic suppression capability, control adaptivity, rapid tracking speed, low computational burden and phase and grid synchronization.
Effect of Altitude and Topography on Vegetation Phenological Changes in the Niubeiliang Nature Reserve of Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Deng Chenhui , Ma Xinping , Xie Meilin , Bai Hongying
Published: August 2022

Due to the fragility of the habitats in mountain nature reserves, the vegetation is extremely sensitive to climate change, and its phenological changes are more specific. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the effects of topography and climate on the vegetation phenology in mountain nature reserves. Based on the vegetation phenology data retrieved from MODIS EVI2 during 2000 to 2017, combined with temperature data, spatial trend analysis and correlation analysis methods were used to study the effects of topographic and climatic factors on vegetation phenology in the Niubeiliang Nature Reserve of the Qinling Mountains. The results showed that the GSS (growing season start) was advanced with a rate of 4.24 days/10a, and the rates in the northern and southern slopes were almost the same; the GSE (growing season end) was delayed with a rate of 3.29 days/10a, and the rate in the northern slope was faster; and the GSL (growing season length) was prolonged. There were seasonal differences and north–south differences in the effects of topography on the phenophase. The phenophase changed regularly with the increase in altitude. The higher the altitude, the more significant the effect. The steeper the slope, the later the GSS, the earlier the GSE, and the more significant its effect on the GSE. The aspect had little effect on GSS but a more significant effect on GSE, which was the latest on the sunny slope and the earliest on the zero slope. Temperature affected both the GSS advance and the GSE delay, and both had a time-lag effect of approximately 2–3 months. Its effect was more significant in the GSE, in the southern slopes, and in the high-altitude areas.
Effect of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Rooting on Soil Characteristics in a Deciduous Forest Affected by Sedimentation
Authors: Pitta-Osses Natalia , Centeri Csaba , Fehér Ádám , Katona Krisztián
Published: August 2022

Forest soils are shaped by various processes, like runoff, erosion, sedimentation and bioturbation. A better understanding of the interactions between abiotic and biotic soil-forming processes, including wild boar (Sus scrofa) rooting (i.e., subsurface foraging), enhances adequate management of forest ecosystems. We hypothesized that intense soil sedimentation influences wild boar rooting occurrence and that wild boars modify the outcome of the sedimentation process by redistributing soil layers. This study was conducted in the Babat Valley, Hungary. We estimated the availability of sedimented and non-sedimented patches and the occurrence of boar rooting. Surveys and samplings were done along transects, over consecutive months, where the impact of rooting on the physical and chemical characteristics of soil was measured by comparing them between control and rooted sites. We found that non-sedimented, steep areas were preferred areas for rooting. Sedimentation processes have a higher impact on soil chemical characteristics and soil layer composition than wild boar rooting. We conclude that mitigation of soil degradation can be more effective by reducing adverse abiotic processes rather than wild boar population control.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Slope on the Spread and Burning Characteristics of a Continuous Oil Spill Fire
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Huang Hong , Zhao Jinlong , Song Guangheng
Published: August 2022

Elucidating the characteristics of continuous oil spill fires for different slope conditions can provide important theoretical support for the prevention of, and rescue strategies during, oil spill fire accidents. For this research, we conducted experiments to observe the spread and burning process of continuous oil spill fires under different slope conditions. The changes in physical attributes, such as flame spread rate, burning rate, heat convection at the bottom surface, and flame feedback radiation, were analyzed for the different slope conditions. The results showed that the shrinking phase becomes difficult to see, and the steady phase disappears when the slope increases in the spread and burning process. When the slope increases, the spread speed and spread area increase, and burning rate decreases. Compared with a non-burning process, the resistance to spread decreases in the burning process. We show that the slope directly affects the spreading process, and indirectly affects the burning process.
On Energy Redistribution for the Nonlinear Parabolized Stability Equations Method
Authors: Khan Arham Amin , Liang Tony , Batista Armani , Kuehl Joseph
Published: August 2022

We identify and quantify a seemingly overlook mechanism for energy transfer between adjacent frequency disturbances in the Nonlinear Parabolized Stability Equations method. Physically, this energy transfer results from the finite-bandwidth nature of actual disturbance spectrums versus the common numerical assumption of a discrete spectrum representation. Both quiet wind tunnel and flight conditions are considered and it is found that, for Mack’s second-mode instability, the mechanism is most significant in the 0.1–1% disturbance amplitude range (based on normalized pressure) and is responsible for a 15–30% increase in predicted disturbance amplitude.
Conformal Satellite Tanks—Printed Plastics and Fluid Interactions
Authors: Bauer Alexander , Burnicki Alexander , Eßer Marco , Kesten Äantas , Manca Ermanno , Meyners Niklas , Kirsch Tim , Siebert Till , Stankovic Ana , Grefen Benedict , Stoll Enrico
Published: August 2022

Initial experiments in the design process of a novel 3D printed conformal propellant tank for small satellites are conducted. Contact angle measurements of static colored water droplets on printed PLA, PMMA, and PETG sample plates are performed. Additionally, the optical characteristics of transparent printed tanks of two to five millimeter wall thickness and with three illumination setups are evaluated. The results indicate that the influence of fluorescein as a colorant in the useful concentration only slightly affects the contact angle measurements. The combination of well scattered UV light and use the smallest possible wall thicknesses, on the order of two millimeters, made out of PLA provides the best visibility. These findings enable the development of a printed conformal tank design with an integrated PMD.
Effects of the Replacement of Pork Backfat with High Oleic Sunflower Oil on the Quality of the “Chorizo Zamorano” Dry Fermented Sausage
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Miriam , Martínez-Martín Iván , Vivar-Quintana Ana M. , Revilla Isabel
Published: August 2022

The “Chorizo Zamorano” dry fermented sausage is a traditional Spanish product which is highly appreciated by consumers. This paper studies the reformulation of this product in order to improve its lipid composition and its fatty acid profile and to reduce its fat content. To achieve this, the fat used in the production of the product was partially replaced with high oleic sunflower oil in proportions of 12.5%, 20%, and 50% of the total fat content. Proximate analysis, fatty acid profiles, lipid oxidation, and sensory analysis were studied. The replacement of fat with oil showed a significant effect on the evolution of the parameters analyzed during ripening in all cases. The batches with sunflower oil presented higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a similar amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to the control products. The replacement of up to 20% of oil showed no significant differences for most of the physicochemical and sensory parameters analyzed at the end of the ripening.
A Novel, Rapid Screening Technique for Sugar Syrup Adulteration in Honey Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Yan Sha , Sun Minghui , Wang Xuan , Shan Jihao , Xue Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

The adulteration of honey with different sugar syrups is common and difficult to detect. To ensure fair trade and protect the interests of apiarists, a rapid, simple and cost-effective detection method for adulterants in honey is needed. In this work, fluorescence emission spectra were obtained for honey and sugar syrups between 385 and 800 nm with excitation at 370 nm. We found substantial differences in the emission spectra between five types of honey and five sugar syrups and also found differences in their frequency doubled peak (FDP) intensity at 740 nm. The intensity of the FDP significantly declined (p < 0.01) when spiking honey with ≥10% sugar syrup. To validate this method, we tested 20 adulterant-positive honey samples and successfully identified 15 that were above the limit of detection. We propose that fluorescence spectroscopy could be broadly adopted as a cost-effective, rapid screening tool for sugar syrup adulteration of honey through characterization of emission spectra and the intensity of the FDP.
Nutraceuticals and Food-Grade Lipid Nanoparticles: From Natural Sources to a Circular Bioeconomy Approach
Authors: Blanco-Llamero Cristina , Fonseca Joel , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Santini Antonello , Señoráns Francisco J. , Souto Eliana B.
Published: August 2022

Nutraceuticals have gained increasing attention over the last years due to their potential value as therapeutic compounds formulated from natural sources. For instance, there is a wide range of literature about the cardioprotective properties of omega-3 lipids and the antioxidant value of some phenolic compounds, which are related to antitumoral activity. However, the value of nutraceuticals can be limited by their instability under gastric pH and intestinal fluids, their low solubility and absorption. That is why encapsulation is a crucial step in nutraceutical design. In fact, pharmaceutical nanotechnology improves nutraceutical stability and bioavailability through the design and production of efficient nanoparticles (NPs). Lipid nanoparticles protect the bioactive compounds from light and external damage, including the gastric and intestinal conditions, providing a retarded delivery in the target area and guaranteeing the expected therapeutic effect of the nutraceutical. This review will focus on the key aspects of the encapsulation of bioactive compounds into lipid nanoparticles, exploring the pharmaceutical production methods available for the synthesis of NPs containing nutraceuticals. Moreover, the most common nutraceuticals will be discussed, considering the bioactive compounds, their natural source and the described biological properties.
Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Pullulan Edible Films Enriched with Propolis Extract for Active Packaging
Authors: Gniewosz Małgorzata , Pobiega Katarzyna , Kraśniewska Karolina , Synowiec Alicja , Chaberek Marta , Galus Sabina
Published: August 2022

Active pullulan films with the addition of 3, 5 or 10% propolis extract produced by the casting method were tested in the study. Propolis extracts from Bochnia County, Siedlce County and Ełk County (Poland) were used. The appearance of the films was characterized, as well as physical parameters (thickness, moisture content, water solubility), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), optical characteristics (light transparency, UV barrier, color) and antifungal properties. The antifungal activity of the films was tested by the disc diffusion method against yeast (Candida albicans, C. krusei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and mold (Alternaria solani, Fusarium solani, Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. cladosporioides, Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium expansum, P. chrysogenum). The origin of propolis influenced the color and water solubility of the films. The addition of increasing concentrations of propolis extract increased the film thickness and the intensity of the yellow color, extended the water dissolution time of the film and reduced the values of TS and EB. The addition of propolis extract in the pullulan film improved UV radiation protection but decreased light transparency. The antifungal activity increased significantly with the increasing concentration of propolis extract in the film, regardless of the origin of propolis. Molds showed greater sensitivity to pullulan films containing propolis extract than yeasts. In general, films made of pullulan with the addition of propolis extract can be considered as natural active packaging to protect against the growth of fungi in food.
Technological Properties and Composition of Enzymatically Modified Cranberry Pomace
Authors: Jagelaviciute Jolita , Basinskiene Loreta , Cizeikiene Dalia , Syrpas Michail
Published: August 2022

Cranberry pomace obtained after juice production is a good source of dietary fiber and other bioactive compounds. In this study, cranberry pomace was hydrolyzed with Viscozyme® L, Pectinex® Ultra Tropical, Pectinex® Yieldmash Plus, and Celluclast® 1.5L (Novozyme A/S, Denmark). The soluble and insoluble dietary fiber was determined using the Megazyme kit, while the changes in mono-, disaccharide and oligosaccharides’ contents were determined using HPLC-RI; the total phenolic contents were determined by Folin−Ciocalteu’s Assay. Prebiotic activity, using two probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 20079 and Bifidobacterium animalis DSM 20105, was investigated. The technological properties, such as hydration and oil retention capacity, were evaluated. The enzymatic treatment increased the yield of short-chain soluble saccharides. The highest oligosaccharide content was obtained using Viscozyme® L and Pectinex® Ultra Tropical. All of the tested extracts of cranberry pomace showed the ability to promote growth of selected probiotic bacteria. The insoluble dietary fiber content decreased in all of the samples, while the soluble dietary fiber increased just in samples hydrolyzed with Celluclast® 1.5L. The highest content of total phenolic compounds was obtained using Viscozyme® L and Pectinex® Ultra Tropical (10.9% and 13.1% higher than control, respectively). The enzymatically treated cranberry pomace exhibited lower oil and water retention capacities in most cases. In contrast, water swelling capacity increased by 23% and 70% in samples treated with Viscozyme® L and Celluclast® 1.5L, respectively. Enzymatically treated cranberry pomace has a different composition and technological properties depending on the enzyme used for hydrolysis and can be used in various novel food products.
Physicochemical, Pasting Properties and In Vitro Starch Digestion of Chinese Yam Flours as Affected by Microwave Freeze-Drying
Authors: Li Linlin , Chen Junliang , Bai Danqi , Xu Mengshuo , Cao Weiwei , Ren Guangyue , Ren Aiqing , Duan Xu
Published: August 2022

Microwave freeze-drying (MFD) is a new freeze-drying technique, which differs from single microwave treatment; it involves simultaneous effects of microwave power, time, and the moisture state applied to the materials. In this study, the effects of MFD under various microwave power densities (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 W/g) on the drying characteristics of Chinese yam slices and the physicochemical, pasting, and thermal properties as well as the starch digestibility of the flour were investigated using conventional hot air drying (HAD) at 50 °C as a control. Compared to HAD, MFD shortened the drying time up to 14.29~35.71%, with a higher drying efficiency at a high microwave power density (1.5 W/g). MFD yam flours provided benefits over HAD products in terms of color, water/oil absorption capacity, and solubility, exhibiting high hot-paste viscosity but low resistant starch content. The content of total starch and free glucose of the yam flour and its iodine blue value were significantly influenced by the drying method and the MFD process parameters (p < 0.05). MFD processing could disrupt the short-range ordered structure of yam starch. Among the MFD flours, samples dried by MFD at 1.5 W/g presented the highest ratio of peak intensity at 1047 and 1022 cm−1 (R1047/1022) value, gelatinization enthalpy, and resistant starch content. These results gave a theoretical foundation for the novel freeze-drying method that MFD applied to foods with a high starch content, enabling the production of a product with the desired quality.
The Sensory-Directed Elucidation of the Key Tastants and Odorants in Sourdough Bread Crumb
Authors: Amann Laura Sophie , Frank Oliver , Dawid Corinna , Hofmann Thomas Frank
Published: August 2022

Sourdough bread is highly enjoyed for its exceptional flavor. In contrast to bread crust, which has been investigated intensively, the knowledge on bread crumb is rather fragmentary. In this study, the taste-active compounds of sourdough bread crumb were identified and quantified. By means of recombination experiments and omission tests, the authentic flavor signature of sourdough rye bread crumb was decoded and recreated with ten key tastants and eleven key odorants. Based on the final taste and aroma recombinants, a fast and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method using stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) was developed and validated. Due to prior derivatization using 3-nitrophenylhydrazine (3-NPH), key tastants and odorants in bread crumb could be quantified simultaneously in a single UHPLC run. The identified key flavor compounds in combination with the developed UHPLC-MS/MS method could offer the scientific basis for a knowledge-based optimization of the taste and odor of sourdough bread.
USA Carbon Footprints of Grills, by Fuel & Grill Type, 2022–27
Authors: Johnson Eric , Gafford Alex
Published: August 2022

Grill-specific footprints for common fuel/grill types in the USA have been estimated from public information and data from a major grill manufacturer. In 2022, grill-specific footprints vary by a ratio of 9:1. A typical gas grill has the highest footprint; a wood-pellet grill is lowest; charcoal briquettes, electricity and super-efficient gas grills come in-between those two. Efficiency varies greatly for gas (natural gas or propane) grills: a typical gas grill has twice the footprint of a super-efficient one. In 2027, the footprint rankings could change considerably from 2022. With biofuel substitution, the super-efficient gas grill would move ahead of pellets. Electricity and charcoal could improve but would still place fifth and sixth. The range of grill-specific footprints could fall to 4.5:1, and within a much-lower range. The highest footprint in 2027 is almost 60% lower than 2022′s highest.
Biological Thermal Performance of Organic and Inorganic Aerogels as Patches for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Ferreira-Gonçalves Tânia , Iglesias-Mejuto Ana , Linhares Teresa , Coelho João M. P. , Vieira Pedro , Faísca Pedro , Catarino José , Pinto Pedro , Ferreira David , Ferreira Hugo A. , Gaspar Maria Manuela , Durães Luísa , García-González Carlos A. , Reis Catarina Pinto
Published: August 2022

Aerogels are materials with unique properties, among which are low density and thermal conductivity. They are also known for their exquisite biocompatibility and biodegradability. All these features make them attractive for biomedical applications, such as their potential use in photothermal therapy (PTT). This technique is, yet, still associated with undesirable effects on surrounding tissues which emphasizes the need to minimize the exposure of healthy regions. One way to do so relies on the use of materials able to block the radiation and the heat generated. Aerogels might be potentially useful for this purpose by acting as insulators. Silica- and pectin-based aerogels are reported as the best inorganic and organic thermal insulators, respectively; thus, the aim of this work relies on assessing the possibility of using these materials as light and thermal insulators and delimiters for PTT. Silica- and pectin-based aerogels were prepared and fully characterized. The thermal protection efficacy of the aerogels when irradiated with a near-infrared laser was assessed using phantoms and ex vivo grafts. Lastly, safety was assessed in human volunteers. Both types presented good textural properties and safe profiles. Moreover, thermal activation unveils the better performance of silica-based aerogels, confirming the potential of this material for PTT.
Facile Synthesis of Sustainable Tannin/Sodium Alginate Composite Hydrogel Beads for Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue
Authors: Gao Jie , Li Zhenzhen , Wang Ziwen , Chen Tao , Hu Guowen , Zhao Yuan , Han Xiaobing
Published: August 2022

To meet the requirement of sustainable development, bio-based adsorbents were developed for the removal of dye contaminant. To improve the adsorption capacity of pure sodium alginate (SA) adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB), aromatic bio-based tannin (Tan) was incorporated through the cross-linking with calcium ion. The obtained Tan/SA composite hydrogel beads were characterized with SEM, FTIR and TG, demonstrating that millimeter-sized beads were obtained through calcium cross-linking with enhanced thermal stability. The maximum capacity (247.2 mg/g) at optimal condition (pH = 12, T = 45 °C) was obtained for the 40%Tan/SA adsorbents, with a removal efficiency of 82.4%. This can be ascribed to the electrostatic attraction between SA and MB, as well as the formation of π–π stacking between Tan and MB. The adsorption process for MB is endothermic, and chemical adsorption, the removal efficiency was exceeded 90% after five cycles.
LTBP4, SPP1, and CD40 Variants: Genetic Modifiers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Analyzed in Serbian Patients
Authors: Kosac Ana , Pesovic Jovan , Radenkovic Lana , Brkusanin Milos , Radovanovic Nemanja , Djurisic Marina , Radivojevic Danijela , Mladenovic Jelena , Ostojic Slavica , Kovacevic Gordana , Kravljanac Ruzica , Savic Pavicevic Dusanka , Milic Rasic Vedrana
Published: August 2022

Background: Clinical course variability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is partially explained by the mutation location in the DMD gene and variants in modifier genes. We assessed the effect of the SPP1, CD40, and LTBP4 genes and DMD mutation location on loss of ambulation (LoA). Methods: SNPs in SPP1-rs28357094, LTBP4-rs2303729, rs1131620, rs1051303, rs10880, and CD40-rs1883832 were genotyped, and their effect was assessed by survival and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Patients on glucocorticoid corticosteroid (GC) therapy experienced LoA one year later (p = 0.04). The modifying effect of SPP1 and CD40 variants, as well as LTBP4 haplotypes, was not observed using a log-rank test and multivariant Cox regression analysis. Cluster analysis revealed two subgroups with statistical trends in differences in age at LoA. Almost all patients in the cluster with later LoA had the protective IAAM LTBP4 haplotype and statistically significantly fewer CD40 genotypes with harmful T allele and “distal” DMD mutations. Conclusions: The modifying effect of SPP1, CD40, and LTBP4 was not replicated in Serbian patients, although our cohort was comparable in terms of its DMD mutation type distribution, SNP allele frequencies, and GC-positive effect with other European cohorts. Cluster analysis may be able to identify patient subgroups carrying a combination of the genetic variants that modify LoA.
“What Would the Mushrooms Say?” Speculating Inclusive and Optimistic Futures with Nature as Teacher
Authors: Reade Julia
Published: August 2022

When approached through the theoretical lenses of canonical literature and the reductionist Western science of settler colonialism, climate crisis discourse grapples with a conception of apocalypse wherein catastrophe and hopelessness engender eco-anxiety and a sense of environmental nihilism. Drawing from the works of Jessica Hernandez, Sherri Mitchell, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and others, “What Would the Mushrooms Say?”, both as a class and concept, envisions a healing-centered, interdisciplinary approach to climate discourse in learning spaces, one that centers the theoretical and practical applications of an Indigenous science and mythology to flip the dominant narratives we tell about the dystopic dead ends of climate change, extinctions, anthropocentric hierarchies, and other events predictive of end times. Instead of only reckoning with white settler colonialism’s false promises of technocratic off-planet societies, students interact with a multiplicity of apocalypses and possibilities found in Indigenous cosmologies, mythologies, epistemologies, and speculative fiction of Indigenous, Indigequeer, queer writers of color, and the natural world. Posited as an exemplar text, Amanda Strong’s animated short film Biidaaban is discussed in terms of its instructional potential and depiction of Indigenous ways of relating, as kin, to human and nonhuman alike when speculating about futurity. “What Would the Mushrooms Say?” calls for slowing down and embracing the natural world as a teacher from whom we learn and speculate alongside. It suggests as a lifelong practice ways of relating to our planet and engaging with the climate discourse that interrupt a legacy of white settler colonialist eco-theorizing and action determined to dominate and subdue the natural world. In conclusion, this project documents the emergence of students’ shifting perspectives and their explorations of newfound possibilities within learning spaces where constructive hope rather than despair dominates climate discourse.
Women Who Leave: Uprooting and Return in Galician Literature
Authors: Vilavedra Dolores
Published: August 2022

The article considers the literary treatment of emigration in Galician fiction, through a review of the most recent work in the field. It looks in particular at the role of women (both authors and characters) and relates approaches here to the changes that have arisen as a result of Galician migratory flows over recent decades. It seeks to show how narrative fiction, a genre highly sensitive to social change, has the capacity to identify phenomena still barely visible in statistical accounts, and to act as a space for the re-signification of new individual and collective identities that are currently emerging within the context of globalization, thus contributing to the opening up of new possibilities relating to the kind of society that we want to become in the future.
Patient Management in the Emergency Department during a COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Robakowska Marlena , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Pogorzelczyk Katarzyna , Synoweć Joanna , Ślęzak Daniel , Robakowski Piotr , Rzońca Patryk , Prędkiewicz Paweł
Published: August 2022

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international action has been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department utilization patterns in Poland. It was established that age (among COVID-19 positive patients) has a large influence on the occurrence of a mental illness or disorder. It has been proven that the older the person (patients diagnosed with U07.1), the more often mental diseases/disorders are diagnosed (p = 0.009–0.044). Gender decides the course of hospitalization to the disadvantage of men (p = 0.022). Men diagnosed with U07.1 stay much longer in specialized long-term care units. Lower-aged patients have a shorter hospitalization time (up to the age of 29; p = 0.017). The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare systems, their staff, and their patients in an unprecedented situation. Our study showed changes in the number and characteristics of patients visiting the ED during COVID-19. Despite the shift in the center of gravity of health system functioning to the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, care must be taken to ensure that uninfected patients have access to treatment for cardiovascular, mental health, oncological, and other diseases.
An Integrated Cost Model Based on Real Patient Flow: Exploring Surgical Hospitalization
Authors: Vieira Bruno Barbosa , da Cunha Reis Augusto , de Paiva Loures Alan , Plácido Eliel Carlos Rosa , de Sousa Fernanda Ferreira
Published: August 2022

Considering the gap observed in studies on health costs, this article aims to propose a cost calculation model for surgical hospitalization. A systematic literature review using PRISMA was conducted to map cost drivers adopted in similar studies and provide theoretical background. Based on the review, an integrated model considering real patient flow was developed using CHEERS guidelines. The micro-costing top-down method was adopted to develop the cost model allowing a balance between the accuracy of the information and the feasibility of the cost estimate. The proposed model fills two gaps in the literature: the standardization of a cost model and the ability to assess a vast number of different surgery costs in the same hospital. Flexibility stands out as an important advantage of the proposed model, as its application enables evaluation of elective and urgent surgeries of medium and high complexity performed in public and private hospitals. As a limitation, the hospital should have hospital information and cost systems implemented. The proposed cost model can provide important information that can result in better decision making. This becomes more relevant in public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which faces a lack of resources and whose positive effects can improve healthcare.
Dose–Response Association between Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in General Population: A Population-Based Pooled Study
Authors: Alzahrani Hosam
Published: August 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the dose–response association between moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within the context of a large representative national survey from Wales, in the UK. Methods: Data for adults aged 16 years and older, living in Wales, UK, and participating in the Welsh Health Survey (WHS; 2011–2015) were employed. HRQoL was assessed using the 36-item short form (SF-36). Participants were categorized into six groups based on weekly minutes (min/week) of MVPA variable: none (no MVPA); very low (>0 to <90); low (≥90 to <150); sufficient (150 to <300); high (≥300 to <390); and very high (≥390). The association between MVPA and HRQoL was explored using multiple linear regression and generalized linear models. Results: Of the 74,578 adults in the survey cohort, 67,770 adults were included in the analyses. The results showed consistent direct curvilinear associations between MVPA and HRQoL for all SF-36 domains (p < 0.001), in both the minimally and maximally adjusted models; with the highest scores observed for those meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines (sufficient, high, and very high). The scores of the overall HRQoL and SF-36 domains demonstrated a consistent positive gradient from the very low level to the sufficient level, suggesting a dose–response relationship. Conclusions: The results showed a direct curvilinear association between MVPA and the overall HRQoL and SF-36 domains, with better scores observed for those meeting the recommended guidelines.
Effects of Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students’ Intention to Join the Nursing Workforce: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hsu Pei-Ti , Ho Ya-Fang
Published: August 2022

Nursing education programs were interrupted and largely moved online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore Taiwanese nursing students’ perspectives on online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether changes in teaching models have affected their intention to join the nursing workforce. A multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted. Nursing students at universities and those at 5-year junior colleges were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey. A total of 687 students responded to the questionnaire. The results were analyzed using percentages, mean ranks, and nonparametric methods. The results showed that 78.6% of the students agreed that online teaching was more flexible; most students stated that technical problems with computer equipment and stability of the network were large challenges that impeded online teaching. Furthermore, up to 64.8% of the students considered that online courses had affected their preparations for future nursing jobs, especially in terms of a lack of proficiency in nursing skills and inadequacy in actual interactions with patients. Online teaching is a powerful tool for nursing education, but a thoughtful strategy and more proactive approach are necessary to overcome the existing challenges for online teaching.
The Effect of Music-Based Intervention on General Cognitive and Executive Functions, and Episodic Memory in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ito Erika , Nouchi Rui , Dinet Jerome , Cheng Chia-Hsiung , Husebø Bettina Sandgathe
Published: August 2022

Background: Music-based intervention has been used as first-line non-pharmacological treatment to improve cognitive function for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in clinical practice. However, evidence regarding the effect of music-based intervention on general cognitive function as well as subdomains of cognitive functions in these individuals is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of music-based interventions on a wide range of cognitive functions in people with MCI or dementia. Method: We searched the effect of various music therapies using randomized controlled trials on cognitive function using several databases. Studies based on any type of dementia or MCI were combined. The effects of music-based intervention on each cognitive function were pooled by meta-analysis. Results: A total of 19 studies involving n = 1024 participants (mean age ranged from 60 to 87 years old) were included. We found statistically significant improvements in MMSE (general cognitive function), the Frontal Assessment Battery (executive function), and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (episodic memory). Conclusions: This study provides positive evidence to support music-based interventions for improving a wide range of cognitive functions in older adults with MCI and dementia. Therefore, we recommend increased use of music in people’s homes, day care centers and nursing homes. This study was registered with PROSPERO, number 250383.
Exploiting HBIM for Historical Mud Architecture: The Huaca Arco Iris in Chan Chan (Peru)
Authors: Colosi Francesca , Malinverni Eva Savina , Leon Trujillo Francisco James , Pierdicca Roberto , Orazi Roberto , Di Stefano Francesco
Published: August 2022

The construction technique of raw earth, which has always been in use in most of the world, has left large monuments or architectural complexes to cultural heritage that need special attention due to the notable vulnerability of the material. A convenient way to deal this threat, besides physical intervention, is by using an information system, such as HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling), as a tool for damage assessment and conservation planning. This paper reports on its application in an archaeological setting, in particular, on the Huaca Arco Iris, a religious building of the old city of Chan Chan (Peru), the largest monumental complex in mud on the American continent. The study is part of the bilateral international project between the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC) in the use of HBIM for the prediction of possible natural or anthropogenic damages to buildings in raw mud. Exploiting the data coming from the direct and indirect analyses, a dedicated ontology is built to guide the management of these data within the information system. The creation of an HBIM system for the archaeological domain, based on the trinomial data–information–knowledge, is presented and validated. Following this approach, a customizable HBIM has been created with the 3D model of the spatial entities of the Huaca. As a result, the semantic relationship of an external wall, taken as the benchmark test of our experiment, with the contained bas-relief and the conservation cover is tested.
The Impact of Insect-Proof Screen on Microclimate, Reference Evapotranspiration and Growth of Chinese Flowering Cabbage in Arid and Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Wen Jiangli , Ning Songrui , Wei Xiaoming , Guo Wenzhong , Sun Weituo , Zhang Tao , Wang Lichun
Published: August 2022

Despite the steadily increasing area under protected agriculture there is a current lack of knowledge about the effects of the insect-proof screen (IPS) on microclimate and crop water requirements in arid and semi-arid regions. Field experiments were conducted in two crop cycles in Ningxia of Northwest China to study the impact of IPS on microclimate, reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and growth of Chinese Flowering Cabbage (CFC). The results showed that IPS could appreciably improve the microclimate of the CFC field in the two crop cycles. During the first crop cycle (C1), compared with no insect-proof screen (NIPS) treatment, the total solar radiation and daily wind speed under the IPS treatment were reduced by 5.73% and 88.73%. IPS increased the daily average air humidity, air, and soil temperature during C1 by 11.84%, 15.11% and 10.37%, respectively. Furthermore, the total solar radiation and daily wind speed under the IPS treatment during the second crop cycle (C2) were markedly decreased by 20.45% and 95.73%, respectively. During C2, the daily average air temperature and air humidity under the IPS treatment were increased slightly, whereas the daily average soil temperature was decreased by 4.84%. Compared with NIPS treatment, the ET0 under the IPS treatment during C1 and C2 was decreased by 6.52% and 21.20%, respectively, suggesting it had great water-saving potential when using IPS. The plant height, leaf number and leaf circumference of CFC under the IPS treatment were higher than those under the NIPS treatment. The yield under the IPS treatment was significantly increased by 36.00% and 108.92% in C1 and C2, respectively. Moreover, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was significantly improved under the IPS treatment in the two crop cycles. Therefore, it is concluded that IPS can improve microclimate, reduce ET0, and increase crop yield and IWUE in arid and semi-arid areas of Northwest China.
Long Term (1998–2019) Changes in Water Quality Parameters as a Function of Freshwater Inflow in a River–Bay Continuum
Authors: Paudel Bhanu , Brown Lori M.
Published: August 2022

Freshwater inflow is important in transporting nutrients to a bay. We hypothesized that freshwater inflow was transporting dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus to the Inland Bays. We analyzed long term (1998–2019) water quality data collected from Indian River, Indian River Bay, Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, Little Assawoman Bay, and Rehoboth Bay watersheds. Freshwater inflow altered nitrite+nitrate (N-NO2_3) concentrations in all but Lewes-Rehoboth Canal watershed, whereas phosphate (P-PO4) concentrations in all watersheds were altered by freshwater inflow and metabolic processes in the water. The average N-NO2_3 and P-PO4 were higher than the standard (0.14 and 0.01 mg/L for N-NO2_3+N-NH3 and P-PO4, respectively) for growing seasons (March–October) i.e., 0.83 + 0.14 and 0.09 mg/L in Indian River; 0.79 + 0.10 and 0.06 mg/L in Indian River Bay; 0.21 + 0.15 and 0.09 mg/L in Lewes-Rehoboth Canal; 0.49 + 0.10 and 0.11 mg/L in Little Assawoman Bay; 1.0 + 0.08 and 0.06 mg/L in Rehoboth Bay. Average total suspended solids in the Indian River (33), Indian River Bay (22), and Lewes-Rehoboth Canal (31) were higher than the standard concentrations, i.e., 20 mg/L for the Inland Bays. With the evidence of higher dissolved nutrients and low dissolved oxygen concentrations, need for nutrient load reduction and water quality monitoring are paramount for the sustainable management of Inland Bays.