bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Grid-Connected Wind Turbine Generators
Authors: Behabtu Henok Ayele , Coosemans Thierry , Berecibar Maitane , Fante Kinde Anlay , Kebede Abraham Alem , Mierlo Joeri Van , Messagie Maarten
Published: October 2021

The risk of oscillation of grid-connected wind turbine generators (WTGs) is well known, making it all the more important to understand the characteristics of different WTGs and analyze their performance so that the problems’ causes are identified and resolved. While many studies have evaluated the performance of grid-connected WTGs, most lack clarity and precision in the modeling and simulation techniques used. Moreover, most of the literature focuses on a single mode of operation of WTGs to analyze their performances. Therefore, this paper updates the literature by considering the different operating conditions for WTGs. Using MATLAB/SIMULINK it expands the evaluation to the full range of vulnerabilities of WTGs: from the wind turbine to grid connection. A network representing grid-connected squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) and doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbines are selected for simulation. The performances of SCIG and DFIG wind turbines are evaluated in terms of their energy generation capacity during constant rated wind speed, variable wind speed, and ability of fault-ride through during dynamic system transient operating conditions. The simulation results show the performance of DFIG is better than SCIG in terms of its energy generation capacity during variable wind speed conditions and active and reactive power control capability during steady-state and transient operating conditions. As a result, DFIG wind turbine is more suitable for large-scale wind power plants connected to weak utility grid applications than SCIG.
Effects of Incorporating Rail Transport into a Zero-Emission Urban Deliveries System: Application of Light Freight Railway (LFR) Electric Trains
Authors: Pietrzak Krystian , Pietrzak Oliwia , Montwiłł Andrzej
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses the issue of incorporating rail transport into an urban delivery system. Its main purpose was to identify the possibilities of utilising rail transport in a Zero-emission Urban Delivery System (ZUDS) by applying Light Freight Railway (LFR) electric trains. The study applied the following research methods: literature review, observation, case study, and mathematical computations. In order to estimate the volume of transport external costs reduction resulting from shifting urban deliveries from road to rail transport in the city of Szczecin, the EU methodology was applied to specify the amounts of external costs generated by individual modes and means of transport. The research study showed that application of LFR electric trains makes it possible to significantly reduce external costs generated by transport. Moreover, this solution may have an impact on developing Clean Transport Zones (CTZs) and may also contribute to expansion of the ZUDS. The research study results also provide grounds to conclude that application of the LFR system makes it possible to reduce negative effects generated by Urban Freight Transport (UFT) and to achieve a coherent zero-emission system for handling cargo and passenger flows in cities, which consequently contributes to achieving electromobility goals in transport.
Characteristics of Biogas Production from Organic Wastes Mixed at Optimal Ratios in an Anaerobic Co-Digestion Reactor
Authors: Song Young-Ju , Oh Kyung-Su , Lee Beom , Pak Dae-Won , Cha Ji-Hwan , Park Jun-Gyu
Published: October 2021

This study determined the optimal mixing ratio of food waste and livestock manure for efficient co-digestion of sewage sludge by applying the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test, Design Expert software, and continuous reactor operation. The BMP test of sewage sludge revealed a maximum methane yield of 334 mL CH4/g volatile solids (VS) at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 4 kg VS/(m3·d). For food waste, the maximum methane yield was 573 mL CH4/g VS at an OLR of 6 kg VS/(m3·d). Livestock manure showed the lowest methane yield. The BMP tests with various mixing ratios confirmed that a higher mixing ratio of food waste resulted in a higher methane yield, which showed improved biodegradability and an improved VS removal rate. The optimal mixing ratio of 2:1:1 for sewage sludge, food waste, and livestock manure was determined using Design Expert 10. Using continuous co-digestion reactor operation under an optimal mixing ratio, greater organic matter removal and methane yield was possible. The process stability of co-digestion of optimally mixed substrate was improved compared with that of operations with each substrate alone. Therefore, co-digestion could properly maintain the balance of each stage of anaerobic digestion reactions by complementing the characteristics of each substrate under a higher OLR.
Cost Assessment of a Tokamak Fusion Reactor with an Inventive Method for Optimum Build Determination
Authors: Jo Gahyung , Kwon Jae-Min , Cho Ara , Chung Hyun-Kyung , Hong Bong-Guen
Published: October 2021

An inventive method was applied to determine the minimum major radius, R0, and the optimum build of a tokamak fusion reactor that simultaneously meets all physics, engineering, and neutronics constraints. With a simple cost model, tokamak systems analyses were carried out over ranges of system parameters to find an optimum build of a tokamak fusion reactor at minimum cost. The impact of a wide range of physics parameters and advanced engineering elements on costs were also addressed. When a central solenoid was used to ramp up a plasma current, design solutions with a cost of electricity (COE) between 109 and 140 mills/kWh, direct capital cost between 5000 and 6000 M/USD, and net electric power, Pe between 1000 and 1600 MW could be found with a minimum R0 between 6.0 and 7.0 m, and fusion power, Pfusion between 2000 and 2800 MW. When the plasma current was driven by a non-inductive external system, the system size and costs could be reduced further; a COE between 98 and 130 mills/kWh, direct capital cost between 4000 and 5000 M$, and Pe between 1000 and 1420 MW could be found with a minimum R0 between 5.1 and 6.7 m, and Pfusion between 2000 and 2650 MW.
The Knowledge Based Agricultural Bioeconomy: A Bibliometric Network Analysis
Authors: Papadopoulou Christina-Ioanna , Loizou Efstratios , Melfou Katerina , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios
Published: October 2021

The last ten years have witnessed an increase in publications focusing on bioeconomy as a proposal to confront the global challenges of climate change, depletion of non-renewable resources and ecosystem degradation. This paper investigates the scientific literature on issues related agricultural bioeconomy by applying a bibliometric network analysis. Bibliometric analysis is applied to the publications of the Scopus database during the period 2010–2020 in order to provide an overview of the main aspects that characterize agricultural bioeconomy. The results showed that out of a total of 1100 scientific papers, only 2.45% were published in 2010, while the corresponding share in 2020 was 20.81%. In the five years of 2016–2020, cumulatively, 70.63% of the publications were made, showing the dynamic evolution of bioeconomy. In addition, out of 85 countries in total, Germany and Italy are the two countries with most publications, while the fragmentation of research is evident with the creation of two main nodes, the European and the American. Moreover, keyword analysis showed that biomass and sustainability are two main recurring concepts, confirming that, currently, bioeconomy operates at three different levels: energy demand, land demand, and governance. It is apparent that to boost the development of agricultural bioeconomy, the following aspects should be assessed: the effective use of resources, an understanding of the key drivers of agricultural bioeconomy, and a clear perception of their associations. There is still no consensus as to which are the key factors that will accelerate its sustainable development. Our pursuit is to use the tools of bibliometric analysis to reach more critical conclusions regarding the agricultural bioeconomy, rather than approach it in a static way.
Analysis of Selected Operating States of the Line Start Synchronous Reluctance Motor Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Idziak Paweł , Kowalski Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

The article presents the results of work on an effective numerical study of selected transient states of a low-power electrical machine. The object of detailed research was a synchronized squirrel-cage induction motor. Its ability to work at a synchronous speed was enabled by obtaining reluctance torque, caused by an imposed asymmetry between the direct and quadrature reluctances of the rotor. The difference between the reluctances was achieved by changing the rotor geometry by milling additional deep grooves. The modifications of the rotor did not damage the continuity of the rotor cage. Imposed lots were arranged symmetrically around the rotor circumference. In order to study the performance of the modified motor, a parameterized, numerical model of the machine was developed to evaluate the impact of the geometry of the slots. The developed three dimensional (3D) model of the electromagnetic phenomena in the studied magnetic circuit employs the finite element method (FEM). The model takes into account the saturation of the machine’s magnetic circuit and the skew of the rotor cage bars as well as the mechanical equilibrium of the terrain system including the moment of inertia and frictional torque in the bearings as well as the load torque resulting from the operation of the internal fan. The simulation study concerned the starting process of the machine under different values of the load. The influence of the supply voltage phase angle at the moment of start-up and the initial position of the rotor in relation to the stator was investigated. In order to calibrate the model, tests of the physical object were performed. The corrections introduced concerned the magnetization characteristics of the magnetic circuit. The results obtained confirm the correctness of the adopted strategy of testing the operational properties of the considered engine.
Households’ Electrical Energy Conservation and Management: An Ecological Break-Through, or the Same Old Consumption-Growth Path?
Authors: Bohdanowicz Zbigniew , Łopaciuk-Gonczaryk Beata , Kowalski Jarosław , Biele Cezary
Published: October 2021

We examine the motivations behind the electrical energy conservation and smart management at households to verify whether we are observing an ecological breakthrough, or a mere continuation of the well-trodden consumption-growth path. We conducted an online survey in France, Spain, Italy, and Denmark (n = 3200) on the subject of electricity use and generation. We utilized a generalized structural equation model to simultaneously test the direct reasons behind different energy-use behaviors and intentions, as well as their motivating factors. Measures to conserve electrical energy and install renewable energy equipment are not solely driven by ecological concerns; a crucial role is played by openness to new technologies, which correlates with high financial status. Saving electrical energy and new-tech eagerness go hand-in-hand with attachment to consumption and comfort. Social environment is relevant, as it allows users to converse about electricity saving with friends, and to observe their habits. Individuals may aim not to consume less energy, but to enhance their standards of living by economizing energy to fund other purchases, which limits the reduction in carbon footprint. Increasing the popularity of energy-saving solutions, therefore, might prove insufficient in the face of environmental threats and the challenges of transforming the energy market.
A Study of the Human Factor in Industry 4.0 Based on the Automotive Industry
Authors: Ligarski Mariusz J. , Rożałowska Barbara , Kalinowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2021

Human factor plays an important role in the implementation of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). The concept of Industry 4.0 is poorly researched, particularly the social aspect. The authors have conducted a study to determine the level of preparation of employees for the introduction of technological changes. This study involved conducting a survey on a sample of 453 employees based in four organizations within the automotive industry. The respondents were thereafter divided into groups based on age and positions held. The employees’ knowledge of the Industry 4.0 technology was examined, and their openness to change and readiness to increase competence was determined. A causal relationship was found between knowledge and trust in technology. Employees’ fears associated with production automation were discussed. A group of production workers was found to be the least prepared to implement technology changes. Actions to improve the situation and potential consequences of inadequate implementation of this technology were indicated. The findings from this study were compared with the results obtained in other countries. Special attention was paid to the limitations of this study, and we identified the necessity to conduct international comparative research on small, medium and large enterprises.
Design and Performance Investigation of a Pilot Micro-Grid in the Mediterranean: MCAST Case Study
Authors: Jately Vibhu , V. Balaji Venkateswaran , Azzopardi Stefan , Azzopardi Brian
Published: October 2021

This paper discusses the simulation framework developed for an in-campus pilot micro-grid at MCAST, Malta, to enhance its efficiency and reliability. One year of real-time metered data were used to arrive at the load curves, categorize the loads as essential and non-essential ones, and decide the micro-grid domain within MCAST. The potential scenarios were modeled to observe the behavior of the present status of the micro-grid, with an increased photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity, by using an optimum battery storage system with a diesel generator of suitable capacity and finally integrating electric vehicles (EVs) to discuss the potential of vehicle to grid (V2G) operation modes. The existing building management system (BMS) of MCAST was interfaced within the micro-grid to introduce the geographic information system (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for developing an intelligent 3D model of the micro-grid. The results of the simulation framework for various potential case scenarios were obtained in a MATLAB/Simulink environment to assess the performance of the micro-grid. Previously formulated key performance indices (KPIs) that describe the financial aspects of micro-grid operation and ecological benefits of the investigated micro-grid were evaluated. A sensitivity analysis of these KPIs shows encouraging results with the potential of cost-competitiveness.
Design and Analysis of Advanced Nonoverlapping Winding Induction Machines for EV/HEV Applications
Authors: Gundogdu Tayfun , Zhu Zi-Qiang , Mipo Jean-Claude
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a detailed analysis and design guidelines for advanced nonoverlapping winding induction machines (AIMs) with coil-pitch of two slot-pitches by considering some vital empirical rules and flux-weakening characteristics. The aim of the study is to develop a type of new winding and stator topology for induction machines (IMs) that will lead to a decrease in total axial length without sacrificing torque, power, and efficiency. The key performance characteristics of the improved AIMs are investigated by 2D time-stepping finite element analysis (FEA) and compared with those of IMs having fractional and conventional overlapping and nonoverlapping windings. Compared with the conventional overlapping winding counterpart of the AIM, a ~25% shorter axial length without sacrificing torque, output power, and efficiency is achieved. In addition, the influences of major design parameters, such as stator slot, rotor slot and pole numbers, stack length, number of turns per phase, machine geometric parameters, etc., on the flux-weakening characteristics are investigated. It has been concluded that the major design parameters have a considerable effect on the electromagnetic performance. However, among those parameters, the influences of pole number and stack length together with the number of turns on flux-weakening characteristics are significant.
Modern Solution for Fast and Accurate Inventorization of Open-Pit Mines by the Active Remote Sensing Technique—Case Study of Mikoszów Granite Mine (Lower Silesia, SW Poland)
Authors: Wajs Jaroslaw , Trybała Paweł , Górniak-Zimroz Justyna , Krupa-Kurzynowska Joanna , Kasza Damian
Published: October 2021

Mining industry faces new technological and economic challenges which need to be overcome in order to raise it to a new technological level in accordance with the ideas of Industry 4.0. Mining companies are searching for new possibilities of optimizing and automating processes, as well as for using digital technology and modern computer software to aid technological processes. Every stage of deposit management requires mining engineers, geologists, surveyors, and environment protection specialists who are involved in acquiring, storing, processing, and sharing data related to the parameters describing the deposit, its exploitation and the environment. These data include inter alia: geometries of the deposit, of the excavations, of the overburden and of the mined mineral, borders of the support pillars and of the buffer zones, mining advancements with respect to the set borders, effects of mining activities on the ground surface, documentation of landslide hazards and of the impact of mining operations on the selected elements of the environment. Therefore, over the life cycle of a deposit, modern digital technological solutions should be implemented in order to automate the processes of acquiring, sharing, processing and analyzing data related to deposit management. In accordance with this idea, the article describes the results of a measurement experiment performed in the Mikoszów open-pit granite mine (Lower Silesia, SW Poland) with the use of mobile LiDAR systems. The technology combines active sensors with automatic and global navigation system synchronized on a mobile platform in order to generate an accurate and precise geospatial 3D cloud of points.
Physicochemical Variation of the Main Components during Wild Pretreatment Process Based on the Concept of the Whole Utilization of Bamboo
Authors: Yu Xiaojuan , Fan Kai , Wang Kun , Jiang Jianxin , Peng Xiaopeng , Yang Haiyan , Wang Meng
Published: October 2021

Attempting to correlate the characteristics of the fractionated components from bamboo to its susceptibility to enzyme is often inconclusive depending on the parameters of pretreatment conditions. Based on the integrated analysis of chemical components, cellulose bioconversion, characteristic property of isolated hemicellulose, and lignin, the optimal mild pretreatment operation for Moso bamboo was 4% NaOH in 20% ethanol aqueous solution. A total of 91.9% mass was successfully recovered, and 66% bioconversion efficiency of the cellulosic sample was finally achieved. Meanwhile, over 25% hemicelluloses and 7% lignin were isolated, and the characteristic analysis indicated that the fractionated biomacromolecule maintained the original core structure, which is a benefit to be further utilized for the production of chemicals or polymers.
A Method of Analyzing the Residual Values of Low-Emission Vehicles Based on a Selected Expert Method Taking into Account Stochastic Operational Parameters
Authors: Wróblewski Piotr , Lewicki Wojciech
Published: October 2021

Increasing the market share of low-emission vehicles in relation to individual mobility is one of the main postulates of modern transport policy. In the discussion on low-emission and the new structure of the car fleet, the role of new vehicles is emphasized above all, ignoring the importance of the secondary market. In recent years, both in Poland and in other European Union countries, there has been a noticeable dynamic development of electromobility implementation processes in urban areas, the initial effect of which is increasing market accessibility to commercial vehicles with electric EV/BEV, hybrid HEV/PHEV and fuel cell powered FCEV. As in the case of vehicles powered by conventional ICEV fuels, also in relation to those defined as low-emission, their residual value is lost along with the operational process. Information on this variable is important both for the owner of a newly purchased vehicle, which after the period of its operation will decide to sell it as well as to the future buyer. The scientific aim of the study is to analyze the residual values of selected vehicle models from the primary and secondary market, with particular emphasis on stochastic operational phenomena. The subject of the research is to obtain extensive knowledge on the achieved changes in the residual values of low-emission vehicles in relation to ICEVs. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of the commercial program, data approximated from auction portals and own numerical modeling tool based on a neural network was performed. The research sample included, among others, selected models of passenger cars, the purchase offer of which included the choice of a drive unit powered by conventional and low-emission fuels. The use of this method allowed to answer the question whether low-emission vehicles are characterized by a greater or lesser loss of value in relation to conventionally powered vehicles ICEV.
Review on Carbon Capture in ICE Driven Transport
Authors: García-Mariaca Alexander , Llera-Sastresa Eva
Published: October 2021

The transport sector powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) requires novel approaches to achieve near-zero CO2 emissions. In this direction, using CO2 capture and storage (CCS) systems onboard could be a good option. However, CO2 capture in mobile sources is currently challenging due to the operational and space requirements to install a CCS system onboard. This paper presents a systematic review of the CO2 capture in ICE driven transport to know the methods, techniques, and results of the different studies published so far. Subsequently, a case study of a CCS system working in an ICE is presented, where the energy and space needs are evaluated. The review reveals that the most suitable technique for CO2 capture is temperature swing adsorption (TSA). Moreover, the sorbents with better properties for this task are PPN-6-CH2-DETA and MOF-74-Mg. Finally, it shows that it is necessary to supply the energy demand of the CCS system and the option is to take advantage of the waste heat in the flue gas. The case study shows that it is possible to have a carbon capture rate above 68% without affecting engine performance. It was also found that the total volume required by the CCS system and fuel tank is 3.75 times smaller than buses operating with hydrogen fuel cells. According to the review and the case study, it is possible to run a CCS system in the maritime sector and road freight transport.
Impact of Network Charge Design in an Energy System with Large Penetration of Renewables and High Prosumer Shares
Authors: Schick Christoph , Klempp Nikolai , Hufendiek Kai
Published: October 2021

The transformation of our energy system toward zero net CO2 emissions correlates with a stronger use of low energy density renewable energy sources (RES), such as photovoltaic (PV) energy. As a source of flexibility, distributed PV systems, in particular, are oftentimes installed in combination with battery storage systems. These storage systems are dispatchable, i.e., controllable by the operating owners, who can thereby take over an active market role as energy prosumers. The particular battery operation modes are based on the individual prosumer decisions, which, in turn, are strongly affected by the regulatory framework in place. Regulatory frameworks differ from country to country, but almost all regulatory frameworks feature a network charge mechanism, which allocates network infrastructure and operating costs to the end customers. This raises the question of the extent to which different network charges lead to different prosumer decisions, i.e., battery operation modes, and thus different energy system configurations (system costs). In order to evaluate this question we apply (a) a fundamental linear optimization model of the energy wholesale market, which we stringently link to (b) an analysis of peak-coincident network capacity utilization as well as (c) an evaluation of the complete costs of energy for prosumers and consumers. This stringent cycle of analysis is applied to two prototypical network allocation schemes. We demonstrate that network allocation schemes that are orientated to peak-coincident network capacity utilization could both better incentivize a distribution network-oriented behaviour and better share financial burdens between prosuming and purely consuming households than would be the case for volumetric network charge designs. This paper further demonstrates that network-oriented battery operation does not, per se, result in optimal RES integration at the wholesale market level and CO2 emissions reduction. To identify effects from increasing sector integration, an analysis is both performed for a setting without and with consideration of widespread e-mobility. As a broader conclusion, our results demonstrate that future regulatory frameworks should have a stronger focus on prosumer integration by means, among other things, of an adequate network charge design reflecting the increasingly distributed nature of our future energy system.
Microbial Diversity and Ecosystem Functioning in Deadwood of Black Pine of a Temperate Forest
Authors: Pastorelli Roberta , Paletto Alessandro , Agnelli Alessandro Elio , Lagomarsino Alessandra , De Meo Isabella
Published: October 2021

The present study provides a deeper insight on variations of microbial abundance and community composition concerning specific environmental parameters related to deadwood decay, focusing on a mesocosm experiment conducted with deadwood samples from black pine of different decay classes. The chemical properties and microbial communities of deadwood changed over time. The total carbon percentage remained constant in the first stage of decomposition, showing a significant increase in the last decay class. The percentage of total nitrogen and the abundances of nifH harbouring bacteria significantly increased as decomposition advanced, suggesting N wood-enrichment by microbial N immobilization and/or N2-fixation. The pH slightly decreased during decomposition and significantly correlated with fungal abundance. CO2 production was higher in the last decay class 5 and positively correlated with bacterial abundance. Production of CH4 was registered in one sample of decay class 3, which correlates with the highest abundance of methanogenic archaea that probably belonged to Methanobrevibacter genus. N2O consumption increased along decomposition progress, indicating a complete reduction of nitrate compounds to N2 via denitrification, as proved by the highest nosZ gene copy number in decay class 5. Conversely, our results highlighted a low involvement of nitrifying communities in deadwood decomposition.
Evaluation of the Association of COMT Rs4680 Polymorphism with Swimmers’ Competitive Performance
Authors: Zmijewski Piotr , Leońska-Duniec Agata , Stuła Aleksander , Sawczuk Marek
Published: October 2021

Swimmers’ competitive performance is a result of complicated interactions between physiological, biochemical, physical and psychological factors, all of which are strongly affected by water. Recently, great attention has been paid to the role of genetic factors such as the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) influencing motivation, emotions, stress tolerance, self-control, sleep regulation, pain processing and perception, addictive behaviour and neurodegeneration, which may underlie differences in achieving remarkable results in sports competition. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the association between the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism and athletic performance in Caucasian swimmers. A total of 225 swimmers (171 short distance (SDS) and 54 long distance swimmers (LDS)) of national or international competitive standard and 379 unrelated sedentary controls were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). We found no significant differences in genotypic or allelic distributions between (1) male and female athletes; (2) SDS and LDS; (3) all athletes and sedentary controls (under codominant, dominant, recessive, and overdominant genetic models). No association was found between the COMT rs4680 polymorphism and elite swimming athlete status of the studied population. However, more replication studies are needed.
Association and Gene–Gene Interactions Study of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in the Russian Population
Authors: Bocharova Anna , Vagaitseva Kseniya , Marusin Andrey , Zhukova Natalia , Zhukova Irina , Minaycheva Larisa , Makeeva Oksana , Stepanov Vadim
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and represents the most common cause of dementia. In this study, we performed several different analyses to detect loci involved in development of the late onset AD in the Russian population. DNA samples from 472 unrelated subjects were genotyped for 63 SNPs using iPLEX Assay and real-time PCR. We identified five genetic loci that were significantly associated with LOAD risk for the Russian population (TOMM40 rs2075650, APOE rs429358 and rs769449, NECTIN rs6857, APOE ε4). The results of the analysis based on comparison of the haplotype frequencies showed two risk haplotypes and one protective haplotype. The GMDR analysis demonstrated three significant models as a result: a one-factor, a two-factor and a three-factor model. A protein–protein interaction network with three subnetworks was formed for the 24 proteins. Eight proteins with a large number of interactions are identified: APOE, SORL1, APOC1, CD33, CLU, TOMM40, CNTNAP2 and CACNA1C. The present study confirms the importance of the APOE-TOMM40 locus as the main risk locus of development and progress of LOAD in the Russian population. Association analysis and bioinformatics approaches detected interactions both at the association level of single SNPs and at the level of genes and proteins.
Comment on Zhong et al. Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1336
Authors: Vale Wesley de Souza do , Dhyppolito Izabel Monteiro , Chagas Silvana , Sichieri Rosely
Published: October 2021

In February 2020, the paper “Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax” was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [...]
Effect of External Feedback on Bimanual Coordination Control in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kim Eonho , Im Chang-Ha , Song Yong-Gwan
Published: October 2021

Bimanual coordination control requires task-specific control of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the coupling of both upper limbs. The present study examined the effects of external feedback (i.e., auditory signal) on bimanual coordination movement during patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Twelve PD patients in advanced stages and 12 early stages of untreated PD patients, and 12 age-matched normal adults were instructed to perform bimanual coordination control using preference (1 Hz) and fast (1.75 Hz) speeds with metronome auditory cue. The results demonstrated that the advanced PD patients showed reduced synchronized bimanual coordination control during the anti-phase movement compared with other two groups. Moreover, the decreased movement accuracy was exhibited not only at the preference speed, but also more particularly at the fast speed with anti-phase rather than in-phase movement. This suggests that PD results in impairments in scaling the bimanual movement speed and amplitude of limb, and these deficits were more pronounced as a function of movement control speed. Overall, the current data provide evidence of the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia on the bimanual coordination movement.
Functional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Mihui , Kim Yesol , Ryu Gi Wook , Choi Mona
Published: October 2021

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic disease that negatively affects individuals’ functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to investigate the HRQOL and associated factors in patients with PAD in Korea. We conducted a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires in a tertiary hospital in Seoul. We measured HRQOL using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and the functional status using a PAD-specific walking impairment questionnaire. We also measured health behavior, social support, walking impairment, general health perceptions, and clinical characteristics; lastly, we performed a descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Participants of this study comprised 138 patients (mean age 69.04 ± 10.94 years; men 91.3%). The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.81 ± 0.17. The patients’ HRQOL was significantly associated with claudication pain (β = −0.188, p = 0.012), walking distance (β = 0.371, p < 0.001), and stair climbing (β = 0.315, p = 0.001). The regression model predicted 60.4% of patients’ HRQOL (F = 15.92, p < 0.001). Our study showed that less severe claudication pain and a low degree of difficulty in walking distance and stair climbing were significantly related to better HRQOL. To enhance patients’ HRQOL, health professionals should focus on managing symptoms and improving functional status.
Sunlight Exposure and Phototherapy: Perspectives for Healthy Aging in an Era of COVID-19
Authors: Nakano Toshiaki , Chiang Kuei-Chen , Chen Chien-Chih , Chen Po-Jung , Lai Chia-Yun , Hsu Li-Wen , Ohmori Naoya , Goto Takeshi , Chen Chao-Long , Goto Shigeru
Published: October 2021

Most humans depend on sunlight exposure to satisfy their requirements for vitamin D3. However, the destruction of the ozone layer in the past few decades has increased the risk of skin aging and wrinkling caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which may also promote the risk of skin cancer development. The promotion of public health recommendations to avoid sunlight exposure would reduce the risk of skin cancer, but it would also enhance the risk of vitamin D3 insufficiency/deficiency, which may cause disease development and progression. In addition, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic may further reduce sunlight exposure due to stay-at-home policies, resulting in difficulty in active and healthy aging. In this review article, we performed a literature search in PubMed and provided an overview of basic and clinical data regarding the impact of sunlight exposure and vitamin D3 on public health. We also discuss the potential mechanisms and clinical value of phototherapy with a full-spectrum light (notably blue, red, and near-infrared light) as an alternative to sunlight exposure, which may contribute to combating COVID-19 and promoting active and healthy aging in current aged/superaged societies.
Effects of Government Subsidies on Production and Emissions Reduction Decisions under Carbon Tax Regulation and Consumer Low-Carbon Awareness
Authors: Wang Weiling , Wang Yongjian , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Dalin
Published: October 2021

To promote low-carbon production, the government simultaneously provides some subsidies under carbon tax regulations. Two government subsidies are widely adopted: one is based on emissions reduction quantity and the other is based on emissions reduction investment cost. Additionally, consumer low-carbon awareness has also been enhanced. Considering the aforementioned circumstances, this paper investigates the effects of different government subsidies on production and emissions reduction decisions under a carbon tax regulation by formulating three decision-making optimization models. The results show that (1) although the carbon tax regulation cannot guarantee further improvement of emissions reduction levels, government subsidies could make the corresponding conditions of improving emissions reduction investments wider; (2) a heavy carbon tax or stronger consumer low-carbon awareness would make the positive effect of government subsidies more apparent; and (3) subsidy policies may also be selected by the government from different perspectives, such as manufacturer development, consumer surplus, environmental damage and social welfare. Especially, from the perspective of maximizing social welfare, investment cost (IC) subsidy is not always advantageous, while emissions reduction (ER) subsidy can always bring higher social welfare compared with the case under no government subsidy.
Towards A Novel Multi-Epitopes Chimeric Vaccine for Simulating Strong Immune Responses and Protection against Morganella morganii
Authors: Ullah Asad , Ahmad Sajjad , Ismail Saba , Afsheen Zobia , Khurram Muhammad , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , AlSuhaymi Naif , Alsugoor Mahdi H. , Allemailem Khaled S.
Published: October 2021

Morganella morganii is one of the main etiological agents of hospital-acquired infections and no licensed vaccine is available against the pathogen. Herein, we designed a multi-epitope-based vaccine against M. morganii. Predicted proteins from fully sequenced genomes of the pathogen were subjected to a core sequences analysis, followed by the prioritization of non-redundant, host non-homologous and extracellular, outer membrane and periplasmic membrane virulent proteins as vaccine targets. Five proteins (TonB-dependent siderophore receptor, serralysin family metalloprotease, type 1 fimbrial protein, flagellar hook protein (FlgE), and pilus periplasmic chaperone) were shortlisted for the epitope prediction. The predicted epitopes were checked for antigenicity, toxicity, solubility, and binding affinity with the DRB*0101 allele. The selected epitopes were linked with each other through GPGPG linkers and were joined with the cholera toxin B subunit (CTBS) to boost immune responses. The tertiary structure of the vaccine was modeled and blindly docked with MHC-I, MHC-II, and Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4). Molecular dynamic simulations of 250 nanoseconds affirmed that the designed vaccine showed stable conformation with the receptors. Further, intermolecular binding free energies demonstrated the domination of both the van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Overall, the results of the current study might help experimentalists to develop a novel vaccine against M. morganii.
Tobacco Related Attitudes and Behaviours in Relation to Exposure to the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program: Evidence from the Mayi Kuwayu Study
Authors: Cohen Rubijayne , Maddox Raglan , Sedgwick Mikala , Thurber Katherine A. , Brinckley Makayla-May , Barrett Eden M. , Lovett Raymond
Published: October 2021

Smoking is the leading contributor to the burden of disease and mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with an estimated 37% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths attributed to smoking. The Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program was implemented to support people to quit smoking, prevent initiation, and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Analysis of baseline (2018–2020) data from a large-scale cohort study was conducted to quantify smoking-related attitudes and behaviours among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, overall and in relation to exposure to the TIS program. Most results were similar for TIS and non-TIS, but there was a significantly lower prevalence of smoking inside households (PR0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.97), smoking ≥21 cigarettes per day (PR0.79; 95% CI: 0.62, <1.00), and smoking a first cigarette within 5 min of waking (PR0.87; 95% CI: 0.76, <1.00) in TIS-funded compared to non-TIS-funded areas. Findings from the analysis highlight encouraging anti-smoking attitudes and behaviours across TIS-funded and non-TIS-funded areas, and serve as a basis for future analysis of change in outcomes over time associated with exposure to a large multi-mode population health program (TIS).
Associating Land Cover Changes with Patterns of Incidences of Climate-Sensitive Infections: An Example on Tick-Borne Diseases in the Nordic Area
Authors: Leibovici Didier G. , Bylund Helena , Björkman Christer , Tokarevich Nikolay , Thierfelder Tomas , Evengård Birgitta , Quegan Shaun
Published: October 2021

Some of the climate-sensitive infections (CSIs) affecting humans are zoonotic vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis (BOR) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), mostly linked to various species of ticks as vectors. Due to climate change, the geographical distribution of tick species, their hosts, and the prevalence of pathogens are likely to change. A recent increase in human incidences of these CSIs in the Nordic regions might indicate an expansion of the range of ticks and hosts, with vegetation changes acting as potential predictors linked to habitat suitability. In this paper, we study districts in Fennoscandia and Russia where incidences of BOR and TBE have steadily increased over the 1995–2015 period (defined as ’Well Increasing districts’). This selection is taken as a proxy for increasing the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens due to increased habitat suitability for ticks and hosts, thus simplifying the multiple factors that explain incidence variations. This approach allows vegetation types and strengths of correlation specific to the WI districts to be differentiated and compared with associations found over all districts. Land cover types and their changes found to be associated with increasing human disease incidence are described, indicating zones with potential future higher risk of these diseases. Combining vegetation cover and climate variables in regression models shows the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors linked to CSI incidences and identifies some differences between BOR and TBE. Regression model projections up until 2070 under different climate scenarios depict possible CSI progressions within the studied area and are consistent with the observed changes over the past 20 years.
Unhappy While Depressed: Examining the Dimensionality, Reliability and Validity of the Subjective Happiness Scale in a Spanish Sample of Patients with Depressive Disorders
Authors: Feliu-Soler Albert , de Diego-Adeliño Javier , Luciano Juan V. , Iraurgi Ioseba , Alemany Carlo , Puigdemont Dolors , Pérez Víctor , Portella Maria J. , Trujols Joan
Published: October 2021

Despite the considerable amount of research evidence on the significant role of subjective happiness on mental health, there is no psychometric study of the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) in psychiatric samples. This study was aimed at exploring the psychometric properties of the SHS in a Spanish sample of patients with depressive disorders. Participants were 174 patients with a depressive disorder (70% diagnosed as major depressive disorder) who completed the SHS, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR16), and the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS). Depressive symptoms were also assessed by means of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Scale. Dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change of the SHS were examined. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the original one-factor structure of the scale. The SHS exhibited good-to-excellent results for internal consistency (α = 0.83) and for convergent [EQ-5D VAS (r = 0.71)] and divergent [QIDS-SR16 (r = −0.72), HDRS17 (r = −0.60) and CGI-S (r = −0.61)] construct validity. The ability of the SHS to differentiate between depression severity levels as well as its responsiveness to clinical change were both highly satisfactory (p < 0.001 in both cases). The SHS retained the soundness of psychometric properties showed in non-clinical samples in a sample of patients with depressive disorders, which supports its use as a reliable and valid outcome measure in the treatment of such disorders.
Inequalities in Mortality and Access to Hospital Care for Cervical Cancer—An Ecological Study
Authors: Sousa Luiz Vinicius de Alcantara , Maciel Erika da Silva , da Silva Paiva Laércio , Alcantara Stefanie de Sousa Antunes , Nascimento Vânia Barbosa do , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Adami Fernando
Published: October 2021

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world among women, and it is estimated to be the third most frequent cancer in Brazil, as well as the fourth leading cause of death from cancer. There is a difference in cervical cancer mortality rates among different administrative regions in Brazil along with an inadequate distribution of cancer centers in certain Brazilian regions. Herein, we analyze the trends in hospital admission and mortality rates for CC between 2000 and 2012. This population-based ecological study evaluated the temporal trend in cervical cancer between the years 2000 and 2012, stratifying by Brazilian administrative regions. The North and Northeast regions had no reduction in mortality in all age groups studied (25 to 64 years); when analyzing hospitalization rates, only the age group of 50 to 64 years from the North Region did not present a reduction. During the years studied, in the South Region, the age group ranging from 50 to 54 years had the greatest reduction in mortality rates (β = −0.59, p = 0.001, r2 = 0.63), and the group ranging from 45 to 49 years had the greatest reduction in hospital admission rates (β = −8.87, p = 0.025, r2 = 0.37). Between the years 2000 and 2012, the greatest reduction in the incidence of UCC was in the South Region (β = −1.43, p = 0.236, r2 = 0.12) followed by the Central-West (β = −1, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.84), the Southeast (β = −0.95, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.88), the Northeast (β = −0.67, p = 0.080, r2 = 0.25), and, finally, by the North (β = −0.42, p = 0.157, r2 = 0.17). There was a greater reduction in mortality rates and global hospitalization rates for CC in Brazil than in the United States during the same period with exceptions only in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.
Socio-Economic Factor Impact on the Republic of Buryatia (Russia) Green Economic Development Transition
Authors: Bilgaev Alexey , Sadykova Erzhena , Li Fujia , Mikheeva Anna , Dong Suocheng
Published: October 2021

Sustainable green development and environment preservation problems are relevant for unique territories with special economic activity modes, such as the Baikal natural territory. Within Russia, the Republic of Buryatia serves as the model territory for the Lake Baikal ecosystem preservation. Determining the socio-economic development impact on the region’s natural environment and resolving contradictions in transition to the green economic development requires the systematization of economic, social, and environmental processes of quantitative information based on the construction of composite indicators. We construct a composite indicator to assess the socio-economic factor’s impact on the Republic of Buryatia’s current economic state and to compare the current environmental subsystem state and the socio-economic parameters of Buryatia to the average Russian level. We use multiple regression models to determine relationships between various environmental-socio-economic parameters and identify the factors that most impact the environmental states (situations). The measures taken to preserve the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal have an actual effect. This study shows, that according to the accepted scale, the environmental situation in the region can be characterized as a step towards the green economy transition. The proposed sustainable green development criteria and tools assessment system of the Republic may serve as the basis for forming information and analytical support for an effective economic policy.