bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulp and Paper Industry: Decarbonisation Technology Assessment to Reach CO2 Neutral Emissions—An Austrian Case Study
Authors: Rahnama Mobarakeh Maedeh , Santos Silva Miguel , Kienberger Thomas
Published: February 2021

The pulp and paper (P&P) sector is a dynamic manufacturing industry and plays an essential role in the Austrian economy. However, the sector, which consumes about 20 TWh of final energy, is responsible for 7% of Austria’s industrial CO2 emissions. This study, intending to assess the potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the Austrian context in the P&P sector, uses a bottom-up approach model. The model is applied to analyze the energy consumption (heat and electricity) and CO2 emissions in the main processes, related to the P&P production from virgin or recycled fibers. Afterward, technological options to reduce energy consumption and fossil CO2 emissions for P&P production are investigated, and various low-carbon technologies are applied to the model. For each of the selected technologies, the potential of emission reduction and energy savings up to 2050 is estimated. Finally, a series of low-carbon technology-based scenarios are developed and evaluated. These scenarios’ content is based on the improvement potential associated with the various processes of different paper grades. The results reveal that the investigated technologies applied in the production process (chemical pulping and paper drying) have a minor impact on CO2 emission reduction (maximum 10% due to applying an impulse dryer). In contrast, steam supply electrification, by replacing fossil fuel boilers with direct heat supply (such as commercial electric boilers or heat pumps), enables reducing emissions by up to 75%. This means that the goal of 100% CO2 emission reduction by 2050 cannot be reached with one method alone. Consequently, a combination of technologies, particularly with the electrification of the steam supply, along with the use of carbon-free electricity generated by renewable energy, appears to be essential.
Assessing the Energy-Saving Potential of a Dish-Stirling Con-Centrator Integrated Into Energy Plants in the Tertiary Sector
Authors: Guarino Stefania , Catrini Pietro , Buscemi Alessandro , Lo Brano Valerio , Piacentino Antonio
Published: February 2021

Energy consumed for air conditioning in residential and tertiary sectors accounts for a large share of global use. To reduce the environmental impacts burdening the covering of such demands, the adoption of renewable energy technologies is increasing. In this regard, this paper evaluates the energy and environmental benefits achievable by integrating a dish-Stirling concentrator into energy systems used for meeting the air conditioning demand of an office building. Two typical reference energy plants are assumed: (i) a natural gas boiler for heating purposes and air-cooled chillers for the cooling periods, and (ii) a reversible heat pump for both heating and cooling. For both systems, a dish-Stirling concentrator is assumed to operate first in electric-mode and then in a cogenerative-mode. Detailed models are adopted for plant components and implemented in the TRNSYS environment. Results show that when the concentrator is operating in electric-mode the electricity purchased from the grid decreases by about 72% for the first plant, and 65% for the second plant. Similar reductions are obtained for CO2 emissions. Even better performance may be achieved in the case of the cogenerative-mode. In the first plant, the decrease in natural gas consumption is about 85%. In the second plant, 66.7% is the percentage increase in avoided electricity purchase. The integration of the dish-Stirling system allows promising energy-saving and reduction in CO2 emissions. However, both a reduction in capital cost and financial support are needed to encourage the diffusion of this technology.
New Insights into Hydrothermal Fluid Circulation Affected by Regional Groundwater Flow in the Asal Rift, Republic of Djibouti
Authors: Hassan Aden Abdek , Raymond Jasmin , Giroux Bernard , Sanjuan Bernard
Published: February 2021

The Asal Rift hosts a lake located in a depression at 150 m below sea level, where recharge is influenced by regional groundwater flow interacting with the Ghoubbet Sea along the coast of Djibouti. This regional groundwater flow is believed to influence hydrothermal fluid circulation, which we aim to better understand in this study, having the objective of developing concepts for geothermal exploration in the area. To this end, magnetotelluric data acquired in the Asal Rift were processed and analyzed. 1D inversion models of electrical conductivity were interpolated for interpretation. These data were then used to build a 2D hydrogeological model, allowing multiphase flow and heat transfer simulations to be performed, considering the regional groundwater flow near the surface and the site topography, in order to confirm the preferred path of fluid flow. Geophysical data analysis indicates the presence of normal faults, notably the H fault, which may act as a conduit for the circulation of hydrothermal fluids and where the hanging wall can be a hydrogeological barrier within the hydrothermal system of the Asal Rift. The results from the 2D numerical flow and heat transfer modelling show the importance of groundwater flow responsible for thermal springs located at the periphery of Asal Lake. Reservoir temperature inferred by means of geothermometry ranging from 200 to 270 °C was shown to correspond to simulated temperature at potential reservoir depth. Moreover, simulated temperature between 600 and 1700 m depth is close to the temperature profile measured in the geothermal well Asal 6 of the area, with less than 20 °C difference. Simulations indicate that hydrothermal fluid circulation is likely influenced by the regional groundwater flow controlled by the topography and the major water bodies, the Ghoubbet Sea and Asal Lake, feeding buoyant fluids interacting with a deep magmatic source and where tectonic activity created normal faults offering a preferred path for fluid circulation.
Assessing Eco-Efficiency in Asian and African Countries Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Moutinho Victor , Madaleno Mara
Published: February 2021

This study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental efficiency of Asian and African economies. In the model proposed, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is considered as the desired output and Greenhouse Gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as the undesirable output. Capital, labor, fossil fuels, and renewable energy consumption are regarded as inputs, and the GDP/CO2 ratio is the output, by using a log-linear Translog production function and using data from 2005 until 2018, including 22 Asian and 22 African countries. Results evidence cross-countries heterogeneity among production inputs, namely labor, capital, and type of energy use and its efficiency. The models complement each other and are based on different distributional assumptions and estimation methods while providing a picture of Eco-efficiency in Asian and African economies. Labor and renewable energy share increase technical Eco-efficiency, while fixed capital decreases it under time-variant models. Technical improvements in Eco-efficiency are verified through time considering the time variable into the model estimations, replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources. An inverted U-shaped Eco-efficiency function is found concerning the share of fossil fuel consumption. Important policy implications are drawn from the results regarding the empirical results.
Machine Learning-Based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Dynamic Segmentation Enabled Cognitive Radio Vehicular Network
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Asif , Md Noor Rafidah , Yau Kok-Lim Alvin , Azzuhri Saaidal Razalli , Z’aba Muhammad Reza , Ahmedy Ismail , Jabbarpour Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2021

A vehicle ad hoc network (VANET) is a solution for road safety, congestion management, and infotainment services. Integration of cognitive radio (CR), known as CR-VANET, is needed to solve the spectrum scarcity problems of VANET. Several research efforts have addressed the concerns of CR-VANET. However, more reliable, robust, and faster spectrum sensing is still a challenge. A novel segment-based CR-VANET (Seg-CR-VANET) architecture is therefore proposed in this paper. Roads are divided equally into segments, and they are sub-segmented based on the probability value. Individual vehicles or secondary users produce local sensing results by choosing an optimal spectrum sensing (SS) technique using a hybrid machine learning algorithm that includes fuzzy and naïve Bayes algorithms. We used dynamic threshold values for the sensing techniques. In this proposed cooperative SS, the segment spectrum agent (SSA) made the global decision using the tri-agent reinforcement learning (TA-RL) algorithm. Three environments (network, signal, and vehicle) are learned by this proposed algorithm to determine primary (licensed) users’ activities. The simulation results indicate that, compared to current works, the proposed Seg-CR-VANET produces better results in spectrum sensing.
Effect of Upstream Side Flow of Wind Turbine on Aerodynamic Noise: Simulation Using Open-Loop Vibration in the Rod in Rod-Airfoil Configuration
Authors: Souri Mohammad , Moradi Kashkooli Farshad , Soltani Madjid , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: February 2021

Adaptive and flexible control techniques have recently been examined as methods of controlling flow and reducing the potential noise in vertical axis wind turbines. Two-Dimensional (2D) fluid flow simulation around rod-airfoil is addressed in this study as a simple component of the wind turbine by using Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations for prediction of noise using Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) analogy. To control the flow and reduce noise, the active controlling vibration rod method is utilized with a maximum displacement ranging from 0.01 C to 1 C (C: airfoil chord). Acoustic assessment indicates that the leading edge of the blade produces noise, that by applying vibration in cylinder, blade noise in 0.1 C and 1 C decreases by 22 dB and 35 dB, respectively. Applying vibration is aerodynamically helpful since it reduces the fluctuations in the airfoil lift force by approximately 48% and those in the rod by about 46%. Strouhal assessment (frequency) shows that application of control is accompanied by 20% increase. Applying vibration in the rod reduces the flow fluctuations around the blade, thus reduces the wind turbine blade noise. This idea, as a simple example, can be used to study the incoming flow to turbines and their blades that are affected by the upstream flow.
Application of Decision Trees for Optimal Allocation of Harmonic Filters in Medium-Voltage Networks
Authors: Klimas Maciej , Grabowski Dariusz , Buła Dawid
Published: February 2021

The paper proposes a solution for the problem of optimizing medium voltage power systems which supply, among others, nonlinear loads. It is focused on decision tree (DT) application for the sizing and allocation of active power filters (APFs), which are the most effective means of power quality improvement. Propositions of some DT strategies followed by the results have been described in the paper. On the basis of an example of a medium-voltage network, an analysis of the selection of the number and allocation of active power filters was carried out in terms of minimizing losses and costs keeping under control voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) coefficients in the network nodes. The presented example shows that decision trees allow for the selection of the optimal solution, depending on assumed limitations, expected effects, and costs.
Assessment of Indoor Air Parameters in Building Equipped with Decentralised Façade Ventilation Device
Authors: Zender–Świercz Ewa
Published: February 2021

The study contains an analysis of a decentralised unit installed in a building façade, where air supply and exhaust cycles are swapped by proper positioning of dampers. The analysis was carried out in real conditions in an office building. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is an important element of the system design, and has become more and more widely used. Simulation of the analysed unit has shown air stream distribution in a room. Moreover, it allowed for determination of indoor air temperature. Completed analysis and CFD simulations allow for the observation that façade ventilation systems provide a good way to improve the indoor microclimate, as they effectively reduce air pollution. The decentralised façade ventilation unit reduced the carbon dioxide concentration to a level lower than 1000 ppm and maintained the indoor air temperature in the range of 19.5–22 °C. The error for CFD simulation equals 0.5%, which is not much. The results of research and analysis show that the highest reduction of carbon dioxide concentration occurred when supply/exhaust time equalled 10 min. At the same time, when supply/exhaust time equalled 10 min, the indoor air temperature was the lowest of the recorded values.
Photobiomodulation for Taste Alteration
Authors: El Mobadder Marwan , Nammour Samir
Published: February 2021

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy employs light at red and near-infrared wavelengths to modulate biological activity. The therapeutic effect of PBM for the treatment or management of several diseases and injuries has gained significant popularity among researchers and clinicians, especially for the management of oral complications of cancer therapy. This entry focuses on the current evidence on the use of PBM for the management of a frequent oral complication due to cancer therapy—taste alteration.
Microbial Communities in Methane Cycle: Modern Molecular Methods Gain Insights into Their Global Ecology
Authors: Kharitonov Sergey , Semenov Mikhail , Sabrekov Alexander , Kotsyurbenko Oleg , Zhelezova Alena , Schegolkova Natalia
Published: February 2021

The role of methane as a greenhouse gas in the concept of global climate changes is well known. Methanogens and methanotrophs are two microbial groups which contribute to the biogeochemical methane cycle in soil, so that the total emission of CH4 is the balance between its production and oxidation by microbial communities. Traditional identification techniques, such as selective enrichment and pure-culture isolation, have been used for a long time to study diversity of methanogens and methanotrophs. However, these techniques are characterized by significant limitations, since only a relatively small fraction of the microbial community could be cultured. Modern molecular methods for quantitative analysis of the microbial community such as real-time PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), DNA fingerprints and methods based on high-throughput sequencing together with different “omics” techniques overcome the limitations imposed by culture-dependent approaches and provide new insights into the diversity and ecology of microbial communities in the methane cycle. Here, we review available knowledge concerning the abundances, composition, and activity of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities in a wide range of natural and anthropogenic environments. We suggest that incorporation of microbial data could fill the existing microbiological gaps in methane flux modeling, and significantly increase the predictive power of models for different environments.
Mixed Regional Shifts in Conifer Productivity under 21st-Century Climate Projections in Canada’s Northeastern Boreal Forest
Authors: Searls Tyler , Steenberg James , Zhu Xinbiao , Bourque Charles P.-A. , Meng Fan-Rui
Published: February 2021

Models of forest growth and yield (G&Y) are a key component in long-term strategic forest management plans. Models leveraging the industry-standard “empirical” approach to G&Y are frequently underpinned by an assumption of historical consistency in climatic growing conditions. This assumption is problematic as forest managers look to obtain reliable growth predictions under the changing climate of the 21st century. Consequently, there is a pressing need for G&Y modelling approaches that can be more robustly applied under the influence of climate change. In this study we utilized an established forest gap model (JABOWA-3) to simulate G&Y between 2020 and 2100 under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Simulations were completed using the province’s permanent sample plot data and surface-fitted climatic datasets. Through model validation, we found simulated basal area (BA) aligned with observed BA for the major conifer species components of NL’s forests, including black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al.] and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill]. Model validation was not as robust for the less abundant species components of NL (e.g., Acer rubrum L. 1753, Populus tremuloides Michx., and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Our simulations generally indicate that projected climatic changes may modestly increase black spruce and balsam fir productivity in the more northerly growing environments within NL. In contrast, we found productivity of these same species to only be maintained, and in some instances even decline, toward NL’s southerly extents. These generalizations are moderated by species, RCP, and geographic parameters. Growth modifiers were also prepared to render empirical G&Y projections more robust for use under periods of climate change.
In Planta Analysis of the Radial Movement of Minerals from Inside to Outside in the Trunks of Standing Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) Trees at the Cellular Level
Authors: Kuroda Katsushi , Yamane Kenichi , Itoh Yuko
Published: February 2021

Although the radial movement of minerals in tree trunks is a widely accepted phenomenon, experimental evidence of their movement in standing trees and underlying mechanisms is very limited. Previously, we clarified that cesium (Cs) artificially injected into the outer part of the sapwood of standing Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) trunks moved to the inner part of the sapwood, including the intermediate wood, via active transport by xylem parenchyma cells and diffusion through cell walls and then moved into the heartwood by diffusion. To understand the mechanism underlying the radial movement of minerals in the standing tree trunk, it is necessary to clarify their movement in the opposite direction. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the radial movement of minerals from inside to outside in the trunks of standing trees at the cellular level. For this, a long hole across the center part of the trunk, which reached the heartwood, intermediate wood, and sapwood, was made in standing Japanese cedar trunks, and a solution of stable isotope Cs was continuously injected into the hole for several days as a tracer. The injected part of the trunk was collected after being freeze-fixed with liquid nitrogen, and the frozen sample was subjected to analysis of Cs distribution at the cellular level using cryo-scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Cs injected into the inner sapwood or intermediate wood rapidly moved toward the outer sapwood via xylem ray parenchyma cells together with diffusion through the cell walls. In contrast, the Cs injected into the heartwood barely moved to the sapwood, although it reached a part of the inner intermediate wood. These results suggest that minerals in xylem ray parenchyma cells in the sapwood are bidirectionally supplied to each other; however, the minerals accumulated in the heartwood may not be supplied to living cells.
Innovations in Sourdough Bread Making
Authors: Plessas Stavros
Published: February 2021

The application of sourdough is considered to be a key tool for the production of high-quality bread. Several advantages have been presented through the application of sourdough in bread making, such as increased shelf life, improved aromatic profiles and sensory characteristics, increased nutritional value, and health benefits. Technological benefits have also been recorded, such as the successful application of sourdough in gluten-free breads. Likewise, an upsurge of interest in sourdough applications in bread making as well as in other foodstuffs (pasta) has been witnessed in recent years. Many factors are considered important for sourdough preparations; however, the proper selection of the starter cultures is considered the most central. This Special Issue of Fermentation aims to disseminate recent innovative research regarding sourdough bread making, as well as authoritative reviews that compile information from previously published material.
Assessing Digital Transformation in Universities
Authors: Rodríguez-Abitia Guillermo , Bribiesca-Correa Graciela
Published: February 2021

Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 are reshaping the way organizations function and interact with the communities they serve. The massive penetration of computer and network applications forces organizations to digitalize their processes and provide innovative products, services, and business models. The education market is suffering changes as well, but universities seem slow to react. This paper proposes the application of an integrated digital transformation model to assess the maturity level that educational institutions have in their digital transformation processes and compares them to other industries. Particular considerations to address when using the model for higher-education institutions are discussed. Our results show that universities fall behind other sectors, probably due to a lack of effective leadership and changes in culture. This is complemented negatively by an insufficient degree of innovation and financial support.
ARIBC: Online Reporting Based on Identity-Based Cryptography
Authors: Goudosis Athanasios , Katsikas Sokratis
Published: February 2021

The reporting of incidents of misconduct, violence, sexual assault, harassment, and other types of crime that constitute a major concern in modern society is of significant value when investigating such incidents. Unfortunately, people involved in such incidents, either as witnesses or victims, are often reluctant to report them when such reporting demands revealing the reporter’s true identity. In this paper, we propose an online reporting system that leverages Identity-Based Cryptography (IBC) and offers data authentication, data integrity, and data confidentiality services to both eponymous and anonymous users. The system, called ARIBC, is founded on a certificate-less, public-key, IBC infrastructure, implemented by employing the Sakai–Kasahara approach and by following the IEEE 1363.3-2013 standard. We develop a proof-of-concept implementation of the proposed scheme, and demonstrate its applicability in environments with constrained human, organizational and/or computational resources. The computational overheads imposed by the scheme are found to be well within the capabilities of modern fixed or mobile devices.
Decompensated Cirrhosis as Presentation of LKM1/LC1 Positive Type 2 Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adulthood. A Rare Clinical Entity of Difficult Management
Authors: Granito Alessandro , Pascolini Simona , Ricci Chiara , Ferronato Marco , Muratori Luigi , Vasuri Francesco , Franceschini Tania , Lenzi Marco , Muratori Paolo
Published: February 2021

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic and aggressive liver disease that rapidly evolves into cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease if not timely diagnosed and treated with immunosuppressive therapy. AIH is classified into type 1 and type 2 according to the autoantibody pattern, with smooth muscle antibodies and/or antinuclear antibodies as serological markers of AIH-1, while antiliver cytosol antibody type 1 and/or antiliver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 characterize type 2 AIH, which mainly affects children, including infants, and adolescents. Case Summary: We describe a case of type 2 AIH, clinically onset in a 34-year-old woman with decompensated cirrhosis. Only a thorough analysis of the autoantibody profile allowed for a diagnosis of an AIH-2 evolved into cirrhosis. The patient received a moderate corticosteroid therapy without achieving optimal disease control. We discuss the controversial decision of whether or not to treat the patient with immunosuppressive therapy, which should be balanced with the potential risk of infectious and other complications. A review of the literature on the management of patients with autoimmune cirrhosis is also presented. Conclusions: AIH-2 can be clinically onset in adult patients with cirrhosis and its complications, without being preceded by major clinical signs. Due to the difficult management of cirrhosis with immunosuppressive treatments, a patient-tailored strategy with a case-by-case approach is needed to prevent major complications such as infections, potentially precluding liver transplantation the only curative therapy.
The Postmedieval Latvian Oral Microbiome in the Context of Modern Dental Calculus and Modern Dental Plaque Microbial Profiles
Authors: Kazarina Alisa , Petersone-Gordina Elina , Kimsis Janis , Kuzmicka Jevgenija , Zayakin Pawel , Griškjans Žans , Gerhards Guntis , Ranka Renate
Published: February 2021

Recent advantages in paleomicrobiology have provided an opportunity to investigate the composition of ancient microbial ecologies. Here, using metagenome analysis, we investigated the microbial profiles of historic dental calculus retrieved from archaeological human remains from postmedieval Latvia dated 16–17th century AD and examined the associations of oral taxa and microbial diversity with specific characteristics. We evaluated the preservation of human oral microbiome patterns in historic samples and compared the microbial composition of historic dental calculus, modern human dental plaque, modern human dental calculus samples and burial soil microbiota. Overall, the results showed that the majority of microbial DNA in historic dental calculus originated from the oral microbiome with little impact of the burial environment. Good preservation of ancient DNA in historical dental calculus samples has provided reliable insight into the composition of the oral microbiome of postmedieval Latvian individuals. The relative stability of the classifiable oral microbiome composition was observed. Significant differences between the microbiome profiles of dental calculus and dental plaque samples were identified, suggesting microbial adaptation to a specific human body environment.
Quasi-Static Nonlinear Seismic Assessment of a Fourth Century A.D. Roman Aqueduct in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Gonen Semih , Pulatsu Bora , Erdogmus Ece , Karaesmen Engin , Karaesmen Erhan
Published: February 2021

The majority of architectural heritage consists of load-bearing masonry components made up of stone units and relatively weak mortar joints, yielding potential weak planes for masonry structures where tension and shear failures are expected to occur. Advanced nonlinear analyses are required to simulate these phenomena and predict the corresponding nonlinear structural behavior of historic masonry constructions. In this context, this paper presents a model of a stone masonry Roman aqueduct (the Valens Aqueduct), constructed in the fourth century A.D. in Istanbul, Turkey, to explore the seismic capacity and behavior using the discrete element method (DEM). The employed modeling approach comprises distinct rigid blocks interacting along their boundaries based on the point-contact hypothesis. Thus, the discontinuous stone skeleton of the masonry aqueduct is represented explicitly in the computational model. First, a validation study was conducted on the laboratory experiment to demonstrate the capabilities of the adopted modeling approach. Then, a discontinuum model representing the Valens Aqueduct was used to assess the seismic capacity of the structure under gradually increasing lateral forces. The numerical simulations gave insight into the structural response of the aqueduct from the elastic range to total collapse. Additionally, parametric research was performed considering joint properties, namely the joint tensile strength, contact stiffness, joint friction angle, and compressive strength of the masonry, to quantify the effects of contact parameters on the displacement response of the DEM model. Further inferences were made regarding the modeling parameters, and practical conclusions were derived.
Selected Aspects of Hydrogen Production via Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrocarbons
Authors: Vedyagin Aleksey A. , Mishakov Ilya V. , Korneev Denis V. , Bauman Yury I. , Nalivaiko Anton Yu. , Gromov Alexander A.
Published: February 2021

Owing to the high hydrogen content, hydrocarbons are considered as an alternative source for hydrogen energy purposes. Complete decomposition of hydrocarbons results in the formation of gaseous hydrogen and solid carbonaceous by-product. The process is complicated by the methane formation reaction when the released hydrogen interacts with the formed carbon deposits. The present study is focused on the effects of the reaction mixture composition. Variations in the inlet hydrogen and methane concentrations were found to influence the carbon product’s morphology and the hydrogen production efficiency. The catalyst containing NiO (82 wt%), CuO (13 wt%), and Al2O3 (5 wt%) was prepared via a mechanochemical activating procedure. Kinetics of the catalytic process of hydrocarbons decomposition was studied using a reactor equipped with McBain balances. The effects of the process parameters were explored in a tubular quartz reactor with chromatographic analysis of the outlet gaseous products. In the latter case, the catalyst was loaded piecemeal. The texture and morphology of the produced carbon deposits were investigated by nitrogen adsorption and electron microscopy techniques.
The Point Bonitation Method and Its Adaptation in Risk Studies: A Case Study in Sri Lanka’s Cities in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Rucińska Dorota , Zagrzejewska Martyna
Published: February 2021

Article proposes using weighting method named the Point Bonitation Method, a popular interdisciplinary method, especially in the tourism and socio-economic geography, for giving optional direction to further researching tsunami risk. This method qualifies and quantifies those factors that lead to natural disasters so that it is possible to make comparisons with their roles in disaster areas. This case study in Sri Lanka shows a specific result that is quantification of vulnerability by regions and can be used and developed locally for disaster risk management and reduction. This paper presents discussion about other possible reasons of high risk in regions.
Knowledge, Information Needs and Risk Perception about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases after an Education Intervention on Italian High School and University Students
Authors: Zizza Antonella , Guido Marcello , Recchia Virginia , Grima Pierfrancesco , Banchelli Federico , Tinelli Andrea
Published: February 2021

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescents and young people represent a significant public health problem that generates a pressing requirement of effective evidence-based education to promote primary and secondary prevention. The objective of the study is to evaluate how knowledge, information needs, and risk perception about HIV and STDs can change after targeted education interventions for students. A total of 436 subjects aged 15–24 attending high school (134 biomedical and 96 non-biomedical fields) and university courses (104 scientific and 102 non-scientific disciplines) were enrolled to respond to a questionnaire before and after the intervention. An improvement in knowledge was found in all groups, with statistically significant knowledge score differences between the four groups in 60% of the items. More than 94% of the students consider it useful to promote information on these issues. Receiving this information generated awareness and safety in more than 85% of high-school students and 93% of University students. Students widely perceived a great risk being infected with HIV/STDs, although pregnancy was seen as a more hazardous consequence of unprotected sex. This study shows that educational interventions are effective in improving knowledge, apart from findings about key knowledge topics, information needs, and risk perception, which provide significant insights to design future targeted education programs.
The Use of Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (MLAEP) as Methodology for Evaluating Sedation Level in Propofol-Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) Procedure
Authors: Arigliani Michele , Toraldo Domenico M. , Ciavolino Enrico , Lattante Caterina , Conte Luana , Arima Serena , Arigliani Caterina , Palumbo Antonio , De Benedetto Michele
Published: February 2021

To analyze the middle latency auditory evoked potential index (MLAEPi), compared to the standard bispectral index (BIS), as a method for evaluating the sedation level in drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). In this controlled clinical study on a sample of 99 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snoring patients, we compared the MLAEPi with the BIS after propofol infusion during the standard DISE technique in order to define the MLAEPi values within the observational window of the procedure. The DISE procedure was divided into eight steps, and we collected both MLAEPi and BIS data values from the same patient in every step. The MLAEPi showed a faster response than the BIS after propofol infusion during DISE. Therefore, the clinical use of the MLAEPi in evaluating the sedation level seems to be a good alternative to the current technological standards.
Vinyl-Asbestos Floor Risk Exposure in Three Different Simulations
Authors: Zichella Lorena , Baudana Fiorenza , Zanetti Giovanna , Marini Paola
Published: February 2021

Vinyl floors are widely used in public areas for their low cost and easy cleaning. From 1960 to 1980, asbestos was often added to improve vinyl floor performances. The Italian Ministerial Decree (M.D.) 06/09/94 indicates asbestos vinyl tiles as non-friable materials and, therefore, few dangerous to human health. This work aims to check through three different experimental tests if asbestos floor tiles, after decades of use, maintain their characteristics of compactness and non-friability. The effect of a small stone fragment stuck in the sole of rubber shoes was reproduced by striking the vinyl floor with a crampon. A vinyl tile was broken into smaller pieces with the aid of pliers to simulate what normally happens when workers replace the floors or sample it to verify the presence of asbestos. The third test reproduced the abrasion of the tile surface due to the dragging of furniture or heavy materials or sand grains that remain attached to the soles of shoes. The tests were carried out in safe conditions, working under an extractor hood with a glove box. Airborne sampling in the hood obtained the concentration of asbestos fibers produced in each test. The simulation tests performed confirms the possible release of fibers if the vinyl tiles are cut, abraded or perforated, as indicated by the Italian M.D.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress in Hospitalized and Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Einvik Gunnar , Dammen Toril , Ghanima Waleed , Heir Trond , Stavem Knut
Published: February 2021

This population-based study assessed the prevalence and determinants of symptom-defined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a cohort of hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients about 1.5–6 months after their COVID-19 onset. The data were acquired from two mixed postal/web surveys in June–September 2020 from patients all aged ≥18 years with a positive polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) until 1 June 2020, comprising both hospitalized and non-hospitalized subjects. The catchment areas of the two included hospitals covers about 17% of the population of Norway. In total, 211 hospitalized and 938 non-hospitalized subjects received invitation. The prevalence of symptom-defined PTSD was assessed using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Determinants of symptom-defined PTSD and PTSD symptoms were analyzed using multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis. In total, 583 (51%) subjects responded at median 116 (range 41–200) days after COVID-19 onset. The prevalence of symptom-defined PTSD was 9.5% in hospitalized and 7.0% in non-hospitalized subjects (p = 0.80). Female sex, born outside of Norway, and dyspnea during COVID-19 were risk factors for persistent PTSD symptoms. In non-hospitalized subjects, previous depression and COVID-19 symptom load were also associated with persistent PTSD symptoms. In conclusion, COVID-19 symptom load, but not hospitalization, was associated with symptom-defined PTSD and PTSD symptom severity.
Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Clustered Cardiovascular Risk in South African Primary Schoolchildren from Disadvantaged Communities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nqweniso Siphesihle , Walter Cheryl , du Randt Rosa , Adams Larissa , Beckmann Johanna , Degen Jan , Gall Stefanie , Joubert Nandi , Lang Christin , Long Kurt Z. , Müller Ivan , Nienaber Madeleine , Pühse Uwe , Seelig Harald , Smith Danielle , Steinmann Peter , Utzinger Jürg , Gerber Markus
Published: February 2021

The coexistence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors has been reported in school-aged children from the age of nine years, but most evidence stems from high-income countries. This cross-sectional study aimed at describing the cardiovascular health risk, physical activity (PA) behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of South African primary schoolchildren, and at examining the associations between PA/CRF and a composite measure of cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional data from 832 primary schoolchildren (grade 1–4) were analyzed. Total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, body fat, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed as cardiovascular risk markers. Data were analyzed via mixed linear regressions and analyses of covariance. Overall, 24.2% of the participants did not meet current PA standards. Higher CRF/PA were associated with lower body fat and lower clustered cardiovascular risk (p < 0.05). When categorizing children into CRF/PA quartiles, a lower clustered cardiovascular risk gradient was found in children with higher CRF (p < 0.05) or PA (p < 0.05). Our data shows that higher CRF/PA is associated with lower clustered cardiovascular risk already from a young age. Given that clustered cardiovascular risk present during childhood can track into adulthood, we advocate for PA participation and a healthy weight from a young age onwards.
Physiological Resonance in Empathic Stress: Insights from Nonlinear Dynamics of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Blons Estelle , Arsac Laurent M. , Grivel Eric , Lespinet-Najib Veronique , Deschodt-Arsac Veronique
Published: February 2021

Because most humans live and work in populated environments, researchers recently took into account that people may not only experience first-hand stress, but also second-hand stress related to the ability to empathically share another person’s stress response. Recently, researchers have begun to more closely examine the existence of such empathic stress and highlighted the human propensity to physiologically resonate with the stress responses of others. As in case of first-hand stress, empathic stress could be deleterious for health if people experience exacerbated activation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and autonomic nervous systems. Thus, exploring empathic stress in an observer watching someone else experiencing stress is critical to gain a better understanding of physiological resonance and conduct strategies for health prevention. In the current study, we investigated the influence of empathic stress responses on heart rate variability (HRV) with a specific focus on nonlinear dynamics. Classic and nonlinear markers of HRV time series were computed in both targets and observers during a modified Trier social stress test (TSST). We capitalized on multiscale entropy, a reliable marker of complexity for depicting neurovisceral interactions (brain-to-heart and heart-to-brain) and their role in physiological resonance. State anxiety and affect were evaluated as well. While classic markers of HRV were not impacted by empathic stress, we showed that the complexity marker reflected the existence of empathic stress in observers. More specifically, a linear model highlighted a physiological resonance phenomenon. We conclude on the relevance of entropy in HRV dynamics, as a marker of complexity in neurovisceral interactions reflecting physiological resonance in empathic stress.
Nursing Teleconsultation for the Outpatient Management of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Cassini Roberta , Caso Valentina , Donno Chiara , Laezza Annunziata , Naddei Maria , Fiorelli Alfonso , Golino Paolo , Nigro Gerardo
Published: February 2021

Introduction: During the COVID-19 outbreak, non-urgent clinic visits or cardiac interventional procedures were postponed to a later date, and the implementation of telemedicine has guaranteed continuity of care for patients with chronic diseases. The aim of our study was to describe the medical interventions following nursing teleconsultation for the outpatient management of patients with cardiovascular diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: All patients who did not attend the follow-up visit from 4 to 15 April 2020 at our institution and who were re-scheduled due to the COVID-19 lockdown were selected to be enrolled in the study. Each patient was followed by a semi-structured telephonic interview performed by a nurse. The outcomes of our study were to assess the patients’ adherence to nursing teleconsultation and the usefulness of nursing teleconsultation to detect clinical conditions in need of medical intervention. Results: In total, 203 patients (81%) underwent nursing teleconsultation in a mean time of 7 ± 3 days from the outpatient visit lost due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, 53 patients (26%) showed poor adherence to nursing teleconsultation. Among the 150 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years; 68% male) who completed the telephonic interview, the nursing teleconsultation revealed the need of medical intervention in 69 patients (46%), who were more likely at very high cardiovascular risk (77% vs. 48%; p < 0.0003) and who showed a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (97% vs. 64%; p < 0.0001) and coronary artery disease (75% vs. 48%, p < 0.0008) compared to those not in need of any intervention. The up-titration of the lipid-lowering drugs (n: 32, 74%) was the most frequent medical intervention following the nursing teleconsultation. The mean time between the nursing teleconsultation and the date of the rescheduled in-person follow-up visit was 164 ± 36 days. Conclusions: Nursing teleconsultation is a simple and well-tolerated strategy that ensures the continuity of care and outpatient management for patients with cardiovascular diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources of COVID-19-Related Information in People with Various Levels of Risk Perception and Preventive Behaviors in Taiwan: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Wang Peng-Wei , Chen Yi-Lung , Chang Yu-Ping , Wu Chia-Fen , Lu Wei-Hsin , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: February 2021

The present study aimed to identify the distinct levels of risk perception and preventive behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak among people in Taiwan and to examine the roles of information sources in various levels of risk perception and preventive behavior. The online survey recruited 1984 participants through a Facebook advertisement. Their self-reported risk perception, adopted preventive behaviors and COVID-19-related information were collected. We analyzed individuals’ risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors by using latent profile analysis and conducted multinomial logistic regression of latent class membership on COVID-19-related information sources. Four latent classes were identified, including the risk neutrals with high preventive behaviors, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors, the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors, and the risk deniers with low preventive behaviors. Compared with the risk neutrals, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors were more likely to obtain COVID-19 information from multiple sources, whereas the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors and risk deniers with low preventive behaviors were less likely to obtain COVID-19 information compared with the risk neutrals. Governments and health professions should take the variety of risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors into consideration when disseminating information on COVID-19 to the general public.
Handling Poor Accrual in Pediatric Trials: A Simulation Study Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Azzolina Danila , Lorenzoni Giulia , Bressan Silvia , Da Dalt Liviana , Baldi Ileana , Gregori Dario
Published: February 2021

In the conduction of trials, a common situation is related to potential difficulties in recruiting the planned sample size as provided by the study design. A Bayesian analysis of such trials might provide a framework to combine prior evidence with current evidence, and it is an accepted approach by regulatory agencies. However, especially for small trials, the Bayesian inference may be severely conditioned by the prior choices. The Renal Scarring Urinary Infection (RESCUE) trial, a pediatric trial that was a candidate for early termination due to underrecruitment, served as a motivating example to investigate the effects of the prior choices on small trial inference. The trial outcomes were simulated by assuming 50 scenarios combining different sample sizes and true absolute risk reduction (ARR). The simulated data were analyzed via the Bayesian approach using 0%, 50%, and 100% discounting factors on the beta power prior. An informative inference (0% discounting) on small samples could generate data-insensitive results. Instead, the 50% discounting factor ensured that the probability of confirming the trial outcome was higher than 80%, but only for an ARR higher than 0.17. A suitable option to maintain data relevant to the trial inference is to define a discounting factor based on the prior parameters. Nevertheless, a sensitivity analysis of the prior choices is highly recommended.
Awareness and Performance towards Proper Use of Disinfectants to Prevent COVID-19: The Case of Iran
Authors: Safari Zahra , Fouladi-Fard Reza , Vahidmoghadam Razieh , Hosseini Mohammad Raza , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl , Omidi Oskouei Alireza , Rezaali Mostafa , Ferrante Margherita , Fiore Maria
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to assess the awareness and performance of Qom citizens towards using disinfectants and compared its relationship with geographical distribution of COVID-19 outbreak in Qom, Iran. The study was conducted by a researcher-made questionnaire during April and May, 2020. COVID-19 incidence data for each district of city was obtained from health department of Qom province. Data were analyzed using Excel, SPSS and ArcView (GIS) softwares. It was found that the highest level of citizens’ awareness (52%) was in the weak range while their performance (56%) was in the good range. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, there was a strong correlation (rho 0.95) between the total mean of awareness and performance (p < 0.01). The highest incidence rate of COVID-19 was in district 7 which had the lowest mean score in both awareness and performance. In addition, the results of ANOVA (LSD—least significant difference) showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between district 7—with lower mean scores in awareness and performance—and other districts. Overall, it is concluded that citizens’ awareness level was lower than that of their performance. This conclusion not only calls for more training programs to be implemented in public places, schools, universities and governmental offices, but it also necessitates maintaining a proper and timely training about using disinfectants.