bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superheated Steam Spray Drying as an Energy-Saving Drying Technique: A Review
Authors: Sobulska Mariia , Wawrzyniak Pawel , Woo Meng Wai
Published: November 2022

Drying is an extremely energy-intensive process. Superheated steam as a drying medium can improve the energy efficiency of the drying processes. In superheated steam drying, waste heat can be recovered by condensing the exhaust steam or raising its specific enthalpy. Spray drying is widely used in industry, even though its energy efficiency is often low. Substitution of air by superheated steam as a drying medium in a spray dryer may reduce the energy consumption of the drying process by 20–30%; moreover, if excess steam generated by moisture evaporation is upgraded to a higher temperature level and reused for drying, the energy demand could be decreased by even 80%. A literature review showed that superheated steam spray drying was successfully applied for both thermally resistant and a wide range of thermally sensitive materials. Superheated steam drying gives a number of advantages in terms of product properties, i.e., higher particle porosity due to rapid moisture evaporation results in improved powder rehydration properties. Additionally, steam drying may be applied for in situ particle crystallization. Taking into account the advantages of superheated steam drying and the potential application of this technology in spray drying systems, there is a great need for further research in this field. This literature review aimed to present an energy-saving solution, i.e., superheated steam spray drying process, showing its advantages and potential applications, followed by drying kinetics, providing analysis of the research papers on experimental studies as well as mathematical modeling of this drying technique.
Development and Research of Method in the Calculation of Transients in Electrical Circuits Based on Polynomials
Authors: Tykhovod Sergii , Orlovskyi Ihor
Published: November 2022

Long electromagnetic transients occur in electrical systems because of switching and impulse actions As a result, the simulation time of such processes can be long, which is undesirable. Simulation time is significantly increased if the circuit in the study is complex, and also if this circuit is described by a rigid system of state equations. Modern requests of design engineers require an increase in the speed of calculations for realizing a real-time simulation. This work is devoted to the development of a unified spectral method for calculating electromagnetic transients in electrical circuits based on the representation of solution functions by series in algebraic and orthogonal polynomials. The purpose of the work is to offer electrical engineers a method that can significantly reduce the time for modeling transients in electrical circuits. Research methods. Approximation of functions by orthogonal polynomials, numerical methods for integrating differential equations, matrix methods, programming and theory of electrical circuits. Obtained results. Methods for calculating transients in electrical circuits based on the approximation of solution functions by series in algebraic polynomials as well as in the Chebyshev, Hermite and Legendre polynomials, have been developed and investigated. The proposed method made it possible to convert integro-differential equations of state into linear algebraic equations for images of time-dependent functions. The developed circuit model simplifies the calculation method. The images of true current functions are interpreted as direct currents in the proposed equivalent circuit. A computer program for simulating the transient process in an electrical circuit was developed on the basis of the described methods. The performed comparison of methods made it possible to choose the best method and a way to use it. The advantages of the presented method over other known methods are to reduce the simulation time of electromagnetic transients (for the considered examples by more than 6 times) while ensuring the required accuracy. The calculation of the process in the circuit over a long time interval showed a decrease and stabilization of errors, which indicates the prospects for using research methods for calculating complex electrical circuits.
Towards Gas Hydrate-Free Pipelines: A Comprehensive Review of Gas Hydrate Inhibition Techniques
Authors: Elhenawy Salma , Khraisheh Majeda , Almomani Fares , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Hassan Mohammad K. , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a
Published: November 2022

Gas hydrate blockage is a major issue that the production and transportation processes in the oil/gas industry faces. The formation of gas hydrates in pipelines results in significant financial losses and serious safety risks. To tackle the flow assurance issues caused by gas hydrate formation in the pipelines, some physical methods and chemical inhibitors are applied by the oil/gas industry. The physical techniques involve subjecting the gas hydrates to thermal heating and depressurization. The alternative method, on the other hand, relies on injecting chemical inhibitors into the pipelines, which affects gas hydrate formation. Chemical inhibitors are classified into high dosage hydrate inhibitors (thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors (THI)) and low dosage hydrate inhibitors (kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHI) and anti-agglomerates (AAs)). Each chemical inhibitor affects the gas hydrate from a different perspective. The use of physical techniques (thermal heating and depressurization) to inhibit hydrate formation is studied briefly in this review paper. Furthermore, the application of various THIs (alcohols and electrolytes), KHIs (polymeric compounds), and dual function hydrate inhibitors (amino acids, ionic liquids, and nanoparticles) are discussed thoroughly in this study. This review paper aims to provide a complete and comprehensive outlook on the fundamental principles of gas hydrates, and the recent mitigation techniques used by the oil/gas industry to tackle the gas hydrate formation issue. It hopes to provide the chemical engineering platform with ultimate and effective techniques for gas hydrate inhibition.
Recent Advances in the Multifunctional Natural Gum-Based Binders for High-Performance Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Padil Vinod V. T. , Cheong Jun Young
Published: November 2022

Natural gum derived from the natural surrounding (gum arabic, guar gum, xanthan gum, gellan gum, fenugreek gum, karaya gum, and acacia gum) is one of the most abundant polysaccharides currently present around the world. As natural gum dissolved solution can be very sticky in nature, its role as a binder for both anodes and cathodes in rechargeable batteries have been recently significantly researched. Although much research has been delved into using natural gum as a feasible binder for rechargeable batteries, little investigation so far has taken place to compile, summarize, analyze, and evaluate the current status-quo of the natural gum-based binder research, as well as understanding some of the obstacles and issues that may need to be addressed. This review gives a comprehensive review on the natural gum-based binder that was used for both anode and cathode in rechargeable batteries and how each kind of natural gum improved the electrochemical performance in terms of cycle retention and rate capabilities. Furthermore, more systematic analysis and future projections for the research on natural gum-based binders are presented, which will serve to further the promising research related to utilizing natural gum as an efficient binder for rechargeable battery systems.
Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Seawater Electrolysis: Through Fundamental Electrochemical Principles to the Most Recent Development
Authors: Badea Gabriela Elena , Hora Cristina , Maior Ioana , Cojocaru Anca , Secui Calin , Filip Sanda Monica , Dan Florin Ciprian
Published: November 2022

Among the many potential future energy sources, hydrogen stands out as particularly promising. Because it is a green and renewable chemical process, water electrolysis has earned much interest among the different hydrogen production techniques. Seawater is the most abundant source of water and the ideal and cheapest electrolyte. The first part of this review includes the description of the general theoretical concepts: chemical, physical, and electrochemical, that stands on the basis of water electrolysis. Due to the rapid development of new electrode materials and cell technology, research has focused on specific seawater electrolysis parameters: the cathodic evolution of hydrogen; the concurrent anodic evolution of oxygen and chlorine; specific seawater catalyst electrodes; and analytical methods to describe their catalytic activity and seawater electrolyzer efficiency. Once the specific objectives of seawater electrolysis have been established through the design and energy performance of the electrolyzer, the study further describes the newest challenges that an accessible facility for the electrochemical production of hydrogen as fuel from seawater must respond to for sustainable development: capitalizing on known and emerging technologies; protecting the environment; utilizing green, renewable energies as sources of electricity; and above all, economic efficiency as a whole.
The Physiological Restorative Role of Soundscape in Different Forest Structures
Authors: Hong Xin-Chen , Cheng Shi , Liu Jiang , Dang Emily , Wang Jia-Bing , Cheng Yuning
Published: November 2022

Natural soundscape is considered a dominant type of hearing in forested areas and contributes to health and recovery effects from exposure to the biophilic outdoor environment. This study focuses on the different forest structures, and aims to explore the relationship between perceived soundscape and acoustical parameters, observe physiological indicators, and model the physiological restorative role of soundscape. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather psychophysical and physiological information at 20 observation sites in urban forested areas. Back-propagation neural network techniques were conducted to determine the forecasting model from psychophysical to physiological parameters. Our results suggested that LAeq and L10 are important factors that influence questionnaire responses. Our findings also showed that electromyogram (EMG) signals were the most obvious and sensitive in physiological parameters. Additionally, we found that L10–90 played the most important role among all physical parameters in the physiological restorativeness soundscape model. This can facilitate the understanding of the physiological restorative role of soundscape in different forest structures when proposing suitable forest-based health care strategies.
Studies of the Photoprotection of Radiata Pine Wood Using Photocatalytic Nanoparticles
Authors: Hernandez Vicente A. , Romero Romina , Sagredo Nicole , Contreras David , Evans Philip D.
Published: November 2022

In this work, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles of different sizes and crystallographic configuration were used to protect wood surfaces against UV radiation. The sizes and levels of photoactivity of the nanoparticles were measured in vitro by transmittance electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and then they were impregnated into radiata pine samples. The production of aromatic radicals, absorbance of UV and visible light, and chemical and color changes of treated and untreated wood surfaces were assessed after UV irradiation. Results show that nanoparticles that were less photoactive were better at reducing the production of organic radicals and the chemical and color changes on wood surfaces subjected to UV. Similarly, smaller nanoparticles (40 nm) were better at reducing photochemical reactions than larger (100 nm) nanoparticles. In terms of the crystallographic configuration of nanoparticles, differences in the production of phenoxy radicals were verified only for short-term exposure. Previous research revealed that certain levels of photoactivity in TiO2 nanoparticles may contribute to decreases in the photodegradation of wood surfaces possibly by an electron sink mechanism. Our observations indicate that this is unlikely to occur in the presence of highly photoactive nanoparticles.
Influence of Root Volume, Plant Spacing, and Planting Pattern of Tap-like Tree Root System on Slope Protection Effect
Authors: Ding Hao , Xue Lei , Liu Hongyan , Li Longfei , Wang Haoyu , Zhai Mengyang
Published: November 2022

Vegetation slope protection has been widely utilized as an eco-friendly approach for slope stability. Up to now, research on the slope protection effect of shrubs and herbaceous vegetation is more than those of trees, which can be attributed to the challenge of evaluating the slope protection effect of tree root systems that can be influenced by many factors, such as root morphology, root volume, plant spacing, and planting patterns. Therefore, this study takes tap-like tree root systems as the research object, constructs the corresponding root-soil composite model by using 3D printing technology, and carries out a series of physical model experiments on slopes supported by tap-like tree root systems, examining the anti-sliding force, slope surface displacement, sliding range, and slope cracks throughout the entire process of deformation and the damage to shallow slopes, to finally evaluate the effectiveness in the slope protection effect of tree root systems from multiple perspectives. The results indicate that: (1) the peak anti-sliding force of the slope supported by tree root systems correlates positively with the root volume and negatively with plant spacing generally, and the influence of tree plant spacing on the peak anti-sliding force is weaker than that of the root volume; (2) the displacement of slopes supported by tree root systems in the square planting pattern is generally less than that in the staggered planting pattern, and the displacement of slopes has a negative correlation with the root volume and a positive correlation with the plant spacing; (3) the sliding range of the slope supported by tree root systems is significantly reduced compared with that of the unsupported slope, and the tree root system can prevent the occurrence of slope surface cracks to a certain extent, which makes the sliding-body show better integrity. The above understanding enriches the study on the slope protection effect of the tree root system, reveals the influence of the tree root volume, plant spacing, and planting pattern (square distribution and staggered distribution) of the tap-like tree root system, and offers some guidance for the engineering application of tree slope protection in practice.
Fermentation of Clementine Juice with Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius CECT 4063: Effect of Trehalose Addition and High-Pressure Homogenization on Antioxidant Properties, Mucin Adhesion, and Shelf Life
Authors: Burca-Busaga Cristina Gabriela , Betoret Noelia , Seguí Lucía , Barrera Cristina
Published: November 2022

Fermentation of fruit juices with lactic acid bacteria enhances their antioxidant properties to a different extent depending on the microbial strain and the growing media composition, which can be modified by adding certain ingredients or applying a homogenization step. This study analyzed the effect of trehalose addition (10%, w/w) and homogenization at 100 MPa before or after Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius CECT 4063 inoculation on the antioxidant profile and the microbiological properties of commercial clementine juice during 96 h fermentation. Antioxidant properties and viable cell count of 24 h-fermented juices during refrigerated storage (30 days at 4 °C) were also evaluated. Fermentation over 24 h reduced the microbial population and antioxidant content of clementine juice. Homogenizing the juice before inoculation enhanced the microbial growth but favored antioxidant degradation. Adding trehalose (10%, w/w) to the juice formulation and/or homogenizing at the fermented juice at 100 MPa for 24 h had a negative impact on viable counts and did not improve the microbial adhesion to intestinal mucosa. However, both techniques prevented antioxidant oxidation and cell decay during the storage of fermented juice under refrigeration, which should not last more than 15 days.
Permeable Membranes PUR/TETA and PUR/TEPA for CO2 Capture Prepared with One-Step Electrospinning Technology
Authors: Hoskovec Jakub , Čapková Pavla , Vostiňáková Monika , Ryšánek Petr , Kaule Pavel , Tokarský Jonáš , Benada Oldřich , Blechta Vratislav
Published: November 2022

A simple one-step technology of wire electrospinning is presented for the manufacturing of air-permeable CO2-capturing membranes, easily transferable to industrial production lines. The design of the chemically-modified polyurethane nanofiber membranes for CO2 capture was based on a combination of molecular modeling and technological experiments using one-step electrospinning (i.e., a modifying agent dissolved directly in a spinning solution). Polyurethane (PUR Larithane), chemically modified by TETA/TEPA amines, was used in the present study for the membrane design. Special attention was paid to two key parameters significant for the design of the functional unit, i.e., the CO2 sorption capacity and air permeability which depended on the amine concentration. The optimal combination of these parameters was found for the PUR/TEPA membrane (5 wt.% of TEPA in spinning solution): the sorption capacity was 13.97 cm3/g with an air permeability of 0.020 m/s. Molecular modeling proved to be a valuable tool that helped to clarify, at the molecular level, the structure of chemically-modified nanofibrous membranes.
The Rheological Properties and Texture of Agar Gels with Canola Oil—Effect of Mixing Rate and Addition of Lecithin
Authors: Jakubczyk Ewa , Kamińska-Dwórznicka Anna , Kot Anna
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of different mixing rates and the addition of lecithin on the rheological mechanical, and acoustic properties of agar gels with the addition of canola oil. The mixing rate of the agar–oil mixture was changed from 10,000 to 13,000 rpm. Additionally, agar gels with the addition of lecithin from 1 to 5% were prepared. The frequency sweep test was used (at 4 and 50 °C) within the linear viscoelastic region (LVR) in oscillatory measurement. The agar–oil mixture was cooled from 80 to 10 °C, enabling the obtainment of the gelling temperature. Texture profile analysis (TPA) and compression tests, as well as the acoustic emission method, were applied to analyse the texture of the gels. The syneresis and stability of gels during storage were also measure. The increase in mixing rate in the case of agar gel with canola oil causes an increase in the elastic component of materials as well hardness and gumminess. Also, samples prepared with the higher mixing rate have more uniform and stable structures, with small bubbles. The increase in the concentration of lecithin is ineffective due to the formation of gels with a weak matrix and low hardness, gumminess, and stability during storage.
Sodium Alginate-Quaternary Polymethacrylate Composites: Characterization of Dispersions and Calcium Ion Cross-Linked Gel Beads
Authors: Khunawattanakul Wanwisa , Jaipakdee Napaphak , Rongthong Thitiphorn , Chansri Narin , Srisuk Pathomthat , Chitropas Padungkwan , Pongjanyakul Thaned
Published: November 2022

The objective of this work was to examine the effect of quaternary polymethacrylate (QPM), a water-insoluble polymer with a positive charge, on the characteristics of the sodium alginate (SA) dispersions and the calcium alginate (CA) gel beads containing propranolol HCl (PPN). The SA-QPM composite dispersions presented the formation of flocculates with a negative charge due to the electrostatic interaction of both substances. The QPM addition did not affect the SA dispersions’ Newtonian flow, but the composite dispersions’ viscosity enhancement was found. The PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads had more spherical than the PPN-loaded CA gel beads. The incorporation of QPM caused a bigger particle size, higher drug entrapment efficiency, and greater particle strength of the gel beads. Despite the similar water uptake property, the PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads displayed lower burst release and slower drug release rate than the PPN-loaded CA gel beads. However, the drug release from the PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads involved drug diffusion and matrix swelling mechanisms. This study demonstrated that adding QPM into the SA dispersions leads to a viscosity synergism. The CA-QPM gel beads display a good potential for use as a bioactive compound delivery system.
Developments on the Smart Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery System for Oral Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhao Yiwen , Ran Bei , Xie Xi , Gu Wanrong , Ye Xiuwen , Liao Jinfeng
Published: November 2022

At present, an oral tumor is usually treated by surgery combined with preoperative or postoperative radiotherapies and chemotherapies. However, traditional chemotherapies frequently result in substantial toxic side effects, including bone marrow suppression, malfunction of the liver and kidneys, and neurotoxicity. As a new local drug delivery system, the smart drug delivery system based on hydrogel can control drug release in time and space, and effectively alleviate or avoid these problems. Environmentally responsive hydrogels for smart drug delivery could be triggered by temperature, photoelectricity, enzyme, and pH. An overview of the most recent research on smart hydrogels and their controlled-release drug delivery systems for the treatment of oral cancer is given in this review. It is anticipated that the local drug release method and environment-responsive benefits of smart hydrogels will offer a novel technique for the low-toxicity and highly effective treatment of oral malignancy.
Congenital Nail Disorders among Children with Suspected Ectodermal Dysplasias
Authors: Maier-Wohlfart Sigrun , Aicher Carmen , Willershausen Ines , Peschel Nicolai , Meißner Udo , Gölz Lina , Schneider Holm
Published: November 2022

We report on a cohort of 204 children referred between January 2017 and January 2022 to the German Center for Ectodermal Dysplasias, Erlangen. The most frequent reasons for referral were tooth malformations and lack of multiple teeth leading to the suspicion of an ectodermal dysplasia. Many patients also suffered from being unable to perspire. Nail abnormalities, in contrast, represented a much rarer finding, albeit the impact on some individuals was large. As ectodermal dysplasias are congenital genetic conditions affecting the development and/or homeostasis of two or more ectodermal derivatives, including hair, teeth, nails, and certain glands, we analyzed congenital nail disorders detected in these patients. Dystrophic or otherwise abnormal nails were evident in 17 of 18 subjects with pathogenic WNT10A or GJB6 variants but in none of 161 children with EDA variants underlying X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. However, 2 of 17 children who carry mutations in EDAR or EDARADD, two other genes involved in the ectodysplasin A signaling pathway, showed nail abnormalities, such as brittle or hypoplastic nails. TP63 variants were regularly associated with nail disorders. In one girl, anonychia congenita caused by a compound heterozygous variant of the R-spondin-4 gene (RSPO4) was diagnosed. Thus, nail dysplasia is rarer among patients with ectodermal dysplasia than commonly thought.
Reproductive Outcomes in Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Palmer Lisa D. , McManus Zoë , Heung Tracy , McAlpine Grace , Blagojevic Christina , Corral Maria , Bassett Anne S.
Published: November 2022

The 22q11.2 microdeletion and its associated conditions could affect reproductive outcomes but there is limited information on this important area. We investigated reproductive outcomes in a sample of 368 adults with typical 22q11.2 deletions (median age 32.8, range 17.9–76.3 years; 195 females), and without moderate-severe intellectual disability, who were followed prospectively. We examined all reproductive outcomes and possible effects of diagnosis as a transmitting parent on these outcomes. We used logistic regression to investigate factors relevant to reproductive fitness (liveborn offspring). There were 63 (17.1%) individuals with 157 pregnancy outcomes, 94 (60.3%) of which involved live births. Amongst the remainder involving a form of loss, were seven (5.77%) stillbirths, significantly greater than population norms (p < 0.0001). For 35 (55.6%) individuals, diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) followed diagnosis of an offspring, with disproportionately fewer individuals had major congenital heart disease (CHD) in that transmitting parent subgroup. The regression model indicated that major CHD, in addition to previously identified factors, was a significant independent predictor of reduced reproductive fitness. There was evidence of persisting diagnostic delay and limited prenatal genetic testing. The findings indicate that pregnancy loss is an important health issue for adults with 22q11.2DS. CHD and/or its absence is a factor to consider in reproductive outcome research. Further studies are warranted to better appreciate factors that may contribute to reproductive outcomes, including technological advances. The results suggest the need for ongoing efforts to provide optimal education and supports to individuals with 22q11.2DS, and their clinicians, around reproductive issues and early diagnosis.
Visual Identity Based on Ancestral Iconography: A Strategy for Re-Evaluation of the Caranqui Cultural Heritage in the Gualimán Archaeological Site (Ecuador)
Authors: Ruiz-Ruiz Ingrid Ninoshka , Teruel-Serrano María Dolores , Miranda-Sánchez Sabrina Irina
Published: November 2022

Iconography is one of the most powerful ways to express the cultural identity of a community through the creation of symbols that promote its re-evaluation, although it is not always used as a way to promote this cultural development. The aim of this research is to emphasize visual identity based on ancestral iconography as a strategy in the re-evaluation of the Caranqui culture and in the transmission of knowledge about the archaeological site of Gualimán. The methodology consisted of a documentary analysis of the civilization, which was completed with in-depth interviews with the managers and a survey of 295 residents. The obtained results have allowed us to deepen our understanding of the Caranqui culture, identifying vehicles to promote its re-evaluation. Among the conclusions is that the contribution of an identity based on its own symbols reinforces the feeling of belonging and turns its inhabitants into bearers of their own ancestral legacy.
Integrating Trap Cropping and Entomopathogenic Nematode Foliar Sprays to Manage Diamondback Moth and Imported Cabbage Worm
Authors: Budhathoki Sabina , Sipes Brent , Shikano Ikkei , Myers Roxana , Manandhar Roshan , Wang Koon-Hui
Published: November 2022

Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, and imported cabbage worm (ICW), Pieris rapae, are destructive pests of crucifers worldwide. Although several insecticides are effective against ICW, pesticide management against DBM is challenged by insecticide resistant populations. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of integrating foliar sprays of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema feltiae with trap cropping using kai choi (Brassica juncea) planted as an intercrop for the management of DBM and ICW. Four 2 × 2 (trap crop × EPN) factorial designed field trials were conducted with 2 trials on head cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var capitata) and 2 on kale (Brassica oleraceae var acephala). In the first head cabbage trial, trap cropping reduced DBM abundance by 46% and ICW abundance by 73%. Leaf damage by DBM and ICW were reduced by 45% and 33%, respectively. In the second head cabbage trial, DBM populations were reduced by 19% whereas ICW was reduced by 65%. No effects were observed on leaf damage. Trap cropping suppressed DBM abundance by 50% and DBM leaf damage by 19% in the first kale trial. No significant effects were observed on ICW. In the second kale trial, trap cropping reduced ICW leaf damage by 13%. In the first head cabbage trial, adding EPN foliar sprays further reduced DBM populations in plots with trap crops and ICW in plots without trap crops. In the second kale trial, EPNs suppressed DBM populations entirely. No effects from EPNs were observed in the second head cabbage trial or the first kale trial. It is concluded that trap cropping with kai choi did not improve the efficacy of EPN foliar sprays consistently. EPNs were most successful at suppressing DBM and ICW populations when the average pest pressure was below 0.5/plant whereas trap crops worked more effectively at insect populations above 0.5/plant. Although the use of trap cropping reduced pest abundance and leaf damage, the weight of head cabbage and kale was lower when planted 30 cm or closer to kai choi plants. This was resolved by leaving a distance of 60 cm between cash and trap crops. With further optimization, the use of trap cropping and EPN foliar sprays can be beneficial to an integrated pest management program to control DBM and ICW in cruciferous crops.
Morphologic Alterations of the Sternoclavicular Joint following Ipsilateral Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Jessen Malik , Schnetzke Marc , Studier-Fischer Stefan , Grützner Paul Alfred , Gühring Thorsten , Porschke Felix
Published: November 2022

Rationale: To our knowledge, no study has investigated concomitant injuries of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) in acute clavicle fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an ipsilateral clavicle fracture on the SCJ in a systematic computer tomography (CT) morphologic evaluation. Methods: CT scans in the axial and coronal plane of 45 consecutive patients with clavicle fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The scans were assessed regarding anatomic congruence of bilateral SCJs—joint space width (JSW); the position of bilateral medial clavicles (PC); and the non-fusion of epiphyses, arthritis, calcifications, and intra-articular gas. Results: The mean SCJ JSW was significantly different in the coronal (cJSW; 8.70 mm ± 2.61 mm in affected vs. 7.63 mm ± 2.58 mm in non-affected side; p = 0.001) and axial plane (aJSW; 9.40 mm ± 2.76 mm in affected vs. 9.02 ± 2.99 in non-affected SCJs; p = 0.044). The position of the medial clavicle showed a significant difference in the coronal plane (cPC; 14.31 mm ± 3.66 mm in the affected vs. 13.49 ± 3.34 in the non-affected side; p = 0.011), indicating a superior shift. Conclusion: Acute clavicle fractures may be associated with an enlargement of the ipsilateral SCJ space width and a superior shift of the proximal clavicle. Both morphologic alterations could indicate concomitant injuries of the SCJ as well as a potential increase in the risk of SCJ instability.
Analysing Interlinked Frequency Dynamics of the Urban Acoustic Environment
Authors: Haselhoff Timo , Braun Tobias , Hornberg Jonas , Lawrence Bryce T. , Ahmed Salman , Gruehn Dietwald , Moebus Susanne
Published: November 2022

As sustainable metropolitan regions require more densely built-up areas, a comprehensive understanding of the urban acoustic environment (AE) is needed. However, comprehensive datasets of the urban AE and well-established research methods for the AE are scarce. Datasets of audio recordings tend to be large and require a lot of storage space as well as computationally expensive analyses. Thus, knowledge about the long-term urban AE is limited. In recent years, however, these limitations have been steadily overcome, allowing a more comprehensive analysis of the urban AE. In this respect, the objective of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of the time–frequency domain of the urban AE, analysing automatic audio recordings from nine urban settings over ten months. We compute median power spectra as well as normalised spectrograms for all settings. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of frequency correlation matrices (FCMs) as a novel approach to access large audio datasets. Our results show site-dependent patterns in frequency dynamics. Normalised spectrograms reveal that frequency bins with low power hold relevant information and that the AE changes considerably over a year. We demonstrate that this information can be captured by using FCMs, which also unravel communities of interlinked frequency dynamics for all settings.
Urban Blue Spaces as Therapeutic Landscapes: “A Slice of Nature in the City”
Authors: Smith Niamh , Foley Ronan , Georgiou Michail , Tieges Zoë , Chastin Sebastien
Published: November 2022

Urban blue spaces are defined as all natural and manmade surface water in urban environments. This paper draws on how the concepts of experienced, symbolic, social, and activity space combine to position urban blue spaces as therapeutic landscapes. We conducted 203 intercept interviews between 12 October 2019 and 10 November 2019. Although safety concerns had health-limiting impacts, interacting with the Glasgow Canal and surrounding landscape was predominantly perceived as health-enhancing. Our findings build on current evidence, which has suggested that urban blue spaces, particularly canals, may foster therapeutic properties, contributing to healthier city environments. Further research is required to understand better the interconnectedness of urban blue spaces and health and how such spaces can be best developed and managed to improve the health outcomes of local populations.
‘I Doubt Myself and Am Losing Everything I Have since COVID Came’—A Case Study of Mental Health and Coping Strategies among Undocumented Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand
Authors: Khai Tual Sawn , Asaduzzaman Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Migrant populations have always been vulnerable to a high burden of social exclusion, mental disorders, physical illnesses, and economic crises. The current COVID-19 pandemic has further created a frantic plight among them, particularly for undocumented migrant workers in the global south. We have conducted a mixed method study among the undocumented Myanmar migrant workers (UMMWs) in Thailand to explore how the COVID-19 disruption has impacted their mental health and what coping strategies they have adopted. Following the onset of COVID-19 and the recent coup d’état in Myanmar, our current study is the first attempt to understand the mental health status and predicament of this neglected migrant group. A total of 398 UMMWs were included in the online survey, of which 23 participated in qualitative interviews. The major mental health issues reported by the study participants were depression, generalized anxiety disorder, frustration, stress, and panic disorders, while loss of employment, worries about the pandemic, social stigma, lack of access to healthcare, lockdown, and fear of detention were the predominant contributing factors. In response, we identified two key coping mechanisms: coping at a personal level (listening to music, playing online game, praying, and self-motivation) and coping at a social level (chatting with family and friends and visiting religious institutions). These findings point to the importance of policy and intervention programs aimed at upholding mental health at such humanitarian conditions. Sustainable institutional mental health care support and social integration for the migrant workers, irrespective of their legal status, should be ensured.
Machine Learning Models for Data-Driven Prediction of Diabetes by Lifestyle Type
Authors: Qin Yifan , Wu Jinlong , Xiao Wen , Wang Kun , Huang Anbing , Liu Bowen , Yu Jingxuan , Li Chuhao , Yu Fengyu , Ren Zhanbing
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing in recent years, and previous research has found that machine-learning models are good diabetes prediction tools. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of five different machine-learning models for diabetes prediction using lifestyle data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. The 1999–2020 NHANES database yielded data on 17,833 individuals data based on demographic characteristics and lifestyle-related variables. To screen training data for machine models, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) forward propagation algorithm was utilized. For predicting diabetes, five machine-learning models (CATBoost, XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), and Support Vector Machine (SVM)) were developed. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Among the five machine-learning models, the dietary intake levels of energy, carbohydrate, and fat, contributed the most to the prediction of diabetes patients. In terms of model performance, CATBoost ranks higher than RF, LG, XGBoost, and SVM. The best-performing machine-learning model among the five is CATBoost, which achieves an accuracy of 82.1% and an AUC of 0.83. Machine-learning models based on NHANES data can assist medical institutions in identifying diabetes patients.
Incident and Recurrent Depression among Adults Aged 50 Years and Older during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: MacNeil Andie , Birk Sapriya , Villeneuve Paul J. , Jiang Ying , de Groh Margaret , Fuller-Thomson Esme
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying public health measures have exacerbated many risk factors for depression in older adulthood. The objectives of the current study are: (1) to determine the risk of incident and recurrent depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among those with, or without, a history of depression; and (2) to identify factors that were predictive of depression in these two groups. The study population included 22,622 participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging who provided data at baseline (2011–2015), follow-up (2015–2018), and twice during the pandemic (April–May 2020, September–December 2020). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to classify individuals with depression. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of depression during COVID across a series of risk factors. Individuals with a history of depression had four times the risk of depression during the pandemic when compared to those without a history of depression, even after controlling for relevant covariates. Other factors associated with depression during the pandemic include being female, having fewer savings, and experiencing COVID-19 related stressors, such as health stressors, difficulties accessing resources, and family conflict. Clinicians working with older adults should consider interventions to support high-risk groups, such as those with recurrent depression.
The Functional Form of the Relationship between Body Height, Body Mass Index and Change of Direction Speed, Agility in Elite Female Basketball and Handball Players
Authors: Popowczak Marek , Horička Pavol , Šimonek Jaromir , Domaradzki Jarosław
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the functional form of the relationship between two anthropometric measurements—body height (BH) and body mass index (BMI)—and two motor abilities—change of direction speed (CODS) and agility (AG)—in female elite basketball and handball players. It was hypothesized that BH and BMI might be significantly associated with AG and CODS. Two scenarios of the Five-Time Shuttle Run to Gates test (planned and unplanned) were used to evaluate the CODS and AG. Two forms of models were built to assess functional forms of the relationships between CODS and AG vs. BH and BMI: simple linear regression and binomial curvilinear regression for each type of team sport. The results confirmed the relationships between both anthropometric measurements and motor abilities only in HB, whereas in BB only a significant relationship was noted between BH and AG. Moreover, two curvilinear functional forms of the relationship were identified: inverted L-shape and inverted U-shape. Therefore, it was concluded that the first form of function indicated an initially proportional relationship between anthropometric measurement and motor test results and plateau after reaching a certain value of the BH or BMI. Similarly, the second form of function indicated the peak value of the BH or BMI which is threshold for the value of the anthropometric measurement when a progressive effect in the functional feature occurs.
Dynamic Scenario Analysis of Science and Technology Innovation to Support Chinese Cities in Achieving the “Double Carbon” Goal: A Case Study of Xi’an City
Authors: Huang Renquan , Tian Jing
Published: November 2022

Since the Chinese government proclaimed the “double carbon” goal in 2020, carbon emissions reduction has become an important task for the Chinese government. Cities generate more than 60% of carbon emissions. There are many challenges in achieving the “double carbon” goal for the cities of China. Science and technology innovation (STI) provides a feasible path, and the mechanism of STI influencing carbon emissions is analyzed. The STI factors, economic factors, energy factors, and population factors are studied based on the generalized Divisia index method. According to the decomposing results, science and technology innovation investment is the most important increasing factor in carbon emissions, and technology innovation investment efficiency is the most important decreasing factor, respectively. Three scenarios are set up and simulated with Monte Carlo technology evaluating the city of Xi’an in China. Under the baseline development scenario, it cannot achieve the carbon peak goal, and the uncertainty of carbon emissions increases. Under the green development scenario, it will peak in 2051, with a 95% confidence interval of 6668.47–7756.90 × 104 tons. Under the technology breakthrough scenario, the lower and median boundaries of carbon emissions peak at 4703.94 × 104 tons and 4852.39 × 104 tons in 2026, and the upper boundary peaks at 5042.15 × 104 tons in 2030. According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve theory, it will peak between 2028 and 2029 with a GDP per capita of CNY 153,223.85. However, it will fail to achieve the carbon neutrality goal by 2060, and should rely on the national carbon trading market of China to achieve the goal with a trading volume of 2524.61–3007.01 × 104 tons.
Shift-Work Schedule Intervention for Extending Restart Breaks after Consecutive Night Shifts: A Non-randomized Controlled Cross-Over Study
Authors: Kubo Tomohide , Matsumoto Shun , Izawa Shuhei , Ikeda Hiroki , Nishimura Yuki , Kawakami Sayaka , Tamaki Masako , Masuda Sanae
Published: November 2022

More knowledge is required to determine the optimal shiftwork schedule to reduce the harmful effects of short restart breaks between shifts. This 5-month intervention study aimed to examine the effectiveness of extended restart breaks from 31 h to 55 h after consecutive night shifts by considering the characteristics of the circadian rhythm to mitigate fatigue and sleep among 30 shift-working nurses. Subjective and objective variables, such as vital exhaustion, distress, hair cortisol, salivary C-reactive protein, and sleep mattress sensor sensation, were repeatedly measured to examine the differences between the intervention and control conditions. Two-way (condition × time) multilevel analyses showed significantly lower levels of vital exhaustion and distress in the intervention condition (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). However, the expected benefit of the intervention was not observed in objectively measured variables. These findings suggested that an extended restart break after consecutive night shifts can moderately decrease occupational fatigue and stress.
Red Mud-Amended Soil as Highly Adsorptive Hybrid-Fill Materials for Controlling Heavy Metal Sewage Seepage in Industrial Zone
Authors: Lei Haomin , Xu Xin , Liu Xiaofeng , Park Junboum , Yu Zhongyu , Liu Hao
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of urbanization, the problem of environmental pollution is becoming more and more serious. As a major pollutant, heavy metals have caused serious contamination in soil and groundwater. In order to prevent the diffusion of heavy metals in the soil from industrial sewage, the concept of hybrid-fill layer construction improved by red mud was proposed in this study. This study examines the adsorption capacities of lead and zinc ions and engineering characteristics on red mud-amended soils by direct shear, permeability, adsorption, desorption batch and column tests. Two mixing methods, full particle size displacement mixing and partial particle size displacement mixing, were adopted. The results showed that red mud effectively increased the adsorption capacity of soil to heavy metal ions, and the desorption rate of ions after adsorption was less than 3%, which had good anti-desorption ability. The optimum content of red mud in hybrid-fill material can be determined as 20%. The direct shear test showed that the internal friction angle of hybrid-fill material was 38.9°, and the cohesive force was 30.3 kPa, which met the engineering strength requirements of foundation materials. Based on the test results, red mud can be used as a barrier material to prevent heavy metal contamination in industrial sewage from diffusion, which controls not only heavy metal contamination but also consumes industrial by-products.
Perceptions of Older Adults with Hematological Cancer on Diet and Exercise Behavior and Its Role in Navigating Daily Tasks
Authors: Colton Alana , Smith Monica A. , Broadbent Suzanne , Rune Karina T. , Wright Hattie H.
Published: November 2022

Diet and exercise are associated with the maintenance of physical function, independence and better health-related quality of life in cancer survivors. Adherence to healthy diet and exercise guidelines, however, remains low. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of hematological cancer survivors (HCS, ≥50 years) on the role of diet and exercise in navigating daily tasks using a qualitative descriptive research method. Eligible HCS completed an online survey gathering demographic information including physical functioning, exercise frequency, malnutrition and frailty risk. Following a semi-structured telephone interview, thematic analysis was used. Nine HCS (67 ± 2 years) were included in the final analysis, with 55.5% sufficiently active, three at risk of malnutrition and five of frailty. Three primary themes reflected the survivors’ perceptions: (1) beliefs about the impact of diet and exercise on physical and mental wellbeing, (2) the ability to overcome barriers to adhere to healthy diet and exercise behavior, and (3) diet and exercise empowered and gave hope. Participants had a more nuanced understanding of the role of exercise in physical function but lacked insight into the role of a healthy diet. Knowledge, support and instruction were key enablers of diet and exercise behavior, with community connection a unique enabler identified in this group.