bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Piezoelectric Materials and Energy Harvesters for Industrial Applications
Authors: Aabid Abdul , Raheman Md Abdul , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Anjum Asraar , Hrairi Meftah , Parveez Bisma , Parveen Nagma , Mohammed Zayan Jalal
Published: June 2021

In the last three decades, smart materials have become popular. The piezoelectric materials have shown key characteristics for engineering applications, such as in sensors and actuators for industrial use. Because of their excellent mechanical-to-electrical and vice versa energy conversion properties, piezoelectric materials with high piezoelectric charge and voltage coefficient have been tested in renewable energy applications. The fundamental component of the energy harvester is the piezoelectric material, which, when subjected to mechanical vibrations or applied stress, induces the displaced ions in the material and results in a net electric charge due to the dipole moment of the unit cell. This phenomenon builds an electric potential across the material. In this review article, a detailed study focused on the piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH’s) is reported. In addition, the fundamental idea about piezoelectric materials, along with their modeling for various applications, are detailed systematically. Then a summary of previous studies based on PEH’s other applications is listed, considering the technical aspects and methodologies. A discussion has been provided as a critical review of current challenges in this field. As a result, this review can provide a guideline for the scholars who want to use PEH’s for their research.
New Results on Radioactive Mixture Identification and Relative Count Contribution Estimation
Authors: Ayhan Bulent , Kwan Chiman
Published: June 2021

Detecting nuclear materials in mixtures is challenging due to low concentration, environmental factors, sensor noise, source-detector distance variations, and others. This paper presents new results on nuclear material identification and relative count contribution (also known as mixing ratio) estimation for mixtures of materials in which there are multiple isotopes present. Conventional and deep-learning-based machine learning algorithms were compared. Realistic simulated data using Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) were used in our comparative studies. It was observed that a deep learning approach is highly promising.
Microwave Non-Destructive Testing for Delamination Detection in Layered Composite Pipelines
Authors: Sobkiewicz Przemysław , Bieńkowski Paweł , Błażejewski Wojciech
Published: June 2021

Microwave imaging and defectoscopy are promising techniques for dielectric composite evaluation. Their most significant advantage is their relatively high penetration depth. Another feature worth noting is that traditional methods could not acquire an internal content with such a low impact on both the sample and surrounding environment, including the test operator, compared to other techniques. This paper presents microwave non-destructive and noninvasive methods for quality evaluation of layered composite materials using an open-ended waveguide probe. Pure |S11| parameters only exceptionally give a clear answer about the location of material cracks. Therefore, this makes it necessary to analyze these parameters simultaneously along with several other factors, such as stand-off distance, probe type or wave polarization. The purpose of the work was to find the dependency between the physical state of a layered composite powerplant pipeline and the S-matrix parameters response (reflection and transmission parameters) in a Ku frequency band that has not yet been extensively researched. Lower-frequency measurements broaden the application possibility for thicker composites, mainly because of a higher penetration depth and measurement setup availability. Different methods have been shown, including reflection and transmission/reflection methods, both in close proximity and in stand-off distance. The measurements are based on a low-complexity experimental setup.
CSR Perceptions and Career Satisfaction: The Role of Psychological Capital and Moral Identity
Authors: Al-Ghazali Basheer , Sohail M. Sadiq , Jumaan Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the macro-level has been explored quite extensively, but how it affects employee-level outcomes was only recently researched. This paper draws on insights from the micro-foundation of CSR in explaining the effect of employees’ CSR perceptions on their career satisfaction. Moreover, the mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of moral identity are also explored. Data were collected from a cross-industry sample of 383 employees in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that CSR perceptions positively affected career satisfaction, and psychological capital mediated the effect of CSR perceptions on career satisfaction. Both factors of moral identity (internalized and symbolic) positively moderated the link between CSR perceptions and psychological capital. Finally, the indirect effect of CSR perceptions on career satisfaction via psychological capital was moderated by internalized moral identity and symbolic moral identity. Organizations can enhance career satisfaction by communicating to employees about CSR programs, initiatives, and actions. Moreover, employees should be provided with a working environment that provides them with the most resources so that they can feel confident, hopeful, resilient, and optimistic.
Perceptions and Consequences of Socioenvironmental Vulnerability Due to Tropical Cyclones in Los Cabos, Mexico
Authors: Marín-Monroy Elvia Aida , Hernández-Trejo Victor , Ojeda-Ruiz de la Peña Miguel Angel , Romero-Vadillo Eleonora , Ivanova-Boncheva Antonina
Published: June 2021

Climate change has resulted in severe consequences of hydrometeorological phenomena. The municipality of Los Cabos, Mexico, has been the most affected in the state of Baja California Sur by these hazards due to its location on the southern tip of the peninsula, being exposed with approximately 192 km of coastline; it is an environmental heritage that has made the area a primary tourist attraction in Mexico, which has caused a rapid growth in population with little knowledge about cyclone activity. In addition, there is limited knowledge regarding social indicators that measure vulnerability due to tropical cyclones. Based on the above, the objective of this study was to capture community perceptions about vulnerability related to tropical cyclones and to compare the results with real impacts and their index of socioenvironmental vulnerability, which includes indicators of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, to provide useful information to form strategies to mitigate risk. Data were collected through a questionnaire-survey in 335 randomly selected households; we applied a probability model to the perception analysis and calculated an index to categorize vulnerability. We found differences between perceptions and real affectations, with 64% of households categorized as being highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, and we detected a lower perception about damage suffered to their households. The variables related to knowledge and local or foreigner status were predictors of vulnerability perception. We included georeferenced data on flooding hazard maps as a strategy for adaptation.
The Impact of Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability on the Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Etana Dula , Snelder Denyse J. R. M. , van Wesenbeeck Cornelia F. A. , de Cock Buning Tjard
Published: June 2021

Although most micro-level studies show the positive impact of adaptation on food security and household income, these are only a few of the outcomes adaptation is intended to achieve. Farmers’ livelihoods function in complex ways such that an understanding the multidimensional outcome of adaptation is important. These necessitate the use of multiple indicators in the evaluation of the impact of adaptation. Based on data collected from 810 randomly selected households in central Ethiopia, this study investigates the impacts of adaptation strategies on the sustainability of the livelihoods of farmers. The economic, social, and environmental outcomes were integrated to construct the Livelihood Sustainability Index. The endogenous switching regression model, which accounts for unobserved heterogeneity and possible endogeneity, was used to examine the impact of using adaptation strategies. With a mean score of 41, the farmers had lower levels of livelihood sustainability. Farmers switching crop type, diversifying crops, planting improved seeds, engaging in land management activities, and using irrigation had a higher livelihood sustainability index compared to the counterfactual case in which they did not use them. Non-farm employment and migration significantly increased livelihood sustainability for the using households. However, had these factors been used by the non-users, it would have resulted in reduced livelihood sustainability. Farmers using more than four adaptation strategies had more sustainable livelihoods than using fewer strategies. The findings affirm that adaptation contributes to livelihood improvement. However, since the farmers are far from achieving a higher level of sustainable livelihoods, policies shall focus on maximizing the returns to be obtained from using adaptation strategies. This includes improving access to ecosystem services through environmental protection measures, increasing production efficiency through improved access to and proper utilization of farm inputs, expanding irrigation facilities, creating decent employment opportunities, and enhancing farmers’ skills through entrepreneurial training.
Exploring Climate-Change Impacts on Energy Efficiency and Overheating Vulnerability of Bioclimatic Residential Buildings under Central European Climate
Authors: Pajek Luka , Košir Mitja
Published: June 2021

Climate change is expected to expose the locked-in overheating risk concerning bioclimatic buildings adapted to a specific past climate state. The study aims to find energy-efficient building designs which are most resilient to overheating and increased cooling energy demands that will result from ongoing climate change. Therefore, a comprehensive parametric study of various passive building design measures was implemented, simulating the energy use of each combination for a temperate climate of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The approach to overheating vulnerability assessment was devised and applied using the increase in cooling energy demand as a performance indicator. The results showed that a B1 heating energy efficiency class according to the Slovenian Energy Performance Certificate classification was the highest attainable using the selected passive design parameters, while the energy demand for heating is projected to decrease over time. In contrast, the energy use for cooling is in general projected to increase. Furthermore, it was found that, in building models with higher heating energy use, low overheating vulnerability is easier to achieve. However, in models with high heating energy efficiency, very high overheating vulnerability is not expected. Accordingly, buildings should be designed for current heating energy efficiency and low vulnerability to future overheating. The paper shows a novel approach to bioclimatic building design with global warming adaptation integrated into the design process. It delivers recommendations for the energy-efficient, robust bioclimatic design of residential buildings in the Central European context, which are intended to guide designers and policymakers towards a resilient and sustainable built environment.
Sustainable Transport in the Danube Region
Authors: Mako Peter , Dávid Andrej , Böhm Patrik , Savu Sorin
Published: June 2021

Sustainability of transport systems is a key issue in transport. The main question is whether high levels of road and railway transport in areas along navigable waterways is an effective solution for this issue. The Danube waterway is an example. Generally, it is not observed that traffic performance is not as high as on the Rhine. This paper deals with the revelation of the available capacity of this waterway based on approximation functions and their comparison with real transport performances. This methodology points to the level of use of waterways. The connection of this model with the production of fossil fuels creates a basis for a case study. The case study in this paper offers a possibility for a sustainable and environmentally friendly transition from road transport to inland water transport on the example of specific transport routes. The main contribution of this paper is a presentation of the application of sustainable models of use transport capacity to increase the share of environmentally friendly and sustainable inland water transport. The conclusion based on the case study and materials is that the available capacity of inland water transport on the Danube could support the transition of traffic performances to sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport.
Selecting Suitable, Green Port Crane Equipment for International Commercial Ports
Authors: Gan Guo-Ya , Lee Hsuan-Shih , Tao Yu-Jwo , Tu Chang-Shu
Published: June 2021

Responding to the increasing global need for environmental protection, a green port balances economic vibrancy with environmental protection. However, because exhaust emissions (e.g., CO2 or sulfide) are difficult to monitor around ports, data on such emissions are often incomplete, which hinders research on this topic. The present study aimed to fill this gap in this topic. To remedy this problem, this study formulated a new data envelopment analysis (DEA) method for collecting CO2 emissions data at their source. This method was applied to collect real-world operating data from a large container-handling company in Taiwan. Specifically, we provide a real example using a novel green energy index to account for undesirable outputs. Our main objective was to formulate two methods that combine: (1) data envelopment analysis based on a modified slack-based measure, and (2) a multi-choice goal programming approach. The contributions of this paper included the finding that rubber-tired gantry cranes are the greenest and should be used in ports. Finally, our findings aid port managers in selecting port equipment that provides the best balance between environmental protection and profitability.
Researching on the Sustainability of Transportation Industry Based on a Coupled Emergy and System Dynamics Model: A Case Study of Qinghai
Authors: Wu Haizhen , Fan Weiguo , Lu Jianchang
Published: June 2021

A series of environmental issues caused by excessive energy consumption in the transportation industry have hindered China’s sustainable development. In this study, an emergy synthesis method was used to analyze the flow of energy. Meanwhile, the emergy yield rate (EYR), environmental load rate (ELR) and emergy sustainability index (ESI) were calculated to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of the system. In addition, we applied system dynamics to provide a scenario simulation method to compare the emergy indicators of the framework implemented. The paper further put forward some policy insights to improve the sustainability of the transportation system, including adjusting the transportation structure, increasing renewable energy use and promoting a circular economy. The scenario simulation framework based on the sustainable development model of emergy flow can provide a reference for the green development of transportation systems in other regions.
The Neighborhood Effects of a Place-Based Policy—Causal Evidence from Atlanta’s Economic Development Priority Areas
Authors: Luo Yuxi , Zhang Zhaohua , Zheng Jun , Hite Diane
Published: June 2021

Place-based policies refer to government efforts to enhance the economic performance of an area within its jurisdiction. Applying various difference in differences strategies, this study evaluates the neighborhood effects of a place-based policy—the Economic Development Priority Areas (EDPA) of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Since the census block groups are locally defined and the boundaries may change over time, we defined the neighborhoods by creating a set of 0.25-mile- diameter circles evenly distributed across Atlanta, and used the created buffers as the comparison unit. The empirical estimates showed that EDPA designation significantly reduced poverty rate and increased housing price of EDPA neighborhoods but had no beneficial effects on population size and employment rate. The heterogeneous analysis with respect to different initial economic status of the neighborhoods showed a relative larger and significant effect of EDPA designation on low-income neighborhoods. The increasing labor demand induced by EDPA designation in low-income neighborhoods attracted more population to migrate in and put upward pressure on housing prices. The estimation results are robust when replacing the 0.25-mile-diameter circle neighborhoods with 0.5-mile-diameter circle neighborhoods. Although we found some positive effects of the EDPA program in Atlanta, it would be misguided to assume similar effects occur in other areas implementing place-based policies.
Analyzing Barriers of Circular Food Supply Chains and Proposing Industry 4.0 Solutions
Authors: Ada Nesrin , Kazancoglu Yigit , Sezer Muruvvet Deniz , Ede-Senturk Cigdem , Ozer Idil , Ram Mangey
Published: June 2021

The concept of the circular economy (CE) has gained importance worldwide recently since it offers a wider perspective in terms of promoting sustainable production and consumption with limited resources. However, few studies have investigated the barriers to CE in circular food supply chains. Accordingly, this paper presents a systematic literature review of 136 papers from 2010 to 2020 from WOS and Scopus databases regarding these barriers to understand CE implementation in food supply chains. The barriers are classified under seven categories: “cultural”, “business and business finance”, “regulatory and governmental”, “technological”, “managerial”, “supply-chain management”, “knowledge and skills”. The findings show the need to identify barriers preventing the transition to CE. The findings also indicate that these challenges to CE can be overcome through Industry 4.0, which includes a variety of technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud technologies, machine learning, and blockchain. Specifically, machine learning can offer support by making workflows more efficient through the forecasting and analytical capabilities of food supply chains. Blockchain and big data analytics can provide the necessary support to establish legal systems and improve environmental regulations since transparency is a crucial issue for taxation and incentives systems. Thus, CE can be promoted via adequate laws, policies, and innovative technologies.
The Effects of Life Course Events on Car Ownership and Sustainable Mobility Tools Adoption Decisions: Results of an Error Component Random Parameter Logit Model
Authors: Gu Gaofeng , Feng Tao , Zhong Chixing , Cai Xiaoxi , Li Jiang
Published: June 2021

Life course events can change household travel demand dramatically. Recent studies of car ownership have examined the impacts of life course events on the purchasing, replacing, and disposing of cars. However, with the increasing diversification of mobility tools, changing the fleet size is not the only option to adapt to the change caused by life course events. People have various options with the development of sustainable mobility tools including electric car, electric bike, and car sharing. In order to determine the impacts of life course events on car ownership and the decision of mobility tool type, a stated choice experiment was conducted. The experiment also investigated how the attributes of mobility tools related to the acceptance of them. Based on existing literature, we identified the attributes of mobility tools and several life course events which are considered to be influential in car ownership decision and new types of mobility tools choice. The error component random parameter logit model was estimated. The heterogeneity across people on current car and specific mobility tools are considered. The results indicate people incline not to sell their current car when they choose an electric bike or shared car. Regarding the life course events, baby birth increases the probability to purchase an additional car, while it decreases the probability to purchase an electric bike or joining a car sharing scheme. Moreover, the estimation of error components implies that there is unobserved heterogeneity across respondents on the sustainable mobility tools choice and the decision on household’s current car.
Gender, Family and Caregiving Leave, and Advancement in Academic Science: Effects across the Life Course
Authors: Fox Mary , Gaughan Monica
Published: June 2021

Family and caregiving leave are increasingly important dimensions for careers in academic science, and for vital, sustainable institutional structures. These forms of leave are intended to support equity, and particularly gender equity. A key question is how the actual use of leave affects critical milestones of advancement for women—compared to men—in (1) time to tenure and (2) the odds of promotion to full professor. We address this question with descriptive statistics and event history analyses, based on responses to a survey of 3688 US faculty members in 4 scientific fields within a range of Carnegie institutional types. We find that leave that stops the tenure clock extends time to tenure for both men and women—the effect is gender neutral. Promotion to full professor is another matter. Being a woman has a strong negative effect on the likelihood of promotion to full professor, and women are especially disadvantaged in promotion when they used tenure leave years earlier. These findings have implications for a life-course perspective on gender and advancement in academic science, the roles of caretaking and leave, and the intended and unintended consequences of leave policies for equitable and sustainable university systems.
Study Concerning the Physical Fitness of Romanian Students and Its Effects on Their Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Lazăr Andreea Gabriela , Leuciuc Florin Valentin
Published: June 2021

All of the studies regarding movement have concluded that physical exercises (PEs) hold a very important part in improving people’s quality of life (QL). QL is comprised of several indicators influencing each other. One of these indicators is physical fitness (PF). PF is directly influenced by the degree of physical activity (PA) and it represents a precondition of being healthy physically, mentally and socially. The purpose of this research was to identify certain exercise programs which are meant to increase the PF of university students. In this regard, we introduced, in the physical education lessons of the experimental group, exercises from Pilates, Tae Bo, Stretching and Workout at Fitness Machines. Control group carried out typical activities of the ordinary Physical Education curriculum throughout the research. The PF components reported improvements in the values of the experimental group at the end of the research. There were significant improvements for balance (p = 0.009), speed of execution (p = 0.006), flexibility (p = 0.013), explosive strength (p = 0.001), static strength (p = 0.009), muscular endurance of the trunk (p = 0.0008), muscular endurance of the arms (p = 0.010) and agility (p = 0.0001). The results of our research support the idea of diversifying physical education lessons with students and orienting physical activities towards increasing their QL, because the improvement of QL for all age groups has become a major focus of modern society.
The Nexus between Sustainable Economic Development and Government Health Expenditure in Asian Countries Based on Ecological Footprint Consumption
Authors: Qaiser Gillani Durdana , Gillani Syed Ahmad Saad , Naeem Muhammad Zahid , Spulbar Cristi , Coker-Farrell Elizabeth , Ejaz Abdullah , Birau Ramona
Published: June 2021

Health has vital importance in maintaining economic development since it is essential for, and a result of, economic development. This indicates that health makes a large contribution in achieving sustainable development and health outcomes. The significance of health is shown in the millennium development goals (MDGs) and in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), where four of the seventeen objectives focus on improving health outcomes (UN, 2021). As compared to other countries, some Asian countries are still worse off regarding health outcomes and are facing challenges in achieving positive outcomes for such goals. This study mainly focuses on identifying the link between public health expenditures and health outcomes in nine Asian economies from 2000 to 2018. The study implements fixed effects panel data estimations by using the Hausman specification test to identify the fixed effects model as the suitable estimator for the study. The empirical results from the fixed effects technique show that immunization, GDP per capita, trade openness, and utilization of basic water service facilities improve under-five and infant mortality in Asian economies. However, ecological footprint increases under-five and infant deaths by damaging the environment.
Fault Detection and RUL Estimation for Railway HVAC Systems Using a Hybrid Model-Based Approach
Authors: Gálvez Antonio , Diez-Olivan Alberto , Seneviratne Dammika , Galar Diego
Published: June 2021

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems installed in a passenger train carriage are critical systems, whose failures can affect people or the environment. This, together with restrictive regulations, results in the replacement of critical components in initial stages of degradation, as well as a lack of data on advanced stages of degradation. This paper proposes a hybrid model-based approach (HyMA) to overcome the lack of failure data on a HVAC system installed in a passenger train carriage. The proposed HyMA combines physics-based models with data-driven models to deploy diagnostic and prognostic processes for a complex and critical system. The physics-based model generates data on healthy and faulty working conditions; the faults are generated in different levels of degradation and can appear individually or together. A fusion of synthetic data and measured data is used to train, validate, and test the proposed hybrid model (HyM) for fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) of the HVAC system. The model obtains an accuracy of 92.60%. In addition, the physics-based model generates run-to-failure data for the HVAC air filter to develop a remaining useful life (RUL) prediction model, the RUL estimations performed obtained an accuracy in the range of 95.21–97.80% Both models obtain a remarkable accuracy. The development presented will result in a tool which provides relevant information on the health state of the HVAC system, extends its useful life, reduces its life cycle cost, and improves its reliability and availability; thus enhancing the sustainability of the system.
Values of Travel Time for Recreational Trips under Different Behavioural Rules
Authors: González Rosa Marina , Román Concepción , Marrero Ángel Simón
Published: June 2021

In this study, discrete choice models that combine different behavioural rules are estimated to study the visitors’ preferences in relation to their travel mode choices to access a national park. Using a revealed preference survey conducted on visitors of Teide National Park (Tenerife, Spain), we present a hybrid model specification—with random parameters—in which we assume that some attributes are evaluated by the individuals under conventional random utility maximization (RUM) rules, whereas others are evaluated under random regret minimization (RRM) rules. We then compare the results obtained using exclusively a conventional RUM approach to those obtained using both RUM and RRM approaches, derive monetary valuations of the different components of travel time and calculate direct elasticity measures. Our results provide useful instruments to evaluate policies that promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport in natural sites. Such policies should be considered as priorities in many national parks, where negative transport externalities such as traffic congestion, pollution, noise and accidents are causing problems that jeopardize not only the sustainability of the sites, but also the quality of the visit.
Financial Resources for the Investments in Renewable Self-Consumption in a Circular Economy Framework
Authors: Scarpellini Sabina , Gimeno José Ángel , Portillo-Tarragona Pilar , Llera-Sastresa Eva
Published: June 2021

The availability of financial resources has been pointed out as one of the determining factors for the investment in renewable self-consumption solutions for the energy transition in the European Union. In economic terms, the barriers to investment are related to low levels of profitability and difficulties in accessing financing in some European regions. These barriers must be overcome to foster a sustainable energy transition. However, this topic of analysis is still underexplored in the literature to date. This study provides a characterisation of the financial resources applied to self-consumption from an economic–financial approach to the decision-making investors in a case study in Spain from a novel focus on the subject. The relevance of alternative financial resources as a mechanism to reduce existing barriers is revealed through the analysis of the active role that installers play in making investment decisions, facilitating the growth of self-consumption. The alternative financial channels and the bank intermediation for renewables are topics of interest to promote the energy transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Research on the Supply Efficiency of Marine Ecological Products in the Yangtze River Delta Costal Urban Agglomerations Based on DEA-Tobit Model
Authors: He Yixiong , Song Weiming , Yang Fan
Published: June 2021

In this research, we choose the coastal cities in the Yangtze River Delta as the subjects of study, including Shanghai, Lianyungang, Yancheng, Nantong, Jiaxing, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Taizhou, and Wenzhou, nine cities in total. With marine ecological products as the starting point and the supply efficiency of marine ecological products in each city as the subjects of research, and after collecting a quantity of data and by constructing the efficiency analyzing modes, we analyze the supply efficiency of those cities with the involved supplying service, cultural service, and value of regulating service as the output, and the operation of related authorities as the input of marine ecological products. Meanwhile, combining with the outside factors affecting the supply efficiency, we explore and identify the existing problems of marine ecology products in this region, such as the unreasonable supply structure, regional development imbalance, marine environment quality degrading, etc., and present the corresponding solutions and rationalization proposal for the existing problems, thus providing a new thought for promoting the development of the Yangtze River Delta, especially for marine activities.
Spirulina platensis Protein as Sustainable Ingredient for Nutritional Food Products Development
Authors: Ramírez-Rodrigues Milena M. , Estrada-Beristain Carolina , Metri-Ojeda Jorge , Pérez-Alva Alexa , Baigts-Allende Diana K.
Published: June 2021

Spirulina platensis, microalgae, is emerging as a sustainable source for highly nutritional food ingredient production to cover the food demands of the global population. This study aimed to characterize food prototypes supplemented with microalgae protein isolate to develop health-promoting food products. The nutritional composition (proximate composition, fatty acids, and mineral content) of the spirulina biomass, the structural characterization of spirulina platensis protein (SPP) isolates, and the physicochemical properties of SPP- developed food products were evaluated. High protein (47%), ϒ-Linolenic acid (24.45 g/100 g of fat), iron (16.27 mg/100 g), calcium (207 mg/100 g), and potassium (1675 mg/100 g) content in the spirulina biomass was found. SPP (76% of purity) with sodium alginate produced stable emulsions (>90%) during storage (14 days). Amaranth + SPP pasta resulted in good appearance, texture, color, and high nutritional value in protein (above 30%) and minerals, mainly iron (9–10 mg/100 g) and magnesium (300 mg/100 g), meeting the daily intake recommendations. In addition, the amino acid profile of the pasta was in line with the amino acid pattern requirements for adults. SPP can be considered as potential additive for emulsions stability and provided nutritional and physicochemical desired in the elaborated pasta.
Rub-Impact Dynamics of Shrouded Blades under Bending-Torsion Coupling Vibration
Authors: He Shangwen , Si Kunli , He Bingbing , Yang Zhaorui , Wang Ying
Published: June 2021

Shroud devices which are typical cyclic symmetric structures are widely used to reduce the vibration of turbine blades in aero engines. Asymmetric rub-impact of adjacent shrouds or aerodynamic excitation forces can excite the bending-torsion coupling vibration of shrouded blades, which will lead to complex contact motions. The aim of this paper is to study the rub-impact dynamic characteristics of bending-torsion coupling vibration of shrouded blades using a numerical method. The contact-separation transition mechanism under complex motions is studied, the corresponding boundary conditions are set up, and the influence of moments of contact forces and aerodynamic excitation forces on the motion of the blade is considered. A three-degree-of-freedom mass-spring model including two mass blocks with the same size and shape is established to simulate the bending-torsion coupling vibration, and the dynamic equations of shrouded blades under different contact conditions are derived. An algorithm based on the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is presented for simulations. Variation laws of the forced response characteristics of shrouded blades under different parameters are studied, on the basis of which the method to evaluate the vibration reduction characteristics of the shrouded blade system when the motion of the blade is chaotic is discussed. Then, the vibration reduction law of shrouded blades under bending-torsion coupling vibration is obtained.
Prediction of Hysteresis Loop of Barium Hexaferrite Nanoparticles Based on Neuroevolutionary Models
Authors: Alhmoud Lina , Al Dairy Abdul Raouf , Faris Hossam , Aljarah Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

Neuroevolutionary models are used to predict magnetic hysteresis for barium hexaferrites (to predict magnetic hysteresis for barium hexaferrites). Magnetic hysteresis for a specific set of samples of barium hexaferrite doped with titanium were measured experimentally at room temperature and reported before. Neural networks are trained using these experimental data in order to generate magnetization and predict magnetic hysteresis for various concentrations of titanum. We present the prediction for various methods of neural calculations and the deviations from actual data results were negligible. Finally, the predictions of magnetic hysteresis are summerized for the titanume concentration between 0.0 and 1.0.
Current State of Knowledge about Role of Pets in Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dróżdż Mateusz , Krzyżek Paweł , Dudek Barbara , Makuch Sebastian , Janczura Adriana , Paluch Emil
Published: June 2021

Pets play a crucial role in the development of human feelings, social life, and care. However, in the era of the prevailing global pandemic of COVID-19 disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many questions addressing the routes of the virus spread and transmission to humans are dramatically emerging. Although cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been found in pets including dogs, cats, and ferrets, to date there is no strong evidence for pet-to-human transmission or sustained pet-to-pet transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, an increasing number of studies reporting detection of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed minks raises suspicion of potential viral transmission from these animals to humans. Furthermore, due to the high susceptibility of cats, ferrets, minks and hamsters to COVID-19 infection under natural and/or experimental conditions, these animals have been extensively explored as animal models to study the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and transmission. In this review, we present the latest reports focusing on SARS-CoV-2 detection, isolation, and characterization in pets. Moreover, based on the current literature, we document studies aiming to broaden the knowledge about pathogenicity and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the development of viral therapeutics, drugs and vaccines. Lastly, considering the high rate of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and replication, we also suggest routes of protection against the virus.
Evaluation of Microbial Contamination of Groundwater under Different Topographic Conditions and Household Water Treatment Systems in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia
Authors: Indrastuti  , Kazama Shinobu , Takizawa Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Since the coverage of piped water is still only 20.1% in Indonesia, many people rely on groundwater for drinking and daily use, although the quality of the groundwater is not well understood. This study evaluated the influence of the topography, well type, groundwater abstraction depth, sanitation facility type, and distance between the well and the sanitation facility on the groundwater quality. In addition, a possible household treatment system was investigated based on microbial removal efficiency and household acceptance. The results showed the groundwater abstraction depth and well type were the most important factors in controlling microbial contamination. The sanitation facility type, except small-scale sewer systems, and the distance from a well were not significantly correlated with E. coli concentration. A high microbial concentration was found in a flat area with predominantly shallow wells, latrines, and septic tanks because the topographic conditions determined the commonly used well types and groundwater abstraction depth. The RO + UV system was the only system that assured microbial safety of treated water. The chlorination and microfiltration systems had difficulty with chlorine-dosage adjustment and microbial removal, respectively. Raising public awareness of water quality problems was found to be important to improve acceptance of household treatment systems.
Analysis Of Personal Experience Of The Doctors Who Provide Medical Care To Patients With Complications Of A New Type Of Coronavirus Infection In An Infectious Diseases Hospital (Editorial)
Authors: Mazalova Мarina
Published: June 2021

Необходимость преодоления последствий коронавирусной инфекции нового типа потребовала принципиального изменения условий труда и образа жизни медицинских работников. В связи с этим нами было исследовано субъективное отношение практических врачей инфекционного госпиталя Федерального бюджетного учреждения здравоохранения «Приволжский окружной медицинский центр» Федерального медико-биологического агентства к подобному опыту работы в форме интервью.
Stem Cells And Cell Therapy: A Sober View
Authors: Yargin Sergey
Published: June 2021

Stem cells and cell therapy are one of the most widely discussed topics in the medical and biological literature. It is supposed to differentiate exogenous SC into various cell lineages and to replace senescent, dysfunctional, and damaged cells. However, in vitro differentiation with the expression of certain markers does not prove replacement of functioning cells in vivo. The application of cell therapies in cardiovascular, hepatic, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoarthritis, and diabetes mellitus is discussed in this article. Some publications exaggerate the successes of cell therapies without giving due consideration to potential adverse effects. In recent years, there has been a global increase in the number of clinics offering stem cell treatment with unproven efficiency. In conclusion, therapeutic methods with unproven efficacy and potential adverse effects should be applied within the framework of high-quality scientific research programs that are free of conflicts of interest.Key words: stem cells; cell therapy; cardiovascular diseases; osteoarthritis; liver cirrhosis; diabetes mellitus; central nervous system.
Determination of goat milk cost and assessment of factors affecting the profitability of Saanen goat enterprises in Çanakkale province, Turkey
Authors: GÖKDAİ Arzu , SAKARYA Engin
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the cost of goat milk in Saanen goat enterprises in Çanakkale province and to examine the factors affecting profitability in enterprises. The material of the study consists of 92 Saanen goat enterprises. The enterprises have been grouped according to their animal density; as 25-75 heads (small-scale), 76-150 heads (medium-scale) and 151 heads and above (large-scale). The findings of the enterprises for 2017 were determined by descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting the total profitability of the enterprises. Since feed costs represented 46.22% of total production cost, it was followed by labour costs (27.19%), fuel costs (5.44%) and veterinarian-health service costs (5.19%). The cost of 1 L milk and absolute profit in enterprises was determined as 0.42/0.01 $/kg in small-scale, 0.41/0.02 $/kg in medium-scale and 0.38/0.05 $/kg in large-scale enterprises, respectively. It was observed that the share of inputs in enterprises generally decreases as the scale of the enterprise increases and large-scale enterprises were found to be more successful in solving technical, health and economic problems.
The evaluation of the therapeutic potential of hesperetin on diethylnitrosamine and phenobarbital induced liver injury in rats
Authors: KISAÇAM Mehmet Ali , OZAN KOCAMÜFTÜOĞLU Gonca , KAYA TEKTEMUR Nalan , TEMİZER OZAN Penbe Sema
Published: June 2021

Nitrite and amine reactions can occur rapidly and produce nitrosamines, in-vivo. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and phenobarbital (PB) are readily inducing liver injury and hesperetin (HES), as a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, have the potential to compensate for their harmful effects. In this study, the therapeutic effects of HES were evaluated in DEN and PB mediated liver defect. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were split into 5 groups (n=10): Control, DEN, DEN+PB, HES, and DEN+PB+HES. 150 mg/kg DEN was applied intraperitoneally to DEN groups. Fifteen days after the DEN application 500ppm of PB was given in drinking water. HES were administered at 50 mg/kg dose orally for 8 weeks. Blood and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Moreover, histologic examination of liver sections and apoptosis were determined with hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL methods, respectively. DEN-PB application was found to increase blood and liver MDA levels and liver CAT activity, oppositely, decreased blood and liver SOD activity, GSH levels, and blood CAT activity. HES was found to have a positive impact on oxidative stress parameters by decreasing liver and blood MDA activity, increasing blood CAT and SOD activity together with liver GSH levels and SOD activity. Whereas DEN and PB application increased all histopathological findings and TUNEL positive cells, HES administration decreased these findings which might be important for the protection of liver cell structure from cell damage. These results suggest that HES administration could be an alternative therapeutic approach to liver damage.
Intervenção Fisioterapêutica na Atrofia Muscular Espinhal: revisão de literatura
Authors: Silva Francielly Suzaine da , Rodrigues Júlia Manoela Prada , Brito Rômulo Nolasco de , Macedo Thaisa Cardoso , Borgmann Andrea Delfino
Published: June 2021

Introdução. A atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) é uma doença neuromuscular degenerativa de caráter progressiva. Há diversas abordagens terapêuticas para que se minimize as progressões advindas da doença. O prognóstico favorável é altamente dependente tanto do diagnóstico precoce, quanto do início prematuro do tratamento medicamentoso e de todas as intervenções, dentre elas, a fisioterapia. A intervenção fisioterapêutica pode proporcionar maior sobrevida e com maior qualidade de vida aos pacientes. Objetivos. Analisar, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, quais foram as intervenções fisioterapêuticas aplicadas na atrofia muscular espinhal nos últimos 10 anos. Método. Revisão bibliográfica de artigos publicados nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scielo, Pubmed, LILACS, e Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Resultados. Dos 162 artigos encontrados, apenas 6 artigos cumpriram todos os critérios de inclusão. Foram encontradas formas de avaliação e de recursos fisioterapêuticos utilizados para o tratamento da AME. Conclusões. Diante da pesquisa, verificou-se que as principais intervenções fisioterapêuticas utilizadas na AME nos últimos 10 anos foram exercícios em plataformas vibratórias, exercícios de fortalecimento com resistência, exercícios aquáticos e exercícios respiratórios.
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General FACT-G Scale Reliability and Validity of a Turkish Version
Authors: AY Semra , PARVİZİ Murtaza
Published: June 2021

Objective: Many of the cancer-specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaires improved over the last 20 years, can be contemplated as reference measures. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) system is an based and generic health-related quality of life measures. The aim of this study was conducted to test the reliability and construct validity of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) for Turkish cancer patients.
Material and Methods: This research is a methodological study. The data were obtained by using the sociodemographic and the FACT-G questionnaire. The sample comprised 148 cancer pa¬tients. Data were analysed by using the SPSS package program, descriptive statistics and to assess the reliability of the scales, cronbach alpha coefficient, item total score analysis, and, item total correlation coefficient (Pearson's correlation). For the construct validity of the instrument; exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used.
Results: The mean total score of FACT-G was 60.71±14.42, and for the physical, social/ family, emotional and functional well-being subscales 15.83±5.48, 13.91±4.90, 13.45±5.03 and 17.51± 5.04, respectively. The alpha coefficient was 0.88 for the global scale of the FACT-G questionnaire and ranged from 0.70 to 0.79 across subscales. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between FACT-G and test-retest scores of the four sub-dimensions (p=0.001).
Conclusion: In this study, as a result of evaluating the psychometric properties of the FACT-G scale, the scale is a valid and reliable tool for use in Turkish patients with cancer.