bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Optimization in Low Voltage Distribution Networks via Broadcast Signals †
Authors: Wei Boyuan , Deconinck Geert
Published: December 2019

With the development of distributed energy resources, the low voltage distribution network (LVDN) is supposed to be the integrator of small distributed energy sources. This makes the users in LVDNs multifarious, which leads to more complex modeling. Additionally, data acquisition could be tricky due to rising privacy concerns. These impose severe demands on control schemes in LVDNs that the classical centralized control might not be able to fulfill. To tackle this, a model-free control approach with distributed decision-making architecture is proposed in this paper. Employing statistical methods and game theory, individual users in LVDNs achieve local optimum autonomously. Comparing to conventional approaches applied in LVDNs, the proposed approach is able to achieve active control with less communication burden and computational resources. The paper proves the convergence to the Nash Equilibrium (NE) and uses player compatible relations to form the specific equilibrium. A variant of the log-linear trial and error learning process is applied in a novel “suggest-convince” mechanism to implement the proposed approach. In the case study, a 103 nodes test network based on a real Belgian semiurban LVDN is illustrated. The proposed approach is validated and analyzed with practical load profiles on the 103 nodes network. In addition to that, centralized control is implemented as a benchmark to show the performance of the proposed approach by comparing it with the classical optimization result. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to achieve player compatible equilibrium in an expected way, resulting in a good approximation to the local optimum.
Research on Digital Synchronous Rectification for a High-Efficiency DC-DC Converter in an Auxiliary Power Supply System of Magnetic Levitation
Authors: Zhao Zhiqin , He Xiaoqiong
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new auxiliary power supply system of magnetic levitation based on the LLC DC-DC converter is proposed. The switches of the DC-DC converter are SiC MOSFET, which enables high frequency, high temperature, and high power density. For further improving the efficiency of the system and realizing the stability of the output voltage under different load conditions, the digital synchronous rectification (DSR) based on the phase shift control strategy is proposed. The prototype of the LLC DC-DC converter based on SiC MOSFET is implemented, which can realize zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS). Then, the thermal image of DSR is presented, which proves that the power loss of SiC MOSFET with DSR is relatively low. Additionally, the system efficiency among the Si IGBT, SiC MOSFET, and SiC MOSFET with DSR is analyzed and the prototype demonstrates 98% peak efficiency. Finally, simulations, experiments, and data analysis prove the superiority of the proposed DSR strategy for the new auxiliary power supply system of magnetic levitation.
Thermal Modelling of a Prismatic Lithium-Ion Cell in a Battery Electric Vehicle Environment: Influences of the Experimental Validation Setup
Authors: Kleiner Jan , Komsiyska Lidiya , Elger Gordon , Endisch Christian
Published: December 2019

In electric vehicles with lithium-ion battery systems, the temperature of the battery cells has a great impact on performance, safety, and lifetime. Therefore, developing thermal models of lithium-ion batteries to predict and investigate the temperature development and its impact is crucial. Commonly, models are validated with experimental data to ensure correct model behaviour. However, influences of experimental setups or comprehensive validation concepts are often not considered, especially for the use case of prismatic cells in a battery electric vehicle. In this work, a 3D electro–thermal model is developed and experimentally validated to predict the cell’s temperature behaviour for a single prismatic cell under battery electric vehicle (BEV) boundary conditions. One focus is on the development of a single cell’s experimental setup and the investigation of the commonly neglected influences of an experimental setup on the cell’s thermal behaviour. Furthermore, a detailed validation is performed for the laboratory BEV scenario for spatially resolved temperatures and heat generation. For validation, static and dynamic loads are considered as well as the detected experimental influences. The validated model is used to predict the temperature within the cell in the BEV application for constant current and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) load profile.
Cantilevered Piezoelectric Micro Generator Design Issues and Application to the Mining Locomotive
Authors: Mouapi Alex , Hakem Nadir , Kandil Nahi
Published: December 2019

This paper will present a complete discussion in recent design strategies for harvesting vibration energy using piezoelectric cantilever transducers. The interest in this primary energy source is due to its presence in non-negligible quantities in most of the engines used in the industrial process. Previous work has shown that it is possible to harvest significant amounts of energy capable of supplying a wireless sensor (WS) node. However, in most research, only one step of the energy conversion and utilization chain is studied. Starting from the definition of the different design issues for a piezoelectric micro generator (PMG), the leading optimization solutions will be reviewed in this paper. Based on the findings, the quantification of the data transmission range of wireless sensor nodes powered by a PMG is proposed to support the objectives envisioned by Industry 4.0. The vibration characteristics taken from mining locomotives that have not yet been treated previously are used to illustrate the improvement of the various optimization solutions. Through our objectives, this work offers a comprehensive discussion on the use of vibrational energy by wireless sensors, bringing together the fields of mechanics, electrical, electronics, and wireless communications. The theoretical basis for each design stage is provided through the design equations. Based on actual measurements of ambient vibration, it is demonstrated, considering an optimal design of the PMG, that a WS could transmit data beyond 1 km for physical phenomena to be controlled every 7 min.
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Coefficient of Low-Pressure Glow Plasma Treated Water at Atmospheric and Reduced Pressure
Authors: Gil Bartosz , Rogala Zbigniew , Dorosz Paweł
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the influence of low-pressure glow plasma water treatment on boiling phenomenon. The presented results show the novel influence and potential new applications of low-pressure glow plasma treated water. Low-pressure glow plasma water treatment affects some of its physical properties such as surface tension, pH, and electric conductivity; this is due to changes in the water structure. An experimental analysis aimed to investigate the effect of such a treatment on the boiling heat transfer coefficient of water, and to assess the stability of GPTW. The experiments were carried out at atmospheric and reduced pressure for heat fluxes up to 70 kW/m2. The analysis shows significant deterioration of the boiling heat transfer coefficient under reduced pressure. In addition, the plasma treatment process had no significant effect on the thermal conductivity of water, as confirmed experimentally. A slight increase was observed, but it was within the measuring error range of the instruments used.
Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on Product Distribution and Characteristics of Anaerobic Sludge
Authors: Hanif Muhammad Usman , Zwawi Mohammed , Capareda Sergio C. , Iqbal Hamid , Algarni Mohammed , Felemban Bassem F. , Bahadar Ali , Waqas Adeel
Published: December 2019

Pyrolysis of anaerobically digested sludge can serve as an efficient biomass for biofuel production. Pyrolysis produces products like char, bio-oil, and combustible gases by thermochemical conversion process. It can be used for sludge treatment that decreases sludge disposal problems. Sludge produced from anaerobic co-digestion (microalgae, cow dung, and paper) waste has high carbon and hydrogen content. We investigated the candidacy of the anaerobic sludge having high heating value (HHV) of 20.53 MJ/kg as a reliable biomass for biofuels production. The process of pyrolysis was optimized with different temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C) to produce high quantity and improved quality of the products, mainly bio-oil, char, and gas. The results revealed that with the increase in pyrolysis temperature the quantity of char decreased (81% to 55%), bio-oil increased (3% to 7%), and gas increased (2% to 5%). The HHV of char (19.2 MJ/kg), bio-oil (28.1 MJ/kg), and gas (18.1 MJ/kg) were predominantly affected by the amount of fixed carbon, hydrocarbons, and volatile substance, respectively. The study confirmed that the anaerobic sludge is a promising biomass for biofuel production and pyrolysis is an efficient method for its safe disposal.
Toward a Low-Carbon Transport Sector in Mexico
Authors: Islas-Samperio Jorge M. , Manzini Fabio , Grande-Acosta Genice K.
Published: December 2019

Considering that the world transport sector is the second largest contributor of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to energy use and the least decarbonized sector, it is highly recommended that all countries implement ambitious public policies to decarbonize this sector. In Mexico the transport sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, in 2014 it contributed with 31.3% of net emissions. Two original scenarios for the Mexican transport sector, a no-policy baseline scenario (BLS) and a low carbon scenario (LCS) were constructed. In the LCS were applied 21 GHG mitigation measures, which far exceeds the proposals for reducing transport sector GHG emissions that Mexico submitted in its National Determined Contributions (NDC). As a result, the proposed LCS describes a sector transformation path characterized by structural changes in freight and passenger mobility, new motor technologies for mobility, introduction of biofuels, price signals, transportation practices and regulations, as well as urban planning strategies, which altogether achieve an accumulated reduction of 3166 MtCO2e in a 25 year period, producing a global net benefit of 240,772 MUSD and a GHG emissions’ reduction of 56% in 2035 in relation to the BLS.
Comparison of Length Scale Parameterization Methodologies
Authors: Tuna Faruk , Bingöl Ferhat
Published: December 2019

Atmospheric stability has been studied for decades. There are several methodologies that evolved over the years. In this study, a special experimental meteorological mast that has been erected to a complex site has been used to calculate dimensionless Obukhov length ( ζ = z L ) , dimensionless momentum ( φ m ), and heat coefficients ( φ h ). The results are compared with the ones from average value approaches: Richardson number, flux-profile (F-P) relations, and wind shear exponent methods. The results show that the estimated ζ values, using the bulk Richardson number, get along well with the reference ζ within the neutral and stable regimes. F-P relations and wind shear exponent methods result in the best agreement for stable and neutral regimes. Nevertheless, average oriented methods are not reliable for the other regimes.
Multifunctional Forestry and Interaction with Site Quality
Authors: Gren Ing-Marie , Amuakwa-Mensah Franklin
Published: December 2019

Several studies have shown the economic value of various ecosystem services provided by the forest. However, the economic value of how site-specific ecological conditions interact with other functions provided by the forest, such as timber value and carbon sequestration, has been less studied. As a result, this paper constructs a numerical discrete dynamic optimization model to estimate the economic value of site quality, taking into account its interaction with timber value and carbon sequestration, in Swedish forests. Analytical results show that the inclusion of the interaction of site quality with forest growth affects the optimal volume of harvest per year, compared to the case without consideration of site quality. The empirical results show that net present value, when considering timber values plus carbon sequestration and site quality interaction, is higher than the case where only timber and carbon sequestration were considered. However, the calculated net present value is sensitive to, in particular, the price of carbon sequestration and discount rate.
Performance of Four Optical Methods in Estimating Leaf Area Index at Elementary Sampling Unit of Larix principis-rupprechtii Forests
Authors: Zou Jie , Zuo Yong , Zhong Peihong , Hou Wei , Leng Peng , Chen Bin
Published: December 2019

Optical methods are frequently used as a routine method to obtain the elementary sampling unit (ESU) leaf area index (LAI) of forests. However, few studies have attempted to evaluate whether the ESU LAI obtained from optical methods matches the accuracy required by the LAI map product validation community. In this study, four commonly used optical methods, including digital hemispherical photography (DHP), digital cover photography (DCP), tracing radiation of canopy and architecture (TRAC) and multispectral canopy imager (MCI), were adopted to estimate the ESU (25 m × 25 m) LAI of five Larix principis-rupprechtii forests with contrasting structural characteristics. The impacts of three factors, namely, inversion model, canopy element or woody components clumping index ( Ω e or Ω w ) algorithm, and the woody components correction method, on the ESU LAI estimation of the four optical methods were analyzed. Then, the LAI derived from the four optical methods was evaluated using the LAI obtained from litter collection measurements. Results show that the performance of the four optical methods in estimating the ESU LAI of the five forests was largely affected by the three factors. The accuracy of the LAI obtained from the DHP and MCI strongly relied on the inversion model, the Ω e or Ω w algorithm, and the woody components correction method adopted in the estimation. Then the best Ω e or Ω w algorithm, inversion model and woody components correction method to be used to obtain the ESU LAI of L. principis-rupprechtii forests with the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were identified. Amongst the three typical woody components correction methods evaluated in this study, the woody-to-total area ratio obtained from the destructive measurements is the most effective method for DHP to derive the ESU LAI with the smallest RMSE and MAE. In contrast, using the woody area index obtained from the leaf-off DHP or DCP images as the woody components correction method would result in a large LAI underestimation. TRAC and MCI outperformed DHP and DCP in the ESU LAI estimation of the five forests, with the smallest RMSE and MAE. All the optical methods, except DCP, are qualified to obtain the ESU LAI of L. principis-rupprechtii forests with an MAE of <20% that is required by the global climate observation system. None of the optical methods, except TRAC, show the potential to obtain the ESU LAI of L. principis-rupprechtii forests with an MAE of <5%.
Development and Deployment of High-Throughput Retrotransposon-Based Markers Reveal Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Asian Bamboo
Authors: Li Shitian , Ramakrishnan Muthusamy , Vinod Kunnummal Kurungara , Kalendar Ruslan , Yrjälä Kim , Zhou Mingbing
Published: December 2019

Bamboo, a non-timber grass species, known for exceptionally fast growth is a commercially viable crop. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, the main class I mobile genetic elements in plant genomes, are highly abundant (46%) in bamboo, contributing to genome diversity. They play significant roles in the regulation of gene expression, chromosome size and structure as well as in genome integrity. Due to their random insertion behavior, interspaces of retrotransposons can vary significantly among bamboo genotypes. Capitalizing this feature, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) is a high-throughput marker system to study the genetic diversity of plant species. To date, there are no transposon based markers reported from the bamboo genome and particularly using IRAP markers on genetic diversity. Phyllostachys genus of Asian bamboo is the largest of the Bambusoideae subfamily, with great economic importance. We report structure-based analysis of bamboo genome for the LTR-retrotransposon superfamilies, Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia, which revealed a total of 98,850 retrotransposons with intact LTR sequences at both the ends. Grouped into 64,281 clusters/scaffold using CD-HIT-EST software, only 13 clusters of retroelements were found with more than 30 LTR sequences and with at least one copy having all intact protein domains such as gag and polyprotein. A total of 16 IRAP primers were synthesized, based on the high copy numbers of conserved LTR sequences. A study using these IRAP markers on genetic diversity and population structure of 58 Asian bamboo accessions belonging to the genus Phyllostachys revealed 3340 amplicons with an average of 98% polymorphism. The bamboo accessions were collected from nine different provinces of China, as well as from Italy and America. A three phased approach using hierarchical clustering, principal components and a model based population structure divided the bamboo accessions into four sub-populations, PhSP1, PhSP2, PhSP3 and PhSP4. All the three analyses produced significant sub-population wise consensus. Further, all the sub-populations revealed admixture of alleles. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) among the sub-populations revealed high intra-population genetic variation (75%) than inter-population. The results suggest that Phyllostachys bamboos are not well evolutionarily diversified, although geographic speciation could have occurred at a limited level. This study highlights the usability of IRAP markers in determining the inter-species variability of Asian bamboos.
Identification the Pathogens Causing Rot Disease in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in China and the Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Garlic Extract
Authors: Li Xingqi , Lu Xinyue , He Yiheng , Deng Mengting , Lv Yanrong
Published: December 2019

Rot disease is a serious disease in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) plantations in China. This disease usually weakens tree vigor, and seriously reduces the ornamental value, fruit yield, and quality. A better understanding of the pathogen that causes a disease is important for its control. Thus, the aims of this study were to isolate and identify the pathogen causing rot disease and to explore substances for its biological control. In this study, the morphology of the hyphae and spores of the pathogens was observed, and the pathogens were identified by morphological characteristics and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of their rDNA. Furthermore, the activity of an aqueous garlic extract as antifungal treatment for the identified pathogens was assessed. The results showed that the pathogens causing soft rot and dry rot in ‘Xinjiang Big Seed’ pomegranate were most probably Aspergillus niger and Botryosphaeria dothidea, respectively. In addition, the pathogenicity of A. niger was stronger than that of B. dothidea. The aqueous garlic extract had a strong antifungal effect on both pathogens by inhibiting mycelium growth in vitro, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations against A. niger and B. dothidea were 7.5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively.
Chemical-Sensory Traits of Fresh Cheese Made by Enzymatic Coagulation of Donkey Milk
Authors: Faccia Michele , Gambacorta Giuseppe , Martemucci Giovanni , Difonzo Graziana , D’Alessandro Angela Gabriella
Published: December 2019

Making cheese from donkey milk is considered unfeasible, due to difficulties in coagulation and curd forming. Two recent studies have reported the protocols for making fresh cheese by using camel chymosin or calf rennet, but the chemical and sensory characteristics of the products were not thoroughly investigated. The present paper aims to give a further contribution to the field, by investigating cheesemaking with microbial rennet and evaluating the chemical composition, total fatty acid, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sensory profile of the resultant product. Six trials were undertaken at laboratory scale on donkey milk from a Martina Franca ass, by applying the technological scheme as reported for calf rennet, with some modifications. Bulk cow milk was used as a control. Donkey milk coagulated rapidly, but the curd remained soft, and was only suitable for making fresh cheese; differently, cow milk coagulated almost instantaneously under these strong technological conditions, giving rise to a semi-hard curd in very short time. The moisture level of donkey cheese was almost the same as reported in the literature, whereas the yield was higher, probably due to the high protein content of the milk used. The total fatty acid composition of cheese presented some differences with respect to milk, mostly consisting in a higher presence of saturated compounds. A connection with a better retention of the large sized fat globules into the curd was hypothesised and discussed. The VOC analyses, performed by solid-phase micro extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, allowed the identification of 11 compounds in milk and 18 in cheese. The sensory characteristics of donkey cheese were strongly different with respect to the control, and revealed unique and pleasant flavours.
Benefits of the Use of Lactic Acid Bacteria Starter in Green Cracked Cypriot Table Olives Fermentation
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Dimitrios A. , Goulas Vlasios , Xenofontos Eleni , Vouras Christos , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos , Tsaltas Dimitrios
Published: December 2019

Table olives are one of the most established Mediterranean vegetables, having an exponential increase consumption year by year. In the natural-style processing, olives are produced by spontaneous fermentation, without any chemical debittering. This natural fermentation process remains empirical and variable since it is strongly influenced by physicochemical parameters and microorganism presence in olive drupes. In the present work, Cypriot green cracked table olives were processed directly in brine (natural olives), using three distinct methods: spontaneous fermentation, inoculation with lactic acid bacteria at a 7% or a 10% NaCl concentration. Sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological alterations were monitored at intervals, and major differences were detected across treatments. Results indicated that the predominant microorganisms in the inoculated treatments were lactic acid bacteria, while yeasts predominated in control. As a consequence, starter culture contributed to a crucial effect on olives fermentation, leading to faster acidification and lower pH. This was attributed to a successful lactic acid fermentation, contrasting the acetic and alcoholic fermentation observed in control. Furthermore, it was established that inhibition of enterobacteria growth was achieved in a shorter period and at a significantly lower salt concentration, compared to the spontaneous fermentation. Even though no significant variances were detected in terms of the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, the degradation of oleuropein was achieved faster in inoculated treatments, thus, producing higher levels of hydroxytyrosol. Notably, the reduction of salt concentration, in combination with the use of starter, accented novel organoleptic characteristics in the final product, as confirmed from a sensory panel; hence, it becomes obvious that the production of Cypriot table olives at reduced NaCl levels is feasible.
The Effects of Oil Extraction Methods on Recovery Yield and Emulsifying Properties of Proteins from Rapeseed Meal and Press Cake
Authors: Östbring Karolina , Malmqvist Emma , Nilsson Kajsa , Rosenlind Ia , Rayner Marilyn
Published: December 2019

The agricultural sector is thought to be responsible for around 30% of the anthropogenic climate change and it is well established that high meat consumption has a tremendous impact on the environment. Rapeseed is mainly used for production of vegetable oil, but press cake has high protein content with the potential for incorporation into new plant protein-based foods. Protein was recovered from press cakes generated from different oil pressing processes. Industrially cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and solvent-extracted rapeseed press cake and the effect of heat treatment in the recovery process was assessed. Protein recovery yield, protein concentration and emulsifying properties were analyzed. Cold-pressed rapeseed press cake (RPC) recovered in the absence of heat, yielded the highest protein recovery (45%) followed by hot-pressed rapeseed meal (RM) (26%) and solvent-extracted RM (5%). Exposure to heat during recovery significantly reduced the yield for cold-pressed RPC but no difference was found for hot-pressed RM. The protein recovery yield was improved for solvent-extracted RM when heat was applied in the recovery process. The ability to stabilize emulsions was highest for protein recovered from cold-pressed RPC, followed by hot-pressed RM and solvent-extracted RM, and was in the same range as commercial emulsifying agents. Heat treatment during recovery significantly reduced the emulsifying properties for all pressing methods examined. This study suggests that cold-pressed rapeseed press cake without heat in the recovery process could be a successful strategy for an efficient recovery of rapeseed protein with good emulsifying properties.
Analysis of NAC Domain Transcription Factor Genes of Tectona grandis L.f. Involved in Secondary Cell Wall Deposition
Authors: Matias Hurtado Fernando Manuel , Pinto Maísa de Siqueira , Oliveira Perla Novais de , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio , Inocente Laura Beatriz , Carrer Helaine
Published: December 2019

NAC proteins are one of the largest families of plant-specific transcription factors (TFs). They regulate diverse complex biological processes, including secondary xylem differentiation and wood formation. Recent genomic and transcriptomic studies of Tectona grandis L.f. (teak), one of the most valuable hardwood trees in the world, have allowed identification and analysis of developmental genes. In the present work, T. grandis NAC genes were identified and analyzed regarding to their evolution and expression profile during wood formation. We analyzed the recently published T. grandis genome, and identified 130 NAC proteins that are coded by 107 gene loci. These proteins were classified into 23 clades of the NAC family, together with Populus, Eucalyptus, and Arabidopsis. Data on transcript expression revealed specific temporal and spatial expression patterns for the majority of teak NAC genes. RT-PCR indicated expression of VND genes (Tg11g04450-VND2 and Tg15g08390-VND4) related to secondary cell wall formation in xylem vessels of 16-year-old juvenile trees. Our findings open a way to further understanding of NAC transcription factor genes in T. grandis wood biosynthesis, while they are potentially useful for future studies aiming to improve biomass and wood quality using biotechnological approaches.
Sugar Transporter, CmSWEET17, Promotes Bud Outgrowth in Chrysanthemum Morifolium
Authors: Liu Weixin , Peng Bo , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Fadi
Published: December 2019

We previously demonstrated that 20 mM sucrose promotes the upper axillary bud outgrowth in two-node stems of Chrysanthemum morifolium. In this study, we aimed to screen for potential genes involved in this process. Quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR analysis of sugar-related genes in the upper axillary bud of plants treated with 20 mM sucrose revealed the specific expression of the gene CmSWEET17. Expression of this gene was increased in the bud, as well as the leaves of C. morifolium, following exogenous sucrose treatment. CmSWEET17 was isolated from C. morifolium and a subcellular localization assay confirmed that the protein product was localized in the cell membrane. Overexpression of CmSWEET17 promoted upper axillary bud growth in the two-node stems treatment as compared with the wild-type. In addition, the expression of auxin transporter genes CmAUX1, CmLAX2, CmPIN1, CmPIN2, and CmPIN4 was upregulated in the upper axillary bud of CmSWEET17 overexpression lines, while indole-3-acetic acid content decreased. The results suggest that CmSWEET17 could be involved in the process of sucrose-induced axillary bud outgrowth in C. morifolium, possibly via the auxin transport pathway.
Coding-Gene Coevolution Analysis of Rotavirus Proteins: A Bioinformatics and Statistical Approach
Authors: Abid Nabil , Chillemi Giovanni , Salemi Marco
Published: December 2019

Rotavirus remains a major cause of diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. The permanent emergence of new genotypes puts the potential effectiveness of vaccines under serious question. The distribution of unusual genotypes subject to viral fitness is influenced by interactions among viral proteins. The present work aimed at analyzing the genetic constellation and the coevolution of rotavirus coding genes for the available rotavirus genotypes. Seventy-two full genome sequences of different genetic constellations were analyzed using a genetic algorithm. The results revealed an extensive genome-wide covariance network among the 12 viral proteins. Altogether, the emergence of new genotypes represents a challenge to the outcome and success of vaccination and the coevolutionary analysis of rotavirus proteins may boost efforts to better understand the interaction networks of proteins during viral replication/transcription.
The RETAIN Simulation-Based Serious Game—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ghoman Simran K. , Schmölzer Georg M.
Published: December 2019

Background: Each year, over 13 million babies worldwide need help to breathe at birth. While guidelines recommend the Neonatal Resuscitation Program course, medical errors remain common. Frequent simulation training and assessment is needed to address this competence gap; however, alternative approaches are needed to overcome barriers to access. The RETAIN (REsuscitation TrAINing) simulation-based serious game (Retain Labs Medical Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada) may provide a solution to supplement traditional training. This paper aims to review the available evidence about RETAIN for improving neonatal resuscitation education. Method: Literature searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were performed to identify studies examining the RETAIN serious game for neonatal resuscitation training. All of the studies describing the RETAIN board game and computer game were included. Results: Three papers and one conference proceeding were identified. Two studies described the RETAIN board game, and two studies described the RETAIN computer game. RETAIN was reported as usable and clinically relevant. RETAIN also improved knowledge of neonatal resuscitation by 12% and functioned as a summative assessment. Further, performance on RETAIN was moderated by players’ self-reported mindset. Conclusion: RETAIN can be used for the training and assessment of experienced neonatal resuscitation providers. Further studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of RETAIN to (i) improve other cognitive and non-cognitive skills, (ii) in diverse populations of neonatal resuscitation providers, (iii) in comparison to current standard training approaches, and (iv) in improving clinical outcomes in the delivery room.
Evaluating the Impact of the Synar Program: Tobacco Access and Use among Youth in Mississippi, the South, and the U.S.
Authors: Avery Jerri S. , Bartkowski John P. , Xu Xiaohe , Kohler Janelle , Mason Melissa
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: This study examines the impact of Synar policy adoption on youth commercial access to tobacco products in Mississippi, the South, and the remaining U.S. The principal focus on youth commercial access is complemented by analyses of Synar’s impact on minors’ non-commercial access to tobacco and tobacco use patterns. Mississippi has been especially aggressive in implementing Synar, as evidenced by its unusually low retailer violation rates (RVRs). Synar, a mandatory, enforceable regulation meant to limit youth’s retail access to tobacco, was implemented nationwide in 1997. This study is governed by a combination of conceptual insights from a diffusion of health innovation perspective and structuration theory. (2) Methods: Repeated cross-sectional data from 1995 to 2011 from the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey are analyzed using a pre/post-implementation, quasi-experimental analytic strategy. Tobacco access and use in the pre-Synar era (1995–1997) are compared with two post-Synar periods (1999–2005 and 2007–2011), thereby highlighting diffusion effects related to this policy innovation within Mississippi, the South, and the remaining U.S. (3) Results: Analyses of temporal trends reveal that Mississippi and other study regions effectively restricted commercial access to tobacco. Positive outcomes associated with Synar adoption were observed several years after initial implementation, thus supporting a diffusion of innovation perspective. However, results also reveal that Mississippi youth were more inclined than their counterparts elsewhere to gain access to tobacco through non-commercial means after Synar implementation, and that declines in tobacco use among Mississippi youth were less robust than those observed elsewhere. Such variegated effects are in line with expectations linked to structuration theory. (4) Conclusions: Synar policy implementation has been generally effective at deterring youth access to tobacco and, in many cases, has yielded declines in tobacco use. However, there is no evidence that especially aggressive retailer compliance checks in Mississippi have yielded distinctive benefits for youth in this state.
A Proposed Waterpipe Emissions Topography Protocol Reflecting Natural Environment User Behaviour
Authors: Hensel Edward C. , Sarles Samantha Emma , al-Olayan Abdulaziz , DiFrancesco A. Gary , Jayasekera Shehan , Eddingsaas Nathan C. , Robinson Risa J.
Published: December 2019

Usage of waterpipes is growing in popularity around the world. Limited waterpipe natural environment topography data reduces the ability of the research community to accurately assess emissions and user exposure to toxicants. A portable ergonomic waterpipe monitor was provided to study participants to use every time they smoked their own waterpipe during a one-week monitoring period in conjunction with their own choice shisha tobacco. Users provided demographic information and logged their product use to supplement electronic monitor data. A total of 44 prospective study participants were invited to an intake appointment following an on-line pre-screening survey. Of these, 34 individuals were invited to participate in the study and data for 24 individuals who completed all aspects of the 1-week monitoring protocol is presented. 7493 puffs were observed during 74 waterpipe sessions accumulating over 48 h of waterpipe usage. The 95% CI on mean puff flow rate, duration, volume and interval are presented, yielding grand means of 243 [mL/s], 3.5 [s], 850 [mL], and 28 [s] respectively. The middle 95% of puff flow rates ranged between 62 to 408 [mL/s], durations from 0.8 to 6.8 [s], and puff volumes from 87 to 1762 [mL]. A waterpipe emissions topography protocol consisting of 13 flow conditions is proposed to reflect 93% of the observed range of puff flow rate, puff duration and puff volume with representative inter-puff interval, cumulative session time and aerosol volumes.
Understanding Adolescents’ Need Support, Need Satisfaction, and Health-Related Outcomes: A Self-Determination Health Behavior Perspective
Authors: Chen Changzhou , Zhang Tao , Gu Xiangli , Lee Joonyoung , Ren Sutang , Wang Hongying
Published: December 2019

School physical education (PE) as an important social context can promote adolescents’ physical health and contributes to their mental health. Guided by the self-determination health behavior model, the study aimed to examine a structural mediation model to investigate the relationships among perceived need support from PE teachers, psychological need satisfaction, and adolescents’ health-related outcomes. Participants were 300 adolescents (Mage = 14.48; 50.3% girls) recruited from five middle schools in Shanghai, China. They completed previously validated questionnaires assessing their perceived need support from PE teachers, psychological need satisfaction, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The hypothesized model demonstrated a good fit (χ2/df = 3.4, p < 0.01; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.09; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.06; Bentler–Bonett Nonnormed Fit Index (NFI)= 0.92; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.94; 90% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.07, 0.11]). The findings indicated that three basic psychological needs can be satisfied by perceived need support from PE teachers, and psychological need satisfaction was positively associated with health-related outcomes such as LTPA and HRQOL. In addition, psychological need satisfaction mediated the relationship between perceived need support from PE teachers and health-related outcomes such as LTPA and HRQOL in the present study. The findings supported the theoretical tenets of the self-determination health behavior model and its generalizability among Chinese adolescent students.
Analysis of the Relationship between the Levels of Androgens and Biochemical Bone Markers in Men Aged 60–75 Years
Authors: Rył Aleksandra , Szylińska Aleksandra , Jurewicz Alina , Bohatyrewicz Andrzej , Miazgowski Tomasz , Rotter Iwona
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the parameters of bone turnover and the levels of hormonal parameters, such as total testosterone (TT), bioavailable and free testosterone (FT), and estradiol (E2) in men. Material and methods: The study group included 63 men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). The control group consisted of 112 patients without TDS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), E2, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin (I), Serum CrossLaps (CtX-I), human procollagen I N-terminal peptide (PINP), and TT. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The groups with TSD and without TDS differed in terms of the following parameters: body weight (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), TT (p = 0.001), FT (p = 0.004), bioavailable testosterone (p = 0.001), E2 (p = 0.003), SHBG (p = 0.003), and PINP (p = 0.004). In the group without TDS, higher PINP levels were accompanied by higher levels of E2 (beta = 0.360, p = 0.002) and TT (beta = 0.389, p = 0.001). In the group without TDS, PINP was positively correlated with E2 (beta = 0.726, p <0.001). Patients with TDS had significantly lower PINP levels (p < 0.004). Conclusions: Analysis of sex hormones and biochemical bone markers in reflecting the quality of the bone tissue in men may suggest a relationship between these parameters. Nevertheless, further research based on a larger sample size is necessary to better describe this relationship.
Greenness Availability and Respiratory Health in a Population of Urbanised Children in North-Western Italy
Authors: Squillacioti Giulia , Bellisario Valeria , Levra Stefano , Piccioni Pavilio , Bono Roberto
Published: December 2019

Paediatric Asthma contributes in paediatric global burden of diseases, as the most common chronic disease in children. Children are exposed to many environmental risk-factors, able to determine or worsen respiratory diseases, and contributing to asthma and asthma-like symptoms increases, especially in metropolitan areas. In urban settings, surrounding vegetation (greenness) may provide important benefits to health, including the promotion of physical activity and the mitigation of air and noise pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between greenness and respiratory health. A total of 187 children (10–13 yrs old) were recruited in Turin, the north-western part of Italy. The prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms was calculated from self-reported data collected by SIDRIA questionnaire. Spirometry test was performed to obtain respiratory flow measurements. Greenness was measured at individual level through the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) estimations from remote-sensing images. Higher exposure (3rd tertile vs. 1st tertile) to NDVI was associated to significantly lower ORs for asthma [0.13 CI 95% 0.02–0.7, p = 0.019], bronchitis [0.14 CI 95% 0.05–0.45, p = 0.001], and current wheezing [0.25 CI 95% 0.09–0.70, p = 0.008]. A significative positive association was found between greenness and FEF25–75, since children exposed to the 2nd tertile of NDVI reported a significantly decreased FEF25–75 compared to those in the 3rd tertile [B: −2.40; C.I.95%: −0.48–0.01; p = 0.049]. This cross-sectional study provided additional data on still inconsistent literature referring to respiratory health in children and green spaces, attesting a positive effect of greenness in a specific area of Italy. Further research is still needed.
Correlations between Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios and Health Care Disparities in Testicular Cancer
Authors: Chen Wen-Jung , Huang Cheng-Yu , Huang Yu-Hui , Wang Shao-Chuan , Hsieh Tzuo-Yi , Chen Sung-Lang , Sung Wen-Wei , Lee Tsung-Hsien
Published: December 2019

The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) is associated with the clinical outcomes of different types of cancer as well as the ranking of health care systems. However, the association between MIRs for testicular cancer and health care disparities, including differences in expenditures and health system rankings, has not yet been reported. We used the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (CC) to analyze the correlation between testicular cancer MIRs and both total expenditures on health/gross domestic product (e/GDP) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health system rankings. After screening the data for quality and missing information, 57 countries were chosen for analysis. Generally, developed countries and regions had relatively high rates of incidence/mortality, but with a favorable MIR. Among the continents, Europe had the highest incidence rates, whereas the highest MIRs were in Africa. Globally, favorable testicular cancer MIRs were observed in countries with both a high e/GDP and a good WHO ranking (R2 = 0.325, p < 0.001 and CC = −0.568, p < 0.001; R2 = 0.367, p < 0.001 and CC = 0.655, p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, the MIR for testicular cancer varies in countries and regions based on both their total health expenditure and their health care system ranking.
Development of Dietary Knowledge and Adherence Questionnaires for Lebanese Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Said Liliane , Gubbels Jessica S. , Kremers Stef P. J.
Published: December 2019

The availability of practical tools to assess dietary knowledge and adherence is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions. The aims of this paper were to develop reliable dietary knowledge and adherence questionnaires, suitable for Lebanese adolescents and their parents, and to estimate the feasibility of conducting studies involving such participants in the school-based setting. Eight Lebanese high schools participated in this study (involving 220 adolescents aged 15–18 years). Self-administered dietary knowledge and adherence questionnaires (the Dietary Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ) and the Dietary Adherence Questionnaire (DAQ), respectively) were completed by the high school students and their parents. A 24 h recall was additionally administered for the adolescents by a dietitian and a trained interviewer at school, in order to validate the adolescents’ answers in the DAQ. The cognitive interview method was used to qualitatively evaluate the questionnaires. The resulting Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.61 to 0.78 for the adolescent questionnaires and from 0.46 to 0.89 for the parental ones. In addition, 23 items (out of 25) of the adolescent DAQ matched with the administered 24 h recall. A significant negative correlation was found between the knowledge score (DKQ) and the unhealthy items of the adolescent DAQ. There was a significant positive correlation between the DKQ of the parents and the knowledge score of their children. This is the first study of dietary questionnaires involving Lebanese high school students from different regions, while also including their parents.
Combining Direct and Indirect Measurements to Assess Patients’ Satisfaction with the Quality of Public Health Services in Romania: Uncovering Structural Mechanisms and Their Implications
Authors: Druică Elena , Mihăilă Viorel , Burcea Marin , Cepoi Vasile
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Patients’ satisfaction was extensively researched over the last decades, given its role in building loyalty, compliance to treatment, prevention, and eventually higher levels of wellbeing and improved health status. Patients’ feedback on the perceived quality of health services can be incorporated into practice; therefore, understanding factors and mechanisms responsible for patients’ satisfaction allows providers to tailor targeted interventions. Method: A questionnaire assessing patients’ perception of the quality of health services was administered to a country-representative sample of 1500 Romanian patients. Using a partial least squares—path modeling approach (PLS-PM), with cross-sectional data, we developed a variance-based structural model, emphasizing the mediating role of trust and satisfaction with various categories of health services. Results: We confirmed the mediating role of trust in shaping the relationship between the procedural accuracy of health professionals, along with the perceived intensity of their interaction with patients, and patients’ experienced quality of the health services. We confirmed the mediating role of satisfaction by the categories of services in the relationship between waiting time on the premises, attention received, and the perceived reliability of the information received, as predictors, and the experienced quality of the health services. In addition, indirect assessment of patients’ satisfaction is a good predictor for direct assessment, thereby affirming the idea that the results of the two types of evaluations converge. Discussions: One of the most efficient solutions to increase both patients’ satisfaction and their compliance is to empower the communication dimension between patients and health practitioners. Given the non-linear relationships among variables, we advocate that, unless the nature of the relationships between satisfaction and its predictors is understood, practical interventions could fail. The most relevant variable for intervention is the degree of attention patients perceive they received. We suggest three methods to turn waiting time into attention given to patients.