bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Energy Regions as a Proposed Choice of Selecting Selected EU Regions—Aspects of Their Creation and Management
Authors: Maśloch Piotr , Maśloch Grzegorz , Kuźmiński Łukasz , Wojtaszek Henryk , Miciuła Ireneusz
Published: December 2020

There is a high demand for energy production, which is dependent on energy consumption and input. This demand affects socioeconomic development and quality of life. However, the lack of an innovative formal, legal, and organizational structure regarding public space in the European Union (EU) is problematic; one solution could be preparing and implementing grid services as part of distributed energy solutions (based on local and regional renewable resources), and involving local public, private, and profitable entities. Autonomous energy regions (AREs) are a response to this type of problem, as they can contribute to the creation of organizational and legal tools that counteract the marginalization of crisis areas, where undesirable socioeconomic phenomena intensify (and the conditions and management of the natural environments deteriorate). Investments in energy infrastructure based on distributed energy (mainly renewable energy sources) will be a tool for socioeconomic changes in affected areas. In terms of practical considerations in the energy field (i.e., keywords, barriers to energy consumption, and access to it), it is important to formulate recommendations regarding the creation, management, identification, and designation of autonomous energy regions (AREs) in the EU. In this case, postal questionnaires and a taxonomic method (Hellwig’s method) were used. It is worth emphasizing that the creation of AREs is a modern requirement in connection with global CO2 emissions. Sustainable low-emission economies, according to the conducted research, may be introduced to the entire European Union. The lack of proposals for direction of regional development, in terms of autonomous energy regions, was indicated in this paper. There is a need to formulate specific recommendations regarding the possibility of creating and managing autonomous energy regions (AREs) in the European Union. Fortunately, there are natural, organizational, and social opportunities to begin this process. For example, local authorities may become leaders in creating a network of connections in emerging AREs, and communities might willingly make the effort to co-create AREs.
Wind Power Ramp Event Forecasting Based on Feature Extraction and Deep Learning
Authors: Han Li , Qiao Yan , Li Mengjie , Shi Liping
Published: December 2020

In order to improve the accuracy of wind power ramp forecasting and reduce the threat of ramps to the safe operation of power systems, a wind power ramp event forecast model based on feature extraction and deep learning is proposed in this work. Firstly, the Optimized Swinging Door Algorithm (OpSDA) is introduced to detect wind power ramp events, and the extraction results of ramp features, such as the ramp rate, are obtained. Then, a ramp forecast model based on a deep learning network is established. The historical wind power and its ramp features are used as the input of the forecast model, thereby strengthening the model’s learning for ramp features and preventing ramp features from being submerged in the complex wind power signal. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is adopted to extract features from model inputs to obtain the coupling relationship between wind power and ramp features, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is utilized to learn the time-series relationship of the data. The forecast wind power is used as the output of the model, based on which the ramp forecast result is obtained after the ramp detection. Finally, the wind power data from the Elia website is used to verify the forecast performance of the proposed method for wind power ramp events.
Modeling PCM Phase Change Temperature and Hysteresis in Ventilation Cooling and Heating Applications
Authors: Hu Yue , Guo Rui , Heiselberg Per Kvols , Johra Hicham
Published: December 2020

Applying phase change material (PCM) for latent heat storage in sustainable building systems has gained increasing attention. However, the nonlinear thermal properties of the material and the hysteresis between the two-phase change processes make the modelling of PCM challenging. Moreover, the influences of the PCM phase transition and hysteresis on the building thermal and energy performance have not been fully understood. This paper reviews the most commonly used modelling methods for PCM from the literature and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. A case study is carried out to examine the accuracy of those models in building simulation tools, including four methods to model the melting and freezing process of a PCM heat exchanger. These results are compared to experimental data of the heat transfer process in a PCM heat exchanger. That showed that the four modelling methods are all accurate for representing the thermal behavior of the PCM heat exchanger. The model with the DSC Cp method with hysteresis performs the best at predicting the heat transfer process in PCM in this case. The impacts of PCM phase change temperature and hysteresis on the building energy-saving potential and thermal comfort are analyzed in another case study, based on one modelling method from the first case study. The building in question is a three-room apartment with PCM-enhanced ventilated windows in Denmark. The study showed that the PCM hysteresis has a larger influence on the building energy consumption than the phase change temperature for both summer night cooling applications and for winter energy storage. However, it does not have a strong impact on the yearly total energy usage. For both summer and winter transition seasons, the PCM hysteresis has a larger influence on the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) than the phase change temperature, but not a strong impact on the transition season average PPD. It is therefore advised to choose the PCM hysteresis according to whether it is for a summer night cooling or a winter solar energy storage application, as this has a significant impact on the system’s overall efficiency.
Investigation of the Effects of Reduced Sintering Temperature on Dielectric, Ferroelectric and Energy Storage Properties of Microwave-Sintered PLZT 8/60/40 Ceramics
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Emani Sivanagi Reddy , James Raju K. C. , Ryu Jungho , James A. R.
Published: December 2020

In this study, (Pb0.92La0.08) (Zr0.60Ti0.40) O3 (PLZT 8/60/40) ceramics were synthesized using a high-energy ball-milling technique followed by microwave sintering at different temperatures from 900 °C to 1200 °C. The optimal microwave sintering temperature for the PLZT 8/60/40 ceramics was found to be 1150 °C, which is relatively low compared with conventional sintering temperature. The sintered ceramics show the pure perovskite phase, uniform grain microstructure (1.2 µm) and high density (~99.5%). The polarization vs. electric field (P-E) hysteresis curves were used to investigate the ferroelectric and energy storage properties. The switching characteristic in P-E loops and occurrence of domain switching current in current vs. electric field (I-E) loops confirms their ferroelectric nature. The PLZT ceramics, which were sintered at 1150 °C, show the highest remnant polarization (Pr) of ~32.18 μC/cm2 and domain switching current (Imax) of ~0.91 mA with a low coercive field (Ec) of ~10.17 kV/cm. The bipolar and unipolar strain vs. electric field (S-E) hysteresis loops were also measured and the highest unipolar strain was found to be ~0.26% for the PLZT ceramics sintered at 1150 °C. The unipolar S-E curves were used to derive the piezoelectric coefficient (d33~495 pm/V) and a strain hysteresis loss (~5.8%).
Potential for Shock-Wave Generation at Diesel Engine Conditions and Its Influence on Spray Characteristics
Authors: Huang Weidi , Gong Huifeng , Pratama Raditya Hendra , Moon Seoksu , Takagi Keiji , Chen Zhili
Published: December 2020

Increasing the fuel injection pressure is currently the most effective way to achieve a better fuel–air mixing quality in modern engines. Systems capable of delivering fuels at a pressure of over 250 MPa have been widely adopted in diesel engines. At such high injection pressures, the shock-wave generation during fuel injection has been noticed. Investigations can be found widely discussing on how the shock-wave generation during fuel injection would affect the spray dynamics. However, the argument remains whether the shock wave can occur at diesel engine conditions since the diesel engine is operated at very high ambient temperature and density. Even if it could occur, how significantly the spray-induced shock wave affects the spray characteristics is rarely known. To address these concerns, this study was proposed. First, experiments were conducted to obtain the detailed spray dynamics from the nozzle exit to spray downstream field by taking advantage of the X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) and schlieren imaging techniques. It is found that supersonic and subsonic ligaments coexist in one spray. Increasing the injection pressure or reducing the ambient density would extend the supersonic part in the spray. Multiple shock waves occur subsequently from the nozzle exit, where the spray has the highest local velocity. Shock-wave generation during fuel injection could enhance spray penetration, whereas this effect depends on the length of the supersonic part in the spray. Finally, a diagram was proposed to predict the potential for the shock-wave generation and discuss the possible effect on spray characteristics at diesel engine conditions.
A Review of Critical Stable Sectional Areas for the Surge Tanks of Hydropower Stations
Authors: Guo Wencheng , Liu Yang , Qu Fangle , Xu Xinyu
Published: December 2020

The critical stable sectional area (CSSA) for surge tanks corresponds to the critical stable state of hydropower stations and is an important index to evaluate the stability of the turbine regulation system. The research on CSSA for surge tanks is always one of the most important topics in the area of transient processes of hydropower stations. The CSSA for surge tanks provides the value basis for the sectional area of surge tanks. In engineering practice, the CSSA for surge tanks is widely used to guide their hydraulic design. This paper provides a systematic literature review about the CSSA for surge tank of hydropower stations. Firstly, the CSSA for surge tanks based on hydraulic transients is discussed. Secondly, the CSSA for surge tanks based on hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling transients is presented. Thirdly, the CSSA for air cushion surge tanks is illustrated. Finally, the CSSA for combined surge tanks, i.e., upstream and downstream double surge tanks and upstream series double surge tanks, is presented. In future research, the CSSA for surge tanks of pumped storage power stations should be explored. The CSSA for surge tanks considering multi-energy complement is worth studying.
Analysis of the Impact of Self-Isolation of Residents during a Pandemic on Energy Demand and Indoor Air Quality in a Single-Family Building
Authors: Jezierski Walery , Zukowski Mirosław , Sadowska Beata
Published: December 2020

This work presents the results of analysis of the final energy demand (Qk) for a single-family house in a pandemic situation and accompanying self-isolation of residents. It was assumed that the object of study is located in Bialystok (Poland). This analysis covers the impact of various factors such as specific periods of the active pandemic phase, the length of the inhabitants’ self-isolation period, the number of residents at home, and the type of energy source used in the building. Based on the results of computational experiments, a deterministic mathematical model of the relationship between these variables was developed, and the effects of the selected factors on the final energy demand were analyzed for the typical meteorological year (TMY) weather data. It turned out that the change in the length of the self-isolation period from 0 to 31 days caused an increase of Qk by about 6.5% for the analyzed building. When the number of inhabitants changed from 1 to 4, Qk increased by 34.7%. A change from 4 to 7 people causes an additional 26.7% increase in Qk. It was found that the structure of energy demand for this building operation during the period of inhabitants’ self-isolation also changed. With the increase in the length of the self-isolation period from 0 to 31 days, the electricity demand (Eel) increases by about 40–42%, while the demand for energy related to fuel consumption (Qg) decreases by about 7–10%. The article also presents an analysis of the impact of residents’ self-isolation on indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. The simulation results showed that the use of variable air volume ventilation allows the CO2 concentration to be kept significantly below the limit value.
Molecular Profiling and Optimization Studies for Growth and PHB Production Conditions in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Lee Yu Rim , Fitriana Hana Nur , Lee Soo Youn , Kim Min-Sik , Moon Myounghoon , Lee Won-Heong , Lee Jin-Suk , Lee Sangmin
Published: December 2020

In the recent climate change regime, industrial demand for renewable materials to replace petroleum-derived polymers continues to rise. Of particular interest is polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a substitute for polypropylene. Accumulating evidence indicates that PHB is highly produced as a carbon storage material in various microorganisms. The effects of growth conditions on PHB production have been widely studied in chemolithotrophs, particularly in Rhodobacter. However, the results on PHB production in Rhodobacter have been somewhat inconsistent due to different strains and experimental conditions, and it is currently unclear how diverse environmental factors are linked with PHB production. Here, we report optimized growth conditions for PHB production and show that the growth conditions are closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation. PHB accumulates in cells up to approximately 50% at the highest level under dark-aerobic conditions as opposed to light aerobic/anaerobic conditions. According to the time-course, PHB contents increased at 48 h and then gradually decreased. When observing the effect of temperature and medium composition on PHB production, 30 °C and a carbon/nitrogen ratio of 9:1 or more were found to be most effective. Among PHB biosynthetic genes, PhaA and PhaB are highly correlated with PHB production, whereas PhaC and PhaZ showed little change in overall expression levels. We found that, while the amount of hydrogen peroxide in cells under dark conditions was relatively low compared to the light conditions, peroxidase activities and expression levels of antioxidant-related genes were high. These observations suggest optimal culture conditions for growth and PHB production and the importance of ROS-scavenging signaling with regard to PHB production.
Distributed Generation: A Review on Current Energy Status, Grid-Interconnected PQ Issues, and Implementation Constraints of DG in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Jun Yin , Verayiah Renuga , Ong Kam Hoe , Ramasamy Agileswari K. , Marsadek Marayati Binti
Published: December 2020

Electric supply is listed as one of the basic amenities of sustainable development in Malaysia. Under this key contributing factor, the sustainable development goal aims to ensure universal access to an affordable, clean, and reliable energy service. To support the generation capacity in years to come, distributed generation is conceptualized through stages upon its implementation in the power system network. However, the rapid establishment growth of distributed generation technology in Malaysia will invoke power quality problems in the current power system network. In order to prevent this, the current government is committed to embark on the development of renewable technologies with the assurance of maintaining the quality of power delivered to consumers. Therefore, this research paper will focus on the review of the energy prospect of both fossil fuel and renewable energy generation in Malaysia and other countries, followed by power quality issues and compensation device under a high renewable penetration distribution network. The issues and challenges of distributed generation are presented, with a comprehensive discussion and insightful recommendation on future work of the distributed generation. In accordance with the addressed highlights in this paper, it would serve as the criterion on upcoming revolution of distributed generation integrated along with the traditional network in Malaysia.
Characterization of Metallic Interconnects Extracted from Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks Operated up to 20,000 h in Real Life Conditions: The Air Side
Authors: Ghiara Giorgia , Piccardo Paolo , Bongiorno Valeria , Geipel Christian , Spotorno Roberto
Published: December 2020

Metallic interconnects represent the main component of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack in terms of weight and volume. They are typically made of ferritic stainless steel (FSS) coated on the air side. At the stack operating conditions, the interconnect is exposed to a dual atmosphere: air at the cathode side; fuel (a hydrogen-rich mixture) at the anode side. The stacks considered in this study were field operated in reformed natural gas for 5000, 9000 and 20,000 h respectively. The analyzed interconnects are made from CROFER22APU and coated on the air side with Co-Mn base spinel. One interconnect has been studied for each stack by sampling and preparing cross section the inlet and outlet positions. The samples were characterized by SEM-EDXS in order to investigate the evolution of the interconnect at the air side. The interaction between the metal substrate and the coating is investigated highlighting the formation of chromia based thermal grown oxide (at the FSS/coating interface) and the solid-state diffusion of Cr and Fe from the metal into the coating. The microstructural features evolving as a function of time are also quantified.
A Qualitative Numerical Study on Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene in Gas-Liquid Taylor Flow with Detailed Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Woo Mino , Maier Lubow , Tischer Steffen , Deutschmann Olaf , Wörner Martin
Published: December 2020

While the number of computational studies considering two-phase flows in microfluidic systems with or without mass transfer is increasing, numerical studies incorporating chemical reactions are still rare. This study aims to simulate the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene in gas-liquid Taylor flow by combining interface-resolving numerical simulations of two-phase flow and mass transfer by a volume-of-fluid method with detailed modeling of the heterogeneous chemical reaction by software package DETCHEMTM. Practically relevant physical properties are utilized for hydrodynamic and mass transfer simulations in combination with a preliminary reaction mechanism based on density functional theory. Simulations of mass transfer are conducted using a predetermined velocity field and Taylor bubble shape. At the beginning of the simulation when liquid nitrobenzene is not saturated by hydrogen, axial profiles of surface species concentrations and reaction rates show local variations. As hydrogen dissolves in nitrobenzene, the concentration profiles of surface species at the wall become uniform, eventually reaching an equilibrium state. Neglecting the local variation in a short initial period will allow further simplification of modeling surface reactions within a Taylor flow.
Unravelling the Potential of Lactococcus lactis Strains to Be Used in Cheesemaking Production as Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Bukvicki Danka , Siroli Lorenzo , D’Alessandro Margherita , Cosentino Sofia , Fliss Ismail , Said Laila Ben , Hassan Hebatoallah , Lanciotti Rosalba , Patrignani Francesca
Published: December 2020

This research, developed within an exchange program between Italy and Canada, represents the first step of a three-year project intended to evaluate the potential of nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains isolated from Italian and Canadian dairy products to select a consortium of strains to be used as biocontrol agents in Crescenza and Cheddar cheese production. In this framework, the acidification and the production of nisin in milk, and the volatile molecule profiles of the fermented milk, were recorded. The strains were further tested for their anti-Listeria monocytogenes activity in milk. The data obtained highlighted good potential for some of the tested strains, which showed production of nisin beginning within 12 h after the inoculation and reaching maximum levels between 24 and 48 h. The highest inactivation levels of L. monocytogenes in milk was reached in the presence of the strains 101877/1, LBG2, 9FS16, 11FS16, 3LC39, FBG1P, UL36, UL720, UL35. The strains generated in milk-specific volatile profiles and differences in the presence of fundamental aromatic molecules of dairy products, such as 2-butanone and diacetyl. The results highlight the interesting potential of some L. lactis strains, the producer of nisin, to be further used as biocontrol agents, although the strains need to be tested for interaction with traditional thermophilic starters and tested in real cheesemaking conditions.
The Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Bound Phenolics in Three Legumes, and Their Metabolism and Bioaccessibility of Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Zhu Liuying , Li Wenting , Deng Zeyuan , Li Hongyan , Zhang Bing
Published: December 2020

The composition and antioxidant activity of bound phenolics in three legumes (soybean, vicia faba, and kidney bean), and their metabolism and bioaccessibility in the gastrointestinal tract were investigated in this study. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities (ABTS and FRAP) were evaluated. The phytochemical compositions of the three legumes after acid/alkaline hydrolysis, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and colonic fermentation were identified and quantified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and HPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. The results showed that the three legumes were rich in bound phenolic compounds, and possessed a strong antioxidant activity; among which kidney bean showed a higher bound flavonoid content and antioxidant activity than the other two legumes. Alkaline hydrolysis allowed a more thorough extraction of the bound phenolics of the three legumes than acid hydrolysis. The released contents of bound phenolics were extremely low in in vitro digestion, whereas colonic fermentation favored the release of more phenolic compounds. Kidney bean, which presented the highest bound flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, had the lowest bioaccessibility. Our study provides a wider insight into the constituents and bioavailability of bound phenolic compounds in the three legumes.
Description of Cumbeba (Tacinga inamoena) Waste Drying at Different Temperatures Using Diffusion Models
Authors: Ferreira João P. L. , Silva Wilton P. , Queiroz Alexandre J. M. , Figueirêdo Rossana M. F. , Gomes Josivanda P. , Melo Bruno A. , Santos Dyego C. , Lima Thalis L. B. , Branco Rodolfo R. C. , Hamawand Ihsan , Lima Antonio G. B.
Published: December 2020

One approach to improve sustainable agro-industrial fruit production is to add value to the waste generated in pulp extraction. The processing of cumbeba (Tacinga inamoena) fruits generates a significant amount of waste, which is discarded without further application but can be a source of bioactive compounds, among other nutrients. Among the simplest and most inexpensive forms of processing, convective drying appears as the first option for the commercial utilization of fruit derivatives, but it is essential to understand the properties of mass transfer for the appropriate choice of drying conditions. In this study, cumbeba waste was dried at four temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80 °C). Three diffusion models were fitted to the experimental data of the different drying conditions. Two boundary conditions on the sample surface were considered: equilibrium condition and convective condition. The simulations were performed simultaneously with the estimation of effective mass diffusivity coefficients (Def) and convective mass transfer coefficients (h). The validation of the models was verified by the agreement between the theoretical prediction (simulation) and the experimental results. The results showed that, for the best model, the effective mass diffusivities were 2.9285 × 10−9, 4.1695 × 10−9, 8.1395 × 10−9 and 1.2754 × 10−8 m2/s, while the convective mass transfer coefficients were 6.4362 × 10−7, 8.7273 × 10−7, 8.9445 × 10−7 and 1.0912 × 10−6 m/s. The coefficients of determination were greater than 0.995 and the chi-squares were lower than 2.2826 × 10−2 for all simulations of the experiments.
The Development and Consumer Acceptance of Functional Fruit-Herbal Beverages
Authors: Skąpska Sylwia , Marszałek Krystian , Woźniak Łukasz , Szczepańska Justyna , Danielczuk Joanna , Zawada Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

The development of functional beverages often requires a compromise between the palatability and high content of bio-active compounds. The purpose of this study was to elaborate on the fruit-herbal beverages with defined pro-health functions and evaluate their consumer acceptance. The beverages contained 80% of juices obtained from the fruits of aronia, rugosa rose, acerola, sea buckthorn, and cranberry. Each beverage was supplemented with different plant extracts which enhanced the designed functions of the beverage. The beverages were sweetened with sugar or with steviol glycosides, and were preserved by thermal pasteurization. The main groups of bio-active compounds and antioxidant capacity using ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC methods were analysed before and after pasteurization. The sensory acceptance was tested by 60 adult consumers who assessed the desirability of taste, odour, colour, and overall quality. Each beverage contained substantial amounts of polyphenols, including anthocyanins; rosehip-acerola and sea buckthorn beverages were also sources of vitamin C and carotenoids. All these components were stable under thermal treatment. Rosehip-acerola beverages had the highest antioxidant capacity, which was measured using all three methods exhibited. The highest level of consumer acceptance and willingness to purchase went to aronia beverages, while the sea buckthorn gained the lowest. There was no significant difference between the acceptance of beverages sweetened with sugar and stevia. Women and the 25- to 34-year-old consumer group rated the overall acceptability of the beverages slightly higher, although this was not reflected in their inclination to buy them. Attitude toward proper body mass and health had no influence on overall acceptance and willingness to complete the purchases. The main motivation for purchasing the functional beverages was their sensory acceptance, even if the consumers were informed of their potential health benefits.
Running and Physical Activity in an Air-Polluted Environment: The Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study 4HAIE (Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment—Program 4)
Authors: Jandacka Daniel , Uchytil Jaroslav , Zahradnik David , Farana Roman , Vilimek Dominik , Skypala Jiri , Urbaczka Jan , Plesek Jan , Motyka Adam , Blaschova Denisa , Beinhauerova Gabriela , Rygelova Marketa , Brtva Pavel , Balazova Klara , Horka Veronika , Malus Jan , Silvernail Julia Freedman , Irwin Gareth , Nieminen Miika T. , Casula Victor , Juras Vladimir , Golian Milos , Elavsky Steriani , Knapova Lenka , Sram Radim , Hamill Joseph
Published: December 2020

Far too little attention has been paid to health effects of air pollution and physical (in)activity on musculoskeletal health. The purpose of the Healthy aging in industrial environment study (4HAIE) is to investigate the potential impact of physical activity in highly polluted air on musculoskeletal health. A total of 1500 active runners and inactive controls aged 18–65 will be recruited. The sample will be recruited using quota sampling based on location (the most air-polluted region in EU and a control region), age, sex, and activity status. Participants will complete online questionnaires and undergo a two-day baseline laboratory assessment, including biomechanical, physiological, psychological testing, and magnetic resonance imaging. Throughout one-year, physical activity data will be collected through Fitbit monitors, along with data regarding the incidence of injuries, air pollution, psychological factors, and behavior collected through a custom developed mobile application. Herein, we introduce a biomechanical and musculoskeletal protocol to investigate musculoskeletal and neuro-mechanical health in this 4HAIE cohort, including a design for controlling for physiological and psychological injury factors. In the current ongoing project, we hypothesize that there will be interactions of environmental, biomechanical, physiological, and psychosocial variables and that these interactions will cause musculoskeletal diseases/protection.
Tracking Websites’ Digital Communication Strategies in Latin American Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tejedor Santiago , Pérez-Escoda Ana , Ventín Augusto , Tusa Fernanda , Martínez Fátima
Published: December 2020

Since the advent of the Internet, websites have become the nerve center of the digital ecosystems of media, companies and all kinds of institutions. Currently, the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic has placed healthcare issues at the center of social debate, including hospitals and their websites as digital sources of trustworthy information. COVID-19 has intensified the need for quality information and the legitimacy of sources fighting the infodemic situation. In this regard hospitals become essential social actors in the spread of healthcare information. Within this framework, a qualitative study is presented with descriptive components and based on content analysis. This study examines 58 websites from the best hospitals included in the “América Economía” ranking health sector from Latin America. The study applies an analysis methodology based on previous research focusing on specialized web studies, defining an analysis model on six variables and 65 thematic indicators. The research concludes that hospitals occupying first positions in the medical services directory are not necessarily those that have the best websites. Similarly, it is worth noting that a quarter of the studied sample do not devote a specific space to reporting coronavirus information. Brazil, Colombia and Chile are the countries with the highest number of hospitals among those with the best websites. In conclusion, digital media, specifically websites, could constitute legitime resources of healthcare information consumption, so their accuracy and proper development seem to be significant to become genuine sources that not only could provide better healthcare services but help avoid the spread of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health Status of University Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Post–Movement Lockdown Assessment
Authors: Woon Luke Sy-Cherng , Sidi Hatta , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Leong Bin Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress and determined the association between various factors, social support, and depression, anxiety, and stress among university healthcare workers in Malaysia after the government lifted the movement control order (MCO) put in place to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This online, cross-sectional survey recruited 399 participants from two university hospitals, and they were administered a self-reported questionnaire on demographic, personal, and clinical characteristics, as well as COVID-19-related stressors and coping. In addition, they completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure perceived social support, as well as the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 21.8%, 31.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Participants with moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress made up 13.3%, 25.8%, and 8.1% of the sample, respectively. Being single or divorced, fear of frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients, agreeing that the area of living had a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, uncertainty regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the area of living, and a history of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses were associated with higher odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conversely, having more than three children and greater perceived friend support were associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress remained elevated even after the MCO was lifted.
Korean Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of Korean Version EORTC QLQ-BRECON23
Authors: Bok Soo-Kyung , Song Youngshin , Lim Ancho , Choi Hyunsuk , Shin Hyunkyung , Jin Sohyun
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life-QLQ-BRECON23 in women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer undergoing all types of breast reconstruction. Methods: A total of 148 Korean women who underwent breast reconstruction were recruited from the breast cancer center to participate in the study. After performing forward and backward translation of the original English version of the questionnaire into Korean, its validity (construct, known-group validity, concurrent) and reliability were assessed. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to assess construct validity. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52 years, and 89.8% underwent implant-based reconstruction. Construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit, and the effect size was small-to-medium regarding known-group validity. Concurrent validity was confirmed by the significant correlation between the QLQ-BRECON23 and the QLQ-BR23. The reliability of the QLQ-BRECON23 symptom and function scales ranged from 0.61 to 0.87. Conclusion: The Korean QLQ-BRECON23 can be applied to assess quality of life and its related factors, and also to internationally compare the level of quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing breast reconstruction.
Towards a HR Framework for Developing a Health-Promoting Performance Culture at Work: A Norwegian Health Care Management Case Study
Authors: Bjerke Rune
Published: December 2020

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) states that Norway faces several major health challenges. Sick leave is at 6% and costs employers approximately EUR 1.75 billion annually. The NIPH proposes, with the support of the Public Health Act and the national strategy HealthCare21, that preventive measures should be developed to address negative lifestyle factors in order to decrease the number of new cases in the related disease groups (e.g., stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity). The purpose of this article is to answer why and how organisations should develop a health-promoting performance culture and to provide a conceptual model displaying the importance of this type of culture for organisational performance. To boost the national health standard as a consequence of employee physical activity at work, I suggest additional occupational safety and health (OSH) directives. Based on cross-disciplinary theorizing, I propose a definition of a health-promoting performance culture. This kind of culture consists of dimensions such as health objectives, shared health values, supportive health environment, goal-oriented and value-based behaviour of leaders and employees, and a winning mindset. In addition, the article underscores the importance of related individual HR drivers like fun at work, engagement, physical and mental health for increasing organisational performance. The company cases used in this paper, Schibsted, Gjensidige, Findus and Wilhelmsen, and findings from five in-depth interviews, indicate that health-promoting activities are the result of either an HR strategy or individuals’ initiative and voluntariness among the companies’ sports enthusiasts. The case of Findus exemplifies an ongoing development toward a health-promoting performance culture and the importance of leaders’ participation. The findings support several elements of the conceptual model showing the relations between a health-promoting performance culture, individual HR drivers and organisational performance. A framework for developing a health-promoting performance culture in practice is presented.
The Effects of Multilayered Disorder Characteristics on Fear of Crime in Korea
Authors: Kang Su Jin , Seo Wonseok
Published: December 2020

Fear of crime has a negative impact on the mental health of individuals, limiting their physical and social abilities. Moreover, the prevalence of such fear in the neighborhood weakens the bonds between neighbors and the overall community network, thereby undermining social capital and impeding the city’s sustainability. Disorder is a multilayered process shaped by type and spatial level and has a complex effect on fear of crime. Using a multilevel ordered logistic model, this study determines a more comprehensive cause of fear of crime by verifying the multilayered effects of disorder in Korea. The results include four main findings. First, people are relatively unaware of disorder occurring at the neighborhood level, and more sensitive to disorder at the city level. Second, social disorder has a more significant effect on fear of crime than physical disorder. Third, fear of crime is more affected by indirect factors than by direct factors and actual crimes. Finally, the impact of disorder on fear of crime is discriminatory, depending on the type and spatial structure. This study suggests that urban policy efforts focus more on indirect and macroscopic aspects in dealing with the decline of cities and managing issues related to social disorder.
Sensitivity of Rodent Microglia to Kynurenines in Models of Epilepsy and Inflammation In Vivo and In Vitro: Microglia Activation Is Inhibited by Kynurenic Acid and the Synthetic Analogue SZR104
Authors: Lajkó Noémi , Kata Diana , Szabó Melinda , Mátyás Adrienne , Dulka Karolina , Földesi Imre , Fülöp Ferenc , Gulya Karoly , Vécsei László , Mihály András
Published: December 2020

Kynurenic acid is an endogenous modulator of ionotropic glutamate receptors and a suppressor of the immune system. Since glutamate and microglia are important in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, we investigated the possible action of the synthetic kynurenic acid analogue, SZR104, in epileptic mice and the action of kynurenic acid and SZR104 on the phagocytotic activity of cultured microglia cells. Pilocarpine epilepsy was used to test the effects of SZR104 on morphological microglia transformation, as evaluated through ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemistry. Microglia-enriched rat secondary cultures were used to investigate phagocytosis of fluorescent microbeads and Iba1 protein synthesis in control and lipopolysaccharide-challenged cultures. SZR104 inhibited microglia transformation following status epilepticus. Kynurenic acid and SZR104 inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated phagocytotic activity of microglia cells. Although kynurenic acid and its analogues proved to be glutamate receptor antagonists, their immunosuppressive action was dominant in epilepsy. The inhibition of phagocytosis in vitro raised the possibility of the inhibition of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines in microglial cells.
Deleterious Effects of Hyperactivity of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Hypertension on the Course of Chemotherapy-Induced Heart Failure after Doxorubicin Administration: A Study in Ren-2 Transgenic Rat
Authors: Kala Petr , Bartušková Hana , Piťha Jan , Vaňourková Zdenka , Kikerlová Soňa , Jíchová Šárka , Melenovský Vojtěch , Hošková Lenka , Veselka Josef , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elzbieta , Sadowski Janusz , Gawrys Olga , Maxová Hana , Červenka Luděk
Published: December 2020

Doxorubicin’s (DOX) cardiotoxicity contributes to the development of chemotherapy-induced heart failure (HF) and new treatment strategies are in high demand. The aim of the present study was to characterize a DOX-induced model of HF in Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR), those characterized by hypertension and hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and to compare the results with normotensive transgene-negative, Hannover Sprague-Dawley (HanSD) rats. DOX was administered for two weeks in a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg. In HanSD rats DOX administration resulted in the development of an early phase of HF with the dominant symptom of bilateral cardiac atrophy demonstrable two weeks after the last DOX injection. In TGR, DOX caused substantial impairment of systolic function already at the end of the treatment, with further progression observed throughout the experiment. Additionally, two weeks after the termination of DOX treatment, TGR exhibited signs of HF characteristic for the transition stage between the compensated and decompensated phases of HF. In conclusion, we suggest that DOX-induced HF in TGR is a suitable model to study the pathophysiological aspects of chemotherapy-induced HF and to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies to combat this form of HF, which are urgently needed.
Expression and Impact of Vaspin on In Vitro Oocyte Maturation through MAP3/1 and PRKAA1 Signalling Pathways
Authors: Kurowska Patrycja , Mlyczyńska Ewa , Estienne Anthony , Barbe Alix , Rajska Iwona , Soból Katarzyna , Poniedziałek-Kempny Katarzyna , Dupont Joelle , Rak Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Oocyte maturation is a critical stage in embryo production and female reproduction. The aims of this study were to determine: (i) the mRNA and protein expression of vaspin and its receptor 78-kDa glucose-regulated (GRP78) in porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, and their localisation by immunofluorescence; and (ii) the effects of vaspin on in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) and the involvement of mitogen ERK1/2 (MAP3/1)- and AMPKα (PRKAA1)-activated kinases in the studied processes. Porcine COCs were matured in vitro for 22 h or 44 h with vaspin at a dose of 1 ng/mL and nuclear maturation assessed by Hoechst 33342 or DAPI staining and the measurement of progesterone (P4) level in the maturation medium. We showed that vaspin and GRP78 protein expression increased in oocytes and cumulus cells after IVM. Moreover, vaspin enhanced significantly porcine oocyte IVM and P4 concentration, as well as MAP3/1 phosphorylation, while decreasing PRKAA1. Using pharmacological inhibitors of MAP3/1 (PD98059) and PRKAA1 (Compound C), we observed that the effect of vaspin was reversed to the control level by all studied parameters. In conclusion, vaspin, by improving in vitro oocyte maturation via MAP3/1 and PRKAA1 kinase pathways, can be a new factor to improve in vitro fertilisation protocols.
Prevalence of Newly Diagnosed Malignancies in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, Comparison of 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan with Chest X-ray and Abdominal Ultrasound: Data from a 40 Week Prospective, Exploratory, Single Centre Study
Authors: Emamifar Amir , Hess Søren , Ellingsen Torkell , Due Kay Susan , Christian Bang Jacob , Gerke Oke , Syrak Hansen Per , Ahangarani Farahani Ziba , Petersen Henrik , Marcussen Niels , Jensen Hansen Inger Marie , Thye Rønn Peter
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of newly diagnosed malignancies in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA), with the aid of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan compared to conventional imaging techniques: Chest X-ray (CXR) and abdominal ultrasound (US). Secondarily, to examine the relative diagnostic accuracy of these two imaging modalities for the detection of cancer. Eighty consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PMR, GCA, or concomitant PMR and GCA, were included and followed up for 40 weeks. All patients underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, CXR, and abdominal US at diagnosis. Imaging findings were dichotomously categorized into malignant or benign. Among 80 patients, three patients were diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 77, 64 (83.1%) patients were diagnosed with pure PMR, 3 (3.9%) with pure GCA, and 10 (13.0%) with concomitant PMR and GCA. Five types of cancer that were more prevalent than the one-year prevalence of 1.2% among the background population were found in four (5.2%; 95%CI: 1.4–12.8%) patients. CXR/abdominal US could detect the solid cancer in one patient, whereas 18F-FDG PET/CT could identify all four solid cancers. Furthermore, four (5.2%; 95%CI: 1.4–12.8%) cases of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) were found. An increase in C reactive protein (CRP) implicated an increased risk for cancer of 2.4% (OR: 1.024, 95%CI: 1.001–1.047; p = 0.041). 18F-FDG PET/CT can reveal occult cancers at an early stage with a high negative predictive value, and it is specifically beneficial in PMR/GCA patients with nonspecific symptoms.
Repeated Pancreatectomy for Isolated Local Recurrence in the Remnant Pancreas Following Radical Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Choi Munseok , Kim Na Won , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Lee Woo Jung , Kang Chang Moo
Published: December 2020

The mainstream treatment for recurrent pancreatic cancer is potent chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. However, recent clinical investigations have suggested a potential oncologic role of local resection of recurrent pancreatic cancer. This systemic review with a pooled analysis aimed to assess the potential role of local repeated pancreatectomy with respect to the survival outcomes for patients with recurrent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the remnant pancreas. The PubMed database was searched, and 15 articles reporting on repeated pancreatectomy for local recurrence of PDAC in the remnant pancreas were identified. The pooled individual data were examined for the clinical outcomes of repeated pancreatectomy for recurrent PDAC. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. In the pooled analysis, the mean time interval from initial pancreatectomy to repeated pancreatectomy was 41.3 months (standard deviation (SD), 29.09 months). Completion total pancreatectomy was most commonly performed as repeated pancreatectomy (46 patients, 92.0%), and partial pancreatic resection was performed for only 4 (10.3%) patients. Twenty (40.9%) patients received postoperative chemotherapy following repeated pancreatectomy. The median overall survival was 60 months (95% confidential interval (CI): 45.99–74.01) after repeated pancreatectomy for isolated local recurrence in the remnant pancreas. Overall survival was markedly longer considering the timing of the initial pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer (median, 107 months (95% CI: 80.37–133.62). The time interval between the initial and subsequent repeated pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer was not associated with long-term oncologic outcomes (p = 0.254). Repeated pancreatectomy cannot completely replace adjuvant chemotherapy but should be considered for patients with isolated local recurrent PDAC in the remnant pancreas.