bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Hypertrophy Changes Compartmentation of cAMP in Non-Raft Membrane Microdomains
Authors: Pavlaki Nikoleta , De Jong Kirstie A. , Geertz Birgit , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Froese Alexander
Published: March 2021

3′,5′-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger which plays critical roles in cardiac function and disease. In adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs), several distinct functionally relevant microdomains with tightly compartmentalized cAMP signaling have been described. At least two types of microdomains reside in AMVM plasma membrane which are associated with caveolin-rich raft and non-raft sarcolemma, each with distinct cAMP dynamics and their differential regulation by receptors and cAMP degrading enzymes phosphodiesterases (PDEs). However, it is still unclear how cardiac disease such as hypertrophy leading to heart failure affects cAMP signals specifically in the non-raft membrane microdomains. To answer this question, we generated a novel transgenic mouse line expressing a highly sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor E1-CAAX targeted to non-lipid raft membrane microdomains of AMVMs and subjected these mice to pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy. We could detect specific changes in PDE3-dependent compartmentation of β-adrenergic receptor induced cAMP in non-raft membrane microdomains which were clearly different from those occurring in caveolin-rich sarcolemma. This indicates differential regulation and distinct responses of these membrane microdomains to cardiac remodeling.
Mathematical Modelling of Biosensing Platforms Applied for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Teniou Ahlem , Rhouati Amina , Marty Jean-Louis
Published: March 2021

In recent years, mathematical modelling has known an overwhelming integration in different scientific fields. In general, modelling is used to obtain new insights and achieve more quantitative and qualitative information about systems by programming language, manipulating matrices, creating algorithms and tracing functions and data. Researchers have been inspired by these techniques to explore several methods to solve many problems with high precision. In this direction, simulation and modelling have been employed for the development of sensitive and selective detection tools in different fields including environmental control. Emerging pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals are contaminating water resources, thus threatening wildlife. As a consequence, various biosensors using modelling have been reported in the literature for efficient environmental monitoring. In this review paper, the recent biosensors inspired by modelling and applied for environmental monitoring will be overviewed. Moreover, the level of success and the analytical performances of each modelling-biosensor will be discussed. Finally, current challenges in this field will be highlighted.
Does Traditional Agroforestry a Sustainable Production System in Bangladesh? An Analysis of Socioeconomic and Ecological Perspectives
Authors: Islam Kazi Kamrul , Saifullah Mohammad , Hyakumura Kimihiko
Published: March 2021

In the tropics, products and services provided by the traditional agroforestry systems (TAS) support the basic needs and promote the livelihood of millions of rural people. However, the outcomes and mitigation of TAS, in particular, the social and environmental issues are not systematically addressed. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the economic, social and environmental outcomes of two important TAS in Bangladesh. This study reports results on prospective analyses using the Date palm and Jackfruit-based TAS practiced in the Jashore and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. The results revealed that the TAS enhanced farm productivity and the benefit–cost ratio of both systems were much higher than the general agricultural practices in Bangladesh. The TAS also improved resilience of rural farmers through more efficient water utilization, enhancing soil fertility, improving microclimate, controlling pests and diseases, and diversifying products. At the same time, the farmers’ problems were neglected due to the absence of farmers’ platforms, and also tradeoffs may arise; thus, the social aspects of the TAS farmers had not developed equally. Therefore, the study would recommend minimizing the tradeoffs through enhancing the conservation strategies at farmers’ levels to make the TAS more viable and sustainable land-use practices.
Correlation of an Index-Lesion-Based SPECT Dosimetry Method with Mean Tumor Dose and Clinical Outcome after 177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy
Authors: Völter Friederike , Mittlmeier Lena , Gosewisch Astrid , Brosch-Lenz Julia , Gildehaus Franz Josef , Zacherl Mathias Johannes , Beyer Leonie , Stief Christian G. , Holzgreve Adrien , Rübenthaler Johannes , Cyran Clemens C. , Böning Guido , Bartenstein Peter , Todica Andrei , Ilhan Harun
Published: March 2021

Background: Dosimetry can tailor prostate-specific membrane-antigen-targeted radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, whole-body tumor dosimetry is challenging in patients with a high tumor burden. We evaluate a simplified index-lesion-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) dosimetry method in correlation with clinical outcome. Methods: 30 mCRPC patients were included (median 71 years). The dosimetry was performed for the first cycle using quantitative 177Lu-SPECT. The response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 and PERCIST criteria, as well as changes in PSMA-positive tumor volume (PSMA-TV) in post-therapy PSMA-PET and biochemical response according to PSA changes after two RLT cycles. Results: Mean tumor doses as well as index-lesion doses were significantly higher in PERCIST responders compared to non-responders (10.2 ± 12.0 Gy/GBq vs. 4.0 ± 2.9 Gy/GBq, p = 0.03 and 13.7 ± 14.2 Gy/GBq vs. 5.9 ± 4.4 Gy/GBq, p = 0.04, respectively). No significant differences in mean tumor and index lesion doses were observed between responders and non-responders according to RECIST 1.1, PSMA-TV, and biochemical response criteria. Conclusion: Compared to mean tumor doses on a patient level, single index-lesion-based SPECT dosimetry correlates equally well with the response to PSMA-RLT according to PERCIST criteria and may represent a fast and feasible dosimetry approach for clinical routine.
The Rapidly Expanding Group of RB1-Deleted Soft Tissue Tumors: An Updated Review
Authors: Libbrecht Sasha , Van Dorpe Jo , Creytens David
Published: March 2021

The classification of soft tissue tumors has evolved considerably in the last decade, largely due to advances in understanding the pathogenetic basis of many of these, sometimes rare, tumors. Deletion of Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1), a well-known tumor suppressor gene, has been implicated in the tumorigenesis of a particular group of soft tissue neoplasms. This group of so-called “RB1-deleted soft tissue tumors” has been rapidly expanding in recent years, currently consisting of spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma, atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor, pleomorphic liposarcoma, myofibroblastoma, cellular angiofibroma, and acral fibromyxoma. Most of these neoplasms, except pleomorphic liposarcoma, are considered benign entities and are mainly described in the older adult population. This article will review the currently known morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of this heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumors with an emphasis on differential diagnosis.
Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Hernández Jesus C.
Published: March 2021

The use of renewable energy sources (RESs) is a need of global society. This editorial, and its associated Special Issue “Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Sources”, offer a compilation of some of the recent advances in the analysis of current power systems composed after the high penetration of distributed generation (DG) with different RESs. The focus is on both new control configurations and novel methodologies for the optimal placement and sizing of DG. The eleven accepted papers certainly provide a good contribution to control deployments and methodologies for the allocation and sizing of DG.
Application of Battery Energy Storage Systems for Primary Frequency Control in Power Systems with High Renewable Energy Penetration
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Negnevitsky Michael , Franklin Evan , Alam Kazi Saiful , Naderi Seyed Behzad
Published: March 2021

In power systems, high renewable energy penetration generally results in conventional synchronous generators being displaced. Hence, the power system inertia reduces, thus causing a larger frequency deviation when an imbalance between load and generation occurs, and thus potential system instability. The problem associated with this increase in the system’s dynamic response can be addressed by various means, for example, flywheels, supercapacitors, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs). This paper investigates the application of BESSs for primary frequency control in power systems with very high penetration of renewable energy, and consequently, low levels of synchronous generation. By re-creating a major Australian power system separation event and then subsequently simulating the event under low inertia conditions but with BESSs providing frequency support, it has been demonstrated that a droop-controlled BESS can greatly improve frequency response, producing both faster reaction and smaller frequency deviation. Furthermore, it is shown via detailed investigation how factors such as available battery capacity and droop coefficient impact the system frequency response characteristics, providing guidance on how best to mitigate the impact of future synchronous generator retirements. It is intended that this analysis could be beneficial in determining the optimal BESS capacity and droop value to manage the potential frequency stability risks for a future power system with high renewable energy penetrations.
A Comparative Analysis of Economics of PMSG and SCSG Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Jung Ga-Eun , Sung Hae-Jin , Dinh Minh-Chau , Park Minwon , Shin Hyunkyoung
Published: March 2021

The biggest obstacle to using a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) for a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) is the weight. A superconducting synchronous generator (SCSG) can be an alternative to this problem. In this paper, first, the weight and volume of a 10 MW class PMSG and SCSG for a large floating offshore wind farm (FOWF) were compared. Reflecting this, the economic feasibility of a 200 MW class FOWF based on a semi-submersible platform was compared and analyzed. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was used to compare the economics of the two types of FOWF, and the LCOE of the SCSG type FOWF was 6 (USD/MWh) more expensive than that of the PMSG type FOWF. However, if the superconducting wire price is reduced by 40% compared to the current price, the economic feasibility of the SCSG type FOWF can be secured. Considering only the weight, the SCSG type FOWF is far superior to the PMSG type FOWF. With the trend of falling superconducting wire prices and improving critical current, the SCSG type FOWF is expected to become a definite alternative to large-capacity wind farms, and the economic feasibility is expected within the next five years.
A Methodology for the Enhancement of the Energy Flexibility and Contingency Response of a Building through Predictive Control of Passive and Active Storage
Authors: Date Jennifer , Candanedo José A. , Athienitis Andreas K.
Published: March 2021

Optimal management of thermal energy storage in a building is essential to provide predictable energy flexibility to a smart grid. Active technologies such as Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) can assist in building heating load management and can complement the building’s passive thermal storage capacity. The presented paper outlines a methodology that utilizes the concept of Building Energy Flexibility Index (BEFI) and shows that implementing Model Predictive Control (MPC) with dedicated thermal storage can provide predictable energy flexibility to the grid during critical times. When the utility notifies the customer 12 h before a Demand Response (DR) event, a BEFI up to 65 kW (100% reduction) can be achieved. A dynamic rate structure as the objective function is shown to be successful in reducing the peak demand, while a greater reduction in energy consumption in a 24-hour period is seen with a rate structure with a demand charge. Contingency reserve participation was also studied and strategies included reducing the zone temperature setpoint by 2∘C for 3 h or using the stored thermal energy by discharging the device for 3 h. Favourable results were found for both options, where a BEFI of up to 47 kW (96%) is achieved. The proposed methodology for modeling and evaluation of control strategies is suitable for other similar convectively conditioned buildings equipped with active and passive storage.
Hybrid Islanding Detection Method of Photovoltaic-Based Microgrid Using Reference Current Disturbance
Authors: Bakhshi-Jafarabadi Reza , Popov Marjan
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new hybrid islanding detection method for grid-connected photovoltaic system (GCPVS)-based microgrid. In the presented technique, the suspicious islanding event is initially recognized whilst the absolute deviation of the point of common coupling (PCC) voltage surpasses a threshold. After an intentional delay, a transient disturbance is injected into the voltage source inverter’s d-axis reference current to decline the active power output. As a result, the PCC voltage reduces in islanding operating mode whilst its variation is negligible in the grid presence. Therefore, the simultaneous drop of PCC voltage and active power output is used as an islanding detection criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is investigated for various islanding and non-islanding scenarios for a practical distribution network with three GCPVSs. The simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink show successful islanding detection with a small non-detection zone within 300 ms without false tripping during non-islanding incidents. In addition to the precise and fast islanding classification, the presented scheme is realized inexpensively; its thresholds are determined self-standing, and its output power quality degradation is eminently small. Moreover, the active power output is restored to the nominal set after islanding recognition, enhancing the chance of GCPVS generation at its highest possible level in the autonomous microgrid.
A Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network for the Low-Cost Prediction of Soot Concentration in a Time-Dependent Flame
Authors: Jadidi Mehdi , Di Liddo Luke , Dworkin Seth B.
Published: March 2021

Particulate matter (soot) emissions from combustion processes have damaging health and environmental effects. Numerical techniques with varying levels of accuracy and computational time have been developed to model soot formation in flames. High-fidelity soot models come with a significant computational cost and as a result, accurate soot modelling becomes numerically prohibitive for simulations of industrial combustion devices. In the present study, an accurate and computationally inexpensive soot-estimating tool has been developed using a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. The LSTM network is used to estimate the soot volume fraction (fv) in a time-varying, laminar, ethylene/air coflow diffusion flame with 20 Hz periodic fluctuation on the fuel velocity and a 50% amplitude of modulation. The LSTM neural network is trained using data from CFD, where the network inputs are gas properties that are known to impact soot formation (such as temperature) and the network output is fv. The LSTM is shown to give accurate estimations of fv, achieving an average error (relative to CFD) in the peak fv of approximately 30% for the training data and 22% for the test data, all in a computational time that is orders-of-magnitude less than that of high-fidelity CFD modelling. The neural network approach shows great potential to be applied in industrial applications because it can accurately estimate the soot characteristics without the need to solve the soot-related terms and equations.
Evaluation and Optimization of a Two-Phase Liquid-Immersion Cooling System for Data Centers
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yu Hang
Published: March 2021

An efficient cooling system for data centers can boost the working efficiency of servers and promote energy savings. In this study, a laboratory experiment and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation were performed to explore the performance of a two-phase cooling system. The coefficient of performance (COP) and partial power usage effectiveness (pPUE) of the proposed system was evaluated under various IT (Information Technology) loads. The relationship between the interval of the two submerged servers and their surface temperatures was evaluated by CFD analysis, and the minimum intervals that could maintain the temperature of the server surfaces below 85 °C were obtained. Experimental results show that as server power increases, COP increases pPUE decreases. In one experiment, the COP increased from 19.0 to 26.7, whereas pPUE decreased from 1.053 to 1.037. The exergy efficiency of this system ranges from 12.65% to 18.96%, and the tank side accounts for most of the exergy destruction. The minimum intervals between servers are 15 mm under 1000 W of power, 20 mm under 1500 W, and more than 30 mm under 2000 W and above. The observations and conclusions in this study can be valuable references for the study of cooling systems in data centers.
Optimization-Based Tuning of a Hybrid UKF State Estimator with Tire Model Adaption for an All Wheel Drive Electric Vehicle
Authors: Heidfeld Hannes , Schünemann Martin
Published: March 2021

Novel drivetrain concepts such as electric direct drives can improve vehicle dynamic control due to faster, more accurate, and more flexible generation of wheel individual propulsion and braking torques. Exact and robust estimation of vehicle state of motion in the presence of unknown disturbances, such as changes in road conditions, is crucial for realization of such control systems. This article shows the design, tuning, implementation, and test of a state estimator with individual tire model adaption for direct drive electric vehicles. The vehicle dynamics are modeled using a double-track model with an adaptive tire model. State-of-the-art sensors, an inertial measurement unit, steering angle, wheel speed, and motor current sensors are used as measurements. Due to the nonlinearity of the vehicle model, an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) is used for simultaneous state and parameter estimation. To simplify the difficult task of UKF tuning, an optimization-based method using real-vehicle data is utilized. The UKF is implemented on an electronic control unit and tested with real-vehicle data in a hardware-in-the-loop simulation. High precision even in severe driving maneuvers under various road conditions is achieved. Nonlinear state and parameter estimation for all wheel drive electric vehicles using UKF and optimization-based tuning is shown to provide high precision with minimal manual tuning effort.
Integration of Air Classification and Hydrothermal Carbonization to Enhance Energy Recovery of Corn Stover
Authors: Islam Md Tahmid , Saha Nepu , Hernandez Sergio , Klinger Jordan , Reza M. Toufiq
Published: March 2021

Air classification (AC) is a cost-effective technology that separates the energy-dense light ash fraction (LAF) from the inorganic-rich high ash fraction (HAF) of corn stover. HAF could be upgraded into energy-dense solid fuel by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). However, HTC is a high-temperature, high-pressure process, which requires additional energy to operate. In this study, three different scenarios (i.e., AC only, HTC only, and integrated AC–HTC) were investigated for the energy recovery of corn stover. AC was performed on corn stover at an 8 Hz fan speed, which yielded 84.4 wt. % LAF, 12.8 wt. % HAF, and 2.8 wt. % below screen particles. About 27 wt. % ash was reduced from LAF by the AC process. Furthermore, HTC was performed on raw corn stover and the HAF of corn stover at 200, 230, and 260 °C for 30 min. To evaluate energy recovery, solid products were characterized in terms of mass yield, ash yield, ultimate analysis, proximate analyses, and higher heating value (HHV). The results showed that the energy density was increased with the increase in HTC temperature, meanwhile the mass yield and ash yield were decreased with the increase in HTC temperature. Proximate analysis showed that fixed carbon increased 18 wt. % for original char and 27 wt. % for HAF char at 260 °C, compared to their respective feedstocks. Finally, the hydrochar resulting from HAF was mixed with LAF and pelletized at 180 bar and 90 °C to densify the energy content. An energy balance of the integrated AC–HTC process was performed, and the results shows that integrated AC with HTC performed at 230 °C resulted in an additional 800 MJ/ton of energy recovery compared to the AC-only scenario.
Online Pre-Treatment of Thermomechanical Pulp with Emulsified Maleated Polypropylene for Processing of Extruded Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Schirp Arne , Schirp Claudia
Published: March 2021

The effectiveness of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) in emulsified form for the pre-treatment of thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) before extrusion with polypropylene fibres was evaluated. MAPP in pellet form, which was applied during the compounding step, served as a benchmark. In addition, commercial softwood flour was included as a reference. The influence of the temperature during the defibration process and the presence or absence of the coupling agent on composite performance were evaluated. Composites were processed with a high wood content of 70 wt.%, which is common for extruded profiles. It was found that TMP based on Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) conferred higher strength properties to the composites compared to TMP based on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), which was attributed to the higher length/diameter ratio of fibres in Robinia. However, under the conditions of this study, strength properties were superior and water uptake and swelling were reduced when wood flour was used instead of TMP. On the other hand, in many formulations, larger improvements in flexural and tensile strength due to MAPP were found for the TMP-based composites compared to the wood flour-based composites. This could be due to the larger surface/volume ratio for TMP compared to wood flour and more efficient stress transfer from fibres to the matrix. Results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that TMP surfaces were more hydrophobic than wood flour due to coverage with lignin, which reduced the effectiveness of MAPP. Esterification between the emulsified MAPP and fibre surfaces was determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, but some non-activated maleic anhydride remained. Under the conditions of this study, MAPP added during compounding provided better performance compared to MAPP which included a non-ionic emulsifier and which was added during the refining process. Lower temperature (150 °C) during defibration was shown to be beneficial for the strength properties of composites compared to high temperature (180 °C) when MAPP was included in the formulations.
Spatial Form of a Hamiltonian Dysthe Equation for Deep-Water Gravity Waves
Authors: Guyenne Philippe , Kairzhan Adilbek , Sulem Catherine , Xu Boyang
Published: March 2021

An overview of a Hamiltonian framework for the description of nonlinear modulation of surface water waves is presented. The main result is the derivation of a Hamiltonian version of Dysthe’s equation for two-dimensional gravity waves on deep water. The reduced problem is obtained via a Birkhoff normal form transformation which not only helps eliminate all non-resonant cubic terms but also yields a non-perturbative procedure for surface reconstruction. The free surface is reconstructed from the wave envelope by solving an inviscid Burgers’ equation with an initial condition given by the modulational Ansatz. Particular attention is paid to the spatial form of this model, which is simulated numerically and tested against laboratory experiments on periodic groups and short-wave packets. Satisfactory agreement is found in all these cases.
Teams Do Inflict Costly Third-Party Punishment as Individuals Do: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Kamei Kenju
Published: March 2021

Initiated by the seminal work of Fehr and Fischbacher (Evolution and Human Behavior (2004)), a large body of research has shown that people often take punitive actions towards norm violators even when they are not directly involved in transactions. This paper shows in an experimental setting that this behavioral finding extends to a situation where a pair of individuals jointly decides how strong a third-party punishment to impose. It also shows that this punishment behavior is robust to the size of social distance within pairs. These results lend useful insight since decisions in our everyday lives and also in courts are often made by teams.
Ventilatory Effect of Midazolam in Propofol Deep Sedation for Hepatic Tumor Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
Authors: Sripunjan Krongthip , Sombood Pattharaporn , Vichitvejpaisal Phongtara , Amornyotin Somchai
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the ventilatory effect between propofol deep sedation technique with and without midazolam in hepatic tumor patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation procedure. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-four patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation procedure in a single year were randomly assigned to the deep sedation without midazolam group (A, n = 187) and deep sedation with midazolam group (B, n = 187). Patients in group A received normal saline, and those in group B received 0.02 mg/kg of midazolam intravenously in equivalent volume. All patients were oxygenated with 100% O2 via nasal cannula and sedated with intravenous fentanyl and the titration of intravenous propofol. Ventilatory parameters, including oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, and respiratory rate every five minutes, during and after the procedure, as well as the duration of sleep and sedation score in the recovery room, were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences in the patients’ characteristics, duration of procedure, total dose of propofol, ventilatory parameters including oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, and respiratory rate, as well as sedation score at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 min after the procedure, between the two groups. However, mean sedation score at 5, 10, and 15 min after the procedure, in group B, was significantly lower than in group A. In addition, the duration of sleep after the procedure, in group B, was significantly greater than in group A. No serious ventilatory adverse effects were observed either group. Conclusion: Propofol deep sedation with and without midazolam for hepatic tumor patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation procedure was safe and effective. A low dose of midazolam in propofol deep-sedation technique did not create serious ventilatory effects.
Benthic Flow and Mixing in a Shallow Shoal Grass (Halodule wrightii) Fringe
Authors: Cannon David , Kibler Kelly , Kitsikoudis Vasileios
Published: March 2021

Mean flow and turbulence measurements collected in a shallow Halodule wrightii shoal grass fringe highlighted significant heterogeneity in hydrodynamic effects over relatively small spatial scales. Experiments were conducted within the vegetation canopy (~4 cm above bottom) for relatively sparse (40% cover) and dense (70% cover) vegetation, with reference measurements collected near the bed above bare sediment. Significant benthic velocity shear was observed at all sample locations, with canopy shear layers that penetrated nearly to the bed at both vegetated sites. Turbulent shear production (P) was balanced by turbulent kinetic energy dissipation (ϵ) at all sample locations (P/ϵ≈1), suggesting that stem-generated turbulence played a minor role in the overall turbulence budget. While the more sparsely vegetated sample site was associated with enhanced channel-to-shore velocity attenuation (71.4 ± 1.0%) relative to flows above bare sediment (51.7 ± 2.2%), unexpectedly strong cross-shore currents were observed nearshore in the dense canopy (VNS), with magnitudes that were nearly twice as large as those measured in the main channel (VCH; VNS/VCH¯ = 1.81 ± 0.08). These results highlight the importance of flow steering and acceleration for within- and across-canopy transport, especially at the scale of individual vegetation patches, with important implications for nutrient and sediment fluxes. Importantly, this work represents one of the first hydrodynamic studies of shoal grass fringes in shallow coastal estuaries, as well as one of the only reports of turbulent mixing within H. wrightii canopies.
Disparities in Service and Clinical Outcomes in State-Wide Advanced Practice Physiotherapist-Led Services
Authors: Raymer Maree , Mitchell Louise , Window Peter , Cottrell Michelle , Comans Tracy , O’Leary Shaun
Published: March 2021

This study explored variations in the primary service and clinical outcomes of a state-wide advanced practice physiotherapist-led service embedded in public medical specialist orthopaedic and neurosurgical outpatient services across Queensland, Australia. An audit of the service database over a six-year period was taken from 18 service facilities. The primary service and clinical outcomes were described. Variations in these outcomes between facilities were explored with a regression analysis adjusting for known patient- and service-related characteristics. The findings showed substantial positive impacts of the advanced practice model across all facilities, with 69.4% of patients discharged without a need for medical specialist review (primary service outcome), consistent with 68.9% of patients reporting clinically important improvements in their condition (primary clinical outcome). However, 15 facilities significantly varied from the state average for the primary service outcome (despite only three facilities varying in the primary clinical outcome). While this disparity in the primary service outcomes appears to be influenced by potentially modifiable differences in the service-related processes between facilities, these process differences only explained part of the variation. This study described the subsequent development of a new, more comprehensive set of service evaluation metrics to better inform future service planning.
How and When Does Psychological Wellbeing Contribute to Proactive Performance? The Role of Social Resources and Job Characteristics
Authors: Boudrias Jean-Sébastien , Montani Francesco , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: March 2021

Are psychologically healthy employees more proactive at work? Surprisingly, responses to this question are lacking as empirical research has overlooked the wellbeing–proactive performance relationship. Drawing insights from the conservation of resources theory and the motivational fit perspective, this study proposes that leader-member exchange and team-member exchange act as social resources that convey the benefits of psychological wellbeing to subsequent proactive performance. Moreover, job complexity and task interdependence—two job characteristics that enhance the motivational potential of social resources—are expected to amplify these positive indirect relationships. Data from a three-wave, time-lagged study conducted among employees (N = 318) from French-Canadian organizations were used to test our hypothesized model. The results indicated that leader-member exchange mediated a positive relationship between wellbeing and proactive performance and that the contribution of wellbeing to proactive performance via leader-member exchange was increased when job complexity was higher. We also found a negative indirect relationship between wellbeing and proactive performance via team-member exchange when team interdependence was lower. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed.
Job Stress and Mental Well-Being among Working Men and Women in Europe: The Mediating Role of Social Support
Authors: Mensah Aziz
Published: March 2021

Job stress is one of the most common health issues in many organizations, particularly among women. Moreover, an increase in job stress with low social support may have an adverse effect on mental well-being. This study investigated the mediating role of social support in the relationship between job stress and mental well-being among working men and women in Europe. A cross sectional data set from the 2015 6th European Working Conditions Survey on 14,603 men and 15,486 women from 35 countries in Europe was analyzed. The study applied Hayes process macro 4 modelling technique to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of job stress on mental well-being among working adults. The study further used the Hayes process macro 59 model to estimate the gender difference in the mediating effect. The results showed that job stress had a direct negative effect on mental well-being among workers in Europe (β=−0.2352,p<0.05). However, there were significant gender differences in the relationship (β=−0.3729,p<0.05), with women having higher effect size than men (men: β=−3.9129,p<0.05 vs. women: β=−4.2858,p<0.05). Furthermore, the indirect effect showed that social support mediated the relationship of job stress on mental well-being (β=−0.0181, CI: −0.0212−0.0153). Nevertheless, the mediating effect of social support did not differ among men and women. This study provides evidence that job stress has a negative impact on mental well-being among working adults, and social support mediates this relationship. The results highlight the importance of the role of support from colleagues and supervisors at the work place, which may help reduce job stress, and improve mental well-being. Sociological and occupational health researchers should not ignore the role of gender when studying work environment and jobs in general.
A Two-Phase Stochastic Dynamic Model for COVID-19 Mid-Term Policy Recommendations in Greece: A Pathway towards Mass Vaccination
Authors: Rachaniotis Nikolaos P. , Dasaklis Thomas K. , Fotopoulos Filippos , Tinios Platon
Published: March 2021

From 7 November 2020, Greece adopted a second nationwide lockdown policy to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the first took place from 23 March to 4 May 2020), just as the second wave of COVID-19 was advancing, as did other European countries. To secure the full benefits of mass vaccination, which started in early January 2021, it is of utmost importance to complement it with mid-term non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The objective was to minimize human losses and to limit social and economic costs. In this paper a two-phase stochastic dynamic network compartmental model (a pre-vaccination SEIR until 15 February 2021 and a post-vaccination SVEIR from 15 February 2021 to 30 June 2021) is developed. Three scenarios are assessed for the first phase: (a) A baseline scenario, which lifts the national lockdown and all NPIs in January 2021; (b) a “semi-lockdown” scenario with school opening, partial retail sector operation, universal mask wearing, and social distancing/teleworking in January 2021; and (c) a “rolling lockdown” scenario combining a partial lifting of measures in January 2021 followed by a third nationwide lockdown in February 2021. In the second phase three scenarios with different vaccination rates are assessed. Publicly available data along with some first results of the SHARE COVID-19 survey conducted in Greece are used as input. The results regarding the first phase indicate that the “semi-lockdown” scenario clearly outperforms the third lockdown scenario (5.7% less expected fatalities); the second phase is extremely sensitive on the availability of sufficient vaccine supplies and high vaccination rates.
The Impact of Practice Environment and Resilience on Burnout among Clinical Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital Setting
Authors: Dordunoo Dzifa , An Minjeong , Chu Min Sun , Yeun Eun Ja , Hwang Yoon Young , Kim Miran , Lee Yeonhu
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine practice environment, resilience, and burnout and to identify the impacts of practice environment and resilience on burnout among clinical nurses working at a tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using a convenience sample of 199 nurses. The nurses completed survey questionnaires regarding practice environment, resilience, and burnout. The majority of the nurses were below the age of 30, single, and worked in medical-surgical wards. Approximately, 92% of the nurses reported moderate to high burnout, with a mean practice environment score of 2.54 ± 0.34 and resilience score of 22.01 ± 5.69. Practice environment and resilience were higher in the low level of burnout than in the moderate to high level of burnout. After controlling for demographic and occupational characteristics, resilience and nursing foundations for quality of care were significant predictors of burnout (OR = 0.71, p = 0.001; OR = 0.01, p = 0.036, respectively), explaining 65.7% of the variance. In a mixed practice environment, increased resilience and nursing foundations for quality of care lowered nurses’ burnout. Our findings suggest that interventions focused on enhancing individual resilience and practice environment and building better nursing foundations for quality of care should be developed and provided to alleviate burnout in clinical nurses working at tertiary hospitals. Nursing and hospital administrators should consider the importance of practice environment and resilience in nurses in developing interventions to decrease burnout.
Response of the Cardiac Autonomic Control to Exposure to Nanoparticles and Noise: A Cross-Sectional Study of Airport Ground Staff
Authors: Lecca Luigi Isaia , Marcias Gabriele , Uras Michele , Meloni Federico , Mucci Nicola , Larese Filon Francesca , Massacci Giorgio , Buonanno Giorgio , Cocco Pierluigi , Campagna Marcello
Published: March 2021

Airport activity causes the emission of particulate matter and noise, two environmental contaminants and potential health hazards, particularly for the personnel operating nearby taxiways. We explored the association between exposure to fine/ultrafine particles (UFPs) and noise with heart rate variability (HRV), an early indicator of cardiovascular autonomic response, among a sample of airport ground staff. Between May and June 2018, thirty-four male operators (mean age = 43 years and SD = 6.7) underwent personal monitoring of exposure to nanoparticles and noise, and HRV during their work activity. We conducted univariate and multivariate analysis to test the effect of UFP and noise exposure HRV. Total Lung Deposition Surface Area (LDSA) was significantly associated with a decrease in HRV Total Power and Triangular index (β = −0.038 p = 0.016 and β = −7.8 × 10−5, p = 0.042, respectively). Noise peak level showed an opposite effect, which was significant for Total Power (β = 153.03, p = 0.027), and for Triangular index (β = 0.362, p = 0.035). Further investigation is warranted to clarify the effect of the concurrent exposure to UFPs and noise on early changes of cardiac autonomic regulation.
Research in Health-Emergency and Disaster Risk Management and Its Potential Implications in the Post COVID-19 World
Authors: Chan Emily Ying Yang , Lam Holly Ching Yu
Published: March 2021

Health-Emergency Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) is one of the latest academic and global policy paradigms that capture knowledge, research and policy shift from response to preparedness and health risk management in non-emergency times [...]
Web Map Effectiveness in the Responsive Context of the Graphical User Interface
Authors: Horbiński Tymoteusz , Cybulski Paweł , Medyńska-Gulij Beata
Published: March 2021

The main objective of this article was to determine the effectiveness of a web map GUI (Graphical User Interface) layout designed specifically for desktop monitors and smartphones. A suitable design of buttons for the graphical user interface is vital for the effectiveness of web maps. This article presents a study of three rules that prevail in GUI map design in terms of responsiveness, which was analyzed on two devices: a smartphone and a PC screen. The GUI effectiveness study, based on six variants of web maps, was conducted by means of eye-tracking on a group of 120 participants. An additional goal was to find an index (based on eye movements, mouse tracking, and time) that would be assessing the effectiveness of the GUI layout on both devices. The main motivation for conducting the research described in the article was the desire to find a synthetic measure based on more than one factor (time) in the context of determining the effectiveness of the GUI.
Nutraceuticals in the Prevention of Neonatal Hypoxia–Ischemia: A Comprehensive Review of their Neuroprotective Properties, Mechanisms of Action and Future Directions
Authors: Reyes-Corral Marta , Sola-Idígora Noelia , de la Puerta Rocío , Montaner Joan , Ybot-González Patricia
Published: March 2021

Neonatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) is a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain due to birth asphyxia or reduced cerebral blood perfusion, and it often leads to lifelong limiting sequelae such as cerebral palsy, seizures, or mental retardation. HI remains one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, and current therapies are limited. Hypothermia has been successful in reducing mortality and some disabilities, but it is only applied to a subset of newborns that meet strict inclusion criteria. Given the unpredictable nature of the obstetric complications that contribute to neonatal HI, prophylactic treatments that prevent, rather than rescue, HI brain injury are emerging as a therapeutic alternative. Nutraceuticals are natural compounds present in the diet or used as dietary supplements that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antiapoptotic properties. This review summarizes the preclinical in vivo studies, mostly conducted on rodent models, that have investigated the neuroprotective properties of nutraceuticals in preventing and reducing HI-induced brain damage and cognitive impairments. The natural products reviewed include polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, plant-derived compounds (tanshinones, sulforaphane, and capsaicin), and endogenous compounds (melatonin, carnitine, creatine, and lactate). These nutraceuticals were administered before the damage occurred, either to the mothers as a dietary supplement during pregnancy and/or lactation or to the pups prior to HI induction. To date, very few of these nutritional interventions have been investigated in humans, but we refer to those that have been successful in reducing ischemic stroke in adults. Overall, there is a robust body of preclinical evidence that supports the neuroprotective properties of nutraceuticals, and these may represent a safe and inexpensive nutritional strategy for the prevention of neonatal HI encephalopathy.
Dehydropeptide Supramolecular Hydrogels and Nanostructures as Potential Peptidomimetic Biomedical Materials
Authors: Jervis Peter J. , Amorim Carolina , Pereira Teresa , Martins José A. , Ferreira Paula M. T.
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular peptide hydrogels are gaining increased attention, owing to their potential in a variety of biomedical applications. Their physical properties are similar to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is key to their applications in the cell culture of specialized cells, tissue engineering, skin regeneration, and wound healing. The structure of these hydrogels usually consists of a di- or tripeptide capped on the N-terminus with a hydrophobic aromatic group, such as Fmoc or naphthalene. Although these peptide conjugates can offer advantages over other types of gelators such as cross-linked polymers, they usually possess the limitation of being particularly sensitive to proteolysis by endogenous proteases. One of the strategies reported that can overcome this barrier is to use a peptidomimetic strategy, in which natural amino acids are switched for non-proteinogenic analogues, such as D-amino acids, β-amino acids, or dehydroamino acids. Such peptides usually possess much greater resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Peptides containing dehydroamino acids, i.e., dehydropeptides, are particularly interesting, as the presence of the double bond also introduces a conformational restraint to the peptide backbone, resulting in (often predictable) changes to the secondary structure of the peptide. This review focuses on peptide hydrogels and related nanostructures, where α,β-didehydro-α-amino acids have been successfully incorporated into the structure of peptide hydrogelators, and the resulting properties are discussed in terms of their potential biomedical applications. Where appropriate, their properties are compared with those of the corresponding peptide hydrogelator composed of canonical amino acids. In a wider context, we consider the presence of dehydroamino acids in natural compounds and medicinally important compounds as well as their limitations, and we consider some of the synthetic strategies for obtaining dehydropeptides. Finally, we consider the future direction for this research area.
Bioactive Carboxymethyl Starch-Based Hydrogels Decorated with CuO Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties and Accelerated Wound Healing In Vivo
Authors: Abdollahi Zahra , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Salimi Fatemeh , Goudarzi Iran , Tay Franklin R. , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: March 2021

In this study, nanocomposite hydrogels composed of sodium carboxymethylated starch (CMS)-containing CuO nanoparticles (CMS@CuO) were synthesized and used as experimental wound healing materials. The hydrogels were fabricated by a solution-casting technique using citric acid as a crosslinking agent. They were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate their physicochemical properties. In addition, swelling, antibacterial activities, antioxidant activities, cytotoxicity, and in vivo wound healing were investigated to evaluate the wound healing potential of the CMS@CuO nanocomposite hydrogels. Growth inhibition of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, antioxidant activity, and swelling were observed in the CMS@CuO nanocomposite hydrogels containing 2 wt.% and 4 wt.% CuO nanoparticles. The hydrogel containing 2 wt.% CuO nanoparticles displayed low toxicity to human fibroblasts and exhibited good biocompatibility. Wounds created in rats and treated with the CMS@2%CuO nanocomposite hydrogel healed within 13 days, whereas wounds were still present when treated for the same time-period with CMS only. The impact of antibacterial and antioxidant activities on accelerating wound healing could be ascribed to the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the nanocomposite hydrogel. Incorporation of CuO nanoparticles in the hydrogel improved its antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, and degree of swelling. The present nanocomposite hydrogel has the potential to be used clinically as a novel wound healing material.