bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Home Numeracy and Literacy Environments: Canada, Mexico, and Chile
Authors: Susperreguy María Inés , Jiménez Lira Carolina , LeFevre Jo-Anne
Published: January 2022

Home numeracy and literacy environments are related to the development of children’s early academic skills. However, the home learning environments of preschool children have been mainly explored with children from North America, Europe, and Asia. In this study we assessed the home numeracy and literacy environments of three-to-five-year-old children from Mexico (n = 54) and Chile (n = 41) and compared the patterns of results to those of children from Canada (n = 42). Parents completed a questionnaire about their expectations for children’s academic performance prior to Grade 1 and the home numeracy and literacy activities they provide for their children. To analyze differences among countries in the home learning environments, we performed mixed and one-way ANOVAs (Analysis of Variance), followed-up by post-hoc comparisons. Mexican parents had higher expectations for children’s early skills than Chileans or Canadians. The frequency with which Mexican, Canadian, and Chilean parents reported home numeracy and literacy activities showed both similarities and differences. Our findings speak to the importance of developing culturally sensitive models of early home learning environments and illustrate the complexities of comparing home learning environments across countries.
An Enhanced Method for Dynamic Characterization of High-Power LEDs for Visible Light Communication Applications
Authors: Betancourt Perlaza Juan S. , Torres Zafra Juan C. , Morales Céspedes Máximo , Martínez-Sarriegui Iñaki , del Valle Carlos I. , Sánchez Pena José M.
Published: January 2022

Visible light communications (VLC) have been proposed for several applications beyond the traditional indoor scenarios, from vehicular to underwater communications. The common element in all these applications is the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in which the forward current that flows through each LED plays a major role. Therefore, knowing the electrical equivalent of the LEDs is a useful tool for the proper design of the VLC systems. Currently, some measurement instruments exist, such as the LCR (inductance, capacitance, and resistance) meters or impedance analyzers to characterize the main parameters of the LEDs. However, these instruments and measurement procedures are subject to satisfying some requirements, such as a minimum value of the input impedance or the maximum forward current. In this work, the LED LXHL-BW02 is used to obtain its equivalent circuit, using different measurement methods and traditional methods of measurement with our proposed method. The equivalent model is implemented on the simulation tool LTSPICE. Our alternative method can be used for determining the electrical equivalent circuit of LEDs subject to high current variations at very high frequencies, in the MHz range, i.e., in an operating range for VLC applications.
Study on Behavioral Decision Making by Power Generation Companies Regarding Energy Transitions under Uncertainty
Authors: Gotoh Ryosuke , Tezuka Tetsuo , McLellan Benjamin C.
Published: January 2022

With respect to decision making by companies, normative approaches such as the net present value (NPV) method are widely applied, even though it is known that investors may make non-normative decisions. This study aimed to obtain new information on the decision-making behavior of renewable energy (RE) companies under uncertainty in the energy market, which is not provided by the conventional normative approach. In this study, we designed a novel framework that expressed both normative and non-normative perspectives of decision making, and developed a behavioral decision-making model of a power generation company investing in large-scale RE (RE company). We also examined the decisions of the RE company under uncertainty in the energy market using the developed model, considering the Kansai region in Japan as an example study area. As a result, compared to the conventional NPV method, we obtained the following information: (i) heavy investments in either photovoltaics (PV) or wind resulted in decreased variable renewable energy (VRE) capacity, even though financial support was sufficient; (ii) balanced investments in both PV and wind yielded a larger VRE capacity in cases where financial support was sufficient; and (iii) co-worker’s suggestions that lowered the decision-makers’ reference point (RFP) encouraged VRE investments despite insufficient financial support.
Optimising High-Rise Buildings for Self-Sufficiency in Energy Consumption and Food Production Using Artificial Intelligence: Case of Europoint Complex in Rotterdam
Authors: Ekici Berk , Turkcan Okan F. S. F. , Turrin Michela , Sariyildiz Ikbal Sevil , Tasgetiren Mehmet Fatih
Published: January 2022

The increase in global population, which negatively affects energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and arable land, necessitates designing sustainable habitation alternatives. Self-sufficient high-rise buildings, which integrate (electricity) generation and efficient usage of resources with dense habitation, can be a sustainable solution for future urbanisation. This paper focuses on transforming Europoint Towers in Rotterdam into self-sufficient buildings considering energy consumption and food production (lettuce crops) using artificial intelligence. Design parameters consist of the number of farming floors, shape, and the properties of the proposed façade skin that includes shading devices. Nine thousand samples are collected from various floor levels to predict self-sufficiency criteria using artificial neural networks (ANN). Optimisation problems with 117 decision variables are formulated using 45 ANN models that have very high prediction accuracies. 13 optimisation algorithms are used for an in-detail investigation of self-sufficiency at the building scale, and potential sufficiency at the neighbourhood scale. Results indicate that 100% and 43.7% self-sufficiencies could be reached for lettuce crops and electricity, respectively, for three buildings with 1800 residents. At the neighbourhood scale, lettuce production could be sufficient for 27,000 people with a decrease of self-sufficiency in terms of energy use of up to 11.6%. Consequently, this paper discusses the potentials and the improvements for self-sufficient high-rise buildings.
Assessment of the Feasibility of Energy Transformation Processes in European Union Member States
Authors: Pietrzak Michał Bernard , Olczyk Magdalena , Kuc-Czarnecka Marta Ewa
Published: January 2022

The energy transition is now treated in most countries as a necessary condition for their long-term development. The process of energy transformation assumes the simultaneous implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a major challenge for modern economies and introduce significant restrictions in their functioning. Our study aims to group EU member states according to their ability to achieve energy transition over time. The novelty of our approach is the assessment of energy transformation in the European Union through two aspects. The first one, “smart and efficient energy systems”, assess the current, widely understood energy consumption in economy, and the second one, “macroeconomic heterogeneity”, refers to the economic potential of a country. In our analysis, we included indicators from the 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Sustainable Development Goals. Using taxonomic methods, we created clusters of countries according to the emissivity of their economies and the socio-economic potential for the energy transition. The analysis results revealed that countries vary more due to their emissivity than economic potential.
Reliability-as-a-Service Usage of Electric Vehicles: Suitability Analysis for Different Types of Buildings
Authors: Hussain Akhtar , Musilek Petr
Published: January 2022

The use of electric vehicles (EVs) to provide different grid services is becoming possible due to the increased penetration levels, mileage efficiencies, and useable battery sizes of EVs. One such application is providing reliability-as-a-service (RaaS) during short-term power outages. Instead of using a dedicated backup power source, EVs can be contracted to provide RaaS, which is an environmentally friendly solution with benefits for both building owners and EV owners. However, the presence of EVs at a particular location during different hours of the day and the availability of energy from EVs is uncertain. Therefore, in this study, a suitability analysis is performed concerning the use of EVs to provide RaaS for different types of buildings. First, the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) survey data are used to estimate driver behavior, such as arrival/departure times, daily mileage, and traveling duration. Then, the usable battery size and mileage efficiency of EVs is extracted from the database of commercially available EVs. Based on these parameters, the daily energy consumption and available energy of EVs to provide RaaS are estimated. A suitability analysis is conducted for residential, commercial/industrial, and mixed buildings for both weekdays and holidays. The participation ratio of EV owners is varied between 10 and 90%, and nine cases are simulated for commercial/industrial buildings and multi-unit residential buildings. Similarly, the ratio of home-based EVs is varied between 5 and 50%, and 10 cases are tested for mixed buildings. The analysis shows that mixed buildings are the most suitable, while commercial/industrial buildings are the least suitable for using EVs to provide RaaS. To this end, an index is proposed to analyze and determine the desired ratio of EVs to be contracted from homes and workplaces for mixed buildings. Finally, the impact of EV fleet size on the available energy for RaaS is also analyzed.
A Transformerless AC-AC Converter with Improved Power Quality Employed to Step-Down Power Frequency at Output
Authors: Ashraf Naveed , Abbas Ghulam , Ullah Nasim , Al-Ahmadi Ahmad Aziz , Yasin Abdul Rehman , Awan Ahmed Bilal , Jamil Mohsin
Published: January 2022

Variable voltage and frequency are required to govern the torque-speed characteristics of many industrial drive systems. Traditionally, this is achieved with a power converting system implemented with multistage converters. This technology is based on rectifying AC power into DC and then DC into AC with an inverter circuit. The power quality concerns of both conversion stages are tackled by selecting high switching frequency PWM control and harmonics mitigation filters. Also, using a bulky DC-link capacitor is one of the big sources of low system reliability, so this approach increases the conversion losses, circuit, and control complications. The frequency step-down conversion is very attractive with direct AC-AC converters as it has a simple control and circuit structure, but these converters face poor power quality challenges once the output frequency is decreased with respect to an input. In these converters, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage becomes very poor once the output frequency is reduced. The problem of high THD of the output is addressed in the power converting circuits implemented with line frequency multi-winding transformers. The required number of output winding and switching devices (diodes and thyristors) increases once the value of the output frequency is decreased. This will increase the overall volume, cost, and losses. The use of a bulky and costly line frequency transformer may be eliminated if AC voltage controllers have non-inverted and inverted voltage buck capabilities, such existing topologies either have complex control schemes or require a large number of operating devices. Therefore, in this research article, a new transformerless frequency step-down converter employing fewer devices is proposed. This approach is realized with a high-frequency controlled rectifier for the required voltage stabilization and a low-frequency inverter bridge for frequency control. Its validation is supported by the results attained from Simulink and practical-based prototypes.
Modal Analysis of Tubing Considering the Effect of Fluid–Structure Interaction
Authors: Duan Jiehao , Li Changjun , Jin Jin
Published: January 2022

When tubing is in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, it will be affected by the impact of non-constant fluid and other dynamic loads, which will easily cause the tubing to vibrate or even resonate, affecting the integrity of the wellbore and safe production. In the structural modal analysis of the tubing, the coupling effect of the fluid and the tubing needs to be considered at the same time. In this paper, a single tubing is taken as an example to simulate and analyze the modal changes of the tubing under dry mode and wet mode respectively, and the effects of fluid solid coupling effect, inlet pressure, and ambient temperature on the modal of the tubing are discussed. After considering the fluid–structure interaction effect, the natural frequency of tubing decreases, but the displacement is slightly larger. The greater the pressure in the tubing, the greater the equivalent stress on the tubing body, so the natural frequency is lower. Furthermore, after considering the fluid–solid coupling effect, the pressure in the tubing is the true pulsating pressure of the fluid. The prestress applied to the tubing wall changes with time, and the pressures at different parts are different. At this time, the tubing is changed at different frequencies. Vibration is prone to occur, that is, the natural frequency is smaller than the dry mode. The higher the temperature, the lower the rigidity of the tubing and the faster the strength attenuation, so the natural frequency is lower, and tubing is more prone to vibration. Both the stress intensity and the elastic strain increase with the increase of temperature, so the displacement of the tubing also increases.
Analytic Model of Threshold Voltage (VTH) Recovery in Fully Recessed Gate MOS-Channel HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) after OFF-State Drain Stress
Authors: Escoffier René , Mohamad Blend , Buckley Julien , Gwoziecki Romain , Biscarrat Jérome , Sousa Véronique , Orsatelli Marc , Marcault Emmanuel , Ranc Julien , Modica Roberto , Iucolano Ferdinando
Published: January 2022

Today, wide bandgap (WBG) GaN semiconductors are considered the future, allowing the improvement of power transistors. The main advantage of GaN is the presence of two-dimensional electron gas (2Deg) typically used as a conduction layer in normally-on and normally-off transistors. Concerning the normally-off family, several solutions are proposed. Among these, one of the most promising is the MIS-Gate technology that features a gate recess architecture allowing the semiconductor to physically cut off the 2Deg and drastically decrease gate–source leakage currents. The Vth relaxation characteristic, after voltage stress, has been investigated. It has been shown that the main impact is due to charges close to the gate dielectric/GaN interface, precisely dwelling within the dielectric or the GaN epitaxy. This work provides an analytical model of the Vth evolution of these MIS-GATE (metal insulator semiconductor gate) transistors fabricated on GaN-silicon substrate. This model allows the extraction of different trap energy levels from a temporary threshold voltage (Vth) shift after 650 V stress. Based on this method, it is possible to identify up to four different trap energy levels. By comparing state of the art methods, we show that these obtained energy levels are well correlated with either magnesium and carbon impurity or Ga and/or N vacancy sites in the GaN epitaxy.
Experimental Study of Horizontal Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Coefficient and Pressure Drop of R134a from Subcooled Liquid Region to Superheated Vapor Region
Authors: Bediako Ernest Gyan , Dančová Petra , Vít Tomáš
Published: January 2022

For the past few years, research in the field of flow boiling heat transfer has gained immense popularity for unravelling the dominant mechanism responsible for controlling heat transfer and identifying a parametric trend for understanding the characteristics of flow boiling heat transfer. This has led to several assumptions and models for predicting heat transfer during flow boiling without any known generalized mechanism. This study therefore seeks to experimentally study the characteristics of heat transfer during flow boiling over a wide range but small increase in vapor quality from a single-phase subcooled region through to a two-phase superheated vapor region. The study was performed with an R134a refrigerant in a single horizontal circular stainless-steel smooth tube that had an internal diameter of 5 mm. In this experimental study, local heat transfer coefficients and frictional pressure drop were measured for low heat fluxes of 4.6–8.5 kW/m2, mass fluxes of 200–300 kg/(m2s), vapor quality from −0.1 to 1.2 and a low constant saturation pressure of 460 kPa. Flow patterns observed during the study were recorded with a high-speed camera at 2000 fps. In covering a wide range of vapor quality, a peak of heat transfer coefficient near a vapor quality of zero and a local minimum observed in the low vapor quality region were observed, and both were sensitive to heat flux and mildly sensitive to mass flux. Generally, at low vapor quality, the heat transfer coefficient deteriorated with vapor quality and this was sensitive to heat flux but insensitive to mass flux and vapor quality, indicating nucleate boiling dominance in low vapor quality regions. In high vapor quality regions, the heat transfer coefficient was sensitive to mass flux and insensitive to heat flux. This indicates the dominance of convective boiling. In the low vapor quality regions, the flow patterns observed were slug and intermittent, while in the high vapor quality region, annular and mist flow patterns were observed. Generally, frictional pressure drop increased with increasing mass flux and vapor quality in the two-phase region.
Characteristics of Natural Background Radiation in the GIG Experimental Mine ‘Barbara’, Poland
Authors: Walencik-Łata Agata , Szkliniarz Katarzyna , Kisiel Jan , Polaczek-Grelik Kinga , Jędrzejczak Karol , Kasztelan Marcin , Szabelski Jacek , Orzechowski Jerzy , Tokarski Przemysław , Marszał Włodzimierz , Przybylak Marika , Hildebrandt Robert , Fuławka Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

Underground locations can be used in various ways for scientific and economic purposes. One of the main factors influencing the safety level in the underground mine workings is natural radioactivity. The article presents research carried out on the natural radioactivity in shallow mine workings at the GIG Experimental Mine ‘Barbara’. The description of the natural radiation includes radon determination in the air, in situ gamma spectrometry, neutron flux measurements, and laboratory measurements of 226,228Ra, 40K, and 234,238U isotopes using gamma and alpha spectrometry techniques. In the measurement chamber at the depth 46 m (122 m w.e.) in the sandstone layer, the photon flux registered at the 7–3150 keV energy range is equal to 17.6 ± 1.9 cm−2s−1, the gamma-ray dose rate is 0.200 ± 0.029 µSv/h, and the thermal neutron flux is equal to (8.6 ± 1.1) × 10−6 cm−2s−1. After closing the measurement chamber and turning off ventilation, a significant ingrowth of 222Rn content was observed, reaching the value of 4040 ± 150 Bq/m3. An increased gamma-ray flux and thermal neutron flux were observed in the investigated location.
Dynamic Correlation between Crude Oil Price and Investor Sentiment in China: Heterogeneous and Asymmetric Effect
Authors: Li Zhenghui , Huang Zimei , Failler Pierre
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to explore the dynamic relationships between the crude oil price (shocks) and investor sentiment. Specifically, this paper utilizes web crawler to construct Chinese investor sentiment index. The structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model is then used to decompose the crude oil price shocks into three types of oil price shocks. Finally, the wavelet coherence analysis (WTC) is employed to study the dynamic correlation between crude oil price (shocks) and investor sentiment in the time and frequency domain, and their asymmetric dynamic correlation under different trends of crude oil price. Using data from February 2013 to June 2021, our empirical results suggest the heterogeneous dynamic correlations and lead-lag relationships exist between crude oil price (shocks) and investor sentiment over different time and frequency domains. In addition, there are asymmetric dynamic correlations and lead–lag relationships between crude oil price (shocks) and investor sentiment under different trends of crude oil price.
Assessment of the Impact of the Addition of Biomethanol to Diesel Fuel on the Coking Process of Diesel Engine Injectors
Authors: Orliński Piotr , Laskowski Piotr , Zimakowska-Laskowska Magdalena , Mazuruk Paweł
Published: January 2022

The paper presents unique research results on the effect of coking of diesel engine injector nozzles powered by mixtures of 10%, 20% and 30% biomethanol and diesel fuel compared to the engine being supplied with pure diesel fuel. The test results, obtained from an experiment conducted in accordance with the ISO 15550-1 standard, show the legitimacy of using biomethanol as an additive to diesel fuel due to the lower coking effect of the injector nozzles, which has a positive impact on the reduction of pollutant emissions during engine operation. Regarding the CEC PF-023 test, the tendency to reduce the coking tendency increases the percentage of biomethanol additive to diesel fuel. With a 10% share of biomethnol, the average coking effect of the injectors is over 1% lower, but with a share of 30% of bio-methanol, the coking effect is nearly 2% lower.
Decreasing Wellbeing and Increasing Use of Negative Coping Strategies: The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the UK Health and Social Care Workforce
Authors: Gillen Patricia , Neill Ruth D. , Manthorpe Jill , Mallett John , Schroder Heike , Nicholl Patricia , Currie Denise , Moriarty John , Ravalier Jermaine , McGrory Susan , McFadden Paula
Published: January 2022

Many health and social care (HSC) professionals have faced overwhelming pressures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As the current situation is constantly changing, and some restrictions across the UK countries such as social distancing and mask wearing in this period (May–July 2021) began to ease, it is important to examine how this workforce has been affected and how employers can help rebuild their services. The aim of this study was to compare cross-sectional data collected from the HSC workforce in the UK at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic: Phase 1 (May–July 2020), Phase 2 (November 2020–January 2021) and Phase 3 (May–July 2021). Respondents surveyed across the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) consisted of nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers and social workers. Wellbeing and work-related quality of life significantly declined from Phase 1 to 3 (p < 0.001); however, no significant difference occurred between Phases 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). Respondents increasingly used negative coping strategies between Phase 1 (May–July 2020) and Phase 3 (May–July 2021), suggesting that the HSC workforce has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. These results have the potential to inform HSC employers’ policies, practices, and interventions as the workforce continues to respond to the COVID-19 virus and its legacy.
Place-Based Analysis of Satellite Time Series Shows Opposing Land Change Patterns in the Copperbelt Region of Zambia
Authors: Munawar Sana , Röder Achim , Syampungani Stephen , Udelhoven Thomas
Published: January 2022

The process of land degradation needs to be understood at various spatial and temporal scales in order to protect ecosystem services and communities directly dependent on it. This is especially true for regions in sub-Saharan Africa, where socio economic and political factors exacerbate ecological degradation. This study identifies spatially explicit land change dynamics in the Copperbelt province of Zambia in a local context using satellite vegetation index time series derived from the MODIS sensor. Three sets of parameters, namely, monthly series, annual peaking magnitude, and annual mean growing season were developed for the period 2000 to 2019. Trend was estimated by applying harmonic regression on monthly series and linear least square regression on annually aggregated series. Estimated spatial trends were further used as a basis to map endemic land change processes. Our observations were as follows: (a) 15% of the study area dominant in the east showed positive trends, (b) 3% of the study area dominant in the west showed negative trends, (c) natural regeneration in mosaic landscapes (post shifting cultivation) and land management in forest reserves were chiefly responsible for positive trends, and (d) degradation over intact miombo woodland and cultivation areas contributed to negative trends. Additionally, lower productivity over areas with semi-permanent agriculture and shift of new encroachment into woodlands from east to west of Copperbelt was observed. Pivot agriculture was not a main driver in land change. Although overall greening trends prevailed across the study site, the risk of intact woodlands being exposed to various disturbances remains high. The outcome of this study can provide insights about natural and assisted landscape restoration specifically addressing the miombo ecoregion.
Classifying Forest Types over a Mountainous Area in Southwest China with Landsat Data Composites and Multiple Environmental Factors
Authors: Li Ruonan , Fang Panfei , Xu Weiheng , Wang Leiguang , Ou Guanglong , Zhang Wanqiu , Huang Xin
Published: January 2022

Accurate information about forest type and distribution is critical for many scientific applications. It is possible to make a forest type map from the satellite data in a cost effective way. However, forest type mapping over a large and mountainous geographic area is still challenging, due to complex forest type compositions, spectral similarity among various forest types, poor quality images with clouds or cloud shadows and difficulties in managing and processing large amount data. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, a method of forest types mapping using Landsat-8 OLI imagery and multiple environmental factors was developed and tested within Yunnan Province (about 390,000 km2) of China. The proposed approach employed a pixel-based seasonal image compositing method to produce two types of seasonal composite images, i.e., four 7-spectral-band composite images and four 5-VI-band composite images associated in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Then, single-season feature bands and multi-seasonal feature bands were combined with the feature bands of topography, temperature, and precipitation, respectively, and resulting in 17 feature combinations. Finally, using a random forest (RF) classifier, 17 feature combinations were separately experimented to classify the forest type over the study area. The study area was firstly classified into the forest and the non-forest, and then the forest was sub-classified into five forest types (evergreen needleleaf forest, deciduous needleleaf forest, evergreen broadleaf forest, deciduous broadleaf forest, and mixed forest). The results showed that the pixel-based multi-seasonal median composite can produce a cloud-free image for the entire region and is suitable for forest type mapping. Compared with a single-season composite, a multi-seasonal composite can distinguish different forest types more effectively. The environmental factors also improve the accuracy of forest type mapping. With the ground survey samples as reference values, the classification performance of 17 feature combinations was compared, and the optimal feature combination was found out. For the optimal feature combination, its overall accuracy of the forest/non-forest cover map and the forest type map reached 97.57% (Kappa = 0.950) and 70.30% (Kappa = 0.628), respectively. The proposed approach has demonstrated strong potential of high classification accuracy and convenient calculation when mapping forest types over a national or global scale, and its product of 30 m resolution forest type map is capable of contributing to forest resource management.
Psychological Cognitive Factors Affecting Visual Behavior and Satisfaction Preference for Forest Recreation Space
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Gao Yu , Zhou Sitong , Zhang Tong , Zhang Weikang , Meng Huan
Published: January 2022

Background: People are paying increasing attention to urban forest landscapes, and recreational landscape spaces (providing recreation and viewing functions) are an important part of the urban forest landscape. Visual tracking technology is a flexible and accurate modern research method. When this technology is applied to forest landscape evaluation, it can assist in explaining the content that could not be studied in depth in the past and has high application value. However, although an eye tracker can tell us what the user is looking at, it cannot tell us why they are looking at it or how they feel after seeing it. To this end, we combined a 7-point spatial cognition questionnaire and satisfaction preference to understand the visual behavior (fixation point time, number of fixation points, etc.) and preference satisfactions of users in recreational landscape spaces to help designers understand what elements attract people’s visual attention and improve the design of these spaces. Methods: We used eye-tracking and cognitive questionnaires to obtain experimental data and used factor analysis and linear regression analysis of SPPS 23.0 to analyze data. Main purpose: Clarify the factors affecting people’s visual behavior and satisfaction preferences in forest recreation spaces to provide theoretical guidance for planning and designing forest landscapes. Main results: (1) Places with more frequent eye movements have relatively lower satisfaction preferences; (2) The spatial perception factors affect participants’ visual behavior, and satisfaction preference is different based on many indicators (WCB, WSO, WSN, SSH, etc.) in forest recreation space; (3) The professional background education affects the participants’ visual-behavior evaluation of the recreational landscape space and also affects the participants’ focus on the landscape preference. When the spatial type of forest recreation space changes, the spatial perception factors that affect the participants’ visual behavior and satisfaction preferences also change. Based on the above, we suggest that in forest recreation space, the spatial perception indicators should be improved according to the characteristics of space itself, then improve the satisfaction preferences for the scene in a targeted manner to make participants produce effective and positive visual behavior. Meanwhile, for a well-built forest park, we should provide the landscape node with the best visual effect and satisfaction preference for tourists from different professional backgrounds on the park’s tour route map based on the characteristics of the forest recreational landscape space.
Correction: Fovell, R.G.; Gallagher, A. Winds and Gusts during the Thomas Fire. Fire 2018, 1, 47
Authors: Fovell Robert G. , Gallagher Alex
Published: January 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Analysis of a Stator-Rotor-Stator Spinning Disk Reactor in Single-Phase and Two-Phase Boiling Conditions Using a Thermo-Fluid Flow Network and CFD
Authors: Mazzei Lorenzo , Marin Francesco Maria , Bianchini Cosimo , Da Soghe Riccardo , Bertani Cristina , Pastrone Dario , Angelucci Maddalena , Caggiano Giuseppe , de Beer Michiel
Published: January 2022

Cryogenic liquid propellants are used in liquid rocket engines to obtain high specific impulse. The flow rates are controlled by turbopumps that deliver liquid propellant to the engine at high pressure levels. Due to the very low saturation temperature of the cryogenic propellant, in the first phases of the transient operation, in which the engine is at ambient temperature, its surfaces are subject to boiling conditions. The effect of boiling on the heat transfer between the solid and the fluid needs to be well characterized in order to correctly predict the cryopump metal temperature temporal evolution and the necessary amount of propellant. With the aim of benchmarking numerical tools against experimental data, a representative test case was chosen. This consists of a stator-rotor-stator spinning disc reactor studied under single-phase and two-phase heat transfer conditions. The numerical approaches used are represented by a 1D network solver, where the pressure drop and heat transfer are calculated by correlations, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, carried out with ANSYS Fluent. Both the numerical tools returned a reasonable agreement in single-phase conditions, also thanks to the use of adequate correlations in the flow network solver and typical conditions for the CFD simulations. Two-phase conditions on the contrary are more challenging, with underpredictions up to 20% and 80%, respectively. The issues are ascribable to the use of correlations that are inadequate to capture the two-phase phenomena occurring in the srs reactor and numerical limitations in the actual implementation of the boiling model in the CFD solver.
Relevant Fusarium Mycotoxins in Malt and Beer
Authors: Pascari Xenia , Marin Sonia , Ramos Antonio J. , Sanchis Vicente
Published: January 2022

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites of high concern in the food and feed industry. Their presence in many cereal-based products has been numerously reported. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage worldwide, and Fusarium mycotoxins originating from the malted and unmalted cereals might reach the final product. This review aims to describe the possible Fusarium fungi that could infect the cereals used in beer production, the transfer of mycotoxins throughout malting and brewing as well as an insight into the incidence of mycotoxins in the craft beer segment of the industry. Studies show that germination is the malting step that can lead to a significant increase in the level of all Fusarium mycotoxins. The first step of mashing (45 °C) has been proved to possess the most significant impact in the transfer of hydrophilic toxins from the grist into the wort. However, during fermentation, a slight reduction of deoxynivalenol, and especially of zearalenone, is achieved. This review also highlights the limited research available on craft beer and the occurrence of mycotoxins in these products.
Punicic Acid and Its Role in the Prevention of Neurological Disorders: A Review
Authors: Guerra-Vázquez Claudia M. , Martínez-Ávila Mariana , Guajardo-Flores Daniel , Antunes-Ricardo Marilena
Published: January 2022

Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). NDs are characterized by progressive damage and death of nerve cells accompanied by high levels of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress conditions. Punicic acid, the main bioactive component of pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil, is an omega-5 isomer of conjugated α-linoleic acid that has shown strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects that contributes towards its positive effect against a wide arrange of diseases. Punicic acid decreases oxidative damage and inflammation by increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. In addition, it can reduce beta-amyloid deposits formation and tau hyperphosphorylation by increasing the expression of GLUT4 protein and the inhibition of calpain hyperactivation. Microencapsulated pomegranate, with high levels of punicic acid, increases antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Likewise, encapsulated pomegranate formulations with high levels of punicic acid have shown an increase in the antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Because of the limited brain permeability of punicic acid, diverse delivery formulations have been developed to enhance the biological activity of punicic acid in the brain, diminishing neurological disorders symptoms. Punicic acid is an important nutraceutical compound in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Analysis of Three-Dimensional Cell Migration in Dopamine-Modified Poly(aspartic acid)-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Juriga David , Kalman Eszter Eva , Toth Krisztina , Barczikai Dora , Szöllősi David , Földes Anna , Varga Gabor , Zrinyi Miklos , Jedlovszky-Hajdu Angela , Nagy Krisztina S.
Published: January 2022

Several types of promising cell-based therapies for tissue regeneration have been developing worldwide. However, for successful therapeutical application of cells in this field, appropriate scaffolds are also required. Recently, the research for suitable scaffolds has been focusing on polymer hydrogels due to their similarity to the extracellular matrix. The main limitation regarding amino acid-based hydrogels is their difficult and expensive preparation, which can be avoided by using poly(aspartamide) (PASP)-based hydrogels. PASP-based materials can be chemically modified with various bioactive molecules for the final application purpose. In this study, dopamine containing PASP-based scaffolds is investigated, since dopamine influences several cell biological processes, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, according to the literature. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) of neuroectodermal origin and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line were used for the in vitro experiments. The chemical structure of the polymers and hydrogels was proved by 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopical (SEM) images confirmed the suitable pore size range of the hydrogels for cell migration. Cell viability assay was carried out according to a standardized protocol using the WST-1 reagent. To visualize three-dimensional cell distribution in the hydrogel matrix, two-photon microscopy was used. According to our results, dopamine containing PASP gels can facilitate vertical cell penetration from the top of the hydrogel in the depth of around 4 cell layers (~150 μm). To quantify these observations, a detailed image analysis process was developed and firstly introduced in this paper.
Arctic Inshore Biogeochemical Regime Influenced by Coastal Runoff and Glacial Melting (Case Study for the Templefjord, Spitsbergen)
Authors: Pogojeva Maria , Polukhin Alexander , Makkaveev Petr , Staalstrøm André , Berezina Anfisa , Yakushev Evgeniy
Published: January 2022

Observations and predictions show that consequences of climate warming such as declining summer sea ice cover, melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and increased river runoff to the Arctic Ocean will likely modify processes relevant to the freshwater and carbon budget, which in turn affect high-latitude marine ecosystems. There is a knowledge gap in terms of understanding the seasonal variability of biogeochemical characteristics in coastal environments, first of all due to a lack of winter data. More data are also needed on the biogeochemical composition of different environmental media, i.e., sediments, snow, and ice. The aim of this work was to assess the current biogeochemical regime of a fjord system exposed to coastal runoff and glacial melting and discuss the possible consequences connected with climate warming. We used data from five expeditions to the Templefjord, West Spitsbergen, obtained in different seasons (February 2011, September 2011, March 2014, June 2015, and June 2017). In all the expeditions, the distributions of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and carbonate system parameters in the water column were studied. The principal environmental media, i.e., seawater, bottom sediments, river water, sea ice, river ice, glacier ice, and snow, were sampled. The collected data allowed us to describe seasonal dynamics in the water column and to estimate the concentrations of the parameters under study in different environmental media. Our observations revealed the glacial and river footprints in the water column biogeochemistry; the glacial influence can be traced both in summer and in winter season. The results demonstrated the significant influence of coastal runoff and melted glacier water on the carbonate system and nutrient regime in the Templefjord, and can be extrapolated to other Arctic fjord systems.
Gas Emission and Formation of Craters in the Arctic Permafrost Synopsis
Authors: Chuvilin Evgeny , Sokolova Natalia
Published: January 2022

This Special Issue of Geosciences is a collection of twelve research and overview papers devoted to shallow Arctic permafrost as a natural reservoir that stores large amounts of bound gas, mainly methane [...]
Implementation of Compassionate Communities: The Taipei Experience
Authors: Liu Chia-Jen , Huang Sheng-Jean , Wang Samuel Shih-Chih
Published: January 2022

A worldwide movement to empower communities to support their members to care for each other at the end of life (EoL) has emerged since Kellehear published the Compassionate City Charter. This current report discusses the implementation experiences and preliminary outcomes of Compassionate Communities (CC) in Taipei City. Using the guidance of the Charter and international experiences, we have developed and multiplied a culturally sensitive, sustainable, and holistic CC program that composes municipal hospital, social, and other services, partnering with community leaders, non-governmental organizations, university students, and volunteers. Innovative campaigns, such as workshops, conferences, and the Life Issue Café, have been delivered to facilitate engagement, public education, and leadership with reverence to folk beliefs and the use of existing social networks. We have identified a model with strong collaborative leadership, high participation rates, and ongoing commitment. The gaps between asking/accepting and providing help were bridged when social connectedness was strengthened. We also integrated home-based medical care, home-based palliative care, and advance care planning to help the vulnerable who live alone, with poor status, or with limited resource access, and continue to support the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Screening for ADHD Symptoms among Criminal Offenders: Exploring the Association with Clinical Features
Authors: Capuzzi Enrico , Capellazzi Martina , Caldiroli Alice , Cova Francesca , Auxilia Anna Maria , Rubelli Paola , Tagliabue Ilaria , Zanvit Francesco Giuseppe , Peschi Gianluca , Buoli Massimiliano , Clerici Massimo
Published: January 2022

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disabling disorder. High rates of ADHD have been consistently reported among prisoners. The main objectives were (1) to estimate the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in a sample of male inmates and (2) to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and socio-demographic/clinical features. According to the high prevalence of childhood trauma among inmates, we assessed whether exposition to childhood trauma can be related to the presence of ADHD symptoms. Methods: A total of 159 male prisoners admitted to Monza prison between January 2020 and June 2021 were included. Both Wender Utah ADHD rating scale and adult ADHD self-report scale were administered to assess ADHD symptoms. Moreover, inmates completed the childhood trauma questionnaire. Results: Data were available for 108 inmates. Thirty-five prisoners (32.4%) were found on screening to meet the criteria for symptoms of ADHD. Cocaine use disorder, prescription of mood stabilizers and a history of emotional abuse significantly increased the likelihood of having clinically significant ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, patients who experienced physical neglect resulted in meeting the criteria for ADHD symptoms. Conclusions: ADHD symptoms are widespread among inmates and are associated with specific risk factors. Screening for ADHD should be done to provide appropriate intervention strategies.
Patient Ability to Use Old versus New/Modified Model Adrenaline Autoinjection Emergency Medical Devices for Anaphylaxis in Prehospital Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chow Wei Leong , Yazid Mohd Boniami , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Md Noh Abu Yazid , Rahman Andey
Published: January 2022

Background: The goal of this study was to determine the individual’s ability to use new/modified model AAI compared to old model AAIs devices for anaphylaxis. Methods: The protocol was established a priori and published on PROSPERO (CRD42021229691) and was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and CENTRAL were searched until 31 January 2021. Only RCTs were included in this review. Primary studies comparing old model AAI to new/modified model AAI emergency medical devices were included. Primary outcomes included number of successful administrations, and number of individuals to complete all steps. Secondary outcomes included successful removal of device safety guards, placement of correct end of the device against the thigh and holding of the device in place for adequate time after administration; the frequency of an adverse event (digital injection); individual preferences in terms of size, individual preference in terms of ease for carrying, overall patient preference; and the mean time of delivery. Results: Overall, seven trials consisting of 1359 patients were analyzed. Reporting of adverse events was limited to digital injection, which was significantly higher in the old model AAI (RR 6.90, 95% CI 3.27 to 14.57; I2 statistic = 0%; p < 0.001; four trials, 610 participants; high quality evidence). No significant difference was found regarding successful administration between the old model AAI and new/modified model AAI (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.11; I2 statistic = 96%; p = 0.16; seven trials, 2196 participants; low quality evidence). Conclusions: We cannot make any new recommendations on the effectiveness of different models of AAIs regarding successful administration. However, considering the aspect of safety, we think that mew/modified model AAI can be chosen as the old model AAI was associated with a higher frequency of the adverse event (digital injection).
The Association between Mothers’ Smartphone Dependency and Preschoolers’ Problem Behavior and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Kim Jeong-Soon , Kang Jungmi , Lee Hyunjung
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to identify the level of mothers’ smartphone dependency and determine its correlation with preschoolers’ problem behavior and emotional intelligence. From 1 November to 30 December 2020, 141 mothers of preschool children (aged three to six years) were recruited to complete questionnaires that assessed their smartphone dependency and their child’s problem behavior and emotional intelligence. The result revealed that the younger the mother and the higher the perception of boredom in daily living, the higher was the level of her smartphone dependency. Maternal smartphone dependency was also significantly correlated with the aggression, oppositional, and emotional instability subscales of the tool assessing children’s problem behavior. To prevent problem behaviors among preschoolers, strategies to reduce mothers’ smartphone dependency are needed.