bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide Bandwidth and Inexpensive Current Sensor for Power Electronics—An Augmented LEM Current Sensor
Authors: Chojowski Maciej , Dziadecki Aleksander , Baszyński Marcin , Dudek Roman , Stobiecki Andrzej , Skotniczny Józef
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the overall concept of a wideband and cost-effective current sensor. The sensor consists of a paralleled Hall-based current sensor (LEM) and a wideband current transformer (CT). A significant improvement of the band range and the moderate cost of the proposed sensor enable it to be used both to measure the instantaneous value in order to precisely plot the current and to obtain signals for a closed-loop control system of high-frequency power electronic converters. The sensor should be considered as an Augmented LEM Current Sensor (ALCS), which allows it to measure low- and high-frequency current signals. Finally, it allows for the measurement of a bipolar current up to 40 A. The overall cost of the sensor, along with the previously mentioned benefits, is an important feature of the proposed sensor. The present paper presents the analytical concept of the sensor (ALCS), a theoretical approach using simulation analysis, and the experimental results, which clearly demonstrate the wide range of the sensor in dynamic and static measurements.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Surface Modified Free-Standing CNT Electrode for Li–O2 Battery Cathode
Authors: Lee Ji Hyeon , Jung Hyun Wook , Kim In Soo , Park Min , Kim Hyung-Seok
Published: July 2021

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as cathodes for lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries to confirm the effect of oxygen functional groups present on the CNT surface on Li–O2 battery performance. A coating technology using atomic layer deposition was introduced to remove the oxygen functional groups present on the CNT surface, and ZnO without catalytic properties was adopted as a coating material to exclude the effect of catalytic reaction. An acid treatment process (H2SO4:HNO3 = 3:1) was conducted to increase the oxygen functional groups of the existing CNTs. Therefore, it was confirmed that ZnO@CNT with reduced oxygen functional groups lowered the charging overpotential by approximately 230 mV and increased the yield of Li2O2, a discharge product, by approximately 13%. Hence, we can conclude that the ZnO@CNT is suitable as a cathode material for Li–O2 batteries.
The Political Economy of Rent-Seeking: Evidence from Spain’s Support Policies for Renewable Energy
Authors: Espinosa Victor I. , Peña-Ramos José Antonio , Recuero-López Fátima
Published: July 2021

This paper provides a theoretical framework to explore how the support policies for renewable energies can promote rent-seeking incentives in private firms. We develop a political economy of rent-seeking that considers the link between the regulatory decisions of political agents and the potential scope of socially wasteful pursuits. We argue that systematic public support schemes bring rent-seeking as a perception shared by entrepreneurs that influencing political allocations of resources is an essential and potentially preferable source of private profit than other for-profit economic avenues. As evidence of our claims, the framework is applied to the case of Spain to illustrate the economic effects of support policies on the production and distribution of renewable energy. We find rent-seeking behavior in Spain’s renewable energy industry, and precisely that: (i) political regulations have induced market concentration and rent-seeking in renewable energy firms, (ii) these firms have required increasing regulations and premiums to survive, and (iii) energy consumers are forced to pay rent-seeking through increasingly expensive electricity bills. The analysis reveals some challenges and opportunities to drive efficient market-based policies to strengthen entrepreneurial competition and curb rent-seeking behavior. These insights have relevant proposals for the Spanish energy industry in complying with the EU Green Deal through a sustainable transition and comprehensive growth.
Influence of Heavy Weight Drill Pipe Material and Drill Bit Manufacturing Errors on Stress State of Steel Blades
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Velychkovych Andrii , Ropyak Liubomyr , Pashechko Mykhailo , Pryhorovska Tetiana , Lozynskyi Vasyl
Published: July 2021

Drilling volumes should be increased in order to increase hydrocarbon production, but this is impossible without the usage of high-quality drilling tools made of modern structural materials. The study has to analyze the design, technological and operational methods to increase the performance of drilling tools made of various materials and has highlighted prospects of technological method applications. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the development of a new analytical model of PDC drill bit–well interaction. The developed model takes into account the drill bit manufacturing errors in the form of bit body–nipple axes misalignment on the drill bit strength. This result makes it possible to determine the permissible manufacturing errors to provide safe operation of the drill bit. It is established that there is an additional transverse force that presses the drill bit to the well wall in the rock due to manufacturing errors. It is determined that the magnitude of this clamping force can be significant. The material effect has been analyzed on additional clamping force. It is established that geometric imperfection of the drill bit causes the minimal effect for the elastic system of the pipe string, which includes a calibrator and is composed of drill pipes based on composite carbon fiber material, and the maximal effect—for steel drill pipes. Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit and well wall contact interaction during operation in non-standard mode is considered. Non-standard stresses are determined, and the strength of the blades is estimated for different values of drilling bit manufacturing error.
Recent Progress of Organic Photovoltaics with Efficiency over 17%
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Sun Qianqian , Gao Jinhua , Wang Jian , Xu Chunyu , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Fujun
Published: July 2021

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) has exceeded 18% with narrow bandgap, non-fullerene materials Y6 or its derivatives when used as an electron acceptor. The PCE improvement of OPVs is due to strong photon harvesting in near-infrared light range and low energy loss. Meanwhile, ternary strategy is commonly recognized as a convenient and efficient means to improve the PCE of OPVs. In this review article, typical donor and acceptor materials in prepared efficient OPVs are summarized. From the device engineering perspective, the typical research work on ternary strategy and tandem structure is introduced for understanding the device design and materials selection for preparing efficient OPVs.
Catalytic Hydroisomerisation of Fischer–Tropsch Waxes to Lubricating Oil and Investigation of the Correlation between Its Physical Properties and the Chemical Composition of the Corresponding Fuel Fractions
Authors: Neuner Philipp , Graf David , Mild Heiko , Rauch Reinhard
Published: July 2021

Due to environmental concerns, the role of renewable sources for petroleum-based products has become an invaluable research topic. One possibility of achieving this goal is the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) based on sustainable raw materials. Those materials include, but are not limited to, synthesis gas from biomass gasification or hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. In recent years, the utilisation of CO2 as carbon source for FTS was one main R&D topic. This is one of the reasons for its increase in value and the removal of its label as being just exhaust gas. With the heavy product fraction of FTS, referred to as Fischer–Tropsch waxes (FTW), being rather limited in their application, catalytic upgrading can help to increase the economic viability of such a process by converting the waxes to high value transportation fuels and lubricating oils. In this paper, the dewaxing of FTW via hydroisomerisation and hydrocracking was investigated. A three phase fixed bed reactor was used in combination with a zeolitic catalyst with an AEL (SAPO-11) structure and 0.3 wt% platinum (Pt). The desired products were high quality white oils with low cloud points. These products were successfully produced in a one-step catalytic dewaxing process. Within this work, a direct correlation between the physical properties of the white oils and the chemical composition of the simultaneously produced fuel fractions could be established.
Conceptual Design of an Energy System for High Altitude Airships Considering Thermal Effect
Authors: Dai Qiumin , Xing Daoming , Fang Xiande , Zhao Yingjie
Published: July 2021

High altitude airships possess tremendous potential for long-endurance spot hovering platforms for both commercial and strategic applications. The energy system, which is mainly made up of solar array and regenerative fuel cell, is the key component of a high altitude airship. The thermal effect is a major factor that affects the performance of the energy system of long endurance stratospheric vehicles. In this paper, a conceptual design method focusing on the thermal and power characteristics of an energy system for stratospheric airships is proposed. The effect of thermal behavior of solar array on the energy system is analyzed. An optimized case is obtained on the consideration of power supply, thermal behaviors of helium and solar array. Results show that the maximum temperature difference of the solar array may be reduced by about 20 K and the mass of payload can be improved by up to 5%.
Evaluation of Sustainable Energy Development Progress in EU Member States in the Context of Building Renovation
Authors: Remeikienė Rita , Gasparėnienė Ligita , Fedajev Aleksandra , Szarucki Marek , Đekić Marija , Razumienė Jolita
Published: July 2021

The main goal of setting energy efficiency priorities is to find ways to reduce energy consumption without harming consumers and the environment. The renovation of buildings can be considered one of the main aspects of energy efficiency in the European Union (EU). In the EU, only 5% of the renovation projects have been able to yield energy-saving at the deep renovation level. No other study has thus far ranked the EU member states according to achieved results in terms of increased usage in renewable sources, a decrease in energy usage and import, and reduction in harmful gas emissions due to energy usage. The main purpose of this article is to perform a comparative analysis of EU economies according to selected indicators related to the usage of renewable resources, energy efficiency, and emissions of harmful gasses as a result of energy usage. The methodological contribution of our study is related to developing a complex and robust research method for investment efficiency assessment allowing the study of three groups of indicators related to the usage of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and ecological aspects of energy. It was based on the PROMETHEE II method and allows testing it in other time periods, as well as modifying it for research purposes. The EU member states were categorized by such criteria as energy from renewables and biofuels, final energy consumption from renewables and biofuels, gross electricity generation from renewables and biofuels and import dependency, and usage of renewables and biofuels for heating and cooling. The results of energy per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions per million inhabitants (ECO2), energy per capita, the share of CO2 emissions from public electricity, and heat production from total CO2 emissions revealed that Latvia, Sweden, Portugal, Croatia, Austria, Lithuania, Romania, Denmark, and Finland are the nine most advanced countries in the area under consideration. In the group of the most advanced countries, energy consumption from renewables and biofuels is higher than the EU average.
A Data-Driven Methodology for the Simulation of Turbulent Flame Speed across Engine-Relevant Combustion Regimes
Authors: d’Adamo Alessandro , Iacovano Clara , Fontanesi Stefano
Published: July 2021

Turbulent combustion modelling in internal combustion engines (ICEs) is a challenging task. It is commonly synthetized by incorporating the interaction between chemical reactions and turbulent eddies into a unique term, namely turbulent flame speed sT. The task is very complex considering the variety of turbulent and chemical scales resulting from engine load/speed variations. In this scenario, advanced turbulent combustion models are asked to predict accurate burn rates under a wide range of turbulence–flame interaction regimes. The framework is further complicated by the difficulty in unambiguously evaluating in-cylinder turbulence and by the poor coherence of turbulent flame speed (sT) measurements in the literature. Finally, the simulated sT from combustion models is found to be rarely assessed in a rigorous manner. A methodology is presented to objectively measure the simulated sT by a generic combustion model over a range of engine-relevant combustion regimes, from Da = 0.5 to Da = 75 (i.e., from the thin reaction regime to wrinkled flamelets). A test case is proposed to assess steady-state burn rates under specified turbulence in a RANS modelling framework. The methodology is applied to a widely adopted combustion model (ECFM-3Z) and the comparison of the simulated sT with experimental datasets allows to identify modelling improvement areas. Dynamic functions are proposed based on turbulence intensity and Damköhler number. Finally, simulations using the improved flame speed are carried out and a satisfactory agreement of the simulation results with the experimental/theoretical correlations is found. This confirms the effectiveness and the general applicability of the methodology to any model. The use of grid/time resolution typical of ICE combustion simulations strengthens the relevance of the proposed dynamic functions. The presented analysis allows to improve the adherence of the simulated burn rate to that of literature turbulent flames, and it unfolds the innovative possibility to objectively test combustion models under any prescribed turbulence/flame interaction regime. The solid data-driven representation of turbulent combustion physics is expected to reduce the tuning effort in ICE combustion simulations, providing modelling robustness in a very critical area for virtual design of innovative combustion systems.
Competition in a Wholesale Fuel Market—The Impact of the Structural Changes Caused by COVID-19
Authors: Bejger Sylwester
Published: July 2021

Liquid fuels obtained in refining crude oil are one of the most important energies in economic activity. The domestic wholesale market for liquid fuels is of decisive importance for price formation in the national economy. The noncompetitive behavior of the market players at this level of the distribution chain can significantly affect all downstream price levels and the producer–consumer surplus balance. Therefore, the competitiveness of this market should be screened and assessed regularly, especially when significant external factors change. This article attempts to evaluate the impact of structural changes on the global market of crude oil and energy products after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the competitiveness of the wholesale fuel market in Poland. Using asymmetry of the reaction of product prices to changes in the prices of inputs as a marker of noncompetitive behavior and the NARDL model as a test specification, the price paths of market players before and after the occurrence of structural changes in the inputs’ processes were examined. Significant changes in the competitive behavior of players were revealed after the occurrence of structural changes at the beginning of the pandemic period in the year 2020. These changes may indicate enhanced competition and mitigation of potential market power abuse.
Innovative Method for Calculating the Break-Even for Multi-Assortment Production
Authors: Fuksa Dariusz
Published: July 2021

The subject of the article is a new method that I have developed for calculating a multi-asset break-even for multi-assortment production, extended by a percentage threshold and a current sales ratio (which was missing in previously published methods). The percentage threshold provides unambiguous information about the economic health of a company. As a result, it became possible to use it in practice to evaluate the activities of economic entities (mines) and to perform modelling and optimisation of production plans based on different variants of customer demand scenarios. The publication addresses the complexity of the problem of determining the break-even in multi-assortment production. Moreover, it discusses the practical limitations of previous methods and demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed method on the example of hard coal mines.
The Changes of Ergonomic Engine Vibroacoustic Response Regarding Their Development
Authors: Wróbel Radosław , Sitnik Lech , Andrych-Zalewska Monika , Łoza Łukasz , Dimitrov Radostin , Mihaylov Veselin
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of research on the vibroacoustic response of internal combustion engines mounted in a vehicle. The vehicles studied belong to popular models, which became available in successive versions. Each group included vehicles of the same model of an older generation (equipped with a naturally aspirated engine) and of a newer generation, including downsized (and turbocharged) engines. Tests in each group were carried out under repeatable conditions on a chassis-load dynamometer. The vibrations were measured using single-axis accelerometers mounted on the steering wheel, engine, and driver’s head restraint mounting. The primary purpose of the study was to verify whether the new generations of vehicles equipped with additional high-speed elements (compressors) generate additional harmonics (especially those within the range potentially affecting travel comfort and human health) and whether there are significant changes in the distribution of spectral power density in the new generations. As the study showed, new generations of vehicles are characterized by a different vibroacoustic response, and the trend of change is the same in each of the families studied.
Efficiency Boost of a Quasi-Z-Source Inverter: A Novel Shoot-Through Injection Method with Dead-Time
Authors: Grgić Ivan , Vukadinović Dinko , Bašić Mateo , Bubalo Matija
Published: July 2021

A quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) is a single-stage inverter that enables a boost of the input dc voltage through the utilization of a so-called shoot-through state (STS). Generally, the efficiency of the qZSI depends on the utilized STS injection method to a significant extent. This paper presents a novel method of STS injection, called the zero-sync method, in which the STS occurrence is synchronized with the beginning of the zero switching states (ZSSs) of the three-phase sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM). In this way, compared to the conventional STS injection method, the total number of switchings per transistor is reduced. The ZSSs are detected by utilizing the SPWM pulses and the logic OR gates. The desired duration of the STS is implemented by utilizing the LM555CN timer. The laboratory setup of the three-phase qZSI in the stand-alone operation mode was built to compare the proposed zero-sync method with the conventional STS injection method. The comparison was carried out for different values of the switching frequency, input voltage, duty ratio, and load power. As a result of the implementation of the zero-sync method, the qZSI efficiency was increased by up to 4%. In addition, the unintended STSs, caused by the non-ideal switching dynamics of the involved transistors, were successfully eliminated by introducing the optimal dead-time as part of the modified zero-sync method. As a result, the efficiency was increased by up to 12% with regard to the conventional method.
Effects of Above- and Below-Ground Interactions of Plants on Growth of Tree Seedlings in Low-Elevation Tropical Rainforests on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Lu Xinghui , Zang Runguo , Xu Yue , Yu Shouchao , Zhao Hongxia
Published: July 2021

Understanding the effects of above- and below-ground interactions on seedling growth is pivotal for identifying the key drivers of secondary forest succession. However, it is still unclear whether the effects of above- and below-ground interactions of plants are consistent for seedling growth of deciduous and evergreen species. There are two types of broadleaved forests (i.e., tropical lowland rainforest and tropical deciduous monsoon rainforest) in the low-elevation (<800 m) areas of Hainan Island in China. Here, 32 seedling transplanting plots (1 × 1 m2) were established in the tropical lowland rainforest and the tropical deciduous monsoon rainforest, respectively. Four treatments (each with 16 replicates) were carried out to reduce above- and below-ground interactions of plants in the low-elevation forests: removal of vegetation (R), root trenching (T), removal of vegetation and root trenching (R + T), and no vegetation removal or trenching (as the control) (C). Seedlings of four deciduous species and four evergreen species were planted to observe their performance in the experiments. The relative growth rates (RGR) of the seedlings were measured to distinguish the relative effects of above- and below-ground interactions. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured as a proxy for above-ground interaction and the root biomass was used as a proxy for below-ground interaction. The relationships between seedling RGR and PAR/root biomass were examined. Results showed that: (1) R and R+T treatments significantly increased the seedlings RGR, but T treatment had no effect on the RGR; (2) the growth rates of deciduous species were greater than those of the evergreen species; and (3) seedling growth rates were increased with more PAR. Our study suggests that above-ground vegetation removal had a stronger effect than trenching on the growth and assembly of tree seedlings in the low-elevation tropical rainforests.
Towards Reconstruction of Complex Flow Fields Using Unit Flows
Authors: Kristo Paul J. , Kimber Mark L. , Girimaji Sharath S.
Published: July 2021

Many complex turbulent flows in nature and engineering can be qualitatively regarded as being constituted of multiple simpler unit flows. The objective of this work is to characterize the coherent structures in such complex flows as a combination of constituent unitary flow structures for the purpose of reduced-order representation. While turbulence is clearly a non-linear phenomenon, we aim to establish the degree to which the optimally weighted superposition of unitary flow structures can represent the complex flow structures. The rationale for investigating such superposition stems from the fact that the large-scale coherent structures are generated by underlying flow instabilities that may be reasonably described using linear analysis. Clearly, the degree of validity of superposition will depend on the flow under consideration. In this work, we take the first step toward establishing a procedure for investigating superposition. Experimental data of single and triple tandem jets in crossflow are used to demonstrate the procedure. A composite triple tandem jet flow field is generated from optimal superposition of single jet data and compared against ‘true’ triple jet data. Direct comparisons between the true and composite fields are made for spatial, temporal, and kinetic energy content. The large-scale features (obtained from proper orthogonal decomposition or POD) of true and composite tandem jet wakes exhibit nearly 70% agreement in terms of modal eigenvector correlation. Corresponding eigenvalues reveal that the kinetic energy of the flow is also emulated with only a slight overprediction. Temporal frequency features are also examined in an effort to completely characterize POD modes. The proposed method serves as a foundation for more rigorous and robust dimensional reduction in complex flows based on unit flow modes.
Alaria alata in Terms of Risks to Consumers’ Health
Authors: Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Różycki Mirosław , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Karamon Jacek , Sroka Jacek , Bełcik Aneta , Wasiak Magdalena , Cencek Tomasz
Published: July 2021

Alaria alata flukes are cosmopolitan parasites. In Europe, the definitive hosts are red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wolves (Canis lupus), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), as well as animals that belong to the Felidae family. Intermediate hosts, such as snails and frogs, are the sources of infection for definitive hosts. The developmental stages of A. alata mesocercariae may occur in paratenic hosts, including many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as in wild boars (Sus scrofa), which are important from the zoonotic point of view. Because there are no regulations concerning the detection of A. alata in meat, this fluke is usually detected during official obligatory Trichinella spp. inspections. However, a method dedicated to A. alata detection was developed. The growing popularity of game and organic meat has led to an increased risk of food-associated parasitic infections, including alariosis, which is caused by the mesocercarial stage of A. alata. The aim of this article is to highlight the problem of A. alata as an emerging parasite, especially in the terms of the increasing market for game and organic meats that have been processed with traditional methods, often without proper heat treatment.
Modeling and Thermodynamic Analysis of the Water Sorption Isotherms of Cottonseed Products
Authors: He Zhongqi , Zhang David , Cheng Huai N.
Published: July 2021

Due to their hygroscopic characteristics, equilibrium moisture contents of agricultural products and byproducts are important factors of their quality. Defatted cottonseed meal (CSM), washed cottonseed meal (WCSM) and cottonseed protein isolate (CSPI) can be used as energy and protein sources of animal feedstuff or industrial raw materials. Information on their moisture adsorption behaviors is needed for their storage conditions and quality control. Thus, this work measured the equilibrium moisture sorption isotherms of CSM, WCSM and CSPI, at 15, 25, 35 and 45 °C. When the moisture contents of the samples were compared at a constant temperature, the general trend of decreasing moisture content was in the order of CSPI < WCSM < CSM for water activity <0.6, but the trend reversed to the order of CSM < WCSM < CSPI for water activity >0.6. Relevant sorption isotherm equations were tested for accurate fit to the moisture adsorption data. Modelling results indicated that the G.A.B. (Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer) model was a consistently good fit for the data among all sample types and all temperatures. This work provides some insight on designing or selecting appropriate procedures for the handling, aeration, storage and processing of these cottonseed meal products. In particular, it suggests that moisture content should be kept at around 8% for safe storage of these products at room temperature (around 25 °C) but below 5% when they are exposed to higher temperature conditions (e.g., >45 °C).
Small Oligonucleotides Detection in Three-Dimensional Polymer Network of DNA-PEG Hydrogels
Authors: Mazzarotta Alessia , Caputo Tania Mariastella , Raiola Luca , Battista Edmondo , Netti Paolo Antonio , Causa Filippo
Published: July 2021

The control of the three-dimensional (3D) polymer network structure is important for permselective materials when specific biomolecule detection is needed. Here we investigate conditions to obtain a tailored hydrogel network that combines both molecular filtering and molecular capture capabilities for biosensing applications. Along this line, short oligonucleotide detection in a displacement assay is set within PEGDA hydrogels synthetized by UV radical photopolymerization. To provide insights on the molecular filter capability, diffusion studies of several probes (sulforhodamine G and dextrans) with different hydrodynamic radii were carried out using NMR technique. Moreover, fluorometric analyses of hybridization of DNA oligonucleotides inside PEGDA hydrogels shed light on the mechanisms of recognition in 3D, highlighting that mesh size and crowding effect greatly impact the hybridization mechanism on a polymer network. Finally, we found the best probe density and diffusion transport conditions to allow the specific oligonucleotide capture and detection inside PEGDA hydrogels for oligonucleotide detection and the filtering out of higher molecular weight molecules.
Genome Mining and Comparative Genome Analysis Revealed Niche-Specific Genome Expansion in Antibacterial Bacillus pumilus Strain SF-4
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Vollmers John , Janjua Hussnain Ahmed
Published: July 2021

The present study reports the isolation of antibacterial exhibiting Bacillus pumilus (B. pumilus) SF-4 from soil field. The genome of this strain SF-4 was sequenced and analyzed to acquire in-depth genomic level insight related to functional diversity, evolutionary history, and biosynthetic potential. The genome of the strain SF-4 harbor 12 Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) including four Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), two terpenes, and one each of Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs), hybrid (NRPS/PKS), lipopeptide, β-lactone, and bacteriocin clusters. Plant growth-promoting genes associated with de-nitrification, iron acquisition, phosphate solubilization, and nitrogen metabolism were also observed in the genome. Furthermore, all the available complete genomes of B. pumilus strains were used to highlight species boundaries and diverse niche adaptation strategies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed local diversification and indicate that strain SF-4 is a sister group to SAFR-032 and 150a. Pan-genome analyses of 12 targeted strains showed regions of genome plasticity which regulate function of these strains and proposed direct strain adaptations to specific habitats. The unique genome pool carries genes mostly associated with “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, transport, and catabolism” (Q), “replication, recombination and repair” (L), and “unknown function” (S) clusters of orthologous groups (COG) categories. Moreover, a total of 952 unique genes and 168 exclusively absent genes were prioritized across the 12 genomes. While newly sequenced B. pumilus SF-4 genome consists of 520 accessory, 59 unique, and seven exclusively absent genes. The current study demonstrates genomic differences among 12 B. pumilus strains and offers comprehensive knowledge of the respective genome architecture which may assist in the agronomic application of this strain in future.
Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 Variants on Deaths, Case Incidence and Case Fatality Ratio among the Continents for the Period of 1 December 2020 to 15 March 2021
Authors: J. Al-Awaida Wajdy , Jawabrah Al Hourani Baker , Swedan Samer , Nimer Refat , Alzoughool Foad , J. Al-Ameer Hamzeh , E. Al Tamam Sara , Alashqar Raghad , Al bawareed Omar , Gushchina Yulia , Samy Abousenna Mohamed , Ayyash Amani Marwan , Sharab Ahmad , M. Alnaimat Sulaiman , Imraish Amer , W. Akash Muhanad , R. Hadi Najah
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has quickly developed into a worldwide pandemic. Mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome may affect various aspects of the disease including fatality ratio. In this study, 553,518 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences isolated from patients from continents for the period 1 December 2020 to 15 March 2021 were comprehensively analyzed and a total of 82 mutations were identified concerning the reference sequence. In addition, associations between the mutations and the case fatality ratio (CFR), cases per million and deaths per million, were examined. The mutations having the highest frequencies among different continents were Spike_D614G and NSP12_P323L. Among the identified mutations, NSP2_T153M, NSP14_I42V and Spike_L18F mutations showed a positive correlation to CFR. While the NSP13_Y541C, NSP3_T73I and NSP3_Q180H mutations demonstrated a negative correlation to CFR. The Spike_D614G and NSP12_P323L mutations showed a positive correlation to deaths per million. The NSP3_T1198K, NS8_L84S and NSP12_A97V mutations showed a significant negative correlation to deaths per million. The NSP12_P323L and Spike_D614G mutations showed a positive correlation to the number of cases per million. In contrast, NS8_L84S and NSP12_A97V mutations showed a negative correlation to the number of cases per million. In addition, among the identified clades, none showed a significant correlation to CFR. The G, GR, GV, S clades showed a significant positive correlation to deaths per million. The GR and S clades showed a positive correlation to number of cases per million. The clades having the highest frequencies among continents were G, followed by GH and GR. These findings should be taken into consideration during epidemiological surveys of the virus and vaccine development.
Parenting of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Roquette Viana Clara , Caldeira Sílvia , Lourenço Margarida , Simões Figueiredo Amélia
Published: July 2021

Background: Parenting a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves several processes and emotions during this transition. In addition to the family’s natural transition when a child is born, the family of a child with ASD has to deal with the particularities of the disability, its characteristics, and its evolution. Methods: This is a qualitative grounded theory study aiming to deepen the knowledge about the process of parenting children with ASD. Data were collected using interviews and observations of nine couples and one single mother. Results: Coding and analysis led to the main theme, which is as follows: parenting of children with ASD as representative of the parents’ transformation while caring for the child, also based on adaptation throughout this experience. Conclusions: Parenting is a dynamic process, grounded on the interaction of different contexts, such as family, education, health, and society, and on the co-construction of different times and episodes. These characteristics underline the complex and individual nature of parenting children with autism, which requires specific assessments and interventions by nurses when caring for these families, whether in a family nursing context, community nursing, and pediatric nursing or midwifery.
Evaluating the Impact of the Diabetes Mellitus Strategy for the National Health System: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: González-Touya Marta , Carmona Rocío , Sarría-Santamera Antonio
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health problem. Macrovascular complications (stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and lower limb amputations (LLAs) represent the leading cause of morbi-mortality in DM. This work aims to evaluate the impact of the approval of the Diabetes Mellitus Strategy of the National Health System (SDM-NHS) on hospitalizations for those macrovascular complications related to DM; (2) Methods: Interrupted time series applying segmented regression models (Negative Binomial) adjusted for seasonality to data from hospital discharge records with a primary or secondary diagnosis of DM (code 250 ICD9MC); (3) Results: Between 2001 and 2015, there have been 7,302,750 hospital discharges with a primary or secondary diagnosis of DM. After the approval of the SDM-NHS, all the indicators showed a downward trend, modifying the previous trend in the indicators of AMI and LLA. The indicators of stroke and AMI also showed an immediate reduction in their rates; (4) Conclusions: After the approval of the SDM-NHS, an improvement has been observed in all the indicators of macrovascular complications of DM evaluated, although it is difficult to establish a causal relationship between the strategy and the effects observed. Interrupted time series is applicable for evaluating the impact of interventions in public health when experimental designs are not possible.
Psychological Traumas and Cardiovascular Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Galli Federica , Lai Carlo , Gregorini Teresa , Ciacchella Chiara , Carugo Stefano
Published: July 2021

Adverse childhood experiences could be important determinants of adult disease. The present study analyzed the association between early traumatic experiences and the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). It was hypothesized that patients with CVD would report a higher number of traumatic experiences during childhood and that this association would be stronger in women. The Traumatic Experiences Checklist (TEC) was fulfilled by 75 patients with a first-time diagnosis of CVD and 84 healthy controls randomly selected from the general population. The two groups were not balanced for age and sex. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) and analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs), with group (clinical vs. control) and gender (male vs. female) as between-subjects factors, and age of participants as covariate, were performed on the number and the impact of the traumatic experiences (emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse) for the three age group in which the trauma was experienced (from 0 to 10, from 11 to 18, from 19 years onwards). The main results showed that participants with CVDs have experienced a higher number of early traumatic experiences compared to the control group, such as emotional neglect (p = 0.023), emotional abuse (0.008 ≤ p ≤ 0.033), and physical abuse (0.001 < p ≤ 0.038). The results also revealed that women with CVDs have experienced more traumatic events compared to the women of the control group (0.001 < p ≤ 0.020). These results seem to highlight an association between traumatic experiences in childhood and CVD in adulthood, particularly in women. Such findings could have relevant implications for clinical practice, suggesting the importance of adopting an integrated approach in the care of the patient with cardiovascular diseases paying attention also to the clinical psychological risk factors.
Evaluation of a Paleontological Museum as Geosite and Base for Geotourism. A Case Study
Authors: Herrera-Franco Gricelda , Erazo Karla , Mora-Frank Carlos , Carrión-Mero Paúl , Berrezueta Edgar
Published: July 2021

The Santa Elena province in Ecuador has outstanding geological potential in petroleum, mining and geosite resources. All the wealth of palaeontological samples and their inherent link to the history of this territory require a recognised museum with educational and scientific material to support the potential and promotion of geotourism development. The Megatherium Palaeontological Museum is located in this province and was the first Palaeontological Museum in Ecuador. It exhibits samples corresponding to the Late Pleistocene Megafauna that inhabited the area. This study aims to evaluate the museum (a geoheritage element) as a possible (palaeontological) geosite by analysing its contributions to the geoheritage of the Santa Elena province. Thus, we also aim to enhance the geotourism of the area and promote its collections as a geotouristic attraction. The methodological process was based on: (i) information processing and systematisation in the museum and its environment; (ii) assessment of the museum’s geological interest through the method of the Geological Survey of Spain, the Brilha method and the Geosites Assessment Model; and (iii) a qualitative evaluation using the Delphi and the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats methodologies to define strategies and proposals for museum development. Based on the results of the applied quantitative assessment, the museum has a “very high” (277/400) degree of geological interest, due to the high values of scientific (310/400), academic (310/400) and touristic (210/400) interest. In this same way, the results obtained through the Brilha method reflect a high scientific (290/400), educational (280/400), and tourist (315/400) interest and a low degradation risk (190/400) value in the museum. Furthermore, the applied Geosites Assessment Model shows the museum as a geosite with high main and additional values, placing it between the Z23 and Z33 fields of the global valuation matrix. The evaluation approached through Delphi analysis and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats matrix allowed us to propose improvement strategies to take advantage of the museum resources as an alternative that strengthens the geotouristic development of the area.
Propagation of an Epigenetic Age-Related Disorder in Almond Is Governed by Vegetative Bud Ontogeny Rather Than Chimera-Type Cell Lineage
Authors: Gradziel Thomas M. , Shackel Kenneth A.
Published: July 2021

Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A. Webb) represents a model system for the study of epigenetic age-related disorders in perennial plants because the economically important noninfectious bud-failure disorder is well characterized and shown to be associated with the clonal-age of the propagation source. Epigenetic changes regulating disorders such as changes in methylation or telomere-length shortening would be expected to occur in shoot apical meristem initial cells since subsequent daughter cells including those in ensuing shoot axillary meristems show an irreversible advance in epigenetic aging. Because multiple initial cells are involved in meristem development and growth, such ‘mutations’ would be expected to occur in some initial cells but not others, resulting in mericlinal or sectorial chimeras during subsequent shoot development that, in turn, would differentially affect vegetative buds present in the leaf axils of the shoot. To test this developmental pattern, 2180 trees propagated from axillary buds of known position within asymptomatic noninfectious bud-failure budstick sources were evaluated for the disorder. Results demonstrate that relative bud position was not a determinant of successful trait propagation, but rather all axillary buds within individual shoots showed very similar degrees of noninfectious bud-failure. Control is thus more analogous to tissue-wide imprinting rather than being restricted to discrete cell lineages as would be predicted by standard meristem cell fate-mapping.
Moderate-To-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour across Childhood and Adolescence, and Their Combined Relationship with Obesity Risk: A Multi-Trajectory Analysis
Authors: Farooq Abdulaziz , Basterfield Laura , Adamson Ashley J. , Pearce Mark S. , Hughes Adrienne R. , Janssen Xanne , Wilson Mathew G. , Reilly John J.
Published: July 2021

The combined role of objectively assessed moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is unclear in obesity prevention. This study aimed to identify latent groups for MVPA and SB trajectories from childhood to adolescence and examine their relationship with obesity risk at adolescence. From the Gateshead Millennium Study, accelerometer-based trajectories of time spent in MVPA and SB at ages 7, 9, 12, and 15 were derived as assigned as the predictor variable. Fat mass index (FMI), using bioelectrical impedance at age 15, was the outcome variable. From 672 children recruited, we identified three distinct multiple trajectory groups for time spent in MVPA and SB. The group with majority membership (54% of the cohort) had high MVPA and low SB at childhood, but MVPA declined and SB increased by age 15. One third of the cohort (31%) belonged to the trajectory with low MVPA and high time spent sedentary throughout. The third trajectory group (15% of the cohort) that had relatively high MVPA and relatively low SB throughout had lower FMI (−1.7, 95% CI (−3.4 to −1.0) kg/m2, p = 0.034) at age 15 compared to the inactive throughout group. High MVPA and low SB trajectories when combined are protective against obesity.
COVID-19 Pandemic as a Traumatic Event and Its Associations with Fear and Mental Health: A Cognitive-Activation Approach
Authors: Sanchez-Gomez Martin , Giorgi Gabriele , Finstad Georgia Libera , Urbini Flavio , Foti Giulia , Mucci Nicola , Zaffina Salvatore , León-Perez José M.
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 global pandemic still represents a major threat with detrimental health consequences. Analyzing the psychological outcomes, COVID-19 could be interpreted as a collective traumatic event that can generate symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering this, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate the relationship between intrusive thoughts and fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic and between intrusive thoughts and mental health; second, to test the mediating role of hyperarousal and avoidance in these two relationships. In order to reach these aims, the present study investigated these relationships and tested a mediation model in two cross-sectional studies in Italy. Altogether, 627 individuals and 495 workers completed an online survey for study 1 and study 2, respectively. Mediation analyses were performed via the SPSS macro PROCESS; the significance of total, direct, and indirect effect was tested via bootstrapping. The results showed that within the PTSD framework, hyperarousal compared with avoidance mediated the relationship between intrusion and the analyzed outcomes. In conclusion, the present study provided empirical evidence for the influence of hyperarousal on individual consequences such as fear of COVID-19 and mental health. Research, as well as theoretical and practical implications, are discussed.
The Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Self-Rated Health on Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer among South Korean Elderly Persons Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014–2018 Data
Authors: Park Soojin , Nam Jin Young
Published: July 2021

Cardiovascular disease and cancer have increased the risk of mortality and morbidity in elderly persons worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sedentary behavior and self-rated health with cardiovascular disease or cancer in elderly people. The data of 6785 elderly persons aged above 65 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2018 were examined. Binary logistic regression analyses assessed the association of sedentary behavior, self-rated health, and other risk factors with cardiovascular disease or cancer. Prolonged sedentary behavior in elderly people was associated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease (odds ratio (OR): 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.52). There was a high risk for cardiovascular disease (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.85–3.01) or cancer (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.17–1.88) in elderly people who had poor self-rated health. This study identified the association between prolonged sedentary behavior and cardiovascular disease, and between poor self-rated health and cancer. Since prolonged sedentary behavior is related to cardiovascular disease, efforts are needed to reduce sedentary behavior hours and maintain good self-rated health.