bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wine Aroma Characterization of the Two Main Fermentation Yeast Species of the Apiculate Genus Hanseniaspora
Authors: Valera María José , Olivera Valentina , Boido Eduardo , Dellacassa Eduardo , Carrau Francisco
Published: August 2021

Hanseniaspora species are the main yeasts isolated from grapes and grape musts. Regarding genetic and phenotypical characterization, especially fermentative behavior, they can be classified in two technological clusters: the fruit group and the fermentation group. Among the species belonging to the last group, Hanseniaspora osmophila and Hanseniaspora vineae have been previously isolated in spontaneous fermentations of grape must. In this work, the oenological aptitudes of the two species of the fermentation group were compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the main species of the fruit group, Hanseniaspora uvarum. Both H. osmophila and H. vineae conferred a positive aroma to final wines and no sensory defects were detected. Wines fermented with H. vineae presented significantly higher concentrations of 2-phenylethyl, tryptophol and tyrosol acetates, acetoin, mevalonolactone, and benzyl alcohol compared to H. osmophila. Sensorial analysis showed increased intensity of fruity and flowery notes in wines vinificated with H. vineae. In an evolutionary context, the detoxification of alcohols through a highly acetylation capacity might explain an adaption to fermentative environments. It was concluded that, although H. vineae show close alcohol fermentation adaptations to H. osmophila, the increased activation of phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway is a particular characteristic of H. vineae within this important apiculate genus.
Modeling and Use of Inter-Criteria Decision Analysis for Selecting Growth Rate Models for Batch Cultivation of Yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus var. lactis MC 5
Authors: Petrov Mitko
Published: August 2021

Ten unstructured models of Monod, Mink, Tessier, Moser, Aiba, Andrews, Haldane, Luong, Edward, and Han-Levenspiel are considered in this paper to explain the kinetics of cell growth for batch cultivation of the yeast Kluyweromyces marxianus var. lactis MC 5. For the first time, two independent kinetic models are used to model the process for the two basic substrates—lactose and oxygen. The selection of the most appropriate growth rate models has been made through a new multi-criteria decision-making approach called the Inter-Criteria Decision Analysis (ICDA) method. The application of ICDA to the growth rate of lactose and oxygen alone has shown that there have been many correlations between the studied models. Thus, the models for the growth rate, depending only on lactose, are reduced to one—Monod model and there are two models—Monod and Mink—depending on oxygen only. Separate kinetic process models have been developed for the combination of Monod–Monod and Monod–Mink models. For the first time, in addition to the multiplicative form, the additive form of a specific growth rate has been studied. The comparison of the obtained results has shown that the additive form has shown better results than the multiplicative one. For this reason, the additive form of the Monod–Monod model will be used to model the process.
IoT for Smart Cities: Machine Learning Approaches in Smart Healthcare—A Review
Authors: Ghazal Taher M. , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Alshurideh Muhammad Turki , Alzoubi Haitham M. , Ahmad Munir , Akbar Syed Shehryar , Al Kurdi Barween , Akour Iman A.
Published: August 2021

Smart city is a collective term for technologies and concepts that are directed toward making cities efficient, technologically more advanced, greener and more socially inclusive. These concepts include technical, economic and social innovations. This term has been tossed around by various actors in politics, business, administration and urban planning since the 2000s to establish tech-based changes and innovations in urban areas. The idea of the smart city is used in conjunction with the utilization of digital technologies and at the same time represents a reaction to the economic, social and political challenges that post-industrial societies are confronted with at the start of the new millennium. The key focus is on dealing with challenges faced by urban society, such as environmental pollution, demographic change, population growth, healthcare, the financial crisis or scarcity of resources. In a broader sense, the term also includes non-technical innovations that make urban life more sustainable. So far, the idea of using IoT-based sensor networks for healthcare applications is a promising one with the potential of minimizing inefficiencies in the existing infrastructure. A machine learning approach is key to successful implementation of the IoT-powered wireless sensor networks for this purpose since there is large amount of data to be handled intelligently. Throughout this paper, it will be discussed in detail how AI-powered IoT and WSNs are applied in the healthcare sector. This research will be a baseline study for understanding the role of the IoT in smart cities, in particular in the healthcare sector, for future research works.
Fluid–Structure Interaction and Non-Fourier Effects in Coupled Electro-Thermo-Mechanical Models for Cardiac Ablation
Authors: Singh Sundeep , Melnik Roderick
Published: August 2021

In this study, a fully coupled electro-thermo-mechanical model of radiofrequency (RF)-assisted cardiac ablation has been developed, incorporating fluid–structure interaction, thermal relaxation time effects and porous media approach. A non-Fourier based bio-heat transfer model has been used for predicting the temperature distribution and ablation zone during the cardiac ablation. The blood has been modeled as a Newtonian fluid and the velocity fields are obtained utilizing the Navier–Stokes equations. The thermal stresses induced due to the heating of the cardiac tissue have also been accounted. Parametric studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of cardiac tissue porosity, thermal relaxation time effects, electrode insertion depths and orientations on the treatment outcomes of the cardiac ablation. The results are presented in terms of predicted temperature distributions and ablation volumes for different cases of interest utilizing a finite element based COMSOL Multiphysics software. It has been found that electrode insertion depth and orientation has a significant effect on the treatment outcomes of cardiac ablation. Further, porosity of cardiac tissue also plays an important role in the prediction of temperature distribution and ablation volume during RF-assisted cardiac ablation. Moreover, thermal relaxation times only affect the treatment outcomes for shorter treatment times of less than 30 s.
Hybrid Neural Network Reduced Order Modelling for Turbulent Flows with Geometric Parameters
Authors: Zancanaro Matteo , Mrosek Markus , Stabile Giovanni , Othmer Carsten , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: August 2021

Geometrically parametrized partial differential equations are currently widely used in many different fields, such as shape optimization processes or patient-specific surgery studies. The focus of this work is some advances on this topic, capable of increasing the accuracy with respect to previous approaches while relying on a high cost–benefit ratio performance. The main scope of this paper is the introduction of a new technique combining a classical Galerkin-projection approach together with a data-driven method to obtain a versatile and accurate algorithm for the resolution of geometrically parametrized incompressible turbulent Navier–Stokes problems. The effectiveness of this procedure is demonstrated on two different test cases: a classical academic back step problem and a shape deformation Ahmed body application. The results provide insight into details about the properties of the architecture we developed while exposing possible future perspectives for this work.
Analysis of Temperature Anomalies during Thermal Monitoring of Frozen Wall Formation
Authors: Semin Mikhail , Golovatyi Ivan , Pugin Aleksei
Published: August 2021

The paper describes a distributed temperature sensing system that was used to monitor the artificial freezing of soils during the construction of a potash mine shaft. The technique of reconstructing the temperature field by solving the inverse problem in the entire volume of frozen soils using the measured temperatures in four thermal monitoring (TM) wells is described. Two local anomalies in temperature distributions in TM wells are described and analyzed theoretically using thermo-hydraulic modeling. The first anomaly concerns the asymmetric temperature distribution in one of the soil layers and is associated with the influence of natural groundwater flow in the horizontal direction. The second anomaly consists of a sharp decrease in water temperature in the section of the TM well located inside the freezing contour. Calculations showed that it is most likely associated with the entry of cold groundwater from the overlying layers of soils through a well filter at a depth of 160 m and the subsequent movement of the water up the well.
Online Coupled Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method for the Poroelasticity Problem in Fractured and Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Tyrylgin Aleksei , Vasilyeva Maria , Ammosov Dmitry , Chung Eric T. , Efendiev Yalchin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider the poroelasticity problem in fractured and heterogeneous media. The mathematical model contains a coupled system of equations for fluid pressures and displacements in heterogeneous media. Due to scale disparity, many approaches have been developed for solving detailed fine-grid problems on a coarse grid. However, some approaches can lack good accuracy on a coarse grid and some corrections for coarse-grid solutions are needed. In this paper, we present a coarse-grid approximation based on the generalized multiscale finite element method (GMsFEM). We present the construction of the offline and online multiscale basis functions. The offline multiscale basis functions are precomputed for the given heterogeneity and fracture network geometry, where for the construction, we solve a local spectral problem and use the dominant eigenvectors (appropriately defined) to construct multiscale basis functions. To construct the online basis functions, we use current information about the local residual and solve coupled poroelasticity problems in local domains. The online basis functions are used to enrich the offline multiscale space and rapidly reduce the error using residual information. Only with appropriate offline coarse-grid spaces can one guarantee a fast convergence of online methods. We present numerical results for poroelasticity problems in fractured and heterogeneous media. We investigate the influence of the number of offline and online basis functions on the relative errors between the multiscale solution and the reference (fine-scale) solution.
On the Application of Wavelet Transform in Jet Aeroacoustics
Authors: Camussi Roberto , Meloni Stefano
Published: August 2021

Wavelet transform has become a common tool for processing non-stationary signals in many different fields. The present paper reports a review of some applications of wavelet in aeroacoustics with a special emphasis on the analysis of experimental data taken in compressible jets. The focus is on three classes of wavelet-based signal processing procedures: (i) conditional statistics; (ii) acoustic and hydrodynamic pressure separation; (iii) stochastic modeling. The three approaches are applied to an experimental database consisting of pressure time series measured in the near field of a turbulent jet. Future developments and possible generalization to other applications, e.g., airframe or propeller noise, are also discussed.
Domestic Use Simulation and Secondary Shelf Life Assessment of Industrial Pesto alla genovese
Authors: Nicosia Carola , Fava Patrizia , Pulvirenti Andrea , Antonelli Andrea , Licciardello Fabio
Published: August 2021

The secondary shelf life (SSL) is defined as the time after package opening during which the food product retains a required level of quality. The SSL, indicated in labels as “best if used within x days after opening”, could lead to domestic food waste if not correctly evaluated. In this context, the SSL of two brands of industrial shelf-stable pesto products (with an indicated SSL of 5 days) was studied through a domestic use simulation performed in five households under two scenarios simulating real opening and storage conditions. The quality of pesto after opening was assessed through microbiological and sensory analyses, determination of instrumental colour parameters, pH and volatiles profiling. For both pesto sauces tested, a SSL ≥ 20 days was proven. Irrespective of the intensity of use (scenarios 1 and 2), the pesto was microbiologically stable: the maximum count for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TMB) observed during 20 days of storage was 9.64 ± 1.7 × 102 CFU/g, starting from a commercially stable product. Colour parameters L* and ΔE did not change significantly during storage (p > 0.05), while the a* and BI values significantly changed (p < 0.05) during the first 5 days, and then stabilized during the rest of the household storage. Nevertheless, the slight colour modifications were not perceived by the sensory panel. Moreover, sensory assessors were not able to discern pesto samples stored for up to 20 days after first opening, from a just-opened reference sample, proving that the sensory appreciation of pesto was not influenced by the time after opening. The results of this study suggest the possibility to significantly extend or even omit the SSL indications for industrial pesto sauces. The objective assessment of SSL could have impressive practical outcomes both for the industry and the end user. The elongation of the SSL on the food label might increase food sustainability, thanks to the potential reduction of food wastes, thus giving added value to the commercial products. In addition, the end user could benefit the increase of the useful period for the food consumption after first opening, with significant domestic food waste reduction, reduced household stock turnover and consequent cost savings.
Detection of Enteric Viruses and Core Microbiome Analysis in Artisanal Colonial Salami-Type Dry-Fermented Sausages from Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Degenhardt Roberto , Sobral Marques Souza Doris , Acordi Menezes Leidiane A. , de Melo Pereira Gilberto Vinícius , Rodríguez-Lázaro David , Fongaro Gislaine , De Dea Lindner Juliano
Published: August 2021

Microbial fermentation plays an important role in the manufacturing of artisanal sausages and can have major effects on product quality and safety. We used metagenomics and culture-dependent methods to study the presence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Rotavirus-A (RV-A), and fungal and bacterial communities, in artisanal Colonial salami-type dry-fermented sausages in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast dominated the microbiome. Latilactobacillus sakei and Debaryomyces hansenii were ubiquitous and the most abundant species. The DNA of some foodborne pathogens was found in very low concentrations although viable cells of most of these species were undetectable by cultivation methods. The characteristics of the raw material and hygiene of the artisanal sausage manufacturing process resulted in high loads of beneficial microorganisms and the absence of HEV and RV-A viruses as determined by RT-qPCR assays. In conclusion, high LAB load in sausages was more relevant to preventing pathogen growth than the ripening time and/or physicochemical characteristics. However, the presence of Clostridium spp. and other pathogens in some samples must be taken into account for the development of future preservation methods; appropriate LAB starter cultures and health surveillance are required in the production process to prevent foodborne outbreaks.
How Individual Variations in the Perception of Basic Tastes and Astringency Relate with Dietary Intake and Preferences for Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Louro Teresa , Simões Carla , Castelo Paula Midori , Capela e Silva Fernando , Luis Henrique , Moreira Pedro , Lamy Elsa
Published: August 2021

Background: Oral food perception plays a major role in food acceptance, although the way it relates with food preferences and final choices in adults is still debatable. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between gustatory function, dietary habits and fruit and vegetable preferences. Methods: Recognition thresholds, suprathreshold and hedonics were accessed for sweet, bitter, sour, salty and astringency in 291 adult participants. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a questionnaire for assessment of preferences for individual fruit and vegetables were filled by the participants. Results: Three clusters were obtained: “most sensitive”, “less sensitive” and “less sensitive only for sour”. The less sensitive cluster showed lower preferences for fruit and vegetables and higher intake of sweets and fast foods, whereas higher preferences for sweet veggies were observed in the “most sensitive” cluster. Basic tastes and astringency hedonics did not associate with fruit and vegetable preferences, but the sensitivity for these oral sensations did. Conclusions: Taste and astringency sensitivities are related with the preference for fruit and vegetables, being also associated with some dietary habits. The effectiveness of the strategies to promote plant-based healthy food consumption may benefit from the knowledge of individuals’ gustatory function.
Metabolic Engineering of Pediococcus acidilactici BD16 for Heterologous Expression of Synthetic alaD Gene Cassette and L-Alanine Production in the Recombinant Strain Using Fed-Batch Fermentation
Authors: Sharma Anshula , Noda Masafumi , Sugiyama Masanori , Kaur Baljinder , Ahmad Ajaz
Published: August 2021

Metabolic engineering substantially aims at the development of more efficient, robust and industrially competitive microbial strains for the potential applications in food, fermentation and pharmaceutical industries. An efficient lab scale bioprocess was developed for high level fermentative production of L-alanine using metabolically engineered Pediococcus acidilactici BD16 (alaD+). Computational biology tools assisted the designing of a synthetic alaD gene cassette, which was further cloned in shuttle vector pLES003 and expressed using an auto-inducible P289 promoter. Further, L-alanine production in the recombinant P. acidilactici BD16 (alaD+) strain was carried out using fed-batch fermentation under oxygen depression conditions, which significantly enhanced L-alanine levels. The recombinant strain expressing the synthetic alaD gene produced 229.12 g/L of L-alanine after 42 h of fed-batch fermentation, which is the second highest microbial L-alanine titer reported so far. After extraction and crystallization, 95% crystal L-alanine (217.54 g/L) was recovered from the culture broth with an enantiomeric purity of 97%. The developed bioprocess using recombinant P. acidilactici BD16 (alaD+) is suggested as the best alternative to chemical-based commercial synthesis of L-alanine for potential industrial applications.
Plant Proteins for Future Foods: A Roadmap
Authors: Sim Shaun Yong Jie , SRV Akila , Chiang Jie Hong , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: August 2021

Protein calories consumed by people all over the world approximate 15–20% of their energy intake. This makes protein a major nutritional imperative. Today, we are facing an unprecedented challenge to produce and distribute adequate protein to feed over nine billion people by 2050, in an environmentally sustainable and affordable way. Plant-based proteins present a promising solution to our nutritional needs due to their long history of crop use and cultivation, lower cost of production, and easy access in many parts of the world. However, plant proteins have comparatively poor functionality, defined as poor solubility, foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties, limiting their use in food products. Relative to animal proteins, including dairy products, plant protein technology is still in its infancy. To bridge this gap, advances in plant protein ingredient development and the knowledge to construct plant-based foods are sorely needed. This review focuses on some salient features in the science and technology of plant proteins, providing the current state of the art and highlighting new research directions. It focuses on how manipulating plant protein structures during protein extraction, fractionation, and modification can considerably enhance protein functionality. To create novel plant-based foods, important considerations such as protein–polysaccharide interactions, the inclusion of plant protein-generated flavors, and some novel techniques to structure plant proteins are discussed. Finally, the attention to nutrition as a compass to navigate the plant protein roadmap is also considered.
Observed Auroral Ovals Secular Variation Inferred from Auroral Boundary Data
Authors: Zossi Bruno , Amit Hagay , Fagre Mariano , Elias Ana G.
Published: August 2021

We analyze the auroral boundary corrected geomagnetic latitude provided by the Auroral Boundary Index (ABI) database to estimate long-term changes of core origin in the area enclosed by this boundary during 1983–2016. We design a four-step filtering process to minimize the solar contribution to the auroral boundary temporal variation for the northern and southern hemispheres. This process includes filtering geomagnetic and solar activity effects, removal of high-frequency signal, and additional removal of a ~20–30-year dominant solar periodicity. Comparison of our results with the secular change of auroral plus polar cap areas obtained using a simple model of the magnetosphere and a geomagnetic core field model reveals a decent agreement, with area increase/decrease in the southern/northern hemisphere respectively for both observations and model. This encouraging agreement provides observational evidence for the surprising recent decrease of the auroral zone area.
Dementia Caregiver Virtual Support—An Implementation Evaluation of Two Pragmatic Models during COVID-19
Authors: Weems Jacy A. , Rhodes Shana , Powers James S.
Published: August 2021

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) require support. Organizations have pivoted from traditional in-person support groups to virtual care in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe two model programs and their pragmatic implementation of virtual care platforms for ADRD caregiver support. A mixed methods analysis of quantitative outcomes as well as a thematic analysis from semi-structured interviews of facilitators was performed as part of a pragmatic quality improvement project to enhance delivery of virtual support services for ADRD caregivers. Implementation differed among individual organizations but was well received by facilitators and caregivers. While virtual platforms can present challenges, older adults appreciated the strength of group facilitators and reported enhanced connectedness related to virtual support. Barriers to success include the limitations of virtual programming, including technological issues and distractions from program delivery. Virtual support can extend outreach, addressing access and providing safe care during a pandemic. Implementation differs among organizations; however, some elements of virtual support may be long-lasting.
Representing Route Familiarity Using the Abstraction Hierarchy Framework
Authors: Payyanadan Rashmi P. , Lee John D.
Published: August 2021

Familiarity with a route is influenced by levels of dynamic and static knowledge about the route and the route network such as type of roads, infrastructure, traffic conditions, purpose of travel, weather, departure time, etc. To better understand and develop route choice models that can incorporate more meaningful representations of route familiarity, OBDII devices were installed in the vehicles of 32 drivers, 65 years and older, for a period of three months. Personalized web-based trip diaries were used to provide older drivers with post-trip feedback reports about their risky driving behaviors, and collect feedback about their route familiarity, preferences, and reasons for choosing the route driven vs. an alternate low-risk route. Feedback responses were analyzed and mapped onto an abstraction hierarchy framework, which showed that among older drivers, route familiarity depends not only on higher abstraction levels such as trip goals, purpose, and driving strategies, but also on the lower levels of demand on driving skills, and characteristics of road type. Additionally, gender differences were identified at the lower levels of the familiarity abstraction model, especially for driving challenges and the driving environment. Results from the analyses helped highlight the multi-faceted nature of route familiarity, which can be used to build the necessary levels of granularity for modelling and interpretation of spatial and contextual route choice recommendation systems for specific population groups such as older drivers.
Methodological Characteristics, Physiological and Physical Effects, and Future Directions for Combined Training in Soccer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ribeiro Jorge , Afonso José , Camões Miguel , Sarmento Hugo , Sá Mário , Lima Ricardo , Oliveira Rafael , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: August 2021

Combined training (CT) may combine strength and endurance training within a given time period, but it can also encompass additional protocols consisting of velocity, balance, or mobility as part of the same intervention. These combined approaches have become more common in soccer. This systematic review was conducted to (1) characterize the training protocols used in CT studies in soccer, (2) summarize the main physiological and physical effects of CT on soccer players, and (3) provide future directions for research. Methods: A systematic review of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PICOS were defined as follows: P (soccer players of any age or sex); I (CT combining strength and endurance or sprinting or balance or mobility training); C (the control group (whenever applicable), with or without comparative interventions in addition to usual soccer training); O (acute and/or chronic responses: biochemical, physiological and physical); S (must have at least two groups, either randomized or non-randomized). The database search initially identified 79 titles. From those, eight articles were deemed eligible for the systematic review. Three studies analyzed acute responses to concurrent training, while the remaining five analyzed adaptations to CT. In those tested for acute responses, physiological (hormonal) and physical (strength and power external load, internal load) parameters were observed. Adaptations were mainly focused on physical parameters (strength and power, sprints, jumps, repeated sprint ability, aerobic, change-of-direction), with relatively little focus on physiological parameters (muscle architecture). Short-term responses to CT can affect hormonal responses of testosterone after resistance training with internal and external load. In turn, these responses’ effects on strength and power have produced mixed results, as have adaptations. Specifically, strength and hypertrophy are affected to a lesser extent than speed/power movements. Nevertheless, it is preferable to perform CT before endurance exercises since it is a limiting factor for interference. Volume, intensity, rest between sessions, and athletes’ fitness levels and nutrition dictate the degree of interference.
Factors Affecting Participation in Leisure Activities in Patients after Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Akezaki Yoshiteru , Nakata Eiji , Kikuuchi Masato , Tominaga Ritsuko , Kurokawa Hideaki , Okamoto Masaki , Hamada Makiko , Aogi Kenjiro , Ohsumi Shozo , Sugihara Shinsuke
Published: August 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to patient’s participation in leisure activity in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node dissection at 3 months after surgery. Methods: In total, 160 women who were employed before their surgery were evaluated. Age, body mass index (BMI), employment, level of lymph node dissection, marital status, children, coresident household members, preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative hormonal therapy, postoperative radiotherapy, shoulder range of motion test, upper limb function, quality of life, and patient’s participation in leisure activity were evaluated. Results: Patients who undertook leisure activities constituted the leisure activity group, and patients who did not constituted the non-leisure activity group. Global health status, emotional function, social function, and dyspnea were significantly different between the leisure activity group and the non-leisure activity group at 3 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Regarding factors that affected participation in leisure activities, logistic regression analysis showed that only participation in leisure activities before surgery was significantly associated with participation in leisure activities at 3 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients who did not participate in leisure activities prior to surgery were unlikely to participate 3 months after surgery and thus require intervention to encourage their involvement.
Performance Improvement of a Negative-Pressurized Isolation Room for Infection Control
Authors: Wang Fujen , Chaerasari Citra , Rakshit Dibakar , Permana Indra , Kusnandar
Published: August 2021

Negative-pressurized isolation rooms have been approved effectively and applied widely for infectious patients. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a huge demand for negative-pressurized isolation rooms. It is critical and essential to ensure infection control performance through best practice of ventilation systems and optimum airflow distribution within isolation rooms. This study investigates a retrofitting project of an isolation room to accommodate COVID-19 patients. The field measurement has been conducted to ensure the compliance with the design specification from the CDC of Taiwan. The pressure differentials between negative-pressurized isolation rooms and corridor areas should be at least 8 Pa, while the air change rate per hour (ACH) should be 8–12 times. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is applied to evaluate the ventilation performance and contamination control. Different layout arrangements of exhaust air have been proposed to enhance the ventilation performance for infection control. A simple projected air-jet curtain has been proposed in the simulation model to enhance extra protection of medical staff. The resulting ventilation control revealed that the contamination control can be improved through the minor adjustment of exhaust air arrangement and the application of an air-jet curtain.
When Nurses Become Patients. Validation of the Content of the Diagnostic Label Professional Traumatic Grief
Authors: Gilart Ester , Lepiani Isabel , Núñez María José Cantizano , Roman Inmaculada Cabrera , Bocchino Anna
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has put our healthcare systems to the test, exposing their vulnerability and demanding a high degree of commitment and dedication from healthcare teams to confront and contain the disease. In this sense, nursing professionals have played a prominent role in the treatment of complex cases that have required hospitalisation and have manifested pre-existing health complications or mortality. This unprecedented situation made it difficult to regulate the emotional impact and manage grief, often turning it into a traumatic grief whose psychological and emotional manifestations are increasingly evident but very little researched in the current context. (2) Purpose: Validation of the definition, defining characteristics and related factors for the proposal of the nursing diagnosis of professional traumatic grief. (3) Method: Based on Fehring’s content validation model, the label name, defining characteristics and other related factors were agreed upon by Spanish experts. (4) Results: The content validity index was 0.9068. A total of 21 defining characteristics were validated by the experts, as all of them scored above 0.6. With respect to the related factors of the proposed 10, all were validated. (5) Conclusion: The present study supports the proposal to develop a nursing diagnosis for professional traumatic grief. The use of standardised language is only the first step in establishing professional traumatic grief as a diagnostic category.
Reliability and Quality of YouTube Videos on Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block: A Programmatical Review
Authors: Cho Noo Ree , Cha Jeong Ho , Park Jeong Jun , Kim Yun Hak , Ko Dai Sik
Published: August 2021

Background: Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has gained popularity over the last decade. This study aimed to assess whether YouTube videos sufficiently serve as an adjunctive tool for learning how to perform an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB). Methods: All YouTube videos were classified, based on their sources, as either academic, manufacturer, educational, or individual videos. The metrics, accuracy, utility, reliability (using the Journal of American Medical Association Score benchmark criteria (JAMAS)), and educational quality (using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and Brachial Plexus Block Specific Quality Score (BSQS)) were validated. Results: Here, 175 videos were included. Academic (1.19 ± 0.62, mean ± standard deviation), manufacturer (1.17 ± 0.71), and educational videos (1.15 ± 0.76) had better JAMAS accuracy and reliability than individual videos (0.26 ± 0.67) (p < 0.001). Manufacturer (11.22 ± 1.63) and educational videos (10.33 ± 3.34) had a higher BSQS than individual videos (7.32 ± 4.20) (p < 0.001). All sources weakly addressed the equipment preparation and post-procedure questions after BSQS analysis. Conclusions: The reliability and quality of ultrasound-guided BPB videos differ depending on their source. As YouTube is a useful educational platform for learners and teachers, global societies of regional anesthesiologists should set a standard for videos.
Associations between Personality Traits, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Coping Strategies, and Stress in Italian Frontline and Non-Frontline HCWs during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Multi-Group Path-Analysis
Authors: Bongelli Ramona , Canestrari Carla , Fermani Alessandra , Muzi Morena , Riccioni Ilaria , Bertolazzi Alessia , Burro Roberto
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a very difficult physical and psychological challenge for the general population and even more for healthcare workers (HCWs). The main aim of the present study is to test whether there were significant differences between frontline and non-frontline Italian HCWs concerning (a) personality traits, intolerance of uncertainty, coping strategies and perceived stress, and (b) the models of their associations. A total of 682 Italian HCWs completed a self-report questionnaire: 280 employed in COVID-19 wards and 402 in other wards. The analysis of variance omnibus test revealed significant differences between the two groups only for perceived stress, which was higher among the frontline. The multi-group path analysis revealed significant differences in the structure of the associations between the two groups of HCWs, specifically concerning the relations between: personality traits and intolerance of uncertainty; intolerance of uncertainty and coping strategies. Regarding the relation between coping strategies and stress no difference was identified between the two groups. In both of them, emotionally focused coping was negatively related with perceived stress, whereas dysfunctional coping was positively related with stress. These results could be useful in planning actions aiming to reduce stress and improve the effectiveness of HCWs’ interventions. Training programs aimed to provide HCWs with a skillset to tackle uncertain and stressful circumstances could represent an appropriate support to develop a preventive approach during outbreaks.
Monte Carlo Simulations of ED-XRF Spectra as an Authentication Tool for Nuragic Bronzes
Authors: Nocco Carlo , Brunetti Antonio , Barcellos Lins Sergio Augusto
Published: August 2021

The high artistic and cultural relevance of particular objects, in this case from the Nuragic civilization, have stimulated the growth of a forgery industry, replicating small bronze boats (navicelle), statues (bronzetti), and other objects. It is often the case where the forgeries are of such quality that it becomes difficult to distinguish them from authentic artifacts without a proper chemical analysis. In this research, a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for X-ray interactions with matter is used to obtain the chemical composition from the bulk of each object from a set of five. The method employed has the advantage of being completely nondestructive and relatively fast. The objects’ chemical composition and morphology were compared with the data available from authentic artifacts so their authenticity could be inferred. Four of the five objects are likely to be authentic, where two of them could be associated with a Sardinian origin.
Interactive Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation with Nano Boron, Zinc, and Molybdenum Fertilization on Stevioside Contents of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, L.) Plants
Authors: Zewail Reda M. Y. , Ali Maha , El-Gamal Ibrahim S. H. , Al-Maracy Sherine H. A. , Islam Khandakar R. , Elsadek Mohamed , Azab Ehab , Gobouri Adil A. , ElNahhas Nihal , Mohamed Mostafa H. M. , El-Desouky Heba S.
Published: August 2021

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, L.) is receiving increasing global interest as a diabetes-focused herb associated with zero-calorie stevioside sweetener glycoside production. This study was conducted to determine whether the arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), as a biofertilizer integrated with nano boron (B), zinc (Zn), and molybdenum (Mo), would improve stevia growth and stevioside content. A factorial experiment with four replicates was conducted to evaluate the effect of AM at 0, 150, and 300 spore/g soil and three nano microelements B at 100 mg/L, Zn at 100 mg/L, and Mo at 40 mg/L on growth performance, stevioside, mineral contents, and biochemical contents of stevia. Results indicated that the combination of AM at 150 and B at 100 mg/L significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry-stem, and herbal g/plant during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Chlorophyll content was increased by the combination between AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during both seasons. Stevioside content in leaves was increased by AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during the second season. In addition, N, P, K, Zn, and B in the leaf were increased by applying the combination of AM and nano microelements. Leaf bio constituent contents were increased with AM at 150 spore/g soil and B at 100 mg/L during both seasons. The application of AM and nano B can be exploited for high growth, mineral, and stevioside contents as a low-calorie sweetener product in stevia.
Estimating the Precipitation Amount at Regional Scale Using a New Tool, Climate Analyzer
Authors: Bărbulescu Alina , Postolache Florin , Dumitriu Cristian Ștefan
Published: August 2021

Different methods are known for interpolating spatial data. Introduced a few years ago, the initial version of the Most Probable Precipitation Method (MPPM) proved to be a valuable competitor against the Thiessen Polygons Method, Inverse Distance Weighting and kriging for estimating the regional trend of precipitation series. Climate Analyzer, introduced here, is a user-friendly toolkit written in Matlab, which implements the initial and modified version of MPPM and new selection criteria of the series that participate in estimating the regional precipitation series. The software provides the graphical output of the estimated regional series, the modeling errors and the comparisons of the results for different segmentations of the time interval used in modeling. This article contains the description of Climate Analyzer, accompanied by a case study to exemplify its capabilities.
Clinical Failure and Emergence of Resistance during Third Generation Cephalosporin Therapy for Enterobacter spp. Infection: Is the Risk Overestimated? A Prospective Multicentric Study
Authors: Pilmis Benoît , Delerue Thibaud , Belkacem Anna , Caraux-Paz Pauline , Kernéis Solen , Alviset Sophie , Canoui Etienne , Mizrahi Assaf , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Lafaurie Matthieu , Carbonnelle Etienne , Zahar Jean-Ralph
Published: August 2021

Background: Clinical and microbiological guidelines recommend treating infections caused by Enterobacter spp. with cefepime or carbapenems. The main objective of this study was to assess the risk of clinical failure with third generation cephalosporin (3GC) therapy compared to other β-lactams for infections caused by Enterobacter spp. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the risk of emergence of resistance during therapy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in seven French hospitals over an 18-month period including all patients with a pulmonary and/or bloodstream infection due to Enterobacter spp. susceptible to 3GC. Results: Seventy-four patients were included in our study. Among them, 26 (35%) received a 3GC as a first-line treatment, and clinical improvements were observed for 13/21 (62%) of them. Four (5%) cases of emergence of 3GC resistance were observed during therapy including one in the 3GC group. 3GC therapy can be safely used as first-line therapy especially for non-severe patients suffering from pulmonary or bloodstream infections due to Enterobacter spp. Conclusions: Emergence of 3GC resistance remains a rare event, and there is a lack of evidence of the benefit of last-line antibiotics therapies.
Urban Health and Social Marginality: Perceived Health Status and Interaction with Healthcare Professionals of a Hard-to-Reach Community Living in a Suburban Area of Rome (Italy)
Authors: Caminada Susanna , Turatto Federica , Iorio Silvia , Paglione Lorenzo , Errigo Miriam , Mazzalai Elena , Jaljaa Anissa , Giannini Dara , Tofani Marco , Michelazzo Maria Benedetta , Landi Adelaide , Napoli Massimo , Brandimarte Maria Alessandra , Salvatori Livia Maria , Angelozzi Aurora , Baglio Giovanni , Di Rosa Enrico , Battisti Alessandra , Marceca Maurizio
Published: August 2021

The study reports an urban health investigation conducted in Bastogi, an outskirt of Rome (Italy) characterised by social marginalization and deprivation. Our aim was to analyse the health perception, health-related behaviours, and interaction with healthcare professionals of the inhabitants of Bastogi compared to the population living in the area of the same local health unit (ASL). The Progresses of Health Authorities for Health in Italy questionnaire (PASSI) was administered to a sample of 210 inhabitants of Bastogi. Data were analysed and compared to those of the ASL collected in 2017–2018. The socio-economic indicators showed an overall worse condition for the inhabitants of Bastogi, with a significantly higher proportion of foreign and unemployed residents and a lower educational level compared to the ASL. Significant differences in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, mental health complaints, and participation in prevention strategies, including cancer screening, were found. The questionnaire showed a lower help-seeking behaviour and a lack of reliance on health professionals in Bastogi inhabitants. Our findings highlight how social determinants produce health inequities and barriers to accessing healthcare. The difficulties of conducting quantitative research in complex and hard-to-reach contexts, characterized by high social vulnerability, are outlined.
Adsorptive Removal of Arsenic and Lead by Stone Powder/Chitosan/Maghemite Composite Beads
Authors: Pak Hun , Phiri Jesse , We Junhyung , Jung Kyungho , Oh Sanghwa
Published: August 2021

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) contamination in groundwater is a serious problem in countries that use groundwater as drinking water. In this study, composite beads, called SCM beads, synthesized using stone powder (SP), chitosan (Ch), and maghemite (Mag) with different weight ratios (1/1/0.1, 1/1/0.3, and 1/1/0.5 for SP/Ch/Mag) were prepared, characterized and used as adsorbents for the removal of As and Pb from artificially contaminated water samples. Adsorption isotherm experiments of As and Pb onto the beads were conducted and single-solute adsorption isotherm models such as the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR), and dual mode (DM) models were fitted to the experimental data to analyze the adsorption characteristics. The maximum adsorption capacities of the SCM beads were 75.7 and 232.8 mmol/kg for As and Pb, respectively, which were 40 and 5.6 times higher than that of SP according to the Langmuir model analyses. However, the DM model had the highest determinant coefficient (R2) values for both As and Pb adsorption, indicating that the beads had heterogenous adsorption sites with different adsorption affinities. These magnetic beads could be utilized to treat contaminated groundwater.
A New Pedestrian Crossing Level of Service (PCLOS) Method for Promoting Safe Pedestrian Crossing in Urban Areas
Authors: Ahmed Tufail , Moeinaddini Mehdi , Almoshaogeh Meshal , Jamal Arshad , Nawaz Imran , Alharbi Fawaz
Published: August 2021

Crosswalks are critical locations in the urban transport network that need to be designed carefully as pedestrians are directly exposed to vehicular traffic. Although various methods are available to evaluate the level of service (LOS) at pedestrian crossings, pedestrian crossing facilities are frequently ignored in assessing crosswalk conditions. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating crosswalks based on several essential indicators adopted from different guidelines. A new pedestrian crossing level of service (PCLOS) method is introduced in this research, with an aimto promote safe and sustainable operations at such locations. The new PCLOS employs an analytical point system to compare existing street crossing conditions to the guidelines’ standards, taking into account the scores and coefficients of the indicators. The quantitative scores and coefficients of indicators are assigned based on field observations and respondent opinions. The method was tested to evaluate four pedestrian crosswalks in the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia. A total of 17 indicators were selected for the study after a comprehensive literature review. Survey results show that the provision of a zebra crossing was the most critical indicator at the pedestrian crossings, while drainage near crosswalks was regarded as the least important. Four indicators had a coefficient value above 4, indicating that these are very critical pedestrian crossing facilities and significantly impact the calculation of LOS for pedestrian crossings. Four crosswalks were evaluated using the proposed method in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The crosswalk at the Ministry of Domestic Trade Putrajaya got the “PCLOS A”. In contrast, the midblock crossing in front of the Putrajaya Corporation was graded “PCLOS C”. While the remaining two crosswalks were graded as “PCLOS B” crosswalks. Based on the assigned PCLOS grade, the proposed method could also assist in identifying current design and operation issues in existing pedestrian crossings and providing sound policy recommendations for improvements to ensure pedestrian safety.