bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Economic–Environmental Design of Heat Exchanger Network in Naphtha Cracking Center Considering Fuel Type and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Jung Subin , Jung Hyojin , Ahn Yuchan
Published: December 2022

In the petroleum industry, naphtha cracking centers (NCC), which produce ethylene, propylene, propane, and mixed-C4, are known to consume a large amount of energy and release a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). This necessitates economic and environmental assessments with the aim of achieving a reduction in energy use in order to ensure efficiency in terms of cost and environmental impact. Herein, a heat exchanger network (HEN) is considered with the aim of determining its optimal operating strategy. In addition, the trade-off between reduction in utility costs (i.e., profit) and the installation cost of the heat exchanger (i.e., loss) is evaluated in terms of economic efficiency. Finally, an environmental impact assessment is performed with respect to the source of fuel consumed for steam generation. The HEN’s energy consumption in the three configurations analyzed herein was found to be reduced by 3%, 6%, and 8%. When considering variations in the fuel used for steam generation, the changes in the payback period caused differences in the results for the most economical configuration. On the basis of this study, it was possible to design the use of waste heat in the pinch network and the network configuration for the installation of additional heat exchangers in an economically feasible manner, while analyses of various fuel source were used to determine favorable conditions with respect to environmental impact.
Exergoeconomic Analysis of a Variable Area Solar Ejector Refrigeration System under Hot Climatic Conditions
Authors: Tashtoush Bourhan , Songa Iscah , Morosuk Tatiana
Published: December 2022

The present study investigates low-grade heat utilization in ejector refrigeration systems under hot climatic conditions. A variable area ejector is used to maximize the harvested heat from the generator of the solar system at peak times. Exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses are conducted to evaluate the performance of the system. A thermodynamic model of the system has been developed using Ebsilon Professional software. Available experimental and theoretical data validate the results. The effects of properties of the working fluids, ejector geometry, and operation conditions are also evaluated. It was found that the coefficient of performance of the system reached 0.45 at a generator pressure of 3 bars. Furthermore, it was noticed that the overall exergy efficiency could be increased for a fixed generator temperature while increasing the ejector area ratio. A value of 21% exergetic efficiency was calculated for the system. The exergoeconomic analysis of the system demonstrated that heat exchangers are required to be improved thermodynamically at the expense of the capital investment cost.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Non-Reacting Flow in a High-Fidelity Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine DLN Combustor
Authors: Feng Yuan , Li Xuesong , Ren Xiaodong , Gu Chunwei , Lv Xuan , Li Shanshan , Wang Ziye
Published: December 2022

A dry, low-NOx (DLN) combustor for a heavy-duty gas turbine using lean premixed technology was studied. A high-fidelity test model was built for the experimental study using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The non-reacting flow in the DLN combustion chamber was investigated experimentally and numerically. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The results show that recirculation zones were formed downstream of each swirl nozzle and that the flow pattern in each section was self-similar under different working conditions. For two adjacent swirl nozzles with opposite swirling directions, the entrainment phenomenon was present between their two flows. The two flows gradually mixed with each other and obtained a higher speed. If the two adjacent swirl nozzles had the same swirling direction, then the mixing of the two flows out of the nozzles was not present, resulting in two separate downstream recirculation zones. The interaction of swirling flows out of different nozzles can enhance the turbulent fluctuation inside the combustion chamber. Based on the analysis of the recirculation zones and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) distribution downstream of each nozzle, it can be found that nozzle coupling results in stronger recirculation and turbulent mixing downstream counterclockwise surrounding nozzles.
Integrating Social Forestry and Biodiversity Conservation in Indonesia
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Yeny Irma , Karlina Endang , Suharti Sri , Murniati  , Subarudi  , Mulyanto Budi , Ekawati Sulistya , Garsetiasih Raden , Pratiwi  , Sumirat Bugi Kabul , Sawitri Reny , Heriyanto Nur M. , Takandjandji Mariana , Widarti Asmanah , Surati  , Desmiwati  , Kalima Titi , Effendi Rachman , Martin Edwin , Ulya Nur Arifatul , Sylviani  , Nurlia Ari
Published: December 2022

Social forestry (SF) has long been implemented in production and protected forests in Indonesia. SF is considered to be a win–win solution for occupied and cultivated forest areas. The aim of this paper was to review the implementation of social forestry in Indonesia and its strengths and challenges. The secondary purpose was to synthesize the lessons learned and recommendations for the government about designing SF that can integrate the objective of forest biodiversity conservation and the social welfare of the surrounding communities. The study used a systematic literature review (SLR) of international and national peer-reviewed articles. The results of the study indicate that SF is intended to achieve benefits in three main areas: social, economic, and ecological. However, the review found that the ecological aspects of biodiversity conservation often receive less attention compared to the social and economic goals. A strong point of SF implementation is increasing community access to forest land use, while a challenge that must be resolved is that including communities in forest management can result in fragmentation and changes to animal habitats; thus, there is the potential for population decline and extinction. This study advises policymakers to pay more attention to ecological functions to ensure forest sustainability in SF development.
6G Wireless Communication Systems: Applications, Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Anoh Kelvin , See Chan Hwang , Dama Yousef , Abd-Alhameed Raed A. , Keates Simeon
Published: December 2022

As the technical specifications of the 5th Generation (5G) wireless communication standard are being wrapped up, there are growing efforts amongst researchers, industrialists, and standardisation bodies on the enabling technologies of a 6G standard or the so-called Beyond 5G (B5G) one. Although the 5G standard has presented several benefits, there are still some limitations within it. Such limitations have motivated the setting up of study groups to determine suitable technologies that should operate in the year 2030 and beyond, i.e., after 5G. Consequently, this Special Issue of Future Internet concerning what possibilities lie ahead for a 6G wireless network includes four high-quality research papers (three of which are review papers with over 412 referred sources and one regular research). This editorial piece summarises the major contributions of the articles and the Special Issue, outlining future directions for new research.
Carbon Fibers from Wet-Spun Cellulose-Lignin Precursors Using the Cold Alkali Process
Authors: Bengtsson Andreas , Landmér Alice , Norberg Lars , Yu Shun , Ek Monica , Brännvall Elisabet , Sedin Maria
Published: December 2022

In recent years, there has been extensive research into the development of cheaper and more sustainable carbon fiber (CF) precursors, and air-gap-spun cellulose-lignin precursors have gained considerable attention where ionic liquids have been used for the co-dissolution of cellulose and lignin. However, ionic liquids are expensive and difficult to recycle. In the present work, an aqueous solvent system, cold alkali, was used to prepare cellulose-lignin CF precursors by wet spinning solutions containing co-dissolved dissolving-grade kraft pulp and softwood kraft lignin. Precursors containing up to 30 wt% lignin were successfully spun using two different coagulation bath compositions, where one of them introduced a flame retardant into the precursor to increase the CF conversion yield. The precursors were converted to CFs via batchwise and continuous conversion. The precursor and conversion conditions had a significant effect on the conversion yield (12–44 wt%), the Young’s modulus (33–77 GPa), and the tensile strength (0.48–1.17 GPa), while the precursor morphology was preserved. Structural characterization of the precursors and CFs showed that a more oriented and crystalline precursor gave a more ordered CF structure with higher tensile properties. The continuous conversion trials highlighted the importance of tension control to increase the mechanical properties of the CFs.
Differentiation in the SiC Filler Size Effect in the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Friction-Spot-Welded AA5083-H116 Alloy
Authors: Suresh S. , Natarajan Elango , Franz Gérald , Rajesh S.
Published: December 2022

Ceramic reinforced friction stir spot-welding (FSSW) is one of the unique welding techniques used to fabricate spot joints. This study is intended to investigate the effect of reinforcement additive particle size in achieving higher weld strengths. AA5083-H116 aluminum alloy plates were welded with nano- and micro-sized silicon carbide (SiC) particles. Investigations of the weld joints prepared using a tool rotational speed of 1300 rpm, tool plunge rate of 25 mm/min, and dwell time of 10 s revealed that the lap shear tensile strength and hardness of the nano-SiC particles added to aluminum joints were higher than those of the micro-SiC particles added to joints. In particular, the nano-SiC particles provided 29.6% higher strength and 23.3% higher hardness than the unfilled FSSW. The uniformly dispersed fine SiC particles in the processed zone provided more nucleation sites for the re-precipitation of new grains and the precipitates in the aluminum matrix. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed that there was no evidence of a new phase (intermetallic compounds). Reinforcement of SiC particles significantly enhanced the wear characteristics, as well (26.3%). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) evidenced the uniform distribution of SiC particles in the weld nugget zone. In addition, the fractography of the samples is presented and discussed.
Reddish Colour in Cooked Ham Is Developed by a Mixture of Protoporphyrins Including Zn-Protoporphyrin and Protoporphyrin IX
Authors: Giménez-Campillo Claudia , Hernández Juan de Dios , Guillén Isidro , Campillo Natalia , Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Torre-Minguela Carlos de , Viñas Pilar
Published: December 2022

The nitrosyl–heme complex is considered the pigment responsible for the development of reddish colour in cooked hams. However, the same reddish colour was observed in a nitrite-free product elaborated with polyphenols, suggesting the presence of other red pigments that can contribute to generate this colour. In this study, the protoporphyrins composition of the pigment solution obtained from nitrite and nitrite-free cooked hams was analysed using 80% (v/v) acetone/water solution for extraction. Chromatographic analysis using a combination of diode array and fluorescence detectors revealed the presence of protoporphyrin IX and Zn-protoporphyrin IX in this solution, and these protoporphyrins were subsequently identified with complete certainty by mass spectrometry. These results show how the colour of cooked hams can be developed by a mixture of different protoporphyrins and also demonstrate the absence of selectivity of acetone/water extraction for measuring the content of nitrosyl–heme in cooked hams.
Effect of Mealworm Powder Substitution on the Properties of High-Gluten Wheat Dough and Bread Based on Different Baking Methods
Authors: Xie Xinyuan , Cai Ke , Yuan Zhihe , Shang Longchen , Deng Lingli
Published: December 2022

Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are protein-rich edible insects that have been regarded as novel food ingredients. In this study, high-gluten wheat flour was formulated with dried mealworm powder at various levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) to study its influence on the pasting, farinograph, and extensograph properties and microstructure of the dough. A subsequent decrease in the pasting parameters was observed due to starch dilution. The water absorption, dough development time, and dough stability time decreased gradually from 71.9% to 68.67%, 13.6 min to 10.43 min, and 14.1 min to 5.33 min, respectively, with the increase in the substitution of mealworm powder from 0% to 20%. The farinograph characteristics corresponded to a weak gluten network formed through the dilution of gluten by the replacement of wheat flour with a non-gluten ingredient. The stretch ratio of the high-gluten dough increased gradually from 4.37 (M0) to 6.33 (M15). The increased stretching resistance and extensibility of the dough with 5% and 10% mealworm powder indicated that mealworm powder can act as a plasticizer in the gluten network, which might contribute to the decreased strength and increased elasticity and flexibility of the dough network. The bread made with three different baking methods showed similar increases in specific volume and decreased hardness up to the 10% substitution level, owing to the increased elasticity and flexibility of the dough. The GB/T 35869-2018 Rapid-baking method, GB/T 14611-2008 Straight dough method, and automatic bread maker method exhibited the highest specific volumes of 3.70 mL/g, 3.79 mL/g, and 4.14 mL/g when the wheat flour was substituted with 10% mealworm powder. However, 15% and 20% mealworm powder substitution markedly reduced the bread quality owing to the dilution effect and mealworm powder phase separation. These results provide a perspective on the relationship between the rheological properties of mealworm powder-substituted high-gluten dough and application suggestions for insect food development in the food industry.
Pasting and Rheological Properties of Starch Paste/Gels in a Sugar-Acid System
Authors: Boonkor Ployfon , Sagis Leonard M. C. , Lumdubwong Namfone
Published: December 2022

This study was to investigate the impact of granule size, amylose content, and starch molecular characteristics on pasting and rheological properties of starch paste/gels in neutral (water) and sugar–acid systems. Normal rice starch (RS), waxy rice starch (WRS), normal tapioca starch (TS), and waxy tapioca starch (WTS) representing small-granule starches and intermediate-granule starches respectively, were used in the study. Impacts of granule size, AM content, and their synergistic effects resulted in different starch susceptibility to acid hydrolysis and interactions between starch and sucrose-water, yielding different paste viscosities in both systems. The high molecular weight (Mw¯) and linearity of amylopectin and amylose molecules increased the consistency of starch pastes. RS produced a stronger and more brittle gel than other starch gels in both neutral and sugar–acid systems. The results indicated the impact of the effect of granule size and amylose content on starch gel behaviors. Properties of waxy starch gels were mainly governed by amylopectin molecular characteristics, especially in the sugar–acid system. Adding sugar and acid had minor impacts on starch gel behaviors in the linear viscoelastic (LVE) region but were most evident in the nonlinear response regime of starch gels as shown in the Lissajous curves at large oscillatory strain.
Analytical, Chemometric and Sensorial Characterization of Oloroso and Palo Cortado Sherries during Their Ageing in the Criaderas y Solera System
Authors: Valcárcel-Muñoz Manuel J. , Guerrero-Chanivet María , Rodríguez-Dodero Carmen , García-Moreno M. de Valme , Guillén-Sánchez Dominico A.
Published: December 2022

Oloroso and Palo Cortado are two types of sherry wines, produced in the Sherry Wine Region in Southern Spain, known as Marco de Jerez, where it is aged following the traditional Criaderas y Solera system. All of them are aged through oxidative ageing, even though the peculiar Palo Cortado Sherry wine is also aged biologically under a veil of flor yeasts in the first stage. Total dry extract, organic acids, aldehydes, esters, higher alcohols and phenolic compounds in these sherry wines evolve during their ageing as a consequence of evaporation and/or perspiration processes, chemical reactions, extraction of compounds from oakwood and microbiological activity. Sherry wines develop their characteristic organoleptic profile during their ageing, as could be proven through their tasting sessions. According to the sherry type, some natural groupings of the wines could be observed after their principal component analysis. Furthermore, by multiple linear regression methods, an important correlation between the parameters that were analyzed and the ageing of each specific wine has been confirmed, which allowed us to establish two different models, each corresponding to the sherry type in question. Only five of the variables that were investigated were required to successfully estimate each wine’s age at over 99% confidence. This represents a rather convenient tool for wineries to monitor the ageing of these sherry wines.
Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Oysters under Low Tidal Range Conditions: Is Seawater Analysis Useful for Risk Assessment?
Authors: Audemard Corinne , Ben-Horin Tal , Kator Howard I. , Reece Kimberly S.
Published: December 2022

Human-pathogenic Vibrio bacteria are acquired by oysters through filtering seawater, however, the relationships between levels of these bacteria in measured in oysters and overlying waters are inconsistent across regions. The reasons for these discrepancies are unclear hindering our ability to assess if -or when- seawater samples can be used as a proxy for oysters to assess risk. We investigated whether concentrations of total and human pathogenic Vibrio vulnificus (vvhA and pilF genes) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (tlh, tdh and trh genes) measured in seawater reflect concentrations of these bacteria in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) cultured within the US lower Chesapeake Bay region. We measured Vibrio spp. concentrations using an MPN-qPCR approach and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM). We found seawater concentrations of these bacteria to predictably respond to temperature and salinity over chlorophyll a, pheophytin or turbidity. We also inferred from the SEM results that Vibrio concentrations in seawater strongly predict their respective concentrations in oysters. We hypothesize that such seawater-oyster coupling can be observed in regions of low tidal range. Due to the ease of sampling and processing of seawater samples compared to oyster samples, we suggest that under low tidal range conditions, seawater samples can foster increased spatial and temporal coverage and complement data associated with oyster samples.
Sour Beer with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei F19: Feasibility and Influence of Supplementation with Spondias mombin L. Juice and/or By-Product
Authors: Praia Ana Beatriz , Herkenhoff Marcos Edgar , Broedel Oliver , Frohme Marcus , Saad Susana Marta Isay
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus (L.) paracasei subsp. paracasei F19 (F19) with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae US-05 (US-05), using Spondias mombin L. (‘taperebá’ or ‘cajá’) juice and by-product, in four sour-type beer formulations: control, with bagasse, juice, and juice and bagasse. The viability of F19 was evaluated by pour-plating and PMA-qPCR. Fermentability, in addition to physicochemical and sensory parameters, and aroma and flavor, were evaluated during brewery by using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). F19 was successful in fermenting bagasse in a MRS medium (9.28 log CFU/mL in 24 h) but had a low viability in hopped wort, growing better in formulations without bagasse or juice. No difference between formulations was observed regarding sensory acceptability, and the HS-SPME/GC-MS revealed different flavors and aroma compounds. In conclusion, the production of a potential probiotic sour beer with F19 and US-05 is feasible regarding probiotic viability. However, S. mombin, as juice or bagasse, threatened probiotic survival. Different flavors and aroma compounds were detected, whereas no difference between formulations was found regarding sensory acceptability. The moderate alcohol content achieved is important for bacterial survival and for the development of a probiotic beer with health claims.
King Béla III of the Árpád Dynasty and Byzantium—Genealogical Approach
Authors: Berzeviczy Klára , Pályi Gyula
Published: December 2022

Béla III from the Árpád dynasty, who later became the King of Hungary and Croatia, was previously the heir to the Byzantine Imperial Throne. Some genealogical aspects of this unusual individual are collected in the present study. Possible archaeogenetic relevance is also discussed.
Giving Birth in Unpredictable Conditions: Association between Parents’ COVID-19 Related Concerns, Family Functioning, Dyadic Coping, Perceived Social Support and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kokkinaki Theano , Koutra Katerina , Michopoulou Olga , Anagnostatou Nicole , Chaziraki Lina , Kokarida Panagiota , Hatzidaki Eleftheria
Published: December 2022

Background: The way postpartum parents’ COVID-19-related concerns are associated with the family environment, support resources and depressive symptoms areunder-investigated. Methods: Two hundred and forty-three new parents (132 mothers, 111 fathers) completed self-report questionnaires within an 8-week period after birth. Parental concerns for COVID-19-related life changes were assessed with the COVID-19 Questionnaire, perceived social support with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, perceived family functioning with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV Package, dyadic coping behaviors with the Dyadic Coping Inventory and maternal/paternal postnatal depression with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: (a) Higher levels of COVID-19-related concerns about daily life were associated with lower levels of family communication, satisfaction and increased depressive symptomatology in both parents, and with lower levels of family functioning in mothers; (b) Maternal health care COVID-19-related concerns were linked with lower levels of family communication, lower perceived social support and with an increase in maternal depressive symptoms; and (c) COVID-19-related concerns about neonate hospitalization were associated with increased maternal depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Τhese findings suggest that COVID-19-related concerns had a common negative effect on both postpartum mothers’ and fathers’ mental health and on certain aspects of family functioning.
A Historical Review of Liberia’s Public Health Evolution—Past, Present & Future
Authors: Kanagasabai Udhayashankar , Ballah James B.
Published: December 2022

Over the past two centuries since its independence in 1847, Liberia has made significant progress in building an integrated public health system designed to serve its population. Despite a prolonged period of civil conflict (1990–2003) and the emergence of the 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) that crippled its already weakened health system, Liberia was able to re-emerge, making significant strides and gains in rebuilding and strengthening its health infrastructure and systems. Lessons learnt from the EVD epidemic have led to developments such as the newly established National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and several tertiary public health institutions to meet the growing demands of a skilled workforce equipped to combat existing and emerging health problems and/crisis, including informing the more recent COVID-19 response. This article delineated and documented the historical efforts made towards establishing public health interventions such as infrastructures and systems of the past, and how these structures and systems became the foundation and pillars of the current resilient health system. This paper highlighted some of the key crises and interventions deployed, and some of the historical public health champions, laws, and policies that aided in strengthening the public health systems then and now. It is expected that in addition this paper can be used as a guide for further or future research.
Evaluation of a Complex Intervention to Strengthen Participation-Centred Care for Children with Special Healthcare Needs: Protocol of the Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised PART-CHILD Trial
Authors: Eichinger Michael , Görig Tatiana , Georg Sabine , Hoffmann Dorle , Sonntag Diana , Philippi Heike , König Jochem , Urschitz Michael S. , De Bock Freia
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Participation is an important dimension of healthy child development and is associated with higher self-rated health, educational attainment and civic engagement. Many children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) experience limited participation and are thus at risk for adverse health and developmental outcomes. Despite this, interventions that promote participation in healthcare are scarce. We therefore evaluate the effectiveness of a complex age- and condition-generic intervention that strengthens participation-centred care involving parents and their children with SHCN by, inter alia, assessing preferences, specifying participation goals and facilitating shared decision-making in care. Methods and analysis: In this study protocol we describe the design and procedures for an unblinded, stepped wedge, cluster randomised trial conducted in 15 German interdisciplinary healthcare facilities providing services for children aged 0–18 years with SHCN. Sites are randomised to five periods in which they switch from control to intervention condition in blocks of three. The intervention includes: (1) team training focused on participation-centred care, (2) introduction of a new software facilitating participation-focused documentation and (3) implementation support promoting the transfer of training content into routine care. Study sites deliver routine care while in the control condition. As primary outcome, the degree of perceived shared decision-making with parents (CollaboRATEpediatric parent scale), a potential antecedent of achieving participation goals in everyday life, is assessed on one randomly selected day per week during the entire study period, directly following care appointments. We aim to sample 70 parents per study site and period. Additionally, participation of children is assessed within a closed embedded cohort with three parent and patient surveys. Intervention effectiveness will be modelled with a marginal model for correlated binary outcomes using generalised estimation equations and complete cases. A comprehensive mixed-methods process evaluation complements the effectiveness analyses.
An Assessment of the Reliability and Validity of the PERMA Well-Being Scale for Adult Undergraduate Students in an Open and Distance Learning Context
Authors: Magare Ishmael , Graham Marien Alet , Eloff Irma
Published: December 2022

Background: The PERMA well-being scale measures the multidimensionality of well-being in human populations. It highlights positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Despite the empirical advancement and evolution of the PERMA scale in different settings, its applicability to open and distance learning (ODL) has not been adequately established among undergraduate students in sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: Our study examines the theoretical reliability, validity, and five-factor structure of the shortened 35-item version of the PERMA well-being scale as it was adapted in an ODL tertiary institution in Botswana. The PERMA model of well-being and self-determination theory (SDT) served as theoretical frameworks. We evaluated the adapted PERMA scale’s reliability, construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis, and measures of invariance to assess if the data of undergraduate students in an ODL context study fitted the PERMA model of a well-being five-factor structure. We used a multi-stage sampling scheme incorporating a convenience sampling approach where the respondents were invited to voluntarily participate in the study through a WhatsApp group, followed by snowball sampling where we asked the participants to add others to the WhatsApp group during the timeline of the survey; the sample comprised 215 respondents (age: mean = 38.17, standard deviation = 6.472). We collected data from former and active undergraduate B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) degree students from five regional campuses of the open university through an online survey built into the Qualtrics platform. The Cronbach’s alpha indicated that one item should be removed from the engagement domain. Results: The overall adapted scale retained a 34-item PERMA well-being scale in the particular ODL context. The goodness of fit indices confirmed the five-domain structure with the 34 items. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the 34-item adapted PERMA well-being scale suggest that it can be a valuable and feasible instrument in ODL in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the adapted scale can be applied in educational settings moving towards open and distance e-learning forms of delivery.
Physical Activity in Malaysia: Are We Doing Enough? Findings from the REDISCOVER Study
Authors: Nik-Nasir Nik Munirah , Md-Yasin Mazapuspavina , Ariffin Farnaza , Mat-Nasir Nafiza , Miskan Maizatullifah , Abu-Bakar Najmin , Yusoff Khalid
Published: December 2022

Physical activity (PA) in the form of structured or unstructured exercise is beneficial for health. This paper aims to study PA levels across four domains according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and its associated factors. A total of 7479 Malaysian adult participants between 18 to 90 years old from the REDISCOVER study who completed the IPAQ were analyzed. PA was calculated as MET-min per week and were categorized according to insufficiently active, sufficiently active and very active. Multinomial regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic, clinical factors and the level of PA. The mean age of the participants was 51.68 (±9.5 SD). The total reported physical activity in median (IQR) was 1584.0 (0–5637.3) MET-min per week. The highest total for PA was in the domestic domain which is 490 (0–2400) MET-min per week. Factors associated with sufficiently active or very active PA include Malay ethnicity, no formal education, elementary occupation, current smokers and high HDL. Whereas low income, male and normal BMI are less likely to participate in sufficiently active or very active PA. Intervention to encourage higher PA levels in all domains is important to achieve recommended PA targets.
Effects of Radiant Floor Heating Integrated with Natural Ventilation on Flow and Dispersion in a Newly Decorated Residence
Authors: Cui Peng-Yi , Wang Jia-Qi , Yang Feng , Zhao Qing-Xia , Huang Yuan-Dong , Yang Yong , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: December 2022

To date, few studies have been conducted on the characteristics of flow and dispersion caused by indoor radiant floor heating integrated with natural ventilation. In this study, we employed reduced−scale numerical models validated by wind−tunnel experiments to investigate the influence of radiant floor heating integrated with natural ventilation on airflow, heat transfer, and pollutant dispersion within an isolated building. The Richardson number (Ri) was specified to characterize the interaction between the inflow inertia force and the buoyancy force caused by radiant floor heating. Several Ri cases from 0 to 26.65, coupled with cross− or single−sided ventilation, were considered. Model validation showed that the numerical model coupled with the RNG k-ε model was able to better predict the indoor buoyant flow and pollutant dispersion. The results showed that the similarity criterion of Ri equality should be first satisfied in order to study indoor mixed convection using the reduced−scale model, followed by Re−independence. For cross−ventilation, when Ri < 5.31, the incoming flow inertia force mainly dominates the indoor flow structure so that the ACH, indoor temperature, and pollutant distributions remain almost constant. When Ri > 5.31, the thermal buoyancy force becomes increasingly important, causing significant changes in indoor flow structures. However, for single−sided ventilation, when Ri > 5.31 and continues to increase, the buoyancy force mainly dominates the indoor flow structure, causing a significant increase in ACH, thus reducing the indoor average temperature and pollutant accumulation.
The Mental Health of the Peruvian Older Adult during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fhon Jack Roberto Silva , Villanueva-Benites Maritza Evangelina , Goméz-Luján Maria del Pilar , Mocarro-Aguilar Maria Rosario , Arpasi-Quispe Orfelina , Peralta-Gómez Reyna Ysmelia , Lavado-Huarcaya Sofia Sabina , Leitón-Espinoza Zoila Esperanza
Published: December 2022

During the pandemic, the elderly population was the most exposed to disease and changes in their daily lives. The objective was to determine the association between demographic factors, access to health services, sources of information, and physical symptoms in the mental health of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic—a study with 3828 older adults residing in nine cities in Peru. The data was collected using a web-based survey, and the instruments of demographic data; exposure to information (radio, television, and internet); and presence of physical symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress were used. Descriptive and analytical analysis was performed. Female sex, those aged between 60 and 79 years old, those with secondary education, those in their own home, those residing in an urban area, and those using public services of health predominated in this study. Likewise, 62.9% presented depressive symptoms; on the stress scale, an average of 27.81 (SD = 8.71), and on the anxiety scale, an average of 27.24 (SD = 6.04). Moreover, 65.1% reported fatigue, 62.2% had a headache, and 61.2% lack of energy. There is an association between demographic variables and the physical and psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in the elderly during the pandemic.
The Third Half: A Pilot Study Using Evidence-Based Psychological Strategies to Promote Well-Being among Doctoral Students
Authors: Muro Anna , Bonilla Iván , Tejada-Gallardo Claudia , Jiménez-Villamizar María Paola , Cladellas Ramon , Sanz Antoni , Torregrossa Miquel
Published: December 2022

Over the last few years, various studies have reported decreasing well-being levels among doctoral students, who show a higher risk of suffering from psychological distress than the general population. Accordingly, European policies in higher education encourage well-being promotion programs among doctoral studies to enhance young researchers’ well-being. However, programs using evidence-based practices for well-being promotion are not yet generalised in public universities. The present study describes a pilot experience designed to evaluate the efficacy of a well-being program among doctoral candidates of a public European university, the Autonomous University of Barcelona. 25 doctoral students (67% women) participated in a pre-post study consisting of six sessions of 3 h each and structured by the big five criteria coming from evidence-based practices for well-being promotion: outdoor green spaces exposure, physical activity, gamification, mentoring, positive and coaching psychology techniques. Results showed how participants experienced significant increases in several indicators of emotional well-being and decreased psychological distress after the Third Half program. These positive pilot results encourage further research and future replications to assess the impact of this evidence-based psychological program among the academic community. Results also lead the way towards the creation of healthier academic workplaces by implementing cost-effective interventions that improve researchers’ psychosocial support and their overall well-being.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Environments of Professional Nursing Practice and Nurses’ Job Satisfaction
Authors: Ribeiro Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes , Coimbra Vânia Maria Oliveira , Pereira Soraia Cristina de Abreu , Faria Ana da Conceição Alves , Teles Paulo João Figueiredo Cabral , Rocha Carla Gomes da
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: The repercussions of work environments were widely studied before the pandemic. However, there are still many difficulties to be discovered considering the impact generated by it. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on nursing practice environments and nurses’ job satisfaction. (2) Methods: A correlational study was conducted in a hospital in northern Portugal, with the participation of 416 registered nurses. Data were collected in June 2021 through questionnaires. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. (3) Results: COVID-19 had a favourable impact on the structure component of the practice environments; the process component decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period; the outcome component remained moderately favourable to the quality of care. Nurses were not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with their valuation and remuneration; moderately satisfied with the leadership and staffing; and satisfied with the organisation and resources, co-workers and valuation by patients and families. In more favourable environments, nurses’ job satisfactions were higher. (4) Conclusions: Identifying the dimensions with the best and worst scores allowed the institution’s managers to concentrate efforts on where improvements were needed, thus preparing professional contexts for the recovery of care activities.
Analysis of Urban Vitality in Nanjing Based on a Plot Boundary-Based Neural Network Weighted Regression Model
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Hong , Qin Shuhong , Li Xiuneng , Zhu Yunfeng , Wang Yicong
Published: December 2022

As a representative indicator for the level and sustainability of urban development, urban vitality has been widely used to assess the quality of urban development. However, urban vitality is too blurry to be accurately quantified and is often limited to a particular type of expression of vitality. Current regression models often fail to accurately express the spatial heterogeneity of vibrancy and drivers. Therefore, this paper took Nanjing as the study area and quantified the social, cultural, and economic vitality indicators based on mobile phone data, POI data, and night-light remote sensing data. We also mapped the spatial distribution of comprehensive urban vitality using an improved entropy method and analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of urban vitality and its influencing factors using a plot boundary-based neural network weighted regression (PBNNWR). The results show: (1) The comprehensive vitality in Nanjing is distributed in a “three-center” pattern with one large and two small centers; (2) PBNNWR can be used to investigate the local regression relationships among the driving factors and urban vitality, and the fitting accuracy (95.6%) of comprehensive vitality in weekdays is higher than that of ordinary least squares regression (OLS) (65.9%), geographically weighted regression (GWR) (89.9%), and geographic neural network weighted regression (GNNWR) (89.5%) models; (3) House price, functional diversity, building density, metro station accessibility, and residential facility density are factors that significantly affect urban vitality. The study’s findings can provide theoretical guidance for optimizing the urban spatial layout, resource allocation, and targeted planning strategies for areas with different vitality values.
The Integrated Approach to Inherited Disorders in Neurotransmitters from Molecules to Systems
Authors: Bertoldi Mariarita , Polverino de Laureto Patrizia
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue focusses on monoamine neurotransmitters responsible for mediating neuronal transmission [...]
Technologies for Viable Circulating Tumor Cell Isolation
Authors: Tretyakova Maria S. , Menyailo Maxim E. , Schegoleva Anastasia A. , Bokova Ustinia A. , Larionova Irina V. , Denisov Evgeny V.
Published: December 2022

The spread of tumor cells throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream is a critical step in metastasis, which continues to be the main cause of cancer-related death. The detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important for understanding the biology of metastasis and the development of antimetastatic therapy. However, the isolation of CTCs is challenging due to their high heterogeneity and low representation in the bloodstream. Different isolation methods have been suggested, but most of them lead to CTC damage. However, viable CTCs are an effective source for developing preclinical models to perform drug screening and model the metastatic cascade. In this review, we summarize the available literature on methods for isolating viable CTCs based on different properties of cells. Particular attention is paid to the importance of in vitro and in vivo models obtained from CTCs. Finally, we emphasize the current limitations in CTC isolation and suggest potential solutions to overcome them.
Special Issue: Food Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Mora Leticia , Toldrá Fidel
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences is focused on bioactive peptides in foods or hydrolyzates of food by-products, the methods for the extraction and purification of bioactive peptides, their structural and functional characterization, and the mechanisms of action that regulate their activity and support the reported health benefits [...]
Unraveling the Link between Interferon-α and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From the Molecular Mechanisms to Target Therapies
Authors: Infante Barbara , Mercuri Silvia , Dello Strologo Andrea , Franzin Rossana , Catalano Valeria , Troise Dario , Cataldo Emanuela , Pontrelli Paola , Alfieri Carlo , Binda Valentina , Frontini Giulia , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Ranieri Elena , Gesualdo Loreto , Castellano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical expressions. The kidney is often affected, usually within 5 years of the onset of SLE, and lupus nephropathy (LN) carries a high risk for increased morbidity. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease is accompanied by complex disturbances affecting the immune system with inflammation and tissue damage due to loss of tolerance to nuclear antigens and the deposition of immune complexes in tissues. Several studies have reported that in human SLE, there is an important role of the Type-I-interferons (INF) system suggested by the upregulation of INF-inducible genes observed in serial gene expression microarray studies. This review aims to describe the transduction pathways of Type-I-interferons, in particular INFα, and its immune-regulatory function in the pathogenesis of SLE and, in particular, in LN. In addition, recent novelties concerning biologic therapy in LN will be discussed.
Characterisation of the Molecular Mechanism of Permeation of the Prodrug Me-5ALA across the Human Stratum Corneum Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Kadyrov Janonna , Ruiz-Perez Lanie , Benson Heather A. E. , Mancera Ricardo L.
Published: December 2022

The barrier imposed by the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, creates an almost impermeable environment for exogenous substances. Few lipophilic drugs with low molecular mass can passively diffuse through this layer, highlighting the need to develop methods to enable the delivery of more drugs via the transdermal route. The prodrug approach involves modifying the structure of a drug molecule to enhance its permeability across the skin, but it is often difficult to predict how exactly changes in chemical structure affect permeation. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to predict permeability values and adequately characterise the molecular mechanism of permeation of the prodrugs Me-5ALA and its parent compound 5ALA across a molecular model of the lipid bilayers of the human stratum corneum. The influence of increased hydrophobicity in Me-5ALA on its permeation revealed a reduction in hydrogen bonding capability that enables it to interact more favourably with the hydrophobic region of the bilayer and diffuse at a faster rate with less resistance, thus making it a better permeant compared to its more hydrophilic parent compound. This molecular simulation approach offers a promising route for the rational design of drug molecules that can permeate effectively across the stratum corneum.
Novel Virulence Factors Deciphering Klebsiella pneumoniae KpC4 Infect Maize as a Crossing-Kingdom Pathogen: An Emerging Environmental Threat
Authors: Huang Min , He Pengfei , He Pengbo , Wu Yixin , Munir Shahzad , He Yueqiu
Published: December 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is not only a human and animal opportunistic pathogen, but a food-borne pathogen. Cross-kingdom infection has been focused on since K. pneumoniae was identified as the pathogen of maize, banana, and pomegranate. Although the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae strains (from ditch water, maize, and human) on plant and mice has been confirmed, there are no reports to explain the molecular mechanisms of the pathogen. This study uncovered the K. pneumoniae KpC4 isolated from maize top rot for the determination of various virulence genes and resistance genes. At least thirteen plant disease-causing genes are found to be involved in the disruption of plant defense. Among them, rcsB is responsible for causing disease in both plants and animals. The novel sequence types provide solid evidence that the pathogen invades plant and has robust ecological adaptability. It is imperative to perform further studies on the verification of these KpC4 genes’ functions to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in plant–pathogen interactions.
Structural Polymorphism of Guanine Quadruplex-Containing Regions in Human Promoters
Authors: Hennecker Christopher , Yamout Lynn , Zhang Chuyang , Zhao Chenzhi , Hiraki David , Moitessier Nicolas , Mittermaier Anthony
Published: December 2022

Intramolecular guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures formed by four guanine (G)-rich tracts that assemble into a core of stacked planar tetrads. G4-forming DNA sequences are enriched in gene promoters and are implicated in the control of gene expression. Most G4-forming DNA contains more G residues than can simultaneously be incorporated into the core resulting in a variety of different possible G4 structures. Although this kind of structural polymorphism is well recognized in the literature, there remain unanswered questions regarding possible connections between G4 polymorphism and biological function. Here we report a detailed bioinformatic survey of G4 polymorphism in human gene promoter regions. Our analysis is based on identifying G4-containing regions (G4CRs), which we define as stretches of DNA in which every residue can form part of a G4. We found that G4CRs with higher degrees of polymorphism are more tightly clustered near transcription sites and tend to contain G4s with shorter loops and bulges. Furthermore, we found that G4CRs with well-characterized biological functions tended to be longer and more polymorphic than genome-wide averages. These results represent new evidence linking G4 polymorphism to biological function and provide new criteria for identifying biologically relevant G4-forming regions from genomic data.