bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapted Stochastic PV Hosting Capacity Approach for Electric Vehicle Charging Considering Undervoltage
Authors: Mulenga Enock , Bollen Math H. J. , Etherden Nicholas
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a stochastic approach to single-phase and three-phase EV charge hosting capacity for distribution networks. The method includes the two types of uncertainties, aleatory and epistemic, and is developed from an equivalent method that was applied to solar PV hosting capacity estimation. The method is applied to two existing low-voltage networks in Northern Sweden, with six and 83 customers. The lowest background voltage and highest consumption per customer are obtained from measurements. It is shown that both have a big impact on the hosting capacity. The hosting capacity also depends strongly on the charging size, within the range of charging size expected in the near future. The large range in hosting capacity found from this study—between 0% and 100% of customers can simultaneously charge their EV car—means that such hosting capacity studies are needed for each individual distribution network. The highest hosting capacity for the illustrative distribution networks was obtained for the 3.7 kW single-phase and 11 kW three-phase EV charging power.
Routing Protocols for Mobile Internet of Things (IoT): A Survey on Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Shah Zawar , Levula Andrew , Khurshid Khawar , Ahmed Jawad , Ullah Imdad , Singh Sushmita
Published: September 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) is aimed to provide efficient and seamless connectivity to a large number of low-power and low-cost embedded devices, consequently, the routing protocols play a fundamental role in achieving these goals. The IETF has recently standardized the IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) for LLNs (i.e., Low-power and Lossy Networks) and is well-accepted among the Internet community. However, RPL was proposed for static IoT devices and suffers from many issues when IoT devices are mobile. In this paper, we first present various issues that are faced by the RPL when IoT devices are mobile. We then carry out a detailed survey of various solutions that are proposed in the current literature to mitigate the issues faced by RPL. We classify various solutions into five categories i.e., ‘Trickle-timer based solutions’, ‘ETX based solutions’, ‘RSSI based solutions’, ‘Position-based solutions’, and ‘Miscellaneous solutions’. For each category of these solutions, we illustrate their working principles, issues addressed and make a thorough assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, we found several flaws in the performance analysis done by the authors of each of the solutions, e.g., nodes mobility, time intervals, etc., and suggest further investigations for the performance evaluations of these solutions in order to assess their applicability in real-world environments. Moreover, we provide future research directions for RPL supporting various real-time applications, mobility support, energy-aware, and privacy-aware routing.
Energy Consumption Model of Aerial Urban Logistic Infrastructures
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Inguanta Rosalinda , D’Angelo Giusj , Venticinque Mario
Published: September 2021

In the last decade, logistic systems based on small aerial vehicles (drones) have become attractive for urban delivery operations as a sustainable alternative to ground vehicles because they are not affected by the congestion of the road network, thus allowing for faster and more reliable services. Aerial logistic systems, however, require a substantially different approach to operations management and need specifically designed supportive infrastructures. While the research on urban aerial delivery mostly focuses on the optimization vehicle operations, the appropriate design of supportive infrastructures is seldom considered. This paper focuses on the energy efficiency of aerial logistic systems, and proposes a new original methodology to obtain a realistic estimate of the overall energy consumed by a swarm of drones employed for urban delivery, taking into account the extension of the area served and its specific features. The methodology proposed offers relevant information for the decision problems related to the appropriate sizing of the infrastructures, the dimensioning of the swarm of drones and the capacity of the energy storage system. The paper also reports a comparison with ground vehicles in the same scenarios, showing the relevant tradeoffs. The results obtained demonstrate how an appropriate design of the supportive infrastructures for urban aerial logistics may significantly impact the overall efficiency of the delivery system.
Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl)—Ammonia (NH3): Sorption Characteristics for Heat Pump Applications
Authors: Atkinson George H. , Hinmers Samuel , Critoph Robert E. , van der Pal Michel
Published: September 2021

In a resorption heat pump, the adsorption and desorption reaction of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) with ammonia (NH3) is of interest as a Low Temperature Salt (LTS). Reviewing previously published NH4Cl-NH3 equilibrium lines, ammonium chloride appears to offer useable working temperatures (50–70 °C) in the 10–15 bar pressure range during the adsorption reaction, and provides beneficial working conditions for the desorption reaction, when compared with alternative LTS candidates at atmospheric pressure. The NH4Cl-NH3 adsorption and desorption reactions, using a NH4Cl composite salt, have been evaluated under dynamic ‘real-world’ conditions in a Large Temperature Jump (LTJ) experimental testing rig; although there are concerns with mass transfer characteristics, the salt exhibits no hysteresis between the adsorption and desorption reactions, contrary to previous literature. The experimentally obtained equilibrium line values for the reaction enthalpy and entropy are 29,835 J/mol and 207 J/(mol∙K), respectively. Using a semi-empirical model, the NH4Cl composite salt has been successfully characterised, enabling the prediction of salt reaction behaviour. The model constants, A and n, identified are 4.5 and 5 for adsorption and 5 and 4 for desorption, with an overall salt active fraction (applicable to both reactions) of 0.98. Overall, the working equilibrium line and the dynamic performance of ammonium chloride has been investigated and the applicability of NH4Cl as a LTS for a resorption heat pump determined.
Experimental Analysis of the R744/R404A Cascade Refrigeration System with Internal Heat Exchanger. Part 1: Coefficient of Performance Characteristics
Authors: Jeon Min-Ju
Published: September 2021

This study evaluates the performance of an R744/R404A cascade refrigeration system (CRS) with internal heat exchangers (IHE) in supermarkets. R744 is used as the refrigerant in a low-temperature cycle, and R404A is used as the refrigerant in a high-temperature cycle. In previous studies, there are many studies including theoretical performance analysis of the CRS. However, experimental studies on the CRS are lacking, and experimental research on the R744/R404A system with an IHE is scarce. Therefore, this study provides basic data for optimal refrigeration system design by experimentally evaluating the results of modifying various parameters. The operating parameters considered in this study include subcooling and superheating, condensing and evaporating temperature, cascade evaporation temperature, and IHE efficiency in the R744 low- and R404A high-temperature cycle. The main results are summarized as follows: (1) By applying the results of this study, energy efficiency is achieved by optimizing the overall coefficient of performance (COP) of the CRS, and the refrigerant charge of the R404A cycle is minimized and economic efficiency is also obtained, enabling operation and maintenance as an environment-friendly system. (2) When designing the CRS, finding the cascade evaporation temperature that has the optimum and maximum COP according to the refrigerant combination should be considered with the highest priority.
Addressing Different Needs: The Challenges Faced by India as the Largest Vaccine Manufacturer While Conducting the World’s Biggest COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Koller Cinja Nadana , Schwerzmann Cléo Josephine , Lang Alexia Suzanne Aimée , Alexiou Eleni , Krishnakumar Jaya
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some of the challenges that countries face when balancing domestic and global necessities, for example with regard to vaccine needs, production and distribution. As India hosts one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing industries and has one of the most extensive vaccination strategies, the country is particularly exposed to these challenges. This has become all the more obvious as the country experienced a second pandemic wave in the first half of 2021, which has led to a total ban on exports of COVID-19 vaccines. An analysis of the national vaccination strategy and the domestic vaccine industry through review of peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and news reports showed the fragile balance between domestic and international needs. A numerical comparison of India’s domestic COVID-19 vaccine needs, export agreements, and production capacities was conducted. It was found that at current production rates as of April 2021, meeting all of the needs and complying with all of the agreements would be impossible. Scale-ups in production, as promised by the industry, however, will enable the achievement of all targets in the long term.
Manipulation of In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Feed Digestibility as Influenced by Yeast Waste-Treated Cassava Pulp Substitute Soybean Meal and Different Roughage to Concentrate Ratio
Authors: Dagaew Gamonmas , Cherdthong Anusorn , Wongtangtintharn Sawitree , Wanapat Metha , Suntara Chanon
Published: September 2021

Cassava pulp (CS) is high in fiber and low in protein; hence, improving the nutritive value of CS is required to increase its contribution to enhancing ruminant production. The present work hypothesized that CS quality could be enhanced by fermentation with yeast waste (YW), which can be used to replace soybean meal (SBM), as well as lead to improved feed utilization in ruminants. Thus, evaluation of in vitro ruminal fermentation and feed digestibility, as influenced by YW-treated CS and different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios, was elucidated. The design of the experiment was a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Each treatment contained three replications and three runs. The first factor was replacing SBM with CS fermented with YW (CSYW) in a concentrate ratio at 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. The second factor was R:C ratios at 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. The level of CSYW showed significantly higher (p < 0.01) gas production from the insoluble fraction (b), potential extent of gas production (a + b), and cumulative gas production at 96 h than the control group (p < 0.05). There were no interactions among the CSYW and R:C ratio on the in vitro digestibility (p > 0.05). Furthermore, increasing the amount of CSYW to replace SBM up to 75% had no negative effect on in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability (IVNDFD) (p > 0.05) while replacing CSWY at 100% could reduce IVNDFD (p > 0.05). The bacterial population in the rumen was reduced by 25.05% when CSYW completely replaced SBM (p < 0.05); however, 75% of CSWY in the diet did not change the bacterial population (p > 0.05). The concentration of propionate (C3) decreased upon an increase in the CSYW level, which was lowest with the replacement of SBM by CSYW up to 75%. However, various R:C ratios did not influence total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and the proportion of VFAs (p > 0.05), except the concentration of C3, increased when the proportion of a concentrate diet increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CSYW could be utilized as a partial replacement for SBM in concentrate diets up to 75% without affecting gas kinetics, ruminal parameters, or in vitro digestibility.
Addressing Enzymatic Clarification Challenges of Muscat Grape Juice
Authors: Ridge Matt , Sommer Stephan , Dycus Daniel A.
Published: September 2021

Winemakers use technical enzymes to assist with clarification, extraction, and other processes in winemaking. In some cases, enzyme mixes are found to be ineffective for a variety of reasons. This study characterizes difficult-to-clarify juices from the Muscat family, examines the effects of pasteurization, and classifies these juices based on cultivar, harvest date, geographical location, and harvesting technique. In addition to studying the chemical compositions of different Muscat juices, enzyme testing was performed by creating enzyme cocktails and evaluating their functionality. The data suggest a distinct matrix effect on juice clarification that can be influenced during juice processing. Berry proteins, polysaccharides, and native enzymes play an important role during the clarification process, influencing the efficiency of technical enzymes. On the other side, high macromolecule extraction from the grape material, through excessive shearing forces in machine-harvested and processed fruit, for example, can have a negative effect, especially in ripe and overripe grape material. Based on these findings, the winemaking strategy and use of technical enzymes need to be adapted to the incoming grapes. Besides adjusting the mechanical forces to the level of ripeness, avoiding native fermentation prior to clarification should be prioritized. The enzyme mixes developed and tested in these experiments show a high degree of efficiency in the majority of juices that were evaluated.
Jafari Transformation for Solving a System of Ordinary Differential Equations with Medical Application
Authors: El-Mesady Ahmed I. , Hamed Yasser S. , Alsharif Abdullah M.
Published: September 2021

Integral transformations are essential for solving complex problems in business, engineering, natural sciences, computers, optical science, and modern mathematics. In this paper, we apply a general integral transform, called the Jafari transform, for solving a system of ordinary differential equations. After applying the Jafari transform, ordinary differential equations are converted to a simple system of algebraic equations that can be solved easily. Then, by using the inverse operator of the Jafari transform, we can solve the main system of ordinary differential equations. Jafari transform belongs to the class of Laplace transform and is considered a generalization to integral transforms such as Laplace, Elzaki, Sumudu, G\_transforms, Aboodh, Pourreza, etc. Jafari transform does not need a large computational work as the previous integral transforms. For the Jafari transform, we have studied some valuable properties and theories that have not been studied before. Such as the linearity property, scaling property, first and second shift properties, the transformation of periodic functions, Heaviside function, and the transformation of Dirac’s delta function, and so on. There is a mathematical model that describes the cell population dynamics in the colonic crypt and colorectal cancer. We have applied the Jafari transform for solving this model.
Some Dynamical Models Involving Fractional-Order Derivatives with the Mittag-Leffler Type Kernels and Their Applications Based upon the Legendre Spectral Collocation Method
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Alomari Abedel-Karrem N. , Saad Khaled M. , Hamanah Waleed M.
Published: September 2021

Fractional derivative models involving generalized Mittag-Leffler kernels and opposing models are investigated. We first replace the classical derivative with the GMLK in order to obtain the new fractional-order models (GMLK) with the three parameters that are investigated. We utilize a spectral collocation method based on Legendre’s polynomials for evaluating the numerical solutions of the pr. We then construct a scheme for the fractional-order models by using the spectral method involving the Legendre polynomials. In the first model, we directly obtain a set of nonlinear algebraic equations, which can be approximated by the Newton-Raphson method. For the second model, we also need to use the finite differences method to obtain the set of nonlinear algebraic equations, which are also approximated as in the first model. The accuracy of the results is verified in the first model by comparing it with our analytical solution. In the second and third models, the residual error functions are calculated. In all cases, the results are found to be in agreement. The method is a powerful hybrid technique of numerical and analytical approach that is applicable for partial differential equations with multi-order of fractional derivatives involving GMLK with three parameters.
Green Innovation and Competition: R&D Incentives in a Circular Economy
Authors: Bimonte Giovanna , Romano Maria Grazia , Russolillo Maria
Published: September 2021

The present paper provides theoretical insights regarding the determinants of firms’ incentives to invest in a Circular Economy. The analysis relies on a Cournot model disaggregating the disposal cost in the production function. In a non-simultaneous sequential game, two risk-neutral firms are endowed with a green innovation project that, if successful, would reduce the overall production costs and implement a Circular Economy. Firms are plagued by asymmetric information about the exact value of the other firm’s innovation. In this setting, the R&D investment in a Circular Economy, by affecting the distribution of production and disposal costs, influences the production decisions of both the innovating and the rival firms. The sign of the impact depends on the firms’ strategy in the product market. Furthermore, the analysis points out that cooperation in R&D of firms competing in the product market reinforces incentives to invest in green innovation. This suggests that governments aimed to advance a Circular Economy should encourage firms’ cooperation.
Additively Separable Hedonic Games with Social Context
Authors: Monaco Gianpiero , Moscardelli Luca , Velaj Yllka
Published: September 2021

In hedonic games, coalitions are created as a result of the strategic interaction of independent players. In particular, in additively separable hedonic games, every player has valuations for all other ones, and the utility for belonging to a coalition is given by the sum of the valuations for all other players belonging to it. So far, non-cooperative hedonic games have been considered in the literature only with respect to totally selfish players. Starting from the fundamental class of additively separable hedonic games, we define and study a new model in which, given a social graph, players also care about the happiness of their friends: we call this class of games social context additively separable hedonic games (SCASHGs). We focus on the fundamental stability notion of Nash equilibrium, and study the existence, convergence and performance of stable outcomes (with respect to the classical notions of price of anarchy and price of stability) in SCASHGs. In particular, we show that SCASHGs are potential games, and therefore Nash equilibria always exist and can be reached after a sequence of Nash moves of the players. Finally, we provide tight or asymptotically tight bounds on the price of anarchy and the price of stability of SCASHGs.
Stimuli-Responsive Nucleotide–Amino Acid Hybrid Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Mulvee Matthew , Vasiljevic Natasa , Mann Stephen , Patil Avinash J.
Published: September 2021

The ability to assemble chemically different gelator molecules into complex supramolecular hydrogels provides excellent opportunities to construct functional soft materials. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of hybrid nucleotide–amino acid supramolecular hydrogels. These are generated by the silver ion (Ag+)-triggered formation of silver–guanosine monophosphate (GMP) dimers, which undergo self-assembly through non-covalent interactions to produce nanofilaments. This process results in a concomitant pH reduction due to the abstraction of a proton from the guanine residue, which triggers the in situ gelation of a pH-sensitive amino acid, N-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl tyrosine (FY), to form nucleotide–amino acid hybrid hydrogels. Alterations in the supramolecular structures due to changes in the assembly process are observed, with the molar ratio of Ag:GMP:FY affecting the assembly kinetics, and the resulting supramolecular organisation and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Higher Ag:GMP stoichiometries result in almost instantaneous gelation with non-orthogonal assembly of the gelators, while at lower molar ratios, orthogonal assembly is observed. Significantly, by increasing the pH as an external stimulus, nanofilaments comprising FY can be selectively disassembled from the hybrid hydrogels. Our results demonstrate a simple approach for the construction of multicomponent stimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogels with adaptable network and mechanical properties.
Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Human Lung Metagenomes from Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Chang Ya-Sian , Hsu Ming-Hung , Tu Siang-Jyun , Yen Ju-Chen , Lee Ya-Ting , Fang Hsin-Yuan , Chang Jan-Gowth
Published: September 2021

This study was designed to characterize the microbiomes of the lung tissues of lung cancer patients. RNA-sequencing was performed on lung tumor samples from 49 patients with lung cancer. Metatranscriptomics data were analyzed using SAMSA2 and Kraken2 software. 16S rRNA sequencing was also performed. The heterogeneous cellular landscape and immune repertoires of the lung samples were examined using xCell and TRUST4, respectively. We found that nine bacteria were significantly enriched in the lung tissues of cancer patients, and associated with reduced overall survival (OS). We also found that subjects with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene were less likely to experience the presence of Pseudomonas. aeruginosa. We found that the presence of CD8+ T-cells, CD4+ naive T-cells, dendritic cells, and CD4+ central memory T cells were associated with a good prognosis, while the presence of pro B-cells was associated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, high clone numbers were associated with a high ImmuneScore for all immune receptor repertoires. Clone numbers and diversity were significantly higher in unpresented subjects compared to presented subjects. Our results provide insight into the microbiota of human lung cancer, and how its composition is linked to the tumor immune microenvironment, immune receptor repertoires, and OS.
Transcriptome Analysis of In Vitro Fertilization and Parthenogenesis Activation during Early Embryonic Development in Pigs
Authors: Li Xin , Zou Cheng , Li Mengxun , Fang Chengchi , Li Kui , Liu Zhiguo , Li Changchun
Published: September 2021

Parthenogenesis activation (PA), as an important artificial breeding method, can stably preserve the dominant genotype of a species. However, the delayed development of PA embryos is still overly severe and largely leads to pre-implantation failure in pigs. The mechanisms underlying the deficiencies of PA embryos have not been completely understood. For further understanding of the molecular mechanism behind PA embryo failure, we performed transcriptome analysis among pig oocytes (meiosis II, MII) and early embryos at three developmental stages (zygote, morula, and blastocyst) in vitro fertilization (IVF) and PA group. Totally, 11,110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 4694 differentially expressed lincRNAs (DELs) were identified, and most DEGs enriched the regulation of apoptotic processes. Through cis- and trans-manner functional prediction, we found that hub lincRNAs were mostly involved in abnormal parthenogenesis embryonic development. In addition, twenty DE imprinted genes showed that some paternally imprinted genes in IVF displayed higher expression than that in PA. Notably, we identified that three DELs of imprinted genes (MEST, PLAGL1, and DIRAS3) were up regulated in IVF, and there was no significant change in PA group. Disordered expression of key genes for embryonic development might play key roles in abnormal parthenogenesis embryonic development. Our study indicates that embryos derived from different production techniques have varied in vitro development to the blastocyst stage, and they also affect the transcription level of corresponding genes, such as imprinted genes. This work will help future research on these genes and molecular-assisted breeding for pig parthenotes.
Geotechnics: Welcome to A New Open Access Journal for A Growing Multidisciplinary Community
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan C. , Kulatilake Pinnaduwa H. S. W. , Mylonakis George E.
Published: September 2021

On behalf of the editorial board and MDPI Publishing, may we extend a very warm welcome to this first editorial of Geotechnics—a new and international, open access, scholarly journal aimed at showcasing and nurturing high-quality research and developmental activities in soil and rock engineering and geo-environmental engineering, worldwide [...]
Reasons for and against Nutritional Interventions. An Exploration in the Nursing Home Setting
Authors: Grosshauser Franz J. , Kiesswetter Eva , Torbahn Gabriel , Sieber Cornel C. , Volkert Dorothee
Published: September 2021

Malnutrition (MN) is widespread in nursing homes. Sometimes, but not always, nutritional interventions (NIs) are made, and the reasons for or against NIs are unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe these reasons for residents with and without MN according to nurses’ subjective judgement and according to objective signs of MN. The nutritional status of 246 nursing home residents was subjectively judged by nurses (MN, at risk of MN, no MN) and objectively assessed by body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL), and low food intake. NIs (enriched meals and/or oral nutritional supplements) were recorded using a standardized questionnaire, and nurses’ main reasons for (not) giving NIs were obtained in an open question. Of the residents, 11.0% were subjectively malnourished, and 25.6% were at risk of MN; 32.9% were malnourished according to objective criteria. Overall, 29.7% of the residents received NIs, 70.4% of those with MN as assessed by the nurses, 53.0% of those with objective MN, and 11.0% and 18.0% of non-malnourished residents, respectively. Reasons for NIs most often stated were low intake (47.9%), WL (23.3%), and low BMI (13.7%). Reasons against NIs mostly mentioned were adequate BMI (32.9%) and sufficient intake (24.3%). The lack of NIs for residents with MN was partially—but not always—explained by valid reasons. As residents without MN frequently received NIs, criteria for both MN rating and providing NIs, require closer scrutiny.
Investigation of Building Materials Belonging to the Ruins of the Tsogt Palace in Mongolia
Authors: Sardella Alessandro , Canevarolo Sonia , Marrocchino Elena , Tittarelli Francesca , Bonazza Alessandra
Published: September 2021

This work focuses on the characterisation of the heritage building materials (plasters, mortars, bricks and glazed tiles) of the Tsogt Palace’s ruins located in the Bulgan Province of Mongolia. In addition, contribution is also given to a preliminary evaluation of their state of conservation in consideration of the climate conditions to which the site is exposed. To accomplish the objectives, information on the climate and historical context have been acquired. A set of analytical methodologies has been applied on the seventeen samples collected: Polarized Light (PLM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRPD), Raman Spectroscopy and Ion Chromatography (IC). The data obtained allowed us to achieve a mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of the samples, underlining the nature of the binder in mortars and plasters, the type of clay used as raw material for bricks and tile, their hypothetical firing temperature and the aggregate composition. Moreover, it was also possible to identify the colouring coating typology in tiles and their process of production. Regarding the state of conservation, the principal deterioration phenomena affecting the site due to environmental impact can be also hypothesised, even though major studies are necessary for an exhaustive assessment.
Contemporary Murals in the Street and Urban Art Field: Critical Reflections between Preventive Conservation and Restoration of Public Art
Authors: Mezzadri Paola
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the presentation of some of the main critical reflections concerning the current debate about conservation and restoration of contemporary murals in the Street and Urban Art field. More and more, the operations thought of for this kind of wall paintings are connected to the concept of preventive conservation or some actions with the aim of reducing the future deterioration linked to the outdoor context. The idea of protecting urban and street murals arises from two principal issues: on one hand, the (not yet) official, but social, recognition of them as works of art and beloved icons in the communities—or better “testimonies which spread the values of civilization” (definition of Cultural Heritage) from the last decades of the XX century to nowadays—and, on the other hand, the necessity of finding a way to preserve their artistic messages in the ephemeral urban context. In fact, developing a correct plan for the conservation and restoration of these works of art located in the outdoor context needs to consider—more than ever—the strict relationship between their materials, their environment, and even their viewer. This fragile axiom is strictly linked to the law of the street, where all the decay processes are, often, unpredictable. At the moment, the ICR’s (The Istituto Centrale per il Restauro) research in this field is focused on a work in progress project to develop some trials and tests with innovative materials for their preservation and a common glossary to outline particular forms of damaging in murals often based on “plastic on a wall”. The final aim could be to define institutional guidelines for the preservation of urban and street contemporary mural paintings in a perspective of a “share for care” conservative program.
Micro Destructive Analysis for the Characterization of Ancient Mortars: A Case Study from the Little Roman Bath of Nora (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Sitzia Fabio , Beltrame Massimo , Lisci Carla , Mirão José
Published: September 2021

In this work, a protocol of a partially invasive sampling for the archaeometric characterization of ancient mortars from the little Roman Bath of Nora (Sardinia, Italy) is presented. Optical microscopy and different analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and physical/mechanical tests have been carried out on the mortars. These analyses were performed to investigate the chemical composition, alteration products, and binder pozzolanic activity. An innovative method of image analysis has been tested to obtain information about the size and shape of both the mortar aggregates and the binder/aggregate ratio. This new particle-size analysis has two different advantages: (i) it saves a huge volume of material compared to a classic granulometric classification through its use of a sieve and (ii) is eco-friendly in respect to the environment by saving a large volume of liquid waste derived from the acid attack for the separation of the insoluble aggregate from the soluble binder, as would be done for a common sieving. Results show a local provenance of the aggregates. The use of two different limestones for the mortars’ binder production was detected and probably this raw material belongs to the nearby Roman town of Karales (current day Cagliari).
Evaluation of Preventive Treatment Protocols for Patients under Antiresorptive Therapy Undergoing Tooth Extraction at a Swiss University Clinic
Authors: Pick Ellen , Leuenberger Nicolas , Kuster Irina , Stutzmann Nicole Selina , Stadlinger Bernd , Valdec Silvio
Published: September 2021

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) is a dreaded complication in patients with compromised bone metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to examine the occurrence of ARONJ and its related factors among patients with a history of antiresorptive therapy undergoing tooth extraction using preventive protocols at a Swiss university clinic. Data were retrospectively pooled from health records of patients having received a surgical tooth extraction between January 2015 and April 2020 in the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral surgery, University of Zurich. A total of 970 patients received an extraction with flap elevation or wound closure during this period. A total of 104 patients could be included in the study. Furthermore, variables including age, gender, smoking, risk profile, choice, indication and duration of antiresorptive therapy, number of extractions, extraction site, surgical technique, choice and duration of antibiotics as well as the presence of postoperative inflammatory complications were assessed. Overall, 4 patients developed ARONJ (incidence of 3.8%) after tooth extraction at the same location, without previous signs of osteonecrosis. Preventive methods included predominantly primary wound closure using a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap and prolonged perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. In accordance with current literature, the applied protocol showed a reliable outcome in preventing ARONJ when a tooth extraction is required.
Green Space and Health in Mainland China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahimi-Ardabili Hania , Astell-Burt Thomas , Nguyen Phi-Yen , Zhang Juan , Jiang Yu , Dong Guang-Hui , Feng Xiaoqi
Published: September 2021

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major cause of premature mortality and disabilities in China due to factors concomitant with rapid economic growth and urbanisation over three decades. Promoting green space might be a valuable strategy to help improve population health in China, as well as a range of co-benefits (e.g., increasing resilience to climate change). No systematic review has so far determined the degree of association between green space and health outcomes in China. This review was conducted to address this gap. Five electronic databases were searched using search terms on green space, health, and China. The review of 83 publications that met eligibility criteria reports associations indicative of various health benefits from more green space, including mental health, general health, healthier weight status and anthropometry, and more favorable cardiometabolic and cerebrovascular outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions on mortality, birth outcomes, and cognitive function, and findings on respiratory and infectious outcomes were inconsistent and limited. Future work needs to examine the health benefits of particular types and qualities of green spaces, as well as to take advantage of (quasi-)experimental designs to test greening interventions within the context of China’s rapid urbanization and economic growth.
Irrational Beliefs about COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Magarini Federica Maria , Pinelli Margherita , Sinisi Arianna , Ferrari Silvia , De Fazio Giovanna Laura , Galeazzi Gian Maria
Published: September 2021

Since the emergence of the recent Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and its spread as a pandemic, there has been a parallel spread of false and misleading information, known as an infodemic. The COVID-19 infodemic has induced distrust in scientific communities, governments, institutions and the population, and a confidence crisis that has led to harmful health behaviours, also impacting on mental health. The aim of this study is to provide a scoping review of the scientific literature about COVID-19-related misinformation and conspiracy theories, focusing on the construction of a conceptual framework which is useful for the interpretation of the conspiracy theory phenomenon surrounding COVID-19, and its consequences. Particular socio-environmental conditions (i.e., low educational level, younger age), psychological processes and attitudes (such as low levels of epistemic trust, the avoidance of uncertainty, extraversion, collective narcissism, and a conspiracy-prone mindset), and contextual factors (e.g., high levels of self-perceived risk and anxiety) seem to underpin the adherence to beliefs that are not solely the domain of paranoids and extremists but a widespread phenomenon that has caused important health, social and political consequences.
Diversity and Taxonomic Distribution of Endophytic Bacterial Community in the Rice Plant and Its Prospective
Authors: Ali Mohsin , Ali Qurban , Sohail Muhammad Aamir , Ashraf Muhammad Furqan , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Hussain Saddam , Zhou Lei
Published: September 2021

Endophytic bacterial communities are beneficial communities for host plants that exist inside the surfaces of plant tissues, and their application improves plant growth. They benefit directly from the host plant by enhancing the nutrient amount of the plant’s intake and influencing the phytohormones, which are responsible for growth promotion and stress. Endophytic bacteria play an important role in plant-growth promotion (PGP) by regulating the indirect mechanism targeting pest and pathogens through hydrolytic enzymes, antibiotics, biocontrol potential, and nutrient restriction for pathogens. To attain these benefits, firstly bacterial communities must be colonized by plant tissues. The nature of colonization can be achieved by using a set of traits, including attachment behavior and motility speed, degradation of plant polymers, and plant defense evasion. The diversity of bacterial endophytes colonization depends on various factors, such as plants’ relationship with environmental factors. Generally, each endophytic bacteria has a wide host range, and they are used as bio-inoculants in the form of synthetic applications for sustainable agriculture systems and to protect the environment from chemical hazards. This review discusses and explores the taxonomic distribution of endophytic bacteria associated with different genotypes of rice plants and their origin, movement, and mechanism of PGP. In addition, this review accentuates compressive meta data of endophytic bacteria communities associated with different genotypes of rice plants, retrieves their plant-growth-promoting properties and their antagonism against plant pathogens, and discusses the indication of endophytic bacterial flora in rice plant tissues using various methods. The future direction deepens the study of novel endophytic bacterial communities and their identification from rice plants through innovative techniques and their application for sustainable agriculture systems.
Using MRI Measurement to Improve Accuracy of Femoral Component Sizing in Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Yang Cheng-Pang , Lai Ying-Chieh , Wu Chen-Te , Hung Kung-Tseng , Chan Yi-Sheng , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Hsu Kuo-Yao
Published: September 2021

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can achieve better kinematics and faster recovery than total knee arthroplasty. The Phase III Oxford UKA system has five sizes of femoral components to approximate the normal knee geometry. However, these different sizes may also induce problems, such as the misselection of component size. Different criteria have been proposed to predict the ideal size preoperatively. However, no single method can be applied universally. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a preoperative measurement using knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict femoral component size. A total of 68 patients who underwent UKA were investigated from June 2019 to April 2020. 16 knees using a different MRI protocol were excluded. We developed an MRI measurement method to determine femoral size instead of gender- and height-based methods. The accuracy of different methods was compared using postoperative true lateral view radiographs. Three different kinds of gender- and height-based criteria, preoperative templating and intraoperative spoon measurement were compared. The accuracy of MRI measurement was 90.3%. Therefore, a significant difference was found between MRI measurements and all other methods, such as templating or gender- and height-based methods. In conclusion, the MRI measurement method can be concluded to accurately predict femoral component size in UKA. This method could be used regardless of different ethnic groups, individual knee geometry, or soft tissue tension.
Symptom Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Older Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Comparative Nationwide Register Study
Authors: Årestedt Kristofer , Israelsson Johan , Djukanovic Ingrid , Herlitz Johan , Carlsson Jörg , Petersson Suzanne , Bremer Anders
Published: September 2021

Knowledge about psychological distress in older cardiac arrest (CA) survivors is sparse, and the lack of comparisons with general populations make it difficult to draw any strong conclusions about prevalence and potential changes caused by CA. Our aim was to compare psychological distress between older CA survivors and a general population. This study included survivors 65–80 years old and an age- and sex-matched general population. Data on survivors was collected from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure psychological distress. Data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. The final sample included 1027 CA survivors and 1018 persons from the general population. In both groups, the mean age was 72 years (SD = 4) and 28% were women. The prevalence of anxiety was 9.9% for survivors and 9.5% for the general population, while the corresponding prevalence for depression was 11.3% and 11.5% respectively. Using the cut-off scores, no significant differences between the groups were detected. However, CA survivors reported significantly lower symptom levels using the subscale scores (ΔMdn = 1, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the CA survivors did not report higher symptom levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. However, since psychological distress is related to poor quality-of-life and recovery, screening for psychological distress remains important.
Pressure. A Qualitative Analysis of the Perception of Concussion and Injury Risk in Retired Professional Rugby Players
Authors: Daly Ed , White Adam , Blackett Alexander D. , Ryan Lisa
Published: September 2021

This study interviewed retired professional rugby union players (≤10 years since retirement) to discuss their careers in the game of rugby union. The primary aim of the study was to document their understanding of concussion knowledge and the analogies they use to describe concussion. In addition, these interviews were used to determine any explicit and implicit pressures of playing professional rugby as described by ex-professional rugby players. Overall, 23 retired professional rugby players were interviewed. The participants had played the game of rugby union (n = 23) at elite professional standard. A semi-structured individual interview design was conducted with participants between June to August 2020. The research team reviewed the transcripts to identify the major themes from the interviews using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Four major themes were identified: (1) medical and theoretical understanding of concussion, (2) descriptions of concussion and disassociated language, (3) personal concussion experience, and (4) peer influences on concussion within the sport. These were further divided into categories and subcategories. The interviews highlighted that players did not fully understand the ramifications of concussive injury and other injury risk, as it became normalised as part of their sport. This normalisation was supported by trivialising the seriousness of concussions and using dismissive language amongst themselves as players, or with coaching staff. As many of these ex-professional players are currently coaching rugby (48%), these interviews could assist coaches in treating concussion as a significant injury and not downplaying the seriousness of concussion in contact sports.
Selective Laser Sintering Induced Residual Stresses: Precision Measurement and Prediction
Authors: Impey Susan , Saxena Prateek , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

Additive Manufacturing presents unique advantages over traditional manufacturing processes and has the potential to accelerate technical advancement across multiple sectors, permitting far greater freedom in design than conventional manufacturing. However, one barrier which blocks wide adoption is residual stresses, which could seriously affect the materials’ behaviour during and after production. Selective laser sintering (SLS), a process with high energy input to the workpiece material, induces high temperature gradients, further affecting the final residual stress distribution. Within the present paper, three different methods for the assessment of the residual stresses’ distribution are presented and compared: a non-destructive method based on neutron diffraction, a destructive method known as the contour method, and a theoretical approach based on Finite Element Analysis. The aim is to examine the suitability and reliability of the application of these methods in predicting residual stresses distribution in additive manufacturing-built parts.
Decoding the Elements of Human Rights from the Verses of Ancient Védic Literature and Dharmaśāstras
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Choudhury Sanghamitra
Published: September 2021

This manuscript aims to provide a nuanced study of the idea of rights and duties prevalent in ancient Védic society through Védic literature and Dharmaśāstras. This manuscript delves into the exegesis of the Védas and Dharmaśāstras to accomplish this. The archaic Védic literature and Dharmaśāstra texts are the origin and backbone of Sanskrit literature. They have a plethora of ideas that, if accepted, could be quite useful for the protection of any person’s human rights. In the Védas and Dharmaśāstras, rights and duties complement each other, and rights are integrated with duties. According to these texts, rights and duties are correlated and the relationship between rights and duties leads to the core concept of dhárma (constitutional laws). Dhárma is a systematic Sanskrit concept that includes traditions, obligations, morals, laws, order, and justice. It was a unique concept of dhárma that kept checks and balances on sovereign officials and prevented them from becoming autocratic and anarchist. It also provided the common man with a protective shield against the dictatorship of sovereign officials. Ordinary citizens had more privileges and fewer responsibilities relative to the state’s highest officials. The greater the authority, the less his privileges were, and the more extensive his responsibilities became. This research is an exegetical analysis of ancient Indian Védic and later Védic literature and is primarily aimed at deciphering some of the essential ideas about rights found in these texts, which are akin to contemporary human rights. It endeavours to discern and explain the tenets of human rights obnubilated in the pristine mantras of the ancient Védic and Smṛti texts of India. The essay further attempts to add a much-needed non-western perspective to the historiography of human rights.