bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photovoltaics Enabling Sustainable Energy Communities: Technological Drivers and Emerging Markets
Authors: Chronis Alexandros-Georgios , Palaiogiannis Foivos , Kouveliotis-Lysikatos Iasonas , Kotsampopoulos Panos , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we investigate the economic benefits of an energy community investing in small-scale photovoltaics (PVs) when local energy trading is operated amongst the community members. The motivation stems from the open research question on whether a community-operated local energy market can enhance the investment feasibility of behind-the-meter small-scale PVs installed by energy community members. Firstly, a review of the models, mechanisms and concepts required for framing the relevant concepts is conducted, while a clarification of nuances at important terms is attempted. Next, a tool for the investigation of the economic benefits of operating a local energy market in the context of an energy community is developed. We design the local energy market using state-of-the-art formulations, modified according to the requirements of the case study. The model is applied to an energy community that is currently under formation in a Greek municipality. From the various simulations that were conducted, a series of generalizable conclusions are extracted.
Techno-Economic Analysis of a Stand-Alone Hybrid System: Application in Donoussa Island, Greece
Authors: Katsivelakis Michail , Bargiotas Dimitrios , Daskalopulu Aspassia , Panapakidis Ioannis P. , Tsoukalas Lefteri
Published: March 2021

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) are an attractive solution for the supply of electricity in remote areas like islands and communities where grid extension is difficult. Hybrid systems combine renewable energy sources with conventional units and battery storage in order to provide energy in an off-grid or on-grid system. The purpose of this study is to examine the techno-economical feasibility and viability of a hybrid system in Donoussa island, Greece, in different scenarios. A techno-economic analysis was conducted for a hybrid renewable energy system in three scenarios with different percentages of adoption rate (20%, 50% and 100%)and with different system configurations. Using HOMER Pro software the optimal system configuration between the feasible configurations of each scenario was selected, based on lowest Net Present Cost (NPC), minimum Excess Electricity percentage, and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE). The results obtained by the simulation could offer some operational references for a practical hybrid system in Donoussa island. The simulation results confirm the application of a hybrid system with 0% of Excess Electricity, reasonable NPC and LCoE and a decent amount of renewable integration.
Catalytic Hot Gas Cleanup of Biomass Gasification Producer Gas via Steam Reforming Using Nickel-Supported Clay Minerals
Authors: Buchireddy Prashanth Reddy , Peck Devin , Zappi Mark , Bricka Ray Mark
Published: March 2021

Amongst the issues associated with the commercialization of biomass gasification, the presence of tars has been one of the most difficult aspects to address. Tars are an impurity generated from the gasifier and upon their condensation cause problems in downstream equipment including plugging, blockages, corrosion, and major catalyst deactivation. These problems lead to losses of efficiency as well as potential maintenance issues resulting from damaged processing units. Therefore, the removal of tars is necessary in order for the effective operation of a biomass gasification facility for the production of high-value fuel gas. The catalytic activity of montmorillonite and montmorillonite-supported nickel as tar removal catalysts will be investigated in this study. Ni-montmorillonite catalyst was prepared, characterized, and tested in a laboratory-scale reactor for its efficiency in reforming tars using naphthalene as a tar model compound. Efficacy of montmorillonite-supported nickel catalyst was tested as a function of nickel content, reaction temperature, steam-to-carbon ratio, and naphthalene loading. The results demonstrate that montmorillonite is catalytically active in removing naphthalene. Ni-montmorillonite had high activity towards naphthalene removal via steam reforming, with removal efficiencies greater than 99%. The activation energy was calculated for Ni-montmorillonite assuming first-order kinetics and was found to be 84.5 kJ/mole in accordance with the literature. Long-term activity tests were also conducted and showed that the catalyst was active with naphthalene removal efficiencies greater than 95% maintained over a 97-h test period. A little loss of activity was observed with a removal decrease from 97% to 95%. To investigate the decrease in catalytic activity, characterization of fresh and used catalyst samples was performed using thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and surface area analysis. The loss in activity was attributed to a decrease in catalyst surface area caused by nickel sintering and coke formation.
Investigating Preconditions for Sustainable Renewable Energy Product–Service Systems in Retail Electricity Markets
Authors: Kusumaningdyah Widha , Tezuka Tetsuo , McLellan Benjamin C.
Published: March 2021

Energy transitions are complex and involve interrelated changes in the socio-technical dimensions of society. One major barrier to renewable energy transitions is lock-in from the incumbent socio-technical regime. This study evaluates Energy Product–Service Systems (EPSS) as a renewable energy market mechanism. EPSS offer electricity service performance instead of energy products and appliances for household consumers. Through consumers buying the service, the provider company is enabled to choose, manage and control electrical appliances for best-matched service delivery. Given the heterogenous market players and future uncertainties, this study aims to identify the necessary conditions to achieve a sustainable renewable energy market. Simulation-Based Design for EPSS framework is implemented to assess various hypothetical market conditions’ impact on market efficiency in the short term and long term. The results reveal the specific market characteristics that have a higher chance of causing unexpected results. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates the advantage of implementing Simulation-Based Design for EPSS to design retail electricity markets for renewable energy under competing market mechanisms with heterogenous economic agents.
Nutrient Dynamics Assessment of Coarse Wood Debris Subjected to Successional Decay Levels of Three Forests Types in Northeast, China
Authors: Khan Kashif , Tuyen Tran Thi , Chen Lixin , Duan Wenbiao , Hussain Anwaar , Jamil Muhammad Atif , Li Changzhun , Guo Qiwen , Qu Meixue , Wang Yafei , Khan Attaullah
Published: March 2021

Coarse wood debris (CWD) plays a critical role in forest productivity, nutrient cycling, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, and shapes the carbon pool in the forest ecosystem. However, the elemental composition of CWD varies among different forest types and decay classes for the same dominant tree species (Pinus koraiensis, PK). We compared CWD elemental composition across different forest types (Picea koraiensis-Abies nephrolepis-Pinus koraiensis forest (PAPF), Betula costata-Pinus koraiensis forest (BPF), Tilia amurensis-Pinus koraiensis forest (TPF)), considering four classes of wood decay. Results showed that N, P, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, S, Al, and Fe concentrations almost totally increased with decay level for all three forest types, except for K in all three forest types and B in Picea koraiensis-Abies nephrolepis-Pinus koraiensis forest (PAPF). Similarly, maximum concentrations of N, P, B, Mg, K, C, Zn, and Mn of CWD were observed in Betula costata-Pinus koraiensis forest (BPF) under varying decay classes, but their maximum concentrations of Fe and S were found in Picea koraiensis-Abies nephrolepis-Pinus koraiensis forest (PAPF) and Tilia amurensis-Pinus koraiensis forest(TPF), respectively. Only C content did not significantly differ in decay classes across all three forest types. The C:N ratio decreased significantly with increasing decay levels across all forest types. The decay rates were significantly related to N concentration and C:N ratio in decay classes across all forest types. These results suggest that C and N concentration are the key factors affecting its decomposition. The variation in nutrient concentrations observed here underscores the complexity of nutrients stored in wood debris in forested ecosystems.
The Operational Reliability Analysis of Machinery: A Case Study of Forest Forwarders and Their Technological Equipment
Authors: Kováč Ján , Ťavoda Pavel , Harvánek Pavol , Krilek Jozef , Aleš Zdeněk
Published: March 2021

Analysis and risk assessment are procedures which help to improve knowledge and are very important in practice. Risk assessment is possible to conduct only on the basis of exact accurate and tested information about the given system, which truly defines the given system within the spatial–temporal context. High standards of maintenance and treatment are closely linked with the requirements for quality and reliability forestry machinery and technological equipment. These standards are closely related to the maintenance of the equipment. This manuscript is focused on the reliability of standard forest machines used in the Slovak forestry. They are relatively modern and useful in the process of transporting and handling trees. This research showed the possibility of decreasing the production costs related to the maintenance of the devices and how to increase the final profit. The results of the research showed that the analysis of reliability is significant regarding to the quality of performed maintenance and the costs paid for it.
Analysis of the Social-Ecological Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Ghana: Application of the DPSIR Framework
Authors: Kyere-Boateng Richard , Marek Michal V.
Published: March 2021

Globally, forests provide several functions and services to support humans’ well-being and the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The services that forests provide enable the forest-dependent people and communities to meet their livelihood needs and well-being. Nevertheless, the world’s forests face a twin environmental problem of deforestation and forest degradation (D&FD), resulting in ubiquitous depletion of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services and eventual loss of forest cover. Ghana, like any tropical forest developing country, is not immune to these human-caused D&FD. This paper reviews Ghana’s D&FD driven by a plethora of pressures, despite many forest policies and interventions to ensure sustainable management and forest use. The review is important as Ghana is experiencing an annual D&FD rate of 2%, equivalent to 135,000 hectares loss of forest cover. Although some studies have focused on the causes of D&FD on Ghana’ forests, they failed to show the chain of causal links of drivers that cause D&FD. This review fills the knowledge and practice gap by adopting the Driver-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses (DPSIR) analytical framework to analyse the literature-based sources of causes D&FD in Ghana. Specifically, the analysis identified agriculture expansion, cocoa farming expansion, illegal logging, illegal mining, population growth and policy failures and lapses as the key drivers of Ghana’s D&FD. The study uses the DPSIR analytical framework to show the chain of causal links that lead to the country’s D&FD and highlights the numerous interventions required to reverse and halt the ubiquitous perpetual trend of D&FD in Ghana. Similar tropical forest countries experiencing D&FD will find the review most useful to curtail the menace.
Indigenous Fire-Managed Landscapes in Southeast Australia during the Holocene—New Insights from the Furneaux Group Islands, Bass Strait
Authors: Adeleye Matthew A. , Haberle Simon G. , Connor Simon E. , Stevenson Janelle , Bowman David M.J.S.
Published: March 2021

Indigenous land use and climate have shaped fire regimes in southeast Australia during the Holocene, although their relative influence remains unclear. The archaeologically attested mid-Holocene decline in land-use intensity on the Furneaux Group islands (FGI) relative to mainland Tasmanian and SE Australia presents a natural experiment to identify the roles of climate and anthropogenic land use. We reconstruct two key facets of regional fire regimes, biomass (vegetation) burned (BB) and recurrence rate of fire episodes (RRFE), by using total charcoal influx and charcoal peaks in palaeoecological records, respectively. Our results suggest climate-driven biomass accumulation and dryness-controlled BB across southeast Australia during the Holocene. Insights from the FGI suggest people elevated the recurrence rate of fire episodes through frequent cultural burning during the early Holocene and reduction in recurrent Indigenous cultural burning during the mid–late Holocene led to increases in BB. These results provide long-term evidence of the effectiveness of Indigenous cultural burning in reducing biomass burned and may be effective in stabilizing fire regimes in flammable landscapes in the future.
Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility
Authors: Ali Malik Ahsan , Wang Yihan , Qin Ziyue , Yuan Xiang , Zhang Yan , Zeng Changjun
Published: March 2021

Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
Functional Analysis of Alkaline Phosphatase in Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Middle East Asia Minor 1 and Mediterranean) on Different Host Plants
Authors: Han Wen-Hao , Zou Chi , Qian Li-Xin , Wang Chao , Wang Xiao-Wei , Liu Yin-Quan , Wang Xin-Ru
Published: March 2021

Alkaline phosphatases (ALPs: EC 3.1.3.1) are ubiquitous enzymes and play crucial roles in the fundamental phosphate uptake and secretory processes. Although insects are regarded as the most diverse group of organisms, the current understanding of ALP roles in insects is limited. As one type of destructive agricultural pest, whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a phloem feeder and invasive species, can cause extensive crop damage through feeding and transmitting plant diseases. In this study, we retrieved five ALP genes in MEAM1 whitefly, nine ALP genes in MED whitefly via comparative genomics approaches. Compared with nine other insects, whiteflies’ ALP gene family members did not undergo significant expansion during insect evolution, and whiteflies’ ALP genes were dispersed. Moreover, whiteflies’ ALP gene family was conserved among insects and emerged before speciation via phylogenetic analysis. Whiteflies’ ALP gene expression profiles presented that most ALP genes have different expression patterns after feeding on cotton or tobacco plants. Female/male MED whiteflies possessed higher ALP activities on both cotton and tobacco plants irrespective of sex, relative to MEAM1 whiteflies. Meanwhile, adult MED whiteflies possessed higher ALP activity in both whole insect and salivary samples, relative to MEAM1 whiteflies. We also found that both MED and MEAM1 whiteflies could upregulate ALP activities after feeding on cotton compared with feeding on tobacco plants. These findings demonstrated the functions of whiteflies ALPs and will assist the further study of the genomic evolution of insect ALPs.
LRRK2 at the Crossroad of Aging and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hur Eun-Mi , Lee Byoung Dae
Published: March 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the widespread occurrence of proteinaceous inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The etiology of PD is still far from clear, but aging has been considered as the highest risk factor influencing the clinical presentations and the progression of PD. Accumulating evidence suggests that aging and PD induce common changes in multiple cellular functions, including redox imbalance, mitochondria dysfunction, and impaired proteostasis. Age-dependent deteriorations in cellular dysfunction may predispose individuals to PD, and cellular damages caused by genetic and/or environmental risk factors of PD may be exaggerated by aging. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene cause late-onset, autosomal dominant PD and comprise the most common genetic causes of both familial and sporadic PD. LRRK2-linked PD patients show clinical and pathological features indistinguishable from idiopathic PD patients. Here, we review cellular dysfunctions shared by aging and PD-associated LRRK2 mutations and discuss how the interplay between the two might play a role in PD pathologies.
Whole-Body Regeneration in Sponges: Diversity, Fine Mechanisms, and Future Prospects
Authors: Ereskovsky Alexander , Borisenko Ilya E. , Bolshakov Fyodor V. , Lavrov Andrey I.
Published: March 2021

While virtually all animals show certain abilities for regeneration after an injury, these abilities vary greatly among metazoans. Porifera (Sponges) is basal metazoans characterized by a wide variety of different regenerative processes, including whole-body regeneration (WBR). Considering phylogenetic position and unique body organization, sponges are highly promising models, as they can shed light on the origin and early evolution of regeneration in general and WBR in particular. The present review summarizes available data on the morphogenetic and cellular mechanisms accompanying different types of WBR in sponges. Sponges show a high diversity of WBR, which principally could be divided into (1) WBR from a body fragment and (2) WBR by aggregation of dissociated cells. Sponges belonging to different phylogenetic clades and even to different species and/or differing in the anatomical structure undergo different morphogeneses after similar operations. A common characteristic feature of WBR in sponges is the instability of the main body axis: a change of the organism polarity is described during all types of WBR. The cellular mechanisms of WBR are different across sponge classes, while cell dedifferentiations and transdifferentiations are involved in regeneration processes in all sponges. Data considering molecular regulation of WBR in sponges are extremely scarce. However, the possibility to achieve various types of WBR ensured by common morphogenetic and cellular basis in a single species makes sponges highly accessible for future comprehensive physiological, biochemical, and molecular studies of regeneration processes.
The Gaps in Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALE) by Income and Region in Korea: A National Representative Bigdata Analysis
Authors: Kim Young-Eun , Jung Yoon-Sun , Ock Minsu , Park Hyesook , Kim Ki-Beom , Go Dun-Sol , Yoon Seok-Jun
Published: March 2021

This study aims to calculate the health-adjusted life years (HALE) by using years lived with disability (YLD) from the national claims data, as well as to identify the differences and inequalities in income level and region. The study was carried out on total population receiving health insurance and medical benefits. We calculated incidence-based YLD for 260 disease groups, and used it as the number of healthy years lost to calculate HALE. We adopted the insurance premium to calculate the income as a proxy indicator. For the region classification, we chose 250 Korean municipal-level administrative districts. Our results revealed that HALE increased from 2008 to 2018. HALE in males increased faster than that in females. HALE was higher in higher income levels. In 2018, the gap in HALE between Q1 and Q2, the lower income group, was about 5.57 years. The gap in females by income level was smaller than that in males. Moreover, the gap in HALE by region was found to increase. Results suggest that there is an inequality in YLD in terms of income level in Korea. Therefore, we need intensive management for the low-income group to promote HALE at the national level.
Blood Donations and Transfusions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: Impact According to Autonomous Communities and Hospitals
Authors: García-Erce José Antonio , Romón-Alonso Íñigo , Jericó Carlos , Domingo-Morera José María , Arroyo-Rodríguez José Luis , Sola-Lapeña Carlos , Bueno-Cabrera José Luis , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Zalba-Marcos Saioa , Abad-Motos Ane , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Quintana-Díaz Manuel
Published: March 2021

Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in blood donations, between 30% and 70% in some of the most affected countries. In Spain, during the initial eight weeks after the State of Emergency was decreed on 14 March 2020, in the weekly reports of the Health Ministry, an average decrease of 20% was observed between 11 and week 25 compared with the 2018 donation. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and blood distribution in four autonomous communities, and to explore the evolution of the consumption of blood components (BCs) in ten hospitals of six autonomous communities. We performed a prospective study of grouped cohorts on the donation and distribution of blood in four regional transfusion centers in four autonomous communities in Spain, and a retrospective study of the consumption of blood components in ten hospitals in six autonomous communities. Regarding donations, there was no significant decrease in donations, with differences between autonomous communities, which started between 1 and 15 March 2020 (−11%). The increase in donations in phase II (from 26 May 2020) stands out. Regarding consumption, there was a significant reduction in the consumption of packed red blood cells (RBCs) (24.5%), plasma (45.3%), and platelets (25.3%) in the central period (16 March–10 May). The reduction in the consumption of RBCs was significant in the period from 1–15 March. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the donation and consumption of BCs.
Social Support and Family Functioning in Chinese Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lei Xianmei , Kantor Jiří
Published: March 2021

Families caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reported poorer family functioning. Social support might strengthen family functioning, but limited research to date has focused on this association in China. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of Chinese families that have children with ASD to examine the relationship between social support and family functioning. Caregivers of children with ASD from Sichuan province in China (N = 167) were surveyed concerning their perceived social support and family functioning. The Social Support Rating Scale was used to investigate caregivers’ perceived social support from three dimensions: subjective support, objective support, and the utilization of support. A Chinese version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale was used to investigate their perceptions of family cohesion and adaptability. The Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression were used for analyses. The results suggested that social support was positively related to family cohesion and adaptability. Of the three sub-domains of social support, both subjective support and the utilization of support were positively associated with family cohesion and adaptability. The study’s findings evidenced the importance of different types of social support and could be used to develop a targeted support service for families that have children with ASD to improve their family functioning and sustain the family unit.
Self-Care in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review of Theoretical Models
Authors: Dall’Oglio Immacolata , Gasperini Giulia , Carlin Claudia , Biagioli Valentina , Gawronski Orsola , Spitaletta Giuseppina , Grimaldi Capitello Teresa , Salata Michele , Vanzi Valentina , Rocco Gennaro , Tiozzo Emanuela , Vellone Ercole , Raponi Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

Background: To improve outcomes in children and young adults (CYAs) with chronic conditions, it is important to promote self-care through education and support. Aims: (1) to retrieve the literature describing theories or conceptual models of self-care in CYAs with chronic conditions and (2) to develop a comprehensive framework. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on nine databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All peer-reviewed papers describing a theory or a conceptual model of self-care in CYAs (0–24 years) with chronic conditions were included. Results: Of 2674 records, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Six papers included a theory or a model of self-care, self-management, or a similar concept. Six papers developed or revised pre-existing models or theories, while five papers did not directly focus on a specific model or a theory. Patients were CYAs, mainly with type 1 diabetes mellitus and asthma. Some relevant findings about self-care in CYAs with neurocognitive impairment and in those living with cancer may have been missed. Conclusions: By aggregating the key elements of the 13 self-care conceptual models identified in the review, we developed a new overarching model emphasizing the shift of self-care agency from family to patients as main actors of their self-management process. The model describes influencing factors, self-care behaviors, and outcomes; the more patients engaged in self-care behaviors, the more the outcomes were favorable.
Validation of a Physical Activity and Health Questionnaire Evaluating Knowledge of WHO Recommendations among Colombians
Authors: Moreno-Lavaho Sandra Milena , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Adsuar José C. , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Manzano-Redondo Fernando , Pérez-Gómez Jorge
Published: March 2021

Knowledge of physical activity (PA) can be considered a predictor of public health for society. Thus, this study aims to show content validity of the “Knowledge Questionnaire on World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations on PA and Health” (CUAFYS-A) and reference values on adults’ knowledge of the WHO recommendations on PA. This is a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, in which 579 adults completed an online questionnaire with demographic data. The questionnaire was made up of 9 items to measure PA related to knowledge. For the elaboration of the items of the questionnaire a disciplinary team formed it and for the analysis of results, a descriptive analysis of these was applied. Then an inferential analysis was performed, content validity, construct validity, and reliability were analyzed. The CUAFYS-A after its content analysis, obtained appropriate results in terms of pertinence and relevance; additionally, it showed Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.62. Thereby, it was concluded the CUAFYS-A questionnaire proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to show reference values and to evaluate the knowledge of adults of PA and health according to the WHO recommendations.
The Effect of Lockdown Period during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Air Quality in Sydney Region, Australia
Authors: Duc Hiep , Salter David , Azzi Merched , Jiang Ningbo , Warren Loredana , Watt Sean , Riley Matthew , White Stephen , Trieu Toan , Tzu-Chi Chang Lisa , Barthelemy Xavier , Fuchs David , Nguyen Huynh
Published: March 2021

In early 2020 from April to early June, the metropolitan area of Sydney as well as the rest of New South Wales (NSW, Australia) experienced a period of lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in the community. The effect of reducing anthropogenic activities including transportation had an impact on the urban environment in terms of air quality which is shown to have improved for a number of pollutants, such as Nitrogen Dioxides (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), based on monitoring data on the ground and from a satellite. In addition to primary pollutants CO and NOx emitted from mobile sources, PM2.5 (primary and secondary) and secondary Ozone (O3) during the lockdown period will also be analyzed using both statistical methods on air quality data and the modelling method with emission and meteorological data input to an air quality model. By estimating the decrease in traffic volume in the Sydney region, the corresponding decrease in emission input to the Weather Research and Forecasting—Community Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System (WRF-CMAQ) air quality model is then used to estimate the effect of lockdown on the air quality especially CO, NO2, O3, and PM2.5 in the Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR) of Sydney. The results from both statistical and modelling methods show that NO2, CO, and PM2.5 levels decreased during the lockdown, but O3 instead increased. However, the change in the concentration levels are small considering the large reduction of ~30% in traffic volume.
Effectiveness of Intervention Strategies on MERS-CoV Transmission Dynamics in South Korea, 2015: Simulations on the Network Based on the Real-World Contact Data
Authors: Kim Yunhwan , Ryu Hohyung , Lee Sunmi
Published: March 2021

The MERS-CoV spread in South Korea in 2015 was not only the largest outbreak of MERS-CoV in the region other than the Middle East but also a historic epidemic in South Korea. Thus, investigation of the MERS-CoV transmission dynamics, especially by agent-based modeling, would be meaningful for devising intervention strategies for novel infectious diseases. In this study, an agent-based model on MERS-CoV transmission in South Korea in 2015 was built and analyzed. The prominent characteristic of this model was that it built the simulation environment based on the real-world contact tracing network, which can be characterized as being scale-free. In the simulations, we explored the effectiveness of three possible intervention scenarios; mass quarantine, isolation, and isolation combined with acquaintance quarantine. The differences in MERS-CoV transmission dynamics by the number of links of the index case agent were examined. The simulation results indicate that isolation combined with acquaintance quarantine is more effective than others, and they also suggest the key role of super-spreaders in MERS-CoV transmission.
Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review
Authors: Abdul Rahim Rohanizah , Jayusman Putri Ayu , Muhammad Norliza , Mohamed Norazlina , Lim Vuanghao , Ahmad Nor Hazwani , Mohamad Sharlina , Abdul Hamid Zuratul Ain , Ahmad Fairus , Mokhtar Norfilza , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun , Mohamed Isa Naina
Published: March 2021

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two common risk factors of various life-threatening disease pathogenesis. In recent years, medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were extensively studied for their potential role in treating and preventing diseases. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), which has been traditionally used to treat toothache in Malaysia, contains various active metabolites responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic bioactivities. These bioactivities were attributed to bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, and alkamides. The review focused on the summarization of in vitro and in vivo experimental reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of S. acmella, as well as how they contributed to potential health benefits in lowering the risk of diseases that were related to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of S. acmella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transcription factors of the nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were discussed. Besides, the antioxidant potential of S. acmella was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide anion radical scavenging (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. This review revealed that S. acmella might have a potential role as a reservoir of bioactive agents contributing to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health beneficial effects.
Expert Views on Therapeutic Climbing—A Multi-Perspective, Qualitative Study
Authors: Frühauf Anika , Heußner Julia , Niedermeier Martin , Kopp Martin
Published: March 2021

Therapeutic climbing (TC) is regularly used as an add-on treatment option for a variety of disorders. However, evidence on the assessment of professionals deciding on the treatment options or assessing the appropriateness of treatment options is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the potential of TC as an exercise intervention from different expert perspectives. The study was designed as a qualitative, problem-centered interview experiment to assess the perspectives of pedagogues, physicians, and psychologists on exercise therapy in general and the potential of TC. The sample consisted of 30 experts (10 pedagogues, 10 physicians, and 10 psychologists) with different levels of experience in TC (ᴓage: 41.7 years, ♀ = 43%). Overall, the potential of TC as an add-on treatment option for various disorders was rated by the respondents as positive and useful. The interviewed experts believed that TC can have a decisive effect on the social, psychological, and physiological domain as a sensibly used add-on therapy. However, considering the reported potential adverse effects and the costs connected with TC, it should not be considered as a panacea. Although research in this area is still much in its infancy, the positive perspective of the professional representatives surveyed could facilitate access to TC for patients and may foster more research in this field.
Vertical Archaeology: Safety in the Use of Ropes for Scientific Research of Pre-Columbian Andean Cultures
Authors: Saez Pedro Ignacio , Carrión Elena Ángela , García Encarnación , Aparicio-Flores Manuel Ollanta
Published: March 2021

Scientific research is sometimes subjected to go through field study in places that are difficult to access. Where man has not managed to reach through traditional techniques, work at height systems offer new possibilities, provide safety in exploration and represent an excellent tool that allows a new insight of spaces object of scientific research. For more than 20 years, the Ukhupacha team has been studying, analyzing and selecting the teams, techniques and rope progression systems that best adapt to archaeological works in vertical environments. The projects studied are developed in Pre-Columbian cultures of the Andean mountain range, the high Amazon jungle and its surroundings. As a result, a new working methodology called Vertical Archaeology has been developed. It prioritizes user’s safety by means of ropes when accessing archaeological research areas. The recommended and safest systems, techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) are presented for each of the phases in which it is proposed to divide archaeological investigations: exploration, training and expedition. Using rope access techniques has allowed the safe study of new artistic and heritage aspects in ancient civilizations, as well as the approach of the scientific community to places that until now had remained hidden.
The Summer 2019–2020 Wildfires in East Coast Australia and Their Impacts on Air Quality and Health in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Nguyen Hiep Duc , Azzi Merched , White Stephen , Salter David , Trieu Toan , Morgan Geoffrey , Rahman Mahmudur , Watt Sean , Riley Matthew , Chang Lisa Tzu-Chi , Barthelemy Xavier , Fuchs David , Lieschke Kaitlyn , Nguyen Huynh
Published: March 2021

The 2019–2020 summer wildfire event on the east coast of Australia was a series of major wildfires occurring from November 2019 to end of January 2020 across the states of Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and South Australia. The wildfires were unprecedent in scope and the extensive character of the wildfires caused smoke pollutants to be transported not only to New Zealand, but also across the Pacific Ocean to South America. At the peak of the wildfires, smoke plumes were injected into the stratosphere at a height of up to 25 km and hence transported across the globe. The meteorological and air quality Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model is used together with the air quality monitoring data collected during the bushfire period and remote sensing data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellites to determine the extent of the wildfires, the pollutant transport and their impacts on air quality and health of the exposed population in NSW. The results showed that the WRF-Chem model using Fire Emission Inventory (FINN) from National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to simulate the dispersion and transport of pollutants from wildfires predicted the daily concentration of PM2.5 having the correlation (R2) and index of agreement (IOA) from 0.6 to 0.75 and 0.61 to 0.86, respectively, when compared with the ground-based data. The impact on health endpoints such as mortality and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases hospitalizations across the modelling domain was then estimated. The estimated health impact on each of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census districts (SA4) of New South Wales was calculated based on epidemiological assumptions of the impact function and incidence rate data from the 2016 ABS and NSW Department of Health statistical health records. Summing up all SA4 census district results over NSW, we estimated that there were 247 (CI: 89, 409) premature deaths, 437 (CI: 81, 984) cardiovascular diseases hospitalizations and 1535 (CI: 493, 2087) respiratory diseases hospitalizations in NSW over the period from 1 November 2019 to 8 January 2020. The results are comparable with a previous study based only on observation data, but the results in this study provide much more spatially and temporally detailed data with regard to the health impact from the summer 2019–2020 wildfires.
Effects of Gamification on Behavioral Change in Education: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Castelli Darla M.
Published: March 2021

Background: Gamified reward systems, such as providing digital badges earned for specific accomplishments, are related to student engagement in educational settings. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analytic review to quantify the effects of gamified interventions on student behavioral change. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using the following databases: The Academic Search Complete, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Education Source, ERIC, Library Information Science & Technology Abstracts, and PsycINFO. Inclusion in the review required: (a) peer-reviewed conducted between 2010 and 2019, (b) experimental controlled design, (c) gamification elements, and (d) educational setting. Results: Using a random-effects model, a statistically significant (Cohen’s d (ES) = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.62) gamification effect was evidenced by moderate and positive grand effects sizes (ES). Gamification effects were higher with adults in higher education (ES = 0.95) than K-12 students (ES = 0.92). Brief interventions delivered in days or less than 1 week were significantly more effective (ES = 1.57) than interventions lasting up to 20 weeks (ES = 0.30). Interventions incorporating gamification elements across years (ES = −0.20) was adversely associated with behavioral change. Conclusions: Findings suggest that short-term over longer-term gamified interventions might be a promising way to initiate changes in learner’s behaviors and improve learning outcome.
Gene Expression Changes of Humans with Primary Mitral Regurgitation and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Tsai Feng-Chun , Chen Yu-Lin , Yen Kun-Chi , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Chen Jui-Hsuan , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Tsai Pei-Chien
Published: March 2021

Patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) may remain asymptomatic for many years. For unknown reasons, some shift from a compensated to a decompensated state and progress to fatal heart failure. To elucidate the genetic determinants of this process, we recruited 28 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery and stratified them into control, compensated MR, and decompensated MR groups. Tissue biopsies were obtained from the patients’ left ventricular (LV) lateral wall for a transcriptome-wide profiling of 64,769 probes to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using cutoff values at the 1% FDR significance level and sex- and age-adjusted regression models, we identified 12 significant DEGs (CTGF, MAP1B, SERPINE1, MYH9, MICAL2, MYO1D, CRY1, AQP7P3, HTRA1, PRSS23, IGFBP2, and FN1). The most significant gene was CTGF (adjusted R2 = 0.74, p = 1.80 × 10−8). We found that the majority of genes expressed in the more advanced decompensated MR group were pro-fibrotic genes associated with cardiac fibrosis. In particular, six pro-fibrotic genes (CTGF, SERPINE1, MYH9, HTRA1, PRSS23, and FN1) were overexpressed and enriched in pathways involved in ECM (extracellular matrix) protein remodeling. Therapeutic interventions that antagonize these six genes may slow the progression toward decompensated MR.
Emerging Molecular Connections between NM23 Proteins, Telomeres and Telomere-Associated Factors: Implications in Cancer Metastasis and Ageing
Authors: Sharma Shalu , Sengupta Antara , Chowdhury Shantanu
Published: March 2021

The metastasis suppressor function of NM23 proteins is widely understood. Multiple enzymatic activities of NM23 proteins have also been identified. However, relatively less known interesting aspects are being revealed from recent developments that corroborate the telomeric interactions of NM23 proteins. Telomeres are known to regulate essential physiological events such as metastasis, ageing, and cellular differentiation via inter-connected signalling pathways. Here, we review the literature on the association of NM23 proteins with telomeres or telomere-related factors, and discuss the potential implications of emerging telomeric functions of NM23 proteins. Further understanding of these aspects might be instrumental in better understanding the metastasis suppressor functions of NM23 proteins.
Investigation of the Interaction of Human Origin Recognition Complex Subunit 1 with G-Quadruplex DNAs of Human c-myc Promoter and Telomere Regions
Authors: Eladl Afaf , Yamaoki Yudai , Hoshina Shoko , Horinouchi Haruka , Kondo Keiko , Waga Shou , Nagata Takashi , Katahira Masato
Published: March 2021

Origin recognition complex (ORC) binds to replication origins in eukaryotic DNAs and plays an important role in replication. Although yeast ORC is known to sequence-specifically bind to a replication origin, how human ORC recognizes a replication origin remains unknown. Previous genome-wide studies revealed that guanine (G)-rich sequences, potentially forming G-quadruplex (G4) structures, are present in most replication origins in human cells. We previously suggested that the region comprising residues 413–511 of human ORC subunit 1, hORC1413–511, binds preferentially to G-rich DNAs, which form a G4 structure in the absence of hORC1413–511. Here, we investigated the interaction of hORC1413-511 with various G-rich DNAs derived from human c-myc promoter and telomere regions. Fluorescence anisotropy revealed that hORC1413–511 binds preferentially to DNAs that have G4 structures over ones having double-stranded structures. Importantly, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that those G-rich DNAs retain the G4 structures even after binding with hORC1413–511. NMR chemical shift perturbation analyses revealed that the external G-tetrad planes of the G4 structures are the primary binding sites for hORC1413–511. The present study suggests that human ORC1 may recognize replication origins through the G4 structure.
Diphenyl-Methane Based Thyromimetic Inhibitors for Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Kim Bokyung , Ko Young Ho , Runfola Massimiliano , Rapposelli Simona , Ortore Gabriella , Chiellini Grazia , Kim Jin Hae
Published: March 2021

Thyromimetics, whose physicochemical characteristics are analog to thyroid hormones (THs) and their derivatives, are promising candidates as novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative and metabolic pathologies. In particular, sobetirome (GC-1), one of the initial halogen-free thyromimetics, and newly synthesized IS25 and TG68, with optimized ADME-Tox profile, have recently attracted attention owing to their superior therapeutic benefits, selectivity, and enhanced permeability. Here, we further explored the functional capabilities of these thyromimetics to inhibit transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. TTR is a homotetrameric transporter protein for THs, yet it is also responsible for severe amyloid fibril formation, which is facilitated by tetramer dissociation into non-native monomers. By combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, computational simulation, and biochemical assays, we found that GC-1 and newly designed diphenyl-methane-based thyromimetics, namely IS25 and TG68, are TTR stabilizers and efficient suppressors of TTR aggregation. Based on these observations, we propose the novel potential of thyromimetics as a multi-functional therapeutic molecule for TTR-related pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases.
Peritoneal Modulators of EZH2-miR-155 Cross-Talk in Endometriosis
Authors: Brunty Sarah , Ray Wright Kristeena , Mitchell Brenda , Santanam Nalini
Published: March 2021

Activation of trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) by EZH2, a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is suggested to play a role in endometriosis. However, the mechanism by which this complex is dysregulated in endometriosis is not completely understood. Here, using eutopic and ectopic tissues, as well as peritoneal fluid (PF) from IRB-approved and consented patients with and without endometriosis, the expression of PRC2 complex components, JARID2, miR-155 (known regulators of EZH2), and a key inflammatory modulator, FOXP3, was measured. A higher expression of EZH2, H3K27me3, JARID2, and FOXP3 as well as miR-155 was noted in both the patient tissues and in endometrial PF treated cells. Gain-or-loss of function of miR-155 showed an effect on the PRC2 complex but had little effect on JARID2 expression, suggesting alternate pathways. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR showed differential expression of PRC2 complex proteins and its associated binding partners in JARID2 vs. EZH2 pull down assays. In particular, endometriotic PF treatment increased the expression of PHF19 (p = 0.0474), a gene silencer and co-factor that promotes PRC2 interaction with its targets. Thus, these studies have identified the potential novel crosstalk between miR-155-PRC2 complex-JARID2 and PHF19 in endometriosis, providing an opportunity to test other epigenetic targets in endometriosis.