bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic Dynamical Model of PEM Electrolyser under Intermittent Sources
Authors: Sood Sumit , Prakash Om , Boukerdja Mahdi , Dieulot Jean-Yves , Ould-Bouamama Belkacem , Bressel Mathieu , Gehin Anne-Lise
Published: December 2020

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis system is one of the promising technologies to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources (wind and solar). However, performance and dynamic analysis of PEM water electrolysis systems are challenging due to the intermittent nature of such sources and involved multi-physical behaviour of the components and subsystems. This study proposes a generic dynamical model of the PEM electrolysis system represented in a modular fashion using Bond Graph (BG) as a unified modelling approach. Causal and functional properties of the BG facilitate the formal PEM electrolyser model to adapt and to fit the different configurations of the electrolyser ranging from laboratory scale to industrial scale. The system-specific key parameter values are identified optimally for a laboratory-scale electrolyser system running on a multi-source energy platform using experimental data. The mean absolute percentage error between simulation and experimental data is found to be less than 5%. The performance characteristic curves of the electrolyser are predicted at different operating temperatures using the identified key parameters. The predicted performance is in good agreement with the expected behaviour of the electrolyser found in the literature. The model also estimates the different energy losses and the real-time efficiency of the system under dynamic inputs. With these capabilities, the developed model provides an economical mean for design, control, and diagnosis development of such systems.
Influence of the Length of a Catalyst-Coated Glow Plug on Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Merkisz Jerzy , Pielecha Jacek , Andrych-Zalewska Monika
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the application of an in-cylinder catalyst in reducing the exhaust emissions from a diesel engine. This is an additional method of exhaust gas aftertreatment; yet the placement of a catalyst in the combustion chamber (i.e., the closest location to the process of combustion) allows a reduction of the emissions ‘at source’ (the catalyst applied on the glow plugs). For the investigations, we used an engine dynamometer to reproduce the traffic conditions of a homologation test carried out on a chassis dynamometer. We carried out the investigations on a Euro 4 1.3 JTD MultiJet diesel engine. The selection of the research object was followed by an analysis of the number of engines used in the EU meeting individual emission standards. We present results (measurement of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particle number, and carbon dioxide) related to the assessment of the applicability of the in-cylinder catalyst for three types of glow plugs: standard, catalyst-covered, and a prototype plug with an elongated catalyst-covered heating part. Prototype catalytic glow plugs ensure a few percent reduction in the emission of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and particle number. The use of such a solution (glow plug replacement) in most diesel engines (easy to retrofit) would improve the environmental performance of combustion engines. It is of particular importance that in-cylinder catalysts are most efficient during cold start and warm-up, which is often the case in urban driving.
Densified Laser-Induced Graphene for Flexible Microsupercapacitors
Authors: Lee Jung , Jang Jina , Zhou Haoyu , Lee Yoonjae , In Jung
Published: December 2020

Microsupercapacitors have attracted significant attention due to several of their advantageous characteristics such as lightweight, small volume, and planar structure that is favorable for high mechanical flexibility. Among the various micro supercapacitor forms, those with laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes are promising as flexible energy storage devices. While LIG microelectrodes can be fabricated simply by direct laser writing, the capacitance and energy density of these devices are limited because of the relatively low density of LIG, which leads to low surface areas. These limitations could be overcome by densifying the LIG. Here, we report the use of densified laser-induced graphene (d-LIG) to fabricate flexible micro supercapacitors. Interdigitated d-LIG electrodes were prepared by duplicate laser pyrolysis of a polyimide sheet by using a CO2 laser. A PVA-H2SO4 gel-type electrolyte was then applied to the d-LIG electrode surface to assemble a d-LIG micro supercapacitor. This d-LIG micro supercapacitor exhibited substantially increased capacitance and energy density versus conventional low-density LIG micro supercapacitors. While the d-LIG electrode exhibited a substantial change in resistance when subjected to bending at a radius of 3 mm, the change in the capacitance of the d-LIG micro supercapacitor was negligible at the same bending radius due to reinforcement by the infiltrated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrolyte, demonstrating the potential application of d-LIG micro supercapacitors in wearable electronics.
Predicting Fire Propagation across Heterogeneous Landscapes Using WyoFire: A Monte Carlo-Driven Wildfire Model
Authors: Ott Cory W. , Adhikari Bishrant , Alexander Simon P. , Hodza Paddington , Xu Chen , Minckley Thomas A.
Published: December 2020

The scope of wildfires over the previous decade has brought these natural hazards to the forefront of risk management. Wildfires threaten human health, safety, and property, and there is a need for comprehensive and readily usable wildfire simulation platforms that can be applied effectively by wildfire experts to help preserve physical infrastructure, biodiversity, and landscape integrity. Evaluating such platforms is important, particularly in determining the platforms’ reliability in forecasting the spatiotemporal trajectories of wildfire events. This study evaluated the predictive performance of a wildfire simulation platform that implements a Monte Carlo-based wildfire model called WyoFire. WyoFire was used to predict the growth of 10 wildfires that occurred in Wyoming, USA, in 2017 and 2019. The predictive quality of this model was determined by comparing disagreement and agreement areas between the observed and simulated wildfire boundaries. Overestimation–underestimation was greatest in grassland fires (>32) and lowest in mixed-forest, woodland, and shrub-steppe fires (<−2.5). Spatial and statistical analyses of observed and predicted fire perimeters were conducted to measure the accuracy of the predicated outputs. The results indicate that simulations of wildfires that occurred in shrubland- and grassland-dominated environments had the tendency to over-predict, while simulations of fires that took place within forested and woodland-dominated environments displayed the tendency to under-predict.
Color-Induced Aroma Illusion: Color Cues Can Modulate Consumer Perception, Acceptance, and Emotional Responses toward Cooked Rice
Authors: Jeesan Shady Afrin , Seo Han-Seok
Published: December 2020

Since rice is often cooked in many countries with different types of ingredients or seasonings, the surface colors of traditional rice meal items vary across cultural backgrounds. This study aimed to determine whether consumer perception, acceptance, willingness to eat, and emotional responses toward cooked rice samples could differ with their surface color cues. Milled rice was cooked with one of three food colorants: yellow, orange, and green, with milled (white) and un-milled (brown) rice cooked without colorants used as respective test and filler samples. Using a check-all-that-apply method, 98 rice consumers checked all aroma attributes they perceived by sniffing each of the four cooked-rice samples (white, yellow, orange, and green). They also rated the four samples with respect to attribute intensity, liking, emotional responses, and willingness to eat. The results showed that participants associated colored rice with specific ingredient-related aroma attributes (e.g., green color elicited sweet peas or spinach aromas). Color cues also affected ratings of attribute intensity, liking, willingness to eat, and emotional responses to cooked rice samples. In conclusion, this study provides empirical evidence that in the context of cooked rice consumption, color cues can elicit associated aromas and modulate consumer perception, acceptance, and evoked emotions to cooked rice.
Valuation Models Applied to Value-Based Management—Application to the Case of UK Companies with Problems
Authors: Ausloos Marcel
Published: December 2020

Many still rightly wonder whether accounting numbers affect business value. Basic questions are “why?” and “how?” We aim at promoting an objective choice on how optimizing the most suitable valuation methods under a “value-based management” framework through some performance measurement systems. First, we present a comprehensive review of valuation methods. Three valuations methods, (i) Free Cash Flow Valuation Model (FCFVM), (ii) Residual Earning Valuation Model (REVM) and (iii) Abnormal Earning Growth Model (AEGM), are presented. We point out advantages and limitations. As applications, the proofs of our findings are illustrated on three study cases: Marks & Spencer’s (M&S’s) business pattern (size and growth prospect), which had a recently advertised valuation “problem”, and two comparable companies, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, all three chosen for multiple-based valuation. For the purpose, two value drivers are chosen, EnV/EBIT (entity value/earnings before interests and taxes) and the corresponding EnV/Sales. Thus, the question whether accounting numbers through models based on mathematical economics truly affect business value has an answer: “Maybe, yes”.
More Rule than Exception: Parallel Evidence of Ancient Migrations in Grammars and Genomes of Finno-Ugric Speakers
Authors: Santos Patrícia , Gonzàlez-Fortes Gloria , Trucchi Emiliano , Ceolin Andrea , Cordoni Guido , Guardiano Cristina , Longobardi Giuseppe , Barbujani Guido
Published: December 2020

To reconstruct aspects of human demographic history, linguistics and genetics complement each other, reciprocally suggesting testable hypotheses on population relationships and interactions. Relying on a linguistic comparative method based on syntactic data, here we focus on the non-straightforward relation of genes and languages among Finno-Ugric (FU) speakers, in comparison to their Indo-European (IE) and Altaic (AL) neighbors. Syntactic analysis, in agreement with the indications of more traditional linguistic levels, supports at least three distinct clusters, corresponding to these three Eurasian families; yet, the outliers of the FU group show linguistic convergence with their geographical neighbors. By analyzing genome-wide data in both ancient and contemporary populations, we uncovered remarkably matching patterns, with north-western FU speakers linguistically and genetically closer in parallel degrees to their IE-speaking neighbors, and eastern FU speakers to AL speakers. Therefore, our analysis indicates that plausible cross-family linguistic interference effects were accompanied, and possibly caused, by recognizable demographic processes. In particular, based on the comparison of modern and ancient genomes, our study identified the Pontic-Caspian steppes as the possible origin of the demographic processes that led to the expansion of FU languages into Europe.
Influence of a Major Mountainous Landscape Barrier (Mount Cameroon) on the Spread of Metabolic (GSTe2) and Target-Site (Rdl) Resistance Alleles in the African Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus
Authors: Amvongo-Adjia Nathalie , Riveron Jacob M. , Njiokou Flobert , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S.
Published: December 2020

Increased levels of insecticide resistance in major malaria vectors such as Anopheles funestus threaten the effectiveness of insecticide-based control programmes. Understanding the landscape features impacting the spread of resistance makers is necessary to design suitable resistance management strategies. Here, we examined the influence of the highest mountain in West Africa (Mount Cameroon; 4095 m elevation) on the spread of metabolic and target-site resistance alleles in An. funestus populations. Vector composition varied across the four localities surveyed along the altitudinal cline with major vectors exhibiting high parity rate (80.5%). Plasmodium infection rates ranged from 0.79% (An. melas) to 4.67% (An. funestus). High frequencies of GSTe2R (67–81%) and RdlR (49–90%) resistance alleles were observed in An. funestus throughout the study area, with GSTe2R frequency increasing with altitude, whereas the opposite is observed for RdlR. Patterns of genetic diversity and population structure analyses revealed high levels of polymorphisms with 12 and 16 haplotypes respectively for GSTe2 and Rdl. However, the reduced diversity patterns of resistance allele carriers revealed signatures of positive selection on the two genes across the study area irrespective of the altitude. Despite slight variations associated with the altitude, the spread of resistance alleles suggest that control strategies could be implemented against malaria vectors across mountainous landscapes.
Tensor-Decomposition-Based Unsupervised Feature Extraction Applied to Prostate Cancer Multiomics Data
Authors: Taguchi Y-h. , Turki Turki
Published: December 2020

The large p small n problem is a challenge without a de facto standard method available to it. In this study, we propose a tensor-decomposition (TD)-based unsupervised feature extraction (FE) formalism applied to multiomics datasets, in which the number of features is more than 100,000 whereas the number of samples is as small as about 100, hence constituting a typical large p small n problem. The proposed TD-based unsupervised FE outperformed other conventional supervised feature selection methods, random forest, categorical regression (also known as analysis of variance, or ANOVA), penalized linear discriminant analysis, and two unsupervised methods, multiple non-negative matrix factorization and principal component analysis (PCA) based unsupervised FE when applied to synthetic datasets and four methods other than PCA based unsupervised FE when applied to multiomics datasets. The genes selected by TD-based unsupervised FE were enriched in genes known to be related to tissues and transcription factors measured. TD-based unsupervised FE was demonstrated to be not only the superior feature selection method but also the method that can select biologically reliable genes. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which TD-based unsupervised FE has been successfully applied to the integration of this variety of multiomics measurements.
Estradiol Enhances Anorectic Effect of Apolipoprotein A-IV through ERα-PI3K Pathway in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius
Authors: Liu Min , Shen Ling , Xu Meifeng , Wang David Q.-H. , Tso Patrick
Published: December 2020

Estradiol (E2) enhances the anorectic action of apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), however, the intracellular mechanisms are largely unclear. Here we reported that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was significantly activated by E2 and apoA-IV, respectively, in primary neuronal cells isolated from rat embryonic brainstem. Importantly, the combination of E2 and apoA-IV at their subthreshold doses synergistically activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These effects, however, were significantly diminished by the pretreatment with LY294002, a selective PI3K inhibitor. E2-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway was through membrane-associated ERα, because the phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased by PPT, an ERα agonist, and by E2-BSA (E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin) which activates estrogen receptor on the membrane. Centrally administered apoA-IV at a low dose (0.5 µg) significantly suppressed food intake and increased the phosphorylation of Akt in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with E2, but not in OVX rats treated with vehicle. These effects were blunted by pretreatment with LY294002. These results indicate that E2’s regulatory role in apoA-IV’s anorectic action is through the ERα-PI3K pathway in the NTS. Manipulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling activation in the NTS may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and the treatment of obesity-related disorders in females.
Genetic and Clinical Findings in an Ethnically Diverse Cohort with Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with Pathogenic Variants in CERKL
Authors: Downes Susan M. , Nguyen Tham , Tai Vicky , Broadgate Suzanne , Shah Mital , Al-Khuzaei Saoud , MacLaren Robert E. , Shanks Morag , Clouston Penny , Halford Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa is caused by mutations in over 40 genes, one of which is the ceramide kinase-like gene (CERKL). We present a case series of six patients from six unrelated families diagnosed with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) and with two variants in CERKL recruited from a multi-ethnic British population. A retrospective review of clinical data in these patients was performed and included colour fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (AF) imaging, spectral domain–optical coherence tomography (SD–OCT), visual fields and electroretinogram (ERG) assessment where available. Three female and three male patients were included. Age at onset ranged from 7 years old to 45 years, with three presenting in their 20s and two presenting in their 40s. All but one had central visual loss as one of their main presenting symptoms. Four patients had features of retinitis pigmentosa with significant variation in severity and extent of disease, and two patients had no pigment deposition with only macular involvement clinically. Seven variants in CERKL were identified, of which three are novel. The inherited retinopathies associated with the CERKL gene vary in age at presentation and in degree of severity, but generally are characterised by a central visual impairment early on.
Introducing Infectious Disease Reports: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Petrosillo Nicola
Published: December 2020

The first two decades of the New Millenium have faced several and threatening problems in healthcare [...]
Mitigating Catastrophic Risks and Food Security Threats: Effects of Land Ownership in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Jabbar Awais , Wu Qun , Peng Jianchao , Sher Ali , Imran Asma , Wang Kunpeng
Published: December 2020

In the wake of environmental challenges, the adoption of risk management strategies is imperative to achieve sustainable agricultural production and food security among the Pakistani farmers of Punjab. For a deeper insight into farmers’ adaptive behavior towards climate change, this study explored the role of land tenancy in the adoption of risk management instruments, such as off-farm diversification, improved varieties, and crop insurance. Off-farm diversification was found to be a preferred instrument among landless tenants. The study also employed a multivariate probit model that further signified the role of land tenure in risk-related decisions. Apart from land tenancy, the results identified the prominence of risk perception, information access, and extension access in adoption decisions. This study also investigated the association between risk management approaches and food security indicators (household hunger scale, food consumption score). Analysis revealed a significant association between risk management tools and food security indicators.
Parental Hesitancy and Concerns around Accessing Paediatric Unscheduled Healthcare during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Nicholson Emma , McDonnell Thérèse , Conlon Ciara , Barrett Michael , Cummins Fergal , Hensey Conor , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: December 2020

A decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations has been reported during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study sought to understand parents’ hesitancy and concerns around accessing healthcare during the pandemic using a cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044) in Ireland. Multinomial and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. In total, 34% of participants stated that their child required healthcare during the pandemic, of whom 22% decided against seeking healthcare. Parents who reported being much more hesitant about accessing healthcare were more likely to report mild–moderate (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 2.31, CI: 1.54–3.47) and severe–extremely severe stress (RRR: 3.37, CI: 1.81–6.27). Parents who understood government advice to mean avoiding health services were more likely to be hesitant to attend (RRR: 1.71, CI; 1.10–2.67). These effects held when restrictions were beginning to be lifted. Higher levels of stress were associated with a parent believing that the government advice meant that they should not attend health services (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.14–2.41). Public health messaging must ensure parents are reassured on the accessibility and safety of paediatric healthcare services as this public health emergency continues.
Analysis of the Athletic Career and Retirement Depending on the Type of Sport: A Comparison between Individual and Team Sports
Authors: de Subijana Cristina López , Galatti Larisa , Moreno Rubén , Chamorro Jose L.
Published: December 2020

The type of sport practiced may shape the athletic career, considered as the period in which an athlete is dedicated to obtaining their maximum performance in one or more sports. The aim of this study was to compare athletic careers and retirement in individual and team sports. Four hundred and ten former elite athletes (38.5 ± 7.6 years) answered an ad hoc questionnaire; 61.5% were men and 38.5% women; 45.1% were from individual sports, while 54.9% were from team sports. It emerged that the age of maximum sports performance and the retirement age occurred significantly later in team sports than in individual sports (U = 15,042 and U = 12,624.5, respectively p < 0.001). Team sports athletes combined their athletic career with work to a greater extent than those from individual sports (χ2 (3, N = 408) = 14.2; p = 0.003; Cv = 0.187). Individual sports athletes trained more hours per week (30.0 ± 11.7 h) than those involved in team sports (19.2 ± 10.7 h; U = 9682; p < 0.001). These athletes (team sports) were in a better economic and working situation at retirement transition (χ2 (3, N = 406) = 23.9; p < 0.001; Cv = 0.242). Individual sports athletes perform physical activity more frequently than team sports athletes (U = 16,267.5; p = 0.045), while team sports athletes participate more actively in veteran competitions (χ2 (1, N = 390) = 3.9; p = 0.047; Cv = 0.104) and more frequently attend events as spectators (χ2 (1, N = 390) = 8.4; p = 0.004; Cv = 0.151). dual career support providers should be aware that team sports athletes enjoy a longer athletic career, and they are in a better position to face the retirement transition than individual sports athletes.
Air Pollution Is Associated with COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Hutter Hans-Peter , Poteser Michael , Moshammer Hanns , Lemmerer Kathrin , Mayer Monika , Weitensfelder Lisbeth , Wallner Peter , Kundi Michael
Published: December 2020

We determined the impact of air pollution on COVID-19-related mortality and reported-case incidence, analyzing the correlation of infection case numbers and outcomes with previous-year air pollution data from the populations of 23 Viennese districts. Time at risk started in a district when the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed. High exposure levels were defined as living in a district with an average (year 2019) concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and/or particulate matter (PM10) higher than the upper quartile (30 and 20 µg/m3, respectively) of all districts. The total population of the individual districts was followed until diagnosis of or death from COVID-19, or until 21 April 2020, whichever came first. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed after controlling for percentage of population aged 65 and more, percentage of foreigners and of persons with a university degree, unemployment rate, and population density. PM10 and NO2 were significantly and positively associated with the risk of a COVID-19 diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.44 and 1.16, respectively). NO2 was also significantly associated with death from COVID-19 (HR = 1.72). Even within a single city, higher levels of air pollution are associated with an adverse impact on COVID-19 risk.
Want to Impact Physical, Technical, and Tactical Performance during Basketball Small-Sided Games in Youth Athletes? Try Differential Learning Beforehand
Authors: Poureghbali Sogand , Arede Jorge , Rehfeld Kathrin , Schöllhorn Wolfgang , Leite Nuno
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of small-sided games, based on differential learning, on the physical, technical, and positioning performance of young basketball players. Eight basketball players under 13 (U13) participated in this study. A total of eight sessions involving half-court small-sided games (4 sets × 3 min + 1 min of passive recovery) under randomly different numerical relations were performed. Before each trial, players were verbally instructed to perform the drill in one of the conditions, in random order. Pre- and post-tests were performed in the 4v4 half-court format, in each session. External load and positional data were collected via a WIMU PRO local positioning system. Individual heart rate monitoring was used to assess the internal load. Game videos also collected notational data. The results revealed that, after the intervention, the players significantly decreased the total distance covered, the peak acceleration, average speed, training impulse, and the spatial exploration index; conversely, the results confirmed an increase in the number of dribbles. Small-sided games under randomly different numerical relations imposed acute effects in distinct variables during 4v4 half-court games. However, further studies are warranted, including longer interventions and parallel-group designs, to confirm if the training-induced effects of this method are significantly better compared to other approaches.
Trabecular Bone Assessment Using Magnetic-Resonance Imaging: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bohner Lauren , Tortamano Pedro , Meier Norbert , Gremse Felix , Kleinheinz Johannes , Hanisch Marcel
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to assess trabecular bone morphology via magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) using microcomputed tomography (µCT) as the control group. Porcine bone samples were scanned with T1-weighted turbo spin echo sequence imaging, using TR 25 ms, TE 3.5 ms, FOV 100 × 100 × 90, voxel size 0.22 × 0.22 × 0.50 mm, and scan time of 11:18. µCT was used as the control group with 80 kV, 125 mA, and a voxel size of 16 µm. The trabecular bone was segmented on the basis of a reference threshold value and morphological parameters. Bone volume (BV), Bone-volume fraction (BvTv), Bone specific surface (BsBv), trabecular thickness (TbTh), and trabecular separation (TbSp) were evaluated. Paired t-test and Pearson correlation test were performed at p = 0.05. MRI overestimated BV, BvTv, TbTh, and TbSp values. BsBv was the only parameter that was underestimated by MRI. High statistical correlation (r = 0.826; p < 0.05) was found for BV measurements. Within the limitations of this study, MRI overestimated trabecular bone parameters, but with a statistically significant fixed linear offset.
Clinical and Economic Impact of Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Infection or Colonization Caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Zhen Xuemei , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Sun Xueshan , Hu Xiaoqian , Dong Hengjin
Published: December 2020

Quantifying economic and clinical outcomes for interventions could help to reduce third-generation cephalosporin resistance and Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae. We aimed to compare the differences in clinical and economic burden between third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli (3GCREC) and third-generation cephalosporin-susceptible E. coli (3GCSEC) cases, and between third-generation cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae (3GCRKP) and third-generation cephalosporin-susceptible K. pneumoniae (3GCSKP) cases. A retrospective and multicenter study was conducted. We collected data from electronic medical records for patients who had clinical samples positive for E. coli or K. pneumoniae isolates during 2013 and 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to minimize the impact of potential confounding variables, including age, sex, insurance, number of diagnoses, Charlson comorbidity index, admission to intensive care unit, surgery, and comorbidities. We also repeated the PSM including length of stay (LOS) before culture. The main indicators included economic costs, LOS and hospital mortality. The proportions of 3GCREC and 3GCRKP in the sampled hospitals were 44.3% and 32.5%, respectively. In the two PSM methods, 1804 pairs and 1521 pairs were generated, and 1815 pairs and 1617 pairs were obtained, respectively. Compared with susceptible cases, those with 3GCREC and 3GCRKP were associated with significantly increased total hospital cost and excess LOS. Inpatients with 3GCRKP were significantly associated with higher hospital mortality compared with 3GCSKP cases, however, there was no significant difference between 3GCREC and 3GCSEC cases. Cost reduction and outcome improvement could be achieved through a preventative approach in terms of both antimicrobial stewardship and preventing the transmission of organisms.
Theory of Mind in ADHD. A Proposal to Improve Working Memory through the Stimulation of the Theory of Mind
Authors: Lavigne Rocío , González-Cuenca Antonia , Romero-González Marta , Sánchez Marta
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Theory of Mind (ToM), Working Memory (WM), and Verbal Comprehension (VC). Performance of these variables was evaluated in 44 elementary students (6–12 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Their performance in all variables was collected through the Neuropsychological Battery (NEPSY-II) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV. The results showed that fifty percent of the participants were below the 25th percentile in ToM and that this low performance was not related to age. In addition, analyses showed statistically significant relationships between WM, VC, and ToM. Analysis of the effect of WM and VC on ToM showed that only WM explained the variance in participant performance in ToM. These results led us to raise the need to include ToM among the skills to be stimulated in programs for the treatment of ADHD, accompanying other skills related to social adaptation that are usually included in such programs. Likewise, considering that ToM implies putting into practice skills such as considering different points of view, attending to relevant aspects of the context, making decisions, inferring mental states, and predicting behaviors, we believe that through the stimulation of ToM, WM would also be stimulated.
Gas Phase Toluene Adsorption Using Date Palm-Tree Branches Based Activated Carbon
Authors: Vohra Muhammad , Al-Suwaiyan Mohammad , Hussaini Minaam
Published: December 2020

Activated carbon that has been widely used for several environmental applications is typically produced from carbon-based raw materials including agricultural by-products. To that end, extensive date palm-tree farming across the globe with millions of palm trees, also results in various types of agricultural waste including date palm-tree branches (DPB) during the regular trimming phase of palm-trees. Furthermore, air pollution also remains a serious concern in many global regions, requiring the application of appropriate treatment technologies to mitigate the respective negative effects on human health and environment. The present study thus assessed the efficiency of activated carbon (AC) derived from date palm-tree branches to treat gaseous toluene (C6H5CH3) streams under varying dynamic flow conditions. The produced activated carbon showed BET specific surface area (SSABET) of 800.87 m2/g with micro and mesoporous structure. The AC FTIR results indicated several surface groups including oxygen based functional groups. Furthermore, the dynamic gas treatment results showed that the respective activated carbon can successfully treat gaseous toluene under varying gas flow rates, gas concentrations and activated carbon bed depths. An increase in the carbon bed depth and decrease in toluene gas concentration and/or flow rate, yielded higher breakthrough time (BT) and exhaustion time (ET) values. Adsorption modeling employing the response surface methodology (RSM) approach successfully modeled the respective gaseous toluene removal experimental findings, with breakthrough time (BT) and exhaustion time (ET) as the response factors. The respective model-fitting parameters showed good outcomes using natural logarithmic transform model.
Erratum: Wang, W.Y., et al. Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in Taiwanese Adolescents. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 4392
Authors: Wang Wen-Yi , Hsieh Yu-Ling , Hsueh Ming-Chun , Liu Yang , Liao Yung
Published: December 2020

Due to an error during production, Section 3 [...]
Application of Geostatistical Analysis and Random Forest for Source Analysis and Human Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Arable Land Soil
Authors: Xiao Liang , Zhou Yong , Huang He , Liu Yu-Jie , Li Ke , Li Meng-Yao , Tian Yang , Wu Fei
Published: December 2020

Arable land soil is one of the most precious natural resources of Earth, it provides the fundamental material and numerous resources essential for the development of human society. To determine the pollution of potential toxic factors in the surface soil of cultivated land and its risks to human health, concentrations of five different potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were detected in 1109 soil samples collected in Xiangzhou, China, in 2019. In this study, health risk assessment was used to judge the degree of pollution in the study area, the result of Geographic Information System (GIS) was as used to research the spatial distribution characteristics of PTEs, and random forest (RF) was used to assess the natural and man-made influencing factors. We investigated the sources of PTEs through quantifying the indicators, which gave further insights. The main results are: (1) In arable land soil, the average content of PTEs is 0.14 mg/kg cadmium (Cd), 0.05 mg/kg mercury (Hg), 12.89 mg/kg arsenic (As), 29.23 mg/kg lead (Pb), and 78.58 mg/kg chromium (Cr), respectively. The content of As and Pb outpaced the background value of Hubei soil. (2) The human health risk assessment in Xiangzhou indicates that the most important exposure pathway is soil ingestion, occupied about 99% to health risks of PTEs; non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to As, Pb and Cr in soil was higher than the limit (overall potential risk index, HI > 1) for both children and adults. Moreover, carcinogenic risk postured by Cd, Cr, and As was higher than the limit (10−4) through soil exposure for both children and adults, indicating that Cd, As, Pb and Cr in soil have significant effect on people’s health through exposure. (3) We found that the increased PTEs in the arable land soil mainly originated from potential water sources, air and soil pollution sources, breeding farms, and mining areas.
Challenges and Opportunities of Biocoagulant/Bioflocculant Application for Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment and Its Potential for Sludge Recovery
Authors: Kurniawan Setyo , Abdullah Siti , Imron Muhammad , Said Nor , Ismail Nur , Hasan Hassimi , Othman Ahmad , Purwanti Ipung
Published: December 2020

The utilization of metal-based conventional coagulants/flocculants to remove suspended solids from drinking water and wastewater is currently leading to new concerns. Alarming issues related to the prolonged effects on human health and further pollution to aquatic environments from the generated nonbiodegradable sludge are becoming trending topics. The utilization of biocoagulants/bioflocculants does not produce chemical residue in the effluent and creates nonharmful, biodegradable sludge. The conventional coagulation–flocculation processes in drinking water and wastewater treatment, including the health and environmental issues related to the utilization of metal-based coagulants/flocculants during the processes, are discussed in this paper. As a counterpoint, the development of biocoagulants/bioflocculants for drinking water and wastewater treatment is intensively reviewed. The characterization, origin, potential sources, and application of this green technology are critically reviewed. This review paper also provides a thorough discussion on the challenges and opportunities regarding the further utilization and application of biocoagulants/bioflocculants in water and wastewater treatment, including the importance of the selection of raw materials, the simplification of extraction processes, the application to different water and wastewater characteristics, the scaling up of this technology to a real industrial scale, and also the potential for sludge recovery by utilizing biocoagulants/bioflocculants in water/wastewater treatment.
Understanding the Self-Perceived Barriers and Enablers toward Adopting a Mediterranean Diet in Australia: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour Framework
Authors: Scannell Nicole , Villani Anthony , Mantzioris Evangeline , Swanepoel Libby
Published: December 2020

The transferability of a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in non-Mediterranean populations is appealing. However, little is known about the perceived enablers or barriers toward adherence, particularly in Australia. This study aimed to investigate the perceived beliefs, barriers, and enablers toward adherence to a MedDiet in Australian adults. Barriers and enablers were assessed using a self-administered online questionnaire, which included questions aligned with the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The survey was completed by n = 606 participants. Barriers and enablers toward adherence to MedDiet were grouped under the three core constructs of the TPB: attitudes (suitability, taste, restrictive, food waste); social norms (food culture); and perceived behavioural control (PBC) (motivation, affordability, time/effort, food access, knowledge, food outlets, natural conditions, cooking skills). PBC emerged as the most prominent construct influencing intention to follow a MedDiet. Perceived health benefits (n = 445; 76.5%) and improved diet quality (n = 224; 38.5%) were identified as major advantages. In contrast, dietary adherence (n = 147; 39.7%) was perceived as an important disadvantage. Future MedDiet interventions, in both research and clinical settings, should consider adopting strategies aimed at improving self-efficacy to reduce self-perceived barriers and facilitate dietary adherence.
Feasibility Study Comparing Physical Activity Classifications from Accelerometers with Wearable Camera Data
Authors: Davies Alyse , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Owen Katherine , Signal Louise , Hosking Cameron , Wang Leanne , Bauman Adrian
Published: December 2020

Device-based assessments are frequently used to measure physical activity (PA) but contextual measures are often lacking. There is a need for new methods, and one under-explored option is the use of wearable cameras. This study tested the use of wearable cameras in PA measurement by comparing intensity classifications from accelerometers with wearable camera data. Seventy-eight 18–30-year-olds wore an Actigraph GT9X link accelerometer and Autographer wearable camera for three consecutive days. An image coding schedule was designed to assess activity categories and activity sub-categories defined by the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities (Compendium). Accelerometer hourly detailed files processed using the Montoye (2020) cut-points were linked to camera data using date and time stamps. Agreement was examined using equivalence testing, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho). Fifty-three participants contributing 636 person-hours were included. Reliability was moderate to good for sedentary behavior (rho = 0.77), light intensity activities (rho = 0.59) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (rho = 0.51). The estimates of sedentary behavior, light activity and MVPA from the two methods were similar, but not equivalent. Wearable cameras are a potential complementary tool for PA measurement, but practical challenges and limitations exist. While wearable cameras may not be feasible for use in large scale studies, they may be feasible in small scale studies where context is important.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Cyclin Gene Family and Their Expression Profile in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Meng Juan , Peng Mengdi , Yang Jie , Zhao Yiran , Hu Junshu , Zhu Yuntao , He Hengbin
Published: December 2020

Cyclins, together with highly conserved cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), play an important role in the process of cell cycle in plants, but less is known about the functions of cyclins in legume plants, especially Medicago truncatula. Our genome-wide analysis identified 58, 103, and 51 cyclin members in the M. truncatula, Glycine max, and Phaseolus vulgaris genomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these cyclins could be classified into 10 types, and the CycB-like types (CycBL1-BL8) were the specific subgroups in M. truncatula, which was one reason for the expansion of the B-type in M. truncatula. All putative cyclin genes were mapped onto their own chromosomes of each genome, and 9 segmental duplication gene pairs involving 20 genes were identified in M. truncatula cyclins. Determined by quantitative real-time PCR, the expression profiling suggested that 57 cyclins in M. truncatula were differentially expressed in 9 different tissues, while a few genes were expressed in some specific tissues. Using the publicly available RNAseq data, the expression of Mtcyclins in the wild-type strain A17 and three nodule mutants during rhizobial infection showed that 23 cyclins were highly upregulated in the nodulation (Nod) factor-hypersensitive mutant sickle (skl) mutant after 12 h of rhizobium inoculation. Among these cyclins, six cyclin genes were also specifically expressed in roots and nodules, which might play specific roles in the various phases of Nod factor-mediated cell cycle activation and nodule development. Our results provide information about the cyclin gene family in legume plants, serving as a guide for further functional research on plant cyclins.
In Vivo Tracking of Extracellular Vesicles by Nuclear Imaging: Advances in Radiolabeling Strategies
Authors: Almeida Sara , Santos Liliana , Falcão Amílcar , Gomes Célia , Abrunhosa Antero
Published: December 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally secreted vesicles that have attracted a large amount of interest in nanomedicine in recent years due to their innate biocompatibility, high stability, low immunogenicity, and important role in cell-to-cell communication during pathological processes. Their versatile nature holds great potential to improve the treatment of several diseases through their use as imaging biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and drug-delivery vehicles. However, the clinical translation of EV-based approaches requires a better understanding of their in vivo behavior. Several imaging technologies have been used for the non-invasive in vivo tracking of EVs, with a particular emphasis on nuclear imaging due to its high sensitivity, unlimited penetration depth and accurate quantification. In this article, we will review the biological function and inherent characteristics of EVs and provide an overview of molecular imaging modalities used for their in vivo monitoring, with a special focus on nuclear imaging. The advantages of radionuclide-based imaging modalities make them a promising tool to validate the use of EVs in the clinical setting, as they have the potential to characterize in vivo the pharmacokinetics and biological behavior of the vesicles. Furthermore, we will discuss the current methods available for radiolabeling EVs, such as covalent binding, encapsulation or intraluminal labeling and membrane radiolabeling, reporting the advantages and drawbacks of each radiolabeling approach.
Trimethyllysine: From Carnitine Biosynthesis to Epigenetics
Authors: Maas Marijn N. , Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Porzberg Miriam R. B. , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: December 2020

Trimethyllysine is an important post-translationally modified amino acid with functions in the carnitine biosynthesis and regulation of key epigenetic processes. Protein lysine methyltransferases and demethylases dynamically control protein lysine methylation, with each state of methylation changing the biophysical properties of lysine and the subsequent effect on protein function, in particular histone proteins and their central role in epigenetics. Epigenetic reader domain proteins can distinguish between different lysine methylation states and initiate downstream cellular processes upon recognition. Dysregulation of protein methylation is linked to various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and genetic disorders. In this review, we cover biomolecular studies on the role of trimethyllysine in carnitine biosynthesis, different enzymatic reactions involved in the synthesis and removal of trimethyllysine, trimethyllysine recognition by reader proteins, and the role of trimethyllysine on the nucleosome assembly.
Physicochemical and Biological Characterisation of Diclofenac Oligomeric Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) Hybrids as β-TCP Ceramics Modifiers for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Haraźna Katarzyna , Cichoń Ewelina , Skibiński Szymon , Witko Tomasz , Solarz Daria , Kwiecień Iwona , Marcello Elena , Zimowska Małgorzata , Socha Robert , Szefer Ewa , Zima Aneta , Roy Ipsita , Raftopoulos Konstantinos N. , Pielichowski Krzysztof , Witko Małgorzata , Guzik Maciej
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, regenerative medicine faces a major challenge in providing new, functional materials that will meet the characteristics desired to replenish and grow new tissue. Therefore, this study presents new ceramic-polymer composites in which the matrix consists of tricalcium phosphates covered with blends containing a chemically bounded diclofenac with the biocompatible polymer—poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate), P(3HO). Modification of P(3HO) oligomers was confirmed by NMR, IR and XPS. Moreover, obtained oligomers and their blends were subjected to an in-depth characterisation using GPC, TGA, DSC and AFM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the hydrophobicity and surface free energy values of blends decreased with the amount of diclofenac modified oligomers. Subsequently, the designed composites were used as a substrate for growth of the pre-osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). An in vitro biocompatibility study showed that the composite with the lowest concentration of the proposed drug is within the range assumed to be non-toxic (viability above 70%). Cell proliferation was visualised using the SEM method, whereas the observation of cell penetration into the scaffold was carried out by confocal microscopy. Thus, it can be an ideal new functional bone tissue substitute, allowing not only the regeneration and restoration of the defect but also inhibiting the development of chronic inflammation.