bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 Gasification Reactivity and Syngas Production of Greek Lignite Coal and Ex-Situ Produced Chars under Non-Isothermal and Isothermal Conditions: Structure-Performance Relationships
Authors: Lampropoulos Athanasios , Binas Vassilios D. , Zouridi Leila , Athanasiou Costas , Montes-Morán Miguel A. , Menéndez J. Angel , Konsolakis Michalis , Marnellos George E.
Published: January 2022

The presented work explores the structural properties, gasification reactivity, and syngas production of Greek lignite fuel (LG) and ex-situ produced chars during CO2 gasification. Three different slow pyrolysis protocols were employed for char production involving torrefaction at 300 °C (LG300), mild-carbonization at 500 °C (LG500), and carbonization at 800 °C (LG800). Physicochemical characterization studies, including proximate and ultimate analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy, revealed that the thermal treatment under inert atmospheres leads to chars with increased fixed carbon content and less ordered surface structures. The CO2 gasification reactivity of pristine LG and as-produced chars was examined by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and in batch mode gasification tests under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The key parameters affecting the devolatilization and gasification steps in the overall process toward CO-rich gas mixtures were thoroughly explored. The gasification performance of the examined fuels in terms of carbon conversion, instant CO production rate, and syngas generation revealed an opposite reactivity order during each stage. TG analysis demonstrated that raw lignite (LG) was more reactive during the thermal devolatilization phase at low and intermediate temperatures (da/dtmax,devol. = 0.022 min−1). By contrast, LG800 exhibited superior gasification reactivity at high temperatures (da/dtmax,gas. = 0.1 min−1). The latter is additionally corroborated by the enhanced CO formation of LG800 samples under both non-isothermal (5.2 mmol) and isothermal (28 mmol) conditions, compared to 4.1 mmol and 13.8 mmol over the LG sample, respectively. The pronounced CO2 gasification performance of LG800 was attributed to its higher fixed carbon content and disordered surface structure compared to LG, LG300, and LG500 samples.
Analyzing Various Aspects of Network Losses in Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading
Authors: Kim SungJoong , Chu YeonOuk , Kim HyunJoong , Kim HyungTae , Moon HeeSeung , Sung JinHo , Yoon YongTae , Jin YoungGyu
Published: January 2022

In this study, we examined the impacts of peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading on the power losses in the network, which is one of the objectives optimized in the centralized approach. For this purpose, we reviewed the conventional loss management schemes and suggested the requirements to be considered in the design of P2P electricity trading. Then, we described a new loss management framework for P2P transactions and introduced the concept of the transaction guide. Based on the proposed framework, we simulated the P2P transactions with and without the transaction guide and examined the variation in the network losses. Three noteworthy remarks are derived from the simulation in this paper. First, the random characteristics of P2P trading itself do not guarantee favorable transaction ordering in terms of network losses, but when the new loss management framework is applied, the network losses can be effectively decreased. Second, through the new loss management framework, loss costs can be fairly allocated to individual prosumers. Third, to invigorate the P2P electricity trading, an incentive program should be considered to alleviate the burden of loss costs of the first trader in the P2P electricity trading.
The Evolution of Knowledge and Trends within the Building Energy Efficiency Field of Knowledge
Authors: Cristino Talita Mariane , Neto Antonio Faria , Wurtz Frédéric , Delinchant Benoit
Published: January 2022

The building sector is responsible for 50% of worldwide energy consumption and 40% of CO2 emissions. Consequently, a lot of research on Building Energy Efficiency has been carried out over recent years, covering the most varied topics. While many of these themes are no longer of interest to the scientific community, others flourish. Thus, reading trends within a field of knowledge is wise since it allows resources to be directed towards the most promising topics. However, there is a paucity of research on trend analysis in this field. Therefore, this article aims to analyse the evolution of the Building Energy Efficiency field of knowledge, identifying the recurrent themes and pointing out their trends, supported by statistical methods. Such an analysis relied on more than 9000 authors’ keywords collected from 2000 articles from the Scopus database and classified into 30 topics/themes. A frequency distribution of these themes enabled us to distinguish those most published as well as those whose academic interest has cooled down. This field of knowledge has evolved over three distinct phases, throughout which, eight themes presented an upward trend. These findings can assist researchers in optimising time and resources, investigating the topics with growing interest, and possibilities for new contributions.
Novel Centralized Pseudonym Changing Scheme for Location Privacy in V2X Communication
Authors: Didouh Ahmed , El Hillali Yassin , Rivenq Atika , Labiod Houda
Published: January 2022

Vehicular ad hoc networks allow vehicles to share their information for the safety and efficiency of traffic purposes. However, information sharing can threaten the driver’s privacy as it includes spatiotemporal information, and the messages are unencrypted and broadcasted periodically. Therefore, they cannot estimate their privacy level because it also depends on their surroundings. This article proposes a centralized adaptive pseudonym change scheme that permits the certificate’s authority to adjust the pseudonyms assignment for each requesting vehicle. This scheme adapts dynamically depending on the density of the traffic environment and the user’s privacy level, and it aims to solve the trade-off problem between wasting pseudonyms and Sybil attack. We employ a Knapsack problem-based algorithm for target tracking and an entropy-based method to measure each vehicle’s privacy. In order to demonstrate the applicability of our framework, we use real-life data captured during the interoperability tests of the European project InterCor. According to the experimental results, the proposed scheme could easily estimate the level of confidentiality and, therefore, may best respond to the adaptation of the pseudonyms.
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Eukaryotes—An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Vijayanathan Mallika , Trejo-Arellano María Guadalupe , Mozgová Iva
Published: January 2022

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) represents a group of evolutionarily conserved multi-subunit complexes that repress gene transcription by introducing trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3). PRC2 activity is of key importance for cell identity specification and developmental phase transitions in animals and plants. The composition, biochemistry, and developmental function of PRC2 in animal and flowering plant model species are relatively well described. Recent evidence demonstrates the presence of PRC2 complexes in various eukaryotic supergroups, suggesting conservation of the complex and its function. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of PRC2-mediated repression in different representatives of eukaryotic supergroups with a focus on the green lineage. By comparison of PRC2 in different eukaryotes, we highlight the possible common and diverged features suggesting evolutionary implications and outline emerging questions and directions for future research of polycomb repression and its evolution.
Optimizing Operational-Level Forest Biomass Logistic Costs for Storage, Chipping and Transportation through Roadside Drying
Authors: Strandgard Martin , Turner Paul , Shillabeer Anna
Published: January 2022

Forest biomass (FB) could supply more of Australia’s energy needs, but delivered costs must be reduced for it to be a viable energy source. Operational planning is critical to reducing delivered costs as it determines actual activities, though few operational FB supply chain (FBSC) planning tools have been published. This paper presents a “proof-of-concept” operational FBSC decision support system (DSS) to schedule FB deliveries for eight weeks from roadside storage for the least cost, taking in account moisture content changes. Four mathematical models are compared, solving a linear formulation of the FB delivery problem in terms of solution speed and delivered cost, and the practicality of implementing the solutions. The best performing model was a Greedy algorithm as it produced solutions not significantly different from those of the tested linear programming solver and was readily modified to significantly improve solution implementation through the addition of a non-linear element. FBSC planning tools typically assume accurate knowledge of stored FB quantities and that little or no rainfall occurs during storage. In practice, stored FB quantity estimates can be inaccurate due to variation in the bulk density of the piles. Improving these estimates is a critical area for future research. This study found that simulated rainfall with <20 mm during the first week of the scheduled period did not significantly effect delivered costs.
Monitoring of the Wines’ Quality by Gas Chromatography: HSS-GC/FID Method Development, Validation, Verification, for Analysis of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Šorgić Saša , Sredović Ignjatović Ivana , Antić Mališa , Šaćirović Sabina , Pezo Lato , Čejić Vladimir , Đurović Saša
Published: January 2022

One of the most common techniques for wine analysis is gas chromatography coupled with the flame ionization detector and headspace autosampler (HSS-GC/FID) for the analysis of the volatile compounds in the wine samples. The main goal of this thesis was to develop the method for the analysis of volatiles (methanol, higher alcohols, and esters) in wine samples made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Validation parameters were: r2 > 0.995; LOD (0.2–1.0 mg/L); CV (2.7–6.3%), and recovery (92–106%). Average contents of the methanol (198.0 mg/L and 150.5 mg/L), higher alcohols (398.5 mg/L and 335.8 mg/L), ethyl acetate (42.0 mg/L and 55.6 mg/L), and acetaldehyde (23.3 mg/L and 16.1 mg/L) were determined for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the content of methanol is in direct connection with the type of grape used for preparation of the wine. It was also found that the duration of the maceration directly influenced the content of the methanol and higher alcohols. On the other hand, type of grape appeared not to have influence on the content of ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde in wines. The post hoc Tukey’s HSD test at 95% confidence limit showed significant differences between observed samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used for assessing the effect of different genotypes and extraction methods on wine samples. Using PCA of observed samples, the possible directions for improving the quality of product can be realized.
Early Fire Detection: A New Indoor Laboratory Dataset and Data Distribution Analysis
Authors: Nazir Amril , Mosleh Husam , Takruri Maen , Jallad Abdul-Halim , Alhebsi Hamad
Published: January 2022

Fire alarm systems are typically equipped with various sensors such as heat, smoke, and gas detectors. These provide fire alerts and notifications of emergency exits when a fire has been detected. However, such systems do not give early warning in order to allow appropriate action to be taken when an alarm is first triggered, as the fire may have already caused severe damage. This paper analyzes a new dataset gathered from controlled realistic fire experiments conducted in an indoor laboratory environment. The experiments were conducted in a controlled manner by triggering the source of fire using electrical devices and charcoal on paperboard, cardboard or clothing. Important data such as humidity, temperature, MQ139, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and eCO2 were collected using sensor devices. These datasets will be extremely valuable to researchers in the machine learning and data science communities interested in pursuing novel advanced statistical and machine learning techniques and methods for developing early fire detection systems. The analysis of the collected data demonstrates the possibility of using eCO2 and TVOC reading levels for early detection of smoldering fires. The experimental setup was based on Low-Power Wireless Area Networks (LPWAN), which can be used to reliably deliver fire-related data over long ranges without depending on the status of a cellular or WiFi Network.
Stable Schooling Formations Emerge from the Combined Effect of the Active Control and Passive Self-Organization
Authors: Zhu Yi , Pang Jian-Hua , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: January 2022

This work presents a numerical study of the collective motion of two freely-swimming swimmers by a hybrid method of the deep reinforcement learning method (DRL) and the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). An active control policy is developed by training a fish-like swimmer to swim at an average speed of 0.4 L/T and an average orientation angle of 0∘. After training, the swimmer is able to restore the desired swimming speed and orientation from moderate external perturbation. Then the control policy is adopted by two identical swimmers in the collective swimming. Stable side-by-side, in-line and staggered formations are achieved according to the initial positions. The stable side-by-side swimming area of the follower is concentrated to a small area left or right to the leader with an average distance of 1.35 L. The stable in-line area is concentrated to a small area about 0.25 L behind the leader. A detailed analysis shows that both the active control and passive self-organization play an important role in the emergence of the stable schooling formations, while the active control works for maintaining the speed and orientation in case the swimmers collide or depart from each other and the passive self-organization works for emerging a stable schooling configuration. The result supports the Lighthill conjecture and also highlights the importance of the active control.
Numerical Study of Multiple Bio-Inspired Torsionally Hinged Flaps for Passive Flow Control
Authors: Nair Nirmal J. , Flynn Zoey , Goza Andres
Published: January 2022

Covert feathers are a set of self-actuating, passively deployable feathers located on the upper surfaces of wings that augment lift at post-stall angles of attack. Due to these benefits, the study of covert-inspired passive flow control devices is becoming an increasingly active area of research. In this work, we numerically investigate the aerodynamic benefits of torsionally mounting five covert-inspired flaps on the upper surface of a NACA0012 airfoil. Two-dimensional high-fidelity simulations of the flow past the airfoil–flap system at low Re=1000 and a high angle of attack of 20∘ were performed. A parametric study was conducted by varying the flap moment of inertia and torsional hinge stiffness to characterize the aerodynamic performance of this system. Lift improvements as high as 25% were attained. Two regimes of flap dynamics were identified that provided considerable aerodynamic benefits. A detailed investigation of the flow physics of both these regimes was conducted to understand the physical mechanisms by which the passively deployed flaps augmented the lift of the airfoil. In both regimes, the flap was found to act as a barrier in preventing the upstream propagation of reverse flow due to flow separation and trailing edge vortex. The torsional spring and flap inertia yielded additional flap dynamics that further modulated the surrounding flow and associated performance metrics. We discuss some of these fluid–structure interaction effects in this article.
Descriptive Sensory Profile and Consumer Study Impact of Different Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on the Descriptive, Temporal Profile, and Consumer Acceptance in a Peach Juice Matrix
Authors: Medeiros Alessandra , Tavares Elson , Bolini Helena Maria Andre
Published: January 2022

The study evaluated the effect of peach juice sweetened with sucrose, widely used non-nutritive sweeteners, the artificial sucralose, neotame blend, and the natural stevia extract with different rebaudioside A concentrations on the temporal and quantitative descriptive profile, and consumer acceptance of the beverage. The sensory profiling was determined by quantitative descriptive and time–intensity analyses. The results showed that the sweeteners neotame and sucralose present higher sweetening power, and the different rebaudioside A concentrations did not affect the sweetening power of the stevia extract. The samples sweetened with stevia with 40% and 95% of rebaudioside A were characterized by the sensory attributes bitter taste, bitter aftertaste, astringency, and black tea flavor, with a negative influence on the consumers’ acceptance. The different concentrations of rebaudioside A in stevia interfered substantially in the descriptors bitter taste and bitter aftertaste, showing that the higher the percentage of rebaudioside A, the lower bitterness of peach juice.
Pilot Study on Poultry Meat from Antibiotic Free and Conventional Farms: Can Metagenomics Detect Any Difference?
Authors: De Cesare Alessandra , Oliveri Chiara , Lucchi Alex , Savini Federica , Manfreda Gerardo , Sala Claudia
Published: January 2022

Antibiotic free farms are increasing in the poultry sector in order to address new EU regulations and consumer concerns. In this pilot study, we investigated whether the efforts of raising chickens without the use antibiotics make any difference in the microbiome of poultry meat eaten by consumers. To this aim we compared the microbiomes characterizing caeca and the corresponding carcasses of two groups of chickens reared, one reared on a conventional farm and one on an antibiotic-free intensive farm. The results showed a clear separation between the taxonomic, functional and antibiotic resistant genes in the caeca of the birds reared on the conventional and antibiotic free farm. However, that separation was completely lost on carcasses belonging to the two groups. The antibiotic-free production resulted in statistically significant lower antimicrobial resistance load in the caeca in comparison to the conventional production. Moreover, the antimicrobial resistance load on carcasses was much higher than in the caeca, without any significant difference between carcasses coming from the two types of farms. All in all, the results of this research highlighted the need to reduce sources of microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance not only at the farm level but also at the post-harvest one.
Mineral and Botanical Composition of Honey Produced in Chile’s Central-Southern Region
Authors: Lobos Iris , Silva Mariela , Ulloa Pablo , Pavez Paula
Published: January 2022

The chemical composition and quality of honey depend on the floral and geographical origin, extraction techniques, and storage, resulting in a unique product for each area. Currently, consumers are not only concerned about the chemical composition, quality, and food safety of honey, but also about its origin. The objective of this study was to characterize honeys produced in Chile’s central-southern region from a mineral and botanical perspective, thus adding value through differentiation by origin. Two hundred honey samples were used and underwent analysis such as melissopalynological composition, nutritional composition, and color. Forty-seven melliferous floral species were identified, out of which 24 correspond to exotic species and 23 to native species. Fifty-six percent were classified as monofloral honeys, 2% as bifloral, and 42% as multifloral. Moisture mean values (17.88%), diastase activity (15.53 DN), hydroxymethylfurfural (2.58 mg/kg), protein (0.35%), and ash (0.25%) comply with the ranges established by both the national and the international legislation; standing out as honeys of great nutritional value, fresh, harvested under optimal maturity conditions, and absence fermentation. Regarding color, light amber was prevalent in most territories. The territory where honey was produced, denoted relevant differences in all the parameters studied.
Accretion Disks and Long Cycles in β Lyrae-Type Binaries
Authors: Mennickent R. E.
Published: January 2022

In order to inquire about the nature of the accretion disks formed around the more massive companion in binaries with β Lyrae-type light curves, we review literature presenting some physical and observational properties of these systems. In addition, we inspect the photometric time series of three representative eclipsing systems obtained by the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) project during the last decades and compare them with β Lyrae. All these three systems show indications of being semidetached with a more massive B-type component and in a mass transfer stage. They also show long photometric cycles, and two of them show changes in the orbital light curve that can be interpreted in terms of structural changes of the accretion disks, eventually driven by variations in the mass transfer rate.
Design and Synthesis of Hybrid Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels Based on Poly(2-oxazoline) and Gelatin Derivatives
Authors: Podevyn Annelore , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Dubruel Peter , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: January 2022

The combination of natural and synthetic polymers to form hybrid hydrogels offers the potential of fabricating new materials that possess a combination of properties resulting from both types of polymer classes. Within this work, two alkene-functionalized poly(2-alkyl/aryl–2-oxazoline) (PAOx) copolymers and one gelatin derivative, thiolated gelatin (gel-SH), are synthesized as precursors for hybrid hydrogels through a photo-induced radical thiol-ene crosslinking process. In-situ photo-rheology revealed an increased mechanical stability for hydrogels that possess an excess amount of PAOx precursor. A final qualitative investigation of the thermo-responsive properties of a P(EtOx270–norbornenOx30):gel-SH (2:1) hydrogel film revealed a cloud point temperature (Tcp) in the same range as the Tcp of the P(EtOx270–norbornenOx30) polymer precursor, which is around 30 °C. This promising result demonstrates that thermo-responsive hybrid poly(2-oxazoline)-gelatin hydrogels could be prepared with predictable Tcps and that further investigation into this appealing feature might be of interest. Ultimately, this work shows a proof-of-concept of using PAOx as potential hybrid hydrogel precursor in combination with cell-interactive gelatin derivatives to potentially improve the mechanical stability of the final scaffolds and introduce additional features such as thermo-responsiveness for the purpose of drug delivery.
Census-Based Typological Damage Fragility Curves and Seismic Risk Scenarios for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Authors: Zucconi Maria , Sorrentino Luigi
Published: January 2022

Seismic risk assessment has become a crucial issue for optimal management of economic resources allocated to mitigation. For this purpose, in the last decades, several research activities were aimed to update hazard, exposure, and vulnerability models that contribute to seismic risk assessment. From this perspective, the present work focuses on developing new empirical damage fragility curves for census-based typological unreinforced masonry buildings. In particular, damage data observed after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, Italy, related to almost 57,000 residential buildings, were used to calibrate the fragility functions. These data were complemented with the census data with the aim of obtaining an accurate estimation of the number of undamaged buildings. Damage fragility curves were identified for typological building classes, defined considering parameters present in both post-earthquake observations and census data with the aim of extending the results to the whole national territory. Six typological classes were defined considering the categories of the construction timespan and of the state of repair parameters. Then, a further distinction of the typological classes considering the number of stories parameter was included where relevant. The fragility curves were defined as a function of peak ground acceleration for five damage states, defined according to the European macroseismic scale. The results confirmed that older buildings are more vulnerable than newer ones and highlighted the crucial role of the state of repair on the damage fragility curves. Finally, the new set of damage fragility functions was uploaded in the Italian Risk Maps information technology platform, used by the Civil Protection Department for risk evaluation, as an exemplification of the potential application of the fragility curves.
Correlations between Diabetes Mellitus Self-Care Activities and Glycaemic Control in the Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Popoviciu Mihaela Simona , Marin Violeta Nicoleta , Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Stefan Simona Diana , Stoica Roxana Adriana , Serafinceanu Cristian , Merlo Emanuele Maria , Rizvi Ali A , Rizzo Manfredi , Busnatu Stefan , Stoian Anca Pantea
Published: January 2022

Although it is well known that lifestyle changes can affect plasma glucose levels, there is little formal evidence for the sustained effectiveness of exercise and diet in diabetes mellitus (DM) management. Self-care in DM refers to the real-life application of the knowledge that the patient gained during the education programmes. The goals are to bring about changes in the patient’s behaviour, thus improving glycaemic control. We evaluated the influence of DM self-care activities (SCA) on glycaemic control in a total of 159 patients with DM. Plasma glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were used to monitor glycaemic control, while SCA were assessed using the standardised Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). In our study, 53% of the patients had a HbA1c ≥ 7%. In univariate linear regression models, a statistically significant inverse association was observed between the HbA1c (the dependent variable) and both the DSMQ Dietary Control Score (R2 = 0.037, p = 0.0145) and the DSMQ Sum Score (R2 = 0.06, p = 0.0014). The mean absolute change in the HbA1c% associated with one standard deviation (SD) change in the DSMQ Sum Score, independent of the other significant variables retained in the compacted multivariate regression model, was −0.419% (confidence interval: 95%: from −0.18 to −0.65). Although the impact of the DSMQ Score was modest when compared to the other independent variables in the multivariate model, the findings emphasise the importance of maintaining optimal lifestyle changes to avoid hyperglycaemia and its complications. In conclusion, enhanced self-management of DM is associated with improved glucose control. In patients with chronic diseases such as DM, the role of streamlining SCA encompassing physical activity and proper dietary choices is imperative because of a significantly reduced access to healthcare globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Educational Videos as an Adjunct Learning Tool in Pre-Clinical Operative Dentistry—A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Khattak Osama , Ganji Kiran Kumar , Iqbal Azhar , Alonazi Meshal , Algarni Hmoud , Alsharari Thani
Published: January 2022

Background: E-learning is an important adjunct used for teaching clinical skills in medicine dentistry. This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of e-learning resources as an additional teaching aid to traditional teaching methods in male and female students and based on CGPA scores in a pre-clinical operative skill course. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted in the College of Dentistry, Jouf University, to assess the impact of e-learning resources in learning clinical skills in a pre-clinical operative dentistry course. Fifty second-year dental students were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 students each. Group A (control group) was taught using traditional teaching methods, and Group B (intervention group) used e-learning resources along with traditional methods. Both groups were assessed using objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Standardized forms prepared by faculty members were used to assess the students. The students also filled in a questionnaire afterwards to provide feedback regarding the e-learning resources. Results: The difference between both groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Female students performed better in three OSCE stations out of six. Furthermore, the students positively responded to the use of additional resources. Conclusion: The use of e-learning resources in pre-clinical operative dentistry courses can be a useful adjunct to traditional teaching methods and can result in better learning of dental pre-clinical operative skills.
Self-Assessment of Health Status and Willingness to Be Vaccinated in Adolescents from the Niigata Prefecture and the Khabarovsk Region during COVID-19
Authors: Inaba Hiromi , Rziankina Marina F. , Hoshino Fumi , Takano Kousuke , Potapova Kseniia E. , Zhmerenetsky Konstantin V. , Ishigami Kazuo
Published: January 2022

This study examined the self-assessment of Niigata’s and Khabarovsk’s adolescents’ health status and their willingness to be vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 735 boys and girls (aged 15 years) from Niigata, Japan (n = 387), and Khabarovsk, Russia (n = 394), between May and July 2021. Specifically, this questionnaire focused on COVID-19, including a self-assessment of health status, adaptation to a new lifestyle, and impressions about the COVID-19 vaccination. The self-assessment was based on a 4-point scale: “Got very bad”; “Got a little bit bad”; “Did not change”; “Got better/I don’t know”. Additionally, binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between the self-assessment of health status and the factors exacerbating their responses. Based on the findings, 25.7 and 29.9% of Niigata and Khabarovsk’s adolescents, respectively, selected “Got very bad” and “Got a little bit bad” for their self-assessments, while the binomial logistic regression showed that the difficulty of adapting to a new lifestyle was a factor worsening the boys’ subjective health. However, the items could not explain the deterioration of their subjective health in girls. Moreover, 76.9% of Niigata’s adolescents were positive about the COVID-19 vaccination, compared to 35.5% of the adolescents in Khabarovsk.
Volatile Compounds of Nepeta nuda L. from Rtanj Mountain (Serbia)
Authors: Aćimović Milica , Lončar Biljana , Pezo Milada , Stanković Jeremić Jovana , Cvetković Mirjana , Rat Milica , Pezo Lato
Published: January 2022

Unlike other studies that only determined the chemical composition of essential oils depending on their geographic origin, this research investigated the effect of weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, and insolation) on the chemical composition of Nepeta nuda L. essential oil. The collection of wild-growing N. nuda was carried out during three successive years, 2019, 2020, and 2021 at Rtanj Mountain (Serbia) on the same date (July 7th). Essential oil extraction from the plant was performed by hydro-distillation. After gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis, a total of 102 volatile compounds were separated from N. nuda, during the observed period, 28 were unidentified, compromising between 5.0% and 8.7%, depending on the year. A multiple linear regression model was created, and statistical analyses were performed to provide knowledge about the prediction, feature profile, and the similarity in contents of active compounds of the N. nuda essential oil. The influence of temperature on the accumulation of the most abundant component, 1,8-cineole, was positive, while the impact of precipitation and insolation was negative. According to the cluster tree, there are four chemotypes of N. nuda essential oil: with nepetalactone, 1,8-cineole, mixed (nepetalactone+1,8-cineole+germacrene D), and nonspecific chemotypes. Bearing in mind that the biological activity of a raw material depends on the chemotype and environmental factors, this is a topic that deserves a more detailed approach. The N. nuda and its essential oil are promising materials with high biological potential, and these deserve further detailed investigation.
Pain Management Strategies among Cancer Patients. Normalization of the CSQ (The Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire) Form
Authors: Religioni Urszula , Czerw Aleksandra , Sygit Katarzyna , Zdziarski Krzysztof , Partyka Olga , Pajewska Monika , Augustynowicz Anna , Waszkiewicz Michał , Cipora Elżbieta , Ziółkowska Ewa , Mękal Dominika , Jopek Sylwia , Strzępek Łukasz , Banaś Tomasz
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Cancer is associated with chronic pain, which significantly reduces the quality of life. The level of pain depends on the dominant pain management strategy that the patient uses. Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the application of the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire among cancer patients and develop norms allowing differentiation of patients with diagnosed cancer in terms of pain management strategies. Material and Methods: The study involved 1187 patients diagnosed with malignant cancer, who are under outpatient care of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute—Oncology Center in Warsaw. The study used the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) elaborated by A.K. Rosentel and F.J. Keefe. Results: Socioeconomic variables and medical factors affect pain management strategies chosen by patients. The area most strongly differentiated by the studied variables is praying/hoping. Factors that have the greatest impact on the choice of pain management strategies for cancer patients include education, income, and radiation therapy. Sten standards were developed to determine the severity of pain management strategies used in the low-average-high categories. Conclusions: The CSQ questionnaire should be used in cancer patients, and the result of the strategy used can be a prognostic factor for the expected effects of therapy. Knowledge of the variables most strongly affecting patients’ choice of strategies that are not conducive to strengthening health attitudes and the ability to determine the severity of pain management strategies on standard scales allows us to focus psychotherapeutic activities on patients who need support most.
Sustainability of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Buildings—An Overview
Authors: Asim Nilofar , Badiei Marzieh , Mohammad Masita , Razali Halim , Rajabi Armin , Chin Haw Lim , Jameelah Ghazali Mariyam
Published: January 2022

Increasing demand on heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and their importance, as the respiratory system of buildings, in developing and spreading various microbial contaminations and diseases with their huge global energy consumption share have forced researchers, industries, and policymakers to focus on improving the sustainability of HVAC systems. Understanding and considering various parameters related to the sustainability of new and existing HVAC systems as the respiratory system of buildings are vital to providing healthy, energy-efficient, and economical options for various building types. However, the greatest opportunities for improving the sustainability of HVAC systems exist at the design stage of new facilities and the retrofitting of existing equipment. Considering the high available percentage of existing HVAC systems globally reveals the importance of their retrofitting. The attempt has been made to gather all important parameters that affect decision-making to select the optimum HVAC system development considerations among the various opportunities that are available for sustainability improvement.
Experience of Rwanda on COVID-19 Case Management: From Uncertainties to the Era of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Nkeshimana Menelas , Igiraneza Deborah , Turatsinze David , Niyonsenga Otto , Abimana Deborah , Iradukunda Cyprien , Bizimana Emmanuel , Muragizi Jean , Mumporeze Lise , Lussungu Laurent , Mugisha Hackim , Mgamb Elizabeth , Bigirimana Noella , Rwagasore Edison , Gatare Swaibu , Mugabo Hassan , Nsekuye Olivier , Semakula Muhammed , Sendegeya Augustin , Rurangwa Ephraim , Kalimba Edgar , Musafiri Sanctus , Ntihabose Corneille , Seruyange Eric , Bavuma Charlotte , Twagirumugabe Theogene , Nyamwasa Daniel , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: January 2022

The management of COVID-19 in Rwanda has been dynamic, and the use of COVID-19 therapeutics has gradually been updated based on scientific discoveries. The treatment for COVID-19 remained patient-centered and entirely state-sponsored during the first and second waves. From the time of identification of the index case in March 2020 up to August 2021, three versions of the clinical management guidelines were developed, with the aim of ensuring that the COVID-19 patients treated in Rwanda were receiving care based on the most recent therapeutic discoveries. As the case load increased and imposed imminent heavy burdens on the healthcare system, a smooth transition was made to enable that the asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases could continue to be closely observed and managed while they remained in their homes. The care provided to patients requiring facility-based interventions mainly focused on the provision of anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulation, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, management of hyperglycemia and the provision of therapeutics with a direct antiviral effect such as favipiravir and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. The time to viral clearance was observed to be shortest among eligible patients treated with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bamlanivimab). Moving forward, as we strive to continue detecting COVID-19 cases as early as possible, and promptly initiate supportive interventions, the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies constitutes an attractive and cost-effective therapeutic approach. If this approach is used strategically along with other measures in place (i.e., COVID-19 vaccine roll out, etc.), it will enable us to bring this global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic under full control and with a low case fatality rate.
Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Who Do Not Report Olfactory Symptoms: A Pilot Study with Some Suggestions for Dentists
Authors: Favero Riccardo , Hajrulla Silva , Bordin Anna , Mucignat-Caretta Carla , Gaudioso Piergiorgio , Scarpa Bruno , Favero Lorenzo , Ottaviano Giancarlo
Published: January 2022

Background: Smell and taste dysfunction are frequently reported by SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The degree of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction varies from a very mild reduction to their complete loss. Several studies have been performed to determine their prevalence in COVID-19 patients, mostly using subjective measurement methods. The literature lacks long-term studies regarding duration and recovery. Methods: We assessed olfactory performance, using the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test, in a group of patients who had not reported olfactory dysfunction, around 131 days after their COVID-19 diagnosis. Results: 11 out of 20 subjects showed no olfactory reduction (65%), while 9 subjects showed reduced TDI score (45%). A total of 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for Threshold, 16 subjects (80%) scored above the cutoff point for discrimination and 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for identification. Conclusion: Objective measurement methods of olfactory performance show a higher prevalence of olfactory reduction compared to patients’ self-reported questionnaires. Olfactory dysfunction can last even months after its onset and because of its high prevalence, it could be a screening symptom for suspect COVID-19 cases.
Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Carriage upon Admission to the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Nicolás Francisco , Cárcel-Fernández Sheila , De la Fuente-Martos Carmen , Ruiz-Montero Rafael , Guzmán-Herrador Bernardo R. , León-López Rafael , Gómez Francisco Javier , Guzmán-Puche Julia , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Salcedo-Leal Inmaculada
Published: January 2022

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) are microorganisms that have acquired resistance to extended-spectrum antibacterials and constitute an emerging threat to public health. Although carriers are an important source of transmission in healthcare settings, data about risk factors for MDR-GNB carriage are limited. Therefore, we aimed to identify risk factors for MDR-GNB carriage upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to optimise screening strategies. We conducted a case–control study. Admissions of adult patients to the ICU of a 1000-bed hospital during a year were included. We collected sociodemographic, clinical and microbiological data and performed a multivariate logistic regression model. A total of 1342 patients resulted in 1476 episodes of ICU admission, 91 (6.2%) of whom harboured MDR-GNB (38.5% women; median age 63.9 years). The most frequently isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (57%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%). The most frequent resistance mechanism was production of extended-spectrum beta lactamases. MDR-GNB carriage was associated to liver cirrhosis (OR 6.54, 95% CI 2.17–19.17), previous MDR-GNB carriage (OR 5.34, 1.55–16.60), digestive surgery (OR 2.83, 1.29–5.89) and length of hospital stay (OR 1.01 per day, 1.00–1.03). Several risk factors for MDR-GNB carriage upon admission to a high-risk setting were identified; the main comorbidity was liver cirrhosis.
WORKbiota: A Systematic Review about the Effects of Occupational Exposure on Microbiota and Workers’ Health
Authors: Mucci Nicola , Tommasi Eleonora , Chiarelli Annarita , Lulli Lucrezia , Traversini Veronica , Galea Raymond , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: January 2022

The characterization of human microbiota and the impact of its modifications on the health of individuals represent a current topic of great interest for the world scientific community. Scientific evidence is emerging regarding the role that microbiota has in the onset of important chronic illnesses. Since individuals spend most of their life at work, occupational exposures may have an impact on the organism’s microbiota. The purpose of this review is to explore the influence that different occupational exposures have on human microbiota in order to set a new basis for workers’ health protection and disease prevention. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. A total of 5818 references emerged from the online search, and 31 articles were included in the systematic review (26 original articles and 5 reviews). Exposure to biological agents (in particular direct contact with animals) was the most occupational risk factor studied, and it was found involved in modifications of the microbiota of workers. Changes in microbiota were also found in workers exposed to chemical agents or subjected to work-related stress and altered dietary habits caused by specific microclimate characteristics or long trips. Two studies evaluated the role of microbiota changes on the development of occupational lung diseases. Occupational factors can interface with the biological rhythms of the bacteria of the microbiota and can contribute to its modifications and to the possible development of diseases. Future studies are needed to better understand the role of the microbiota and its connection with occupational exposure to promote projects for the prevention and protection of global health.
Investigation on the Factors Associated with the Persistence of Anosmia and Ageusia in Saudi COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Algahtani Saad N. , Alzarroug Abdullah F. , Alghamdi Hatan K. , Algahtani Haif K. , Alsywina Nasser B. , Bin Abdulrahman Khalid A.
Published: January 2022

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in a worldwide pandemic of a highly infectious disease. The difficulty of dealing with COVID-19 is the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations that involves various pathophysiological mechanisms, severities, duration, and complications. This study aims to help emphasize the factors related to the persistence and duration of anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) as part of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in Saudi COVID-19 patients via a retrospective cross-sectional design. Eight hundred and eighty-one participants were recruited between March and April 2021. Those participants were 18 years or older, recovered from the COVID-19 infection, and completed 14 days after the onset of the acute phase of the disease. Among the 881 recruited participants, 808 have submitted eligible responses and were included in data analyses. The most common persistent symptoms in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome were anosmia (33.8%) and ageusia (26.4%). The data also showed a significant association between female sex and the incidence and the persistence of anosmia and ageusia. In multivariable analysis, anosmia during the acute phase was associated with BMI, asthma and shortness of breath, while anosmia during the post-acute phase was associated with sex. Ageusia during the acute phase was associated with sex, myalgia and arthralgia, while ageusia in the post-acute phase was associated with sex.
Health Behaviors in Austrian Apprentices and School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O’Rourke Teresa , Dale Rachel , Humer Elke , Probst Thomas , Plener Paul , Pieh Christoph
Published: January 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, which in turn has impacted health behaviors. Young people have been particularly affected. This study aimed to assess health behaviors in Austrian apprentices and high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether vaccination willingness is affected by health behaviors. Methods: Two online surveys were conducted via REDCap with 1442 apprentices (female: 53.5%, male: 45.4%) from 29 March to 18 May 2021 and 563 school students (female: 79.6%, male: 18.6%) from 19 June to 2 July 2021. The two samples were matched to account for sociodemographic differences and analyses were run on the matched sample. Besides the health behaviors, namely, smoking, alcohol consumption, cannabis consumption, and exercise, health status and vaccination willingness were also assessed. Results: Health behaviors were affected by both education group and gender. Apprentices reported significantly more smoking than high school students and this difference was more pronounced in women (all p < 0.01). Alcohol consumption was higher in apprentices than school students, but only in women (p < 0.01). There was a trend for the two education groups to differ in their cannabis use as well (p = 0.05). Apprentices took part in more weekly exercise (p < 0.0001), but high school students reported better average health status (p < 0.001). When included in the same model, health behaviors did not affect vaccine willingness, but education group did, with high school students showing a higher willingness to receive the COVD-19 vaccine than apprentices. Conclusions: These findings support the argument that education type is an important factor for health behaviors, but this is also mediated by gender. Appropriate interventions for adolescents are needed to prevent adverse health behavior changes following the COVID-19 pandemic.