bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Asymmetric Effect of Economic Growth on Environmental Quality in the Next 11 Countries
Authors: Ampofo Gideon Kwaku Minua , Cheng Jinhua , Ayimadu Edwin Twum , Asante Daniel Akwasi
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the asymmetric cointegration and causal relationships between economic growth, carbon emissions, and energy consumption in the next eleven (11) countries over the period 1972–2013. The nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) bounds testing approach and nonpragmatic Granger causality tests are employed. This research’s empirical results have entrenched vital relationships that have significant policy implications. We affirm nonlinear cointegration among the variables in Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, and Vietnam. The long-run asymmetric effect outcomes indicate a definite boom in economic growth, significantly increases carbon emission in Turkey, and a decline in Vietnam. Additionally, a positive shock to energy consumption significantly increases the carbon emission in Bangladesh, Iran, and Turkey, but a decrease in emissions in Vietnam. Findings from the Wald test reveal a long-run asymmetric effect between carbon emission and economic growth in Bangladesh, Iran, and Vietnam, and for Iran, an asymmetric short-run impact. Long-run and short-run asymmetric effects between carbon emission and energy consumption in Bangladesh and Iran. In terms of asymmetric causality results, bidirectional causality between carbon emission and economic growth was noted in Bangladesh and Turkey, and a unidirectional causality from economic growth to carbon emission in Egypt and South Korea. Energy consumption causes carbon emission in Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, South Korea, and not vice versa. We determined a bidirectional asymmetric causality relationship between carbon emission and energy consumption in Vietnam and a unidirectional causality link from carbon emissions to Turkey’s energy consumption.
Thermoelectric Generation with Impinging Nano-Jets
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih , Oztop Hakan F. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: January 2021

In this study, thermoelectric generation with impinging hot and cold nanofluid jets is considered with computational fluid dynamics by using the finite element method. Highly conductive CNT particles are used in the water jets. Impacts of the Reynolds number of nanojet stream combinations (between (Re1, Re2) = (250, 250) to (1000, 1000)), horizontal distance of the jet inlet from the thermoelectric device (between (r1, r2) = (−0.25, −0.25) to (1.5, 1.5)), impinging jet inlet to target surfaces (between w2 and 4w2) and solid nanoparticle volume fraction (between 0 and 2%) on the interface temperature variations, thermoelectric output power generation and conversion efficiencies are numerically assessed. Higher powers and efficiencies are achieved when the jet stream Reynolds numbers and nanoparticle volume fractions are increased. Generated power and efficiency enhancements 81.5% and 23.8% when lowest and highest Reynolds number combinations are compared. However, the power enhancement with nanojets using highly conductive CNT particles is 14% at the highest solid volume fractions as compared to pure water jet. Impacts of horizontal location of jet inlets affect the power generation and conversion efficiency and 43% variation in the generated power is achieved. Lower values of distances between the jet inlets to the target surface resulted in higher power generation while an optimum value for the highest efficiency is obtained at location zh = 2.5ws. There is 18% enhancement in the conversion efficiency when distances at zh = ws and zh = 2.5ws are compared. Finally, polynomial type regression models are obtained for estimation of generated power and conversion efficiencies for water-jets and nanojets considering various values of jet Reynolds numbers. Accurate predictions are obtained with this modeling approach and it is helpful in assisting the high fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations results.
A DC Microgrid System for Powering Remote Areas
Authors: Ardriani Tri , Dahono Pekik Argo , Rizqiawan Arwindra , Garnia Erna , Sastya Pungky Dwi , Arofat Ahmad Husnan , Ridwan Muhammad
Published: January 2021

DC microgrid has been gaining popularity as solution as a more efficient and simpler power system especially for remote areas, where the main grid has yet to be built. This paper proposes a DC microgrid system based on renewable energy sources that employs decentralized control and without communication between one grid point and another. It can be deployed as an individual isolated unit or to form an expandable DC microgrid through DC bus for better reliability and efficiency. The key element of the proposed system is the power conditioner system (PCS) that works as an interface between energy sources, storage system, and load. PCS consists of modular power electronics devices and a power management unit, which controls power delivery to the AC load and the grid as well as the storage system charging and discharging sequence. Prototypes with 3 kWp solar PV and 13.8 kWh energy storage were developed and adopt a pole-mounted structure for ease of transportation and installation that are important in remote areas. This paper presents measurement results under several conditions of the developed prototypes. The evaluation shows promising results and a solid basis for electrification in remote areas.
Lifetime Assessment of PILC Cables with Regard to Thermal Aging Based on a Medium Voltage Distribution Network Benchmark and Representative Load Scenarios in the Course of the Expansion of Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Zapf Martin , Blenk Tobias , Müller Ann-Catrin , Pengg Hermann , Mladenovic Ivana , Weindl Christian
Published: January 2021

The decentralized feed-ins from distributed energy resources (DER) represent a significant change in the manner in which the power grid is used. If this leads to high loads on electrical equipment, its aging can be accelerated. This applies in particular with regard to the thermal aging of older generations of power cables, namely paper insulated lead covered (PILC) cables. This type of power cable can still be found frequently in medium voltage (MV) networks. If aging of these cables is significantly accelerated in the presence of DER, distribution system operators (DSO) could face unplanned premature cable failures and a high replacement demand and costs. Therefore, this paper investigates the thermal aging of PILC cables in a MV distribution network benchmark for different load scenarios, using standardized load profiles and representative expansion scenarios for wind power and photovoltaics plants in particularly affected network areas in Germany. A main objective of this paper is to present a methodology for estimating the thermal degradation of PILC cables. An approach is used to draw simplified conclusions from the loading of cables to their conductor or insulation temperature. For this purpose, mainly Joule losses are considered. In addition, thermal time constants are used for the heating and cooling processes. Based on the insulation temperature, thermal aging is determined using the Arrhenius law or the Montsinger rule. However, it is important to note that there is an urgent need for research on reference data in this area. For this reason, the results of the lifetime estimation presented in this paper should only be considered as an approximation if the selected reference data from the literature for the aging model are actually applicable. The lifetime assessment is performed for a highly utilized line segment of the network benchmark. Accordingly, extreme values are examined. Different operational control strategies of DSO to limit cable utilization are investigated. The results show that the expansion of DER can lead to a short but high cable utilization, although the average utilization does not increase or increases only slightly. This can lead to significantly lower cable lifetimes. The possible influence of these temporarily high loads is shown by comparing the resulting cable lifetime with previous situations without DER. It is also shown that DSO could already reduce excessive aging of PILC cables by preventing overloads in a few hours of a year. In addition to these specific results, general findings on the network load due to the influence of DER are obtained, which are of interest for congestion management.
An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers
Authors: Marchelli Filippo , Rovero Giorgio , Curti Massimo , Arato Elisabetta , Bosio Barbara , Moliner Cristina
Published: January 2021

Valorising biomass waste and producing renewable energy or materials is the aim of several conversion technologies. In this work, we consider two residues from different production chains: lignocellulosic residues from agriculture and wool residues from sheep husbandry. These materials are produced in large quantities, and their disposal is often costly and challenging for farmers. For their valorisation, we focus on slow pyrolysis for the former and water hydrolysis for the latter, concisely presenting the main literature related to these two processes. Pyrolysis produces the C-rich biochar, suitable for soil amending. Hydrolysis produces a N-rich fertiliser. We demonstrate how these two processes could be fruitfully integrated, as their products can be flexibly mixed to produce fertilisers. This solution would allow the achievement of balanced and tuneable ratios between C and N and the enhancement of the mechanical properties. We propose scenarios for this combined valorisation and for its coupling with other industries. As a result, biomass waste would be returned to the field, following the principles of circular economy.
Horizontally Assembled Trapezoidal Piezoelectric Cantilevers Driven by Magnetic Coupling for Rotational Energy Harvester Applications
Authors: Na Yonghyeon , Lee Min-Seon , Lee Jung Woo , Jeong Young Hun
Published: January 2021

Horizontally assembled trapezoidal piezoelectric cantilevers driven by magnetic coupling were fabricated for rotational energy harvester applications. A dodecagonal rigid frame with an attached array of six trapezoidal cantilevers served as a stator for electrical power generation. A rotor disk with six permanent magnets (PMs) interacted magnetically with the counterpart cantilever’s tip-mass PMs of the stator by rotational motion. Each trapezoidal piezoelectric cantilever beam was designed to operate in a transverse mode that utilizes a planar Ag/Pd electrode printed onto lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric thick film. The optimized distance between a pair of PMs of the rotor and the stator was evaluated as approximately 10 mm along the same vertical direction to make the piezoelectric cantilever beam most deflectable without the occurrence of cracks. The theoretically calculated resistance torque was maximized at 46 mN·m for the optimized trapezoidal piezoelectric cantilever. The proposed energy harvester was also demonstrated for wind energy harvester applications. Its harvested output power reached a maximum of approximately 22 mW at a wind speed of 10 m/s under a resistive load of 30 kΩ. The output performance of the proposed energy harvester makes it possible to power numerous low-power applications such as smart sensor systems.
Monofacial and Bifacial Micro PV Installation as Element of Energy Transition—The Case of Poland
Authors: Olczak Piotr , Olek Małgorzata , Matuszewska Dominika , Dyczko Artur , Mania Tomasz
Published: January 2021

The several government subsidies available in Poland contributed to an increased interest in PV installations. Installed PV capacity increased from 100 MW in 2016 up to 2682.7 MW in July 2020. In 2019 alone, 104,000 microinstallations (up to 50 kWp) were installed in Poland. The paper determines the energy gain and the associated reduction of CO2 emissions for two types of solar installation located in Poland. The monofacial solar modules with a power of 5.04 kWp (located in Leki) and bifacial solar modules with a power of 6.1 kWp (located in Bydgoszcz). Both installations use mono-crystalline Si-based 1st generation PV cells. With comparable insolation, a bifacial installation produces approx. 10% (for high insolation) to 28% (for low insolation) more energy than a monofacial PV installation. Avoided annual CO2 emission in relation to the installation capacity ranges from 0.58 to 0.64 Mg/kWp for monofacial and from 0.68 to 0.74 Mg/kWp for bifacial and is on average approx. 16% higher for bifacial installations. Cost-benefit analyses were made. For different electricity prices, the NPV for monofacial and bifacial was determined.
Polish Energy Transition 2040: Energy Mix Optimization Using Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Hasterok Damian , Castro Rui , Landrat Marcin , Pikoń Krzysztof , Doepfert Markus , Morais Hugo
Published: January 2021

Poland is facing demanding challenges to achieve a sustainable energy mix in the near future. Crucial and tough decisions must be made about the direction of the national energy economy, safety, and environmental impact. Considering the electricity and heating demand forecast, this paper proposes an optimization model based on the Grey Wolf Optimizer meta-heuristic to support the definition of ideal energy mix considering the investment and operational costs. The proposed methodology uses the present energy mix in Poland (the most recent values are from 2017) to calibrate the model implemented in the EnergyPLAN tool. Afterwards, EnergyPLAN relates to an optimization process allowing the identification of the most convenient energy mix in 2040 in Poland. The values obtained are compared with those proposed by Polish public entities showing advantage regarding the global costs of the project nevertheless respecting the same levels of CO2 and the energy import and export balance. The expected savings can achieve 1.3 billion euros a year and more than 8 million tonnes of CO2 emission reduction. Sensitivity analysis considering the decrease of the global cost of renewables-based sources is also presented.
Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of a Hybrid Liquid Desiccant System with Non-Adiabatic Falling-Film Air-Solution Contactors for Air Conditioning Applications in Buildings
Authors: Prieto Juan , Atienza-Márquez Antonio , Coronas Alberto
Published: January 2021

This paper presents an experimentally validated, dynamic model of a hybrid liquid desiccant system. For this purpose, we developed new components for the air-solution contactors, which are of the non-adiabatic falling-film type with horizontal tubes (made of improved polypropylene) and the solution tanks. We also provide new experimental correlations for both the tube-solution heat transfer coefficient and the mass transfer coefficient on the airside as a function of the air velocity. To validate the model, the results obtained from the dynamic simulations were compared with those obtained by monitoring a demonstration unit installed in a sports center in Taipei (Taiwan). Once validated, the model was used to perform a sensitivity analysis at different operational conditions, such as the inlet water temperatures in the air-solution contactors and the LiCl mass fraction at which the system operates. The results of the sensitivity analysis were used to optimize the seasonal performance in terms of comfort and energy required by the system. Compared with a conventional air-handling unit that controls air temperature and humidity, the annual energy savings of the liquid desiccant systems are 17%.
Hybridizing Lead–Acid Batteries with Supercapacitors: A Methodology
Authors: Luo Xi , Barreras Jorge Varela , Chambon Clementine L. , Wu Billy , Batzelis Efstratios
Published: January 2021

Hybridizing a lead–acid battery energy storage system (ESS) with supercapacitors is a promising solution to cope with the increased battery degradation in standalone microgrids that suffer from irregular electricity profiles. There are many studies in the literature on such hybrid energy storage systems (HESS), usually examining the various hybridization aspects separately. This paper provides a holistic look at the design of an HESS. A new control scheme is proposed that applies power filtering to smooth out the battery profile, while strictly adhering to the supercapacitors’ voltage limits. A new lead–acid battery model is introduced, which accounts for the combined effects of a microcycle’s depth of discharge (DoD) and battery temperature, usually considered separately in the literature. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis on the thermal parameters and an economic analysis were performed using a 90-day electricity profile from an actual DC microgrid in India to infer the hybridization benefit. The results show that the hybridization is beneficial mainly at poor thermal conditions and highlight the need for a battery degradation model that considers both the DoD effect with microcycle resolution and temperate impact to accurately assess the gain from such a hybridization.
Renovation of Public Lighting Systems in Cultural Landscapes: Lighting and Energy Performance and Their Impact on Nightscapes
Authors: Valetti Lodovica , Floris Francesca , Pellegrino Anna
Published: January 2021

The technological innovation in the field of lighting and the need to reduce energy consumption connected to public lighting are leading many municipalities to undertake the renewal of public lighting systems, by replacing the existing luminaires with LED technologies. This renovation process is usually aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs, whist improving the lighting performance. To achieve these results, the new luminaires are often characterised by a luminous flux distribution much more downward oriented, which may remarkably influence and alter the perception of the night image of the sites. In this study the implications of the renovation of public lighting systems in terms of lighting and energy performance as well as the effects relating to the alteration of the night image, in historical contexts characterized by significant landscape value, are analysed. Results, along with demonstrating the positive effect that more sustainable and energy efficient lighting systems may have on the lighting performance and energy consumptions of public lighting systems, evidences the impact they may have on the alteration of the nocturnal image.
Comparison of Factorial and Latin Hypercube Sampling Designs for Meta-Models of Building Heating and Cooling Loads
Authors: Choi Younhee , Song Doosam , Yoon Sungmin , Koo Junemo
Published: January 2021

Interest in research analyzing and predicting energy loads and consumption in the early stages of building design using meta-models has constantly increased in recent years. Generally, it requires many simulated or measured results to build meta-models, which significantly affects their accuracy. In this study, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) is proposed as an alternative to Fractional Factor Design (FFD), since it can improve the accuracy while including the nonlinear effect of design parameters with a smaller size of data. Building energy loads of an office floor with ten design parameters were selected as the meta-models’ objectives, and were developed using the two sampling methods. The accuracy of predicting the heating/cooling loads of the meta-models for alternative floor designs was compared. For the considered ranges of design parameters, window insulation (WDI) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) were found to have nonlinear characteristics on cooling and heating loads. LHS showed better prediction accuracy compared to FFD, since LHS considers the nonlinear impacts for a given number of treatments. It is always a good idea to use LHS over FFD for a given number of treatments, since the existence of nonlinearity in the relation is not pre-existing information.
Analysis of State Forest Institutions in the Republic of Moldova, Using a Causative Model
Authors: Talpă Nicolae , Hălălișan Aureliu Florin , Popa Bogdan
Published: January 2021

With state institutions playing a determinant role and the state owning 86% of the forestland, the forest sector in the Republic of Moldova still strives to adapt to post-communist socio-economic realities. This paper evaluates the performance of forest state institutions in achieving ambitious policy goals oriented toward sustainable management and enhancing forest protection functions. The performance of the Moldsilva Agency; State Forest Enterprises; and Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment were evaluated, using the criteria of the 3L Model. The research combined participatory observations, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and secondary empirical evidence. The results indicate a paternalistic regulatory approach, with state authority institutions giving marginal importance to non-state forests, and low-efficiency state forest management institutions having financial difficulties that threaten the fulfillment of sustainability goals. The Moldsilva Agency has a central role in intra-/inter-sectorial coordination and cooperation. The authorities should seriously consider a more precise formulation of policy goals, with solid budgetary support along with institutional measures aiming at more efficient forest management structures and higher concern for non-state forests and society’s demands.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Fibers in 2020
Authors:   Fibers Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Fibers maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Quark-Type Cheese: Effect of Fat Content, Homogenization, and Heat Treatment of Cheese Milk
Authors: Lepesioti Sofia , Zoidou Evangelia , Lioliou Dionysia , Moschopoulou Ekaterini , Moatsou Golfo
Published: January 2021

The effect of homogenization and fat reduction in combination with variable heating conditions of cow milk on the characteristics of Quark-type cheese were investigated. The mean composition of full-fat cheeses was 71.96% moisture, 13.95% fat, and 10.31% protein, and that of its reduced-fat counterparts was 73.08%, 10.39%, and 12.84%, respectively. The increase of heat treatment intensity increased moisture retention and improved the mean cheese protein-to-fat ratio from 0.92 to 1. Homogenization increased the moisture and protein retention in cheese, but the effect was less intense for milk treated at 90 °C for 5 min. The extended denaturation of whey proteins resulted in harder, springier, and less cohesive cheese (p < 0.05). Treatment of milk at 90 °C for 5 min resulted in higher residual lactose and citric acid and lower water-soluble nitrogen contents of cheese (p < 0.05); the latter was also true for homogenization (p < 0.05). Storage did not affect the composition and texture but decreased galactose and increased citric acid and soluble nitrogen fractions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, heat treatment conditions of milk that induced a considerable denaturation of β-lactoglobulin and left a considerable amount of native α-lactalbumin was adequate for the manufacture of a “clean-label” Quark-type cheese, whereas homogenization was more effective for full-fat cheese.
Purification and Characterization of Resistant Dextrin
Authors: Zhen Yuanhang , Zhang Tao , Jiang Bo , Chen Jingjing
Published: January 2021

In this study, an efficient method for the purification of resistant dextrin (RD) using membrane filtration and anion exchange resin decolorization was developed, then the purified RD was characterized. In the membrane filtration stage, suspended solids in RD were completely removed, and the resulting product had a negligible turbidity of 2.70 ± 0.18 NTU. Furthermore, approximately half of the pigments were removed. Static decolorization experiments revealed that the D285 anion exchange resin exhibited the best decolorization ratio (D%), 84.5 ± 2.03%, and recovery ratio (R%), 82.8 ± 1.41%, among all the tested resins. Under optimal dynamic decolorization conditions, the D% and R% of RD were 86.26 ± 0.63% and 85.23 ± 0.42%, respectively. The decolorization efficiency of the D285 resin was superior to those of activated carbon and H2O2. Moreover, the chemical characteristics and molecular weight of RD did not change significantly after purification. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of RD showed the formation of new glycosidic linkages that are resistant to digestive enzymes. The superior water solubility (99.14%), thermal stability (up to 200 °C), and rheological properties of RD make it possible to be widely used in food industry.
Influence of Flour and Fat Type on Dough Rheology and Technological Characteristics of 3D-Printed Cookies
Authors: Vukušić Pavičić Tomislava , Grgić Tomislava , Ivanov Mia , Novotni Dubravka , Herceg Zoran
Published: January 2021

In this study, we designed high fiber cookie recipe without using additives by means of extrusion-based 3D printing. We aimed to relate printing quality and cookie physical properties with dough rheology and dietary fiber content depending on the flour (oat, rye, rice, and carob flour) and fat type (olive oil or butter). The flour choice influenced all cookie quality parameters: baking loss, color, line height and width, and dietary fiber content. Results indicated that lower baking loss and better printing quality were obtained for cookie dough containing olive oil, which had higher viscosity and consistency coefficient compared with dough containing butter. Cookies with olive oil in which part of the oat flour was replaced with rye and carob flour were printed with high accuracy (≥98%), close to the ideal 3D shape. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of selecting fat and particularly flour, as well as the extrusion rate on the quality and repeatability of 3D-printed cookies.
Litter Size of Sheep (Ovis aries): Inbreeding Depression and Homozygous Regions
Authors: Tao Lin , He Xiaoyun , Wang Xiangyu , Di Ran , Chu Mingxing
Published: January 2021

Ovine litter size (LS) is an important trait showing variability within breeds. It remains largely unknown whether inbreeding depression on LS exists based on genomic homozygous regions, and whether the homozygous regions resulted from inbreeding are significantly associated with LS in sheep. We here reanalyze a set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip of six breeds to characterize the patterns of runs of homozygosity (ROH), to evaluate inbreeding levels and inbreeding depressions on LS, and to identify candidate homozygous regions responsible for LS. Consequently, unique ROH patterns were observed among six sheep populations. Inbreeding depression on LS was only found in Hu sheep, where a significant reduction of 0.016, 0.02, and 0.02 per 1% elevated inbreeding FROH4–8, FROH>8 and the total inbreeding measure was observed, respectively. Nine significantly homozygous regions were found for LS in Hu sheep, where some promising genes for LS possibly via regulation of the development of oocytes (NGF, AKT1, and SYCP1), fertilization (SPAG17, MORC1, TDRD9, ZFYVE21, ADGRB3, and CKB), embryo implantation (PPP1R13B, INF2, and VANGL1) and development (DPPA2, DPPA4, CDCA4, CSDE1, and ADSSL1), and reproductive health (NRG3, BAG5, CKB, and XRCC3) were identified. These results from the present study would provide insights into the genetic management and complementary understandings of LS in sheep.
Morphological Abnormalities and Gene Expression Changes Caused by High Incubation Temperatures in Zebrafish Xenografts with Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Cabezas-Sainz Pablo , Coppel Carlos , Pensado-López Alba , Fernandez Pedro , Muinelo-Romay Laura , López-López Rafael , Rubiolo Juan A. , Sánchez Laura
Published: January 2021

Published studies show that most of the human cancer xenograft studies in zebrafish embryos have used incubation temperatures in the range of 32–34 °C for 3–6 days post-injection, trying to find a compromise temperature between the zebrafish embryos (28 °C) and the human injected cells (37 °C). While this experimental setup is widely used, a question remains: is possible to overcome the drawbacks caused by a suboptimal temperature for the injected cells? To clarify the effect of temperature and injected cells on the host, in this study, we analyzed the development and health of the last in response to different temperatures in the presence or absence of injected human cancer cells. Comparing different incubation temperatures (28, 34 and 36 °C), we determined morphological abnormalities and developmental effects in injected and non-injected embryos at different time points. Besides this, the expression of selected genes was determined by qPCR to determine temperature affected metabolic processes in the embryos. The results indicate that an incubation temperature of 36 °C during a period of 48 h is suitable for xenotransplantation without morphological or metabolic changes that could be affecting the host or the injected cells, allowing them to proliferate near their optimal temperature.
The Desmin (DES) Mutation p.A337P Is Associated with Left-Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kulikova Olga , Brodehl Andreas , Kiseleva Anna , Myasnikov Roman , Meshkov Alexey , Stanasiuk Caroline , Gärtner Anna , Divashuk Mikhail , Sotnikova Evgeniia , Koretskiy Sergey , Kharlap Maria , Kozlova Viktoria , Mershina Elena , Pilus Polina , Sinitsyn Valentin , Milting Hendrik , Boytsov Sergey , Drapkina Oxana
Published: January 2021

Here, we present a small Russian family, where the index patient received a diagnosis of left-ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) in combination with a skeletal myopathy. Clinical follow-up analysis revealed a LVNC phenotype also in her son. Therefore, we applied a broad next-generation sequencing gene panel approach for the identification of the underlying mutation. Interestingly, DES-p.A337P was identified in the genomes of both patients, whereas only the index patient carried DSP-p.L1348X. DES encodes the muscle-specific intermediate filament protein desmin and DSP encodes desmoplakin, which is a cytolinker protein connecting desmosomes with the intermediate filaments. Because the majority of DES mutations cause severe filament assembly defects and because this mutation was found in both affected patients, we analyzed this DES mutation in vitro by cell transfection experiments in combination with confocal microscopy. Of note, desmin-p.A337P forms cytoplasmic aggregates in transfected SW-13 cells and in cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells underlining its pathogenicity. In conclusion, we suggest including the DES gene in the genetic analysis for LVNC patients in the future, especially if clinical involvement of the skeletal muscle is present.
Smartphone and Tablet Usage during COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement in Children under 48 Months in Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Cartanyà-Hueso Àurea , Lidón-Moyano Cristina , Cassanello Pia , Díez-Izquierdo Ana , Martín-Sánchez Juan Carlos , Balaguer Albert , Martínez-Sánchez Jose M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Total lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic might have potentially increased screen time in children. This study aims to describe the smartphone and tablets usage in children under 48 months living in Barcelona during the COVID-19 confinement. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic sample of parents with children under 48 months living in Barcelona (Spain) during COVID-19 confinement (n = 313). We calculated percentages of exposure to smartphones and tablets. Moreover, for those children were exposed, we calculated unadjusted and adjusted Geometric Mean Ratios (GMR) of daily smartphones and tablets usage and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) trough Generalized Linear Models with Gamma family and link log. Associations were adjusted for potential confounders. Results: During COVID-19 confinement, 67.5% of children under 48 months were daily exposed to smartphones and tablets. Further, those children who were exposed during meals, as well as before going to bed, spend longer durations using them, aGMR = 2.38 (95% CI 1.73, 3.34) and aGMR = 1.95 (95% CI 1.34, 2.91) respectively. Conclusion: Two out of three children under 48 months living in Barcelona were daily exposed to smartphones and tablets during total lockdown due to COVID-19. Taking this findings into account cohort studies are needed to assess any change in the screen time patterns due to total confinement in order to allow the Government help families, particularly those more vulnerable, in a possible pandemic resurgence.
The Expanding Scope, Inclusivity, and Integration of Music in Healthcare: Recent Developments, Research Illustration, and Future Direction
Authors: Foster Bev , Pearson Sarah , Berends Aimee , Mackinnon Chelsea
Published: January 2021

This paper is in three sections. Section One presents a historical overview of international initiatives that have expanded the role of music in healthcare, from the initial formalization of music therapy to its more research-based rehabilitation focus to recent decades that have seen an increasing role for professional and community musicians, paraprofessional music services, music-oriented service organizations, and a very large increase in medical funding for music effects. “Music Care” is a particular and comprehensive concept promoted by the Room 217 Foundation in Canada, featuring an inclusive and integrated approach to optimizing the use of music in healthcare settings. It is part of an expanding landscape of global practices and policies where music is used to address specific issues of care. Section Two is provided as an illustration of the growing scope of the concept of using music in healthcare. It reports on a multi-year project that engaged 24 long-term care homes in conducting individualized action research projects using the fundamental approach of “Music Care”, empowering all caregivers, formal and informal, musicians and non-musicians, to use music to improve quality of life and care. Section Two presents only high-level results of the study focused on using music care to reduce resident isolation and loneliness. Section Three draws on the results from the study reported in Section Two to inform the potential and path to the future of music optimization in any healthcare setting.
Private Long-Term Care Insurance Decision: The Role of Income, Risk Propensity, Personality, and Life Experience
Authors: Yeh Shu-Chuan Jennifer , Wang Wen Chun , Chou Hsueh-Chih , Chen Shih-Hua Sarah
Published: January 2021

The rising aging population contributes to increased caregiver burden and a greater need for long-term care services, thereby posing stronger financial burden. The current study aimed to examine the effect of income, risk-taking propensity, personality traits, and life experience on the ownership of and intention to own private long-term care insurance (LTCI). Primary data were collected from 1373 registered nurses with a minimum of two years of full-time working experience. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between ownership of LTCI and personal discretionary income, risk propensity, openness to experience, and life experience. Personal discretionary income was a crucial positive indicator in predicting ownership of LTCI. Higher risk-taking propensity was found to be negatively related to both currently own and future intention to own private LTCI. Participants who currently live with elders and who agree to caregiving responsibilities with government-provided cash allowance showed future intention to purchase LTCI. Little evidence was found for an association between life experience and future intention to own LTCI. Income, risk-taking propensity, and personality traits differ in their impact on ownership of and future intention to own LTCI. Our results provide policy makers with a better understanding of the forces driving demand in the private LTCI market, as well as the accompanying implications for public LTCI.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Healthcare in 2020
Authors:   Healthcare Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Healthcare maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Effect of Drying Methods on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Urtica dioica L. Leaves
Authors: Garcìa Leani Martìnez , Ceccanti Costanza , Negro Carmine , De Bellis Luigi , Incrocci Luca , Pardossi Alberto , Guidi Lucia
Published: January 2021

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant well known in traditional medicine for its many beneficial properties, but the lack of standardization regarding the product to offer to consumers limits its diffusion. To this end, drying appears to be a useful technique to offer a low-cost product that can be stored for long time, but the different drying procedures may give rise to end-products of very different quality as nutraceutical and antioxidant compounds. Nettle leaves have been dehydrated employing freeze-drying (FD), oven-drying (OD) or heat pump drying (HPD) and compared with fresh leaves following water extraction to emulate the use by final consumers. Results indicate that the best dehydration technique is HPD, which apparently gives rise to more than a doubling of total phenols and antioxidant activity in the extract compared to the water extract obtained from fresh leaves but a reduction in the level of ascorbic acid of about 39%. In addition, the content of some phenolic compounds is 10 to over a hundred times higher in the extract after HPD than that obtained from fresh samples. This confirms that the dehydration technique should be tuned in relation to the compounds of greatest interest or value.
An Investigation of the Wild Rat Crown Incisor as an Indicator of Lead (Pb) Exposure Using Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Laser Ablation ICP-MS
Authors: Kataba Andrew , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Nakata Hokuto , Toyomaki Haruya , Yohannes Yared B. , Yabe John , Muzandu Kaampwe , Zyambo Golden , Kubota Ayano , Matsukawa Takehisa , Yokoyama Kazuhito , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: January 2021

Lead (Pb) is a metal toxicant of great public health concern. The present study investigated the applicability of the rat incisor in Pb exposure screening. The levels of lead in teeth (Pb-T) in the crown and root of incisors in laboratory Pb-exposed Sprague Dawley rats were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The crown accumulated much Pb-T than the root of the Sprague Dawley rat incisor. The levels of lead in blood (Pb-B) were positively correlated with the Pb-T in the crown and root incisors of the Sprague Dawley rats. As an application of the Pb-T crown results in experimental rats, we subsequently analyzed the Pb-T in the crown incisors of Pb-exposed wild rats (Rattus rattus) sampled from residential sites within varying distances from an abandoned lead–zinc mine. The Pb-T accumulation in the crown of incisors of R. rattus rats decreased with increased distance away from the Pb–Zn mine. Furthermore, the Pb-T was strongly correlated (r = 0.85) with the Pb levels in the blood. Laser ablation ICP-MS Pb-T mappings revealed a homogenous distribution of Pb in the incisor with an increased intensity of Pb-T localized in the tip of the incisor crown bearing an enamel surface in both Sprague Dawley and R. rattus rats. These findings suggest that Pb-T in the crown incisor may be reflective of the rat’s environmental habitat, thus a possible indicator of Pb exposure.
Stress/Immune Biomarkers in Saliva among Children with ADHD Status
Authors: Krahel Anna , Paszynska Elzbieta , Slopien Agnieszka , Gawriolek Maria , Otulakowska-Skrzynska Justyna , Rzatowski Szymon , Hernik Amadeusz , Hanć Tomasz , Bryl Ewa , Szczesniewska Paula , Bilska Karolina , Duda Joanna , Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor Marta , Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika
Published: January 2021

Background. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate stress and immune biomarkers in saliva samples of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD compared to healthy non-ADHD children. Material and methods. A total of 132 children under 11 years old (8.5 ± 1.1) enrolled in a cross-sectional study: with confirmed ADHD (n = 60) and healthy controls (n = 72). The clinical evaluation included physical measurements (height, waist, hip circumference, body weight, body mass index BMI, BMI z-score) and unstimulated saliva collection and measurements of free cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and secreted immunoglobulins (sIgA, IgG, and IgM) with quantitative assay (ELISA) analysis. Unpaired t-test, Welch test, or Mann–Whitney U test were applied for group comparisons when appropriate, and the correlation between variables was analyzed with Spearman’s rank coefficient. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results. In the ADHD group, body weight (p ≤ 0.01), BMI (p ≤ 0.009), and hip circumference (p ≤ 0.001) significantly differed, while waist size and BMI z-score did not (p > 0.05). Significant elevation of the salivary sAA (p = 0.03), sIgA (p = 0.02), and IgM (p ≤ 0.001) biomarkers were detected, without differences in the morning cortisol (p > 0.05). Significant correlations between cortisol and BMI, hip size, and IgA, as well as between IgG and sAA and IgA were obtained. Conclusions. Saliva can be used to monitor ADHD status with regard to biomarkers indicating the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, as HPA axis, and sympathetic activity. The results indicate that morning collection of saliva in contrast to unchanged salivary cortisol, may evaluate mentioned above system dysregulations by measurements of sAA and immunoglobulins among ADHD children.
Community-Based Interventions to Reduce Child Stunting in Rural Guatemala: A Quality Improvement Model
Authors: Juarez Michel , Dionicio Carlos , Sacuj Neftali , Lopez Waleska , Miller Ann C. , Rohloff Peter
Published: January 2021

Rural Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition (stunting) in the world, with little progress despite considerable efforts to scale up evidence-based nutrition interventions. Recent literature suggests that one factor limiting impact is inadequate supervisory support for frontline workers. Here we describe a community-based quality improvement intervention in a region with a high rate of stunting. The intervention provided audit and feedback support to frontline nutrition workers through electronic worklists, performance dashboards, and one-on-one feedback sessions. We visualized performance indicators and child nutrition outcomes during the improvement intervention using run charts and control charts. In this small community-based sample (125 households at program initiation), over the two-year improvement period, there were marked improvements in the delivery of program components, such as growth monitoring services and micronutrient supplements. The prevalence of child stunting fell from 42.4 to 30.6%, meeting criteria for special cause variation. The mean length/height-for-age Z-score rose from −1.77 to −1.47, also meeting criteria for special cause variation. In conclusion, the addition of structured performance visualization and audit and feedback components to an existing community-based nutrition program improved child health indicators significantly through improving the fidelity of an existing evidence-based nutrition package.
Correction: Rodríguez-Medellín, R., et al. Mexican Validation of the Engagement and Disaffection in Physical Education Scale. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1821
Authors: Rodríguez-Medellín René , Zamarripa Jorge , Marentes-Castillo María , Otero-Saborido Fernando , Baños Raúl , Morquecho-Sánchez Raquel
Published: January 2021

The authors wish to add the following correction to their paper published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [...]
The Progressive Public Measures of Saudi Arabia to Tackle Covid-19 and Limit Its Spread
Authors: Sayed Anwar A.
Published: January 2021

Since the beginning of the global novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the response of governments has varied significantly across the world. This was one of the main reasons behind the difference in the disease fatality rates between countries. In this study, the public progressive measures taken in Saudi Arabia (SA) are described in detail. This is a descriptive study in which measures were retrieved via the government official news agency—Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The total number of Covid-19 cases and its fatality rate were obtained/calculated from the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) official Covid-19 port, as well as the WHO COVID-19 dashboard. SA took active measures in order to interrupt the spread of Covid-19 which were strict, rapid, and progressive in nature. Social distancing was at the heart of almost every measure taken by the government. The main themes of these interventions are as follows: travel bans, suspending religious activities, closure of non-essential shops, enforcing changes at workplaces, and imposing curfews. This was followed by the gradual return to working life with various precautions to prevent a spike in the number of cases. The imposed measures in SA succeeded in reducing the burden of Covid-19 and its fatality rate. Comparatively, the fatality rate in SA was significantly lower compared to developed countries with better healthcare infrastructure such as the United States and United Kingdom.
Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders in Cardiac Surgery: Investigating the Role of Intraoperative Hypotension. A Systematic Review
Authors: Czok Marcelina , Pluta Michał P. , Putowski Zbigniew , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: January 2021

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders remain a challenging obstacle in patients after cardiac surgery, as they significantly contribute to postoperative morbidity and mortality. Identifying the modifiable risk factors and mechanisms for postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) and delirium (POD) would be an important step forward in preventing such adverse events and thus improving patients’ outcome. Intraoperative hypotension is frequently discussed as a potential risk factor for neurocognitive decline, due to its significant impact on blood flow and tissue perfusion, however the studies exploring its association with POCD and POD are very heterogeneous and present divergent results. This review demonstrates 13 studies found after structured systematic search strategy and discusses the possible relationship between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative neuropsychiatric dysfunction.