bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid-Cooling System of an Aircraft Compression Ignition Engine: A CFD Analysis
Authors: Coclite Alessandro , Faruoli Maria , Viggiano Annarita , Caso Paolo , Magi Vinicio
Published: May 2020

The present work deals with an analysis of the cooling system for a two-stroke aircraft engine with compression ignition. This analysis is carried out by means of a 3D finite-volume RANS equations solver with k- ϵ closure. Three different cooling system geometries are critically compared with a discussion on the capabilities and limitations of each technical solution. A first configuration of such a system is considered and analyzed by evaluating the pressure loss across the system as a function of the inlet mass-flow rate. Moreover, the velocity and vorticity patterns are analyzed to highlight the features of the flow structure. Thermal effects on the engine structure are also taken into account and the cooling system performance is assessed as a function of both the inlet mass-flow rate and the cylinder jackets temperatures. Then, by considering the main thermo-fluid dynamics features obtained in the case of the first configuration, two geometrical modifications are proposed to improve the efficiency of the system. As regards the first modification, the fluid intake is split in two manifolds by keeping the same total mass-flow rate. As regards the second configuration, a new single-inlet geometry is designed by inserting restrictions and enlargements within the cooling system to constrain the coolant flow through the cylinder jackets and by moving downstream the outflow section. It is shown that the second geometry modification achieves the best performances by improving the overall transferred heat of about 20% with respect to the first one, while keeping the three cylinders only slightly unevenly cooled. However, an increase of the flow characteristic loads occurs due to the geometrical restrictions and enlargements of the cooling system.
A Full Technological Traceability System for Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Violino Simona , Pallottino Federico , Sperandio Giulio , Figorilli Simone , Ortenzi Luciano , Tocci Francesco , Vasta Simone , Imperi Giancarlo , Costa Corrado
Published: May 2020

The traceability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) could guarantee the authenticity of the product and the protection of the consumer if it is part of a system able to certify the traceability information. The purpose of this paper was to propose and apply a complete electronic traceability prototype along the entire EVOO production chain of a small Italian farm and to verify its economic sustainability. The full traceability of the EVOO extracted from 33 olive trees from three different cultivars (Carboncella, Frantoio and Leccino) was considered. The technological traceability system (TTS; infotracing) consists of several open source devices (based on radio frequency identification (RFID) and QR code technologies) able to track the EVOO from the standing olive tree to the final consumer. The infotracing system was composed of a dedicated open source app and was designed for easy blockchain integration. In addition, an economic analysis of the proposed TTS, with reference to the semi-mechanized olive harvesting process, was conducted. The results showed that the incidence of the TTS application on the whole production varies between 3% and 15.5%, (production from 5 to 60 kg tree−1). The application at the consortium level with mechanized harvesting is fully sustainable in economic terms. The proposed TTS could not only provide guarantees to the final consumer but could also direct the farmer towards precision farming management.
How Batter Formulation Can Modify Fried Tempura-Battered Zucchini Chemical and Sensory Characteristics?
Authors: Martínez-Pineda Montserrat , Yagüe-Ruiz Cristina , Vercet Antonio
Published: May 2020

Tempura-fried vegetables are widely consumed and are greatly appreciated because of their characteristic dry and crispy crust, flavor and a golden–brown color. This study examined the effect of slice thickness, frying time and partial ingredient substitution in tempura batter with maltodextrin, ethanol, baking powder and cornflour on the rheological characteristics, moisture, oil uptake, color, texture and sensory characteristics of tempura-fried zucchini. The results showed an improved golden–brown coloring of the crust without affecting oil uptake when maltodextrin was included in the batter formulation. Moreover, dough viscosity and % pick-up lowered with maltodextrin addition. The partial substitution of water and wheat flour with ethanol, cornflour and baking powder resulted in a crispier and rougher crust that remained more stable over time but with less moisture and higher oil uptake. The substitution of certain tempura batter ingredients depending on the desired purpose could represent an interesting strategy to improve the quality of battered fried vegetables.
Nutrient and Chemical Contaminant Levels in Five Marine Fish Species from Angola—The EAF-Nansen Programme
Authors: Moxness Reksten Amalie , Joao Correia Victor Avelina M. , Baptista Nascimento Neves Edia , Myhre Christiansen Sofie , Ahern Molly , Uzomah Abimbola , Lundebye Anne-Katrine , Kolding Jeppe , Kjellevold Marian
Published: May 2020

Fish is a rich source of several important nutrients and an important part of the otherwise plant-dominated diet present in Angola. However, fish may also be a source of contaminants. The aim of this study was to analyse the nutrient contents and the levels of chemical contaminants, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, in five commonly consumed marine fish species sampled during a survey with the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in Angola. The species’ contribution to recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) for women and children was assessed and compared to that of food products of terrestrial animal origin. All the sampled species are good sources of protein and micronutrients if included in the diet, and inter-species variation is evident. The species were identified to contribute 5–15% of the RNI for calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc and exceeded the contribution to protein and iron intakes of food products of terrestrial animal origin. Furthermore, the potential consumer exposure to chemical contaminants in the species was assessed. None of the species exceeded the maximum levels for cadmium, mercury, and lead, and the potential consumer exposure to cadmium and methylmercury was considered low. The data presented in this study represent an important contribution to African food composition tables.
Current Knowledge on Interspecific Hybrid Palm Oils as Food and Food Ingredient
Authors: Mozzon Massimo , Foligni Roberta , Mannozzi Cinzia
Published: May 2020

The consumers’ opinion concerning conventional palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil is negatively affected by environmental and nutritional issues. However, oils extracted from drupes of interspecific hybrids Elaeis oleifera × E. guineensis are getting more and more interest, due to their chemical and nutritional properties. Unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) are the most abundant constituents (60%–80% of total fatty acids) of hybrid palm oil (HPO) and are mainly acylated in position sn-2 of the glycerol backbone. Carotenes and tocotrienols are the most interesting components of the unsaponifiable matter, even if their amount in crude oils varies greatly. The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils recently provided HPO the “dignity” of codified fat substance for human consumption and defined the physical and chemical parameters for genuine crude oils. However, only few researches have been conducted to date on the functional and technological properties of HPO, thus limiting its utilization in food industry. Recent studies on the nutritional effects of HPO softened the initial enthusiasm about the “tropical equivalent of olive oil”, suggesting that the overconsumption of HPO in the most-consumed processed foods should be carefully monitored.
Expression of the Long Noncoding RNA GAS5 Correlates with Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Han Man-Hoon , Lee Jee Hyun , Kim Gyeonghwa , Lee Eunhye , Lee Yu Rim , Jang Se Young , Lee Hye Won , Chun Jae Min , Han Young Seok , Yoon Jun Sik , Kang Min Kyu , Lee Won Kee , Kweon Young Oh , Tak Won Young , Park Soo Young , Park Jung Gil , Hur Keun
Published: May 2020

Background: Advanced liver fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5), is associated with the inhibition of liver fibrogenesis, and its levels are decreased in cirrhotic liver. Methods: We analyzed 51 patients with NAFLD, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by liver biopsy. Expression of GAS5 in both the liver and plasma of the patients was analyzed using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction according to the fibrosis stage. Results: Plasma GAS5 expression was significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis than in those without. As the fibrosis progressed, GAS5 expression in plasma increased, with the exception of that in cirrhotic livers. Plasma levels of GAS5 were lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with advanced fibrosis. Conclusion: Elevated circulating levels of the lncRNA GAS5 are associated with the progression of liver fibrosis prior to the development of cirrhosis.
Transcriptomic and Proteostasis Networks of CFTR and the Development of Small Molecule Modulators for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Authors: Strub Matthew D. , McCray, Jr. Paul B.
Published: May 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The diversity of mutations and the multiple ways by which the protein is affected present challenges for therapeutic development. The observation that the Phe508del-CFTR mutant protein is temperature sensitive provided proof of principle that mutant CFTR could escape proteosomal degradation and retain partial function. Several specific protein interactors and quality control checkpoints encountered by CFTR during its proteostasis have been investigated for therapeutic purposes, but remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, pharmacological manipulation of many CFTR interactors has not been thoroughly investigated for the rescue of Phe508del-CFTR. However, high-throughput screening technologies helped identify several small molecule modulators that rescue CFTR from proteosomal degradation and restore partial function to the protein. Here, we discuss the current state of CFTR transcriptomic and biogenesis research and small molecule therapy development. We also review recent progress in CFTR proteostasis modulators and discuss how such treatments could complement current FDA-approved small molecules.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Treated with Gemcitabine and Carboplatin
Authors: Björn Niclas , Jakobsen Ingrid , Lotfi Kourosh , Gréen Henrik
Published: May 2020

Treatments that include gemcitabine and carboplatin induce dose-limiting myelosuppression. The understanding of how human bone marrow is affected on a transcriptional level leading to the development of myelosuppression is required for the implementation of personalized treatments in the future. In this study, we treated human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) harvested from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with gemcitabine/carboplatin. Thereafter, scRNA-seq was performed to distinguish transcriptional effects induced by gemcitabine/carboplatin. Gene expression was calculated and evaluated among cells within and between samples compared to untreated cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that the treatments effectively decrease cell proliferation, indicated by the proportion of cells in the G2M-phase dropping from 35% in untreated cells to 14.3% in treated cells. Clustering and t-SNE showed that cells within samples and between treated and untreated samples were affected differently. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the treatments influence KEGG pathways and Gene Ontologies related to myeloid cell proliferation/differentiation, immune response, cancer, and the cell cycle. The present study shows the feasibility of using scRNA-seq and chemotherapy-treated HSPCs to find genes, pathways, and biological processes affected among and between treated and untreated cells. This indicates the possible gains of using single-cell toxicity studies for personalized medicine.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the GRAS Gene Family in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: To Vinh-Trieu , Shi Qi , Zhang Yueya , Shi Jin , Shen Chaoqun , Zhang Dabing , Cai Wenguo
Published: May 2020

The GRAS (named after first three identified proteins within this family, GAI, RGA, and SCR) family contains plant-specific genes encoding transcriptional regulators that play a key role in gibberellin (GA) signaling, which regulates plant growth and development. Even though GRAS genes have been characterized in some plant species, little research is known about the GRAS genes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In this study, we observed 62 GRAS members from barley genome, which were grouped into 12 subgroups by using phylogenomic analysis together with the GRAS genes from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa). Chromosome localization and gene structure analysis suggested that duplication events and abundant presence of intronless genes might account for the massive expansion of GRAS gene family in barley. The analysis of RNA-seq data indicates the expression pattern of GRAS genes in various tissues at different stages in barley. Noteworthy, our qRT-PCR analysis showed the expression of 18 candidate GRAS genes abundantly in the developing inflorescence, indicating their potential roles in the barley inflorescence development and reproduction. Collectively, our evolutionary and expression analysis of GRAS family are useful for future functional characterization of GA signaling in barley and agricultural improvement.
The Three-Segment Control and Measurement of Reliable Monitoring of the Deformation of the Rock Mass Surface and Engineering Structures on the Międzyodrze Islands in Szczecin, NW Poland
Authors: Zygmunt Marek , Cacoń Stefan , Milczarek Wojciech , Sanecki Józef , Piotrowski Andrzej , Stępień Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

The research area is located in north-western Poland. It is the city of Szczecin with a particular emphasis on the Międzyodrze islands. The area of the EcoGenerator Waste Disposal Plant is part of the research area. The analysis of the geological structure of the subsurface layer of Earth’s crust within Szczecin, was carried out with particular emphasis on the EcoGenerator Waste Disposal Plant. The analysis of height changes of the benchmarks, was based on archival materials measured in two campaigns. A detailed recognition of the geological structure in connection with the analysis of changes in the height of the benchmarks was important. This enabled stable benchmarks to be located in several areas of Szczecin. They formed the basis for reliable monitoring of surface deformations of organic and existing sediments within the EkoGenerator Plant. The application of an appropriate three segment control and measurement system. In the area around the EcoGenerator Plant, vertical movements of the area were observed using the InSAR Small Baseline Subset Method. An InSAR analysis is only used here for very broad identification of the moving area. The radar data came from Sentinel 1 A and 1 B satellites. A total of 129 images from 15.11.2014 to 28.07.2019 were used.The results of the analyses conducted, form the basis for discussion and act as a summary of the considerations in this paper.
Lime Treatment of a Soft Sensitive Clay: A Sustainable Reuse Option
Authors: Di Sante Marta , Di Buò Bruno , Fratalocchi Evelina , Länsivaara Tim
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the results of research aimed at studying the hydraulic and mechanical behavior of Finnish soft clays treated by quicklime. This research investigated the effect of water content and curing time on the characteristics of the compacted soil treated with 7% lime, with the aim of verifying the effectiveness of lime treatment and evaluating its possible re-use, thus avoiding landfill disposal. A laboratory-testing program was carried out both on treated and untreated soil, supported by microstructural investigation. Results have shown a general increase of the hydraulic conductivity due to the addition of lime, reduction of compressibility, and increase in the soil shear strength for a wide range of water contents (10%–40%), proving the effectiveness of the lime treatment. Lime addition to the compacted clay at high water contents (90%–130%) turned out to improve the mechanical characteristics to a lesser extent, while fractionated lime supply did not significantly improve the mechanical performance. The results of this research demonstrate that the re-use of sensitive clays, typically of high water contents, by lime addition require a drying process. Different drying procedures can be adopted (proposed in the paper) depending on the specific site conditions. However, the soil treatment is generally economically convenient in comparison to the disposal in waste landfills, which would represent the only alternative solution.
Hydrochemical Evolution Mechanisms of Shallow Groundwater and Its Quality Assessment in the Estuarine Coastal Zone: A Case Study of Qidong, China
Authors: Wen Yao , Qiu Jiahao , Cheng Si , Xu Changchang , Gao Xiaojiang
Published: May 2020

Identification of geochemical characters and the influence of river and seawater on coastal areas are of significant impact on water resources management in coastal areas globally. Thus, it requires careful investigation of the hydrochemical evolution mechanisms and assessment of the quality of shallow groundwater. The study specifically focused on the estuarine coastal zone of Qidong, China, a city located on the Yangtze estuary. Thirty shallow groundwater samples and five surface water samples were collected during a field investigation, and 25 water quality indexes were analyzed. Methods including mathematical statistics, Gibbs figure, Piper diagram, and ionic rations were used to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution mechanisms. The spatial distribution of key parameters was assessed using a GIS-based spatial gridding technique. Results showed that the shallow groundwater in this estuarine coastal zone is weakly alkaline. The major hydrochemical parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), Na+ and Cl−, Mg2+, and SO42−, displayed similar spatial distributions; the distributions of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were irregular; the distributions of SO42− and HCO3− shared a similar trend, increasing gradually from the southern to northern regions of the study zone; and the values of NO3− and NH4+ were generally low in the study area. The hydrochemistry of the groundwater consists of HCO3-CaMg type and HCO3-Na, with HCO3·Cl-Na type and Cl-Na being the dominant constituents toward the coastal strip. The coastal aquifers are subjected to the ongoing influence of seawater intrusion, ion exchange processes, freshwater infiltration, and mineral (carbonate and silicate) dissolution, which impact groundwater evolution. Most of the groundwater samples are unsuitable for drinking purposes, but more than 90% of samples have irrigation suitability, based on the WHO standards and the classifications of sodium absorption ratio (SAR), soluble-sodium percentage (SSP).
Pre-Implantation Mouse Embryos Cultured In Vitro under Different Oxygen Concentrations Show Altered Ultrastructures
Authors: Belli Manuel , Rinaudo Paolo , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Ruggeri Elena , Antonouli Sevastiani , Nottola Stefania Annarita , Macchiarelli Guido
Published: May 2020

Assisted Reproductive Technologies routinely utilize different culture media and oxygen (O2) concentrations to culture human embryos. Overall, embryos cultured under physiological O2 tension (5%) have improved development compared to embryos cultured under atmospheric O2 conditions (20%). The mechanisms responsible for this remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physiologic (5%) or atmospheric O2 (20%) tension on the microscopic ultrastructure of pre-implantation mouse embryos using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Embryos flushed out of the uterus after natural mating were used as the control. For use as the control, 2-cells, 4-cells, morulae, and blastocysts were flushed out of the uterus after natural fertilization. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed using potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM) under different O2 tensions (5% and 20%) until the blastocyst stage. After collection, embryos were subjected to the standard preparative for light microscopy (LM) and TEM. We found that culture in vitro under 5% and 20% O2 results in an increase of vacuolated shaped mitochondria, cytoplasmic vacuolization and presence of multi-vesicular bodies at every embryonic stage. In addition, blastocysts generated by IVF under 5% and 20% O2 showed a lower content of heterochromatin, an interruption of the trophectodermal and inner cell mass cell membranes, an increased density of residual bodies, and high levels of glycogen granules in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, this study suggests that in vitro culture, particularly under atmospheric O2 tension, causes stage-specific changes in preimplantation embryo ultrastructure. In addition, atmospheric (20%) O2 is associated with increased alterations in embryonic ultrastructure; these changes may explain the reduced embryonic development of embryos cultured with 20% O2.
Development on Health Risk Assessment Method for Multi-Media Exposure of Hazardous Chemical by Chemical Accident
Authors: Hong Hyong Jin , Park Si Hyun , Lim Hui Been , Lee Cheol Min
Published: May 2020

In this study, a long-term health risk assessment was conducted for complex, multimedia exposure where the exposure duration was set for the leak of a hazardous chemical spilled after an accident. The study designed a virtual chemical accident scenario where 40 tons of benzyl chloride leaked in a factory inside the Ulsan Petrochemical Industrial Complex for one hour on 1 January 2017. Using a multimedia environmental dynamics model, benzyl chloride concentrations in air and soil were estimated. The time when the atmospheric concentration was less than or equal to the background concentration was recorded as the end point. An assessment of the cancer risk via soil ingestion was carried out after dividing the subjects into four age groups (0–9 years; 10–18 years; 19–65 years; >65 years). All age groups showed an increased cancer risk where the values exceeded 1.0 × 10−6. The 0–9 years age group showed the largest distribution (4.27% of the total area) with the highest maximum and mean values. The distribution maps for all age groups exhibited a trend towards the southeast of the accident site.
Multiple Sclerosis in the Campania Region (South Italy): Algorithm Validation and 2015–2017 Prevalence
Authors: Moccia Marcello , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Lanzillo Roberta , Loperto Ilaria , Giordana Roberta , Fumo Maria Grazia , Petruzzo Martina , Capasso Nicola , Triassi Maria , Sormani Maria Pia , Palladino Raffaele
Published: May 2020

We aim to validate a case-finding algorithm to detect individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) using routinely collected healthcare data, and to assess the prevalence of MS in the Campania Region (South Italy). To identify individuals with MS living in the Campania Region, we employed an algorithm using different routinely collected healthcare administrative databases (hospital discharges, drug prescriptions, outpatient consultations with payment exemptions), from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The algorithm was validated towards the clinical registry from the largest regional MS centre (n = 1460). We used the direct method to standardise the prevalence rate and the capture-recapture method to estimate the proportion of undetected cases. The case-finding algorithm including individuals with at least one MS record during the study period captured 5362 MS patients (females = 64.4%; age = 44.6 ± 12.9 years), with 99.0% sensitivity (95% CI = 98.3%, 99.4%). Standardised prevalence rate per 100,000 people was 89.8 (95% CI = 87.4, 92.2) (111.8 for females [95% CI = 108.1, 115.6] and 66.2 for males [95% CI = 63.2, 69.2]). The number of expected MS cases was 2.7% higher than cases we detected. We developed a case-finding algorithm for MS using routinely collected healthcare data from the Campania Region, which was validated towards a clinical dataset, with high sensitivity and low proportion of undetected cases. Our prevalence estimates are in line with those reported by international studies conducted using similar methods. In the future, this cohort could be used for studies with high granularity of clinical, environmental, healthcare resource utilisation, and pharmacoeconomic variables.
The Effect of Acute Erythromycin Exposure on the Swimming Ability of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Li Yanyi , Zhang Jiabo
Published: May 2020

Erythromycin is a widely used antibiotic, and erythromycin contamination may pose a threat to aquatic organisms. However, little is known about the adverse effects of erythromycin on swimming ability. To quantify erythromycin-induced damage to fish swimming ability, Oryzias latipes and Danio rerio were acutely exposed to erythromycin. The swimming ability of the experimental fish was measured after exposure to varying doses of erythromycin (2 µg/L, 20 µg/L, 200 µg/L, and 2 mg/L) for 96 h. Burst speed (Uburst) and critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of experimental fish significantly decreased. In addition, gene expression analysis of O. latipes and D. rerio under erythromycin treatment (2 mg/L) showed that the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in the muscle was significantly reduced in both species of fish. However, the gene expression pattern in the head of the two species was differentially impacted; D. rerio showed endocrine disruption, while phototransduction was impacted in O. latipes. The results of our study may be used as a reference to control erythromycin pollution in natural rivers.
Risk Factors for Acute Renal Failure after Cardiac Catheterization Most Cited in the Literature: An Integrative Review
Authors: Sardinha Daniele Melo , Simor Alzinei , de Oliveira Moura Letícia Diogo , Silva Ana Gracinda Ignácio da , Batista Lima Karla Valéria , Dias Garcez Juliana Conceição , de Vasconcelos Lidiane Assunção , Siqueira dos Santos Anderson Lineu , Gondin Costa Lima Luana Nepomuceno
Published: May 2020

Acute renal failure (ARF) represents 17% of the complications of cardiac catheterization (CC), with a high death rate and longer hospitalization time. The objective of this review is to describe the most cited risk factors for acute kidney failure in the literature. It is a descriptive and exploratory Integrative Literature Review (ILR) with a qualitative approach, using articles published in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and PubMed databases between the years of 2009 and 2019 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, including original articles, reviews, and case studies. The search was made using the following descriptors: cardiac catheterism, kidney diseases, risk factors, coronary catheterization, acute kidney injury, acute renal failure, and nephropathies. The organization and analysis of the data was through the application of a questionnaire that was structured by the authors, and the results are presented in a table. For the final sample, 10 articles were sought. The highlighted factors were being elderly, hypertensive, and diabetic; having previous kidney disease, hypotension, heart failure, higher contrast volumes, and types; the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs associated to other risk factors; and atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation was the main finding, which has recently been documented. The identification of risk factors provides health professionals with information to plan measures to prevent ARF, minimizing complications, length of stay, and mortality.
Multimorbidity among Two Million Adults in China
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Yao Shanshan , Wang Mengying , Cao Guiying , Chen Zishuo , Huang Ziting , Wu Yao , Han Ling , Xu Beibei , Hu Yonghua
Published: May 2020

To explore the multimorbidity prevalence and patterns among middle-aged and older adults from China. Data on thirteen chronic diseases were collected from 2,097,150 participants aged over 45 years between January 1st 2011 and December 31st 2015 from Beijing Medical Claim Data for Employees. Association rule mining and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to assess multimorbidity patterns. Multimorbidity prevalence was 51.6% and 81.3% in the middle-aged and older groups, respectively. The most prevalent disease pair was that of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (OARA) with hypertension (HT) (middle-aged: 22.5%; older: 41.8%). Ischaemic heart disease (IHD), HT, and OARA constituted the most common triad combination (middle-aged: 11.0%; older: 31.2%). Among the middle-aged group, the strongest associations were found in a combination of cerebrovascular disease (CBD), OARA, and HT with IHD in males (lift = 3.49), and CBD, OARA, and COPD with IHD in females (lift = 3.24). Among older patients, glaucoma and cataracts in females (lift = 2.95), and IHD, OARA, and glaucoma combined with cataracts in males (lift = 2.45) were observed. Visual impairment clusters, a mixed cluster of OARA, IHD, COPD, and cardiometabolic clusters were detected. Multimorbidity is prevalent among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. The observations of multimorbidity patterns have implications for improving preventive care and developing appropriate guidelines for morbidity treatment.
Parental Perceptions of Children’s Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Parental Smoking Behaviour
Authors: Myers Vicki , Rosen Laura J. , Zucker David M. , Shiloh Shoshana
Published: May 2020

Around 40% of children are exposed to tobacco smoke, increasing their risk of poor health. Previous research has demonstrated misunderstanding among smoking parents regarding children’s exposure. The parental perceptions of exposure (PPE) measure uses visual and textual vignettes to assess awareness of exposure to smoke. The study aimed to determine whether PPE is related to biochemical and reported measures of exposure in children with smoking parents. Families with at least one smoking parent and a child ≤ age 8 were recruited. In total, 82 parents completed the PPE questionnaire, which was assessed on a scale of 1–7 with higher scores denoting a broader perception of exposure. Parents provided a sample of their child’s hair and a self-report of parental smoking habits. Parents who reported smoking away from home had higher PPE ratings than parents who smoke in and around the home (p = 0.026), constituting a medium effect size. PPE corresponded with home smoking frequency, with rare or no home exposure associated with higher PPE scores compared to daily or weekly exposure (p < 0.001). PPE was not significantly related to hair nicotine but was a significant explanatory factor for home smoking location. PPE was significantly associated with parental smoking behaviour, including location and frequency. High PPE was associated with lower exposure according to parental report. This implies that parental understanding of exposure affects protective behaviour and constitutes a potential target for intervention to help protect children.
Can Teledentistry Improve the Monitoring of Patients during the Covid-19 Dissemination? A Descriptive Pilot Study
Authors: Giudice Amerigo , Barone Selene , Muraca Danila , Averta Fiorella , Diodati Federica , Antonelli Alessandro , Fortunato Leonzio
Published: May 2020

The aim of this pilot study was to describe the advantages of telemedicine (TM) in dental practice during the current national emergency condition due to the Covid-19 dissemination. At Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology—Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, regional reference center for Covid-19—two groups of patients were determined: patients with urgent conditions (group U) and patients in follow-up (group F). Both groups were instructed to implement remote consultations using a messaging service (WhatsApp Messenger, WhatsApp Inc., Mountain View, California, USA) to send photos. A total of 418 photos were collected by 57 patients. Thirty-four photos were obtained by five patients in the U group after surgical procedures. All patients sent photos on the established evening, except for two patients who sent two photos outside the set days. In the F group, 384 photos were collected by 52 patients. None of them sent more photos than the number that was established by the protocol. Telemedicine allowed a monitoring of all patients, reducing costs and limiting human contact, decreasing the risk of Covid-19 dissemination.
4D-BIM-Based Workspace Planning for Temporary Safety Facilities in Construction SMEs
Authors: Pham Kieu-Trang , Vu Duc-Nghia , Hong Phuc Le Hieu , Park Chansik
Published: May 2020

Temporary safety facilities (TSFs) are an essential support system providing necessary protection to workers during construction activities, which are targeted towards preventing the occurrence of incidents and accidents at the construction site; however, the schedule and location of installation and demolition of TSFs continue to rely on labor experience, and are often omitted from formal drawings or documents. This results in thousands of accidents in the construction industry, especially in construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because of their several limiting factors; therefore, this study proposes automatic workspace planning for TSFs based on construction activities, which is a systematized approach for construction SMEs to practice occupational health and safety (OHS). By using building information modeling (BIM) and add-in algorithm, safety facilities can be simulated and visualized to integrate into the designated workspace. The developed system was implemented utilizing 4D-BIM for TSFs installation and validated with a case study on a residential building project. The result revealed that the visualized TSF produces a better understanding of safety measures with regard to project schedule. Additionally, TSFs workspace planning provides an affordable approach that motivates safety practices among the SMEs; consequently, the effectiveness of construction safety measures and their management is enhanced appreciably.
Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Oil Palm Puree in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Zainal Zaida , Ong Augustine , Yuen May Choo , Chang Sui Kiat , Abdul Rahim Afiqah , Khaza’ai Huzwah
Published: May 2020

Palm puree is rich in antioxidants and is produced via blending various proportions of mesocarp fibre and crude palm oil. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and subchronic toxicity of palm puree in male and female Sprague–Dawley rats. For the acute toxicity study, animals administered single palm-puree doses (2000 mg kg−1) by gavage were observed daily for 14 d. For the subchronic toxicity study, the rats were administered 500, 1000, or 2000 mg kg−1 palm puree daily for 28 d. We evaluated body and organ weights; performed haematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses of blood and organ samples during and after treatment; and calculated the oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). The toxicity studies showed no signs of toxicity or mortality. The haematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses and body and organ weights indicated no evidence of substantial toxicity at any dose of palm puree. The oral lethal dose and NOAEL for the palm puree were greater than 2000 mg kg−1 d−1 over 28 d. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to confirm the safety of palm puree as a novel functional food. These encouraging results warrant further studies to elucidate its potential for pharmaceutical formulations.
The Psychological Effects of a Campus Forest Therapy Program
Authors: Kim Jin Gun , Khil Tae Gyu , Lim Youngsuwn , Park Kyungja , Shin Minja , Shin Won Sop
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of a campus forest therapy program. To evaluate these, pre-test and post-test control group design was employed. A total of 38 participants participated in this study (19 in the campus forest therapy program group, and 19 in control). The Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire and Modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) were administered to each participant to assess psychological effects. The results of this study revealed that participants in the campus forest therapy program group had significantly positive increases in their mood and stress response compared with those of control group participants. In conclusion, the campus forest therapy program is an efficient strategy to provide psychological health benefits to university students and our study can inform decision-makers on the priority of the campus forest program in societal efforts to promote psychological well-being among university students.
A Literature Review on the Foundations and Potentials of Digital Teaching Scenarios for Interprofessional Health Care Education
Authors: Grosser Johannes , Bientzle Martina , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: May 2020

The health care system is increasingly complex and specialized, but it presents the actors involved with the challenge of working together in interprofessional teams. One way to meet this challenge is through interprofessional training approaches, where representatives of different professions learn together with learners of other professions. This article contributes to the question of how interprofessional teaching in health care education can be designed with a low threshold by using digital media. We focus on learning with digital learning platforms and learning with videos. Based on existing empirical findings, these approaches are discussed in terms of their potential and limitations for interprofessional teaching. In particular, we examine how these approaches influence the core competence domains of interprofessional collaborative practice. Digital collaborative learning platforms are suitable for teaching interprofessional competences, since they enable social and professional exchange among learners of different professions. Videos are suitable for imparting medical declarative and procedural knowledge. Based on these considerations, the use of videos in combination with interaction possibilities is presented as a didactic approach that can combine the aspect of knowledge transfer with the possibility of interprofessional computer-based collaboration.
The Development of a Screening Tool for Chinese Disordered Gamers: The Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist (C-IGDC)
Authors: Chen Juliet Honglei , Zhang Meng Xuan , Ko Chih-Hung , Tong Kwok Kit , Yu Shu M. , Sou Elvo Kuai Long , Wu Anise M. S.
Published: May 2020

Despite the increasing research attention being paid to gaming disorder globally, a screening tool developed specifically for the Chinese population is still lacking. This study aims to address this gap by constructing a screening tool to assess Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptomology, defined by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), among Chinese gamers. Based on expert interviews and consultations, a focus group of gamers, a background literature review, and the IGD criteria proposed by the DSM-5, we developed the Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist (C-IGDC). This study evaluated its dimensional structure, reliability, validity, and screening efficacy with 464 Chinese past-year gamers (53% female; mean age = 19.84). The two-level structure of the 27-item C-IGDC showed a satisfactory model fit, acceptable reliability, as well as good validity via expected associations with Internet addiction, gameplay frequency, and depressive symptoms. The optimal screening cutoff score (≥20) was proposed to detect probable IGD cases. The C-IGDC is the first DSM-5-based, multidimensional IGD screening tool designed specifically for Chinese gamers. Further evaluation of the C-IGDC in epidemiological studies and clinical settings is recommended.
Procrastination at the Core of Physical Activity (PA) and Perceived Quality of Life: A New Approach for Counteracting Lower Levels of PA Practice
Authors: Codina Nuria , Pestana José V. , Valenzuela Rafael , Giménez Nuria
Published: May 2020

Faced with the demonstrated need to engage in physical activity (PA), lack of time is the argument commonly used to justify low or non-existent levels of PA. Underlying this argument, the accomplishment of procrastination behaviour seems to be related to the less time dedicated to practicing PA and the low perception of the quality of life. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to show that dedicating different amounts of time to PA affects the perceived quality of life and the widespread problem of procrastination. We hypothesise that greater time investment in PA is related to greater perceived quality of life and less procrastination. In all, 621 practitioners of PA (347 men, 274 women) between 18 and 83 years old (M = 35.43, SD = 14.45) filled out validated versions of the World Health Organization quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Pure Procrastination Scale. Results showed that people who do enough PA have a more positive perception of the quality of life in the domains of physical and psychological health; this perception, in turn, is related to lower levels of procrastination. Likewise, socio-demographic characteristics such as gender and the main activity presented significant associations with various quality of life domains and procrastination. In sum, the benefits of improvements in quality of life and reductions in procrastination identified in this study are sensitive to the time spent on PA, which suggests that a strategy to promote the practice of PA would improve time management and, thus, counteract procrastination.
The Disparities in Mental Health Between Gay and Bisexual Men Following Positive HIV Diagnosis in China: A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Luo Rui , Silenzio Vincent M.B. , Huang Yunxiang , Chen Xi , Luo Dan
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to determine the change in mental health (depression and anxiety) among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men (GBM) one year after diagnosis and the disparities in trajectories of mental health between them. The potential factors contributing to the disparities were also investigated. This was a one-year follow-up study focusing on the mental health of newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals. Participants rated their depression, anxiety, stress, and social support levels at baseline and one year later. Information on the utilization of mental healthcare and the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after diagnosis was collected at one-year follow-up. A total of 171 and 87 HIV-positive gay and bisexual men, respectively, completed two-time points surveys in this study. The depressive and anxiety symptoms experienced by HIV-positive GBM improvement one year after diagnosis. These improvements tended to be smaller in gay participants. Other factors including mental health care utilization and ART status during the one-year follow-up period, changes in social stress scores and objective social support scores were also associated with the changes in depression and anxiety, and all these factors, except for change in objective support, were found to be statistically different between HIV-positive GBM. Special attention should be given to the mental health of HIV-positive gay men. Promoting HIV-positive gay men to assess to mental health services and ART may be important for these populations to improve mental health. Enhancing social support and reducing stress levels may also be necessary for the vulnerable HIV-positive sexual minority groups.
Distribution of COVID-19 Morbidity Rate in Association with Social and Economic Factors in Wuhan, China: Implications for Urban Development
Authors: You Heyuan , Wu Xin , Guo Xuxu
Published: May 2020

Social and economic factors relate to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The purpose of this paper was to assess the distribution of COVID-19 morbidity rate in association with social and economic factors and discuss the implications for urban development that help to control infectious diseases. This study was a cross-sectional study. In this study, social and economic factors were classified into three dimensions: built environment, economic activities, and public service status. The method applied in this study was the spatial regression analysis. In the 13 districts in Wuhan, the spatial regression analysis was applied. The results showed that: 1) increasing population density, construction land area proportion, value-added of tertiary industry per unit of land area, total retail sales of consumer goods per unit of land area, public green space density, aged population density were associated with an increased COVID-19 morbidity rate due to the positive characteristics of estimated coefficients of these variables. 2) increasing average building scale, GDP per unit of land area, and hospital density were associated with a decreased COVID-19 morbidity rate due to the negative characteristics of estimated coefficients of these variables. It was concluded that it is possible to control infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, by adjusting social and economic factors. We should guide urban development to improve human health.
Fast Mass-Production of Medical Safety Shields under COVID-19 Quarantine: Optimizing the Use of University Fabrication Facilities and Volunteer Labor
Authors: Kalyaev Vladimir , Salimon Alexey I. , Korsunsky Alexander M. , Denisov Alexey A.
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 pandemic provoked a number of restrictive measures, such as the closure or severe restriction of border transit for international trading traffic, quarantines and self-isolation. This caused a series of interrelated consequences that not only prevent or slow down the spread of disease, but also impact the medical systems’ capability to treat the patients and help their recovery. In particular, steeply growing demand for medical safety goods cannot be satisfied by regular suppliers due to the shortage of raw materials originating from other countries or remotely located national sources, under conditions of quarantined manpower. The current context inevitably brings back memories (and records!) of the situation 80 years ago, when WWII necessitated major effort directed at the rapid build-up of low-cost mass production to satisfy all aspects of war-time need. In the present short report we document a successful case of fast mass-production of light transparent medical safety face shields (thousands per day) realized in Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) at Fablab and Machine Shop Shared Facility (Skoltech FabLab). The demand for safety face shields by tens of hospitals in Moscow and other cities rapidly ramped up due to the need to protect medical staff during patient collection and transportation to hospitals, and within both the infected (“red”) and uninfected (“green”) zones. Materials selection for sterilizable transparent materials was conducted based on the analysis of merit indices, namely, minimal weight at given stiffness and minimal cost at given stiffness. Due to the need for permanent wear, design was motivated by low weight and comfortable head fixation, along with high production efficiency. The selection of minimal tooling in University fabrication workshops and the use of distributed volunteer labor are discussed.