bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling Load Uncertainty during On-Peak Time via Dual ESS and LSTM with Load Data Augmentation
Authors: Hwang Jin Sol , Kim Jung-Su , Song Hwachang
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a scheduling method of dual ESSs (Energy Storage Systems) for the purpose of reducing the peak load when there are sudden loads or generation changes during the on-peak time. The first ESS is scheduled once a day based on a day-ahead load prediction, and the second ESS is scheduled every 15 min during on-peak time based on a short-term load prediction by LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory). Special attention is paid to training the LSTM for the short-term load prediction by using the augmented past load data which is generated by adding possible uncertainties to the past load and temperature data. Based on the load forecast, optimization problems for the scheduling are formulated. The proposed scheduling method is validated using load and temperature data from a real building. In other words, when the proposed method is applied to the real building energy data in the case study, it not only shaves the peak load during on-peak time interval effectively but also results in lower electricity price although there are sudden load or temperature changes during the time interval.
Livestock Wastes Sustainable Use and Management: Assessment of Raw Sheep Wool Reuse and Valorization
Authors: Parlato Monica , Valenti Francesca , Midolo Giusi , Porto Simona
Published: April 2022

Worldwide, around 998 million tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes, which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In this study, a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms, was carried out and applied within the selected study area. The aim was to identify those territorial areas most suitable for localizing new shared wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as potential green building material. Data related to both sheep farms and sheep number and the related sheep shared wool (SSW) yearly production were acquired and applied in GIS. By GIS-based model results, two collection centers have been identified within the provinces of Agrigento and Enna. Then, to develop a sustainable reuse in terms of reducing environmental impact due to the SSW logistics and supply phase, a possible third collection center was localized within the territorial area belonging to the province of Ragusa (south area of the Sicily). In this research, for the first time the issue above reported was addressed, by achieving results that contribute at developing an efficient collection chain for recovering and properly reusing SSW to respond adequately to a further industrial scale production.
Simulation Research on Deadbeat Direct Torque and Flux Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Jiajun , Yan Bo
Published: April 2022

Direct torque control (DTC) is widely used in a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), but it has its own shortcomings caused by high torque ripple. Deadbeat-direct torque and flux control (DB-DTFC) is a new torque and flux method compared with DTC. However, the traditional DB-DTFC is often based on rotor-flux-oriented control. The reference voltage of the stator is computed in a rotor-flux-oriented coordinate system, and the solution involves solving quadratic equations, which will increase the burden of computational processing. To improve the computation of the reference voltages and the control performance, this paper proposes a new DB-DTFC algorithm and introduces its basic principles. First, the proposed DB-DTFC algorithm uses the forward Euler equation to solve the reference voltage in a stator-flux-oriented coordinate system. Second, the discrete mathematical model is used to predict the next control current to achieve deadbeat control. Third, the structural model of the proposed DB-DTFC is constructed. Finally, the simulation model of the proposed DB-DTFC algorithm is built with a MATLAB/Simulink platform. The simulation results prove that the proposed DB-DTFC algorithm can achieve better control performance in torque and flux control compared with the DTC algorithm and SVM-based direct torque and flux control (SVM-DTFC) algorithm. In particular, the torque index of DB-DTFC is reduced about 6% in a limited speed range in comparison with the DTC algorithm.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for an Effective and Rational Energy Transition in Crete Island, Greece
Authors: Katsaprakakis Dimitris Al. , Michopoulos Apostolos , Skoulou Vasiliki , Dakanali Eirini , Maragkaki Aggeliki , Pappa Stavroula , Antonakakis Ioannis , Christakis Dimitris , Condaxakis Constantinos
Published: April 2022

This article proposes a mixture of actions for the development of an effective and rational energy transition plan for all sectors and for all types of onshore final energy use in Crete. Energy transition is initiated with an appropriate capacity building campaign. The plan is based on the introduction of energy saving measures and the exploitation of all the locally available energy resources (wind, solar, geothermal potential, biomass), integrated in a cluster of centralized and decentralized power plants and smart grids to produce electricity and heat and for the transition to e-mobility. The core of the energy transition in Crete will be a set of 14 wind parks and Pumped Hydro Storage systems (PHS) for electricity generation and 12 Combined Heat and Power plants, properly designed and dispersed in the insular territory. Economic analysis is executed for the proposed essential power plants on the island. Biomass, solar and geothermal potential can cover the heating demand in Crete several times. Heat can be produced with a specific cost of 0.05 EUR/kWhth from cogeneration plants fired with solid biomass and biogas. The wind parks-PHS systems exhibit payback periods of approximately 10 years with a final electricity selling price at 0.12 EUR/kWhel. The article shows that 100% energy transition in Crete constitutes a feasible target.
A Simulation Model of Power Demand Management by Manufacturing Enterprises under the Conditions of Energy Sector Transformation
Authors: Smagowicz Justyna , Szwed Cezary , Dąbal Dawid , Scholz Pavel
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses electricity consumption management in manufacturing enterprises. The research aims to provide manufacturing enterprises with an effective tool to control electricity costs. Recently, some factors have been observed to affect the rapid changes in the operating conditions of enterprises. These include the transformation of the power sector toward renewable energy, the disruption of supply chains resulting from a coronavirus pandemic, political crises, and process automation. A method for the analysis and management of electricity consumption in enterprises based on simulation modeling is proposed. The simulation model contains predefined objects representing physical system elements and the data processing algorithm. The production order execution time, energy consumption, employee overtime, and machine load are included in the model. The results show that it is possible to determine the level of power available for the process completion and its influence on the production volume and realization time. In the studied case, when the available power was reduced by half, there was an increase in order execution time of nearly 25 percent and an increase in energy consumption of nearly 15 percent. The method can be used in the operational activities of enterprises as well as extended to different types of production processes.
Enhanced Distributed Parallel Firefly Algorithm Based on the Taguchi Method for Transformer Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Li Zhi-Jun , Chen Wei-Gen , Shan Jie , Yang Zhi-Yong , Cao Ling-Yan
Published: April 2022

To improve the reliability and accuracy of a transformer fault diagnosis model based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network, this study proposed an enhanced distributed parallel firefly algorithm based on the Taguchi method (EDPFA). First, a distributed parallel firefly algorithm (DPFA) was implemented and then the Taguchi method was used to enhance the original communication strategies in the DPFA. Second, to verify the performance of the EDPFA, this study compared the EDPFA with the firefly algorithm (FA) and DPFA under the test suite of Congress on Evolutionary Computation 2013 (CEC2013). Finally, the proposed EDPFA was applied to a transformer fault diagnosis model by training the initial parameters of the BP neural network. The experimental results showed that: (1) The Taguchi method effectively enhanced the performance of EDPFA. Compared with FA and DPFA, the proposed EDPFA had a faster convergence speed and better solution quality. (2) The proposed EDPFA improved the accuracy of transformer fault diagnosis based on the BP neural network (up to 11.11%).
The Effect of the Swiss CO2 Levy on Heating Fuel Demand of Private Real Estate Owners
Authors: Francescutto Nicola , Mathys Nicole A.
Published: April 2022

To effectively mitigate climate change, it is crucial to better understand the reaction of fossil-fuel demand to price and tax changes, and more precisely to climate policy instruments such as a carbon levy. The Swiss CO2 levy on heating fuels was introduced in 2008 at CHF 12/tCO2eq, and was increased steadily up to CHF 84/tCO2eq during the period of 2016/2017. This paper investigated the effectiveness of the levy as an instrument to reduce heating fuel demand, and hence carbon emissions, of private real estate owners. The Swiss Household Budget Survey 2006–2017 constituted the main data source. Before–after and pseudo-panel regressions were used to capture the CO2 levy’s effects, and a large set of household characteristics, as well as climatic conditions, were controlled for. No significant effects in the first two policy periods of 2008–2013 were found. Over the period of 2014–2017, a significant reduction in house owners’ heating fuel demand of up to 14% with respect to 2006–2007 was detected. The effect was less significant and smaller in magnitude for flat owners. A significant CO2 levy semielasticity of heating fuel demand of −1.3% for house owners was further estimated. Hence, the results confirmed the effectiveness of the CO2 levy under the conditions that the levy was sufficiently high, as during the years of 2014–2017, and households directly paid the levy and were responsible for decisions concerning heating and insulation, as was the case for house owners.
Using Hydrogen Reactors to Improve the Diesel Engine Performance
Authors: Kryshtopa Sviatoslav , Górski Krzysztof , Longwic Rafał , Smigins Ruslans , Kryshtopa Liudmyla , Matijošius Jonas
Published: April 2022

This work is aimed at solving the problem of converting diesel power drives to diesel–hydrogen fuels, which are more environmentally friendly and less expensive alternatives to diesel fuel. The method of increasing the energy efficiency of diesel fuels has been improved. The thermochemical essence of using methanol as an alternative fuel to increase energy efficiency based on the provisions of thermotechnics is considered. Alternative methanol fuel has been chosen as the initial product for the hydrogen conversion process, and its energy value, cost, and temperature conditions have been taken into account. Calculations showed that the caloric effect from the combustion of the converted mixture of hydrogen H2 and carbon monoxide CO exceeds the effect from the combustion of the same amount of methanol fuel. Engine power and fuel energy were increased due to the thermochemical regeneration of engine exhaust gas heat. An experimental setup was created to study the operation of a converted diesel engine on diesel–hydrogen products. Experimental studies of power and environmental parameters of a diesel engine converted for diesel–hydrogen products were performed. The studies showed that the conversion of diesel engines to operate using diesel–hydrogen products is technically feasible. A reduction in energy consumption was accompanied by an improvement in the environmental performance of the diesel–hydrogen engine working together with a chemical methanol conversion thermoreactor. The formation of carbon monoxide occurred in the range of 52–62%; nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases decreased by 53–60% according to the crankshaft speed and loading on the experimental engine. In addition, soot emissions were reduced by 17% for the engine fueled with the diesel–hydrogen fuel. The conversion of diesel engines for diesel–hydrogen products is very profitable because the price of methanol is, on average, 10–20% of the cost of petroleum fuel.
The Nonuniform Distribution of Stylolite in Bioclastic Limestones and Its Influence on Reservoir Petro-Physical Properties—A Case Study of the Mishrif Formation from the Ah Oilfield
Authors: Xu Jiacheng , Deng Ya , Fu Meiyan , Guo Rui , Chen Pei , Duan Guanghui , Ma Ruicheng
Published: April 2022

The effect of stylolite caused by the pressure dissolution process on the reservoir petro-physical properties is still controversial. This study aims to reveal the effect of stylolite on the porosity and permeability of packstone and wackestone in the Mishrif Formation from the Ah oilfield in the Middle East. Based on the observation of thin sections and cores, X-ray diffraction analysis and porosity and permeability measurement, the lithofacies, diagenesis and patterns of stylolites have been investigated. There are six lithofacies in the Mi4 member, including bivalve green algae packstone, green algae packstone, pelletoid green algae packstone, echinoderm packstone, rudist packstone, planktonic foraminifera wackestone and bioclastic wackestone. The mechanical compaction and pressure dissolution could be observed in these lithofacies, with the development of dissolution seams and stylolites. The density of stylolite has a relationship with the lithofacies and early cementation. The boundary between the echinoderm packstone and the green algae packstone mostly developed as stylolites. There are four types of stylolite on the cores. Type A is the wave-like stylolite developed at the boundary between the echinoderm packstones and green algae packstones. Type B is the zigzag stylolite with high amplitude in the green algae packstones. Type C is the stylolites with low amplitude in the bioclastic wackestones. Type D is the high-angle stylolite, which is oblique to the bedding plane. The permeability of reservoir rocks could be improved by dissolution along the type B stylolite, while the type A and type C stylolite have little effect on permeability. The permeability of green algae packstone and echinoderm packstone will decrease with the development of stylolites. The porosity and permeability of bivalve green algae packstone will decrease after stylolitization, resulting from the relatively high density of stylolite. The physical properties of bioclastic wackestone could be improved by the bioturbation and formation of stylolite. According to the analysis of production performance in the same lithofacies, the occurrence of stylolites could result in the development of oil baffles. This study could be extended to evaluate the effect of stylolite in carbonate reservoir rocks.
The Analysis Effect of Selected Factors on the Shear Strength of Woodbark at Different Wood Species
Authors: Vilkovský Peter , Vilkovská Tatiana , Klement Ivan , Čunderlík Igor
Published: April 2022

The bark as a product of the dividing of wood and cork cambium consists of a set of protective layers of cells, which protect the living tissue (cambium) from the external environment and separate the bark from the wood. The structure of bark as a component of a living tree is completely different from wood. This article describes the testing of the adhesion of wood/bark in the longitudinal and tangential anatomical direction during the dormant and growing season on three choice wood species (oak, beech, and spruce). The results show a remarkable influence of the wood species and anatomical direction, as well as period of vegetation (dormant or growing season). All wood species had higher values of shear strength in the longitudinal direction compared to the tangential direction. The highest average values in the longitudinal direction were measured in the dormant period for sessile oak (0.49 MPa) and beech (0.48 MPa). The lowest value of shear strength in the longitudinal direction was measured for spruce (0.36 MPa). During the growing season, the highest average shear strength values were also measured in the longitudinal direction at beech (0.46 MPa) and oak (0.39 MPa). The lowest value of shear strength in the longitudinal direction was measured similarly for spruce (0.26 MPa).
The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of the Parts: A Multilayer Approach on Criminal Networks
Authors: Ficara Annamaria , Fiumara Giacomo , Catanese Salvatore , De Meo Pasquale , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: April 2022

Traditional social network analysis can be generalized to model some networked systems by multilayer structures where the individual nodes develop relationships in multiple layers. A multilayer network is called multiplex if each layer shares at least one node with some other layer. In this paper, we built a unique criminal multiplex network from the pre-trial detention order by the Preliminary Investigation Judge of the Court of Messina (Sicily) issued at the end of the Montagna anti-mafia operation in 2007. Montagna focused on two families who infiltrated several economic activities through a cartel of entrepreneurs close to the Sicilian Mafia. Our network possesses three layers which share 20 nodes. The first captures meetings between suspected criminals, the second records phone calls and the third detects crimes committed by pairs of individuals. We used measures from multilayer network analysis to characterize the actors in the network based on their local edges and their relevance to each specific layer. Then, we used measures of layer similarity to study the relationships between different layers. By studying the actor connectivity and the layer correlation, we demonstrated that a complete picture of the structure and the activities of a criminal organization can be obtained only considering the three layers as a whole multilayer network and not as single-layer networks. Specifically, we showed the usefulness of the multilayer approach by bringing out the importance of actors that does not emerge by studying the three layers separately.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing Human Streptococcus suis Disease in Southeast Asia
Authors: Kerdsin Anusak , Segura Mariela , Fittipaldi Nahuel , Gottschalk Marcelo
Published: April 2022

The public health systems of Southeast Asian countries are financially challenged by a comparatively higher incidence of human S. suis infections than other geographical areas. Efforts to improve practices in production settings, including improved meat inspection regulations, prevention of the slaughtering of non-healthy pigs, and enhanced hygiene practices at processing facilities, along with improvements in the pork supply chain, all appear promising for reducing food cross-contamination with S. suis. However, opportunities for intervention at the societal level are also needed to effect changes, as population behaviors such as the consumption of raw pork, blood, and offal products are important contributors to the increased incidence of human S. suis disease in Southeast Asia. A plethora of factors are associated with the consumption of these high-risk dishes, including traditional culture and knowledge, shared beliefs, socio-economic level, and personal attitudes associated with gender and/or marital status. Education and intervention in behavioral attitudes that are sensible to cultural practices and traditions may provide additional means to reduce the burden of S. suis human disease in Southeast Asia.
From Multiracial to Monoracial: The Formation of Mexican American Identities in the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Daniel G. Reginald
Published: April 2022

The racialization of Mexican Americans in northern Mexico, that is, the U.S. Southwest, following the Anglo-Americanization during the second half of the nineteenth century, is an excellent case study of the historical formations of Anglo-American and Spanish American racial orders. Both racial orders were based on a hierarchy that privileged Whiteness and stigmatized Blackness. Yet Spanish America’s high levels of miscegenation resulted in ternary orders allowing for gradation in and fluidity within racial categories, in addition to the formation of multiracial identities, including those of individuals with African ancestry. Anglo-America was characterized by restrictions on miscegenation and more precise definitions of and restrictions on racial categories. This prohibited the formation of multiracial identities while buttressing a binary racial order that broadly necessitated single-race (monoracial) identification as either White or nonWhite, and more specifically, as White or Black, given their polar extremes in racial hierarchy. Within this order, hypodescent applies most stringently to those with African ancestry through the one-drop rule, which designates as Black all such individuals. This article examines monoracialization through historical processes of Mexican–American identity formations. Over the twentieth century, this shifted from White to Brown, but without any acknowledgment of African ancestry.
Broken Family Ties: Black, Enceinte, and Indigent at Tewksbury Almshouse
Authors: Butler-Mokoro Shannon
Published: April 2022

Tracing family lineage through women has unique challenges that are made only more difficult when a woman has resided in a state-run social institution and is Black. This article focuses on six pregnant Black women who were residents at the Tewksbury Almshouse in Massachusetts between 1854 and 1884. I examine the way the women’s names and other aspects of their identities were recorded in the intake records and in state birth and U.S. Census records. I contend that the women were not treated with dignity and respect, such that their names were often misspelled, shortened, and documented incorrectly. Part of my argument is that this was done partially because many of the women were pregnant with a white man’s baby and were poor, domestic Black women carrying a bi-racial baby out of wedlock. All of this has made it challenging to trace the family ties of the women once they left Tewksbury. I argue that the way in which these women were treated and documented (or not) reflects the devaluing of Black women and, especially, Black pregnant women.
Predictors of Functional Improvement, Length of Stay, and Discharge Destination in the Context of an Assess and Restore Program in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Edelstein Beatrise , Scandiffio Jillian
Published: April 2022

Assess and restore programs such as Humber’s Elderly Assess and Restore Team (HEART) provide short-term restorative care to prevent functional decline in hospitalized older adults. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine which HEART participant characteristics are predictive of functional improvement, decreased length of stay, return to home, and decreased readmission to hospital. Electronic health records were retrospectively examined to gather predictor data. Differences in functional status, excessive length of stay, discharge destination, and hospital readmissions were compared in 547 HEART patients and 547 matched eligible non-participants using ANOVAs, Mann–Whitney, and chi-square tests. The greatest functional improvements (percent Barthel change) were seen in those requiring a one-person assist (M = 39.56) and using a walker (M = 46.07). Difference in excessive length of stay between HEART and non-HEART participants was greatest in those who used a walker (Mdn = 3.80), required a one-person assist (Mdn = 2.00), had a high falls risk (Mdn = 1.80), and had either a lower urinary tract infection (Mdn = 2.25) or pneumonia (Mdn = 1.70). Predictor variables did not affect readmission to the hospital nor return to home. Predictive characteristics should be considered when enrolling patients to assess and restore programs for optimal clinical outcomes.
Dietary Intake and Genetic Background Influence Vitamin Needs during Pregnancy
Authors: Bertuccio Maria Paola , Currò Monica , Caccamo Daniela , Ientile Riccardo
Published: April 2022

Numerous approaches demonstrate how nutritional intake can be sufficient to ensure the necessary supply of vitamins. However, it is evident that not all vitamins are contained in all foods, so it is necessary either to combine different food groups or to use a vitamin supplement to be well-fed. During pregnancy, deficiencies are often exacerbated due to increased energy and nutritional demands, causing adverse outcomes in mother and child. Micronutrient supplementation could lead to optimal pregnancy outcomes being essential for proper metabolic activities that are involved in tissue growth and functioning in the developing fetus. In order to establish adequate vitamin supplementation, various conditions should be considered, such as metabolism, nutrition and genetic elements. This review accurately evaluated vitamin requirements and possible toxic effects during pregnancy. Much attention was given to investigate the mechanisms of cell response and risk assessment of practical applications to improve quality of life. Importantly, genetic studies suggest that common allelic variants and polymorphisms may play an important role in vitamin metabolism during pregnancy. Changes in gene expression of different proteins involved in micronutrients’ metabolism may influence the physiological needs of the pregnant woman.
Correction: Montesinos et al. Phenotyping Almond Orchards for Architectural Traits Influenced by Rootstock Choice. Horticulturae 2021, 7, 159
Authors: Montesinos Álvaro , Thorp Grant , Grimplet Jérôme , Rubio-Cabetas María José
Published: April 2022

In the original publication [...]
Callogenesis and Plant Regeneration in Peony (Paeonia × suffruticosa) Using Flower Petal Explants
Authors: Chen Xia , Ye Chengyang , Yang Hongmin , Ji Wen , Xu Zhen , Ye Sanchun , Wang Huasen , Jin Songheng , Yu Chao , Zhu Xiangtao
Published: April 2022

Peony is a traditional Chinese flower with significant ornamental and medicinal value. However, there are still problems, such as serious browning, difficulties in differentiation, and rooting and low regeneration efficiency in the process of the regeneration system established, which have hindered the development of transgenic peony technology. Establishing an efficient regeneration system is considered to be an important goal among peony researchers. Here, we describe a protocol for high-frequency callus induction and establishment of peony plants using flower petals as explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1.5 mg/L N-(phenylmethyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (6-BA), and 0.3 mg/L 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) was identified as the best medium for callus induction, achieving an induction rate of up to 98.52%. The highest peony proliferation rate (234%) was achieved on MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/L NAA and 3.0 mg/L 6-BA. The highest callus differentiation rate (34.81%) was achieved on MS supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L zeatin (ZT). The highest rooting rate was 23.33% when using 1/2 MS supplemented with 0.1 mg/L NAA and 0.05 mg/L 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA). After acclimation, the plants were transferred to pots, where they showed robust growth. We also observed the surface structures of the calluses using scanning electron microscopy and found that the differentiation characteristics of the calluses were hugely variable and that different surface structures appeared to affect bud differentiation efficiency. The efficient and rapid system for regenerating peonies using petal cultures established here will create new opportunities for the mass reproduction and genetic engineering of peony plants.
Developmental Paths of Pointing for Various Motives in Infants with and without Language Delay
Authors: Rohlfing Katharina J. , Lüke Carina , Liszkowski Ulf , Ritterfeld Ute , Grimminger Angela
Published: April 2022

Pointing is one of the first conventional means of communication and infants have various motives for engaging in it such as imperative, declarative, or informative. Little is known about the developmental paths of producing and understanding these different motives. In our longitudinal study (N = 58) during the second year of life, we experimentally elicited infants’ pointing production and comprehension in various settings and under pragmatically valid conditions. We followed two steps in our analyses and assessed the occurrence of canonical index-finger pointing for different motives and the engagement in an ongoing interaction in pursuit of a joint goal revealed by frequency and multimodal utterances. For understanding the developmental paths, we compared two groups: typically developing infants (TD) and infants who have been assessed as having delayed language development (LD). Results showed that the developmental paths differed according to the various motives. When comparing the two groups, for all motives, LD infants produced index-finger pointing 2 months later than TD infants. For the engagement, although the pattern was less consistent across settings, the frequency of pointing was comparable in both groups, but infants with LD used less canonical forms of pointing and made fewer multimodal contributions than TD children.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial Potential of Mulberry Leaf Extract on Oral Microorganisms
Authors: Kim Dokyeong , Kang Kyung-Hee
Published: April 2022

Mulberry leaves extract (Morus alba extracts; MAE) is known to have therapeutic potentials for numerous human diseases, including diabetes, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. However, there has not been sufficient research proving therapeutic effects on oral disease and its related oral risk factors. Thus, we investigated whether MAE has any anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects on risk factors causing oral infectious diseases. To examine the anti-inflammatory response and bacterial inhibition of MAE, we measured intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the bacterial growth rate. Our study showed that MAE has anti-inflammatory activities, which inhibit the ROS generation and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in human monocyte THP-1 cells by stimulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or F. nucleatum, which are the virulent factors in periodontal diseases. Furthermore, MAE inhibited the bacterial growth on oral microorganisms (F. nucleatum and S. mutans) infected THP-1 cells. These findings suggested that MAE could be a potential natural source for therapeutic drugs in oral infectious disease.
Type 2 Diabetes Induced by Changes in Proteomic Profiling of Zebrafish Chronically Exposed to a Mixture of Organochlorine Pesticides at Low Concentrations
Authors: Gao Yan , Lee Hyojin , Lee Sangkyu , Kim Ki-Tae
Published: April 2022

Effect of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) mixtures on development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the underlying mechanism, especially at protein levels, are largely unknown. We exposed a mixture of five OCPs to zebrafish at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.25, 2.5, and 25 μg/L for 12 weeks. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were quantitatively identified in female zebrafish livers, and its functional study was conducted. The significantly high glucose and low insulin levels were observed only at 0.05 μg/L, linking to the different pattern of DEPs than other concentrations. A total of 1082 proteins was quantified, of which 321 proteins formed 6 clusters in protein dynamics analysis. The enriched pathways in cluster 3 showing distinct pattern of DEPs could explain the nonlinear response at 0.05 μg/L, indicating that OCP mixtures adversely affected proteins associated with mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. We proposed a feasible mechanism that decrease in expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase led to abnormal accumulation of aldehydes, reducing expression of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and resulting in disruption of glucose homeostasis. Our findings help to better understand the causality of T2DM by exposure to OCP mixtures and to identify biomarkers in the protein expression level.
Evaluation of Celiac Disease by Minimally Invasive Biomarkers in a Spanish Pediatric Population
Authors: Cabo del Riego Julia María , Núñez Iglesias María Jesús , García-Plata González Carmen , Paz Carreira José , Álvarez Fernández Tamara , Dorado Díaz Ana , Villar Mallo Noa , Penedo Pita Manuel , Novío Mallón Silvia , Máiz Suárez Lola , Freire-Garabal Núñez Manuel
Published: April 2022

Background: The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) has been substantially improved with the availability of highly sensitive CD-specific IgA-TG2, Ig-GDP, and IgA-EMA. The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published (2012) and updated (2020) diagnostic criteria for CD in order to simplify CD diagnosis and to avoid biopsies in selected patients. Methods: A prospective study including 5641 pediatric patients (0–16 years old) from January 2012 to January 2019 was performed. CD diagnosis was made according to the ESPGHAN algorithm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of biomarkers and the relationship between TGA-IgA and EMA titers. Results: CD diagnoses were confirmed in 113 patients, 110 were IgA-TG2-positive and 3 (2.7%) had IgA deficiency. The diagnosis was made by serologic tests in 95 (84.1%) patients. Only 18 (15.9%) patients underwent intestinal biopsy. We obtained 100% concordance between IgA-EMA and positive results for IgA-TG2 ≥ 10 ULN with IgA-EMA antibody titer ≥ 1:80. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of a positive correlation between IgA-TG2 antibody serum levels and IgA-EMA. The diagnosis could be guaranteed with strict application of IgA-TG2 values ≥ 10 ULN (confirmed by subsequent testing) plus the serological response to the gluten-free diet (GFD).
The Development of ICT-Based Exercise Rehabilitation Service Contents for Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders and Stroke
Authors: Kim Jiyoun , Song Jiyeon , Kim Donguk , Park Jinho
Published: April 2022

Exercise rehabilitation services connecting hospitals and communities increase patient participation and improve quality of life by reducing medical expenses. South Korea’s multi-ministerial governments have been working together to develop ICT-based hospital-community-linked services to create an exercise program that the public can easily use. This study aims to develop the exercise rehabilitation service components for the application and prescription of ICT-based exercise programs implemented in hospitals and communities. A literature review was conducted, and an expert committee was comprised to classify the components of exercise rehabilitation services. As a result, we classified the first components as functional classification, rehabilitation area, equipment uses, exercise type, frequency, and intensity. Subsequently, exercise programs were developed by applying the first components. Based on the purpose of exercise rehabilitation, we classified the representative standard exercise and grouped the same exercise movements using tools and exercise machines. The finding of this study will help to give the correct exercise prescription and manage patients’ improvement process for exercise instructors. In addition, it guides patients in need of exercise rehabilitation to participate in an accurate and safe exercise in the community. This study is a novel attempt to develop ICT based hospital-community-linked exercise rehabilitation service for patients.
Green Recycling Supplier Selection of Shared Bicycles: Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Hybrid Weighted Methods Based on Self-Confidence Level
Authors: Pan Yan , Li Yanzhe , Zeng Shouzhen , Hu Junfang , Ullah Kifayat
Published: April 2022

In the face of practical problems such as the increasing demand for shared bicycles and the number of faulty vehicles which are hard to handle and repair in time, shared bicycles operators tend to outsource recycling services to suppliers. To solve the problem of recycling supplier selection, this paper constructs a novel evaluation index system involving the three traditional dimensions and introduces an interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF) hybrid weighted decision-making model based on the self-confidence level. Subsequently, the self-confidence IVPF hybrid weighted average geometric operator and self-confidence IVPF ordered hybrid weighted average geometric operator are proposed by integrating the self-confidence level of experts, the superiority of the weighted and geometric average rules. The significant merit of the developed operators is that they can incorporate the self-confidence level of the expert as well as effectively combine the characteristics of the weighted and geometric average mechanism. A multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) framework is then constructed by using the proposed aggregation approach. Finally, on the basis of the established evaluation index system, a case concerning the green recycling supplier selection of shared bicycles is applied to display the superiority and practicability of the presented method.
Parent Education for Responding to and Supporting Youth with Suicidal Thoughts (PERSYST): An Evaluation of an Online Gatekeeper Training Program with Australian Parents
Authors: McKay Samuel , Byrne Sadhbh , Clarke Alison , Lamblin Michelle , Veresova Maria , Robinson Jo
Published: April 2022

The gatekeeper training of parents is a promising approach for suicide prevention in young people, but little research has addressed the effectiveness of such training, especially using online delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of the delivery of an online suicide prevention training program, LivingWorks Start, to improve the capacity of parents to support young people at risk of suicide. The participants were 127 parents of young people aged 12–25 who completed the LivingWorks Start training and consented to participate in the evaluation. The participants completed online surveys before, after, and 3 months after training. The participants showed increases in perceived self-efficacy and formal help-seeking intentions but no change in suicide stigma. Suicide literacy also increased, but only at the three-month follow-up. Most parents found the training acceptable, and did not find it upsetting. Prior mental health, suicide-related experiences, and pre-participation vulnerability were not predictive of finding the training distressing. Overall, the findings show that online gatekeeper training for parents can be beneficial, and is rarely associated with distress.
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Children and Adolescents in Rural China: A Large-Scale Epidemiological Study
Authors: Jiang Qi , She Xinshu , Dill Sarah-Eve , Sylvia Sean , Singh Manpreet Kaur , Wang Huan , Boswell Matthew , Rozelle Scott
Published: April 2022

Although children living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 90% of the global population of children, depression, and anxiety among children in LMICs have been understudied. This study examines the prevalence of depression and anxiety and their associations with biological and psychosocial factors among children across China, with a focus on rural areas. We conducted a large-scale epidemiological study of depression and anxiety among 53,421 elementary and junior high school-aged children across China. The results show that 20% are at risk for depression, 6% are at risk for generalized anxiety, and 68% are at risk for at least one type of anxiety. Girls and junior high school students show a higher risk for both depression and anxiety symptoms, while socioeconomic status has varying associations to depression and anxiety symptoms. Our results also show consistent correlations between depression and anxiety symptoms and standard math test scores. These findings underscore the importance of identification, prevention, and treatment of youth depression and anxiety in underdeveloped areas. As China constitutes 15% of the global population of children under age 18, this study offers valuable information to the field of global mental health.
Student and Nature Interactions and Their Impact on Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Trevino Jonah E. , Monsur Muntazar , Lindquist Carol S. , Simpson Catherine R.
Published: April 2022

Passive and active interactions with nature reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Populations that experience increased stress often have fewer interactions with nature due to many factors. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new stressor for all populations due to sickness, isolation, financial burdens, or other factors. University students were particularly impacted due to the change to online modalities, which isolated them from other students. To assess if any negative or other consequences were experienced and if nature factors could mitigate them, we examined how plant interactions affected university students (N = 353) in an online learning environment. Two modified Depression Anxiety Stress Surveys (DASS; Depression Anxiety Stress and Academic Stress, DASA) were administered over two semesters in 2020 to survey students on these interactions with nature. During the two semesters, most students experienced extremely severe self-reported mental health adversities. Further correlations between DASA scores and responses about nature interactions, home environments, plant exposure, and plant access showed that outdoor interactions were positively related to better self-reported mental health scores. However, the concerning and lingering effects of the pandemic were evidenced in our research as DASA scores increased across the two semesters. Nevertheless, going outdoors and interacting with nature brings some benefits that lessen the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Irrational Consumption during the COVID-19 Period
Authors: Yu Wenhuan , He Lin , Lin Xianhao , Freudenreich Thomas , Liu Tao
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the world economy and has, most presumably, exerted a great deal of stress on citizens, in turn leading to the call for timely assessments of how this period might actually impact individuals at the level of everyday well-being and in their behaviors such as consumer decisions. Through one pilot study and two online survey studies, we tentatively investigated this latter question, and demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic may increase perceived stress and impair individuals’ sleep quality, which in turn impels their irrational consumption. This research provides preliminary evidence for the impact of the present pandemic on irrational consumption and contributes to the literature on stress and consumer behavior.
Impact of Wearing on Filtration Performance of Electrostatic Filter Face Masks
Authors: Pierlot Anthony P. , Alexander David L. J. , Schütz Jürg A.
Published: April 2022

Certified disposable respirators afford important protection from hazardous aerosols but lose performance as they are worn. This study examines the effect of wear time on filtration efficiency. Disposable respirators were worn by CSIRO staff over a period of 4 weeks in early 2020. Participants wore the respirator masks for given times up to eight hours whilst working in laboratory/office environments. At that time COVID-19 precautions required staff to wear surgical (or other) masks and increase use of hand sanitizer from dispenser stations. Results obtained from a test group of ten individuals without health preconditions show an increasing number of masks failing with wear time, while the remainder continue to perform nearly unaffected for up to 8 h. Some masks were found to retain filtration performance better than others, possibly due to the type of challenge they were subjected to by the wearer. However, the rate and extent of decay are expected to differ between environments since there are many contributing factors and properties of the aerosol challenge cannot be controlled in a live trial. Penetration and variability increased during wear; the longer the wear time, the more deleterious to particle removal, particularly after approximately 2 h of wear. This behavior is captured in a descriptive statistical model based on results from a trial with this test group. The effectiveness of the masks in preventing the penetration of KCl particles was determined before and after wearing, with the analysis focusing on the most penetrating particles in a size range of 0.3–0.5 µm diameter where respirator masks are most vulnerable. The basic elements of the study, including the approach to filter testing and sample sanitization, are broadly applicable. Conclusions also have applicability to typical commercially available single-use respirator masks manufactured from melt blown polypropylene as they are reliant on the same physical principles for particle capture and electrostatic enhancement was comparable for the particle size range used for detection.
Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers
Authors: Cuenca-Fernández Francisco , Ruiz-Navarro Jesús J. , Polach Marek , Arellano Raúl , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: April 2022

Turn performances are important success factors for short-course races, and more consistent turn times may distinguish between higher and lower-ranked swimmers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine coefficients of variation (CV) and performance progressions (∆%) of turn performances. The eight finalists and eight fastest swimmers from the heats that did not qualify for the semi-finals, i.e., from 17th to 24th place, of the 100, 200, 400, and 800 (females only)/1500 m (males only) freestyle events at the 2019 European Short Course Championships were included, resulting in a total of 64 male (finalists: age: 22.3 ± 2.6, FINA points: 914 ± 31 vs. heats: age: 21.5 ± 3.1, FINA points: 838 ± 74.9) and 64 female swimmers (finalists: age: 22.9 ± 4.8, FINA points: 904 ± 24.5 vs. heats: age: 20.1 ± 3.6, FINA points: 800 ± 48). A linear mixed model was used to compare inter- and intra-individual performance variation. Interactions between CVs, ∆%, and mean values were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed impaired turn performances as the races progressed. Finalists showed faster turn section times than the eight fastest non-qualified swimmers from the heats (p < 0.001). Additionally, turn section times were faster for short-, i.e., 100 and 200 m, than middle- and long-distance races, i.e., 400 to 1500 m races (p < 0.001). Regarding variation in turn performance, finalists showed lower CVs and ∆% for all turn section times (0.74% and 1.49%) compared to non-qualified swimmers (0.91% and 1.90%, respectively). Similarly, long-distance events, i.e., 800/1500 m, showed lower mean CVs and higher mean ∆% (0.69% and 1.93%) than short-distance, i.e., 100 m events (0.93% and 1.39%, respectively). Regarding turn sections, the largest CV and ∆% were found 5 m before wall contact (0.70% and 1.45%) with lower CV and more consistent turn section times 5 m after wall contact (0.42% and 0.54%). Non-qualified swimmers should aim to match the superior turn performances and faster times of finalists in all turn sections. Both finalists and non-qualified swimmers should pay particular attention to maintaining high velocities when approaching the wall as the race progresses.