bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Technology Platforms for Use in Transdisciplinary Research
Authors: Chillakanti Pratap , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Ertas Atila
Published: January 2021

Transdisciplinary research (TR) is a growing field in a myriad of subject domains ranging from sustainability to education. The idea is to solve complex problems through the collaborative participation of academic actors, community stakeholders, governments, and other leaders to jointly define the problem and find solutions. To accomplish such complex projects, one of the main tools is an efficient technology platform. The need for an efficient technology platform, in turn, leads to a need for an evaluation tool to determine which is the most suitable for a given transdisciplinary research situation, however, a literature review confirms that research on such evaluation tools is scarce. The goal of this paper is to improve the evaluation of technology platforms for individual TR projects, based on the characteristics of that specific TR. The research question is “Can TR characteristics be used to construct an evaluation tool for technology platforms?” The specific aims used to answer the question were: the following: (1) to define the characteristics (core activities and skills) of TR and (2) to construct a tool for evaluating technology platforms for use in TR. Methodology: For the first specific aim, a literature meta-analysis was used; the second specific aim was addressed following a newly developed methodology, including elements of the technology acceptance model and elements of a standard technology evaluation process. Results: A chart for defining the core activities and skills in TR was developed, and a tool was constructed for evaluating technology platforms that could be used in TR.
Active Gate Driver and Management of the Switching Speed of GaN Transistors during Turn-On and Turn-Off
Authors: Beye Mamadou Lamine , Wickramasinghe Thilini , Mogniotte Jean François , Phung Luong Viêt , Idir Nadir , Maher Hassan , Allard Bruno
Published: January 2021

The paper investigates the management of drain voltage and current slew rates (i.e., dv/dt and di/dt) of high-speed GaN-based power switches during the transitions. An active gate voltage control (AGVC) is considered for improving the safe operation of a switching cell. In an application of open-loop AGVC, the switching speeds vary significantly with the operating point of the GaN HEMT on either or both current and temperature. A closed-loop AGVC is proposed to operate the switches at a constant speed over different operating points. In order to evaluate the reduction in the electromagnetic disturbances, the common mode currents in the system were compared using the active and a standard gate voltage control (SGVC). The closed-loop analysis carried out in this paper has shown that discrete component-based design can introduce limitations to fully resolve the problem of high switching speeds. To ensure effective control of the switching operations, a response time fewer than 10 ns is required for this uncomplex closed-loop technique despite an increase in switching losses.
Determination of Ocular Artifacts in the Clinical EEG Software by a Peripheral Device
Authors: Górecka Joanna , Biedka Andrzej
Published: January 2021

The occurrence of physiological artifacts generated by eye movements in electrical brain activity (electroencephalography, EEG) is a well-known problem in clinical practice. In order to increase the accuracy of the detection of eye movements during EEG examination, additional electrooculogram channels (electrooculography, EOG) with a standard PC keyboard are used. The EOG technique is not always comfortable for patients. Another issue is that the use of EOG channels in the EEG examination leads to the prolongation of time required for patient preparation. To solve these problems, we developed a new peripheral device suitable for the indication of common ocular artifacts in EEG. The obtained differences between the recommended methods (i.e., EOG, PC keyboard) and our new device have been presented using RMSE (root mean square error). The presented equipment can be used either during EEG examination or after registration of EEG signals in order to indicate the ocular artifacts. Furthermore, this device is compatible with the EEG software used in clinical practice.
A Ku-Band Fractional-N Frequency Synthesizer with Adaptive Loop Bandwidth Control
Authors: Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Wei Zhennan , Bao Kaiye , Jiang Nan
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a Ku-band fractional-N frequency synthesizer with adaptive loop bandwidth control (ALBC) to speed up the lock settling process and meanwhile ensure better phase noise and spur performance. The theoretical analysis and circuits implementation are discussed in detail. Other key modules of the frequency synthesizer such as broadband voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with auto frequency calibration (AFC) and programable frequency divider/charge pump/loop filter are designed for integrity and flexible configuration. The proposed frequency synthesizer is fabricated in 0.13 μm CMOS technology occupying 1.14 × 1.18 mm2 area including ESD/IOs and pads, and the area of the ALBC is only 55 × 76 μm2. The out frequency can cover from 11.37 GHz to 14.8 GHz with a frequency tuning range (FTR) of 26.2%. The phase noise is −112.5 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz and −122.4 dBc/Hz @ 3 MHz at 13 GHz carrier frequency. Thanks to the proposed ALBC, the lock-time can be shortened by about 30% from about 36 μs to 24 μs. The chip area and power consumption of the proposed ALBC technology are slight, but the beneficial effect is significant.
Path-Sensitive Oracle Data Selection via Static Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingzhe , Gong Yunzhan , Wang Yawen , Jin Dahai
Published: January 2021

A test oracle is a procedure that is used during testing to determine whether software behaves correctly or not. One of most important tasks for a test oracle is to choose oracle data (the set of variables monitored during testing) to observe. However, most literature on test oracles has focused either on formal specification generation or on automated test oracle construction, whereas little work exists for supporting oracle data selection. In this paper, we present a path-sensitive approach, PSODS (path-sensitive oracle data selection), to automatically select oracle data for use by expected value oracles. PSODS ranks paths according to the possibility that potential faults may exist in them, and the ranked paths help testers determine which oracle data should be considered first. To select oracle data for each path, we introduce quantity and quality analysis of oracle data, which use static analysis to estimate oracle data for their substitution capability and fault-detection capability. Quantity analysis can reduce the number of oracle data. Quality analysis can rank oracle data based on their fault-detection capability. By using quantity and quality analysis, PSODS reduces the cost of oracle construction and improves fault-detection efficiency and effectiveness. We have implemented our approach and applied it to a real-world project. The experimental results show that PSODS is efficient in helping testers construct test oracles. Moreover, the oracle datasets produced by our approach are more effective and efficient than output-only oracles at detecting faults.
UGCPW Structure-Based Embedded Resonator with High Quality Factor for Microwave Substrate Characterization
Authors: Cai Longzhu
Published: January 2021

In this paper, an ungrounded coplanar waveguide-based embedded resonator method for microwave substrate characterization was presented. The effective dielectric constant of the structure and the dielectric constant of microwave substrates can be calculated by the measured resonant frequency. The measured insertion losses at resonant frequencies and the 3 dB bandwidth can be used to determine the loaded and unloaded quality factors, including the dielectric quality factor which is related to dielectric loss tangent. The radiation loss and the extra length due to fringing effect caused by the open-end structure were taken into account to improve the extraction accuracy. The experimental unloaded quality factor of the proposed resonator at resonance order 1 reaches 211.3. The extracted dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent of Taconic TLY at resonance order 1 are, respectively, 2.218 and 9.286×10−4, which are only 0.018 (relatively 0.82%) and 0.286×10−4 (relatively 3.18%) deviations from the datasheet values, respectively. The proposed resonator method is especially suitable for dielectric characterization of newly developed materials with the difficulty of realizing metal via holes, in which case substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) resonator methods are not applicable. When comparing with microstrip resonator methods, the proposed method is of higher quality factor, and it is more reliable and economical as well.
AC Current Ripple Harmonic Pollution in Three-Phase Four-Leg Active Front-End AC/DC Converter for On-Board EV Chargers
Authors: Viatkin Aleksandr , Mandrioli Riccardo , Hammami Manel , Ricco Mattia , Grandi Gabriele
Published: January 2021

Three-phase four-leg voltage-source converters have been considered for some recent projects in smart grids and in the automotive industry, projects such as on-board electric vehicles (EVs) chargers, thanks to their built-in ability to handle unbalanced AC currents through the 4th wire (neutral). Although conventional carrier-based modulations (CBMs) and space vector modulations (SVMs) have been commonly applied and extensively studied for three-phase four-leg voltage-source converters, very little has been reported concerning their pollution impact on AC grid in terms of switching ripple currents. This paper introduces a thorough analytical derivation of peak-to-peak and RMS values of the AC current ripple under balanced and unbalanced working conditions, in the case of three-phase four-leg converters with uncoupled AC-link inductors. The proposed mathematical approach covers both phase and neutral currents. All analytical findings have been applied to two industry recognized CBM methods, namely sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (PWM) and centered PWM (equivalent to SVM). The derived equations are effective, simple, and ready-to-use for accurate AC current ripple calculations. At the same time, the proposed equations and diagrams can be successfully adopted to design the conversion system basing on the grid codes in terms of current ripple (or total harmonic distortion (THD)/total demand distortion (TDD)) restrictions, enabling the sizing of AC-link inductors and the determination of the proper switching frequency for the given operating conditions. The analytical developments have been thoroughly verified by numerical simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and by extensive experimental tests.
Adaptive State-of-Charge Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Considering Capacity Degradation
Authors: Xu Peipei , Li Junqiu , Sun Chao , Yang Guodong , Sun Fengchun
Published: January 2021

The accurate estimation of a lithium-ion battery’s state of charge (SOC) plays an important role in the operational safety and driving mileage improvement of electrical vehicles (EVs). The Adaptive Extended Kalman filter (AEKF) estimator is commonly used to estimate SOC; however, this method relies on the precise estimation of the battery’s model parameters and capacity. Furthermore, the actual capacity and battery parameters change in real time with the aging of the batteries. Therefore, to eliminate the influence of above-mentioned factors on SOC estimation, the main contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) the equivalent circuit model (ECM) is presented, and the parameter identification of ECM is performed by using the forgetting-factor recursive-least-squares (FFRLS) method; (2) the sensitivity of battery SOC estimation to capacity degradation is analyzed to prove the importance of considering capacity degradation in SOC estimation; and (3) the capacity degradation model is proposed to perform the battery capacity prediction online. Furthermore, an online adaptive SOC estimator based on capacity degradation is proposed to improve the robustness of the AEKF algorithm. Experimental results show that the maximum error of SOC estimation is less than 1.3%.
D-Dot Sensor Response Improvement in the Evaluation of High-Power Microwave Pulses
Authors: Jakubowski Jacek , Kuchta Marek , Kubacki Roman
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the issue of measuring high-power microwave (HPM) pulses. The high energy of these pulses poses a significant threat to many electronic systems, including those used to manage critical infrastructure. This work focuses on requirements for a potential portable measurement device and suggests the application of a method for this purpose, involving the use of a D-dot sensor and a rapid A/D converter. The applied converter enables recording the time waveform on the measuring chain output, also in the case of repetition and time duration of HPM signals. The authors also present a quantitative description of signal processing by the analogue section of the measurement chain solution presented herein and suggest algorithms for digital processing of the signals, the objective of which is to minimize low-frequency interference in the process of reconstructing the time waveform of an electric field using numerical integration.
Price-Based Demand Side Response Programs and Their Effectiveness on the Example of TOU Electricity Tariff for Residential Consumers
Authors: Andruszkiewicz Jerzy , Lorenc Józef , Weychan Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

Demand side response is becoming an increasingly significant issue for reliable power systems’ operation. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure high effectiveness of such programs, including electricity tariffs. The purpose of the study is developing a method for analysing electricity tariff’s effectiveness in terms of demand side response purposes based on statistical data concerning tariffs’ use by the consumers and price elasticity of their electricity demand. A case-study analysis is presented for residential electricity consumers, shifting the settlement and consequently the profile of electricity use from a flat to a time-of-use tariff, based on the comparison of the considered tariff groups. Additionally, a correlation analysis is suggested to verify tariffs’ influence of the power system’s peak load based on residential electricity tariffs in Poland. The presented analysis proves that large residential consumers aggregated by tariff incentives may have a significant impact on the power system’s load and this impact changes substantially for particular hours of a day or season. Such efficiency assessment may be used by both energy suppliers to optimize their market purchases and by distribution system operators in order to ensure adequate generation during peak load periods.
Electric Mobility in a Smart City: European Overview
Authors: Ruggieri Roberto , Ruggeri Marco , Vinci Giuliana , Poponi Stefano
Published: January 2021

According to the United Nations (UN), although cities occupy only 3% of Earth’s surface, they host more than half of the global population, are responsible for 70% of energy consumption, and 75% of carbon emissions. All this is a consequence of the massive urbanization verified since the 1950s and which is expected to continue in the coming decades. A crucial issue will therefore concern the management of existing cities and the planning of future ones, and this was also emphasized by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and communities). Smart Cities are often seen as ideal urban environments in which the different dimensions of a city (economy, education, energy, environment, etc.) are managed successfully and proactively. So, one of the most important challenges cities will have to face, is to guide citizens towards a form of “clean” energy consumption, and the dimension on which decision-makers will be able to work is the decarbonization of transport. To achieve this, electric mobility could help reduce polluting emissions on the road. Within this research, the strategies that six Smart Cities (London, Hamburg, Oslo, Milan, Florence, and Bologna) have implemented to encourage the transition to this form of mobility have been studied. Through a systematic review of the literature (Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) and through the study of the main political/energy documents of the cities, their policies on electric mobility have been evaluated. Then, for each city, SDG 11.6.2 was analyzed to assess the air quality in the last four years (2016–2019) and, therefore, the effectiveness of the policies. The analysis showed, in general, that the policies have worked, inducing reductions in the pollutants of PM2.5, PM10, NO2. In particular, the cities showed the most significant reduction in pollutant (above 20%) were Hamburg (−28% PM2.5 and −2%6 NO2), Milan (−25% PM2.5 and −52% NO2), and London (−26% NO2).
Defect Localization Inside Simulated MV Switchgear Based on Cumulative Energy Curve Using Transient Earth Voltage Sensors
Authors: Ewaida Ramadan Fayez , Wani Nissar Rasool , Khan Yasin , Al-Arainy Abdulrahman Ali
Published: January 2021

The partial discharge (PD) leads to catastrophic failure of the medium voltage (MV) switchgear insulation. Determination of the PD source (defect) location in high voltage (HV) equipment is very important in the maintenance procedures and in isolating the root cause of PD generation. In this paper, the transient earth voltage (TEV) detection method was used to acquire defect-initiated PD signals in a simulated MV switchgear model. An array of four TEV sensors were placed on the surface walls outside an MV switchgear tank to acquire the PD signals generated from the known location(s)/coordinates of sharp needle type defect inside the tank. The time difference of arrival (TDOA) between signals that are captured by the TEV sensors array was critically analyzed. Estimating the TDOA between PD signals generated by PD source at a known location with high accuracy is of great importance for accurate defect localization. The cumulative energy method (CEM) is used to estimate the onset time point of each TEV signal. The estimated TDOA by the cumulative energy method is compared with actual and expected TDOA based on known coordinates of PD source and TEV sensors. Experimental data are used as a basis for determining the TEV method accuracy for PD source localization. Experimental results show the average error of time difference is about 1.34 ns, which is equivalent to the propagation distance of 0.4 m.
Time-Dependent Motion of a Floating Circular Elastic Plate
Authors: Meylan Michael H.
Published: January 2021

The motion of a circular elastic plate floating on the surface is investigated in the time-domain. The solution is found from the single frequency solutions, and the method to solve for the circular plate is given using the eigenfunction matching method. Simple plane incident waves with a Gaussian profile in wavenumber space are considered, and a more complex focused wave group is considered. Results are given for a range of plate and incident wave parameters. Code is provided to show how to simulate the complex motion.
A Note on the Steady Navier–Stokes Equations Derived from an ES–BGK Model for a Polyatomic Gas
Authors: Aoki Kazuo , Bisi Marzia , Groppi Maria , Kosuge Shingo
Published: January 2021

The two-temperature Navier–Stokes equations derived from an ellipsoidal Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (ES-BGK) model for a polyatomic gas (Phys. Rev. E102, 023104 (2020)) are considered in regimes where bulk viscosity is much greater than the shear viscosity. Possible existence of a shock-wave solution for the steady version of these hydrodynamic equations is investigated resorting to the qualitative theory of dynamical systems. Stability properties of upstream and downstream equilibria are discussed for varying parameters.
Evaluation of the Bioactive Compounds Found in Tomato Seed Oil and Tomato Peels Influenced by Industrial Heat Treatments
Authors: Szabo Katalin , Dulf Francisc Vasile , Teleky Bernadette-Emőke , Eleni Panagiota , Boukouvalas Christos , Krokida Magdalini , Kapsalis Nikolas , Rusu Alexandru Vasile , Socol Claudia Terezia , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: January 2021

The circular economy action plan involves principles related to food waste reduction and integration of recovered nutrients to the market. In this context, the present study aims to highlight the valuable bioactive components found in tomato processing by-products (carotenoids, phenolic compounds and fatty acids) influenced by industrial pre-treatments, particularly cold break (CB) process at 65–75 °C and hot break (HB) process at 85–95 °C. The fatty acid profile of the tomato seed oil was examined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), individual carotenoid and phenolic compositions were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the viscoelastic properties were evaluated by rheological measurements. The physicochemical properties revealed appropriate characteristics of the tomato seed oil to fit the standards of generally accepted edible oils, for both CB and HB derived samples, however, significant qualitative and quantitative differences were detected in their phenolic composition and carotenoids content. Lycopene (37.43 ± 1.01 mg/100 mL) was a major carotenoid in the examined samples, linoleic acid was the main fatty acid (61.73%) detected in the tomato seed oil and syringic acid appeared to be one of two major phenolic acids detected in the samples of CB process. Our findings extend the boundaries of tomato processing industry by validating that tomato seed oil is a bioactive rich edible oil with additional health benefits, which can be integrated in functional food products.
Olive Pomace-Derived Biomasses Fractionation through a Two-Step Extraction Based on the Use of Ultrasounds: Chemical Characteristics
Authors: Contreras María del Mar , Gómez-Cruz Irene , Romero Inmaculada , Castro Eulogio
Published: January 2021

Olive-derived biomass is not only a renewable bioenergy resource but also it can be a source of bioproducts, including antioxidants. In this study, the antioxidant composition of extracted olive pomace (EOP) and a new byproduct, the residual fraction from olive pit cleaning (RFOPC or residual pulp) was characterized and compared to olive leafy biomass, which have been extensively studied as a source of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties. The chemical characterization showed that these byproducts contain a high amount of extractives; in the case of EOP, it was even higher (52.9%) than in olive leaves (OL) and olive mill leaves (OML) (35.8–45.1%). Then, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to recover antioxidants from the extractive fraction of these biomasses. The solubilization of antioxidants was much higher for EOP, correlating well with the extractives content and the total extraction yield. Accordingly, this also affected the phenolic richness of the extracts and the differences between all biomasses were diminished. In any case, the phenolic profile and the hydroxytyrosol cluster were different. While OL, OML, and EOP contained mainly hydroxytyrosol derivatives and flavones, RFOPC presented novel trilignols. Other compounds were also characterized, including secoiridoids, hydroxylated fatty acids, triterpenoids, among others, depending on the bioresource. Moreover, after the UAE extraction step, alkaline extraction was applied recovering a liquid and a solid fraction. While the solid fraction could of interest for further valorization as a biofuel, the liquid fraction contained proteins, sugars, and soluble lignin, which conferred antioxidant properties to these extracts, and whose content depended on the biomass and conditions applied.
Artichoke Biorefinery: From Food to Advanced Technological Applications
Authors: Francavilla Matteo , Marone Mauro , Marasco Paolo , Contillo Francesco , Monteleone Massimo
Published: January 2021

A sequential extraction process has been designed for valorizing globe artichoke plant residues and waste (heads, leaves, stalks, and roots left in the field) by means of green extraction techniques according to a biorefinery approach. We investigated two cascading extractions based on microwave-assisted extractions (MAE) and green solvents (water and ethanol) that have been optimized for varying temperature, solvent and extraction time. In the first step, phenols were extracted with yields that ranged between 6.94 mg g−1 dw (in leaves) and 3.28 mg g−1 dw (in roots), and a phenols productivity of 175.74 kg Ha−1. In the second step, inulin was extracted with impressive yields (42% dw), higher than other conventional inulin sources, corresponding to an inulin productivity of 4883.58 kg Ha−1. The remaining residues were found to be valuable feedstocks both for bioenergy production and green manure (back to the field), closing the loop according to the Circular Economy paradigm.
Wheat and Oat Brans as Sources of Polyphenol Compounds for Development of Antioxidant Nutraceutical Ingredients
Authors: Martín-Diana Ana Belén , García-Casas María Jesús , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina , Frías Juana , Peñas Elena , Rico Daniel
Published: January 2021

Bran, a byproduct still mainly used for animal feed, is receiving increased attention as potential ingredient for a healthier diet. The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant properties of wheat and oat bran in order to promote their use as nutraceutical ingredients in flour and/or other products. The effects of grain (wheat vs. oat) and milling fraction (whole grain vs. bran) on the phenolic profile (free vs. bound phenolics), antioxidant and nutrient profiles, and glycemic index were evaluated. Differences in antioxidant capacity through different methodologies between grain and bran were observed, supporting a higher in vitro antioxidant capacity of the whole grain than that of the refined flours, which lack the bran fraction. The highest RACI (Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index) corresponded to wheat bran bound fraction, which showed the highest concentration of ferulic acid and correlation with antioxidant parameters tested. The in vitro glycemic index of the bran fractions was reduced, as compared with grain, with lower values found for wheat. The results support the important benefits of the polyphenols linked to fiber and the importance to develop methods to increase bioavailability of these compounds, which would promote WB use as nutraceutical ingredient.
NMR in the Service of Wine Differentiation
Authors: Viskić Marko , Bandić Luna Maslov , Korenika Ana-Marija Jagatić , Jeromel Ana
Published: January 2021

NMR is a swift and highly reproducible spectrometric technique that makes it possible to obtain spectra containing a lot of information about the sample analyzed. This approach helps major components be described in complex mixtures such as wine in just one analysis. Analysis of wine metabolites is very often used to understand the impact of geographical origin or variety on wine quality. NMR is often used for tracing the geographical origin of wine. Research on NMR metabolic effects of geographical origin is of great importance as the high added value of wines results from compliance with state legislation on the protected denomination of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) for the administration of the appellation of wines. A review of NMR with emphasis on SNIF-NMR in the analysis of wine authenticity is given. SNIF-NMR remains a method of choice for the detection of wine chaptalization as it is the only approach which provides position-specific information on the origin of sugar in wine. However, the sample preparation step, which lacks major improvements since its conception, is strenuous and expensive, and suffers from drawbacks in terms of low sample throughput. Mainstream 1D and 2D NMR experiments provide a fast and affordable way to authenticate wine based on the geographical origin, vintage, and variety discrimination, and include a simple and non-destructive sample preparation step. With this approach, spectral data processing often represents a crucial step of the analysis. With properly performed NMR experiments good to excellent differentiation of wines from different vintages, regions, and varieties was achieved recently.
Basil Essential Oil: Composition, Antimicrobial Properties, and Microencapsulation to Produce Active Chitosan Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Amor Ghita , Sabbah Mohammed , Caputo Lucia , Idbella Mohamed , De Feo Vincenzo , Porta Raffaele , Fechtali Taoufiq , Mauriello Gianluigi
Published: January 2021

The essential oil (EO) from basil—Ocimum basilicum—was characterized, microencapsulated by vibration technology, and used to prepare a new type of packaging system designed to extend the food shelf life. The basil essential oil (BEO) chemical composition and antimicrobial activity were analyzed, as well as the morphological and biological properties of the derived BEO microcapsules (BEOMC). Analysis of BEO by gas chromatography demonstrated that the main component was linalool, whereas the study of its antimicrobial activity showed a significant inhibitory effect against all the microorganisms tested, mostly Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the prepared BEOMC showed a spheroidal shape and retained the EO antimicrobial activity. Finally, chitosan-based edible films were produced, grafted with BEOMC, and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. Since their effective antimicrobial activity was demonstrated, these films were tested as packaging system by wrapping cooked ham samples during 10 days of storage, with the aim of their possible use to extend the shelf life of the product. It was demonstrated that the obtained active film can both control the bacterial growth of the cooked ham and markedly inhibit the pH increase of the packaged food.
Quantifying Uncertainty in the Modelling Process; Future Extreme Flood Event Projections Across the UK
Authors: Ellis Cameron , Visser-Quinn Annie , Aitken Gordon , Beevers Lindsay
Published: January 2021

With evidence suggesting that climate change is resulting in changes within the hydrologic cycle, the ability to robustly model hydroclimatic response is critical. This paper assesses how extreme runoff—1:2- and 1:30-year return period (RP) events—may change at a regional level across the UK by the 2080s (2069–2098). Capturing uncertainty in the hydroclimatic modelling chain, flow projections were extracted from the EDgE (End-to-end Demonstrator for improved decision-making in the water sector in Europe) multi-model ensemble: five Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) General Circulation Models and four hydrological models forced under emissions scenarios Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6 and RCP 8.5 (5 × 4 × 2 chains). Uncertainty in extreme value parameterisation was captured through consideration of two methods: generalised extreme value (GEV) and generalised logistic (GL). The method was applied across 192 catchments and aggregated to eight regions. The results suggest that, by the 2080s, many regions could experience large increases in extreme runoff, with a maximum mean change signal of +34% exhibited in East Scotland (1:2-year RP). Combined with increasing urbanisation, these estimates paint a concerning picture for the future UK flood landscape. Model chain uncertainty was found to increase by the 2080s, though extreme value (EV) parameter uncertainty becomes dominant at the 1:30-year RP (exceeding 60% in some regions), highlighting the importance of capturing both the associated EV parameter and ensemble uncertainty.
Nursing Epidemiological Approach of Hypertension Management in a Public Health Service from the Northern Region of Portugal
Authors: Melo Pedro , Miranda Dário , Santos Sandra , Sousa Sérgio , Cardoso Teresa , Pereira Alexandra
Published: January 2021

Background: Epidemiological surveillance of a nursing diagnosis is an approach anchored in a post-modern epidemiology focused on a person’s health disease responses. Regarding public health priorities, the population where our study occurred had as a priority problem arterial hypertension. Related to this chronic disease, nursing diagnoses about health disease responses in primary healthcare has, as a major focus, Therapeutic Regimen Management. Our aim was to study the nursing diagnosis in this issue from an epidemiological approach. Methods: A descriptive study from an epidemiological approach was developed, analyzing nursing diagnoses in hypertensive patients. Results: We found 17.7% of undiagnosed patients and better diagnoses in patients with complications than in those without complications. Conclusions: Nursing records need to be improved in order to promote more robust studies in the post-modern epidemiology for the future.
The Nutrition and Health Status of Residents of the Northern Regions of Russia: Outlook of Vertical Agricultural Farms
Authors: Didenko Nikolay I. , Davydenko Vladimir A. , Magaril Elena R. , Romashkina Gulnara F. , Skripnuk Djamilia F. , Kulik Sergei V.
Published: January 2021

This paper is dedicated to studying the nutrition, health status and food provision of the people living the northern regions of Russia. The authors developed a concept of comprehensive interdisciplinary research of traditional and innovative behavioral practices of actors in the northern regions of Russia in the field of food production and consumption in order to study the structure of nutrition of the population, its health status and the technologies that are used to provide the people with food products. The interdisciplinary comprehensive research applied the following methods: (a) statistical method; (b) sociological method of mass survey; (c) sociological method of expert interviews; (d) method of feasibility study; (e) method of mathematical modeling. According to the results of the analysis, the nutrition of the people living in the norther regions is characterized by insufficient consumption of fresh vegetables, meat and processed meat, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, some vitamins and bio-elements (such as selenium, calcium) and excessive consumption of saturated fats and flour products. The following problems related to providing the population of the northern regions of Russia with food products were identified: the agriculture in almost all northern regions of Russia has negative profitability; imported food products and food ingredients are mostly used; there are drawbacks of logistics, transportation and storage of food products; the natural and climate conditions are unfavorable for traditional agriculture. The paper substantiates the economic, environmental, social, and political advantages of highly automated agro-industrial complex of vertical farming as an alternative method for providing food security of the inhabitants of the northern regions of Russia.
Peer Victimisation in Early Childhood; Observations of Participant Roles and Sex Differences
Authors: Monks Claire P. , Smith Peter K. , Kucaba Kat
Published: January 2021

During middle childhood and adolescence, victimisation appears to be a group process involving different participant roles. However, peer reports with younger children (four to six years old) have failed to identify the participant roles of assistant (to the bully) reinforcers or defenders with much reliability. This may be because peer victimisation is a more dyadic process among younger children (behavioural reality), or because of limitations in young children’s cognitive capacity to identify these behaviours (cognitive limitations). The findings of an observational study which examined the group nature of peer victimisation among young children are presented. Observations were made of 56 children aged four and five years using time sampling during free play at school (totalling 43.5 h of observation). Records were made of their behaviour when an onlooker witnessed aggression by others, and also of others’ behaviour when they were being aggressive or being victimised. Although children other than the aggressor and target were present in nearly two thirds of the episodes of peer victimisation observed, few exhibited behavioural responses in line with the assistant, reinforcer or defender roles. This supports the behavioural reality rather than the cognitive limitations explanation. Sex differences were observed in types of aggression displayed by children, with boys more likely than girls to be physically aggressive. Children were less likely to be aggressive to other-sex peers and were most likely to be victimised by children of the same sex as them. There were also sex differences in children’s onlooker behaviour. The implications for our understanding of the development of peer victimisation and bullying in children are discussed.
Quantifying Grass Coverage Trends to Identify the Hot Plots of Grassland Degradation in the Tibetan Plateau during 2000–2019
Authors: Liu Yaqun , Lu Changhe
Published: January 2021

Grassland covers 54% of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and suffered overgrazing and degradation problems during past decades. To alleviate these problems, a series of policy measures have been implemented during recent two decades and inevitably caused changes of the grassland. To this end, this study quantitatively analyzed the grassland changes and the effects of reduced grazing intensity, and identified the hot plots of grassland degradation in the TP during 2000–2019. The grassland status was indicated by the Fractional Vegetation Cover in the green grass period (GP), i.e., FVCGP, and its changes and spatial variations were detected by analyzing the FVCGP trends and their distribution, using the Mann–Kendal, Sen’s Slope, and ArcGIS buffering methods, and data of the MOD13Q1 Collection 6 products and other sources. The results showed that 62.12% of the grasslands were significantly increased in the FVCGP, and 28.34% had no apparent changes. The remaining 9.54% of the grassland significantly decreased in the FVCGP, mainly occurring in the areas nearby roads, rivers, and lakes, and distributed mostly in a point pattern. Of the total FVCGP decreased grassland area, 27.03% was clustered and identified as the hot plots of grassland degradation in six main regions. Decreased grazing intensity and increased precipitation contributed to the increase of grassland FVC in the TP, while local overgrazing could be the main cause of the FVC decrease. To strength the grassland restoration in the TP, the government supports and supervision should be enhanced to further mitigate the grassland pressure of animal grazing, particularly in the hot plot areas of degradation.
Overview of the Motivation of Advance Care Planning: A Study from a Medical Center in Taiwan
Authors: He Yi-Jhen , Lin Ming-Hwai , Hsu Jo-Lan , Cheng Bo-Ren , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Hwang Shinn-Jang
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Since Taiwan’s Patient Right to Autonomy Act took effect in 2019, up to ten thousand declarants have participated in advance care planning (ACP) and have signed advance directives (ADs). Relative to the entire population of Taiwan, only a small percentage have completed ACP. This study sought to understand the motivations of Taiwanese who have participated in ACP, so as to increase the percentage of individuals participating in ACP and signing ADs; (2) Objectives: To understand the motivations that drive Taiwanese individuals to participate in ACP discussions.; (3) Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was performed in this study. The participants consisted of declarants who completed their ACP at a medical center in Taiwan in 2019; (4) Results: During the study period, 946 individuals completed their ACP. Of those declarants, 66.7% were over 60 years of age; 66.5% completed the process in groups of three or more; 49.5% completed their ACP free of charge; and 35 declarants had designated a health care agent (HCA). The declarants’ four main motivations for participating in ACP were “looking forward to dying with dignity,” “making end-of-life preparations,” “fear of being a social and economic burden on family members,” and “reluctance to let family members take on the responsibility of making decisions.” Furthermore, statistically significant differences were observed between the declarants in terms of gender, age, designation of an HCA, and motivations for participating in ACP. Females, declarants aged below 60 years, and declarants with a designated HCA tended to participate in ACP due to “reluctance to let family members to take on the responsibility of making decisions”. Males, declarants aged above 60 years, and declarants without an HCA came for ACP because of “fear of being a social and economic burden on family members”. (5) Conclusions: The main motivations of Taiwanese individuals who sought ACP were to die with dignity and to have an early understanding of end-of-life treatment and care models. Secondly, these individuals hoped that their families would not have to take on the responsibility of making decisions. They also did not want to impact their families socially and economically. In this regard, providing economic subsidies might enhance the Taiwanese public’s intentions to seek ACP discussions on their own initiative.
Positive Psychology in Context of Peacekeeping Militaries: A Mediation Model of Work-Family Enrichment
Authors: Silveira-Rodrigues Carolina , Chambel Maria José , Carvalho Vânia Sofia
Published: January 2021

Based on the work-family enrichment theory, this study analyzes the contribution of work-family and family-work enrichment to explain the military’s well-being during a peacekeeping mission. The data used were collected in a sample of 306 Brazilian soldiers, who were married and/or had children, during the phase named “employment of troops” (i.e., when peacekeepers had been in the Haitian territory and, as a result, away from their families, for between three to five months). Data analysis was performed using the Structural Equations Model. It was observed that the military’s perception of their spouses’ support for their participation during the mission had a positive relationship with both family-to-work enrichment and work-to-family enrichment, and the work-to-family enrichment mediated the relationship between the perception of the spouses’ support and the military’s health perception and general satisfaction with life. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed and limitations and suggestions for future research were presented.
Assessment of Knowledge about Healthcare Risk Waste Management at a Tertiary Hospital in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Motlatla Mokete , Maluleke Thelmah Xavela
Published: January 2021

This study aimed at assessing the knowledge about healthcare risk waste (HCRW) management among doctors, professional nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians, in accordance with National Environmental Management, Waste Act 59 of 2008, Constitution of South Africa and sustainable development goals (SDG). The quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted, using self-administered questionnaires and stratified random sampling was used. Data was analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. One hundred and forty-four participants were included in the study. The majority 90.28% of the participants were aged 19–50 years, females (71%), professional nurses (36%), and they had 1–10 years of experience (71%). The health professionals were knowledgeable of sharps waste (89%), slightly over (52%) knew anatomical waste, whereas (27%) and (17%) knew radioactive and cytotoxic waste, respectively. Health professionals (92%) agreed that the sharps-waste container should be disposed of in a yellow bin container, at least (63%) and (27%) agreed that red liner and box should be used for both infectious non anatomical waste and for cytotoxic waste. The null hypothesis was tested on knowledge versus age, profession and gender, and evidence against it was found on waste storage period in all three variables where chi-square and Fisher exact p-values were less than the 5% significant level. More attention should be directed towards similar HCRW management training at the hospital for all health professionals and behavior modification. The hospital management must ensure that HCRW-trained health professionals and HCRW management officials put into practice what they have learnt.
Emotional Comprehension Is Not Related to Duration of Distress from Daily Life Events
Authors: Vives Jaume , Morales Cristina , Barrantes-Vidal Neus , Ballespí Sergi
Published: January 2021

The main aim of this paper is to analyze to what extent insight (i.e., mentalization referring to one’s own mental state) moderates recovering from daily life events. A total of 110 participants (84.5% women; mean age: M = 21.5; SD = 3.2) filled in the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R), and were interviewed about impairment derived from daily life events (everyday life stresses) during the past year. Multivariate regression models were adjusted for neuroticism, sex, and socioeconomic status to analyze whether different degrees of insight moderated the relationship between the intensity and the duration of emotional distress. Results showed that the global measure of insight did not moderate recovering from daily-life distress. Regarding the subdimensions, attention to emotional reactions was related to an increased duration of distress. Results showed that, against our hypothesis, deeper comprehension of emotional reactions, operationalized here as “true insight”, was not associated to faster recovery. Limitations and recommendations for further studies are discussed considering these results.
Effect of Processing on Residual Buprofezin Levels in Ginseng Products
Authors: Noh Hyun Ho , Shin Hyeon Woo , Kim Dong Ju , Lee Jeong Woo , Jo Seung Hyeon , Kim Danbi , Kyung Kee Sung
Published: January 2021

This study determined residual buprofezin levels in fresh ginseng and evaluated their changes during processing. Supervised field trials were conducted at Yeongju, Geumsan, and Goesan, Korea. Buprofezin 12.5% EC was applied to 5-y ginseng in accordance with the Korean good agriculture practice (GAP). Samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 30 d after the final application. On day 14 (GAP-equivalent preharvest date), the ginseng was processed to obtain dried and red ginseng. The average buprofezin concentrations on day 0 were 0.076 (Yeongju), 0.055 (Geumsan), and 0.078 mg kg−1 (Goesan). Residual concentrations increased as ginseng was processed into dried and red ginseng. Residue levels in dried ginseng manufactured by hot air drying were higher than in red ginseng obtained by steaming, hot air, and sunlight drying. However, the absolute amount of pesticides decreased by approximately 20–30% as a result of calculating the reduction factor considering the dry yield and moisture content. Therefore, the residual concentration in processed products may vary depending on the processing method, and it is deemed necessary to consider the processing yield and moisture content when evaluating the safety of residual pesticides in dried processed products.