bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Spatial Perception of Stakeholders in Brownfield Redevelopment Based on Value Compatibility Analysis
Authors: Cui Yan , Fang Wenbo
Published: January 2023

Under the current urban renewal background, the subjective attitude of stakeholders directly affects the feasibility of planning projects in the development or protection activities related to brownfield redevelopment. It is key that the public effectively participates in planning and decision-making to explore the suitable expression method of public attitude. In this paper, Jigang, Jinan, Shandong Province is taken as an example. By using participatory mapping and semi-structural interviews, the landscape perceived value of 365 (342 valid) stakeholders in the original site of Jigang is investigated. By using hot spot analysis, correspondence analysis and compatibility index analysis, the spatial composition of public perceived landscape value, the correspondence between landscape value and land use and its compatibility with existing conservation and renewal schemes are revealed. On this basis, three types of brownfield land redevelopment attitude areas are identified. The results show that: 1. The attitude of Jinan Iron and Steel Group’s renewal based on the degree of compatibility is location-dependent, and the spatial difference analysis of this attitude provides more detailed data support for the protection and renewal design, planning management and conflict control; 2. The landscape perceived value of case stakeholders has regularity in spatial distribution and is related to a certain material landscape foundation (land use), which is beneficial in explaining the possible social phenomena caused by landscape change; 3. Participatory cartography combined with landscape value investigation provides an effective method for the study of perceived landscape. Through cartographic visualization, statistical analysis and index model construction, the spatial structure characteristics of perceived landscape value can be revealed. It can provide effective decision support for brownfield urban renewal projects, solve the problem that the current upper-level planning of such renewal is not matched with the actual demand, and improve the vitality of brownfield sites in the development area.
Experimental Study on the Shear Properties of Soil around Piles with Permeation Grouting
Authors: Wang Guisen , Hong Baoning , Liu Xin , Sun Dongning , Shao Zhiwei , Yao Yunlong
Published: January 2023

While post-grouting is frequently reported to improve the engineering performance of piles, the shear strength of the soil around piles is not well understood. To investigate the strengthening mechanism of soil around piles with permeation grouting, laboratory tests were carried out on homemade cement soil from the aspects of shear strength and microstructure characteristics. The evolution rule of the shear stress–shear displacement curve of grouting soil with different cement contents was analyzed, and the influence of grouting parameters on shear strength was explained. A composite exponential model describing the shear stress and shear displacement of permeation grouting silty clay was established. Furthermore, the influence of different cement content on changes in the microstructural characteristic parameters of the soil around piles was studied. The results show that penetration grouting has a positive effect on improving the shear strength of the soil around piles, and the failure mode of silty clay changed from elastic–plastic failure to brittle failure after grouting. Permeation grouting makes the particle structure denser, which limits the changes in pore arrangement and distribution. The shear failure of the soil around piles under permeation grouting obeys the Mohr–Coulomb criterion of failure. It is recommended to increase the grout diffusion radius during construction, considering the reinforcement effect of permeation grouting on the soil around piles.
F-ACCUMUL: A Protocol Fingerprint and Accumulative Payload Length Sample-Based Tor-Snowflake Traffic-Identifying Framework
Authors: Chen Junqiang , Cheng Guang , Mei Hantao
Published: January 2023

Tor is widely used to protect users’ privacy, which is the most popular anonymous tool. Tor introduces multiple pluggable transports (PT) to help users avoid censorship. A number of traffic analysis methods have been devoted to de-anonymize these PT. Snowflake is the latest PT based on the WebRTC protocol and DTLS encryption protocol for peer-to-peer communication, differing from other PT, which defeat these traffic analysis methods. In this paper, we propose a Snowflake traffic identification framework, which can identify whether the user is accessing Tor and which hidden service he is visiting. Rule matching and DTLS handshake fingerprint features are utilized to classify Snowflake traffic. The linear interpolation of the accumulative payload length of the first n messages in the DTLS data transmission phase as additional features are extracted to identify the hidden service. The experimental results show that our identification framework F-ACCUMUL can effectively identify Tor-Snowflake traffic and Tor-Snowflake hidden service traffic.
Analysis of Crop Water Requirements for Apple Using Dependable Rainfall
Authors: Ucar Yusuf , Kocięcka Joanna , Liberacki Daniel , Rolbiecki Roman
Published: January 2023

Rainfall expected to occur in a given period is defined as dependable rainfall. The increasing pressure on freshwater resources necessitates efficient water use in the agricultural sector, where water is used the most globally. Therefore, dependable rainfall values in dry (80%), normal (50%) and wet (20%) periods, which are used in the planning and operation stages of irrigation networks, can be determined by analysis. In this study, the change in the irrigation water requirement of apple trees was investigated based on the dependable rainfall of Warsaw and Isparta, two important apple production regions of Poland and Turkey. For this purpose, dependable rainfall values in both locations between 1984 and 2021 were calculated monthly and annually with the Rainbow program. Then, using the climate parameters of the relevant years, plant water consumption and irrigation water requirements were calculated with the help of Cropwat software. As a result of the research, rainfall values expected to occur in the dry, normal and rainy years in Warsaw are 466 mm, 532 mm and 604 mm, respectively, while, in Isparta, these values are 422 mm, 520 mm and 602 mm, respectively. Crop water requirements calculated based on dependable rainfall are 363 mm, 237 mm and 108 mm in Warsaw during the dry, normal and wet periods, while these values are 452 mm, 367 mm and 277 mm, respectively, in Isparta. The application of appropriate irrigation rates that take into account water requirements will optimize the use of water resources and also improve apple yields. This is extremely important for these research areas in particular, as Turkey and Poland are among the largest apple producers in the world.
Ultra-Small Nanoparticles of Pd-Pt-Ni Alloy Octahedra with High Lattice Strain for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Luo Yuanyan , Lou Wenhua , Feng Huiyan , Liu Zhihang , Chen Qiuyan , Liao Guizhen , Huang Xiaoting , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Shen Peikang
Published: January 2023

The design and synthesis of ultra-small-sized Pt-based catalyst with specific effects for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an effective way to improve the utilization of Pt. Herein, Pt-Pd-Ni octahedra nanoparticles characterized by the ultra-small size of 4.71 nm were synthesized by a Pd seed-inducing-growth route. Initially, Pd nanocubes were synthesized under solvothermal conditions; subsequently, Pt-Ni was deposited in the Pd seed solution. The Pd seeds were oxidized into Pd2+ and combined with Pt2+ and Ni2+ in the solution and finally formed the ternary alloy small-sized octahedra. In the synthesis process of the ultra-small Pt-Pd-Ni octahedra, Pd nanocube seed played an important role. In addition, the size of the Pt-Pd-Ni octahedra could be regulated by adjusting the concentration rate of Pt-Ni. The ultra-small Pt-Pd-Ni octahedra formation by depositing Pt-Ni with a feeding ratio of 2:1 showed good ORR activity, and the high half-wave potential was 0.933 V. In addition, the Pt-Pd-Ni octahedra showed an enhanced mass activity of 0.93 A mg−1 Pt+Pd in ORR, which was 5.81 times higher than commercial Pt/C. The theoretical calculation shows that compared to Pt/C, the small-sized ternary alloy octahedra had an obvious contraction strain effect (contraction rate: 3.49%). The alloying effect affected the d-band center of the Pt negative shift. In the four-electron reaction, Pt-Pd-Ni ultra-small octahedra exhibited the lowest overpotential, resulting in the adsorption performance to become optimized. Therefore, the Pd seed-inducing-growth route provides a new idea for exploring the synthesis of small-sized nanoparticle catalysts.
Adapting Short-Term Mentalization-Based Therapy to ICD-11 Personality Disorder in Adolescents
Authors: Simonsen Sebastian , Hestbæk Emilie , Juul Sophie
Published: January 2023

Following the introduction of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), adolescents can now be diagnosed with a personality disorder based on severity ranging from mild to moderate to severe. This dimensional model has potential implications for treatment, as it allows clinicians and researchers to search for effective treatments targeting adolescents at different severity levels rather than offering all patients the same treatment. In this conceptual paper, we propose that the short-term mentalization-based therapy (MBT) program, originally developed to treat adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD), has potential clinical advantages for adolescents with ICD-11 personality disorder at the mild to moderate severity level. The short-term MBT program is a 5-month structured treatment approach including individual therapy, combined psychotherapy with the individual therapist also being one of the group therapists, and closed-group therapy to enhance cohesion and a feeling of security. The purpose of this paper is to make a case for the use of this format, as opposed to the traditional long-term MBT format, for adolescents with BPD. Future research should include large-scale randomized clinical trials powered to assess patient-important outcomes.
The Minimally Invasive SERI Osteotomy for Pediatric Hallux Valgus
Authors: Rocca Gino , De Venuto Angela , Mazzotti Antonio , Zielli Simone Ottavio , Artioli Elena , Brognara Lorenzo , Traina Francesco , Faldini Cesare
Published: January 2023

Hallux valgus (HV), one of the most common forefoot pediatric pathologies, is characterized by lateral deviation of the big toe and medial displacement of the first metatarsal bone. Different surgical techniques have been described to correct the deformity, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best surgical option. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of the SERI technique in 58 pediatric HV of 45 consecutive patients. Pre- and postoperative VAS, AOFAS score, HVA, IMA and DMAA were collected. Preoperatively 3 patients (5.2%) had a mild deformity, 52 patients (89.6%) had moderate deformity and 3 patients (5.2%) had severe deformity according to Coughlin et al. Mean VAS score decreased from 5.2 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 0.8 ± 0.4 postoperatively. Mean AOFAS score improved from 68.1 ± 6.8 (range 59–75) preoperatively to 96.3 ± 3.2 (range 88–100) postoperatively, mean HVA reduced from 28.4° preoperatively to 13.2° postoperatively, mean IMA decreased from 15.2° preoperatively to 9.5° postoperatively (p < 0.01); mean DMAA decreased from 13.7° preoperatively to 8.2° postoperatively (p < 0.01). SERI technique showed satisfactory results when treating mild to severe pediatric HV deformity. No major complications were reported.
Correction: Klentrou et al. Circulating Levels of Bone Markers after Short-Term Intense Training with Increased Dairy Consumption in Adolescent Female Athletes. Children 2021, 8, 961
Authors: Klentrou Panagiota , McKee Katherine , McKinlay Brandon J. , Kurgan Nigel , Roy Brian D. , Falk Bareket
Published: January 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
The Future of Pediatric Dentistry Is Now
Authors: Cagetti Maria Grazia , Campus Guglielmo
Published: January 2023

For decades, pediatric dentistry was considered the Cinderella of all dental disciplines [...]
The Effects of Food Environment on Obesity in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Key Johanna , Burnett Donna , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh , Geetha Thangiah
Published: January 2023

Childhood obesity is an epidemic connected with poor eating. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS), food deserts are geographical locations in which residents have restricted or nonexistent access to healthful and quality food. Restricted access to healthy food is commonly associated with poor nutrition-related health outcomes, including obesity. This review aims to highlight the relationship between residing in a food desert or a similar environment on body mass index (BMI) in school-aged children in North America, predominantly in the Midwest region of the United States and Mexico. In this study, 17 articles were included from PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Crossref. Most of these studies showed no association between the food environment and increased BMI. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for further research; the lack of access to healthful foods in food deserts is an issue that deserves additional attention.
Performance of Deauville Criteria in [18F]FDG-PET/CT Diagnostics of Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Siefert Jeffrey , Kaufmann Jonas , Thiele Felix , Walter-Rittel Thula , Rogasch Julian , Biesen Robert , Burmester Gerd , Amthauer Holger , Schneider Udo , Furth Christian
Published: January 2023

In this retrospective study, PET/CT data from 59 patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) were reviewed using the Deauville criteria to determine an optimal cut-off between PET positivity and negativity. Seventeen standardised vascular regions were analysed per patient by three investigators blinded to clinical information. Statistical analysis included ROC curves with areas under the curve (AUC), Cohen’s and Fleiss’ kappa (κ) to calculate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement. According to final clinician’s diagnosis and the revised 2017 ACR criteria GCA was confirmed in 29 of 59 (49.2 %) patients. With a diagnostic cut-off ≥ 4 (highest tracer uptake of a vessel wall exceeds liver uptake) for PET positivity, all investigators achieved high accuracy (range, 89.8–93.2%) and AUC (range, 0.94–0.97). Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 89.7–96.6% and 83.3–96.7%, respectively. Agreement between the three investigators suggested ‘almost perfect agreement’ (Fleiss’ κ = 0.84) A Deauville score of ≥4 as threshold for PET positivity yielded excellent results with high accuracy and almost perfect inter-rater agreement, suggesting a standardized, reproducible, and reliable score in diagnosing GCA. However, the small sample size and reference standard could lead to biases. Therefore, verification in a multicentre study with a larger patient cohort and prospective setting is needed.
Voronoi Tessellations and the Shannon Entropy of the Pentagonal Tilings
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Legchenkova Irina , Frenkel Mark , Shvalb Nir , Shoval Shraga
Published: January 2023

We used the complete set of convex pentagons to enable filing the plane without any overlaps or gaps (including the Marjorie Rice tiles) as generators of Voronoi tessellations. Shannon entropy of the tessellations was calculated. Some of the basic mosaics are flexible and give rise to a diversity of Voronoi tessellations. The Shannon entropy of these tessellations varied in a broad range. Voronoi tessellation, emerging from the basic pentagonal tiling built from hexagons only, was revealed (the Shannon entropy of this tiling is zero). Decagons and hendecagon did not appear in the studied Voronoi diagrams. The most abundant Voronoi tessellations are built from three different kinds of polygons. The most widespread is the combination of pentagons, hexagons, and heptagons. The most abundant polygons are pentagons and hexagons. No Voronoi tiling built only of pentagons was registered. Flexible basic pentagonal mosaics give rise to a diversity of Voronoi tessellations, which are characterized by the same symmetry group. However, the coordination number of the vertices is variable. These Voronoi tessellations may be useful for the interpretation of the iso-symmetrical phase transitions.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Architecture Search for Parameterized Quantum Circuits
Authors: Ding Li , Spector Lee
Published: January 2023

Recent work on hybrid quantum-classical machine learning systems has demonstrated success in utilizing parameterized quantum circuits (PQCs) to solve the challenging reinforcement learning (RL) tasks, with provable learning advantages over classical systems, e.g., deep neural networks. While existing work demonstrates and exploits the strength of PQC-based models, the design choices of PQC architectures and the interactions between different quantum circuits on learning tasks are generally underexplored. In this work, we introduce a Multi-objective Evolutionary Architecture Search framework for parameterized quantum circuits (MEAS-PQC), which uses a multi-objective genetic algorithm with quantum-specific configurations to perform efficient searching of optimal PQC architectures. Experimental results show that our method can find architectures that have superior learning performance on three benchmark RL tasks, and are also optimized for additional objectives including reductions in quantum noise and model size. Further analysis of patterns and probability distributions of quantum operations helps identify performance-critical design choices of hybrid quantum-classical learning systems.
Reconceptualising Disabilities and Inclusivity for the Postdigital Era: Recommendations to Educational Leaders
Authors: Uleanya Chinaza
Published: January 2023

Inclusive education is pivotal to sustainable development in different parts of the world. This perhaps accounts for its inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in SDG4, which targets inclusive education. Meanwhile, inclusive education has predominantly dimensioned physically challenged or impaired learners. However, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sudden transition to online teaching and learning, the quest for a different dimension of inclusive education, especially with regard to technology, is on the increase. This paper investigates how inclusive education is presented in scholarly published articles in the South African context. Five phases of a scoping review, namely, identification, finding/searching, choosing, extraction/charting and collation, were adapted for the review. From a search using the terms “inclusive” AND “distance” AND “education” AND “disability” AND “South Africa”, a corpus of 73 scholarly published articles was identified. Using different selection criteria, such as specific context of the review, 55 articles were deleted. Thus, a final corpus of 18 articles was analysed. From the reviewed relevant literature, themes were generated after retrieved information had been coded and categorised. The review indicated that the focus on inclusive education in the South African context is directed towards physically impaired or challenged persons. The paper recommends that in the context of distance education and with the sudden transition to online teaching and learning, lack of access to technology such as computers and Wi-Fi, among others, can constitute a technological disability. Thus, inclusive education in the dimension of technological disability should be explored to enable the leadership of education systems in providing the required assistance.
Developing a Proximate Component Prediction Model of Biomass Based on Element Analysis
Authors: Park Sunyong , Kim Seok Jun , Oh Kwang Cheol , Cho La Hoon , Kim DaeHyun
Published: January 2023

Interest in biomass has increased due to current environmental issues, and biomass analysis is usually performed using element and proximate analyses to ascertain its fuel characteristics. Mainly, element component prediction models have been developed based on proximate analysis, yet few studies have predicted proximate components based on element analysis. Hence, this study developed a proximate component prediction model following the calorific value calculation. Analysis of Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that volatile matter (VM) and fixed carbon (FC) were positively correlated with hydrogen and oxygen, and with carbon, respectively. Thus, the model correlation was developed using a combination of the “stepwise” and “enter” methods along with linear or nonlinear regressions. The optimal models were developed for VM and ash content (Ash). The VM optimal model values were: R2 = 0.9402, root-mean-square error (RMSE) = 7.0063, average absolute error (AAE) = 14.8170%, and average bias error (ABE) = −11.7862%. For Ash, the values were: R2 = 0.9249, RMSE = 2.9614, AAE = 168.9028%, and ABE = 167.2849%, and for FC, the values were: R2 = 9505, RMSE = 6.3214, AAE = 18.3199%, and ABE = 15.0094%. This study provides a model to predict the proximate component by element analysis. Contrary to existing method, proximate analysis can be predicted based on elemental analysis, and shows that consume samples can be performed at once.
Reducing Environmental Impact of Coal-Fired Power Plants by Building an Indoor Coal Storage: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Woo JongRoul , Shin Jungwoo , Yoo Seung-Hoon , Huh Sung-Yoon
Published: January 2023

Coal-fired power plants have been identified as one of the major sources of air pollutants in the power sector. Most coal-fired power stations have large open-air coal stockpiles, which lead to a considerable amount of fugitive dust. The construction of an indoor coal storage is known to control coal dust; however, it requires significant upfront capital. Certain power utilities, including those in South Korea, are currently considering or are required to build indoor coal storages. This study analyzed the benefit and economic feasibility of indoor coal storages in coal-fired power stations. A contingent valuation method was used to elicit people’s willingness to pay for the construction of new indoor coal storages. The results showed that, on average, a South Korean household was willing to pay KRW 59,242 (USD 53.97) in a lump-sum payment toward the construction of indoor coal storages at six coal-fired power stations (total storage capacity of 5.47 million tons of coal, with a site area of 1.15 million m2). The resulting benefit–cost ratio of the project was calculated to be 0.52, which was not economically feasible. Thus, it is recommended that the South Korean government should focus on other cost-effective projects to improve air quality.
Carbon Tax in Taiwan: Path Dependence and the High-Carbon Regime
Authors: Chou Kuei-Tien , Liou Hwa-Meei
Published: January 2023

As it has an export-oriented economy, Taiwan urgently needs to keep up with the growing trends toward carbon taxation. However, making the institution of a carbon tax a reality in Taiwan has proven to be difficult. Since 1998, Taiwan has explored the possibility of putting a tax on carbon many times. Specifically, three main windows of opportunity emerged to adopt a carbon tax during this period; however, all of them failed. This study mainly explores why these three opportunities failed, what structural factors hindered them, and how those structural factors formed path dependence and locked the entire society back onto the existing development track. Firstly, Taiwan’s high-carbon industrial structure has established the rapid growth of energy-intensive industries since the end of the 1990s and has created an economy with high energy consumption and pollution levels. Secondly, this analysis showed that through the combination of government bureaucracy, industry, and the China National Federation of Industries, this brown economy and high-carbon emission structure generated institutional, cognitive, and techno-institutional complex lock-ins, which have led Taiwan to its current path and hindered its transformation. Thirdly, under the above framework, this study further analyzes the contexts and problems that caused the three windows of opportunity to fail. Finally, by linking the economy-first orientation of developmental states, this study identifies structural difficulties and possible breakthrough conditions for newly industrialized/industrializing countries that are undergoing low-carbon transitions.
Process Economy of Alternative Fuel Production from Sewage Sludge and Waste Celluloses Biomass
Authors: Vávrová Kamila , Králík Tomas , Janota Lukáš , Šolcová Olga , Čárský Milan , Soukup Karel , Vítek Miroslav
Published: January 2023

The treatment and disposal of sewage sludge is one of the most important and critical problems of wastewater treatment plants. 8.7 million tonnes of dry matter of sewage sludge were produced annually in the European Union in the year 2020. Due to the fact that sewage sludge contains a large number of substances that are not beneficial for human health, the conditions for sludge management will be significantly tightened in the EU countries. One option for sludge liquidation is the production of biofuel in a form of granules or pellets from sewage sludge enriched by waste celluloses. The achieved results show that the resulting quality of such alternative biofuel is fully comparable to conventional fossil fuels. The economic analysis is based on the simulation of cash flows associated with the implementation of the project over the lifetime and the calculation of levelised cost (LCOE). Results shows (under the current economic situation) that solar dryer technology ensures the lowest LCOE at the level of 26 EUR/GJ in fuel. If the LCOE of the alternative biofuel includes the price of the saved emission allowance and the future costs of sewage sludge disposal, the resulting price is directly competitive with lignite. The results thus clearly show that there is an ecological and economically competitive substitute for solid fossil fuels, which may be an important step for the future use of local combustion sources such as district heating plants.
Investigation on the Properties of Flame-Retardant Phase Change Material and Its Application in Battery Thermal Management
Authors: Cui Yilin , Chen Yin , Zhao Luyao , Zhu Fang , Li Lixia , Kong Qinghong , Chen Mingyi
Published: January 2023

The thermal safety problem of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in use requires an excellent thermal management system to preserve it. In the paper, an expansion flame-retardant composed of APP and CFA and kaolinite is used to enhance the flame-retardant property of phase change materials (PCM). The performances of PCM and their property in the thermal management of LIB were studied. The results indicate that the kaolinite can improve the long-term thermostability of PCM. The addition of flame retardant can make the flame-retardant property of PCM reach V0 level. The synergistic action of expansion flame-retardant and kaolinite can increase the residual carbon and enhance the thermal reliability of flame-retardant PCM (RPCM). The RPCM has an obvious cooling effect on the surface temperature of the battery. The RPCM can reduce the maximum temperature of the cell to 37.4 °C at 3 C, which is 12 °C lower than pure PA. The peak temperature of the battery pack at 3 C is also reduced to 50.28 °C by the flame-retardant PCM, and the temperature difference is kept within 5 °C.
PHE (Plate Heat Exchanger) for Condensing Duties: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Kapustenko Petro , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír , Arsenyeva Olga , Tovazhnyanskyy Leonid
Published: January 2023

Increasing energy usage efficiency requires enhanced heat energy recuperation between process streams in the industry and civic sector with waste heat utilization. The condensation of different vapours is the process encountered in many industrial applications. Increasing the heat recuperation in this process is possible with efficient heat transfer equipment, among which a Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) is at the leading position. A number of research works have been conducted in recent years concerning construction development and heat transfer enhancement in conditions of limited pressure drop to increase PHE performance in condensation processes. The results of studies on heat transfer and pressure drop in the two-phase condensing flow inside channels of PHE with different geometries of corrugations are discussed. In many implementations, the total pressure drop allowable for gaseous streams in heat exchangers is relatively small. The structure of two-phase flow in PHE channels of complex geometry is very different than in tubes and flat wall channels. The relative differences in approaches to enhance PHE performance in condensation processes based on its modelling, optimisation and design are analyzed. The directions and prospects for future developments are formulated, and potential savings for the economy and the environmental footprint is presented.
Low-VOC Emission Label Proposal for Facemask Safety Based on Respiratory and Skin Health Criteria
Authors: Silva Gabriela Ventura , Martins Anabela O. , Martins Susana D. S. , Mata Teresa M.
Published: January 2023

One of the main preventive measures recognized by WHO and implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic impact, by controlling the transmission of coronavirus, was the use of a facemask. Since a facemask is an accessory that can be used several hours a day, through which the air we breathe passes, and which is in contact with the face skin, it must not cause discomfort to the wearer and must not contain toxic, irritating or sensitizing substances. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to identify the toxic chemical compounds present in the facemask material. Hence, the present study aims to discuss a proposal for a low-VOC emission label to be assigned to facemasks’ materials in terms of respiratory and skin health. Two types of tests were proposed, one for analysis of VOC emissions, to assess the user exposure by inhalation, and the other for analysis of the VOC content, for evaluating the user exposure by dermal contact. Nine facemasks of different types: surgical (M1–M3), FFP2 (M4–M6) and reusable (M7–M9), were tested according to these methods. Comparing all the analyzed facemask types, the calculated TVOC dose, resulting from the exposure by inhalation, is very diversified, with low and high values, varying between 0 (in M7) and 2374 µg/day (in M6). However, they are consistently higher for the three analyzed self-filtering FFP2 respirators (M4–M6). Concerning dermal exposure, it is not possible to generalize, but the reusable facemasks analyzed in this work (M7–M9) consistently present higher values of skin-sensitizing compounds than the disposable facemasks (M1–M6). An attempt was made to establish criteria for assigning the low-VOC emission label. The proposed values are suggestions, requiring further studies. The authors expect that the results of this study may lead to future implementation of standards and regulations regarding the chemical compounds present in facemasks materials.
Effects of Extraction Methods on the Characteristics, Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Quality of Collagen from Spent-Hens Bones
Authors: Cao Changwei , Wang Hailang , Zhang Jinyan , Kan Huan , Liu Yun , Guo Lei , Tong Huiquan , Wu Yinglong , Ge Changrong
Published: January 2023

The present study used acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and pepsin extract acid-soluble collagen (ASC), alkali-soluble collagen (ALSC), and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from the bones of spent-hens, and the effects of three extraction methods on the characteristics, processing properties, antioxidant properties and acceptability of chicken bone collagen were compared. The results showed that the extraction rates of ASC, ALSC and PSC extracted from bones of spent-hens were 3.39%, 2.42% and 9.63%, respectively. The analysis of the amino acid composition, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet full spectrum showed that the collagen extracted by the three methods had typical collagen characteristics and stable triple-helix structure, but the triple helical structure of PSC is more stable, and acid and alkaline extraction seems to have adverse effects on the secondary structure of chicken bone collagen. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) scanning showed that PSC had higher thermal stability and more regular, loose, and porous microstructure. In addition, PSC has good processing properties, in vitro antioxidant activity, and organoleptic acceptability. Therefore, enzymatic hydrolysis was still one of the best methods to prepare collagen from bones of spent-hens, and enzyme-soluble collagen has wider application prospects in functional food and medicine and also provides an effective way for the high-value comprehensive utilization of waste chicken bone by-products.
Threshold Results for the Existence of Global and Blow-Up Solutions to a Time Fractional Diffusion System with a Nonlinear Memory Term in a Bounded Domain
Authors: Zhang Quanguo , Li Yaning
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider a time fractional diffusion system with a nonlinear memory term in a bounded domain. We mainly prove some blow-up and global existence results for this problem. Moreover, we also give the decay estimates of the global solutions. Our proof relies on the eigenfunction method combined with the asymptotic behavior of the solution of a fractional differential inequality system, the estimates of the solution operators and the asymptotic behavior of the Mittag–Leffler function. In particular, we give the critical exponents of this problem in different cases. Our results show that, in some cases, whether one of the initial values is identically equal to zero has a great influence on blow-up and global existence of the solutions for this problem, which is a remarkable property of time fractional diffusion systems because the classical diffusion systems can not admit this property.
Maternal Insanity in the Family: Memories, Family Secrets, and the Mental Health Archive
Authors: Watts Alison
Published: January 2023

This work investigates my family’s long-held secrets that concealed the whereabouts of my grandmother. After years of estrangement, my father discovered Ada living in a mental hospital. Memories are rarely straightforward and could only take us so far in understanding why Ada remained missing from our family for so long. My search for answers involved genealogical research and led me to access Ada’s mental patient files. This rich data source provided some troubling glimpses into Ada’s auditory hallucinations and grandiose delusions and her encounters with several mental institutions in Victoria, Australia, during the twentieth century. Critical family history approaches allow me to gain insights into the gendered power relations within her marriage and the power imbalance within families. The theme of migration is addressed through the lens of mobility when Ada relocated following her marriage and her movement between home on trial leave and several sites of care after her committal. Scholars have shown that the themes of migration and mobility are important and hold personal significance in exploring the connection between mental health and institutionalisation for our family. Here, I demonstrate how mental illness in families is stigmatised and concealed through institutionalisation and its legacy for younger generations.
The Significance of the Mystery Play of Elche for the Local Community
Authors: Botella-Quirant María Teresa , Esteve-Faubel Rosa Pilar , Esteve-Faubel José María
Published: January 2023

This study explores the distinctive collective attitudes among the local community associated with the Mystery Play of Elche, which was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on 18 May 2001. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive methodology was adopted via in-depth interviews to identify how the local community perceives and experiences this medieval liturgical drama. The results confirm that the fundamental aspects maintaining the relationship between the Mystery Play and the local population involve several factors, such as the type of transmission and how the performance is experienced by different audiences within the community, bearing in mind that it is a dynamic social phenomenon.
Setting Goals to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: A Retrospective Chart Review of a Pharmacist-Led Initiative in the Workplace
Authors: Klaassen Alicia E. , Kapanen Anita I. , Zed Peter J. , Conklin Annalijn I.
Published: January 2023

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in Canada with many modifiable risk factors. Pharmacists at a Canadian university delivered a novel CVD risk management program, which included goal-setting and medication management. Aim: This study aimed to describe what CVD prevention goals are composed of in a workplace CVD risk reduction program, and how might these goals change over time. Methods: A longitudinal, descriptive qualitative study using a retrospective chart review of clinical care plans for 15 patients enrolled in a CVD prevention program. Data across 6 visits were extracted from charts (n = 5413 words) recorded from May 2019–November 2020 and analyzed using quantitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results: Behavioural goals were most popular among patients and were more likely to change over the 12-month follow-up period, compared to health measure goals. Behavioural goals included goals around diet, physical activity (PA), smoking, medication, sleep and alcohol; health measure goals centered on weight measures, blood pressure (BP) and blood lipid levels. The most common behavioural goals set by patients were for diet (n = 11) and PA (n = 9). Over time, goals around PA, medication, alcohol and weight were adapted while others were added (e.g. diet) and some only continued. Patients experienced a number of barriers to their goal(s) which informed how they adapted their goal(s). These included environmental limitations (including COVID-19) and work-related time constraints. Conclusions: This study found CVD goal-setting in the pharmacist-led workplace wellness program was complex and evolved over time, with goals added and/or adapted. More detailed qualitative research could provide further insights into the patient-provider goal-setting experience in workplace CVD prevention.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in a Brazilian Cohort after 3 and 6 Months of Hospital Discharge
Authors: Lapa Juliana , Rosa Davi , Mendes João Pedro Lima , Deusdará Rodolfo , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra
Published: January 2023

(1) Objectives: To evaluate the frequency and factors associated with the Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) in COVID-19 survivors after 3 and 6 months of hospital discharge; (2) Methods: We conducted a cohort study with patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in a referral public hospital in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. After 3 and 6 months of discharge, patients answered a questionnaire about PCS symptoms. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR and aPR) of PCS. (3) Results: The prevalence of PCS was 81% and 61% after 3 and 6 months of hospital discharge, respectively. The main symptoms after 3 months of discharge were hair loss (44%), fatigue (42%), and memory loss (39%); while after 6 months, they were memory loss (29%) and fatigue (27%). In the multivariate analysis, the main factor associated with PCS was female gender (aPR): 1.28 (1.16–1.41) and 1.60 (1.34–1.90), 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge, respectively. Hypercholesterolemia was also associated with PCS after 3 months aPR of 1.15 (1.04–1.27). After 6 months of discharge, obesity [aPR: 1.22 (1.03–1.45)] and pronation [aPR: 1.15 (1.06–1.25)] were relevant associated factors. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of PCS was high in COVID-19 survivors who had the moderate and severe forms of the disease. Memory loss was the most persistent symptom. Our data pointed to female gender, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and pronation during hospitalization as relevant PCS-associated risk factors.
The Environment–Economy Synergistic Improvement Effect of the “Two-Oriented Society” Pilot Area in China
Authors: Cui Chunying , He Dengke , Yan Ziwei
Published: January 2023

The establishment of the “two-oriented society” pilot zone is China’s effort to explore an economic–environmental synergistic growth approach, and it is an important basis on which to solve the dilemma between economic development and environmental protection in less developed countries. By constructing an inter-provincial panel dataset and taking the “two-oriented society” pilot area as a policy intervention event, a quasi-natural experiment was conducted to evaluate the observed differences in economic growth and pollutant emissions using counterfactual estimation. The results show that, during the policy intervention period, the emission of solid waste in Hubei and Hunan provinces was significantly reduced, and the level of haze particles in Hunan province was also remarkably suppressed; however, the environmental emission problems such as water pollution were not improved in comparison to the national level. At the same time, the economic growth rate of Hubei and Hunan provinces was clearly better than the counterfactual control group after the policy pilot, showing the economic promotion effect of the construction of the “two-oriented society” pilot zone. We conclude that the establishment of the “two-oriented society” provides a reference for a successful path to sustainable growth, and there is no absolute contradiction between economic growth and environmental friendliness.
Environmental Regulation, Resource Misallocation, and Total Factor Productivity: An Empirical Analysis Based on 284 Cities at the Prefecture-Level and Above in China
Authors: Dong Xu , Guo Kejia , Xue Guizhi , Yang Yali , Xie Weili , Liu Chenguang
Published: January 2023

We investigated the impact of environmental regulation on total factor productivity (TFP) based on a panel dataset of 284 cities at the prefecture-level and above in mainland China from 2006 to 2020 and examined whether environmental regulation had a resource reallocation effect and thus affected TFP. The results showed that there was an “inverted U-shaped” pattern in the impact of environmental regulation on TFP in China and a moderate strengthening of environmental regulation helped to increase TFP, which still held after endogeneity treatment and robustness tests. The “inverted U-shaped” relationship between environmental regulation and TFP in eastern, central, and western cities still held, while environmental regulation did not produce significant effects on TFP in the northeast. The effect of environmental regulation on TFP in large, medium, and small cities tested in groups by city size was consistent with the full sample findings, but the effects decreased in a gradient with city size. The analysis of the impact mechanism showed that environmental regulation had a suppressive effect on resource misallocation and could generate a positive resource reallocation effect and enhance city TFP. The labor reallocation effect of environmental regulation for TFP was stronger than the capital reallocation effect. The findings of our study are of policy reference value for optimizing resource allocation through environmental regulation and thus promoting high-quality city development in China.
Romantic Duration, Relationship Quality, and Attachment Insecurity among Dating Couples
Authors: Freeman Harry , Simons Jeffrey , Benson Nicholas F.
Published: January 2023

For many young adults today dating is not taken as a path to marriage, but as a relationship to be considered on its own terms with a beginning, middle, and end. Yet, research has not kept pace as most studies that look at relationships over time focus on marriages. In the present study, we look at individual differences and normative patterns of dating relationship quality over time. We tested a path model of associations between relationship duration, attachment insecurity, and four relationship quality domains (sexual frequency, commitment, satisfaction, and companionship) among a large sample of dating young adults (N = 1345). Based on a conceptual model of romantic relationship development, results supported expectations that dating trajectories are curvilinear, with unique patterns of accent, peak, and decent for each relationship domain. Dating duration also moderated the relationship between dating quality and attachment insecurity with anxious attachment becoming a more salient predictor of lower satisfaction and lower commitment in long-term versus short-term relationships. A quadratic interaction with sexual frequency indicated that insecurity predicted less sexual activity in new relationships, more activity among relationships between two and four years, but then less again in longer-term relationships. Findings suggest patterns of stability and change in dating relationships during emerging adulthood that complement those observed from the marriage literature.
Teachers during the COVID-19 Era: The Mediation Role Played by Mentalizing Ability on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Anxious Trait, and Job Burnout
Authors: Levante Annalisa , Petrocchi Serena , Bianco Federica , Castelli Ilaria , Lecciso Flavia
Published: January 2023

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak caused severe changes in school activities over the past two years. Teachers underwent a re-planning of their teaching approaches, shifting from face-to-face teaching formats to remote ones. These challenges resulted in high levels of burnout. The identification of risk/protective factors contributing to burnout is crucial in order to inform intervention programs. Thus, we hypothesized a mediation role of teachers’ mentalizing ability (processing of emotions, a component of mentalized affectivity) on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization (burnout dimension). Two reverse models were computed. Job satisfaction, teachers’ age and gender, school grade, and length of teaching experience served as covariates. Methods: 466 (M(sd) = 46.2 (10.4) years) online questionnaires were completed by Italian teachers of primary (n = 204) and middle (n = 242) schools. Measures of burnout, depression, anxiety, and mentalization were administered. Results: The findings corroborated our hypotheses: in all models, processing emotions served as a mediator on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization, and on the reciprocal one. Job satisfaction positively impacted processing emotion, and negatively impacted depression and depersonalization; women teachers reported high levels of the anxious trait. Conclusions: Overall, it can be concluded that the ability to mentalize has a beneficial impact on teachers’ well-being. Policymaking, clinical, and research implications were discussed.