bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) as Microalgal Bioproducts: A Review of Factors Affecting EPS Synthesis and Application in Flocculation Processes
Authors: Babiak Wioleta , Krzemińska Izabela
Published: July 2021

Microalgae are natural resources of intracellular compounds with a wide spectrum of applications in, e.g., the food industry, pharmacy, and biofuel production. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) released by microalgal cells are a valuable bioproduct. Polysaccharides, protein, lipids, and DNA are the main constituents of EPS. This review presents the recent advances in the field of the determinants of the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances by microalgal cells and the EPS structure. Physical and chemical culture conditions have been analyzed to achieve useful insights into the development of a strategy optimizing EPS production by microalgal cells. The application of microalgal EPS for flocculation and mechanisms involved in this process are also discussed in terms of biomass harvesting. Additionally, the ability of EPS to remove toxic heavy metals has been analyzed. With their flocculation and sorption properties, microalgal EPS are a promising bioproduct that can potentially be used in harvesting algal biomass and wastewater management.
Simple Design Solution for Harsh Operating Conditions: Redesign of Conveyor Transfer Station with Reverse Engineering and DEM Simulations
Authors: Doroszuk Błażej , Król Robert , Wajs Jarosław
Published: July 2021

This paper addresses the problem of conveyor transfer station design in harsh operating conditions, aiming to identify and eliminate a failure phenomenon which interrupts aggregate supply. The analyzed transfer station is located in a Polish granite quarry. The study employs laser scanning and reverse engineering methods to map the existing transfer station and its geometry. Next, a discrete element method (DEM) model of granite aggregate has been created and used for simulating current operating conditions. The arch formation has been identified as the main reason for breakdowns. Alternative design solutions for transfer stations were tested in DEM simulations. The most uncomplicated design for manufacturing incorporated an impact plate, and a straight chute has been selected as the best solution. The study also involved identifying areas of the new station most exposed to wear phenomena. A new transfer point was implemented in the quarry and resolved the problem of blockages.
The Connections between COVID-19 and the Energy Commodities Prices: Evidence through the Dynamic Time Warping Method
Authors: Dmytrów Krzysztof , Landmesser Joanna , Bieszk-Stolorz Beata
Published: July 2021

The main objective of the study is to assess the similarity between the time series of energy commodity prices and the time series of daily COVID-19 cases. The COVID-19 pandemic affects all aspects of the global economy. Although this impact is multifaceted, we assess the connections between the number of COVID-19 cases and the energy commodities sector. We analyse these connections by using the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) method. On this basis, we calculate the similarity measure—the DTW distance between the time series—and use it to group the energy commodities according to their price change. Our analysis also includes finding the time shifts between daily COVID-19 cases and commodity prices in subperiods according to the chronology of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings are that commodities such as ULSD, heating oil, crude oil, and gasoline are weakly associated with COVID-19. On the other hand, natural gas, palm oil, CO2 allowances, and ethanol are strongly associated with the development of the pandemic.
Effects of Tip Speed Ratios on the Blade Forces of a Small H-Darrieus Wind Turbine
Authors: Ali Sajid , Jang Choon-Man
Published: July 2021

Lift force is an important parameter for the performance evaluation of an H-Darrieus wind turbine. The rotational direction of the streamlined force is effective on the performance of the wind turbine. In order to analyze the flow characteristics around the turbine blades in real-time, a numerical analysis using three-dimensional unsteady Reynold-averaged Navier–Stokes equations has been introduced. Experimental data were obtained from a field test facility constructed on an island in South Korea and was introduced to compare the numerical simulation results with measured data. The optimum tip speed ratio (TSR) was investigated via a multi-variable optimization approach and was determined to be 3.5 for the NACA 0015 blade profile. The turbine displays better performance with the maximum power coefficient at the optimum TSR. It is due to the delay in the flow separation from the blade surface and the relatively lower strength of the tip vortices. Furthermore, the ratio between lift and drag forces is also the highest at the optimum TSR, as most of the aerodynamic force is directly converted into lift force. For one rotation of the turbine blade at the optimum TSR, the first quarter of motion produces the highest lift as the static pressure difference is maximum at the leading edge, which helps to generate maximum lift. At a TSR less than the optimum TSR, small-lift generation is dominant, whereas at a higher TSR, large drag production is observed. Both of these lead to lower performance of the turbine. Apart from the TSR, the optimum wind angle of attack is also investigated, and the results are prepared against each TSR.
The Role of Electrofuels under Uncertainties for the Belgian Energy Transition
Authors: Rixhon Xavier , Limpens Gauthier , Coppitters Diederik , Jeanmart Hervé , Contino Francesco
Published: July 2021

Wind and solar energies present a time and space disparity that generally leads to a mismatch between the demand and the supply. To harvest their maximum potentials, one of the main challenges is the storage and transport of these energies. This challenge can be tackled by electrofuels, such as hydrogen, methane, and methanol. They offer three main advantages: compatibility with existing distribution networks or technologies of conversion, economical storage solution for high capacity, and ability to couple sectors (i.e., electricity to transport, to heat, or to industry). However, the level of contribution of electric-energy carriers is unknown. To assess their role in the future, we used whole-energy system modelling (EnergyScope Typical Days) to study the case of Belgium in 2050. This model is multi-energy and multi-sector. It optimises the design of the overall system to minimise its costs and emissions. Such a model relies on many parameters (e.g., price of natural gas, efficiency of heat pump) to represent as closely as possible the future energy system. However, these parameters can be highly uncertain, especially for long-term planning. Consequently, this work uses the polynomial chaos expansion method to integrate a global sensitivity analysis in order to highlight the influence of the parameters on the total cost of the system. The outcome of this analysis points out that, compared to the deterministic cost-optimum situation, the system cost, accounting for uncertainties, becomes higher (+17%) and twice more uncertain at carbon neutrality and that electrofuels are a major contribution to the uncertainty (up to 53% in the variation of the costs) due to their importance in the energy system and their high uncertainties, their higher price, and uncertainty.
Multi-Agent Simulation of Iceberg Mass Loss during Its Energy-Efficient Towing for Freshwater Supply
Authors: Filin Sergiy , Semenov Iouri , Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła
Published: July 2021

The problem of freshwater deficit in the last decade has progressed, not only in Africa or Asia, but also in European countries. One of the possible solutions is to obtain freshwater from drifting icebergs. The towing of large icebergs is the topic analyzed in various freshwater supply projects conducted in different zone-specific regions of the world. These projects show general effects of iceberg transport efficiency but do not present a detailed methodology for the calculation of their mass losses. The aim of this article is to develop the methodology to calculate the mass losses of icebergs transported on a selected route. A multi-agent simulation was used, and the numerical model to estimate the melting rate of the iceberg during its energy-efficient towing was developed. Moreover, the effect of towing speed on the iceberg’s mass loss was determined. It was stated that the maximum use of ocean currents, despite longer route and increased transport time, allows for energy-efficient transport of the iceberg. The optimal towing speed of the iceberg on the selected route was recommended at the range of 0.4–1 m/s. The achieved results may be of interest to institutions responsible for sustainable development and dealing with water resources and freshwater supply.
Equipping Seasonal Exponential Smoothing Models with Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Electricity Consumption Forecasting
Authors: Deng Changrui , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Huang Yanmei , Bao Yukun
Published: July 2021

Electricity consumption forecasting plays an important role in investment planning of electricity infrastructure, and in electricity production/generation and distribution. Accurate electricity consumption prediction over the mid/long term is of great interest to both practitioners and academics. Considering that monthly electricity consumption series usually show an obvious seasonal variation due to their inherent nature subject to temperature during the year, in this paper, seasonal exponential smoothing (SES) models were employed as the modeling technique, and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was applied to find a set of near-optimal smoothing parameters. Quantitative and comprehensive assessments were performed with two real-world electricity consumption datasets on the basis of prediction accuracy and computational cost. The experimental results indicated that (1) whether the accuracy measure or the elapsed time was considered, the PSO performed better than grid search (GS) or genetic algorithm (GA); (2) the proposed PSO-based SES model with a non-trend component and additive seasonality term significantly outperformed other competitors for the majority of prediction horizons, which indicates that the model could be a promising alternative for electricity consumption forecasting.
William II of Hauteville (1171–1189)
Authors: Vagnoni Mirko
Published: July 2021

William II of Hauteville King of Sicily (1171–1189). William II of Hauteville was the third king of the Norman dynasty on the throne of Sicily. He ruled independently from 1171 (from 1166 to 1171 he was under the regency of his mother) to 1189. From an iconographic point of view, he is particularly interesting because he was the first king of Sicily who made use of monumental images of himself. In particular, we have five official (namely, commissioned directly by him or his entourage) representations of him: the royal bull, the royal seal, and three images from the Cathedral of Monreale (near Palermo): two mosaic panels and one carved capital.
Open Water Flume for Fluid Mechanics Lab
Authors: Wulandana Rachmadian
Published: July 2021

Open water flume tanks with closed-loop circulation driven by centrifugal pumps are essential for hydro experimentation in academic settings as well as research centers. The device is also attractive due to its versatility and easy-to-maintain characteristics. Nevertheless, commercial open flume systems can be expensive and become less prioritized in engineering schools. This paper describes the design and fabrication of an affordable, medium-size water flume tank, suitable for education purposes. The central piece of the system is a transparent observation chamber where fluid experiments are typically conducted and observed. The expected maximum average water speed in the observation chamber of about 60 cm per second was achieved by the inclusion of a 3 hp centrifugal pump. The size and capacity of the current design were constrained by space limitation and available funds. The educational facility was assigned as a two-semester multi-disciplinary capstone senior design project incorporating students and faculty of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering programs in our campus. The design process provides a training platform for skills in the area of Computer Aided Designs (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), manufacturing, and experimentation. The multi-disciplinary project has contributed to the improvement of soft skills, such as time management, team working, and professional presentation, of the team members. The total material cost of the facility was less than USD 6000, which includes the pump and its variable frequency driver. The project was made possible due to the generous sponsor of the Vibration Institute.
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer over a Shallow Cavity: Effect of Cavity Height Ratio
Authors: Abdel Aziz Salem S. , Saber Salem Said Abdel-Halim
Published: July 2021

Flow over shallow cavities is used to model the flow field and heat transfer in a solar collector and a variety of engineering applications. Many studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effect of cavity aspect ratio (AR), but very few studies have been carried out to investigate the effect of cavity height ratio (HR) on shallow cavity flow behavior. In this paper, flow field structure and heat transfer within the 3-D shallow cavity are obtained numerically for two height ratio categories: HR = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 and HR = 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, and 2.5. The governing equations, continuity, momentum, and energy are solved numerically and using the standard (K-ε) turbulence model. ANSYS FLUENT 14 CFD code is used to perform the numerical simulation based on the finite volume method. In this study, the cavity aspect ratio, AR = 5.0, and Reynolds number, Re = 3 × 105, parameters are fixed. The cavity’s bottom wall is heated with a constant and uniform heat flux (q = 740 W/m2), while the other walls are assumed to be adiabatic. For the current Reynolds number and cavity geometry, a single vortex structure (recirculation region) is formed and occupies most of the cavity volume. The shape and location of the vortex differ according to the height ratio. A reverse velocity profile across the recirculation region near the cavity’s bottom wall is shown at all cavity height ratios. Streamlines and temperature contours on the plane of symmetry and cavity bottom wall are displayed. Local static pressure coefficient and Nusselt number profiles are obtained along the cavity’s bottom wall, and the average Nusselt number for various height ratios is established. The cavity height ratio (HR) is an important geometry parameter in shallow cavities, and it plays a significant role in the cavity flow behavior and heat transfer characteristics. The results indicate interesting flow dynamics based on height ratio (HR), which includes a minimal value in average Nusselt number for HR ≈ 1.75 and spatial transitions in local Nusselt number distribution along the bottom wall for different HRs.
Comparing Meal Satisfaction Based on Different Types of Tableware: An Experimental Study of Japanese Cuisine Culture
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoko , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: July 2021

In Japan, as in other countries, the externalization of food preparation is increasing. Japanese people are interested in the combination of food and tableware and they are concerned about transferring ready-made meals from plastic containers to natural tableware. This study aimed to examine the varying evaluations of meals due to differences in tableware. In this study, we investigated the effect of tableware on meal satisfaction, which is emphasized in Japanese culture. We studied the difference in the evaluation of ready-made meals (a rice ball, salad, croquette, and corn soup) before, during, and after a meal under two conditions: plastic tableware and natural wooden tableware. The results showed that there was no difference in the perceptual evaluation of taste and texture during the meal, except for the color of the salad and the temperature of the soup. On the other hand, meals served on natural wooden tableware were rated more positively than those served on plastic tableware before and after meals. These results suggest that, in Japan, the use of tableware, even for ready-made meals, increases the level of meal satisfaction. These findings have implications for both the providers and consumers of ready-made meals as well as the food industry.
Construction of IsoVoc Database for the Authentication of Natural Flavours
Authors: Strojnik Lidija , Hladnik Jože , Weber Nika Cvelbar , Koron Darinka , Stopar Matej , Zlatić Emil , Kokalj Doris , Strojnik Martin , Ogrinc Nives
Published: July 2021

Flavour is an important quality trait of food and beverages. As the demand for natural aromas increases and the cost of raw materials go up, so does the potential for economically motivated adulteration. In this study, gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) analysis of volatile fruit compounds, sampled using headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), is used as a tool to differentiate between synthetic and naturally produced volatile aroma compounds (VOCs). The result is an extensive stable isotope database (IsoVoc—Isotope Volatile organic compounds) consisting of 39 authentic flavour compounds with well-defined origin: apple (148), strawberry (33), raspberry (12), pear (9), blueberry (7), and sour cherry (4) samples. Synthetically derived VOCs (48) were also characterised. Comparing isotope ratios of volatile compounds between distillates and fresh apples and strawberries proved the suitability of using fresh samples to create a database covering the natural variability in δ13C values and range of VOCs. In total, 25 aroma compounds were identified and used to test 33 flavoured commercial products to evaluate the usefulness of the IsoVoc database for fruit flavour authenticity studies. The results revealed the possible falsification for several fruit aroma compounds.
The Evolution of Networks and Local Public Good Provision: A Potential Approach
Authors: Kinateder Markus , Merlino Luca Paolo
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a game in which each player decides with whom to establish a costly connection and how much local public good is provided when benefits are shared among neighbors. We show that, when agents are homogeneous, Nash equilibrium networks are nested split graphs. Additionally, we show that the game is a potential game, even when we introduce heterogeneity along several dimensions. Using this result, we introduce stochastic best reply dynamics and show that this admits a unique and stationary steady state distribution expressed in terms of the potential function of the game. Hence, even if the set of Nash equilibria is potentially very large, the long run predictions are sharp.
Cellulose-Based Hydrogels and Aerogels Embedded with Silver Nanoparticles: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Vasil’kov Alexander , Rubina Margarita , Naumkin Alexander , Buzin Mikhail , Dorovatovskii Pavel , Peters Georgy , Zubavichus Yan
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the preparation and characterization of novel composite materials based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in powder and gel forms. We use a promising synthetic conception to form the novel composite biomaterials. At first MCC was modified with colloidal solution of Ag NPs in isopropyl alcohol prepared via metal vapor synthesis. Then Ag-containing MCC powder was used as precursor for further preparation of the gels. The hydrogels were prepared by dissolving pristine MCC and MCC-based composite at low temperatures in aqueous alkali solution and gelation at elevated temperature. To prepare aerogels the drying in supercritical carbon dioxide was implemented. The as-prepared cellulose composites were characterized in terms of morphology, structure, and phase composition. Since many functional properties, including biological activity, in metal-composites are determined by the nature of the metal-to-polymer matrix interaction, the electronic state of the metal was carefully studied. The studied cellulose-based materials containing biologically active Ag NPs may be of interest for use as wound healing or water-purification materials.
GWAS Hits for Bilateral Convergent Strabismus with Exophthalmos in Holstein Cattle Using Imputed Sequence Level Genotypes
Authors: Bögeholz Anke , Falker-Gieske Clemens , Guélat Monika , Gurtner Corinne , Hunziker Sibylle , Oevermann Anna , Thaller Georg , Drögemüller Cord , Tetens Jens
Published: July 2021

Bilateral convergent strabismus with exophthalmos (BCSE) is a malformation of the eyes and is recognized as a mild but progressive disorder that affects cattle in the first two years of life. This most likely inherited disorder is rarely described in cattle resembling autosomal dominantly inherited forms of human progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). In German Braunvieh cattle, two linked genome regions were found that could be responsible for the development and/or progression of BCSE. The goal of this study was to phenotypically characterize BCSE in Holstein cattle from Germany and Switzerland as well as to identify associated genome regions by GWAS. The clinicopathological phenotype of 52 BCSE-affected Holstein cattle was in accordance with the phenotype described in German Braunvieh cattle, but in addition, signs of degeneration and cellular infiltration in the eye muscles were found. By using imputed sequence level genotype data, three genome-wide significant GWAS hits were revealed on different chromosomes that were not detected by initial GWAS based on high density SNP array data highlighting the usefulness of this approach for mapping studies. The associated genome regions include the ABCC4 gene as well as markers adjacent to the NCOR2 and DNAJC3 genes all illustrating possible functional candidate genes. Our results challenge a monogenic mode of inheritance and indicate a more complex inheritance of BCSE in Holstein cattle. Furthermore, in comparison to previous results from German Braunvieh cattle, it illustrates an obvious genetic heterogeneity causing BSCE in cattle. Subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based analyses might elucidate pathogenic variants in the future.
Identification of Distant Regulatory Elements Using Expression Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Heat-Responsive Genes in Oysters
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Wang Jinpeng , Ding Fangfang , Shi Ruihui , Wang Wei , Zhang Guofan , Li Li
Published: July 2021

Many marine ectotherms, especially those inhabiting highly variable intertidal zones, develop high phenotypic plasticity in response to rapid climate change by modulating gene expression levels. Herein, we examined the regulatory architecture of heat-responsive gene expression plasticity in oysters using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis. Using a backcross family of Crassostrea gigas and its sister species Crassostrea angulata under acute stress, 56 distant regulatory regions accounting for 6–26.6% of the gene expression variation were identified for 19 heat-responsive genes. In total, 831 genes and 164 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could potentially regulate expression of the target genes were screened in the eQTL region. The association between three SNPs and the corresponding target genes was verified in an independent family. Specifically, Marker13973 was identified for heat shock protein (HSP) family A member 9 (HspA9). Ribosomal protein L10a (RPL10A) was detected approximately 2 kb downstream of the distant regulatory SNP. Further, Marker14346-48 and Marker14346-85 were in complete linkage disequilibrium and identified for autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7). Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) was detected approximately 3 kb upstream of the two SNPs. These results suggested regulatory relationships between RPL10A and HSPA9 and between NRF1 and ATG7. Our findings indicate that distant regulatory mutations play an important role in the regulation of gene expression plasticity by altering upstream regulatory factors in response to heat stress. The identified eQTLs provide candidate biomarkers for predicting the persistence of oysters under future climate change scenarios.
Multiscale Characterization of Fracture Patterns: A Case Study of the Noble Hills Range (Death Valley, CA, USA), Application to Geothermal Reservoirs
Authors: Chabani Arezki , Trullenque Ghislain , Ledésert Béatrice A. , Klee Johanne
Published: July 2021

In the basement fractured reservoirs, geometric parameters of fractures constitute the main properties for modeling and prediction of reservoir behavior and then fluid flow. This study aims to propose geometric description and quantify the multiscale network organization and its effect on connectivity using a wide-ranging scale analysis and orders scale classification. This work takes place in the Noble Hills (NH) range, located in the Death Valley (DV, USA). The statistical analyses were performed from regional maps to thin sections. The combination of the length datasets has led to compute a power law exponent around −2, meaning that the connectivity is ruled by the small and the large fractures. Three domains have been highlighted in the NH: (1) domain A is characterized by a dominance of the NW/SE direction at the fourth order scale; (2) domain B is characterized by a dominance of the E/W and the NW/SE directions at respectively the fourth and third order scales; (3) domain C is also marked by the E/W direction dominance followed by the NW/SE direction respectively at the fourth and third order scale. The numerical simulations should consider that the orientation depends on scale observation, while the length is independent of scale observation.
Structure and Composition of Basement and Sedimentary Cover in the Southwestern Part of the Siljan Ring, Central Sweden: New Data from the C-C-1 Drill Core
Authors: Sivalneva Olga , Postnikov Alexandr , Kutcherov Vladimir , Tuchkova Marianna , Buzilov Alexandr , Martynov Viktor , Sabirov Ilnur , Idrisova Elisaveta
Published: July 2021

The results from the geological and geophysical investigations of the Siljan Ring impact structure (central Sweden) have shown that the Paleozoic sedimentary succession and the Precambrian basement were strongly affected by complex deformational processes. Studies of a new drill core from the C-C-1 well provide valuable additional information necessary for the reconstruction of the geological setting in the southwestern part of the Siljan Ring. It was found that the contact between the basement and the sedimentary cover is tectonic, not normal sedimentary, in origin. The basement interval comprises Precambrian metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks with a single mafic intrusion (gabbro-dolerite) in the upper part. The rocks have only been partially metamorphosed. The intercalation of calcareous mudstones, skeletal wackstones, and black shales in the sedimentary cover interval is not consistent with the regional lithostratigraphy scheme. Thus, more likely that the sedimentary sequence is not complete as a result of tectonic displacements, and a significant part of the Lower and Middle Ordovician succession is missing. The Post-Proterozoic tectonic reactivation and impact event also caused the formation of four types of fracture. The third type of fracture is accompanied by cataclastic zones and probably have an impact-related nature. In the highly fractured basement rocks, a dissolution along the second type of fracture has resulted in the development of open vugs. Open vugs and microporosity in cataclastic zones have been considered to be an effective storage space for hydrocarbons.
Taste Beats Reputation in New Food Products Choice: The Case of Ready-to-Eat Pomegranate among Young Consumers in Veneto Region (Italy)
Authors: Stiletto Alice , Rozzanigo Erika , Giampietri Elisa , Trestini Samuele
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the preferences for ready-to-eat pomegranate arils in Italy through a discrete choice experiment (DCE) on 264 young consumers in Italy. The aim is to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the reputational attributes of the product (e.g., the product origin and sales channel) and to discriminate the elicited preferences between tasting and non-tasting situations. To this purpose, a random parameter logit model was employed to assess the heterogeneity in consumer preferences. The results suggest that non-tasters attach a relevant value to the reputational attributes (e.g., +75% WTP for Italian origin). Moreover, considering the sensory features of the products, we found that consumers in this group discriminate against the proposed samples only through their visual characteristics: they prefer the sample with the largest size and red colored arils. In addition, we found that the tasting experience reduced the value attached to the reputational attributes (e.g., −50% WTP for local origin) for consumers, compared to non-tasting situation, thus shifting their preference to the samples that they appreciated the most (high liking). Specifically, we found that consumers in the tasting group preferred the product sample with the highest level of sweetness and the lowest level of sourness and astringency, showing a higher preference for sweetness. The findings contribute to the literature on consumers’ behavior on new food products (NFPs), showing that reputational attributes lose value after the tasting experience. In contrast, the sensory features of the NFPs can help tasters to reduce the information asymmetry, which traditionally represents a hurdle in purchases for new consumers. However, this depends on the individuals’ subjective preferences, as demonstrated by the significant effect of liking levels in discriminating consumers’ choices. To conclude, although these results cannot be extended to the general population, they may give some interesting insights about future trends of NFP demand.
Rainfall-Induced Landslides and Erosion Processes in the Road Network of the Jaén Province (Southern Spain)
Authors: Carpena Ramón , Tovar-Pescador Joaquín , Sánchez-Gómez Mario , Calero Julio , Mellado Israel , Moya Francisco , Fernández Tomás
Published: July 2021

Rainfall thresholds are one of the most widely applied methods for indirectly estimating landslide return periods, which are subsequently used in hazard analyses. In this study, the starting point is an incidence database of landslides and erosive processes affecting the road network of the province of Jaén (southern Spain), in which the positions and dates of civil repair works can be found. Meanwhile, the use of a daily rainfall database in a dense grid (1 km) allowed for the estimation of the rainfall series at each incidence point with high precision. Considering the news in the local media and applying spatial proximity, temporal proximity, and maximum return period criteria, rainfall events of various duration (1 to 90 days) could be associated approximately with each point. Then, the rainfall thresholds and their return periods were estimated. A linear equation was adjusted for the rainfall duration threshold (E = 6.408 D + 74.829), and a power-law curve was adjusted for the intensity–duration pair (I = 47.961 D−0.458). Non-significant differences were observed between the thresholds and the return periods for the lower and higher magnitude incidences, but the durations for the former were lower (1–13 days), compared to those of the latter (7–22 days). From the equations, rainfall events of different durations could be estimated for use in hazard analysis, as well as for the future development of warning systems.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status of University Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Comparative Study
Authors: Tan Seok , Tan Chin , Tan Seok
Published: July 2021

The temporary closure of learning institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced the physical activity of students across all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and the patterns of physical activity among university students in confinement. This cross-sectional study involved 147 Malaysian students and 107 Indonesian students. Body weight before the pandemic and during the pandemic was self-reported by the respondents, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess the physical activity and sedentary behavior of the respondents. The findings revealed that 79.6% of Malaysians and 77.6% of Indonesians were physically active during the confinement. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the duration devoted to vigorous-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 480.00 MET minutes/week) and moderate-intensity activity (MMalaysian = 0.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 0.00 MET minutes/week) among the studied population. During the pandemic, Malaysian students (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) devoted a significantly higher duration to walking (M = 1386.00 MET minutes/week) and sedentary behavior (9.16 ± 4.47 h/day) than Indonesian students (M = 990.00 MET minutes/week and sedentary behavior = 7.85 ± 4.27 h/day). Overall, no significant difference was noted in the total physical activity of Malaysian and Indonesian students during the pandemic (MMalaysian = 2826.00 MET minutes/week and MIndonesian = 1782.00 MET minutes/week). Findings from Spearman’s rank correlation test suggested that there was a weak inverse correlation between the duration engaged in vigorous-intensity activity and weight change among the Malaysian students (rs = −0.199, p = 0.016), after adjusting for gender and age. Overall, the closure of learning institutions and exercise facilities has further prevented individuals from complying with the WHO recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the period of home confinement.
Feasibility, Safety, and Satisfaction of Combined Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Chest Surgery in Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals
Authors: Mancini Ilaria , Tarditi Davide , Gava Giulia , Alvisi Stefania , Contu Luca , Morselli Paolo Giovanni , Giacomelli Giulia , Lami Alessandra , Seracchioli Renato , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: July 2021

The demand for masculinizing breast surgery and hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HBSO) from transmen has increased. With a multidisciplinary approach, these surgeries can be performed in a single session. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction of HBSO and chest surgery in transmen. A cohort of 142 subjects who underwent HBSO alone or combined with chest surgery at Sant’Orsola Hospital was analyzed. Intra and post operation events were evaluated. Subjective post-intervention satisfaction, acceptability, and impact of intervention were assessed via a semi-structured interview. Nineteen transmen underwent HBSO alone and 123 underwent combined surgery. HBSO was performed laparoscopically in 96.5% of transmen (137/142). As expected, length of hospital stay and blood loss were significantly higher in the combined surgery group. A total of 13 intra or post-operative complications occurred in the combined surgery group (10.5%) with thoracic hematoma being the most frequent complication (7.6%). Only one rare complication occurred in the HBSO group (omental herniation through a laparoscopic breach). The overall subjective satisfaction score was 9.9 out of 10 for both groups. Positive changes in all areas of life were reported, with no significant differences. We found that the combined surgery appears to be well tolerated, safe, and feasible in transmen and satisfaction with the combined procedure was high in all subjects.
Association between Depressed Mood and Sleep Duration among Various Ethnic Groups—The Helius Study
Authors: Anujuo Kenneth , Stronks Karien , Snijder Marieke B. , Lok Anja , Jean-Louis Girardin , Agyemang Charles
Published: July 2021

Background: We examined the association between depressed mood (DM) and sleep duration in a multi-ethnic population in Amsterdam, and the extent to which DM accounts for both short and long sleep. Methods: Cross-sectional data using 21,072 participants (aged 18–71 years) from the HELIUS study were analyzed. Sleep duration was classified as: short, healthy, and long (<7, 7–8, and ≥9 h/night). A Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 sum score ≥10) was used to measure DM. The association between DM and sleep duration was assessed using logistic regression. The extent to which DM accounted for short and long sleep was assessed using a population attributable fraction (PAF). Results: DM was significantly associated with short sleep in all ethnic groups after adjustment for other covariates (OR 1.9 (1.5–2.7) in Ghanaians to 2.5 (1.9–32) in the Dutch). DM was not associated with long sleep except in the Dutch (OR 1.9; 1.3–2.8). DM partly accounted for the prevalence of short sleep with PAF ranging from 3.5% in Ghanaians to 15.5% in Turkish. For long sleep, this was 7.1% in the Dutch. Conclusions: DM was associated with short sleep in all ethnic groups, except in Dutch. If confirmed in longitudinal analyses, strategies to reduce depression may reduce the prevalence of short sleep in concerned groups.
Phosphorus Recovery from Sewage Sludge Using Acidithiobacilli
Authors: Pradhan Surendra K. , Heinonen-Tanski Helvi , Veijalainen Anna-Maria , Peräniemi Sirpa , Torvinen Eila
Published: July 2021

Sewage sludge contains a significant amount of phosphorus (P), which could be recycled to address the global demand for this non-renewable, important plant nutrient. The P in sludge can be solubilized and recovered so that it can be recycled when needed. This study investigated the P solubilization from sewage sludge using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The experiment was conducted by mixing 10 mL of sewage sludge with 90 mL of different water/liquid medium/inoculum and incubated at 30 °C. The experiment was conducted in three semi-continuous phases by replacing 10% of the mixed incubated medium with fresh sewage sludge. In addition, 10 g/L elemental sulfur (S) was supplemented into the medium in the third phase. The pH of the A. thiooxidans and A. ferrooxidans treated sludge solutions was between 2.2 and 6.3 until day 42. In phase 3, after supplementing with S, the pH of A. thiooxidans treated sludge was reduced to 0.9, which solubilized and extracted 92% of P. We found that acidithiobacilli supplemented with S can be used to treat sludge, i.e., achieve hygienization, removal of heavy metals, and solubilization and recovery of P.
The Mediating Role of Gaming Disorder in the Effect of Narcissism on Happiness in Children
Authors: Çevik Orhan , Koçak Orhan , Younis Mustafa , Çevik Elif
Published: July 2021

We aimed to determine the relationship between gaming disorder, narcissism, and happiness levels of children between the ages of 9 and 15. This study was based on the compensation theory. The sample consists of 461 boys who continue their education in public schools in Istanbul. In the study, a mixed research design, which nests qualitative data into quantitative, was used. In addition to the scales and sociodemographic form, the Draw-a-Person test was also used to better understand children’s inner world. According to the findings, there is a significant relationship between gaming disorder and narcissism and happiness levels in children. Accordingly, as narcissism increases in children, the gaming disorder level increases, and happiness decreases. We also found a mediation effect in the impact of narcissism on happiness through gaming disorder. According to the results, we think that the problem is not caused by the individual but by society. For a solution, we recommend making more macro-level social work interventions within the framework of system theory instead of the current medical model in combating gaming disorder.
Machine Learning for Predicting Risk of Drug-Induced Autoimmune Diseases by Structural Alerts and Daily Dose
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhu Jieqiang , Fu Peter , Tong Weida , Hong Huixiao , Chen Minjun
Published: July 2021

An effective approach for assessing a drug’s potential to induce autoimmune diseases (ADs) is needed in drug development. Here, we aim to develop a workflow to examine the association between structural alerts and drugs-induced ADs to improve toxicological prescreening tools. Considering reactive metabolite (RM) formation as a well-documented mechanism for drug-induced ADs, we investigated whether the presence of certain RM-related structural alerts was predictive for the risk of drug-induced AD. We constructed a database containing 171 RM-related structural alerts, generated a dataset of 407 AD- and non-AD-associated drugs, and performed statistical analysis. The nitrogen-containing benzene substituent alerts were found to be significantly associated with the risk of drug-induced ADs (odds ratio = 2.95, p = 0.0036). Furthermore, we developed a machine-learning-based predictive model by using daily dose and nitrogen-containing benzene substituent alerts as the top inputs and achieved the predictive performance of area under curve (AUC) of 70%. Additionally, we confirmed the reactivity of the nitrogen-containing benzene substituent aniline and related metabolites using quantum chemistry analysis and explored the underlying mechanisms. These identified structural alerts could be helpful in identifying drug candidates that carry a potential risk of drug-induced ADs to improve their safety profiles.
Usage of eHealth/mHealth Services among Young Czech Adults and the Impact of COVID-19: An Explorative Survey
Authors: Dolezel Michal , Smutny Zdenek
Published: July 2021

Various mHealth/eHealth services play an increasingly important role in healthcare systems and personal lifestyle management. Yet, the relative popularity of these services among the young population of the Czech Republic was not known. Therefore, we carried out an on-line survey with a convenience sample (n = 299) of young adults aged 18–29 and living in the Czech Republic. To this end, we adapted the survey instrument which was previously used in a similar study conducted in a different cultural context (Hong Kong). In our study, we found out that health tutorial activities (i.e., acquiring information on diet, exercise, fitness) were the most common among our respondents (M = 2.81, SD = 1.14). These were followed by health information seeking activities (i.e., acquiring information on medical problems) (M = 2.63, SD = 0.89) and medical services (i.e., the eHealth/mHealth services that provide infrastructural support, such as ePrescription and doctor appointment organizers) (M = 2.18, SD = 0.97). Based on the grouping according to gender and existing health condition, pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences. We also briefly analyzed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the examined activities. Based on their relative popularity, we suggest leveraging the potential of health tutorial activities to improve public health.
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Rebound Effect: A Study for China
Authors: Xu Hang , Yang Rui , Song Jianfeng
Published: July 2021

Agricultural water use accounts for the largest proportion of water withdrawal, so improving agricultural water use efficiency is an important way to alleviate water shortage. However, the expected water saving by the improved agricultural water use efficiency may be offset by the rebound effect, which means the goal of water saving by improving agricultural water use efficiency is not achieved. Based on the definition of the rebound effect of agricultural water use, this paper first uses a fixed model to measure the causal effect of agricultural water use efficiency on agricultural water use to analyze the agricultural water rebound effect, then analyses the heterogeneity and mechanism of the effect of agricultural water use efficiency on agricultural water use with the panel data from 30 provinces or cities in China from 2000 to 2017. The results show that, firstly, the agricultural water use efficiency has a significant negative effect on agricultural water use, but the average agricultural water rebound effect is 88.81%. Secondly, the effect of agricultural water use efficiency on agricultural water use is heterogeneous, in which the improvement of agricultural water use efficiency in humid or major grain-producing areas will have a lower agricultural water rebound effect. Finally, agricultural water use efficiency can affect agricultural water use through planting area and planting structure. An increase in agricultural water use efficiency will expand the planting area to increase water use. However, this will change the planting structure to decrease water use. The implication for agricultural water management is that the irrigation agricultural scale has to be controlled under the condition of available water resource, while improving agricultural water use efficiency.
Role of Quality of Life as Endpoint for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
Authors: Calviño-Suárez Cristina , Ferreiro-Iglesias Rocío , Bastón-Rey Iria , Barreiro-de Acosta Manuel
Published: July 2021

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disabling conditions, characterized by an unpredictable course with flare-ups and periods of remission, that frequently affect young people and require lifelong medical follow-up and treatment. For years, the main endpoints of IBD treatment had been clinical remission and response, followed by biomarker normalization and mucosal healing. In the last decades, different therapies have been proved to be effective to treat IBD and the use of patient reported outcome (PRO) have become more relevant. Therefore, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that has been defined as the value assigned to the duration of life influenced by physical and mental health, has been suggested as an important endpoint for IBD management since multiple studies have shown that IBD impairs it, both physically and psychologically. Thus, HRQoL has been included as an outcome in numerous studies evaluating different IBD therapies, both clinical trials and real-life studies. It has been assessed by using both generic and specific disease tools, and most treatments used in clinical practice have been demonstrated to improve HRQoL. The relevance of HRQoL as an endpoint for new drugs is going to increase and its management and improvement will also improve the prognosis of IBD patients.