bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic or Non-Random Wildlife Crime? Attractiveness Rather Than Abundance in the Wild Leads to Selective Parrot Poaching
Authors: Romero-Vidal Pedro , Hiraldo Fernando , Rosseto Federica , Blanco Guillermo , Carrete Martina , Tella José L.
Published: August 2020

Illegal wildlife trade, which mostly focuses on high-demand species, constitutes a major threat to biodiversity. However, whether poaching is an opportunistic crime within high-demand taxa such as parrots (i.e., harvesting proportional to species availability in the wild), or is selectively focused on particular, more desirable species, is still under debate. Answering this question has important conservation implications because selective poaching can lead to the extinction of some species through overharvesting. However, the challenges of estimating species abundances in the wild have hampered studies on this subject. We conducted a large-scale survey in Colombia to simultaneously estimate the relative abundance of wild parrots through roadside surveys (recording 10,811 individuals from 25 species across 2221 km surveyed) and as household, illegally trapped pets in 282 sampled villages (1179 individuals from 21 species). We used for the first time a selectivity index to test selection on poaching. Results demonstrated that poaching is not opportunistic, but positively selects species based on their attractiveness, defined as a function of species size, coloration, and ability to talk, which is also reflected in their local prices. Our methodological approach, which shows how selection increases the conservation impacts of poaching for parrots, can be applied to other taxa also impacted by harvesting for trade or other purposes.
Anatomic Investigation of Two Cases of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Syndrome, Including the Effects on External Vascular Dimensions
Authors: Mirande Mitchell H. , Durhman Madelyn R. , Smith Heather F.
Published: August 2020

The retroesophageal aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a variation of the aortic arch that occurs asymptomatically in most patients. However, when symptomatic, it is most commonly associated with dysphagia. ARSA has also been noted as a location of potentially severe aneurysms in some patients, as well as posing a risk during surgical interventions in the esophageal region. This case study analyzes two individuals with ARSA morphology in comparison to a normal sample in order to gain a better anatomical understanding of this anomaly, potentially leading to better risk assessment of ARSA patients going forward. The diameter of the ARSA vessel was found to be substantially larger than both the right subclavian artery and brachiocephalic trunk of the subjects with classic aortic arch anatomy. As many ARSA individuals are asymptomatic, we hypothesize that the relative size of the ARSA may dictate its contribution to the presence and/or severity of associated symptomatology.
Correction: Contreras-Reyes, J.E.; Cortés, D.D. Bounds on Rényi and Shannon Entropies for Finite Mixtures of Multivariate Skew-Normal Distributions: Application to Swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus). Entropy 2016, 18, 382
Authors: Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Devia Cortés Daniel
Published: August 2020

Section 3.3 of “Contreras-Reyes, J.E.; Cortés, D.D. Bounds on Rényi and Shannon Entropies for Finite Mixtures of Multivariate Skew-Normal Distributions: Application to Swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus). Entropy2016, 18, 382” contains errors. Therefore, this section is retracted. However, these changes do not influence the conclusions and the other results of the paper.
Analysis of Challenges Due to Changes in Net Load Curve in South Korea by Integrating DERs
Authors: Kim Chi-Yeon , Kim Chae-Rin , Kim Dong-Keun , Cho Soo-Hwan
Published: August 2020

The development of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) is essential in accordance with the mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction policies, resulting in many DERs being integrated into the power system. Currently, South Korea is also focusing on increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) and EV by 2030 to reduce GHGs. However, indiscriminate DER development can give a negative impact on the operation of existing power systems. The existing power system operation is optimized for the hourly net load pattern, but the integration of DERs changes it. In addition, since ToU (Time-of-Use) tariff and Demand Response (DR) programs are very sensitive to changes in the net load curve, it is essential to predict the hourly net load pattern accurately for the modification of pricing and demand response programs in the future. However, a long-term demand forecast in South Korea provides only the total amount of annual load (TWh) and the expected peak load level (GW) in summer and winter seasons until 2030. In this study, we use the annual photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity, PV generation, and the number of EV based on the target values for 2030 in South Korea to predict the change in hourly net load curve by year and season. In addition, to predict the EV charging load curve based on Monte Carlo simulation, the EV users’ charging method, charging start time, and State-of-Charge (SoC) were considered. Finally, we analyze the change in hourly net load curve due to the integration of PV and EV to determine the amplification of the duck curve and peak load time by year and season, and present the risks caused by indiscriminate DERs development.
Efficiency of Cascaded Neural Networks in Detecting Initial Damage to Induction Motor Electric Windings
Authors: Skowron Maciej , Orłowska-Kowalska Teresa
Published: August 2020

This article presents the efficiency of using cascaded neural structures in the process of detecting damage to electrical circuits in a squirrel cage induction motor (IM) supplied from a frequency converter. The authors present the idea of a sequential connection of classic neural structures to increase the efficiency of damage classification and detection presented by individual neural structures, especially in the initial phase of single or multiple electrical failures. The easily measurable axial flux signal is used as a source of diagnostic information. The developed cascaded neural networks are implemented in the measurement and diagnostic software made in the LabVIEW environment. The results of the experimental research on a 1.5 kW IM supplied by an industrial frequency converter confirm the high efficiency of the use of the developed cascaded neural structures in the detection of incipient stator and rotor winding faults, namely inter-turn stator winding short circuits and broken rotor bars, as well as mixed failures in the entire range of changes of the load torque and supply voltage frequency.
Reconfigurable Hybrid Resonant Topology for Constant Current/Voltage Wireless Power Transfer of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hwang Sang-Hoon , Chen Yafei , Zhang Hailong , Lee Kang-Yoon , Kim Dong-Hee
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a reconfigurable hybrid topology (RHT) for the constant current (CC)/constant voltage (CV) charging of electric vehicles. The proposed system combines the series–series and the inductor and double capacitors-series topologies. Two AC switches (ACSs) are utilized to change the CC and CV charging modes, without requiring an additional resonant network. A detailed analysis for designing the hybrid topology parameters is also presented; a three-kilowatt prototype was configured based on this analysis in order to validate the proposed system. The constructed prototype confirmed the stable mode changes, load fluctuations, CC/CV output characteristics and efficiency of the proposed system. The maximum efficiency of the proposed RHT was found to be 92.58%.
A Dual-Vector Modulated Model Predictive Control Method for Voltage Source Inverters with a New Duty Cycle Calculation Method
Authors: Cao Lingzhi , Li Yanyan , Li Xiaoying , Guo Leilei , Jin Nan , Cao Hong
Published: August 2020

Recently, model predictive control (MPC) methods have been widely used to achieve the control of two-level voltage source inverters due to their superiorities. However, only one of the eight basic voltage vectors is applied in every control cycle in the conventional MPC system, resulting in large current ripples and distortions. To address this issue, a dual-vector modulated MPC method is presented, where two voltage vectors are selected and utilized to control the voltage source inverter in every control cycle. The duty cycle of each voltage vector is figured out according to the hypothesis that it is inversely proportional to the square root of its corresponding cost function value, which is the first contribution of this paper. The effectiveness of this assumption is verified for the first time by a detailed theoretical analysis shown in this paper based on the geometrical relationship of the voltage vectors, which is another contribution of this paper. Moreover, further theoretical analysis shows that the proposed dual-vector modulated MPC method can also be extended to control other types of inverters, such as three-phase four-switch inverters. Detailed experimental results validate the effectiveness of the presented strategy.
Blue Growth Development in the Mediterranean Sea: Quantifying the Benefits of an Integrated Wave Energy Converter at Genoa Harbour
Authors: Lavidas George , De Leo Francesco , Besio Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Coastal resilience is often achieved by traditional civil engineering projects, such as dikes and breakwaters. However, given the pressing nature of Climate Change, integrating energy converters in “classical” structures can enhance innovation, and help in pursuing decarbonisation targets. In this work, we present an alternative for integrating a wave energy converter at a vertical wall breakwater, following past successful projects. Our approach is based on a high spatio-temporal wave dataset to properly quantify expected energy production, but also focus on the hours for which other time-dependent renewables cannot produce, i.e., solar. Our analysis evaluates the power performance and assesses the economic parameters and viability of the proposed installation. Our integrated solution shares the main capital with the breakwater and can produce from 390 MWh–2300 MWh/year, displacing more than 1760 Tn of CO2 annually. In addition to power generated, we estimated the payback period for most cases being approximately 10–15 years, but when accounting avoided oil CO2 emissions, the installation is highly attractive with payback in less than 9 years, with favourable financing indicating 3.4 years.
Experimental Validation of a New Modeling for the Design Optimization of a Sliding Vane Rotary Expander Operating in an ORC-Based Power Unit
Authors: Fatigati Fabio , Di Bartolomeo Marco , Di Battista Davide , Cipollone Roberto
Published: August 2020

Sliding Rotary Vane Expanders (SVRE) are often employed in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based power units for Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) due to their operating flexibility, robustness, and low manufacturing cost. In spite of the interest toward these promising machines, in literature, there is a lack of knowledge referable to the design and the optimization of SVRE: these machines are often rearranged reversing the operational behavior when they operate as compressors, resulting in low efficiencies and difficulty to manage off-design conditions, which are typical in ORC-based power units for WHR in ICE. In this paper, the authors presented a new model of the machine, which, thanks to some specific simplifications, can be used recursively to optimize the design. The model was characterized by a good level of physical representation and also by an acceptable computational time. Despite its simplicity, the model integrated a good capability to reproduce volumetric and mechanical efficiencies. The validation of the model was done using a wide experimental campaign conducted on a 1.5 kW SVRE operated on an ORC-based power unit fed by the exhaust gases of a 3 L supercharged diesel engine. Once validated, a design optimization was run, allowing to find the best solution between two “extreme” designs: a “disk-shaped”—increasing the external diameter of the machine and reducing axial length—and by a “finger-shaped” machine. The predictions of this new model were finally compared with a more complex numerical model, showing good agreement and opening the way to its use as a model-based control tool.
Air Temperature Forecasting Using Machine Learning Techniques: A Review
Authors: Cifuentes Jenny , Marulanda Geovanny , Bello Antonio , Reneses Javier
Published: August 2020

Efforts to understand the influence of historical climate change, at global and regional levels, have been increasing over the past decade. In particular, the estimates of air temperatures have been considered as a key factor in climate impact studies on agricultural, ecological, environmental, and industrial sectors. Accurate temperature prediction helps to safeguard life and property, playing an important role in planning activities for the government, industry, and the public. The primary aim of this study is to review the different machine learning strategies for temperature forecasting, available in the literature, presenting their advantages and disadvantages and identifying research gaps. This survey shows that Machine Learning techniques can help to accurately predict temperatures based on a set of input features, which can include the previous values of temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, rain and wind speed measurements, among others. The review reveals that Deep Learning strategies report smaller errors (Mean Square Error = 0.0017 °K) compared with traditional Artificial Neural Networks architectures, for 1 step-ahead at regional scale. At the global scale, Support Vector Machines are preferred based on their good compromise between simplicity and accuracy. In addition, the accuracy of the methods described in this work is found to be dependent on inputs combination, architecture, and learning algorithms. Finally, further research areas in temperature forecasting are outlined.
Uncertainty and Risk Evaluation of Deep Geothermal Energy Source for Heat Production and Electricity Generation in Remote Northern Regions
Authors: Miranda Mafalda M. , Raymond Jasmin , Dezayes Chrystel
Published: August 2020

The Canadian off-grid communities heavily rely on fossil fuels. This unsustainable energetic framework needs to change, and deep geothermal energy can play an important role. However, limited data availability is one of the challenges to face when evaluating such resources in remote areas. Thus, a first-order assessment of the geothermal energy source is, therefore, needed to trigger interest for further development in northern communities. This is the scope of the present work. Shallow subsurface data and outcrop samples treated as subsurface analogs were used to infer the deep geothermal potential beneath the community of Kuujjuaq (Nunavik, Canada). 2D heat conduction models with time-varying upper boundary condition reproducing climate events were used to simulate the subsurface temperature distribution. The available thermal energy was inferred with the volume method. Monte Carlo-based sensitivity analyses were carried out to determine the main geological and technical uncertainties on the deep geothermal potential and risk analysis to forecast future energy production. The results obtained, although speculative, suggest that the old Canadian Shield beneath Kuujjuaq host potential to fulfill the community’s annual average heating demand of 37 GWh. Hence, deep geothermal energy can be a promising solution to support the energy transition of remote northern communities.
Selection of Temporal Lags for Predicting Riverflow Series from Hydroelectric Plants Using Variable Selection Methods
Authors: Siqueira Hugo , Macedo Mariana , Tadano Yara de Souza , Alves Thiago Antonini , Stevan Sergio L. , Oliveira Domingos S. , Marinho Manoel H.N. , Neto Paulo S.G. de Mattos , Oliveira  João F. L. de , Luna Ivette , Filho Marcos de Almeida Leone , Sarubbo Leonie Asfora , Converti Attilio
Published: August 2020

The forecasting of monthly seasonal streamflow time series is an important issue for countries where hydroelectric plants contribute significantly to electric power generation. The main step in the planning of the electric sector’s operation is to predict such series to anticipate behaviors and issues. In general, several proposals of the literature focus just on the determination of the best forecasting models. However, the correct selection of input variables is an essential step for the forecasting accuracy, which in a univariate model is given by the lags of the time series to forecast. This task can be solved by variable selection methods since the performance of the predictors is directly related to this stage. In the present study, we investigate the performances of linear and non-linear filters, wrappers, and bio-inspired metaheuristics, totaling ten approaches. The addressed predictors are the extreme learning machine neural networks, representing the non-linear approaches, and the autoregressive linear models, from the Box and Jenkins methodology. The computational results regarding five series from hydroelectric plants indicate that the wrapper methodology is adequate for the non-linear method, and the linear approaches are better adjusted using filters.
Is Soil Contributing to Climate Change Mitigation during Woody Encroachment? A Case Study on the Italian Alps
Authors: Fino Ernesto , Blasi Emanuele , Perugini Lucia , Pellis Guido , Valentini Riccardo , Chiti Tommaso
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives: Over the last few decades, the European mountain environment has been characterized by the progressive abandonment of agro-pastoral activities and consequent forest expansion due to secondary succession. While woody encroachment is commonly considered as a climate change mitigation measure, studies suggest a still uncertain role of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool in contributing to climate change mitigation during this process. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the possible SOC variations occurring as a consequence of the secondary succession process at the provincial level in an Alpine area in Italy. Materials and Methods: A chronosequence approach was applied to identify, in five different study areas of the Belluno province, the land use/land cover change over four different stages of natural succession, from managed grazing land to secondary forest developed on abandoned grazing land. In each chronosequence stage, soil samples were collected down to the bedrock (0–60 cm depth) to determine the changes in the SOC stock due to the woody encroachment process. Results: In all areas, small or no significant (p < 0.05) SOC stock changes were observed during the secondary succession in the upper 30 cm of mineral soil, while significant changes were evident in the 30–60 cm compartment, with the SOC stock significantly decreasing from 30% to 60% in the final stage of the succession. This fact indicates the great importance of considering also the subsoil when dealing with land use/land cover change dynamics. Conclusions: The recorded trend in SOC has been proved to be the opposite in other Italian regions, so our results indicate the importance of local observation and data collection to correctly evaluate the soil contribution to climate change mitigation during woody encroachment.
Improving Kefir Bioactive Properties by Functional Enrichment with Plant and Agro-Food Waste Extracts
Authors: Aiello Francesca , Restuccia Donatella , Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Carullo Gabriele , Leporini Mariarosaria , Loizzo Monica Rosa
Published: August 2020

An increase in the number of novel fortified kefir-based beverages was observed in the last decades. Vegetables were often proposed as convenient resources of bioactive molecules able to improve nutraceutical benefits of these drinks and/or to confer them new significant features. These findings have been well accepted by the consumers, which generally reserve an important role to the quality of the assumed food and beverages. Specifically, functional fermented milk-based drinks enriched with vegetable extracts display significant biological properties, due to the presence of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial and antioxidant features. In addition, agro-industrial wastes have been also proposed as innovative resources of secondary metabolites to enrich kefir-based products. Eco-friendly extraction techniques were generally exploited to achieve the isolation of biomolecules and reducing, at the same time, economic and environmental loads. To this regard, this review deeply investigates the main findings to improve kefir bioactive properties by functional enrichment with plant and agro-food waste extracts. The nutraceutical characteristics related to the consumers’ health benefits, as well as their effects on the sensorial, chemical, and microbiological properties of the products were evaluated.
Tapioca Dextrin as an Alternative Carrier in the Spray Drying of Fruit Juices—A Case Study of Chokeberry Powder
Authors: Gawałek Jolanta , Domian Ewa
Published: August 2020

This paper analyses the semi-industrial process of spray drying chokeberry juice with carbohydrate polymers used as a carrier. Tapioca dextrin (Dx) was proposed and tested as an alternative carrier and it was compared with maltodextrin carriers (MDx), which are the most common in industrial practice. The influence of selected process parameters (carrier type and content, inlet air temperature, atomiser speed) on the characteristics of dried chokeberry powder was investigated. The size and microstructure of the powder particles, the bulk and apparent density, porosity, flowability, yield and bioactive properties were analysed. In comparison with MDx, the Dx carrier improved the handling properties, yield and bioactive properties. An increase in the Dx carrier content improved the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, flowability and resulted in greater yield of the powder. An increase in the drying temperature increased the size of particles and improved powder flowability but it also caused a greater loss of the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The rotary atomizer speed had the most significant effect on the bioactive properties of obtained powders, which increased along with its growth. The following conditions were the most favourable for chokeberry juice with tapioca dextrin (Dx) as the carrier: inlet air temperature, 160 °C; rotary atomizer speed, 15,000 rpm; and Dx carrier content, 60%.
A Forensic Genomics Approach for the Identification of Sister Marija Crucifiksa Kozulić
Authors: Marshall Charla , Sturk-Andreaggi Kimberly , Gorden Erin M. , Daniels-Higginbotham Jennifer , Sanchez Sidney Gaston , Bašić Željana , Kružić Ivana , Anđelinović Šimun , Bosnar Alan , Čoklo Miran , Petaros Anja , McMahon Timothy P. , Primorac Dragan , Holland Mitchell M.
Published: August 2020

Sister Marija Krucifiksa Kozulić (1852–1922) was a Croatian nun who is in consideration for beatification by the Vatican, which is facilitated by the identification of her 20th-century remains. Sister Marija was buried in a tomb in Rijeka, Croatia, along with other nuns including her biological sister, Tereza Kozulić (1861–1933). When the remains were exhumed in 2011, they were found in a deteriorated state and commingled with several other sets of remains. Thus, mitochondrial genome sequencing of the long bones was performed to sort the remains by mitochondrial haplotype. Two similar but unique haplotypes belonging to haplogroup H1bu were identified, and samples from these bones were subjected to autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing. Although only partial profiles were obtained, the data were sufficient for kinship analysis with the profile of a paternal niece of Sister Marija (Fides Kozulić). The data indicate that it is 574,195-fold more likely that the two sets of skeletal remains represent 2nd-degree relatives of Fides than sisters who are unrelated to Fides. Although it is impossible to discern which set of remains belongs to Marija and which belongs to Tereza, forensic genomics methods have enabled identification of the sisters.
Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Tissue Self-Organization
Authors: Pond Kelvin W. , Doubrovinski Konstantin , Thorne Curtis A.
Published: August 2020

Across metazoans, animal body structures and tissues exist in robust patterns that arise seemingly out of stochasticity of a few early cells in the embryo. These patterns ensure proper tissue form and function during early embryogenesis, development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Fundamental questions are how these patterns are generated and maintained during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Though fascinating scientists for generations, these ideas remain poorly understood. Today, it is apparent that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a central role in tissue patterning. Wnt proteins are small diffusible morphogens which are essential for cell type specification and patterning of tissues. In this review, we highlight several mechanisms described where the spatial properties of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are controlled, allowing them to work in combination with other diffusible molecules to control tissue patterning. We discuss examples of this self-patterning behavior during development and adult tissues’ maintenance. The combination of new physiological culture systems, mathematical approaches, and synthetic biology will continue to fuel discoveries about how tissues are patterned. These insights are critical for understanding the intricate interplay of core patterning signals and how they become disrupted in disease.
The Role of APOSTART in Switching between Sexuality and Apomixis in Poa pratensis
Authors: Marconi Gianpiero , Aiello Domenico , Kindiger Bryan , Storchi Loriano , Marrone Alessandro , Reale Lara , Terzaroli Niccolò , Albertini Emidio
Published: August 2020

The production of seeds without sex is considered the holy grail of plant biology. The transfer of apomixis to various crop species has the potential to transform plant breeding, since it will allow new varieties to retain valuable traits thorough asexual reproduction. Therefore, a greater molecular understanding of apomixis is fundamental. In a previous work we identified a gene, namely APOSTART, that seemed to be involved in this asexual mode of reproduction, which is very common in Poa pratensis L., and here we present a detailed work aimed at clarifying its role in apomixis. In situ hybridization showed that PpAPOSTART is expressed in reproductive tissues from pre-meiosis to embryo development. Interestingly, it is expressed early in few nucellar cells of apomictic individuals possibly switching from a somatic to a reproductive cell as in aposporic apomixis. Moreover, out of 13 APOSTART members, we identified one, APOSTART_6, as specifically expressed in flower tissue. APOSTART_6 also exhibited delayed expression in apomictic genotypes when compared with sexual types. Most importantly, the SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) derived from the APOSTART_6 sequence completely co-segregated with apomixis.
Temporality and the Carer’s Experience in the Narrative Ecology of Illness: Susan Sontag’s Dying in Photography and Prose
Authors: Liatsos Yianna
Published: August 2020

This paper joins a discussion about the representational dissonance and commemorative ethics of two self-referential works that engage with Susan Sontag’s 2004 death from Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Annie Leibovitz’s A Photographer’s Life1990–2005 (2006) and David Rieff’s Swimming in a Sea of Death: A Son’s Memoir (2008). Instead of approaching these two texts as testimonial accounts measured by standards of reliability and grace, this paper considers how the temporal dissonance produced by an incurable cancer diagnosis thwarts questions of personhood and ethical intention in Leibovitz’s photography and Rieff ’s prose. By contextualizing these works as the caregivers’ experience of Sontag’s illness, this paper reads them as attempts at gauging two distinct temporal perspectives that confound identification—those of living through and of remembering terminal time.
Regional Regulations and Public Safety Perceptions of Quality-of-Life Issues: Empirical Study on Food Safety in China
Authors: Han Guanghua , Yan Simin , Fan Bo
Published: August 2020

In many developing countries, the public is shifting its focus from economic growth to quality-of-life issues. As a result, there is extensive demand for better public administration of quality-of-life issues, ranging from air pollution to food safety problems, that threaten ordinary peoples’ health and daily lives. This article analyzes the determinants of public perceptions of food safety and the administrative effects of regional governance in different provinces with nationwide survey data. A two-level hierarchical linear regression model (HLM) with provincial factors as background-level variables and demographic factors as individual-level variables was developed to measure the influence of these factors on public perceptions of food safety. The results showed that female, young, and well-educated urban residents perceived greater risks to food safety than other groups. Administrative fiscal expenditures and local normative documents in different provinces did not have significant effects on public perceptions of food safety. However, food safety inspections weakened public perceptions of food safety. We thereby suggest that provincial governments invest in more efficient food safety projects and enhance the publicity of normative documents in popular media.
Early Observations on the Steamer Bengala (Formerly Named Mecca and Livorno) Sunk off Capo Rizzuto (Crotone, Italy) in 1889
Authors: Medaglia Salvatore , Megna Francesco , De Rosa Luca
Published: August 2020

In the waters of the Calabrian Ionian Sea, off Isola di Capo Rizzuto (Crotone, Italy) and at a depth of 26–29 m, lies the wreck of Bengala, an iron screw-steamer foundered in 1889. She was built and launched in 1871 in Sunderland (Great Britain) in the yards of Iliff, Mounsey, and Co. (Sunderland), with the name of Mecca and her British owner was Mr. Ralph Milbanke Hudson Junior. In 1872 she was sold to the Lloyd Italiano company and was rechristened as Livorno. In 1876 her ownership changed once more and she became part of the fleet of the Genoese shipping company Rubattino and Co. with the name Bengala. The steamer was sold for the last time at the launch of the Navigazione Generale Italiana in 1881, one of the largest shipping companies in Europe. Until now, no scientific study has been dedicated to this topic and the few references in the literature are often incorrect. For this reason, in the pages that follow, a broad historical account of the events concerning the steamer is offered for the first time, linking them to the complex events of the Italian merchant navy of that period. This is followed by the analysis of underwater archaeological evidence, with a view to carrying out more detailed investigations in the near future.
Drought Influences on Food Insecurity in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ngcamu Bethuel Sibongiseni , Chari Felix
Published: August 2020

African countries continue to be prone to drought, caused mainly by unfavorable weather patterns and climatic variations which have an adverse impact on rural households and agricultural production. This literature review article accounted for the aforesaid drawbacks and attempted to assess the effect of drought on food insecurity in African countries. This article further sought to dissect the resilience and climate change adaptation strategies applied by African countries to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on food insecurity in rural livelihoods. The hermeneutic framework was adopted in this study, where the secondary data sources were searched from credible bibliographic and multidisciplinary databases and organizational websites. Thereafter, it was classified, mapped, and critically assessed using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo to generate patterns and themes. The NVivo program is a qualitative data analysis software package produced by QSR International and which helps qualitative researchers to organize, analyze, and find insights in qualitative data; for example, in journal articles where multilayered analysis on small or large volumes of data are required. This article has the potential to contribute in theory, concept, policy, and practice regarding best practices, resilience, and climate change adaptation strategies that can be harnessed by rural people. Furthermore, this article has the potential to shed light on the role played by traditional leadership and policy improvements in ensuring there is sufficient food during periods of drought.
Anxiety About the Risk of Death of Their Patients in Health Professionals in Spain: Analysis at the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lázaro-Pérez Cristina , Martínez-López Jose Ángel , Gómez-Galán José , López-Meneses Eloy
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 health crisis has had a global effect, but the consequences in the different countries affected have been very different. In Spain, in a short period of time, health professionals went from a situation of stability to living with a working environment characterized by overcrowded hospitals, lack of individual protection equipment, non-existent or contradictory work protocols, as well as an unknown increase in mortality. Although in their professional activity health workers are closely linked to death processes, in recent months, working conditions and health emergencies have drawn an unheard of working scenario, with the stress and anxiety they may suffer when faced with the death of their patients. The present quantitative research was carried out in different hospitals in Spain on health professionals during the month of April 2020. Through the subscale of anxiety in the face of the death of others, developed by Collett–Lester, it has been verified that health professionals have had to develop their work in a context of precariousness, putting at risk both their individual and collective health, notably increasing anxiety in the face of the death of their patients. The predictive variables of this anxiety have been the absence of individual protection equipment, as well as high levels in the burnout subscales of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.
Mental Health Problems and Associated Factors in Chinese High School Students in Henan Province: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Luo Yan , Cui Zhenti , Zou Ping , Wang Kai , Lin Zihan , He Jinjie , Wang Jing
Published: August 2020

Approximately one in five adolescents experience mental health problems globally. However, studies on mental health problems in Chinese high school students are few. Therefore, this study examined the status and associated factors of mental health problems in high school students in China. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling procedure was adopted, leading to a final sample of 15,055 participants from 46 high schools in all 17 provincial cities of Henan province, China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect the data. A mental health problems variable was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students. The positive rate of mental health problems among high school students was 41.8%, with a male predominance (43.3% versus 40.2% in females; p < 0.01). The most frequent mental health problem was academic stress (58.9%). Higher grades, physical disease, chronic constipation, alcohol consumption, engagement in sexual behavior, residence on campus, and living in nonurban areas and with single-parent families were significantly associated with higher odds of having mental health problems (p < 0.05). We suggest that the prevention of mental health problems in high school students be strengthened, especially in students with physical illnesses, unhealthy behaviors, and single-parent families.
Level of Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Primary Healthcare Workers in Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Abu Saad Hazizi , Low Pei Kit , Jamaluddin Rosita , Chee Huei Phing
Published: August 2020

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle have been linked to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases. This study’s purpose was to determine physical activity levels and sedentary behaviours among primary healthcare workers in Perak, Malaysia, as well as associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 health clinics in Perak, Malaysia, to determine physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours and factors associated with physical inactivity among primary healthcare workers. Each respondent completed a self-administered questionnaire relating to socio-demographic characteristics, including anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage, and the English and Malay version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. A total of 261 primary healthcare workers participated in this study; 45.6% were classified as physically inactive, spending a median of five hours daily engaged in sedentary behaviours. In terms of metabolic equivalent min per week, male workers had significantly higher physical activity than females. Self-reported health status and longer sitting times were significantly associated with physical inactivity. Logistic regression showed that poor health status was 1.84 times less likely to be associated with physical activity (p = 0.036, Confidence Interval = 1.04–3.24). Due to the high prevalence of physical inactivity, action is needed to increase physical activity among healthcare workers.
Gender Differences in the Association between Positive Drinking Attitudes and Alcohol-Related Problems. The WIRUS Study
Authors: Hashemi Neda S. , Thørrisen Mikkel Magnus , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Sagvaag Hildegunn , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Aas Randi Wågø
Published: August 2020

Background: Alcohol consumption is deeply integrated in people’s social- and work lives and, thus, constitutes a serious public health challenge. Attitudes toward drinking stand out as important predictors of drinking, but have to date been sparsely studied in employee populations. This study explores the association of employees’ attitudes toward drinking with their alcohol-related problems, and whether this association is moderated by gender and employment sector. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a heterogeneous sample of employees (N = 4094) at 19 Norwegian companies. Drinking attitudes were assessed using the Drinking Norms Scale. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) scale was then used to assess any alcohol-related problems. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple logistic regression. Results: Employees with predominantly positive drinking attitudes were almost three times as likely to report alcohol-related problems compared to employees with more negative drinking attitudes (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 2.00–3.76). Gender moderated the association between positive drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 2.10–5.21). The association was stronger in women (OR = 5.21; 95% CI: 3.34–8.15) than in men (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 2.11–4.55). Employment sector did not moderate the association between drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems. Conclusions: Employee attitudes toward alcohol should be monitored to better enable early workplace health promotion interventions targeting alcohol problems. These interventions might need to be gender-specific.
Effects of Virtual Reality versus Exercise on Pain, Functional, Somatosensory and Psychosocial Outcomes in Patients with Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tejera David , Beltran-Alacreu Hector , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Leon Hernández Jose Vicente , Martín-Pintado-Zugasti Aitor , Calvo-Lobo César , Gil-Martínez Alfonso , Fernández-Carnero Josué
Published: August 2020

Background: Virtual reality (VR) applied to patients with neck pain is a promising intervention to produce positive effects when used alone or combined with exercise. Therefore, the objective of this manuscript is to compare the effects of VR versus exercise treatment on pain intensity, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), temporal summation (TS) and functional and somatosensory outcomes in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NS-CNP). Methods: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was carried out. A total sample of 44 patients with NS-CNP was randomized into a VR treatment group or neck exercises group. The intervention consisted of two treatment sessions per week, for four weeks and eight sessions. Four measurement moments (at baseline, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention) were considered. Pain intensity, CPM, TS, functional and somatosensory outcomes were measured. Results: Statistically significant differences were revealed for time factor (F = 16.40, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.28) and group*time interaction for kinesiophobia (F = 3.89, p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.08) showing post-hoc differences in favor of the VR group at 3 months (p < 0.05, d = 0.65). Significant effects were shown for time factor (p < 0.05) but not for the group*time interaction (p > 0.05) for pain intensity, rotation range of motion (ROM), Neck Disability Index, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, left side pressure pain threshold (PPT) and anxiety. Statistically significant differences were not found for time factor (p > 0.05) and neither in group*time interaction (p > 0.05) for CPM, TS, right side PPT, flexo-extension and lateral-flexion ROM. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia was the only outcome that showed differences between VR and exercise at 3 months. Nevertheless, pain intensity, CPM, TS, ROM, neck disability, pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, PPT and anxiety did not show differences between both interventions.
Social Economic Costs, Health-Related Quality of Life and Disability in Patients with Cri Du Chat Syndrome
Authors: Kodra Yllka , Cavazza Marianna , de Santis Marta , Guala Andrea , Liverani Maria-Elena , Armeni Patrizio , Masini Maura , Taruscio Domenica
Published: August 2020

Background: Cri du Chat syndrome (CdC) is a rare disease caused by the deletion on the short arm of the chromosome 5, with an incidence of 1:15,000 to 1:50,000 live-born infants. No study at international level has assessed the costs, Quality of Life (QoL) and Disability through standardized quantitative tools. The aim is to estimate economic costs related to CdC from a societal perspective, to assess the QoL and Disability in patients with CdC along with their caregivers in Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with Cri du Chat in Italy was carried out. A cost of illness approach from a societal perspective was used to estimate cost, and a micro-costing method was adopted. The QoL was measured with EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D) questionnaire and Disability by using World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 36 item (WHODAS 2.0). Results: A total of 76 questionnaires were collected from caregivers taking care of 40 adult patients and 36 minor patients. All patients need a carer and the principal caregiver is commonly informal carer or a family member (93%). The EQ-5D VAS score for patients is 65.5 (SD = 22.4) out of 100; while the most important compromised areas of QoL are usual activities and self-care. The overall WHODAS 2.0 score is 65% (0 = no disability; 100 = full disability). The average annual cost of a patient with Cri du Chat in our population is €87,856.24; the main cost item of patients with Cri du Chat syndrome is informal care (i.e., €76,981.69 yearly) since it constitutes the 87% of total costs. Results highlight the burden of CdC in terms of its impact on QoL and Disability for patients and caregivers in Italy, with a score much lower than that of general population. The disease is associated with considerable costs of informal care. Conclusions: Cri du Chat syndrome was found to be linked with a significant socioeconomic impact which is dominated by direct non-healthcare informal costs.
Graphic Simplification and Intelligent Adjustment Methods of Road Networks for Navigation with Reduced Precision
Authors: Guo Qingsheng , Wang Huihui , He Jie , Zhou Chuanqi , Liu Yang , Xing Bin , Jia Zhijie , Li Meng
Published: August 2020

With the rapid development of high-precision road network maps, low-precision road network maps (basic data unrelated to hardware) will need to be directly produced for traditional navigation software from high-precision maps. To do so, large amounts of vector data representing road networks must be simplified and spatial directional similarity in road networks must be maintained while reducing precision. In this study, an elite strategy genetic algorithm based on the grid model is applied to spatial directional adjustment in road networks for producing road network maps for traditional navigation. Firstly, semantic features and critical vertices are extracted from the road network with high precision. Secondly, some high-precision vertices are eliminated under constraints of the digital navigation map. During this process, the local shape maintenance of the road is considered, and the destruction of the spatial topological relationships is avoided. Thirdly, a genetic algorithm for minimizing the total changes in road azimuths at nodes of road networks is developed to maintain spatial directional relationships while reducing precision. Experimental results and visualization effects on the test data of different cities show that this method is suitable for generating road network maps for traditional navigation software from high-precision ones.
Lipid Metabolism and Cancer Immunotherapy: Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells at the Crossroad
Authors: Bleve Augusto , Durante Barbara , Sica Antonio , Consonni Francesca Maria
Published: August 2020

Cancer progression generates a chronic inflammatory state that dramatically influences hematopoiesis, originating different subsets of immune cells that can exert pro- or anti-tumor roles. Commitment towards one of these opposing phenotypes is driven by inflammatory and metabolic stimuli derived from the tumor-microenvironment (TME). Current immunotherapy protocols are based on the reprogramming of both specific and innate immune responses, in order to boost the intrinsic anti-tumoral activity of both compartments. Growing pre-clinical and clinical evidence highlights the key role of metabolism as a major influence on both immune and clinical responses of cancer patients. Indeed, nutrient competition (i.e., amino acids, glucose, fatty acids) between proliferating cancer cells and immune cells, together with inflammatory mediators, drastically affect the functionality of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as their functional cross-talk. This review discusses new advances on the complex interplay between cancer-related inflammation, myeloid cell differentiation and lipid metabolism, highlighting the therapeutic potential of metabolic interventions as modulators of anticancer immune responses and catalysts of anticancer immunotherapy.