bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Potential for Green Hydrogen Fuelling of Very Heavy Vehicles in New Zealand
Authors: Perez Rapha , Brent Alan , Hinkley James
Published: May 2021

This study examined the feasibility of green hydrogen as a transport fuel for the very heavy vehicle (VHV) fleet in New Zealand. Green hydrogen is assumed to be produced through water electrolysis using purely renewable energy (RE) as an electricity source. This study chose very heavy vehicles as a potential market for green hydrogen, because it is considered “low-hanging fruit” for hydrogen fuel in a sector where battery electrification is less feasible. The study assumed a large-scale, decentralized, embedded (dedicated) grid-connected hydrogen system of production using polymer electrolytic membrane (PEM) electrolysers. The analysis comprised three steps. First, the hydrogen demand was calculated. Second, the additional RE requirement was determined and compared with consented, but unbuilt, capacity. Finally, the hydrogen production cost was calculated using the concept of levelized cost. Sensitivity analysis and cost reduction scenarios were also undertaken. The results indicate an overall green hydrogen demand for VHVs of 71 million kg, or 8.5 PJ, per year, compared to the 14.7 PJ of diesel fuel demand for the same VHV travelled kilometres. The results also indicate that the estimated 9824 GWh of RE electricity that could be generated from consented, yet unbuilt, RE projects is greater than the electricity demand for green hydrogen production, which was calculated to be 4492 GWh. The calculated levelized hydrogen cost is NZD 6.83/kg. Electricity cost was found to be the most significant cost parameter for green hydrogen production. A combined cost reduction for CAPEX and electricity translates to a hydrogen cost reduction in 10 to 20 years.
Use of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Fuel Consumption on the Basis of Technical Parameters of Vehicles
Authors: Ziółkowski Jarosław , Oszczypała Mateusz , Małachowski Jerzy , Szkutnik-Rogoż Joanna
Published: May 2021

This publication presents a multi-faceted analysis of the fuel consumption of motor vehicles and the way human impacts the environment, with a particular emphasis on the passenger cars. The adopted research methodology is based on the use of artificial neural networks in order to create a predictive model on the basis of which fuel consumption of motor vehicles can be determined. A database containing 1750 records, being a set of information on vehicles manufactured in last decade, was used in the process of training the artificial neural networks. The MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron) 22-10-3 network has been selected from the created neural networks, which was further subjected to an analysis. In order to determine if the predicted values match the real values, the linear Pearson correlation coefficient r and coefficient of determination R2 were used. For the MLP 22-10-3 neural network, the calculated coefficient r was within range 0.93–0.95, while the coefficient of determination R2 assumed a satisfactory value of more than 0.98. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the predictive model was performed, determining the influence of each input variable on prediction accuracy. Then, a neural network with a reduced number of neurons in the input layer (MLP-20-10-3) was built, retaining a quantity of the hidden and output neurons and the activation functions of the individual layers. The MLP 20-10-3 neural network uses similar values of the r and R2 coefficients as the MLP 22-10-3 neural network. For the evaluation of both neural networks, the measures of the ex post prediction errors were used. Depending on the predicted variable, the MAPE errors for the validation sets reached satisfactory values in the range of 5–8% for MLP 22-10-3 and 6–10% for MLP 20-10-3 neural network, respectively. The prediction tool described is intended for the design of passenger cars equipped with internal combustion engines.
Novel Single-Phase Grid-Tied NPC Five-Level Converter with an Inherent DC-Link Voltage Balancing Strategy for Power Quality Improvement
Authors: Lara Jorge , Masisi Lesedi , Hernandez Concepcion , Arjona Marco A. , Chandra Ambrish
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a novel single-phase grid-tied neutral-point-clamped (NPC) five-level converter (SPFLC). Unlike the literature on five-level NPC topologies, the proposed one is capable of inherently balancing the voltage of the DC-link split capacitors. For this purpose, a simple Multicarrier Phase Disposition (MPD) Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique is used, thus avoiding both complex modifications to the Space Vector Modulation (SVM) and offset voltage injections into the carrier based (CB) PWM, as commonly done in most conventional balancing algorithms. Bearing in mind that the proposed balancing strategy only requires measuring the capacitors’ voltages and the sign of the converter output current, it has a very low complexity. The developed strategy is not only straightforwardly implemented but is also very effective for obtaining symmetrical and undistorted voltage levels from the proposed multilevel converter, as well as for significantly improving the power quality of the SPFLC output voltage and, in turn, of the grid current. The simulation results obtained with MATLAB-SimPowerSystems as well as the experimental results obtained with the prototype built in the laboratory validate the topology of the proposed NPC five-level converter and the voltage balancing strategy, by showing a good performance under step-changes and exhaustive operating test conditions.
Void Fraction Prediction Method in Gas–Liquid Flow through Channel Packed with Open-Cell Metal Foams
Authors: Płaczek Małgorzata , Dyga Roman
Published: May 2021

This paper reports the results of a study concerned with air–water and air–oil two-phase flow in channels packed with open-cell metal foams. The research was conducted in horizontal channel with an internal diameter of 0.02 m and length of 2.61 m. The analysis applied three metal foams with pore density 20, 30, and 40 PPI and porosity typical for industrial applications, changing in the range of 92–94%. The experimental data were used to develop a new method for predicting void fraction in two-phase gas–liquid flow in channels packed with metal foams. A new gas void fraction calculating method based on drift-flux model was developed. This model gives a correct representation of changes in the gas void fraction value and good prediction accuracy. The average relative error in calculating the air void fraction in two-phase flow is less than 13%, and 86% of experimental points is characterized by an error less than 20%.
A Heater-Assisted Air Source Heat Pump Air Conditioner to Improve Thermal Comfort with Frost-Retarded Heating and Heat-Uninterrupted Defrosting
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Rijing , Xu Wenming , Huang Dong , Qu Zhiguo
Published: May 2021

Frost deposits on the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump (ASHP) air conditioner and reduces its capacity during winter operation. However, the prevailing reverse-cycle defrosting (RCD) turns the indoor heat exchanger into an evaporator and ceases heat supply to the living space. Consequently, the thermal comfort for indoor occupants is deteriorated. This article proposes a heater-assisted ASHP to tackle this problem. With an 800 W electromagnetic heater equipped upstream of the outdoor heat exchanger to provide refrigerant with additional heat, the ASHP retarded frost under original throttling control and compressor speed during the heating cycle (frostless mode), and even removed frost with uninterrupted heat supply to indoor space under little throttling and reduced compressor speed (anti-frost mode). Compared with the original operation of the ASHP when the heater was off (baseline mode), frostless and anti-frost modes extended heating duration by 17.9% and 99.7%, respectively, with comparative time-averaged supply-air temperature. Moreover, COP for baseline and anti-frost modes was similar by average, about 3% higher than for the frostless mode. Further optimizations will be done on the co-adjustment of throttling control and compressor speed to better fulfill the potential of the heater-assisted ASHP.
A New Model for Estimation of Bubble Point Pressure Using a Bayesian Optimized Least Square Gradient Boosting Ensemble
Authors: Alatefi Saad , Almeshal Abdullah M.
Published: May 2021

Accurate estimation of crude oil Bubble Point Pressure (Pb) plays a vital rule in the development cycle of an oil field. Bubble point pressure is required in many petroleum engineering calculations such as reserves estimation, material balance, reservoir simulation, production equipment design, and optimization of well performance. Additionally, bubble point pressure is a key input parameter in most oil property correlations. Thus, an error in a bubble point pressure estimate will definitely propagate additional error in the prediction of other oil properties. Accordingly, many bubble point pressure correlations have been developed in the literature. However, they often lack accuracy, especially when applied for global crude oil data, due to the fact that they are either developed using a limited range of independent variables or developed for a specific geographic location (i.e., specific crude oil composition). This research presents a utilization of the state-of-the-art Bayesian optimized Least Square Gradient Boosting Ensemble (LS-Boost) to predict bubble pointpressure as a function of readily available field data. The proposed model was trained on a global crude oil database which contains (4800) experimentally measured, Pressure–Volume–Temperature (PVT) data sets of a diverse collection of crude oil mixtures from different oil fields in the NorthSea, Africa, Asia, Middle East, and South and North America. Furthermore, an independent (775) PVT data set, which was collected from open literature, was used to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed model to predict the bubble point pressure from data that were not used during the model development process. The accuracy of the proposed model was compared to several published correlations (13 in total for both parametric and non-parametric models) as well as two other machine learning techniques, Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MPL-ANN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The proposed LS-Boost model showed superior performance andremarkably outperformed all bubble point pressure models considered in this study.
Assessed versus Perceived Risks: Innovative Communications in Agri-Food Supply Chains
Authors: Santeramo Fabio G. , Bevilacqua Antonio , Caroprese Mariangela , Speranza Barbara , Ciliberti Maria Giovanna , Tappi Marco , Lamonaca Emilia
Published: May 2021

Food preparations, especially those based on animal products, are often accused of being responsible for the increase in food-borne infections, contributing to increased pressure on healthcare systems. The risk assessment in agri-food supply chains is of utmost importance for the food industry and for policymakers. A wrong perception of risks may alter the functioning of supply chains; thus, efforts should be devoted to communicating risks in an efficient way. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to investigate how consumers perceive different food risks. Our analysis shows that planning effective communication strategies is very much important for efficiently informing consumers on food risks. We also comment on potential innovative ways to better organise the supply chains.
In-Plant Validation of Novel On-Site Ozone Generation Technology (Bio-Safe) Compared to Lactic Acid Beef Carcasses and Trim Using Natural Microbiota and Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 Surrogate Enumeration
Authors: Casas Diego E. , Vargas David A. , Randazzo Emile , Lynn Dan , Echeverry Alejandro , Brashears Mindy M. , Sanchez-Plata Marcos X. , Miller Markus F.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of an aqueous ozone (Bio-Safe) treatment and lactic acid solutions on natural microbiota and E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella surrogates on beef carcasses and trim in a commercial beef processing plant. For every repetition, 40 carcass and 40 trim swabs (500 cm2) were collected. Samples were taken using EZ-ReachTM swabs, and plated into aerobic plate count (APC), coliform, and E. coli PetrifilmTM for enumeration. In addition, a five-strain cocktail (MP-26) of E. coli surrogates was inoculated onto trim. For every trim surrogate repetition, 30 trim pieces were sampled after attachment and after ozone intervention. Samples were diluted and counts were determined using the TEMPO® system for E. coli enumeration. Ozone and lactic acid interventions significantly reduced (p < 0.003) bacterial counts in carcasses and trim samples. Moreover, lactic acid further reduced APC and coliforms in trim samples compared to ozone intervention (p < 0.009). In the surrogate trials, ozone significantly reduced (p < 0.001) surrogate concentration. Historical data from the plant revealed a reduction (p < 0.001) of presumptive E. coli O157:H7 in trim after a full year of ozone intervention implementation. The novel technology for ozone generation and application as an antimicrobial can become an alternative option that may also act synergistically with existing interventions, minimizing the risk of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7.
Nisin-Loaded Ulvan Particles: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Gruskiene Ruta , Kavleiskaja Tatjana , Staneviciene Ramune , Kikionis Stefanos , Ioannou Efstathia , Serviene Elena , Roussis Vassilios , Sereikaite Jolanta
Published: May 2021

Nisin is an attractive alternative to chemical preservatives in the food industry. It is a cationic peptide of 34 amino acid residues that exhibits antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. To ensure nisin stability in food matrices, new nisin-loaded ulvan particles were developed by the complexation method. The interaction of nisin with ulvan was demonstrated by FT-IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The encapsulation efficiency was calculated at different pH values within the range of 4.0–7.0 and was found to have the highest value at pH 7.0. The size and surface charge of particles fabricated at different concentrations of nisin and pH values were determined. Nisin-loaded ulvan particles exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria comparable to that of free nisin. Therefore, the developed complexes have the potential for application as biopreservatives in the food industry. For the first time, the potential of ulvan as a carrier of antimicrobial agent nisin was demonstrated.
Effects of Soil-Foundation-Interaction on the Seismic Response of a Cooling Tower by 3D-FEM Analysis
Authors: Castelli Francesco , Grasso Salvatore , Lentini Valentina , Sammito Maria Stella Vanessa
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on the results of soil-foundation numerical modelling and the seismic response of a cooling tower founded on piles of a petrochemical facility located in the city of Augusta (Sicily, Italy). The city was affected in the past by some destructive earthquakes (1693, 1848, and 1990) that damaged a large territory of Southeastern Sicily, which was characterized by a very high seismic hazard. With this aim, the paper reports the FEM modelling of the seismic behaviour of the coupled soil-structure system. To determine the soil profile and the geotechnical characteristics, laboratory and in situ investigations were carried out in the studied area. The seismic event occurred in January 1693 and has been chosen as a scenario earthquake. Moreover, a parametric study with different input motions has also been carried out. A Mohr-Coulomb model has been adopted for the soil, and structural elements have been simulated by means of an elastic constitutive model. Two different vertical alignments have been analysed, considering both the free-field condition and the soil-structure interaction. The dynamic response has been investigated in terms of accelerations, response spectra, and amplification functions. The results have also been compared with those provided by Italian technical regulations. Finally, the seismic response of the coupled soil-structure system has been further examined in terms of peak bending moments along the pile foundation, emphasizing the possibility of a kinematic interaction on piles induced by the seismic action.
Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors in Older Adults: Amazonia Brazilian Community Study
Authors: de Souza Ingred Merllin Batista , Merini Lilian Regiani , Ramos Luiz Armando Vidal , Pássaro Anice de Campos , França João Italo Dias , Marques Amélia Pasqual
Published: May 2021

To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and associated factors in the older adult Amazonia Brazilian community, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate 700 participants that were ≥60 years old. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed using the Numerical Pain Scale and the Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectively, and their sociodemographic, clinical, and behavior variables were collected, i.e., age, sex, education level, socioeconomic level, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, health perception, and emotional state. The punctual prevalence rates of LBP were 42.4% (95% CI: 38.2–46.6%), and for the last 365 days, these prevalence rates were 93.7% (95% CI: 91.3–95.6%), the mean pain and functional disability scores were 6.17 ± 2.13 and 11.30 ± 6.07, and the moderate-to-severe disability was 39.7%. Pain and functional disability were associated with sex, chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, health perception, and emotional level. In conclusion, the prevalence of LBP was high (for both punctual and the last 365 days), but the variables associated with being female, fewer years of schooling, sedentary behavior, diseases related to diet and the cardiovascular system, and impaired emotional levels had a higher level LBP, even though they considered themselves in good health. These findings can aid with coordinated efforts from government and health professionals to help manage and promote the prevention of LBP by considering the older adult population’s needs in the state of Amazonas.
The Function of Color and Structure Based on EEG Features in Landscape Recognition
Authors: Wang Yuting , Wang Shujian , Xu Ming
Published: May 2021

Both color and structure make important contributions to human visual perception, as well as the evaluation of landscape quality and landscape aesthetics. The EEG equipment liveamp32 was used to record the EEG signals of humans when viewing landscape images, structure images with filtered color, and color images with a filtered structure. The results show that the SVM classifier was the most suitable classifier for landscape classification based on EEG features. The classification accuracy of the landscape picture recognition was up to 98.3% when using beta waves, while the accuracy of the color recognition was 97.5%, and that of the structure recognition was 93.9% when using gamma waves. Secondly, color and structure played a major role in determining the alpha and gamma wave responses, respectively, for all the landscape types, including forest, desert, and water. Furthermore, structure only played a decisive role in forest, while color played a major role in desert and water when using beta waves. Lastly, statistically significant differences between landscape groups and scenario groups with regard to alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms in brain waves were confirmed. The reasonable usage and layout of structure and color will have a very important guiding value for landscape aesthetics in future landscape design and landscape planning.
What Do Children Think of Their Perceived and Ideal Bodies? Understandings of Body Image at Early Ages: A Mixed Study
Authors: León María Pilar , González-Martí Irene , Contreras-Jordán Onofre Ricardo
Published: May 2021

Research into children’s body perceptions and ideals is scarce despite evidence of body dissatisfaction in childhood. This study aimed to understand preschoolers’ body image by employing a mixed design. Using a novel figural scale (Preschoolers’ Body Scale) that comprises four child figures ranging in BMI, 395 children ages 4–6 (54% boys) selected their perceived and ideal body and explained why they picked these bodies. Children tended to underestimate their body size and many of them desired slimmer bodies, especially girls and older participants, although body-size perception improved with age. Most children showed body satisfaction, especially boys and younger children. Ideal body choices were not always explained by beauty ideals but by physical abilities, desire to grow up, mothers’ comments, and nutrition. Many responses reflected limited body awareness, suggesting body image may not yet be fully formed in preschoolers due to their incipient cognitive development.
Reshoring Decisions for Adjusting Supply Chains in a Changing World: A Case Study from the Apparel Industry
Authors: Pourhejazy Pourya , Ashby Alison
Published: May 2021

Global conditions for manufacturing are evolving rapidly and the myopic financial factors that once made overseas locations attractive for offshoring are now in favor of revising it. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for restoring the previously offshored competencies. As a strategic decision, reshoring requires a balance of short- and long-term financial and non-financial considerations. This study extends the reshoring literature by exploring the underpinnings of the decision. For this purpose, the extended fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is used to study the interrelationship among the decision criteria and explore the sequential effect of the prominent criteria on reshoring decisions. Data from the UK apparel industry is used as a baseline to provide insights for other industry situations. Findings are supportive of the supply process complexity as the prominent considerations with the highest potential impact on the financial criterion. Along with supply process complexity, environmental sustainability appears to have had the highest influence on cost-efficiency as the major driver of past offshoring decisions. Overall, the research findings provide insights for deeper analysis of the manufacturing location decisions for a globalized setting.
Preliminary Study of ADHD Biomarkers in Adults with Focus on Serum Iron and Transcranial Sonography of the Substantia Nigra
Authors: Bahn Geon-Ho , Lee Sang-Min , Hong Minha , Lee Seung-Yup
Published: May 2021

As previous studies have reported abnormalities in the iron indices of peripheral blood and hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we aimed to examine the same in adults with ADHD using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCS). In addition, we compared the iron indices and TCS findings before and after methylphenidate (MPH) treatment. A total of 39 participants aged ≥19 years (13 patients and 26 healthy controls) were recruited from Kyung Hee University Hospital between October 2018 and September 2019. All subjects were clinically evaluated based on the ADHD diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, and the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5). Further, the iron indices including serum iron, ferritin, and mean platelet volume were determined. Additionally, TCS focused on the midbrain and echogenicity of the SN was conducted. Follow-up for all items was conducted for five ADHD patients after MPH treatment. Patients with ADHD had significantly lower education levels (number of years) than controls. There were no statistically significant differences in serum iron indices or the echogenic area between ADHD and control groups. Further, there were no significant changes in iron indices or TCS findings after MPH medication. Unlike previous studies, this study showed no differences between patients with ADHD and controls. Therefore, it is important to determine if these null findings were due to different target populations (children vs. adults) or other factors, including ADHD subtypes.
US Nicotine Vaping Product SimSmoke Simulation Model: The Effect of Vaping and Tobacco Control Policies on Smoking Prevalence and Smoking-Attributable Deaths
Authors: Levy David T. , Sánchez-Romero Luz María , Travis Nargiz , Yuan Zhe , Li Yameng , Skolnick Sarah , Jeon Jihyoun , Tam Jamie , Meza Rafael
Published: May 2021

The public health impact of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) is subject to a complex set of uncertain transitions between NVP and cigarette use. Instead, we apply an indirect method to gauge the impact of NVP use on smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable deaths (SADs) using the well-established SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model. Upon validating the model before NVPs were more widely used, we project a No-NVP (i.e., in the absence of NVPs) while controlling for the impact of cigarette-oriented policies. The net impact of NVPs on smoking prevalence is inferred by comparing the projected No-NVP smoking trends to corresponding trends from two US national surveys. Using the TUS-CPS estimates for the period 2012–2018, we estimate that adult smoking prevalence declined in relative terms by 9.7% (95% CI: 7.5–11.7%) for males and 10.7% (95% CI: 9.1–13.0%) for females. Compared to NHIS, smoking prevalence declined by 10.7% (95% CI: 6.8–14.6%) for males and 11.3% (95% CI: 7.4–15.6%) for females. These impacts were confined mainly to ages 18–44. Vaping-related reductions in smoking prevalence were projected to avert nearly 0.4 million SADs between 2012 and 2052. Our analysis indicates that NVP use is associated with substantial reductions in US smoking prevalence among younger adults.
Social Anxiety, Cannabis Use Motives, and Social Context’s Impact on Willingness to Use Cannabis
Authors: Garrison Elise , Gilligan Conor , Ladd Benjamin O. , Anderson Kristen G.
Published: May 2021

Social anxiety is often purported to be a risk factor for increased cannabis use. Cannabis use motives are strong explanatory predictors of cannabis use embedded within social contexts. This investigation explored the impact of social anxiety, cannabis motives, and their interaction on willingness to use cannabis in a community sample of emerging adults. Social anxiety was anticipated to positively correlate with coping and conformity motives and greater willingness to use cannabis in peer social contexts. Motives to use were hypothesized to potentiate social anxiety’s influence on cannabis use decision-making. In total, 124 participants completed an audio simulation of social cannabis use contexts (Can-SIDE) and standard measures of social anxiety (SIAS) and use motives (MMM). Contrary to expectations, social anxiety exerted a protective effect on willingness to use cannabis, but only when conformity, social, and expansion motives were at or below average. These effects varied by social contexts of use. Social anxiety leading to increased cannabis use may be most apparent in clinical samples and in high-risk cannabis users, but this pattern was not supported in this sample of community living emerging adults below clinical cutoffs for cannabis use disorder with relatively high social anxiety.
The Relationship between Motivation and Burnout in Athletes and the Mediating Role of Engagement
Authors: Graña Mar , De Francisco Cristina , Arce Constantino
Published: May 2021

The purpose of our research was to analyze the relationship among motivation, burnout, and engagement in sports. Five hundred athletes of both sexes from multiple sports modalities took part, with a mean age of 17.39 years (SD = 4.60). The instruments applied were as follows: Spanish versions of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ) and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Pearson correlations showed that motivation is negatively related to burnout and positively to engagement, while burnout and engagement are inversely related to each other. Through structural equation modeling, it was shown that engagement has a mediating role between motivation and burnout. Furthermore, there are no gender differences in this relationship, although there are differences between athletes who practice individual sports and those who practice collective sports. Encouraging high levels of self-determined motivation can help to increase athletes’ degree of engagement and protect them against burnout and sport withdrawal.
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Risk Estimates—A Comparison of Different Action Spectra and Detector Responsivities
Authors: Zölzer Friedo , Bauer Stefan
Published: May 2021

Studies assessing the dose–response relationship for human skin cancer induction by solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) apply a range of methods to quantify relevant UVR doses, but information about the comparability of these datasets is scarce. We compared biologically weighted effectivities applying the most relevant UVR action spectra in order to test the ability of certain UVR detectors to mimic these biological effects at different times during the day and year. Our calculations were based on solar spectra measured at Dortmund, Germany (51.5° N) and at Townsville, Australia (19.3° S), or computed for latitudes 20° S and 50° N. Convolutions with the CIE action spectra for erythema and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and with ICNIRP’s weighting function showed comparable solar zenith angle (SZA) dependences with little influence of season or latitude. A different SZA dependence was found with Setlow’s action spectrum for melanoma induction. Calculations for a number of UVR detector responsivities gave widely discrepant absolute irradiances and doses, which were nevertheless related to those calculated with both CIE spectra by correction factors largely independent of the SZA. Commonly used detectors can thus provide quite accurate estimates of NMSC induction by solar UVR, whereas they may be inadequate to mimic melanoma induction.
Evaluation of a Wearable Non-Invasive Thermometer for Monitoring Ear Canal Temperature during Physically Demanding (Outdoor) Work
Authors: Roossien Charlotte Christina , Hodselmans Audy Paul , Heus Ronald , Reneman Michiel Felix , Verkerke Gijsbertus Jacob
Published: May 2021

Aimed at preventing heat strain, health problems, and absenteeism among workers with physically demanding occupations, a continuous, accurate, non-invasive measuring system may help such workers monitor their body (core) temperature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and explore the usability of the wearable non-invasive Cosinuss° °Temp thermometer. Ear canal temperature was monitored in 49 workers in real-life working conditions. After individual correction, the results of the laboratory and field study revealed high correlations compared to ear canal infrared thermometry for hospital use. After performance of the real-life working tasks, this correlation was found to be moderate. It was also observed that the ambient environmental outdoor conditions and personal protective clothing influenced the accuracy and resulted in unrealistic ear canal temperature outliers. It was found that the Cosinuss° °Temp thermometer did not result in significant interference during work. Therefore, it was concluded that, without a correction factor, the Cosinuss° °Temp thermometer is inaccurate. Nevertheless, with a correction factor, the reliability of this wearable ear canal thermometer was confirmed at rest, but not in outdoor working conditions or while wearing a helmet or hearing protection equipment.
Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rate among Romanian Dental Practitioners
Authors: Lucaciu Ondine , Boca Antonia , Mesaros Anca Stefania , Petrescu Nausica , Aghiorghiesei Ovidiu , Mirica Ioana Codruta , Hosu Ioan , Armencea Gabriel , Bran Simion , Dinu Cristian Mihail
Published: May 2021

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dental treatments, the present research aimed to assess the infection rate among dental practitioners from Romania and to analyze the economic impact of Covid-19 on dental offices. We designed a web-based survey distributed to dental practitioners from Romania. The survey included questions that assessed demographic data from the dentists who completed the questionnaire, along with economic aspects and epidemiological aspects related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practitioners. Five hundred and seven dentists completed the survey. Three-quarters of the assessed dental offices reported a decrease in the income and patient volume compared to 2019. More than half of the patients visiting the dental office paid more attention to the risk of infection and to prevention methods. Most dental offices implemented specific protective equipment for doctors. Three thousand seven hundred thirty-five dental practitioners were working in the 507 assessed dental offices, and among them, 238 COVID-19 cases of contamination were recorded. High contamination rates were registered in October (48, 20.1%), November (66, 27.7%), and December 2020 (52, 21.85%). Contamination mostly took place at home (114 cases, 47.8%) or resulted from event attendance. This study underlines an overall greater level of safety and an increased patient addressability in dental offices.
A Model of the Effects of Parental Illness on Youth Adjustment and Family Functioning: The Moderating Effects of Psychological Flexibility on Youth Caregiving and Stress
Authors: Landi Giulia , Pakenham Kenneth Ian , Benassi Mariagrazia , Giovagnoli Sara , Tossani Eliana , Grandi Silvana
Published: May 2021

Parental chronic illness may adversely impact youth and family functioning. This study examined a moderated mediation model of the effects of parental illness on youth and family functioning derived from the Family Ecology Framework. Consistent with this model, we predicted that youth caregiving and stress would serially mediate the adverse impacts of parental illness on youth adjustment and family functioning and that psychological flexibility would moderate these mediational mechanisms. A total of 387 youth, with parents affected by chronic illness, completed a questionnaire assessing parental illness severity, youth caregiving and stress, psychological flexibility, youth adjustment (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems and psychological wellbeing), and family functioning. Path analyses indicated that the adverse effects of parental illness on youth adjustment and family functioning were serially mediated by youth caregiving and stress. Psychological flexibility buffered the adverse effects of these serial mediators on youth internalizing problems and psychological wellbeing. These findings identified three potential intervention targets: youth caregiving, related stress appraisals, and psychological flexibility. Given the large body of evidence showing that acceptance and commitment therapy fosters psychological flexibility, this intervention approach has the potential to address the psychosocial and mental health vulnerabilities of youth in the context of parental illness, which constitutes a serious public health issue.
Interactions with Home and Health Environments Discourage Physical Activity: Reports from Children with Complex Congenital Heart Disease and Their Parents
Authors: Longmuir Patricia E. , Corey Mary , McCrindle Brian W.
Published: May 2021

Children with complex congenital heart disease are less active than recommended for optimal health, with social and physical environments important determinants. The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity perceptions of children with complex congenital heart disease and their parents to identify social and physical environment intervention targets. A semi-structured discussion guide elicited physical activity perceptions from children (26 boys, 19 girls, 6.0–12.4 years) with complex congenital heart disease (single ventricle n = 42) and their parents during three child and three parent focus groups and 41 interviews. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for inductive thematic analysis. Children and parents identified home, peer and health environments as impacting on their children’s physical activity participation. Peer environments, such as school or daycare, were supportive by providing physical activity facilities and enabling fun with peers and time outdoors. At home, parent and sibling interactions both encouraged and discouraged physical activity. The children’s unique health environment fostered physical activity uncertainty, discouraging activity despite minimal or no physician recommendations to restrict physical activity. Children with complex congenital heart disease and their parents recognize the importance of physical activity and fun with friends. Physical activity uncertainty contributes to their inactive lifestyles despite minimal restrictions from health professionals. Positive clinical encouragement and health environment interventions that better support physical activity are required.
Analysis of Game Performance Indicators during 2015–2019 World Padel Tour Seasons and Their Influence on Match Outcome
Authors: Escudero-Tena Adrián , Sánchez-Alcaraz Bernardino Javier , García-Rubio Javier , Ibáñez Sergio J.
Published: May 2021

A better understanding of the demands of in-game competition demands may improve coaching strategies, training designs, and injury prevention programs. However, there is limited information regarding performance analysis in professional padel. This study aimed to analyse performance indicators and their influence on match outcomes regarding sex, tournament round, and set number. The sample contained 1070 sets from 532 matches of the 2016 to 2019 World Padel Tour seasons. Variables including sex, round, game result, stroke effectiveness, and break points were registered through systematic observation. A non-parametric approach was applied to evaluate differences between sex, match outcome, and tournament round. The results showed significant differences between winners and losers regarding sex in break points (male d = 2.13, p = 0.00; female d = 2.22, p = 0.00), smash winners (male d = 0.85, p = 0.00; female d = 0.69, p = 0.00), groundstroke winners (male d = 1.01, p = 0.00; female d = 1.18, p = 0.00), volley winners (male d = 1.08, p = 0.00; female d = 0.91, p = 0.00), and errors (male d = 0.76, p = 0.00; female d = 0.65, p = 0.00). Furthermore, differences in shot effectiveness between winners and errors increased in the last set of the match and in the last round of the tournament (p < 0.05). Therefore, shot effectiveness seems to be a key factor in professional padel that distinguishes between winning and losing players. Such knowledge may have implications in the design of appropriate game strategies and specific training sessions to improve performance and to prevent sport injuries.
Preparation of Supported Perovskite Catalyst to Purify Membrane Concentrate of Coal Chemical Wastewater in UV-Catalytic Wet Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation System
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Liu Zhenxue , Chen Pei , Zhou Guangzhen , Liu Zhiying , Xu Yanhua
Published: May 2021

The effective treatment of membrane concentrate is a major technical challenge faced by the new coal chemical industry. In this study, a supported perovskite catalyst LaCoO3/X was prepared by a sol–impregnation two-step method. The feasibility of the supported perovskite catalyst LaCoO3/X in the UV-catalytic wet hydrogen peroxide oxidation (UV-CWPO) system for the purification of concentrated liquid of coal chemical wastewater was investigated. The effects of catalyst support, calcination temperature, calcination time, and re-use time on catalytic performance were investigated by batch experiments. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental results showed that the supported perovskite catalyst LaCoO3/CeO2 prepared using CeO2 as support, calcination temperature of 800 °C, and calcination time of 8 h had the best catalytic effect. The catalytic performance of the catalyst remained excellent after seven cycles. The best prepared catalyst was used in UV-CWPO of coal chemical wastewater membrane concentrate. The effects of H2O2 dosage, reaction temperature, reaction pressure, and catalyst dosage on UV-CWPO were determined. Under the conditions of H2O2 dosage of 40 mM, reaction temperature of 120 °C, reaction pressure of 0.5 MPa, catalyst dosage of 1 g/L, pH of 3, and reaction time of 60 min, the removal efficiencies of COD, TOC, and UV254 were 89.7%, 84.6%, and 98.1%, respectively. Under the optimal operating conditions, the oxidized effluent changed from high toxicity to non-toxicity, the BOD5/COD increased from 0.02 to 0.412, and the biodegradability of the oxidized effluent was greatly improved. The catalyst has a simple synthesis procedure, excellent catalytic performance, and great potential in the practical application of coal chemical wastewater treatment.
Treatment of Cardiac Rhabdomyomas with mTOR Inhibitors in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex—A Systematic Review
Authors: Sugalska Monika , Tomik Anna , Jóźwiak Sergiusz , Werner Bożena
Published: May 2021

Background: Cardiac rhabdomyomas (CRs) are the earliest sign of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Most of them spontaneously regress after birth. However, multiple and/or large tumors may result in heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, the attempts to treat CRs with mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) have been undertaken. We reviewed the current data regarding the effectiveness and safety of mTORi in the treatment of CRs in children with TSC. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrial.gov databases were searched for original, full-text articles reporting the use of mTORi (everolimus or sirolimus) in the treatment of CRs in children with TSC. Results: Thirty articles describing 41 patients were identified (mostly case reports, no randomized or large cohort studies). Thirty-three children (80.5%) had symptomatic CRs and mTORi therapy resulted in clinical improvement in 30 of them (90.9%). CRs size reduction was reported in 95.1%. Some CRs regrew after mTORi withdrawal but usually without clinical symptoms recurrence. The observed side effects were mostly mild. Conclusions: mTORi may be considered as a temporary and safe treatment for symptomatic CRs in children with TSC, especially in high-risk or inoperable tumors. However, high-quality, randomized trials are still lacking.
A Review of Processes for Removing Antibiotics from Breeding Wastewater
Authors: Huang Airu , Yan Muting , Lin Jingjun , Xu Lijie , Gong He , Gong Han
Published: May 2021

Antibiotic pollution has become an increasingly serious issue due to the extensive application of antibiotics, their resistance to removal, and the harmful effects on aquatic environments and humans. Breeding wastewater is one of the most important sources of antibiotics in the aquatic environment because of the undeveloped treatment systems in breeding farms. It is imperative to establish an effective antibiotic removal process for breeding wastewater. This paper reviews the treatment methods used to remove antibiotics from breeding wastewater. The mechanisms and removal efficiency of constructed wetlands, biological treatments, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), membrane technology, and combined treatments are explained in detail, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment methods are compared and analyzed. Constructed wetlands have high removal rates for sulfonamide (SM), tetracycline (TC), and quinolone (QN). The antibiotic removal efficiency of biological treatment methods is affected by various processes and environmental factors, whereas AOPs and combined treatment methods have better antibiotic removal effects. Although it has broad application prospects, the application of membrane technology for the treatment of antibiotics in breeding wastewater needs further research.
Impacts of High Environmental Temperatures on Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haghighi Marjan , Wright Caradee , Ayer Julian , Urban Michael , Pham Minh , Boeckmann Melanie , Areal Ashtyn , Wernecke Bianca , Swift Callum , Robinson Matthew , Hetem Robyn , Chersich Matthew ,   Climate Change and Heat-Health Study Group
Published: May 2021

Links between heat exposure and congenital anomalies have not been explored in detail despite animal data and other strands of evidence that indicate such links are likely. We reviewed articles on heat and congenital anomalies from PubMed and Web of Science, screening 14,880 titles and abstracts in duplicate for articles on environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and congenital anomalies. Thirteen studies were included. Most studies were in North America (8) or the Middle East (3). Methodological diversity was considerable, including in temperature measurement, gestational windows of exposure, and range of defects studied. Associations were detected between heat exposure and congenital cardiac anomalies in three of six studies, with point estimates highest for atrial septal defects. Two studies with null findings used self-reported temperature exposures. Hypospadias, congenital cataracts, renal agenesis/hypoplasia, spina bifida, and craniofacial defects were also linked with heat exposure. Effects generally increased with duration and intensity of heat exposure. However, some neural tube defects, gastroschisis, anopthalmia/microphthalmia and congenital hypothyroidism were less frequent at higher temperatures. While findings are heterogenous, the evidence raises important concerns about heat exposure and birth defects. Some heterogeneity may be explained by biases in reproductive epidemiology. Pooled analyses of heat impacts using registers of congenital anomalies are a high priority.
Effects of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Vitamin D Supplementation on Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yajia , Cao Ziqin , Guo Jia , Li Qiangxiang , Su Juan
Published: May 2021

(1) Backgrounds: Several studies have shown that the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) could affect urticaria. The association of Vitamin D (VitD) with urticaria has not been well established. (2) Methods: The up-to-date meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the new findings. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database. We included the observational studies with the comparisons of 25(OH)D between urticarial populations and controls and clinical studies with the clinical severity of urticaria records. (3) Results: A meta-analysis of seventeen studies of urticaria group vs. controls revealed a mean difference of −9.35 ng/mL (95% CI −12.27 to −6.44). There was also an association of urticaria with VitD deficiency. In the subgroup analysis of age and disease type, significant effects of 25(OH)D were found among adult and chronic urticarial populations. Six VitD supplementation trials showed a significant reduction in clinical urticarial score on intervention with VitD with the standard mean difference of −3.63 and −1.54 among randomized control studies and repeated measure trials, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The urticarial population, especially the adult chronic urticarial patients, may be associated with a high risk for lower serum 25(OH)D. VitD supplementations could result in a reduction of urticarial clinical symptoms.