bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Tuned Inductors in Electric Power Systems
Authors: Gwóźdź Michał
Published: November 2022

This work focuses on the possibility of using a tuned inductor in electric power systems with adaptive features. The presented idea of inductor operation, using an interaction of the magnetic fluxes, is a new approach to designing such devices. Examples of power adaptive systems are devices for improving the quality of electricity. Therefore, various types of ‘compensators’ of reactive power (or both reactive and distortion power) are used in electrical systems as a preventive measure. The tuned inductor, presented in this work, offers wider possibilities for power compensation in electric systems, compared to the classic solutions of compensators based on fixed inductors. Another possible implementation of such an inductor solution is in static power electronic devices, installed in AC transmission grids to increase power transfer capability, stability, and controllability, through a series and/or shunt compensation. Nevertheless, the use of the proposed device in the aforementioned electric systems is only one example of the possible implementations in the power electronics area. In this work, the following issues are presented: exemplary solutions of compensators with the adaptive features, rules of the tuned inductor operation, test results of the 3D field model of the inductor, and test results of the laboratory model of the electric system with this device.
New Symptoms in Castanea sativa Stands in Italy: Chestnut Mosaic Virus and Nutrient Deficiency
Authors: Murolo Sergio , Bertoldi Daniela , Pedrazzoli Federico , Mancini Manuela , Romanazzi Gianfranco , Maresi Giorgio
Published: November 2022

The European chestnut characterizes both the landscape and economy of mountainous Italian areas. In recent years, new canopy disorders have been reported: “chestnut yellows”, often ascribed to phytoplasma and/or nutrient deficiency, and “chestnut mosaic”, associated with a virus (ChMV). Therefore, research was carried out in four Italian regions to describe the two symptomatic frames and assess their etiology. Surveys were conducted on 101 chestnut trees (23 with mosaic, 38 with yellowing, and 40 without symptoms). The phytosanitary status was monitored, and the new canopy disorders were detected, distinguishing between yellowing and mosaic. Moreover, leaf samples were collected for molecular and nutrient analyses. No phytoplasma infection was recorded, while ChMV was detected in 91.3% of samples with mosaic symptoms, 31.6% of yellowing samples, and 30.0% of asymptomatic samples. Yellowing was associated with Mn deficiency. On the other hand, ChMV-infected and healthy leaves had similar mineral contents, showing that mosaic symptoms are induced by the virus. Both disorders negatively affected photosynthesis efficiency. These phytosanitary problems are present in Italian chestnut woods and cause local effects, and a relationship with other biotic and abiotic factors can be hypothesized. Considering the increase in new records, these symptoms represent an emerging issue whose impact and spread need to be further monitored.
Crack Detection Method for Engineered Bamboo Based on Super-Resolution Reconstruction and Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Liu Ying , Liu Zheng , Zhuang Zilong , Wang Xu , Gou Binli
Published: November 2022

Engineering bamboo is a type of cheap and good-quality, easy-to-process material, which is widely used in construction engineering, bridge engineering, water conservancy engineering and other fields; however, crack defects lead to reduced reliability of the engineered bamboo. Accurate identification of the crack tip position and crack propagation length can improve the reliability of the engineered bamboo. Digital image correlation technology and high-quality images have been used to measure the crack tip damage zone of engineered bamboo, but the improvement of image quality with more-advanced optical equipment is limited. In this paper, we studied an application based on deep learning providing a super-resolution reconstruction method in the field of engineered bamboo DIC technology. The attention-dense residual and generative adversarial network (ADRAGAN) model was trained using a comprehensive loss function, where network interpolation was used to balance the network parameters to suppress artifacts. Compared with the super resolution generative adversarial network (SRGAN),super resolution ResNet (SRResNet), and bicubic B-spline interpolation, the superiority of the ADRAGAN network in super-resolution reconstruction of engineered bamboo speckle images was verified through assessment of both objective evaluation indices (PSNR and SSIM) and a subjective evaluation index (MOS). Finally, the images generated by each algorithm were imported into the DIC analysis software, and the crack propagation length was calculated and compared. The obtained results indicate that the proposed ADRAGAN method can reconstruct engineered bamboo speckle images with high quality, obtaining a crack detection accuracy of 99.65%.
Ecological Potential of Mediterranean Habitats for Black Pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) in Croatia
Authors: Barčić Damir , Hršak Vladimir , Rosavec Roman , Ančić Mario
Published: November 2022

This study outlines research performed on experimental plots established in forest plantations and in natural black pine forests. The objective of the study was to determine the habitat factors that have the greatest impact on the growth and development of natural black pine forests and black pine forests plantations upon the return of climatozonal vegetation. Plots 625 m2 in size were selected and vegetation inventories made, and the structural elements of black pine plantations examined. Multivariate analysis found that elevation and slope were the two variables that had the highest positive correlation with the floristic composition of the vegetation. Furthermore, one of the goals was to determine the differences with regard to reforestation with black pine. The analysis of the isolated experimental plots showed a clear grouping of plots according to habitat factors. The differences in the synecological factors in the research area resulted in the presence of sub-Mediterranean, epi-Mediterranean and eu-Mediterranean elements within the black pine forest plantations. This also reduces the risk of the occurrence and development of large wildfires.
Rumen Fermentation Profile and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation of Three Forage Species from Agroforestry Systems in Dry and Rainy Seasons
Authors: Meza-Bone Gary , Meza-Bone Carlos , Avellaneda-Cevallos Juan , Cabezas-Congo Ronald , Villamar-Torres Ronald , Cabanilla-Campos María , Vivas-Arturo Walter , Intriago-Flor Frank , Meza-Bone Fabricio , Zapatier-Santillan Aurelio , Bastidas-Espinoza Ricardo , Solís-Barros Tito , Muñoz-Arboleda Luz , Garcia-Cox Walter , Barros-Rodríguez Marcos
Published: November 2022

The variability of climatic conditions throughout the year and the physiological maturity of plant material can have effects on the nutritional value of plants and the productive performance of animals. The aim was to determine the effect of three tropical forage species (Tithonia diversifolia, Erythrina poeppigiana and Cratylia argentea) harvested at four cutting ages (30, 45, 60 and 75 days), during the dry and rainy seasons on in vitro gas production, rumen pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and CH4 production. A completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (three forage species, four cutting ages and two seasons) was used. Four Brahman bulls of 250.0 ± 20.5 kg of live weight were used, provided with a ruminal cannula for the extraction of ruminal fluid. The animals were kept separately in individual pens, where they were fed with P. maximum and water was provided ad libitum. Gas production among forage species was lower (p = 0.0001) in T. diversifolia and E. poeppigiana in the dry season. The cutting age had an influence on gas production, showing lower production (p = 0.0164) at 30 and 45 days in the dry season. The VFA production showed differences for the effect between forages in the rainy season, with higher values (p < 0.05) for acetic, propionic and butyric acid in the species E. poeppigiana, C. argéntea and T. diversifolia respectively. CH4 production showed differences between forage species, showing the lowest (p = 0.0001) production of CH4 in T. diversifolia for the dry and rainy seasons. It is concluded that the use of shrubby species (T. diversifolia, E. poeppigiana and C. argéntea) in ruminant production systems in the rainy and dry seasons, with an early regrowth age (30 and 45 days), present a promising alternative on the reduction of CH4.
Functional Properties of an Oat-Based Postbiotic Aimed at a Potential Cosmetic Formulation
Authors: Lentini Giulia , Nigro Federica , Colucci Cante Rosa , Passannanti Francesca , Gallo Marianna , Budelli Andrea Luigi , Nigro Roberto
Published: November 2022

The concept of postbiotic has been attracting the attention of the scientific community and several industrial realities to develop new claims and new market segments for functional fermented products. The aim of this work was to develop a process to produce an oat-based postbiotic ingredient to be used in personal care cosmetic formulations. A hydrolyzed oatmeal suspension was fermented using Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CBA L74 as starter culture, at 37 °C for 48 h by controlling the pH; then the bacterial charge was inactivated by a mild thermal treatment at 80 °C for 30 s, obtaining a postbiotic. The effect of different process steps, hydrolysis, sterilization, fermentation, and inactivation phases, on lactic acid concentration, total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition activity and Sun Protection Factor value was investigated, demonstrating the potential cosmetic applications. The maximum bacterial growth and lactic acid production were achieved after 24 h of process, with a cell density and a lactic acid concentration of 3.05 × 109 CFU/mL and 8.60 g/L, respectively. The total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity reached their maximum values (2.5 mgGAE/mL, EC50 = 2.2 mg/mL and 1.38 × 10−2 mmol Fe2+/g and 7.3 × 10−3 mmol TE/g, respectively) after the sterilization treatment; the maximum tyrosinase inhibition of 50.6%, corresponding to a sample concentration of 16 mg/mL, was found after 24 h of fermentation process. Fermentation did not show an impact on UV shielding ability and the SPF value decreased during the process.
The Role of Users’ Demographic and Social Attributes for Accepting Biometric Systems: A Greek Case Study
Authors: Kitsiou Angeliki , Despotidi Charikleia , Kalloniatis Christos , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: November 2022

Even though both internet-of-cloud services and biometric systems (BSs) are used worldwide, popular and expanded among public and private services, their utilization has not been extended among Greek users, and in particular within Greek HEIs. This paper aims to examine the University of the Aegean (UA) students’ perceptions, especially on BS acceptance, determining the impact of their sociodemographic characteristics toward this. An online instrument was developed based on constructs of technology acceptance models, and previous research focused on BS acceptance, including a great variety of sociodemographic variables. The authors collected 768 complete responses to explore the social and demographic attributes that impact on students’ BS acceptance through exploratory descriptive research. This study found that several UA students’ sociodemographic attributes are linked to their BS acceptance. Specifically, gender, age, study level, year of study, professional profile and fathers’ occupation are useful to determine which students’ groups are in favor of BS, while employment status, annual income and mothers’ occupation are weak toward this. Security and privacy concerns are indicated to influence users’ BS acceptance as well. This study provides a unique approach to better understanding the Greek students’ BS acceptance, with important implications for improved BS marketing in Greece in synergy with the internet-of-cloud services and their potential adoption in HEIs internal settings. It also provides developers with further knowledge for security and privacy non-functional requirements in order to increase users’ acceptance and to address these challenges within the internet of cloud.
Metabolomics-Based Analysis of the Major Taste Contributors of Meat by Comparing Differences in Muscle Tissue between Chickens and Common Livestock Species
Authors: Wang Yanke , Liu Xiaojing , Wang Yongli , Zhao Guiping , Wen Jie , Cui Huanxian
Published: November 2022

The taste of meat is the result of complex chemical reactions. In this study, non-target metabolomics was used to resolve the taste differences in muscle tissue of four major livestock species (chicken, duck, pork, and beef). The electronic tongue was then combined to identify the major taste contributors to meat. The results showed that the metabolism of chicken meat differed from that of duck, pork, and beef. The multivariate statistical analysis showed that the five important metabolites responsible for the differences were all related to taste, including creatinine, hypoxanthine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-glutamic acid, and L-aspartic acid. These five key taste contributors acted mainly through the amino acid metabolic pathways. In combination with electronic tongue (e-tongue) analysis, inosine monophosphate was the main contributor of umami. L-Glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid might be important contributors to the umami richness. Creatinine and hypoxanthine contributed more to the bitter aftertaste of meat.
Impact of Inoculating with Indigenous Bacillus marcorestinctum YC-1 on Quality and Microbial Communities of Yibin Yacai (Fermented Mustard) during the Fermentation Process
Authors: Zhong Yixin , Zou Yuke , Zheng Zimeng , Chen Qian , Xu Wei , Wu Yanping , Gao Jia , Zhong Kai , Gao Hong
Published: November 2022

Bacillus species play an important role in improving the quality of some fermented foods and are also one of the dominant bacteria in Yibin Yacai (fermented mustard). However, little is known about their effects on the quality of Yibin Yacai. Here, the effect of Bacillus marcorestinctum YC-1 on the quality and microbial communities of Yibin Yacai during the fermentation process was investigated. Results indicated that the inoculation of Bacillus marcorestinctum YC-1 promoted the growth of Weissella spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and inhibited the growth of pathogens, accelerating the synthesis of free amino acids and organic acids and the degradation of nitrite. Furthermore, inoculating Yibin Yacai with YC-1 could effectively enhance the synthesis of alcohols and terpenoids in yeasts, thus producing more linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-muurolen in Yibin Yacai, and endowing it with pleasant floral, fruity, woody, and spicy aromas. These findings reveal that the inoculation of B. marcorestinctum YC-1 can improve the quality and safety of Yibin Yacai by changing microbial communities as fermentation proceeds.
Overcoming Anxiety Disorder by Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZU-J-TSL6 through Regulating Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Liu Guanlan , Khan Israr , Li Yuxi , Yang Yun , Lu Xuerui , Wang Yafei , Li Junxiang , Zhang Chunjiang
Published: November 2022

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZU-J-TSL6 with high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production (3.838 g/L) was screened and isolated from the Chinese fermented food snack “Jiangshui”. The improvement effect on anxiety disorder was explored using mice as animal models. In vitro results revealed that LZU-J-TSL6 had the potential to colonize the intestine (p < 0.01) and the anxiety-like behavior of the mice after seven days’ gavage with LZU-J-TSL6 was significantly improved (p < 0.01) when compared to the model group. LZU-J-TSL6 was able to effectively increase the GABA content in the mice hippocampus (p < 0.0001) and restore some markers related to anxiety such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Simultaneously, it had a certain repair effect on Nissl bodies and colon tissue in mice hippocampus. In addition, LZU-J-TSL6 increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Bacteroides and Muribaculum, thereby regulating the imbalance of intestinal microbiota caused by anxiety disorder. It also affects the nerve pathway and intestinal mucosal barrier by increasing the content of glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid and other related metabolites, thereby improving anxiety. Therefore, the GABA-producing Lactobacillus plantus LZU-J-TSL6 can be used as a probiotic to exert an indirect or direct anti-anxiety effect by maintaining the balance of the intestinal environment, producing related metabolites that affect nerve pathways and repair the intestinal mucosal barrier. It can be used as an adjuvant treatment to improve anxiety disorders.
Deciding on a Continuum of Equivalent Alternatives Engaging Uncertainty through Behavior Patterning
Authors: Rathnayake Kusal , Lebedev Alexander , Volchenkov Dimitri
Published: November 2022

A psychology experiment examining decision-making on a continuum of subjectively equivalent alternatives (directions) revealed that subjects follow a common pattern, giving preference to just a few directions over all others. When restricted experimental settings made the common pattern unfeasible, subjects demonstrated no common choice preferences. In the latter case, the observed distribution of choices made by a group of subjects was close to normal. We conclude that the abundance of subjectively equivalent alternatives may reduce the individual variability of choices, and vice versa. Choice overload paradoxically results in behavior patterning and eventually facilitates decision predictability, while restricting the range of available options fosters individual variability of choice, reflected in almost random behavior across the group.
Clinical and Safety Evaluation of Liv.52 in Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Review
Authors: Ganesh Subramanian , Joshi Neeraj , Jain Mukesh Kumar , Sharma Lokendra , Desai Anish , Rafiq Mohamed , Babu Uddagiri Venkanna , Kumawat Rajesh
Published: November 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been a growing concern in developed and developing nations. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are the most common cause of the development and progression of ALD. Due to paucity in the number and efficacy of hepatoprotective drugs currently available, and with the easy availability of natural therapy and herbal medicines, ALD is managed using a combination of pharmaceutical interventions and herbal medications. However, the effectiveness of these hepatoprotectives is controversial. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that Liv.52 modulates the lipotropic activity of hepatocytes, reduces inflammation, enhances alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism, and protects the hepatic parenchyma by restoring the antioxidant levels of hepatocytes. Clinical studies further support that there is improvement in the subjective symptoms of patients as well as improvements in liver function test parameters. Studies suggest that Liv.52 is well tolerated and has no reported side effects.
Bioinformatics Analysis of WRKY Family Genes in Erianthus fulvus Ness
Authors: Chen Haowen , Li Xuzhen , Li Fusheng , Li Dengyu , Dong Yang , Fan Yuanhong
Published: November 2022

One of the most prominent transcription factors in higher plants, the WRKY gene family, is crucial for secondary metabolism, phytohormone signaling, plant defense responses, and plant responses to abiotic stresses. It can control the expression of a wide range of target genes by coordinating with other DNA-binding or non-DNA-binding interacting proteins. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the EfWRKY genes and initially identified 89 members of the EfWRKY transcription factor family. Using some members of the OsWRKY transcription factor family, an evolutionary tree was built using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method to classify the 89 members of the EfWRKY transcription factor family into three major taxa and one unclassified group. Molecular weights ranged from 22,614.82 to 303,622.06 Da; hydrophilicity ranged from (−0.983)–(0.159); instability coefficients ranged from 40.97–81.30; lipid coefficients ranged from 38.54–91.89; amino acid numbers ranged from 213–2738 bp; isoelectric points ranged from 4.85–10.06. A signal peptide was present in EfWRKY41 but not in the other proteins, and EfWRK85 was subcellularly localized to the cell membrane. Chromosome localization revealed that the WRKY gene was present on each chromosome, proving that the conserved pattern WRKYGQK is the family’s central conserved motif. Conserved motif analysis showed that practically all members have this motif. Analysis of the cis-acting elements indicated that, in addition to the fundamental TATA-box, CAAT-box, and light-responsive features (GT1-box), there are response elements implicated in numerous hormones, growth regulation, secondary metabolism, and abiotic stressors. These results inform further studies on the function of EfWRKY genes and will lead to the improvement of sugarcane.
Excavation of Molecular Subtypes of Endometrial Cancer Based on DNA Methylation
Authors: Liu Yujie , Gu Yue , Zhang Mengyan , Zeng Jiaqi , Wang Yangyang , Wang Hongli , Liu Xueting , Liu Sijia , Wang Zhao , Wang Yuan , Wang Le , Zhang Yunyan
Published: November 2022

Tumor heterogeneity makes the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer difficult. As an important modulator of gene expression, DNA methylation can affect tumor heterogeneity and, therefore, provide effective information for clinical treatment. In this study, we explored specific prognostic clusters based on 482 examples of endometrial cancer methylation data in the TCGA database. By analyzing 4870 CpG clusters, we distinguished three clusters with different prognostics. Differences in DNA methylation levels are associated with differences in age, grade, clinical pathological staging, and prognosis. Subsequently, we screened out 264 specific hypermethylation and hypomethylation sites and constructed a prognostic model for Bayesian network classification, which corresponded to the classification of the test set to the classification results of the train set. Since the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in determining immunotherapy responses, we conducted relevant analyses based on clusters separated from DNA methylation data to determine the immune function of each cluster. We also predicted their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Specific classifications of DNA methylation may help to address the heterogeneity of previously existing molecular clusters of endometrial cancer, as well as to develop more effective, individualized treatments.
Denmark’s Depth Model: Compilation of Bathymetric Data within the Danish Waters
Authors: Masetti Giuseppe , Andersen Ove , Andreasen Nicki R. , Christiansen Philip S. , Cole Marcus A. , Harris James P. , Langdahl Kasper , Schwenger Lasse M. , Sonne Ian B.
Published: November 2022

Denmark’s Depth Model (DDM) is a Digital Bathymetric Model based on hundreds of bathymetric survey datasets and historical sources within the Danish Exclusive Economic Zone. The DDM represents the first publicly released model covering the Danish waters with a grid resolution of 50 m. When modern datasets are not available for a given area, historical sources are used, or, as the last resort, interpolation is applied. The model is generated by averaging depths values from validated sources, thus, not targeted for safety of navigation. The model is available by download from the Danish Geodata Agency website. DDM is also made available by means of Open Geospatial Consortium web services (i.e., Web Map Service). The original datasets—not distributed with the model—are described in the auxiliary layers to provide information about the bathymetric sources used during the compilation.
The Victoria and Albert Museum Plaster Casts by the Nineteenth-Century Workshops of the Notre-Dame Cathedral: Scientific Analysis and Conservation
Authors: Risdonne Valentina , Francescutto Miró Adriana , Morio Sayuri , Theodorakopoulos Charis
Published: November 2022

Four nineteenth-century casts of the decoration on the north side of the exterior of the apse of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are held in the plaster casts collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The casts were manufactured by two different nineteenth-century workshops, one run by Jean Pouzadoux and the other by Auguste Malzieux. After an assessment of the condition of the casts, a scientific analysis allowed the characterization of the manufacturing materials and subsequent conservation treatments aimed at ensuring the stability of the casts and removing dirt and grime from the casts’ surfaces. Optical microscopy of the samples taken from the casts allowed the stratigraphy to be studied, which largely consisted of gypsum plaster and a coating layer (oxidized diterpenic resin or shellac) containing silicon and aluminium partially diffused in the porous substrate. These materials were identified by a range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The conservation works returned stability to the panels for redisplay in the galleries and achieved a closer comparative study between the two workshops. The two sets of panels showed numerous differences in manufacturing processes that corresponded to their observed deterioration.
Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Mycocentrospora acerina (Hart.) Causing Round Leaf Spot Disease in Sanqi (Panax notoginseng)
Authors: Lan Chengzhong , Gan Lin , Dai Yuli , Liu Xiaofei , Yang Xiujuan
Published: November 2022

Round leaf spot, caused by Mycocentrospora acerina, is one of the most destructive diseases in Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) plantations in China. Accurate and timely detection of M. acerina is critical for developing effective integrated disease management strategies. Therefore, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of M. acerina with primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). The LAMP reaction products were visually assessed using SYBR Green I and agarose gel electrophoresis. The ideal reaction temperature and time of LAMP assay were optimized to 64.5 °C and 45 min, respectively. The specificity of the developed LAMP assay was validated using 78 isolates belonging to 26 species, including M. acerina, Mycocentrospora species, and other plant pathogens. The LAMP assay was highly specific for M. acerina. Positive reactions were obtained only with the genomic DNA of M. acerina, and no cross-reaction was obtained with DNA extracted from other species. The detection limit of the LAMP assay for M. acerina was 10 fg genomic DNA per 25-μL reaction mixture. The LAMP assay successfully detected M. acerina in both symptomatic and latently infected leaf samples. The results indicate that the LAMP assay has the potential to be an efficient, highly specific, and sensitive method for diagnosing P. notoginseng round leaf spot disease caused by M. acerina in both the symptomatic and latent stages in the field and might be useful for disease management.
State of the Art and Elucidation of Postharvest LED Lighting on the Metabolism of Brassica Sprouts
Authors: Martínez-Zamora Lorena , Castillejo Noelia , Cano-Lamadrid Marina , Artés-Hernández Francisco
Published: November 2022

Brassicaceae sprouts are important sources of vitamins, phenolic compounds, minerals, glucosinolates, and isothiocyanates. LEDs illumination have been demonstrated to increase yield and the phytochemical content of young plants. In the present work, rocket, radish, and tatsoi seeds were germinated in darkness for 7 days at 20 °C and 90% RH. After harvesting, sprouts were stored for 5 days at 5 °C under different LEDs treatments: White, Blue, Green, Orange, and Red. Darkness was used as control. The respiration rate and the sulforaphane content were monitored as a reference of the primary and secondary metabolism changes to evaluate the influence of LEDs. The application of Blue and Green LEDs increased the CO2 emission by ~25–45% compared to Darkness while no C2H4 emission was detected. The biosynthesis of sulforaphane was also increased by ~15–25%, under different wavelengths, although a clear tendency was not found among species. The state of the art of this research field was reviewed to elucidate the knowledge on it. Conclusively, the primary and secondary metabolism of plants, specifically in sprouts, can be stimulated using postharvest LED lighting.
Medical Staff Shortages and the Performance of Outpatient Clinics in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Korneta Piotr , Chmiel Magda
Published: November 2022

Unlike many industries, healthcare was simultaneously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in two opposite ways. On the one hand, the industry faced shortages and overload of many medical representatives such as nurses and infectious disease professionals, but on the other, many medical professionals such as dentists were left with considerably reduced demand. The objective of this paper is to study the efficiency of medical staff allocation and the performance of small and medium sized outpatient clinics in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to the contemporaneity of this problem, we have employed a multiple case study approach. Our sample comprises 5 small and medium-sized outpatient clinics located in Poland in the 3-year period 2019–2021. The results indicate a considerable percentage of medical staff employed in small and medium-sized outpatient clinics remained outside the pandemic, despite their potential provision of healthcare services. Four of the five clinics studied remained passive towards the pandemic. In view of future pandemics, the indications we provide have practical implications for outpatient clinics executives and public health policymakers.
Influencing Factors and Kinetics of Modified Shell Powder/La-Fe-TiO2 Photocatalytic Degradation of Pyridine Wastewater
Authors: Shu Jinkai , Ren Bozhi , Zhang Wei , Wang An , Lu Sen , Liu Shuyu
Published: November 2022

Modified Shell Powder/La-Fe-TiO2 (La-Fe-TiO2@MSP) composites were fabricated using the sol-gel method and characterized by SEM, XRD, UV-vis DRS and photocurrent techniques, and their physicochemical and optical properties were analyzed. The effects of various factors on the photocatalytic degradation of pyridine and its reaction kinetics were investigated by batch experiments using pyridine, a typical nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound in coal chemical wastewater, as the target removal species. The pyridine degradation rate of 80.23% was obtained for 800 mg/L composite solution by photocatalytic oxidation of 50 mg/L pyridine wastewater for 180 min at 35 °C, pH = 8 and light intensity of 560 W. The photocatalytic degradation performance was optimal. The quenching experiments determined that the active species of photodegradation were mainly hole and hydroxyl radicals, and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism was analyzed in this way.
Cognitive Digital Intervention for Older Patients with Parkinson’s Disease during COVID-19: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study
Authors: Santini Sara , Rampioni Margherita , Stara Vera , Di Rosa Mirko , Paciaroni Lucia , Paolini Susy , Fioretti Simona , Valenza Silvia , Riccardi Giovanni , Pelliccioni Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Mild cognitive impairment is frequent among people with Parkinson’s disease. Cognitive training seems effective for cognitive status and for mitigating anxiety and depression. With the COVID-19 outbreak, such therapeutic interventions were delivered online. This longitudinal mixed-method study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an online cognitive treatment, carried out during COVID times and based on Parkinson’s-Adapted Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, on cognitive domains and mood of 18 older people with Parkinson’s disease. After screening, the cognitive status and mood were assessed three times by Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. At the follow-up, patients were also interviewed for understanding their experience with the technology. Such treatment was effective on the participants’ cognitive functions, but not on their mood. Despite some initial problems with the technology, the online intervention was experienced as a way of not being ‘left behind’, staying in contact with others, and being safe during the lockdown. This suggests that online cognitive treatment can be adopted to integrate face-to-face interventions by increasing their efficacy, accessibility, and long-term outcomes. Suggestions for future research are given.
Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moreira-Marconi Eloá , Teixeira-Silva Ygor , Meirelles Alexandre Gonçalves de , Melo-Oliveira Maria Eduarda de Souza , Santos Aline Cristina Gomes , Reis-Silva Aline , Paineiras-Domingos Laisa Liane , Seixas Aderito , Dionello Carla da Fontoura , Sá-Caputo Danúbia da Cunha de , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: November 2022

Background: Inflammation is considered to be a vital defense mechanism for health, acting as a protective response of the immune system through a satisfactory inflammatory biomarker response (IBR). IBR, as well as being beneficial to the organism, can be also responsible for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise is a type of physical exercise that can act on inflammation responses due its capacity for stimulating the sensory components that promote systemic responses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV on IBR in different clinical status. Methods: This is a systematic review that includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of WBV exercise on IBR. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and level of evidence were rated. Results: Four RCTs met the selection criteria. The studies showed benefits associated with IBR (e.g., cytokines, adipokines, and C-reactive protein) in various clinical conditions, including healthy populations and some chronic diseases (such as obesity, aging disorders, and knee osteoarthritis), using several WBV protocols. Conclusions: WBV might be useful in the management of inflammatory conditions.
Study on Strategic Interaction between Government and Farmers in Rural Passive Energy Transformation
Authors: Fan Shengyue , Zha Shuai , Zhao Chenxi
Published: November 2022

In the implementation of public environmental policies, the deviation between the behavioral intention of farmers and the results of policy implementation is widespread. To reveal the universality, and break through existing research perspectives, this paper, starting from the interaction between the government and farmers, builds a rural passive energy transformation mechanism conceptual model. Using the policy of “coal to gas” in northern China area as a case, a comprehensive analysis of the influencing factors of peasant household behavior response is presented, using a structural equation to compute the interaction strength between the two agents. The results of the study show that: (1) the standardized path coefficients of household behavioral intention and government policy characteristics on household behavioral response are 0.458 and 0.554, respectively. The effect of government is stronger than that of households, which highlights the change effect of government on household behavioral responses and explains the reason for the deviation between behavioral intention and behavioral response; and (2) The standardized correlation coefficient between government policy characteristics and farmers’ behavioral intention is 0.858, indicating that the interaction between government and farmers has a significant impact on policy results, and verifies the important role of research on the interactions between government and farmers. Therefore, in order to improve the effect of rural energy transformation, it is necessary to strengthen the interactions between the government and farmers, to smooth the channels of farmers’ demands, and to form a pattern of air pollution control with government guidance and full participation.
A Comparative Review of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt Technologies from Environmental and Economic Perspectives: Towards a Sustainable Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Milad Abdalrhman , Babalghaith Ali Mohammed , Al-Sabaeei Abdulnaser M. , Dulaimi Anmar , Ali Abdualmtalab , Reddy Sajjala Sreedhar , Bilema Munder , Yusoff Nur Izzi Md
Published: November 2022

The environmental concerns of global warming and energy consumption are among the most severe issues and challenges facing human beings worldwide. Due to the relatively higher predicted temperatures (150–180 °C), the latest research on pavement energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission assessment mentioned contributing to higher environmental burdens such as air pollution and global warming. However, warm-mix asphalt (WMA) was introduced by pavement researchers and the road construction industry instead of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) to reduce these environmental problems. This study aims to provide a comparative overview of WMA and HMA from environmental and economic perspectives in order to highlight the challenges, motivations, and research gaps in using WMA technology compared to HMA. It was discovered that the lower production temperature of WMA could significantly reduce the emissions of gases and fumes and thus reduce global warming. The lower production temperature also provides a healthy work environment and reduces exposure to fumes. Replacing HMA with WMA can reduce production costs because of the 20–75% lower energy consumption in WMA production. It was also released that the reduction in energy consumption is dependent on the fuel type, energy source, material heat capacity, moisture content, and production temperature. Other benefits of using WMA are enhanced asphalt mixture workability and compaction because the additives in WMA reduce asphalt binder viscosity. It also allows for the incorporation of more waste materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). However, future studies are recommended on the possibility of using renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective materials such as biomaterials as an alternative to conventional WMA-additives for more sustainable and green asphalt pavements.
Older Adults’ Demand for Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) Integrated with Medical Care and Its Influencing Factors: A Pilot Qualitative Study in China
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Wei Hanchun , Liu Zhihan
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The number of older people in China who require formal care is increasing. In response, China is creating a service delivery mode of health and social care combination for older people—community-based adult services (CBAS) integrated with medical care—in some provincial capital cities, such as Changsha. However, the needs of most older people for this service delivery mode are not well understood. Aim: To assess older people’s awareness of and demand for CBAS integrated with medical care and to determine influencing factors. Methods: Semi-structured guideline interviews were conducted with 20 older people (aged 65+ years) from two communities at different economic development levels and from a nursing home in Changsha, China. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The specific needs that older adults expect from CBAS integrated with medical care involve daily care, primary care, self-management guidance, rehabilitation therapy services, and mental health services. Contrary to expectations, most interviewees showed low awareness of and demand for CBAS integrated with medical care. Individual, family, and community factors influence older people’s demand, as do exogenous variables such as gender and number of children. Discussion: The influencing mechanism of older people’s demand for CBAS integrated with medical care is complex and multifaceted. To implement and promote CBAS integrated with medical care, attention should be given to older people’s individual needs, family backgrounds and community environment improvement. Furthermore, improving awareness of integrated care and increasing ageing-in-place opportunities for more older adults is essential and urgent.
Negative Impacts of School Class Segregation on Migrant Children’s Education Expectations and the Associated Mitigating Mechanism
Authors: Lv Cixian , Zhi Xiaotong , Xu Jingjing , Yang Peijin , Wang Xinghua
Published: November 2022

This study thoroughly analyzes the impacts of school class segregation on the four dimensions of educational expectations of migrant children, and verifies the moderating effects of migrant children’s identification with the college entrance examination policy on the relationship between the two. A total of 1770 questionnaires were collected for this study. Through multiple regression analysis and moderating effect tests on the data, this study reveals that school class segregation has a significant negative impact on the educational expectations of migrant children; the migrant children’s identification with the college entrance examination policy also partially moderates the impacts of school class segregation on the academic achievement expectations and interpersonal expectations of migrant children. Informed by these results, this study proposes the following three mechanisms that can be used to mitigate the negative impacts of school class segregation on migrant children’s educational expectations: (a) an institutional mechanism involving the “unified urban–rural household registration”; (b) a cultural mechanism involving “promoting learning through examinations”; (c) a compensation mechanism involving the “principle of justice”. This paper provides a Chinese perspective on the issue of school class segregation by offering a policy reference for the improvement of the college entrance examination policy for migrant children and the reform of the household registration system.
A Two-Way Fixed Effects Estimation on the Impact of Industrial Land Supply on Environmental Pollution in Urban China
Authors: Yan Xiangqi , Tuo Hanbing , Lai Yani
Published: November 2022

Despite the great economic growth and fast urbanization process in the past four decades, China is now suffering severely from environmental pollution. Local governments’ industrial land supply behaviors have a great impact on local investment, economic growth, and environmental pollution, which has not been effectively evaluated. To fill this gap, this paper quantitatively investigates the impact of industrial land supply by local governments on environmental pollution based on a two-way fixed effects model. A comprehensive and reliable data set for 277 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2009 to 2017 has been collected for analysis. The findings suggest that the increase of the ratio of industrial and mining storage land to total land supply significantly increases the concentration of PM2.5. The results remain significant and robust after a series of robustness tests. The negative impacts on environmental quality caused by differences in land supply behavior are greater in the central and western regions. We further explored intermediate mechanisms for the environmental impact of local governments’ allocations of industrial land. The findings suggest that greater industrial land transfer by local governments leads to an expansion in the scale of regional secondary industry and increases in local fiscal deficit. Unbalanced industrial development, insufficient corporate innovation, and insufficient investment in environmental protection will increase pollution. This study provides a reference for improving regulatory measures on land transactions and for formulating regional polices for environmental protection.
Quality and Health Risk Assessment of Groundwaters in the Protected Area of Tisa River Basin
Authors: Dippong Thomas , Resz Maria-Alexandra
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted in order to assess the chemistry (41 metalloids and heavy metals and 16 physico-chemical indicators) of groundwater sampled from the protected area of the Tisa River Basin during the months of 2021. Pollution indices were used in order to determine the potential metal pollution level. Consequently, a non-carcinogenic risk assessment of metal through the ingestion of water was done. The results indicated general contamination with ammonium, chloride, iron, and manganese. The samples were rich in Cu, Mg, and Pb, but lower than the maximum limits. Significant correlations were noticed between Al-Fe, Mn-Fe, Mn-Ni, and Cr-Zn, as well as the metal content and pollution index scores. The metal pollution indices indicated three pollution levels (low, medium, and high) based on the metal content and standards regarding the water quality used for drinking purposes. The pollution indices scores ranged from 1.52–41.2. A human health risk assessment indicated no potential non-carcinogenic risk for the studied metals through the consumption of groundwater. The results of three different tools (chronic daily intake, hazard quotient, and hazard index) were below the critical value, except for the aluminium in two samples. This study is one of the first attempts to evaluate the quality of groundwater sources associated with the human health risks of the studied metals from the Tisa River Basin protected area. Based on this research, strategies for managing and controlling the risks can be developed.
Study on Regional Strata Movement during Deep Mining of Erdos Coal Field and Its Control
Authors: Zhang Guojian , Wang Zhiyang , Guo Guangli , Wei Wei , Wang Fugang , Zhong Leilei , Gong Yaqiang
Published: November 2022

Disasters such as rock bursts and mine earthquakes became increasingly serious with the increase in mining depth in Erdos Coal Field and became serious problems that restrict high-strength continuous mining of coal mines. In this study, strata movement and energy polling distribution of ultrathick weak-bonding sandstone layers were controlled by the local filling–caving multi-faces coordinated mining technique, which was based on the analysis of subsidence and overlying structural characteristics in the Yingpanhao mining area. Moreover, the influencing factors and the control effect laws were investigated. Surface subsidence and energy polling distribution control effects of different mining modes were compared, which confirmed the superiority of local filling based on the main key stratum. According to the results, the maximum surface subsidence velocity of the first mining face was 1.24 mm/d, which indicates the presence of a logistic functional relationship between the mining degree and subsidence factors. When the mining degree was close to full mining, the practical surface subsidence was smaller than the corresponding logistic functional value. The largest influencing factor for the strata movement control effect of partial filling mining based on the main key stratum was the width of the caving face, followed by the filling ratio, section pillar width, and width of the filling face, successively. With respect to the influencing degree on the energy polling distribution of partial filling mining based on the main key stratum, the order followed as section pillar width > filling ratio > caving working face > width of backfilling working face. Additionally, the comparative analysis from the perspectives of control effect, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness demonstrated that partial filling mining based on the main key stratum was one of the techniques with high cost-effectiveness in controlling strata movement and relieving rock bursts, mining earthquakes, and subsidence disasters.