bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass Potential for Producing Power via Green Hydrogen
Authors: Sanchez Nestor , Rodríguez-Fontalvo David , Cifuentes Bernay , Cantillo Nelly M. , Uribe Laverde Miguel Ángel , Cobo Martha
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen (H2) has become an important energy vector for mitigating the effects of climate change since it can be obtained from renewable sources and can be fed to fuel cells for producing power. Bioethanol can become a green H2 source via Ethanol Steam Reforming (ESR) but several variables influence the power production in the fuel cell. Herein, we explored and optimized the main variables that affect this power production. The process includes biomass fermentation, bioethanol purification, H2 production via ESR, syngas cleaning by a CO-removal reactor, and power production in a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). Among the explored variables, the steam-to-ethanol molar ratio (S/E) employed in the ESR has the strongest influence on power production, process efficiency, and energy consumption. This effect is followed by other variables such as the inlet ethanol concentration and the ESR temperature. Although the CO-removal reactor did not show a significant effect on power production, it is key to increase the voltage on the fuel cell and consequently the power production. Optimization was carried out by the response surface methodology (RSM) and showed a maximum power of 0.07 kWh kg−1 of bioethanol with an efficiency of 17%, when ESR temperature is 700 °C. These values can be reached from different bioethanol sources as the S/E and CO-removal temperature are changed accordingly with the inlet ethanol concentration. Because there is a linear correlation between S/E and ethanol concentration, it is possible to select a proper S/E and CO-removal temperature to maximize the power generation in the HT-PEMFC via ESR. This study serves as a starting point to diversify the sources for producing H2 and moving towards a H2-economy.
Methods of Increasing Miscanthus Biomass Yield for Biofuel Production
Authors: Chupakhin Evgeny , Babich Olga , Sukhikh Stanislav , Ivanova Svetlana , Budenkova Ekaterina , Kalashnikova Olga , Kriger Olga
Published: December 2021

The lignocellulosic perennial crop miscanthus, especially Miscanthus × giganteus, is particularly interesting for bioenergy production as it combines high biomass production with low environmental impact. However, there are several varieties that pose a hazard due to susceptibility to disease. This review contains links showing genotype and ecological variability of important characteristics related to yield and biomass composition of miscanthus that may be useful in plant breeding programs to increase bioenergy production. Some clones of Miscanthus × giganteus and Miscanthus sinensis are particularly interesting due to their high biomass production per hectare. Although the compositional requirements for industrial biomass have not been fully defined for the various bioenergy conversion processes, the lignin-rich species Miscanthus × giganteus and Miscanthus sacchariflorus seem to be more suitable for thermochemical conversion processes. At the same time, the species Miscanthus sinensis and some clones of Miscanthus × giganteus with low lignin content are of interest for the biochemical transformation process. The species Miscanthus sacchariflorus is suitable for various bioenergy conversion processes due to its low ash content, so this species is also interesting as a pioneer in breeding programs. Mature miscanthus crops harvested in winter are favored by industrial enterprises to improve efficiency and reduce processing costs. This study can be attributed to other monocotyledonous plants and perennial crops that can be used as feedstock for biofuels.
Rotating Instabilities in a Low-Speed Single Compressor Rotor Row with Varying Blade Tip Clearance
Authors: Chen Xiangyi , Koppe Björn , Lange Martin , Chu Wuli , Mailach Ronald
Published: December 2021

When a compressor is throttled to the near stall point, rotating instability (RI) is often observed as significant increases of amplitude within a narrow frequency band which can be regarded as a pre-stall disturbance. In the current study, a single compressor rotor row with varying blade tip clearance (1.3%, 2.6% and 4.3% chord length) was numerically simulated using the zonal large eddy simulation model. The mesh with six blade passages was selected to capture the proper dynamic feature after being validated in comparison to the measured data, and the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) approach was applied to the numerical temporal snapshots. In the experimental results, RIs are detected in the configurations with middle and large tip gaps (2.6% and 4.3% chord length), and the corresponding characterized frequencies are about 1/2 and 1/3 of the blade passing frequency, respectively. Simulations provide remarkable performance in capturing the measured flow features, and the DMD modes corresponding to the featured RI frequencies are successfully extracted and then visualized. The analysis of DMD results indicates that RI is essentially a presentation of the pressure wave propagating over the blade tip region. The tip leakage vortex stretches to the front part of the adjacent blade and consequently triggers the flow perturbations (waves). The wave influences the pressure distribution, which, in turn, determines the tip leakage flow and finally forms a loop.
Development of a 1 kW Micro-Polygeneration System Fueled by Natural Gas for Single-Family Users
Authors: Gimelli Alfredo , Muccillo Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

The use of primary energy saving techniques and renewable energy systems has become mandatory to tackle the effects of global temperature rise. As a result, a transition is taking place from centralized energy generation to distributed energy generation. Starting from the experience concerning a 15 kW micro-CHP plant previously designed at DII, this paper addresses the development of a 1 kW micro-CHP system fueled by natural gas for single-family users. Specifically, the paper presents a wide experimental investigation aimed at optimizing performance and emissions of a small scale two-stroke spark ignition gasoline engine properly modified to be fueled with natural gas to make the engine more suitable for cogeneration purposes. The described activity was carried out at the DII of the University of Naples Federico II. Rigorous laboratory tests were conducted with the engine in order to characterize both gasoline and CNG operation in terms of brake mechanical power, overall efficiency and exhaust gas emissions in different operating regimes. Furthermore, several physical quantities associated with the engine operation were measured through several sensors in order to optimize performance and emissions achieved when the engine is fueled with CNG. In particular, dynamic pressure variations inside the cylinder were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effect of the adopted fuel on the optimum ignition-timing angle and cyclic dispersion.
Specific Methane Yield of Wetland Biomass in Dry and Wet Fermentation Technologies
Authors: Czubaszek Robert , Wysocka-Czubaszek Agnieszka , Wichtmann Wendelin , Banaszuk Piotr
Published: December 2021

Our study evaluated the specific methane yield (SMY) of selected wetland species subjected to wet and dry anaerobic digestion: Carex elata All. (CE), a mixture (~50/50) of Carex elata All. and Carex acutiformis L. (CA), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (PA), Typha latifolia L. (TL) and Phalaris arundinacea L. (PAr). Plants were harvested in late September, and therefore, the study material was characterised by high lignin content. The highest lignin content (36.40 ± 1.04% TS) was observed in TL, while the lowest (16.03 ± 1.54% TS) was found in CA. PAr was characterised by the highest hemicellulose content (37.55 ± 1.04% TS), while the lowest (19.22 ± 1.22% TS) was observed in TL. Cellulose content was comparable in almost all plant species studied and ranged from 25.32 ± 1.48% TS to 29.37 ± 0.87% TS, except in PAr (16.90 ± 1.29% TS). The methane production potential differed significantly among species and anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies. The lowest SMY was observed for CE (121 ± 28 NL kgVS−1) with dry fermentation (D–F) technology, while the SMY of CA was the highest for both technologies, 275 ± 3 NL kgVS−1 with wet fermentation (W–F) technology and 228 ± 1 NL kgVS−1 with D–F technology. The results revealed that paludi-biomass could be used as a substrate in both AD technologies; however, biogas production was more effective for W–F. Nonetheless, the higher methane content in the biogas and the lower energy consumption of technological processes for D–F suggest that the final amount of energy remains similar for both technologies. The yield is critical in energy production by the AD of wetland plants; therefore, a promising source of feedstock for biogas production could be biomass from rewetted and previously drained areas, which are usually more productive than natural habitats.
Optimized Cooling Power of a Vuilleumier Refrigerator with Limited Regeneration
Authors: Khodja Abdellah , Paul Raphael , Fischer Andreas , Hoffmann Karl Heinz
Published: December 2021

Vuilleumier refrigerators provide cooling power by utilizing a heat source at temperatures above the ambient. This is particularly helpful in situations where waste heat is available and other power sources are limited. Vuilleumier refrigerators come in different technical configurations; here we analyze the thermodynamic performance of a configuration utilizing two displacer pistons with integrated regenerators. More specifically, we optimize the cooling power by optimizing the piston movement for a range of operation speeds. The optimization is based on the AS motion class for cyclic dynamics and uses an endoreversible model for the refrigerator. Our focus is on the influence of the regeneration extent present, and we find performance gains of about 17% for high regeneration extent and of about 28% for lower regeneration extent.
A Study of Dispersed, Thermally Activated Limestone from Ukraine for the Safe Liming of Water Using ANN Models
Authors: Trach Yuliia , Trach Roman , Kalenik Marek , Koda Eugeniusz , Podlasek Anna
Published: December 2021

Liming surface water is a fairly popular method of increasing the pH values and decreasing the concentration of phosphates and heavy metals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, the increase of water pH should not exceed 1.5. If surface water is the source of water supply, liming is a process that reduces water contamination. This should prevent the creation of an additional load for the water treatment plants in urban settlements. This article is an interdisciplinary research study aiming to (1) determine and compare the doses of new dispersed, thermally activated limestone and natural limestone, (2) find the relation between dose value and initial water parameters (pH, Eh and total mineralization), and (3) create an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict changes in water pH values according to EPA recommendations. Recommended doses were obtained from experimental studies, and those of dispersed, thermally activated limestone were lower than the doses of natural limestone. Neural networks were used to predict the changes in water pH values when adding different doses of limestone with different initial water parameters using the ANN model. Four ANN models with different activation functions and loss function optimizers were tested. The best results were obtained for the network with the ReLU activation function for hidden layers of neurons and Adam’s loss function optimizer (MAPE = 14.1%; R2 = 0.847). Further comparison of the results of the loss function and the results of calculating the quality metric for the training and validation dataset has shown that the created ANN can be used to solve the set research issue.
The Sustainable City: Advances in Renewable Energy and Energy Saving Systems
Authors: Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus , Hernandez-Escobedo Quetzalcoatl
Published: December 2021

According to United Nations data, half of the world’s population lives in cities and forecasts indicate that by the middle of the 21st century, this percentage will have increased to 65%. The increase in the urban population favors the creation of a network of interactions that entails a series of material and energy flows. These cause environmental impacts that affect the quality of life of citizens and the environment as a whole. According to data from the International Energy Agency, cities occupy 3% of the planet’s surface and are responsible for 67% of global energy consumption. The effects caused by this consumption, as well as its impact on the depletion of resources, make it necessary to carry out an exhaustive study of renewable energies and new energy saving systems. This Special Issue aims to present new advances and developments in renewable energy and energy saving systems that allow cities to evolve in a sustainable way.
A Review on the Performance Indicators and Influencing Factors for the Thermocline Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Lou Wanruo , Luo Lingai , Hua Yuchao , Fan Yilin , Du Zhenyu
Published: December 2021

Thermal energy storage (TES) system plays an essential role in the utilization and exploitation of renewable energy sources. Over the last two decades, single-tank thermocline technology has received much attention due to its high cost-effectiveness compared to the conventional two-tank storage systems. The present paper focuses on clarifying the performance indicators and the effects of different influencing factors for the thermocline TES systems. We collect the various performance indicators used in the existing literature, and classify them into three categories: (1) ones directly reflecting the quantity or quality of the stored thermal energy; (2) ones describing the thermal stratification level of the hot and cold regions; (3) ones characterizing the thermo-hydrodynamic features within the thermocline tanks. The detailed analyses on these three categories of indicators are conducted. Moreover, the relevant influencing factors, including injecting flow rate of heat transfer fluid, working temperature, flow distributor, and inlet/outlet location, are discussed systematically. The comprehensive summary, detailed analyses and comparison provided by this work will be an important reference for the future study of thermocline TES systems.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Female and Male Fine-Patterned Puffer: Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Sex Differentiation
Authors: Shan Binbin , Liu Yan , Yang Changping , Li Yuan , Wang Liangming , Sun Dianrong
Published: December 2021

Sexual growth dimorphism is a common phenomenon in teleost fish. However, the mechanism of this complex phenomenon remains unclear. The fine-patterned puffer (Takifugu poecilonotus; Temminck and Schlegel, 1850) exhibits female-biased sexual size dimorphism similar to other pufferfish. In this study, the transcriptomes of female and male T.poecilonotus were sequenced, 285.95 million raw read pairs were generated from sequence libraries. After identification and assembly, a total of 149,814 nonredundant unigenes were obtained with an N50 length of 3538 bp. Of these candidates, 122,719 unigenes (81.91% of the total) were successfully annotated with multiple public databases. The comparison analysis revealed 10,385 unigenes (2034 in females and 8351 in males) were differentially expressed between different sexes of T.poecilonotus. Then, we identified many candidate growth- and sex-related genes, including Dmrt1, Sox3, Spatas, Prl/Prlr, fabps, Ghr, and Igf1r. In addition to these well-known genes, Fabp4 was identified for the first time in fish. Furthermore, 68,281 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci were screened and identified in the transcriptome sequence of T.poecilonotus. The results of our study could provide valuable information on growth- and sex-associated genes and facilitate further exploration of the molecular mechanism of sexual growth dimorphism.
The Relationship between Environmental Factors and Catch Abundance of Hairtail in the East China Sea Using Empirical Dynamic Modeling
Authors: Hu Jinfei , Wang Ping , Zhang Hailong
Published: December 2021

The East China Sea population of hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus, also known as T. japonicus) is a commercially important element of Chinese fisheries. Hairtail has long been widely exploited. Due to overfishing, however, its production declined over the years. One of solutions to this dilemma is to institute reasonable fishery policies. Generally, skillful short-term and long-term prediction of fish catch is a central tool for guiding the development of fishery policy. Accurate predictions require a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between fluctuations in fish catch and variability in both fishing effort and marine environmental conditions. To investigate the combined impact of fishing effort and marine environments on hairtail catch and to develop models to predict hairtail catch, we applied empirical dynamic modeling (EDM) to data on East China Sea fisheries, including hairtail catch, fishing effort, and marine environmental factors. EDM is an equation-free approach that enables the investigation of various complex systems. We constructed all possible multivariate EDM models to investigate the potential mechanisms affecting hairtail catch. Our analysis demonstrates that all key environmental factors (salinity, summer monsoon, sea surface temperature, precipitation, and power dissipation index of tropical cyclones) have an impact on nutrient supply, which we suggest is the central factor influencing hairtail catch. Finally, our comparison of EDM models with parametric models demonstrates that EDM models overwhelmingly outperform parametric models in analysis of these complex interactions.
Analytical Characterization of the Widely Consumed Commercialized Fermented Beverages from Russia (Kefir and Ryazhenka) and South Africa (Amasi and Mahewu): Potential Functional Properties and Profiles of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Moiseenko Konstantin V. , Glazunova Olga A. , Savinova Olga S. , Ajibade Betty O. , Ijabadeniyi Oluwatosin A. , Fedorova Tatyana V.
Published: December 2021

In this study, four commercialized indigenous fermented beverages most highly consumed in Russia (kefir and ryazhenka) and South Africa (amasi and mahewu) were analyzed for their potential health-promoting properties and flavor-forming volatile organic compounds (VOC). The analysis of antioxidant capacity demonstrated superiority of dairy-based beverages (kefir, ryazhenka and amasi) over the corn-based mahewu; however, mahewu outperformed dairy-based beverages in terms of its potential antihypertensive effect (i.e., the ability to inhibit angiotensin I converting enzyme). The fatty acid (FA) content of kefir and ryazhenka were more diverse compared to that of amasi, but included a lesser amount of branched chain FA. In terms of calculated FA nutritional indices (e.g., indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity), kefir and ryazhenka performed similarly and significantly better than amasi. The agreement between beverages theoretical flavor profiles, which was obtained based on the flavors of individual VOC, and consumers’ flavor perception allow hypothesizing about the contribution of detected VOC to the overall products’ flavor. The obtained data expand current knowledge regarding traditional fermented beverages and their values in terms of national dietary recommendations. Additionally, reported VOC profiles will promote the inclusion of traditional fermented beverages into the rations based on the flavor pairing concept (which is controversial but widely applied).
Factors Affecting the Time and Process of CMC Drying Using Refractance Window or Conductive Hydro-Drying
Authors: Múnera-Tangarife Rubén D. , Solarte-Rodríguez Efraín , Vélez-Pasos Carlos , Ochoa-Martínez Claudia I.
Published: December 2021

Intensive research on biodegradable films based on natural raw materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has been performed because it enables the production of transparent films with suitable barrier properties against oxygen and fats. Considering the importance of the production of this type of film at the industrial level, a scalable and continuous drying method is required. Refractance window-conductive hydro drying (RW-CHD) is a sustainable and energy-efficient method with high potential in drying this kind of compound. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors (CMC thickness, heating water temperature, and film type) and radiation penetration depth that affect drying time and energy consumption. It was found that drying time decreased with increasing temperature and decreasing thickness. Similarly, energy consumption decreased with decreasing temperature and thickness. However, the drying time and energy consumed per unit weight of product obtained were equivalent when drying at any of the thicknesses evaluated. Film type had little effect on time and energy consumption compared to the effects of temperature and CMC thickness. The radiation penetration depth into the CMC was determined to be 1.20 ± 0.19 mm. When the thickness was close to this value, the radiation energy was better utilized, which was reflected in a higher heating rate at the beginning of drying.
Microarray Genotyping Identifies New Loci Associated with Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jo Sungyang , Park Kye Won , Hwang Yun Su , Lee Seung Hyun , Ryu Ho-Sung , Chung Sun Ju
Published: December 2021

Dementia is one of the most disabling nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the risk factors contributing to its development remain unclear. To investigate genetic variants associated with dementia in PD, we performed microarray genotyping based on a customized platform utilizing variants identified in previous genetic studies. Microarray genotyping was performed in 313 PD patients with dementia, 321 PD patients without dementia, and 635 healthy controls. The primary analysis was performed using a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for age and sex. SNCA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11931074 was determined to be most significantly associated with PD (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.78, p = 7.75 × 10−7). In the analysis performed for patients with PD only, MUL1 SNP rs3738128 (odds ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence interval = 1.68–3.79, p = 8.75 × 10−6) was found to be most significantly associated with dementia in PD. SNPs in ZHX2 and ERP29 were also associated with dementia in PD. This microarray genomic study identified new loci of MUL1 associated with dementia in PD, suggesting an essential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of dementia in patients with PD.
Effects of Light Pedaling Added to Contrast Water Immersion for Recovery after Exhaustive Exercise
Authors: Deley Gaelle , Cometti Carole , Paizis Christos , Babault Nicolas
Published: December 2021

For years, athletes and coaches have been looking for new strategies to optimize post-exercise recovery; it has recently been suggested that combining several methods might be a great option. This study therefore aimed to investigate the efficacy of contrast water therapy (CWT) used alone or associated with pedaling to recover from exhaustive exercise. After high-intensity intermittent exercise, 33 participants underwent 30 min of either (i) passive rest (PASSIVE), (ii) CWT with pedaling while in water (COMB) or (iii) classic CWT (CWT). Blood lactate concentration, countermovement jump height and perceived exhaustion were recorded before exercise, immediately after, after recovery interventions and after an additional 30 min of passive rest. Blood lactate concentration returned to initial values after 30 min of COMB (5.9 mmol/L), whereas in the other conditions even 60 min was not enough (10.2 and 9.6 mmol/L for PASSIVE and CWT, respectively, p < 0.05). Jump height was close to initial values after 30 min of CWT (37.3 cm), whereas values were still depressed after 60 min in the PASSIVE (36.0 cm) and COMB (35.7 cm) conditions (p < 0.05). Perceived exertion was still high for all conditions after 60 min. The present results are in favor of the utilization of CWT after exhaustive exercise, but the modality has to be chosen depending on what comes next (subsequent exercise scheduled in the following hours or further away).
Pain Control: Normalization of the BPCQ Questionnaire on a Group of Patients Diagnosed with Malignant Cancer
Authors: Czerw Aleksandra , Religioni Urszula , Szymański Filip , Sygit Katarzyna , Zdziarski Krzysztof , Mękal Dominika , Dykowska Grażyna , Kłak Anna , Barańska Agnieszka , Merks Piotr , Borowska Mariola , Cipora Elżbieta , Pajewska Monika
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this article is to examine the applicability of the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) among cancer patients and develop norms that allow differentiation of patients with diagnosed cancer in terms of beliefs about pain control. Normalization aims to establish the value of test results in the study population. The study involved 1187 patients diagnosed with cancer in outpatient care Maria Sklodowska-Curie Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, in Warsaw. The applied tool was the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire developed by S. Skevington. The results are most strongly differentiated in each dimension of pain control by education, income, and professional status. Sten norms were developed to determine the level of beliefs about pain control in low, average, and high categories. The BPCQ assessment applies to cancer patients, and the assessment of the location of pain control in patients will allow for the identification of patients whose standard therapy should be supplemented with psychotherapeutic support.
Educational and Psychological Support Combined with Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Reduces Perioperative Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Lemiński Artur , Kaczmarek Krystian , Bańcarz Aleksandra , Zakrzewska Alicja , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Słojewski Marcin
Published: December 2021

Radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an extensive and morbid operation, often associated with permanent alteration of body image and disability. Combined with the aggressive malignant potential of MIBC and considerable risk of complications, it poses a serious threat to the psychological well-being of patients. Educational deficiencies causing uncertainty and confusion aggravate surgery-related anxiety and may lead to depression along with further social disability. We conceived a preoperative supportive program named “Cystocare” held by urologists, psychologists, stoma therapists and cancer survivors to facilitate patients’ adaptation and coping. We aimed to evaluate whether participation in Cystocare meetings would alleviate emotional distress in patients undergoing RC. We included 95 consecutive patients who filled Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score questionnaires before RC and on discharge. The intervention arm (A) comprised 32 Cystocare participants. The remaining 63 patients who received standard preparation constituted the control arm (B). Whilst there were no differences in median anxiety and depression scores preoperatively, in postoperative measurement, the intervention arm showed a lower median depression score than controls: 3 vs. 8 points, p = 0.015. On multivariate analysis we confirmed lower risk of postoperative depression in Cystocare participants: OR = 0.215 (95%CI: 0.066–0.699), p = 0.011, along with lower odds of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing laparoscopic RC: OR = 0.365 (95%CI: 0.136–0.978), p = 0.045, and higher risk of prolonged hospital stay in patients experiencing postoperative anxiety OR = 17.114 (95%CI: 1.283–228.234) p = 0.032. Preoperative educational and supportive intervention complements laparoscopic RC in the alleviation of surgery-related anxiety and depression. The support group meetings provide an attractive and cost-effective opportunity to moderate emotional response in patients undergoing RC, and as such, deserve widespread adoption.
Fitness and the Crisis: Impacts of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction in Austria
Authors: Jungwirth David , Weninger Chiara Amelie , Haluza Daniela
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted human lifestyles across the world. Lockdowns and home confinement decreased prior opportunities for everyday physical activity. To retrospectively assess how the Austrian population coped with these aspects of the crisis, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey from March to September 2021 using a structured questionnaire in German. In total, 1214 participants (56.9% females, mean age 37.0 years) living across Austria shared self-reported information on sociodemographic characteristics, indoor and outdoor physical activity, reasons for being outdoors, and life satisfaction before and after the emergence of the virus. As a result, overall indoor physical activity significantly decreased in a before–during COVID-19 crisis comparison, although exercising at home with online instructions increased by about 63%. Exercising outdoors increased overall, specifically in periurban forests and rural areas, both by about 9%. Life satisfaction decreased significantly by 19.7% (p < 0.001). Outdoor public places and natural environments gained importance due to restrictions affecting access to sport facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate benefits and therapeutic values of outdoor nature for physical and mental health in times of a global pandemic to maintain resilient societies, as it might impact future active living and life satisfaction.
The Mediating Role of Gender, Age, COVID-19 Symptoms and Changing of Mansion on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers Operating in Italy during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gambaro Eleonora , Gramaglia Carla , Marangon Debora , Azzolina Danila , Probo Manuela , Rudoni Marco , Zeppegno Patrizia
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the performance of hospitals and intensive care units around the world. Health care workers (HCWs) have been used to developmental symptoms, but this was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when HCWs have been faced with many other sources of stress and anxiety that can usually be avoided. Moreover, long-term shifts and unprecedented population restrictions have weakened people’s ability to cope with stress. The research aims to observe the dynamic interplay between burnout, depression, distress, and anxiety in HCWs working in various settings, with specific a focus on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal achievement in mediating a worse mental health status during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. We performed a mediation analysis, which resulted in a strong correlation among depression, psychological distress, health perception and anxiety, and the impact of job burnout on anxiety, depression, and distress. Gender seemed to have a strong correlation with burnout, anxiety, and distress; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Quality of Life seemed to affect anxiety and depression; the possible changes in job tasks and duties (intended as a change in work area or location and role change)influenced depression and job burnout. Encouraging supportive and educational strategies would be recommended to policymakers.
‘They Are Kids, Let Them Eat’: A Qualitative Investigation into the Parental Beliefs and Practices of Providing a Healthy Diet for Young Children among a Culturally Diverse and Deprived Population in the UK
Authors: Cook Erica Jane , Powell Faye Caroline , Ali Nasreen , Penn-Jones Catrin Pedder , Ochieng Bertha , Constantinou Georgina , Randhawa Gurch
Published: December 2021

In the UK, ethnic minority children are at greater risk of obesity and weight-related ill health compared to the wider national population. The factors that influence the provision of a healthy diet among these populations remain less understood. An interpretive qualitative study with a phenomenological perspective comprised of 24 single sex semi-structured focus groups was conducted with 110 parents (63 mothers and 47 fathers) of young children (aged 0–5 years). The participants were recruited from deprived and ethnically diverse wards in Luton, UK and self-identified as being white British, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, black African–Caribbean or Polish. The findings highlighted a wide range of inter-relating psychological and sociocultural factors that underpin parental beliefs and practices in providing children with a healthy diet. Parents, whilst aware of the importance of providing children with a healthy diet, faced challenges such as lack of time and balancing competing responsibilities, which were clear barriers to providing children with a healthy diet. Access to and affordability of healthy food and the overexposure of cheap, convenient, and unhealthy processed foods made it increasingly difficult for parents to provide a healthy diet for their growing families. Household food practices were also found to be situated within the wider context of sociocultural and religious norms around cooking and eating, along with cultural identity and upbringing.
Trends in Exclusive, Dual and Polytobacco Use among U.S. Adults, 2014–2019: Results from Two Nationally Representative Surveys
Authors: Mattingly Delvon T. , Zavala-Arciniega Luis , Hirschtick Jana L. , Meza Rafael , Levy David T. , Fleischer Nancy L.
Published: December 2021

Although increases in the variety of tobacco products available to consumers have led to investigations of dual/polytobacco use patterns, few studies have documented trends in these patterns over time. We used data from the 2014/2015 and 2018/2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) and the 2015–2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to estimate trends in the following use patterns: exclusive use of cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), other combustibles (cigars/cigarillos/little filtered cigars and traditional pipes/hookah), and smokeless tobacco (four categories); dual use (two product groups) of each product group with cigarettes (three categories); polyuse with cigarettes (all four product groups; one category); and dual/polyuse without cigarettes (one category). We estimated trends in product use patterns overall and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity using two-sample tests for differences in linear proportions. From 2014/2015 to 2018/2019, exclusive ENDS use increased, whereas cigarettes and ENDS dual use decreased. Furthermore, polyuse with cigarettes decreased, whereas dual/polyuse without cigarettes increased, with trends varying by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Our findings suggest that patterns of dual/polyuse with and without cigarettes have changed in recent years, indicating the need for further surveillance of concurrent tobacco product use patterns.
Mechanism of Oxytetracycline Removal by Coconut Shell Biochar Loaded with Nano-Zero-Valent Iron
Authors: Li Qi , Zhao Siyu , Wang Yuhang
Published: December 2021

In this paper, coconut shell biochar (BC), pickling biochar (HBC), and nano-zero-valent iron-loaded biochar (nZVI-HBC) were prepared; these were used to remove oxytetracycline (OTC), and the removal mechanism and degradation product were analyzed. These biochars were characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. The effects of biochar addition amount, pH, ion type, and ion concentration on OTC adsorption were studied by a batch adsorption experiment. Under the optimal conditions, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of nZVI-HBC to OTC was 196.70 mg·g−1. The adsorption process can be described by Langmuir isothermal adsorption equations, conforming to the pseudo-second-order dynamics model, indicating that adsorption is dominated by single-molecule chemical adsorption, and a spontaneous process of increasing heat absorption entropy. Mass spectrometry showed that the OTC removal process of nZVI-HBC included not only adsorption but also degradation. These results provide a practical and potentially valuable material for the removal of OTC.
Fear of Coronavirus, Stress and Fear of Childbirth in Polish Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dymecka Joanna , Gerymski Rafał , Iszczuk Adrianna , Bidzan Mariola
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest pandemic of an aggressive coronavirus in the human population in the 21st century. The pandemic may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear and stress. Negative feelings during pregnancy later affect fear of childbirth. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, stress and fear of childbirth. We assume that fear of COVID-19 will be a mediator of the relationship between perceived stress and fear of childbirth. A total of 262 Polish pregnant women participated in this study. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FOC-6) and Labour Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II) were used in the study. There was a statistically significant, moderate, and positive relationship between perceived stress, fear of COVID-19, and fear of childbirth. Fear of COVID-19 was a statistically significant mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and fear of childbirth. The COVID-19 epidemic may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear, stress and increased fear of childbirth. Childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic is perceived by women as a threat to their well-being and health. Therefore, it is especially important to support a woman in the perinatal period and to enable her to give birth to a child.
Malnutrition Rates in Chile from the Nitrate Era to the 1990s
Authors: Llorca-Jaña Manuel , Barría Traverso Diego , Vásquez Diego del Barrio , Rivas Javier
Published: December 2021

Following Salvatore and the WHO, in this article, we provide the first long-term estimates of malnutrition rates for Chile per birth cohort, measured through stunting rates of adult males born from the 1870s to the 1990s. We used a large sample of military records, representative of the whole Chilean population, totalling over 38 thousand individuals. Our data suggest that stunting rates were very high for those born between the last three decades of the nineteenth century and the first two decades of the twentieth century. In addition, stunting rates increased from the 1870s to the 1900s. Thereafter, there was a clear downward trend in stunting rates (despite some fluctuations), reaching low levels of malnutrition, in particular, from the 1960s (although these are high if compared to developed countries). The continuous decrease in stunting rates from the 1910s was mainly due to a combination of factors, the importance of which varied over time, namely: Improved health (i.e., sharp decline in infant mortality rates during the whole period); increased energy consumption (from the 1930s onwards, but most importantly during the 1990s); a decline in poverty rates (in particular, between the 1930s and the 1970s); and a reduction in child labour (although we are less able to quantify this).
A Transmission of Beta Herding during Subprime Crisis in Taiwan’s Market: DCC-MIDAS Approach
Authors: Chen Yi-Chang , Wu Hung-Che , Zhang Yuanyuan , Kuo Shih-Ming
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the herding of beta transmission between return and volatility. We have used the dynamic conditional correlation model with the mixed-data sampling (DCC-MIDAS) model for the analysis. The evidence demonstrates that herding is a key transmitter in Taiwan’s stock market. The significant estimation of DCC-MIDAS explains that the herding phenomenon is highly dynamic and time-varying in herding behavior. By means of time-varying beta of herding based on our rolling forecasting method and robustness check of the Markov-switching regression approach using four types of portfolios, the evidence indicates that there are conditional correlations between betas and herding. In addition, it also reveals that herding forms in Taiwan’s markets during the subprime crisis period.
A Novel Renoprotective Strategy: Upregulation of PD-L1 Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Liu Jun , Yang David C. , Zhang Jun , Hsu Ssu-Wei , Weiss Robert H. , Chen Ching-Hsien
Published: December 2021

The innate and adaptive immunities have been documented to participate in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxic acute kidney injury (AKI); however, the mechanisms controlling these processes have yet to be established. In our cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model, we show pathological damage to the kidneys, with the classical markers elevated, consistent with the response to cisplatin treatment. Through assessments of the components of the immune system, both locally and globally, we demonstrate that the immune microenvironment of injured kidneys was associated with an increased infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages concomitant with decreased Treg cell populations. Our cell-based assays and animal studies further show that cisplatin exposure downregulated the protein levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint protein, in primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, and that these inhibitions were dose-dependent. After orthotopic delivery of PD-L1 gene into the kidneys, cisplatin-exposed mice displayed lower levels of both serum urea nitrogen and creatinine upon PD-L1 expression. Our data suggest a renoprotective effect of the immune checkpoint protein, and thereby provide a novel therapeutic strategy for cisplatin-induced AKI.
Fungal Secondary Metabolites as Inhibitors of the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System
Authors: Staszczak Magdalena
Published: December 2021

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the major non-lysosomal pathway responsible for regulated degradation of intracellular proteins in eukaryotes. As the principal proteolytic pathway in the cytosol and the nucleus, the UPS serves two main functions: the quality control function (i.e., removal of damaged, misfolded, and functionally incompetent proteins) and a major regulatory function (i.e., targeted degradation of a variety of short-lived regulatory proteins involved in cell cycle control, signal transduction cascades, and regulation of gene expression and metabolic pathways). Aberrations in the UPS are implicated in numerous human pathologies such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity, inflammation, or infectious diseases. Therefore, the UPS has become an attractive target for drug discovery and development. For the past two decades, much research has been focused on identifying and developing compounds that target specific components of the UPS. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of both second-generation proteasome inhibitors and inhibitors of ubiquitinating/deubiquitinating enzymes. With the feature of unique structure and bioactivity, secondary metabolites (natural products) serve as the lead compounds in the development of new therapeutic drugs. This review, for the first time, summarizes fungal secondary metabolites found to act as inhibitors of the UPS components.
Approaches to Inactivating Aflatoxins—A Review and Challenges
Authors: Kutasi Kinga , Recek Nina , Zaplotnik Rok , Mozetič Miran , Krajnc Mitja , Gselman Peter , Primc Gregor
Published: December 2021

According to the World Health Organization, the contamination of crops with aflatoxins poses a significant economic burden, estimated to affect 25% of global food crops. In the event that the contaminated food is processed, aflatoxins enter the general food supply and can cause serious diseases. Aflatoxins are distributed unevenly in food or feedstock, making eradicating them both a scientific and a technological challenge. Cooking, freezing, or pressurizing have little effect on aflatoxins. While chemical methods degrade toxins on the surface of contaminated food, the destruction inside entails a slow process. Physical techniques, such as irradiation with ultraviolet photons, pulses of extensive white radiation, and gaseous plasma, are promising; yet, the exact mechanisms concerning how these techniques degrade aflatoxins require further study. Correlations between the efficiency of such degradation and the processing parameters used by various authors are presented in this review. The lack of appropriate guidance while interpreting the observed results is a huge scientific challenge.
Ferroptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Progression and Therapeutic Potential on It
Authors: Zou Jiayu , Wang Li , Tang Hailin , Liu Xiuxiu , Peng Fu , Peng Cheng
Published: December 2021

As a main subtype of lung cancer, the current situation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains severe worldwide with a 19% survival rate at 5 years. As the conventional therapy approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, gradually develop into therapy resistance, searching for a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC is urgent. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed necrosis, has now been widely considered as a key factor affecting the tumorigenesis and progression in various cancers. Focusing on its effect in NSCLC, in different situations, ferroptosis can be triggered or restrained. When ferroptosis was induced in NSCLC, it was available to inhibit the tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. The dominating mechanism was due to a regulation of the classic ferroptosis-repressed GSH-dependent GPX4 signaling pathway instead of other fractional regulating signal axes that regulated ferroptosis via impacting on the ROS, cellular iron levels, etc. In terms of the prevention of ferroptosis in NSCLC, an GSH-independent mechanism was also discovered, interestingly exhibiting the same upstream as the GPX4 signaling. In addition, this review summarizes the progression of ferroptosis in NSCLC and elaborates their association and specific mechanisms through bioinformatics analysis with multiple experimental evidence from different cascades. Finally, this review also points out the possibility of ferroptosis working as a novel strategy for therapy resistance in NSCLC, emphasizing its therapeutic potential.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 20-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Upregulate LAIR-1 and Attenuate Collagen Induced Arthritis
Authors: Myers Linda K. , Winstead Michael , Kee John D. , Park Jeoungeun J. , Zhang Sicheng , Li Wei , Yi Ae-Kyung , Stuart John M. , Rosloniec Edward F. , Brand David D. , Tuckey Robert C. , Slominski Andrzej T. , Postlethwaite Arnold E. , Kang Andrew H.
Published: December 2021

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulation of the immune response. However, treatment of autoimmune diseases with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] doses sufficient to be effective is prohibitive due to its calcemic and toxic effects. We use the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model to analyze the efficacy of the noncalcemic analog of vitamin D, 20S-hydroxyvitamin D3 [20S(OH)D3], as well as 1,25(OH)2D3, to attenuate arthritis and explore a potential mechanism of action. Mice fed a diet deficient in vitamin D developed a more severe arthritis characterized by enhanced secretion of T cell inflammatory cytokines, compared to mice fed a normal diet. The T cell inflammatory cytokines were effectively suppressed, however, by culture of the cells with 20S(OH)D3. Interestingly, one of the consequences of culture with 1,25(OH)2D3 or 20S(OH)D3, was upregulation of the natural inhibitory receptor leukocyte associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1 or CD305). Polyclonal antibodies which activate LAIR-1 were also capable of attenuating arthritis. Moreover, oral therapy with active forms of vitamin D suppressed arthritis in LAIR-1 sufficient DR1 mice, but were ineffective in LAIR-1−/− deficient mice. Taken together, these data show that the effect of vitamin D on inflammation is at least, in part, mediated by LAIR-1 and that non-calcemic 20S(OH)D3 may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.