bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical Development of Thermal Protection of Prefab Residential Housing and Its Future, an Example of the Czech Republic
Authors: Kubečková Darja , Vrbová Magdaléna
Published: May 2021

The paper focuses on the development of a thermal protection and energy requirements in relation to the issue of prefab residential housing buildings and prefab housing estates while emphasizing the need for a conceptual approach and environmental considerations. The development is recapitulated with examples of compositional sets of prefab residential housing on selected sites in the Czech Republic. Based on the comparison of archival documents and results of a long-term observation of the prefab residential housing resources, it outlines the direction of further expected development of prefab housing estates within a social context. The comparison also takes into account the impact of the European Union energy strategy and the implementation of directives into the legal rules and standards of the member states. The aim of the paper is to show the negatives and positives of current political and social strategies in relation to the thermal protection of buildings, the energy management and healthy indoor environment, and that the renovation of prefab residential housing and prefab housing estates is effective with regard to the invested funds.
Maximizing Energy Recovery from Beauty Leaf Tree (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) Oil Seed Press Cake via Pyrolysis
Authors: Ashwath Nanjappa , Nam Hyungseok , Capareda Sergio
Published: May 2021

This study optimizes pyrolysis conditions that will maximize energy recovery from the Beauty Leaf Tree (BLT; Calophyllum inophyllum L.) oil seed press cake. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the behavior of pyrolysis coproducts (solid, liquid and gas) at various temperatures and residence times. One significant discovery was that 61.7% of the energy (of the whole BLT oil seed) was still retained in the BLT oil seed cake after oil extraction. Controlled pyrolysis produced various proportions of biochar, bio-oil and syngas coproducts. Predictive models were developed to estimate both the mass and energy yields of the coproducts. In all experimental runs, the biochar component had the highest mass yield and energy content. Biochar mass yields were high at the lowest operating temperature used, but the energy yields based on a high heating value (HHV) of products were optimal at higher operating temperatures. From the RSM models, energy from the biochar is optimized at a pyrolysis temperature of 425 °C and 75 min of exposure time. This biochar would have a heating value of 29.5 MJ kg−1, which is similar to a good quality coal. At this condition, 56.6% of the energy can be recovered in the form of biochar and 20.6% from the bio-oil. The study shows that almost all the energy present in the feedstock can be recovered via pyrolysis. This indicates that commercial biodiesel producers from BLT oil seed (and other oil seed) should recover these additional valuable energies to generate high value coproducts. This additional efficient energy conversion process via controlled pyrolysis will improve the overall economics and the feasibility of 2nd generation biodiesel production from BLT—a highly potential species for cultivation in many tropical countries.
Wind and Solar Intermittency and the Associated Integration Challenges: A Comprehensive Review Including the Status in the Belgian Power System
Authors: Asiaban Siavash , Kayedpour Nezmin , Samani Arash E. , Bozalakov Dimitar , De Kooning Jeroen D. M. , Crevecoeur Guillaume , Vandevelde Lieven
Published: May 2021

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have drawn significant attention in the past years to make the transition towards low carbon emissions. On the one hand, the intermittent nature of RES, resulting in variable power generation, hinders their high-level penetration in the power system. On the other hand, RES can aid not only to supply much more eco-friendly energy but also it allows the power system to enhance its stability by ancillary service provision. This article reviews the challenges related to the most intermittent RES utilised in Belgium, that is, wind energy and solar energy. Additionally, wind speed and solar irradiance variations, which are the cause of wind and solar intermittency, are studied. Then, recent techniques to forecast their changes, and approaches to accommodate or mitigate their impacts on the power system, are discussed. Finally, the latest statistics and future situation of RES in the Belgian power system are evaluated.
Algorithm for Selecting Best Available Techniques in Polish Coking Plants Supporting Multi-Criteria Investment Decisions in European Environmental Conditions
Authors: Telenga-Kopyczyńska Jolanta , Jonek-Kowalska Izabela
Published: May 2021

The tightened approach of the European Commission to the issue of meeting the levels of pollutant emissions to the environment, inextricably connected with the level of technology used, is a serious financial challenge for many European coke producers, therefore the main aim of the article is to develop an algorithm of conduct that allows a selection of the best available emission abatement techniques from the coking plant in conditions with multiple emission sources, taking into account technological, environmental, and economic criteria. This algorithm can be used as a universal tool supporting production managers in planning investments limiting the environmental impact of the coking plant in the most economically advantageous way, while using BAT techniques. In the development of the algorithm, a multi-criteria analysis and a scenario method were used, as well as a number of typical methods for measuring and reducing the level of emissions in the coke production process. Its demonstration and verification were carried out within ten investment scenarios prepared for a selected coking plant. The presented method of selecting the optimal scenario is universal and allows for a flexible selection of weights for the criteria depending on the needs and limits of the investor at a given time or to long term plans to adapt to the increasingly tightening environmental requirements. This method can also be used in discussions with the authorities issuing integrated permits as regards the deadlines for adapting to legal requirements.
Modeling the Effectiveness of Intelligent Systems in Public Transport That Uses Low-Carbon Energy: A Case Study
Authors: Patalas-Maliszewska Justyna , Łosyk Hanna , Newelski Jacek
Published: May 2021

Cities have been struggling for many years with many transport problems, including the impact of carbon monoxide emitted by vehicles on the environment, traffic jams, high energy consumption, numerous accidents or high infrastructure costs. There is also a dynamic growth of vehicles on the roads, which is why an increasing number of cities are introducing intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which is part of the concept of smart cities. This paper proposes a new matrix to assess the effects of the ITS implementation in the context of a concept Smart City, which consists of five criteria: (1) movement speed; (2) safety; (3) environmental; (4) economic; (5) satisfaction and amenities for society/passengers. In this new approach the benchmark values of the indicators assigned to the criteria are involved and, therefore, it is possible to determine the level of effectiveness of the ITS in public transport that uses low-carbon energy. This research used literature studies to establish the criteria of effectiveness of ITS as well as a case study, namely public transport that uses low-carbon energy in a Polish city, which had the largest fleet of electric buses in Poland and implements and uses an ITS. Both, the theoretical and the empirical research results demonstrate the usefulness and potency of the proposed matrix to assess the effects of the ITS implementation in cities in the context of the development of a smart city. In that way, the proposed approach may be a useful tool for measuring the effects of ITS implementation in cities.
Effect of Energy Consumption Reduction on the Decrease of CO2 Emissions during the Aircraft’s Flight
Authors: Pawlak Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

Climate change requires the reduction of energy consumption in transport and the associated fuel consumption, and emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. This issue is particularly relevant to air transport. Referring to the current legislative actions aimed at reducing the negative impact of air transport on the environment, the paper describes the possibilities of reducing energy consumption and related emissions. The Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with Snecma CFM 56C engines was adopted for the research. The research problem focused on determining a cruising trajectory characterized by the shortest cruising time and the lowest energy consumption by the aircraft during the flight between two selected European airports in given meteorological conditions. In the analysis, the Dijsktra’s algorithm was applied and built-in MATLAB functions were used. Based on the studied case, it was shown that it was possible to reduce both energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 10%. The novelty of the research described in the paper is the use of the energy approach and tying the energy parameters of the aircraft to the flight duration and pollutants emission in the cruise phase.
Determinants of Decarbonization—How to Realize Sustainable and Low Carbon Cities?
Authors: Drożdż Wojciech , Kinelski Grzegorz , Czarnecka Marzena , Wójcik-Jurkiewicz Magdalena , Maroušková Anna , Zych Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

The objective of this paper is to identify the determinants of decarbonization processes in Poland by urban and rural areas. It also presents directions for knowledge diffusion on decarbonization to develop a sustainable energy strategy for Poland, particularly for local governments and cities. Despite extensive research on the determinants of decarbonization and sustainable energy development, there is a lack of specific solutions in this area. The authors of this paper investigated which determinants, according to the respondents, would lead to better decarbonization solutions in cities and villages in terms of sustainability. The studied sample was purposefully selected and an online questionnaire was used with the use of the “snowball” method. The authors conducted surveys that allowed the concerned parties themselves (respondents) to indicate which factors they believe best influence decarbonization. Such measures are helpful in terms of the understanding public acceptance of decarbonization in terms of the energy transition. This is of particular importance in terms of green governance globally and in Europe. The results of the authors’ research indicate that despite the reduction in the share of coal in residential and domestic heating, coal remains the main source of electricity generation and that the potential for low-carbon policy to have an impact on solving urban challenges is underestimated. From the findings, it can be concluded that more in-depth research is needed on public acceptance of decarbonization in its broadest sense and its implications.
Heat Capacities and Enthalpies of Normal Alkanes in an Ideal Gas State
Authors: Kuznetsov Nikolai , Frolov Sergey
Published: May 2021

The reference literature contains data on the ideal gas-phase heat capacities and enthalpies of substances obtained experimentally. In this brief report, the highly accurate and simple unified analytical dependences of the heat capacity and enthalpy of normal alkanes larger than propane in the ideal gas state on temperature and the number of carbon atoms in a molecule are derived based on the analysis of the structure of chemical groups in the molecules and on the reference values of heat capacity and enthalpy for any two selected normal alkanes at one temperature. The dependences include a single set of coefficients for all normal alkanes and can be applied even to normal alkanes with the number of carbon atoms larger than 20, for which there is no data available. The dependences are thoroughly checked against two different sets of experimental data and two different sets of computational data obtained by low- and high-level theoretical methods: PM6 and G4. The error in calculating the heat capacity and enthalpy in the temperature range 300–1500 K is about 0.1% or less, which is comparable with the error of reference experimental data. Due to the generality of these dependences, one can treat the arising deviations as the indication of possible errors in the sets of reference data used for analysis. Such dependences are useful for estimating the heat capacities and enthalpies of vapors of large n-alkanes with scarce or lacking data. In addition, they can be readily used in computational fluid dynamics applications and provide the accurate interpolation/extrapolation of the tabulated experimental data without using semi-empirical methods of chemical thermodynamics and high-order polynomials.
Energy Efficient Parallel Configuration Based Six Degree of Freedom Machining Bed
Authors: Kausar Zareena , Shah Muhammad Faizan , Masood Zeeshan , Rehman Hafiz Zia Ur , Khaydarov Sardor , Saeed Muhammad Tallal , Razmkhah Omid , Yaqoob Haseeb
Published: May 2021

The process of material removal from a workpiece to obtain the desired shape is termed machining. Present-day material removal technologies have high spindle speeds and thus allow quick material removal. These high-speed spindles are highly exposed to vibrations and, as a result, the accuracy of the final workpiece’s dimensions is compromised. To overcome this problem, the motion of the tool is restricted, and multiple degrees of freedom are given through the motion of the workpiece in different axes. A machining bed configured as a parallel manipulator capable of giving six degrees of freedom (DOF) to the workpiece is proposed in this regard. However, the proposed six DOF machining bed should be energy efficient to avoid an increase in machining cost. The benefit of using the proposed configuration is a reduction in dimensional error and computational time which, as a result, reduces the energy utilization, vibrations, and machining time in practice. This paper presents kinematics, dynamics and energy efficiency models, and the development of the proposed configuration of the machining bed. The energy efficiency model is derived from the dynamics model. The models are verified in simulation and experimentally. To minimize error and computation time, a PID controller is also designed and tested in simulation as well as experimentally. The resulting energy efficiency is also analyzed. The results verify the efficacy of the proposed configuration of the machining bed, minimizing position error to 2% and reducing computation time by 27%, hence reducing the energy consumption and enhancing the energy efficiency by 60%.
Design and Simulation Studies of Hybrid Power Systems Based on Photovoltaic, Wind, Electrolyzer, and PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: AL-bonsrulah Hussein A.Z. , Alshukri Mohammed J. , Mikhaeel Lama M. , AL-sawaf Noor N. , Nesrine Kefif , Reddy M.V. , Zaghib Karim
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the need to reduce environmental impacts and increase flexibility in the energy sector has led to increased penetration of renewable energy sources and the shift from concentrated to decentralized generation. A fuel cell is an instrument that produces electricity by chemical reaction. Fuel cells are a promising technology for ultimate energy conversion and energy generation. We see that this system is integrated, where we find that the wind and photovoltaic energy system is complementary between them, because not all days are sunny, windy, or night, so we see that this system has higher reliability to provide continuous generation. At low load hours, PV and electrolysis units produce extra power. After being compressed, hydrogen is stored in tanks. The purpose of this study is to separate the Bahr AL-Najaf Area from the main power grid and make it an independent network by itself. The PEM fuel cells were analyzed and designed, and it were found that one layer is equal to 570.96 Watt at 0.61 volts and 1.04 A/Cm2. The number of layers in one stack is designed to be equal to 13 layers, so that the total power of one stack is equal to 7422.48 Watt. That is, the number of stacks required to generate the required energy from the fuel cells is equal to 203 stk. This study provided an analysis of the hybrid system to cover the electricity demand in the Bahr AL-Najaf region of 1.5 MW, the attained hybrid power system TNPC cost was about 9,573,208 USD, whereas the capital cost and energy cost (COE) were about 7,750,000 USD and 0.169 USD/kWh respectively, for one year.
Condensation of Hydrocarbons in Compact Smooth and Microfinned Tubes
Authors: Allymehr Ehsan , Pardiñas Ángel Álvarez , Eikevik Trygve Magne , Hafner Armin
Published: May 2021

A database for flowing condensation of three hydrocarbons, namely propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), and propylene (R1270), is extended by experimental tests in a smooth tube and two microfinned tubes with an increase of heat exchange area of 1.51 and 2.63, respectively. The outer diameter for all of the test tubes was 5 mm. Heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop are compared between the fluids and tubes. Tests were conducted at saturation temperatures of 35 °C and mass fluxes between 200 to 500 kgm−2s−1. Results show that isobutane (R600a) has a higher heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop while propylene (R1270) and propane (R290) present very similar characteristics. Both microfinned tubes increase the heat transfer coefficient compared to the smooth tube, but with different magnitude and tendencies and almost independently of the fluid tested. The maximum increase of heat transfer coefficient reached values of up to 1.8 while the maximum increase in pressure drop was by a factor of 1.7. Data have been compared with predictive methods exhibiting accurate correlation for smooth tube, while the accuracy of results for the microfinned are dependent on the type of tube and fluid used.
Exploiting Machine Learning for Improving In-Memory Execution of Data-Intensive Workflows on Parallel Machines
Authors: Cantini Riccardo , Marozzo Fabrizio , Orsino Alessio , Talia Domenico , Trunfio Paolo
Published: May 2021

Workflows are largely used to orchestrate complex sets of operations required to handle and process huge amounts of data. Parallel processing is often vital to reduce execution time when complex data-intensive workflows must be run efficiently, and at the same time, in-memory processing can bring important benefits to accelerate execution. However, optimization techniques are necessary to fully exploit in-memory processing, avoiding performance drops due to memory saturation events. This paper proposed a novel solution, called the Intelligent In-memory Workflow Manager (IIWM), for optimizing the in-memory execution of data-intensive workflows on parallel machines. IIWM is based on two complementary strategies: (1) a machine learning strategy for predicting the memory occupancy and execution time of workflow tasks; (2) a scheduling strategy that allocates tasks to a computing node, taking into account the (predicted) memory occupancy and execution time of each task and the memory available on that node. The effectiveness of the machine learning-based predictor and the scheduling strategy were demonstrated experimentally using as a testbed, Spark, a high-performance Big Data processing framework that exploits in-memory computing to speed up the execution of large-scale applications. In particular, two synthetic workflows were prepared for testing the robustness of the IIWM in scenarios characterized by a high level of parallelism and a limited amount of memory reserved for execution. Furthermore, a real data analysis workflow was used as a case study, for better assessing the benefits of the proposed approach. Thanks to high accuracy in predicting resources used at runtime, the IIWM was able to avoid disk writes caused by memory saturation, outperforming a traditional strategy in which only dependencies among tasks are taken into account. Specifically, the IIWM achieved up to a 31% and a 40% reduction of makespan and a performance improvement up to 1.45× and 1.66× on the synthetic workflows and the real case study, respectively.
Willing or Hesitant? A Socioeconomic Study on the Potential Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan
Authors: Kadoya Yoshihiko , Watanapongvanich Somtip , Yuktadatta Pattaphol , Putthinun Pongpat , Lartey Stella T. , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim
Published: May 2021

The worldwide COVID-19 vaccination program is already underway, raising hopes and aspirations to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that halted economic and social activities. However, the issue of vaccine effectiveness and its side-effects is influencing the potential acceptance of vaccines. In this uncertain situation, we used data from a nationwide survey in Japan during February 2021, following the Japanese government’s initial phase of COVID-19 vaccination. Our results show that 47% of the respondents are willing to take a vaccine once it is available, while 22% are not willing and another 31% remain indecisive. Our ordered probit regression results show that demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables such as gender, age, subjective health status, children, household income, household assets, financial literacy, future anxiety, and myopic view of the future are associated with willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings suggest that Japan’s government should not adopt a one-size-fits-all policy to promote the vaccination program, but rather target people with specific socioeconomic backgrounds who are less willing and more hesitant to take a vaccine.
Coping and Post-Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents after an Acute Onset Disaster: A Systematic Review
Authors: Powell Tara , Wegmann Kate M. , Backode Emily
Published: May 2021

Acute onset disasters impact children’s and adolescents’ psychological well-being, often leading to mental health challenges. The way a young person copes with the event plays a significant role in development of post-disaster psychopathology. Coping has been widely studied after acute onset disasters, however, difficulties conducting research in post-disaster contexts and the individualized nature of coping make accurate assessment of coping a significant challenge. A systematic literature search of multiple databases and previous reviews was conducted, exploring scholarly documentation of coping measurement and the relationship between coping and post-traumatic stress (PTSS) symptoms after acute onset disasters. A total of 384 peer-reviewed manuscripts were identified, and 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the current review. The studies examined coping and post-traumatic stress in the wake of acute onset disasters such as terrorist events and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Greater PTSS symptoms were related to internalizing, externalizing, rumination, and avoidant coping strategies. Coping measurement was constrained due to measurement variance, lack of developmentally and contextually vali-dated instruments, theoretical misalignment, and absence of comprehensive tools to assess coping. Robust and consistent measures of coping should be established to inform research and interventions to reduce the impact of disasters on children’s and adolescents’ well-being.
Radiation-Induced Recurrent Vesicovaginal Fistula—Treatment with Adjuvant Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection and Martius Flap Placement—Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kołodyńska Aleksandra , Streit-Ciećkiewicz Dominika , Kot Agata , Kuliniec Iga , Futyma Konrad
Published: May 2021

Vesicovaginal fistula is the non-physiological connection between the urinary bladder and vagina. This results in continuous urine leakage. In developed countries, the prevalence of this condition is low and affects (mainly) women with a history of gynaecological procedures or radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic process of a patient with radiation-induced, recurrent vesicovaginal fistula. The thirty-eight-year-old patient underwent radical hysterectomy with follow-up radiotherapy due to cervical cancer. Five years after the therapy, she was diagnosed with vesicovaginal fistula. After two unsuccessful Latzko procedures and two adjuvant platelet-rich plasma injections, a third Latzko reconstructive surgery was performed with additional transposition of the Martius flap—with successful closure of the fistula.
Distribution and Polarization of Caries in Adolescent Populations
Authors: Schill Helen , Wölfle Uta Christine , Hickel Reinhard , Krämer Norbert , Standl Marie , Heinrich Joachim , Kühnisch Jan
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of adolescents with severe caries to analyze the prevalence of caries and to visualize the unequal distribution. Data from three epidemiological studies (10- and 15-year-olds: GINIplus and LISA cohorts in Munich, Bavaria; 12-year-olds: LAGZ survey in Bavaria, Germany) with 2875 adolescents were available for analysis. All individuals were examined according to the WHO standard. Statistics included the calculation of mean dmft/DMFT values (standard deviation), Significant Caries Index (SiC) values, Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC) values, and Lorenz curves. Overall caries-free status was 58.6% in primary and 83.9% in secondary teeth (10-year-olds), 61.5% (12-year-olds), and 64.6% (15-year-olds). The proportion of 12- and 15-year-olds with at least four DMFTs was 9.4% and 8.3%, respectively. In addition, eight 15-year-olds with DMFT values ≥8 (0.6%) were registered. The SaC/SiC values amounted to 1.8/0.9 DMFT (10-year-olds), 2.6/2.8 DMFT (12-year-olds), and 2.5/2.5 DMFT (15-year-olds). The mean DMFT values in the upper 1% of subjects were 4.2 DMFT (10-year-olds), 8.5 DMFT (12-year-olds), and 8.5 DMFT (15-year-olds). Thus, caries is not equally distributed throughout adolescence, but individuals with severe caries are rare. Nevertheless, further interdisciplinary research seems to be needed to clarify potential risk factors.
Pubertal Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Relation to Late Adolescent Body Fatness in Boys: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Remmel Liina , Tamme Reeli , Tillmann Vallo , Mäestu Evelin , Purge Priit , Mengel Eva , Riso Eva-Maria , Jürimäe Jaak
Published: May 2021

There is a lack of studies investigating whether objectively measured physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in puberty is associated with healthier body composition in late adolescence. The study sample included 71 boys, who were measured at puberty (mean age of 12.1 years) and again at late adolescence (mean age of 18.1 years). Physical activity was measured by accelerometry, and total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and sedentary time (SED) were calculated, while CRF was assessed by a peak oxygen consumption test. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and body fat percentage (%BF), fat mass index (FMI), trunk fat mass index (TFMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were calculated. Body mass index (BMI) and SED time increased, while MVPA, total PA, and CRF decreased from puberty to late adolescence. A relatively high degree of tracking for BMI and CRF, and a low tracking for PA from puberty to late adolescence was observed. Only the CRF value at puberty negatively predicted adolescent BF% (β = −0.221; p = 0.015), FMI (β = −0.212; p = 0.006), and TFMI (β = −0.189; p = 0.015) values. Adolescents whose CRF was above the median at puberty had lower BMI, BF%, FMI, and TFMI in comparison to those whose CRF was below the median at puberty. In conclusion, measured CRF and PA values decreased from puberty to late adolescence. Pubertal CRF predicted body fatness indices six years later in healthy adolescents.
Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Oral Health Status in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Han Su-Jin , Son Youn-Jung , Kim Bo-Hwan
Published: May 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to poor oral health. However, oral health among diabetic patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is scarcely studied. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of oral health complications and the relationship between DM and oral health status in diabetic patients with CVDs. This retrospective nationwide cross-sectional study evaluated 3495 patients aged ≥40 years with CVD, with DM (n = 847) and without DM (n = 2648). The participant’s characteristics between the two groups were compared using the Chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between DM and oral health status. The prevalence of periodontitis (54.3% vs. 43.2%) and <20 number of remaining teeth (30.9% vs. 22.8%) was significantly higher in the DM than in the non-DM group. In the multivariate regression analysis, the incidence of periodontitis was 1.4 times higher in the DM group than in the non-DM after adjusting for confounders; however, the number of remaining teeth and active caries were not associated with DM. In conclusion, the oral health status of patients with coexisting CVD and DM should be assessed closely and actively. Healthcare professionals should provide accessible dental care services and develop strategies to improve patients’ oral health.
Effects of Focal Knee Joint Cooling on Static and Dynamic Strength of the Quadriceps: Innovative Approach to Muscle Conditioning
Authors: Kim Joo-Sung , Mettler Joni , McCurdy Kevin , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: May 2021

Recent evidence suggests an innovative approach to muscle conditioning: focal knee joint cooling (FKJC) appears to improve quadriceps function, including static (isometric) strength. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of FKJC on dynamic (concentric and eccentric) strength. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine dynamic quadriceps strength following FKJC as well as static strength. Twenty-one college-aged participants volunteered. They randomly underwent 20 min of FKJC and control condition at least 72 h apart. FKJC involves two ice bags, placed on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the knee, whereas the control condition received a plastic ice bag filled with candy corn. We assessed isometric and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric) quadriceps strength at two different velocities (60°/s and 180°/s). Participants performed three maximal voluntary contractions for each mode of muscle contraction, before and after each treatment (immediately, 20, and 40 min after). The outcome variable was maximum knee extension peak torque. FKJC did not change peak torque during any mode of muscle contraction (p > 0.05). The current findings suggest that 20 min of FKJC does not change static (isometric) or dynamic (isokinetic) strength of the quadriceps. FKJC was neither beneficial nor harmful to static or dynamic muscular strength.
Effectiveness of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block after Elective Total Hip Replacement: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Gola Wojciech , Bialka Szymon , Owczarek Aleksander J. , Misiolek Hanna
Published: May 2021

Objective: An assessment of the feasibility of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) combined with nonopioid analgesics and patient controlled analgesia (PCA), oxycodone, in the perioperative anaesthetic management for elective total hip replacement (THR). Design: A randomised, single-center, open-label study. Setting: A single hospital. The study was conducted from October 2018 to May 2019. Participants: In total, 109 patients were scheduled for elective total hip replacement. Interventions: Postoperative FICB with 0.375% ropivacaine in conjunction with nonopioid analgesics (paracetamol, metamizole, and pregabalin) and oxycodone as rescue analgesia. Measurements: Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) at rest and during rehabilitation, the total dose of postoperative oxycodone required, the occurrence of opioid-related adverse events, patient hospitalisation time, and level of satisfaction. Follow-up period: 48 h. Main Results: A total of 109 patients were randomised into two groups and, of these, 9 were subsequently excluded from the analysis (three conversions to general anaesthesia, two failures to perform FICB, four failures to use the PCA pump). Patients in the FICB group received standard intravenous analgesia with FICB, and those in the control group were managed with standard intravenous analgesia only. Pain level measured with NRS was significantly lower at rest and during rehabilitation in the FICB group. Oxycodone use in the first 48 h was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001); additionally, the time to the first dose of rescue analgesia was significantly shorter (p < 0.001). In the control group, there was a higher rate of side effects and a significantly longer hospitalisation time (p < 0.001). Similarly, higher satisfaction with the applied analgesic treatment was noted in the FICB group. Conclusions: FICB in elective THR treatments is an effective form of analgesia, which reduces the need for opioids, the number of complications, the length of hospitalisation, and which ensures a high level of patient satisfaction with the analgesic treatment used. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT04690647.
Listen to Your Heart–Ecological Momentary Assessment of Interoceptive Accuracy, Awareness and Sensibility: A Pilot Study
Authors: Höller Inken , Stenzel Jana-Sophie , Rath Dajana , Forkmann Thomas
Published: May 2021

Background: Interoception is a multi-facetted phenomenon including interoceptive accuracy, awareness and sensibility. Deficits in interoception have been associated with psychological distress. However, little is known about the course of interoception over time. The present study aimed at examining interoception in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-setting. Methods: A seven-day smartphone-based EMA was conducted in a community sample of sixty-one participants (age: M = 24.1, SD = 7.00, n = 54 female (88.5%)). To control for potential practice effects of repeated assessments during the EMA phase, participants were randomly assigned to a control (n = 30) and an interoception (n = 31) group. The latter was assessed for interoceptive accuracy, awareness and sensibility. Before and after the EMA phase, all participants were assessed for interoception in the laboratory. Results: Multilevel analyses revealed significant fluctuations for all three interoceptive facets, around 50% of variance was due to within-person variability. There were only practice effects for the subscale “Attention Regulation”, measuring interoceptive sensibility. Conclusion: The facets of interoception can be assessed in an EMA-setting. Repeated interoceptive assessments do not necessarily lead to an improvement of participants’ interoceptive abilities. It could be shown that all interoceptive facets fluctuate, which should be considered in future research.
Associations of Social Cohesion and Socioeconomic Status with Health Behaviours among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese People
Authors: Feng Zeyun , Cramm Jane M. , Nieboer Anna P.
Published: May 2021

Background: An understanding of factors associated with health behaviours is critical for the design of appropriate health promotion programmes. Important influences of social cohesion, education, and income on people’s health behaviours have been recognised in Western countries. However, little is known about these influences in the older Chinese population. Objective: To investigate associations of social cohesion and socioeconomic status (SES) with health behaviours among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods: We used data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health. Logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were performed. Results: Participants who reported greater social cohesion were more likely to have adequate vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption, be socially active, and less likely to smoke daily, but were not physically more active; participants with lower education levels were less likely to have adequate VF consumption and be socially active, and more likely to smoke daily; higher incomes were associated with decreased odds of daily smoking, increased odds of adequate VF consumption, increased likelihood to be socially active, but also less likelihood to have sufficient physical activity (PA). Associations of social cohesion and SES with health behaviours (smoking, PA, and VF consumption) differed between men and women. Discussion: Our findings are an essential step toward a fuller understanding of the roles of social cohesion and SES in protecting healthy behaviours among older adults.
Microclimate Classification of Bologna (Italy) as a Support Tool for Urban Services and Regeneration
Authors: Nardino Marianna , Cremonini Letizia , Georgiadis Teodoro , Mandanici Emanuele , Bitelli Gabriele
Published: May 2021

A microclimate classification of the entire Bologna Municipality has been carried out in order to give a tool to the local administration in the drafting of the General Urbanistic Plan (PUG). The city was classified considering the variation of air temperature as a function of the surface characteristics, the vegetation fraction, the building density and the H/W ratio (height to width). Starting from the microclimate analysis carried out with fluid-dynamic modeling (Envi-met) for some areas of the city of urban interest, the air temperature variation was correlated to the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) in order to make a classification of physiological well-being for the resident population. An urban map of a normalized microclimate well-being index (BMN) has been obtained to give support when private, and public actors want to regenerate part of the city, taking into account the climate-centered approach for the development of a sustainability city.
Sociodemographic, HIV-Related Characteristics, and Health Care Factors as Predictors of Self-Reported Vaccination Coverage in a Nationwide Sample of People Aging with HIV in Germany
Authors: Drewes Jochen , Langer Phil C. , Ebert Jennifer , Kleiber Dieter , Gusy Burkhard
Published: May 2021

Preventing infectious diseases through vaccination becomes more significant among the growing population of people aging with HIV. Coverage rates for vaccinations and factors associated with vaccination utilization among this population in Germany are unknown. We assessed the coverage of eight recommended vaccinations in a certain time frame in our convenience sample of 903 people living with HIV aged 50 years and older. We analysed coverage rates and used bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses to identify factors associated with number of reported vaccinations. Coverage rates in our sample ranged between 51.0% for meningococcus disease and 84.6% for the triple vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. All rates were higher compared to the German general population. Seven factors were related to the number of vaccinations in multiple regression analysis: sexual orientation, education, relationship status, CD4 count, time since last visit to HIV specialist, type of HIV specialist, and distance to HIV specialist. Vaccination coverage among people aging with HIV in Germany is high, but not optimal. To improve vaccination uptake, strengthened efforts need to be focused on female and heterosexual male patients, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients, and patients with barriers to access regular HIV care.
From Athens to Sparta—37 Years of Spartathlon
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Gomes Margarida , Scheer Volker , Gajda Robert , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Hill Lee , Rosemann Thomas , Sousa Caio Victor
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Recent studies analyzed the participation and performance trends of historic races such as the oldest ultra-marathon (Comrades) or the oldest 100-km ultra-marathon (Biel). One of the toughest and historic ultra-marathons in the world is the ‘Spartathlon’ (246-km ultra-marathon from Athens to Sparta). The present study aimed to analyze the trends in participation and performance of this race. (2) Methods: Different general linear models were applied as follows: the first model was a two-way ANOVA (Decade × Sex), with separate models for all participants and for only the top five finishers in each race; the second model was a two-way ANOVA (Age Group × Sex); the third model was a two-way ANOVA (Nationality × Sex). (3) Results: Between 1982 and 2019, 3504 ultra-marathoners (3097 men and 407 women) officially finished the Spartathlon at least once. Athletes from Japan were the majority with 737 participants, followed by far by runners from Germany (n = 393), Greece (n = 326), and France (n = 274). The nations with the highest numbers of athletes amongst the top five performers were Japan (n = 71), followed by Germany (n = 59), and Great Britain (n = 31). Runners from the USA were the fastest in men, and runners from Great Britain were the fastest in women. Female and male runners improved performance across the decades. The annual five fastest women and men improved their performance over time. Runners achieved their best performance earlier in life (20–29 and 30–39 years) than female runners (30–39 and 40–49 years). Runners in age group 30–39 years were the fastest for all nationalities, except for Greece. (4) Conclusions: Successful finishers in the Spartathlon improved performance in the last four decades and male runners achieved their best performance ~10 years earlier in life than female runners.
Comparative Social Life Cycle Assessment of Two Biomass-to-Electricity Systems
Authors: Martín-Gamboa Mario , Quinteiro Paula , Dias Ana Cláudia , Iribarren Diego
Published: May 2021

Biomass plays a fundamental role in numerous decarbonisation strategies that seek to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of climate change. Within this context, decision-makers’ choices need to comprehensively consider potential sustainability effects associated with bioenergy systems. In particular, due to the lack of studies addressing the social sustainability of bioelectricity, the present work applies the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology to compare the social performance of two biomass-to-electricity systems located in Portugal based on either fluidised-bed or grate furnace technology. S-LCA involves a comprehensive approach for holistic evaluation and data interpretation of social aspects. Six social indicators were benchmarked: child labour, forced labour, gender wage gap, women in the sectoral labour force, health expenditure, and contribution to economic development. The results show that the implementation of fluidised-bed furnaces as a more efficient conversion technology could reduce by 15–19% the selected negative social impacts, except women in the sectoral labour force. When enlarging the interpretation to a sustainability perspective, the general suitability of the fluidised-bed furnace system would be further emphasised under environmental aspects while jointly providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and sustainability reporting.
Mentoring as a Buffer for the Syndemic Impact of Racism and COVID-19 among Diverse Faculty within Academic Medicine
Authors: South-Paul Jeannette E. , Campbell Kendall M. , Poll-Hunter Norma , Murrell Audrey J.
Published: May 2021

Within this article, we explore the dual impact of two pandemics, racism and COVID-19, on the career and psychological well-being of diverse faculty within academic medicine. First, we present a discussion of the history of racism in academic medicine and the intensification of racial disparities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the syndemic of racism and COVID-19, the outlook for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse faculty and leaders within academic medicine is at risk. While mentoring is known to have benefits for career and personal development, we focus on the unique and often unacknowledged role that mentoring can play as a buffer for women and people of color, especially when working in institutions that lack diversity and are now struggling with the syndemic of racism and COVID-19. We also discuss the implications of acknowledging mentoring as a buffer for future leadership development, research, and programs within academic medicine and health professions.
Interactive Effects of Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors on Testicular Function among Healthy Adult Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan
Authors: Kurniawan Adi Lukas , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Chao Jane C.-J. , Lin Li-Yin , Paramastri Rathi , Lee Hsiu-An , Hsieh Nan-Chen , Wu Shu-Fang Vivienne
Published: May 2021

Recently, the role of lifestyle factors in testicular function has developed into a growing area of interest. Based on cross-sectional data on 3283 Taiwanese men, we investigated whether interactive effects of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with testicular function. The men were recruited from a private screening institute between 2009 and 2015. Lifestyle behaviors (smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity (PA), sleeping habits, and diet) were obtained by a validated self-reported questionnaire. The men provided a semen sample and had blood drawn for sex hormone measurement. Men who smoked and drank had higher testosterone (T) levels (β = 0.81, p < 0.001) than those who neither smoked nor drank. Men who smoked and had high Western dietary pattern scores had higher T levels—by 0.38 ng/mL (p = 0.03). Those who drank and did not get enough sleep or had high Western dietary pattern scores had elevated T levels—by 0.60 ng/mL (p = 0.005) or 0.45 ng/mL (p = 0.02), respectively. Light PA and insomnia were associated with decreased T levels—by 0.64 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Those who smoked and drank or had light PA or had high Western dietary pattern scores had lower normal sperm morphologies (NSMs)—by 2.08%, 1.77%, and 2.29%, respectively. Moreover, drinkers who had high Western dietary pattern scores had higher sperm concentrations—by 4.63 M/mL (p = 0.04). Awareness and recognition of the long-term impact of lifestyle behaviors and better lifestyle choices may help to optimize the chance of conception amongst couples.
Serotonin—Its Synthesis and Roles in the Healthy and the Critically Ill
Authors: Kanova Marcela , Kohout Pavel
Published: May 2021

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) plays two important roles in humans—one central and the other peripheral—depending on the location of the 5-HT pools of on either side of the blood-brain barrier. In the central nervous system it acts as a neurotransmitter, controlling such brain functions as autonomic neural activity, stress response, body temperature, sleep, mood and appetite. This role is very important in intensive care, as in critically ill patients multiple serotoninergic agents like opioids, antiemetics and antidepressants are frequently used. High serotonin levels lead to altered mental status, deliria, rigidity and myoclonus, together recognized as serotonin syndrome. In its role as a peripheral hormone, serotonin is unique in controlling the functions of several organs. In the gastrointestinal tract it is important for regulating motor and secretory functions. Apart from intestinal motility, energy metabolism is regulated by both central and peripheral serotonin signaling. It also has fundamental effects on hemostasis, vascular tone, heart rate, respiratory drive, cell growth and immunity. Serotonin regulates almost all immune cells in response to inflammation, following the activation of platelets.