bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theoretical Optimum Tilt Angle Model for Solar Collectors from Keplerian Orbit
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Li , He Yufang , Sun Mengfei , Liu Jian , Xu Guochang
Published: July 2021

Solar energy has been extensively used in industry and everyday life. A more suitable solar collector orientation can increase its utilization. Many studies have explored the best orientation of the solar collector installation from the perspective of data analysis and local-area cases. Investigating the optimal tilt angle of a collector from the perspective of data analysis, or guiding the angle of solar collector installation, requires an a priori theoretical tilt angle as a support. However, none of the current theoretical studies have taken the real motion of the Sun into account. Furthermore, a complete set of theoretical optimal tilt angles for solar energy is necessary for worldwide locations. Therefore, from the view of astronomical mechanics, considering the true orbit of the Sun, a mathematical model that is universal across the globe is proposed: the Kepler motion model is constructed from the solar orbit and transformed into the local Earth coordinate system. After that, the calculation of the optimal tilt angle solution is given. Finally, several examples are shown to demonstrate the variation of the optimal solar angle with month and latitude. The results show that for daily fixed solar collectors, the altitude angle of the collector should be about 6° above the noon solar altitude angle in summer and 6° lower in winter. For annual fixed collectors, the tilt angle should be slightly higher than the latitude. In summary, this study demonstrates that when a location is specified, this model can be used to calculate the theoretical optimum tilt angle of solar collectors for that position.
Dynamic Low Voltage Ride through Detection and Mitigation in Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generators
Authors: Memon Ahsanullah , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Aman Muhammad Naveed , Ullah Mukhtar , Kamal Tariq , Hafeez Abdul
Published: July 2021

Brushless doubly-fed induction generators have higher reliability, making them an attractive choice for not only offshore applications but also for remote locations. These machines are composed of two back-to-back voltage source converters: the grid side converter and the rotor side converter. The rotor side converter is typically used for reactive current control of the power winding using the control winding current. A low voltage ride through (LVRT) fault is detected using a hysterisis comparison of the power winding voltage. This approach leads to two problems, firstly, the use of only voltage to detect faults results in erroneous or slow response, and secondly, sub-optimal control of voltage drop because of static reference values for reactive current compensation. This paper solves these problems by using an analytical model of the voltage drop caused by a short circuit. Moreover, using a fuzzy logic controller, the proposed technique employs the voltage frequency in addition to the power winding voltage magnitude to detect LVRT conditions. The analytical model helps in reducing the power winding voltage drop while the fuzzy logic controller leads to better and faster detection of faults, leading to an overall faster response of the system. Simulations in Matlab/Simulink show that the proposed technique can reduce the voltage drop by up to 0.12 p.u. and result in significantly lower transients in the power winding voltage as compared to existing techniques.
The Impact of Post-Manufacture Treatments on the Surface Characteristics Important for Finishing of OSB and Particleboard
Authors: Copak Antonio , Jirouš-Rajković Vlatka , Španić Nikola , Miklečić Josip
Published: July 2021

Oriented strand board (OSB) is a commonly used structural wood-based panel for walls and roof siding, but recently the industry has become interested in OSB as a substrate for indoor and outdoor furniture. Particleboard is mainly used in furniture productions and has become popular as a construction material due to its numerous usage possibilities and inexpensive cost. Moisture is one of the most important factors affecting wood-based panel performance and the post-treatment conditions affected their affinity to water. When OSB and particleboard are used as substrates for coatings, their surface characteristics play an important role in determining the quality of the final product. Furthermore, roughness can significantly affect the interfacial phenomena such as adsorption, wetting, and adhesion which may have an impact on the coating performance. In this research particleboard and OSB panels were sanded, re-pressed and IR heated and the influence of surface treatments on hardness, roughness, wetting, water, and water vapour absorption was studied. Results showed that sanding improved the wetting of particleboard and OSB with water. Moreover, studied surface treatments increased water absorption and water penetration depth of OSB panels, and re-pressing had a positive effect on reducing the water vapour absorption of particleboard and OSB panels.
Holocene Fire Regime Changes in the Southern Lake Baikal Region Influenced by Climate-Vegetation-Anthropogenic Activity Interactions
Authors: Barhoumi Chéïma , Vogel Marianne , Dugerdil Lucas , Limani Hanane , Joannin Sébastien , Peyron Odile , Ali Ahmed Adam
Published: July 2021

Catastrophic fire years that have taken place during the last decade in Siberia, and more generally within the boreal forest, have been directly linked to global warming and had strong repercussions on boreal ecosystems and human populations. In this context the study of the past dynamics of these fires is essential for understanding their links with climate, vegetation and human activity changes on longer time scales than the last few decades. However, few studies on fire dynamics are available for Siberia, and none have been conducted for the entire Holocene period. This study presents the first fire history reconstruction of this area during the Holocene based on charcoals sequestered in sediments of two lakes located on the southern shore of Lake Baikal, in Siberia. The results show a similar trend in the two lakes, with high frequency and high peak magnitude during the Early Holocene and low magnitudes after 6500 cal. yr BP. This difference is interpreted as crown fires versus surface fires. According to pollen records (Dulikha, Vydrino, Ochkovoe) available near the studied lakes, a vegetation transition occurred at the same time. Picea obovata, which has a tree structure prone to crown fires, was dominant during the Early humid Holocene. After 6500 cal. yr BP, conditions were drier and Pinus sylvestris and Pinus sibirica became the dominant species; their tree structure favors surface fires. In addition to vegetation dynamics, the nearby pollen sequence from Dulikha has been used to provide quantitative estimates of past climate, indicating an Early to Middle Holocene climatic optimum between 8000 and 5000 cal. yr BP and an increase in temperatures at the end of the Holocene. These results have been compared to outputs from regional climate models for the Lake Baikal latitudes. Fire dynamics appear to have been more linked to the vegetation than climatic conditions. Over the past 1500 years, the greater presence of human populations has firstly resulted in an increase in the fire frequency, then in its maintenance and finally in its suppression, which may possibly have been due to very recent fire management, i.e., after ca 500 cal. BP.
Architecting an Agent-Based Fault Diagnosis Engine for IEC 61499 Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Dowdeswell Barry , Sinha Roopak , MacDonell Stephen G.
Published: July 2021

IEC 61499 is a reference architecture for constructing Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS). However, current function block development environments only provide limited fault-finding capabilities. There is a need for comprehensive diagnostic tools that help engineers identify faults, both during development and after deployment. This article presents the software architecture for an agent-based fault diagnostic engine that equips agents with domain-knowledge of IEC 61499. The engine encourages a Model-Driven Development with Diagnostics methodology where agents work alongside engineers during iterative cycles of design, development, diagnosis and refinement. Attribute-Driven Design (ADD) was used to propose the architecture to capture fault telemetry directly from the ICPS. A Views and Beyond Software Architecture Document presents the architecture. The Architecturally-Significant Requirement (ASRs) were used to design the views while an Architectural Trade-off Analysis Method (ATAM) evaluated critical parts of the architecture. The agents locate faults during both early-stage development and later provide long-term fault management. The architecture introduces dynamic, low-latency software-in-loop Diagnostic Points (DPs) that operate under the control of an agent to capture fault telemetry. Using sound architectural design approaches and documentation methods, coupled with rigorous evaluation and prototyping, the article demonstrates how quality attributes, risks and architectural trade-offs were identified and mitigated early before the construction of the engine commenced.
Effect of UV-C Irradiation, Storage and Subsequent Cooking on Chemical Constituents of Fresh-Cut Potatoes
Authors: Pelaić Zdenka , Čošić Zrinka , Pedisić Sandra , Repajić Maja , Zorić Zoran , Levaj Branka
Published: July 2021

UV-C irradiation successfully reduces the growth of microorganisms, but it can also affect the content of phenolics and sugars of fresh-cut potatoes (FCP). This could consequently alter antioxidant capacity of FCP or its potential for acrylamide formation. Therefore, this paper investigates the influence of UV-C irradiation on the content of phenolics [chlorogenic acid (CA)] and individual sugars during storage of FCP as well as after cooking. Acrylamide was also monitored in FCP after frying. Potato slices pre-treated with sodium ascorbate solution and vacuum-packaged were UV-C irradiated for 0, 3, 5, and 10 min in order to obtain irradiation doses of 0, 1.62, 2.70, and 5.40 kJ m−2, respectively, stored for 23 days (+6 °C), and subsequently boiled and fried. As the applied dose and storage duration increased, the CA content in raw FCP decreased (it retained for 75.53–88.34%), while the content of sugars as well as acrylamide in fried FCP increased. Although the increase was the most noticeable at the applied dose of 2.70 kJ m−2, the acrylamide content was always below proposed limit. Boiling and frying reduced the content of CA and sugars. In spite of certain alterations, applied doses of irradiation can ensure acceptable product in regard to phenolics and sugars, and acrylamide content particularly.
Coffee Silver Skin: Chemical Characterization with Special Consideration of Dietary Fiber and Heat-Induced Contaminants
Authors: Gottstein Vera , Bernhardt Mara , Dilger Elena , Keller Judith , Breitling-Utzmann Carmen M. , Schwarz Steffen , Kuballa Thomas , Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Bunzel Mirko
Published: July 2021

Coffee silver skin is produced in large amounts as a by-product during the coffee roasting process. In this study, coffee silver skin of the species Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner as well as silver skin pellets produced in the coffee industry were characterized with respect to both nutritional value and potential heat-induced contaminants. Enzymatic-gravimetric/chromatographic determination of the dietary fiber content showed values ranging from 59 to 67 g/100 g with a comparably high portion of soluble fiber, whereas low molecular weight soluble fiber was not detected. Compositional and methylation analysis indicated the presence of cellulose and xylans in the insoluble dietary fiber fraction, whereas pectic polysaccharides dominate the soluble dietary fiber fraction. The protein content as determined by the Kjeldahl method was in the range of 18 to 22 g/100 g, and all essential amino acids were present in coffee silver skin; whereas fat contents were low, high ash contents were determined. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) showed the presence of macroelements in large amounts, whereas toxic mineral elements were only detected in trace amounts or being absent. Acrylamide was quantified with levels of 24–161 µg/kg. Although 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was detected, its concentration was below the limit of determination. Furfuryl alcohol was not detected.
Analytical Rheology of Honey: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Faustino Célia , Pinheiro Lídia
Published: July 2021

Honey has been used as a nutraceutical product since ancient times due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Honey rheology influences its organoleptic properties and is relevant for processing and quality control. This review summarizes the rheological behaviour of honeys of different botanical source(s) and geographical locations that has been described in the literature, focusing on the relation between rheological parameters, honey composition (moisture, water activity, sugar content, presence of colloidal matter) and experimental conditions (temperature, time, stress, shear rate). Both liquid and crystallized honeys have been addressed. Firstly, the main mathematical models used to describe honey rheological behaviour are presented highlighting moisture and temperature effects. Then, rheological data from the literature regarding distinct honey types from different countries is analysed and results are compared. Although most honeys are Newtonian fluids, interesting shear-thinning and thixotropic as well as anti-thixotropic behaviour have been described for some types of honey. Rheological parameters have also been successfully applied to identify honey adulteration and to discriminate between different honey types. Several chemometric techniques have also been employed to obtain the complex relationships between honey physicochemical and rheological properties, including partial least squares (PLS), principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural networks (ANN).
Partitioning of Proteins and Anti-Nutrients in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Leaf Processing Fractions after Mechanical Extraction and Ultrafiltration
Authors: Ayele Haimanot Hailegiorigs , Latif Sajid , Bruins Marieke E. , Müller Joachim
Published: July 2021

Cassava plays a major role in improving food security and reducing malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of mechanical pressing coupled with ultrafiltration (UF) on the quality of different fractions of cassava leaves. Cassava leaves harvested from the greenhouse at the University of Hohenheim were passed through a mechanical screw press to extract the juice and separate the press cake. The juice was centrifuged and filtered to separate the sediment and clear supernatant. The clear supernatant was filtered using a 10 kDa UF system. The nutritional contents of the different fractions were analyzed at each processing step. The total phenolic content was significantly lower in the press cake that had a higher fiber and ash content. The juice and sediment fractions had higher crude protein and total phenolic content. Processing did not negatively affect the concentrations of essential amino acids except for tryptophan in the juice fraction. Non-protein nitrogen was mainly present in the UF permeate, illustrating the potential of UF for upgrading soluble protein fractions. The results indicated that the different fractions during processing could be a possible source of protein for food, feed (juice, sediment, and retentate), or fiber (press cake) for ruminant feed.
Molecular Characterization of Choroideremia-Associated Deletions Reveals an Unexpected Regulation of CHM Gene Transcription
Authors: Fioretti Tiziana , Di Iorio Valentina , Lombardo Barbara , De Falco Francesca , Cevenini Armando , Cattaneo Fabio , Testa Francesco , Pastore Lucio , Simonelli Francesca , Esposito Gabriella
Published: July 2021

Choroideremia (CHM) is a X-linked recessive chorioretinal dystrophy due to deficiency of the CHM gene product, i.e., Rab escort protein isoform 1 (REP1). To date, gene therapy for CHM has shown variable effectiveness, likely because the underlying pathogenic mechanisms as well as genotype-phenotype correlation are not yet fully known. Small nucleotide variants leading to premature termination codons (PTCs) are a major cause of CHM, but about 20% of patients has CHM gene deletions. To improve understanding of the disease mechanisms, we analyzed molecular features of seven deletions involving the CHM gene sequence. We mapped the deletion breakpoints by using polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and array comparative genomic hybridization; to identify rearrangement-promoting DNA sequences, we analyzed genomic architecture surrounding the breakpoint regions. Moreover, in some CHM patients with different mutation types, we measured transcript level of CHM and of CHML, encoding the REP2 isoform. Scattered along the whole CHM gene and in close proximity to the deletion breakpoints we found numerous repeat elements that generate a locus-specific rearrangement hot spot. Unexpectedly, patients with non-PTC variants had increased expression of the aberrant CHM mRNA; CHML expression was higher than normal in a patient lacking CHM and its putative regulatory sequences. This latest evidence suggests that mechanisms regulating CHM and CHML gene expression are worthy of further study, because their full knowledge could be also useful for developing effective therapies for this hitherto untreatable inherited retinal degeneration.
Human Footprints in the Karst Landscape: The Influence of Lime Production on the Landscape of the Northern Dalmatian Islands (Croatia)
Authors: Faričić Josip , Juran Kristijan
Published: July 2021

Throughout history, the production of lime on the Croatian islands, which are mostly made of limestone and dolomite, has been an important economic activity. In the northern Dalmatian islands, which are centrally positioned on the northeastern Adriatic coast, lime was produced for local needs, but also for the purposes of construction in the nearby cities of Zadar and Šibenik. On the basis of research into various written and cartographic archival sources relating to spatial data, in addition to the results of field research, various traces of lime production have been found in the landscape of the northern Dalmatian islands. Indications of this activity in the insular karst are visible in anthropogenic forms of insular relief (lime kilns, small quarries, stone deposits) and in degraded forms of Mediterranean vegetation. This activity has also left its mark on the linguistic landscape in the form of toponyms, indicating that lime kilns were an important part of the cultural landscape.
Archaeological and Natural Indicators of Sea-Level and Coastal Changes: The Case Study of the Caesarea Roman Harbor
Authors: Galili Ehud , Salamon Amos , Gambash Gil , Zviely Dov
Published: July 2021

Archaeological and geomorphological features, as well as traces left by tsunamis, earthquakes, and vertical earth-crust displacements, are used to identify sea-level and coastal changes. Such features may be displaced, submerged or eroded by natural processes and human activities. Thus, identifying ancient sea levels and coastal changes associated with such processes may be controversial and often leads to misinterpretations. We exemplify the use of sediment deposits and sea-level and coastline indicators by discussing the enigmatic demise of the Roman harbor of Caesarea, one of the greatest marine constructions built in antiquity, which is still debated and not fully understood. It was suggested that the harbor destruction was mainly the result of either tectonic subsidence associated with a local, active fault line, or as a result of an earthquake/tsunami that struck the harbor. Here we examine and reassess the deterioration of the harbor in light of historical records, and geological, geomorphological and archaeological studies of natural and man-made features associated with the harbor. We show that the alleged evidence of an earthquakes or tsunami-driven damage to the outer breakwaters is equivocal. There is no supporting evidence for the assumed tectonic, active fault, nor is there a reliable historic account of such a catastrophic destruction. It is suggested that geo-technic failure of the breakwater’s foundations caused by a series of annual winter storms was the main reason for the destruction and ultimate collapse of the western basin of the harbor. The breakwaters were constructed on unconsolidated sand that was later washed away by storm waves and sea currents that frequently hit the Israeli coast and undercut the breakwaters. The pounding effect of the waves could have contributed to the destruction by scouring and liquefying the sandy seabed underlying the foundations. Tsunamis that may have hit Caesarea could have added to the deterioration of the breakwaters, but did not constitute the main cause of its destruction.
Ancient Wandering and Permanent Temporariness
Authors: Isayev Elena
Published: July 2021

To move towards an understanding of displacement from within, and the forms of its overcoming, the following chapter brings into dialogue the ancient experience of wandering and the 21st century condition of permanent temporariness. It explores whether these are the same or different phenomena, and whether the latter is a uniquely modern experience. In particular, it is interested in the turning points that lead to the defiance of the condition and its regime. It traces modes of existence that subvert the liminal state and allow for possibilities of living beyond the present moment through returns and futures that are part of everyday practices, even if they are splintered. Such actions, it is argued, allow for the repositioning of the self in relation to the world, and thus the exposition of cracks within the status quo. The investigation confronts experiences that appear to be uniquely those of the present day—such as non-arrival and forced immobility. In its exploration it engages current responses to de-placement by those who have experience of the condition first hand. It is a dialogue between the work of such creators as the architects Petti and Hilal, the poets Qasmiyeh and Husseini, and the community builders of Dandara, with ancient discourses of the outcast that are found in Euripides’ Medea, the experience of Xenophon and such philosophers as Diogenes the Cynic. In so doing, it seeks to expose the way seemingly exceptional forms of politics and existence, instead, reveal themselves as society’s ‘systemic edge’.
From Oroonoko Tobacco to Blackamoor Snuffboxes: Race, Gender and the Consumption of Snuff in Eighteenth-Century Britain
Authors: Alayrac-Fielding Vanessa
Published: July 2021

This essay investigates the circulation of the trope of the Black body in visual and textual representations of tobacco consumption, both smoked and taken as snuff. I look at the ways in which tobacco advertising depicting the type of snuff for sale or representing enslaved Africans working on plantations articulated notions of race and coloniality. I then show that snuffboxes can be seen as material counterparts in the dissemination of racist ideology in the eighteenth century. The gender-defining practice of taking snuff is studied in relation to colonial politics using a selection of texts and a material corpus of rare extant “Blackamoor” snuffboxes (depicting the black body and face) that have not yet received scholarly attention. I argue that through female agency, the use of Blackamoor snuffboxes normalised slavery by integrating it in the cultural rituals of British sociability through a process of material aestheticisation.
Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty in Poland Based on National Data—Challenge for Healthcare in Aging Society
Authors: Gajda Mateusz , Pac Agnieszka , Gryglewska Barbara , Gajda Paulina , Różańska Anna , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: July 2021

Arthroplasty procedures are more frequently performed due to their impact on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the Polish national datasets and registries for hip and knee arthroplasty across Poland in order to describe and understand the challenges for healthcare in an aging society. The study included national data on 83,525 hip or knee arthroplasties performed in 2017. Of those, 78,388 (93.8%, 63.0% females) were primary operations: 66.6% underwent hip replacement surgery (HPRO, mean age 68.43 years, SD 11.9), and 5137 were secondary operations (females: 62.9%), with 75.2% of those being HPRO (mean age 69.0 years, SD 12.0). The mean age of the patients undergoing knee surgery (KPRO) was 68.50 years (SD 8.2). The majority (79.9%) were scheduled. The main reason for hospitalization was arthrosis (84.2% in total, HPRO—76.5%, and KPRO—99.5%), then trauma (15.1%; p < 0.001). In 5137 cases (6.2%, 62.9% females) in revision surgery group, 75.2% underwent HPRO (mean age 69.0 years; SD12.0), and 24.8% KPRO (mean age 68.0 years; SD 10.5). Similarly, 71.1% were scheduled. The main reason for hospitalization was complications (total—90.9%, HPRO—91.4%, and KPRO—89.4%) (p < 0.001). Comorbidities were present (over 80%) with the level of influenza, hepatitis B vaccination, and pre-hospital rehabilitation not exceeding 8% each in both groups. Due to the increasing age of patients, implicating comorbidities, there is a need for better preparation prior to surgery.
Using Co-Production to Develop “Sit Less at Work” Interventions in a Range of Organisations
Authors: Mackenzie Kelly , Such Elizabeth , Norman Paul , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Prolonged periods of sitting are associated with negative health outcomes, so the increase in sedentary jobs is a public health concern. Evaluation of interventions to reduce workplace sitting have suggested that participatory approaches may be more effective. This paper describes the use of co-production in four diverse organisations. Workshops with staff in each organisation were conducted to develop an organisation-specific strategy. The first workshop involved creative activities to encourage participants to develop innovative suggestions. The second workshop then developed a feasible and acceptable action plan. An ecological approach was used to consider behaviour change determinants at a range of different levels including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and environmental-level factors. 41 staff volunteered for workshops (seven in a small business, 16 in a charity, 15 in a local authority, and three in a large corporation). Of those, 27 were able to attend the first workshops and 16 were able to attend the second. Whilst there were some similarities across organisations, the smaller organisations developed a more tailored and innovative strategy than large organisations where there were more barriers to change and a more diverse workforce. Co-production resulted in bespoke interventions, tailored for different organisational contexts, maximising their potential feasibility and acceptability.
Racial Residential Segregation and Race Differences in Ideal Cardiovascular Health among Young Men
Authors: Baxter Samuel L. K. , Chung Richard , Frerichs Leah , Thorpe Roland J. , Skinner Asheley C. , Weinberger Morris
Published: July 2021

Background: Race disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) related morbidity and mortality are evident among men. While previous studies show health in young adulthood and racial residential segregation (RRS) are important factors for CVD risk, these factors have not been widely studied in male populations. We sought to examine race differences in ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) among young men (ages 24–34) and whether RRS influenced this association. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from young men who participated in Wave IV (2008) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 5080). The dichotomous outcome, achieving ideal CVH, was defined as having ≥4 of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 targets. Race (Black/White) and RRS (proportion of White residents in census tract) were the independent variables. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: Young Black men had lower odds of achieving ideal CVH (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.92) than young White men. However, RRS did not have a significant effect on race differences in ideal CVH until the proportion of White residents was ≥55%. Conclusions: Among young Black and White men, RRS is an important factor to consider when seeking to understand CVH and reduce future cardiovascular risk.
The Present State of Lithium for the Prevention of Dementia Related to Alzheimer’s Dementia in Clinical and Epidemiological Studies: A Critical Review
Authors: Ishii Nobuyoshi , Terao Takeshi , Hirakawa Hirofumi
Published: July 2021

Despite the unavailability of essential anti-dementia drugs, lithium may inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and decrease beta-amyloid and hyper-phosphorylated tau. In this review, we hypothesized that trace to standard levels of lithium (i.e., corresponding to the therapeutic levels for bipolar disorder) may be effective for dementia prevention. Excluding three insufficient level studies, we obtained two and one excellent clinical studies on standard and trace lithium levels, respectively, all of which supported the effects of lithium for dementia prevention. In addition, we identified good clinical and epidemiological studies (four each) on standard lithium levels, of which six studies supported the effects of lithium. Moreover, of three good epidemiological studies on trace lithium levels, two supported the aforementioned effects of lithium. The number of studies were substantially small, particularly those on trace lithium levels. Moreover, studies on standard lithium levels were insufficient to establish the efficacy of lithium for dementia prevention. This necessitates accumulating good or excellent clinical evidence for the effects of trace to standard lithium levels on dementia prevention.
Adjustment for Baseline Covariates to Increase Efficiency in RCTs with Binary Endpoint: A Comparison of Bayesian and Frequentist Approaches
Authors: Berchialla Paola , Sciannameo Veronica , Urru Sara , Lanera Corrado , Azzolina Danila , Gregori Dario , Baldi Ileana
Published: July 2021

Background: In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with binary outcome the estimate of the marginal treatment effect can be biased by prognostic baseline covariates adjustment. Methods that target the marginal odds ratio, allowing for improved precision and power, have been developed. Methods: The performance of different estimators for the treatment effect in the frequentist (targeted maximum likelihood estimator, inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting, parametric G-computation, and the semiparametric locally efficient estimator) and Bayesian (model averaging), adjustment for confounding, and generalized Bayesian causal effect estimation frameworks are assessed and compared in a simulation study under different scenarios. The use of these estimators is illustrated on an RCT in type II diabetes. Results: Model mis-specification does not increase the bias. The approaches that are not doubly robust have increased standard error (SE) under the scenario of mis-specification of the treatment model. The Bayesian estimators showed a higher type II error than frequentist estimators if noisy covariates are included in the treatment model. Conclusions: Adjusting for prognostic baseline covariates in the analysis of RCTs can have more power than intention-to-treat based tests. However, for some classes of model, when the regression model is mis-specified, inflated type I error and potential bias on treatment effect estimate may arise.
Gender Marginalization in Sports Participation through Advertising: The Case of Nike
Authors: Rasmussen Kirsten , Dufur Mikaela J. , Cope Michael R. , Pierce Hayley
Published: July 2021

The sport sector functions as a site of health-promotion by encouraging and enabling individuals to invest in their health and giving them tools to do so. This investment is often initiated by, or altered by, role modeling, or seeing other individuals engaging in sport. This could include family or peers but could also include depictions of sport in popular media. Inclusive role-modeling could subsequently encourage more sport participation, thus expanding access to health benefits that arise from sport. However, stereotypical depictions of sports role models could make sports seem like a more exclusive space and discourage participation. We examine a case study of a prominent athletic brand and their advertising to examine the ways they expand or reify stereotypes of gender in sport. Through a qualitative content analysis of 131 commercials released by Nike in the past decade, we explore whether their stated goals of being a socially progressive company extend to genuinely diverse and inclusive portrayals of gender in their commercials. Our results indicate that Nike commercials continue to treat sports as a predominantly and stereotypically masculine realm, therefore marginalizing athletes who are female, who do not fit traditional gender binaries, or who do not display traditionally masculine qualities. We also find that the bulk of athletes portrayed by Nike are those who adhere to gender stereotypes. Despite their purported goal of encouraging individuals to participate in sports, Nike’s promotion of gendered sport behaviors may be having an opposite effect for some consumers by discouraging sports participation for those who do not align with the gendered behavior Nike promotes. The stereotyped role modeling of the sport sector portrayed in a majority of Nike commercials could dissuade already marginalized individuals from participating in the health-promoting behaviors available through sport.
How Does Risk-Information Communication Affect the Rebound of Online Public Opinion of Public Emergencies in China?
Authors: Gao Shan , Zhang Ye , Liu Wenhui
Published: July 2021

The rebound of online public opinion is an important driving force in inducing a secondary crisis in the case of public emergencies. Effective risk-information communication is an important means to manage online public opinion regarding emergencies. This paper employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to discover which conditions are combined and may result in the rebound of online public opinion. Five conditions were selected: the type of public emergency, messengers, message attributes, audience, and information feedback. The study used a sample of 25 major public emergencies that occurred between 2015 and 2020 in China. The type of public emergency, audience, and information feedback emerged as critical influencing factors. Message attributes promote the rebound of online public opinion regarding public health emergencies, while messengers play a traction role in the rebound of online public opinion on other types of public emergencies. This study extends risk-information communication theory from the perspective of the type of emergency, explores the causes of rebounded online public opinion regarding public emergencies, and provides policies and suggestions for risk-information communication and online public-opinion governance during emergencies.
The Reciprocal Longitudinal Relationship between Executive Dysfunction and Happiness in Korean Children
Authors: Sung Yoonhee , Choi Eunsil
Published: July 2021

The goal of this study was to examine the reciprocal longitudinal relationships between executive dysfunction and happiness for Korean children. We used data from the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) conducted by the Korean Institute of Child Care and Education. A total of 1240 valid responses from the first to third grade in elementary school were analyzed using autoregressive crossed-lagged modeling. As a result, executive dysfunction and happiness were found to have reciprocal influences over the three time points. We also found that the cross-lagged effects of executive dysfunction and happiness were stronger than those of happiness on executive dysfunction. Clinical implications and limitations were discussed.
The Community Health Supporting Environments and Residents’ Health and Well-Being: The Role of Health Literacy
Authors: He Tianfeng , Liu Lefan , Huang Jing , Li Guoxing , Guo Xinbiao
Published: July 2021

We evaluate the impacts that health supporting environments have on residents’ health and well-being. Using a stratified multi-stage sampling method, we select a sample of 12,360 permanent adult residents aged 15–69, and collect information on their health literacy level, as well as their demographic background and health. This individual level data is then merged with the administrative health supporting environment data. More than two thirds of residents self-reported having good/excellent health, and the percent of adults living in communities with healthy parks, healthy trails, and healthy huts in their community is 23 percent, 43 percent, and 25 percent, respectively. Controlling for a series of confounding factors at the community and individual levels, we find that healthy parks and healthy trails are positively correlated with self-reported health, which increases the probability of self-reporting good health by 2.0 percentage points (p < 0.10) and 6.0 percentage points (p < 0.01), respectively. Access to healthy huts is negatively associated with self-reported health, decreasing the probability of self-reporting good health by 5.0 percentage points (p < 0.01). Health literacy plays a role in moderating the effect of health parks, and a positive effect is more likely to be observed among adults with lower health literacy. Health supporting environments may play a role in reducing the likelihood of undiagnosed diseases and changing residents’ lifestyles, which promotes the health and well-being of residents, especially among those with inadequate health literacy.
The Effect of Pre-Quarantine Physical Activity on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alotaibi Abdulazeem S. , Boukelia Boukhemis
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the changes to normal societal function and in particular quarantine has increased mental distress in many nations. A survey of 22,112 COVID-19-negative quarantined participants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (age: 18–40 years, 42.6%; 40–60 years, 53.3%; over 60 years, 4.1%; mass, 78.9 ± 14.8 kg; stature, 167 ± 8.7 cm) were assessed for depressive symptoms using the online Beck Depression Inventory self-report questionnaire. The relationship between pre-quarantine physical activity and mental health and wellbeing during lockdown has been investigated. A significant difference in body mass index (BMI) between active and inactive participants (p = 0.03) was observed; with females also recording a 3% higher BMI than males. All participants showed a decrease in mental health compared to pre-quarantine. However, pre-quarantine inactivity was found to result in a greater negative impact on mental health and well-being than those active pre-quarantine (p < 0.01). The sedentary population had a 4-fold greater incidence of mild-depression than the active population. This suggests that activity level plays an important role in shielding people from anxiety and stress, whilst it builds mental strength in individuals that can be called upon in trying and difficult situations. Nevertheless, pre-quarantine activity levels did not lead to any significant change in levels of extreme depression in the sample population.
The Relationship between Students’ Physical Self-Concept and Their Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior: The Role of Students’ Motivation
Authors: Pulido Juan J. , Tapia-Serrano Miguel Ángel , Díaz-García Jesús , Ponce-Bordón José C. , López-Gajardo Miguel Á.
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to analyze the association between specific dimension (i.e., fitness, appearance, physical competence, physical strength, and self-esteem) of students’ physical self-concept (PSC) and their physical activity (PA) levels (i.e., intentions to be physically active and out-of-school PA levels perceived by students) and sedentary behavior (SB) (i.e., total sitting and screen time perceived by students). We also tested the role of students’ motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation and amotivation) towards PA in these relationships. A total of 1998 Spanish male (n = 1003) and female (n = 995) secondary students, aged between 13 and 17 years (M = 14.92, SD = 0.87) from 22 schools, enrolled in third grade (n = 1081) and fourth grade (n = 917), completed the self-reported questionnaires. Five independent structural equation modeling (SEM) adjusted by students’ sex was used to examine the association between specific dimension of students’ PSC (i.e., fitness, appearance, physical competence, physical strength, and self-esteem) and self-reported PA and SB variables, and to test the role of students’ motivation in these relationships. Overall, most of students’ PSC dimension positively predicted students’ PA outcomes, and were negatively associated with SB. In addition, most of students’ PSC dimension were positively associated with intrinsic motivation, and negatively predicted amotivation. In turn, intrinsic motivation was a positive predictor of PA outcomes, and a negative predictor of SB, whereas amotivation was a negative predictor of PA outcomes and sitting time, and a positive predictor of screen time. Finally, from PSC dimensions, sex as a covariate was a positive predictor of intrinsic motivation and PA outcomes, and was a negative predictor of amotivation and sitting time. These findings suggest the importance of the specific dimensions of PSC perceived by adolescents on their motivational processes, and in turn, on their PA and SB outcomes.
The Effect of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Korean Correctional Officers about COVID-19 on Job Stress
Authors: Jung Hyun-Ok , Han Seung-Woo
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was conducted to investigate the effects of corrective officers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices on job stress. The subjects of this study were 375 randomly selected male correctional officials working at five South Korean correctional facilities that had been affected by COVID-19. This study considered data collected with approval from 17 May 2021 to 14 June 2021. Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and job stress in relation to COVID-19 were assessed using a personal questionnaire. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and post-test using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The job stress of participants was negatively correlated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Significant factors influencing job stress included knowledge and practices. These factors explained 38% of the variance. In this study, knowledge and practices were identified as influencing the job stress of correctional officers. These results are intended to contribute to the development of programs that can enhance the COVID-19-related knowledge and practices of correctional officers and reduce job stress.
Exploring the Effects of Environmental Factors on the Development of 0–4-Year Old Children in The Netherlands
Authors: van Wel Luuk , van Dommelen Paula , Zuurbier Moniek , Heinen Debbie , Odink Jennie , Bezem Janine , Verkerk Paul H. , Pronk Anjoeka , Hoek Gerard , Kuijpers Eelco
Published: July 2021

Air pollution, noise, and green space are important environmental exposures, having been linked to a variety of specific health outcomes. However, there are few studies addressing overall early life development. To assess their effects, associations between developmental milestones for a large population of 0–4-year old children in The Netherlands and environmental exposures were explored. Developmental milestones and background characteristics were provided by Preventive Child Health Care (PCHC) and supplemented with data from Statistics Netherlands. Milestones were summarized and standardized into an aggregate score measuring global development. Four age groups were selected. Environmental exposures were assigned to geocoded addresses using publicly available maps for PM2.5, PM10, PMcoarse, NO2, EC, road traffic noise, and green space. Associations were investigated using single and multiple-exposure logistic regression models. 43,916 PCHC visits by 29,524 children were available. No consistent associations were found for air pollution and road traffic noise. Green space was positively associated in single and multiple-exposure models although it was not significant in all age groups (OR 1.01 (0.95; 1.08) (1 year) to 1.07 (1.01; 1.14) (2 years)). No consistent associations were found between air pollution, road traffic noise, and global child development. A positive association of green space was indicated.
Future Healthcare Workers and Hepatitis B Vaccination: A New Generation
Authors: Trevisan Andrea , Mason Paola , Nicolli Annamaria , Maso Stefano , Fonzo Marco , Scarpa Bruno , Bertoncello Chiara
Published: July 2021

Before the introduction of universal vaccination, hepatitis B caused high morbidity and mortality, especially among healthcare workers. In the present study, the immune status against hepatitis B was assessed in a cohort of 11,188 students of the degree courses of the School of Medicine of the University of Padua (Italy) who had been subjected to mandatory vaccination in childhood or adolescence and who will be future healthcare workers. The variables that influence the antibody response to vaccination are mainly the age at which the vaccine was administered and sex. If vaccination was administered before one year of age, there is a high probability (around 50%) of having an antibody titer lower than 10 IU/L compared to those vaccinated after one year of age (12.8%). The time between vaccine and analysis is not decisive. Furthermore, female sex, but only if vaccination was administered after one year of age, shows a significant (p = 0.0008) lower percentage of anti-HBs below 10 IU/L and a greater antibody titer (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the differences related to the age of vaccination induce more doubts than answers. The only plausible hypothesis, in addition to the different immune responses (innate and adaptive), is the type of vaccine. This is not easy to verify because vaccination certificates rarely report it.