bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home Energy Management Considering Renewable Resources, Energy Storage, and an Electric Vehicle as a Backup
Authors: Ouramdane Oussama , Elbouchikhi Elhoussin , Amirat Yassine , Le Gall Franck , Sedgh Gooya Ehsan
Published: April 2022

The vehicle-to-grid concept emerged very quickly after the integration of renewable energy resources because of their intermittency and to support the grid during on-peak periods, consequently preventing congestion and any subsequent grid instability. Renewable energies offer a large source of clean energy, but they are not controllable, as they depend on weather conditions. This problem is solved by adding energy storage elements, implementing a demand response through shiftable loads, and the vehicle-to-grid/vehicle-to-home technologies. Indeed, an electric vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity battery, which can be used to store a certain amount of energy and give it back again later when required to fulfill the electricity demand and prevent an energy shortage when the main-grid power is limited for security reasons. In this context, this paper presents a comparative study between two home microgrids, in one of which the concept of vehicle-to-home is integrated to provide a case study to demonstrate the interest of this technology at the home level. The considered microgrid is composed of renewable energy resources, battery energy storage, and is connected to the main grid. As the vehicle is not available all day, in order to have consistent results, its intervention is considered in the evening, night, and early morning hours. Two case studies are carried out. In the first one, the vehicle-to-home concept is not taken into account. In this case, the system depends only on renewable resources and the energy storage system. Subsequently, the electric vehicle is considered as an additional energy storage device over a few hours. Electric vehicle integration brings an economic contribution by reducing the cost, supporting the other MG components, and relieving the main grid. Simulation results using real weather data for two cities in France, namely Brest and Toulon, show the effectiveness of the vehicle-to-home concept in terms of cost, energy self-sufficiency, and continuity of electrical service.
Comparison of Deep Reinforcement Learning and PID Controllers for Automatic Cold Shutdown Operation
Authors: Lee Daeil , Koo Seoryong , Jang Inseok , Kim Jonghyun
Published: April 2022

Many industries apply traditional controllers to automate manual control. In recent years, artificial intelligence controllers applied with deep-learning techniques have been suggested as advanced controllers that can achieve goals from many industrial domains, such as humans. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is a powerful method for these controllers to learn how to achieve their specific operational goals. As DRL controllers learn through sampling from a target system, they can overcome the limitations of traditional controllers, such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. In nuclear power plants (NPPs), automatic systems can manage components during full-power operation. In contrast, startup and shutdown operations are less automated and are typically performed by operators. This study suggests DRL-based and PID-based controllers for cold shutdown operations, which are a part of startup operations. By comparing the suggested controllers, this study aims to verify that learning-based controllers can overcome the limitations of traditional controllers and achieve operational goals with minimal manipulation. First, to identify the required components, operational goals, and inputs/outputs of operations, this study analyzed the general operating procedures for cold shutdown operations. Then, PID- and DRL-based controllers are designed. The PID-based controller consists of PID controllers that are well-tuned using the Ziegler–Nichols rule. The DRL-based controller with long short-term memory (LSTM) is trained with a soft actor-critic algorithm that can reduce the training time by using distributed prioritized experience replay and distributed learning. The LSTM can process a plant time-series data to generate control signals. Subsequently, the suggested controllers were validated using an NPP simulator during the cold shutdown operation. Finally, this study discusses the operational performance by comparing PID- and DRL-based controllers.
Indigenous Materials as Catalyst Supports for Renewable Diesel Production in Malaysia
Authors: Chia Shir Reen , Nomanbhay Saifuddin , Chew Kit Wayne , Show Pau Loke , Milano Jassinnee , Shamsuddin Abd Halim
Published: April 2022

High energy demand from the market due to the rapid increment of the human population worldwide has urged society to explore alternatives to replace non-renewable energy. Renewable diesel produced from biomass could be the next potential energy source for its high stability, long-term storage, and comparable performance with diesel fuels. In producing renewable diesel, the application of catalyst is essential, and the catalyst support is synthesized with the catalyst to enhance the reaction rate and catalytic properties. In this review, the type of catalyst support will be reviewed along with a brief introduction to biodiesel and renewable diesel production, especially focusing on zeolites as the catalyst support. The enhancement of catalyst support will be critically discussed to improve the catalytic performance of support in renewable diesel production and important aspects such as the stability and recyclability of the supported catalyst are included. The application of the supported catalyst in increasing the selectivity and yield of renewable diesel is significant, in which the catalytic properties depend on the interaction between catalyst and catalyst support. The supported catalyst as a favorable substance to assist in enhancing renewable diesel yield could lead to a sustainable and greener future for the biofuel industry in Malaysia.
Digital Twin Concept Developing on an Electrical Distribution System—An Application Case
Authors: Fernandes Sabryna V. , João Diogo V. , Cardoso Beatriz B. , Martins Marcos A. I. , Carvalho Edgar G.
Published: April 2022

Through the transformation that the electrical sector has been passing by, improvements in asset management and the guarantee of sustainable and quality services have become essential aspects for power companies. Thus, the digitalization of energy utilities presents itself as an important and crucial process. A concept that involves a variety of innovative trends is the digital twin. It consists of a 3D virtual replica of existing physical objects and real-time monitoring of certain measures. By developing a digital twin in the electrical power grid, a virtual replica of the network is obtained providing network virtual maps, 3D asset models, dynamic and real-time data of grid assets, and IoT sensing. All these data can feed a platform where AI-based models and advanced field operation technologies and solutions will be applied. With a Network Digital Twin©development, applications involving on-field activities can be improved through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance workforce operations. This paper discusses the best practices for the development of a digital twin for the electrical power sector. These practices were found during the development of a project carried out by Enel Distribuição São Paulo, applying a living lab concept in the densest region of Brazil. The results of this paper present 3D images captured with specialized tools, and how they influence the workforce activities of human interface operation. Furthermore, financial and operational returns are presented through a cost–benefit analysis for each relevant aspect.
Performance Comparisons of Three-Phase/Four-Wire Model Predictive Control-Based DC/AC Inverters Capable of Asymmetric Operation for Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Roh Chan
Published: April 2022

A study on the capacity increase of a power converter according to the increase in the single capacity of wave energy converters and four-leg topology that can supply stable power even under unbalanced load conditions during independent operation is required. Therefore, in this paper, the performances of various four-leg inverters, from two-level inverters to three-level inverters, which are used as power converters for wave energy converters, are compared respectively. Since the four-leg converter has an unusual structure, the performance of each four-leg inverter was analyzed by applying the model predictive control that can easily and simply configure the controller. To verify the performance of each four-leg inverter, a comparison was performed under balanced load and unbalanced load conditions. Based on this, a suitable four-leg topology of the power converter for wave energy converters was confirmed.
Quest for a Tool Measuring Urban Quality of Life: ISO 37120 Standard Sustainable Development Indicators
Authors: Przybyłowski Adam , Kałaska Agnieszka , Przybyłowski Piotr
Published: April 2022

Humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries, and it seems that it is unlikely to meet internationally agreed sustainable development goals. Current trends and challenges in the domain of urban sustainability assessment have proven that measuring and interpreting results regarding quality of life requires a complex analysis. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of comparing, in a transparent way, urban quality of life using sustainable development indicators based on the ISO 37120 standard, taking as case studies seven selected cities: Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Gdynia, London, Los Angeles and Zagreb. The hypothesis reads as follows: the ISO 37120 indicators, converted into partial and total utility value, then grouped within sustainable development dimensions (environmental, economic and social) may be used to measure the level of urban quality of life. Research results indicate that there are some significant and interesting differences between the compared cities within the environmental, economic and social pillars. The analysis, conducted with the use of utility method, may facilitate taking the right decisions on urban management, planning and investment. Thus, this tool may be useful for decision makers and help cities and communities of all sizes to become more safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, smart and sustainable.
Effect of Rotational Control for Accelerating Water Discharge on the Performance of a Circular Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Kim Ji-Seong , Kim Keon-Soo , Kim Do-Young , Heo Min , Choi Kap-Seung
Published: April 2022

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are emerging as an important research topic owing to increasingly intensified environmental pollution. The flow field pattern of the fuel cell controls the electrochemically uniform distribution and water flooding in the reaction area between the anode and cathode. Water discharge management in the channel is an important factor influencing the efficiency of the fuel cell. In this paper, we propose a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a rotatable circular spiral channel set to a constant size. The mass transfer behavior was analyzed numerically according to the number of channel passes. Numerical analysis showed that the production and behavior of water are closely associated with the performance of fuel cells. The circular spiral-pattern fuel cell with the greatest membrane water content was rotated through the experimental device to confirm the performance change of the fuel cell for each rotation speed. The performance improved as the internal water was ejected by the rotational centrifugal force. However, when excessive rotation was applied, the performance decreased because the water was forcibly drained out by a strong centrifugal force.
Colloid Migration as a Reason for Porous Sandstone Permeability Degradation during Coreflooding
Authors: Kozhevnikov Evgenii V. , Turbakov Mikhail S. , Gladkikh Evgenii A. , Riabokon Evgenii P. , Poplygin Vladimir V. , Guzev Mikhail A. , Qi Chengzhi , Kunitskikh Artem A.
Published: April 2022

During coreflooding under stationary conditions, permeability is determined by the Darcy formula; thus, the apparent permeability is determined, which characterizes the average hydraulic conductivity of the core, but does not take into account the processes occurring at the microlevel. Transient processes during fluid injection regime change are important for understanding the evolution of permeability and underlie such phenomena as permeability degradation and its hysteresis. Our paper presents the coreflooding methodology and the results showing that during changes in injection conditions, the permeability of samples can significantly decrease due to the migration of colloids. In the developed methodology, coreflooding conditions exclude the influence of other factors on permeability, such as creep, the chemical reactions of rocks and fluids, and chemical mobilization of colloids. It has been established that the decrease in permeability occurs only when fluid is injected through the core, which is indirect evidence of pore blockage by colloids. The article also attempts to evaluate the effect of pore pressure on the sensitivity of the porous medium permeability to the amount of injected fluid. A decrease in pore pressure leads to a more intense decrease in permeability during injection, which most likely indicates additional mobilization of colloids, while the narrowing of pore channels does not affect permeability. Analysis of coreflooding results showed that porous media with lower permeability are more sensitive to colloid migration and pore pressure changes. It has also been found that the sensitivity of porous media to colloid migration is greatly affected by the pore pressure gradient, while media with higher permeability are less sensitive to colloid migration.
Investigation of Thermal and Energy Performance of the Thermal Bridge Breaker for Reinforced Concrete Residential Buildings
Authors: Kim Mi-Yeon , Kim Hyung-Geun , Kim Jin-Sung , Hong Goopyo
Published: April 2022

Thermal bridges in building envelopes can cause significant heat loss and heat gain. In this study, the developed thermal bridge breaker was applied to an interior insulation finishing system in residential buildings to minimize the thermal bridges in building envelopes. To investigate the thermal and energy performance of the developed thermal bridge breaker, the surface temperatures and heat flow at the wall and floor junctions were predicted using Physibel. In addition, the heating and cooling energy consumption in a residential building was analyzed by EnergyPlus. As a result, the use of the thermal bridge breaker can minimize the effective thermal transmittance in the building envelope system. Moreover, when the building envelopes were equipped with the thermal bridge breaker, the heating and cooling load through the exterior walls was decreased by 15–27%. Thus, the thermal bridge breaker can play an important role in minimizing the heat loss and occurrence of condensation in building envelopes.
Parameter Evaluation in Motion Estimation for Forecasting Multiple Photovoltaic Power Generation
Authors: Kure Taiki , Tsuchiya Haruka Danil , Kameda Yusuke , Yamamoto Hiroki , Kodaira Daisuke , Kondoh Junji
Published: April 2022

The power-generation capacity of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power systems is increasing. As output power forecasting is required by electricity market participants and utility operators for the stable operation of power systems, several methods have been proposed using physical and statistical approaches for various time ranges. A short-term (30 min ahead) forecasting method had been proposed previously for multiple PV systems using motion estimation. This method forecasts the short time ahead PV power generation by estimating the motion between two geographical images of the distributed PV power systems. In this method, the parameter λ, which relates the smoothness of the resulting motion vector field and affects the accuracy of the forecasting, is important. This study focuses on the parameter λ and evaluates the effect of changing this parameter on forecasting accuracy. In the periods with drastic power output changes, the forecasting was conducted on 101 PV systems. The results indicate that the absolute mean error of the proposed method with the best parameter is 10.3%, whereas that of the persistence forecasting method is 23.7%. Therefore, the proposed method is effective in forecasting periods when PV output changes drastically within a short time interval.
Study on Energy Efficiency and Harmonic Emission of Photovoltaic Inverters
Authors: Chmielowiec Krzysztof , Topolski Łukasz , Piszczek Aleks , Rodziewicz Tomasz , Hanzelka Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of 26 brand new photovoltaic (PV) inverters widely available for sale on the EU market; the study was conducted in 2021 by researchers at the AGH University of Science and Technology and Tauron Dystrybucja (Polish DSO). The purpose of the study was to compare and assess PV inverter performances in terms of their DC/AC conversion efficiencies, MPPT efficiencies, and harmonic current emissions. To examine the PV inverters, a laboratory test stand was prepared according to the standard EN 50530 and the technical report IEC/TR 61000-3-15. It was composed of a photovoltaic array simulator, a programmable regenerative AC voltage source, and a power analyzer. Each PV inverter was tested in various operating states determined by the DC voltage levels and the volume of active power generation. The results allowed for a benchmark assessment of PV inverters available on the market. The results showed how various energy efficiency indicators of individual PV inverters changed depending on their operating points. The results also revealed that, based on the performed harmonic emission tests, individual harmonics were within the normative requirements; however, in the case of several PV inverters, attention was drawn to the presence of relatively high switching frequency-related components exceeding permissible levels.
Composite of Layered Double Hydroxide with Casein and Carboxymethylcellulose as a White Pigment for Food Application
Authors: Ngew Estee , Phue Wut Hmone , Liu Ziruo , George Saji
Published: April 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries as a white pigment due to its extraordinary light scattering properties and high refractive index. However, as evidenced from recent reports, there are overriding concerns about the safety of nanoparticles of TiO2. As an alternative to TiO2, Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) and their composite containing casein and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were synthesized using wet chemistry and compared with currently used materials (food grade TiO2 (E171), rice starch, and silicon dioxide (E551)) for its potential application as a white pigment. These particles were characterized for their size and shape (Transmission Electron Microscopy), crystallographic structure (X-Ray Diffraction), agglomeration behavior and surface charge (Dynamic Light Scattering), surface chemistry (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), transmittance (UV–VIS spectroscopy), masking power, and cytotoxicity. Our results showed the formation of typical layered double hydroxide with flower-like morphology which was restructured into pseudo-spheres after casein intercalation. Transmittance measurement showed that LDH composites had better performance than pristine LDH, and the aqueous suspension was heat and pH resistant. While its masking power was not on a par with E171, the composite of LDH was superior to current alternatives such as rice starch and E551. Sustainability score obtained by MATLAB® based comparison for price, safety, and performance showed that LDH composite was better than any of the compared materials, highlighting its potential as a white pigment for applications in food.
Should I Play or Should I Go? Individuals’ Characteristics and Preference for Uncertainty
Authors: Saraiva Tânia , Gonçalves Tiago Cruz
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an incentivized experiment analyzing the role of demographic characteristics in individual decision-making under uncertainty. Reactions to a natural source of uncertainty, payoffs in a TV game show, were measured using Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), allowing us to identify multiple configurations of causal conditions that are sufficient for individuals to prefer an uncertain payoff to a sure gain, and, thus, lower risk aversion. This paper found evidence of preference for uncertainty, measured as willingness to play for an uncertain payoff, in individuals with characteristics most commonly present in the literature: being male; young; childless; with studies in finance or similar areas. This paper also shows that conditions that would not justify the preference for uncertainty according to the literature (an older individual or having children), when combined with other conditions, change contestants’ behavior regarding preference for uncertainty. Individuals that are both older and single, and individuals that have children combined with education in finance, show an inverse effect on preference for uncertainty.
Geoheritage and Geosites: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review
Authors: Herrera-Franco Gricelda , Carrión-Mero Paúl , Montalván-Burbano Néstor , Caicedo-Potosí Jhon , Berrezueta Edgar
Published: April 2022

Geological heritage represents and brings together geological elements of great local and global relevance. It also promotes conservation and sustainable use. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of the contributions that address the topics of geological heritage and geosites, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases for the knowledge of trends and research focuses in this area. The methodology consists of: (i) the preparation of the idea and gathering information from a search on the subjects of interest (geoheritage and geosites); (ii) the merging of the databases and applying automated conversions; and (iii) the analysis of the results and the literature review. The first phase of the work identified 2409 and 1635 documents indexed in Scopus and WoS, respectively. The merged global database (2565 documents) identified the following words as analysis topics: geoconservation, geotourism, geopark, and geodiversity. The analysis also revealed the top five countries in scientific contributions as Italy (12.1%), Spain (8.77%), China (5.67%), Portugal (5.35%), and Brazil (5.31%). Finally, most of the publications focus on the characterisation, assessment, and development of geosite initiatives. The main lines of action and contributions to the topics (7.91%) highlight the fact that geoscientists worldwide value geosites for geoconservation and geotourism strategies.
Transmedia in Geosciences Education
Authors: Peixoto Elisabete , Pedro Luís , Vieira Rui
Published: April 2022

This paper describes a research study related to the development (conception, production, implementation and evaluation) of a set of transmedia activities associated with the study of humans ‘use of rocks. To do so, a narrative was created to guide students through a set of tasks—namely, during and after a field trip. During this field trip, students had to macroscopically identify a rock sample and record its geographical location, as well as take pictures in six stations. According to the data collected, students would, after the field trip, share this knowledge in a digital learning environment and collect pieces of a puzzle and, in some cases, badges. These transmedia activities, in line with the STS (Science-Technology-Society) perspective, aimed at contributing to the diversification of educational resources for Geosciences education. The study, predominantly qualitative in nature, reached 104 students from the 7th and 5th grades in a Natural Sciences course and the analysis of data suggests that students showed some skills in areas such as “interpersonal relationships”, “scientific, technical, and technological knowledge” and “information and communication”, although in this case they can be considered rather limited.
Impact of the Over-the-Head Position with a Supraglottic Airway Device on Chest Compression Depth and Rate: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stuby Loric , Suppan Laurent , Jampen Laurent , Thurre David
Published: April 2022

There is considerable controversy regarding the optimal airway management strategy in the case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Registry-based studies yield contradicting results and the actual impact of using supraglottic devices on survival and neurological outcomes remains unknown. In a recent simulation study, the use of an i-gel® device was associated with significantly shallower chest compressions. It was hypothesized that these shallower compressions could be linked to the provision of chest compressions in an over-the-head position, to the cumbersome airway management apparatus, and to a shallower i-gel® insertion depth in the manikin. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a post hoc analysis, which is described in this report. Briefly, no association was found between the over-the-head position and compression depth.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutritional Composition during Fruit Ripening of Akebia trifoliata (Lardizabalaceae)
Authors: Zou Shuaiyu , Gao Puxin , Jia Tianjiao , Huang Hongwen
Published: April 2022

Akebia trifoliata is a high-value medicinal and edible fruit crop in China, and it has begun to be widely cultivated as a new fruit crop in many areas of China. Its fruits crack longitudinally when fully ripe and should be harvested before fruit cracking. Physicochemical characteristics and nutritional composition of the ripening process are prerequisites to establishing proper harvest maturity windows. In the current study, we have investigated the fruit quality characteristics of two A. trifoliata clonal lines (‘Luqing’ and ‘Luyu’) that were harvested at four time points (S1: 120 days after full bloom (DAFB), S2: 134 DAFB, S3: 148 DAFB, S4: 155 DAFB). An increase in fruit size (fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit diameter) was associated with delayed harvest maturity. The firmness of A. trifoliata fruit exhibited a decreasing trend with delaying the harvest stage. In particular, the firmness decreased sharply from S2 to S3 stage. The TSS, fructose, and glucose content in A. trifoliata fruit continuously increased from the S1 to S4 stage and accumulated sharply from S2 to S3 stage. However, the sucrose and starch content showed an increasing trend from the S1 to S2 stage but declined sharply in the S3 or S4 stage. Ascorbic acid progressively increased with the advancement of A. trifoliata maturity stages, while total phenolics and total flavonoids levels declined with fruit ripening. Considering the results of all quality parameters mentioned above, the A. trifoliata fruit harvested at the S3 maturity stage was the ideal harvest maturity for long-distance transportation and higher consumer acceptability before fruit cracking. Our research reveals the dynamic changes in physicochemical characteristics and nutritional composition during fruit ripening of A. trifoliata. Results in this study reflect the importance of maturity stages for fruit quality and provide basic information for optimal harvest management of A. trifoliata.
The Effect of Vocational Counseling Interventions for Adults with Substance Use Disorders: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kim Min , Byrne Andrew M. , Jeon Jihye
Published: April 2022

The authors reviewed the research literature evaluating the effectiveness of vocational counseling interventions focused on employment for consumers with substance use disorders. This review included 11 articles related to vocational counseling interventions, which are either incorporated with substance use treatment or not. The results of this review revealed that vocational counseling services have been highly efficacious in resulting in part-time and full-time jobs. The study designs had some limitations, and few studies employed randomized control trials (RCT).
Effects of High-Intensity Aquatic or Bicycling Training in Athletes with Unilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Fang Bin , Kim Yong-hwan , Choi Moon-young
Published: April 2022

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common overuse injuries experienced by athletes. It is characterized by pain and functional deficits that lead to decreased performance, thereby limiting sports activity. Therefore, optimal training interventions are required to improve physical fitness and function while minimizing pain due to PFPS. This study aimed to compare and analyze the effects of high-intensity aquatic training (AT) and bicycling training (BT) in male athletes with PFPS. Fifty-four athletes with PFPS were divided into AT and BT intervention groups. Intervention training was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated using the graded exercise test (GXT) based on peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and anaerobic threshold. For the knee strength test, extension and flexion were performed and measured using isokinetic equipment. One-leg hop tests and the Y-balance test (YBT) were performed to evaluate dynamic balance, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system was used for subjective knee evaluation. The GXT, YBT, and IKDC scores were reported according to the group and duration of the intervention. After training, VO2 peak, YBT, knee extension strength, and IKDC score improved significantly in both the AT and BT groups compared with the pre-training values. Furthermore, the AT group exhibited significant improvement compared with the BT group. We demonstrated that AT and BT effectively improved the symptoms and muscle strength of athletes with PFPS who were only able to engage in limited high-intensity field training. AT produced a modestly better effect than BT.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Teleworking Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Asfaw Abay
Published: April 2022

A growing literature has pointed out disparities in teleworking among different racial and ethnic (hereafter racial) workers. This study estimated racial disparities in teleworking due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent to which these disparities were mediated by four-year college education and occupation in the United States. The data source for this study was the Current Population Survey, May 2020 through July 2021. The results showed that in the reduced model, the odds for Black and Hispanic workers to telework were 35% and 55% lower, respectively, and for Asian workers 44% higher than for White workers, controlling for covariates. When four-year college education and occupation were included as mediator variables in the model, the odds for Black and Hispanic workers to telework were reduced to 7% and 16%, respectively. Overall, disparities in four-year college education and occupation explained 83% and 78% of the variation in the odds of teleworking for Black and Hispanic workers, respectively. Between the mediators, occupation explained more than 60% of the total effect. The results of this study could not rule out the possibility of racial discrimination in teleworking. Ultimately, reducing racial disparities in four-year college education and in different occupations might be a long-term solution for reducing racial disparities in teleworking.
The Use of the Bioelectrical Impedance Phase Angle to Assess the Risk of Sarcopenia in People Aged 50 and above in Poland
Authors: Kołodziej Małgorzata , Kozieł Sławomir , Ignasiak Zofia
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The increasing aging of many populations requires a continuous evolution of assessment methods in geriatrics, especially methods for identifying sarcopenia. Early diagnosis of unfavorable changes in the condition of skeletal muscles and the implementation of therapeutic methods may reduce the risk of functional limitations in the elderly. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the bioelectrical impedance phase angle and the occurrence of pre-sarcopenia in people aged 50 and above. Methods: 1567 people aged 50–87 were examined. Anthropometric as well as muscle strength and walking speed measurements were performed. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis, the phase angle was measured and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated. The contribution of the phase angle in explaining the probability of the occurrence of pre-sarcopenia was verified by multivariate logistic regression. Results: Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 12 people (0.8%) and pre-sarcopenia in 276 people (17.6%). Significantly lower impedance phase angle and muscle functional quality were found in people with confirmed pre-sarcopenia compared to people without sarcopenia. The relative differences for the phase angle were greater than for the indicator of muscle functional quality. Significant logit models were obtained for the probability of occurrence of pre-sarcopenia, in which the strongest predictor was the phase angle, regardless of the type and number of covariates. The cut-off point of the phase angle for identification of pre-sarcopenia was 5.42° in men and 4.76° in women. Conclusion: The strong association between the risk of pre-sarcopenia and the phase angle, which can be easily and quickly assessed by bio-impedance analysis, suggests the necessity to include this parameter in routine geriatric evaluation in order to identify the risk of sarcopenia.
Digital Tools for Translucence Evaluation of Prosthodontic Materials: Application of Kubelka-Munk Theory
Authors: Adobes-Martín Milagros , Alcón Natividad , López-Mollá María Victoria , Gámez-Payá Javier , López-Fernández Estibaliz
Published: April 2022

Translucency is one of the most important parameters to be considered by digital systems when predicting the matching appearance and hence the quality of prosthodontic restoration work. Our objective has been to improve the effectiveness of the algorithmic decision systems employed by these devices by (a) determining whether Kubelka-Munk theory can be used as an algorithm for predicting restoration suitability, and (b) evaluating the correlation between the visual evaluation of prosthodontic materials and the predicted translucency based on the use of the ΔE*, OP, CR, and K/S algorithms. In this regard, three zirconia systems and one lithium disilicate have been spectrophotometrically and visually characterized. Based on the results of this study, it has been proven that zirconia systems and lithium disilicate systems exhibit different optical behaviors. The psychophysical experience suggests that none of the existing mathematical methods can adequately estimate translucency, spectrophotometric, and colorimetric techniques, and that which is perceived by an experienced observer. However, translucency evaluation through the K/S algorithmic decision system should not be disregarded. New methods to measure translucency should be developed to improve digital systems for prosthodontic applications.
Healthy Food Environments in Early Learning Services: An Analysis of Manager Survey Responses, Menus and Policies in Regional New Zealand Early Childhood Education and Care Centres
Authors: McKelvie-Sebileau Pippa , D’Souza Erica , Tipene-Leach David , Swinburn Boyd , Gerritsen Sarah
Published: April 2022

Healthy food environments in early childhood play an important role in establishing health-promoting nutritional behaviours for later life. We surveyed Early Learning Services (ELS) in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand and describe common barriers and facilitators to providing a healthy food environment, through descriptive survey analysis and thematic analysis of open-ended questions. We used a policy analysis tool to assess the strength and comprehensiveness of the individual centre’s nutrition policies and we report on the healthiness of menus provided daily in the centres. Sixty-two centres participated and 96.7% had policies on nutrition compared to 86.7% with policies on drinks. Of the 14 full policies provided for analysis, identified strengths were providing timelines for review and encouraging role modelling by teachers. The main weaknesses were communication with parents and staff, lack of nutrition training for staff and absence of policies for special occasion and fundraising food. With regard to practices in the ELS, food for celebrations was more likely to be healthy when provided by the centre rather than brought from home. Food used in fundraising was more likely to be unhealthy than healthy, though <20% of centres reported using food in fundraising. Only 40% of menus analysed met the national guidelines by not including any ‘red’ (unhealthy) items. Centre Managers considered the biggest barriers to improving food environments to be a lack of parental support and concerns about food-related choking. These results highlight the need for future focus in three areas: policies for water and milk-only, celebration and fundraising food; increased nutrition-focused professional learning and development for teachers; and communication between the centre and parents, as a crucial pathway to improved nutrition for children attending NZ early childhood education and care centres.
The Impact of Maternal Prenatal Stress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic during the First 1000 Days: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Schoenmakers Sam , Verweij E. J. (Joanne) , Beijers Roseriet , Bijma Hilmar H. , Been Jasper V. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P. M. , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Steegers Eric A. P.
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on society, particularly affecting its vulnerable members, including pregnant women and their unborn children. Pregnant mothers reported fear of infection, fear of vertical transmission, fear of poor birth and child outcomes, social isolation, uncertainty about their partner’s presence during medical appointments and delivery, increased domestic abuse, and other collateral damage, including vaccine hesitancy. Accordingly, pregnant women’s known vulnerability for mental health problems has become a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, also because of the known effects of prenatal stress for the unborn child. The current narrative review provides a historical overview of transgenerational effects of exposure to disasters during pregnancy, and the role of maternal prenatal stress. We place these effects into the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hereby, we aim to draw attention to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women of reproductive age (15–49 year) and its potential associated short-term and long-term consequences for the health of children who are conceived, carried, and born during this pandemic. Timely detection and intervention during the first 1000 days is essential to reduce the burden of transgenerational effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Passive Smoking and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Nonsmoking Women: A Prospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Na Jigen , Chen Huiting , An Hang , Ren Mengyuan , Jia Xiaoqian , Wang Bin , Li Zhiwen , Liu Xiaohong , Ye Rongwei , Li Nan
Published: April 2022

Background: Increasing evidence has shown that active smoking can increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the effect of passive smoking is still unknown. Women in pregnancy are vulnerable to secondhand smoke. This study explored the association of passive smoking with GDM in China. Method: A total of 3083 nonsmoking pregnant women living in Beijing were recruited into a prospective cohort study. Sociodemographic and passive smoking data were collected with structured questionnaires during face-to-face interviews. Glucose levels were measured by physicians according to standard protocols. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for the association estimation after accounting for potential confounders. Result: In total, 562 of the 3083 participants developed GDM (18.23%); 779 participants (25.27%) reported exposure to passive smoking. After adjusting for age, BMI, ethnicity, education, occupation, and parity, passive smoking conferred an approximately 1.4-fold risk increase in GDM (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.11, 1.70)). The adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for passive smoking levels of <1, 1–6, and ≥7 times per week were 1.21 (0.94, 1.55), 1.81 (1.22, 2.69), and 1.70 (1.02, 2.84), respectively. An obvious passive-smoking–GDM association was observed among only nulliparous women (adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI: (1.14, 1.85)). Conclusion: Frequent exposure to secondhand smoke could increase the risk of GDM among nonsmoking pregnant women. Parity status might modify their association. Public policies should be advocated to prevent passive smoking among this population.
Misconceptions and Rumors about Ebola Virus Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Muzembo Basilua Andre , Ntontolo Ngangu Patrick , Ngatu Nlandu Roger , Khatiwada Januka , Suzuki Tomoko , Wada Koji , Kitahara Kei , Ikeda Shunya , Miyoshi Shin-Ichi
Published: April 2022

We sought to summarize knowledge, misconceptions, beliefs, and practices about Ebola that might impede the control of Ebola outbreaks in Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (through May 2019) for publications reporting on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Ebola in Africa. In total, 14 of 433 articles were included. Knowledge was evaluated in all 14 articles, and they all highlighted that there are misconceptions and risk behaviors during an Ebola outbreak. Some communities believed that Ebola spreads through the air, mosquito bites, malice from foreign doctors, witchcraft, and houseflies. Because patients believe that Ebola was caused by witchcraft, they sought help from traditional healers. Some people believed that Ebola could be prevented by bathing with salt or hot water. Burial practices where people touch Ebola-infected corpses were common, especially among Muslims. Discriminatory attitudes towards Ebola survivors or their families were also prevalent. Some Ebola survivors were not accepted back in their communities; the possibility of being ostracized from their neighborhoods was high and Ebola survivors had to lead a difficult social life. Most communities affected by Ebola need more comprehensive knowledge on Ebola. Efforts are needed to address misconceptions and risk behaviors surrounding Ebola for future outbreak preparedness in Africa.
Investigation of the Accuracy of Four Intraoral Scanners in Mandibular Full-Arch Digital Implant Impression: A Comparative In Vitro Study
Authors: Di Fiore Adolfo , Graiff Lorenzo , Savio Gianpaolo , Granata Stefano , Basilicata Michele , Bollero Patrizio , Meneghello Roberto
Published: April 2022

Background: We compare the accuracy of new intraoral scanners (IOSs) in full-arch digital implant impressions. Methods: A master model with six scan bodies was milled in poly(methyl methacrylate), measured by using a coordinate measuring machine, and scanned 15 times with four IOSs: PrimeScan, Medit i500, Vatech EZ scan, and iTero. The software was developed to identify the position points on each scan body. The 3D position and distance analysis were performed. Results: The average and ± standard deviation of the 3D position analysis was 29 μm ± 6 μm for PrimeScan, 39 μm ± 6 μm for iTero, 48 μm ± 18 μm for Mediti500, and 118 μm ± 24 μm for Vatech EZ scan (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All IOSs are able to make a digital complete implant impression in vitro according to the average misfit value reported in literature (150 μm); however, the 3D distance analysis showed that only the Primescan and iTero presented negligible systematic error sources.
Free PoC Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Germany: Factors Expanding Access to Various Communities in a Medium-Sized City
Authors: Witte Anna Kristina , Grosch Janina , Conrady Beate , Schomakers Lena , Grohmann Marcus
Published: April 2022

During the third wave of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic in Germany, free SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) point-of-care (PoC) antigen tests were offered to citizens at least once a week to prevent spreading by asymptomatic infected individuals. This study investigated user groups, timing, frequency, and test center locations in a typical medium-sized European city. We analyzed 27,369 pseudonymized datasets from eight centers over 12 weeks. Those were evaluated according to age, residence, appointment, and potential repeated test occurrence. The centers were visited by different groups; some centers were preferred by a predominantly younger demographic, whereas a mobile option attracted an older age group by reaching districts with few other testing possibilities. Elderly individuals were tested more spontaneously than younger individuals, and a test center at a ‘park and ride’ had more spontaneous visitors from outside of the city compared to other test locations. Only a small proportion of less than 4% came for testing more than five times. To preferably address many people for voluntary antigen testing, it is crucial to offer different test opportunities accounting for individual behavioral patterns, despite this requiring more complex and costly design than conventional forms.
Economic Development, Fiscal Ecological Compensation, and Ecological Environment Quality
Authors: Cao Hongjie , Li Meina , Qin Fengqin , Xu Yankun , Zhang Li , Zhang Zhifeng
Published: April 2022

Focusing on the exploration of the important role of fiscal ecological compensation in green development, this paper incorporates fiscal ecological compensation into the analytical framework of green development. Based on samples of data from county areas in China in 2017 and 2018, this paper empirically examines the shape of the green development routes in county areas in China. On this basis, this paper explores the impact and mechanism of fiscal ecological compensation on the green development path in China. The empirical results show that there is a nonlinear, N-shaped relationship between economic development and the ecological environment in China within the range of the sample examined. Fiscal ecological compensation has a direct governance effect on the ecological environment of deterring ecological damage and providing financial compensation. Fiscal ecological compensation has an indirect impact on the ecological management of different regions by influencing economic development. Therefore, while focusing on transforming the economic development model, local governments should adopt policy instruments such as expanding the coverage of financial ecological compensation, deepening the design of the financial ecological compensation system, and systematically evaluating the effects of financial ecological compensation policies. The government should further improve and optimize the fiscal eco-compensation system in order to help China’s green and high-quality development.