bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Simulation Methodology for FMECA Study Applied to a Complex Cyber-Physical System
Authors: Piumatti Davide , Sini Jacopo , Borlo Stefano , Sonza Reorda Matteo , Bojoi Radu , Violante Massimo
Published: October 2020

Complex systems are composed of numerous interconnected subsystems, each designed to perform specific functions. The different subsystems use many technological items that work together, as for the case of cyber-physical systems. Typically, a cyber-physical system is composed of different mechanical actuators driven by electrical power devices and monitored by sensors. Several approaches are available for designing and validating complex systems, and among them, behavioral-level modeling is becoming one of the most popular. When such cyber-physical systems are employed in mission- or safety-critical applications, it is mandatory to understand the impacts of faults on them and how failures in subsystems can propagate through the overall system. In this paper, we propose a methodology for supporting the failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) aimed at identifying the critical faults and assessing their effects on the overall system. The end goal is to analyze how a fault affecting a single subsystem possibly propagates through the whole cyber-physical system, considering also the embedded software and the mechanical elements. In particular, our approach allows the analysis of the propagation through the whole system (working at high level) of a fault injected at low level. This paper provides a solution to automate the FMECA process (until now mainly performed manually) for complex cyber-physical systems. It improves the failure classification effectiveness: considering our test case, it reduced the number of critical faults from 10 to 6. The remaining four faults are mitigated by the cyber-physical system architecture. The proposed approach has been tested on a real cyber-physical system in charge of driving a three-phase motor for industrial compressors, showing its feasibility and effectiveness.
Predicting the State of Power of an Iron-Based Li-Ion Battery Pack Including the Constraint of Maximum Operating Temperature
Authors: Xie Wei , Ma Liyong , Zhang Shu , Jiao Daxin , Ma Jiachen
Published: October 2020

To give full play to battery capability, the state of power (SoP) should be predicted in real time to inform the vehicle control unit (VCU) whether the upcoming driving scenarios of acceleration overtaking, ramp climbing, constant cruising and feedback braking can be sustained. In general, battery SoP conforms to prescribed constraints on voltage, current, and state of charge (SoC). Specifically, this paper takes the generally ignored operating temperature into consideration based on a differential temperature-changing model. Consequently, a SoP prediction method restricted by both electrical and thermal constraints was obtained. Experimental verifications on a Li-ion battery pack suggest that the proposed SoP prediction method can provide favorable reliability and rationality against diverse time durations, temperatures, and aging states in comparison with the instantaneous power obtained using the hybrid power pulse characteristic (HPPC) method.
A Novel Non-Isolated Three-Port Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for Photovoltaic Electric Scooter Charging Stations
Authors: Wu Yu-En , Lin Xiu-Yi
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a novel non-isolated three-port bidirectional dc/dc converter for photovoltaic (PV) electric scooter (ES) charging stations. The proposed converter combines an improved boost converter and a bidirectional buck-boost converter. When the PV energy is sufficient, the PV module is stepped up to provide dc load energy to the ES through the improved boost converter in order to charge the ES battery. When the PV energy is insufficient, the storage battery is stepped up to provide energy to the ES load dc bus, and the ES load dc bus charges the battery if the battery energy is low. The proposed converter reduces the number of components and circuit cost by using a switch internal diode. Finally, a 400-W modified boost converter and a 120-W/60-W bidirectional boost-buck converter were implemented to verify the three operating modes of the proposed non-isolated dc/dc converter. The results revealed that the highest efficiency levels achieved under PV module step-up, storage battery step-up, and storage battery step-down operation were 97.5%, 96.6%, and 92%, respectively.
A Fair Power Allocation Approach to OFDM-Based NOMA with Consideration of Clipping
Authors: Tang Tao , Mao Yulong , Hu Guangmin
Published: October 2020

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-based non-orthogonal multiple access (OFDM-NOMA) is a competitive solution to achieve a capacity gain over orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-based orthogonal multiple access (OFDM-OMA). However, a major drawback of OFDM-based systems is the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Clipping is widely used for PAPR reduction, but it will degrade the capacity performance. Motivated by this fact, a fair user signal power allocation approach to OFDM-NOMA with clipping is proposed, where the power allocation factor is selected from a fair region. This approach fulfills the demand that OFDM-NOMA capacity can always outperform OFDM-OMA capacity for each paired user, regardless of the user pairing criteria, making it applicable for implementation using any scheduling paradigms. Therefore, the proposed approach can also be viewed as a solution to address fairness for the cell edge user in OFDM-NOMA systems. Both the theoretical and numerical results indicate that, although the capacity performance of OFDM-NOMA and OFDM-OMA is decreased and restrained at a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by clipping, applying the proposed approach on OFDM-NOMA can still meet the aforementioned demand. Besides, it is shown that both the lower and upper bounds of the fair region are increased with a decreasing of clipping ratio.
Hydrocracking of a Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil with Fischer–Tropsch Wax
Authors: Pleyer Olga , Vrtiška Dan , Straka Petr , Vráblík Aleš , Jenčík Jan , Šimáček Pavel
Published: October 2020

Catalytic hydrocracking represents an optimal process for both heavy petroleum fractions and Fischer–Tropsch (FT) wax upgrading because it offers high flexibility regarding the feedstock, reaction conditions and products’ quality. The hydrocracking of a heavy vacuum gas oil with FT wax was carried out in a continuous-flow catalytic unit with a fixed-bed reactor and a co-current flow of the feedstock and hydrogen at the reaction temperatures of 390, 400 and 410 °C and a pressure of 8 MPa. The increasing reaction temperature and content of the FT wax in the feedstock caused an increasing yield in the gaseous products and a decreasing yield in the liquid products. The utilisation of the higher reaction temperatures and feedstocks containing the FT wax showed a positive influence on the conversion of the fraction boiling above 400 °C to lighter fractions. Although the naphtha and middle distillate fractions obtained via atmospheric and vacuum distillations of the liquid products of hydrocracking did not comply with the particular quality standards of automotive gasolines and diesel fuels, the obtained products still present valuable materials which could be utilised within an oil refinery and in the petrochemical industry.
Energy Harvesting by Waste Acid/Base Neutralization via Bipolar Membrane Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Zaffora Andrea , Culcasi Andrea , Gurreri Luigi , Cosenza Alessandro , Tamburini Alessandro , Santamaria Monica , Micale Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Bipolar Membrane Reverse Electrodialysis (BMRED) can be used to produce electricity exploiting acid-base neutralization, thus representing a valuable route in reusing waste streams. The present work investigates the performance of a lab-scale BMRED module under several operating conditions. By feeding the stack with 1 M HCl and NaOH streams, a maximum power density of ~17 W m−2 was obtained at 100 A m−2 with a 10-triplet stack with a flow velocity of 1 cm s−1, while an energy density of ~10 kWh m−3 acid could be extracted by a complete neutralization. Parasitic currents along feed and drain manifolds significantly affected the performance of the stack when equipped with a higher number of triplets. The apparent permselectivity at 1 M acid and base decreased from 93% with the five-triplet stack to 54% with the 38-triplet stack, which exhibited lower values (~35% less) of power density. An important role may be played also by the presence of NaCl in the acidic and alkaline solutions. With a low number of triplets, the added salt had almost negligible effects. However, with a higher number of triplets it led to a reduction of 23.4–45.7% in power density. The risk of membrane delamination is another aspect that can limit the process performance. However, overall, the present results highlight the high potential of BMRED systems as a productive way of neutralizing waste solutions for energy harvesting.
Cellulose Ester Insulation of Power Transformers: Researching the Influence of Moisture on the Phase Shift Angle and Admittance
Authors: Zukowski Pawel , Rogalski Przemyslaw , Koltunowicz Tomasz N. , Kierczynski Konrad , Subocz Jan , Zenker Marek
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the frequency–temperature relations between the phase angle φ and admittance Y for composites of cellulose, synthetic ester, and water nanoparticles. We determined the activation energy value for the relaxation time of a phase shift angle ΔWφ ≈ (0.783 ± 0.0744) eV, which was related to the shift of φ(f) waveforms in higher frequency area with increasing temperature. We found that the position of admittance frequency waveforms in double logarithmic coordinates was simultaneously influenced by the temperature dependence of admittance and its relaxation time. Activation energy values for the relaxation time of admittance ΔWτ ≈ (0.796 ± 0.0139) eV and the activation energy value of admittance ∆WY ≈ (0.800 ± 0.0162) eV were determined. It was found that all three activation energy values were identical and their average was ΔW ≈ (0.793 ± 0.0453) eV. Impregnation with synthetic ester resulted in a decrease of activation energy by 0.26 eV compared to the impregnation with insulating oil. This was related to higher dielectric permittivity of the synthetic ester.
Analysis of Significant Factors Influencing the Amount of Collected Forest Berries in the Czech Republic
Authors: Riedl Marcel , Jarský Vilém , Zahradník Daniel , Palátová Petra , Dudík Roman , Meňházová Jitka , Šišák Luděk
Published: October 2020

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) and cowberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) are the most important forest berries collected in the Czech Republic (CZ). The average annual value of these collected berry species is estimated to be worth more than EUR 86 million at 2018 prices. The data concerning the collection and use of forest fruits have been systematically collected in a highly detailed structure since 2008, which enables the application of the advanced statistical methods used in this paper. The results of the analyses inter alia demonstrate that collecting forest berries is not only an important recreational activity, but it has an important economic effect. Therefore, this article also deals with the collection of forest fruits, especially bilberries, as a potentially important non-wood forest product (NWFP) for sustainable forest management and also analyses the external factors influencing the total annual amount of collected forest berries. A deeper knowledge of the customer and his or her behaviour—customer insight—are prerequisites for the proactive management of forest ecosystems. The first step to “berry picker insight” is to learn more about the demand, its structure and factors which influence this demand. Thus, one of the research questions concentrates on the analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics of the berry picker that are relevant for explaining the amount of collected forest berries in the Czech Republic. Knowledge of these factors can contribute to a more effective application of marketing methods for shaping and influencing the demand so that, in terms of time and place, it is more in line with the supply, which is limited by the natural conditions, growing season and production potential of forest ecosystems.
Are Agrarian Areas in Mediterranean Mountain Regions Becoming Extinct? A Methodological Approach to Their Conservation
Authors: Varga Diego
Published: October 2020

Mediterranean mountain regions have undergone several landscape changes since the end of the 19th century due to progressive depopulation and the abandonment of cattle rearing, forestry, charcoal production and agricultural activity. Such activity favored landscape dynamics by creating grassy habitats, which in turn resulted in greater landscape diversity. This is now being lost as the forest reclaims abandoned pastures. Thus, the purpose of this work was to identify those open habitats most in need of management action to maximize biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation and minimize fire risk and management costs. These analyses show a sharp decrease of open agriculture areas, which are the habitat of many endemic species (from 46.4% to 12.3%), currently overgrown with secondary forests. Multivariate analysis and the PGP (Patch Growing Process) heuristic model indicate the areas in which the restoration of open areas (by about 8%; about 500 ha) will be the most advisable and the most beneficial, taking into account environmental, social and economic factors. The use of PGP provides for a 21% improvement in total agriculture areas. Still, the natural state of the protected Mediterranean mountain area “Alta Garrotxa” (Catalonia, Spain) is almost continuous forest. However, the management models proposed in this study offer flexible precepts to achieve the desired landscape patterns and maintain biodiversity, while conserving cultural heritage and decreasing the risk of fire.
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Physiological Performance of Catalpa bungei C.A.Mey. under Drought Stress
Authors: Chen Wei , Meng Panpan , Feng Huan , Wang Chunyan
Published: October 2020

Catalpa bungei C.A.Mey. is a common ornamental timber species. Its survival and growth are greatly affected by water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas of Northwest China. Evidence suggests arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) may improve plant drought resistance. However, there is limited information on the systematic effects of AMF on drought resistance in C. bungei seedlings. Here, a pot experiment was used to explore the effects of inoculation with the AMF Rhizophagus intraradices on the growth and physiological performance of C. bungei under different water treatment conditions. Three water levels and two mycorrhizal inoculation treatments were used with factorial design. The results showed that drought stress noticeably affected the growth and physiological performance of C. bungei seedlings. However, inoculation with R. intraradices significantly ameliorated the growth, and alleviated the effects of drought stress. The growth parameters of AMF-inoculated seedlings significantly increased regardless of water status. AMF changed the biomass allocation in seedlings by reducing the root mass ratio (RMR) and root/shoot ratio. AMF-inoculated seedlings displayed higher gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, specific leaf area (SLA), but lower specific leaf weight (SLW), regardless of water status. AMF alleviated drought-induced oxidative stress by attenuating the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially H2O2 and O2−, in leaves. Inoculation with AMF under drought stress also dramatically augmented indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GA3) levels and the IAA/abscisic acid (ABA) and GA3/ABA ratios, but reduced ABA and zeatin (ZT) levels in leaves. AMF symbiosis improved root morphology and promoted the absorption of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in seedlings. We conclude that inoculation with R. intraradices is potentially useful for afforestation and cultivation of C. bungei in Northwest China. Furthermore, AMF improved soil structure by increasing the glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) contents and the proportion of macro-aggregates (0.25–0.5 mm) in the rhizosphere soil.
Visualization, Interaction and Analysis of Heterogeneous Textbook Resources
Authors: Scheel Christian , Fallucchi Francesca , De Luca Ernesto William
Published: October 2020

Historically grown research projects, run by researchers with limited understanding of data sustainability, data reusability and standards, often lead to data silos. While the data are very valuable it can not be used by any service except the tool it was prepared for. Over the years, the number of such data graveyards will increase because new projects will always be designed from scratch. In this work we propose a Component Metadata Infrastructure (CMDI)-based approach for data rescue and data reuse, where data are retroactively joined into one repository minimizing the implementation effort of future research projects.
Analysis of Cold Air Recirculation in the Evaporators of Large-Scale Air-Source Heat Pumps Using CFD Simulations
Authors: Rogié Brice , Kjær Jensen Jonas , Ole Kjøller Hansen Svenn , Brix Markussen Wiebke
Published: October 2020

The present study investigates cold air recirculation in the evaporators of large-scale air-source heat pumps. A case study considered a 5 MW air-source heat pump producing heat for district heating. The heat pump comprises 20 horizontal evaporators, where each evaporator is equipped with eight fans. The evaporators were implemented in a CFD model, where the influence of the outdoor wind direction on the recirculation was investigated. Firstly, the air recirculation was analysed with no surrounding obstacles. Secondly, the surrounding building and the real ground topology was included in the CFD model, to analyse their influence on the air recirculation. The results show that recirculation occurs for all wind directions, due to the turbulent behaviour of the flow around the evaporators. The results also show that the presence of a building intensifies the recirculation when it is placed directly upstream of the evaporators due to the presence of vortices in the wake of the building. On the other hand, a ground depression helps to reduce the recirculation by having additional energy dissipation due to the sudden change in the ground direction.
Effect of the Intake of a Snack Containing Dietary Fiber on Postprandial Glucose Levels
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Ki , Nanba Takuya , Ozaki Mamiho , Chijiki Hanako , Takahashi Masaki , Fukazawa Mayuko , Okubo Jin , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: October 2020

To examine the effects of the intake of a snack containing dietary fiber under free-living conditions on postprandial glucose levels in older adults, nine healthy older adults aged 76.9 ± 1.6 years (mean ± standard error) completed two crossover trials: 1) regular snack (BISCUIT) intake and 2) intake of snacks with a high dietary fiber content (DF-BISCUIT). In both trials, each participant consumed either BISCUIT or DF-BISCUIT between lunch and dinner time for 1 week. During the intervention, the blood glucose levels of all the subjects were observed using a continuous glucose monitoring system. Lower 24 h blood glucose levels were yielded in the DF-BISCUIT than the BISCUIT trials. Moreover, compared to the BISCUIT trials, the blood glucose levels after dinner and areas under the curve (AUCs) were significantly decreased in the DF-BISCUIT treatments. The blood glucose levels and AUCs after the intake of the next day’s breakfast were suppressed in the DF-BISCUIT treatments compared to those in the BISCUIT trials. Our data indicate that the intake of snacks with a high dietary fiber content under free-living conditions is an effective way to restrain postprandial glucose levels and that the effect lasts until breakfast the next day.
Classification of Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Associated Judgment Applied during Post-Mortem Inspection of Swine Carcasses in Portugal
Authors: Vieira-Pinto Madalena , Azevedo Joana , Poeta Patrícia , Pires Isabel , Ellebroek Lüppo , Lopes Ricardo , Veloso Manuel , Alban Lis
Published: October 2020

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) it is often a suppurative lesion that, in Portugal, represents the main cause of total condemnation of slaughtered finishing pigs. Based on the EU Meat Inspection legislation, meat from generalized VO cases presenting signs of pyemia should be declared unfit for human consumption. For that reason, the main objective of this study is to establish a classification scheme to differentiate between localized and generalized VO cases using macroscopic findings and validate it based on the presence of pyemia. To assist in, a combination of macroscopic characteristics of gross lesions (e.g., presence of pyaemia-related lesions (PRL), acute/chronic characteristics of VO) was used to create a classification scheme to differentiate between localized and generalized VO cases. The scheme was applied to 40 VO cases that had been totally condemned in an undifferentiated way. In those 40 cases, histopathological analysis was used to validate acute/chronic macro-criteria, and microbiological analysis was performed to identify the pyemia cases. From the 40 selected VO cases, 20 were macroscopically classified as chronic and 20 as acute. Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ = 0.80; p < 0.001), revealed a substantial agreement between macroscopic and histopathology classification. Microbiological analyses identified 13 pyemia cases (13/40; 32.5%). Among those, 12 were macroscopically classified as acute, this association being highly significant (p < 0.001). By using the proposed VO classification scheme, 14 possible cases out of 40 could have been spared from total condemnation. This scheme can be used to harmonize the classification of VO and meat inspection decisions in Portuguese abattoirs. The output would lead to avoidance of unnecessary carcasses condemnation (food waste/economic losses), under an evidence-based approach, without compromising food safety and public health as demanded by the EU Meat Inspection legislation.
Metabolic Specialization and Codon Preference of Lignocellulolytic Genes in the White Rot Basidiomycete Ceriporiopsis subvermispora
Authors: Gonzalez Alex , Corsini Gino , Lobos Sergio , Seelenfreund Daniela , Tello Mario
Published: October 2020

Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is a white-rot fungus with a high specificity towards lignin mineralization when colonizing dead wood or lignocellulosic compounds. Its lignocellulose degrading system is formed by cellulose hydrolytic enzymes, manganese peroxidases, and laccases that catalyze the efficient depolymerization and mineralization of lignocellulose. To determine if this metabolic specialization has modified codon usage of the lignocellulolytic system, improving its adaptation to the fungal translational machine, we analyzed the adaptation to host codon usage (CAI), tRNA pool (tAI, and AAtAI), codon pair bias (CPB), and the number of effective codons (Nc). These indexes were correlated with gene expression of C. subvermispora, in the presence of glucose and Aspen wood. General gene expression was not correlated with the index values. However, in media containing Aspen wood, the induction of expression of lignocellulose-degrading genes, showed significantly (p < 0.001) higher values of CAI, AAtAI, CPB, tAI, and lower values of Nc than non-induced genes. Cellulose-binding proteins and manganese peroxidases presented the highest adaptation values. We also identified an expansion of genes encoding glycine and glutamic acid tRNAs. Our results suggest that the metabolic specialization to use wood as the sole carbon source has introduced a bias in the codon usage of genes involved in lignocellulose degradation. This bias reduces codon diversity and increases codon usage adaptation to the tRNA pool available in C. subvermispora. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that codon usage is modified to improve the translation efficiency of a group of genes involved in a particular metabolic process.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome Profiling Provides Insight on Cholesterol and Lithocholate Degradation Mechanisms in Nocardioides simplex VKM Ac-2033D
Authors: Shtratnikova Victoria Y. , Schelkunov Mikhail I. , Fokina Victoria V. , Bragin Eugeny Y. , Lobastova Tatyana G. , Shutov Andrey A. , Kazantsev Alexey V. , Donova Marina V.
Published: October 2020

Steroid microbial degradation plays a significant ecological role for biomass decomposition and removal/detoxification of steroid pollutants. In this study, the initial steps of cholesterol degradation and lithocholate bioconversion by a strain with enhanced 3-ketosteroid dehydrogenase (3-KSD) activity, Nocardioides simplex VKM Ac-2033D, were studied. Biochemical, transcriptomic, and bioinformatic approaches were used. Among the intermediates of sterol sidechain oxidation cholest-5-en-26-oic acid and 3-oxo-cholesta-1,4-dien-26-oic acid were identified as those that have not been earlier reported for N. simplex and related species. The transcriptomic approach revealed candidate genes of cholesterol and lithocholic acid (LCA) catabolism by the strain. A separate set of genes combined in cluster and additional 3-ketosteroid Δ1-dehydrogenase and 3-ketosteroid 9α-hydroxylases that might be involved in LCA catabolism were predicted. Bioinformatic calculations based on transcriptomic data showed the existence of a previously unknown transcription factor, which regulates cholate catabolism gene orthologs. The results contribute to the knowledge on diversity of steroid catabolism regulation in actinobacteria and might be used at the engineering of microbial catalysts for ecological and industrial biotechnology.
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: A Time for Redefinition and New Perspectives
Authors: Herlihy J. Daniel , Badhiwala Vismay , Padilla Osvaldo , Diaz Jesus , McCallum Richard
Published: October 2020

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is defined by the classic triad of dysphagia, esophageal web, and iron deficiency. It is a rare entity that remains poorly understood, and we describe our experience in diagnosing and management. Treatment for patients with PVS begins with aggressive dilation of the esophageal web (stricture), which has specific histopathology findings, thus helping to restore nutrition and facilitate iron absorption while also identifying other possible etiologies of iron deficiency, specifically underlying autoimmune conditions. We have reviewed the literature to place our experience in perspective and conclude that PVS now warrants a re-definition and a new perspective, which we discuss in this article.
More than a Game: Racecraft and the Adaptation of “Race” in Live Action Role Play
Authors: Eddy Samantha
Published: October 2020

Live action role players make the imaginative worlds of tabletop games manifest through collaborative storytelling and embodied play. Escaping the everyday, these communities could radically reimagine culture and challenge oppressive ideologies. Instead, they are deeply invested in essentializing “race”. I conducted a three-year ethnographic study alongside 20 semi-structured interviews to explore racecraft in live action role play. Supporting the groundbreaking work of Karen and Barbara Fields, I find that racecraft is a social process—continually negotiated and maintained through intimate interactions and community exchanges. Through this process, the definition of “race” is continually adapted while belief in this category remains entrenched. When participants confront racist stereotypes, practitioners coerce marginalized members into a false exchange. These members are encouraged to share experiences detailing the damage of problematic representations. Practitioners then reduce these experiences to monolithic understandings of “race”. In this insidious manner, anti-racist confrontations become fodder for racecraft. Complicating this further, patterned racism is characterized as an inborn quality of whiteness, minimizing practitioners’ accountability. Responsibility is then shifted onto marginalized participants and their willingness to engage in “racial” education. This trap is ingrained in the double standard of racism, adapting “race” such that whiteness is unrestricted by the monolithic definitions applied to those outside this category.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors for Spousal Resemblance in Obesity Status in China
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Hu Xueqi , Shi Songhe , Tian Qingfeng
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to explore the resemblance in the weight status within couples with different family contextual factors and analyze the influence of the level of overweight or obesity of a spouse on that of the other spouse. Methods: The data were from the sixth National Health Service Survey of Henan Province in 2018. After screening, 7432 eligible couples were finally included. Socioeconomic and demographic factors were compared by the χ2 test or nonparametric test. The difference in the body mass index (BMI) of spouses was assessed by a t-test. The Pearson correlation coefficient and kappa value were used as indicators of consistency in weight status. A logistic regression analysis was used to further explore the effect of a spouse’s level of overweight/obesity on that of the other spouse. Results: The results show that the prevalence of overweight/obesity in couples aged 20 or older is 33.76%. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the BMI within couples was 0.102 (95% CI: 0.076–0.120). The kappa coefficients suggested a low resemblance in the weight status within couples (k = 0.049, 95% CI: 0.031–0.069). Besides, the influence of the overweight/obesity status of the wives on that of the husbands (odds ratio (OR) = 1.411, 95% CI: 1.309–1.521) was slightly higher than that of the husbands on that of the wives (OR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.302–1.514). Conclusions: We found that there was a moderate but significant resemblance in the body weight status between spouses, especially elderly couples with a low education level in rural areas. Health education activities for couple interventions can have a good effect of intervention.
Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of an Early 20th Century English Painted Organ Case by Temple Moore
Authors: Brooke Christopher , Edwards Howell , Vandenabeele Peter , Lycke Sylvia , Pepper Michelle
Published: October 2020

An organ case from Lincoln, England, designed by the architect Temple Moore in 1907 was examined during conservation work using Raman spectroscopy in order to analyze the decorative paint composition. Samples from the six principal colours were extracted and examined using a Bruker Senterra R200-L spectrometer. The results are the first known formal analysis of a painted scheme by this architect, and they reveal a mixture of commonly used pigments for the period and the unexpected use of simpler, earth pigments, along with an unusual admixture in the red, along with an organic additive. The findings are of importance to both the conservation of Temple Moore’s artwork, in understanding the experimentation used in early twentieth-century England, and in furthering our knowledge of ecclesiastical decorative artwork of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors of Adolescent Delinquency in Mainland Chinese Adolescents: The Role of Materialism and Egocentrism
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Li Xiang , Zhu Xiaoqin , Shek Esther Y. W.
Published: October 2020

Background: Although studies have examined the influence of materialism on adolescent well-being, there are several methodological limitations: studies examining the influence of materialism on adolescent delinquency are almost non-existent; researchers commonly used cross-sectional designs; the sample size in some studies was not large; validated measures on materialism in non-Western contexts are rare; there are very few Chinese studies. Besides, no study has examined the hypothesis that egocentrism is the mediator in the influence of materialism on adolescent delinquency. Methods: Using a short-term longitudinal design, two waves of data were collected from 2648 early adolescents in mainland China. At each wave, students completed validated measures of materialism, egocentrism and delinquent behavior. Results: Materialism and egocentrism positively predicted adolescent delinquency at Wave 1 and Wave 2 and over time. While materialism at Wave 1 positively predicted increase in delinquency over time, egocentrism did not. However, PROCESS analysis showed that egocentrism mediated the longitudinal influence of materialism on adolescent delinquent behavior. Conclusions: Materialism and egocentrism are predictors of adolescent delinquency, with egocentrism serving as a mediator in the influence of materialism on adolescent delinquency.
The Use of New Digital Information and Communication Technologies in Psychological Counseling during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dores Artemisa R. , Geraldo Andreia , Carvalho Irene P. , Barbosa Fernando
Published: October 2020

The use of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) has enabled many professionals to continue to provide their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the adoption of ICTs by psychologists and the impact of such technologies on their practice. This study aimed to explore psychologists’ practices related with the use of ICTs before and during the COVID-19 lockdown, to identify the main changes that the pandemic has brought and the impact that such changes have had on their practice with clients, and also identify the factors that potentially have affected such changes. The Portuguese Psychologists Association announced the study, and 108 psychologists responded to an online survey during the mandatory lockdown. The results showed that these professionals continued to provide their services due to having adopted ICTs. Comparing with face-to-face interventions, psychologists recognized that additional precautions/knowledge were needed to use such technologies. Despite the challenges identified, they described the experience with the use of ICTs as positive, meeting clients’ adherence, and yielding positive results. Psychologists with the most years of professional experience maintained their services the most, but those with average experience showed the most favorable attitudes toward the use of technologies and web-based interventions.
Association between Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Exposure Level to Indoor PM2.5 in Asthmatic Children, Using Data from the Escort Intervention Study
Authors: Kim Sungroul , Lee Jungeun , Park Sujung , Rudasingwa Guillaume , Lee Sangwoon , Yu Sol , Lim Dae Hyun
Published: October 2020

Various studies have indicated that particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) could cause adverse health effects on pulmonary functions in susceptible groups, especially asthmatic children. Although the impact of ambient PM2.5 on children’s lower respiratory health has been well-established, information regarding the associations between indoor PM2.5 levels and respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children is relatively limited. This randomized, crossover intervention study was conducted among 26 asthmatic children’s homes located in Incheon metropolitan city, Korea. We aimed to evaluate the effects of indoor PM2.5 on children’s peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), with a daily intervention of air purifiers with filter on, compared with those groups with filter off. Children aged between 6–12 years diagnosed with asthma were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. During a crossover intervention period of seven weeks, we observed that, in the filter-on group, indoor PM2.5 levels significantly decreased by up to 43%. (p < 0.001). We also found that the daily or weekly unit (1 μg/m3) increase in indoor PM2.5 levels could significantly decrease PEFR by 0.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1 to 0.5) or PEFR by 1.2% (95% CI = 0.1 to 2.7) in asthmatic children, respectively. The use of in-home air filtration could be considered as an intervention strategy for indoor air quality control in asthmatic children’s homes.
Perceptions, Knowledge, and Practices Concerning Indoor Environmental Pollution of Parents or Future Parents
Authors: Daniel Laure , Michot Marylou , Esvan Maxime , Guérin Pauline , Chauvet Guillaume , Pelé Fabienne
Published: October 2020

Indoor pollutants can have short- and long-term health effects, especially if exposure occurs during prenatal life or early childhood. This study describe the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of adults concerning indoor environmental pollution. Adults of 18 to 45 years of age were recruited in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany-France) in 2019 through a stratified random draw in the waiting rooms of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 554) who completed a self-questionnaire. The 71% who had already heard of this type of pollution were older (p = 0.001), predominantly women (p = 0.007), not expecting a baby (p = 0.005), and had a higher knowledge score (p < 0.001). The average knowledge score was 6.6 ± 6.6 out of 11, which was higher for participants living in a couple and with a higher level of education (p < 0.001). Some practices were well implemented (>80% of participants) (aeration during renovation) whereas others were insufficiently practiced (<60% of participants) (paying attention to the composition of cosmetic products). Factors associated differed depending on the frequency of integration: living in a couple and having a child for well implemented practices and educational level, knowledge level, and perception for those under implemented. Knowledge must be improved to modify perceptions and certain practices, making sure not to increase social inequalities in health.
Roma Ethnicity and Sex-Specific Associations of Serum Uric Acid with Cardiometabolic and Hepatorenal Health Factors in Eastern Slovakian Population: The HepaMeta Study
Authors: Pallayova Maria , Brenisin Marek , Putrya Alina , Vrsko Martin , Drazilova Sylvia , Janicko Martin , Marekova Maria , Pella Daniel , Geckova Andrea , Urdzik Peter , Jarcuska Peter , HepaMeta Team
Published: October 2020

Background: Health characteristics associated with uric acid (UA) in the Roma minority remain less well known. The study sought to determine the ethnicity- and sex-specific associations of serum UA with health factors in Eastern Slovakian Roma and non-Roma populations. Methods: Data from the comparative cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The study enrolled 452 Roma subjects (35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma individuals (45.9% men) aged 18–55 years. Results: All study parameters differed between the sexes in both the Roma and non-Roma participants (p < 0.05). UA was related to sex with odds ratio for female sex 0.873, 95% CI 0.853–0.893 (p < 0.0001) per 10-unit increase of UA. Average level of UA ± standard deviation was lower in Roma than in non-Roma (226.54 ± 79.8 vs. 259.11 ± 84.53 umol/L; p < 0.0001). The Roma population presented with greater levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (3.07 ± 4 mg/L vs. 1.98 ± 2.83 mg/L; p < 0.0001) and ferritin in Roma males (403.78 ± 391.84 vs. 302.67 ± 236.26 mg/L; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Serum UA is sex- and ethnicity specific. Elevated levels of hsCRP and ferritin particularly in Roma males can reflect low-grade systemic inflammation and thus serve as a marker of an increased cardiovascular risk.
Study on the Relationship between Leisure Activity Participation and Wearing a Mask among Koreans during COVID-19 Crisis: Using TPB Model
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Cho Jeong-hyung , Kang Seung-Woo
Published: October 2020

This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables—including “attitude,” “subjective norms,” and “perceived behavioral control”—to understand the relationship between mask-wearing behavior and physical/non-physical leisure activity participation in Koreans as well as the tendencies behind mask-wearing intentions within leisure activities. The measurement tools used attitude, subjective norms, control, and mask use intention factors based on the TPB. Overall, 545 individuals participated, and the non-overlapping regions, sex, and age were considered through the stratified sampling method. The survey was conducted online owing to COVID-19, and collected data were derived through descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses. First, a difference in mask-wearing intention based on physical and non-physical leisure activities was identified; second, attitudes and perceived behaviors were considered in light of the dangers posed by COVID-19. It was found that control influences the tendency of intention to wear a mask depending on whether the group was engaged in physical or non-physical activity. Therefore, it can be stated that mask-wearing must be mandatory during physical and non-physical activities owing to respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. It is also important to simultaneously promote a positive attitude toward mask-wearing to enable people to believe that they can stay in full control of their own health.
Belonging and Inclusivity Make a Resilient Future for All: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Post-Flood Social Capital in a Diverse Australian Rural Community
Authors: Matthews Veronica , Longman Jo , Bennett-Levy James , Braddon Maddy , Passey Megan , Bailie Ross S. , Berry Helen L.
Published: October 2020

In 2017, marginalised groups were disproportionately impacted by extensive flooding in a rural community in Northern New South Wales, Australia, with greater risk of home inundation, displacement and poor mental health. While social capital has been linked with good health and wellbeing, there has been limited investigation into its potential benefits in post-disaster contexts, particularly for marginalised groups. Six months post-flood, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to quantify associations between flood impact, individual social capital and psychological distress (including probable post-traumatic stress disorder). We adopted a community-academic partnership approach and purposive recruitment to increase participation from socio-economically marginalised groups (Aboriginal people and people in financial hardship). These groups reported lower levels of social capital (informal social connectedness, feelings of belonging, trust and optimism) compared to general community participants. Despite this, informal social connectedness and belonging were important factors for all participant groups, associated with reduced risk of psychological distress. In this flood-prone, rural community, there is a pressing need to build social capital collectively through co-designed strategies that simultaneously address the social, cultural and economic needs of marginalised groups. Multiple benefits will ensue for the whole community: reduced inequities; strengthened resilience; improved preparedness and lessened risk of long-term distress from disaster events.
Assessing Communication during Remote Follow-Up of Users with Pacemakers in Norway: The NORDLAND Study, a Randomized Trial
Authors: Catalan-Matamoros Daniel , Lopez-Villegas Antonio , Lappegård Knut Tore , Lopez-Liria Remedios
Published: October 2020

As effective communication is a key ingredient for the provision of quality healthcare services, this study aimed to explore the communication experiences in the remote monitoring of older adults with a pacemaker. The study was based on a non-masked randomized observational design. The Healthcare Communication Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection. A total of 49 patients participated in the study. The study findings reveal overall positive communication experiences by pacemaker users in remote monitoring with no significant differences from users in hospital monitoring. The remote option is perceived as safe and convenient, and communicating with the clinicians from home is considered comfortable and confidential. The study provides insights into the content of communication experiences in telehealth and practical implications in healthcare contexts. In a world that increasingly relies on remote communication, it is crucial to match technologies to patient needs and assess communication with patients. This will ensure the success of new models of care and establish appropriate criteria for the use of telehealth services. These criteria are all relevant in the implementation of health technology in the future as a part of effective patient-centered care.
Methodology of Specialist Physicians Training: From Traditional to e-Learning
Authors: Chaves Juan , Lorca-Marín Antonio A. , Delgado-Algarra Emilio José
Published: October 2020

Different studies show that mixed methodology can be effective in medical training. However, there are no conclusive studies in specialist training on advanced life support (ALS). The main objective of this research is to determine if, with mixed didactic methodology, which includes e-learning, similar results are produced to face-to-face training. The method used was quasi-experimental with a focus on efficiency and evaluation at seven months, in which 114 specialist doctors participated and where the analysis of the sociodemographic and pre-test variables points to the homogeneity of the groups. The intervention consisted of e-learning training plus face-to-face workshops versus standard. The results were the performance in knowledge and technical skills in cardiac arrest scenarios, the perceived quality, and the perception of the training. There were no significant differences in immediate or deferred performance. In the degree of satisfaction, a significant difference was obtained in favour of the face-to-face group. The perception in the training itself presented similar results. The main limitations consisted of sample volume, dropping out of the deferred tests, and not evaluating the transfer or the impact. Finally, mixed methodology including e-learning in ALS courses reduced the duration of the face-to-face sessions and allowed a similar performance.
Public Medical Insurance and Healthcare Utilization and Expenditures of Older with Chronic Diseases in Rural China: Evidence from NRCMS
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Jin , Sui Shuntian
Published: October 2020

China’s rural older are the threat from chronic diseases, making it important to evaluate the effect of public health insurance on the health care utilization and expenditures with chronic diseases. In 2003, China initiated a public health insurance, which was called the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS). NRCMS is a voluntary program, targeting rural residents with government subsidies and individual contribution. Using the two-stage residual inclusion approach (2SRI), we analyzed the impact of NRCMS on health-care service utilization and expenditure of rural older with chronic diseases by using the 2011 and 2013 China Health and Retirement Survey (CHARLS) data. The results showed NRCMS did not play an effective role on improving the medical services utilization of rural older with chronic diseases. Although NRCMS immediate reimbursement significantly reduced the outpatient service fee, the actual outpatient reimbursement is the opposite. In addition, NRCMS did not significantly decrease their hospitalization expense. Policy makers should pay attention to health management about chronic diseases in rural China, and some measures should be taken to deepen the medical security system reform and improve the public health service system.