bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Microgrids: Literature Review and Pathways to Decarbonise the Local Electricity Network
Authors: Trivedi Rohit , Patra Sandipan , Sidqi Yousra , Bowler Benjamin , Zimmermann Fiona , Deconinck Geert , Papaemmanouil Antonios , Khadem Shafi
Published: January 2022

This article addresses the suitable approaches for empowering energy citizens and smart energy communities through the development of community-based microgrid (C-MG) solutions while taking into consideration the functional architectural layers and system integration topologies, interoperability issues, strategies for consumer-centric energy trading under the local electricity market (LEM) mechanism, and socio-economic aspects. Thus, this article presents state-of-the-art microgrid solutions for the smart energy community along with their motivation, advantages and challenges, comprehensibly contrasted between the recommended generic architecture and every other reported structure. The notion of LEM for peer-to-peer (P2P) energy exchange inside a transactive energy system based on a flexible consumer-centric and bottom-up perspective towards the participation in the wholesale electricity market (WEM) is also reviewed and critically explored. Furthermore, the article reviews the interoperability issues in relation to the development of C-MG including energy trading facilities. The article’s overall contribution is that it paves the path for advanced research and industrialisation in the field of smart energy communities through the analytical recommendations of the C-MG architecture and DER (distributed energy resource) integration structure, considering the future trend of local energy markets and socio-economic aspects.
A Methodology for the Classification and Characterisation of Industrial Demand-Side Integration Measures
Authors: Walther Jessica , Dietrich Bastian , Grosch Benedikt , Lindner Martin , Fuhrländer-Völker Daniel , Strobel Nina , Weigold Matthias
Published: January 2022

In the context of the ongoing climate change and increasingly strict climate goals of the European Green Deal, industry faces a growing challenge to decrease its high demand for electrical energy and its greenhouse gas emissions. Demand-Side Integration measures have a great potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the industrial sector. However, there is still no definition and consistent characterising terms for Industrial Demand-Side Integration. The lack of clarity in concepts and definitions may impose hurdles in the transfer of results and methodologies from research activities and thus, in the implementation of measures in the industry. Furthermore, the economic value of implementing these measures is often unclear but of high relevance to industrial consumers. This paper proposes a comprehensive Industrial Demand-Side Integration definition and a methodology to classify and characterise its measures. The methodology is aimed at helping industrial consumers decide which measures can be implemented in their specific setting and how these measures can be monetised. The methodology is validated by applying it to eight relevant use cases in the ETA Research Factory.
Influence of the Fertilization Method on the Silphium perfoliatum Biomass Composition and Methane Fermentation Efficiency
Authors: Peni Dumitru , Dębowski Marcin , Stolarski Mariusz Jerzy
Published: January 2022

Biogas production is one of the solutions for replacing fossil fuels, which promotes the widespread use of green energy. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of Silphium perfoliatum as an energy crop for biogas production, as well as the effect of different fertilization doses (0, 85 and 170 kg N ha−1) on the production potential (NL CH4 kg−1 VS) of Silphium perfoliatum. The study investigated the use of different feedstocks, such as raw and ensiled Silphium perfoliatum biomass. The methane production ranged between 193.59 and 243.61 NL CH4 kg−1 VS. The highest biogas production potential was achieved with the biomasses which were cultivated with the highest fertilization dose (170 kg N ha−1), both for raw and ensiled crop biomasses, although the difference from the other fertilization doses was not significant. The feedstock (biomass and silage) and digestate parameters were investigated as well. The use of Silphium perfoliatum for biogas production seems very promising since its methane production potential was found to be similar to that of the most common energy crop, such as maize, indicating that Silphium perfoliatum can compete in the future with maize.
Modulation of Antioxidant Activity Enhances Photoautotrophic Cell Growth of Rhodobacter sphaeroides in Microbial Electrosynthesis
Authors: Lee Yu Rim , Lee Soo Youn , Lee Jiye , Kim Hui Su , Lee Jin-Suk , Lee Won-Heong , Lee Sangmin
Published: January 2022

Global warming is currently accelerating due to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions by industrialization. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) using electroactive autotrophic microorganisms has recently been reported as a method to reduce carbon dioxide, the main culprit of greenhouse gas. However, there are still few cases of application of MES, and the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. To investigate the growth characteristics in MES, we carried out growth tests according to reducing power sources in Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The growth rate was significantly lower when electrons were directly supplied to cells, compared to when hydrogen was supplied. Through a transcriptome analysis, we found that the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes was meaningfully higher in MES than in normal photoautotrophic conditions. Similarly, endogenous contents of H2O2 were higher and peroxidase activities were lower in MES. The exogenous application of ascorbic acid, a representative biological antioxidant, promotes cell growth by decreasing ROS levels, confirming the inhibitory effects of ROS on MES. Taken together, our observations suggest that reduction of ROS by increasing antioxidant activities is important for enhancing the cell growth and production of CO2-converting substances such as carotenoids in MES in R. sphaeroides
Molecular Simulation of Adsorption in Deep Marine Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Chang Cheng , Zhang Jian , Hu Haoran , Zhang Deliang , Zhao Yulong
Published: January 2022

Deep marine shale gas reservoirs are extremely rich in the Sichuan basin in China. However, due to the in situ conditions with high temperature and high pressure (HTHP), in particular reservoir pressure being usually much higher than the test pressure, it is difficult to accurately clarify the adsorption behavior, as seepage theory plays an important role in shale gas reserves evaluation. Therefore, three kinds of sorbent, including illite, quartz and kerogen, and two simulation methods, containing the grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo method and molecular dynamics method, are synthetically used to determine the methane adsorption behavior under HTHP. The results show that both absolute adsorption and excess adsorption decrease with the increase of temperature. When the pressure increases, the absolute adsorption increases quickly and then slowly, and the excess adsorption first increases and then decreases. The superposition of wall potential energy is strongest in a circular hole, second in a square hole, and weakest in a narrow slit. The effect of pore size increases with the decrease of the pore diameter. Under HTHP, multi-layer adsorption can occur in shale, but the timing and number of layers are related to the sorbent type.
Efficient District Heating in a Decarbonisation Perspective: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Ricci Mattia , Sdringola Paolo , Tamburrino Salvatore , Puglisi Giovanni , Donato Elena Di , Ancona Maria Alessandra , Melino Francesco
Published: January 2022

The European and national regulations in the decarbonisation path towards 2050 promote district heating in achieving the goals of efficiency, energy sustainability, use of renewables, and reduction of fossil fuel use. Improved management and optimisation, use of RES, and waste heat/cold sources decrease the overall demand for primary energy, a condition that is further supported by building renovations and new construction of under (almost) zero energy buildings, with a foreseeable decrease in the temperature of domestic heating systems. Models for the simulation of efficient thermal networks were implemented and described in this paper, together with results from a real case study in Italy, i.e., University Campus of Parma. Activities include the creation and validation of calculation codes and specific models in the Modelica language (Dymola software), aimed at investigating stationary regimes and dynamic behaviour as well. An indirect heat exchange substation was coupled with a resistive-capacitive model, which describes the building behaviour and the thermal exchanges by the use of thermos-physical parameters. To optimise indoor comfort conditions and minimise consumption, dynamic simulations were carried out for different operating sets: modulating the supply temperature in the plant depending on external conditions (Scenario 4) decreases the supplied thermal energy (−2.34%) and heat losses (−8.91%), even if a lower temperature level results in higher electricity consumption for pumping (+12.96%), the total energy consumption is reduced by 1.41%. A simulation of the entire heating season was performed for the optimised scenario, combining benefits from turning off the supply in the case of no thermal demand (Scenario 3) and from the modulation of the supply temperature (Scenario 4), resulting in lower energy consumption (the thermal energy supplied by the power plant −3.54%, pumping +7.76%), operating costs (−2.40), and emissions (−3.02%). The energy balance ex-ante and ex-post deep renovation in a single user was then assessed, showing how lowering the network operating temperature at 55 °C decreases the supplied thermal energy (−22.38%) and heat losses (−22.11%) with a slightly higher pumping consumption (+3.28%), while maintaining good comfort conditions. These promising results are useful for evaluating the application of low-temperature operations to the existing district heating networks, especially for large interventions of building renovation, and confirm their potential contribution to the energy efficiency targets.
The Permanent German Forest Rescue Point System—Concept, Geographical Analysis, and Optimisation
Authors: Purfürst Thomas
Published: January 2022

Working in the forest is dangerous, especially in the case of motor manual work, which represents a significant proportion of all forest work in Germany. Nevertheless, many accidents in the forest also happen during recreational activities. In the unfortunate case of an accident, rapid assistance is therefore crucial. For provision of this service, a network of 63,718 high quality permanent rescue points has been established in Germany, known to all persons involved in rescue operations. These can serve as meeting points and points of orientation. The question emerges whether the number of points is sufficient and whether they are well distributed and ideally placed for conducting a rescue in the forest. Therefore, this study aims to provide a granular complex geographic analysis of the indices of distribution and the accessibility of existing rescue points. These analyses form the basis for improving and optimising the existing permanent rescue point system at federal states and the federal level. This study has developed, calculated, analysed, and assessed nine different spatial indices, which can serve as a basis for decision making in the evaluation and adaptation of the system. The indices reveal considerable federal states differences in the designation of rescue points, in terms of number, density, and distribution.
Past Disturbance–Present Diversity: How the Coexistence of Four Different Forest Communities within One Patch of a Homogeneous Geological Substrate Is Possible
Authors: Zaniewski Piotr T. , Obidziński Artur , Ciurzycki Wojciech , Marciszewska Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

Understanding the relationship between disturbance and forest community dynamics is a key factor in sustainable forest management and conservation planning. The study aimed to determine the main factors driving unusual differentiation of forest vegetation into four communities, all coexisting on the same geological substrate. The fieldwork, conducted on the fluvioglacial sand area in Central Poland, consisted of vegetation sampling, together with soil identification and sampling, up to depths of 150 cm. Additional soil parameters were measured in the laboratory. A Geographical Information System was applied to assess variables related to topography and forest continuity. Vegetation was classified and forest communities identified. Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated significant effects of organic horizon thickness, forest continuity, soil disturbance and soil organic matter content on vegetation composition. We found that the coexistence of four forest communities, including two Natura 2000 habitats, a Cladonia-Scots pine forest and an acidophilous oak forest (codes–91T0 and 9190 respectively), resulted from former agricultural use of the land followed by secondary succession. The lowest soil-disturbance level was observed within late-successional acidophilous oak forest patches. Nearly complete soil erosion was found within the early-successional Cladonia-Scots pine forest. We propose that both protected habitat types may belong to the same successional sere, and discuss the possibility of replacement of the early- and late-successional forest habitat types in the context of sustainable forest management and conservation.
The Acrylamide Degradation by Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5
Authors: Petka Katarzyna , Sroka Paweł , Tarko Tomasz , Duda-Chodak Aleksandra
Published: January 2022

Acrylamide is a harmful substance produced in thermal processed food; however, it can also be found in food with various additives. The aim of the study was to check whether the probiotic bacteria strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (LA5), can degrade acrylamide and hence reduce its concentration in foodstuff. Our results revealed that LA5 can degrade acrylamide and cause a decrease in its concentration, but only when other available carbon and nitrogen sources are lacking. In the presence of casein, lactose, milk fat or in whole cow’s milk, this ability disappeared. Acrylamide present in milk, however, modulated the bacteria metabolism by significantly enhancing lactic acid production by LA5 in milk (at conc. 100 µg/mL), while the production of acetic acid was rather reduced.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Volatomic Fingerprint of Saffron from Campania towards Its Authenticity and Quality
Authors: Cozzolino Rosaria , Stocchero Matteo , Perestrelo Rosa , Câmara José S.
Published: January 2022

The volatile profiles of eight saffron samples (seven cultivated and one spontaneous) grown in different geographical districts within the Campania region (southern Italy) were compared. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), overall, 80 volatiles were identified in the eight landraces. Among them, safranal and its isomers and other related compounds such as isophorones, which are not only key odorants but also pharmacologically active metabolites, have been detected in all the investigated samples. Principal Component Analysis performed on the volatiles’ compounds revealed that the spontaneous sample turned out to be an outlier. In particular, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of the spontaneous saffron presented four lilac aldehydes and four lilac alcohol isomers, which, to the authors’ knowledge, have never been identified in the volatile signature of this spice. The multivariate statistical analysis allowed the discrimination of the seven cultivate saffron ecotypes in four well-separated clusters according to variety. Moreover, 20 VOCs, able to differentiate the clusters in terms of single volatile metabolite, were discovered. Altogether, these results could contribute to identifying possible volatile signature metabolites (biomarkers) or patterns that discriminate saffron samples grown in Campania region on a molecular basis, encouraging future biodiversity programs to preserve saffron landraces revealing valuable genetic resources.
Determination of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements in Edible Sprouts from Different Botanical Families—Application of Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Zagrodzki Paweł , Galanty Agnieszka , Fołta Maria , Kryczyk-Kozioł Jadwiga , Szlósarczyk Marek , Rubio Pol Salvans , Saraiva de Carvalho Isabel , Paśko Paweł
Published: January 2022

Background: elemental deficiency may result in the malfunctioning of human organisms. Sprouts, with their attractive looks and well-established popularity, may be considered as alternative sources of elements in the diet. Moreover, the uptake of micro- and macronutrients from sprouts is better when compared to other vegetable sources. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of the selected essential minerals and trace elements in 25 sprouts from different botanical families, to preselect the richest species of high importance for human diets. Methods: the Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca determinations were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization and iodine by the colorimetric method. Results: beetroot sprouts had the highest levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg, while onion sprouts were the richest in Mn and Ca, among all of the tested sprouts. Sprouts of the Brassicaceae family were generally richer in Ca, Mg, and Zn than sprouts from the Fabaceae family. Results allow preselection of the most perspective sprouts as possible dietary sources of essential minerals and trace elements. For rucola, leeks, onions, and beetroot sprouts, the data on minerals and trace element compositions were performed for the first time.
Asymptotic Stabilization of Delayed Linear Fractional-Order Systems Subject to State and Control Constraints
Authors: Si Xindong , Wang Zhen , Song Zhibao , Zhang Ziye
Published: January 2022

Studies have shown that fractional calculus can describe and characterize a practical system satisfactorily. Therefore, the stabilization of fractional-order systems is of great significance. The asymptotic stabilization problem of delayed linear fractional-order systems (DLFS) subject to state and control constraints is studied in this article. Firstly, the existence conditions for feedback controllers of DLFS subject to both state and control constraints are given. Furthermore, a sufficient condition for invariance of polyhedron set is established by using invariant set theory. A new Lyapunov function is constructed on the basis of the constraints, and some sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of DLFS are obtained. Then, the feedback controller and the corresponding solution algorithms are given to ensure the asymptotic stability under state and control input constraints. The proposed solution algorithm transforms the asymptotic stabilization problem into a linear/nonlinear programming (LP/NP) problem which is easy to solve from the perspective of computation. Finally, three numerical examples are offered to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analytical Study on Sodium Alginate Based Hybrid Nanofluid Flow through a Shrinking/Stretching Sheet with Radiation, Heat Source and Inclined Lorentz Force Effects
Authors: Hammachukiattikul P. , Govindaraju M. , Sohail Muhammad , Vadivel R. , Gunasekaran Nallappan , Askar Sameh
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the flow and heat transfer of sodium alginate-based hybrid nanofluids with a stretching/shrinking surface. The heat source/sink, Joule heating, inclined magnetic field, and thermal radiation influences are also examined in the designed model. The mixers of non-magnetic and magnetic nanoparticles are utilized, such as Cu and Fe3O4. The Casson fluid model is applied to determine the viscoplastic characteristics of sodium alginate (SA). The necessary governing SA-based hybrid nanofluid flow equations are solved analytically by hypergeometric function. SA-based hybrid nanofluid velocity, temperature, skin friction, and Nusselt number results are discussed in detail with various pertinent parameters, such as radiation, heat source/sink, inclined angle, magnetic field, Eckert number, and Casson parameters. It is noted that the dimensions of both Cu and Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles and Casson parameters are minimized by the momentum surface layer thickness. The magnetic field, radiation, heat source and Casson parameters serve to enhance the thermal boundary layer thickness. Finally, the current result was verified with previously published works.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia with 46, X, Isochromosome Xq/45, X Mosaicism
Authors: Hsu Chin-Chieh , Lee Chien-Hong , Chang Shuenn-Dyh , Ko Tsang-Ming , Ueng Shir-Hwa , Chen Yu-Hsiu , Wang Mei-Chia , Chang Yao-Lung
Published: January 2022

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is an uncommon vascular anomaly of the placenta with characteristics of placentomegaly and multicystic appearance and with or without association with fetal chromosomal anomaly. We present a unique placental mesenchymal dysplasia patient with amniotic fluid karyotyping as 46, X, iso(X) (q10). Detailed molecular testing of the amniotic fluid, fetal cord blood, non-dysplastic placenta and dysplastic placenta was conducted after termination of pregnancy, from which we proved biparental/androgenetic (46, X, i(X) (q10)/45, X) mosaicism in different gestational tissues. A high portion of androgenetic cells in dysplastic placenta (74.2%) and near 100% of biparental cells in the fetus’s blood and amniotic fluid were revealed. Delicate mosaic analyses were performed, and possible pathogenesis and embryogenesis of this case were drawn up.
Palaeo-Tsunami Events on the Coasts of Cyprus
Authors: Evelpidou Niki , Karkani Anna , Polidorou Miltiadis , Saitis Giannis , Zerefos Christos , Synolakis Costas , Repapis Christos , Tzouxanioti Maria , Gogou Marilia
Published: January 2022

Cyprus has a long history of tsunami activity, as described in archaeological and geological records. Although the study area has experienced tsunamis in the past and constitutes an area threatened by this hazard both from the Cyprean arc and from the neighboring Hellenic arc, field research on tsunami evidence on the coastal zone of Cyprus still remains scarce. It is clear from the literature that large boulder accumulations are an important feature along the coasts of Cyprus, testifying to extreme events. A detailed field survey revealed that at various locations cited in the literature as hosting geomorphological evidence of past tsunamis, no such evidence was identified. It is likely that the high touristic activity that has been occurring on the coasts of Cyprus during the last 20 years may have affected tsunami indicators such as boulder accumulations. Tsunamis are unpredictable and infrequent but potentially large-impact natural disasters. The latest strong tsunami that caused damage to the Cypriot coast was centuries ago, when the population and economic growth and development at the Cypriot shoreline did not exist. Today, the coastal zone hosts a higher population as well as increasing touristic activity, highlighting the need for better preparedness, awareness raising and for tsunami-related risk reduction.
Factors Influencing the Reputation of Assistive Technology Resources Center: An Example from Yunlin County, Taiwan
Authors: Chang Tsen-Yao , Huang Shao-Wei
Published: January 2022

By the end of 2020, a total of 34 multifunctional Assistive Technology Resources Centers (ATR centers) were set up in 22 counties and cities in Taiwan. This study examines the perceptions of the users and their caregivers of the government-established ATR centers in Taiwan and examines the impact on the reputation of the public institution. The research framework and hypotheses were developed by examining the factors of “service convenience”, “center-related factors”, “justice”, and “perceived value” and using “perceived value” as a mediating variable. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and the structural equation model was used to test the model and verify the hypotheses. Research data was collected in various townships in Yunlin County A total of 320 questionnaires were collected. Of these respondents, 22% were aged 51–60. All the research hypotheses were positively and significantly verified. Of these, justice was the most important factor affecting the value of the ATR center’s services compared to convenience and center-related factors. Of convenience, service value and justice, service value was the most important factor affecting the perceived reputation of the public institution. According to the findings of this study, it is beyond expectation that the convenience of ATR is not the main factor influencing the service value, but rather the perceived justice is the most important factor. Therefore, ATR should be prioritized from the perspective of the service recipient, especially the perceived justice of the service, in order to best enhance the value of the service and improve the reputation of the public institution.
Health System Resiliency and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of a New Nationwide Contingency Staffing Program
Authors: Cannedy Shay , Bergman Alicia , Medich Melissa , Rose Danielle E. , Stockdale Susan E.
Published: January 2022

When COVID-19 emerged, the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VA) was in the process of implementing a national contingency staffing program called Clinical Resource Hubs (CRHs). CRHs were intended to provide regional contingency staffing for primary and mental health clinics experiencing staffing shortages primarily through telehealth. Long-term plans (year 2) included emergency management support. Early in the implementation, we conducted semi-structured interviews with CRH directors and national program leaders (n = 26) and used a rapid analysis approach to identify actions taken by CRHs to support the resiliency of the VA healthcare system during the pandemic. We found that the CRH program was flexible and nimble enough to allow VA to leverage providers at hubs to better respond to the demands of COVID-19. Actions taken at hubs to sustain patient access and staff resiliency during the pandemic included supporting call centers and training VA providers on virtual care delivery. Factors that facilitated CRH’s emergency response included hub staff expertise in telehealth and the increased acceptability of virtual care among key stakeholders. We conclude that hub providers serving as contingency staff, as well as specialization in delivering virtual outpatient and inpatient care, enabled VA health system resiliency and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Predicting Ovarian-Cancer Burden in Catalonia by 2030: An Age–Period–Cohort Modelling
Authors: Peremiquel-Trillas Paula , Frias-Gomez Jon , Alemany Laia , Ameijide Alberto , Vilardell Mireia , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Paytubi Sònia , Ponce Jordi , Martínez José Manuel , Pineda Marta , Brunet Joan , Matías-Guiu Xavier , Carulla Marià , Galceran Jaume , Izquierdo Ángel , Borràs Josep M. , Costas Laura , Clèries Ramon
Published: January 2022

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer in very-high-human-development-index regions. Ovarian cancer incidence and mortality rates are estimated to globally rise by 2035, although incidence and mortality rates depend on the region and prevalence of the associated risk factors. The aim of this study is to assess changes in incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer in Catalonia by 2030. Bayesian autoregressive age–period–cohort models were used to predict the burden of OC incidence and mortality rates for the 2015–2030 period. Incidence and mortality rates of ovarian cancer are expected to decline in Catalonia by 2030 in women ≥ 45 years of age. A decrease in ovarian-cancer risk was observed with increasing year of birth, with a rebound in women born in the 1980s. A decrease in mortality was observed for the period of diagnosis and period of death. Nevertheless, ovarian-cancer mortality remains higher among older women compared to other age groups. Our study summarizes the most plausible scenario for ovarian-cancer changes in terms of incidence and mortality in Catalonia by 2030, which may be of interest from a public health perspective for policy implementation.
Enhancing the Quality of Care in Long-Term Care Settings
Authors: Devi Reena , Gordon Adam , Dening Tom
Published: January 2022

The quality of care in long-term care settings is a concern felt across the world given the growing number of dependent older people [...]
Fuzzy Cognitive Maps as a Tool for Identifying Cognitive Conflicts That Hinder the Adoption of Healthy Habits
Authors: Saúl Luis Angel , Sanfeliciano Alejandro , Botella Luis , Perea Rafael , Gonzalez-Puerto Jose Antonio
Published: January 2022

Implementing healthy lifestyle habits can take a great effort and sticking to such prescriptions is complicated. Failure rates amongst people seeking to adopt a healthier diet are estimated to be around 80%. Exploring the network of meanings that an individual associates with adopting habits such as healthy eating, maintaining the correct weight, and practising physical exercise can reveal the inconsistencies, obstacles, or psychological conflicts that hinder change and target-achievement. Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) can be of great utility in this task as they allow us to explore the structure of the personal meaning system of an individual as well as determine any obstacles and simulate hypothetical scenarios that project its future evolution. This can help to identify the foci of cognitive conflicts that hinder the adoption of healthy habits and establish more effective personalised intervention programmes that make it easier to maintain these habits.
Comparison of Leisure Time Physical Activities by Metabolic Syndrome Status among Adolescents
Authors: Booker Robert , Chander Harish , Norris Keith C. , Thorpe Roland J. , Vickers Brad , Holmes Megan E.
Published: January 2022

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of premature morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) beneficially affects MetS; however, it is unclear if PA types differ among adolescents 12–15 years old, according to their MetS status. This study compared self-reported PA types by MetS status. Methods: Using the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) data, 664 adolescents self-reported PA in the past seven days. MetS status was assessed using Ford’s pediatric adaptation of the ATP-III adult criteria. Pearson chi-square and t-tests were conducted to determine self-reported PA differences. Results: The adolescents’ mean age was 13.47 years (95% CIs; 13.04, 14.38) and 52.69% were male (352). Twenty-seven (4.07%) adolescents were MetS positive. The prevalence of PA engagement in the past seven days was similar for MetS-positive and -negative adolescents (77.67% and 70.51%, respectively; p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed for PA type by MetS status. MetS-positive adolescents reported higher sedentary time (565.77 [438.99, 692.56] vs. 490.59 [377.86, 603.33] minutes per day, respectively; p = 0239). Conclusions: Engagement in specific PA types does not appear to differ by MetS status, but MetS-positive adolescents have significantly higher sedentary time. PA promotion should target a variety of activities to maximize the effectiveness of public health programs and interventions should target reducing sedentary time.
Rapid Control of a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant COVID-19 Community Outbreak: The Successful Experience in Pingtung County of Taiwan
Authors: Shy Cherng-Gueih , Lu Jian-He , Lin Hui-Chen , Hung Min-Nan , Chang Hsiu-Chun , Lu Meng-Lun , Chao How-Ran , Chen Yao-Shen , Wang Pi-Sheng
Published: January 2022

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was an outbreak in December, 2019 and rapidly spread to the world. All variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the globally and currently dominant Delta variant (Delta-SARS-CoV-2), caused severe disease and mortality. Among all variants, Delta-SARS-CoV-2 had the highest transmissibility, growth rate, and secondary attack rate than other variants except for the new variant of Omicron that still exists with many unknown effects. In Taiwan, the pandemic Delta-SARS-CoV-2 began in Pingtung from 14 June 2021 and ceased at 11 July 2021. Seventeen patients were infected by Delta-SARS-CoV-2 and 1 person died during the Pingtung outbreak. The Public Health Bureau of Pingtung County Government stopped the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 outbreak within 1 month through measures such as epidemic investigation, rapid gene sequencing, rapidly expanding isolation, expanded screening of the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 antigen for people who lived in regional villages, and indirect intervention, including rapid vaccination, short lockdown period, and travel restrictions. Indirect environmental factors, such as low levels of air pollution, tropic weather in the summer season, and rural areas might have accelerated the ability to control the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 spread. This successful experience might be recommended as a successful formula for the unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated regions.
Dietary Habits, Diet Quality, Nutrition Knowledge, and Associations with Physical Activity in Polish Prisoners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kosendiak Aureliusz , Stanikowski Piotr , Domagała Dorota , Gustaw Waldemar , Bronkowska Monika
Published: January 2022

Physical activity and healthy diets are determinants of the health of convicts who are deprived of freedom. However, little research has focused on these two aspects concurrently. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between the level of prisoners’ physical activity and their dietary habits, diet quality, and nutritional knowledge. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 226 prisoners. The inclusion criteria included male sex, age 18–65 years, and consent for the research. We excluded the subjects who met any of the following conditions: female sex, unwillingness to participate, and dangerous prisoner status. The KomPAN questionnaire was used to assess the prisoners’ eating habits, diet quality, and level of nutrition knowledge. The “Last 7d” short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the prisoners’ level of physical activity. A significant correlation between the prisoners’ age and their levels of physical activity was found (p = 0.008). Prisoners who were aged 18–29 and over 40 declared a low level of physical activity, whereas those aged 30–40 reported a high or medium level. The level of physical activity of the surveyed prisoners was not significantly correlated with their dietary habits, the quality of their diet, or their nutrition knowledge.
Employee Perspectives on Onsite Health Clinics in Semiconductor Company in South Korea
Authors: Song Yun-Kyoung , Choi Boyoon , Oh Jung Mi , Kwak Arim , Kim Kyungim
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Onsite clinics are increasingly common features of corporate health promotion programs. These clinics allow employers to offer convenient care to employees at their workplaces, which can lead to reduced healthcare expenditure and improved productivity. The objective of this study was to build basic data by qualitatively exploring employees’ experiences and perspectives on onsite clinics in a semiconductor company, as one part of the project to examine and improve the health management system of a large semiconductor company in Korea. (2) Methods: This study adopted the methodology of “Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research” (COREQ-32 checklist). Semi-structured interviews were conducted for this study over a two-month period. For data analysis, a codebook was developed and the constant comparative method was used. (3) Results: Most employees perceived convenience and a sense of belonging as the benefits of onsite clinics, while barriers to the use of onsite clinics included a lack of communication, concerns about confidentiality, and a provider-centered system. Promotion of onsite clinic services and affiliated physicians, employee-centered service provisions, and trust-building in healthcare information privacy were considered necessary to strengthen the role of onsite clinics as a primary care provider in the workplace. (4) Conclusions: The results of this qualitative study help us to gain a better understanding of employees’ perspectives on the onsite clinic’s service and roles.
Predicting Abusive Behaviours in Spanish Adolescents’ Relationships: Insights from the Reasoned Action Approach
Authors: Nardi-Rodríguez Ainara , Pastor-Mira María Ángeles , López-Roig Sofía , Pamies-Aubalat Lidia , Martínez-Zaragoza Fermín , Ferrer-Pérez Victoria A.
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Partner violence prevention programmes do not produce the expected behavioural changes. Accordingly, experts suggest applying evidence-based behavioural models to identify the determinants of abusive behaviours. In this research, we applied the reasoned action approach (RAA) to predict the performance (boys) and acceptance (girls) of abusive behaviours in adolescents. (2) Method: We designed a questionnaire based on the RAA and performed a cross-sectional study. We analysed the predictive capacity of the RAA constructs on intentions with the sample of single adolescents (n = 1112). We replicated the analysis only with those who were in a relationship (n = 587) and in addition analysed the predictive capacity of intention on future behaviour (3 months later). (3) Results: The hierarchical regression analysis performed with the sample of single adolescents showed that the model explained 56% and 47% of the variance of boys’ intentions to perform the controlling and devaluing behaviours, respectively; and 62% and 33% of girls’ intention to accept them. With those in a relationship, the model explained 60% and 53% of the variance of boys’ intentions to perform the controlling and devaluating behaviour, respectively, and 70% and 38% of girls’ intention to accept them. Intention exerted direct effects on boys’ performance of controlling and devaluing behaviours (31% and 34% of explained variance, respectively) and on girls’ acceptance (30% and 7%, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The RAA seems useful to identify the motivational determinants of abusive behaviours, regardless of adolescents´ relationship status, and for their prediction. Perceived social norms emerge as a relevant predictor on which to intervene to produce behavioural changes with both sexes.
The Broad Spectrum and Continuing Needs of Women’s Health
Authors: Binns Colin , Lee Mi Kyung , Wren Lyn
Published: January 2022

The Women’s Health section of the IJERPH has published almost 700 papers in the past three years, reflecting its importance in public health [...]
HAPPY MAMA Project (Part 2)—Maternal Distress and Self-Efficacy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Field Trial
Authors: Mannocci Alice , Ciavardini Sara , Mattioli Federica , Massimi Azzurra , D’Egidio Valeria , Lia Lorenza , Scaglietta Franca , Giannini Andrea , Antico Roberta , Dorelli Barbara , Svelato Alessandro , Orfeo Luigi , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Ragusa Antonio , La Torre Giuseppe , Group HAPPY MAMA
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The aim of the pilot randomized controlled field trial is to assess if a midwifery intervention is able to increase the maternal self-efficacy and reduce the stress level during the first six months after birth. Methods: The study was conducted in two different hospitals in Rome, Italy, involving women delivering at or beyond term, aged >18 years old and with normal APGAR scores of the infant. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: “Individual Intervention Group” (they received home midwifery assistance for one month after birth, I) and the “Control Group” (C). A self-administered questionnaire was administered four times: at the baseline about one week after the hospital delivery (T0), after the intervention about one month after the delivery (T1), and at three months (T2) and at six months after birth (T3). The questionnaire included different validated scales needed to assess maternal perceived self-efficacy (KPCS), parental stress scale stress (PSS) and maternal depressive risk symptoms (EPDS). Results: The study population counted 51 mothers: 28 women in the “C” group and 23 women in the “I” group. The PSS score was statistically higher in the “C” than “I” group at T1 (p = 0.024); whereas the KPCS score was statistically higher in the “I” (p = 0.039) group; EPDS score did not show significant difference between the two groups in the follow-up period. An inverse significant correlation between KPCS and PSS was found during the study window time (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results potentially give the opportunity to explore this area of focus further, in order to better address maternal individual needs for the successful transition to motherhood. More research in this area is required.
An Uninformed Decision-Making Process for Cesarean Section: A Qualitative Exploratory Study among the Slum Residents of Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Jesmin , Sutradhar Ipsita , Rahman Musarrat Jabeen , Khan Abdullah Nurus Salam , Chowdhury Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir , Hasib Enam , Chhetri Charu , Mahmud S. M. Hasan , Kashem Tahsin , Kumar Sanjeev , Myint Zaw Toe , Rahman Mahbubur , Huda Tarique Md. Nurul , Arifeen Shams El , Billah Sk Masum
Published: January 2022

The decision-making process and the information flow from physicians to patients regarding deliveries through cesarean section (C-section) has not been adequately explored in Bangladeshi context. Here, we aimed to explore the extent of information received by mothers and their family members and their involvement in the decision-making process. We conducted a qualitative exploratory study in four urban slums of Dhaka city among purposively selected mothers (n = 7), who had a cesarean birth within one-year preceding data collection, and their family members (n = 12). In most cases, physicians were the primary decision-makers for C-sections. At the household level, pregnant women were excluded from some crucial steps of the decision-making process and information asymmetry was prevalent. All interviewed pregnant women attended at least one antenatal care visit; however, they neither received detailed information regarding C-sections nor attended any counseling session regarding decisions around delivery type. In some cases, pregnant women and their family members did not ask health care providers for detailed information about C-sections. Most seemed to perceive C-sections as risk-free procedures. Future research could explore the best ways to provide C-section-related information to pregnant women during the antenatal period and develop interventions to promote shared decision-making for C-sections in urban Bangladeshi slums.
Sound Decision Making in Uncertain Times: Can Systems Modelling Be Useful for Informing Policy and Planning for Suicide Prevention?
Authors: Occhipinti Jo-An , Rose Danya , Skinner Adam , Rock Daniel , Song Yun Ju C. , Prodan Ante , Rosenberg Sebastian , Freebairn Louise , Vacher Catherine , Hickie Ian B.
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the significant value of systems modelling in supporting proactive and effective public health decision making despite the complexities and uncertainties that characterise an evolving crisis. The same approach is possible in the field of mental health. However, a commonly levelled (but misguided) criticism prevents systems modelling from being more routinely adopted, namely, that the presence of uncertainty around key model input parameters renders a model useless. This study explored whether radically different simulated trajectories of suicide would result in different advice to decision makers regarding the optimal strategy to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on mental health. Using an existing system dynamics model developed in August 2020 for a regional catchment of Western Australia, four scenarios were simulated to model the possible effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on levels of psychological distress. The scenarios produced a range of projected impacts on suicide deaths, ranging from a relatively small to a dramatic increase. Discordance in the sets of best-performing intervention scenarios across the divergent COVID-mental health trajectories was assessed by comparing differences in projected numbers of suicides between the baseline scenario and each of 286 possible intervention scenarios calculated for two time horizons; 2026 and 2041. The best performing intervention combinations over the period 2021–2041 (i.e., post-suicide attempt assertive aftercare, community support programs to increase community connectedness, and technology enabled care coordination) were highly consistent across all four COVID-19 mental health trajectories, reducing suicide deaths by between 23.9–24.6% against the baseline. However, the ranking of best performing intervention combinations does alter depending on the time horizon under consideration due to non-linear intervention impacts. These findings suggest that systems models can retain value in informing robust decision making despite uncertainty in the trajectories of population mental health outcomes. It is recommended that the time horizon under consideration be sufficiently long to capture the full effects of interventions, and efforts should be made to achieve more timely tracking and access to key population mental health indicators to inform model refinements over time and reduce uncertainty in mental health policy and planning decisions.
The COVID-19 Crisis and the Case for Online GeoParticipation in Spatial Planning
Authors: Pánek Jiří , Falco Enzo , Lysek Jakub
Published: January 2022

This Special Issue, titled “GIS for Spatial/Political Participation in the Decision-Making Processes of Local Administrations”, in the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information is aimed at analysing state-of-the-art geoparticipatory tools for citizen participation in community decision-making processes, and suggesting the effective implementation of the geoparticipatory tools available for local administrations [...]
Parametric Processes for the Implementation of HBIM—Visual Programming Language for the Digitisation of the Index of Masonry Quality
Authors: Calvano Michele , Martinelli Letizia , Calcerano Filippo , Gigliarelli Elena
Published: January 2022

The heterogeneity and historical complexity of interventions on built heritage are testified by the constant development of the conservation discipline. The purpose of the research is the development of a digital workflow of parametric modelling for the analysis and conservation of historical buildings, by applying visual programming language (VPL) to support the Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) methodology. VPL represents a tool for explicit parametric modelling that can be used to enhance geometric and information enrichment of HBIM models. The paper describes the integration, within an HBIM-VPL process, of the Index of Masonry Quality, widely used for seismic structural analysis, and its application to a case study in Cornillo Nuovo, a village damaged by the earthquake of Amatrice in 2016. Similar approaches could enhance HBIM modelling to support different knowledge domains associated with built heritage.