bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength Analysis of a PTO (Power Take-Off) Gear-Train of a Multi-Purpose Cultivator during a Rotary Ditching Operation
Authors: Kim Yeon-Soo , Lee Pa-Ul , Kim Wan-Soo , Kwon Oh-Won , Kim Chang-Won , Lee Kyeong-Hwan , Kim Yong-Joo
Published: March 2019

Optimal design of transmission gears is important to ensure product durability and reliability. This study measured a multi-purpose cultivator during a rotary ditching operation and analyzed the strength of the power take off (PTO) gear-train for the cultivator using analysis software (KISSsoft, KISSsoft AG—A Gleason Company, Bubikon, Switzerland) based on ISO 6336 standards and a modified Miner’s rule. A load measurement system was installed on the cultivator to measure the load on the PTO shaft. To measure the load on the PTO shaft, the load measuring system consisting of a data acquisition board (NI USB-6212, National Instruments, Austin, TX, USA) and a torque sensor was installed on the cultivator. Rotary ditching operations were conducted at two ground speeds and two PTO rotational speeds on a field with the same soil conditions. The measured load data were constructed using the rainflow-counting algorithm and the Smith-Watson-Topper equation. When the ground speed or PTO rotational speed increased, the average and maximum PTO torque increased significantly. The average measured torque ratio to rated torque of the PTO input shaft (19.6 Nm) was in the range of 50.1–105.9%. The simulation results using the actual measurement load indicated that the strength of the PTO gear-train tended to decrease with higher transmission gear stage and lower PTO gear stage except for the G2 and G3 gears. The simulation results of the safety factor for contact stress were lower than the minimum safety factor of ‘1.0’ at the T2P1 gear stage (G4 and G2). The simulation results of the fatigue life analysis showed fatigue life of less than service life (1000 h) at T2P2 (G2) and T2P1 (G2, G3, and G4). The simulation results indicate that there is a possibility of gear failure before service life at the T2P1 (G2, G3, and G4) and T2P2 (G2). It is known that the weak parts (G2, G3, and G4) should be the focus of design optimization through gear strength simulation to meet upward of a 1.0 safety factor and service life.
A Driving Technique for AC-AC Direct Matrix Converters Based on Sigma-Delta Modulation
Authors: Orcioni Simone , Biagetti Giorgio , Crippa Paolo , Falaschetti Laura
Published: March 2019

Direct conversion of AC power between three-phase systems operating at different frequencies can be achieved using solid-state circuits known as matrix converters. These converters do not need energy storage elements, but they require sophisticated control algorithms to operate the switches. In this work we propose and evaluate the use of a sigma-delta modulation approach to control the operation of a direct matrix converter, together with a revised line filter topology suited to better handle the peculiarities of the switching noise produced by the sigma-delta modulation. Simulation results show the feasibility of such an approach, which is able to generate arbitrary output waveforms and adjust its input reactive power. Comparison with a space vector modulation implementation shows also better performance about total harmonic distortion, i.e., less harmonics in the input and output.
Optimization Design of Oil-Immersed Air Core Coupling Reactor for a 160 kV Mechanical Direct Current Circuit Breaker
Authors: Yuan Fating , Tang Bo , Ding Can , Qin Shihong , Yuan Zhao , Huang Li
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the basic structure and design parameters of an oil-immersed air core coupling reactor were given according to the interruption requirement of the 160 kV mechanical direct current circuit breaker, and a field-circuit coupled finite element model was established based on the ANSOFT simulation platform. The prototype test results verified the correctness of the simulation calculation method. The coupling reactor design was optimized to minimize the total volume, taking equal height and heat flux design parameters as the optimization object, and the influence of the insulation distance between the oil tank and encapsulations on the secondary current of the coupling reactor were analyzed. Meanwhile, a combined optimization method about the reactor body and oil tank was proposed, and the optimization contour surface was plotted, which described the relationship between the total volume of the coupling reactor and structure parameters of the reactor body and oil tank. According to the optimization design results, the total volume was only 89% compared with the initial design parameters, and the correctness was verified by the simulation results.
Numerical Simulation on Interfacial Characteristics in Supersonic Steam–water Injector Using Particle Model Method
Authors: Chen Xianbing , Tian Maocheng , Zhang Guanmin , Liu Houke
Published: March 2019

Steam–water injectors have been widely applied in various industrial fields because of their compact and passive features. Despite its straightforward mechanical design, the internal two-phase condensing flow phenomena are extremely complicated. In present study, a numerical model has been developed to simulate steam–water interfacial characteristics in the injectors based on Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model in ANSYS CFX software. A particle model is available for the interphase transfer between steam and water, in which a thermal phase change model was inserted into the model as a CFX Expression Language (CEL) to calculate interphase heat and mass transfer. The developed model is validated against a test case under a typical operating condition. The numerical results are consistent with experimental data both in terms of axial pressure and temperature profiles, which preliminarily demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of particle model on simulation of gas–liquid interfacial characteristics in the mixing chamber of injector. Based on the dynamic equilibrium of steam supply and its condensation, interfacial characteristics including the variation of steam plume penetration length and steam–water interface have been discussed under different operating conditions. The numerical results show that steam plume expands with steam inlet mass flow rate and water inlet temperature increasing, while it contracts with the increase of water inlet mass flow rate and backpressure. Besides this, the condensation shock position moves upstream with the backpressure increasing.
Assessing the Potentiality of Animal Fat Based-Bio Phase Change Materials (PCM) for Building Applications: An Innovative Multipurpose Thermal Investigation
Authors: Fabiani Claudia , Pisello Anna Laura , Barbanera Marco , Cabeza Luisa F. , Cotana Franco
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the implementation of novel solutions aimed at improving thermal energy storage (TES) capability to both energy technologies and building-integrated systems has gained increasing attention. In particular, the application of phase change materials (PCM) is currently gathering worldwide acknowledgment. In this work, the potential of animal fat as a novel bio-based PCM having transition temperature around the ambient temperature is assessed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and extensive temperature monitoring. Results from the TGA showed the differential degradation of the main components of the animal fat during the heating phase, where three different decomposition steps could be noticed. The thermal monitoring and the DSC analysis demonstrated the promising thermal performance of the material, which showed an interesting double transition range globally associated to a melting enthalpy of about 28.94 kJ·kg - 1 . The obtained results demonstrate the promising thermophysical properties of the animal fat blend, which can be considered as a low-cost, biocompatible PCM, particularly with potential application in passive building envelope applications for a wide range of temperature boundary conditions.
Forest Growing Stock Volume Estimation in Subtropical Mountain Areas Using PALSAR-2 L-Band PolSAR Data
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Zhu Jianjun , Wang Changcheng , Lin Hui , Long Jiangping , Zhao Lei , Fu Haiqiang , Liu Zhiwei
Published: March 2019

Forest growing stock volume (GSV) extraction using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images has been widely used in climate change research. However, the relationships between forest GSV and polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) data in the mountain region of central China remain unknown. Moreover, it is challenging to estimate GSV due to the complex topography of the region. In this paper, we estimated the forest GSV from advanced land observing satellite-2 (ALOS-2) phased array-type L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR-2) full polarimetric SAR data based on ground truth data collected in Youxian County, Central China in 2016. An integrated three-stage (polarization orientation angle, POA; effective scattering area, ESA; and angular variation effect, AVE) correction method was used to reduce the negative impact of topography on the backscatter coefficient. In the AVE correction stage, a strategy for fine terrain correction was attempted to obtain the optimum correction parameters for different polarization channels. The elements on the diagonal of covariance matrix were used to develop forest GSV prediction models through five single-variable models and a multi-variable model. The results showed that the integrated three-stage terrain correction reduced the negative influence of topography and improved the sensitivity between the forest GSV and backscatter coefficients. In the three stages, the POA compensation was limited in its ability to reduce the impact of complex terrain, the ESA correction was more effective in low-local incidence angles area than high-local incidence angles, and the effect of the AVE correction was opposite to the ESA correction. The data acquired on 14 July 2016 was most suitable for GSV estimation in this study area due to its correlation with GSV, which was the strongest at HH, HV, and VV polarizations. The correlation coefficient values were 0.489, 0.643, and 0.473, respectively, which were improved by 0.363, 0.373, and 0.366 in comparison to before terrain correction. In the five single-variable models, the fitting performance of the Water-Cloud analysis model was the best, and the correlation coefficient R2 value was 0.612. The constructed multi-variable model produced a better inversion result, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 70.965 m3/ha, which was improved by 22.08% in comparison to the single-variable models. Finally, the space distribution map of forest GSV was established using the multi-variable model. The range of estimated forest GSV was 0 to 450 m3/ha, and the mean value was 135.759 m3/ha. The study expands the application potential of PolSAR data in complex topographic areas; thus, it is helpful and valuable for the estimation of large-scale forest parameters.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alnus cremastogyne as Revealed by Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Guo Hong-Ying , Wang Ze-Liang , Huang Zhen , Chen Zhi , Yang Han-Bo , Kang Xiang-Yang
Published: March 2019

Alnus cremastogyne Burk. is a nonleguminous, nitrogen-fixing tree species. It is also the most important endemic species of Alnus Mill. in China, possessing important ecological functions. This study investigated population genetic variation in A. cremastogyne using 175 trees sampled from 14 populations native to Sichuan Province with 25 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Our analysis showed that A. cremastogyne has an average of 5.83 alleles, 3.37 effective alleles, an expected heterozygosity of 0.63, and an observed heterozygosity of 0.739, indicating a relatively high level of genetic diversity. The A. cremastogyne populations in Liangshan Prefecture (Meigu, Mianning) showed the highest level of genetic diversity, whereas the Yanting population had the lowest. Our analysis also showed that the average genetic differentiation of 14 A. cremastogyne populations was 0.021. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 97% of the variation existed within populations; only 3% was among populations. Unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering and genetic structure analysis showed that the 14 A. cremastogyne populations could be clearly divided into three clusters: Liangshan Prefecture population, Ganzi Prefecture population, the other population in the mountain area around the Sichuan Basin and central Sichuan hill area, indicating some geographical distribution. Further analysis using the Mantel test showed that this geographical distribution was significantly correlated with elevation.
Nutritional Characteristics of Four Underutilized Edible Wild Fruits of Dietary Interest in Ghana
Authors: Achaglinkame Matthew Atongbiik , Aderibigbe Ruth Olaide , Hensel Oliver , Sturm Barbara , Korese Joseph Kudadam
Published: March 2019

Malnutrition has been a serious issue in Ghana and Africa as a whole. However, the potential of many indigenous fruits to combat it has not yet been tested. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional characteristics of four underutilized wild fruits (Gardenia erubescens, Sclerocarya birrea, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Balanites aegyptiaca) of dietary interest in Ghana. The nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of the fruits were analyzed according to standard methods (laid down by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and other well-known researchers) on a dry weight (dw) basis. The nutritional value of the fruits was high enough to contribute to the nutrient requirements of humans, with their iron (0.34–1.46 mg/100 g), zinc (0.81–2.97 mg/100 g), vitamin A (0.84–2.03 mg/100 g), and β-carotene (64.84–176.89 mg/100 g) contents worth special mention. The antinutrient content also ranged between 0.06–1.82 mg/g. Therefore, it is evident from the study that the fruits, although containing some levels of antinutrients, are nutrient-dense, suggesting their potency in fighting malnutrition in humans.
XGBPRH: Prediction of Binding Hot Spots at Protein–RNA Interfaces Utilizing Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Deng Lei , Sui Yuanchao , Zhang Jingpu
Published: March 2019

Hot spot residues at protein–RNA complexes are vitally important for investigating the underlying molecular recognition mechanism. Accurately identifying protein–RNA binding hot spots is critical for drug designing and protein engineering. Although some progress has been made by utilizing various available features and a series of machine learning approaches, these methods are still in the infant stage. In this paper, we present a new computational method named XGBPRH, which is based on an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and can effectively predict hot spot residues in protein–RNA interfaces utilizing an optimal set of properties. Firstly, we download 47 protein–RNA complexes and calculate a total of 156 sequence, structure, exposure, and network features. Next, we adopt a two-step feature selection algorithm to extract a combination of 6 optimal features from the combination of these 156 features. Compared with the state-of-the-art approaches, XGBPRH achieves better performances with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) score of 0.817 and an F1-score of 0.802 on the independent test set. Meanwhile, we also apply XGBPRH to two case studies. The results demonstrate that the method can effectively identify novel energy hotspots.
Droplet Digital PCR Detection of the Erythropoietin Transgene from Horse Plasma and Urine for Gene-Doping Control
Authors: Tozaki Teruaki , Ohnuma Aoi , Takasu Masaki , Kikuchi Mio , Kakoi Hironaga , Hirota Kei-ichi , Kusano Kanichi , Nagata Shun-ichi
Published: March 2019

Indiscriminate genetic manipulation to improve athletic ability is a major threat to human sports and the horseracing industry, in which methods involving gene-doping, such as transgenesis, should be prohibited to ensure fairness. Therefore, development of methods to detect indiscriminate genetic manipulation are urgently needed. Here, we developed a highly sensitive method to detect horse erythropoietin (EPO) transgenes using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). We designed two TaqMan probe/primer sets, and the EPO transgene was cloned into a plasmid for use as a model. We extracted the spiked EPO transgene from horse plasma and urine via magnetic beads, followed by ddPCR amplification for absolute quantification and transgene detection. The results indicated high recovery rates (at least ~60% and ~40% in plasma and urine, respectively), suggesting successful detection of the spiked transgene at concentrations of >130 and 200 copies/mL of plasma and urine, respectively. Additionally, successful detection was achieved following intramuscular injection of 20 mg of the EPO transgene. This represents the first study demonstrating a method for detecting the EPO transgene in horse plasma and urine, with our results demonstrating its efficacy for promoting the control of gene-doping in the horseracing industry.
“Our Self-Undoing”: Christina Rossetti’s Literary and Somatic Expressions of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Arseneau Mary , Terrell Emery
Published: March 2019

Victorian poet Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was frequently troubled by poor health, and her mid-life episode of life-threatening illness (1870–1872) when she suffered from Graves’ disease provides an illuminating case study of the ways that illness can be reflected in poetry and prose. Rossetti, her family, and her doctors understood Graves’ disease as a heart condition; however, Rossetti’s writing reflects a different paradigm, presenting themes of self-attack and a divided self that uncannily parallel the modern understanding of Graves’ disease as autoimmune in nature. Interestingly, these creative representations reflect an understanding of this disease process that Rossetti family documents and the history of Victorian medicine demonstrate Rossetti could not have been aware of. When the crisis had passed, Rossetti’s writing began to include new rhetoric and imagery of self-acceptance and of suffering as a means of spiritual improvement. This essay explores the parallels between literary and somatic metaphors: Rossetti’s body and art are often simultaneously “saying” the same thing, the physical symptoms expressing somatically the same dynamic that is expressed in metaphor and narrative in Rossetti’s creative writing. Such a well-documented case history raises questions about how writing may be shaped by paradigms of illness that are not accessible to the conscious mind.
The Effect of Preoperative Education on Psychological, Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Elective Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Burgess Louise C. , Arundel Joe , Wainwright Thomas W.
Published: March 2019

Psychosocial factors related to different degrees of clinical impairment and quality of life in the preoperative period may influence outcomes from elective spine surgery. Patients have expressed a need for individualized information given in sufficient quantities and at the appropriate time. Therefore, this review article aims to determine whether a preoperative education session improves clinical, psychological and economic outcomes in elective spinal surgery. PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Complete, Medline Complete and PsychINFO were searched in July 2018 for randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effects of a preoperative education intervention on psychological, clinical and economic outcomes in spinal surgery. The search yielded 78 results, of which eleven papers (seven studies) were relevant for inclusion. From these results, there is limited, fair-quality evidence that supports the inclusion of a preoperative education session for improving clinical (pain, function and disability), economic (quality-adjusted life years, healthcare expenditure, direct and indirect costs) and psychological outcomes (anxiety, depression and fear-avoidance beliefs) from spinal surgery. Other benefits are reported to be improved patient knowledge, feelings of better preparation, reduced negative thinking and increased levels of physical activity after the intervention. No differences in quality of life, return to work, physical indicators or postoperative complications were reported. From the limited evidence, it is not possible to conclusively recommend that preoperative education should be delivered as a standalone intervention before elective spine surgery; however, given the low risk profile and promising benefits, future research in this area is warranted.
The Global Financial Crisis and Overweight among Children of Single Parents: A Nationwide 10-Year Birth Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Shiba Koichiro , Kondo Naoki
Published: March 2019

Evidence suggests that socioeconomically disadvantaged children may experience a greater increase in overweight risk during macroeconomic downturns. We examined whether inequalities in the risk of overweight between Japanese children from single- and two-parent households increased after the 2008 global financial crisis. We used data from ten waves (2001 to 2011) of a nationwide longitudinal survey following all Japanese children born within 2 weeks in 2001 (boys: n = 15,417, girls: n = 14,245). Child overweight was defined according to age- and sex-specific cut-offs for Body Mass Index (BMI). Interaction between a binary measure of crisis onset (September 2008) and single-parent status was assessed using generalized estimating equation models. Covariates included baseline household income and income loss during the crisis. Girls from single-parent households showed a greater increase in the odds of overweight after crisis onset (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.46) compared to girls from households with two parents, regardless of household financial status. A similar though statistically non-significant trend was observed among boys (AOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.92–1.30). Child overweight risk by single-parent status may increase during macroeconomic downturns, at least among girls. Financial aid to single-parent households may not suffice to redress this gap.
Severe Hypoxia Does Not Offset the Benefits of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Sedentary Young Women
Authors: Lei On-Kei , Kong Zhaowei , Loprinzi Paul D. , Shi Qingde , Sun Shengyan , Zou Liye , Hu Yang , Nie Jinlei
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To examine the effect of acute moderate-intensity continuous exercise performed under normobaric severe hypoxia on cognition, compared to sea-level normoxia. Methods: Thirty healthy inactive women randomly performed two experimental trials separated by at least three days but at approximately the same time of day. Executive functions were measured during the follicular stage via an interference control task before (rest) and during exercise with 45% peak power output under normobaric normoxia (PIO2 = 150 mmHg, FIO2 = 0.21), and (2) hypoxia (PIO2 = 87 mmHg, FIO2 = 0.12, simulated at an altitude of 4000 m). Reaction time (RT), accuracy rate (AC), heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were collected before and during exercise. Results: RT (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.203) decreased during moderate exercise when compared at rest, while a short bout of severe hypoxia improved RT (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.134). Exercise and hypoxia had no effects on AC (p > 0.05). No significant associations were found between the changes of RT and SpO2 under the conditions of normoxia and hypoxia (p > 0.05). Conclusions: At the same phase of the menstrual cycle, a short bout of severe hypoxia simulated at 4000 m altitude caused no impairment at rest. RT during moderate exercise ameliorated in normoxia and severe hypoxia, suggesting that both exercise and short-term severe hypoxia have benefits on cognitive function in sedentary young women.
Population Distrust of Drinking Water Safety. Community Outrage Analysis, Prediction and Management
Authors: Dettori Marco , Azara Antonio , Loria Erika , Piana Andrea , Masia Maria Dolores , Palmieri Alessandra , Cossu Andrea , Castiglia Paolo
Published: March 2019

The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk communication strategies in cases of unsafe drinking water supply in Sardinia, the Italian context with the highest population distrust in drinking water safety. During the period 2010–2015, the ordinances published on the institutional websites were analyzed, and the population risk perception was evaluated by applying, for the first time in public health threats, the “OUTRAGE Prediction & Management” software released by Sandman. Overall, 417 ordinances issued by the Sardinian Municipalities were found. Only 1.5% of the ordinances reported information about parameters, concentrations, and risks to health, whereas 4.8% indicated only the parameters and non-standard levels. By contrast, 53.2% specified only the non-standard parameter, and 40.5% indicated a generic non-drinking motivation. The outrage assessment showed values exceeding the threshold of risk acceptance, attributable to the lack and low clarity of the information reported by the ordinances. The present study allowed us to highlight critical issues in risk communication of the quality of drinking water.
The Relationship between Eicosanoid Levels and Serum Levels of Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters Depending on the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Grzesiak Katarzyna , Rył Aleksandra , Stachowska Ewa , Słojewski Marcin , Rotter Iwona , Ratajczak Weronika , Sipak Olimpia , Piasecka Małgorzata , Dołęgowska Barbara , Laszczyńska Maria
Published: March 2019

Background: The purpose of our investigation was to analyze the relationship between the serum levels of inflammatory mediators (HETE, HODE) and the levels of selected metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with regard to concomitant metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The study involved 151 men with BPH. Blood samples were taken for laboratory analysis of the serum levels of metabolic and hormonal parameters. Gas chromatography was performed using an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC System. Results: We found that waist circumference was the only parameter related to the levels of fatty acids, namely: 13(S)-HODE, 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE. In the patients with BPH and MetS, triglycerides correlated with 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE, which was not observed in the patients without MetS. Similarly, total cholesterol correlated with 9(S)-HODE, and 15(S)-HETE in the patients with BPH and MetS, but not in those without MetS. In the group of BPH patients with MetS, total testosterone positively correlated with 13(S)-HODE, and free testosterone with 9(S)-HODE. Conclusions: Based on this study, it can be concluded that lipid mediators of inflammation can influence the levels of biochemical and hormonal parameters, depending on the presence of MetS in BPH patients.
Associations of Prenatal and Postnatal Maternal Depressive Symptoms with Offspring Cognition and Behavior in Mid-Childhood: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Faleschini Sabrina , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Tiemeier Henning , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie-France
Published: March 2019

Exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in the peri-pregnancy periods may be associated with poorer child development, but research is often limited to only maternal assessments of behavior and cognition. This study investigates the specific periods of prenatal and postnatal exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in association with child development using reports from teachers and mothers. This study is based on 1225 mother–child pairs from Project Viva, a prospective pre-birth cohort study. Mothers reported depressive symptoms on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) in mid-pregnancy as well as at 6 months and 12 months postpartum. Teachers and mothers reported child executive functions using the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and behavior using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children completed the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2), the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities (WRAVMA), and the Visual Memory Index of the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML). We used multivariable linear regression models to examine associations of prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms with outcomes. Many of the crude associations observed were attenuated after adjusting for demographic factors and maternal IQ, yet some remained significant. For example, high prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were associated with poorer scores on the BRIEF Behavior Regulation Index and some SDQ scales based on reports from teachers and mothers. High prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were associated with poorer behavioral development. Postpartum symptoms did not show strong associations with outcomes once we adjusted for the prenatal period.
Pathologic Use of Video Games and Motivation: Can the Gaming Motivation Scale (GAMS) Predict Depression and Trait Anxiety?
Authors: Peracchia Sara , Presaghi Fabio , Curcio Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Videogaming is an increasingly prevalent activity among adolescents worldwide. The present study aimed at adapting the Gaming Motivation Scale (GAMS) to the Italian context, assessing its psychometric properties and verifying its sensitivity to predict depression and anxiety levels. From a sample of 1899 participants, a group of 388 adolescents who participated in the survey was divided into two subgroups of Heavy (HG, N = 188) and Light Gamers (LG, N = 200). A sub-sample of N = 172 adolescents also filled-in CESD and STAI to assess, respectively, depression and trait anxiety. Internal consistency and factorial structure of the Italian version of GAMS (GAMS-it) have been evaluated. Moreover, a latent regression structural equation model by predicting the CES-D and STAI scores with the GAMS-it factors has been carried out. GAMS-it has adequate validity and reliability levels, showing a very similar factorial structure to the original version. Therefore, this scale can be used to evaluate gaming motivation, which is useful for gaming motivation screening. Finally, it has been found that lower gaming motivation can be related to high level of depression and anxiety. The present findings provide a coherent picture, supporting the reliability and validity of the GAMS-it, that appears potentially useful in predicting anxiety and depression levels in a population of adolescents.
Child Developmental Disabilities, Caregivers’ Role in Kenya and Its Implications on Global Migration
Authors: Chabeda-Barthe Jemaiyo , Wambua Timothy , Chege Wangui Lydia , Hwaga Dan , Gakuo Timothy , Rotich Gladys Chepkemoi
Published: March 2019

Background: This paper is a summary of the findings from an ethnographic study on child developmental disabilities conducted partly in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties in Kenya. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were applied for the period between mid August and mid November 2018. The study was conducted through the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) situated in Nairobi County. Results: There are parents who are willing to migrate in search of better education and healthcare options for their children who have developmental disabilities (DDs). However, there are also government reforms taking place in the field of disability that may help to support the caregiving role for children with special needs. The challenges, bargaining position and power play between parents or guardians and other actors implicated in the debates on inclusion and integration of persons with developmental disabilities in Kenya has been brought to the forefront. Conclusions: In Kenya, more needs to be done to change the attitude towards disability from the medical and moral (religious/cultural) models to an approach leaning towards the social model, so that developmental disabilities are not viewed negatively.
Value Assessment of Health Losses Caused by PM2.5 Pollution in Cities of Atmospheric Pollution Transmission Channel in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
Authors: Xie Zhixiang , Li Yang , Qin Yaochen , Rong Peijun
Published: March 2019

A set of exposure–response coefficients between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution and different health endpoints were determined through the meta-analysis method based on 2254 studies collected from the Web of Science database. With data including remotely-sensed PM2.5 concentration, demographic data, health data, and survey data, a Poisson regression model was used to assess the health losses and their economic value caused by PM2.5 pollution in cities of atmospheric pollution transmission channel in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, China. The results showed the following: (1) Significant exposure–response relationships existed between PM2.5 pollution and a set of health endpoints, including all-cause death, death from circulatory disease, death from respiratory disease, death from lung cancer, hospitalization for circulatory disease, hospitalization for respiratory disease, and outpatient emergency treatment. Each increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 concentration led to an increase of 5.69% (95% CI (confidence interval): 4.12%, 7.85%), 6.88% (95% CI: 4.94%, 9.58%), 4.71% (95% CI: 2.93%, 7.57%), 9.53% (95% CI: 6.84%, 13.28%), 5.33% (95% CI: 3.90%, 7.27%), 5.50% (95% CI: 4.09%, 7.38%), and 6.35% (95% CI: 4.71%, 8.56%) for above-mentioned health endpoints, respectively. (2) PM2.5 pollution posed a serious threat to residents’ health. In 2016, the number of deaths, hospitalizations, and outpatient emergency visits induced by PM2.5 pollution in cities of atmospheric pollution transmission channel in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region reached 309,643, 1,867,240, and 47,655,405, respectively, accounting for 28.36%, 27.02% and 30.13% of the total number of deaths, hospitalizations, and outpatient emergency visits, respectively. (3) The economic value of health losses due to PM2.5 pollution in the study area was approximately $28.1 billion, accounting for 1.52% of the gross domestic product. The economic value of health losses was higher in Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Handan, Baoding, and Cangzhou, but lower in Taiyuan, Yangquan, Changzhi, Jincheng, and Hebi.
Study of the Effects of Air Pollutants on Human Health Based on Baidu Indices of Disease Symptoms and Air Quality Monitoring Data in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhong Shaobo , Yu Zhichen , Zhu Wei
Published: March 2019

There is an increasing body of evidence showing the impact of air pollutants on human health such as on the respiratory, and cardio- and cerebrovascular systems. In China, as people begin to pay more attention to air quality, recent research focused on the quantitative assessment of the effects of air pollutants on human health. To assess the health effects of air pollutants and to construct an indicator placing emphasis on health impact, a generalized additive model was selected to assess the health burden caused by air pollution. We obtained Baidu indices (an evaluation indicator launched by Baidu Corporation to reflect the search popularity of keywords from its search engine) to assess daily query frequencies of 25 keywords considered associated with air pollution-related diseases. Moreover, we also calculated the daily concentrations of major air pollutants (including PM10, PM2.5, SO2, O3, NO2, and CO) and the daily air quality index (AQI) values, and three meteorological factors: daily mean wind level, daily mean air temperature, and daily mean relative humidity. These data cover the area of Beijing from 1 March 2015 to 30 April 2017. Through the analysis, we produced the relative risks (RRs) of the six main air pollutants for respiratory, and cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. The results showed that O3 and NO2 have the highest health impact, followed by PM10 and PM2.5. The effects of any pollutant on cardiovascular diseases was consistently higher than on respiratory diseases. Furthermore, we evaluated the currently used AQI in China and proposed an RR-based index (health AQI, HAQI) that is intended for better indicating the effects of air pollutants on respiratory, and cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases than AQI. A higher Pearson correlation coefficient between HAQI and RRTotal than that between AQI and RRTotal endorsed our efforts.
The Devil Is in the Detail—Understanding Divergence between Intention and Implementation of Health Policy for Undocumented Migrants in Thailand
Authors: Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Pudpong Nareerut , Prakongsai Phusit , Putthasri Weerasak , Hanefeld Johanna , Mills Anne
Published: March 2019

Migrants’ access to healthcare has attracted attention from policy makers in Thailand for many years. The most relevant policies have been (i) the Health Insurance Card Scheme (HICS) and (ii) the One Stop Service (OSS) registration measure, targeting undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries. This study sought to examine gaps and dissonance between de jure policy intention and de facto implementation through qualitative methods. In-depth interviews with policy makers and local implementers and document reviews of migrant-related laws and regulations were undertaken. Framework analysis with inductive and deductive coding was undertaken. Ranong province was chosen as the study area as it had the largest proportion of migrants. Though the government required undocumented migrants to buy the insurance card and undertake nationality verification (NV) through the OSS, in reality a large number of migrants were left uninsured and the NV made limited progress. Unclear policy messages, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate inter-ministerial coordination were key challenges. Some frontline implementers adapted the policies to cope with their routine problems resulting in divergence from the initial policy objectives. The study highlighted that though Thailand has been recognized for its success in expanding insurance coverage to undocumented migrants, there were still unsolved operational challenges. To tackle these, in the short term the government should resolve policy ambiguities and promote inter-ministerial coordination. In the long-term the government should explore the feasibility of facilitating lawful cross-border travel and streamlining health system functions between Thailand and its neighbours.
Analyses on the Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Water Quality in a Seagoing River Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques: A Case Study in the Duliujian River, China
Authors: Sun Xuewei , Zhang Huayong , Zhong Meifang , Wang Zhongyu , Liang Xiaoqian , Huang Tousheng , Huang Hai
Published: March 2019

In the Duliujian River, 12 water environmental parameters corresponding to 45 sampling sites were analyzed over four seasons. With a statistics test (Spearman correlation coefficient) and multivariate statistical methods, including cluster analysis (CA) and principal components analysis (PCA), the river water quality temporal and spatial patterns were analyzed to evaluate the pollution status and identify the potential pollution sources along the river. CA and PCA results on spatial scale revealed that the upstream was slightly polluted by domestic sewage, while the upper-middle reach was highly polluted due to the sewage from feed mills, furniture and pharmaceutical factories. The middle-lower reach, moderately polluted by sewage from textile, pharmaceutical, petroleum and oil refinery factories as well as fisheries and livestock activities, demonstrated the water purification role of wetland reserves. Seawater intrusion caused serious water pollution in the estuary. Through temporal CA, the four seasons were grouped into three clusters consistent with the hydrological mean, high and low flow periods. The temporal PCA results suggested that nutrient control was the primary task in mean flow period and the monitoring of effluents from feed mills, petrochemical and pharmaceutical factories is more important in the high flow period, while the wastewater from domestic and livestock should be monitored carefully in low flow periods. The results may provide some guidance or inspiration for environmental management.
A New Approach to Accuracy Evaluation of Single-Tooth Abutment Using Two-Dimensional Analysis in Two Intraoral Scanners
Authors: Maeng Jiyoun , Lim Young-Jun , Kim Bongju , Kim Myung-Joo , Kwon Ho-Beom
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to two-dimensionally evaluate deviation errors at five digital cross-sections of single-tooth abutment in regards to data obtained from two intraoral scanners, and to evaluate accuracy of individual scanners. Two intraoral scanners, the Trios 3® (3 Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) and EzScan® (Vatech, Hwaseong, Korea), were evaluated by utilizing 13 stone models. The superimposed 3D data files were sectioned into five different planes: buccal-lingual section (BL), mesial-distal section (MD), transverse high section (TH), transverse middle section (TM), and transverse low section (TL). Accuracy comparison between the two scanners in 5 groups was performed. BL vs. MD of each scanner, and three transverse groups (TH, TM, TL) of each scanner were analyzed for accuracy comparison. In comparison of 2-D analyses for two intraoral scanners, Trios 3® showed statistically significant higher accuracy in root mean square (RMS) at BL, TH, and TL (p < 0.05). For each scanner, RMS value showed that mesial-distal sections were more prone to error than buccal-lingual section, which exhibited statistically significant errors (p < 0.05) while the transverse groups did not. Two-dimensional analysis is more insightful than three-dimensional analysis on single-tooth abutment. In mesiodistal areas, rough prepped areas, and sharp edges where scanner accessibility is difficult, high deviation errors are shown.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated with the Knowledge and Use of Birth Control Methods in Adolescents before and after Pregnancy
Authors: Sámano Reyna , Martínez-Rojano Hugo , Chico-Barba Gabriela , Sánchez-Jiménez Bernarda , Sam-Soto Selene , Rodríguez-Ventura Ana Lilia , Mejía-Luna Laura , Sclavo-Melo Sylvia
Published: March 2019

Adolescent pregnancy rates are high worldwide. However, insufficient information exists regarding the frequency of birth control methods used before the first pregnancy and postpartum. In the current study, we analyzed the association of sociodemographic factors with the knowledge of birth control methods and their use before and after pregnancy in a sample of adolescents in Mexico City. A cohort study was conducted on 600 pregnant adolescents in Mexico City, from 2013 to 2017, at a health care institution providing prenatal care. Participants were assessed during the second trimester and four months postpartum. The questionnaire explored the knowledge of birth control methods, their use, and other associated factors. Two logistic regression models were implemented to identify potential variables associated with the lack of birth control method use before and after pregnancy. The mean age of participants was 15.4 + 1 years, of which, 48% and 65.2% used a birth control method before pregnancy and postpartum, respectively. We found that the main factors associated with increased risk of not using any birth control method before pregnancy included being under the age of 15 years, school dropout, having an educational lag, initiation of sexual life before the age of 15, and having a mother who did not inform their child about contraceptives. By contrast, variables associated with a higher risk of not using any contraceptive methods after pregnancy included educational lag, lower level of education, and the fact that the adolescent had not used any birth control prior to the pregnancy.
Disability-Specific Associations with Child Health and Functioning
Authors: Chan Ko Ling , Lo Camilla K. M. , Ho Frederick K. , Ip Patrick
Published: March 2019

This study examined the health profile of children with different types of disabilities and explored the disability-specific associations with various types of health and functioning using a large nonclinical sample of children. A cross-sectional school survey was conducted during 2016 and 2017. A total of 4114 children (aged 6–18 years) receiving primary or secondary education, or their proxy, in Hong Kong participated in the study. Disabilities were categorized as (a) physical disabilities; (b) learning and developmental disabilities; (c) intellectual disabilities; (d) internalizing disorders or mental illness; and (e) autism spectrum disorder. Health-related quality of life (QoL), sleep-related QoL, activities of daily living (ADL), emotional functioning, and social functioning were assessed and compared between children with disabilities and those without. The results showed that children with disabilities showed poorer physical functioning, health-related QoL, and emotional and social functioning than their counterparts without disabilities. Disability-specific associations with health were found: (a) physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities were associated with greater difficulties in ADL; (b) language impairment and Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were negatively associated with sleep-related QoL; (c) all types of disabilities but hearing impairment were negatively associated with health-related QoL (HRQoL); and (d) language impairment, ADHD, internalizing disorder, as well as autism spectrum disorder were associated with greater abnormal behavioral difficulties. The findings warrant the development of tailor-made intervention programs and give insights to effective resource allocation for the children in need.
Temperature-Related Summer Mortality Under Multiple Climate, Population, and Adaptation Scenarios
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Lee Woo-Seop , Ebi Kristie L. , Kim Ho
Published: March 2019

Projections of the magnitude and pattern of possible health risks from climate change should be based on multiple climate and development scenarios to describe the range of uncertainties, to inform effective and efficient policies. For a better understanding of climate change-related risks in seven metropolitan cities of South Korea, we estimated temperature-related summer (June to August) mortality until 2100 using projected changes in climate, population, and adaptation. In addition, we extracted the variations in the mortality estimates associated with uncertainties in climate, population, and adaptation scenarios using 25 climate models, two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), three population scenarios (high, medium and low variants), and four adaptation scenarios (absolute threshold shift, slope reduction in the temperature-mortality relationship, a combination of slope reduction and threshold shift, and a sigmoid function based on the historical trend). Compared to the baseline period (1991–2015), temperature-attributable mortality in South Korea during summer in the 2090s is projected to increase 5.1 times for RCP 4.5 and 12.9 times for RCP 8.5 due to climate and population changes. Estimated future mortality varies by up to +44%/−55%, −80%, −60%, and +12%/−11% associated with the choice of climate models, adaptation, climate, and population scenarios, respectively, compared to the mortality estimated for the median of the climate models, no adaptation, RCP 8.5, and medium population variant. Health system choices about adaptation are the most important determinants of future mortality after climate projections. The range of possible future mortality underscores the importance of flexible, iterative risk management.