bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Energy Storage Optimization for Large-Scale PV Power Stations under Given Long-Distance Delivery Mode
Authors: Yang Yang , Lian Chong , Ma Chao , Zhang Yusheng
Published: December 2019

Western China has good conditions for constructing large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power stations; however, such power plants with large fluctuations and strong randomness suffer from the long-distance power transmission problem, which needs to be solved. For large-scale PV power stations that do not have the conditions for simultaneous hydropower and PV power, this study examined long-distance delivery mode and energy storage optimization. The objective was to realize the long-distance transmission of electrical energy and maximize the economic value of the energy storage and PV power storage. For a large-scale PV power station, the energy storage optimization was modelled under a given long-distance delivery mode, and the economic evaluation system quantified using the net present value (NPV) of the battery was based on the energy dispatch optimization model. By contrast, a lithium battery performance model was developed. Therefore, further analysis of the economics of the energy storage and obtaining the best capacity of the energy storage battery and corresponding replacement cycle considered battery degradation. The case study of Qinghai Gonghe 100 MWp demonstration base PV power station showed that the optimal energy storage capacity was 5 MWh, and the optimal replacement period was 2 years. Therefore, the annual abandoned electricity was reduced by 3.051 × 10 4 MWh compared with no energy storage. The utilization rate of both the PV power station and quality of the delivered electricity were modelled to realize a long-distance transmission to the grid net. This will have an important guiding significance to develop and construct large-scale single PV power stations.
Binder-Free Centimeter-Long V2O5 Nanofibers on Carbon Cloth as Cathode Material for Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: De Juan-Corpuz Lyn Marie , Corpuz Ryan Dula , Somwangthanaroj Anongnat , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Yonezawa Tetsu , Ma Jianmin , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: December 2019

Recently, rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZBs) have attracted extensive interest due to their safety, abundance, low cost, and low toxicity. However, aqueous electrolytes require a polymeric binder to prevent dissolution of the active material in addition to its binding properties. This study highlights binder-free, centimeter long, single-crystal, V2O5 nanofibers (BCS-VONF) on carbon cloth, as the cathode material for AZBs synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal process. BCS-VONF in 3.0 M Zn(OTf)2 exhibit promising electrochemical performance with excellent capacity retention. Even in the absence of a binder, BCS-VONF were found to be very stable in 3.0 M Zn(OTf)2. They will not yield to the dissolution and detachment of the active material on the current collector. The novel strategy described in this study is an essential step for the development of BCS-VONF on carbon cloth, as a promising cathode material for AZBs.
Stochastic Mixed-Integer Programming (SMIP)-Based Distributed Energy Resource Allocation Method for Virtual Power Plants
Authors: Ko Rakkyung , Joo Sung-Kwan
Published: December 2019

Virtual power plants (VPPs) have been widely researched to handle the unpredictability and variable nature of renewable energy sources. The distributed energy resources are aggregated to form into a virtual power plant and operate as a single generator from the perspective of a system operator. Power system operators often utilize the incentives to operate virtual power plants in desired ways. To maximize the revenue of virtual power plant operators, including its incentives, an optimal portfolio needs to be identified, because each renewable energy source has a different generation pattern. This study proposes a stochastic mixed-integer programming based distributed energy resource allocation method. The proposed method attempts to maximize the revenue of VPP operators considering market incentives. Furthermore, the uncertainty in the generation pattern of renewable energy sources is considered by the stochastic approach. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Soil Microbial Diversity, Biomass, and Activity in Two Pine Plantations of Southern Italy Treated with Prescribed Burning
Authors: Giuditta Elisabetta , Marzaioli Rossana , Esposito Assunta , Ascoli Davide , Stinca Adriano , Mazzoleni Stefano , Rutigliano Flora A.
Published: December 2019

Microbial diversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem processes, including organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. This research explores the effect of prescribed burning (PB) on soil microbial diversity, as well as biomass and activity in Mediterranean pine plantations. In burned and adjacent unburned plots of Pinus pinea and P. pinaster plantations of Southern Italy protected areas, the fermentation layer and the 5 cm thick layer of mineral soil underneath were sampled at intervals during the first year after PB. The experimental protocol encompassed measurements of total microbial abundance (Cmic and soil DNA), fungal mycelium, fungal fraction of Cmic, microbial activity, bacterial genetic diversity (16S rDNA PCR-DGGE), microbial metabolic quotient (qCO2), and C mineralization rate (CMR), as well as physical and chemical soil properties. PB caused only temporary (up to 3 h–32 d) reductions in Cmic, DNA amount, fungal mycelium, respiration, and CMR in the P. pinaster plantation, and had no appreciable negative effect on the microbial community in P. pinea plantation, where fire intensity was lower because of less abundant litter fuel. In either plantation, PB did not generally reduce bacterial genetic diversity (evaluated as band richness, Shannon index, and evenness), thus, also accounting for the fast recovery in microbial growth and activity after high-intensity PB in P. pinaster plantation. While confirming PB as a sustainable practice to reduce wildfire risk, also supported by data on plant community obtained in the same plantations, the results suggest that an integrated analysis of microbial diversity, growth, and activity is essential for an accurate description of PB effects on soil microbial communities.
Assessment of Preservative-Treated Wooden Poles Using Drilling-Resistance Measurements
Authors: Sharapov Evgenii , Brischke Christian , Militz Holger
Published: December 2019

An IML-Resi PD-400 drilling tool with two types of spade drill bits (IML System GmbH, Wiesloch, Germany) was used to evaluate the internal conditions of 3 m wooden poles made from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Drilling tests were performed on poles that were industrially vacuum-pressure-impregnated with a copper-based preservative (Korasit KS-M) and untreated reference poles. Both types of poles were subject to 10.5 years of in-ground exposure. Wood moisture content (MC) was measured using a resistance-type moisture meter. MC varied between 15% and 60% in the radial and axial directions in both treated and untreated poles. A higher MC was detected in the underground, top, and outer (sapwood) parts of the poles. Typical drilling-resistance (DR) profiles of poles with internal defects were analyzed. Preservative treatment had a significant influence on wood durability in the underground part of the poles. Based on DR measurements, we found that untreated wood that was in contact with soil was severely degraded by insects and wood-destroying fungi. Conversely, treated wood generally showed no reduction in DR or feeding resistance (FR). DR profiling is a potential method for the in-situ or in vitro assessment and quality monitoring of preservative treatments and wood durability. The technological benefits of using drill bits with one major cutting edge, instead of standard drill bits with center-spiked tips and two major cutting edges, were not evident. A new graphical method was applied to present DR data and their spatial distribution in the poles. Future studies should focus on the impact of preservative treatments, thermal modification, and chemical modification on the DR and FR of wood. This may further elucidate the predictive value of DR and FR for wood properties.
Soil pH and Organic Matter Content Affects European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) Crown Defoliation and Its Impact on Understory Vegetation
Authors: Turczański Krzysztof , Rutkowski Paweł , Dyderski Marcin K. , Wrońska-Pilarek Dorota , Nowiński Mirosław
Published: December 2019

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) dieback caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, and Hosoya has been affecting European forests since 1992. The disease drives severe crown defoliation, branch loss, and finally tree mortality in European ash. The environmental factors affecting the disease process are still not fully recognized. We hypothesized that the level of crown defoliation in ash, as well as its impact on understory vegetation, will differ along the pH gradient in soil. We examined 27 ash stands in western Poland. We assessed the crown defoliation of 15 dominant and co-dominant trees, soil parameters (pH and soil organic matter contents; SOM), and also recorded the understory vegetation species composition. Most moderately and severely damaged trees occurred within the plots with a high SOM content (>7.5%) and neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH (>7.0) in the A horizon. We noted significantly lower crown defoliation in mesic sites with acidic soils and lower SOM contents. The results also showed the influence of ash crown defoliation on the species functional composition. Ash dieback led to the creation of gaps, and their colonization by other species frequently found in forest sites, especially forest-edge tall herbs.
Frequency of Dynamic Fire Behaviours in Australian Forest Environments
Authors: Filkov Alexander I. , Duff Thomas J. , Penman Trent D.
Published: December 2019

Wildfires can result in significant social, environmental and economic losses. Fires in which dynamic fire behaviours (DFBs) occur contribute disproportionately to damage statistics. Little quantitative data on the frequency at which DFBs occur exists. To address this problem, we conducted a structured survey using staff from fire and land management agencies in Australia regarding their experiences with DFBs. Staff were asked which, if any, DFBs were observed within fires greater than 1000 ha from the period 2006–2016 that they had experience with. They were also asked about the nature of evidence to support these observations. One hundred thirteen fires were identified. Eighty of them had between one and seven DFBs with 73% (58 fires) having multiple types of DFBs. Most DFBs could commonly be identified through direct data, suggesting an empirical analysis of these phenomena should be possible. Spotting, crown fires and pyro-convective events were the most common DFBs (66%); when combined with eruptive fires and conflagrations, these DFBs comprise 89% of all cases with DFBs. Further research should be focused on these DFBs due to their high frequencies and the fact that quantitative data are likely to be available.
Study of Local Inertial Focusing Conditions for Spherical Particles in Asymmetric Serpentines
Authors: Pedrol Eric , Massons Jaume , Díaz Francesc , Aguiló Magdalena
Published: December 2019

Inertial focusing conditions of fluorescent polystyrene spherical particles are studied at the pointwise level along their pathlines. This is accomplished by an algorithm that calculates a degree of spreading function of the particles’ trajectories taking streaklines images as raw data. Different confinement ratios of the particles and flow rates are studied and the results are presented in state diagrams showing the focusing degree of the particles in terms of their position within a curve of an asymmetric serpentine and the applied flow rate. In addition, together with numerical simulation results, we present empirical evidence that the preferred trajectories of inertially focused spheres are contained within Dean vortices’ centerlines. We speculate about the existence of a new force, never postulated before, to explain this fact.
High Fibre Gluten-Free Fresh Pasta with Tiger Nut, Chickpea and Fenugreek: Technofunctional, Sensory and Nutritional Properties
Authors: Llavata Beatriz , Albors Ana , Martin-Esparza M. Eugenia
Published: December 2019

Gluten-free pasta production with a low glycaemic index and improved nutritional profile is still a challenge for the food industry. In this study, pasta was produced from fenugreek (FF), chickpea (CPF) and tiger nut (TNF) flours. CPF and FF are interesting for a balanced contribution of soluble and insoluble fibre by combining the health benefits of each type of fibre that promotes health. TNF, also rich in insoluble fibre, can provide additional healthy properties. The partial substitution of TNF for FF (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% w/w solids) was assessed, and the relation linking chemical composition, structure, cooking and rheological properties and predictive in-vitro starch digestion (eGI, expected glycaemic index) was analysed. The results revealed that FF, rich in galactomannans, not only improves the nutritional profile and lowers the eGI but also helps to naturally enhance the structure of the pasta product and, thus, cooking behaviour (higher swelling index and fewer cooking losses).
Enhanced Aromatic Profile and Functionality of Cheese Whey Beverages by Incorporation of Probiotic Cells Immobilized on Pistacia terebinthus Resin
Authors: Schoina Vasiliki , Terpou Antonia , Papadaki Aikaterini , Bosnea Loulouda , Kopsahelis Nikolaos , Kanellaki Maria
Published: December 2019

In the present study, cheese whey was utilized for the development of a novel functional beverage, using Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 probiotic cells immobilized on Pistacia terebinthus resin (pissa Paphos). Evaluation of shelf life of the produced beverages showed that spoilage microorganisms were not observed in beverages containing P. terebinthus resin. Terpenes’ rich content might have contributed to the antimicrobial activity of the produced beverages; however, no significant effect on the viability of the immobilized probiotic cells was obtained. Whey beverages containing the immobilized biocatalyst retained a high viability (>1 × 106 CFU/g) of probiotic cells during a storage period of 30 days at 4 °C. The superiority of whey beverages containing the immobilized biocatalyst was also highlighted by GC-MS analysis, while the enhanced aromatic profile, which was mostly attributed to the higher concentration of terpenes, was also detected during the sensory evaluation performed. Conclusively, this study indicated the high commercialization potential of these novel functional whey beverages, within the frame of a sustainable dairy waste valorization approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first food-oriented approach within the guidelines of the circular economy reported in the literature, using the autochthonous Pistacia terebinthus resin for the production of functional whey beverages.
Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties of Ethanolic Extract and Its Fractions from Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Leaves
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng , Liu Daqun , Wu Liehong , Zhang Jianming , Li Xiaoqiong , Wu Weicheng
Published: December 2019

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf is a natural source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity and potential utility as an antioxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the polyphenol composition and antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts and their various solvent-partitioned fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fraction) from sweet potato leaves and petioles. Seven caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives and four flavonoids were detected in sweet potato leaves by HPLC-ESI-MS. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in leaf (112.98 ± 4.14 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dried extract, 56.87 ± 5.69 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g of dried extract) was more than ten times higher than in petiole (9.22 ± 2.67 mg GAE/g of dried extract, 3.81 ± 0.52 mg RE/g of dried extract). The antioxidant contents of ethyl acetate fractions increased dramatically relative to those of crude extracts for both leaves and petioles. Purification using solvent partition with ethyl acetate increased TPC and TFC of crude extracts, especially the CQA derivatives including 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate fractions with the highest CQA content were associated with the highest scavenging activities towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and higher ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)-reducing power.
ConvoSource: Radio-Astronomical Source-Finding with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Lukic Vesna , de Gasperin Francesco , Brüggen Marcus
Published: December 2019

Finding and classifying astronomical sources is key in the scientific exploitation of radio surveys. Source-finding usually involves identifying the parts of an image belonging to an astronomical source, against some estimated background. This can be problematic in the radio regime, owing to the presence of correlated noise, which can interfere with the signal from the source. In the current work, we present ConvoSource, a novel method based on a deep learning technique, to identify the positions of radio sources, and compare the results to a Gaussian-fitting method. Since the deep learning approach allows the generation of more training images, it should perform well in the source-finding task. We test the source-finding methods on artificial data created for the data challenge of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). We investigate sources that are divided into three classes: star forming galaxies (SFGs) and two classes of active galactic nuclei (AGN). The artificial data are given at two different frequencies (560 MHz and 1400 MHz), three total integration times (8 h, 100 h, 1000 h), and three signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 1, 2, and 5. At lower SNRs, ConvoSource tends to outperform a Gaussian-fitting approach in the recovery of SFGs and all sources, although at the lowest SNR of one, the better performance is likely due to chance matches. The Gaussian-fitting method performs better in the recovery of the AGN-type sources at lower SNRs. At a higher SNR, ConvoSource performs better on average in the recovery of AGN sources, whereas the Gaussian-fitting method performs better in the recovery of SFGs and all sources. ConvoSource usually performs better at shorter total integration times and detects more true positives and misses fewer sources compared to the Gaussian-fitting method; however, it detects more false positives.
A New Insight into Flowering Regulation: Molecular Basis of Flowering Initiation in Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Changchun’
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Sun Liyong , Wei Qiang , Ju Ye , Zou Xuan , Wan Xiaoxia , Liu Xu , Yin Zengfang
Published: December 2019

Magnolia × soulangeana ‘Changchun’ are trees that bloom in spring and summer respectively after flower bud differentiation. Here, we use phenological and morphological observation and RNA-seq technology to study the molecular basis of flowering initiation in ‘Changchun’. During the process of flowering initiation in spring and summer, the growth of expanded flower buds increased significantly, and their shape was obviously enlarged, which indicated that flowering was initiated. A total of 168,120 expressed genes were identified in spring and summer dormant and expanded flower buds, of which 11,687 genes showed significantly differential expression between spring and summer dormant and expanded flower buds. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in plant hormone signal transduction, metabolic processes, cellular components, binding, and catalytic activity. Analysis of differential gene expression patterns revealed that gibberellin signaling, and some transcription factors were closely involved in the regulation of spring and summer flowering initiation in ‘Changchun’. A qRT-PCR (quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis showed that BGISEQ-500 sequencing platform could truly reflect gene expression patterns. It also verified that GID1B (GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1 B), GID1C, SPL8 (SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 8), and GASA (GIBBERELLIC ACID-STIMULATED ARABIDOPSIS) family genes were expressed at high levels, while the expression of SPY (SPINDLY) was low during spring and summer flowering initiation. Meanwhile, the up- and down-regulated expression of, respectively, AGL6 (AGAMOUS-LIKE 6) and DREB3 (DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN 3), AG15, and CDF1 (CYCLIC DOF FACTOR 1) might also be involved in the specific regulation of spring and summer flowering initiation. Obviously, flowering initiation is an important stage of the flowering process in woody plants, involving the specific regulation of relevant genes and transcription factors. This study provides a new perspective for the regulation of the flowering process in perennial woody plants.
Diet, Secondhand Smoke, and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels among Singapore Chinese Adults
Authors: Moore Brianna F. , Butler Lesley M. , Bachand Annette M. , Salim Agus , Reynolds Stephen J. , Wang Renwei , Nelson Tracy L. , Peel Jennifer L. , Murphy Sharon E. , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min , Clark Maggie L.
Published: December 2019

The combination of poor diet and exposure to secondhand smoke may increase hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, but few studies have explored this interaction. We explored an interaction among 574 never-smoking adults from the Singapore Chinese Health Study. At baseline (age 59 ± 8 years), intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber were estimated using a modified food frequency questionnaire. At follow-up (age 64 ± 9 years), HbA1c and cotinine were measured. A product term between cotinine (above or below the median value) and each nutrient (high or low intake) was included in separate linear regression models with HbA1c as the outcome. HbA1c among those with high cotinine and low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intakes were higher than would be expected due to the individual effects alone (p-for-interaction = 0.05). Among those with lower intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, high cotinine levels were associated with 0.54% higher HbA1c levels (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 1.06). Conversely, among those with higher intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, HbA1c differ not differ by exposure (−0.09%; 95% CI: −0.45, 0.30). No evidence of interaction was observed for other nutrients. Diets high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may ameliorate secondhand smoke-induced increases in HbA1c.
Assessing the Impact of Road Traffic Externalities on Residential Price Values: A Case Study in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Guijarro Francisco
Published: December 2019

This paper describes a study of the relationship between undesired road traffic externalities and residential price values in the Spanish city of Madrid. A large database was gathered, including the price and characteristics of 21,634 flats and road traffic intensity at 3904 different points across the city. The results obtained by a hedonic model suggest that both distance from the traffic measurement point and average daily traffic are significantly related to the price of residential properties, even after controlling for structural and neighbourhood variables. Distance to traffic areas has a positive impact on dwelling prices, whilst these are negatively related to traffic intensity.
Depression and Anxiety Symptoms of British Adoptive Parents: A Prospective Four-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Anthony Rebecca E. , Paine Amy L. , Shelton Katherine H.
Published: December 2019

The mental health of birth parents has gained attention due to the serious negative consequences for personal, family, and child outcomes, but depression and anxiety in adoptive parents remains under-recognized. Using a prospective, longitudinal design, we investigated anxiety and depression symptoms in 96 British adoptive parents over four time points in the first four years of an adoptive placement. Depression and anxiety symptom scores were relatively stable across time. Growth curve analysis showed that higher child internalizing scores and lower parental sense of competency at five months post-placement were associated with higher initial levels of parental depressive symptoms. Lower parental sense of competency was also associated with higher initial levels of parental anxiety symptoms. Parents of older children and those with higher levels of parental anxiety and sense of competency at five months post-placement had a steeper decrease in depressive symptoms over time. Support for adoptive families primarily focuses on child adjustment. Our findings suggest that professional awareness of parental mental health post-placement may be necessary, and interventions aimed at improving parents’ sense of competency may be beneficial.
Effects of Backpacks on Ground Reaction Forces in Children of Different Ages When Walking, Running, and Jumping
Authors: Barbosa João P. , Marques Mário C. , Neiva Henrique P. , Esteves Dulce , Alonso-Martínez Alicia M , Izquierdo Mikel , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Alvarez Cristian , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: December 2019

Backpacks for transporting school loads are heavily utilized by children, and their mechanical advantages have been allowing children to transport heavy loads. These heavy loads may increase ground reaction forces (GRFs), which can have a negative effect on joints and bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of backpacks on the GRFs generated by children during walking, running, and jumping. Twenty-one children from the fifth (G-5, n = 9) and ninth (G-9, n = 12) grades walked, ran, and jumped over a force plate. When walking, the G-5 had GRF increments in the first (17.3%; p < 0.001) and second (15.4%; p < 0.001) peak magnitude, and in the total integral of the vertical force (20%; p < 0.001), compared to the control condition (i.e., no backpack), and the G-9 had increments of 10.4%, 9%, and 9% (p < 0.001), respectively. The G-9 did not prolong their total stance time (p > 0.05), unlike the G-5 (p = 0.001). When running, total stance time increased 15% (p < 0.001) and 8.5% (p < 0.001) proportionally to the relative load carried, in the G-5 and G-9, respectively. Peak GRF did not increase in any group when running or landing from a jump over an obstacle. It was found that GRF was affected by the backpack load when walking and running. However, when landing from a jump with the backpack, schoolchildren smoothed the landing by prolonging the reception time and thus avoiding GRF peak magnitudes.
Fathers’ Views and Experiences of Creating a Smoke-Free Home: A Scoping Review
Authors: O’Donnell Rachel , Angus Kathryn , McCulloch Peter , Amos Amanda , Greaves Lorraine , Semple Sean
Published: December 2019

Enabling parents to create a smoke-free home is one of the key ways that children’s exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) can be reduced. Smoke-free home interventions have largely targeted mothers who smoke, and there is little understanding of the barriers and facilitators that fathers experience in creating a smoke-free home. Systematic searches combining terms for fathers, homes, and SHS exposure were run in April 2019 in Web of Science’s Citation Indices, PsycINFO, and PubMed for English-language studies published since 2008. The searches identified 980 records for screening, plus 66 records from other sources. Twelve studies reported in 13 papers were included in this scoping review. Eight of the studies were conducted in Asian countries (five in China, one in India, one in Japan, and one in Iran), three were conducted in Canada, and one in Turkey. Findings were extracted in verbatim text for thematic analysis. The review identified that attitudes and knowledge, cultural and social norms, gender power relations, and shifting perceptions and responsibilities related to fatherhood can impact on fathers’ views of their role in relation to creating and maintaining a smoke-free home. There were too few published studies that had assessed smoke-free home interventions with fathers to draw conclusions regarding effective approaches. Research is clearly needed to inform our understanding of fathers’ roles, successes and challenges in creating and maintaining a smoke-free home, so that father-inclusive rather than mother-led interventions can be developed to benefit entire households and improve gender equity as well as health.
Internet Gaming Disorder: Exploring Its Impact on Satisfaction in Life in PELLEAS Adolescent Sample
Authors: Phan Olivier , Prieur Constance , Bonnaire Céline , Obradovic Ivana
Published: December 2019

Among adolescents, heavy video game use and socializing online may be valued socially by peers, depending on gender and age, which can increase life satisfaction. However, heavy video gaming may also be linked to symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder, which can decrease life satisfaction. Overall, when symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder are present, do subjects experience decreased or increased life satisfaction, all other things being equal? The aim of this study was to explore the association between Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms and life satisfaction, while controlling for gender, age, and other conditions that may impact life satisfaction. More than 2000 adolescents filled out an anonymous questionnaire at school, and 43 patients in a care center filled out the same questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, family life conditions, use of screens (videos, video games, and social networks), mental health screenings, and a life satisfaction measure were collected. Distribution of participants’ characteristics was provided, and stratified multivariate analyses by young male, older male, young female, and older female school populations were carried out. Results suggested that Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms had similar prevalence before and after the age of 15 in males (21% vs. 19%) and in females (6% vs. 7%) respectively and was significantly associated with decreased life satisfaction in older males, even after adjusting for parental support, depression, and economic conditions. Associations between symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder and life satisfaction may be different depending on adolescent gender and age group.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Maxillofacial Fractures
Authors: Sikora Maciej , Chlubek Mikołaj , Grochans Elżbieta , Jurczak Anna , Safranow Krzysztof , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: December 2019

Maxillofacial fractures (MFF) belong to the major modern medicine and public health concerns. The recovery from MFF is associated with a number of social problems. The patient’s mood may be affected by the change in self-image and lack of satisfaction with life, in many cases leading to a deepening of mental health disorders, resulting in alcoholism, loss of job or conflicts in the area of family life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with MFF, with respect to demographic and medical variables. The mean age of the 227 patients was 36 years. The mandible was the most frequent MFF location (52.9%), followed by the zygomatic bone (30.8%) then the maxilla (16.3%). Bone fracture displacement occurred in 79.3% of patients. A comminuted fracture was found in 71% of patients. The quality of life of patients with MFF was significantly better in all analyzed domains 3 months after the end of hospitalization compared to the initial survey carried out shortly after implementation of the treatment. Among the demographic variables, older age had a statistically significant but weak positive association with the improvement of the quality of life of respondents in General health perception domain.
Health Evaluation in the Context of Satisfaction with Medical Services among Patients with Osteoarthritis: Descriptive Cross-Section Survey
Authors: Firlej Ewelina , Janiszewska Mariola , Sidor Katarzyna , Sokołowska Anna , Barańska Agnieszka , Chruściel Paweł
Published: December 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of rehabilitation benefits and senior disability. It generates high costs of treatment and increasing demand for medical staff and care of geriatric profile. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between health evaluation and satisfaction with medical services among individuals with OA in rehabilitation outpatient clinics. The survey was carried out from June 2017 to May 2018, among patients being provided with services of five outpatient rehabilitation clinics in Lublin. The surveyed group comprised 328 respondents. The following tools were utilized: the List of Health Criteria (LHC), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (version B) (MHLC), the authors’ own questionnaire compiled for the study, and the Servperf Method. According to the respondents, the most important health criterion is “not to experience any ailments” (M = 1.56). In an assessment of a clinic, the respondents rated neatness (cleanliness) of the staff highest (M = 4.38) and the appearance of a building where a clinic is located lowest (M = 3.42). The better the evaluation of medical services in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in comparison to other settings, the better the evaluation of the quality of service (rho S = 0.593; p < 0.000). The study conducted in outpatient rehabilitation clinics showed great demand for outpatient specialist care of geriatric profile. Undoubtedly, there is need for continuation and expansion of studies on patients with OA in other rehabilitation settings.
The Anatomy of Health-Supportive Neighborhoods: A Multilevel Analysis of Built Environment, Perceived Disorder, Social Interaction and Mental Health in Beijing
Authors: Tao Yinhua , Yang Jie , Chai Yanwei
Published: December 2019

Mental health is an exceedingly prevalent concern for the urban population. Mounting evidence has confirmed the plausibility of high incidences of mental disorders in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, the association between the neighborhood built environment and individual mental health is understudied and far from conclusive, especially in developing countries such as China. The underlying mechanism requires in-depth analysis combining potential intermediates such as perceived environmental disorder and supportive social relationships. Using a health survey conducted in Beijing in 2017, this study investigates for the first time a socio-environmental pathway through which perceived disorder and social interaction account for the relationship between the built environment and mental health under the very notion of the neighborhood effect. The results from multilevel structural equation models indicate that individual mental health is influenced by the neighborhood-scale built environment through three pathways, independent of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantages: (1) proximity to parks is the sole indicator directly linked to mental health; (2) population density, road connectivity and proximity to parks are indirectly associated with mental health through interactions with neighbors; and (3) population density, road connectivity and facility diversity are partially associated with perceived neighborhood disorder, which is indirectly correlated with mental health through interactions with neighbors. This study is a preliminary attempt to disentangle the complex relationships among the neighborhood environment, social interaction and mental health in the context of developing megacities. The relevant findings provide an important reference for urban planners and administrators regarding how to build health-supportive neighborhoods and healthy cities.
Temperature and Rain Moderate the Effect of Neighborhood Walkability on Walking Time for Seniors in Barcelona
Authors: Delclòs-Alió Xavier , Marquet Oriol , Vich Guillem , Schipperijn Jasper , Zhang Kai , Maciejewska Monika , Miralles-Guasch Carme
Published: December 2019

Walking is the most accessible form for seniors to engage in daily light or moderate physical activity. Walking activity depends on both individual and environmental factors, the latter including how walkable a given setting is. Recent papers have pointed at the relevance of also considering meteorological conditions in relation to the walking behavior of older adults. This paper explores the combined effect of neighborhood walkability, temperature and rain on daily walking time among seniors residing in Barcelona. Daily walking time was extracted from 7-day GPS (Global Positioning System) devices and accelerometer data of 227 seniors residing in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Spain). Temperature and rain data were extracted from official governmental weather stations. Mixed-effects linear regression models were adjusted to test the combined association between weather and walkability on daily walking time. Neighborhood walkability is positively associated with walking time among seniors, while rain generally deters it. Additionally, this study demonstrates that temperature and rain modify the effect of residential walkability on senior walking activity: low temperatures are particularly associated with lower walking activity among those residing in low walkable areas, while the presence of rain presents a negative association with walking time in high walkable environments. The combined effect of walkability and weather should be considered both in design actions that aim at improving walking infrastructure and also in prevention programs aimed at encouraging daily walking among seniors.
Smartphone-Based Health Program for Improving Physical Activity and Tackling Obesity for Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Han-Na , Seo Kyoungsan
Published: December 2019

The need for physical activity for health promotion is recognized, yet young adults still perform insufficient physical activity. Smartphone health programs can be applied easily without time and space constraints, and various mobile health programs based on smartphone applications have recently been developed and applied. This study aimed to measure the effects of mobile smartphone-based health programs on physical activity and obesity outcomes in young adults through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched publications in English through electronic databases up to May 2019. Studies were included that provided interventions to improve physical activity using smartphone applications for young adults. After assessing study quality, data were extracted and synthesized concerning whether smartphone interventions affect health outcomes including physical activity and weight using Meta-Analysis software. Four randomized controlled studies and a quasi-experimental study were analyzed. They provided information related to health management, diet, physical activity, and personalized feedback using smartphone applications. The meta-analysis showed that smartphone-based health interventions significantly affect weight loss and increase physical activity. This study provides modest evidence for using smartphone health programs to improve young adults’ physical activity, weight control, and body mass index (BMI). Future research is needed to understand long-term effects and the reliability of increasing physical activity through smartphone health programs.
Efficiency of an Air Cleaner Device in Reducing Aerosol Particulate Matter (PM) in Indoor Environments
Authors: Fermo Paola , Comite Valeria , Falciola Luigi , Guglielmi Vittoria , Miani Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in household environments is mandatory since people spend most of their time in indoor environments. In order to guarantee a healthy environment, air purification devices are often employed. In the present work, a commercial household vacuum cleaner has been tested in order to verify its efficiency in reducing the mass concentration and particle number of aerosol particulate matter (PM). The efficiency has been tested measuring, while the instrument was working, PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm), PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm), PM1 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 1 μm), and 7 size-fractions in the range between 0.3 and >10 μm. Measurements have been carried out by means of a portable optical particle counter instrument and simulating the working conditions typical of a household environment. It has been found that the tested commercial device significantly reduces both PM concentrations and particle number, especially in the finest fraction, i.e., particles in the range 0.3–0.5 μm, allowing an improvement of indoor air quality.
Mind–Body Exercise for Anxiety and Depression in COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zaimin , Liu Shijie , Wang Lin , Smith Lee
Published: December 2019

Objectives: Mind–body exercise has been generally recognized as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, to date, no attempt has been made to collate this literature. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the effects of mind–body exercise for COPD patients with anxiety and depression and provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescription. Methods: both Chinese and English databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Baidu Scholar) were used as sources of data to search randomized controlled trials (RCT) relating to mind–body exercise in COPD patients with anxiety and depression that were published between January 1982 to June 2019. 13 eligible RCT studies were finally used for meta-analysis. Results: Mind–body exercise (tai chi, health qigong, yoga) had significant benefits on COPD patients with anxiety (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.60, p = 0.04, I2 = 47.4%) and depression (SMD = −0.86, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.58, p = 0.000, I2 = 71.4%). Sub-group analysis indicated that, for anxiety, 30–60 min exercise session for 24 weeks of health qigong or yoga had a significant effect on patients with COPD who are more than 70 years and have more than a 10-year disease course. For depression, 2–3 times a week, 30–60 min each time of health qigong had a significant effect on patients with COPD patients who are more than 70 years old and have less than a 10-year disease course. Conclusions: Mind–body exercise could reduce levels of anxiety and depression in those with COPD. More robust RCT are required on this topic.
Implementing a Physical Activity Promoting Program in a Flex-Office: A Process Evaluation with a Mixed Methods Design
Authors: Wahlström Viktoria , Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Harder Mette , Slunga Järvholm Lisbeth , Eskilsson Therese
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate facilitating and hindering factors when implementing a physical activity (PA)-promoting program among office workers moving to a flex office, by conducting a process evaluation. Additionally, we evaluated self-reported and perceived PA behaviors. With a mixed methods design, analyses were based upon data from interviews with 70 employees and repeated questionnaires from 152 employees. The PA-promoting program was fully implemented and supported by management. There was a strong health promoting culture, encouraging PA in the organization already at the start of the study. The lecture and the office design were rated as the most motivating program components. The use of stairs, breaks during meetings and social acceptance for standing and walking at work increased. Employees described a strive for variation, and how managers, the office environment, productivity and ergonomic aspects influenced sedentary behavior (SB) and PA. The need for the PA-promoting program was questioned, and the timing of the program was debated. To conclude, a strong organizational health culture combined with a facilitating physical environment can create sustainable positive PA behaviors in office settings. A thorough understanding of organizational needs and a participatory process are needed to tailor organizational interventions to decrease SB.
Associations between Family Weight-Based Teasing, Eating Pathology, and Psychosocial Functioning among Adolescent Military Dependents
Authors: Pearlman Arielle T. , Schvey Natasha A. , Higgins Neyland M. K. , Solomon Senait , Hennigan Kathrin , Schindler Rachel , Leu William , Gillmore Dakota , Shank Lisa M. , Lavender Jason M. , Burke Natasha L. , Wilfley Denise E. , Sbrocco Tracy , Stephens Mark , Jorgensen Sarah , Klein David , Quinlan Jeffrey , Tanofsky-Kraff Marian
Published: December 2019

Weight-based teasing (WBT) by family members is commonly reported among youth and is associated with eating and mood-related psychopathology. Military dependents may be particularly vulnerable to family WBT and its sequelae due to factors associated with their parents’ careers, such as weight and fitness standards and an emphasis on maintaining one’s military appearance; however, no studies to date have examined family WBT and its associations within this population. Therefore, adolescent military dependents at-risk for adult obesity and binge-eating disorder were studied prior to entry in a weight gain prevention trial. Youth completed items from the Weight-Based Victimization Scale (to assess WBT by parents and/or siblings) and measures of psychosocial functioning, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II, The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Adjustment Scale. Eating pathology was assessed via the Eating Disorder Examination interview, and height and fasting weight were measured to calculate BMIz. Analyses of covariance, adjusting for relevant covariates including BMIz, were conducted to assess relationships between family WBT, eating pathology, and psychosocial functioning. Participants were 128 adolescent military dependents (mean age: 14.35 years old, 54% female, 42% non-Hispanic White, mean BMIz: 1.95). Nearly half the sample (47.7%) reported family WBT. Adjusting for covariates, including BMIz, family WBT was associated with greater eating pathology, poorer social functioning and self-esteem, and more depressive symptoms (ps ≤ 0.02). Among military dependents with overweight and obesity, family WBT is prevalent and may be linked with eating pathology and impaired psychosocial functioning; prospective research is needed to elucidate the temporal nature of these associations.
Establishing a Scientific Consensus on the Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity
Authors: Nazlieva Nesrin , Mavilidi Myrto-Foteini , Baars Martine , Paas Fred
Published: December 2019

Research suggests that physical activity can be used as an intervention to increase cognitive function. Yet, there are competing views on the cognitive effects of physical activity and it is not clear what level of consensus exists among researchers in the field. The purpose of this study was two-fold: Firstly, to quantify the scientific consensus by focusing on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function. Secondly, to investigate if there is a gap between the public’s and scientists’ interpretations of scientific texts on this topic. A two-phase study was performed by including 75 scientists in the first phase and 15 non-scientists in the second phase. Participants were asked to categorize article abstracts in terms of endorsement of the effect of physical activity on cognitive function. Results indicated that there was a 76.1% consensus that physical activity has positive cognitive effects. There was a consistent association between scientists’ and non-scientists’ categorizations, suggesting that both groups perceived abstracts in a similar fashion. Taken together, this study provides the first analysis of its kind to evaluate the level of consensus in almost two decades of research. The present data can be used to inform further research and practice.