bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric properties of PbTe based single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites
Authors: Ahmad Kaleem , Almutairi Zeyad
Published: August 2022

Thermoelectric has long been recognized as a promising technology due to its ability to harvest waste heat from different sources, such as the Sunlight, vehicles, and energy-intensive industries, and thereby convert it into electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, so providing distributed solutions for sustainable energy challenges and energy efficiency issues worldwide. Lead Telluride (PbTe) is the classic thermoelectric material; however, its applications are limited by its low efficiency. The goal of the present research is to improve the energy conversion efficiency of PbTe by mixing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via simple powder processing and utilizing nanostructuring and quantum confinement effects in a synergistic way. PbTe based composites incorporating different vol% of SWCNTs were fabricated through the high-frequency induction heating furnace at ~450°C. Thermoelectric characteristics of bulk samples were tested at temperatures ranging from ~300 to ~530K. With the inclusion of nanotubes, the electrical conductivity behaviour changes from semi-metallic in pristine PbTe to semi-conducting in composites. This shows that the semiconducting nature of SWCNTs plays a major role in electrical transport. As a result, the composites’ effective electrical conductivities were lowered near room temperature, with the lowest values observed at 0.5 vol% of SWCNTs. When compared to pure PbTe, the Seebeck coefficient of the 0.5 vol% of PbTe composite improves at ambient temperature and gradually drops after ~375K. Thermal conductivity of all the composites reduces and substantial reduction was observed at 0.5 vol% of SWCNTs. The large transition from semi-metallic to semi-conducting transport in pristine PbTe to composites, as well as enhanced short-range carrier scattering, are responsible for lowering electrical conductivity and hence composites’ power factor. As a result, the significant reduction in thermal conductivities could not compensate for the loss of power factor, resulting in lower ZT values from pristine PbTe.
A three-dimensional full-scale model for predicting the performance of deep-buried ground heat exchanger considering groundwater flow
Authors: Ma Z.D. , Jia G.S. , Zhang Y.P. , Miao C.Y. , Xia Z.H. , Jin L.W.
Published: August 2022

It is critical to precisely determine the performance of deep-buried ground heat exchangers involving different geological layers in engineering projects of the geothermal energy utilization. Compared to the existing approaches solving only conduction between the ground heat exchanger and the surrounding ground based on the two-dimensional model, this paper established a three-dimensional full-scale coaxial ground heat exchanger model containing both aquifer and aquifuge layers involving groundwater effect. The convective heat transfer in pipes was calculated using the empirical correlation of Nusselt number to improve the computation efficiency. The groundwater velocity in the energy governing equation was assumed to be constant and along with the horizontal direction to further simplify the computation. The developed method was applied to a 2800 m and 2600 m depth ground heat exchangers with different geological conditions, and was validated by the field test and published data. The relative errors are less than 6.9%. The thermal influence ranges of the aquifer layer and the aquifuge layer close to aquifer are asymmetric about the circumferential direction. The results demonstrated that the three-dimensional full-scale model is necessary for accurately evaluating the performance of ground heat exchangers when there is groundwater migration.
Review on validation techniques of blade element momentum method implemented in wind turbines
Authors: Abdelkhalig Ashraf , Elgendi Mahmoud , Selim Mohamed Y.E.
Published: August 2022

There are two broad kinds of energy sources: renewable and non-renewable. In the renewable energy sector, significant advancements have been made in wind energy, the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy production technology. Despite this rapid development, the wind industry must still strive to ensure that any device designed for commercial use is reliable and its performance satisfies its economic projections. The critical factor in achieving this target is rotor aerodynamics because the rotor is the part that mainly reacts with the wind. When designing a wind turbine, the assessment of the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades must be accurate. Errors may result in wrong estimates of the turbines’ performance and economic projections. If experimental measurements cannot determine these characteristics, a designer will use alternative methods. Several modeling methods have proven viable solutions for design and analysis purposes, like Blade Element Momentum (BEM) methods. BEM methods analyze the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines, but it requires validation to examine the accuracy of its results. This paper highlights and reviews BEM validation techniques implemented in wind turbine aerodynamics analyses. BEM is validated against experimental data and other advanced models, namely, higher-order vortex and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) models. Nevertheless, the experimental data are essential in wind turbine studies for both understanding the aerodynamic mechanisms and validating all these models.
A review on the method for investigating carbon dioxide emissions in ASEAN
Authors: Kiwan B , Kalib N S
Published: August 2022

In the past, there was a strong positive correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide. However, as the effects of climate change become more pronounced, particularly in ASEAN, it is crucial to assess the relationship between these two indicators. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of standard analyses: (i) decoupling and (ii) decomposition, which are applied to assess the relationship between the two indicators within ASEAN during 2017-2020. Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam were selected and studied as these five ASEAN sovereign states constitute Tiger Cub economies that reflect the geographical diversity of ASEAN. Two analyses were deemed necessary for the methodology of this study: (i) decoupling and (ii) decomposition. The Tapio model was found to be optimal for the decoupling analysis due to its sensitivity to GDP growth in classification. For decomposition, it was also found that the Kaya identity followed by the additive LMDI-I was recommended for decomposition, mainly because it provides physical values as opposed to indices. The methodology described would create a comprehensive database of selected decoupling and decomposition indicators for benchmarking amongst ASEAN sovereign states with these considerations and recommendations.
Correlation comparison for prediction of density and viscosity of aqueous 2-(ethylamino)ethanol (EAE) for carbon capture
Authors: Ramadhan Romal , Maneeintr Kreangkrai
Published: August 2022

Aqueous amine solution for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from absorption technology such as aqueous 2-(ethylamino)ethanol (EAE), is the effective technology to capture CO2 from gas stream. Also, the density and viscosity are the important properties for the design of absorption system. The correlations to predict these properties are developed. The objectives of this work are to apply the existing correlations and to examine the correlation comparison such as the Redlich–Kister equation, Wilson model and empirical polynomial correlation to predict these properties. The measured results of viscosity and density come from the previous study. The measurement data are used to determine the excess molar volumes and viscosity deviations, which are then correlated as a function of the mass fraction and temperature by using non-linear regression method. The temperature and concentration of this study are ranging from 293.15 to 323.15 K and 0.05 – 0.30 mass fraction, respectively. The results of this work show that, among these three correlations, the Redlich–Kister equation is the most appropriate model that best corresponded with the experimental results because it can provide the lowest average absolute deviation compared with the experimental results. This model yields percent deviations of 0.054 % for density and 0.350 % for viscosity. This model can be used to predict these properties for the range of working conditions.
Effect of heating rate on oil yield and composition in co-pyrolysis of polypropylene and triglycerides from refined palm oil using ZrO2.Al2O3.TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Supramono D , Ramadhan F R , Ashshiddiq J A
Published: August 2022

Polypropylene is major contributor to waste plastics, but its pyrolysis produces hydrogen radicals beneficial for deoxygenation of carboxylic acids. Fatty acids can be obtained by pyrolysis of triglycerides from refined palm oil. To investigate the possibility of the use of polypropylene as hydrogen donor and as part of hydrocarbons for producing hydrocarbons by deoxygenation of triglycerides, the present research works on catalytic co-pyrolysis of refined palm oil and polypropylene in a semibatch reactor. Two heating rates, i.e. 10℃/min and 6℃/min, were chosen to investigate their effect on liquid yield and remaining oxygen content. The C abundance in liquid product are analysed by C-NMR. The present catalyst of ZrO2.γAl2O3.TiO2 has succeeded in suppressing content of oxygen atoms in liquid product with carbon abundance associated with oxygen not more than 2%. The catalyst contains high basicity which hinders high contribution of polypropylene to the co-pyrolysis by leaving high yields of wax and non-condensable gas. By comparison of primary and secondary alkyl contents in liquid phase, catalytic pyrolysis of refined palm oil produces liquid phase with higher proportion of secondary alkyl while that of polypropylene produces liquid fraction with higher proportion of primary alkyl.
Pineapple leaf fiber supply chain analysis for the sustainability of community enterprise: a case study in Thailand
Authors: Apipatpapha T , Ongkunaruk P , Chollakup R
Published: August 2022

Thailand is one of the most significant pineapple producers and exporters in the world. In 2020, the pineapple cultivation area is around 72,656 hectares, which generated agro-waste after harvesting such as leaves, rhizome, and stem. The estimation of waste from leaves is about 37.5 tons per hectare, which results in waste of around 2.7 million tons per year. In addition, most farmers burn agro-waste rather than decompose causing pollution problems. Previous research showed that pineapple leaves can be used as raw materials in other industries such as textiles, paper, packaging, reinforcing materials, etc. Meanwhile, in Thailand, very few producers have the potential to produce pineapple leaf fiber due to high production costs, insufficient production capacity, lack of knowledge and labor, etc. Therefore, this research studied the pineapple leaf fiber supply chain. The objectives were to analyze the present pineapple leaf fiber supply chain of the community enterprise, pinpoint key activities, challenges, and propose guidelines to solve problems. The related stakeholders were interviewed such as farmers, community enterprise, yarn manufacturers, collectors, and government agencies. Next, business processes were identified by applying the Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEF0). These main activities of IDEF0 are plan, source, make, deliver, and return. After the study, the challenges were uncertain demand, lack of break-even point and cost analysis, long production lead time and high production cost. Thus, the community enterprise should focus on finding a sustainable market, calculate the production cost analysis and apply Kaizen and Lean concepts to improve productivity and reduce production costs. Finally, our guidelines for fiber community enterprise can be employed in other community enterprises to enhance supply chain management and lead to sustainability.
Generation of air discharge plasma in the cavities of porous catalysts: a modeling study
Authors: FU Mengji , SHANG Kefeng , PENG Bangfa , LU Na , JIANG Nan , LI Jie
Published: August 2022

A study of the behaviors of air discharge plasma inside a catalyst’s pores is important to understand the plasma catalysis mechanism; however, few articles have reported the generation characteristics of air plasma in the pores of catalysts. The production of air microdischarge in a pore was studied by a two-dimensional fluid model, mainly focusing on the effect of pore size and applied voltage. The results show that an increase in the pore size in the range of 20–100 μm facilitates the occurrence of microdischarge in the pore. In addition, at an applied voltage of 9 kV, the ionization of air mainly occurs near the topside of the pore when the pore diameter is less than 20 μm, leading to a low plasma density in the pore, but the time-averaged plasma density in the pore reaches a maximum value at a 70 μm pore diameter. Moreover, the applied voltage also has an important effect on the production of air microdischarge in the pore. The existence of a pore of 80 μm diameter on the dielectric has no obvious influence on the plasma density in the pore at 2 kV applied voltage, but the plasma density in the pore begins to sharply rise when the voltage exceeds 3 kV due to the enhanced air ionization at higher applied voltage. The study indicates that microdischarge can be generated in a pore with a size of tens of micrometers, and the microdischarge in porous catalysts will affect the catalytic degradation efficacy of gaseous pollutants.
Volume of the Minkowski sums of star-shaped sets
Authors: Fradelizi Matthieu , Lángi Zsolt , Zvavitch Artem
Published: August 2022

For a compact set

A
⊂

R

d

A \subset \mathbb {R}^d

and an integer

k
≥
1

k\ge 1

, let us denote by
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper A left-bracket k right-bracket equals left-brace a 1 plus midline-horizontal-ellipsis plus a Subscript k Baseline colon a 1 comma ellipsis comma a Subscript k Baseline element-of upper A right-brace equals sigma-summation Underscript i equals 1 Overscript k Endscripts upper A">

A
[
k
]
=

{

a
1

+
⋯
+

a
k

:

a
1

,
…
,

a
k

∈
A
}

=

∑

i
=
1

k

A

\begin{equation*} A[k] = \left \{a_1+\cdots +a_k: a_1, \ldots , a_k\in A\right \}=\sum _{i=1}^k A \end{equation*}

the Minkowski sum of

k
k

copies of

A
A

. A theorem of Shapley, Folkmann and Starr (1969) states that

1
k

A
[
k
]

\frac {1}{k}A[k]

converges to the convex hull of

A
A

in Hausdorff distance as

k
k

tends to infinity. Bobkov, Madiman and Wang [Concentration, functional inequalities and isoperimetry, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, RI, 2011] conjectured that the volume of

1
k

A
[
k
]

\frac {1}{k}A[k]

is nondecreasing in

k
k

, or in other words, in terms of the volume deficit between the convex hull of

A
A

and

1
k

A
[
k
]

\frac {1}{k}A[k]

, this convergence is monotone. It was proved by Fradelizi, Madiman, Marsiglietti and Zvavitch [C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 354 (2016), pp. 185–189] that this conjecture holds true if

d
=
1

d=1

but fails for any

d
≥
12

d \geq 12

. In this paper we show that the conjecture is true for any star-shaped set

A
⊂

R

d

A \subset \mathbb {R}^d

for

d
=
2

d=2

and

d
=
3

d=3

and also for arbitrary dimensions

d
≥
4

d \ge 4

under the condition

k
≥
(
d
−
1
)
(
d
−
2
)

k \ge (d-1)(d-2)

. In addition, we investigate the conjecture for connected sets and present a counterexample to a generalization of the conjecture to the Minkowski sum of possibly distinct sets in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, for any

d
≥
7

d \geq 7

.
Geometric criteria for 𝔸¹-connectedness and applications to norm varieties
Authors: Balwe Chetan , Hogadi Amit , Sawant Anand
Published: August 2022

We show that

A

1

\mathbb {A}^1

-connectedness of a large class of varieties over a field

k
k

can be characterized as the condition that their generic point can be connected to a

k
k

-rational point using (not necessarily naive)

A

1

\mathbb {A}^1

-homotopies. We also show that symmetric powers of

A

1

\mathbb {A}^1

-connected smooth projective varieties (over an arbitrary field) as well as smooth proper models of them (over an algebraically closed field of characteristic

0
0

) are

A

1

\mathbb {A}^1

-connected. As an application of these results, we show that the standard norm varieties over a field

k
k

of characteristic

0
0

become

A

1

\mathbb {A}^1

-connected (and consequently, universally

R
R

-trivial) after base change to an algebraic closure of

k
k

.
Growth-limiting drought stress induces time-of-day-dependent transcriptome and physiological responses in hybrid poplar
Authors: Robertson Sean M , Sakariyahu Solihu Kayode , Bolaji Ayooluwa , Belmonte Mark F , Wilkins Olivia
Published: August 2022

Drought stress negatively impacts the health of long-lived trees. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that underpin response to drought stress is requisite for selecting or enhancing climate change resilience. We aimed to determine how hybrid poplars respond to prolonged and uniform exposure to drought; how responses to moderate and more severe growth-limiting drought stresses differed; and how drought responses change throughout the day. We established hybrid poplar trees (Populus × ‘Okanese’) from unrooted stem cutting with abundant soil moisture for 6 weeks. We then withheld water to establish well-watered, moderate and severe growth-limiting drought conditions. These conditions were maintained for 3 weeks during which growth was monitored. We then measured photosynthetic rates and transcriptomes of leaves that had developed during the drought treatments at two times of day. The moderate and severe drought treatments elicited distinct changes in growth and development, photosynthetic rates and global transcriptome profiles. Notably, the time of day of sampling produced the strongest effect in the transcriptome data. The moderate drought treatment elicited global transcriptome changes that were intermediate to the severe and well-watered treatments in the early evening but did not elicit a strong drought response in the morning. Stable drought conditions that are sufficient to limit plant growth elicit distinct transcriptional profiles depending on the degree of water limitation and on the time of day at which they are measured. There appears to be a limited number of genes and functional gene categories that are responsive to all of the tested drought conditions in this study emphasizing the complex nature of drought regulation in long-lived trees.
Conserved patterns across ion channels correlate with variant pathogenicity and clinical phenotypes
Authors: Brünger Tobias , Pérez-Palma Eduardo , Montanucci Ludovica , Nothnagel Michael , Møller Rikke S , Schorge Stephanie , Zuberi Sameer , Symonds Joseph , Lemke Johannes R , Brunklaus Andreas , Traynelis Stephen F , May Patrick , Lal Dennis
Published: August 2022

Clinically identified genetic variants in ion channels can be benign or cause disease by increasing or decreasing the protein function. As a consequence, therapeutic decision-making is challenging without molecular testing of each variant. Our biophysical knowledge of ion-channel structures and function is just emerging, and it is currently not well understood which amino acid residues cause disease when mutated.

We sought to systematically identify biological properties associated with variant pathogenicity across all major voltage and ligand-gated ion-channel families. We collected and curated 3049 pathogenic variants from hundreds of neurodevelopmental and other disorders and 12 546 population variants for 30 ion channel or channel subunits for which a high-quality protein structure was available. Using a wide range of bioinformatics approaches, we computed 163 structural features and tested them for pathogenic variant enrichment. We developed a novel 3D spatial distance scoring approach that enables comparisons of pathogenic and population variant distribution across protein structures.

We discovered and independently replicated that several pore residue properties and proximity to the pore axis were most significantly enriched for pathogenic variants compared to population variants. Using our 3D scoring approach, we showed that the strongest pathogenic variant enrichment was observed for pore-lining residues and alpha-helix residues within 5Å distance from the pore axis centre and not involved in gating. Within the subset of residues located at the pore, the hydrophobicity of the pore was the feature most strongly associated with variant pathogenicity. We also found an association between the identified properties and both clinical phenotypes and functional in vitro assays for voltage-gated sodium channels (SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B) encoding genes. In an independent expert-curated dataset of 1422 neurodevelopmental disorder pathogenic patient variants and 679 electrophysiological experiments, we show that pore axis distance is associated with seizure age of onset and cognitive performance as well as differential gain versus loss-of-channel function.

In summary, we identified biological properties associated with ion-channel malfunction and show that these are correlated with in vitro functional readouts and clinical phenotypes in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Our results suggest that clinical decision support algorithms that predict variant pathogenicity and function are feasible in the future.
Identification of biomarkers for disease severity in nasopharyngeal secretions of infants with upper or lower respiratory tract viral infections
Authors: Bertrand Pablo J , Vázquez Yaneisi , Beckhaus Andrea A , González Liliana A , Contreras Ana María , Ferrés Marcela , Padilla Oslando , Riedel Claudia A , Kalergis Alexis M , Bueno Susan M
Published: August 2022

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) produced by viruses are the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years of age. The immune response triggered by viral infection can induce a strong inflammation in the airways and cytokines could be considered as biomarkers for disease severity as these molecules modulate the inflammatory response that defines the outcome of patients. Aiming to predict the severity of disease during respiratory tract infections, we conducted a 1-year follow-up observational study in infants who presented upper or lower respiratory tract infections caused by seasonal respiratory viruses. At the time of enrollment, nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) were obtained from infants to measure mRNA expression and protein levels of IL-3, IL-8, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. While all cytokines significantly increased their protein levels in infants with upper and lower respiratory tract infections as compared to control infants, IL-33 and IL-8 showed a significant increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected patients with LRTI as compared to patients with upper respiratory tract infection. We also found higher viral loads of RSV-positive samples with a greater IL-8 response at the beginning of the symptoms. Data obtained in this study suggest that both IL-8 and IL-33 could be used as biomarkers for clinical severity for infants suffering from LRTIs caused by the RSV.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after prosthetic valve replacement in a child with neonatal Marfan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Wadia Toranj , Desai Ajay , Hoschtitzky J Andreas , Naqvi Nitha
Published: August 2022

Background

Neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS), the most severe form of Marfan syndrome, is a rare condition that presents a clinical and treatment challenge. nMFS has high infant mortality related to progressive valvular dysfunction. Valve replacement in this setting improves long-term prognosis but carries high morbidity and mortality. Thus, sharing clinical experience in treating such patients is valuable.

Case summary

A 2 year old with nMFS underwent tricuspid valve annuloplasty and prosthetic mitral valve replacement. Postoperative management was complicated by pulmonary hypertension, cardiogenic shock, and arrythmias. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) helped overcome these challenges but posed a high risk for prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Despite decompression of the left atrium (LA) with an LA vent, the left ventricle (LV) was distended because of aortic regurgitation and no native cardiac output. We lowered the ECMO flow under echocardiographic guidance; used inodilators and pacing to encourage transmitral flow and reduce LV afterload. The patient completed a successful 6-day ECMO run with good end-organ perfusion. At last follow up, she was 6 years old, enjoying school, home-ventilated through the tracheostomy, and mobilizing with walking aids/wheelchair.

Discussion

Valve replacement can improve life quality and expectancy for patients with nMFS. Lowering ECMO flow under echocardiography guidance till the aortic valve is seen to open; coupled with inodilators, pacing and adequate anticoagulation can be a safe way to deliver VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock after prosthetic valve replacement. Further research is needed to show if this strategy prevents prosthetic valve thrombosis and provides sufficient haemodynamic support and myocardial rest.
Association of atrial depolarization variability and cardiac autonomic regulation with sudden cardiac death in coronary artery disease
Authors: Hekkanen Jenni J , Kenttä Tuomas V , Tulppo Mikko P , Kiviniemi Antti M , Ukkola Olavi H , Junttila M Juhani , Huikuri Heikki V , Perkiömäki Juha S
Published: August 2022

Aims

To evaluate the prognostic significance of the temporal variability of P-wave morphology, specifically in relation to cardiac autonomic regulation.

Methods and results

We analyzed the standard deviation of P-wave residuum (PWRSD) from five consecutive beats of the standard 12-lead ECG in 1236 patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the prognostic value of PWRSD, of PWRSD and PWR in relation to the 24 h standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (PWRSD/SDNN and PWR/SDNN). After 8.7 ± 2.2 years of follow-up on average, 43 patients (3.5%) experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) or were resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), 34 (2.8%) succumbed to non-sudden cardiac death (NSCD) and 113 (9.1%) to non-cardiac death (NCD). In the Cox regression analysis, PWRSD (≥0.002727) had a significant univariate (uv) [hazard ratio (HR): 4.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26–8.08, P = 0.000008] and multivariate (mv) (HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.31–5.08, P = 0.006) association with SCD/SCA but not with NSCD (uv P = 0.76, mv P = 0.33) or NCD (uv P = 0.57, mv P = 0.66). All the studied P-morphology parameters retained a significant association with the risk of SCD/SCA after relevant adjustment (mv P-values from 0.00003 to <0.05) but not with NSCD or NCD. When dichotomized PWRSD, PWR, PWRSD/SDNN, and PWR/SDNN were added to the clinical risk model for SCD/SCD, the C-index increased from 0.799 to 0.834 and integrated discrimination index and net reclassification index improved significantly (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Variability of P-morphology representing temporo-spatial heterogeneity of atrial depolarization, specifically when combined with cardiac autonomic regulation, independently predicts the risk of SCD in patients with CAD.
Causes, circumstances, and potential preventability of cardiac arrest in the young: insights from a state-wide clinical and forensic registry
Authors: Paratz Elizabeth D , van Heusden Alexander , Zentner Dominica , Morgan Natalie , Smith Karen , Thompson Tina , James Paul , Connell Vanessa , Pflaumer Andreas , Semsarian Christopher , Ingles Jodie , Parsons Sarah , Stub Dion , Gerche Andre La
Published: August 2022

Aims

The causes, circumstances, and preventability of young sudden cardiac arrest remain uncertain.

Methods and results

A prospective state-wide multi-source registry identified all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in 1–50 year olds in Victoria, Australia, from 2019 to 2021. Cases were adjudicated using hospital and forensic records, clinic assessments and interviews of survivors and family members. For confirmed cardiac causes of OHCA, circumstances and cardiac history were collected. National time-use data was used to contextualize circumstances. 1319 OHCAs were included. 725 (55.0%) cases had a cardiac aetiology of OHCA, with coronary disease (n = 314, 23.8%) the most common pathology. Drug toxicity (n = 226, 17.1%) was the most common non-cardiac cause of OHCA and the second-most common cause overall. OHCAs were most likely to occur in sleep (n = 233, 41.2%). However, when compared to the typical Australian day, OHCAs occurred disproportionately more commonly during exercise (9% of patients vs. 1.3% of typical day, P = 0.018) and less commonly while sedentary (39.6 vs. 54.6%, P = 0.047). 38.2% of patients had known standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. 77% of patients with a cardiac cause of OHCA had not reported cardiac symptoms nor been evaluated by a cardiologist prior to their OHCA.

Conclusion

Approximately half of OHCAs in the young have a cardiac cause, with coronary disease and drug toxicity dominant aetiologies. OHCAs disproportionately occur during exercise. Of patients with cardiac cause of OHCA, almost two-thirds have no standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, and more than three-quarters had no prior warning symptoms or interaction with a cardiologist.
Development of the health promoting sports club—national audit tool
Authors: Johnson Stacey , Vuillemin Anne , Lane Aoife , Dowd Kieran , Geidne Susanna , Kokko Sami , Donaldson Alex , Seghers Jan , Whiting Stephen , Van Hoye Aurélie
Published: August 2022

Background

Sports clubs have requested support from national governing authorities to invest in health promotion (HP), by developing policies, guidelines and dedicated funding. This article outlines the development of a national audit tool to review policies development and implementation to support HP in sports clubs.

Methods

A five-step process was undertaken by an international project team: (i) a rapid literature review to identify items assessing policies in physical activity, HP and sports, (ii) a thematic analysis to categorize items, (iii) a Delphi method to analyze item relevance, country specificity, reformulation, validation and organization, (iv) face validity through an online survey and in-depth interviews with expert representatives on physical activity and sports and (v) audit tool finalization though project team consensus.

Results

Eight sources were reviewed with 269 items identified. Items were coded into 25 categories with 3 broad themes: policies, actors and settings-based approach. The Delphi study extracted and refined 50 items and categorized them into 10 sections. After revisions from 22 surveys and 8 interviews, consensus was reached by the international project team on 41 items categorized into 11 sections: Role of ministry or department; Policies; Communication; Implementation and Dissemination; Evaluation and Measurement methods; Sub-national-level policies; Funding and Coordination; Participative approach; Actors and Stakeholders; National sporting events; Case studies and Implicated stakeholders.

Conclusion

To progress HP in the sports club context it is necessary to understand existing national-level policies. This national audit tool will aid in monitoring and assessing national policies for health promoting sports clubs.
S01-1 Using data and analytics to fully understand the barriers, and motivations to physical activity within a city setting
Authors: Scott Chris
Published: August 2022

Issue/problem

By 2050, 68% of the world's population will live in cities. With increasing urbanisation there is a need for policymakers to fully understand the current situation within their society when it comes to being physically active.

Description of the problem

In 2018, four global cities began a collaborative approach based on data and analytics to identify the barriers, and motivations to physical activity within a city setting. They needed to answer three questions:

The challenge is to understand to what extent inactivity is due to supply constraints that can be addressed by making physical activity more attractive and accessible, vs. demand constraints-perceived lack of time or being afraid to participate.

Results (effects/changes)

Using population survey information and databases on the locations of programmes, facilities and green space, our analysis has proven what works and what doesn't in each of the cities. For example, ethnic groups with lower levels of physical activity show higher levels of motivation to be active than other groups. Suggesting that lack of interest is not the reason for lower participation. We also found clear evidence of the impact and importance of facility access. Across all cities, access to facilities is correlated with levels of activity - with more active areas on average having almost 2.5 times more facilities than less active areas.

Lessons

There are 3 learnings from this project:

Main messages

A collaboration using data and analytics and best-practice sharing has enabled policymakers to apply evidence-led decision-making and have tangible impact on the lives of their citizens.
S01-3 Determining the social and economic value of football in England
Authors: Birdsall-Strong Lottie
Published: August 2022

Background

In 2015 the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in England set out its new guidelines to redefine what success in sport means. This new focus on the social impact of sport including physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development and social and community development, meant that any funding decisions will be made based on the outcomes that the sporting body can deliver. The Football Association have therefore begun a detailed assessment of the social and economic value of football in England.

Methods

Using national participation surveys of approximately 9000 individuals aged 16-75, we calculated the association between regular football participation and several health and social outcomes. This was combined with a review of published studies through to December 2019 examining the relationship between football, physical activity and disease risk outcomes across the life-course. This evidence base was then modelled with the estimated national football participation rate and the latest figures on national disease prevalence across 10 different diseases, to quantify the true value of football to society.

Results

Preliminary results have shown that football participation contributes to more than £10 billion to society each year across England. Team sport participants also reported significantly higher levels of happiness, confidence and trust compared to individuals who played no sport, or just individual sport. This impact also varies depending on the demographic groups including women, children and low-socioeconomic groups.

Conclusions

This analysis shows the large contribution of grassroots football to the nation's economy and to health and social wellbeing of individuals and communities. Moreover, it has proven the unique benefits of team sport participation and shown to policymakers which type of sports and activities contribute the most value to society.
S04-4 Tracking participants in the Jackpot.fit program and progress in dissemination of the Austrian sport promotion initiative
Authors: Novak Bernhard , Großschädl Lena , Lackinger Christian , Ruf Wolfgang , Strehn Albert , Titze Sylvia
Published: August 2022

Background

In 2015 a co-operation between the social insurance and the organized sport has been established in order to install Jackpot.fit, a standardized sports club based program, initially in 8 regions in Styria, a federal state of Austria. Inactive adults receive information about the long-term exercise program during a 3-week residential stay in a health resort. We aim to investigate who attends Jackpot.fit, the adherence to the program in 2019 as well as the progress of dissemination of Jackpot.fit since 2016.

Methods

Participantś personal data were collected by telephone at the registration. Instructors documented the participants' attendance each single session with a standardized form. The number of participating regions as well as courses within the regions were monitored by the evaluator.

Results

Between 2016 and 2019 2624 people (70.8% female; age: M = 57.1, SD = 9.1 years; BMI = 25.8, SD = 4.3 kg/m2) registered for Jackpot.fit and 84.3% (n = 2212) attended as participants in at least one session. Between September and December 2019, 824 people registered for the courses with an adherence rate as follows: 291 (35.3%) visited 75% or more, 200 (24.3%) between 50% and 74.9% and 232 (28.2%) less than 49.9% of all 638 provided sessions. 101 (12.3%) registered but never attended once. The number of regions rose from 8 in 2016 to 28 in 2019 and the number of courses from 25 to 55 over the same period.

Conclusions

According to the total number of participants, regions, and courses the dissemination moves forward. Further strategies to improve adherence must be developed.

Acknowledgement

The project is supported by the Gesundheitsfonds Steiermark and the Bundessport Förderungsfonds.
S05-1 Online tool to stimulate physical activity for older people with dementia - development and dissemination
Authors: Preller Liesbeth
Published: August 2022

Physical activity (PA) stimulates physical health, quality of life, and potentially cognition in people with dementia. However, home dwelling older people with dementia are in general less active than peers. For those attending daycare, the amount of physical activity is highly dependent on the centre's policy. For those without daycare, municipalities are responsible for support but generally there is no attention to PA for this target group. Professionals and volunteers in day care centers, and informal caregivers lack awareness and knowledge to support the people with dementia. Figures on users of other online information on PA show that video's and practical information are highly rated.

As part of a research consortium with 4 scientific partners, we were funded for dissemination of research outcomes to practice and policy. We therefore decided to build an online tool with easy to understand instruction movies and background information on theme's like strong legs and physical activity friendly layout of spaces. Human movement scientists provided the technical exercise information. We tested the information on user-friendliness among professionals. The instrument was launched in the week of World Alzheimer's day 2019. The tool has been viewed often since then. We will present development and dissemination of the tool and will discuss ongoing optimization.
S05-3 How do participants evaluate peer-led walking groups of older adults? Implementation issues related to the ‘Lekker Actief'-project in Flanders
Authors: Boen Filip , Verbaandert Elien , Vanderlinden Julie , van Uffelen Jannique , Seghers Jan , Iserbyt Peter , Fransen Katrien
Published: August 2022

Community-based walking groups constitute a promising avenue to increase both the levels of physical activity and the social connectedness of older adults. In addition, while peer-led walking groups seem to be as effective as professional-led programs, they are more cost-effective and socially integrative. In collaboration with a Flemish socio-cultural organization for older adults (i.e., OKRA), we designed the health-promoting program “Lekker Actief” (i.e., “Tastily active”).

This program included an individualized walking scheme for 10 weeks adapted to older adults' fitness level. In addition, in each local meeting point a formal peer leader (i.e., a volunteering older adult who was responsible to implement the guidelines) organized a weekly group walk. Our study involved 19 participating meeting points, counting 504 older adults in total (Mage = 69.2 years) who signed up for the program. In 9 meeting points, peer leadership was distributed among several older adults to create a structure of shared leadership, while in the other 10 meetings points, leadership was assigned to the formal peer leader only.

This presentation will focus on how this (shared) peer leadership was implemented and evaluated. We will draw conclusions to inspire future interventions and policies targeting peer leadership in walking groups for older adults.
S05-4 Progressive muscle-strengthening exercise is feasible among older people in the ‘Strength in Old Age Program'
Authors: Starck Heli , Kalmari Pirjo , Saloranta Eerika , Borodulin Katja
Published: August 2022

Strong legs and good balance increase mobility and prevent falls in old age. Gym exercise is an effective way to improve muscle strength in old age, particularly when organized in a progressive training program. Current challenge is to recognize and motivate older people to join muscle-strengthening exercise groups. The national “Strength in Old Age Program” (2005-) aims to launch guided strength and balance exercises for independently living older adults with decreased functional capacity. One core activity is to find and motivate old people to participate in a progressive 8-12-week muscle strengthening exercise program. We aimed to increase participation in the organized activity and support participation after the progressive program had ended, to improve the exercise facilities at local level, and to study the perceived benefits from the participants in the Program. Setting was real-life setting, i.e. no case-control trials were set. Good practices were developed to recognize and recruit participants for the program: perform functional capacity tests in locations where old people go as part of their routines, such as free flu vaccination events, use screening questionnaires systematically for all, and activate/guide health care professionals to refer the high-risk patients to gym training. Further, as many municipalities were limited in their gym facilities, the program developed the following solutions: collaborate with private sector service providers, purchase only the essential leg-strengthening devices and use cheap solutions, improve the quality of training by increasing training frequency and combine nutritional advice. The program aimed to improve sustainability of training, where several approaches were found successful: educate peers who instruct gym groups in future, develop the chain of professional exercise counselling from health care to sport sector, and provide free-of-charge gym training sessions to continue after their progressive program. The participants (Survey of exercise group participants, n = 1022) of the progressive gym training program perceived mostly good or strong benefits from their participation in the program. Participants who attended gym training felt the highest impact on muscle strength, fitness and activities of daily living, when compared to other types of training groups (eg balance training) in the program.

Conclusion suggests that gym exercise is a feasible good practice that should be encouraged in real-life setting.
S06-3 Supporting our lifelong engagement: mothers and teens exercising (SOLE MATES); from formative research to feasibility testing
Authors: Murtagh Elaine , Corr Méabh , Barnes Alyce , McMullen Jaimie , Morgan Philip
Published: August 2022

Background

Health promotion efforts have largely failed to effectively support adolescent girls to meet public health guidelines for physical activity (PA). Engaging mothers in the promotion of PA for their daughters is an important strategy to facilitate behaviour change. This paper provides an overview of the development of the SOLE MATES programme - a novel mother-daughter intervention.

Methods

This programme of research follows the MRC guidance for development and evaluating complex interventions (Craig, 2008). Two reviews were conducted to synthesise the evidence base on (1) mother-daughter PA interventions and (2) adolescent girls' perceptions of PA participation. The behaviour change wheel (BCW) framework was then used to design the components of an intervention to improve adolescent girls' PA (Michie et al, 2011). Finally, a single-arm feasibility trial was conducted to examine recruitment, data collection, acceptability, resources and participant responses.

Results

Our evidence reviews showed that only a limited number of interventions designed exclusively to target mothers and daughters have been conducted. In addition, programmes for adolescent girls should focus on alternative activities aside from the competitive team-based sports often offered.

The BCW design process resulted in a group-based face-to-face intervention, involving six intervention functions (education, persuasion, incentivisation, training, modelling, enablement) and 18 behaviour change techniques. The 6-week programme includes weekly educational and practical group sessions plus home tasks and the provision of participant resources. In addition to encouraging participants to walk regularly, the programme also aims to empower mothers to be role models for their daughters positive health behaviour.

Participants in the feasibility study were mothers (n = 27) with daughters (n = 31) aged 12-16 years. Eligibility rates were 93.4%, and baseline activity levels were low. Programme content, measures and facilitators were acceptable. Daily steps increased in mothers (+2,875, p = 0.009) and daughters (+1,393, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

We demonstrate the value of formative research in the intervention development process. We show that it is feasible to increase the PA levels of teenage girls through an inter-generational multi-component PA programme. The SOLE MATES programme should now be examined for effectiveness using a RCT. If successful the scale-up and sustainability of the programme should be explored.