bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Evaluation of Smart Substation Based on Time-Varying Probabilistic Hybrid Attack Graph
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Wen Wubin , Dai Rende , Xi Wanting
Published: September 2022

A substation is the portion of a power grid that forms a link between the cyber system and the physical system. Reliability evaluation of smart substations based on a time-varying probabilistic hybrid attack graph (TVPHAG) is studied in this paper. First, the topology network of the smart substation is established, whose attributes are represented by probability. Then, in order to solve the problem of asynchrony in the cyber-physical system and the hybrid caused by heterogeneity, time-varying state equation in topology and cuts in algebra are introduced to TVPHAG. Based on TVPHAG, the evaluation of the reliability of cyber-physical systems with multiple equipment and multiple timescales is established. On this basis, the influences of physical conditions, cyberattacks, physical attacks, and cyber-physical attacks on substations are analyzed, respectively. Finally, the simulation shows that the method is effective in evaluating the reliability of smart substations, providing a new method for the evaluation of reliability.
A Review of Auto-Regressive Methods Applications to Short-Term Demand Forecasting in Power Systems
Authors: Czapaj Rafał , Kamiński Jacek , Sołtysik Maciej
Published: September 2022

The paper conducts a literature review of applications of autoregressive methods to short-term forecasting of power demand. This need is dictated by the advancement of modern forecasting methods and their achievement in good forecasting efficiency in particular. The annual effectiveness of forecasting power demand for the Polish National Power Grid for the next day is approx. 1%; therefore, the main objective of the review is to verify whether it is possible to improve efficiency while maintaining the minimum financial outlays and time-consuming efforts. The methods that fulfil these conditions are autoregressive methods; therefore, the paper focuses on autoregressive methods, which are less time-consuming and, as a result, cheaper in development and applications. The prepared review ranks the forecasting models in terms of the forecasting effectiveness achieved in the literature on the subject, which enables the selection of models that may improve the currently achieved effectiveness of the transmission system operator. Due to the applied approach, a transparent set of forecasting methods and models was obtained, in addition to knowledge about their potential in the context of the needs for short-term forecasting of electricity demand in the national power system. The articles in which the MAPE error was used to assess the quality of short-term forecasts were analyzed. The investigation included 47 articles, several dozen forecasting methods, and 264 forecasting models. The articles date from 1997 and, apart from the autoregressive methods, also include the methods and models that use explanatory variables (non-autoregressive ones). The input data used come from the period 1998–2014. The analysis included 25 power systems located on four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia) that were published by 44 different research teams. The results of the review show that in the autoregressive methods applied to forecasting short-term power demand, there is a potential to improve forecasting effectiveness in power systems. The most promising prognostic models using the autoregressive approach, based on the review, include Fuzzy Logic, Artificial Neural Networks, Wavelet Artificial Neural Networks, Adaptive Neurofuse Inference Systems, Genetic Algorithms, Fuzzy Regression, and Data Envelope Analysis. These methods make it possible to achieve the efficiency of short-term forecasting of electricity demand with hourly resolution at the level below 1%, which confirms the assumption made by the authors about the potential of autoregressive methods. Other forecasting models, the effectiveness of which is high, may also prove useful in forecasting by electricity system operators. The paper also discusses the classical methods of Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Big Data, and the state of research in short-term power demand forecasting in power systems using autoregressive and non-autoregressive methods and models.
Impacts of Photovoltaics in Low-Voltage Distribution Networks: A Case Study in Malta
Authors: Gabdullin Yesbol , Azzopardi Brian
Published: September 2022

Photovoltaic systems (PVs) are promising low-carbon technologies playing a major role in the electricity business. In terms of voltage variation and feeder usage capacity, high PV penetration levels have significant technical implications for grid stability, particularly in Low Voltage (LV) networks. This paper presents a comprehensive PV integration analysis on real-life residential LV networks in Malta using recorded smart metering data. The methodology framework and tools developed are highlighted through step-by-step results on their usefulness. First, at the substation level, an LV network with seven LV feeders is analyzed using Monte Carlo simulations and OpenDSS. Then, Cumulative Distribution Functions (CDFs) are extracted to establish the likelihood of LV network challenges. Afterwards, 95 multi-feeder analyses assess the impact assessment on the first occurrence of LV network challenges and predominant issues. Finally, a Regression Analysis Tool, considering the regression’s standard error, is built for seven feeder characteristics to predict the impacts. The stochastic processes reveal strong relationships with feeder characteristics that are helpful for network planning and operations. However, the Maltese grid currently has less than 20% PV penetration at any LV feeder. Hence, significant technological hurdles are absent.
Construction of SNP-Based High-Density Genetic Map Using Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) and QTL Analysis of Growth Traits in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver
Authors: Liu Chenlu , Wang Lu , Lu Wenjie , Zhong Jian , Du Hongyan , Liu Panfeng , Du Qingxin , Du Lanying , Qing Jun
Published: September 2022

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (2n = 34), native to China and of a monotypic family and genus, is a multipurpose tree species with high economic, ecological, and social benefits. In this study, an F1 population of 109 progenies and tow parents were used to construct the first high-density genetic map of E. ulmoides via genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 191,095 SNPs were obtained, among which the available markers in F1 population were types “hkxhk,” “nnxnp,” and “lmxll” and the three polymorphic markers 35,699, 65,800, and 68,022, respectively. Finally, the map comprised 10,103 SNP markers distributed on 17 linkage groups (LGs) that were consisted with the chromosome haploid number in E. ulmoides (n = 17). The interval genetic map covered 90% of the E. ulmoides genomes, with total genetic distance of 4051.11 cM and average distance between markers of 0.45 cM. The length of LGs varied from 70.42 to 495.49 cM, with the mean size of 238.3 cM. On the other hand, 44 QTLs associated with growth traits were detected on LG02, LG06, LG07, LG08, and LG10, with phenotypical variance ranging from 10.0% to 14.2%. A total of 33 candidate genes were identified, and most of them were related to energy storage, signal transmission, hormones, and metabolic pathways. This study could provide a solid foundation for chromosome assembly and refinement, and the localization of growth-trait QTLs will advance the investigation of forestry breeding efforts in E. ulmoides.
Experimental Study of Beam Stability Factor of Sawn Lumber Subjected to Concentrated Bending Loads at Several Points
Authors: Bahtiar Effendi Tri , Erizal Erizal , Hermawan Dede , Nugroho Naresworo , Hidayatullah Rizky
Published: September 2022

The beam stability factor (CL) is applied in construction practices to adjust the reference bending design value (Fb) of sawn lumber to consider the lateral-torsional buckling. Bending tests were carried out on 272 specimens of four wood species, namely, red meranti (Shorea sp.), mahogany (Swietenia sp.), pine (Pinus sp.), and agathis (Agathis sp.), to analyze a simply supported beam subjected to concentrated loads at several points. The empirical CL value is a ratio of the modulus of rupture (SR) of a specimen to the average SR of the standard-size specimens. The non-linear regression estimated the Euler buckling coefficient for sawn lumber beam (KbE) in this study as 0.413, with 5% lower and 5% upper values of 0.338 and 0.488. Applying the 2.74 factor, which represents an approximately 5% lower exclusion value on the pure bending modulus of elasticity (Emin) and a factor of safety, the adjusted Euler buckling coefficient (KbE′) value for a timber beam was 1.13 (0.92–1.34), which is within the range approved by the NDS (KbE′ = 1.20). This study harmonizes the NDS design practices of CL computation with the empirical results. Because agathis has the lowest ductility (μ), most natural defects (smallest strength ratio, S), and highest E/SR ratio, the agathis beam did not twist during the bending test; instead, it failed before twisting could occur, indicating inelastic material failure. Meanwhile the other specimens (pinus, mahogany, and red meranti), which have smaller E/SR ratio, higher ductility, and less natural defects, tended to fail because of lesser beam stability. This phenomenon resulted in the CL curve of agathis being the highest among the others. The CL value is mathematically related to the beam slenderness ratio (RB) and the E/SR ratio. Because the strength ratio (S) and ductility ratio (μ) have significant inverse correlations with the E/SR ratio, they are correlated with the CL value. Applying the CL value to adjust the characteristic bending strength is safe and reliable, as less than 5% of the specimens’ SR data points lie below the curve of the adjusted characteristics values.
The Coupling Relationship between Herb Communities and Soil in a Coal Mine Reclamation Area after Different Years of Restoration
Authors: Gao Rui , Ai Ning , Liu Guangquan , Liu Changhai , Qiang Fangfang , Zhang Zhiyong , Xiang Ting , Zang Kaixuan
Published: September 2022

In a complete organic ecosystem restoration in mining areas, soil and vegetation complement and influence each other. It is of great significance to evaluate the ecological restoration effect on and ecosystem stability of the mining area, with the coupling and coordinating relationship between herb community and soil physicochemical properties after land reclamation. Therefore, this study takes Juxinlong Coal Mine in Dongsheng District of Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as the study area. The understory herbaceous plant community and soil factors with restoration time of 3 to 7 years were selected as the research objects. In addition, artificial grassland and natural restoration grassland were used as controls to investigate the species composition of herbaceous communities and soil physicochemical properties in different sites. The grey relational coupling model was adopted not only to study the relationship between herb community and soil factors but also to explore the coupling mechanism between herb community and soils’ physicochemical properties. The results included: (1) 51 herbaceous plants were investigated in the study area, among which Gramineae, Compositae, Leguminosae, and Chenopodiaceae were the primary ones, accounting for 70% of the total. (2) With the increase of restoration years, the diversity indices of understory herbaceous plants generally showed an increasing trend, but the diversity indices of understory herbaceous plants with different restoration years was smaller than that of artificial grassland. (3) The results of grey correlation analysis showed that the diversity of herbaceous plant community in the study area was closely related to soils’ available nitrogen and water content. (4) The degree of coupling and coordinating between the diversity of herbaceous plants and soils in the study area presented a trend of first increasing then decreasing during the accumulating restoration years. Among them, the degree of coupling between the diversity of understory herbaceous plants and soil system in the 5-year restoration’s sample plot (0.73) was found to be the highest, which was classified as medium coordination. The lowest coupling degree of herb diversity and soils was identified in the artificial grassland (0.51), which was light incoordination. Therefore, it is suggested that the control of water and nitrogen resources should be strengthened, the herbaceous vegetation should be reasonably selected, and the artificial tending should be carried out in the later stage of understory herbaceous vegetation construction in the study area to better promote the vegetation construction in the mining area.
Satellite-Observed Spatio-Temporal Variation in Spring Leaf Phenology of Subtropical Forests across the Nanling Mountains in Southern China over 1999–2019
Authors: Ding Chao , Huang Wenjiang , Meng Yuanyuan , Zhang Biyao
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of spatio-temporal variation in vegetation phenology is essential for understanding environmental change in mountainous regions. In recent decades, satellite remote sensing has contributed to the understanding of vegetation phenology across the globe. However, vegetation phenology in subtropical mountains remains poorly understood, despite their important ecosystem functions and services. Here, we aim to characterize the spatio-temporal pattern of the start of the growing season (SOS), a typical spring leaf phenological metric, in subtropical forests across the Nanling Mountains (108–116° E, 24–27° N) in southern China. SOS was estimated from time series of GEOV2 leaf area index (LAI) data at 1 km spatial resolution during the period 1999–2019. We observed a slightly earlier regional mean SOS in the southern of the region (24–25° N) than those in the central and northern regions. We also observed spatially varying elevation gradients of the SOS. The SOS showed a change slope of −0.2 days/year (p = 0.21) at the regional scale over 1999–2019. In addition, approximately 22% of the analyzed forested pixels experienced a significantly earlier SOS (p < 0.1). Partial correlation analysis revealed that preseason air temperature was the most responsible climate factor controlling interannual variation in SOS for this region. Furthermore, impacts of air temperature on the SOS vary with forest types, with mixed forests showing a stronger correlation between the SOS and air temperature in spring and weaker in winter than those of evergreen broadleaf forests and open forests. This suggests the complication of the role of air temperature in regulating spring leaf phenology in subtropical forests.
Generation Mechanism of Supply and Demand Gap of Forestry Carbon Sequestration Based on Evolutionary Game: Findings from China
Authors: Sun Rui , He Dayi , Yan Jingjing
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the gap between supply and demand in forestry carbon sequestration trading, an evolutionary game model of forest farmers, emission-controlled enterprises (ECEs), and the government is established, where the purchasing behavior of ECEs is divided into offsetting carbon emission and speculation in the carbon emission trade market. By sorting out the stable conditions of each equilibrium point, the causes of the gap between supply and demand are analyzed to explore the coupling mechanism between financial means and market regulation. At last, a numerical case of actual background is applied to verify the rationality of the conclusions. The study found that: (1) The combination of government financial subsidies with the market mechanism is based on subsidies to ECEs. (2) The best time for the government to reduce financial subsidies to forest farmers is when the carbon quota is tightened and more industries are included in the carbon trading system; the best time for the government to reduce subsidies to ECEs is when the carbon quota tightening policy dominates. (3) The reasons for market imbalance in the early and late stages of forestry carbon neutralization mechanism development are different.
Reducing Global Warming Potential Impact of Bio-Based Composites Based of LCA
Authors: Seile Arta , Spurina Ella , Sinka Maris
Published: September 2022

The view towards a sustainable bioeconomy is increasing the interest of using renewable natural resources in the production of composites. Until now, the production of sustainable composites has been mainly examined from the point of view of material composition and structure, by replacing petroleum-based components with those that are obtained from renewable resources known as natural fiber composites (NFCs). The usefulness of newly acquired materials is mostly evaluated considering their performance and economic costs, whereas the aspect of environmental protection is underestimated. The impact of composites that are made from renewable resources is examined within the two parts of this study—the first part compares different nitrogen (N) fertilization scenarios for plant origin (hemp and flax) fibers. When compared, hemp crops show higher CO2 accumulation, (−1.57 kg CO2 eq) than flax (−1.27 kg CO2 eq). In addition, the environmental impact of both fiber types is compared to polyamide composites, one of the traditionally used materials in the automotive industry in the second part of this study. According to the conducted life cycle assessment, Flax/PLA emits 1.19 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite, Hemp/PLA 1.7 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite, and PA66/GF 9.14 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite. After the comparison, it was concluded that bio-based composites are able to ensure lower CO2 emissions, because CO2 is accumulated and stored in the fibers, however the traditionally used composites are able to provide a lower impact in other environmental categories.
Physicochemical Characterization of Interactions between Blueberry Polyphenols and Food Proteins from Dairy and Plant Sources
Authors: Chima Bianca , Mathews Paul , Morgan Scott , Johnson Sarah A. , Van Buiten Charlene B.
Published: September 2022

Polyphenols are widely known for their benefits to human health; however, dietary intake of this class of compounds is low in the United States due to low intake of fruits and vegetables. Dairy foods (i.e., milk, yogurt) have been shown to increase polyphenol bioavailability via protein–polyphenol interactions, which may have important implications for human health. Increasing consumer interest in sustainability and health has led to the introduction of a variety of novel plant-based proteins and related food products as dairy alternatives. This study compared whey, a popular dairy-based food protein, to pea and hemp proteins for their abilities to form complexes with polyphenols from blueberries, which are a widely consumed fruit in the US with demonstrated health effects. Physical and chemical characteristics of each protein extract in the presence and absence of blueberry polyphenols were investigated using a variety of spectroscopic methods. The influence of polyphenol complexation on protein digestion was also assessed in vitro. While all proteins formed complexes with blueberry polyphenols, the hemp and pea proteins demonstrated greater polyphenol binding affinities than whey, which may be due to observed differences in protein secondary structure. Polyphenol addition did not affect the digestion of any protein studied. Solution pH appeared to play a role in protein–polyphenol complex formation, which suggests that the effects observed in this model food system may differ from food systems designed to mimic other food products, such as plant-based yogurts. This study provides a foundation for exploring the effects of plant-based proteins on phytochemical functionality in complex, “whole food” matrices, and supports the development of plant-based dairy analogs aimed at increasing polyphenol stability and bioavailability.
Assessing Dietary Intakes from Household Budget Survey in Armenia, 2008–2019
Authors: Stepanyan Seda , Pipoyan Davit , Beglaryan Meline , Merendino Nicolò
Published: September 2022

Household budget surveys are used regularly to estimate dietary intakes. The study aims to assess the trends in food consumption and nutrient intake, according to 14 dietary indicators from household budget surveys in Armenia. Data on food consumption was obtained from Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Surveys, 2008–2019. The results indicate that the consumption of all types of foods, including plant-origin has decreased, whereas the consumption of foods of animal origin has mostly stayed stable. Over time, the energy and macronutrient intakes of Armenians have decreased, while the contribution of each food group to total energy and nutrient intake has not changed. More than 50% of total energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake is attributable to cereals and bakery products. The population is characterized by macronutrient variations; the amounts of energy and carbohydrate intake are below the recommended values set by WHO/FAO, total fat intake is at the highest recommended level, while the amount of protein exceeds the threshold. Based on the findings there is an urgent need to increase awareness of nutritional requirements and a need to change widespread dietary practices, such as irregular meal intake and omission of breakfast.
Recent Developments in Autism Genetic Research: A Scientometric Review from 2018 to 2022
Authors: Lim Mengyu , Carollo Alessandro , Dimitriou Dagmara , Esposito Gianluca
Published: September 2022

Genetic research in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has progressed tremendously in recent decades. Dozens of genetic loci and hundreds of alterations in the genetic sequence, expression, epigenetic transformation, and interactions with other physiological and environmental systems have been found to increase the likelihood of developing ASD. There is therefore a need to represent this wide-ranging yet voluminous body of literature in a systematic manner so that this information can be synthesised and understood at a macro level. Therefore, this study made use of scientometric methods, particularly document co-citation analysis (DCA), to systematically review literature on ASD genetic research from 2018 to 2022. A total of 14,818 articles were extracted from Scopus and analyzed with CiteSpace. An optimized DCA analysis revealed that recent literature on ASD genetic research can be broadly organised into 12 major clusters representing various sub-topics. These clusters are briefly described in the manuscript and potential applications of this study are discussed.
Effects of Heat Stress on Motion Characteristics and Metabolomic Profiles of Boar Spermatozoa
Authors: Sui Heming , Wang Shiqi , Liu Gang , Meng Fei , Cao Zubing , Zhang Yunhai
Published: September 2022

Heat stress (HS) commonly causes boar infertility and economic loss in the swine industry. The heat tolerance of boar semen presents obvious differences among individuals. However, whether heat stress affects motion characteristics and the metabolome profile in boar sperm remains unclear. In this study, the kinetic features of sperm from HS and non-HS (NHS) groups were detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis, and metabolomic profiling was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that heat stress significantly reduced sperm motility, average path distance (APD), straight-line velocity (VSL), straightness (STR), and linearity (LIN) (p < 0.05). A total of 528 and 194 metabolites in sperm were identified in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Lipids and lipid-like molecules, and organic acids and derivatives were major metabolic classes in the two modes. Furthermore, we separately identified 163 and 171 differential metabolites in the two modes between HS and NHS groups. Clustering analysis further revealed significant metabolic changes in sperm after heat stress. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differential metabolites in the two modes were enriched in glycerophospholipid, choline, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate and lysine metabolism. Taken together, these results demonstrate that heat stress can alter the motion characteristics and metabolomic profiles of boar sperm.
A Transformation and Genome Editing System for Cassava Cultivar SC8
Authors: Wang Ya-Jie , Lu Xiao-Hua , Zhen Xing-Hou , Yang Hui , Che Yan-Nian , Hou Jing-Yi , Geng Meng-Ting , Liu Jiao , Hu Xin-Wen , Li Rui-Mei , Guo Jian-Chun , Yao Yuan
Published: September 2022

Cassava starch is a widely used raw material for industrial production. South Chinese cassava cultivar 8 (Manihot esculenta Crantz cv. SC8) is one of the main locally planted cultivars. In this study, an efficient transformation system for cassava SC8 mediated with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 was presented for the first time. Cassava friable embryogenic calli (FECs) were transformed through the binary vector pCAMBIA1304 harboring GUS- and GFP-fused genes driven by the CaMV35S promoter. The transformation efficiency was increased in the conditions of Agrobacterium strain cell infection density (OD600 = 0.65), 250 µM acetosyringone induction, and agro-cultivation with wet FECs for 3 days in dark. Based on the optimized transformation protocol, approximately 120–140 independent transgenic lines per mL settled cell volume (SCV) of FECs were created by gene transformation in approximately 5 months, and 45.83% homozygous mono-allelic mutations of the MePDS gene with a YAO promoter-driven CRISPR/Cas9 system were generated. This study will open a more functional avenue for the genetic improvement of cassava SC8.
Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization of Leptospira spp. in Rats Captured near Pig Farms in Colombia
Authors: López-Osorio Sara , Molano Diego A. , López-Arias Anderson , Rodríguez-Osorio Nélida , Zambrano Corina , Chaparro-Gutiérrez Jenny J.
Published: September 2022

Gram-negative spirochete Leptospira spp. causes leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is still a neglected disease, even though it can cause potentially fatal infections in a variety of species including humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in pig farm captured rodents and characterize the isolated samples. Rats were captured, sampled, and euthanized in the vicinity of pig farms to obtain serum for microagglutination tests (MAT) and kidney tissues for PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA and LipL32 genes. A fraction of the 16S rRNA PCR product was sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. The results showed a Leptospira seroprevalence of 13.8% (77/555) among the 555 captured rats. PCR positivity for Leptospira spp. reached 31.2% (156/500), and the positivity for pathogenic Leptospira spp. was 4% (22/500). Phylogenetic analysis matched eight samples with L. interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae and two with L. interrogans serovar pyrogenes. Two sequences were located within the pathogenic Leptospira clade but did not match with any specific strain. The seroprevalence found in the rats around swine farms indicates a potential risk of transmission to the pigs. The identification of pathogenic Leptospira outlines the importance of more research as well as updating the current strategies for the diagnosis, control, and prevention of porcine leptospirosis in Colombia.
The Impacts of COVID-19 Shock on Intergenerational Income Mobility: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Shiqi , Qi Lingli , Lin Xinyue
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 crisis has caused a huge negative shock to economic activities worldwide, leading to a reduction in income and changes in income distribution. Intergenerational mobility is an important indicator of sustainable social development. This paper explores the short-term impacts of the sudden COVID-19 pandemic on intergenerational income mobility and personal income in China. Using the variation in the number of confirmed cases across provinces, we construct a province-level pandemic intensity index and combine it with individual data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). We apply a general difference-in-difference strategy to identify the causal effect of the pandemic on intergenerational income mobility. We find that personal income is positively related to parental income, and that the COVID-19 crisis has caused a decline in individual income and exacerbated intergenerational income persistence. A more intense COVID-19 pandemic shock is associated with a larger increase in intergenerational income elasticity and intergenerational income rank–rank slope. We found that with one standard deviation increase in local pandemic intensity, the intergenerational income elasticity increases by 0.315 and the intergenerational income rank–rank slope increases by 0.198 on average. The mechanism testing suggests that heterogeneous effects among different groups are the force underlying the results. Low-income, low-skilled, and low-parental-income individuals have suffered a more severe impact from the pandemic shock.
Formative Qualitative Research: Design Considerations for a Self-Directed Lifestyle Intervention for Type-2 Diabetes Patients Using Human-Centered Design Principles in Benin
Authors: Alaofè Halimatou , Okechukwu Abidemi , Yeo Sarah , Magrath Priscilla , Amoussa Hounkpatin Waliou , Ehiri John , Rosales Cecilia
Published: September 2022

Given the burgeoning prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) in Benin and other sub-Saharan countries, tailored diabetes self-management interventions are urgently needed. Human-centered designs can be useful for identifying beneficiaries’ needs while keeping in mind feasibility and viability in a given context. Therefore, this study examined the acceptability and community perceptions of a self-directed lifestyle program for T2D patients in Cotonou, southern Benin. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FDGs) with T2D patients (n = 3; 32 participants), academic partners (n = 2; 16 participants), and community partners (n = 2; 12 participants). All FDG sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed from French into English verbatim, and analyzed using MAXQDA 2020. Most participants found the program to be useful and feasible. However, they preferred pictorial brochures as training materials and suggested community health workers as facilitators, assisted by clinicians or dietitians. They recommended community-based delivery mechanisms and mobile applications like WhatsApp to enhance patient adherence. Participants’ characteristics, tangible health benefits, incentives, and simple curriculums were cited as critical to program feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability. This study provides a deeper understanding of potential diabetes self-management participants’ needs and concerns. Moreover, it highlights the need to consider key stakeholders’ needs and voices for effective intervention.
The Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity and Sport for Oceania with Non-European, Non-Asian (ONENA) Ancestry Children and Adolescents: A Mixed Studies Systematic Review
Authors: Peralta Louisa R. , Cinelli Renata L. , Cotton Wayne , Morris Sarah , Galy Olivier , Caillaud Corinne
Published: September 2022

Background: Participation in sport and physical activity (PA) leads to better overall health, increased life expectancy, and decreased mortality rates across the lifespan; however, there may be a range of individual, family, and community factors that influence PA participation among ONENA children and adolescents residing in the 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT) and Australia. This review aimed to synthesise existing quantitative and qualitative literature regarding barriers to and facilitators of PA and sport among ONENA youth. Methods: The literature was systematically searched to include studies reporting barriers to and facilitators of PA and sports participation among ONENA children and adolescents aged 0–18 years residing in the 22 PICT and Australia. Using a pre-established taxonomy based on the social-ecological model, a deductive analysis was performed. Quality appraisal was performed using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Results: Of 1388 articles, 14 studies were included, with 128 ONENA children and adolescent participants across the four qualitative studies; 156,581 ONENA children and adolescents across the seven quantitative studies; 801 parents, children, and adolescents in one quantitative study; and 642 parents in two quantitative studies. Of the 14 included studies, none were based in Australia and only 10 of the 22 PICT were reported as the participants’ residence: Palau, New Zealand, Tonga, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Four studies reported barriers, and another four studies reported facilitators of PA and sport, with the remaining studies reporting both barriers and facilitators. Overall, there were more barriers reported (30 in total) than facilitators (27 in total). Conclusions: Research in this area is lacking, with ONENA youth living in Australia and 12 PICT not represented. Overall, there were a larger number of facilitators experienced at individual and interpersonal levels, while barriers were highest at the community level, with the policy level having facilitators and barriers equally represented. Programs that offer PA and sport participation options with embedded SDT-informed strategies for all family members; that are accessible through existing transport and related social, cultural, and physical infrastructure; and that are committed to communities through formal co-design partnerships are needed, to enhance the PA and sport participation of ONENA youth residing in PICT.
Wapekeka’s COVID-19 Response: A Local Response to a Global Pandemic
Authors: Loukes Keira A. , Anderson Stan , Beardy Jonas , Rondeau Mayhève Clara , Robidoux Michael A.
Published: September 2022

Two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nations and communities continue to grapple with waves of infection and social fallout from pandemic fatigue and frustration. While we are still years away from realizing the full impacts of COVID-19, reflecting on our collective responses has offered some insights into the impact that various public health policies and decisions had on nations’ abilities to weather the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic. Widely believed to have the potential to be devastated by COVID-19, many Indigenous communities in Canada were extremely successful in managing outbreaks. This paper outlines one such example, Wapekeka First Nation, and the community’s formidable response to the pandemic with a specific focus on food mobilization efforts. Built on over a decade of community-based participatory action research and informed by six interviews with key pandemic leaders in the community, this paper, co-led by two community hunters and band council members, emphasizes the various decisions and initiatives that led to Wapekeka’s successful pandemic response. Proactive leadership, along with strong traditional harvesting and processing efforts, helped to take care of the community while they remained strictly isolated from virus exposure.
A Systematic Review of Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use: Implications for Policy, Service Delivery and Individuals
Authors: Allan Julaine , Cameron Jacqui , Bruno Juliana
Published: September 2022

Background: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a dissociative anaesthetic that is sometimes used recreationally. The prevalence of N2O use is difficult to quantify but appears to be increasing. Research on N2O harms and application of harm reduction strategies are limited. The aim of this mixed method systematic review was to collate and synthesise the disparate body of research on recreational nitrous oxide use to inform harm reduction approaches tailored for young people. Methods: To identify publications reporting the recreational use of N2O, a search of public health, psychology and social science databases was conducted. Databases included PubMed, CIHNAL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Grey literature and Google advanced search were also used. Due to limited published literature on the recreational use of N2O, no limit was placed on publication date or study type. A thematic synthesis extracted descriptive and analytical themes from the selected studies. Quality appraisal was conducted using the CASP Tool for Qualitative studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute case report assessment tool. Results: The search retrieved 407 reports. Thirty-four were included in the final analysis, including sixteen case reports. The included studies were primarily concerned with raising awareness of the apparently increasing use and subsequently increasing harms of recreational N2O use. There was limited reference to policy or legislative responses in any published studies, no suggestions for harm reduction strategies or application of service level responses. In general, individuals lack awareness of N2O-related harms. Conclusion: The review found three key areas that deserve further consideration including: (1) policy, (2) service delivery, and (3) harm associated with N2O use. We recommend a top–down (policy) and bottom–up (services delivery/services users) approach to harm reduction for N2O use which also includes further consultation and research with both groups. Future research could explore young people’s experience of N2O use including benefits and problems to inform contextually relevant harm reduction strategies.
Multifaceted Work-to-Life Negative Spillover and Depressive Symptoms among Working Women: The Moderating Effect of Social Activities Satisfaction
Authors: Nam Jeong-Hyun , Nam Soo-Hyun
Published: September 2022

This study aims to examine how work-to-life negative spillover is associated with depressive symptoms among working women and to explore moderating effect of social activities satisfaction on the relationship between work-to-life spillover and depression. This was a secondary data analysis from a sample of 2869 employed women from the 7th Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. The results showed that work-to-life negative spillover was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Additionally, there was a significant moderating effect of social activities satisfaction on the relationship between work-to-life negative spillover and depressive symptoms (β = 0.176, p < 0.05). It was found that the low social activity group showed fewer depressive symptoms induced by the negative work-to-life spillover than the high social activity group. Based on the results of our study, effective strategies and policies for work-family compatibility and interventions aimed at reducing the work induced stress and depressive symptoms are recommended.
Exploring Tourism Efficiency and Its Drivers to Understand the Backwardness of the Tourism Industry in Gansu, China
Authors: Xue Dan , Li Xianzong , Ahmad Fayyaz , Abid Nabila , Mushtaq Zulqarnain
Published: September 2022

Gansu Province is rich in tourism resources, and it is the hometown of the “copper galloping horse”, which is the logo of China’s tourism. However, the scale and revenues of tourism in Gansu province are still at a low level. This paper first evaluated the tourism efficiency of 14 cities and prefectures of Gansu Province in China from 2011 to 2019 using the super-slack-based measure (Super-SBM) and then investigated the internal driving mechanism of the efficiency change through the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index and its decomposition, and finally analyzed the external influencing elements of tourist efficiency by the Tobit model. The results revealed that the tourism efficiency of Gansu Province had increased rapidly during the study period, especially after 2016, the rising range increased. From 2011 to 2019, the cumulative changes in GML index, technological change (TC), and efficiency change (EC) of tourism efficiency in Gansu Province were 5.053, 4.145 and 1.160, respectively, indicating that the improvement of tourism efficiency in Gansu province is mainly due to technological progress. The regression results of the Tobit model show that the status of the tourism industry, trade openness, information level, and technological innovation level can significantly promote tourism efficiency in the province. At the same time, upgrading the industrial structure and the improvement of greening coverage inhibit tourism efficiency. However, the impact of the economic development level on the tourism efficiency of Gansu Province is not apparent. According to the research results, this paper puts forward corresponding suggestions to promote the development of tourism in Gansu Province. This study is crucial for hospitality, tourism, and policy sectors to understand the underlying factors and promote the healthy development of the tourism industry in Gansu Province.
Potential Impacts of Different Occupational Outdoor Heat Exposure Thresholds among Washington State Crop and Construction Workers and Implications for Other Jurisdictions
Authors: Flunker John C. , Zuidema Christopher , Jung Jihoon , Kasner Edward , Cohen Martin , Seto Edmund , Austin Elena , Spector June T.
Published: September 2022

Occupational heat exposure is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among outdoor workers. We sought to descriptively evaluate spatiotemporal variability in heat threshold exceedances and describe potential impacts of these exposures for crop and construction workers. We also present general considerations for approaching heat policy-relevant analyses. We analyzed county-level 2011–2020 monthly employment (Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages) and environmental exposure (Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM)) data for Washington State (WA), USA, crop (North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 111 and 1151) and construction (NAICS 23) sectors. Days exceeding maximum daily temperature thresholds, averaged per county, were linked with employment estimates to generate employment days of exceedances. We found spatiotemporal variability in WA temperature threshold exceedances and crop and construction employment. Maximum temperature exceedances peaked in July and August and were most numerous in Central WA counties. Counties with high employment and/or high numbers of threshold exceedance days, led by Yakima and King Counties, experienced the greatest total employment days of exceedances. Crop employment contributed to the largest proportion of total state-wide employment days of exceedances with Central WA counties experiencing the greatest potential workforce burden of exposure. Considerations from this analysis can help inform decision-making regarding thresholds, timing of provisions for heat rules, and tailoring of best practices in different industries and areas.
Cyberbullying Characteristics and Prevention—What Can We Learn from Narratives Provided by Adolescents and Their Teachers?
Authors: Pyżalski Jacek , Plichta Piotr , Szuster Anna , Barlińska Julia
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this article is to present the results of the study on the specific aspects of cyberbullying and prevention measures viewed from both the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. Cyberbullying is a severe threat to the individual and social well-being of young people. For this reason, it is important to understand how they perceive the phenomenon of cyberbullying, how they identify its causes, what they think about support, and the preventive measures offered through the lens of their own cyberbullying experiences. The study was conducted in a qualitative research paradigm. Students (N = 55) aged 13–16 from 25 junior high schools located in different regions of (blinded for the review) who had experienced cyberbullying incidents as victims, perpetrators, or bystanders, and their teachers (N = 45) were interviewed. They provided in-depth answers regarding cyberbullying incidents they had experienced and presented their attitudes and interpretations concerning those cases. The raw data were analysed by competent judges who defined a posteriori important categories that were useful for understanding the psychosocial mechanisms of cyberbullying and important dimensions of its prevention. The results proved a clear connection between participation in offline and online peer violence. The analysis of the statements showed that public/private types of cyberbullying involve different psychological and social mechanisms. Our findings confirm the importance of empathy as the buffering factor in cyberbullying perpetration. In addition, the limitations and inadequacy of the support and interventions offered by adults in cyberbullying cases have been emphasised in teens’ testimonies. The results may constitute grounds for formulating recommendations on the prevention of cyberbullying in the school context, taking into account the perspective of all actors involved.
Road Intersection Recognition via Combining Classification Model and Clustering Algorithm Based on GPS Data
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Qing Rutian , Zhao Yijiang , Liao Zhuhua
Published: September 2022

Road intersections are essential to road networks. How to precisely recognize road intersections based on GPS data is still challenging in intelligent transportation systems. Road intersection recognition involves detecting intersections and recognizing its scope. There are few works on intersections’ scope recognition. The existing methods always focus on road intersection detection. It includes two parts: one is selecting turning points from GPS data and extracting their geometric features, another is clustering them into center coordinates of road intersections. However, the accuracy of road intersection detection still has improvement room due to two drawbacks: (1) Besides geometric features, spatial features explored from GPS data and the interactions among all features are also important to represent intersections’ semantics more accurately, and (2) How to capture the points around intersections for clustering has great impact on the accuracy of intersection detection. To solve the preceding problems, we propose a novel approach for road intersection recognition via combining a classification model and clustering algorithm based on GPS data, which involves detecting the center coordinate and computing the radius of the intersection. Firstly, we distil geometric features and spatial features from historical GPS points. These features are inputted into the Extreme Deep Factorization Machine (xDeepFM) model which is applied for capturing the GPS points nearby road intersections. Secondly, the preceding points are clustered into center coordinates of road intersections by the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise algorithm (DBSCAN). Thirdly, we present a new method of radius computing by integrating Delaunay triangulation with circle shape structure. Experiments are carried out on the GPS data of Chengdu, China. Compared with some state-of-the-art methods, our approach achieves higher accuracy on road intersection recognition based on GPS data. The precision, recall, and f-measure of our proposed center coordinates detection method are respectively 99.0%, 92.7%, and 95.8% when the matching area’s radius is 30 m. Moreover, the error of the proposed radius calculation method is less than 26.5%.