bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of internet usage on the mental health of older adults in China: empirical analysis from a multi-dimensional perspective
Authors: Lu Wanjun
Published: September 2024

Background

The process of population aging in China is currently undergoing rapid acceleration. Simultaneously, the swift advancement of digitalization is fundamentally transforming individuals’ lifestyles. The usage of the internet and mobile internet tools by the older adults population is relatively inadequate. The issue of digital exclusion and its impact on the life quality of the older adult population has received significant attention.

Objective

This study utilized microdata from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2020) to empirically investigate the impact of internet usage on the mental health of older adult individuals. The depression index was utilized to assess the mental health, while four variables were employed to evaluate internet usage among the older adults in this study.

Methods

The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in CHARLS data was used to measure the depression index of older adults. Four variables including usage of internet, usage of WeChat, usage of WeChat moments and usage of mobile payment were used to represent the internet use of older adults, and there was progressive relationship between these four variables. In the empirical study, multiple regression analysis was adopted to empirically analysis the impact of internet usage on the mental health of older adults. In order to reduce the influence of endogenous problems on regression results, the propensity score matching method was used to verify the validity and robustness of regression results.

Results

(1) Internet usage can significantly reduce the psychological depression of older adults and promote the formation of positive psychology; (2) With the increase of the depth of internet usage, especially the use of mobile internet and mobile payment, the internet use will have greater improvement effect on the depression; (3) The heterogeneity test found that there were certain differences in the impact of internet usage on different older adult groups; (4) Through a step-by-step analysis of 10 sub-indicators of depression index, the study found that Internet use mainly affected four indicators: “life hope,” “happiness,” “loneliness” and “life confidence,” while demonstrating no significant effect on other sub-indicators.

Conclusion

According to the research, internet usage can significantly reduce the psychological depression index of the older adults and promote the formation of positive psychology. In China, digital exclusion is more prevalent in rural areas and among the less educated older adults. Public policies can be formulated to enhance internet adoption among these older adults population.
A longitudinal mixed methods evaluation of a facilitation training intervention to build implementation capacity
Authors: Costea Veronica-Aurelia , Bäck Annika , Bergström Anna , Lundin Andreas , Hasson Henna , Eriksson Leif
Published: September 2024

Background

There is a demand for facilitators who can ease the collaboration within a team or an organization in the implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and who are positioned to build the implementation capacity in an organization. This study aimed to evaluate the results the Building implementation capacity for facilitation (BIC-F) intervention had on the participants' perceived knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy to facilitate implementation and the normalization of a systematic implementation model into their work routines, and its use into their respective organizations.

Methods

The BIC-F intervention was delivered to 37 facilitators in six workshops, which focused on teaching participants to apply a systematic implementation model and various facilitation tools and strategies. A longitudinal mixed methods design was used to evaluate the intervention. Data was collected pre- and post-intervention using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews grounded on the Normalization Process Theory (NPT). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive (mean, SD) and inferential (paired t-tests) methods. Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive content analysis according to NPT.

Results

An increase in the participants' perceived knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy was observed post-intervention. Normalization of the systematic implementation model in the participants' work routines was in an early phase, facilitated by high coherence, however, other NPT mechanisms were not sufficiently activated yet to contribute to full normalization. In the organizations where participants initiated the normalization process, they were still working towards achieving coherence and cognitive participation among relevant stakeholders.

Conclusion

The intervention had positive results on the participants' perceived knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy and these recognized the value of a systematic implementation model for their practice. However, further efforts are needed to apply it consistently as a part of their work routines and in the organization. Future interventions should provide long-term support for facilitators, and include methods to transfer training between organizational levels and to overcome contextual barriers.
Height of the first-person perspective affects the out-of-body experience illusion
Authors: Toi Chiharu , Ishiguchi Akira , Imaizumi Shu
Published: September 2024

Bodily illusions have been used to investigate one’s sense of self and body ownership. This study explored the effect of the height of the first-person perspective (1PP) on out-of-body experience (OBE) illusion in which participants see their backs through a head-mounted display, receive visuo-tactile stimulation, and gradually feel as if they are sitting behind themselves, experiencing a sensation similar to an OBE. We hypothesized that increasing or decreasing the height of the 1PP would induce the OBE illusion at all heights and that participants’ perceived own heights would adjust according to the 1PP height. We also predicted that the size and distance of external objects would vary according to the perceived height of one’s own body. The results revealed that the OBE illusion occurred at all 1PP heights and was stronger when the 1PP height was lower or higher than usual. Meanwhile, the participants’ perceived own heights, the sizes and distances of external objects did not change. These results suggest that manipulating the 1PP may affect the magnitude of the OBE illusion, but not the perception of the dimensions of the self or external objects. The height of 1PP may be one of the important factors in the bodily illusion.
Polyhalite improves growth, yield, and quality and reduces insect pest incidence in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in the semiarid tropics
Authors: Bhatt Rajan , Imas Patricia , Perelman Adi , Verma Krishan K. , Al-Shuraym Laila A. , Sayed Samy , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In semiarid tropical locations, polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4H2O) and muriate potash (KCl) were tested for their ability to increase cane growth, yield, and recovery at potash (K)- and calcium (Ca)-deficient sites.

Methods

The treatments involved control plots with no potash fertilizer (T1); T2 and T3 applied potassium through (muriate potash) MOP only at 80 and 120 kg K2O ha−1, whereas T4 and T5 applied potassium with half of MOP and polyhalite at 80 and 120 kg K2O ha−1, respectively.

Results and discussion

At 35 days after harvest (DAH), T2 (10.82%), T3 (24.1%), T4 (34.9%), and T5 (34.9%) had a greater ratoon resprouting rate than did the control treatment, where it was just 37.0 out of 100 harvested canes. At 308 DAH, T2 (−5.9%), T3 (−5.7%), and T5 (−6.6%) presented greater leaf chlorophyll contents than did T1. The K-fertilized plots yielded 64.31 t ha−1 in T2 and 65.97 t ha−1 in T5, whereas the control plot yielded 61.5 t ha−1. Compared with the control plots, the T5 plots experienced fewer stalk borer (−28.6%), top borer (−23.3%), and early shoot borer (−23.3%) attacks. T2, T4, and T5 presented higher percentages of commercial cane sugar (CCS) (6.82, 8.83, and 8.74%, respectively) than did the control plots. T1 and T3 had similar CCSs (10.99 and 11.33%, respectively). The CCS weight per area ranged from 7.98 to 8.47 t ha−1 near maturity. T4 (8.59 t ha−1) and T5 (8.60 t ha−1) had significantly greater values than did T1–T3. Compared with the control, the applied potassium fertilizer increased the economic output by 8,711, 11,687, 13,485, and 13,857 INR ha−1 in the T2, T3, T4, and T5 plots, respectively. The higher cost of polyhalite than MOP has reduced its economic advantages. Thus, the T4 plots outperformed the other treatments in terms of growth, yield, and quality indices, but their higher values (120 kg K2O ha−1) were statistically equivalent.

Conclusion

Finally, the study concluded that MOP and polyhalite at a 50% ratio of 80 kg K2O ha−1 may help improve sugarcane growth, yield, and quality in semiarid tropical locations.
Socio-economic advantages and climate adaptation in sustainable vs. conventional cotton: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Mehmood Hafiz Zahid , S-Alotibi Yahya , Ali Ahsan , Ali Asghar , Ali Shoukat , Muzamil Muhammad Rafay , Shah Syed Imran Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.
Cookie dough functional properties of partially replaced all-purpose wheat flour with powdered fruit skins and the hedonic perception of the resulting cookies
Authors: Al-Marazeeq Khaled , Saleh Mohammed , Angor Malak , Lee Youngseung
Published: September 2024

Objective

Investigating the functional properties of treated flour composites derived from fruit by-products of avocado (Persea americana), kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) skins, peels, and/or seeds combined, aiming to understand their stability and potential applications in food products.

Methods

Fruit by-product flours were used to replace all-purpose wheat flour in ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The treated flours were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and used in cookie preparation, with 100% all-purpose wheat flour as the control.

Results

The water holding capacity (WHC) of composite flours increased with higher substitution levels, regardless of the holding temperature (25, 35, 45, and 55°C), with the most significant increase observed in pomegranate treatments. Furthermore, freeze–thaw stability and viscoelasticity characteristics generally decreased for all composite flours compared to the control, likely due to gluten content dilution. The activation energy of the treated flours ranged from 11.1 to 62.0 kJ/mol. Therefore, gelatinization properties, formulation, and processing were affected by temperature variations due to viscosity dependence and activation energy requirements. Consumer testing indicated that cookies made with fruit by-product flours had an acceptable overall liking score of more than 6 out of 9.

Conclusion

Overall, the results suggest that utilizing fruit by-products for treated flours can offer valuable natural sources of nutrients with enhanced functional properties, highlighting potential benefits for various food products.
Gravity Model and International Trade: A Survey of the Literature
Authors: Leitão Nuno Carlos
Published: September 2024

The gravity model, which is applied to international trade, explains the conceptual models of international business. It has been used in various areas of the global economy, such as trade, foreign direct investment, and even the determinants of tourist demand at the level of countries and sectors of economic activity. In terms of the methodology, this study of the gravity model followed the PRISMA requirements and bibliometric analysis (co-occurrence of keywords and network of co-authorship), which were applied to the Scopus database. In terms of the results, economic, geographical distance, and location variables are essential in explaining international trade.
Common Causes for Veterinary Visits among Australian Wildlife
Authors: Gårdebäck Agnes , Joäng Maja , Andersson Maria
Published: September 2024

Human activities in Australia frequently harm wildlife in their natural environments. Veterinary hospitals play an important role in treating individual animals and safeguarding threatened species. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of wildlife patients admitted to veterinary hospitals in Australia. Data from two wildlife hospitals situated in the southeast region of Australia was used to analyse the characteristics of wildlife patients. Avian species constitute the predominant category of wildlife patients admitted to these hospitals (54% and 60%, respectively). However, a large seasonal variation was observed for all types of animals. Traumatic injuries represent the foremost cause for admission for all types of animals; however, reptiles (62%) and birds (56%) were overrepresented in the category. Car collisions emerging as the most frequently encountered source of trauma. Moreover, the study reveals a notable mortality rate in admitted patients, approximately 50%, with an unfavourable prognosis for patients admitted due to trauma or disease. In conclusion, wildlife rehabilitation clearly presents a number of challenges. We recommend limiting rehabilitation patients, especially orphans and those not needing veterinary care, to focus resources on animals in real need. This could improve care quality, conserve resources, and enhance survival and release rates.
Association between Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Mortality from Cardiovascular Diseases in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Bayart Nandin-Erdene , Rumchev Krassi , Reid Christopher M. , Nyadanu Sylvester Dodzi , Pereira Gavin
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death globally, and a major contributor to CVD mortality is ambient air pollution (AAP). This study aimed to evaluate associations between AAP and mortality from CVD, including ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and strokes. Data on daily mortality records, six criteria AAP and meteorology in the capital city of Mongolia were collected between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was analysed with distributed lag conditional Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk of CVD mortality. We found that for each interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 pollutants, the risk of CVD mortality increased by 1.5% (RR = 1.015; 95% CI: 1.005, 1.025), 4.4% (RR = 1.044; 95% CI: 1.029, 1.059), 3.1% (RR = 1.033; 95% CI: 1.015, 1.047) and 4.8% (RR = 1.048; 95% CI: 1.013, 1.085) at lag01, respectively. The association between all pollutants, except O3, and CVD mortality was higher in subgroups ≥ 65 years and male, during the cold season and after using a new type of coal briquettes. Despite using the new type of coal briquettes, Ulaanbaatar’s ambient air pollution remained higher than the WHO’s guidelines. Based on our findings, we recommend that efforts should be focused on adopting more efficient strategies to reduce the current pollution level.
Climate Classification in the Canadian Prairie Provinces Using Day-to-Day Thermal Variability Metrics
Authors: Gough William A. , Li Zhihui
Published: September 2024

The data from thirty-one climate stations in the Canadian Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are analyzed using a number of day-to-day thermal variability metrics. These are used to classify each climate station location using a decision tree developed previously. This is the first application of the decision tree to identify stations as having rural, urban, peri-urban, marine, island, airport, or mountain climates. Of the thirty-one, eighteen were identified as peri-urban, with fourteen of these being airports; six were identified as marine or island; four were identified as rural; one as urban was identified; and two were identified as mountain. The two climate stations at Churchill, Manitoba, located near the shores of Hudson Bay, were initially identified as peri-urban. This was re-assessed after adjusting the number of “winter” months used in the metric for identifying marine and island climates (which, for all other analyses, excluded only December, January, and February). For Churchill, to match the sea ice season, the months of November, March, April, and May were also excluded. Then, a strong marine signal was found for both stations. There is a potential to use these thermal metrics to create a sea ice climatology in Hudson Bay, particularly for pre-satellite reconnaissance (1971). Lake Louise and Banff, Alberta, are the first mountain stations to be identified as such outside of British Columbia. Five airport/non-airport pairs are examined to explore the difference between an airport site and a local site uninfluenced by the airport. In two cases, the expected outcome was not realized through the decision tree analysis. Both Jasper and Edmonton Stony Plain were classified as peri-urban. These two locations illustrated the influence of proximity to large highways. In both cases the expected outcome was replaced by peri-urban, reflective of the localized impact of the major highway. This was illustrated in both cases using a time series of the peri-urban metric before and after major highway development, which had statistically significant differences. This speaks to the importance of setting climate stations appropriately away from confounding influences. It also suggests additional metrics to assess the environmental consistency of climate time series.
Assessment of Numerical Forecasts for Hub-Height Wind Resource Parameters during an Episode of Significant Wind Speed Fluctuations
Authors: Mo Jingyue , Shen Yanbo , Yuan Bin , Li Muyuan , Ding Chenchen , Jia Beixi , Ye Dong , Wang Dan
Published: September 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of four scenario experiments using the CMA_WSP, WRF, and WRF_FITCH models to enhance forecasts of hub-height wind speeds at multiple wind farms in Northern China, particularly under significant wind speed fluctuations during high wind conditions. The experiments apply various wind speed calculation methods, including the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (ST) and wind farm parameterization (WFP), within a 9 km resolution framework. Data from four geographically distinct stations were analyzed to assess their forecast accuracy over a 72 h period, focusing on the transitional wind events characterized by substantial fluctuations. The CMA_WSP model with the ST method (CMOST) achieved the highest scores across the evaluation metrics. Meanwhile, the WRF_FITCH model with the WFP method (FETA) demonstrated superior performance to the other WRF models, achieving the lowest RMSE and a greater stability. Nevertheless, all models encountered difficulties in predicting the exact timing of extreme wind events. This study also explores the effects of these methods on the wind power density (WPD) distribution, emphasizing the boundary layer’s influence at the hub-heighthub-height of 85 m. This influence leads to significant variations in the central and coastal regions. In contrast to other methods that account for the comprehensive effects of the entire boundary layer, the ST method primarily relies on the near-surface 10 m wind speed to calculate the hub-height wind speed. These findings provide important insights for enhancing wind speed and WPD forecasts under transitional weather conditions.
Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing-EMDR Method in Patients with Chronic Subjective Tinnitus
Authors: Bal Fatih , Kırış Muzaffer
Published: September 2024

This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method on chronic subjective tinnitus. The research was planned as an observational study. The study group comprises individuals who applied to the training and research hospital in Ankara between 2019 and 2020 and were aged between 15 and 60 years old. They were identified as having tinnitus. The study samples were determined as 36 participants selected through purposeful sampling. The samples of the 36 participants included in the study. 12 were assigned to the 1st Group EMDR and Masking Group, 12 to the 2nd Group Masking and EMDR Group, and 12 to the 3rd Control Group. The study’s dependent variable was the tinnitus levels of the participants, and the independent variable was EMDR and the Masking method. The dependent variable data of the study was collected with the Visual Analog Scale and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). EMDR and Masking methods used as independent variables in the study were conducted in eight sessions for two months. As a result of the Wilcoxon Sign test used to determine whether the EMDR Method is effective on tinnitus severity level, the difference between tinnitus severity level pretest and post-test median scores of tinnitus patients was found to be statistically significant. Our research findings show that the EMDR method reduces and improves chronic subjective tinnitus, and further studies with a larger sample size could confirm our results.
Contrasting Effects of Oxytocin on MK801-Induced Social and Non-Social Behavior Impairment and Hyperactivity in a Genetic Rat Model of Schizophrenia-Linked Features
Authors: Sampedro-Viana Daniel , Cañete Toni , Ancil-Gascón Paula , Cisci Sonia , Tobeña Adolf , Fernández-Teruel Alberto
Published: September 2024

Social withdrawal in rodents is a measure of asociality, an important negative symptom of schizophrenia. The Roman high- (RHA) and low-avoidance (RLA) rat strains have been reported to exhibit differential profiles in schizophrenia-relevant behavioral phenotypes. This investigation was focused on the study of social and non-social behavior of these two rat strains following acute administration of dizocilpine (MK801, an NMDA receptor antagonist), a pharmacological model of schizophrenia-like features used to produce asociality and hyperactivity. Also, since oxytocin (OXT) has been proposed as a natural antipsychotic and a potential adjunctive therapy for social deficits in schizophrenia, we have evaluated the effects of OXT administration and its ability to reverse the MK801-impairing effects on social and non-social behavior and MK801-induced hyperactivity. MK801 administration produced hyperlocomotion and a decrease in social and non-social behavior in both rat strains, but these drug effects were clearly more marked in RHA rats. OXT (0.04 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg) attenuated MK801-induced hyperlocomotion in both rat strains, although this effect was more marked in RHA rats. The MK801-decreasing effect on exploration of the “social hole” was moderately but significantly attenuated only in RLA rats. This study is the first to demonstrate the differential effects of OXT on MK801-induced impairments in the two Roman rat strains, providing some support for the potential therapeutic effects of OXT against schizophrenia-like symptoms, including both a positive-like symptom (i.e., MK801-induced hyperlocomotion) and a negative-like symptom (i.e., MK801 decrease in social behavior), while highlighting the importance of the genetic background (i.e., the rat strain) in influencing the effects of both MK801 and oxytocin.
Local Invasion Patterns Characterized by SARIFA and Tumor Budding Differ and Have Distinct Prognostic Significance in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jakab Ákos , Zarándy Levente , Kocsmár Ildikó , Várkonyi Tibor , Kenessey István , Szijártó Attila , Kiss András , Vass Tamás , Lotz Gábor , Kocsmár Éva
Published: September 2024

Both esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESQCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC) are known to have poor prognosis. We aimed to investigate the invasion front areas of 57 ESQCC and 43 EAC cases to find histological signs of metastatic progression. Tumor cell clusters with different cell counts, including tumor buds (TBs) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs), were assessed. The presence of the recently described Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Area (SARIFA) phenomenon, which defines a direct contact between tumor cells and adipocytes, was more frequently observed in EAC than in ESQCC (p = 0.004). In adenocarcinomas, a higher prevalence of SARIFA was observed in tumors with a higher number of small clusters (TBs and small PDCs; p < 0.001); furthermore, both the high number of TBs (p = 0.016) and the presence of SARIFA (p = 0.001) correlated with a higher pT stage. SARIFA positivity in EAC (p = 0.011) and high TB in ESQCC (p = 0.0006) were found to be independent prognostic factors for lymph node metastases. Moreover, in ESQCC, the higher absolute number of both TBs and PDCs was associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.0269 and p = 0.0377, respectively). Our results suggest that the histological subtypes of esophageal cancer behave differently, namely, that different features of the invasion front are of prognostic significance.
Atypical Spindle Cell/Pleomorphic Lipomatous Tumor: A Review and Update
Authors: Nishio Jun , Nakayama Shizuhide , Chijiiwa Yoshiro , Koga Mikiro , Aoki Mikiko
Published: September 2024

Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor (ASCPLT) is a rare and recently described adipocytic neoplasm that primarily occurs in the subcutis of the limbs and limb girdles, particularly of middle-aged adults. It has locally recurrent potential if incompletely excised but no risk for distant metastasis. ASCPLT is histologically similar to spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumor and shows a mixture of atypical spindle cells, adipocytes, lipoblasts, floret-like multinucleated giant cells, and/or pleomorphic cells. It has been recently recognized that ASCPLT can undergo sarcomatous transformation. However, the biological significance of morphological sarcomatous transformation in ASCPLT remains uncertain. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells show variable expression of CD34, S-100 protein, and desmin. Loss of nuclear Rb expression is observed in the majority of cases. ASCPLT lacks MDM2 gene amplification but can show RB1 gene deletion in a significant subset of cases. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the clinicoradiological features, pathogenesis, histopathology, and treatment of ASCPLT. In addition, we will discuss the differential diagnosis of this new entity.
A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge of Metabolic Syndrome, Attitudes about Lifestyle Modifications, and Preferences for Lifestyle Interventions among Patients with Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Martinez Leal Isabel , Pillai Ashwathy B. , Foreman Jessica T. , Siu Kimberly W. , Heredia Natalia I. , Escalante Carmen P. , Manzullo Ellen F. , Christie Aimee J. , Lacourt Tamara E. , Razouki Zayd Adnan , Hwang Jessica P.
Published: September 2024

Metabolic syndrome is a group of disorders—hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and insulin resistance—that together increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Although ~60% of cancer patients have metabolic syndrome, which increases their risk of mortality, oncology providers lack clear guidance about its management. The development of metabolic syndrome lifestyle interventions requires a better understanding of these patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and intervention preferences in order to inform management. During 2022–2023, 19 adult cancer patients with metabolic syndrome engaged in semistructured interviews focused on metabolic syndrome and lifestyle interventions. Interviews were analyzed using hybrid thematic analysis involving deductive and inductive coding. The findings indicated that patients lack knowledge about metabolic syndrome, were motivated to prioritize lifestyle modifications, and expressed strong interest in personalized care plans focused on healthy lifestyle rather than simply on weight loss. As part of their tailored intervention plans, participants desired clear communication with, and coordination of care among, their medical team and shared decision-making with providers about treatment decisions. The findings indicate that patients with metabolic syndrome want collaborative, patient-centered care, tailored interventions, and practical implementation strategies. This research will be used to inform the development of future lifestyle interventions for patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome based on their identified needs and preferences.
Power Semiconductor Junction Temperature and Lifetime Estimations: A Review
Authors: Morel Cristina , Morel Jean-Yves
Published: September 2024

The lifetime of power electronic systems is the focus of both the academic and industrial worlds. Today, compact systems present high switching frequency and power dissipation density, causing high junction temperatures and strong thermal fluctuations that affect their performance and lifetime. This paper is a review of the existing techniques for the electro-thermal modelling of Mosfet and IGBT devices regarding lifetime estimation. The advantages and disadvantages of the methodologies used to achieve lifetime prediction are discussed, and their benefits are highlighted. All the factors required to predict power electronic device lifetime, including Mosfet and IGBT electrical models, the computation of power losses, thermal models, temperature measurement and management, lifetime models, mission profiles, cycle counting, and damage accumulation, are described and compared.
Influence of Volute Casing Design Methods and Changes in Geometric Parameters on Pump Operation
Authors: Chernobrova Anna , Moloshnyi Oleksandr , Szulc Piotr
Published: September 2024

This article presents results from research whose purpose is to determine the impact of two main factors on the operational efficiency of a double-entry centrifugal pump. The first factor is the design methods, and the second is changes in the geometric parameters for the volute casing. The results of the numerical simulation were experimentally validated on a test stand. Within this study, volute casings were designed according to the constant velocity method and method of conservation of angular momentum of the flow. The geometric parameters were selected according to the recommendation of A. Stepanoff and A. Lomakin. Next, the following geometric parameters were changed: inlet diameter, inlet width, cross-sectional area, shape of the volute casing’s cross-section (trapezoidal vs. round) and the opening angle of the volute casing’s walls. A comparison of the two methods showed that the biggest difference between them is the influence on the shape of the pump characteristic curve. Altering the geometric parameters in trapezoidal or round volute casing cross-sections had minimal impact on the pump head and efficiency.
Simulating the Natural Seasonal Ventilation of a Classroom in Poland Based on Measurements of the CO2 Concentration
Authors: Nowak-Dzieszko Katarzyna , Mijakowski Maciej , Müller Jarosław
Published: September 2024

There are many different factors affecting indoor air quality: environmental ones such as temperature, humidity, human activities within the building, smoking, cooking, and cleaning, but also external pollutants such as particulate matter, biological contaminants, and viruses or allergens. This study investigated the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a primary-school classroom in Cracow, Poland, based only on CO2 concentration levels exhaled by occupants. In the 1960s, over a thousand schools were built in Poland using similar technology. Most of them are still in use, and in many cases, modernization works are being carried out to improve their building envelope and the comfort of their use. The analyzed school is one of several hundred similar ones in southern Poland. Therefore, analyzing the possibilities of improving IAQ is an important topic, and the results can be used in the modernization process for many other buildings. Measurements indicated that the CO2 levels significantly exceeded acceptable standards, signaling poor air quality during usage time. This problem was connected mainly with the low efficiency of the natural ventilation system being used in the classroom. It is worth emphasizing that this type of ventilation system is the most commonly used ventilation solution in Polish schools. To address this problem, the classroom environment was simulated using CONTAM software, and the model was validated by comparing the simulated measurement data against the collected measurement data. Next, simulations for the entire heating season in Cracow were conducted, revealing that the IAQ remained consistently poor throughout this period. These findings highlight the persistent problem of inadequate ventilation in the classroom, which can have adverse effects on the health and performance of students and teachers. This article shows the usefulness of CONTAM for modeling not only gravity ventilation but also the window-opening process. The validated CONTAM model will be subsequently utilized to simulate annual IAQ conditions under various ventilation strategies in order to identify the most effective methods for maintaining acceptable IAQ while minimizing energy consumption. In our future analysis, the validated model will be used to test the following systems: demand-controlled ventilation (DCV), exhaust ventilation, and DCV/balanced ventilation with heat recovery.
Prediction of Key Development Indicators for Offshore Oilfields Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Kai , Tang Chenyang , Pan Yue , He Yufei , Cai Shaobin , Chen Suidong , Zhou Yuhui
Published: September 2024

As terrestrial oilfields continue to be explored, the difficulty of exploring new oilfields is constantly increasing. The ocean, which contains abundant oil and gas resources, has become a new field for oil and gas resource development. It is estimated that the total amount of oil resources contained in ocean areas accounts for 33% of the global total, while the corresponding natural gas resources account for 32% of the world’s resources. Current prediction methods, tailored to land oilfields, struggle with offshore differences, hindering accurate forecasts. With oilfield advancements, a vast amount of rapidly generated, complex, and valuable data has piled up. This paper uses AI and GRN-VSN NN to predict offshore oilfield indicators, focusing on model-based formula fitting. It selects highly correlated input indicators for AI-driven prediction of key development metrics. Afterwards, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method was introduced to explain the artificial intelligence model and achieve a reasonable explanation of the measurement’s results. In terms of crude-oil extraction degree, the performance levels of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network, BP neural network, and ResNet-50 neural network are compared. LSTM excels in crude-oil extraction prediction due to its monotonicity, enabling continuous time-series forecasting. Artificial intelligence algorithms have good prediction effects on key development indicators of offshore oilfields, and the prediction accuracy exceeds 92%. The SHAP algorithm offers a rationale for AI model parameters, quantifying input indicators’ contributions to outputs.
Coffee Grounds as an Additive to Wood Pellets
Authors: Sołowiej Piotr , Neugebauer Maciej , Esmer Ogulcan
Published: September 2024

The immense popularity of coffee around the world generates significant amounts of coffee grounds. They are often improperly disposed of, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Due to their chemical composition and physical properties, coffee grounds are an excellent bioenergy material. This paper presents a study of the feasibility of using spent coffee grounds (CG) as an additive to pine sawdust (PS) pellets to improve their energy properties. The tests were carried out on samples of pellets consisting of 100% PS, 100% CG, and mixtures of 95% PS and 5% CG, 85% PS and 15% CG, and 70% PS and 30% CG. Physical and chemical analyses were carried out to determine the suitability of the obtained pellet as a biofuel in accordance with ISO 17225. Combustion tests were also carried out in a laboratory boiler to analyze flue gases and determine CO and NOx emissions in accordance with EN-303-5 for biomass boilers. The amount of emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was also determined. Experimental results show that the addition of CG to PS reduces the durability of the pellets and increases CO and NOx emissions but increases their energy value and reduces the amount of VOC emissions. The requirements of both standards were fulfilled with a mixture of 95% PS and 5% CG. However, test results show that it is possible to add CG to PS in amounts up to 15%, although this will require additional research.
Correction: Yalçın, S.; Herdem, M.S. Optimizing EV Battery Management: Advanced Hybrid Reinforcement Learning Models for Efficient Charging and Discharging. Energies 2024, 17, 2883
Authors: Yalçın Sercan , Herdem Münür Sacit
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
Effect of Pump Performance Curves and Geometric Characteristics of Offset Fins on Heat Exchanger Design Optimization
Authors: Seol Sung-Hoon , Joo Yeong-Hyeon , Lee Joon-Ho , Cha Seung-Yun , Yoon Jung-In , Son Chang-Hyo
Published: September 2024

This study analyzes several design cases to identify the optimum geometric structure of the offset fin, determined by two design factors: the number of fins in the flow direction and the number of fins in the vertical direction. Increasing the number of fins in the vertical direction has relatively minor effects on the heat transfer rate and surface area. In contrast, adding more fins in the flow direction results in enhancement of thermal performance. Correlations for the Colburn j factor and the Fanning f factor, incorporating Nfin,v and Nfin,f, are established. The resistance curve of each case is yield based on the f factor correlation, and the heat transfer rate at the actual coolant flow rate is obtained the j factor correlation. A difference in the pressure drop resulted in a different coolant flow rate despite using the same circulation pump, showing a difference of 1.67 times between the minimum and maximum values. Although a different coolant circulates in each case, there was no reversal in the heat transfer rate compared to the situation in which a constant amount flows. The impact of the pump’s performance curve on the heat transfer rate becomes relatively pronounced with an increased pressure drop. When Nfin,f was 30, the ratio of maximum to minimum heat transfer rate was 8.73% with a constant coolant flow rate, but this ratio increased to 13.08% when considering the actual coolant flow rate facilitated by a pump.
Extending the BESS Lifetime: A Cooperative Multi-Agent Deep Q Network Framework for a Parallel-Series Connected Battery Pack
Authors: Doan Nhat Quang , Shahid Syed Maaz , Duong Tho Minh , Choi Sung-Jin , Kwon Sungoh
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a battery management algorithm to maximize the lifetime of a parallel-series connected battery pack with heterogeneous states of health in a battery energy storage system. The growth of retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles increases the applications for battery energy storage systems, which typically group multiple individual batteries with heterogeneous states of health in parallel and series to achieve the required voltage and capacity. However, previous work has primarily focused on either parallel or series connections of batteries due to the complexity of managing diverse battery states, such as state of charge and state of health. To address the scheduling in parallel-series connections, we propose a cooperative multi-agent deep Q network framework that leverages multi-agent deep reinforcement learning to observe multiple states within the battery energy storage system and optimize the scheduling of cells and modules in a parallel-series connected battery pack. Our approach not only balances the states of health across the cells and modules but also enhances the overall lifetime of the battery pack. Through simulation, we demonstrate that our algorithm extends the battery pack’s lifetime by up to 16.27% compared to previous work and exhibits robustness in adapting to various power demand conditions.
Microstructure-Dependent Macroscopic Electro-Chemo- Mechanical Behaviors of Li-Ion Battery Composite Electrodes
Authors: Zhao Ying , Ge Zhongli , Chen Zongli
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of the electric vehicle industry has created an urgent need for high-performance Li-ion batteries. Such demand not only requires the development of novel active materials but also requires optimized microstructure of composite electrodes. However, due to complicated heterogeneous electrode microstructure, there still lacks a relationship between the electrode microstructure and the macroscopic electro-chemo-mechanical performance of the battery. In this study, electrochemical and mechanical multi-scale models are developed in order to account for the influence of the heterogeneous microstructure on the macroscopic mechanical and electrochemical behavior of the battery. It is found that porosity and particle size are two important parameters to characterize the microstructure that can affect the macroscopic mechanical and electrochemical behavior. The models developed in this study can be served as designing guidelines for the optimization for the Li-ion battery composite electrodes.
Parametric Study of the Effects of a Vortex Generator on the Combustion Characteristics of Liquid Petroleum Gas and Physical Air–Fuel Flow on a Slot Burner
Authors: Kaewpradap Amornrat , Phoothornsri Maneeratanaporn
Published: September 2024

We conducted a numerical study of the effects of a vortex generator (VG) on the combustion characteristics and physical fluid flow of LPG on a porous bluff-body slot burner (PBSB) model, validating the numerical and experimental results of the temperature distribution and mixture flow velocity. The VG position (fuel (F) and air (A) slots), direction (clockwise, CW, and counterclockwise, CCW), aspect ratio (AR), and distance (S) were investigated parametrically in our porous vortex generator slot burner (PVGSB) model. According to our results, the VGSB model with a VG angle of 60°, CW direction, aspect ratio of 0.4, and VG distance of 0 mm enhanced the flame temperature by 24.4% due to a greater vortex influence. Moreover, applying a reverse triangular bluff body to the VGSB model had a stronger effect on the vortices and swirl flow of the mixture compared to the cylindrical bluff body, achieving 34.9% higher combustion temperatures compared to the referenced PBSB model. This numerical study of using LPG combustion on a slot burner with VGs and a reverse triangular bluff body, which we refer to as the VGSB model, could be applied to enhancing physical air–fuel flow and the flame temperature as characteristics of combustion.
Investigating the Influence of Tenon Dimensions on White Oak (Quercus alba) Mortise and Tenon Joint Strength
Authors: Liu Keyang , Du Yao , Hu Xiaohong , Zhang Hualei , Wang Luhao , Gou Wenhao , Li Li , Liu Hongguang , Luo Bin
Published: September 2024

The dimensions of tenons in solid wood furniture significantly influence the mechanical performance of mortise and tenon joints. While previous studies have primarily focused on tenon length, width, and thickness, they often overlooked the impact of clearance between the mortise and tenon. This study investigates the effects of tenon length, tenon width, and clearance on the mechanical performance of mortise and tenon joints, aiming to enhance their bending moment capacity (BMC) and stiffness. A three-factor, three-level orthogonal test was conducted, utilizing range analysis and variance analysis to assess the effects of each factor on BMC and stiffness. The LSD post hoc test was employed to identify significant differences between levels of the same factor, and nonlinear regression analysis was used to fit the experimental results. Based on orthogonal experiment outcomes, a grey relational theory-based evaluation system was developed to assess the comprehensive performance of joints, including both moment capacity and stiffness. Results indicate that tenon length has the most significant effect on BMC, followed by clearance and tenon width, while clearance has the greatest impact on stiffness, followed by tenon length and tenon width. These findings are consistent with those obtained from grey relational analysis. When considering both BMC and stiffness as a comprehensive evaluation, the optimal combination is a tenon length of 40 mm, a tenon width of 35 mm, and a clearance of −0.1 mm. This study offers valuable insights for the rational design of mortise and tenon joints, contributing to improved performance and reduced manufacturing costs.
Estimating Forest Gross Primary Production Using Machine Learning, Light Use Efficiency Model, and Global Eddy Covariance Data
Authors: Tian Zhenkun , Fu Yingying , Zhou Tao , Yi Chuixiang , Kutter Eric , Zhang Qin , Krakauer Nir Y.
Published: September 2024

Forests play a vital role in atmospheric CO2 sequestration among terrestrial ecosystems, mitigating the greenhouse effect induced by human activity in a changing climate. The LUE (light use efficiency) model is a popular algorithm for calculating terrestrial GPP (gross primary production) based on physiological mechanisms and is easy to implement. Different versions have been applied for many years to simulate the GPP of different ecosystem types at regional or global scales. For estimating forest GPP using different approaches, we implemented five LUE models (EC-LUE, VPM, GOL-PEM, CASA, and C-Fix) in forests of type DBF, EBF, ENF, and MF, using the FLUXNET2015 dataset, remote sensing observations, and Köppen–Geiger climate zones. We then fused these models to additionally improve the ability of the GPP estimation using an RF (random forest) and an SVM (support vector machine). Our results indicated that under a unified parameterization scheme, EC-LUE and VPM yielded the best performance in simulating GPP variations, followed by GLO-PEM, CASA, and C-fix, while MODIS also demonstrated reliable GPP estimation ability. The results of the model fusion across different forest types and flux net sites indicated that the RF could capture more GPP variation magnitudes with higher R2 and lower RMSE than the SVM. Both RF and SVM were validated using cross-validation for all forest types and flux net sites, showing that the accuracy of the GPP simulation could be improved by the RF and SVM by 28% and 27%.