bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Reverse Power Flow on Distributed Transformers in a Solar-Photovoltaic-Integrated Low-Voltage Network
Authors: Majeed Issah Babatunde , Nwulu Nnamdi I.
Published: December 2022

Modern low-voltage distribution systems necessitate solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration. One of the primary concerns with this grid-connected PV system is overloading due to reverse power flow, which degrades the life of distribution transformers. This study investigates transformer overload issues due to reverse power flow in a low-voltage network with high PV penetration. A simulation model of a real urban electricity company in Ghana is investigated against various PV penetration levels by load flows with ETAP software. The impact of reverse power flow on the radial network transformer loadings is examined for high PV penetrations. Using the least squares method, simulation results are modelled in Excel software. Transformer backflow limitations are determined by correlating operating loads with PV penetration. At high PV penetration, the models predict reverse power flow into the transformer. Interpolations from the correlation models show transformer backflow operating limits of 78.04 kVA and 24.77% at the threshold of reverse power flow. These limits correspond to a maximum PV penetration limit of 88.30%. In low-voltage networks with high PV penetration; therefore, planners should consider transformer overload limits caused by reverse power flow, which degrades transformer life. This helps select control schemes near substation transformers to limit reverse power flow.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drops in a Helical Flow Channel Liquid/Solid Fluidized Bed
Authors: García-Aranda Oscar , Heard Christopher , Valencia-López José Javier , Solorio-Ordaz Francisco Javier
Published: December 2022

Industrial liquid/solid fluidized bed heat exchangers are commonly used with particle recycling systems to allow an increased superficial velocity and higher heat transfer rates. Here, experimental results are reported on a novel helical flow channel geometry for liquid/solid fluidized beds which allow higher heat transfer rates and reduced complexity by operating below the particle transport fluid velocity. This eliminates the complexity of particle recycle systems whilst still delivering a compact heat exchanger. The qualitative character of the fluidization was studied for a range of particle types and sizes under several inclinations of the helices and various hydraulic diameters. The best fluidization combinations were further studied to obtain heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops. Improvements over the heat exchange from a plain concentric tube in an annulus were obtained to the following degree: vertical fluidized bed, 27%; helical baffles, 34 to 54%; and fluidized bed with helical baffles, 69 to 89%.
Characteristics of Generic Dielectric Materials and Char as Bed Materials of a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor under High Temperature and Wide Frequency Range
Authors: Arumugam Saravanakumar , Schröder Philipp , Schoenemann Thomas , Neubauer York
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the characteristics of generic dielectric materials and char, which are intended to be used as the fixed bed materials of a non-thermal-plasma (NTP)-based dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. Such data are very essential when upgrading the fixed bed to a fluidised bed, which may provide further improvement in the production and quality of the producer gas. This measure would eventually cause a better producer gas and effective biomass-based power generation. Pertinent data that are currently available focus on either improving the design requirements of the producer gas or studying the impact of individual dielectric-material-specific applications to produce useful gases by decomposing the polluting gases. Considering that there has only been a meagre attempt to gather this information, this study gains its importance. In this context, the collective electrical behaviour of bed materials viz. quartz-sand, olivine, and char under ambient and higher temperatures is recorded and their frequency dependencies are analysed. First, the electrical behaviour of the chosen materials is resolved over a wide frequency range. For this purpose, two test cells, i.e., one for the ambient conditions and the other for higher temperatures, are built. Subsequently, the surface and volumetric properties of the chosen bed materials under ambient and higher temperatures are studied. As these materials are not as conductive as metal, such an approach is necessary to understand the apparent behaviour of the materials and anticipate their direct or indirect effects in the presence of non-thermal plasma. In summary, the data from the test cell under ambient and higher temperatures and the influence of materials in the dielectric barrier discharge reactor qualitatively define the material usage and may provide an opportunity to optimise their performance.
Heat Integration for Phenols and Ammonia Recovery Process of Coal Gasification Wastewater Considering Optimization of Process Parameters
Authors: Ye Qiliang , Zeng Jiang , Li Yuan , Yuan Peiqing , Wang Fuchen
Published: December 2022

A heat integration optimization method that considers the changes in process parameters is proposed to find the global optimal process scheme for a coal chemical company’s phenols and ammonia recovery process. The phenols and ammonia recovery process is simulated by Aspen Plus, and a programming method for heat exchanger networks synthesis that can simultaneously optimize process parameters and heat integration is constructed by Matlab. Taking the total annual cost as the objective function, the following process parameters are optimized: the hot feed temperature and cold/hot feed ratio of sour water stripper, the temperature of three-step partial condensation system, the feed temperature and column pressure of both solvent distillation column and solvent stripper. The result shows that, compared with the heat integration process under original process parameters, the new heat integration process saves 14.3% energy consumption and reduces the total annual cost by about 15.1%. The new heat integration process provides guidance for the optimization of the phenols and ammonia recovery process. The proposed heat integration optimization method based on changing process parameters is an effective and practical tool that offers good application prospects.
OrcaFlex Modelling of a Multi-Body Floating Solar Island Subjected to Waves
Authors: Ikhennicheu Maria , Blanc Arthur , Danglade Benoat , Gilloteaux Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2022

Floating solar energy is an industry with great potential. As the industry matures, floating solar farms are considered in more challenging environments, where the presence of waves must be accounted for in mismatch studies and fatigue and mechanical considerations regarding electrical cables and mooring lines. Computational modelling of floating solar islands is now a critical step. The representation of such islands on industry-validated software is very complex, as it includes a large number of elements, each interacting with its neighbours. This study focuses on conditions with small waves (amplitude of <1 m) that are relevant to sheltered areas where generic float technologies can be utilized. A multi-body island composed of 3 × 3 floats is modelled in OrcaFlex. A solution to model the kinematic constraint chain between floats is presented. Three different modelling solutions are compared in terms of results and computation time. The most accurate model includes a multi-body computation of float responses in a potential flow solver (OrcaWave). However, solving the equations for a single float and applying the results to each float individually also gives accurate results and reduces the computation time by a factor of 3. These results represent a basis for further works in which larger and more realistic floating islands can be modelled.
Research on Carbon Emission Characteristics of Rural Buildings Based on LMDI-LEAP Model
Authors: Feng Haichao , Wang Ruonan , Zhang He
Published: December 2022

Based on the emission factor method and LMDI-LEAP model, this paper systematically studies the current situation, influencing factors and changing trend of carbon emissions from rural buildings in a typical village located in southern China. The results showed that (1) the per capita carbon emissions generated by the energy consumption of rural buildings is 2.58 tCO2/a. Carbon emissions from electricity consumption in buildings account for about 96.07%; (2) the per capita building area, building area energy intensity, population size, population structure and carbon emission coefficient affect rural building carbon emissions, with contribution rates of 70.13%, 31.27%, 0.61%, −1.21% and −0.80%, respectively; (3) from 2021 to 2060, the carbon emissions of rural buildings are expected to increase first and then decrease. In 2021, the base year, carbon emissions from buildings were 2755.49 tCO2. The carbon emissions will peak at 5275.5 tCO2. Measures such as controlling the scale of buildings and improving the utilization rate of clean energy can effectively reduce carbon emissions, in which case the peak can be reduced to 4830.06 tCO2. Finally, the countermeasures and suggestions about rural building energy saving and emission reduction are proposed, including improving the construction management, raising energy efficiency standards in buildings, increasing the proportion of clean energy and raising residents’ awareness of energy conservation.
FBG Sensing Technology for an Enhanced Microgrid Performance
Authors: Elsayed Yasser , Gabbar Hossam A.
Published: December 2022

Energy provided by microgrids should be considered, especially because their purpose is to supply loads from the available power source of the combined sources of energy, including the grid, optimally and efficiently to satisfy the load demand securely and economically. Sensing the accuracy of the different physical parameters of the combined power sources and energy storage plays a crucial part in the efficiency and resilience of microgrids. The present microgrids mostly use conventional sensors, which are greatly impacted by ambient conditions such as high-voltage (HV) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). So, this paper presents an enhanced microgrid based on replacing the conventional sensors with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors renowned for their immunity to EMI and HV, in addition to the virtue of distributing sensing capability. The enhanced microgrid based on FBG sensing was tested experimentally at different potential points predefined on the microgrid and validated with a microgrid simulation model. Real-time measurements of FBG and conventional sensors were recorded at the potential points and applied to the Simulink model to compare the performance for both cases. The unit and integration tests showed an obvious improvement in the accuracy and resiliency of the microgrid by using FBG sensors.
Study on the Performance of a Newly Designed Cooling System Utilizing Dam Water for Internet Data Centers
Authors: Anka Selorm Kwaku , Boafo Nicholas Lamptey , Mensah Kwesi , Boahen Samuel , Lee Kwang Ho , Choi Jong Min
Published: December 2022

A novel energy-saving hybrid cooling system that combines a forced-cooling cycle and a free-cooling cycle was developed to increase the energy efficiency of cooling systems in year-round operation of an internet data center with high heat loads. This system effectively utilizes a dam deep water source to reduce energy consumption in internet data centers. The hybrid cooling system operates in forced-cooling mode when the entering water temperature exceeds the mode change temperature of 9 °C, but switches to free-cooling mode when the ambient temperature falls below the mode change temperature. In this paper, the cooling performance of the hybrid system was assessed under various operating conditions based on entering water temperature fluctuation. Because the cooling effectiveness of this type of system is highly dependent on the outside climate, its usefulness and suitability for different periods and zones must be investigated. The annual energy saving performance of the new system was estimated and compared to a conventional cooling system in terms of the integrated coefficient of performance, based on the hourly weather air temperature and water temperature bin data collected from 16 cities of different climate zones in South Korea. The experimental findings revealed that the novel hybrid internet data center cooling system showed a 67% annual operating performance over a conventional air source internet data center cooling system due to the adoption of a dam deep water source.
Evaluation of Pyrolysis Reactivity, Kinetics, and Gasification Reactivity of Corn Cobs after Torrefaction Pretreatment
Authors: Xia Shengpeng , Zheng Anqing , Zhao Kun , Zhao Zengli , Li Haibin
Published: December 2022

To reveal the effect of torrefaction pretreatment on pyrolysis and gasification reactivity of biomass, corn cob was first subjected to torrefaction pretreatment in a fixed-bed reactor at various reaction temperatures. The pyrolysis reactivity, kinetics, and gasification reactivity of torrefied corn cob were systematically assessed by various methods, proving that torrefaction pretreatment has a substantial influence on the physicochemical properties of corn cobs. The O/C and H/C molar ratios of corn cobs considerably drop with the increasing torrefaction temperature, and their higher heat-ing value (HHV) and energy density rise as well. It is found that torrefaction improves the pyrolysis reactivity of corn cobs because hemicellulose degradation is more severe than cellulose degradation during torrefaction, resulting in an increase in the percentage of cellulose in torrefied corn cobs. However, the severe depolymerization, polycondensation, and carbonization reaction during torre-faction of corn cobs at 280–300 °C can lead to a significant decline in the pyrolysis reactivity of corn cobs. Torrefaction pretreatment increases the pyrolysis activation energy of corn cobs, in addition to decreasing the char gasification reactivity of corn cob. The average char gasification reactivity of corn cobs drops when torrefaction severity increases. The passivation of active sites on the char surface may cause condensation and carbonation reactions of corn cobs during torrefaction. These findings provide new sights into the reasonable design of efficient torrefaction methods for appli-cation prior to pyrolysis and gasification of biomass.
Representation Learning for Detecting the Faults in a Wind Turbine Hydraulic Pitch System Using Deep Learning
Authors: Korkos Panagiotis , Kleemola Jaakko , Linjama Matti , Lehtovaara Arto
Published: December 2022

Wind turbine operators usually use data from a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system to monitor their conditions, but it is challenging to make decisions about maintenance based on hundreds of different parameters. Information is often hidden within measurements that operators are unaware of. Therefore, different feature extraction techniques are recommended. The pitch system is of particular importance, and operators are highly motivated to search for effective monitoring solutions. This study investigated different dimensionality reduction techniques for monitoring a hydraulic pitch system in wind turbines. These techniques include principal component analysis (PCA), kernel PCA and a deep autoencoder. Their effectiveness was evaluated based on the performance of a support vector machine classifier whose input space is the new extracted feature set. The developed methodology has been applied to data from a wind farm consisting of five 2.3 MW fixed-speed onshore wind turbines. The available dataset is composed of nine pitch events representing normal and faulty classes. The results indicate that the features extracted by the deep autoencoder are more informative than those extracted by PCA and kernel PCA. These features led to the achievement of a 95.5% F1-score, proving its superiority over the traditional usage of original features.
Growth Potential of Selected Yeast Strains Cultivated on Xylose-Based Media Mimicking Lignocellulosic Wastewater Streams: High Production of Microbial Lipids by Rhodosporidium toruloides
Authors: Michou Savvoula , Tsouko Erminta , Vastaroucha Eleni-Stavroula , Diamantopoulou Panagiota , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: December 2022

The potential of Rhodosporidium toruloides, Candida oleophila, Metschnikowia pulcherima, and Cryptococcus curvatus species to produce single-cell-oil (SCO) and other valuable metabolites on low-cost media, based on commercial-type xylose, was investigated. Rhodosporidium strains were further evaluated in shake-flasks using different lignosulphonate (LS) concentrations, in media mimicking waste streams derived from the paper and pulp industry. Increasing the LS concentration up to 40 g/L resulted in enhanced dry cell weight (DCW) while SCO production increased up to ~5.0 g/L when R. toruloides NRRL Y-27012 and DSM 4444 were employed. The intra-cellular polysaccharide production ranged from 0.9 to 2.3 g/L in all fermentations. Subsequent fed-batch bioreactor experiments with R. toruloides NRRL Y-27012 using 20 g/L of LS and xylose, led to SCO production of 17.0 g/L with maximum lipids in DCW (YL/X) = 57.0% w/w. The fatty acid (FA) profile in cellular lipids showed that oleic (50.3–63.4% w/w) and palmitic acid (23.9–31.0%) were the major FAs. Only SCO from batch trials of R. toruloides strains contained α-linolenic acid. Media that was supplemented with various LS concentrations enhanced the unsaturation profile of SCO from R. toruloides NRRL Y-27012. SCO from R. toruloides strains could replace plant-based commodity oils in oleochemical-operations and/or it could be micro- and nano-encapsulated into novel food-based formulas offering healthier food-products.
Fatty Acid Metabolism in Endothelial Cell
Authors: Liu Bin , Dai Zhiyu
Published: December 2022

The endothelium is a monolayer of cells lining the inner blood vessels. Endothelial cells (ECs) play indispensable roles in angiogenesis, homeostasis, and immune response under normal physiological conditions, and their dysfunction is closely associated with pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases. Abnormal EC metabolism, especially dysfunctional fatty acid (FA) metabolism, contributes to the development of many diseases including pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this review, we focus on discussing the latest advances in FA metabolism in ECs under normal and pathological conditions with an emphasis on PH. We also highlight areas of research that warrant further investigation.
Routine Diagnostics Confirm Novel Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Jauss Robin-Tobias , Schließke Sophia , Abou Jamra Rami
Published: December 2022

Routine diagnostics is biased towards genes and variants with satisfactory evidence, but rare disorders with only little confirmation of their pathogenicity might be missed. Many of these genes can, however, be considered relevant, although they may have less evidence because they lack OMIM entries or comprise only a small number of publicly available variants from one or a few studies. Here, we present 89 individuals harbouring variants in 77 genes for which only a small amount of public evidence on their clinical significance is available but which we still found to be relevant enough to be reported in routine diagnostics. For 21 genes, we present case reports that confirm the lack or provisionality of OMIM associations (ATP6V0A1, CNTN2, GABRD, NCKAP1, RHEB, TCF7L2), broaden the phenotypic spectrum (CC2D1A, KCTD17, YAP1) or substantially strengthen the confirmation of genes with limited evidence in the medical literature (ADARB1, AP2M1, BCKDK, BCORL1, CARS2, FBXO38, GABRB1, KAT8, PRKD1, RAB11B, RUSC2, ZNF142). Routine diagnostics can provide valuable information on disease associations and support for genes without requiring tremendous research efforts. Thus, our results validate and delineate gene–disorder associations with the aim of motivating clinicians and scientists in diagnostic departments to provide additional evidence via publicly available databases or by publishing short case reports.
Genome-Wide Survey and Expression Analysis of the Basic Leucine Zipper (bZIP) Gene Family in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Li Yan , Yao Guoxin , Tang Yafang , Lu Xudong , Qiao Xiu , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2022

The transcription factors (TFs) family known as the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) plays a vital role in a variety of biological processes. However, there is no investigation on the bZIP family in the major vegetable crop, eggplant. Here, a total of 71 SmbZIP genes were identified from the eggplant genome and compared with other 18 representative plants. According to the topology of the phylogenetic tree, as well as the categorization and nomenclature of bZIP genes in Arabidopsis and Solanum lycopersicum, the SmbZIP family was classified into 13 groups. Analysis of the chromosome location, motif composition and gene structure of the SmbZIP genes were also performed. Gene duplication analysis revealed that the expansion of the SmbZIP genes was mainly attributed to WGD/segmental duplication. Promoter analysis of the SmbZIP genes and examination of the expression patterns of SmbZIP genes under four abiotic pressures revealed that many SmbZIP genes are related to the control of abiotic stresses. Altogether, the identification, categorization, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome distribution, motif composition, and expression patterns of SmbZIPs were predicted and examined. Importantly, this investigation of SmbZIPs offers a wealth of information that will assist researchers in better understanding their function in eggplant.
Microbial and Non-Microbial Biostimulants as Innovative Tools to Increase Macro and Trace Element Mineral Composition of Tomato and Spinach
Authors: Papa Stefania , Fusco Giovanna Marta , Ciriello Michele , Formisano Luigi , Woo Sheridan L. , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef , Carillo Petronia
Published: December 2022

The use of biostimulants has gained popularity in recent years as a sustainable approach to increase the yield and quality of horticultural crops. However, information is missing concerning their ability to enhance the concentration of some beneficial elements (macro- and microelements) in the edible tissues of plants, which, in turn, are useful for human health. For this reason, we investigated the effects of different microbial and non-microbial biostimulants on the content of essential macro- and micro-nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se) in San Marzano and Datterino tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) by atomic adsorption spectrometry, also estimating the Daily Intake (EDI) and the Nutrient Contribution (NC) of fresh produce. All the biostimulants were able to increase the content of macro- and micro-nutrients in the studied horticultural products. Specifically, compared with control, application of Trichoderma harzianum T22 on the Pixel tomato increased Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se contents by 49.66, 38.68, 129.79, 64.03 and 72.72%. In the San Marzano tomato, higher values of Fe (55.16 µg 100 g−1 fw), Mn (30.63 µg 100 g−1 fw), Zn (20.89 µg 100 g−1 fw), Cu (1.91 µg 100 g−1 fw) and Se (0.266 µg 100 g−1 fw) were obtained after application of a tropical plant extract (TPE) biostimulant. Similarly, compared with control, application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (VPDH) on spinach increased EDI-Fe, EDI-Zn, EDI-Mn, EDI-Cu and EDI-Se by 98.98, 127.09, 125.93, 68.52 and 230.76%, respectively. Therefore, biostimulants, regardless of their origin and nature, could be an ecological tool for biofortification programs for both fruit and leafy vegetables.
Preliminary Study on the Impact of Non-Thermal Plasma Activated Water on the Quality of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa Sprouts
Authors: Mandici Alexandru , Cretu Daniel Eusebiu , Burlica Radu , Astanei Dragos , Beniuga Oana , Rosu Craita , Topa Denis Constantin , Aostacioaei Tudor George , Aprotosoaie Ana Clara , Miron Anca
Published: December 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of non-thermal plasma-activated water (PAW) on Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. Two types of PAW were generated by exposing distilled water to a high-voltage electric discharge. Wheat caryopses were treated either with PAW1 (25 mg/L NO3−, 4 mg/L NO2−, and 6 mg/L H2O2) or PAW2 (35 mg/L NO3−, 5 mg/L NO2−, and 7.5 mg/L H2O2) for 8 days, with samples being collected at days 1, 2, 3, and 8. The germination rate, growth parameters, protein, photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity of free and bound phenolic fractions, and activity of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. Both PAW1 and PAW2 had positive effects on Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. PAW2 had a better impact on sprouts with respect to growth parameters, free phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of the free phenolic fraction (day 3), the accumulation of proteins, and photosynthetic pigments (day 8). In conclusion, exposure to PAW increases the quality of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. Further optimization of PAW treatment is required for the most favorable impact on the accumulation of biomass and health-promoting compounds in sprouts.
Plastic and Waste Tire Pyrolysis Focused on Hydrogen Production—A Review
Authors: Sołowski Gaweł , Shalaby Marwa , Özdemir Fethi Ahmet
Published: December 2022

In this review, we compare hydrogen production from waste by pyrolysis and bioprocesses. In contrast, the pyrolysis feed was limited to plastic and tire waste unlikely to be utilized by biological decomposition methods. Recent risks of pyrolysis, such as pollutant emissions during the heat decomposition of polymers, and high energy demands were described and compared to thresholds of bioprocesses such as dark fermentation. Many pyrolysis reactors have been adapted for plastic pyrolysis after successful investigation experiences involving waste tires. Pyrolysis can transform these wastes into other petroleum products for reuse or for energy carriers, such as hydrogen. Plastic and tire pyrolysis is part of an alternative synthesis method for smart polymers, including semi-conductive polymers. Pyrolysis is less expensive than gasification and requires a lower energy demand, with lower emissions of hazardous pollutants. Short-time utilization of these wastes, without the emission of metals into the environment, can be solved using pyrolysis. Plastic wastes after pyrolysis produce up to 20 times more hydrogen than dark fermentation from 1 kg of waste. The research summarizes recent achievements in plastic and tire waste pyrolysis development.
Effectiveness of Swirl Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Suppression
Authors: Kraus-Namroży Natalia , Brzezińska Dorota
Published: December 2022

Water mist nozzles are becoming increasingly popular as water extinguishing devices in buildings, increasing people’s safety during evacuation. There are questions as to whether or not they are as effective as conventional sprinkler systems. The measurement of the size distribution of the created droplets is one of the components for determining the extinguishing effectiveness of water mist nozzles. The project’s goal was to look into the characteristics of the atomized stream produced by a swirl water mist nozzle. The general properties of the tested nozzle are covered in the article. The measurement technique and test stand were given. The collected data was compared to data from the literature. The results are displayed as graphs that depict the distribution of mean droplets with a quantitative volume that varies with pressure and proximity to the test nozzle. The results proved the extinguishing and cooling capabilities of hot fire gases in the water stream created by the tested nozzle.
Quality of Life in Children with Prader–Willi Syndrome and the Impact of the Disease on the Functioning of Families
Authors: Rozensztrauch Anna , Śmigiel Robert
Published: December 2022

Objective: Prader–Willi (PWS; OMIM#176270) syndrome is a clinically distinct genetic disorder, caused by an abnormality in the 15q11-q13 region, referred to as the critical region. One of the most popular concepts existing in modern sciences, not only within psychology, but also in the aspect of all sciences that are related to human life and its course, is the quality of life (QoL). Though it is known that health-related quality of life in children with PWS can be reduced, less is understood about the impact on the family. We aimed to identify factors related to the quality of life of children with PWS and the impact of the disease on family functioning. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The subjects were 46 parents of children with PWS. The Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (CASI) method was used; the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the PedsQL Family Impact Module. Results: The PedsQL mean score was 49.0; (min–max: 5.6–90.8; SD = 16.8), with the highest scores in the Emotional Functioning (EF) (EF; 55.9; min–max: 5.0–100.0; SD = 22.0), and the lowest in the Social Functioning (SF) (SF; 42.7; min–max: 5.0–85.0; SD = 18.7) 56.4 (SD ± 14.7). The child’s age does not affect the quality of life, there were no statistically significant (p > 0.05). families have difficulties in performing daily activities (total score 27.6; SD 16.7), support family functioning (total score 28.9; SD 18.8) and effects physical domain (total score 27.7; SD 15.7). Conclusion: Research on the QoL of patients with PWS and their families is very important in order to assess the QoL, but also to provide the perspective of an active change in the perspective of a better treatment process, rehabilitation and communication in society.
University Fairness Questionnaire (UFair): Development and Validation of a German Questionnaire to Assess University Justice—A Study Protocol of a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Herr Raphael M. , Deyerl Veronika M. , Hilger-Kolb Jennifer , Diehl Katharina
Published: December 2022

Distress is a widespread phenomenon in the general population, but also among university students, associated with poorer learning success and negative health consequences. A source of distress might be the experience of injustice. Theoretical and empirical work in the area of perceived fairness in the workplace (“organizational justice”) has shown that perceived unfairness is related to various stress indicators and health outcomes. Preliminary evidence indicates that unfairness matters not only in the work context but also in the university context. However, an adapted and validated tool to assess perceived unfairness in the university context is hitherto missing. The goal of the proposed project is therefore to adapt the construct of organizational justice to the university context and to develop a corresponding questionnaire by means of established scientific procedures. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design is applied in which qualitative and quantitative methods are combined. A valid and practicable measurement instrument (“UFair” University Fairness Questionnaire) will be developed and tested, and the relationship with various health outcomes will be examined. The UFair questionnaire will be made available free of charge to other researchers.
Introducing and Familiarising Older Adults Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers to Virtual Reality
Authors: Flynn Aisling , Barry Marguerite , Qi Koh Wei , Reilly Gearóid , Brennan Attracta , Redfern Sam , Casey Dympna
Published: December 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly being applied in dementia care across a range of applications and domains including health and wellbeing. Despite the commercial availability of VR, informants of design are not always aware of its functionality and capabilities, to meaningfully contribute to VR design. In designing VR applications for people living with dementia, it is recommended that older adults living with dementia and their support persons be involved in the design process using participatory approaches, thereby giving them a voice on the design of technology from the outset. A VR technology probe is a useful means of familiarising older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers with the knowledge and understanding of interactive VR to employ technology that supports them to maintain their social health. This paper charts the implementation and evaluation of a VR technology probe, VR FOUNDations. To explore their experiences, nine older adults living with dementia and their nine informal caregivers trialled VR FOUNDations and completed semi-structured interviews after its use. Overall, older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers perceived VR FOUNDations to achieve its aim of increasing understanding and inspiring future design decisions. The findings also identified promising positive experiences using a VR technology probe which may be indicative of its applicability to social health and wellbeing domains. This paper advocates for the structured design and implementation of VR technology probes as a pre-requisite to the participatory design of VR applications for the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. The use of such technology probes may afford older adults living with dementia and their informal caregivers the best opportunity to contribute to design decisions and participate in technology design to support their health and wellbeing.
Childhood Predictors of Healthcare Use and Health Status in Early Adulthood: Findings from the Twins Early Development Study
Authors: McCrone Paul , Boadu Janet
Published: December 2022

The use of healthcare services is likely to be associated with need but also the factors relating to the care system and the ability to negotiate around it. Healthcare use and health status may also be associated with the factors that exist in childhood. This study aims to identify the demographic, clinical, and cognitive characteristics of children at age 4 that impact healthcare use and health status at age 21. The data from the Twins Early Development Study were used. Health problems, healthcare use, and cognitive ability at age 4 were entered into generalised estimating equations to predict the use of general practitioners, outpatient services, counselling, emergency clinic visits, and a healthcare helpline at age 21. Similar models existed for the prediction of whether problems were recorded on the EQ-5D-5L EuroQol instrument. The data on up to 6707 individuals were available for analysis. Sex was a significant predictor of service use, with boys being more likely than girls to later use all services, except for emergency clinic visits. Certain health conditions at age 4 predicted the use of services with models differing according to service type. Greater general cognitive ability predicted higher use of general practitioners, outpatient care, and health helplines. The current health status was strongly predictive of service use. Service use in young adulthood was significantly related to concurrent health status as well as health conditions in childhood. General cognitive ability was significantly associated with the use of general practitioner contacts, outpatient visits, and the use of a health helpline.
Impacts of Long-Term Micronutrient Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability
Authors: Wang Shuzhuan , Xu Lei , Hao Mingde
Published: December 2022

Deficiencies of micronutrients in calcareous soils have been reported in different areas of China’s Loess Plateau. The objective of this research was to study the influence of the continuous application of micronutrient fertilizers on soil properties and micronutrient availability in this region. The micronutrient fertilizer field plot experiment began in 1984. It included Zn, Mn and Cu fertilizer treatments and the control treatment. The crop system was continuously cropped winter wheat. The soil properties and available Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe were measured. Their relationships were analyzed through correlation and path analysis. After 31 years, the soil pH, CaCO3 and available P levels decreased; in contrast, the organic matter, fulvic acid, reducing substances and soil moisture levels in the surface soil increased in the micronutrient fertilized treatments compared to the control treatment. Cu and Zn fertilizers promoted the available Cu and Zn levels in the surface and deep soil, but available Mn was not significantly affected by Mn fertilizer. It can be seen from the interaction between the micronutrient availability and micronutrient fertilizers that Zn, Cu and Mn fertilizers can increase the available Fe level; Mn fertilizer can increase the available Cu level, and Cu and Mn fertilizers can increase the available Zn level. This means that Fe, Cu and Zn availability were easy to implement, whereas the soil-available Mn was difficult to improve in calcareous soils on the Loess Plateau. Fulvic acid and organic matter showed a significant and direct effect on the available Zn; the available Mn and Fe were mainly affected by the soil CaCO3 and moisture; the available Cu was mainly affected by the soil organic matter, available P and reducing substances. These results indicate the importance of organic matter in calcareous soils; it can not only directly affect the availability of micronutrients but also indirectly affect their availability through the indirect interaction with fulvic acid, reducing substances, available P and CaCO3. The above conclusions suggest that the long-term micronutrient fertilizers changed some important soil properties and increased the micronutrient availability in the loess-derived soil.
Understanding Relationships between Cultivated Land Pressure and Economic Development Level across Spatiotemporal Characteristics: Implications for Supporting Land-Use Management Decisions
Authors: Yang Dan , Liu Zhenyue , Zhang Pengyan , Chen Zhuo , Chang Yinghui , Wang Qianxu , Zhang Xinyue , Lu Rong , Li Mengfan , Xing Guangrui , Li Guanghui
Published: December 2022

Food security is crucial to world peace. Economic development has posed a great threat to the protection of cultivated land. Considering 20 cities in the lower Yellow River (AALYR) as the study area, this study explored the spatial evolution of cultivated land pressure (CLP) and economic development from 1998 to 2018, revealing the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics of the CLP index and economic development. The main results are as follows: we discerned that CLP and economic development have an obvious spatiotemporal consistency during 1998–2018. The CLP showed a spatial pattern of overall stability, as well as local changes. Most prefecture-level cities experienced decreased significantly in CLP and improvements in food security. Overall, there were regional differences in the coupling relationships between CLP and economic development in the study area. The explanatory power of the proportion of secondary and tertiary industries were significantly higher than other driving factors. Therefore, while developing the economy rapidly, we should also protect cultivated land resources and improve the coordination level between them, which is essential to guarantee food security and a steady economic development.
Runoff Estimation of Jiulong River Based on Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Online Monitoring Data and Its Implication for Pollutant Flux Estimation
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Wu Yufang , Chen Zhijie , Huang Quanjia , Wang Yinghui , Luo Yang
Published: December 2022

The runoff of the Jiulong River (JLR) is a key parameter that affects the estimation of pollutant flux into Xiamen Bay (XMB). The precise runoff estimation of the JLR can be used to determine the accuracy of the pollutant flux estimation flowing into XMB. In this study, to analyze the hydrological dynamic characteristics and identify the correlation between fixed-site real-time ocean current observations and cross-sectional navigation flow observations, we conducted six navigation observations on two cross-sections of the JLR estuary during the spring tide and neap tide in the normal season, wet season, and dry season in 2020. Simultaneously, we measured hydrological observation data by a fixed-site buoy located in the JLR estuary and collected runoff data that were measured upstream of the JLR. The results showed that the average correlation coefficient between the average velocity of the fixed-point buoy and average velocity of the section was more than 0.90, higher than expected, the minimum average deviation was 4%, and the minimum sample standard error was 5.7%, which was a good result. In this study, we constructed a model for estimating the runoff of the JLR into the sea. The findings demonstrated that Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) online monitoring data were useful to estimate runoff of the JLR with high accuracy, could promote the accuracy of estimated pollutant flux of the JLR’s discharge into XMB, and could provide more scientific and reliable basic data for future load flux estimation research.
Telesupervision in Psychotherapy: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review
Authors: Andreucci-Annunziata Paola , Mellado Augusto , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: This systematic review supported by a bibliometric analysis identified quantitative and qualitative empirical studies that allowed us to respond to the objective of identifying and discussing the scope and limitations of the clinical-psychotherapeutic supervision in virtual modality or telesupervision. (2) Methods: The articles were selected according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the eligibility criteria proposed by the PICOS strategy (population, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study design) based on 396 records of scientifically identified articles in the Journal Citation Report databases of the Web of Science. (3) Results: The literature review stages allowed the selection of three articles, which were added three others that were already included in a previous review, to enrich the analysis and discussion. The results of the present review highlighted aspects of nonverbal communication, alliance, comfort, preference, trust, and construction of professional identity, among others, both considering only the telesupervision format and comparing it with traditional face-to-face supervision. (4) Conclusions: The contributions that these results are providing to the understanding of the scope and limitations of the practice of telesupervision are discussed, also considering its interference in the construction of the professional identity of supervisors and supervisees.
Differences in Offending Behaviors, Aggression, Substance Use, and Mental Health Problems between Male Drug Dealers and Non-Drug Dealers in Belgian Youth Detention Centers
Authors: Bisback Athina , Vanderplasschen Wouter , Colins Olivier F.
Published: December 2022

This study investigated whether drug dealing juvenile offenders in Belgium differ from non-drug dealers in levels of violent and non-violent offending behaviors, aggression, substance use, and mental health needs. The current study examined data from 226 16- to 17-year-old male juvenile offenders. Information relating to drug dealing, substance use, and mental health needs were collected through self-report questionnaires. A structured diagnostic interview was used to collect information about past violent and non-violent behaviors. Chi-square tests and multivariate analysis of variance compared non-dealers and dealers and explored if hard-drug dealers and soft-drug dealers differed from each other. Relative to non-drug dealers, drug dealers engaged in more violent offending behaviors, exhibited higher levels of aggression, substance use and oppositional defiant problems, and displayed lower levels of anxiety. Soft- and hard-drug dealers did not differ from each other. To conclude, detained drug dealers are characterized by severe antisocial behavior.
Assessing the Relative Impact of Diverse Stressors among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers
Authors: Andrews Katie L. , Jamshidi Laleh , Nisbet Jolan , Teckchandani Taylor A. , Price Jill A. B. , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Anderson Gregory S. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Public Safety Personnel (PSP), including members of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Conservation and Protection (C&P) officers, are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and other occupational stressors (organizational and operational stressors). The current study quantified occupational stressors among CCG and C&P and assessed relationships with PPTEs and mental health disorders. Participants (n = 341; 58.4% male) completed an online survey assessing self-reported occupational stressors, PPTEs, and mental health disorder symptoms. CCG and C&P Officers reported significantly lower mean overall and item-level organizational and operational stress scores compared to other Canadian PSP. Mean operational stress scores were statistically significantly associated with increased odds of screening positive for all mental disorders and organizational stress scores were statistically significantly associated with increased odds of screening positive for all mental disorders except social anxiety disorder. Participants reported several item-level occupational stressors associated with screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder, even after accounting for diverse PPTE exposures. Exposure to PPTEs may be a regular part of employment for CCG and C&P PSP; however, bureaucratic red tape, staff shortages, excessive administrative duties, physical conditioning, healthy eating, and fatigue are occupational stressors that appear significantly related to mental health. Ongoing mental health efforts are needed to mitigate and manage the impact of occupational stressors among CCG and C&P.
COMSI®—A Form of Treatment That Offers an Opportunity to Play, Communicate and Become Socially Engaged through the Lens of Nature—A Single Case Study about an 8-Year-Old Boy with Autism and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Byström Kristina , Wrangsjö Björn , Grahn Patrik
Published: December 2022

This case study shows how an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability underwent positive psychological development in terms of play, social communication, and mentalization during a year and a half of group-based therapy using COMSI®-(COMmunication and Social Interaction). This eclectic treatment has a relational approach and is based on developmental psychology, knowledge of autism, and the impact of nature and animals on human health. The change in the child was been studied using both quantitative and qualitative methods. His general intellectual capacity was measured using the Wechler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and his Mentalization Ability/Theory of Mind was assessed using three tests: Eva and Anna, Hiding the fruit and Kiki and the cat. Throughout the study period, change was documented with the help of the therapists’ process notes and the parents’ descriptions. The results show that support for the child comes from three different sources: nature, animals, and the therapists. Animals and nature form the basis for episodes of coordinated attention in conversation and play with therapists. The therapists’ approach used sensitivity and compliance with the child’s needs and focus of interest.