bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Thermal Energy Conversion Theory in Drilling Process of Coal and Rock Mass with Different Stresses
Authors: Qiu Pengqi , Li Xuehui , Ning Jianguo , Wang Jun , Yang Shang
Published: November 2019

In view of the problem that the evolutionary mechanism of bit temperature during the drilling process is still unclear and the influencing factors are complex, this paper analyzes the causes of heat generation and the factors of heat production when the drill bit interacts with the coal and rock mass. Considering the stress field distribution of coal and rock mass and the dynamic characteristics of drilling, a three-dimensional mechanical structure model of bit drilling is established in this paper, based on the energy conservation theory and introducing the friction heat micro-distribution mechanism. The corresponding relationship between coal stress and the bit temperature variation rate is obtained in this paper. Therefore, the temperature rise condition model and the coal stress identification model can be verified, combined with the existing experimental data. The result shows that the temperature of bit drilling is affected by factors such as bit geometry and drilling parameters, as well as the strength and stress state of the coal and rock. Without considering other factors, the rate of increase in bit temperature is proportional to the stress of the coal and rock mass. Based on the research results, the temperature rate of the drill bit can be used as an index to identify the stress areas of coal and rock mass. Research results provide a theoretical basis for the identification of high-stress risk areas in coal mines.
Carbon Price Forecasting Based on Multi-Resolution Singular Value Decomposition and Extreme Learning Machine Optimized by the Moth–Flame Optimization Algorithm Considering Energy and Economic Factors
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhang Chongchong , Wei Zhuoqun
Published: November 2019

Carbon price forecasting is significant to both policy makers and market participants. However, since the complex characteristics of carbon prices are affected by many factors, it may be hard for a single prediction model to obtain high-precision results. As a consequence, a new hybrid model based on multi-resolution singular value decomposition (MRSVD) and the extreme learning machine (ELM) optimized by moth–flame optimization (MFO) is proposed for carbon price prediction. First, through the augmented Dickey–Fuller test (ADF), cointegration test and Granger causality test, the external factors of the carbon price, which includes energy and economic factors, are selected in turn. To select the internal factors of the carbon price, the carbon price series are decomposed by MRSVD, and the lags are determined by partial autocorrelation function (PACF). MFO is then used for the optimization of ELM parameters, and external and internal factors are input to the MFO-ELM. Finally, to test the capability and effectiveness of the proposed model, MRSVD-MFO-ELM and its comparison models are used for carbon price forecast in the European Union (EU) and China, respectively. The results show that the performance of the model is significantly better than other models.
Use of Biochar-Producing Gasifier Cookstove Improves Energy Use Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality in Rural Households
Authors: Gitau James K. , Sundberg Cecilia , Mendum Ruth , Mutune Jane , Njenga Mary
Published: November 2019

Biomass fuels dominate the household energy mix in sub-Saharan Africa. Much of it is used inefficiently in poorly ventilated kitchens resulting in indoor air pollution and consumption of large amounts of wood fuel. Micro-gasification cookstoves can improve fuel use efficiency and reduce indoor air pollution while producing char as a by-product. This study monitored real-time concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and amount of firewood used when households were cooking dinner. Twenty-five households used the gasifier cookstove to cook and five repeated the same test with three-stone open fire on a different date. With the gasifier, the average corresponding dinner time CO, CO2, and PM2.5 concentrations were reduced by 57%, 41%, and 79% respectively compared to three-stone open fire. The gasifier had average biomass-to-char conversion efficiency of 16.6%. If the produced char is used as fuel, households could save 32% of fuel compared to use of three-stone open fire and 18% when char is used as biochar, for instance. Adoption of the gasifier can help to reduce the need for firewood collection, hence reducing impacts on the environment while saving on the amount of time and money spent on cooking fuel.
Creating Statistics for China’s Building Energy Consumption Using an Adapted Energy Balance Sheet
Authors: Zhang Mingshun , Ge Xuan , Zhao Ya , Xia-Bauer Chun
Published: November 2019

China’s regular energy statistics does not include the building sector, and data on building energy demand is included in other types of energy consumption in the Energy Balance Sheet (EBS). Therefore data on building energy demand is not collected based on statistics, but rather calculated or estimated by various approaches in China. This study aims at developing and testing China’s building energy statistics by applying an adapted EBS. The advantage of the adapted EBS is that statistical data is from the regular statistical system and no additional statistical efforts are needed. The research result shows that the adapted EBS can be included in China regular energy statistical system and can be standardized in a transparent way. Testing of the adapted EBS shows that China’s building energy demand has shown an annual increase of 7.6% since 2001, and a lower contribution to the total energy demand as compared to the developed world. There is also a close link to lifestyle and living standard while industrial energy demand is mainly driven by economy and decoupling of building energy demand with increasing of building floor area, this is due to a considerable improvement of building energy efficiency. The adapted EBS creates a method for China conducting statistics of building energy consumption at the sector level in a uniform way and serves as the basis for any sound building energy efficiency policy decisions.
Changes in Functional Response of Soil Microbial Community along Chronosequence of Spontaneous Succession on Post Mining Forest Sites Evaluated by Biolog and SIR Methods
Authors: Kaneda Satoshi , Krištůfek Václav , Baldrian Petr , Malý Stanislav , Frouz Jan
Published: November 2019

Soil formation in post-mining sites is crucial for restoring ecosystem function, and soil formation depend on the accumulation of soil organic matter and the development of an active microbial community. In this study, we used substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and Biolog plates to characterize microbial catabolic profiles in a chronosequence of soil samples from 15 unreclaimed post-mining sites in Sokolov, Czech Republic. The sites had been undergoing spontaneous succession for 3 to 45 years. Biolog ECO plates included 31 substrates. Of substrates used for SIR (glucose, chitin, cellulose, Tween 80, phenylethylamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, L-asparagine, D-mannitol, D-galacturonic acid, α-cyclodextrin, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid), eight were also used for the Biolog plates. Soil respiration, total bacteria number, and culturable bacteria number were also measured. The total and culturable number of bacteria increased with site age (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The percentage of culturable bacteria decreased with site age (p < 0.01). Biolog analysis indicated that average well-color development (AWCD), evenness, and richness increased with site age. SIR data indicated that only average activities tended to increase with site age (p = 0.06). According to redundancy analysis (RDA), the eight substrates, which were commonly used in both methods (SIR and BIOLOG) explained 74.4% of the variation of data from all Biolog substrates. Among the eight substrates common to both methods, only data for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine were positively correlated (p < 0.01) between Biolog and SIR. Both methods revealed microbial catabolic profile changed along the chronosequence. PCA indicated that site age, soil carbon, and pH were the most important drivers of microbial catabolic profiles.
Forest Phenology Dynamics to Climate Change and Topography in a Geographic and Climate Transition Zone: The Qinling Mountains in Central China
Authors: Xia Haoming , Qin Yaochen , Feng Gary , Meng Qingmin , Cui Yaoping , Song Hongquan , Ouyang Ying , Liu Gangjun
Published: November 2019

Forest ecosystems in an ecotone and their dynamics to climate change are growing ecological and environmental concerns. Phenology is one of the most critical biological indicators of climate change impacts on forest dynamics. In this study, we estimated and visualized the spatiotemporal patterns of forest phenology from 2001 to 2017 in the Qinling Mountains (QMs) based on the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) from MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We further analyzed this data to reveal the impacts of climate change and topography on the start of the growing season (SOS), end of the growing season (EOS), and the length of growing season (LOS). Our results showed that forest phenology metrics were very sensitive to changes in elevation, with a 2.4 days delayed SOS, 1.4 days advanced EOS, and 3.8 days shortened LOS for every 100 m increase in altitude. During the study period, on average, SOS advanced by 0.13 days year−1, EOS was delayed by 0.22 days year−1, and LOS increased by 0.35 day year−1. The phenological advanced and delayed speed across different elevation is not consistent. The speed of elevation-induced advanced SOS increased slightly with elevation, and the speed of elevation-induced delayed EOS shift reached a maximum value of 1500 m from 2001 to 2017. The sensitivity of SOS and EOS to preseason temperature displays that an increase of 1 °C in the regionally averaged preseason temperature would advance the average SOS by 1.23 days and delay the average EOS by 0.72 days, respectively. This study improved our understanding of the recent variability of forest phenology in mountain ecotones and explored the correlation between forest phenology and climate variables in the context of the ongoing climate warming.
Machine Learning-Based Patient Load Prediction and IoT Integrated Intelligent Patient Transfer Systems
Authors: Mtonga Kambombo , Kumaran Santhi , Mikeka Chomora , Jayavel Kayalvizhi , Nsenga Jimmy
Published: November 2019

A mismatch between staffing ratios and service demand leads to overcrowding of patients in waiting rooms of health centers. Overcrowding consequently leads to excessive patient waiting times, incomplete preventive service delivery and disgruntled medical staff. Worse, due to the limited patient load that a health center can handle, patients may leave the clinic before the medical examination is complete. It is true that as one health center may be struggling with an excessive patient load, another facility in the vicinity may have a low patient turn out. A centralized hospital management system, where hospitals are able to timely exchange patient load information would allow excess patient load from an overcrowded health center to be re-assigned in a timely way to the nearest health centers. In this paper, a machine learning-based patient load prediction model for forecasting future patient loads is proposed. Given current and historical patient load data as inputs, the model outputs future predicted patient loads. Furthermore, we propose re-assigning excess patient loads to nearby facilities that have minimal load as a way to control overcrowding and reduce the number of patients that leave health facilities without receiving medical care as a result of overcrowding. The re-assigning of patients will imply a need for transportation for the patient to move from one facility to another. To avoid putting a further strain on the already fragmented ambulatory services, we assume the existence of a scheduled bus system and propose an Internet of Things (IoT) integrated smart bus system. The developed IoT system can be tagged on buses and can be queried by patients through representation state transfer application program interfaces (APIs) to provide them with the position of the buses through web app or SMS relative to their origin and destination stop. The back end of the proposed system is based on message queue telemetry transport, which is lightweight, data efficient and scalable, unlike the traditionally used hypertext transfer protocol.
Ultrasonic Pretreatment in Synthesis of Caprylic-Rich Structured Lipids by Lipase-Catalyzed Acidolysis of Corn Oil in Organic System and Its Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Yue Chonghui , Ben Hongyan , Wang Junwen , Li Tiantian , Yu Guoping
Published: November 2019

The current work was to evaluate the lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of corn oil with caprylic acid (CA) in organic system under bath ultrasonic pretreatment and to analyze the physicochemical properties of structured lipids (SLs). Under optimum conditions (Novozym 40086 lipase, 200 W ultrasound power, 10 min ultrasound pretreatment time, 12% dosage of lipase, Triacylglycerol (TAG)/Free fatty acids (FFA): 1/8, 40 °C for 6 h), a 45.55% CA incorporation was obtained (named SLs-U). The highest CA incorporation was 32.75% for conventional method at reaction time of 10 h (named SLs-N). The predominant TAG types of SLs were MLM (medium-, long- and medium-chain-type TAGs) and MLL (medium-, long- and long-chain-type TAGs). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that both SLs-U and SLs-N present β form. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that both SLs-U and SLs-N show a lower melting and crystallization temperature than corn oil. This study suggested that bath ultrasonic pretreatment can accelerate lipase-catalyzed acidolysis synthesis of MLM structured lipids in an organic system, and two kinds of structured lipids show similar physicochemical properties.
X-Linked Emery–Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy: Study Of X-Chromosome Inactivation and Its Relation with Clinical Phenotypes in Female Carriers
Authors: Viggiano Emanuela , Madej-Pilarczyk Agnieszka , Carboni Nicola , Picillo Esther , Ergoli Manuela , del Gaudio Stefania , Marchel Michal , Nigro Gerardo , Palladino Alberto , Politano Luisa
Published: November 2019

X-linked Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD1) affects approximately 1:100,000 male births. Female carriers are usually asymptomatic but, in some cases, they may present clinical symptoms after age 50 at cardiac level, especially in the form of conduction tissue anomalies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between heart involvement in symptomatic EDMD1 carriers and the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern. The XCI pattern was determined on the lymphocytes of 30 symptomatic and asymptomatic EDMD1 female carriers—25 familial and 5 sporadic cases—seeking genetic advice using the androgen receptor (AR) methylation-based assay. Carriers were subdivided according to whether they were above or below 50 years of age. A variance analysis was performed to compare the XCI pattern between symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. The results show that 20% of EDMD1 carriers had cardiac symptoms, and that 50% of these were ≥50 years of age. The XCI pattern was similar in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Conclusions: Arrhythmias in EDMD1 carriers poorly correlate on lymphocytes to a skewed XCI, probably due to (a) the different embryological origin of cardiac conduction tissue compared to lymphocytes or (b) the preferential loss of atrial cells replaced by fibrous tissue.
Tilting and Flexural Stresses in Basins Due to Glaciations—An Example from the Barents Sea
Authors: Løtveit Ingrid F. , Fjeldskaar Willy , Sydnes Magnhild
Published: November 2019

Many of the Earth’s sedimentary basins are affected by glaciations. Repeated glaciations over millions of years may have had a significant effect on the physical conditions in sedimentary basins and on basin structuring. This paper presents some of the major effects that ice sheets might have on sedimentary basins, and includes examples of quantifications of their significance. Among the most important effects are movements of the solid Earth caused by glacial loading and unloading, and the related flexural stresses. The driving factor of these movements is isostasy. Most of the production licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf are located inside the margin of the former Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ice sheet. Isostatic modeling shows that sedimentary basins near the former ice margin can be tilted as much as 3 m/km which might significantly alter pathways of hydrocarbon migration. In an example from the SW Barents Sea we show that flexural stresses related to the isostatic uplift after LGM deglaciation can produce stress changes large enough to result in increased fracture-related permeability in the sedimentary basin, and lead to potential spillage of hydrocarbons out of potential reservoirs. The results demonstrate that future basin modeling should consider including the loading effect of glaciations when dealing with petroleum potential in former glaciated areas.
Older Adults’ Outdoor Walking and Inequalities in Neighbourhood Green Spaces Characteristics
Authors: Zandieh Razieh , Martinez Javier , Flacke Johannes
Published: November 2019

Outdoor walking has considerable benefits for healthy ageing and older adults are recommended to walk regularly. However, older adults living in high-deprivation areas walk less than those living in low-deprivation areas. Previous research has shown that the characteristics of neighbourhood green spaces (i.e., proximity, attractiveness, size, and number) may influence outdoor walking. This study examines spatial inequalities in the characteristics of neighbourhood green spaces in high- versus low-deprivation areas and their possible influences on disparities in older adults’ outdoor walking levels. For this purpose, it included a sample of 173 participants (≥65 years) and used secondary data and a geographic information system (GIS) to objectively measure neighbourhood green spaces characteristics. Geographic positioning system (GPS) technology was used to objectively measure outdoor walking levels. Data on participants’ personal characteristics were collected by questionnaire. The results indicate that one characteristic of neighbourhood green spaces (i.e., size) is positively related to outdoor walking levels. They show that inequalities in neighbourhood green spaces’ size in high- versus low-deprivation areas may influence disparities in older adults’ outdoor walking levels. Despite inequalities in other neighbourhood green space characteristics (e.g., proximity, attractiveness, and number) in high- versus low-deprivation areas, no relationship was found between these neighbourhood green space characteristics and participants’ outdoor walking levels. Enhancing the distribution or creation of large neighbourhood green spaces (e.g., through creating green space networks) may enhance outdoor walking among older residents, especially in high-deprivation areas.
Analyzing Awareness on Risk Factors, Barriers and Prevention of Cervical Cancer among Pairs of Nepali High School Students and Their Mothers
Authors: Poudel Kritika , Sumi Naomi
Published: November 2019

Providing information on increased cancer risks associated with certain behaviors might encourage adolescents to initiate protective behaviors. This study firstly determined the knowledge of risk factors and prevention of cervical cancer. Secondly, it checked an association between mothers’ screening practice and student’s knowledge. A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 253 pairs of high school students and their mothers. Knowledge on cervical cancer was significantly lower among students and mothers. While cancer screening tests, maintenance of hygiene were considered as major preventive measures for cervical cancer, human papilloma vaccine was the least considered preventive measure. Students who were female, attended discussions on cancer and had a healthy diet had better awareness of cancer. Mothers of female students had better knowledge about cervical cancer than mothers of male students. Less perceived susceptibility and lack of knowledge were major obstacles among mothers, limiting cervical cancer screening to 15%. Although association between knowledge of students and screening practice of mothers was not clear, it was observed that cancer communication increased awareness of cervical cancer in both groups. Our findings showed a strong need for school-based cancer education program to address the issues of human papillomavirus vaccinations, cervical cancer risk and screening.
Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in Taiwanese Adolescents
Authors: Wang Wen-Yi , Hsieh Yu-Ling , Hsueh Ming-Chun , Liu Yang , Liao Yung
Published: November 2019

Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents seem to vary within different settings, but few Asian studies have compared physical activity and sedentary activity patterns in adolescents across weekdays/weekends and during-school time/after-school time. This study aimed to provide objectively measured data describing intensity-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns in Taiwanese adolescents. The results were sorted by gender and divided between weekdays/weekends and during-school time/after-school time. A total of 470 Taiwanese students (49.6% boys, ages 12–15 y) were recruited and fitted with GT3X+ accelerometers for seven days. Intensity-specific physical activity, total sedentary time, and sedentary bouts (number and duration ≥30 min) were measured. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the significant differences in physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns between the genders on weekdays/weekends and during school/after-school time. The results show that the adolescents’ overall activity levels were below recommended thresholds, with girls engaging in significantly less moderate to vigorous physical activity, having longer sedentary time, longer time spent in sedentary bouts, and more frequent sedentary bouts than boys. Similar results were observed in physical activities of each intensity as well as sedentary behavior variables, both on weekdays/weekends and during-school/after-school periods. These findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing approaches to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as decrease prolonged sedentary time and long sedentary bouts, especially for Taiwanese girls.
Tooth Malformations, DMFT Index, Speech Impairment and Oral Habits in Patients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Blanck-Lubarsch Moritz , Dirksen Dieter , Feldmann Reinhold , Sauerland Cristina , Hohoff Ariane
Published: November 2019

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder with severe negative lifetime consequences. Although knowledge about the harmfulness of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has spread, the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is very high. Our study aims at identifying fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-associated dental anomalies or habits, which need early attention. Methods: Sixty children (30 FAS; 30 controls) were examined prospectively. Swallowing pattern, oral habits, breastfeeding, speech therapy, ergotherapy, physiotherapy, exfoliation of teeth, DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index, modified DDE (developmental defects of enamel) index and otitis media were recorded. Results: Swallowing pattern, exfoliation of teeth, and otitis media were not significantly different. Significant differences could be found concerning mouthbreathing (p = 0.007), oral habits (p = 0.047), age at termination of habits (p = 0.009), speech treatment (p = 0.002), ergotherapy, physiotherapy, and breastfeeding (p ≤ 0.001). DMFT (p ≤ 0.001) and modified DDE (p = 0.001) index showed significantly higher values for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Conclusions: Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have a higher need for early developmental promotion such as speech treatment, ergotherapy, and physiotherapy. Mouthbreathing, habits, and lack of breastfeeding may result in orthodontic treatment needs. High DMFT and modified DDE indexes hint at a higher treatment and prevention need in dentistry.
Urban Green Space: Creating a Triple Win for Environmental Sustainability, Health, and Health Equity through Behavior Change
Authors: Kruize Hanneke , van der Vliet Nina , Staatsen Brigit , Bell Ruth , Chiabai Aline , Muiños Gabriel , Higgins Sahran , Quiroga Sonia , Martinez-Juarez Pablo , Aberg Yngwe Monica , Tsichlas Fotis , Karnaki Pania , Lima Maria Luísa , García de Jalón Silvestre , Khan Matluba , Morris George , Stegeman Ingrid
Published: November 2019

Urbanization, costs of green space maintenance, and diminishing connection between people and nature all exert pressures on urban green space. This is regrettable as green space has the potential to create wins for environmental sustainability, health, and health equity. This paper explores this potential triple win and investigates how to increase the use of urban green space through behavior change. A narrative literature review was conducted and was supplemented with literature suggested by experts. Results show that creating well-designed green spaces and stimulating people to use them can indeed deliver this triple win. Providing accessible, attractive, well-maintained green space with room for socialization, and where people feel safe, may increase the opportunity and motivation of people to use it more often. Informing and educating people and organizing activities may increase capability (and motivation) to use green space. Since the use of green space depends on life stage, lifestyle factors and individual values, it is important to involve potential users in its design. We recommend a specific focus on those groups who may benefit most from the use of green space. More evaluation is needed to inform effective green space interventions and to assess related economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Wetlands for Wellbeing: Piloting a Nature-Based Health Intervention for the Management of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Maund Phoebe R. , Irvine Katherine N. , Reeves Jonathan , Strong Emily , Cromie Ruth , Dallimer Martin , Davies Zoe G.
Published: November 2019

Nature-based health interventions (NBIs) for the treatment of poor mental health are becoming increasingly common, yet evidence to support their effectiveness is lacking. We conduct a pilot study of a six-week intervention, aiming to engage individuals with wetland nature for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. We employed a mixed methods design, using questionnaires, focus groups and semi-structured interviews to evaluate the intervention from the perspective of participants (n = 16) and healthcare professionals (n = 2). Results demonstrate significant improvements in mental health across a range of indicators, including mental wellbeing (Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7), stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and emotional wellbeing (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). Participants and healthcare professionals cited additional outcomes including improved physical health and reduced social isolation. The wetland site provided a sense of escape from participants’ everyday environments, facilitating relaxation and reductions in stress. Wetland staff knowledge of the natural world, transportation and group organisation also played a considerable role in the intervention’s success. These aspects should be considered in future and existing NBIs to maximise benefits to participants. We propose NBIs based in wetlands are an effective therapy option for individuals diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression.
Occupational Health and Safety of Immigrant Workers in Italy and Spain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Arici Cecilia , Ronda-Pérez Elena , Tamhid Tishad , Absekava Katsiaryna , Porru Stefano
Published: November 2019

The main aim of the present study was to summarize the available literature on the topic of occupational health and safety (OH&S) among immigrant workers (IMWs) in Italy and Spain. We conducted a scoping review, searching Medline, Social Sciences Citation Index, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, SciELO, and EMBASE for peer-reviewed articles, published in English, Italian, or Spanish, between 1999–2018. 34 studies were included, 28 with quantitative methodology and 6 with qualitative. Main findings were that, compared to natives, IMWs in Italy and Spain showed higher prevalence of low-skilled jobs and of perceived discrimination at work; higher physical demands, poorer environmental working conditions, and more exposure to occupational risks (e.g., ergonomic and psychosocial hazards); a greater risk of occupational injuries; worse general and mental health; and a plausible worsening of their health status, especially in Spain, as a result of the economic crisis. The findings of the present scoping review constitute warning signs that indicate the need for a holistic global response to ensure that adverse OH&S outcomes among IMWs workers are improved and that equitable access to health care is guaranteed. Such a response will require a concrete and evidence-based approach to prevent and monitor occupational risk factors and associated outcomes in the workplaces.
Work-Family Conflict in the European Union: The Impact of Organizational and Public Facilities
Authors: Remery Chantal , Schippers Joop
Published: November 2019

Today, as an increasing share of women and men is involved in both paid tasks at work and unpaid care tasks for children and other relatives, more people are at risk of work-family conflict, which can be a major threat to well-being and mental, but also physical health. Both organizations and governments invest in arrangements that are meant to support individuals in finding a balance between work and family life. The twofold goal of our article was to establish the level of work-family conflict in the member states of the European Union by gender and to analyze to what extent different arrangements at the organizational level as well the public level help to reduce this. Using the European Working Conditions Survey supplemented with macro-data on work-family facilities and the economic and emancipation climate in a country, we performed multilevel analyses. Our findings show that the intensity of work-family conflict does not vary widely in EU28. In most countries, men experience less work-family conflict than women, although the difference is small. Caring for children and providing informal care increases perceived work-life conflict. The relatively small country differences in work-family conflict show that different combinations of national facilities and organizational arrangements together can have the same impact on individuals; apparently, there are several ways to realize the same goal of work-family conflict reduction.
Cannabidiol Protects Dopaminergic Neuronal Cells from Cadmium
Authors: Branca Jacopo Junio Valerio , Morucci Gabriele , Becatti Matteo , Carrino Donatello , Ghelardini Carla , Gulisano Massimo , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Pacini Alessandra
Published: November 2019

The protective effect of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, against neuronal toxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2 10 μM) was investigated in a retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. CBD (1 μM) was applied 24 h before and removed during cadmium (Cd) treatment. In differentiated neuronal cells, CBD significantly reduced the Cd-dependent decrease of cell viability, and the rapid reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. CBD significantly prevented the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (GRP78 increase) and the subcellular distribution of the cytochrome C, as well as the overexpression of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX. Immunocytochemical analysis as well as quantitative protein evaluation by western blotting revealed that CBD partially counteracted the depletion of the growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) and of the neuronal specific class III β-tubulin (β3 tubulin) induced by Cd treatment. These data showed that Cd-induced neuronal injury was ameliorated by CBD treatment and it was concluded that CBD may represent a potential option to protect neuronal cells from the detrimental effects of Cd toxicity.
Roles of Relative Humidity in Aerosol Pollution Aggravation over Central China during Wintertime
Authors: Zang Lin , Wang Zemin , Zhu Bo , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2019

Aerosol pollution elicits considerable public concern due to the adverse influence on air quality, climate change, and human health. Outside of emissions, haze formation is closely related to meteorological conditions, especially relative humidity (RH). Partly due to insufficient investigations on the aerosol hygroscopicity, the accuracy of pollution prediction in Central China is limited. In this study, taking Wuhan as a sample city, we investigated the response of aerosol pollution to RH during wintertime based on in-situ measurements. The results show that, aerosol pollution in Wuhan is dominated by PM2.5 (aerodynamic particle size not larger than 2.5 μm) on wet days (RH ≥ 60%), with the averaged mass fraction of 0.62 for PM10. Based on the RH dependence of aerosol light scattering (f (RH)), aerosol hygroscopicity was evaluated and shows the high dependence on the particle size distribution and chemical compositions. f (RH = 80%) in Wuhan was 2.18 (±0.73), which is comparable to that measured in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta regions for urban aerosols, and generally greater than values in Beijing. Ammonium (NH4+), sulfate (SO42−), and nitrate (NO3−) were enhanced by approximately 2.5-, 2-, and 1.5-fold respectively under wet conditions, and the ammonia-rich conditions in wintertime efficiently promoted the formation of SO42− and NO3−, especially at high RH. These secondary ions play an important role in aggravating the pollution level and aerosol light scattering. This study has important implications for understanding the roles of RH in aerosol pollution aggravation over Central China, and the fitted equation between f (RH) and RH may be helpful for pollution forecasting in this region.
The Changing Process of Women’s Smoking Status Triggered by Pregnancy
Authors: Itai Mai , Sasaki Akiko , Mori Makiko , Tsuda Shio , Matsumoto-Murakoso Ayumi
Published: November 2019

Although pregnancy is the trigger for many women to stop smoking, often they are unable to maintain cessation, undoing any health benefits for themselves and their children. Smoking is a complex phenomenon both before and after pregnancy, influenced by social background, relationships, and the specific experience of pregnancy and delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the experience and process of changes in women’s smoking status from pregnancy to after delivery. To explore possibilities for better smoking cessation support, the objective of this study was to clarify the changing process of smoking status from pregnancy to after delivery in women for whom pregnancy triggered a smoking cessation. We analyzed data obtained through semi-structured interviews with 31 women, using the grounded theory approach. Women reconsidered their smoking status, either quitting or smoking fewer cigarettes, because of externally motivated changes due to concerns regarding the influence of smoking on pregnancy and children. To prevent smoking relapse, it is important for the women themselves, as well as those around them, to appreciate their cessation, facilitating internal motivation and assessment of the situation. Furthermore, it is important to provide support, by implementing the process revealed in this study, not only during pregnancy but for an entire lifetime.
Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Patterns in Green Spaces for Urban Studies Using Location-Based Social Media Data
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Wan Wanggen , Ali Haidery Saqib , Khan Naimat Ullah , Ebrahimpour Zeinab , Luo Tianhang
Published: November 2019

Green parks are vital public spaces and play a major role in urban living and well-being. Research on the attractiveness of green parks often relies on traditional techniques, such as questionnaires and in-situ surveys, but these methods are typically insignificant in scale, time-consuming, and expensive, with less transferable results and only site-specific outcomes. This article presents an investigative study that uses location-based social network (LBSN) data to collect spatial and temporal patterns of park visits in Shanghai metropolitan city. During the period from July 2016 to June 2017 in Shanghai, China, we analyzed the spatiotemporal behavior of park visitors for 157 green parks and conducted empirical research on the impacts of green spaces on the public’s behavior in Shanghai. Our main findings show (i) the check-in distribution of users in different green spaces; (ii) the seasonal effects on the public’s behavior toward green spaces; (iii) changes in the number of users based on the hour of the day, the intervals of the day (morning, afternoon, evening), and the day of the week; (iv) interesting user behavior variations that depend on temperature effects; and (v) gender-based differences in the number of green park visitors. These results can be used for the purpose of urban city planning for green spaces by accounting for the preferences of visitors.
Testing Different Interpolation Methods Based on Single Beam Echosounder River Surveying. Case Study: Siret River
Authors: Arseni Maxim , Voiculescu Mirela , Georgescu Lucian Puiu , Iticescu Catalina , Rosu Adrian
Published: November 2019

Bathymetric measurements play an important role in assessing the sedimentation rate, deposition of pollutants, erosion rate, or monitoring of morphological changes in a river, lake, or accumulation basin. In order to create a coherent and continuous digital elevation model (DEM) of a river bed, various data interpolation methods are used, especially when single-beam bathymetric measurements do not cover the entire area and when there are areas which are not measured. Interpolation methods are based on numerical models applied to natural landscapes (e.g., meandering river) by taking into account various morphometric and morphologies and a wide range of scales. Obviously, each interpolation method, used in standard or customised form, yields different results. This study aims at testing four interpolation methods in order to determine the most appropriate method which will give an accurate description of the riverbed, based on single-beam bathymetric measurements. The four interpolation methods selected in the present research are: inverse distance weighting (IDW), radial basis function (RBF) with completely regularized spline (CRS) which uses deterministic interpolation, simple kriging (KRG) which is a geo-statistical method, and Topo to Raster (TopoR), a particular method specifically designed for creating continuous surfaces from various elevation points, contour, or polygon data, suitable for creating surfaces for hydrologic analysis. Digital elevation models (DEM’s) were statistically analyzed and precision and errors were evaluated. The single-beam bathymetric measurements were made on the Siret River, between 0 and 35 km. To check and validate the methods, the experiment was repeated for five randomly selected cross-sections in a 1500 m section of the river. The results were then compared with the data extracted from each elevation model generated with each of the four interpolation methods. Our results show that: 1) TopoR is the most accurate technique, and 2) the two deterministic methods give large errors in bank areas, for the entire river channel and for the particular cross-sections.
A Multilevel Eigenvector Spatial Filtering Model of House Prices: A Case Study of House Sales in Fairfax County, Virginia
Authors: Hu Lan , Chun Yongwan , Griffith Daniel A.
Published: November 2019

House prices tend to be spatially correlated due to similar physical features shared by neighboring houses and commonalities attributable to their neighborhood environment. A multilevel model is one of the methodologies that has been frequently adopted to address spatial effects in modeling house prices. Empirical studies show its capability in accounting for neighborhood specific spatial autocorrelation (SA) and analyzing potential factors related to house prices at both individual and neighborhood levels. However, a standard multilevel model specification only considers within-neighborhood SA, which refers to similar house prices within a given neighborhood, but neglects between-neighborhood SA, which refers to similar house prices for adjacent neighborhoods that can commonly exist in residential areas. This oversight may lead to unreliable inference results for covariates, and subsequently less accurate house price predictions. This study proposes to extend a multilevel model using Moran eigenvector spatial filtering (MESF) methodology. This proposed model can take into account simultaneously between-neighborhood SA with a set of Moran eigenvectors as well as potential within-neighborhood SA with a random effects term. An empirical analysis of 2016 and 2017 house prices in Fairfax County, Virginia, illustrates the capability of a multilevel MESF model specification in accounting for between-neighborhood SA present in data. A comparison of its model performance and house price prediction outcomes with conventional methodologies also indicates that the multilevel MESF model outperforms standard multilevel and hedonic models. With its simple and flexible feature, a multilevel MESF model can furnish an appealing and useful approach for understanding the underlying spatial distribution of house prices.
Expression and Functional Analysis of Hepcidin from Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi)
Authors: Shen Yawei , Zhao Ziwei , Zhao Jinliang , Chen Xiaowu , Cao Ming , Wu Minglin
Published: November 2019

Hepcidin is a liver-derived peptide hormone that is related to iron balance and immunity in humans. However, its function in Siniperca chuatsi has not been well elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the expression and function of the S. chuatsi hepcidin (Sc-hep) gene. Sc-hep was specifically expressed in the liver and appeared to be one of the most highly expressed genes in the liver. After spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infection and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic—polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) stimulation, the expression of Sc-hep in the liver increased by approximately 110, 6500, and 225 times, respectively. After ferrous sulfate (FS) injection, the expression of Sc-hep in the liver increased approximately 520-fold. We found that miR-19c-5p could inhibit Sc-hep expression. Five CpG dinucleotides distributed in the promoter region showed no differential methylation between the liver and the stomach, both presenting high methylation rates. After FS or LPS injection, the expression of three iron balance-related genes (FPN1, TFR1, and FTN) and five immune-related cytokine genes (IL-1β, IL8, TNF-α, TLR22, and SOCS3) significantly changed. These results indicate that Sc-hep participates in the regulation of iron balance and plays an important role in the immune system. Sc-hep increased approximately 52-fold when mandarin fish were domesticated with artificial diets. Sc-hep might be used as a real-time biomarker of mandarin fish liver because its expression markedly varies under different physiological conditions.
Physiological and Transcriptional Responses of Industrial Rapeseed (Brassica napus) Seedlings to Drought and Salinity Stress
Authors: Wang Ji , Jiao Jiao , Zhou Mengjia , Jin Zeyang , Yu Yongjian , Liang Mingxiang
Published: November 2019

Abiotic stress greatly inhibits crop growth and reduces yields. However, little is known about the transcriptomic changes that occur in the industrial oilseed crop, rapeseed (Brassica napus), in response to abiotic stress. In this study, we examined the physiological and transcriptional responses of rapeseed to drought (simulated by treatment with 15% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000) and salinity (150 mM NaCl) stress. Proline contents in young seedlings greatly increased under both conditions after 3 h of treatment, whereas the levels of antioxidant enzymes remained unchanged. We assembled transcripts from the leaves and roots of rapeseed and performed BLASTN searches against the rapeseed genome database for the first time. Gene ontology analysis indicated that DEGs involved in catalytic activity, metabolic process, and response to stimulus were highly enriched. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the categories metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were highly enriched. We determined that myeloblastosis (MYB), NAM/ATAF1-2/CUC2 (NAC), and APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element binding proteins (AP2-EREBP) transcription factors function as major switches that control downstream gene expression and that proline plays a role under short-term abiotic stress treatment due to increased expression of synthesis and decreased expression of degradation. Furthermore, many common genes function in the response to both types of stress in this rapeseed.
Distinct Subcellular Compartments of Dendritic Cells Used for Cross-Presentation
Authors: Imai Jun , Otani Mayu , Sakai Takahiro
Published: November 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) present exogenous protein-derived peptides on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules to prime naïve CD8+ T cells. This DC specific ability, called cross-presentation (CP), is important for the activation of cell-mediated immunity and the induction of self-tolerance. Recent research revealed that endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), which was first identified as a part of the unfolded protein response—a quality control system in the ER—plays a pivotal role in the processing of exogenous proteins in CP. Moreover, DCs express a variety of immuno-modulatory molecules and cytokines to regulate T cell activation in response to the environment. Although both CP and immuno-modulation are indispensable, contrasting ER conditions are required for their correct activity. Since ERAD substrates are unfolded proteins, their accumulation may result in ER stress, impaired cell homeostasis, and eventually apoptosis. In contrast, activation of the unfolded protein response should be inhibited for DCs to express immuno-modulatory molecules and cytokines. Here, we review recent advances on antigen CP, focusing on intracellular transport routes for exogenous antigens and distinctive subcellular compartments involved in ERAD.