bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sound of Silence: Minorities, Abstention and Democracy
Authors: Biondo Alessio Emanuele , Pluchino Alessandro , Zanola Roberto
Published: December 2021

Despite the existence of an extensive literature, no definitive conclusion seems to emerge on the extent to which minorities are guaranteed by democratic rules in political systems. This paper contributes to this debate by proposing a modified Heigselmann and Krauss two-dimensional model of preferences in order to capture the role of abstention on minority representativeness. Regardless of the typology of abstention, simulation results show that voter abstention always benefits minorities.
On the Validity of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis at Short Scales
Authors: Carpena Pedro , Gómez-Extremera Manuel , Bernaola-Galván Pedro A.
Published: December 2021

Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) has become a standard method to quantify the correlations and scaling properties of real-world complex time series. For a given scale ℓ of observation, DFA provides the function F(ℓ), which quantifies the fluctuations of the time series around the local trend, which is substracted (detrended). If the time series exhibits scaling properties, then F(ℓ)∼ℓα asymptotically, and the scaling exponent α is typically estimated as the slope of a linear fitting in the logF(ℓ) vs. log(ℓ) plot. In this way, α measures the strength of the correlations and characterizes the underlying dynamical system. However, in many cases, and especially in a physiological time series, the scaling behavior is different at short and long scales, resulting in logF(ℓ) vs. log(ℓ) plots with two different slopes, α1 at short scales and α2 at large scales of observation. These two exponents are usually associated with the existence of different mechanisms that work at distinct time scales acting on the underlying dynamical system. Here, however, and since the power-law behavior of F(ℓ) is asymptotic, we question the use of α1 to characterize the correlations at short scales. To this end, we show first that, even for artificial time series with perfect scaling, i.e., with a single exponent α valid for all scales, DFA provides an α1 value that systematically overestimates the true exponent α. In addition, second, when artificial time series with two different scaling exponents at short and large scales are considered, the α1 value provided by DFA not only can severely underestimate or overestimate the true short-scale exponent, but also depends on the value of the large scale exponent. This behavior should prevent the use of α1 to describe the scaling properties at short scales: if DFA is used in two time series with the same scaling behavior at short scales but very different scaling properties at large scales, very different values of α1 will be obtained, although the short scale properties are identical. These artifacts may lead to wrong interpretations when analyzing real-world time series: on the one hand, for time series with truly perfect scaling, the spurious value of α1 could lead to wrongly thinking that there exists some specific mechanism acting only at short time scales in the dynamical system. On the other hand, for time series with true different scaling at short and large scales, the incorrect α1 value would not characterize properly the short scale behavior of the dynamical system.
Generalized Gibbs Phase Rule and Multicriticality Applied to Magnetic Systems
Authors: Dias Daniele A. , Lima Francisco W. S. , Plascak Joao A.
Published: December 2021

A generalization of the original Gibbs phase rule is proposed in order to study the presence of single phases, multiphase coexistence, and multicritical phenomena in lattice spin magnetic models. The rule is based on counting the thermodynamic number of degrees of freedom, which strongly depends on the external fields needed to break the ground state degeneracy of the model. The phase diagrams of some spin Hamiltonians are analyzed according to this general phase rule, including general spin Ising and Blume–Capel models, as well as q-state Potts models. It is shown that by properly taking into account the intensive fields of the model in study, the generalized Gibbs phase rule furnishes a good description of the possible topology of the corresponding phase diagram. Although this scheme is unfortunately not able to locate the phase boundaries, it is quite useful to at least provide a good description regarding the possible presence of critical and multicritical surfaces, as well as isolated multicritical points.
Educational Challenges of Higher Education: Validation of the Information Competence Scale for Future Teachers (ICS-FT)
Authors: Gómez-García Gerardo , Hinojo-Lucena Francisco-Javier , Fernández-Martín Francisco-Domingo , Romero-Rodríguez José-María
Published: December 2021

The irruption of information and communication technologies has brought about an abrupt change in the demands placed on future professionals. In this sense, in recent years, information competencies have gained importance in university education from a cross-cutting perspective, which advocates as its main purpose the training of young people in information search, evaluation, processing and communication skills, especially through a digital network. Based on this idea, the present work aims to develop the Information Competence Scale for Future Teachers (ICS-FT), in order to measure the level of self-perceived skills in this area. For this purpose, a work design is presented below concerning an empirical validation, divided into different phases: the validation of content, construct and reliability, which has taken as a pilot sample a total of 259 university students studying the degree of Primary Education. The results of the validation determined the optimal conditions of content, construct and reliability that allowed the application of this scale as a generic approach to determine the level of competence in the information skills of future teachers.
Generic Analysis Framework for Modular Multilevel Converter HVDC with Multi-Infeed Line-Commutated Converter HVDC System
Authors: Kim Sehyun , Hur Kyeon , Na Jongseo , Yoon Jongsu , Kim Heejin
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a generic analysis framework for a grid supporting modular multilevel converter (MMC)-high voltage DC (HVDC) in a multi-infeed of line commutated converter (LCC) and MMC (MILM) system. MMC-HVDC can support the grid by compensating for the exact reactive power consumptions within the MMC-HVDC system and the varying power system conditions in the MILM system. Maximum active/reactive power capability (MPQC) curve and PQ loading curve comparison process is introduced to properly design a grid supporting MMC-HVDC. While the MPQC curve presents the maximum PQ range of the MMC-HVDC system based on the submodule capacitance value and the modulation index, the PQ loading curve presents the reactive power requirement from the power system that MMC-HVDC needs to compensate. Finally, the comparison of these two curves yields the proper value of submodule capacitance and the modulation index for sufficiently supporting the MILM system. The proposed framework is validated with detailed PSCAD/EMTDC simulation; it demonstrated that it could be applied to various power system conditions.
Analysis of Selected Service Industries in Terms of the Use of Photovoltaics before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kaczmarzewski Sylwester , Matuszewska Dominika , Sołtysik Maciej
Published: December 2021

Previous analyses of the PV market (and the impact of the pandemic on it) have focused on the market as a whole. The literature does not contain analyses of selected services sectors (e.g., catering, hotel services) in terms of the use of photovoltaics. There are no studies that would show in which segments the demand profile for electricity most closely matches the production from photovoltaic installations (not to mention the impact of the pandemic). The authors analyzed selected service sectors (catering and hotel) in terms of the use of photovoltaics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper proposes a comparative methodology for the use of photovoltaics for self-consumption, including statistical analyses and calculations of the self-consumption index for representatives of various selected services sectors. The highest value of the self-consumption ratio at the level of 52% was shown for cafes and restaurants (during the pandemic). Surprisingly, in the pandemic, the self-consumption rate increased for restaurants and cafes for the same size of installations (compared to pre-pandemic times).
Optimal Power Dispatch in Energy Systems Considering Grid Constraints
Authors: Rubio Alejandro , Schuldt Frank , Klement Peter , von Maydell Karsten
Published: December 2021

As a consequence of the increasing share of renewable energies and sector coupling technologies, new approaches are needed for the study, planning, and control of modern energy systems. Such new structures may add extra stress to the electric grid, as is the case with heat pumps and electrical vehicles. Therefore, the optimal performance of the system must be estimated considering the constraints imposed by the different sectors. In this research, an energy system dispatch optimization model is employed. It includes an iterative approach for generating grid constraints, which is decoupled from the linear unit commitment problem. The dispatch of all energy carriers in the system is optimized while considering the physical electrical grid limits. From the considered scenarios, it was found that in a typical German neighborhood with 150 households, a PV penetration of ∼5 kWp per household can lead to curtailment of ∼60 MWh per year due to line loading. Furthermore, the proposed method eliminates grid violations due to the addition of new sectors and reduces the energy curtailment up to 45%. With the optimization of the heat pump operation, an increase of 7% of the self-consumption was achieved with similar results for the combination of battery systems and electrical vehicles. In conclusion, a safe and optimal operation of a complex energy system is fulfilled. Efficient control strategies and more accurate plant sizing could be derived from this work.
Frequency Analysis of Partial Short-Circuit Fault in BLDC Motors with Combined Star-Delta Winding
Authors: Korkosz Mariusz , Pakla Bartłomiej , Prokop Jan
Published: December 2021

This paper analyses the condition of a partial short-circuit in a brushless permanent magnet motor. Additionally, the problem was analysed for three stator winding configurations: star, delta and star-delta connection. The paper presents an original mathematical model allowing a winding configurations to be analysed. What is more, the said mathematical model allows taking account of the partial short-circuit condition. Frequency analysis (Fast Fourier Transform—FFT) of the artificial neutral point voltage was proposed for the purpose of detecting the partial short-circuit condition. It was demonstrated that a partial short-circuit causes a marked increase in the diagnostic frequencies of the voltage signal. The proposed brushless permanent magnet motor diagnostic method is able to detect the fault regardless of the stator winding configuration type.
Grid-Tied Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator for Power Quality Enhancement Using Combined-Step-Size Real-Coefficient Improved Proportionate Affine Projection Sign Algorithm
Authors: Dash Arobinda , Bagarty Durgesh Prasad , Hota Prakash Kumar , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Hazra Twinkle , Behera Siddhartha , Behera Arun Kumar , Behera Siddharth , Nayak Amit Kumar , Mohapatra Sangram Ballav , Ojha Shreekanta kumar
Published: December 2021

A control structure design of a three-phase three-leg four-wire grid-tied Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) based on a combined-step-size real-coefficient improved proportionate affine projection sign algorithm (CSS-RIP-APSA) has been presented. The three-phase four-wire DSTATCOM is used for reactive power compensation along with harmonic current minimization. This strategy also helps in load balancing and neutral current compensation. The affine projection sign algorithm (APSA) is a member of the adaptive filter family, which has a slow convergence rate. The conventional adaptive filter deals with the trade-off between the convergence rate and the steady-state error. In the proposed algorithm, the RIP-APSA adaptive filter with two different step sizes has been designed to decrease the computational burden while achieving the advantages of a fast convergence rate and reduced steady-state error. The proposed controller also makes the inverter function a shunt compensator. The controller primarily evaluates the fundamental weight component of distorted load currents. The aim of the proposed system is to compensate for reactive power and to ensure unity power factor during the faulty conditions as well as for unbalancing grid conditions. The proposed control algorithm of the grid-tied DSTATCOM works effectively on the laboratory prototype as verified from the experimental results.
Modelling and Environmental Assessment of a Stand-Alone Micro-Grid System in a Mountain Hut Using Renewables
Authors: Mori Mitja , Gutiérrez Manuel , Sekavčnik Mihael , Drobnič Boštjan
Published: December 2021

Mountain huts are stand-alone micro-grid systems that are not connected to a power grid. However, they impact the environment by generating electricity and through day-to-day operations. The installed generator needs to be flexible to cover fluctuations in the energy demand. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources presents a challenge when it comes to balancing electricity generation and consumption. This paper presents an integration-and-optimization process for renewable energy sources in a mountain hut’s electricity generation system combined with a lifecycle assessment. A custom computational model was developed, validated with experimental data and integrated into a TRNSYS model. Five different electricity generation topologies were modelled to find the best configuration that matches the dynamics and meets the cumulative electricity demand. A lifecycle assessment methodology was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of all the topologies for one typical operating year. The carbon footprint could be reduced by 34% in the case of the actually implemented system upgrade, and by up to 47% in the case of 100% renewable electricity generation. An investment cost analysis shows that improving the battery charging strategy has a minor effect on the payback time, but it can significantly reduce the environmental impacts.
Identification of Metro-Bikeshare Transfer Trip Chains by Matching Docked Bikeshare and Metro Smartcards
Authors: Ma Xinwei , Zhang Shuai , Jin Yuchuan , Zhu Minqing , Yuan Yufei
Published: December 2021

Metro-bikeshare integration, an important way of improving the efficiency of public transportation, has grown rapidly during the last decades in many countries. However, most previous analysis of metro-bikeshare transfer trips were based on limited sample size and the number of recognized metro-bikeshare trips were not sufficient. The primary objective of this study is to derive a method to recognize metro-bikeshare transfer trips. The two data sources are provided by Nanjing Metro Company and Nanjing Public Bicycle Company over the same period from 9–29 March 2016. The identifying method includes three steps: (1) Matching Card Pairs (2) Filtering Card Pairs and (3) Identifying Card Pairs. The case study indicates that the Support Vector Classification (SVC) performs best with a high prediction accuracy of 95.9% using seamless smartcards. The identifying method is then used to recognize the transfer trips from other types of cards, resulting in 17,022 valid metro-bikeshare transfer trips made by 2948 travelers. Finally, travel patterns extracted from the two groups of identified transfer trips are analyzed comparatively. The method proposed presents new opportunities for analyzing metro-bikeshare transfer trip characteristics.
Study of the Critical Pore Radius That Results in Critical Gas Saturation during Methane Hydrate Dissociation at the Single-Pore Scale: Analytical Solutions for Small Pores and Potential Implications to Methane Production from Geological Media
Authors: Tsimpanogiannis Ioannis Nikolaos , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Stubos Athanasios Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

We examine the critical pore radius that results in critical gas saturation during pure methane hydrate dissociation within geologic porous media. Critical gas saturation is defined as the fraction of gas volume inside a pore system when the methane gas phase spans the system. Analytical solutions for the critical pore radii are obtained for two, simple pore systems consisting of either a single pore-body or a single pore-body connected with a number of pore-throats. Further, we obtain critical values for pore sizes above which the production of methane gas is possible. Results shown in the current study correspond to the case when the depression of the dissociation temperature (due to the presence of small-sized pores; namely, with a pore radius of less than 100 nm) is considered. The temperature shift due to confinement in porous media is estimated through the well-known Gibbs-Thompson equation. The particular results are of interest to geological media and particularly in the methane production from the dissociation of natural hydrate deposits within off-shore oceanic or on-shore permafrost locations. It is found that the contribution of the depression of the dissociation temperature on the calculated values of the critical pore sizes for gas production is limited to less than 10% when compared to our earlier study where the porous media effects have been ignored.
A Design Methodology for EV-WPT Systems to Resonate at Arbitrary Given Bands
Authors: Yin Yong , Xiao Yuhua , Wang Chengliang , Yang Qingsheng , Jia Yahui , Liao Zhijuan
Published: December 2021

Due to the effects of splitting frequency and cross coupling, the resonant frequency of the WPT system usually deviates from the given frequency band, and the system operating at the given frequency band suffers a very low output power. Ensuring that electric vehicle wireless power transfer (EV-WPT) systems operate at a resonant state is the prerequisite for efficient energy transfer. For this purpose, a novel design method by manipulating the eigenstate parameters is proposed in this paper. The proposed system can make a EV-WPT system with arbitrary coil successfully to resonate at any given bands, not just a single band. Therefore, the method designed in this article cannot only eliminate the problem of low power caused by frequency deviation, but also realize the application requirements of multiple frequency bands. Firstly, this article establishes an accurate state space model of an n-coil fully coupled EV-WPT system, and after that, the analytical current response on each circuit is derived. Based on that, a detailed frequency spectrum analysis is presented, along with several essential spectrum parameters’ derivations, including center frequencies and bandwidths. Then, with the center frequency and bandwidth as the design indexes, a novel methodology of designing to make EV-WPT systems achieve resonant-state at arbitrary given bands is derived. Finally, simulation and experimental verification are carried out. Simulation and experimental results show that whether it is a single-band or multi-band system, the accuracy of the value under designed resonant frequency is less than 0.01, which can effectively eliminate the frequency deviation phenomenon and obtain the maximum power output at the given frequency band.
Toward Eco-Friendly Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs): Natural Dyes and Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Kim Ji-Hye , Kim Dong-Hyuk , So Ju-Hee , Koo Hyung-Jun
Published: December 2021

Due to their low cost, facile fabrication, and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE), dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention. Ruthenium (Ru) complex dyes and organic solvent-based electrolytes are typically used in high-efficiency DSSCs. However, Ru dyes are expensive and require a complex synthesis process. Organic solvents are toxic, environmentally hazardous, and explosive, and can cause leakage problems due to their low surface tension. This review summarizes and discusses previous works to replace them with natural dyes and water-based electrolytes to fabricate low-cost, safe, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly DSSCs. Although the performance of “eco-friendly DSSCs” remains less than 1%, continuous efforts to improve the PCE can accelerate the development of more practical devices, such as designing novel redox couples and photosensitizers, interfacial engineering of photoanodes and electrolytes, and biomimetic approaches inspired by natural systems.
DBMF: A Novel Method for Tree Species Fusion Classification Based on Multi-Source Images
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Ren Honge
Published: December 2021

Multi-source data remote sensing provides innovative technical support for tree species recognition. Tree species recognition is relatively poor despite noteworthy advancements in image fusion methods because the features from multi-source data for each pixel in the same region cannot be deeply exploited. In the present paper, a novel deep learning approach for hyperspectral imagery is proposed to improve accuracy for the classification of tree species. The proposed method, named the double branch multi-source fusion (DBMF) method, could more deeply determine the relationship between multi-source data and provide more effective information. The DBMF method does this by fusing spectral features extracted from a hyperspectral image (HSI) captured by the HJ-1A satellite and spatial features extracted from a multispectral image (MSI) captured by the Sentinel-2 satellite. The network has two branches in the spatial branch to avoid the risk of information loss, of which, sandglass blocks are embedded into a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract the corresponding spatial neighborhood features from the MSI. Simultaneously, to make the useful spectral feature transfer more effective in the spectral branch, we employed bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) with a triple attention mechanism to extract the spectral features of each pixel in the HSI with low resolution. The feature information is fused to classify the tree species after the addition of a fusion activation function, which could allow the network to obtain more interactive information. Finally, the fusion strategy allows for the prediction of the full classification map of three study areas. Experimental results on a multi-source dataset show that DBMF has a significant advantage over other state-of-the-art frameworks.
Farming the Edible Aquatic Snail Pomacea canaliculata as a Mini-Livestock
Authors: Ghosh Sampat , Meyer-Rochow Victor Benno , Jung Chuleui
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, we describe the farming system of Pomacea canaliculata, an edible freshwater snail, as it is practiced by a farmer as mini-livestock in the vicinity of Andong in Korea. We visited the snail farm several times in the summer and winter of the year and conducted interviews with the farm manager using a semi-structured questionnaire. The farm is housed in polythene tunnels and uses a tank pen of trench type made up of propylene and measuring 1 m × 2 m × 0.5 m (length × width × height) in size. A regulated inflow of fresh water and outflow of used water was installed, with water level not exceeding 5 to 7 cm. As feed of snails, commercial fish feed is generally provided. The life cycle of the P. canaliculata might differ in captivity under the controlled environmental conditions than that of an individual in the wild environment. The farming system of snails, particularly P. canaliculata, does not involve high labor-intensive, high capital investment and also does not require high through-put cutting edge technology. In addition to providing nutrient-dense snail meat, establishing a snailery could therefore augment the economic condition of farmers in the poorer regions of the world and encourage sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Modeling Discards in Stock Assessments: Red Grouper Epinephelus morio in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Shertzer Kyle W. , Williams Erik H. , Sagarese Skyler R.
Published: December 2021

To be as accurate as possible, stock assessments should account for discard mortality in fisheries if it occurs. Three common approaches to modeling discards in assessments are to lump dead discards with landings, treat dead discards as their own fleet, or link them conversely with landings through use of a retention function. The first approach (lumping) implicitly assumes that the selectivity of landings applies also to discards. In many cases, that assumption is false, for example, if discards comprise smaller fish than do landings. The latter two approaches avoid the assumption by modeling discards explicitly with their own selectivity pattern. Here, we examine these approaches to modeling discards. Using a simulation study, we demonstrate that the two approaches to modeling discards explicitly can provide identical results under both static and time-varying conditions. Then, using a stock assessment case study of red grouper Epinephelus morio in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, we demonstrate that in practice the approaches to modeling discards can provide different outcomes, with implications for the resultant management advice. We conclude by comparing and contrasting the different approaches, calling for more research to elucidate which approach is most suitable under various sources of error typically encountered in discard data.
Pou5f1 and Nanog Are Reliable Germ Cell-Specific Genes in Gonad of a Protogynous Hermaphroditic Fish, Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)
Authors: Zhong Chaoyue , Liu Meifeng , Tao Yuhao , Wu Xi , Yang Yang , Wang Tong , Meng Zining , Xu Hongyan , Liu Xiaochun
Published: December 2021

Pluripotency markers Pou5f1 and Nanog are core transcription factors regulating early embryonic development and maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal of stem cells. Pou5f1 and Nanog also play important roles in germ cell development and gametogenesis. In this study, Pou5f1 (EcPou5f1) and Nanog (EcNanog) were cloned from orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The full-length cDNAs of EcPou5f1 and EcNanog were 2790 and 1820 bp, and encoded 475 and 432 amino acids, respectively. EcPou5f1 exhibited a specific expression in gonads, whereas EcNanog was expressed highly in gonads and weakly in some somatic tissues. In situ hybridization analyses showed that the mRNA signals of EcNanog and EcPou5f1 were exclusively restricted to germ cells in gonads. Likewise, immunohistofluorescence staining revealed that EcNanog protein was limited to germ cells. Moreover, both EcPou5f1 and EcNanog mRNAs were discovered to be co-localized with Vasa mRNA, a well-known germ cell maker, in male and female germ cells. These results implied that EcPou5f1 and EcNanog could be also regarded as reliable germ cell marker genes. Therefore, the findings of this study would pave the way for elucidating the mechanism whereby EcPou5f1 and EcNanog regulate germ cell development and gametogenesis in grouper fish, and even in other protogynous hermaphroditic species.
An Attempt to Study Natural H2 Resources across an Oceanic Ridge Penetrating a Continent: The Asal–Ghoubbet Rift (Republic of Djibouti)
Authors: Pasquet Gabriel , Houssein Hassan Rokiya , Sissmann Olivier , Varet Jacques , Moretti Isabelle
Published: December 2021

Dihydrogen (H2) is generated by fluid–rock interactions along mid-ocean ridges (MORs) and was not, until recently, considered as a resource. However, in the context of worldwide efforts to decarbonize the energy mix, clean hydrogen is now highly sought after, and the production of natural H2 is considered to be a powerful alternative to electrolysis. The Afar Rift System has many geological features in common with MORs and offers potential in terms of natural H2 resources. Here, we present data acquired during initial exploration in this region. H2 contents in soil and within fumaroles were measured along a 200 km section across the Asal–Ghoubbet rift and the various intervening grabens, extending from Obock to Lake Abhe. These newly acquired data have been synthesized with existing data, including those from the geothermal prospect area of the Asal–Ghoubbet rift zone. Our results demonstrate that basalt alteration with oxidation of iron-rich facies and simultaneous reduction in water is the likely the source of the hydrogen, although H2S reduction cannot be ruled out. However, H2 volumes at the surface within fumaroles were found to be low, reaching only a few percent. These values are considerably lower than those found in MORs. This discrepancy may be attributed to bias introduced by surface sampling; for example, microorganisms may be preferentially consuming H2 near the surface in this environment. However, the low H2 generation rates found in the study area could also be due to a lack of reactants, such as fayalite (i.e., owing to the presence of low-olivine basalts with predominantly magnesian olivines), or to the limited volume and slow circulation of water. In future, access to additional subsurface data acquired through the ongoing geothermal drilling campaign will bring new insight to help answer these questions.
Effects of Patient-Generated Health Data: Comparison of Two Versions of Long-Term Mobile Personal Health Record Usage Logs
Authors: Kim Do-Hoon , Lee Yura , Oh Ji Seon , Seo Dong-Woo , Lee Kye Hwa , Kim Young-Hak , Kim Woo Sung , Lee Jae-Ho
Published: December 2021

Patient-generated health data (PGHD) can be managed easily by a mobile personal health record (mPHR) and can increase patient engagement. This study investigated the effect of PGHD functions on mPHR usage. We collected usage log data from an mPHR app, My Chart in My Hand (MCMH), for seven years. We analyzed the number of accesses and trends for each menu by age and sex according to the version-up. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to determine the likelihood of continuous app usage according to the menus and version-up. The total number of users of each version were 15,357 and 51,553, respectively. Adult females under 50 years were the most prevalent user group (30.0%). The “My Chart” menu was the most accessed menu, and the total access count increased by ~10 times after the version-up. The “Health Management” menu designed for PGHD showed the largest degree of increase in its likelihood of continuous usage after the version-up (1.245; p < 0.0001) across menus (range: 0.925–1.050). Notably, improvement of PGHD management in adult females over 50 years is needed.
Quotation Accuracy of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols on Acupuncture
Authors: Morán José M. , Romero-Moreno María , Santillán-García Azucena , Herrera-Peco Ivan
Published: December 2021

Currently, published systematic review protocols (SR protocols) have increasingly become a new trend in fields such as acupuncture and are therefore a new source of quotations in these fields. Systematic reviews are considered the pinnacle of the evidence pyramid as they embody comprehensive literature searching. Quotations are key elements to achieve this goal as they can support the assertions of the original authors, but the ‘misquotation’ exists, too, and they can be misleading to the reader. The aim of this study was to examine the quotation accuracy of SR protocols in a meta-analysis on acupuncture research. We searched SCOPUS through 31 December, 2020, and each protocol and its citations were analyzed and classified as correct or incorrect. We used descriptive statistics to report the quotation errors and characteristics of the included protocols. The results showed 248 SR protocols, where 124 protocols received quotations and 38 quotations (31.4%) were erroneous. Only 11 (4.4%) of the published SRs and SR protocols had been published previously. Furthermore, the scientific journal in which the most SR protocols were published was Medicine (193; 77.8%), followed by BMJ Open (39; 15.7%). Authors from China (86.5%) were the most productive in publishing SRs and SR protocols. Finally, we concluded that the number of SR protocols and meta-analyses published in scientific journals and indexed by databases exceeds the publication capacity of the SRs associated with them, generating scientific literature that does not make any novel contribution to knowledge.
Land-Based Impact of Nutrient Loads and Eutrophication on an Ancient Mediterranean Natural Lake
Authors: Padedda Bachisio Mario , Lugliè Antonella , Lai Giuseppina Grazia , Giadrossich Filippo , Satta Cecilia Teodora , Pulina Silvia
Published: December 2021

In water management plans, all human impacts on the aquatic environment are quantified and evaluated. For this purpose, lake-related assessment methods of watersheds are needed. The aim of this study is to present the environmental condition along the watershed–lake continuum of Lake Baratz, located in the northeastern part of Sardinia. We provide a method to evaluate the impact of a small watershed area on the trophic state of this ancient Mediterranean natural lake. This study demonstrates the potentialities of coupling simple land structure-based models with empirical ones, allowing one to hierarchize, interpret, and predict the relationships among the watershed ecological unity and lake trophic conditions at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It also demonstrates how the impact of single and interacting nutrient stressors can have a different impact on the trophic status which, in particular, applies to autotrophs, constituting a key response in the ecosystem. We suggest that the stressor hierarchy should be considered as a way of prioritizing actions in the cost-effective implementation of conservation and management plans.
The Contribution of MCDM to SUMP: The Case of Spanish Cities during 2006–2021
Authors: Garcia-Ayllon Salvador , Hontoria Eloy , Munier Nolberto
Published: December 2021

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) are increasingly popular planning tools in cities with environmental issues where numerous actions are usually proposed to reduce pollution from urban transport. However, the diagnosis and implementation of these processes requires broad consensus from all stakeholders and the ability to fit them into urban planning in such a way that it allows the proposals to become realistic actions. In this study, a review of the sustainable urban mobility plans of 47 cities in Spain during the last 15 years has been carried out, analyzing both the diagnosis and proposal of solutions and their subsequent implementation. From the results obtained, a new framework based on a structured hybrid methodology is proposed to aid decision-making for the evaluation of alternatives in the implementation of proposals in SUMP. This hybrid methodology considers experts’ and stakeholders’ opinion and applies two different multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in different phases to present two rankings of best alternatives. From that experience, an analysis based on the MCDM methods called ‘Sequential Interactive Modelling for Urban Systems (SIMUS)’ and weighted sum method (WSM) was applied to a case study of the city of Cartagena, a southeastern middle-size city in Spain. This analytic proposal has been transferred to the practical field in the SUMP of Cartagena, the first instrument of this nature developed after COVID-19 in Spain for a relevant city. The results show how this framework, based on a hybrid methodology, allows the development of complex decision mapping processes using these instruments without obviating the need to generate planning tools that can be transferred from the theoretical framework of urban reality.
Internal Migration Experience and Depressive Symptoms among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Zhang Yue , Chen Yu , Fang Xiangming
Published: December 2021

Background: This study aimed to examine the association of internal migration experience with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as explore possible mechanisms of the relationship. Methods: Participants were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative sample of residents aged 45 years and older (n = 43,854). Survey data on depressive symptoms and internal migration experience were collected from biennial CHARLS surveys (CHARLS 2011/2013/2015) and a unique CHARLS life history survey in 2014, respectively. Multiple logistic regressions and the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method were employed in the statistical analyses. Results: The overall prevalence rate of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults was 34.6%. Internal migration experience was associated with higher risks of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.12, p < 0.01), especially among females (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.14, p < 0.05), middle-aged adults (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06–1.19, p < 0.001), rural-to-urban migrants who had not obtained an urban hukou (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07–1.19, p < 0.001), and those who had low migration frequency and first migrated out at 35 years of age or older. Chronic disease (17.98%, p < 0.001), physical injury (7.04%, p < 0.001), medical expenditure (7.98%, p < 0.001), pension insurance (4.91%, p < 0.001), and parent–child interaction (4.45%, p < 0.01) were shown to mediate the association of internal migration experience with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This study indicates that there is a significant association between internal migration experience and high risks of depression onset later in life. It is suggested to reduce institutional barriers for migrants and implement evidence-based interventions to improve migrants’ mental health.
The Relationship between Social Support, Self-Efficacy and Characteristics of Women with Diabetes during Pregnancy
Authors: Iwanowicz-Palus Grażyna , Zarajczyk Marta , Bień Agnieszka , Korżyńska-Piętas Magdalena , Krysa Justyna , Rahnama-Hezavah Mansur , Wdowiak Artur
Published: December 2021

Background: One of the most common metabolic complications of pregnancy are carbohydrate metabolism disorders resulting in hyperglycemia. The aim of the study was the assessment of impact of socio-demographic variables on the levels of social support and self-efficacy and an investigation of whether there is and how the relationship between social support and self-efficacy is shaped in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. In this study 339 pregnant women with diabetes during pregnancy and 337 healthy pregnant women took part. Methods: The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and a standardized interview questionnaire were used. Results: The respondents rated Perceived Instrumental Support higher (M = 3.52) than Perceived Emotional Support (M = 3.39). In contrast, Actually Received Support (M = 3.53) was rated higher compared to Support Seeking (M = 2.99) and Need for Support (M = 2.95). The mean generalized self-efficacy score was M = 31.58 in women with diabetes during pregnancy and M = 31.85 in healthy pregnant women. Conclusions: The research results obtained prove the existence of a relationship between GSES and BSSS scores. In pregnant women with diabetes and healthy pregnant women, GSES increases with an increase in perceived support. Additionally, among pregnant women with diabetes, the level of GSES increases with an increase in actually received support. However, in the case of healthy pregnant women, a lower level of need for support is associated with higher level of generalized self-efficacy.
Examining Preference Heterogeneity in Best-Worst Scaling: Case of Preferences for Job Opportunities in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Communities in Indonesia
Authors: Komatsu Satoru , Pongoliu Yayu Isyana D. , Sakakibara Masayuki , Ohdoko Taro
Published: December 2021

This research empirically examines the preferences for job-related attributes among rural villagers living close to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Indonesia. Based on hypothetical scenarios in which a private company collaborates with the local government to establish a food processing industry in these villages, a questionnaire survey designed with best–worst scaling (BWS) was administered to households to determine their preferences. Additionally, the heterogeneity among the villagers was examined by applying a latent class logit (LCL) model. The main household survey was conducted in 2019 in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. The estimation results revealed that villagers are separated into four classes, and each class has different and unique preferences. Creating more job opportunities for society is a highly evaluated attribute; however, the preference for skill acquisition differs among groups. The results indicate that accounting for heterogeneous preferences regarding job opportunities is helpful to delink dependency on ASGM and health hazards and improve the livelihoods of rural villagers. The study yields key information to substantially reduce environmental and health hazards in the poverty-plagued ASGM community by facilitating job opportunities in Indonesia.
Evaluation of Health-Promoting Behaviors in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Preschool Children of Polish Health Care Professionals
Authors: Gruca Marta , Zamojska Justyna , Niewiadomska-Jarosik Katarzyna , Wosiak Agnieszka , Smolewska Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the health-promoting behavior of the preschool children (aged 3–6 y) of Polish health care professionals (HCPs). Methods: The study was conducted by means of quantitative research on a group of 386 individuals, using an Internet-based survey. Results: The ideal cardiovascular health model was determined in the case of 22 children (5.6%). The collected data revealed that, when regarding the recommended level of physical activity, children from HCP families meet the American Heart Association criteria much more often than their peers from other study populations (56.5% vs. 16.6%). In our study, more girls than boys participated in organized activities (60.2% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.05). There was no correlation between achieving adequate levels of physical activity and the BMI (p > 0.1). Overweight children had a more balanced diet than children with a normal body weight (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The obtained results allowed us to make the conclusion that there is a need to implement educational and preventive measures on a large scale, while some health-promoting behaviors, especially those concerning proper nutrition, require major modifications, even in HCP families.
Epidemiological Study of Return to Work and Mortality in Lung Cancer Survivors
Authors: Yang Zhe-Yu , Lai Ching-Huang , Ho Ching-Liang , Wang Chung-Ching
Published: December 2021

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Return to work (RTW) plays an important role for lung cancer survivors. Few studies focus solely on the relationship among possible variables and the RTW of lung cancer patients. The aim of our study was to examine sociodemographic, disease-related and work-related factors associated with RTW among lung cancer survivors in Taiwan. A total of 2206 employees who had been diagnosed with lung cancer at the Labor Insurance Database (LID), Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) and the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) during the period 2004–2015, were included in the study. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to investigate the associations between sociodemographic, disease-related and work-related factors on one hand and RTW on the other hand. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for analyzing the survival probability. Patients with an early cancer stage and those who underwent surgery had a higher likelihood of RTW. Factors including older age, male, higher monthly income and receipt of radiotherapy were inversely correlated with RTW. For lung cancer patients, RTW was a predictor of a lower risk of all-cause mortality in both the unadjusted and fully adjusted model. A better survival rate was found in stage III and IV lung cancer patients who had RTW. Sociodemographic and clinical-related variables had an impact on RTW among employees with lung cancer. RTW was correlated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and better lung cancer survival. Our study showed the influence of RTW and independent confounding factors in lung cancer survivorship.
TUBE Project: Transport-Derived Ultrafines and the Brain Effects
Authors: Martikainen Maria-Viola , Aakko-Saksa Päivi , van den Broek Lenie , Cassee Flemming R. , Carare Roxana O. , Chew Sweelin , Dinnyes Andras , Giugno Rosalba , Kanninen Katja M. , Malm Tarja , Muala Ala , Nedergaard Maiken , Oudin Anna , Oyola Pedro , Pfeiffer Tobias V. , Rönkkö Topi , Saarikoski Sanna , Sandström Thomas , Schins Roel P. F. , Topinka Jan , Yang Mo , Zeng Xiaowen , Westerink Remco H. S. , Jalava Pasi I.
Published: December 2021

The adverse effects of air pollutants on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are unquestionable. However, in recent years, indications of effects beyond these organ systems have become more evident. Traffic-related air pollution has been linked with neurological diseases, exacerbated cognitive dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the exact air pollutant compositions and exposure scenarios leading to these adverse health effects are not known. Although several components of air pollution may be at play, recent experimental studies point to a key role of ultrafine particles (UFPs). While the importance of UFPs has been recognized, almost nothing is known about the smallest fraction of UFPs, and only >23 nm emissions are regulated in the EU. Moreover, the role of the semivolatile fraction of the emissions has been neglected. The Transport-Derived Ultrafines and the Brain Effects (TUBE) project will increase knowledge on harmful ultrafine air pollutants, as well as semivolatile compounds related to adverse health effects. By including all the major current combustion and emission control technologies, the TUBE project aims to provide new information on the adverse health effects of current traffic, as well as information for decision makers to develop more effective emission legislation. Most importantly, the TUBE project will include adverse health effects beyond the respiratory system; TUBE will assess how air pollution affects the brain and how air pollution particles might be removed from the brain. The purpose of this report is to describe the TUBE project, its background, and its goals.
Remote Monitoring of CIEDs—For Both Safety, Economy and Convenience?
Authors: Lappegård Knut Tore , Moe Frode
Published: December 2021

Cardiac implantable electronic devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are increasingly monitored by systems transmitting information directly from the patient to the hospital. This may increase safety and patient satisfaction and also under certain circumstances represent an economic advantage. The review summarizes some of the recent research in the field of remote monitoring of cardiac devices.