bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System for Automatic Assignment of Lexical Stress in Croatian
Authors: Mikelić Preradović Nives , Nacinovic Prskalo Lucia
Published: November 2022

It is very popular today to integrate voice interfaces into IoT devices. The pronunciation and proper prosody of speech play a major role in the intelligibility and naturalness of synthesized voices. Each language has its own prosodic characteristics. In this paper, we present the results of a study aimed at testing the applicability of methods for modelling and predicting the prosodic features of the Croatian language. The extent to which their performance can be improved by incorporating linguistic features and linguistic peculiarities specific to the Croatian language was investigated. In the model learning process, tree classification was used to predict the lexical stress position and the type of stress in a word, and a lexicon of 1,011,785 word forms was used as the model learning set. Separate models were created for predicting the position and type of lexical stress. The results improved significantly after the rules for atonic words (clitics) were applied. A hybrid approach combining a rule-based approach and a modelling approach was also proposed. The final accuracy of assigning lexical stress using the hybrid approach was 95.3%.
Realistic Rendering Algorithm for Bubble Generation and Motion in Water
Authors: Guo Huiling , Wang Hongyu , Zhao Jing , Tang Yong
Published: November 2022

A simplified bubble model and its solver optimization method are proposed to solve the problem of poor realistic simulation and complex solutions for bubble-motion behavior in water. Firstly, the internal velocity of the bubble was avoided, and the bubble model was established by only considering the net flux of the inlet and outlet bubbles, which reduced the computational complexity. The bubble constraint was then introduced into the motion equation of water, and the mixed Euler–Lagrangian method was used to solve it. FLIP particles tracked the bubble position, velocity, and deformation, and the mesh updated the vector field. At the same time, the viscosity term was simplified. Finally, it was combined with implicit incompressible SPH particles to achieve the purpose of volume correction. The experimental results show that the method in this paper can present a simulation effect of bubbles in water with rich detail and a realistic sense, whether compared with actual pictures or with existing methods.
Consumer Awareness of Renewable Energy Sources: The Case of Poland
Authors: Maciaszczyk Magdalena , Czechowska-Kosacka Aneta , Rzepka Agnieszka , Lipecki Tomasz , Łazuka Ewa , Wlaź Paweł
Published: November 2022

The growing demand for energy is accelerating the process of consuming non-renewable energy sources, so special attention should be paid to the development of renewable energy as the energy obtained from renewable energy sources (RES) will reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and reduce emissions of harmful substances entering the atmosphere. The aim of this article is thus to investigate the attitude of Polish consumers towards renewable energy sources and to discover the relationship between the level of awareness and other factors such as age and education. The results of the research revealed that there was a correlation between the age and level of education of the respondents and their willingness to consider the issues related to renewable energy sources and implement solutions in their households that take into account the consumption of natural energy sources (p-value of the significance test for age is 0.0001227, and p-values of independence test for the level of education are 0.00013). The discovery of such correlations will allow knowing in which direction the efforts should be intensified in order to reach the largest part of society.
A Review of the Seepage Mechanisms of Heavy Oil Emulsions during Chemical Flooding
Authors: Wang Xiuyu , Wang Fuqiong , Taleb Mohanad A. M. , Wen Zhiyuan , Chen Xiulin
Published: November 2022

Chemical flooding plays an important role in enhancing oil recovery due to many reasons, including the viscosity-increment effect of polymer, wettability alteration effect of surfactant, and the formation of emulsions, which have been known to effectively increase the swept area and oil displacement efficiency, hence increasing heavy oil recovery. Laboratory tests and pilot trials of alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) injection show that the oil recovery of the emulsified system is 5% more than the cases where no emulsions existed. Therefore, it is of great significance to study heavy oil emulsions and its field application for enhanced heavy oil recovery. This paper discusses a thorough overview of the most fundamental ASP flooding mechanisms, along with some examples of laboratory experiments and field trials. In addition, the formation conditions and the interfacial characteristics of heavy oil emulsions are also discussed, mainly ASP flooding, and then the seepage mechanisms of these emulsions are investigated. The relationship between the formation of heavy oil emulsions and the enhanced heavy oil recovery effect by chemical flooding is discussed through core flooding experiments at the reservoir temperature and some field pilots to reach the optimum heavy oil recovery.
Global Building Decarbonization Trends and Strategies
Authors: Cheekatamarla Praveen , Nawaz Kashif
Published: November 2022

It is evident from extreme weather patterns that climate change is impacting the whole world [...]
Well Testing Methodology for Multiple Vertical Wells with Well Interference and Radially Composite Structure during Underground Gas Storage
Authors: Chu Hongyang , Ma Tianbi , Chen Zhen , Liu Wenchao , Gao Yubao
Published: November 2022

To achieve the goal of decarbonized energy and greenhouse gas reduction, underground gas storage (UGS) has proven to be an important source for energy storage and regulation of natural gas supply. The special working conditions in UGS cause offset vertical wells to easily interfere with target vertical wells. The current well testing methodology assumes that there is only one well, and the interference from offset wells is ignored. This paper proposes a solution and analysis method for the interference from adjacent vertical wells to target vertical wells by analytical theory. The model solution is obtained by the solution with a constant rate and the Laplace transform method. The pressure superposition is used to deal with the interference from adjacent vertical wells. The model reliability in the gas injection and production stages is verified by commercial software. Pressure analysis shows that the heterogeneity and interference in the gas storage are caused by long-term gas injection and production. As both the adjacent well and the target well are in the gas production stage, the pressure derivative value in radial flow is related to production rate, mobility ratio, and 0.5. Gas injection from offset wells will cause the pressure derivative to drop later. Multiple vertical wells from the Hutubi UGS are used to illustrate the properties of vertical wells and the formation.
Photovoltaic Production Management in a Hall of Residence with High Energy Consumption
Authors: Araújo Ivo , Nunes Leonel J. R. , Vilas David Patíño , Curado António
Published: November 2022

A hall of residence with low energy performance was subjected to an extensive retrofitting program due to its high energy consumption, to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and reduce its energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The retrofitting program included the integration of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed on the building’s flat roof, among other factors. Nevertheless, the electricity supply provided by the system during the daytime proved insufficient to cover the building’s energy demand. Based on this, a study was implemented to analyze the contribution of the electricity produced by the solar PV system throughout the year to reduce power consumption under distinct solar radiation conditions, and to define a strategy to optimize renewable energy use by drawing up a set of organizational measures to be implemented to manage the PV solar system energy strategically. The strategic measures are mainly related to selecting the residence tasks with higher energy consumption to fit into higher PV energy production periods. Additionally, it is fundamental to raise the residence’s occupants’ education and awareness of energy efficiency, optimize the excess PV energy produced in specific periods by converting it into other energy forms, and install complementary storage systems for surplus production.
Research on Multi-Step Prediction of Short-Term Wind Power Based on Combination Model and Error Correction
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Zhen , Shan Binbin , Li Lingling
Published: November 2022

The instability of wind power poses a great threat to the security of the power system, and accurate wind power prediction is beneficial to the large-scale entry of wind power into the grid. To improve the accuracy of wind power prediction, a short-term multi-step wind power prediction model with error correction is proposed, which includes complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), sample entropy (SE), improved beetle antennae search (IBAS) and kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). First, CEEMDAN decomposes the original wind power sequences into a set of stationary sequence components. Then, a set of new sequence components is reconstructed according to the SE value of each sequence component to reduce the workload of subsequent prediction. The new sequence components are respectively sent to the IBAS-KELM model for prediction, and the wind power prediction value and error prediction value of each component are obtained, and the predicted values of each component are obtained by adding the two. Finally, the predicted values of each component are added to obtain the final predicted value. The prediction results of the actual wind farm data show that the model has outstanding advantages in high-precision wind power prediction, and the error evaluation indexes of the combined model constructed in this paper are at least 34.29% lower in MAE, 34.53% lower in RMSE, and 36.36% lower in MAPE compared with other models. prediction decreased by 30.43%, RMSE decreased by 29.67%, and MAPE decreased by 28.57%, and the error-corrected three-step prediction decreased by 55.60%, RMSE decreased by 50.00%, and MAPE decreased by 54.17% compared with the uncorrected three-step prediction, and the method significantly improved the prediction accuracy.
A Fault Diagnosis Method of Rolling Bearing Based on Attention Entropy and Adaptive Deep Kernel Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Wang Weiyu , Zhao Xunxin , Luo Lijun , Zhang Pei , Mo Fan , Chen Fei , Chen Diyi , Wu Fengjiao , Wang Bin
Published: November 2022

To address the difficulty of early fault diagnosis of rolling bearings, this paper proposes a rolling bearing diagnosis method by combining the attention entropy and adaptive deep kernel extreme learning machine (ADKELM). Firstly, the wavelet threshold denoising method is employed to eliminate the noise in the vibration signal. Then, the empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is utilized to decompose the denoised signal, and extract the attention entropy of the intrinsic mode function (IMF) as the feature vector. Next, the hyperparameters of the deep kernel extreme learning machine (DKELM) are optimized using the marine predators algorithm (MPA), so as to achieve the adaptive changes in the DKELM parameters. By analyzing the fault diagnosis performances of the ADKELM model with different kernel functions and hidden layers, the optimal ADKELM model is determined. Compared with conventional machine learning models such as extreme learning machine (ELM), back propagation neural network (BPNN) and probabilistic neural network (PNN), the high efficiency of the method proposed in this paper is verified.
Estimating the Useful Energy of a Launcher’s Pneumatic Launch System UAV
Authors: Jastrzębski Grzegorz , Ułanowicz Leszek
Published: November 2022

The motivation behind solving the issue of estimating the flow parameters of the pneumatic system of a launcher was the need to obtain the take-off energy with a value exceeding 80 kJ. The take-off energy and the initial speed of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) depends on the pressure drop time in the launcher’s pneumatic system. The aim of the research was to estimate the flow parameters of the trigger system of the UAV launchers in order to achieve the shortest time of its operation. Due to the lack of a description of the selection of pneumatic elements and their flow characteristics in the available literature, the article attempts to analytically describe the air flow through pneumatic units. The trigger system is described using the sonic conductivity and the critical pressure ratio. Due to the lack of numerical data on the flow parameters of pneumatic units, a test stand was designed and constructed to determine these parameters. The values of the sound conductivity and the critical pressure ratio were determined for each of the pneumatic units and for the entire system. The proposed method makes it possible to determine the relationship between the operating time and the values of the flow parameters of the pneumatic launch tube release system. It also provides guidelines for design and technological solutions for the trigger system of any pneumatic launcher.
Modeling and Optimal Configuration Design of Flux-Barrier for Torque Improvement of Rotor Flux Switching Permanent Magnet Machine
Authors: Nissayan Chainattapol , Seangwong Pattasad , Chamchuen Supanat , Fernando Nuwantha , Siritaratiwat Apirat , Khunkitti Pirat
Published: November 2022

The rotor permanent magnet flux-switching (RPM-FS) machine is a promising candidate for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. In this paper, we propose the magnetic flux barrier design to improve the torque capability of the RPM-FS machine. The response surface optimization method was used to design and optimize the topology of flux barriers. The 2D finite element analysis shows that the proposed RPM-FS machine has a higher electromotive force than the conventional structure, with only a slight increase in cogging torque. Notably, an insertion of flux barriers could yield a reduction of magnetic flux leakage, an improvement of magnetic saturation capability, and an enhancement of working harmonics of the air-gap flux density. As a result, a significant improvement in torque capability, eddy current losses, and efficiency was obtained. Hence, the RPM-FS machine proposed in this work is capable of being used in EV and HEV applications.
Dynamics of Laser-Induced Shock Waves in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Asharchuk Nika , Mareev Evgenii
Published: November 2022

We studied the dynamics of laser-induced shock waves in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) for different pressures and temperatures under nanosecond optical breakdown. We estimated the shock wave pressure and energy, including their evolution during shock wave propagation. The maximal shock wave pressure ~0.5 GPa was obtained in liquid-like scCO2 (155 bar 55 °C), where the fluid density is greater. However, the maximal shock wave energy ~25 μJ was achieved in sub-critical conditions (67 bar, 55 °C) due to a more homogeneous microstructure of fluid in comparison with supercritical fluid. The minimal pressure and energy of the shock wave are observed in the Widom delta (a delta-like region in the vicinity of the critical point) due to the clusterization of scCO2, which strongly affects the energy transfer from the nanosecond laser pulse to the shock wave.
Controllability of Fractional Stochastic Delay Systems Driven by the Rosenblatt Process
Authors: Almarri Barakah , Elshenhab Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

In this work, we consider linear and nonlinear fractional stochastic delay systems driven by the Rosenblatt process. With the aid of the delayed Mittag-Leffler matrix functions and the representation of solutions of these systems, we derive the controllability results as an application. By introducing a fractional delayed Gramian matrix, we provide sufficient and necessary criteria for the controllability of linear fractional stochastic delay systems. Furthermore, by employing Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, we establish sufficient conditions for the controllability of nonlinear fractional stochastic delay systems. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the main results.
Hydrogels for Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pillai Sangeeth , Munguia-Lopez Jose G. , Tran Simon D.
Published: November 2022

Mimicking the complex architecture of salivary glands (SGs) outside their native niche is challenging due their multicellular and highly branched organization. However, significant progress has been made to recapitulate the gland structure and function using several in vitro and ex vivo models. Hydrogels are polymers with the potential to retain a large volume of water inside their three-dimensional structure, thus simulating extracellular matrix properties that are essential for the cell and tissue integrity. Hydrogel-based culture of SG cells has seen a tremendous success in terms of developing platforms for cell expansion, building an artificial gland, and for use in transplantation to rescue loss of SG function. Both natural and synthetic hydrogels have been used widely in SG tissue engineering applications owing to their properties that support the proliferation, reorganization, and polarization of SG epithelial cells. While recent improvements in hydrogel properties are essential to establish more sophisticated models, the emphasis should still be made towards supporting factors such as mechanotransduction and associated signaling cues. In this concise review, we discuss considerations of an ideal hydrogel-based biomaterial for SG engineering and their associated signaling pathways. We also discuss the current advances made in natural and synthetic hydrogels for SG tissue engineering applications.
Complete Mitogenome of Oreolalax omeimontis Reveals Phylogenetic Status and Novel Gene Arrangement of Archaeobatrachia
Authors: Luo Hongdi , Cui Lin , Han Fuyao , He Zhi , Fan Xiaolan , Zeng Bo , Yang Mingyao , Yang Deying , Ni Qingyong , Li Yan , Yao Yongfang , Xu Huailiang , Yang Jiandong , Wei Zhimin , Li Tongqing , Rao Dingqi , Yan Taiming , Zhang Mingwang
Published: November 2022

Species of the genus Oreolalax displayed crucial morphological characteristics of vertebrates transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial habitats; thus, they can be regarded as a representative vertebrate genus for this landing phenomenon. But the present phylogenetic status of Oreolalax omeimontis has been controversial with morphological and molecular approaches, and specific gene rearrangements were discovered in all six published Oreolalax mitogenomes, which are rarely observed in Archaeobatrachia. Therefore, this study determined the complete mitogenome of O. omeimontis with the aim of identifying its precise phylogenetic position and novel gene arrangement in Archaeobatrachia. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood indicates O. omeimontis is a sister group to O. lichuanensis, which is consistent with previous phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characteristics, but contrasts with other studies using multiple gene fragments. Moreover, although the duplication of trnM occurred in all seven Oreolalax species, the translocation of trnQ and trnM occurred differently in O. omeimontis to the other six, and this unique rearrangement would happen after the speciation of O. omeimontis. In general, this study sheds new light on the phylogenetic relationships and gene rearrangements of Archaeobatrachia.
Insights of Improved Aroma under Additional Nitrogen Application at Booting Stage in Fragrant Rice
Authors: Bao Gegen , Huang Suihua , Ashraf Umair , Qiao Jingxuan , Zheng Axiang , Zhou Qi , Li Lin , Wan Xiaorong
Published: November 2022

Plant mineral nutrition substantially affects the growth, yield and quality of rice, whereas nitrogen (N) application contributes significantly in this regard. Undoubtedly, N application improves rice aroma biosynthesis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of grain 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis in the presence of nitrogen application at the booting stage has remained largely unexplored. The present study examined the effects of three N levels, i.e., 0 g per pot (N0), 0.43 g per pot (N1) and 0.86 g per pot (N2) on intermediates, enzymes and genes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis, as well as on the yield of two fragrant rice cultivars viz, Meixiangzhan2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan. N was additionally applied at the booting stage. The results depicted that the levels of precursor, such as proline, and the activity of enzymes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis, such as Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and diamine oxidase (DAO), and P5CS1 gene expression were comparatively higher under N1 than N0 in both fragrant rice cultivars. Moreover, the N2 treatment increased the grain panicle−1, filled grain percentage and grain yield of both rice cultivars, while the grain yield of Meixiangzhan2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan was increased by 15.87% and 12.09%, respectively, under N2 compared to N1 treatment. Hence, 0.43 g per pot of N showed positive performances in yield and aroma accumulation in fragrant rice and should be further employed in the practice and production for better cultivation in the rice market.
The Effect of Public Healthcare Expenditure on the Reduction in Mortality Rates Caused by Unhealthy Habits among the Population
Authors: Santos-Jaén José Manuel , León-Gómez Ana , Valls Martínez María del Carmen , Gimeno-Arias Fernando
Published: November 2022

The health systems of developed countries aim to reduce the mortality rates of their populations. To this end, they must fight against the unhealthy habits of citizens, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentarism, since these result in a large number of deaths each year. Our research aims to analyze whether an increase in health resources influences the number of deaths caused by the unhealthy habits of the population. To achieve this objective, a sample containing key indicators of the Spanish health system was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results show how increasing public health spending and, thus, the resources allocated to healthcare can curb the adverse effects of the population’s unhealthy habits. These results have important implications for theory and practice, demonstrating the need for adequate investment in the healthcare system to reduce mortality among the population.
Effects of Inclusive Leadership on Quality of Care: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety Climate and Perceived Workgroup Inclusion
Authors: Yousaf Momna , Khan Muhammad Majid , Paracha Adil Tahir
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the multilevel effects of the inclusiveness of workgroup leaders on quality of care by intervening through a “psychological safety climate” at the group level and “perceived workgroup inclusion” at the individual level within professionally diverse workgroups of healthcare professionals. Material and Methods: Data are collected from 305 healthcare professionals nested in 61 workgroups and 305 patients treated by the same workgroups working in public-sector hospitals in Pakistan. Hypothesized relationships are tested through multilevel analyses using Mplus 7. Results: The results of the study show that inclusive leadership can enhance the quality of care delivered by multiprofessional workgroups of healthcare professionals through perceived workgroup inclusion. Further, the psychological safety climate does not mediate the relationship between inclusive leadership and quality of care individually, but it transmits the effects of inclusive leadership through perceived workgroup inclusion on quality of care. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that the inclusiveness of workgroup leaders, the psychological safety climate, and perceived workgroup inclusion can create safe and inclusive interpersonal mechanisms that play a key role in transmitting the positive effects of inclusive leadership on quality of care.
Physiological Dormancy and Germination Characteristics of Maianthemum dilatatum (A. W. Wood) A. Nelson and J. F. Macbr. (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Shin Un-Seop , Lee Da-Hyun , Jung Young-Ho , Kim Jun-Hyeok , Na Chae-Sun
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted to elucidate the germination characteristics and dormancy types in Maianthemum dilatatum (A. W. Wood) A. Nelson and J. F. Macbr. M. dilatatum seeds were collected from the Nari Basin on Ulleungdo Island, South Korea and used in a water imbibition test; the seed weight increased by approximately 20% within 48 h. The embryo-to-seed ratio at the time of seed dispersal was 0.57 ± 0.03. When the seeds were incubated under light and dark conditions, they germinated under dark conditions, and the germination rate was higher at 25 °C than at 20 °C. However, the final germination rates under dark conditions were 27.4 ± 3.6 and 47.1 ± 7.6%, respectively. Under 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of cold stratification treatment, the highest germination rate of 83.6 ± 3.6% was observed at 25 °C at 12 weeks of cold stratification treatment, the germination start date was decreased by more than 10 d, and the mean germination time (MGT) was shortened from 50 d to 39 d. However, the germination rate, germination start date, and MGT did not differ significantly among the gibberellic acid hormone treatments. Therefore, it was evident that M. dilatatum demonstrated physiological dormancy (PD) that can broken by cold stratification treatment and dark conditions.
Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Risk Burden in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Current Approaches and Knowledge Gaps—A Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Hernández-Negrín Halbert , Ricci Michele , Mancebo-Sevilla Juan José , Sanz-Cánovas Jaime , López-Sampalo Almudena , Cobos-Palacios Lidia , Romero-Gómez Carlos , Pérez de Pedro Iván , Ayala-Gutiérrez María del Mar , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Bernal-López María Rosa
Published: November 2022

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular risk are real challenges in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical practice and research. The evidence of the burden of these health problems in SLE patients is determined by the methods used to assess them. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to map current approaches in assessing obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular risk burden in SLE patients and to identify existing knowledge gaps in this field. This rapid scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and identified 274 articles, of which 73 were included. Most studies were conducted at European institutions and patients were recruited from specialist hospital clinics, the majority of whom were women. The burden of obesity and diabetes mellitus for SLE patients was assessed mainly in terms of prevalence, impact on disease activity, and cardiometabolic risk. The burden of cardiovascular risk was assessed using multiple approaches, mainly imaging and laboratory methods, and risk factor-based scores, although there is great heterogeneity and uncertainty between the methods used. This review highlights the importance of improving and standardizing the approach to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk in SLE patients through a holistic assessment that includes lifestyle, clinical, biological, and social aspects.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Regional Green Development under China’s Environmental Decentralization System—Based on Spatial Durbin Model and Threshold Effect
Authors: Fang Yuxin , Cao Hongjun , Sun Jihui
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the core technology of digital economy, which leads the transition to a sustainable economic growth approach under the Chinese-style environmentally decentralized system. In this paper, we first measured the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 using the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SBM) model, analyzed the mechanism of the effect of AI on GTFP under the environmental decentralization regime, and secondly, empirically investigated the spatial evolution characteristics and the constraining effect of the impact of AI on GTFP using the spatial Durbin model (SDM) and the threshold regression model. The findings reveal: a U shape of the correlation of AI with GTFP; environmental decentralization acts as a positive moderator linking AI and GTFP; the Moran index demonstrates the spatial correlation of GTFP; under the constraint of technological innovation and regional absorptive capacity as threshold variables, the effect of AI over GTFP is U-shaped. This paper provides a useful reference for China to accelerate the formation of a digital-driven green economy development model.
Self-Perception of Body Weight in Schoolchildren in Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Ávila-Ortiz María Natividad , Castro-Sánchez Ana Elisa , Núñez-Rocha Georgina Mayela , Flores-Sias Andrea Elizabeth , Zambrano-Moreno Adriana , López-Guevara Verónica
Published: November 2022

Mexican schoolchildren are among the individuals most affected by obesity in the world. It has been observed that body-image dissatisfaction has increased in children. We evaluated their body weight perception and its relationship with actual weight; we compared this variable on three different scales according to age and sex and determined the sensitivity and specificity of these scales. This cross-sectional study was conducted with students from public and private schools in Northeastern Mexico. Boys and girls aged 6–12 years (n = 533) were included in this study. To assess the body weight perception, the following scales were used: (A) Collins (figure rating scale), (B) Eckstein (parents’ perceptions of their child’s weight and health scale), and (C) Truby and Paxton (children’s body image scale). Agreement was evaluated using the Cohen’s kappa test, determining the sensitivity and specificity. Girls and children aged 10–12 years were more likely to perceive themselves adequately (their self-perception corresponds to the figure that indicates their weight status). The children showed increased body-image distortion in the three scales. In terms of sensitivity and specificity, children with overweight or obesity were more precisely identified in scale A, whereas a healthy weight was more clearly identified in scale C.
Unravelling the Complexity of Irregular Shiftwork, Fatigue and Sleep Health for Commercial Drivers and the Associated Implications for Roadway Safety
Authors: Mabry Jessica Erin , Camden Matthew , Miller Andrew , Sarkar Abhijit , Manke Aditi , Ridgeway Christiana , Iridiastadi Hardianto , Crowder Tarah , Islam Mouyid , Soccolich Susan , Hanowski Richard J.
Published: November 2022

Fatigue can be a significant problem for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The lifestyle of a long-haul CMV driver may include long and irregular work hours, inconsistent sleep schedules, poor eating and exercise habits, and mental and physical stress, all contributors to fatigue. Shiftwork is associated with lacking, restricted, and poor-quality sleep and variations in circadian rhythms, all shown to negatively affect driving performance through impaired in judgment and coordination, longer reaction times, and cognitive impairment. Overweight and obesity may be as high as 90% in CMV drivers, and are associated with prevalent comorbidities, including obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. As cognitive and motor processing declines with fatigue, driver performance decreases, and the risk of errors, near crashes, and crashes increases. Tools and assessments to determine and quantify the nature, severity, and impact of fatigue and sleep disorders across a variety of environments and populations have been developed and should be critically examined before being employed with CMV drivers. Strategies to mitigate fatigue in CMV operations include addressing the numerous personal, health, and work factors contributing to fatigue and sleepiness. Further research is needed across these areas to better understand implications for roadway safety.
Emergency Department Visits for Heat-Related Emergency Conditions in the United States from 2008–2020
Authors: Dring Penelope , Armstrong Megan , Alexander Robin , Xiang Henry
Published: November 2022

Exposure to high temperatures is detrimental to human health. As climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme heat events, and raise ambient temperatures, an investigation into the trend of heat-related emergency department (ED) visits over the past decade is necessary to assess the human health impact of this growing public health crisis. ED visits were examined using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Visits were included if the diagnostic field contained an ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM code specific to heat-related emergency conditions. Weighted counts were generated using the study design and weighting variables, to estimate the national burden of heat-related ED visits. A total of 1,078,432 weighted visits were included in this study. The annual incidence rate per 100,000 population increased by an average of 2.85% per year, ranging from 18.21 in 2009, to 32.34 in 2018. The total visit burden was greatest in the South (51.55%), with visits increasing to the greatest degree in the Midwest (8.52%). ED visit volume was greatest in July (29.79%), with visits increasing to the greatest degree in July (15.59%) and March (13.18%). An overall increase in heat-related ED visits for heat-related emergency conditions was found during the past decade across the United States, affecting patients in all regions and during all seasons.
Diversity and Distribution Characteristics of Soil Microbes across Forest–Peatland Ecotones in the Permafrost Regions
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Zhongliang , Ma Dalong , Zhang Man , Fu Lingyu
Published: November 2022

Permafrost peatlands are a huge carbon pool that is uniquely sensitive to global warming. However, despite the importance of peatlands in global carbon sequestration and biogeochemical cycles, few studies have characterized the distribution characteristics and drivers of soil microbial community structure in forest–peatland ecotones. Here, we investigated the vertical distribution patterns of soil microbial communities in three typical peatlands along an environmental gradient using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Our findings indicated that bacterial richness and diversity decreased with increasing soil depth in coniferous swamp (LT) and thicket swamp (HT), whereas the opposite trend was observed in a tussock swamp (NT). Additionally, these parameters decreased at 0–20 and 20–40 cm and increased at 40–60 cm along the environmental gradient (LT to NT). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that the soil microbial community structure was more significantly affected by peatland type than soil depth. Actinomycetota, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexota, Acidobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the predominant bacterial phyla across all soil samples. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the functional pathways between the three peatlands at each depth, except for amino acid metabolism, membrane transport, cell motility, and signal transduction. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that pH and soil water content were the primary environmental factors influencing the bacterial community structure. Therefore, this study is crucial to accurately forecast potential changes in peatland ecosystems and improve our understanding of the role of peat microbes as carbon pumps in the process of permafrost degradation.
Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK: A Qualitative Analysis of Free-Text Survey Data
Authors: Hailey Verity , Burton Alexandra , Hamer Mark , Fancourt Daisy , Fisher Abigail
Published: November 2022

Background: Several quantitative studies have found a decline in physical activity in response to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The aim of the present study was to use large-scale free text survey data to qualitatively gain a more in-depth understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, then map barriers and facilitators to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) Model of Behaviour to aid future intervention development. Methods: 17,082 participants provided a response to the free text module, and data from those who mentioned a physical activity related word in any context were included. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and key themes identified. Results: 5396 participants provided 7490 quotes related to physical activity. The sample were predominately female (84%), white (British/Irish/Other) (97%) and aged <60 years (57%). Seven key themes were identified: the importance of outdoor space, changes in daily routine, COVID-19 restrictions prevented participation, perceived risks or threats to participation, the importance of physical health, the importance of physical activity for mental health and the use of technology. Conclusion: Future physical activity interventions could encourage people to walk outdoors, which is low cost, flexible, and accessible to many. Developing online resources to promote and support physical activity provides a flexible way to deliver quality content to a large audience.
The Relationship between Internet Use and Self-Rated Health among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Social Support
Authors: Liu Ningning , He Yujing , Li Zhirong
Published: November 2022

The development of Internet technology has significantly impacted how people live their daily lives. How this disparity in Internet use affects the self-rated health of older adults needs to be further explored. This paper studies the impact of Internet use on self-rated health, aiming to examine the effect of Internet use and social support on the self-rated health of older adults in China. This study used data from the 2017 China General Social Survey (CGSS) to verify the effect of Internet use on older adults’ self-rated health. The results showed that Chinese elderly who used the Internet had a higher self-rated health, and social support from relatives and friends significantly improved the elderly’s self-rated health. This social support played a critical, partially mediating role between Internet use and self-rated health. In China, the effect of Internet use on older adults’ self-rated health was heterogeneous. Among them, the impact of Internet use was more significant for the male elderly, younger elderly, and rural elderly. The results suggest that the government should formulate targeted policies to improve the utilization of the Internet and maintain a good Internet environment to enhance the well-being of older adults according to the trend of population aging and the popularity of the Internet.
Sober Curiosity: A Qualitative Study Exploring Women’s Preparedness to Reduce Alcohol by Social Class
Authors: Lunnay Belinda , Nicholls Emily , Pennay Amy , MacLean Sarah , Wilson Carlene , Meyer Samantha B. , Foley Kristen , Warin Megan , Olver Ian , Ward Paul R.
Published: November 2022

Background: Urgent action is required to identify socially acceptable alcohol reduction options for heavy-drinking midlife Australian women. This study represents innovation in public health research to explore how current trends in popular wellness culture toward ‘sober curiosity’ (i.e., an interest in what reducing alcohol consumption would or could be like) and normalising non-drinking could increase women’s preparedness to reduce alcohol consumption. Methods: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 27 midlife Australian women (aged 45–64) living in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in different social class groups (working, middle and affluent-class) to explore their perceptions of sober curiosity. Results: Women were unequally distributed across social-classes and accordingly the social-class analysis considered proportionally the volume of data at particular codes. Regardless, social-class patterns in women’s preparedness to reduce alcohol consumption were generated through data analysis. Affluent women’s preparedness to reduce alcohol consumption stemmed from a desire for self-regulation and to retain control; middle-class women’s preparedness to reduce alcohol was part of performing civility and respectability and working-class women’s preparedness to reduce alcohol was highly challenging. Options are provided for alcohol reduction targeting the social contexts of consumption (the things that lead midlife women to feel prepared to reduce drinking) according to levels of disadvantage. Conclusion: Our findings reinstate the importance of recognising social class in public health disease prevention; validating that socially determined factors which shape daily living also shape health outcomes and this results in inequities for women in the lowest class positions to reduce alcohol and related risks.
Our Voice NOLA: Leveraging a Community Engaged Citizen Science Method to Contextualize the New Orleans Food Environment
Authors: Afaneh Hasheemah , Fernes Praveena K. , Lewis Emma C. , King Abby C. , Banchoff Ann , Sheats Jylana L.
Published: November 2022

Objective: We employed the Our Voice citizen scientist method using a mobile application (app) to identify and contextualize neighborhood-level features influencing food access and wellbeing in New Orleans, Louisiana. Design: A three-phase, multi-method study comprised of: (1) a researcher-assisted tag-a-long neighborhood walk (referred to as a ‘journey’) with the Discovery Tool (DT) app to document neighborhood-level features via geo-coded photos and audio-recorded narratives; (2) a post-journey interview to enable citizen scientists to share their lived experiences; and (3) a community meeting with citizen scientists and local stakeholders. Setting: Various neighborhoods in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Participants: Citizen Scientists (i.e., residents) aged 18 years and older. Main Outcome Measure(s): Features that influence food access and health behaviors. Analysis: Descriptive statistics and a thematic content analysis were conducted to assess survey and app data. Results: Citizen scientists (N = 14) captured 178 photos and 184 audio narratives. Eight major themes were identified: safety; walkability; aesthetics; amenities; food; health services; neighborhood changes; and infrastructure/city planning. The post-journey interview provided insights around the abovementioned themes. The community meeting demonstrated the willingness of citizen scientists and stakeholders to convene and discuss issues and relevant solutions. Conclusions and Implications: Findings demonstrate the ability of technology and citizen science to help better understand the complexities of New Orleans’ past, present and distinct culture—and implications for food access and wellbeing in the context of trauma in an urban ecosystem.
Inequalities in the Health Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Piedmont Region, Italy
Authors: Marra Michele , Strippoli Elena , Zengarini Nicolás , Costa Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

(1) Introduction: Several studies observe a social gradient in the incidence and health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they rely mainly on spatial associations because individual-level data are lacking. (2) Objectives: To assess the impact of social inequalities in the health outcomes of COVID-19 during the first epidemic wave in Piedmont Region, Italy, evaluating the role of the unequal social distribution of comorbidities and the capacity of the healthcare system to promote equity. (3) Methods: Subjects aged over 35, resident in Piedmont on 22 February 2020, were followed up until 30 May 2020 for access to swabs, infection, hospitalization, admission to intensive care unit, in-hospital death, COVID-19, and all-cause death. Inequalities were assessed through an Index of Socioeconomic Disadvantage composed of information on education, overcrowding, housing conditions, and neighborhood deprivation. Relative incidence measures and Relative Index of Inequality were estimated through Poisson regression models, stratifying by gender and age groups (35–64 years; ≥65 years), adjusting for comorbidity. (4) Results: Social inequalities were found in the various outcomes, in the female population, and among elderly males. Inequalities in ICU were lower, but analyses only on in-patients discount the hypothesis of preferential access by the most advantaged. Comorbidities contribute to no more than 30% of inequalities. (5) Conclusions: Despite the presence of significant inequities, the pandemic does not appear to have further exacerbated health inequalities, partly due to the fairness of the healthcare system. It is necessary to reduce inequalities in the occurrence of comorbidities that confer susceptibility to COVID-19 and promote prevention policies that limit inequalities in the mechanisms of contagion and improve out-of-hospital timely treatment.
Portuguese Family Physicians’ Perceptions on Pain Management—A Qualitative Study Protocol
Authors: Ribeiro Joana Fernandes , Baptista Sofia , Pinto Marta , Mendes Ana , Almeida Hugo , Teixeira Andreia , Martins Carlos
Published: November 2022

Pain is an important cause of disability and constitutes the main reason people seek medical care, especially in general practice. Nevertheless, nearly half of adult Europeans with chronic pain receive inadequate pain treatment. Limited knowledge about pain among physicians is recognized as a key barrier to treatment. This is due to the well-known insufficiency in pain education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There is a scarcity of research exploring the perceptions of family medicine physicians on these issues. This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of these professionals concerning medical education, as well as their knowledge, skills, and preparedness to manage chronic pain and collect suggestions for improvement. A qualitative exploratory study will be performed using synchronous virtual focus groups and purposive sampling. Eligible participants will be 3rd- and 4th-year family medicine residents and family medicine specialists with at least five years of practice. Sample size and number of focus groups will depend on data saturation. A semi-structured guide will be used. A thematic categorical analysis will be conducted after verbatim transcription of the audiofiles. This protocol has been approved by the Health Ethics Committee.
Influence of Mine Environmental Factors on the Liquid CO2 Pipeline Transport System with Great Altitude Difference
Authors: Qi Guansheng , Hu Hao , Lu Wei , Sun Lulu , Hu Xiangming , Liang Yuntao , Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

To prevent coal spontaneous combustion and store CO2 in the coal mine, it is necessary to establish a fire-prevention pipeline transport system which continuously injects a large amount of liquid CO2 from the ground to the underground area directly. At present, few studies are focused on the law of liquid CO2 transport with great altitude difference. Moreover, the complex transport environment in the coal mine affects the design and application of the pipeline transport system for ground direct injection of liquid CO2. This study explores the influence of environmental factors at different depths in the coal mine on the liquid CO2 transport. Excessive altitude difference, ambient temperature and airflow velocity may lead to the boiling of liquid CO2 during pipeline transport and a sudden drop in CO2 temperature and pressure, which may cause danger in the pipeline transport system. The critical insulation thickness is determined based on the occurrence of the boiling of CO2. In addition, the influence law of adding an insulating layer of different thicknesses to the CO2 pipeline system is obtained. This study is of great significance to the establishment of a pipeline system that safely transports liquid CO2 from the ground to the underground mine.