bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Frequency Containment Reserve on the Operational Data and the State of Health of the Hybrid Stationary Large-Scale Storage System
Authors: Jacqué Kevin , Koltermann Lucas , Figgener Jan , Zurmühlen Sebastian , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: February 2022

The expansion of renewable energy with its volatile feed-in character places higher demands on the power grid of the future. Large-scale storage systems (LSS) are a promising option for supporting the electricity grid and have been gaining importance in the last years, both on the market for frequency containment reserve (FCR) and in research. The majority of publications investigating the interaction between storage and FCR are based on simulations rather than on field measurements. This paper presents the analyses of multi-year, high-resolution field measurements of the hybrid 6 MW/7.5 MWh battery storage “M5BAT” to address this issue. The influence of FCR operation on the operation and degradation of the hybrid LSS and the individual battery technologies is investigated via a statistical evaluation of the historical operating data between 2017 and 2021. The data-based analysis of the LSS and the individual battery technologies reveals a high availability of the LSS of over 96.5%. Furthermore, the FCR operation results in an average SOC of the LSS of 50.5% and an average C-rate of the battery units of 0.081 C. A capacity test after four years of operation exposes that the lead-acid batteries have experienced a loss of energy capacity of up to 36%, whereas the lithium batteries have only experienced a loss of up to 5%. The calendar ageing predominates in this context. The presented results can be used to investigate and model the influence of FCR on the operation and battery degradation of the LSS and its different battery technologies.
Analysis of Linear Hybrid Excited Flux Switching Machines with Low-Cost Ferrite Magnets
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Khan Faisal , Ullah Basharat , Jan Himayat Ullah , Alkhammash Hend I.
Published: February 2022

Linear hybrid excited flux switching machines (LHEFSM) combine the features of permanent magnet flux switching machines (PMFSM) and field excited flux switching machines (FEFSM). Because of the widespread usage of rare-earth PM materials, their costs are steadily rising. This study proposes an LHEFSM, a dual stator LHEFSM (DSLHEFSM), and a dual mover LHEFSM (DMLHEFSM) to solve this issue. The employment of ferrite magnets rather than rare-earth PM in these suggested designs is significant. Compared to traditional designs, the proposed designs feature greater thrust force, power density, reduced normal force, and a 25% decrease in PM volume. A yokeless primary structure was used in a DSLHEFSM to minimize the volume of the mover, increasing the thrust force density. In DMLHELFSM, on the other hand, a yokeless secondary structure was used to lower the secondary volume and the machine’s total cost. Single variable optimization was used to optimize all of the proposed designs. By completing a 3D study, the electromagnetic performances acquired from the 2D analysis were confirmed. Compared to conventional designs, the average thrust force in LHEFSM, DSLHEFSM, and DMLHEFSM was enhanced by 15%, 16.8%, and 15.6%, respectively. Overall, the presented machines had a high thrust force density, a high-power density, a high no-load electromotive force, and a low normal force, allowing them to be used in long-stroke applications.
In Search of Non-Obvious Relationships between Greenhouse Gas or Particulate Matter Emissions, Renewable Energy and Corruption
Authors: Dec Paweł , Wysocki Jacek
Published: February 2022

The article concerns the issue of the existence of non-obvious relationships and of potential correlations between the emission of greenhouse gases and particulate matter (PM), renewable energy and corruption perceptions. Additionally, it analyses the possible impact of these above-mentioned connections on the economic, environmental and social situation in the context of further economic development, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and in relation to European countries. The issue of reducing dirty energy sources and corrupt activities is not only a problem considered at the state level, but it is very closely related to the operation of many private enterprises. The conducted research applied methods of desk research as well as comparative quantitative analyses and used extensive statistical data of most European Union member states as well as the United Kingdom and Norway. The ambiguity of the results obtained in the research does not allow for an explicit verification of the existence of relationships between corruption and the pro-ecological initiatives influencing the lower intensity of greenhouse gases and particulate matter (PM) to the atmosphere or increasing share of renewable energy in the whole energy consumption. However, in many analysed cases it is possible to observe the occurrence of the indicated relationships, which, although not considered to be a rule, may give direction to further detailed research in this area, in particular in order to show the resulting beneficial or unfavourable implications for the performance and development of companies and the economy as a whole with rules of sustainability.
Application of the Fuzzy VIKOR Method to Assess Concentration and Its Effects on Competition in the Energy Sector
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: February 2022

Background: Understanding the market competition is one of the most important factors for examining and assessing competition issues, and is of growing interest in business sustainability research. Markets in the energy industry, which are notoriously harder to monitor, are often presented with scenarios in which the strength of various market parties varies, making harmonization a significant problem. This article’s aim is to find the feasibility of measuring the HHI in the implementation of business strategies in order to avoid market distortions in the energy industry. The uniqueness of this article is that it outlines the capabilities of the fuzzy VIKOR approach for assessing the HHI in order to avoid a distorted market by examining the most important economic parameters in the energy market. This paper’s contribution is compiling the HHI evaluation system in the energy sector, with the goal of identifying the market conditions of corporate entity and assisting in the attainment of long-term market competitiveness. The results demonstrate that a comparison of the fuzzy VIKOR (VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje) approach with probability theories proved that it is possible to measure the HHI-based performance of the energy sector.
Trends in Energy Security Education with a Focus on Renewable and Nonrenewable Sources
Authors: Solarz Jarosław , Gawlik-Kobylińska Małgorzata , Ostant Witold , Maciejewski Paweł
Published: February 2022

Energy security education explores various issues, such as a secure and competitive economy and nuclear safety. In the context of energy transition and sustainable development, it also addresses the world’s reliance on nonrenewable and renewable energy sources. The aim of this study was to identify research trends pertaining to energy security education, paying particular attention to renewable and nonrenewable sources. This was accomplished with the use of mixed-method research in two steps. The first step was a text-mining and content analysis of publications on energy security education published on the Web of Science platform between 2016 and 2021. From 660 publications on energy security education, titles, abstracts, and keywords were extracted and analysed with NVivo software to identify the most frequent concepts on energy sources in publications. The concepts were associated with nonrenewable energy sources (coal, natural gas, uranium, petroleum, and fossil fuels), nuclear power, and renewable energy sources (hydro, geothermal, solar, tide/wave/ocean, wind, solid biofuels, biogases, liquid biofuels, and renewable municipal waste). The second step was conducting detailed searches with Boolean operators, where “energy security education” was juxtaposed with the distinguished keywords. All searches on energy security education showed that publication activity tended to decrease, while citations increased. The most explored topics concerned: “fossil fuels”, “oil, petroleum”, “renewable” energy, and “solar” energy sources. An increasing trend was observed for all renewable energy sources as well as selected nonrenewable sources: “oil, petroleum”, “nonrenewable”, and “coal”. Additionally, R-squared values were calculated to indicate the fit of the trendline to the model. Due to the technologically enhanced energy transition and didactic innovations, education focussing on energy sources is expected to remain in demand. Curricula will need to be revised in the future to better reflect this reality.
The Effect of DC Voltage Pre-Stress on the Breakdown Voltage of Air under Composite DC and LI Voltage and Test Circuit: Design and Application
Authors: Ispirli Mehmet Murat , Kalenderli Özcan , Seifert Florian , Rock Michael , Oral Bülent
Published: February 2022

The use of HVDC systems is increasing in number due to technological innovations, increasing power capacity and increasing customer demand. The characteristics of insulation systems under composite DC and LI voltage must be examined and clarified. In this study, firstly, experimental circuits were designed to generate and measure composite DC and LI high voltage using a simulation program. The coupling elements used were chosen according to simulation results. Afterward, experimental circuits were established in the laboratory according to the simulation results of the designed experimental circuit. Then, breakdown voltages under composite DC and LI voltage for less uniform and non-uniform electric fields were measured with four different electrode systems for positive and negative DC voltage pre-stresses with different amplitudes. The 50% breakdown voltage was calculated using the least-squares method. Finally, 3D models were created for the electrode systems used in the experiments using the finite element method. The efficiency factors of electrode systems calculated with the FEM results were correlated with the experimental breakdown voltage results. Thus, the breakdown behavior of air under bipolar and unipolar composite voltages (CV) was investigated. In conclusion, the experimental results showed that very fast polarity change in bipolar CV causes higher electrical stress compared to unipolar CV.
Sustainable Building Policies in Central Europe: Insights and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rabenseifer Roman , Hraška Jozef , Borovská Edina , Babenko Maryna , Hanuliak Peter , Vacek Šimon
Published: February 2022

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is one of the European Union’s key priorities. Yet, the attitude of numerous politicians, of the professional community, and of society in general towards the threat posed by climate change is ambivalent. Arguments are frequently heard about the transition to a low-carbon economy that will be very costly, with increased unemployment, and that in reality climate change may not even be that severe. Added to this, there are human rights and freedoms, and in the case of architects and designers, the right to freedom of creation, to choice of materials, etc. The present article seeks to show that the issue of sustainable architecture and construction is not a whim, but an absolute necessity, and that true freedom lies in recognizing this fact and adapting our actions accordingly. However, even if we have the good intentions to adapt the needed actions, there is still the question of how to react in the right way, without causing myriad unwanted side-effects or being completely counterproductive. As there is not yet any comprehensive account of the history of energy-efficient and sustainable building and architecture, this paper has attempted to give a brief overview of developments in this field from a Central European perspective. Furthermore, the aim was to point out some conceptual mistakes that have been made in the past and that should be avoided.
Numerical Investigation of the Sensitivity of the Acoustic Power Level to Changes in Selected Design Parameters of an Axial Fan
Authors: Romik Dawid , Czajka Ireneusz
Published: February 2022

The noise generated by different types of fans used in the turbomachinery industry is a topic that has been studied for many years. However, researchers are still looking for a universal solution to reduce noise while maintaining the performance of these machines. This paper, as a contribution to the research, presents the results of numerical investigations of an axial fan installed in a pipeline with a circular cross-section. In particular, the focus was on investigating the sensitivity of the sound power level to changes in selected design and operational parameters of this fan. The simulation studies used the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) approach and the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW-H) analogy implemented in Ansys Fluent.
Thorough Review Analysis of Safe Control of Autonomous Vehicles: Path Planning and Navigation Techniques
Authors: Abdallaoui Sara , Aglzim El-Hassane , Chaibet Ahmed , Kribèche Ali
Published: February 2022

Mobile robot path planning has passed through multiple phases of development and took up several challenges. Up to now and with the new technology in hands, it becomes less complicated to conduct path planning for mobile robots and avoid both static and dynamic obstacles, so that collision-free navigation is ensured. Thorough state of the art review analysis with critical scrutiny of both safe and optimal paths for autonomous vehicles is addressed in this study. Emphasis is given to several developed techniques based using sampling algorithms, node-based optimal algorithms, mathematic model-based algorithms, bio-inspired algorithms, which includes neural network algorithms, and then multi-fusion-based algorithms, which combine different methods to overcome the drawbacks of each. All of these approaches consider different conditions and they are used for multiple domains.
Teaching Atmospheric Hazards in the Climate Change Context—Environmental Didactic Proposals in the Mediterranean Region for Secondary Schools
Authors: Morote Álvaro-Francisco , Olcina Jorge , Hernández María
Published: February 2022

The political sphere is starting to take an interest in how the teaching of atmospheric risks at pre-university stages can be improved. This interest has arisen due to the fact that, as stated in the 2030 Agenda, education is an important factor for reducing the effects of natural hazards within the context of current climate change. However, in developed countries education has not played a prominent role in the design of risk prevention policies. The purpose of this study was to identify the principal deficiencies that characterise the study of natural risks in non-university education and then to propose didactic activities for improving the teaching of the main processes associated with climate change (episodes of intense rains and droughts) that already affect the Spanish Mediterranean region. Their implementation in the classroom seeks, first, to correct the deficiencies in the knowledge of the students in terms of the sources from which they obtain information, and second, to raise awareness about the importance of education in the prevention and mitigation of climate risks. These proposals are intended to serve as a guide to activities to be implemented in classrooms in other international areas, taking into account their geographical characteristics and the availability of data.
Chitosan Production by Fungi: Current State of Knowledge, Future Opportunities and Constraints
Authors: Crognale Silvia , Russo Cristina , Petruccioli Maurizio , D’Annibale Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Conventionally, the commercial supply of chitin and chitosan relies on shellfish wastes as the extraction sources. However, the fungal sources constitute a valuable option, especially for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, due to the batch-to-batch unsteady properties of chitin and chitosan from conventional ones. Fungal production of these glycans is not affected by seasonality enables accurate process control and, consequently, more uniform properties of the obtained product. Moreover, liquid and solid production media often are derived from wastes, thus enabling the application of circular economy criteria and improving the process economics. The present review deals with fungal chitosan production processes focusing on waste-oriented and integrated production processes. In doing so, contrary to other reviews that used a genus-specific approach for organizing the available information, the present one bases the discussion on the bioprocess typology. Finally, the main process parameters affecting chitosan production and their interactions are critically discussed.
A Theoretical Approximation of the Accelerating Effects of Ultrasound about the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Wood by Wine Spirits
Authors: Delgado-González Manuel J. , García-Moreno María de Valme , Guillén-Sánchez Dominico A.
Published: February 2022

The acceleration on the extraction by the sonication of phenolic compounds (measured as the Total Phenolic Index) from wood chips by wine distillates is studied in the present paper. Using the Arrhenius equation, the theoretical temperature at which the kinetics obtained by these sonicated extraction processes are equal to the kinetics of non-sonicated and thermally accelerated extractions, was calculated. By applying a pseudo-second order kinetic model, it was shown that the initial rate values obtained from the sonicated extractions were as high as those obtained from the thermal extractions carried out at a temperature at least 2.5 °C higher than the real temperature at which the experiment was performed. Higher power densities lead to higher initial rates of extraction, although very high power densities decrease the amount of phenols in equilibrium, probably due to the degradation processes. Additionally, the positive synergy between the sonication and the movement of the recirculated distillate through wood chips was also stablished, obtaining a difference of temperature of at least,18.2 °C for the initial extraction rate and 7.0 °C for the equilibrium.
Anti-VEGF Effect of Bioactive Indolic Compounds and Hydroxytyrosol Metabolites
Authors: Gallardo-Fernández Marta , Cerezo Ana B. , Hornedo-Ortega Ruth , Troncoso Ana M. , Garcia-Parrilla M. Carmen
Published: February 2022

Angiogenesis is a key process involved in both cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) being the main triggers. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the potent inhibition of VEGF signaling by hydroxytyrosol (HT) metabolites and indolic compounds and establish a relation between their structure and bioactivity. Experiments involved the evaluation of their potential to inhibit VEGF on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by ELISA assay and their subsequent effect on the downstream signaling pathway (PLCγ1, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS)) by Western blot. Respectively, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) (100 µM) and indole pyruvic acid (IPy) (1 mM) were capable of inhibiting VEGFR-2 activation with an IC50 value of 119 µM and 1.037 mM. The anti-angiogenic effect of DOPAL and IPy is mediated via PLCγ1. Additionally, DOPAL significantly increases eNOS phosphorylation, while IPy maintained it. These data provide for the first time evidence of the anti-angiogenic effect of DOPAL and IPy for future use as potential bioactive food ingredients.
Binding and Recombination Energies of Quasi-One-Dimensional Excitonic Complexes in Ellipsoidal Quantum Dot
Authors: Hayrapetyan David B.
Published: February 2022

In the framework of the effective mass approximation, negative and positive trions, exciton, and biexciton states are investigated in strongly prolate ellipsoidal quantum dots by the variational method. Since the ellipsoidal quantum dot has a prolate character, all excitonic complexes are considered quasi-one-dimensional. As in such a system, the analytical solution does not exist for the many-particle problem, it is solved by the variational method. The trial variation functions based on the one-particle wave functions are used to construct the wavefunctions for the excitonic complexes. The energy spectrum, binding, and recombination energies dependent on the geometrical parameters of the ellipsoidal quantum dots are calculated for the excitons, negative and positive trions, and biexcitons. The radiative lifetime of exciton complexes in ellipsoid is estimated.
Mathematical Approach to Distant Correlations of Physical Observables and Its Fractal Generalisation
Authors: Ilić Ivana , Visnjić Jelena , Mitić Vojislav , Randjelović Branislav , Ćirić Luka
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the new mathematical correlation of two quantum systems that were initially allowed to interact and then separated is being formulated and analyzed. These correlations are illustrated by many examples and are also connected with fractals at a certain level. The main idea of the paper arises from the EPR paradox, the paradox of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen that occurs when the measurement of a physical observable performed on one system has an immediate effect on the other separate system being entangled with it. That is a physical phenomenon, especially when the particles are separated by a large distance. In this paper, we define distant correlations as the advanced method for the exact interpretation of strong connection and influence among those particles even when they are widely separated. On the given topological space (X,τ), we define a notion of τ-metric such that the set X is a τ-metric space and we prove some properties of these spaces. By using this new proposed model, we nullify the contradiction that appears in the EPR paradox. An illustrative example involving fractals is given. This innovative mathematical approach to this physical phenomenon may be attractive for future research in the field of quantum physics.
The Myth of the Genetically Sick African
Authors: Graves Joseph L
Published: February 2022

Western medicine has an unfortunate history where it has been applied to address the health of African Americans. At its origins, it was aligned with the objectives of colonialism and chattel slavery. The degree to which medical “science” concerned itself with persons of African descent was to keep them alive for sale on the auction block, or to keep them healthy as they toiled to generate wealth for their European owners. Medicine in early America relied upon both dead and live African bodies to test its ideas to benefit Europeans. As medicine moved from quackery to a discipline based in science, its understanding of human biological variation was flawed. This was not a problem confined to medicine alone, but to the biological sciences in general. Biology had no solid theoretical basis until after 1859. As medicine further developed in the 20th century, it never doubted the difference between Europeans and Africans, and also asserted the innate inferiority of the latter. The genomic revolution in the latter 20th century produced tools that were deployed in a biomedical culture still mired in “racial” medicine. This lack of theoretical perspective still misdirects research associated with health disparity. In contrast to this is evolutionary medicine, which relies on a sound unification of evolutionary (ultimate) and physiological, cellular, and molecular (proximate) mechanisms. Utilizing the perspectives of evolutionary medicine is a prerequisite for an effective intervention in health disparity and finally dispelling the myth of the genetically sick African.
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Prevalence of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Polish Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes? An Example of the Largest Polish Pediatric Diabetes Center (Upper Silesia—Katowice, Poland)
Authors: Rusak Ewa , Seget Sebastian , Macherski Maksymilian , Furgał Natalia , Dyś Przemysław , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with newly disclosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the history database of all hospitalized children in our department. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines were used for the diagnosis of DKA. Results: The database of children with newly disclosed T1D included 196 patients (89 girls and 107 boys) from 2019, and 223 patients (113 girls and 110 boys) from 2020 (a total of 419 patients—202 girls and 217 boys) aged 0 to 18 years. A significantly higher percentage of DKA was observed in 2020 compared to the previous year (47.53% vs. 35.2% [p = 0.005]). The percentage of severe DKA increased in 2020 compared to 2019 (18.39% vs. 14.07% [p = 0.118]). Compared to 2019, the average HbA1c level was higher in 2020 (12.57 ± 2.75% vs. 11.95 ± 2.89% [p < 0.025]), and the average pH level (7.26 vs. 7.31 [p = 0.002], and average HCO3 level (16.40 vs. 18.66 [p = 0.001]) were lower, respectively. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 (2020) pandemic, the incidence of DKA increased in Polish children with newly diagnosed T1D. The conclusions from the analysis of the functioning of health systems during the pandemic should be used in the future to prevent, in similar periods, an increase in severe complications of delayed diagnosis of T1D.
Association between Overall Survival and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Spinal Bone Metastases
Authors: Akezaki Yoshiteru , Nakata Eiji , Kikuuchi Masato , Sugihara Shinsuke , Katayama Yoshimi , Katayama Haruyoshi , Hamada Masanori , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: February 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between overall survival (OS) and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with skeletal-related events. In this study, 265 patients whose clinical parameters were available before radiotherapy were investigated. Methods: Age, sex, ADL, pain, the primary site, spinal level of bone metastases, spinal instability, treatment strategy, including chemotherapy or palliative treatment, and OS were investigated. ADL patients with a Barthel index of ≥90 were classified as the high ADL group, while those with a score < 90 were classified as the low ADL group. For OS, patients surviving ≥160 days were classified as the non-poor prognosis group, and those who survived <160 days were classified as the poor prognosis group. Results: Age, sex, ADL, pain, the primary site, and treatment strategy for OS were different between the two groups (p < 0.1). Logistic regression analysis revealed that ADL, the primary site, and treatment strategy were significant predictors of OS (p < 0.05). High ADL, breast cancer, and chemotherapy had a positive effect on OS. Conclusions: It is suggested that improvements may be obtained by performing rehabilitation interventions to maintain and improve ADL, by constructing a system for monitoring spinal bone metastases with images before ADL decreases, and by performing interventions such as changes in treatment methods such as RT or surgery at appropriate times.
Differences between Sexes in Cardiopulmonary Fitness among Children and Adolescents with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Kuan Tzu-Hsuan , Chang Yung-Liang , Lin Ko-Long , Chen Guan-Bo , Liou I-Hsiu , Tuan Sheng-Hui
Published: February 2022

It is known that children and adolescents with Kawasaki disease (KD) can maintain normal cardiopulmonary fitness (CPF) after the disease’s acute stage has subsided. This study aimed to investigate whether gender differences affect CPF in children and adolescents with KD. We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 204 participants (120 boys and 84 girls) with KD. All participants were instructed to complete a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) adapted to assess their CPF. Based on body mass index (BMI), boys and girls were categorized into groups of underweight (19 boys and 12 girls), normal (62 boys and 59 girls), and overweight (39 boys and 13 girls). Although a similarity in body composition was found among both genders for KD subjects and normal Taiwanese peers, the percentage of overweight subjects was higher in KD boys than the normal Taiwanese boys. When comparing CPF for different BMI groups, the whole KD group showed no discrepancy, but a significantly lower peak VO2 for the overweight KD boys group was observed, representing poorer CPF. In conclusion, girls with KD had better CPF than boys, and gender stereotypes affect sports participation as well as self-efficacy, and may be contributing to poorer CPF in KD boys.
Relationships between Sex and Adaptation to Physical Exercise in Young Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pinto Gabriella , Militello Rosamaria , Amoresano Angela , Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Modesti Alessandra , Luti Simone
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the redox, hormonal, metabolic, and lipid profiles of female and male basketball players during the seasonal training period, compared to their relative sedentary controls. 20 basketball players (10 female and 10 male) and 20 sedentary controls (10 female and 10 male) were enrolled in the study. Oxidative stress, adiponectin level, and metabolic profile were determined. Male and female athletes showed an increased antioxidant capacity (27% for males; 21% for females) and lactate level (389% for males; 460% for females) and reduced salivary cortisol (25% for males; 51% for females) compared to the sedentary controls. Moreover, a peculiar metabolite (in particular, amino acids and urea), hormonal, and lipidic profile were highlighted in the two groups of athletes. Female and male adaptations to training have several common traits, such as antioxidant potential enhancement, lactate increase, and activation of detoxifying processes, such as the urea cycle and arachidonic pathways as a response to inflammation. Moreover, we found different lipid and amino acid utilization related to sex. Deeper investigation could help coaches in developing training programs based on the athletes’ sex in order to reduce the drop-out rate of sporting activity by girls and fight the gender stereotypes in sport that also have repercussions in social fields.
Gender Gap in Self-Rated Health: A Cohort Perspective in Eastern European Countries
Authors: Gil-Lacruz Marta , Gil-Lacruz Ana Isabel , Navarro-López Jorge , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel
Published: February 2022

Background: The relationship between self-rated health and gender differs across countries and generations. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of socioeconomic conditions on self-rated health from a generational perspective, its differential effect on gender, and its influence on the gender gap in order to explore health diversity using a multidisciplinary approach and considering policy implications in Eastern European countries. Methods: We used data drawn from the European Health Interview Survey for eight Eastern European countries and EUROSTAT from 2006 through to 2009. We conducted multilevel analyses to understand the individual and national health determinants of self-rated health by gender and to determine whether national differences remain after controlling for micro variables. In order to analyze the role of equity (Gini quartile) in gender differences, Oaxaca analyses were used. Results: The self-rated health gender gap increases with age. Individual characteristics, such as educational level or smoking, influence citizens’ perceived health, and have a stronger effect on women than on men. Knowing both the characteristics (endowment effects) and the effects of individual characteristics (coefficient effects) on health is important in order to understand gender gaps among people from the silent generation. Conclusions: Our research indicates that random effects are greater for men than for women. Moreover, random effects might be explained to a certain extent by economic equity (Gini index). The combined effects of gender, cohort, and geographical differences on self-rated health have to be taken into account to develop public health policies.
Eco-Innovation and Innovation Level of the Economy as a Basis for the Typology of the EU Countries
Authors: Sobczak Elżbieta , Głuszczuk Dariusz , Raszkowski Andrzej
Published: February 2022

The study addresses the issue of eco-innovation and innovation in the European Union countries, which is important from the perspective of the sustainable development paradigm. Innovation constitutes a significant factor related to socio-economic development, and it is crucial in constructing the competitive advantage of enterprises, regions, and countries. Nowadays, an increasing importance is attached to eco-innovations, which takes into account the ecological perspective ensuring the reduction of environmental burdens. The purpose of the conducted research was to assess the diversity among the European Union countries regarding the situation related to eco-innovation and innovation, which is focused on the typology of the EU Member States taking a holistic approach to innovation, i.e., considering not only economic but also environmental and social performance. The methods of multivariate statistical analysis, with a particular emphasis on classification methods, were used in the research. A holistic overview of innovation results from the combination of findings based on the research was carried out within the framework of the Eco-Innovation Observatory and the European Innovation Scoreboard. The study covered 28 European Union countries in the period 2013–2019. As a result of the conducted analyses, four classes of the EU Member States were identified (Leaders of Eco-Innovation and Innovation, Moderate Eco-Innovators and Catching-Up Leaders of Innovation, Poor Innovators, The Poorest Eco-Innovators and Innovators).
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Smoking Cessation—A Real-Time Data Analysis from the Polish National Quitline
Authors: Koczkodaj Paweł , Cedzyńska Magdalena , Przepiórka Irena , Przewoźniak Krzysztof , Gliwska Elwira , Ciuba Agata , Didkowska Joanna , Mańczuk Marta
Published: February 2022

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco research has delivered new evidence on the harmfulness of smoking in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of the COVID-19 disease. More and more research proves that smoking is an important risk factor contributing to increased risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted decisions about quitting smoking. A total of 4072 records of anonymized data were obtained from the Polish National Quitline. Between 15 April 2020 and 31 May 2021, the callers were asked about the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their decisions on smoking continuation or cessation. Our results indicate that smokers are very receptive to communication concerning COVID-19 and smoking risk. This phenomenon can possibly be connected to the immediate potential health consequences of smoking and COVID-19 virus infection. Results may indicate that putting emphasis on arguments combined with short-term health consequences of smoking may result in better outcomes in smoking cessation. There is a need for further and constant education on tobacco-related health harm. Our results showed that an irregular and mass communication on health consequences may result in high effectiveness in smoking cessation.
Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews
Authors: Wojnowska-Heciak Magdalena , Suchocka Marzena , Błaszczyk Magdalena , Muszyńska Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Urban green spaces make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all city residents. Therefore, urban park quality and accessibility are crucial factors in stimulating physical and mental health benefits. This study aimed to assess the quality of urban parks and their accessibility as reported by people with mobility difficulties (seniors, blind and partially sighted people). Four key features of a place (accessibility and linkages, comfort and image, uses and activities and sociability) were considered in an in-depth-interviews (IDI) and “walk-and-talk” interviews. Study results indicate a problem of accessibility of urban parks for people with mobility difficulties (uneven gravel surfaces). However, non-physical aspects of park visits (social activities, cultural events, place branding) were reported as essential factors in explaining the motivation for park visits. Despite individual preferences, experience or reported difficulties, all respondents’ attitudes towards park trips were positive. Therefore, we assume that accessibility is more than just physical comfort. Cultural and social activities play an important role in motivating people with a disability to visit a park.
How Primary School Curriculums in 11 Countries around the World Deliver Food Education and Address Food Literacy: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Smith Kim , Wells Rebecca , Hawkes Corinna
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: As one of the biggest drivers of health and climate change, the food system has unrealised potential to influence consumption toward affordable, healthy, sustainable diets. A range of policy levers, including mandating food education, are needed. Schools are considered the best place for food education and childhood is a crucial period when eating habits that persist into adulthood are formed. Food education as part of the curriculum is crucial in generating population shifts in food systems improvements. The purpose of this policy analysis was to analyse mandatory curriculums in different countries to explore the ways in which primary school food education addresses food literacy. (2) Methods: This study analyses how food education within primary school education policy, in 11 countries, addresses Food Literacy (FL). It is the first study of this kind. A case study methodology was employed, and curriculum policy content analysis was conducted using a Food Literacy framework. (3) Results: Each country has a curriculum dedicated to food education, supported by food education in non-food curriculums. There is no standardized approach to primary school food education policy, no consensus in primary food education nomenclature or what curriculums constitute. Curriculums focus on cooking and health topics, but significantly less on social-cultural, equity, and sustainability issues. (4) Conclusion: How primary curriculums around the world deliver food education policy to address FL varies enormously. All 11 countries have dedicated food curriculums, supported by non-food curriculums, but there is no consensus as to what food education is called or constitutes. Countries rarely deal with FL comprehensively. The most comprehensive are single, detailed food curriculums, complemented by non-food curriculums where food knowledge and skills progress clearly and are the intended learning outcome.
Nursing Education during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Assessment of Students’ Satisfaction with e-Learning Environment
Authors: Moreno-Sánchez Emilia , Merino-Godoy María-de-los-Ángeles , Piñero-Claros Sara , Santiago-Sánchez Alba , Del-Campo-Jiménez Ángela , Mariscal-Pérez Laura , Rodríguez-Miranda Francisco de Paula , Costa Emilia Isabel , Gago-Valiente Francisco-Javier
Published: February 2022

The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus led to the disruption of normality with respect to education, public healthcare and new technologies. Education is a fundamental pillar to increase the knowledge and morale of people. However, due to the lockdown implemented to protect the population from an infection of unknown aetiology, the education system decided to switch from face-to-face education to virtual education. This modality has affected the teaching–learning process in the Degree of Nursing, since its competencies and knowledge demand in-presence learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact that telematic education had on students of the Degree of Nursing who were studying in the final year of said degree, which involves their imminent entry into the labour market. We used the client satisfaction questionnaire of Bob Hayes to gather data and analyse the satisfaction level of the nursing students. As a result, a considerable amount of information was obtained about teaching, which shows the absence of practical activities and the lack of information about safety and protection measures related to the pandemic. Most educators themselves were struggling to understand the implications of the virus and implement appropriate safety measures, since there was quite a bit of conflicting information relating to the effectiveness of personal protective safety equipment and the lifespan of the virus on various media outside of the host. It is, therefore, not surprising that education for students in this regard was lacking. In general, most of the students showed dissatisfaction with the virtual education they received.
Study on the Maximum Safe Instantaneous Input of the Steering Wheel against Rollover for Trucks on Horizontal Curves
Authors: Xu Jinliang , Xin Tian , Gao Chao , Sun Zhenhua
Published: February 2022

Truck rollover crashes on horizontal curves have been recognized as one of the most serious types of crashes. Driver’s instantaneous emergency steering maneuvers (DIESM) play an important role in truck rollover crashes, but have not received much attention. In the present study, the radius of curvature of the actual vehicle travel path (AVTP) under DIESM was calculated based on the transient bicycle model. Rollover margins were used to evaluate the truck-rollover potential under DIESM. To calculate rollover margins, the lateral acceleration under DIESM was calculated based on the radius of the curvature of the AVTP. A rollover threshold formula was introduced to calculate vehicle’s rollover thresholds by distinguishing two turning conditions. According to rollover margins, the maximum safe instantaneous input of the steering wheel against rollover for trucks was obtained. Moreover, theoretical results were verified by computer simulation. Results showed: (1) The maximum safe instantaneous inputs of the steering wheel were 259°, 212°, 182°, 162°and 147°, respectively, at speeds of 60 km/h, 70 km/h, 80 km, 90 km and 100 km when the superelevation rate was 0, and (2) superelevation significantly affected truck-rollover potential; the worst turning condition was turning from the inside to the outside of the curve. Due to the consideration of the wheelbase, the centroid position, the tire’s cornering stiffness and the suspension roll gain, the prediction results were more accurate.
Accuracy of Digital Dental Implants Impression Taking with Intraoral Scanners Compared with Conventional Impression Techniques: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Albanchez-González María Isabel , Brinkmann Jorge Cortés-Bretón , Peláez-Rico Jesús , López-Suárez Carlos , Rodríguez-Alonso Verónica , Suárez-García María Jesús
Published: February 2022

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the in vitro accuracy of dental implants impressions taken with intraoral scanner compared with impressions taken with conventional techniques. Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic electronic search in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Some of the employed key terms, combined with the help of Boolean operators, were: “dental implants”, “impression accuracy”, “digital impression” and “conventional impression”. Publication dates ranged from the earliest article available until 31 July 2021. A total of 26 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 14 studies simulated complete edentation (CE), nine partial edentation (PE) and only two simulated a single implant (SI); One study simulated both CE and SI. In cases of PE and SI, most of the studies analyzed found greater accuracy with conventional impression (CI), although digital impression (DI) was also considered adequate. For CE the findings were inconclusive as six studies found greater accuracy with DI, five found better accuracy with CI and four found no differences. According to the results of this systematic review, DI is a valid alternative to CI for implants in PE and SI, although CI appear to be more accurate. For CE the findings were inconclusive, so more studies are needed before DI can be recommended for all implant-supported restorations.
Food Parenting Practices and Feeding Styles and Their Relations with Weight Status in Children in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Pérez Luisa , Vizcarra Marcela , Hughes Sheryl O. , Papaioannou Maria A.
Published: February 2022

While a growing body of literature looks at the associations between food parenting practices, and feeding styles, and child’s weight status in developed countries, little is known for less developed countries, in general, and the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, in particular. This study systemically reviews and synthesizes existing evidence on the associations between child caregivers’ food parenting practices and feeding styles and 2 to 12-year-old child weight status. Keywords were used to search in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Among the ten eligible articles, all of them reported significant associations between food parenting practices and feeding styles and child weight status. Existing studies have limitations, mainly related to cross-sectional convenience samples, which limit the generalization of the results. Additionally, small sample, heterogeneous feeding measures and weight related outcomes were other limitations. Future research is needed to understand caregiver–child interactions in the food situation and its link to child weight status in 2 to 12-year-old children in areas of LAC with diverse forms of malnutrition and contextual factors of countries.
Translation and Validation of the Malay Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (M-SVEST-R) among Healthcare Workers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Kamaruzaman Ahmad Zulfahmi , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Mokhtar Ariffin Marzuki , Mohd Zain Maizun , Satiman Saiful Nazri , Yaacob Najib Majdi
Published: February 2022

“Second victims” are defined as healthcare professionals who are traumatized physically, psychologically, or emotionally as a result of encountering any patient safety incidents. The Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST-R) is a crucial instrument acknowledged worldwide for the assessment of the second victim phenomenon in healthcare facilities. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the SVEST-R. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 350 healthcare professionals from a teaching hospital in Kelantan, Malaysia. After obtaining permission from the original author, the instrument underwent 10 steps of established translation process guidelines. Pretesting of 30 respondents was performed before embarking on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate internal consistency and construct validity. The analysis was conducted using the R software environment. The final model agreed for 7 factors and 32 items per the CFA’s guidelines for good model fit. The internal consistency was determined using Raykov’s rho and showed good results, ranging from 0.77 to 0.93, with a total rho of 0.83. The M-SVEST-R demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and adequate validity and reliability. This instrument can be used by Malaysian healthcare organizations to assess second victim experiences among healthcare professionals and later accommodate their needs with the desired support programs.