bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Local Friendliness Violation for Quantum Causality
Authors: Cavalcanti Eric G. , Wiseman Howard M.
Published: July 2021

We provide a new formulation of the Local Friendliness no-go theorem of Bong et al. [Nat. Phys. 16, 1199 (2020)] from fundamental causal principles, providing another perspective on how it puts strictly stronger bounds on quantum reality than Bell’s theorem. In particular, quantum causal models have been proposed as a way to maintain a peaceful coexistence between quantum mechanics and relativistic causality while respecting Leibniz’s methodological principle. This works for Bell’s theorem but does not work for the Local Friendliness no-go theorem, which considers an extended Wigner’s Friend scenario. More radical conceptual renewal is required; we suggest that cleaving to Leibniz’s principle requires extending relativity to events themselves.
Project ARES: Driverless Transportation System. Challenges and Approaches in an Unstructured Road
Authors: Marin-Plaza Pablo , Yagüe David , Royo Francisco , de Miguel Miguel Ángel , Moreno Francisco Miguel , Ruiz-de-la-Cuadra Alejandro , Viadero-Monasterio Fernando , Garcia Javier , San Roman José Luis , Armingol José María
Published: July 2021

The expansion of electric vehicles in urban areas has paved the way toward the era of autonomous vehicles, improving the performance in smart cities and upgrading related driving problems. This field of research opens immediate applications in the tourism areas, airports or business centres by greatly improving transport efficiency and reducing repetitive human tasks. This project shows the problems derived from autonomous driving such as vehicle localization, low coverage of 4G/5G and GPS, detection of the road and navigable zones including intersections, detection of static and dynamic obstacles, longitudinal and lateral control and cybersecurity aspects. The approaches proposed in this article are sufficient to solve the operational design of the problems related to autonomous vehicle application in the special locations such as rough environment, high slopes and unstructured terrain without traffic rules.
Embedded System-Based Sticky Paper Trap with Deep Learning-Based Insect-Counting Algorithm
Authors: Sütő József
Published: July 2021

Flying insect detection, identification, and counting are the key components of agricultural pest management. Insect identification is also one of the most challenging tasks in agricultural image processing. With the aid of machine vision and machine learning, traditional (manual) identification and counting can be automated. To achieve this goal, a particular data acquisition device and an accurate insect recognition algorithm (model) is necessary. In this work, we propose a new embedded system-based insect trap with an OpenMV Cam H7 microcontroller board, which can be used anywhere in the field without any restrictions (AC power supply, WIFI coverage, human interaction, etc.). In addition, we also propose a deep learning-based insect-counting method where we offer solutions for problems such as the “lack of data” and “false insect detection”. By means of the proposed trap and insect-counting method, spraying (pest swarming) could then be accurately scheduled.
Multidisciplinary Approaches for Assessing a High Temperature Borehole Thermal Energy Storage Facility at Linköping, Sweden
Authors: Hesselbrandt Max , Erlström Mikael , Sopher Daniel , Acuna Jose
Published: July 2021

Assessing the optimal placement and design of a large-scale high temperature energy storage system in crystalline bedrock is a challenging task. This study applies and evaluates various methods and strategies for pre-site investigation for a potential high temperature borehole thermal energy storage (HT-BTES) system at Linköping in Sweden. The storage is required to shift approximately 70 GWh of excess heat generated from a waste incineration plant during the summer to the winter season. Ideally, the site for the HT-BTES system should be able to accommodate up to 1400 wells to 300 m depth. The presence of major fracture zones, high groundwater flow, anisotropic thermal properties, and thick Quaternary overburden are all factors that play an important role in the performance of an HT-BTES system. Inadequate input data to the modeling and design increases the risk of unsatisfactory performance, unwanted thermal impact on the surroundings, and suboptimal placement of the HT-BTES system, especially in a complex crystalline bedrock setting. Hence, it is crucial that the subsurface geological conditions and associated thermal properties are suitably characterized as part of pre-investigation work. In this study, we utilize a range of methods for pre-site investigation in the greater Distorp area, in the vicinity of Linköping. Ground geophysical methods, including magnetic and Very Low-Frequency (VLF) measurements, are collected across the study area together with outcrop observations and lab analysis on rock samples. Borehole investigations are conducted, including Thermal Response Test (TRT) and Distributed Thermal Response Test (DTRT) measurements, as well as geophysical wireline logging. Drone-based photogrammetry is also applied to characterize the fracture distribution and orientation in outcrops. In the case of the Distorp site, these methods have proven to give useful information to optimize the placement of the HT-BTES system and to inform design and modeling work. Furthermore, many of the methods applied in the study have proven to require only a fraction of the resources required to drill a single well, and hence, can be considered relatively efficient.
Oxygen Transfer Effects in a Two-Phase System of an Aqueous Phase and Liquid Perfluorochemical Subjected to Continuous Wave-Assisted Agitation in Disposable Bioreactor
Authors: Wierzchowski Kamil , Sobieszuk Paweł , Pilarek Maciej
Published: July 2021

Systems of two immiscible liquid phases—aqueous phase (i.e., distilled water (dH2O) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) and liquid perfluorochemical (i.e., perfluorodecalin (PFD))—were subjected to wave-assisted agitation, i.e., oscillatory rocked, in a disposable bag-like container in a ReadyToProcess WAVETM25 bioreactor, to recognize oxygen transfer effects and effectivity of the surface aeration. According to the DoE methodology, values of the volumetric liquid-side mass transfer (kLa) coefficient for dH2O, PBS, dH2O-PFD, and PBS-PFD systems were determined for the whole range of operating parameters of the WAVE 25 bioreactor. A significantly higher maximal value of kLa was found for waving dH2O than for dH2O-PFD (i.e., 0.00460 s−1 vs. 0.00331 s−1, respectively) compared to more equal maximal values of kLa reached for PBS and PBS-PFD (0.00355 s−1 vs. 0.00341 s−1, respectively). The interface development factor (f) depended on the interfacial area a, and the enhancement factor (EPFD), depending on kLa, was introduced to quantitatively identify the mass transfer effects in the systems of waving two immiscible liquids. The phase of PFD was identified as the reservoir of oxygen. Dimensional correlations were proposed for the prediction of the kLa coefficient, in addition to the f and EPFD factors. The presented correlations, and the set of kLa values, can be directly applied to predict oxygen transfer effects reached under continuous oscillatory rocked systems containing aqueous phase and liquid perfluorochemical.
Application of an Improved Mayr-Type Arc Model in Pyro-Breakers Utilized in Superconducting Fusion Facilities
Authors: He Jun , Wang Ke , Li Jiangang
Published: July 2021

Pyro-breaker, a fast-responding, highly reliable and explosive-driven circuit breaker, is utilized in several Quench Protection Systems (QPS). The commutation process and its parameters are the main technical considerations in the process of designing a new pyro-breaker. The commutation parameters, such as the commutation time and the current change rate, are not only determined by the electrical parameters of the commutation circuit but also the arc behavior during the operation. The arc behavior is greatly affected by the structure and the driving mechanism of the Commutation Section (CS) in the pyro-breaker. The arc model was developed decades ago and the black-box arc model is considered a valid method to study arc behavior. In this paper, the Schavemaker black-box arc model, an improved Mayr-type arc model, is applied to study the commutation process of a newly designed pyro-breaker. Unlike normal circuit breakers, the arc discussed in this paper is discharged in deionized water. A parameter selection method is proposed. The practicability of the method is verified by numerical calculation in Power Systems Computer Aided Design (PSCAD) and experimentally.
Review of Intelligent Control Systems for Natural Ventilation as Passive Cooling Strategy for UK Buildings and Similar Climatic Conditions
Authors: Saber Esmail Mahmoudi , Chaer Issa , Gillich Aaron , Ekpeti Bukola Grace
Published: July 2021

Natural ventilation is gaining more attention from architects and engineers as an alternative way of cooling and ventilating indoor spaces. Based on building types, it could save between 13 and 40% of the building cooling energy use. However, this needs to be implemented and operated with a well-designed and integrated control system to avoid triggering discomfort for occupants. This paper seeks to review, discuss, and contribute to existing knowledge on the application of control systems and optimisation theories of naturally ventilated buildings to produce the best performance. The study finally presents an outstanding theoretical context and practical implementation for researchers seeking to explore the use of intelligent controls for optimal output in the pursuit to help solve intricate control problems in the building industry and suggests advanced control systems such as fuzzy logic control as an effective control strategy for an integrated control of ventilation, heating and cooling systems.
Lithium-Ion Battery Real-Time Diagnosis with Direct Current Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Bao Yun , Chen Yuansheng
Published: July 2021

The health and safety of lithium-ion batteries are closely related to internal parameters. The rapid development of electric vehicles has boosted the demand for online battery diagnosis. As the most potential automotive battery diagnostic technology, AC impedance spectroscopy needs to face the problems of complex test environment and high system cost. Here, we propose a DC impedance spectroscopy (DCIS) method to achieve low-cost and high-precision diagnosis of automotive power batteries. According to the resistance–capacitance structure time constant, this method can detect the battery electrolyte resistance, the solid electrolyte interphase resistance and the charge transfer resistance by controlling the pulse time of the DC resistance measurement. Unlike AC impedance spectroscopy, DCIS does not rely on frequency domain impedance to obtain battery parameters. It is a time-domain impedance spectroscopy method that measures internal resistance through a time function. Through theoretical analysis and experimental data, the effectiveness of the DCIS method in battery diagnosis is verified. According to the characteristics of DCIS, we further propose a fast diagnostic method for power batteries. The working condition test results show that this method can be used to diagnose online battery life and safety.
An Energy Management Optimization Method for Community Integrated Energy System Based on User Dominated Demand Side Response
Authors: Li Yiqi , Zhang Jing , Ma Zhoujun , Peng Yang , Zhao Shuwen
Published: July 2021

With the development of integrated energy systems (IES), the traditional demand response technologies for single energy that do not take customer satisfaction into account have been unable to meet actual needs. Therefore, it is urgent to study the integrated demand response (IDR) technology for integrated energy, which considers consumers’ willingness to participate in IDR. This paper proposes an energy management optimization method for community IES based on user dominated demand side response (UDDSR). Firstly, the responsive power loads and thermal loads are modeled, and aggregated using UDDSR bidding optimization. Next, the community IES is modeled and an aggregated building thermal model is introduced to measure the temperature requirements of the entire community of users for heating. Then, a day-ahead scheduling model is proposed to realize the energy management optimization. Finally, a penalty mechanism is introduced to punish the participants causing imbalance response against the day-ahead IDR bids, and the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) theory is introduced to enhance the robustness of the scheduling model under different prediction accuracies. The case study demonstrates that the proposed method can reduce the operating cost of the community under the premise of fully considering users’ willingness, and can complete the IDR request initiated by the power grid operator or the dispatching department.
Management of Municipal Public Transport Vehicle Journeys by Using the PERT Method
Authors: Masłowski Dariusz , Kijewska Kinga , Kulińska Ewa
Published: July 2021

These days, seamless moving about a city is a determinant of the city’s competitiveness, and is decisive for the life quality in the city. Hence, taking care of appropriate traffic organisation is one of the major tasks of the city authorities. Development of optimal production and spatial interrelations, considering their costs, efficiency and scope of services rendered to individual entities, enables economic and ecological development of the region. Therefore, the issue of major importance for a city is implementing a transport policy that makes it possible to choose a specified method of development (transformation) of the existing transport system in such a way so that it is coherent with the adopted strategy for the city development. The purpose of a transport policy conducted by city authorities should be maintaining the functioning of the urban transport on at least a satisfactory level. The main purpose of the article is to present an innovative solution for optimising the journeys of public transport vehicles, using the PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) method. The method was developed on the basis of the research carried out in the city of Opole, Poland. The article presents a Multicriteria Model of Controlling the vehicles of the Municipal Public Transport-CVMPT) and the method implementation algorithm along with assumptions. The model presented in this article shows the possible way of optimising public transport systems operated in cities, taking into account the travel time of any given bus service, based on normal distribution and the computed probability of such traffic. The application of the method has brought many positive effects through providing optimisation measures in the structure of the municipal public transport.
The Optimum Wood Procurement Scenario and Its Dynamic Management for Integrated Energy and Material Production in Carbon-Neutral Forest Industry
Authors: Palander Teijo , Takkinen Jari
Published: July 2021

The digitalization of the forest sector, the increased demand of energy-wood, as well as faster market changes have increased the number of challenges for wood procurement of the forest industry. The aim of the study is to optimize wood procurement (upstream of supply chain) of energy and material production in integrated situations, and to consider the effects of production changes on the management of procurement regions. Three scenarios described integrated production situations in a carbon-neutral forest industry: (1) declining export, (2) energy reform, and (3) extensive energy reform. Time-varying capital-, cost-, and energy efficiency of the dynamic wood-flow model affected the competitiveness of the procurement regions. As a novel contribution, energy efficiency was modeled using the price of emission allowance as a cost parameter. The results show the positive effects of the energy reforms, which partly compensate for the declining exports. In addition, it is possible to change wood procurement in the regions in a market-oriented way. Decision makers should optimize purchases, inventories, and procurement resources as business processes, which are also considered success factors for the forest industry in integrated production situations. The strategic solution of extensive energy reform provides a potential approach for carbon-neutral customer-oriented supply chains, but it needs tactical energy efficiency analysis in future studies of sustainability, if the ultimate goal is to implement a carbon-free forest industry and bioeconomy.
Ushering in a New Dawn: Demand-Side Local Flexibility Platform Governance and Design in the Finnish Energy Markets
Authors: Rahman Nayeem , Rabetino Rodrigo , Rajala Arto , Partanen Jukka
Published: July 2021

Energy ecosystems are under a significant transition. Local flexibility marketplaces (LFM) and platforms are argued to have significant potential in contributing to such a transition. The purpose of this study was to answer the following research question: how do market conditions and stakeholders shape emerging LFM platform governance choices? We approached this objective with an exploratory single-case study by conducting ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the Finnish energy ecosystem. The results of the content and pattern analyses revealed the key challenges to LFM implementation such as the current regulatory treatment of flexibility, high costs of gadget installations, and ensuring sufficient liquidity in the market. In addition, we also demonstrated that despite such barriers, the Finnish ecosystem is largely pragmatic about LFMs’ in its midst. All in all, we contributed to the non-technological streams of LFM literature by developing an exhaustive framework with four distinctive dimensions (i.e., ecosystem readiness, value-creation logic, platform architecture and governance, platform competitiveness) for LFM development, which helps academics, practitioners, and policy-makers to understand how novel platforms emerge and develop.
Modeling and Optimization Sustainable Forest Supply Chain Considering Discount in Transportation System and Supplier Selection under Uncertainty
Authors: Baghizadeh Komeyl , Zimon Dominik , Jum’a Luay
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, the forest industry has been growingly expanded due to economic conditions, climate changes, environmental and energy policies, and intense demand changes. Thus, appropriate planning is required to improve this industry. To achieve economic, social and environmental goals, a supply chain network is designed based on a multi-period and multi-product Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) model in which the objective is to maximize the profit, minimize detrimental environmental effects, improve social effects, and minimize the number of lost demands. In addition, to improve forest industry planning, strategic and tactical decisions have been implemented throughout the supply chain for all facilities, suppliers and machinery. These decisions significantly help to improve processes and product flows and to meet customers’ needs. In addition, because of the presence of uncertainty in some parameters, the proposed model was formulated and optimized under uncertainty using the hybrid robust possibilistic programming (HRPP-II) approach. The ε-constraint technique was used to solve the multi-objective model, and the Lagrangian relaxation (LR) method was utilized to solve the model of more complex dimensions. A case study in Northern Iran was conducted to assess the efficiency of the suggested approach. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the impact of important parameters on objective functions. The results of this study show that increasing the working hours of machines instead of increasing their number, increasing the capacity of some facilities instead of establishing new facilities and expanding the transport fleet has a significant impact on achieving predetermined goals.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Mangrove Root Sphere under a Tropical Monsoon Climate in Eastern Thailand
Authors: Hongwiset Sarawan , Rodtassana Chadtip , Poungparn Sasitorn , Umnouysin Suthathip , Komiyama Akira
Published: July 2021

Mangrove ecosystems under tropical monsoon climates experience changes in environmental factors, especially seasonal variations in salinity. These changes might have direct influences on the mangrove root sphere, which plays an important role in carbon dynamics and supports mangrove growth. We aimed to elucidate how the soil properties including salinity and nutrient budget affect the mangrove roots in the wet and dry seasons across the mangrove zonation (Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Xylocarpus zones). This area is in a secondary forest at the Trat River estuary, eastern Thailand. Root mass was observed at 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths across all zones and the living roots were separated into diameter classes. The soil water salinity was measured at a 10 cm depth. We analyzed the nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon contents in the roots and soil. Spatiotemporal changes occurred due to the vegetation zonation and the variations in salinity and the content of soil available phosphorus that caused different root sphere conditions along the distance from the river. The highest root biomass was found in the riverward Avicennia zone, which was 4.8 times higher than that of the inland Xylocarpus zone in the wet season. The root necromass distribution along the zonation showed an opposite trend to that of biomass. Among seasons, the root size-class proportion differed, with high fine roots observed during the wet season. We confirmed that the root sphere showed both spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Mangrove roots, especially fine roots, interacted with changing salinity, inundation regime, and biological processes evoked by microtopographic gradients as a consequence of mangrove zonation and seasonal rainfall. Our findings indicate how the root sphere differed by specific vegetation structure in this mangrove forest. Therefore, these might provide an ecological perspective for the mangrove rehabilitation plans to facilitate below-ground carbon stock.
Climate Response in Tree-Rings of Sawara Cypress [Chamaecyparis pisifera (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.] in Poland
Authors: Cedro Anna , Nowak Grzegorz , Kowalewska-Kalkowska Halina
Published: July 2021

Sawara cypress [Chamaecyparis pisifera (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.] is originally from Japan. It was introduced to Europe in the latter half of the 19th century (in England and Holland in 1861, and in Poland in 1864). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of climatic conditions on tree-ring width among Sawara cypress populations growing in Poland. Additionally, other indicators determining the growth-climate relationship for the studied tree species were investigated such as false rings, missing rings, or frost rings. Five stands of Sawara cypress from northwestern and central Poland were selected for study. Samples were taken from 97 trees, using Pressler borers at breast-height. Tree-ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm. Climatic data came from weather stations located the nearest to the study plots. Tree-ring width in the studied populations of Sawara cypress varies (from 1.94 to 4.47 mm). The oldest Sawara cypresses grow in Glinna Arboretum and are nearly 130 years old. The youngest ones grow in Rogów Arboretum (67 years old) and Wirty Arboretum (58 years old). Ten regional pointer years, including six negative and four positive ones, were determined for local chronologies. Negative pointer years were associated with the occurrence of cold winters and water shortages in summer. Positive pointer years are mostly periods with a warm winter season, early and warm spring, and with high precipitation totals during summer months. Correlation and response function analysis corroborates the results yielded by pointer year analysis. False rings carry an additional information on pluvial conditions in the summer period, and frost rings are an aid in dating dendrochronological series and indicate the occurrence of both very cold winters and persistent ground frost occurrences in the spring period. In comparison to native conifers, the Sawara cypress can be regarded as a fast-growing species. The knowledge of acclimatization, growth rate, and growth-climate relationship may be useful, especially in the time of a rapidly changing climate, increasing human impact, and highly intensified invasion of insect and fungal species attacking native forest-forming taxa.
Gene Expression Analysis Provides New Insights into the Mechanism of Intramuscular Fat Formation in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Ueda Shuji , Hosoda Mana , Yoshino Ken-ichi , Yamanoue Minoru , Shirai Yasuhito
Published: July 2021

Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) have a unique phenotype in which ectopic intramuscular fat accumulates in skeletal muscle, producing finely marbled beef. However, the mechanism of intramuscular fat formation in Japanese Black cattle remains unclear. To investigate the key genes involved in intramuscular fat accumulation, we comprehensively analyzed mRNA levels in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat tissues using RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis, which detected 27,606 genes. We identified eight key genes, namely carboxypeptidase E, tenascin C, transgelin, collagen type IV alpha 5 (COL4A5), cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2, PDZ, and LIM domain 3, phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14A, and regulator of calcineurin 2. These genes were highly and specifically expressed in intramuscular fat tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a collagen network, including COL4A5, in the basement membrane around the intramuscular fat tissue. Moreover, pathway analysis revealed that, in intramuscular fat tissue, differentially expressed genes are related to cell adhesion, proliferation, and cancer pathways. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and small GTPases regulators RASGRP3, ARHGEF26, ARHGAP10, ARHGAP24, and DLC were upregulated in intramuscular fat. Our study suggests that these genes are involved in intramuscular fat formation in Japanese Black cattle.
Study of the Interaction between Executive Function and Adaptive Behavior at School in Girls with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Joga-Elvira Lorena , Martinez-Olmo Jennifer , Joga María-Luisa , Jacas Carlos , Roche-Martínez Ana , Brun-Gasca Carme
Published: July 2021

The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between executive functions and adaptive behavior in girls with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in the school setting. This study is part of a larger investigation conducted at the Hospital Parc Tauli in Sabadell. The sample consists of a total of 40 girls (26 with FXS and 14 control) aged 7–16 years, who were administered different neuropsychological tests (WISC-V, NEPSY-II, WCST, TOL) and questionnaires answered by teachers (ABAS-II, BRIEF 2, ADHD Rating Scale). The results show that there is a greater interaction between some areas of executive function (cognitive flexibility, auditory attention, and visual abstraction capacity) and certain areas of adaptive behavior (conceptual, practical, social, and total domains) in the FXS group than in the control group. These results suggest that an alteration in the executive functions was affecting the daily functioning of the girls with FXS to a greater extent.
Strength and Microstructural Assessment of Reconstituted and Stabilised Soft Soils with Varying Silt Contents
Authors: Liu Yaxu , Liu Zhuang , Oh Erwin , Ong Dominic Ek Leong
Published: July 2021

The study of the strength of reconstituted and stabilised soft soils is very important in geotechnical engineering. The soil particles, such as clay, sand, and silt play important roles in determining the behaviour of soils. The behaviour of clay and sand particles are unique; however, the behaviour of silt particles lie in a transitional form between sand and clay. Therefore, this paper seeks to investigate (a) the effect of silt contents on the strength of soft soils; (b) the effect of silt content on the strength of cement-stabilised soft soils; and (c) the microstructure of the soft soil specimens stabilised by cement with varying particle size distribution. A series of tests consisting in consolidated, isotropic undrained (CIU) triaxial tests, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were conducted in this study to achieve these objectives. In conclusion, the relationship between the silt content and critical state behaviour of soft soils (both clay and silt particles) are proposed. For the cement-stabilised specimens, the unconfined compressive strength increases with the increase in silt content when the cement content is 10%. However, the UCS decreases with the increase in silt content when cement content is 30%. With cement content ranging from 15–25%, the UCS increases at first with the increase of silt content but decreases once the silt content reaches a ‘saturation’ point.
Chronic Illness, Subjective Wellbeing, and Health Services Availability: A Study of Older Adults in Australia
Authors: Wang Siqin , Liu Yan , Lam Jack , Gao Zhe
Published: July 2021

Chronic illness is prevalent in older adults. While current scholarship has examined how various factors may be associated with the onset of chronic illnesses, fewer scholars have examined the role of health services availability. Drawing on a sample of older adults aged 50 and above from wave 16 of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey and geo-coded information of general practitioners (GPs) from the Australian Medical Directory, 2016, we investigated whether living in areas with a greater number of GPs is related to reports of living with a chronic illness. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find an association between the availability of health services and reports of chronic illnesses, though factors such as better socioeconomic status and better subjective wellbeing are related to lower likelihoods of reporting a chronic illness. We concluded that, while easy access to local health services may be important for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses, it is less persuasive to attribute the availability of health services to the likelihood of older adults reporting chronic illnesses without knowing how much or how often they use the services.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Impact of Social Networks on the Choice to Play for a National Team in Football
Authors: Seiberth Klaus , Thiel Ansgar
Published: July 2021

In the course of their careers, elite athletes are faced with crucial decisions. This applies particularly to adolescent athletes who additionally have to cope with a variety of age-related developmental tasks. For young top football players with a migrant background, this can be even more challenging as they often attract the interest of national associations. From a network-theoretical perspective, it can be considered likely that the decision to join a top national association is not taken independently of the players’ networks. This article addresses the role of network actors within the players’ decision-making process. Our analysis is guided by constructivist network theory and based on a qualitative research approach that used guided expert interviews as its core research tool. Ten interviews with German-born youth internationals with a migrant background were conducted. The present analysis reveals several network actors such as family, coaches and players’ agents involved in the ‘national team question’. Evidently, most relevant networks of players with a migrant background are sports-related. These networks turned out to be highly functionalized and leave only limited room for manoeuvring. At the same time, the interviews reveal ‘structural holes’ within the players’ networks and indicate a considerable need for the optimization of talent counselling.
A Simplified Population-Level Landscape Model Identifying Ecological Risk Drivers of Pesticide Applications, Part One: Case Study for Large Herbivorous Mammals
Authors: Tarazona David , Tarazona Guillermo , Tarazona Jose V.
Published: July 2021

Environmental risk assessment is a key process for the authorization of pesticides, and is subjected to continuous challenges and updates. Current approaches are based on standard scenarios and independent substance-crop assessments. This arrangement does not address the complexity of agricultural ecosystems with mammals feeding on different crops. This work presents a simplified model for regulatory use addressing landscape variability, co-exposure to several pesticides, and predicting the effect on population abundance. The focus is on terrestrial vertebrates and the aim is the identification of the key risk drivers impacting on mid-term population dynamics. The model is parameterized for EU assessments according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidance Document, but can be adapted to other regulatory schemes. The conceptual approach includes two modules: (a) the species population dynamics, and (b) the population impact of pesticide exposure. Population dynamics is modelled through daily survival and seasonal reproductions rates; which are modified in case of pesticide exposure. All variables, parameters, and functions can be modified. The model has been calibrated with ecological data for wild rabbits and brown hares and tested for two herbicides, glyphosate and bromoxynil, using validated toxicity data extracted from EFSA assessments. Results demonstrate that the information available for a regulatory assessment, according to current EU information requirements, is sufficient for predicting the impact and possible consequences at population dynamic levels. The model confirms that agroecological parameters play a key role when assessing the effect of pesticide exposure on population abundance. The integration of laboratory toxicity studies with this simplified landscape model allows for the identification of conditions leading to population vulnerability or resilience. An Annex includes a detailed assessment of the model characteristics according to the EFSA scheme on Good Modelling Practice.
Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment on Movement Velocity during Resistance Training
Authors: García-Sillero Manuel , Jurado-Castro Jose Manuel , Benítez-Porres Javier , Vargas-Molina Salvador
Published: July 2021

The aim of this research was to verify whether the application of percussion therapy during inter-set rest periods increases the number of repetitions performed before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold during a bench press exercise. Methods: Twenty-four male university students participated in this study (24.3 ± 1.3 years; 77.5 ± 8.3 kg; 177.0 ± 5.6 cm; 24.7 ± 2.6 kg∙m−2). Participants were randomized into two groups: a percussion therapy group (PTG) and a control group (CG). They performed 4 sets at 70% of a one-repetition maximum before reaching a 30% velocity loss threshold with an inter-set recovery of 3 min. Results: The PTG performed a greater total number of repetitions compared to the CG (44.6 ± 4.8 vs. 39.5 ± 6.8; p = 0.047; ES = 0.867). No differences were observed for the different movement velocity variables and fatigue control (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Percussion therapy is an effective method to delay the loss of movement velocity in the bench press exercise.
Public School Trauma Intervention for School Shootings: A National Survey of School Leaders
Authors: Alexander Bree
Published: July 2021

Trauma intervention in United States’ (U.S.) public schools is varied. The occurrence of public-school shootings across the U.S. elicits questions related to how public schools currently address and provide resources related to trauma for employees and students. A randomized, national survey of public-school teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators was conducted to gather information on public-school preparedness for response to trauma. Findings indicated that only 16.9% of respondents indicated their schools have trauma or crisis plans that address issues related to school shootings. Furthermore, public schools use a variety of strategies to address trauma, but teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators were often unsure about the effectiveness of these trauma interventions in the event of school shootings. Implications for findings suggest methods to enhance next steps in the area of trauma response to school shootings.
Pedagogical Leaders and the Teaching—Learning Processes in COVID-19 Times
Authors: Álvarez-Arregui Emilio , Pérez-Navío Eufrasio , González-Fernández Raúl , Rodríguez-Martín Alejandro
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to identify the main decisions made by pedagogical leaders, comprising institutional management teams, heads of departments, and teachers in general, in order to improve teaching–learning processes and promote the comprehensive education of students—in particular, secondary school students during the pandemic period, located in the regions of Andalusia and Madrid (Spain). An integrated mixed methodology was applied, composed of the contributions of discussion groups and content analysis of the corresponding open questions presented in each of the constitutive dimensions of the questionnaire. Such analyses were expanded by applying an ad-hoc designed questionnaire, which indicates the main actions developed by leaders and their implications in the educational community, when working on communication facilitation processes, using program planning through the support of technologies and decision making regarding the training of teachers, didactic resources, and the emergence of competences to be trained by the leaders participating in the research. The results highlight the dedication, commitment, and implication of pedagogical leaders during the COVID-19 period.
Personality Traits and Changes in Health Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis from Pre-pandemic to Onset and End of the Initial Emergency Conditions in Finland
Authors: Kekäläinen Tiia , Hietavala Enni-Maria , Hakamäki Matti , Sipilä Sarianna , Laakkonen Eija K. , Kokko Katja
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures targeting the transmission of the virus impacted everyday life in 2020. This study investigated pre- to in-pandemic changes in health behaviors and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of personality traits in these changes in Finland. Data from a larger population-based cohort study of 51–59-year-old Finnish women were used (n = 358). Self-reported questionnaires gathered information about depressive symptoms, eating behavior, physical activity, and alcohol consumption before the pandemic time, at the onset, and at the end of the COVID-19 emergency conditions. Information about personality traits (extraversion and neuroticism) and sociodemographic factors was available from the pre-pandemic baseline. Women reported more depressive symptoms and unhealthier eating habits at the end of the emergency conditions compared to the pre-pandemic time. An increase in depressive symptoms was associated with changing to unhealthier eating habits. Higher extraversion was associated with a perceived decrease in alcohol consumption and with changing to healthier eating habits. Women with higher neuroticism reported changing to either healthier or unhealthier eating habits. In general, some women reported healthier lifestyle changes while other women reported the opposite. Personality traits help to understand these individual differences in adaptation to the pandemic situation.
Smart City and Crisis Management: Lessons for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hassankhani Mahnoosh , Alidadi Mehdi , Sharifi Ayyoob , Azhdari Abolghasem
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 shocked cities around the world and revealed the vulnerability of urban lives and functions. Most cities experienced a catastrophic disturbance that has lasted for a long time. Planning plays a critical role in responding efficiently to this crisis and enabling rapid functional recovery in the post-disaster era. Cities that have implemented digitalization initiatives and programs are likely to have more capacity to react appropriately. Specifically, digitalized cities could ensure the well-being of their residents and maintain continuity of urban functions. This research aims to analyze the role of technology in crisis management in the last two decades and provide appropriate policy recommendations for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Systematic literature review and subjective content analysis are employed to investigate the effects of technology on community well-being and making cities more resilient in past crises. This study shows that different technology-driven policies and actions enable crisis management, enhance community well-being, and increase urban resilience. Technology has enhanced coping and recovery capacities by increasing participation and social connectedness, enhancing physical and mental health and maintaining the functionality of education and economic systems. These have been achieved through various solutions and technologies such as social media, telehealth, tracking and monitoring systems, sensors and locational applications, teleworking systems, etc. These solutions and technologies have also been used during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance community well-being and sustain urban functions. However, technology deployment might have adverse effects such as social exclusion, digital divide, privacy and confidentiality violation, political bias and misinformation dissemination, and inefficient remote working and education. It is suggested that to mitigate these side effects, policymakers should liberate the process of digitalization, increase the accessibility to digital services, and enhance digital literacy.
Health Inequalities in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Mediating and Moderating Effects of Family Characteristics
Authors: Blume Miriam , Rattay Petra , Hoffmann Stephanie , Spallek Jacob , Sander Lydia , Herr Raphael , Richter Matthias , Moor Irene , Dragano Nico , Pischke Claudia , Iashchenko Iryna , Hövener Claudia , Wachtler Benjamin
Published: July 2021

This scoping review systematically mapped evidence of the mediating and moderating effects of family characteristics on health inequalities in school-aged children and adolescents (6–18 years) in countries with developed economies in Europe and North America. We conducted a systematic scoping review following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews recommendations. We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus databases. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. Evidence was synthesized narratively. Of the 12,403 records initially identified, 50 articles were included in the synthesis. The included studies were conducted in the United States (n = 27), Europe (n = 18), Canada (n = 3), or in multiple countries combined (n = 2). We found that mental health was the most frequently assessed health outcome. The included studies reported that different family characteristics mediated or moderated health inequalities. Parental mental health, parenting practices, and parent-child-relationships were most frequently examined, and were found to be important mediating or moderating factors. In addition, family conflict and distress were relevant family characteristics. Future research should integrate additional health outcomes besides mental health, and attempt to integrate the complexity of families. The family characteristics identified in this review represent potential starting points for reducing health inequalities in childhood and adolescence.
Effects of Message Framing, Sender Authority, and Recipients’ Self-Reported Trait Autonomy on Endorsement of Health and Safety Measures during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zey Elli , Windmann Sabine
Published: July 2021

In the COVID-19 pandemic, human solidarity plays a crucial role in meeting this maybe greatest modern societal challenge. Public health communication targets enhancing collective compliance with protective health and safety regulations. Here, we asked whether authoritarian/controlling message framing as compared to a neutral message framing may be more effective than moralizing/prosocial message framing and whether recipients’ self-rated trait autonomy might lessen these effects. In a German sample (n = 708), we measured approval of seven regulations (e.g., reducing contact, wearing a mask) before and after presenting one of three Twitter messages (authoritarian, moralizing, neutral/control) presented by either a high-authority sender (state secretary) or a low-authority sender (social worker). We found that overall, the messages successfully increased participants’ endorsement of the regulations, but only weakly so because of ceiling effects. Highly autonomous participants showed more consistent responses across the two measurements, i.e., lower response shifting, in line with the concept of reactive autonomy. Specifically, when the sender was a social worker, response shifting correlated negatively with trait autonomy. We suggest that a trusted sender encourages more variable responses to imposed societal regulations in individuals low in autonomy, and we discuss several aspects that may improve health communication.
Are Long-Distance Walks Therapeutic? A Systematic Scoping Review of the Conceptualization of Long-Distance Walking and Its Relation to Mental Health
Authors: Mau Martin , Aaby Anders , Klausen Søren Harnow , Roessler Kirsten Kaya
Published: July 2021

Long-distance walking is an ancient activity practiced across cultures for many reasons, including the improvement of one’s health. It has even been suggested that long-distance walking may be considered a form of psychotherapy. This scoping review examined the relationship between long-distance walking and mental health among adults. Publication trends and definitions were also examined, and the reason why long-distance walking may have therapeutic effects was discussed. Systematic searches in three online databases were performed using a selection of long-distance walking terms. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included if they examined associations between long-distance walking and mental health in an adult population. Mental health was conceptualized in broad terms, including descriptions of mental states as well as more specific measurements or notions of mental health. A total of 8557 records were screened and 26 studies were included, out of which 15 were quantitative, 9 were qualitative, and 2 were mixed. The findings showed that long-distance walking was positively related to mental health. This was most consistent with regard to emotional distress compared to somewhat inconsistent findings regarding well-being. Therefore, long-distance walking may be more appropriately used to counter some personal or emotional struggle rather than to achieve hedonic pleasure.