bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Management Model for HVAC Control Supported by Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Macieira Pedro , Gomes Luis , Vale Zita
Published: December 2021

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) units account for a significant consumption share in buildings, namely office buildings. Therefore, this paper addresses the possibility of having an intelligent and more cost-effective solution for the management of HVAC units in office buildings. The method applied in this paper divides the addressed problem into three steps: (i) the continuous acquisition of data provided by an open-source building energy management systems, (ii) the proposed learning and predictive model able to predict if users will be working in a given location, and (iii) the proposed decision model to manage the HVAC units according to the prediction of users, current environmental context, and current energy prices. The results show that the proposed predictive model was able to achieve a 93.8% accuracy and that the proposed decision tree enabled the maintenance of users’ comfort. The results demonstrate that the proposed solution is able to run in real-time in a real office building, making it a possible solution for smart buildings.
The Economic Impact of Investment in Renewables in Croatia by 2030
Authors: Gelo Tomislav , Šimurina Nika , Šimurina Jurica
Published: December 2021

At the beginning of 2020, the Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with an outlook to 2050 was adopted. The Strategy analyzes two energy transition scenarios, the accelerated energy transition and the moderate energy transition. The Strategy is guided and defined by goals set out by the European Union (EU), which primarily states to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy sources. In order to reach these goals, it is necessary to substitute fossil fuel capacities with new capacities for the production of electricity from renewable sources. In order to do so, a new wave of investments is needed. The Strategy does not detail the macroeconomic effects of investments in renewable sources on the Croatian economy, generally quantified through GDP growth and employment. This paper analyzes the macroeconomic effects of announced investments in renewable energy sources for electricity production. The analysis encompasses the time period 2021–2030. The effects are quantified using the input–output tables for Croatia. The analysis exhibits relatively modest macroeconomic effects of investments into renewable energy on the Croatian economy. The paper concludes that it is necessary to change the structure and dynamics of investment in renewable energy. First, the investment should go into sources with the highest domestic component in investments and at the same time develop production capacities in technologies and equipment production for wind and solar capacities.
CO2 Liquefaction Close to the Triple Point Pressure
Authors: Trædal Stian , Stang Jacob Hans Georg , Snustad Ingrid , Johansson Martin Viktor , Berstad David
Published: December 2021

For vessel-based transport of liquid CO2 in carbon capture and storage chains, transport at 8 bar(a) enable significant cost reductions compared to transport at higher pressures for most transport distances and volumes. Transport at even lower pressures could further reduce the costs. There are, however, concerns related to dry ice formation and potential clogging in parts of the chain that could lead to operational issues when operating close to the triple point pressure of CO2. In this paper, results from an experimental campaign to de-risk and gain operational experience from the low-pressure CO2 liquefaction process are described. Six experiments using pure CO2 or CO2/N2 mixtures are presented. In four of the experiments, the liquid product pressure was continuously lowered until dry ice was detected and eventually clogged the system. In the final two experiments, the liquefaction process was run in steady-state at low liquefaction pressures for five hours to ensure that there is no undetected dry ice in the process that could lead to accumulation and operational issues over time. These experiments demonstrate that pure CO2 can be safely liquefied at 5.8 bar(a) and a CO2/N2 mixture can be liquefied at 6.5 bar(a) without issues related to dry ice formation.
Renewable Energy in the Pomerania Voivodeship—Institutional, Economic, Environmental and Physical Aspects in Light of EU Energy Transformation
Authors: Iglinski Bartłomiej , Flisikowski Karol , Pietrzak Michał Bernard , Kiełkowska Urszula , Skrzatek Mateusz , Zyadin Anas , Natarajan Karthikeyan
Published: December 2021

In the era of globalization and rapid economic growth, affecting most world economies, increased production and consumption are leading to higher levels of energy production and consumption. The growing demand for energy means that energy resources from conventional sources are not sufficient; moreover, its production generates high costs and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste. In view of the above, many countries have opted to implement an energy transformation. The energy transition allows the transition from an energy system based on conventional fuels to an energy system based mainly on renewable energy (RE) and low-emission sources. In the EU, the development of a “green economy” has become a strategic goal in the fight against climate change. The development of RE offers the possibility to improve the energy security of a given country and the entire EU. New, innovative technologies of RE also increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the economies of the Member States. In line with the EU strategy, the activities carried out aim to achieve a situation in which, in 2050, the activities of economies will not endanger the environment. The main purpose of this article was the assessment of the RE sector in the Pomerania region in the context of energy transformation. To achieve this goal, PEST analysis regarding the functioning of the RE sector in the selected Polish region was used and the potential of the RE sector was determined using GIS tools on the basis of physical conditions. The article presents the research hypothesis that the RE sector within the Pomerania Voivodeship possesses appropriate energy potential, which will allow this Voivodeship to become an energy self-sufficient region based on the use of these energy sources (according to EU strategy). The implementation of the goal set in the article allowed for the verification of the research hypothesis, where the determined energy potential from the RE sector would cover the Voivodeship’s needs due to the use of electricity and heat. The conducted research shows that the RE sector in these regions has high energy potential to meet the criteria outlined in EU legal documents and to implement them successfully within the intended period.
Chlorine Release from Co-Pyrolysis of Corn Straw and Lignite in Nitrogen and Oxidative Pyrolysis
Authors: Cheng Jian , Xie Min , Xu Li , Zhang Lei , Ren Xiaohan
Published: December 2021

Elevated emissions of hydrogen chloride (HCl) from the combustion of biomass in utility boilers are a major issue because they can cause corrosion problems and deposit molten alkali chloride salts on boilers’ water tubes, resulting in further corrosion. Pyrolysis is a good pre-treatment for solving this problem. This work conducted pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of pulverized corn straw and lignite coal in a horizontal muffle furnace, with compositions typical of power plant combustion effluents (5% O2, 15% CO2, 80% N2) at different temperatures. Cl compounds were monitored in fuel, flue gas, and solid production of pyrolysis. The co-pyrolysis significantly affected Cl release from fuel. Cl release from corn straw into fuel gas was reduced during biomass co-pyrolysis with lignite. Co-pyrolysis had little influence on the release of organic Cl and KCl. Furthermore, at moderate-temperature pyrolysis, O2 promoted HCl release, when compared with pyrolysis under a N2 atmosphere.
Research Progress on the Phase Change Materials for Cold Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Zhang Xinghui , Shi Qili , Luo Lingai , Fan Yilin , Wang Qian , Jia Guanguan
Published: December 2021

Thermal energy storage based on phase change materials (PCMs) can improve the efficiency of energy utilization by eliminating the mismatch between energy supply and demand. It has become a hot research topic in recent years, especially for cold thermal energy storage (CTES), such as free cooling of buildings, food transportation, electronic cooling, telecommunications cooling, etc. This paper summarizes the latest research progress of the PCMs-based CTES. Firstly, the classification of PCMs for low temperature storage is introduced; the thermal physical properties (e.g., phase change temperature (PCT) and latent heat) of suitable PCM candidates (−97 to 30 °C) for CTES are summarized as well. Secondly, the techniques proposed to enhance the thermal properties of PCMs are presented, including the addition of nanomaterials, the microencapsulation and the shape stabilization. Finally, several representative applications (−97 to 65 °C) of PCMs in different CTES systems are discussed. The present review provides a comprehensive summary, systematical analysis, and comparison for the PCMs-based CTES systems, which can be helpful for the future development in this field.
What Can Be Learned from the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in Australia: A Case Study
Authors: Choiseul Juliette Caroline , Emmerson Paris Jade , Eslanloo Pereira Turan , Hosseinalipour Seyed-Moeen , Hasselgård-Rowe Jennifer
Published: December 2021

This paper addresses the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination progress in Australia. Globally, Australia was initially praised for its national COVID-19 response, reflecting well with regard to case numbers and mortality rates. However, Australia’s progress with its vaccine rollout has come under scrutiny. When compared globally, it fares very low in terms of the number of vaccine doses administered. This paper discusses the first three months of the vaccination process, and the challenges Australia faced during that time. Through an extensive literature review, data was collected on relevant topics concerning all aspects of the Australian COVID-19 situation. The following key points are discussed: the specific COVID-19 organisation at the federal vs. the state government levels, the Australian economy, the vaccine supply strategy, and the vaccine priority roll out. In conclusion, we highlight the impact of Australia initially relying heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, which subsequently came under fire regarding safety issues likely linking the vaccine to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
Concentration of Metals in Native and Invasive Species of Fish in the Fluvial-Lagoon-Deltaic System of the Palizada River, Campeche
Authors: Castañeda-Chávez María del Refugio , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola , Navarrete-Rodríguez Gabycarmen , Wakida-Kusunoki Armando Toyokazu
Published: December 2021

Aquatic organisms, such as fish, are important indicators of the bioavailability of metals in coastal environments, demonstrating the capacity of different species to bioaccumulate these metallic elements. The fluvial-lagoon system of the Palizada River is an important ecosystem for its terrestrial and aquatic biological diversity where fishing is an important productive activity in this system. The objective of this research was to evaluate the concentration of Pb and Cd in the muscle tissue of native and invasive fish species in this area. For this, the digestion of fish muscle samples was carried out with a CEM MARS 5 Digestion Microwave System, while the quantification of metals was performed with an atomic absorption equipment. All analysis muscle samples from native and invasive fish showed Pb and Cd in their content. By sampling site there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05), with a maximum Pb concentration of 7.760 µg g−1 at the LLAR site (Laguna Larga). In terms of species, the maximum Cd concentration was obtained in the Cyprinus carpio with 6.630 ± 0.127 and in Pterygoplichthus pardalis with 6.547 ± 0.873 µg g−1 (dry weight). The presence of metals such as Pb and Cd in muscle tissue of native and invasive fish species represents an important bioindicator of environmental exposure in the study area and a potential risk to public health, as these species are commonly consumed.
Asymptotic Separation of Solutions to Fractional Stochastic Multi-Term Differential Equations
Authors: Ahmadova Arzu , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the exact asymptotic separation rate of two distinct solutions of Caputo stochastic multi-term differential equations (Caputo SMTDEs). Our goal in this paper is to establish results of the global existence and uniqueness and continuity dependence of the initial values of the solutions to Caputo SMTDEs with non-permutable matrices of order α∈(12,1) and β∈(0,1) whose coefficients satisfy a standard Lipschitz condition. For this class of systems, we then show the asymptotic separation property between two different solutions of Caputo SMTDEs with a more general condition based on λ. Furthermore, the asymptotic separation rate for the two distinct mild solutions reveals that our asymptotic results are general.
Application of Zeolite Membranes to Dehydrate a Bio-Ethanol Solution Produced by High-Temperature Fermentation
Authors: Kumakiri Izumi , Maruo Yusuke , Kishibe Ryotaro , Murata Masayuki , Kosaka Tomoyuki , Yamada Mamoru
Published: December 2021

The combination of high-temperature fermentation and membrane separation has the potential to realize a simple on-site process to produce concentrated bioethanol. The performance of dehydration membranes in separating bioethanol was investigated in this study. Three types of zeolite membranes, LTA, MFI, and MOR, were synthesized. Their dehydration ability was compared using a bioethanol solution produced by high-temperature fermentation followed by vacuum distillation. The LTA zeolite membranes deformed and became amorphous while treating the distillate. On the contrary, no significant changes were observed in the MFI and MOR zeolite membranes analyzed by X-ray diffraction after treating the distillate. However, the flux declined when the membranes were in contact with the distillate (pH = 3.8). Neutralizing the distillate to pH 6.6 with sodium hydroxide did not prevent the flux decline. Even though flux decreased by about 20–30%, the MOR membrane showed quite high water-selectivity, with a water concentration of over 99.9% in the permeate, suggesting the feasibility of its application to concentrate bioethanol.
Numerical Study of the Influence of Coupling Interface Emissivity on Aerogel Metal Thermal Protection Performance
Authors: Lou Fengfei , Dong Sujun , Ma Yinwei , Qi Bin , Zhu Keyong
Published: December 2021

For aerogels in metal thermal protection system (MTPS), radiative heat transfer will participate in the thermal transport process. Therefore, the influence of the emissivity of the coupling interface between metal and aerogels on thermal insulation performance is considered an important research focus. In this paper, CFD numerical simulation is performed to study the influence of emissivity on the performance with different extinction coefficients at different boundary temperatures. The finite volume method and the discrete ordinate method are used to solve the govern equations. The results show that when the boundary temperatures are 600 K and 2100 K, the extinction coefficient is 50 m−1, and the reduction percentage of the effective thermal conductivity with an emissivity of 0.2 can be up to 47.5% and 69.8%, compared to the system with an emissivity of 1. Thus, the reduction in emissivity has a good effect on the thermal insulation performance of the MTPS at a higher boundary temperature for materials with small extinction coefficients.
On the Two Working Palettes of Almada Negreiros at DN Building in Lisbon (1939–1940): First Analytical Approach and Insight on the Use of Cd Based Pigments
Authors: Gil Milene , Costa Mafalda , Cardoso Ana , Valadas Sara , Helvaci Yigit , Bhattacharya Sriradha , Moita Patricia , Candeias Antonio
Published: December 2021

This paper reports the first analytical approach carried out on two working palettes by Portuguese modernist master Almada Negreiros, found in 1991 behind old wood cabinets at the DN building in Lisbon. This is the only known occasion Almada left behind the color experiments done before starting to paint in the nearby walls and as such, it is a unique opportunity to analyze the materials and painting techniques that were originally used. The analytical setup comprised in loco technical photography in Vis, UVF and NIR; p-OM, spectrophotometry in Vis and h-EDXRF, complemented by OM-Vis, µ-FT-IR and VP-SEM-EDS of painting micro-samples and pigments in powder form. Preliminary results suggested the use of fresco painting technique and revealed some technical details, such as the use of a coarse lime sand finishing mortar mixed with natural vegetable fibers, and the extensive use of cadmium-based pigments that were not commonly used (or even recommended) in an alkaline environment. The Cd pigments were used alone or in mixtures with Fe based pigments in the warm hues and with cobalt and ultramarine blue pigments in some green paint layers. No clear evidence of organic materials that could have been used as binders was detected.
Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Extracts from Miliusa velutina Flowers
Authors: Anh Vo Thi Tu , Trang Dai Thi Xuan , Kamei Kaeko , Linh Tran Chi , Pham-Khanh Nguyen Huan , Tuan Nguyen Trong , Danh Luu Thai
Published: December 2021

The flowers of M. velutina were extracted with ethanol to obtain a crude extract that was consecutively extracted using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and water. The crude extract and fractions were studied for the chemical composition and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The extracts had various phytoconstituents, namely steroids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides. The aqueous extract had the highest total polyphenol (12.6 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid (205.6 mg QE/g extract) content. The aqueous extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities in the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (EC50 = 4.0 µg/mL), reducing power assay (EC50 = 78.1 µg/mL), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical cation assay (EC50 = 48.2 µg/mL), total antioxidant capacity assay (EC50 = 8.7 µg/mL) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (EC50 = 9.3 µg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the strongest inhibitory effect on the activity of α-amylase (IC50 = 376.6 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 69.7 μg/mL). The results showed that the aqueous extract of M. velutina flowers can be a promising candidate for the control of diabetes and oxidative stress. This is the first report about the chemical components and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of M. velutina flower extracts.
How Power Influences Decision-Makers’ Investment Behavior in the Domains of Loss and Gain
Authors: Sekścińska Katarzyna , Rudzinska-Wojciechowska Joanna
Published: December 2021

We present a study (N = 645) investigating how power alters people’s propensity to take investment risks in a changing decision context of gains and losses and the intensity of their reactions to this experience. The results indicate that people in a state of power made more risky investment decisions than the control group regardless of prior gain or loss outcome, whereas people lacking power took less investment risk than the control group, regardless of previous outcomes. Moreover, people with power and those lacking power differed in their reactions to gains and losses, with the former reacting more to gains and the latter to losses.
Sorption of Monothioarsenate to the Natural Sediments and Its Competition with Arsenite and Arsenate
Authors: Shan Huimei , Zhang Jinxian , Peng Sanxi , Zhan Hongbin , Liao Danxue
Published: December 2021

Monothioarsenate (MTAsV) is one of the major arsenic species in sulfur- or iron-rich groundwater, and the sediment adsorption of MTAsV plays an important role in arsenic cycling in the subsurface environment. In this study, batch experiments and characterization are conducted to investigate the sorption characteristic and mechanism of MTAsV on natural sediments and the influences of arsenite and arsenate. Results show that MTAsV adsorption on natural sediments is similar to arsenate and arsenite, manifested by a rapid early increasing stage, a slowly increasing stage at an intermediate time until 8 h, before finally approaching an asymptote. The sediment sorption for MTAsV mainly occurs on localized sites with high contents of Fe and Al, where MTAsV forms a monolayer on the surface of natural sediments via a chemisorption mechanism and meanwhile the adsorbed MTAsV mainly transforms into other As species, such as AlAs, Al-As-O, and Fe-As-O compounds. At low concentration, MTAsV sorption isotherm by natural sediments becomes the Freundlich isotherm model, while at high concentration of MTAsV, its sorption isotherm becomes the Langmuir isotherm model. The best-fitted maximum adsorption capacity for MTAsV adsorption is about 362.22 μg/g. Furthermore, there is a competitive effect between MTAsV and arsenate adsorption, and MTAsV and arsenite adsorption on natural sediments. More specifically, the presence of arsenite greatly decreases MTAsV sorption, while the presence of MTAsV causes a certain degree of reduction of arsenite adsorption on the sediments before 4 h, and this effect becomes weaker when approaching the equilibrium state. The presence of arsenate greatly decreases MTAsV sorption and the presence of MTAsV also greatly decreases arsenate sorption. These competitive effects may greatly affect MTAsV transport in groundwater systems and need more attention in the future.
Quantitative Impact Analysis of Climate Change on Residents’ Health Conditions with Improving Eco-Efficiency in China: A Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Wang Xianning , Ma Zhengang , Dong Jingrong
Published: December 2021

Climate change affects public health, and improving eco-efficiency means reducing the various pollutants that are the result of economic activities. This study provided empirical evidence of the quantitative impact analysis of climate change on the health conditions of residents across China due to improvements that have been made to eco-efficiency. First, the indicators that were collected present adequate graphical trends and regional differences with a priori evidence about their relationships to each other; second, the present study applied Sensitivity Evaluation with Support Vector Machines (SE-SVM) to Chinese provincial panel data, taking the Visits to Hospitals, Outpatients with Emergency Treatment, and Number of Inpatients as proxy variables for the health conditions of the residents in each area and temperature, humidity, precipitation, and sunshine as the climate change variables, simultaneously incorporating the calculated eco-efficiency with six controlling indicators; third, we compared in-sample forecasting to acquire the optimal model in order to conduct elasticity analysis. The results showed that (1) temperature, humidity, precipitation, and sunshine performed well in forecasting the health conditions of the residents and that climate change was a good forecaster for resident health conditions; (2) from the national perspective, climate change had a positive relationship with Visits to Hospitals and Outpatients with Emergency Treatment but a negative relationship with the Number of Inpatients; (3) An increase in regional eco-efficiency of 1% increase the need for Visits to Hospitals and Outpatients with Emergency Treatment by 0.2242% and 0.2688%, respectively, but decreased the Number of Inpatients by 0.6272%; (4) increasing the regional eco-efficiency did not show any positive effects for any individual region because a variety of local activities, resource endowment, and the level of medical technology available in each region played different roles. The main findings of the present study are helpful for decision makers who are trying to optimize policy formulation and implementation measures in the cross-domains of economic, environmental, and public health.
How Helpful and What Is the Quality of Digital Sources of Healthy Lifestyle Information Used by Australian Adolescents? A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Armstrong Matthew , Halim Nicole K. , Raeside Rebecca , Jia Si Si , Hyun Karice , Boroumand Farzaneh , Mandoh Mariam , Singleton Anna C. , Phongsavan Philayrath , Redfern Julie , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: December 2021

To evaluate the digital platforms most used by adolescents for healthy lifestyle information, perceived helpfulness of platform information, helpfulness for positive behaviour changes, and quality of platforms’ lifestyle health information. Mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional online survey and content analysis. Eligible participants were 13–18-years; living in Australia; and had searched online for healthy lifestyle behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, weight management, sleep) information in the previous three months. Survey items examined the use of digital platforms, self-perceived helpfulness, usefulness for positive behaviour, and popular content. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. Content analysis was performed on popular digital content to evaluate expertise, objectivity, transparency, popularity, and relevance. In total, 297 participants completed the survey (62.3% female; 15.8 [SD1.5] years). Seventy-eight percent and 77% of participants reported using websites and social media, respectively, for seeking healthy lifestyle information. Websites and social media were rated as somewhat helpful by 43% and 46% of participants, respectively. Sixty-six percent and 53% of participants agreed/strongly agreed smartphone apps and social media were helpful for positive behaviour change, respectively. Helpfulness did not differ by age or gender. We evaluated 582 popular digital content; 38% were produced by a commercial company. Only 7% of content was from health organisations, 10% from health professionals and only 10% of content was objective, and 14% was transparent. Adolescents extensively utilise websites and social media for health information, yet popular content has limited objectivity and transparency. Governments and health organisations should consider creating age-appropriate digital information for healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Substitution of Chemical Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer Affects Soil Total Nitrogen and Its Fractions in Northern China
Authors: Hossain Md Elias , Mei Xurong , Zhang Wenying , Dong Wenyi , Yan Zhenxing , Liu Xiu , Rachit Saxena , Gopalakrishnan Subramaniam , Liu Enke
Published: December 2021

The impact of chemical to organic fertilizer substitution on soil labile organic and stabilized N pools under intensive farming systems is unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the distribution of soil total N (STN), particulate organic N (PON), microbial biomass N (MBN), dissolved organic N (DON), and mineral N (NO3− and NH4+) levels down to 100 cm profile under wheat–maize rotation system in northern China. The experiment was established with four 270 kg ha−1 N equivalent fertilizer treatments: Organic manure (OM); Organic manure with nitrogen fertilizer (OM + NF); Nitrogen fertilizer (NF); and Control (CK). Results found that the OM and OM + NF treatments had significantly higher STN, PON, MBN, DON, and NO3− contents in 0–20 cm topsoil depths. Conversely, the NF treatment resulted in the highest (p < 0.01) DON and NO3− depositions in 40–100 cm subsoil depths. The NH4+ contents in selected profile depths were significantly highest (p < 0.01) under OM treatment. The correlations between STN and its fractions were positively significant at 0–10 and 10–20 cm topsoil depths. Our results suggest that partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure could be a sustainable option for soil N management of intensive farming systems.
Twelve Weeks of a Staged Balance and Strength Training Program Improves Muscle Strength, Proprioception, and Clinical Function in Patients with Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Lu Cheng-Chang , Yao Hsin-I , Fan Tsang-Yu , Lin Yu-Chuan , Lin Hwai-Ting , Chou Paul Pei-Hsi
Published: December 2021

Ligament reconstruction is indicated in patients with an isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury who fail conservative treatment. To eliminate the need for PCL reconstruction, an ideal rehabilitation program is important for patients with an isolated PCL injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement in functional outcome, proprioception, and muscle strength after a Both Sides Up (BOSU) ball was used in a balance combined with strength training program in patients with an isolated PCL injury. Ten patients with isolated PCL injuries were recruited to receive a 12 week training program as a study group. In the control group (post-PCL reconstruction group), ten subjects who had undergone isolated PCL reconstruction for more than 2 years were enrolled without current rehabilitation. The Lysholm score, IKDC score, proprioception (active and passive), and isokinetic muscle strength tests at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 240°/s, were used before and after training on the injured and normal knees in the study group, and in the post-PCL reconstruction group. The results were analyzed with a paired t-test to compare the change between pre-training, post-training, and the normal leg in the study group, and with an independent t-test for comparisons between the study and post-PCL reconstruction groups. Both the Lysholm and IKDC scores were significantly improved (p < 0.01) after training, and no difference was observed compared to the post-PCL reconstruction group. The active and passive proprioception was improved post-training compared to pre-training, with no difference to that in the post-PCL reconstruction group. Isokinetic knee quadriceps muscle strength was significantly greater post-training than pre-training in PCL injured knees at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 240°/s, and in hamstring muscle strength at 60°/s and 120°/s. Muscle strength in the post-training injured knee group showed no significant difference compared to that in the post-training normal leg and the post-PCL reconstruction group. The post-training improvement of muscle strength was higher in the PCL injured leg compared to the normal leg and there was no difference between the dominant and non-dominant injured leg in the study group. After 12 weeks of BOSU balance with strength training in patients with an isolated PCL injury, the functional outcome, proprioception, and isokinetic muscle strength were significantly improved, and comparable to the contralateral normal leg and the post-PCL reconstruction group. We suggest that programs combining BOSU balance and strength training should be introduced in patients with a PCL injury to promote positive clinical results.
The Cadaveric Studies and the Definition of the Antero-Lateral Ligament of the Knee: From the Anatomical Features to the Patient-Specific Reconstruction Surgical Techniques
Authors: Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Agostinone Piero , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Pizza Nicola , Maitan Nicolò , Grassi Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: December 2021

Cadaver studies represented a milestone in surgical orthopaedic research, and still today they play a crucial role in the achievement of new knowledge about joint disease behaviour and treatment. In this review, an overview of the cadaver studies available in the literature about the anatomy, role, and treatment of the antero-lateral ligament (ALL) of the knee was performed. The aim of the review was to describe and gain more insight into the part of in vitro study in understanding knee joint anatomy and biomechanics, and in developing surgical reconstruction techniques. The findings of the review showed that cadaver studies had, and will continue to have, a key role in the research of knee joint biomechanics and surgical reconstruction. Moreover, they represent a powerful tool to develop and test new devices which could be useful in clinical and surgical practice.
Primary and Secondary Emissions of VOCs and PAHs in Indoor Air from a Waterproof Coal-Tar Membrane: Diagnosis and Remediation
Authors: Piñeiro Rafael , Jimenez-Relinque Eva , Nevshupa Roman , Castellote Marta
Published: December 2021

Primary and secondary emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a waterproof coal tar membrane and their effect on the indoor air quality were investigated through a case study in a residential building situated in Madrid, Spain. The air contaminants were analyzed in situ using photoionization method and several samples of contaminants were taken using three sorbents: activated carbon, XAD2 and Tenax GR. It was found that various VOCs such as toluene, p- and m-Xylene, PAHs such as naphthalene, methyl-naphthalenes, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene and fluorine, volatile organic halogens including chloroform and trichlorofluoromethane, and alkylbenzene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) were found at concentrations, which exceeded the limits established by international and national agencies (WHO, EPA, OSHA). Some of the above organic compounds were found also in the samples of construction and building materials, which were obtained at different heights and places. The analysis of possible sources of the contaminants pointed at the original coal-tar membrane, which was applied on the terrace to be waterproof. During a posterior reparation the membrane was coated with a new one that hindered dissipation of emitted contaminants. The contaminants leached out and were absorbed by construction materials down in the dwelling. These materials then acted as secondary emission sources. To remediate the emission problem as the contaminated materials were removed and then a ventilation system was installed to force the gasses being emitted from the rest of contaminated slab outside. Follow-up has validated the success of the remediation procedure.
Community Intervention System: COVID-19 Control in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Zou Yafeng , Wang Qi , Deng Min , Wang Yujie
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused giant influences on people’s life, and China’s communities play an important role in dealing with these major public health events (MPHEs). Community as the grassroots autonomous organization has various significant functions in intervening in MPHEs. The community intervention follows a system which directly influences the anti-epidemic effectiveness. To explore the mechanism, we devise a theoretical system for community intervention, mainly consisting of “organizational structure”, “functional performance” and “internal and external connections”. Questionnaire surveys, the chi-square test, the independent sample T-test, and principal component analysis are used to identify the characteristics of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region’s (Inner Mongolia) community intervention. Through the empirical research, it is verified that the community intervention in MPHEs is the combination of “the structural response of the organization”, “the performance of the community’s own function”, and “the establishment of internal and external connections”. The central Inner Mongolia delivers the best performance in community intervention compared to eastern Inner Mongolia and western Inner Mongolia. The urban communities commonly perform better than that in the agricultural and pastoral areas. The built system and findings could provide a guidance for future community to improve its intervention capability.
Spanish Questionnaires for the Assessment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions in Women: A Systematic Review of the Structural Characteristics and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Guallar-Bouloc Marina , Gómez-Bueno Paloma , Gonzalez-Sanchez Manuel , Molina-Torres Guadalupe , Lomas-Vega Rafael , Galán-Mercant Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions affect a third of the adult female population, including a large number of clinical conditions, which can be evaluated through validated questionnaires that inform us of the status and perception of women both objectively and subjectively. The main objective of this study was to review and explain the topics of the validated questionnaires in Spanish on pelvic floor dysfunctions and to review their psychometric properties. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in the PUBMED and WOS databases. The keywords used were in PUBMED: ((((((((“Fecal Incontinence” [Mesh]) OR “Urinary Incontinence” [Mesh]) OR “Pelvic Organ Prolapse” [Mesh]) OR “Pelvic Floor Disorders” [Mesh]) OR “Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological” [Mesh]) OR “Pelvic Girdle Pain” [Mesh]) OR “sexual function” [Title/Abstract]) OR “Prolapse” [Title/Abstract]) AND “Surveys and Questionnaires” [Mesh] AND “Validation” [Title/Abstract] combined with the Boolean operators “AND”/“OR”. In contrast, in WOS, a segregated search was carried out with each of the terms of pelvic floor dysfunction together with “Validation” and “Surveys and Questionnaires”. All articles published up to 19 November 2021 were considered. Methodological quality was assessed with the COSMIN scale. Results: A total of 687 articles were identified, of which 13 were included. The evaluated questionnaires and the structural characteristics and psychometric properties of each of them were collected. Conclusion: The Spanish versions of the questionnaires show good basic structural and psychometric characteristics for the evaluation of patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions and that they resemble other versions of the same questionnaire published in other languages.
Attitudes towards Safe Listening Measures in Entertainment Venues: Results from an International Survey among Young Venue-Goers
Authors: Diviani Nicola , Chadha Shelly , Arunda Malachi Ochieng , Rubinelli Sara
Published: December 2021

Background: Sustained exposure to excess noise in recreational settings is among the main causes of hearing loss among young adults worldwide. Within a global effort to develop standards for safe listening in entertainment venues, this study aims at identifying modifiable factors (knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs), which can hinder or facilitate the acceptance of safe listening measures in public venues among young venue-goers. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed inspired by the Health Belief Model. It was divided into five sections: (i) socio-demographics (ii) listening habits, (iii) experiences with loud music, (iv) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, and (v) willingness to change. Participants were recruited through social media. Results: 2264 individuals aged 16–35 completed the questionnaire. Most visited entertainment venues relatively infrequently, with the majority of them only visiting once per month or less. Nevertheless, most reported having experienced the negative consequences of listening to loud music. Overall, most people were favorable towards preventive measures, especially quiet areas. Conclusion: Our findings stress the urge to address the issue of safe listening in public venues and support an approach based on the introduction of standards. Moreover, they provide us with information on key factors to be considered when introducing and communicating preventive measures in public entertainment venues.
LMDI Decomposition Analysis of E-Waste Generation in the ASEAN
Authors: Choi Gobong , Kim Taeyoon , Kim Minchul
Published: December 2021

The economies of ASEAN member states are growing rapidly, and electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) generated from them are also showing a rapid increase. In this context, this study conducted an LMDI decomposition analysis on the amount of E-waste generated in ASEAN member countries from 2015 to 2019 and decomposed it into E-waste intensity, economic growth, and population effects. Then, based on analysis results, policy implications are suggested to improve their E-waste management. According to the analysis results, ASEAN countries can be classified into three groups. The first group includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand; economic growth was the main driving factor of E-waste increase in these countries. However, E-waste had also decreased due to the effect of E-waste intensity. The second group includes countries where economic growth was not the only driving factor for E-waste increase, but also where E-waste had increased due to the effect of E-waste intensity. These countries include Cambodia, Malaysia, and Viet Nam. Finally, the third group consists of countries where the effect of E-waste intensity is the main driving factor, including Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. This research shows that ASEAN countries need policies that can effectively deal with the threat of E-waste as a result of high economic growth and policies that can improve intensity by reducing the generation of E-waste.
Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Factor in Male Infertility: Awareness in Health College Students in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Akhter Mohammad S. , Hamali Hassan A. , Iqbal Johar , Mobarki Abdullah A. , Rashid Hina , Dobie Gasim , Madkhali Aymen M. , Arishi Bader Y. H , Ageeli Emad O. O. , Laghbi Osama S. H.
Published: December 2021

Male contribution towards couple infertility is increasing but is less discussed. We aimed to assess the knowledge about iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as a contributor to male infertility in students at health colleges of Jazan University. A multicentric, cross-sectional survey included 910 participants and 768 participants qualified as per our inclusion criteria. The questions were categorized as: Model 1—knowledge about IDA-induced male infertility; Model 2—knowledge about IDA. The average knowledge of IDA causing male infertility is very low among students. The 18–20 years age group had a lesser score for either knowledge of IDA (M2; p-value = 0.047) or total (p-value < 0.0001) compared to the older group. In addition, female students were significantly more likely to be better in achieving higher total scores (p-value = 0.023) as well as M2 scores (p-value < 0.0001) when compared to the respective male category. On the other hand, males were significantly better in scoring for M1 (p-value = 0.004) compared to females. Awareness about iron deficiency anemia as a factor in male infertility may reduce the infertility burden, arising from a preventable factor, in the Jazan region.
Comparison of Content and Quality of Caribbean, International, and High-Income Country-Specific Clinical Guidelines for Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nixon Amy Latifah , Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Leonardi-Bee Jo
Published: December 2021

Purpose. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is poorly managed in the Caribbean region; therefore, conducting an assessment on the content and quality of clinical guidelines could assist guideline developers in detecting and addressing information gaps. Hence, this study aimed to benchmark and compare the clinical guidelines for T2DM management from the Caribbean to guidelines developed internationally and by high-income countries. Methods. Seven T2DM management clinical guidelines were a priori selected from international and high-income country-specific clinical guidelines and then compared to the country-specific T2DM management clinical guidelines of the Caribbean region. Two reviewers independently assessed content (using a previously piloted data extraction form) and quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Results. The Caribbean clinical guideline was found to contain similar levels of T2DM management topics when compared to international and high-income country-specific clinical guidelines; however, one country-specific clinical guideline from New Zealand was found to have substantially lower levels of content. The clinical guideline from the Caribbean was found to be of low quality and could not be used in practice; however, only three comparator clinical guidelines were found to be of high quality and could be recommended for use in clinical practice. A further three comparator clinical guidelines could be used in practice with minor modifications. Conclusion. Although the T2DM management clinical guidelines from the Caribbean region contained high levels of content with regards to relevant topics, it was of insufficient quality to be used in clinical practice. Therefore, an alternative high-quality clinical guideline, as identified within this study, should be adopted and used within the Caribbean region to manage T2DM until a high-quality region-specific clinical guideline can be developed.
The Longitudinal Relationship between Internet Addiction and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: A Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model
Authors: Yi Xiaoyan , Li Guangming
Published: December 2021

Internet addiction and depressive symptoms are extremely common problems among teenagers, and the coping strategy has been proved to be closely related to internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Based on three waves of data from a sample of Chinese middle-school students (N = 1545, Mage = 14.88 years old, SD = 1.81; 55.00% females), this study examines the longitudinal relationship between internet addiction and depressive symptoms among adolescents ultilizing the random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. Results revealed a unidirectional predictive effect of depressive symptoms at T2 on internet addiction at T3, but not vice versa, the effect was more significant in the male group. Positive coping strategies had a significant negative predictive effect on the random intercept of internet addiction and depressive symptoms, while negative coping style had a significant positive predictive effect on the random intercept of internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Effective identification and intervention of depressive symptoms may be beneficial to the intervention and prevention for internet addiction, and we should pay attention to the cultivation of middle school students’ positive coping strategies.
Co-Creating an Occupational Health Intervention within the Construction Industry in Sweden: Stakeholder Perceptions of the Process and Output
Authors: Cedstrand Emma , Mølsted Alvesson Helle , Augustsson Hanna , Bodin Theo , Bodin Erika , Nyberg Anna , Johansson Gun
Published: December 2021

One way to prevent work-related stress, is to implement primary occupational health interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial work environment. However, such interventions have shown a limited effect, often due to implementation failure and poor contextual fit. Co-creation, where researchers, together with end-users and other relevant stakeholders, develop the intervention is increasingly encouraged. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of co-created interventions, and participants’ experience of the co-creation process. This is one of the first studies evaluating stakeholder perceptions of co-creating an occupational health intervention. We applied a thematic analysis, with data from 12 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the co-creation. Our results show that the respondents, in general, were satisfied with engaging in the co-creation, and they reported an increased awareness regarding risk factors of stress and how these should be handled. Additionally, the respondents described trust in the intervention activities and a good fit into the context. The study indicates that co-creating occupational health interventions can enhance the implementation and the contextual fit.