bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heimvorteil Putin? Die mediale Darstellung des russischen Präsidenten während der Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2018 – eine Inhaltsanalyse
Authors: Schützeneder Jonas , Graßl Michael , Schiavone Maria Lisa
Published: February 2020

Egal ob Demokratie, Autokratie oder Diktatur: Für Regierungen der Gegenwart gibt es kaum eine bessere Werbung als die Ausrichtung von sportlichen Großevents im eigenen Land. Vor allem für Autokraten und Diktatoren sind „der Fußball und der mit seiner Hilfe zusätzlich befeuerte Nationalismus ein willkommenes Mittel, um die eigene Größe zu zelebrieren“ (Ehrhart 2014: 189). Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht deshalb anhand der Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2018 in Russland, wie solche Events sportpolitisch wirken und wie sie von Machthabern genutzt werden. Konkret umgesetzt wurde dies anhand einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse, die die Berichterstattung der Deutschen Presse-Agentur (dpa) mit den offiziellen Mitteilungen aus dem Kreml vergleicht. Ein zentrales Ergebnis: Russlands Präsident Putin ist ein großer Gewinner der Weltmeisterschaft – und das, obwohl er während des Turniers kaum zu sehen war.
RESTORE: A Prospective Multinational Registry of Patients with Genetically Confirmed Spinal Muscular Atrophy - Rationale and Study Design
Authors: Finkel Richard S. , Day John W. , De Vivo Darryl C. , Kirschner Janbernd , Mercuri Eugenio , Muntoni Francesco , Shieh Perry B. , Tizzano Eduardo , Desguerre Isabelle , Quijano-Roy Susana , Saito Kayoko , Droege Marcus , Dabbous Omar , Khan Farid , Renault Lydie , Anderson Frederick A. , Servais Laurent
Published: February 2020

Background:

Dramatic improvements in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment have changed the prognosis for patients with this disease, leading to important new questions. Gathering representative, real-world data about the long-term efficacy and safety of emerging SMA interventions is essential to document their impact on patients and caregivers.

Objectives:

This registry will assess outcomes in patients with genetically confirmed SMA and provide information on the effectiveness and long-term safety of approved and emerging treatments.

Design and Methods:

RESTORE is a prospective, multicenter, multinational observational registry. Patients will be managed according to usual clinical practice. Both newly recruitedSMAtreatment centers and sites involved in existing SMA registries, including iSMAC, Treat-NMD, French SMA Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Cure-SMA, SMArtCARE, will be eligible to participate; de novo; sites already participating in another registry may be included via consortium agreements. Data from patients enrolled in partnering registries will be shared with the RESTORE Registry and data for newly diagnosed patients will be added upon enrollment. Patients will be enrolled over a 5-year period and followed for 15 years or until death. Assessments will include SMA history and treatment, pulmonary, nutritional, and motor milestones, healthcare resource utilization, work productivity, activity impairment, adverse events, quality of life, caregiver burden, and survival.

Status:

Recruitment started in September 2018. As of January 3, 2020, 64 patients were enrolled at 25 participating sites.

Conclusions:

The RESTORE Registry has begun recruiting recently diagnosed patients with genetically confirmed SMA, enabling assessment of both short- and long-term patient outcomes.
Measurements method of the audio recordings acoustic quality indicator prepared for registration and processing in the Unified Biometric System
Authors: Savchenko V.V. , Savchenko A.V.
Published: February 2020

We consider the task of automated quality control of sound recordings containing voice samples of individuals. It is shown that in this task the most acute is the small sample size. In order to overcome this problem, we propose the novel method of acoustic measurements based on relative stability of the pitch frequency within a voice sample of short duration. An example of its practical implementation using aninter-periodic accumulation of a speech signal is considered. An experimental study with specially developed software provides statistical estimates of the effectiveness of the proposed method in noisy environments. It is shown that this method rejects the audio recording as unsuitable for a voice biometric identification with a probability of 0,95 or more for a signal to noise ratio below 15 dB. The obtained results are intended for use in the development of new and modifying existing systems of collecting and automated quality control of biometric personal data. The article is intended for a wide range of specialists in the field of acoustic measurements and digital processing of speech signals, as well as for practitioners who organize the work of authorized organizations in preparing for registration samples of biometric personal data.
I Am a Compassionate Conservation Welfare Scientist: Considering the Theoretical and Practical Differences Between Compassionate Conservation and Conservation Welfare
Authors: Beausoleil Ngaio J.
Published: February 2020

Compassionate Conservation and Conservation Welfare are two disciplines whose practitioners advocate consideration of individual wild animals within conservation practice and policy. However, they are not, as is sometimes suggested, the same. Compassionate Conservation and Conservation Welfare are based on different underpinning ethics, which sometimes leads to conflicting views about the kinds of conservation activities and decisions that are acceptable. Key differences between the disciplines appear to relate to their views about which wild animals can experience harms, the kinds of harms they can experience and how we can know about and confidently evidence those harms. Conservation Welfare scientists seek to engage with conservation scientists with the aim of facilitating ongoing incremental improvements in all aspects of conservation, i.e., minimizing harms to animals. In contrast, it is currently unclear how the tenets of Compassionate Conservation can be used to guide decision-making in complex or novel situations. Thus, Conservation Welfare may offer modern conservationists a more palatable approach to integrating evidence-based consideration of individual sentient animals into conservation practice and policy.
Artificial Lighting Environment Evaluation of the Japan Museum of Art Based on the Emotional Response of Observers
Authors: Wang Zhisheng , Nagai Yukari , Liu Jiahui , Zou Nianyu , Liang Jing
Published: February 2020

This paper mainly studies the effect of artificial lighting environmental factors on the psychological emotions of observers in the large and practical space of the museums. The purpose is to reveal the relationship between the observers’ response and the artificial lighting condition in the actual art museum space. Field research regarding three art museums in Japan was carried out and the optical environment parameters applied in those museums were quantified. The innovation method is to define the artificial lighting environment space in the way of classified lighting design. Thirty one observers were invited to evaluate the three art museum’s lighting environment. In addition, this paper analyzes and discusses the influence of the actual spatial lighting parameters of museum buildings on observers’ psychological emotions (comfort, clarity, preference and warmth), under three modes of illuminance and correlated colour temperature (CCT) combination. Using one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis, through analysis get the correlation of the four evaluation and three lighting environments indexes are less than 0.05, the observer in an environment with high illuminance and a high CCT had higher psychological evaluation of the art museum.
Multipartite Entanglement Generation in a Structured Environment
Authors: Wang Shijiao , Ma Xiao San , Cheng Mu-Tian
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the entanglement generation of n-qubit states in a model consisting of n independent qubits, each coupled to a harmonic oscillator which is in turn coupled to a bath of N additional harmonic oscillators with nearest-neighbor coupling. With analysis, we can find that the steady multipartite entanglement with different values can be generated after a long-time evolution for different sizes of the quantum system. Under weak coupling between the system and the harmonic oscillator, multipartite entanglement can monotonically increase from zero to a stable value. Under strong coupling, multipartite entanglement generation shows a speed-up increase accompanied by some oscillations as non-Markovian behavior. Our results imply that the strong coupling between the harmonic oscillator and the N additional harmonic oscillators, and the large size of the additional oscillators will enhance non-Markovian dynamics and make it take a very long time for the entanglement to reach a stable value. Meanwhile, the couplings between the additional harmonic oscillators and the decay rate of additional harmonic oscillators have almost no effect on the multipartite entanglement generation. Finally, the entanglement generation of the additional harmonic oscillators is also discussed.
Effects of Nitrogen Forms and Supply Mode on Lipid Production of Microalga Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: An Mei , Gao Li , Zhao Wen , Chen Weiguang , Li Ming
Published: February 2020

Optimization of the microalgae culture conditions could significantly reduce the production costs of microalgae-derived biodiesel. In the current study, a new process of adding different forms using the multiple small-dose method was employed. The effects of different forms of nitrogen (NaNO3, NH4Cl, and CH4N2O) and their concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg L−1) on the growth and lipid production of Scenedesmus obliquus were studied. Algae density and lipid production increased with increasing nitrogen concentration for all different forms of nitrogen except NH4Cl. The Scenedesmus obliquus growth was promoted by adding NaNO3 and CH4N2O, but was inhibited by adding NH4Cl. Adding 2 mg N L−1 of CH4N2O daily yielded the highest cell density (1.7 × 107 cells mL−1) and lipid production (242.4 mg L−1). These conditions can thus maintain the biomass of Scenedesmus obliquus, increase its lipid accumulation, and decrease the costs of biodiesel production.
Control Strategies for Induction Motors in Railway Traction Applications
Authors: Fathy Abouzeid Ahmed , Guerrero Juan Manuel , Endemaño Aitor , Muniategui Iker , Ortega David , Larrazabal Igor , Briz Fernando
Published: February 2020

This paper analyzes control strategies for induction motors in railway applications. The paper will focus on drives operating with a low switching to fundamental frequency ratio and in the overmodulation region or six-step operation, as these are the most challenging cases. Modulation methods, efficient modes of operation of the drive and the implications for its dynamic performance, and machine design will also be discussed. Extensive simulation results, as well as experimental results, obtained from a railway traction drive, are provided.
Empirical Models for the Estimation of Solar Sky-Diffuse Radiation. A Review and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Berrizbeitia Saioa Etxebarria , Jadraque Gago Eulalia , Muneer Tariq
Published: February 2020

Accurate solar radiation data are essential for the development of solar energy application systems. The limited availability of solar radiation data, and especially diffuse irradiance values, makes it vital to develop models to estimate these data. The development of estimation models has been the objective of many studies. This paper presents an extended review of the diffuse ratio (k) vs. clearness index (kt) annual, monthly, daily, and hourly frequency regression models. It is however interesting to note that there is a dearth of such knowledge for diffuse ratio–clearness index regressions that are based on averaged data. Monthly-averaged daily global irradiation data are now easily available from the NASA website for any global location. Using existing models, it is possible to decompose the daily to averaged-hourly global irradiation values. The missing link so far has been hourly averaged diffuse irradiation. This article presents regression equations which could be used to estimate that information. For this purpose, hourly global and diffuse irradiation data was pooled from 19 different locations to obtain three latitude-dependent regression models relating the monthly-averaged hourly diffuse ratio ( k ¯ ) to the clearness index ( k t ¯ ). The results show a high relationship between both variables. These regression equations could be used to estimate the averaged diffuse irradiation values from averaged global irradiation values, which are more easily available.
Evaluation of Solar Radiation Transposition Models for Passive Energy Management and Building Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Toledo Carlos , Gracia Amillo Ana Maria , Bardizza Giorgio , Abad Jose , Urbina Antonio
Published: February 2020

Incident solar radiation modelling has become of vital importance not only in architectural design considerations, but also in the estimation of the energy production of photovoltaic systems. This is particularly true in the case of buildings with integrated photovoltaics (PV) systems having a wide range of orientations and inclinations defined by the skin of the building. Since solar radiation data at the plane of interest is hardly ever available, this study presents the analysis of two of the most representative transposition models used to obtain the in-plane irradiance using as input data the global and diffuse irradiation on the horizontal plane, which can be obtained by satellite-based models or ground measurements. Both transposition models are validated with experimental measurements taken in Murcia (southeast of Spain) and datasets provided by the photovoltaic geographical information system (PVGIS) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for vertical surfaces facing the four cardinal points. For the validation, the mean bias deviation, root mean square error and forecasted skill were used as indicators. Results show that the error rate decreases slightly for clear days. Better results are also obtained by dismissing data with low solar elevation angles so as to avoid shadowing effects from the surroundings in the early and late hours of the day, which affects mainly the performance of the transposition models for west and east surfaces. The results highlight the potential of equator-facing façades in winter time when the received irradiation can be twice as much as the one collected by the horizontal plane. It is also noteworthy that the operating conditions of all façades are mainly low irradiance and medium temperature at these locations.
Allocation Model of Carbon Emission Permits for the Electric Power Industry with a Combination Subjective and Objective Weighting Approach
Authors: Pan Xianxian , Liu Hong , Huan Jiajia , Sui Yu , Hong Haifeng
Published: February 2020

The electric power industry plays a vital role in carbon emissions reduction efforts. The initial allocation of carbon emission permits to the electric power industry is the key to ensuring the effective operation of the carbon trading market. In this study, the multiple correlated factors that affect the carbon emission permit allocation system were extracted. Then, based on the experts’ knowledge and experience, the subjective weight of each index was determined using an improved analytic hierarchy process. Subsequently, the indices were mapped using an improved entropy weight method, and the objective weight of each index was adaptively determined. Finally, the comprehensive weight of each index was determined by optimizing the combination of its subjective and objective weights, and an allocation model of carbon emission permits for the electric power industry was established. A case study of a province by comparative simulation was performed. The simulation results showed that compared with conventional allocation schemes that consider single factors, the theoretical estimates obtained using the proposed model more objectively reflected the actual situation of carbon emissions reduction permits and responsibilities in the region.
On the Way to a Sustainable European Energy System: Setting Up an Integrated Assessment Toolbox with TIMES PanEU as the Key Component
Authors: Korkmaz Pinar , Cunha Montenegro Roland , Schmid Dorothea , Blesl Markus , Fahl Ulrich
Published: February 2020

The required decarbonization of the energy system is a complex task, with ambitious targets under the Paris Agreement, and related policy analysis should consider possible impacts on the economy and society. By coupling the energy system model TIMES PanEU with the impact assessment model EcoSense and the computable general equilibrium model NEWAGE, we present an integrated assessment toolbox for the European energy system capable of internalizing health damage costs of air pollution while simultaneously accounting for demand changes in energy services caused by economic feedback loops. The effects of each coupling step are investigated in a scenario analysis. Additionally, CO2 decomposition analysis is applied to identify the main drivers to decarbonize the energy system. Our results show that integrating externalities forces the system to take early action, which provides benefits on the societal level. Including macro-economic variables has a negative effect on energy service demands and generally reduces the need for structural change, which are still the main drivers of decarbonization. The tighter the models are coupled, the fewer the iterations needed and the lower the CO2 prices resulting from the carbon cap and trade system. In this aspect, an integrated view can provide valuable insights to determine efficient and effective decarbonization paths.
Efficiency Optimization and Control Strategy of Regenerative Braking System with Dual Motor
Authors: Yang Yang , He Qiang , Chen Yongzheng , Fu Chunyun
Published: February 2020

The regenerative braking system of electric vehicles can not only achieve the task of braking but also recover the braking energy. However, due to the lack of in-depth analysis of the energy loss mechanism in electric braking, the energy cannot be fully recovered. In this study, the energy recovery problem of regenerative braking using the independent front axle and rear axle motor drive system is investigated. The accurate motor model is established, and various losses are analyzed. Based on the principle of minimum losses, the motor control strategy is designed. Furthermore, the power flow characteristics in electric braking are analyzed, and the optimal continuously variable transmission (CVT) speed ratio under different working conditions is obtained through optimization. To understand the potential of dual-motor energy recovery, a regenerative braking control strategy is proposed by optimizing the dynamic distribution coefficient of the dual-electric mechanism and considering the restrictions of regulations and the I curve. The simulation results under typical operating conditions and the New York City Cycle (NYCC) proposed conditions indicate that the improved strategy has higher joint efficiency. The energy recovery rate of the proposed strategy is increased by 1.18% in comparison with the typical braking strategy.
Numerical Research of the Modification of the Combustion System in the OP 650 Boiler
Authors: Hernik Bartłomiej
Published: February 2020

Changes in the combustion system are one of the paths leading to improved combustion quality. This is manifested by a reduction of the unburnt carbon in fly ash and slag and a reduction in harmful emissions. The article presents the numerical analysis of the modification of the combustion system in the OP 650 boiler. The modifications consisted of changing the direction of swirl of the dust–air mixture in individual burners and changing the distribution of air to Over-Fire Air (OFA) nozzles. These had an impact on NOx and CO emissions and the temperature achieved at the outlet of the chamber. The content of O2, CO, and NOx emissions, flue gas temperature at the outlet from the chamber, flue gas temperature after the platen superheater, as well as temperature at the outlet from the model were presented. The percentage of coal flow directed towards the slag hopper was also noted.
Non-Axisymmetric Shroud Profiled Endwall Optimization of an Embedded Stator and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Hu Jun , Jiang Chao , Li Jun
Published: February 2020

Turbomachinery has been widely used in the energy systems as an energy conversion device, such as gas turbine and aero-engine. The losses in the turbomachinery, especially in the multi-stage conditions, restrict the energy conversion efficiency and corresponding fuel economy. Previous studies show that non-axisymmetric endwall could be used to decrease the losses in compressors, but the real effects in the rig tests are usually inconsistent with the numerical simulation. In this paper, a shroud profiled endwall optimization method with the strategy of local loss as the objective function is proposed, aiming at reducing the tip loss of an embedded stator under the operating point. The traditional total loss coefficient and four local loss functions are studied to investigate how the objective functions influence the optimization results. Three optimized endwall geometries are tested in the embedded test platform. It showed that the strategy of loss coefficient above 90% span as the objective function was best at decreasing the stator loss in the tip region as well as the whole span. Under this strategy, the loss above 90% span was suppressed by 48.17% and the loss of the whole span decreased 9.27%, which proved the PEW optimization design method with the strategy of local loss as the objective function is potential.
Simulating the Effect of Torrefaction on the Heating Value of Barley Straw
Authors: Sidiras Dimitrios K. , Nazos Antonios G. , Giakoumakis Georgios E. , Politi Dorothea V.
Published: February 2020

Many recent studies focused on the research of thermal treated biomass in order to replace fossil fuels. These studies improved the knowledge about pretreated lignocellulosics contribution to achieve the goal of renewable energy sources, reducing CO2 emissions and limiting climate change. They participate in renewable energy production so that sustainable consumption and production patterns can by ensured by meeting Goals 7 and 12 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To this end, the subject of the present study relates to the enhancement of the thermal energy content of barley straw through torrefaction. At the same time, the impact of the torrefaction process parameters, i.e., time and temperature, was investigated and kinetic models were applied in order to fit the experimental data using the severity factor, R0, which combines the effect of the temperature and the time of the torrefaction process into a single reaction ordinate. According to the results presented herein, the maximum heating value was achieved at the most severe torrefaction conditions. Consequently, torrefied barley straw could be an alternative renewable energy source as a coal substitute or an activated carbon low cost substitute (with/without activation treatment) within the biorefinery and the circular economy concept.
Clustering-Based Self-Imputation of Unlabeled Fault Data in a Fleet of Photovoltaic Generation Systems
Authors: Park Sunme , Park Soyeong , Kim Myungsun , Hwang Euiseok
Published: February 2020

This work proposes a fault detection and imputation scheme for a fleet of small-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, where the captured data includes unlabeled faults. On-site meteorological information, such as solar irradiance, is helpful for monitoring PV systems. However, collecting this type of weather data at every station is not feasible for a fleet owing to the limitation of installation costs. In this study, to monitor a PV fleet efficiently, neighboring PV generation profiles were utilized for fault detection and imputation, as well as solar irradiance. For fault detection from unlabeled raw PV data, K-means clustering was employed to detect abnormal patterns based on customized input features, which were extracted from the fleet PVs and weather data. When a profile was determined to have an abnormal pattern, imputation for the corresponding data was implemented using the subset of neighboring PV data clustered as normal. For evaluation, the effectiveness of neighboring PV information was investigated using the actual rooftop PV power generation data measured at several locations in the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) campus. The results indicate that neighboring PV profiles improve the fault detection capability and the imputation accuracy. For fault detection, clustering-based schemes provided error rates of 0.0126 and 0.0223, respectively, with and without neighboring PV data, whereas the conventional prediction-based approach showed an error rate of 0.0753. For imputation, estimation accuracy was significantly improved by leveraging the labels of fault detection in the proposed scheme, as much as 18.32% reduction in normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) compared with the conventional scheme without fault consideration.
Novel Uninterruptible Phase-Separation Passing and Power Quality Compensation Scheme Based on Modular Multilevel Converter for Double-Track Electrified Railway
Authors: Tian Xu , Li Xingcheng , Zhou Zibo
Published: February 2020

Over-voltage and over-current problems of locomotives when passing phase separation and negative sequence current penetration seriously influence the safety of double-track electrified railway and public power systems. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes a novel uninterruptible power supply phase separation passing and power quality compensation (UPSP-PQC) scheme for double-track electrified railway. Three working modes of UPSP-PQC are put forward, including uninterruptible phase separation passing mode, power quality compensation mode and uninterruptible phase separation passing priority, and power quality compensation optimum mode. A three-leg modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology of UPSP-PQC is proposed and the corresponding control strategy has been studied. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is performed to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed scheme and its control method.
Emissions Control of Hydrochloric and Fluorhydric Acid in cement Factories from Romania
Authors: Voicu Gheorghe , Ciobanu Cristian , Istrate Irina Aura , Tudor Paula
Published: February 2020

From the available statistical data, cement factories co-process a range of over 100 types of waste (sorted both industrial and household) being authorized for their use as combustion components in clinker ovens. Therefore, the level of emissions is different depending on the type of fuels and waste used. The amount of industrial and municipal co-processed waste in the Romanian cement industry from 2004 to 2013 was about 1,500,000 tons, the equivalent of municipal waste generated in a year for 18 cities with over 250,000 inhabitants. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the emission level of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) at the clinker kilns at two cement factories in Romania for different annual time intervals and to do a comparative analysis, to estimate their compliance with legislation in force. The measurements results showed average emission levels of about 0.578 mg/Nm3 for HCl and about 0.100 mg/Nm3 for HF, in the first hours of the evening, but decreased at the beginning of the third tour, at about 0.385 mg/Nm3 for HCl, respectively, to about 0.085 mg/Nm3 for HF. The evolution of HCl and HF emission levels during the last 4 years showed a variable distribution of these acids.
Hypothetical Interventions on Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults: An Application of the Parametric G-Formula
Authors: Zhou Zi , Cai Lun , Fu Jian , Han Yaofeng , Fang Ya
Published: February 2020

The effects of psychosocial and dietary interventions on risk of cognitive impairment is not known. The aim of this study was to estimate the 10-year risks of cognitive impairment under hypothetical interventions of psychosocial factors and dietary intake among Chinese older adults. A sample of 7377 respondents aged 65 and over was drawn from the last four waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2002 to 2011/2012. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the risk of cognitive impairment under independent hypothetical interventions of social engagement, psychological well-being (PWB), dietary intake, and the joint interventions of their different combination. The observed risk of cognitive impairment was 20.08% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.81, 21.07). The risk ratios (RR) of cognitive impairment under the hypothetical interventions on higher social engagement, eating fruits at least sometimes, eating vegetables at least sometimes, positive PWB were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.82), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.95), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99), respectively. The RR of joint intervention was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.73). Hypothetical interventions on psychosocial factors such as social engagement and PWB, as well as fruits and vegetable intake, were beneficial to protect older adults from cognitive impairment.
Environmental Particulate Matter Levels during 2017 Large Forest Fires and Megafires in the Center Region of Portugal: A Public Health Concern?
Authors: Oliveira Marta , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Pereira Maria Carmo , Morais Simone
Published: February 2020

This work characterizes the dimension and the exceptionality of 2017 large- and mega-fires that occurred in the center region of Portugal through the assessment of their impact on the ambient levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), retrieved from local monitoring stations, and the associated public health risks. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were increased during the occurrence of large fires and megafires, with daily concentrations exceeding the European/national guidelines in 7–14 and 1–12 days of 2017 (up to 704 µg/m3 for PM10 and 46 µg/m3 for PM2.5), respectively. PM10 concentrations were correlated with total burned area (0.500 < r < 0.949; p > 0.05) and with monthly total burned area/distance2 (0.500 < r < 0.667; p > 0.05). The forest fires of 2017 took the life of 112 citizens. A total of 474 cases of hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases and 3524 cases of asthma incidence symptoms per 100,000 individuals at risk were assessed due to exposure to 2017 forest fires. Real-time and in situ PM methodologies should be combined with protection action plans to reduce public health risks. Portuguese rural stations should monitor other health-relevant pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds) released from wildfires to allow performing more robust and comprehensive measurements that will allow a better assessment of the potential health risks for the exposed populations.
A Multidimensional Questionnaire to Measure Career Satisfaction of Physicians: Validation of the Polish Version of the 4CornerSAT
Authors: Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Domagała Alicja , Dubas-Jakóbczyk Katarzyna , Polak Maciej
Published: February 2020

To study physicians’ satisfaction with a multidimensional approach, the 4CornerSAT questionnaire to measure the career satisfaction of physicians was conceptualized in English and later adapted into Polish. In this study, we aimed to test the reliability and validity of the adapted 4CornerSAT questionnaire in Poland and confirm its the tetra-dimensional structure. In 2018, physicians working in 15 Polish hospitals were invited to participate in a survey that included the Polish 4CornerSAT. We evaluated the questionnaire’s reliability by computing Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. We also computed a Pearson correlation coefficient between the reported global item of satisfaction and the standardized level of career satisfaction. A confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) tested the tetra-dimensional structure of the questionnaire in Polish. In total, 1003 physicians participated in this study. The questionnaire’s internal consistency and concurrent validity were optimal. In the CFA, good model fit indicators were observed. In conclusion, the Polish version of the 4CornerSAT demonstrated good psychometric properties. The adapted questionnaire has evidence of its validity and reliability in Poland to be used in further studies and to monitor physicians’ wellness as a health care system indicator. Our approach to adapt and validate this questionnaire could be replicated in other settings.
Examining the Feasibility and Acceptability of Valuing the Arabic Version of SF-6D in a Lebanese Population
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A. , Beyh Yara , El Harake Marwa Diab , Dawoud Dalia , Rowen Donna , Brazier John
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The SF-6D is a preference-based measure of health developed to generate utility values from the SF-36. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using the standard gamble (SG) technique to generate preference-based values for the Arabic version of SF-6D in a Lebanese population. Methods: The SF-6D was translated into Arabic using forward and backward translations. Forty-nine states defined by the SF-6D were selected using an orthogonal design and grouped into seven sets. A gender-occupation stratified sample of 126 Lebanese adults from the American University of Beirut were recruited to value seven states and the pits using SG. The sample size is appropriate for a pilot study, but smaller than the sample required for a full valuation study. Both interviewers and interviewees reported their understanding and effort levels in the SG tasks. Mean and individual level multivariate regression models were fitted to estimate preference weights for all SF-6D states. The models were compared with those estimated in the UK. Results: Interviewers reported few problems in completing SG tasks (0.8% with a lot of problems) and good respondent understanding (5.6% with little effort and concentration), and 25% of respondents reported the SG task was difficult. A total of 992 SG valuations were useable for econometric modeling. There was no significant change in the test–retest values from 21 subjects. The mean absolute errors in the mean and individual level models were 0.036 and 0.050, respectively, both of which were lower than the UK results. The random effects model adequately predicts the SG values, with the worst state having a value of 0.322 compared to 0.271 in the UK. Conclusion: This pilot confirmed that it was feasible and acceptable to generate preference values with the SG method for the Arabic SF-6D in a Lebanese population. However, further work is needed to extend this to a more representative population, and to explore why no utility values below zero were observed.
Mental Recovery and Running-Related Injuries in Recreational Runners: The Moderating Role of Passion for Running
Authors: de Jonge Jan , Balk Yannick , Taris Toon
Published: February 2020

This pilot study investigates the moderating role of passion for running in the relation between mental recovery from running and running-related injuries (RRIs). We predict that the relation between recovery and injuries is dependent on the level of passion. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 246 Dutch recreational runners. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the negative association between mental recovery after running and RRIs is moderated (i.e., strengthened) by harmonious passion. Put differently, runners who are able to mentally recover well after running were less likely to report RRIs in the case of harmonious passion. Additionally, findings demonstrated that obsessively passionate runners were more likely to report RRIs. Passionate runners may benefit from education programs to help them integrate running more harmoniously with other aspects of life, and to prevent injuries. In addition, they should be educated about the crucial role of appropriate mental recovery from running. Considering mental aspects in running such as mental recovery from running and passion for running seems to be worthwhile to gain a better understanding of the incidence and/or prevalence of RRIs. Future (quasi-experimental) studies should investigate the issues raised here more profoundly.
Physical Fitness in Upper Austrian Children Living in Urban and Rural Areas: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with More Than 18,000 Children
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens , Hinterkörner Franz , Greier Klaus
Published: February 2020

Physical fitness is an important component in the development and health of children and adolescents. Given the equivocal results of previous research regarding the influence of the living environment on physical fitness, this study examined differences in physical fitness in urban and rural elementary school children in Upper Austria. A total of 18,168 (51% male) children between 6 and 11 years of age participated in anthropometric assessments and completed eight fitness tests that assessed cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular power, speed, agility, flexibility, and ball handling skills during a single test session in the school’s gymnasium. Urban living environment was associated with higher body weight (p = 0.01) and lower physical fitness (p < 0.01), except for flexibility, which was better in urban children (p < 0.01) and upper body strength (no difference), even after accounting for differences in body weight. Furthermore, it was shown that urban–rural differences in physical fitness are more pronounced in normal weight children and that these differences increase with age. These results highlight the potential of the living environment for the promotion of an active lifestyle that enhances physical fitness. The availability of safe spaces that facilitate unstructured and structured physical activity, as well as active transportation provide viable options for the promotion of physical fitness in children.
Agile Six Sigma in Healthcare: Case Study at Santobono Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Improta Giovanni , Guizzi Guido , Ricciardi Carlo , Giordano Vincenzo , Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Converso Giuseppe , Triassi Maria
Published: February 2020

Healthcare is one of the most complex systems to manage. In recent years, the control of processes and the modelling of public administrations have been considered some of the main areas of interest in management. In particular, one of the most problematic issues is the management of waiting lists and the consequent absenteeism of patients. Patient no-shows imply a loss of time and resources, and in this paper, the strategy of overbooking is analysed as a solution. Here, a real waiting list process is simulated with discrete event simulation (DES) software, and the activities performed by hospital staff are reproduced. The methodology employed combines agile manufacturing and Six Sigma, focusing on a paediatric public hospital pavilion. Different scenarios show that the overbooking strategy is effective in ensuring fairness of access to services. Indeed, all patients respect the times dictated by the waiting list, without “favouritism”, which is guaranteed by the logic of replacement. In a comparison between a real sample of bookings and a simulated sample designed to improve no-shows, no statistically significant difference is found. This model will allow health managers to provide patients with faster service and to better manage their resources.
Associations Between Screen Exposure in Early Life and Myopia amongst Chinese Preschoolers
Authors: Yang Gui-You , Huang Li-Hua , Schmid Katrina L. , Li Chen-Guang , Chen Jing-Yi , He Guan-Hao , Liu Li , Ruan Zeng-Liang , Chen Wei-Qing
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to explore the association between screen exposure in early life and preschool myopia. During the baseline survey of the Longhua Child Cohort Study (LCCS), data of 29,595 preschoolers were collected via a caregiver-reported questionnaire regarding children’s socio-demographic characteristics, visual status, screen exposure and relevant parental information. Data of 26,433 preschoolers with normal eyesight or myopia were included in the analysis and cox regression modelling was employed to assess the associations. Results suggested the hypothesis that screen exposure in early life could be significantly and positively associated with preschool myopia, and in agreement with this hypothesis was the association being strengthened with the increasing daily exposure duration and total years of exposure; in the stratification analysis based on the presence of parental myopia, these associations still existed, and the strength of associations was stronger in preschoolers with myopic parents than those without. Moreover, a statistically significant association was only observed between initial screen exposure that occurred during 0–1-years old and myopia for preschoolers without myopic parents, while the significant associations were observed between initial screen exposure that occurred during 0–1, 1–2, 2–3, and after 3 years old and myopia for preschoolers who had myopic parents, with the strongest association found in the group of children initially exposed to electronic screens during 0–1 year old. Thus our findings indicated the hypothesis that screen exposure in early life might be associated with the occurrence of preschool myopia, and that the postnatal first year might be the sensitive period for the association. However, it is premature to conclude that early screen time leads to myopia with current data. Further longitudinal studies performed with cycloplegia are necessary to verify the hypothesis and shed light on the more urgent question whether early screen exposure contributes to the later myopia epidemic of school-aged children.
A Larger Ecology of Family Sexuality Communication: Extended Family Perspectives on Relationships, Sexual Orientation, and Positive Aspects of Sex
Authors: Grossman Jennifer M. , Nagar Anmol , Charmaraman Linda , Richer Amanda M.
Published: February 2020

Extended family can be a resource for conversations about sex, but extended family perspectives have been largely left out of existing research. The present study investigates how extended family, such as aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins, perceive communication with teens in their families about sex. A thematic analysis was conducted with data from interviews in the U.S. with 39 extended family members, primarily siblings, who reported talk with teens in their families about sex. The analyses identified one theme focused on perspectives surrounding what is most important for teens to know about sex and relationships and seven themes focused on the content of conversations with teens about sex. The most prevalent content areas were: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships (87%), Sexual Orientation (82%), Sexual Behavior (82%), and Protection (74%). The findings highlight extended family members’ unique roles in supporting the sexual health of teens in their families, which include providing information and support about issues other family members may not address, such as sexual orientation and the positive aspects of sex. The findings suggest the need to include extended family in sex education interventions to reflect the broader ecology of teens’ family relationships and access an underutilized resource for teens’ sexual health.
The Perceived Ability of Gastroenterologists, Hepatologists and Surgeons Can Bias Medical Decision Making
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Evans Dylan , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Piscaglia Fabio , Maroni Lorenzo , Odaldi Federica , Ercolani Giorgio
Published: February 2020

Medical errors are a troubling issue and physicians should be careful to scrutinize their own decisions, remaining open to the possibility that they may be wrong. Even so, doctors may still be overconfident. A survey was here conducted to test how medical experience and self-confidence can affect physicians working in the specific clinical area. Potential participants were contacted through personalized emails and invited to contribute to the survey. The “risk-intelligence” test consists of 50 statements about general knowledge in which participants were asked to indicate how likely they thought that each statement was true or false. The risk-intelligence quotient (RQ), a measure of self-confidence, varies between 0 and 100. The higher the RQ score, the better the confidence in personal knowledge. To allow for a representation of 1000 physicians, the sample size was calculated as 278 respondents. A total of 1334 individual emails were sent to reach 278 respondents. A control group of 198 medical students were also invited, of them, 54 responded to the survey. The mean RQ (SD)of physicians was 61.1 (11.4) and that of students was 52.6 (9.9). Assuming age as indicator of knowledge, it was observed that physicians ≤34 years had a mean RQ of 59.1 (10.1); those of 35–42 years had 61.0 (11.0); in those of 43–51 years increased to 62.9 (12.2); reached a plateau of 63.0 (11.5) between 52–59 years and decreased to 59.6 (12.1) in respondents ≥60 years (r2:0.992). Doctors overestimate smaller probabilities and under-estimate higher probabilities. Specialists in gastroenterology and hepato-biliary diseases suffer from some degree of self-confidence bias, potentially leading to medical errors. Approaches aimed at ameliorating the self-judgment should be promoted more widely in medical education.
Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Peripheral Blood Flow, Vibrotactile Perception and Balance in Older Adults
Authors: Mahbub M. H. , Hase Ryosuke , Yamaguchi Natsu , Hiroshige Keiichi , Harada Noriaki , Bhuiyan A. N. M. Nurul Haque , Tanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2020

Background: Non-invasive application of whole-body vibration (WBV) has the potential for inducing improvements in impaired peripheral circulation, cutaneous sensation and balance among older adults. However, relevant studies have frequently applied high magnitudes of vibration and show conflicting and inconclusive results. Therefore, we attempted to ascertain the acute responses in those parameters from exposure of thirty older subjects to WBV of three different magnitudes, defined according to ISO 2631-1 (1997). Methods: Each subject randomly underwent four sessions of intervention (three bouts of 1 min exposure with 1 min between-bout rests): WBV at 15, 20, or 25 Hz with a peak-to-peak displacement of 4 mm, or control condition. Results: Both during and after intervention, dorsal foot skin blood flow increased significantly under 20 and 25 Hz exposure conditions with greater responses under the latter condition, the magnitude of which slightly exceeded the recommended value. Plantar vibrotactile perception showed significant increases after WBV exposure with overall greater responses under higher frequencies of vibration. In contrast, no WBV-induced change in balance was observed. Conclusions: WBV at 20 Hz with a magnitude within the recommended limit can be effective in inducing enhancements in peripheral blood flow; however, the same magnitude of vibration seems insufficient in improving balance among older adults.