bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory-Based Molecular Modeling: Verification of Decisive Roles of Van der Waals Aggregation of Triiodide Ions for Effective Electron Transfer in Wet-Type N3-Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yanagisawa Susumu , Yanagida Shozo
Published: June 2020

Density functional theory-based molecular modeling (DFT/MM) validates that KI and I2 undergo exothermic van der Waals (vdW) aggregation in acetonitrile (AN) or in the presence of 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP), forming potassium triiodide (KI3) and, further mutual vdW aggregation leads to the formation of (KI3)2 and AN, (KI3)2 and (AN)2 and (KI3)2 and TBP in the AN-based Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) electrolytes. All KI3 aggregates have a very low energy gap, 0.17 eV, 0.14 eV and 0.05 eV of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) + 1 and LUMO, respectively, verifying efficient electron diffusion in μm-thick DSSC electrolytes. Hydrogen-bonding aggregation of anatase TiO2 model, Ti9O18H and OH, with N3 (proton) dye is also validated by DFT/MM, and the energy structure verifies unidirectional electron flow from highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) on thiocyanide (SCN) groups of N3 dye to LUMO on the TiO2 model at the aggregates. Further, DFT/MM for the aggregation of K+I3− with N3 verifies the most exothermic formation of the aggregate of N3 (proton) and K+I3−. The UV-Vis spectra of N3 (proton) and K+I3− is consistent with reported incident photocurrent efficiency (IPCE) action spectra (λ = 450–800 nm) of N3-sensitized DSSC, verifying that the N3 dye of N3 (proton) and K+I3− becomes an effective sensitizer in the anode / TiO2 / N3 (proton) / KI/I2 / acetonitrile (AN) / cathode structured DSSC. The energy structure of LUMO and LUMO + 1 of the aggregates, Ti9O18H and OH and N3 (proton), N3 and K+I3−, (KI3)2 and AN and (KI3)2 and TBP verifies high IPCE photocurrent and effective electron diffusion via KI3-aggregates in the DSSC of Ti9O18H and OH and N3 (proton) and K+I3−.
Underwater Noise Emission Due to Offshore Pile Installation: A Review
Authors: Tsouvalas Apostolos
Published: June 2020

The growing demand for renewable energy supply stimulates a drastic increase in the deployment rate of offshore wind energy. Offshore wind power generators are usually supported by large foundation piles that are driven into the seabed with hydraulic impact hammers or vibratory devices. The pile installation process, which is key to the construction of every new wind farm, is hindered by a serious by-product: the underwater noise pollution. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art computational methods to predict the underwater noise emission by the installation of foundation piles offshore including the available noise mitigation strategies. Future challenges in the field are identified under the prism of the ever-increasing size of wind turbines and the emerging pile driving technologies.
Effect of Land Use/Cover Changes on Urban Cool Island Phenomenon in Seville, Spain
Authors: Jadraque Gago Eulalia , Etxebarria Berrizbeitia Saioa , Pacheco Torres Rosalía , Muneer Tariq
Published: June 2020

This paper analyses Seville’s surface urban heat island (SUHI) phenomenon, comparing spatial and temporal patterns of land surface temperature (LST) during July 1987, 2000 and 2017. Landsat data captured throughout three July months were analyzed for the different years, techniques of geographic information systems, ecological variables and geospatial approaches and used to carry out the analysis. The results indicate that from 1987 to 2017, the averaged LST has increased by 9.1 °C in the studied area. The urban areas are colder than their surroundings, suggesting the role of baresoil and cultivated land in the reversal of the SUHI phenomenon. The results show that a fraction of green space has a high unstandardized coefficient (β) through the three time periods. A decreasing trend is also observed in the standardized β “fraction of impervious surface” in the three time periods. The linear regression analysis shows a negative relationship of mean LST with impervious surface fraction due to the presence of shadows projected by buildings, and a positive relationship with green space fraction caused by the influence of baresoil and cultivated land that inverts the LST behavior pattern. The study concludes that there is a need to implement SUHI mitigation strategies during the initial phases of engineering projects where the origin of this problem can be acted upon, since the process of creating streets and public space offers a valuable opportunity to restore the environmental quality and diminish the effects generated by climate change.
Current State and Future Prospective of Repowering Wind Turbines: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Fuchs Clemens , Kasten Joachim , Vent Maxi
Published: June 2020

For over two decades, the construction of wind turbines in Germany has been supported by guaranteed feed-in tariffs determined by the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the primary goal of which is climate protection, in addition to reducing the country’s dependence on the import of (finitely available) fossil fuels. After China and the United States, Germany ranks third worldwide in the production of wind energy. The number of onshore wind turbines in Germany has risen to approximately 30,000 plants, of which approximately 10,000 wind turbines will fall out of the guaranteed EEG funding window in the next one to two years. There are basically two alternatives for these wind turbines: either continuing operations, with the sale of electricity at relatively low and fluctuating electricity stock prices, or repowering, which opens access to the fixed feed-in tariffs for another 20 years. However, repowering has the disadvantages that an approval process must be carried out and the investor must participate in a tender. There is no guarantee for the granting of a building permit; economically feasible operations also depend on the fact that one can win a contract without the submitted price being set too low. This area of tension is illustrated by a wind farm in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and analysed economically. The investment in new, more efficient, and larger wind turbines currently promises a high return. The profitability of the investment in wind turbines is determined using the net present value (NPV) method. In addition, a risk analysis is carried out using stochastic simulation. As a result, the feed-in tariff contributes to over 95% of the variance in the net present value (NPV).
Hydrodynamic Optimization for Design of a Submersible Axial-Flow Pump with a Swept Impeller
Authors: Kim Youn-Sung , Heo Man-Woong , Shim Hyeon-Seok , Lee Bong-Soo , Kim Dong-Hwan , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: June 2020

Submersible pumps are now in high demand due to the sporadic occurrence of recent torrential rains. The current study was carried out to investigate the hydraulic characteristics of a submersible axial-flow pump with a swept impeller and to optimize the impeller and diffuser shapes of the pump to enhance the hydraulic performance. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved with the shear stress transport turbulence model. The governing equations were discretized using the finite volume method, and unstructured tetrahedral and hexahedral meshes were used in the grid system. The optimal grid system was selected through a grid dependency test. A performance test for the submersible axial-flow pump was carried out experimentally, and the results of the numerical analysis were validated against the experimental results. The hydraulic efficiency and the total head were used as objective functions. For the first optimization, a multi-objective optimization was carried out to simultaneously improve the objective functions through a hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithm coupled with a response surface approximation by varying the swept angle and pitch angle of the blades of the rotating impeller. The second multi-objective optimization was performed using two design variables, i.e., the inlet angle and the length of the diffuser vanes, to simultaneously increase the objective functions. Clustered optimum designs in the Pareto optimal solutions yielded significant increases in the objective function values as compared with the reference design.
Oil Price and Energy Depletion Nexus in GCC Countries: Asymmetry Analyses
Authors: Alkhateeb Tarek Tawfik Yousef , Mahmood Haider
Published: June 2020

Oil price has played a prominent role in oil exporter economies and may also affect energy depletion in oil-dependent countries. Considering asymmetry, the relationship between oil price (OP) and energy depletion has been investigated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region from 1970 to 2017. We find asymmetrical positive effects of OP on the energy depletion in the panel of the GCC region. To avoid aggregation biasness in the panel estimates, we also conduct a time-series analysis on each GCC country. We find a positive impact of increasing OP on the energy depletion in six GCC countries, and this effect is found to be elastic in the case of all countries except for Kuwait. Positive effects of decreasing OP on the depletion are also found in all the GCC countries, and these effects are found to be elastic or unit elastic in the case of all countries except Saudi Arabia. Asymmetry in the relationship of oil price and energy depletion is established for Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in terms of the different magnitude of effects.
Patent Analysis of High Efficiency Tunneling Oxide Passivated Contact Solar Cells
Authors: Tsai Chieh-Wa , Liu Tung-Kuan , Hsueh Po-Wen
Published: June 2020

High efficiency tunneling oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell is the traditional PN junction structure, combined the advantages of using a thin film of the passivated silicon surface to separate the metal from the silicon wafer. In this study, the patent analysis of high efficiency TOPCon solar cell is presented. The structure and process technology of TOPCon solar cell were analyzed first, which is used as the basis for the key words of the patent search. The patent management chart analysis is provided, and then the patent portfolio of the main research countries and important manufacturers on the research subject can be recognized. Moreover, the technology-function matrix analysis is used to comprehend the technical development trend of the research topic. The results indicate the TOPCon solar cell technology currently entered into the maturity stage in 2019, and the companies with the top three number of patents are LG Electronics, SunPower, and SolarCity (which was acquired by Tesla in 2016). SunPowern is the earliest patent assignee, and LG Electronics is the follower, while its patent outputs are heavily concentrated after 2014. Patent technology-function matrix found the development focus of the device-related technologies are tunneling oxide and polycrystalline silicon, with a total of 21 patents, and the development focus of process-related technologies are the process of tunneling oxide layers and the process of polysilicon film. Based on the analysis results, the future development prospects of the research topic and the direction of patent portfolio are evaluated.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Characteristics of Ag2Se Nanoparticle Thin Films by Embedding Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Yang Seunggen , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: June 2020

A solution-processable Ag2Se nanoparticle thin film (NPTF) is a prospective thermoelectric material for plastic-based thermoelectric generators, but its low electrical conductivity hinders the fabrication of high performance plastic-based thermoelectric generators. In this study, we design Ag2Se NPTFs embedded with silicon nanowires (SiNWs) to improve their thermoelectric characteristics. The Seebeck coefficients are −233 and −240 µV/K, respectively, for a Ag2Se NPTF alone and a Ag2Se NPTF embedded with SiNWs. For the Ag2Se NPTF embedded with SiNWs, the electrical conductivity is improved from 0.15 to 18.5 S/m with the embedment of SiNWs. The thermal conductivities are determined by a lateral thermal conductivity measurement for nanomaterials and the thermal conductivities are 0.62 and 0.84 W/(m·K) for a Ag2Se NPTF alone and a Ag2Se NPTF embedded with SiNWs, respectively. Due to the significant increase in the electrical conductivity and the insignificant increase in its thermal conductivity, the output power of the Ag2Se NPTF embedded with SiNWs is 120 times greater than that of the Ag2Se NPTF alone. Our results demonstrate that the Ag2Se NPTF embedded with SiNWs is a prospective thermoelectric material for high performance plastic-based thermoelectric generators.
Bidirectional Coupling Model of Electromagnetic Field and Thermal Field Applied to the Thermal Analysis of the FSPM Machine
Authors: Wang Jingxia , Hu Yusheng , Cheng Ming , Li Biao , Chen Bin
Published: June 2020

The paper aimed to find an accurate and fast model to study the electromagnetic (EM) thermal (TH) filed coupling calculation for the TH analysis in the flux switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine. It is extremely important to know the coupling mechanism between the EM field and TH field for the designers and users of the FSPM machines. Firstly, in order to study the EM properties of the silicon steel sheet with the temperature, the Epstein frame experiment was set up, where the effect of dc magnetic bias on the core loss is also considered. In order to save the computation time, the bidirectional coupling model based on 2D finite element (FE) EM field and 3D asymmetric minimum element TH field is established, and the steady state and transient TH fields are calculated, respectively. For the transient bidirectional coupling of EM field and TH field, a method based on the adaptive adjustment calculation step is adopted to improve the computing speed. The temperature rise experiment of the prototype was carried out to verify the accuracy of the proposed coupling model. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Analysis of Diesel Knock for High-Altitude Heavy-Duty Engines Using Optical Rapid Compression Machines
Authors: Wang Xiangting , Wei Haiqiao , Pan Jiaying , Hu Zhen , Zheng Zeyuan , Pan Mingzhang
Published: June 2020

In high altitude regions, affected by the low-pressure and low-temperature atmosphere, diesel knock is likely to be encountered in heavy-duty engines operating at low-speed and high-load conditions. Pressure oscillations during diesel knock are commonly captured by pressure transducers, while there is a lack of direct evidence and visualization images, such that its fundamental formation mechanism is still unclear. In this study, optical experiments on diesel knock with destructive pressure oscillations were investigated in an optical rapid compression machine. High-speed direct photography and simultaneous pressure acquisition were synchronically performed, and different injection pressures and ambient pressures were considered. The results show that for the given ambient temperature and pressure, diesel knock becomes prevalent at higher injection pressures where fuel spray impingement becomes enhanced. Higher ambient pressure can reduce the tendency to diesel knock under critical conditions. For the given injection pressure satisfying knocking combustion, knock intensity is decreased as ambient pressure is increased. Further analysis of visualization images shows diesel knock is closely associated with the prolonged ignition delay time due to diesel spray impingement. High-frequency pressure oscillation is caused by the propagation of supersonic reaction-front originating from the second-stage autoignition of mixture. In addition, the oscillation frequencies are obtained through the fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis.
Connecting Parking Facilities to the Electric Grid: A Vehicle-to-Grid Feasibility Study in a Railway Station’s Car Park
Authors: Garruto Ruben , Longo Michela , Yaïci Wahiba , Foiadelli Federica
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the impact of energy on the distribution network at the point of connection of an electric plant of a railway car parking facility in which charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) were installed. The objective is to identify a possible load curve of the simulated car park and, based on the principle of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, to develop an appropriate algorithm. Such an algorithm explores the possibility of a two-way energy flow between the connected vehicles and the electricity grid, and performs a peak shaving of the load curve of the plant under examination in order to avoid absorption peaks, which are usually difficult to manage when using the distribution system operator (DSO). The work also presents the coupling with a photovoltaic system designed specifically for the car park. The study results are presented after a summary of the current state of development of electric mobility, describing the various types of EVs, the charging infrastructure, and the possible applications in smart grids (SGs).
A Numerical Study for Performance Prediction of a Metal Hydride Thermal Energy Conversion System Elaborating the Superadiabatic Condition
Authors: Ham Suyun , Kang Sanggoo , Kim Kyu-Jung
Published: June 2020

In this study, we investigate a numerical-modeling method uniquely performing analyses of 50 different metal hydrides to find the optimized thermal effect. This paper presents a metal-hydride thermal energy conversion method, which offers an alternative approach to the traditional vapor-compression heat pump associated with conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The authors have developed an innovative heat pump applicable to non-vapor compression-based systems, which are in compliance with low-temperature heat source requirements for operation. The new heat pump has a high-energy savings potential for both heating and cooling that featured two different metal-hydrides, that are distributed inside parallel channels filled with porous media. Thermal energy conversion is developed as a set of successive thermal waves. The numerical-modeling results present the enhanced thermal effect, which is attained in a synchronous motion of the thermal waves and the heat source (or sink) inside paired porous media channels, which accompanies the phase transition in the succession of unit metal-hydride heat pumps. The results present in a form convenient for the prediction of thermal energy efficiency based on the proposed thermal-conversion method in real devices that were experimentally verified in previous work. The non-vapor technologies will be operational with low energy input, which makes it possible to utilize waste heat or low-level heat often found in the environment such as solar radiation, exhaust gas from a heat engine, or high-temperature fuel cell system.
Fatigue Life Assessment for Power Cables in Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Sobhaniasl Mohsen , Petrini Francesco , Karimirad Madjid , Bontempi Franco
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a procedure is proposed to determine the fatigue life of the electrical cable connected to a 5 MW floating offshore wind turbine, supported by a spar-buoy at a water depth of 320 m, by using a numerical approach that takes into account site-specific wave and wind characteristics. The effect of the intensity and the simultaneous actions of waves and wind are investigated and the outcomes for specific cable configurations are shown. Finally, the fatigue life of the cable is evaluated. All analyses have been carried out using the Ansys AQWA computational code, which is a commercial code for the numerical investigation of the dynamic response of floating and fixed marine structures under the combined action of wind, waves and current. Furthermore, this paper applies the FAST NREL numerical code for comparison with the ANSYS AQWA results.
Preface to “Physical Agents: Measurement Methods, Modelling and Mitigations”
Authors: Licitra Gaetano , Magnoni Mauro , D’Amore Giovanni
Published: June 2020

Physical agents (noise, vibration, ionizing, and non-ionizing radiation) are playing an increasing role in environmental protection and health [...]
Promoter and Terminator Optimization for DNA Methylation Targeting in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gardiner Jason , Zhao Jenny M. , Chaffin Kendall , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: June 2020

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark involved in gene regulation and silencing of transposable elements. The presence or absence of DNA methylation at specific sites can influence nearby gene expression and cause phenotypic changes that remain stable over generations. Recently, development of new technologies has enabled the targeted addition or removal of DNA methylation at specific sites of the genome. Of these new technologies, the targeting of the catalytic domain of Nicotiana tabacum DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (ntDRM2cd) offers a promising tool for the addition of DNA methylation as it can directly methylate DNA. However, the methylation targeting efficiency of constructs using ntDRM2cd thus far has been relatively low. Previous studies have shown that the use of different promoters or terminators can greatly improve genome-editing efficiencies. In this study, we systematically survey a variety of promoter and terminator combinations to identify optimal combinations to use when targeting the addition of DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
On the Data-Driven Modeling of Reactive Extrusion
Authors: Ibañez Ruben , Casteran Fanny , Argerich Clara , Ghnatios Chady , Hascoet Nicolas , Ammar Amine , Cassagnau Philippe , Chinesta Francisco
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the ability of different machine learning techniques, able to operate in the low-data limit, for constructing the model linking material and process parameters with the properties and performances of parts obtained by reactive polymer extrusion. The use of data-driven approaches is justified by the absence of reliable modeling and simulation approaches able to predict induced properties in those complex processes. The experimental part of this work is based on the in situ synthesis of a thermoset (TS) phase during the mixing step with a thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) phase in a twin-screw extruder. Three reactive epoxy/amine systems have been considered and anhydride maleic grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) has been used as compatibilizer. The final objective is to define the appropriate processing conditions in terms of improving the mechanical properties of these new PP materials by reactive extrusion.
Special Issue “Olfaction: From Genes to Behavior”
Authors: Soria-Gómez Edgar
Published: June 2020

The senses dictate how the brain represents the environment, and this representation is the basis of how we act in the world [...]
Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors in Women Aged 40 Years and Over in a Semi-Urban Region in Turkey: Relationships with Health Beliefs
Authors: Tarı Selçuk Kevser , Avcı Dilek , Yılmaz Dündar Gönül , Mercan Yeliz
Published: June 2020

In this study, we aimed to determine the breast cancer screening behavior of women and to investigate the relationship between health beliefs and screening behaviors. The study was cross-sectional. It was conducted between April 2017 and June 2017 with 416 women aged ≥40. The Sociodemographic Information Form and the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale were used to collect data. In the statistical analysis, the number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson chi-square test, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used. The rates for participating women performing breast self-examination, having clinical breast examination, and undergoing mammography were 11.8%, 8.9%, and 11.3%, respectively. Perceived susceptibility, seriousness, self-efficacy, benefits, health motivation, and perceived barriers were found to have strong associations with screening behaviors (p < 0.05). In this study, we found that few women performed breast self-examination, had clinical breast examination and mammography. In the present study, women perceived barriers related to both performing breast self-examination and undergoing mammography.
Is Job Involvement Enough for Achieving Job Satisfaction? The Role of Skills Use and Group Identification
Authors: Fernández-Salinero Samuel , García Collantes Ángel , Rodríguez Cifuentes Francisco , Topa Gabriela
Published: June 2020

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of job involvement over job satisfaction mediated through the professional skill use and moderated by group identification. The sample of the current research was composed of 420 subjects. The main results showed that job involvement was strongly related to skill use and group identification. Moreover, the interaction of job involvement and group identification is negatively related with skill use. Our results show that there is no statistically significant relationship between job involvement and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the use of skills is strongly related to job satisfaction. Lastly, we found that a strong group identification tends to harm job satisfaction values.
Comparisons of Dipstick Test, Urine Protein-to-Creatine Ratio, and Total Protein Measurement for the Diagnosis of Preeclampsia
Authors: Stefańska Katarzyna , Zieliński Maciej , Zamkowska Dorota , Adamski Przemysław , Jassem-Bobowicz Joanna , Piekarska Karolina , Jankowiak Martyna , Leszczyńska Katarzyna , Świątkowska-Stodulska Renata , Preis Krzysztof , Trzonkowski Piotr , Marek-Trzonkowska Natalia
Published: June 2020

Preeclampsia affects 2–5% of pregnant women and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to extensively evaluate proteinuria in women with preeclampsia and to determine the analytical sensitivity and specificity of and the cutoff values for urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) and total protein in 24 h urine samples. This study included 88 women. We used the urine dipstick test, UPCR, and total protein measurement in a 24 h urine sample. The patients were divided in gestational hypertension (GH, n = 44) and preeclampsia (PE, n = 44) groups. In the GH group, 25% (11/44) of the patients presented incidentally positive results. UPCR and total protein in 24 h urine specimens were increased in the GH group compared to the PE group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a UPCR cutoff of 30 mg/mmol as significant for preeclampsia, while the sensitivity and specificity were 89% (95% CI, 75–97) and 100% (95% CI, 87–100), respectively. In the 24 h urine protein test, sensitivity and specificity were 80% (95% CI, 61–92) and 100% (95% CI, 88–100), respectively, for the cutoff value of 0.26 g/24 h. In comparison to the other commonly used tests here considered, UPCR determination is a reliable, relatively faster, and equally accurate method for the quantitation of proteinuria, correlates well with 24 h urine protein estimations, and could be used as an alternative to the 24 h proteinuria test for the diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Identifying Social Network Conditions that Facilitate Sedentary Behavior Change: The Benefit of Being a “Bridge” in a Group-based Intervention
Authors: Gesell Sabina B. , de la Haye Kayla , Sommer Evan C. , Saldana Santiago J. , Barkin Shari L. , Ip Edward H.
Published: June 2020

Using data from one of the first trials to try to leverage social networks as a mechanism for obesity intervention, we examined which social network conditions amplified behavior change. Data were collected as part of a community-based healthy lifestyle intervention in Nashville, USA, between June 2014 and July 2017. Adults randomized to the intervention arm were assigned to a small group of 10 participants that met in person for 12 weekly sessions. Intervention small group social networks were measured three times; sedentary behavior was measured by accelerometry at baseline and 12 months. Multivariate hidden Markov models classified people into distinct social network trajectories over time, based on the structure of the emergent network and where the individual was embedded. A multilevel regression analysis assessed the relationship between network trajectory and sedentary behavior (N = 261). Being a person that connected clusters of intervention participants at any point during the intervention predicted an average reduction of 31.3 min/day of sedentary behavior at 12 months, versus being isolated [95% CI: (−61.4, −1.07), p = 0.04]. Certain social network conditions may make it easier to reduce adult sedentary behavior in group-based interventions. While further research will be necessary to establish causality, the implications for intervention design are discussed.
Monitoring and Assessment of Water Level Fluctuations of the Lake Urmia and Its Environmental Consequences Using Multitemporal Landsat 7 ETM+ Images
Authors: Nhu Viet-Ha , Mohammadi Ayub , Shahabi Himan , Shirzadi Ataollah , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Ahmad Baharin Bin , Chen Wei , Khodadadi Masood , Ahmadi Mehdi , Khosravi Khabat , Jaafari Abolfazl , Nguyen Hoang
Published: June 2020

The declining water level in Lake Urmia has become a significant issue for Iranian policy and decision makers. This lake has been experiencing an abrupt decrease in water level and is at real risk of becoming a complete saline land. Because of its position, assessment of changes in the Lake Urmia is essential. This study aims to evaluate changes in the water level of Lake Urmia using the space-borne remote sensing and GIS techniques. Therefore, multispectral Landsat 7 ETM+ images for the years 2000, 2010, and 2017 were acquired. In addition, precipitation and temperature data for 31 years between 1986 and 2017 were collected for further analysis. Results indicate that the increased temperature (by 19%), decreased rainfall of about 62%, and excessive damming in the Urmia Basin along with mismanagement of water resources are the key factors in the declining water level of Lake Urmia. Furthermore, the current research predicts the potential environmental crisis as the result of the lake shrinking and suggests a few possible alternatives. The insights provided by this study can be beneficial for environmentalists and related organizations working on this and similar topics.
The Loyalty of Tourism in Synagogues: The Special Case of the Synagogue of Córdoba
Authors: Jimber del Río Juan Antonio , Hernández-Rojas Ricardo David , Navajas-Romero Virginia , Hidalgo-Fernández Amalia
Published: June 2020

Tourism in synagogues is an activity which is increasing in popularity due to the current interest in cultural and patrimonial heritage. The synagogue in Córdoba has become an irreplaceable Jewish tourist destination in Spain due to its origins, construction, conservation, and recognition by international organizations. This article analyzes the loyalty of tourism in synagogues using variables such as satisfaction, loyalty and the expected and perceived value of the destination and the historical monument using a structural research equations methodology. No previous studies on tourism at synagogues using structural equations have been made. The data was obtained by means of a survey given to 350 tourists visiting this cultural heritage site. The results showed that there is strong loyalty to the heritage site as well as the destination.
Predictive Model of the Risk of In-Hospital Mortality in Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Based on the Minimum Basic Data Set
Authors: García-Torrecillas Juan Manuel , Olvera-Porcel María Carmen , Ferrer-Márquez Manuel , Rosa-Garrido Carmen , Rodríguez-Barranco Miguel , Lea-Pereira María Carmen , Rubio-Gil Francisco , Sánchez María-José
Published: June 2020

Background: Various models have been proposed to predict mortality rates for hospital patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. However, none have been developed in Spain using clinical administrative databases and none are based exclusively on the variables available upon admission. Our study aim is to detect factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and, on this basis, to generate a predictive mortality score. Methods: A population cohort for analysis was obtained as all hospital admissions for colorectal cancer during the period 2008–2014, according to the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set. The main measure was actual and expected mortality after the application of the considered mathematical model. A logistic regression model and a mortality score were created, and internal validation was performed. Results: 115,841 hospitalization episodes were studied. Of these, 80% were included in the training set. The variables associated with in-hospital mortality were age (OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.05–1.06), urgent admission (OR: 4.68, 95% CI: 4.36–5.02), pulmonary disease (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.28–1.60), stroke (OR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.53–2.29) and renal insufficiency (OR: 7.26, 95%CI: 6.65–7.94). The level of discrimination (area under the curve) was 0.83. Conclusions: This mortality model is the first to be based on administrative clinical databases and hospitalization episodes. The model achieves a moderate–high level of discrimination.
Translation of Exposure and Epidemiology for Risk Assessment: A Shifting Paradigm
Authors: LaKind Judy S. , Naiman Joshua , Burns Carol J.
Published: June 2020

Risk assessment is a well-established process used for various types of public health decision-making, such as setting chemical site clean-up levels, developing limits on exposures to chemicals in soil, water, air and food, and determining occupational exposure limits [...]
Injury Severity and Psychological Distress Sustained in the Aftermath of the Attacks of 11 September 2001 Predict Somatic Symptoms in World Trade Center Health Registry Enrollees Sixteen Years Later
Authors: Alper Howard E. , Gargano Lisa M. , Cone James E. , Brackbill Robert M.
Published: June 2020

The World Trade Center attacks of 11 September 2001 (9/11) have been associated with the subsequent development of chronic diseases. Few studies have investigated the burden of somatic symptoms on attack victims, or the association of such symptoms with exposure to the 9/11 attacks. World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) enrollees who were present south of Chambers Street during or immediately after the 9/11 attacks and who provided consistent answers regarding injury sustained on 9/11 were followed prospectively for up to 16 years post-9/11/01. We employed linear regression to evaluate the associations between injury severity, psychological distress and somatic symptoms in 2322 persons who completed all four Registry surveys and a subsequent Health and Quality of Life survey. Twenty-one percent of subjects had a “very high” burden of somatic symptoms, greater than in populations not exposed to a disaster. Somatic symptoms exhibited a dose-response association separately with injury severity and psychological distress trajectories. Victims of the 9/11 attacks suffer from a substantial burden of somatic symptoms which are associated with physical and psychological consequences of exposure to the attacks. Physical and mental health professionals need to work together when treating those exposed to complex disasters such as 9/11.
Health Belief, Behavior Intention, and Health Behaviors Related to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Taiwan
Authors: Lin I-Pei , Chung Ding-Tien , Lee Li-Yun , Hsu Hsiang-Ju , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: June 2020

Health belief and behavior intention affect subsequent health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of health belief, behavior intention, and health behavior, and to identify the factors related to health behaviors in adults receiving colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study recruited patients receiving a CRC screening from the cancer screening outpatient department of a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Demographic and health characteristics were recorded, and participants were assessed using Champion’s health belief model scale, cancer screening intention scale, and the health protective behavior scale. Of the 125 subjects (aged 49–75 years), 27.2% reported active screening; the rest passively received screening after doctor referral. Those who were doctor-referred had lower levels of health behavior, including general behavior, self-knowledge, and health care. Positive health behaviors related to CRC screening were associated with not smoking, greater seriousness in health belief, more confidence in health belief, consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and motivation for CRC screening; these factors explained 35.0% of the variance in positive health behaviors related to CRC screening. A comprehensive education program encouraging CRC cancer screening should include access to available resources and encourage positive health belief and behavior intention related to this important cancer screening activity.
Evaluation of Sleep Quality in a Disaster Evacuee Environment
Authors: Ogata Hitomi , Kayaba Momoko , Kaneko Miki , Ogawa Keiko , Kiyono Ken
Published: June 2020

We aimed to evaluate sleep and sleep-related physiological parameters (heart rate variability and glucose dynamics) among evacuees by experimentally recreating the sleep environment of evacuation shelters and cars. Nine healthy young male subjects participated in this study. Two interventions, modeling the sleep environments of evacuation shelters (evacuation shelter trial) and car seats (car trial), were compared with sleep at home (control trial). Physiological data were measured using portable two-channel electroencephalogram and electrooculogram monitoring systems, wearable heart rate sensors, and flash glucose monitors. Wake after sleep onset (WASO) and stage shift were greater in both intervention trials than the control trial, while rapid-eye movement (REM) latency and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) 1 were longer and REM duration was shorter in the evacuation shelter trial than the control trial. Glucose dynamics and power at low frequency (LF.p) of heart rate variability were higher in the car trial than in the control trial. It was confirmed that sleep environment was important to maintain sleep, and affected glucose dynamics and heart rate variability in the experimental situation.
Oral Health Attitudes among Preclinical and Clinical Dental Students in Germany
Authors: Mekhemar Mohamed , Conrad Jonas , Attia Sameh , Dörfer Christof
Published: June 2020

Oral health care providers are expected to show good examples of oral health behaviours and attitudes to their community. Previous studies displayed the constructive effect of dental education on oral hygiene manners of undergraduate students. The aim of this survey was to assess and compare aspects of oral health attitudes and behaviours between preclinical and clinical dental students in German universities. The German-language version of the HU-DBI was distributed to preclinical and clinical students from different German universities. Dichotomized (agree/disagree) responses to 20 HU-DBI items were provided in this study, with a maximum possible score of 19. A quantitative estimate of oral health attitudes and behaviours was provided by the total of appropriate answers given to every statement by each group. Data were analysed statistically. The overall mean score of answers favouring good oral hygiene was marginally higher in preclinical (14.62) than clinical students (14.31) but showed no statistical significance. Similarly, the analysis of each item individually displayed no statistically significant differences between preclinical and clinical participants, except in a single item of the survey. This study showed no effective differences in oral hygiene attitudes and behaviour between preclinical and clinical students in German universities. This reveals a weak effect of dental education on improving students’ oral health attitudes in Germany and might demand the introduction of more courses emphasizing the importance of correct oral health behaviour of health care providers.
Personnel Training Course for Businesses Regarding the Response to Stranded Persons Focusing on Vulnerable People from the Perspective of Business Continuity
Authors: Shibamura Yuki , Sudo Noriko , Mashiro Gengaku , Beppu Shigeru , Hakamata Risa , Saito Kanata
Published: June 2020

Businesses in urban areas have been required to accommodate stranded persons as temporary evacuation facilities during disasters. Regarding measures aimed at aiding stranded persons, aspects such as trust and the image of the business need to be considered. Therefore, in this study, a personnel training course was developed to smoothly take in stranded persons, and the outcomes of this training were evaluated by quizzes, entry sheets, and a questionnaire. This was a two-day and one-night course characterized by the use of role-play in which 20 participants experienced the series of processes that unfold during disasters, playing either the role of a stranded person or a facility member. This training included emergency food provision using real stockpiled food and accommodation training using actual bedding stored in a model facility. After the review, when the participants were taught the correct response for vulnerable people, their scores in the test regarding the points of caution in vulnerable people were significantly higher than those prior to the course, confirming that participants had acquired knowledge as a result. Furthermore, through training using real food and accommodation, the participants were able to understand victims’ requirements by experiencing the need for satisfactory emergency rations and comfortable bedding.
Predictors of Overnight and Emergency Treatment among Homeless Adults
Authors: Iwundu Chisom , Agrawal Pooja , Businelle Michael , Kendzor Darla , Reitzel Lorraine
Published: June 2020

High usage of emergency treatment and hospitalization has been reported among homeless individuals. Hence, this study aimed to identify the sociodemographic predictors associated with overnight and emergency hospital treatment among a sample of homeless adults. Participants were recruited from a shelter in Dallas, Texas (N = 354; Mage = 43.7 ± 11.7) and were predominantly uninsured, low-income men from various racial groups. The outcome variables were: (a) stayed overnight for treatment in a hospital; and (b) treated in a hospital emergency room. In logistic regression models, sex emerged as the only predictor of overnight treatment in a hospital (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.61–4.47), and treatment in an emergency room (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.34–3.65), such that women were more likely than men to be treated overnight and use emergency care. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to address homeless women’s primary care needs and reduce costlier treatment.
Handgrip Strength in Young Adults: Association with Anthropometric Variables and Laterality
Authors: Zaccagni Luciana , Toselli Stefania , Bramanti Barbara , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Mongillo Jessica , Rinaldo Natascia
Published: June 2020

The measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of an individual’s overall strength and can serve as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate whether HGS is associated with handedness in young adults and if it is influenced by anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and sport-related parameters. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample of 544 young Italian adults aged 18–30 years. We measured HGS using a dynamometer and collected data on handedness and physical activity, along with anthropometric measurements. In both sexes, the HGS of the dominant side was significantly greater than that of the non-dominant side. Furthermore, in ambidextrous individuals, the right hand was stronger than the left. A comparison between the lowest and the highest tercile of HGS highlighted its significant association with anthropometric and body composition parameters in both sexes. Moreover, sex, dominant upper arm muscle area, arm fat index, fat mass, and fat-free mass were found to be significant predictors of HGS by multiple regression analysis. Our findings suggest that HGS is especially influenced by body composition parameters and handedness category. Therefore, HGS can be used as a proxy for unhealthy conditions with impairment of muscle mass, provided that the dominance in the laterality of the subject under examination is taken into account.
A Simplified Protocol for Reversing Phenotypic Conversion of Ralstonia solanacearum during Experimentation
Authors: Sahu Pramod Kumar , Singh Shailendra , Gupta Amrita , Singh Udai B. , Paul Surinder , Paul Diby , Kuppusamy Pandiyan , Singh Harsh V. , Saxena Anil Kumar
Published: June 2020

Background: Ralstonia solanacearum has the problem of losing the virulence in laboratory conditions, during prolonged experimentation. Since pure colonies of R. solanacearum contain cell fractions differing in virulence, it was considered worthwhile to find a way of selecting the cells with lower attenuation. Therefore, a methodology for inducing virulent-type colonies occurrence in Ralstonia solanacearum was developed. Methods: Nutrient gradient was created by swabbing R. solanacearum culture in a slanted KMTTC medium, and Phyllanthus emblica extract was given by well diffusion. Live–dead cell imaging using BacLight, effects of ascorbic acid on cell viability, and production of virulence factors (exopolysaccharides, cellulase, and pectinase) supported this hypothesis. The tagging of R. solanacearum with green fluorescent protein and further confocal scanning laser microscopic visualization confirmed the colonization in vascular bundles of tomato. Results: P. emblica extract suppressed R. solanacearum initially in well diffusion, but further developed virulent-type colonies around the wells. Nutrient deprivation was found to have synergistic effects with P. emblica extract. The converted fluidal (virulent type) colonies could be able to colonize vascular bundles and cause wilting symptoms. Conclusion: This method will be useful in the laboratories working on biocontrol of R. solanacearum for maintaining virulent-type colonies. Moreover, it could form the basis for studies on the stability of phenotypic conversion and cell fractions in R. solanacearum.
Longitudinal Association of Built Environment Pattern with Physical Activity in a Community-Based Cohort of Elderly Hong Kong Chinese: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Lin Jie-Sheng , Chan Faye Ya-Fen , Leung Jason , Yu Blanche , Lu Zhi-Hui , Woo Jean , Kwok Timothy , Lau Kevin Ka-Lun
Published: June 2020

A large number of studies have focused on the associations between single built environment (BE) characteristics and physical activity (PA). Combinations of BE characteristics offer a more comprehensive approach to identify the BE–PA associations. We aimed to examine the BE–PA associations in a cohort of elderly Hong Kong Chinese. Between 2001 and 2003, 3944 participants (65–98 years of age) were recruited and followed for a mean of 7.8 years. BE characteristics were assessed via geographic information system. PA levels were obtained using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire at baseline and three follow-ups. Latent profile analysis was first conducted to classify the BE characteristics, and linear mixed-effects models were then used to explore the longitudinal associations between the BE classes and changes in the PA levels. Three classes of BE were identified. Class 3 (characterized by greater green space and sky view factor) demonstrated a significant decline in household PA (β = −1.26, 95% confidence interval: −2.20, −0.33) during the study period, and a slower decline in walking PA (1.19 (0.42, 1.95)) compared with Class 2 (characterized by a greater proportion of residential land use). Our results indicate that BE patterns characterized by high green space and a sky view factor may help promote the walking PA level.