bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Energy Management in an Intermittently Heated Building Using a Large Broiler House in Central Europe as an Example
Authors: Nawalany Grzegorz , Sokołowski Paweł
Published: March 2020

This paper deals with the problem of rational energy management in an intermittently heated broiler house. The aim was to evaluate the energy amount necessary to heat up the building floor for the production cycle, preceded by a technological interruption of varying length. The scope of studies included the indoor and outdoor air temperature measurements and the soil temperature measurements under the building floor. The results of field tests allowed computer simulations to be carried out in the WUFIplussoftware (Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, Holzkirchen Branch, Germany). The variant analysis was preceded by the validation of the calculation model whose results showed a strong correlation of theoretical data with actual results. The winter breeding cycle was analyzed in detail. The detailed soil and air temperature curves are presented graphically. The results allow a conclusion that the length of the technological interruption has a significant impact on the amount of energy in the first days of the broiler breeding. The extension of the technological interruption by seven days increases the amount of heating energy in the first day of the cycle by 24%. The extension of the technological interruption causes also the need for a longer floor heating in the first day of the cycle.
Validation of Novel PLL-driven PI Control Schemes on Supporting VSIs in Weak AC-Connections
Authors: Papageorgiou Panos C. , Krommydas Konstantinos F. , Alexandridis Antonio T.
Published: March 2020

The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in modern power systems has substantially changed the local control capabilities of the grid since the majority of DERs are connected through a controlled dc/ac inverter interface. Such long-distance located DER installations, usually represented by current regulated dc sources, can inject large amounts of power into the main ac grid at points where the strength of the ac connection is low. The efficient and stable performance of such a power scheme is related to the capability of the control applied to retain the power extraction close to the maximum and simultaneously to regulate the dc-side voltage as well as the ac-side voltage magnitude at the weak ac connection point. This is implemented by designing the controllers of the voltage source inverters (VSIs) in a manner that reliably satisfies the above tasks. To this end, decentralized cascaded control schemes, driven by novel, locally implemented phase locked loops (PLLs), suitable to work in weak ac connections, are proposed for the VSI performance regulation by using new fast inner-loop proportional-integral (PI) current controllers. A decisive innovation is proposed by inserting an extra damping term in the inner-loop controllers to guarantee stability and convergence to the desired equilibrium. This is analytically proven by a rigorous analysis based on the entire nonlinear system model, where advanced Lyapunov-based methods are deployed in detail. As a good transient response of the VSI interface is indeed critical for the energy and grid system management, the conducted simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed scheme efficiently supports the ac- and dc-side voltages of the VSI under different varying conditions in the power production or any voltage changes of the main grid.
Research on Multi-Domain Fault Diagnosis of Gearbox of Wind Turbine Based on Adaptive Variational Mode Decomposition and Extreme Learning Machine Algorithms
Authors: Li Hui , Fan Bangji , Jia Rong , Zhai Fang , Bai Liang , Luo Xingqi
Published: March 2020

Since variational mode decomposition (VMD) was proposed, it has been widely used in condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment. However, the parameters K and α in the VMD algorithm need to be set before decomposition, which causes VMD to be unable to decompose adaptively and obtain the best result for signal decomposition. Therefore, this paper optimizes the VMD algorithm. On this basis, this paper also proposes a method of multi-domain feature extraction of signals and combines an extreme learning machine (ELM) to realize comprehensive and accurate fault diagnosis. First, VMD is optimized according to the improved grey wolf optimizer; second, the feature vectors of the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains are calculated, which are synthesized after dimensionality reduction; ultimately, the synthesized vectors are input into the ELM for training and classification. The experimental results show that the proposed method can decompose the signal adaptively, which produces the best decomposition parameters and results. Moreover, this method can extract the fault features of the signal more completely to realize accurate fault identification.
Dynamic Stall Control around Practical Airfoil Using Nanosecond-Pulse-Driven Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators
Authors: Iwasaki Yuto , Nonomura Taku , Nankai Koki , Asai Keisuke , Kanno Shoki , Suzuki Kento , Komuro Atsushi , Ando Akira , Takashima Keisuke , Kaneko Toshiro , Yasuda Hidemasa , Hayama Kenji , Tsujiuchi Tomoka , Nakajima Tsutomu , Nakakita Kazuyuki
Published: March 2020

The flow control effects of a nanosecond-pulse-driven dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator (ns-DBDPA) in dynamic stall flow were experimentally investigated. The ns-DBDPA was installed on the leading edge of an airfoil model designed in the form of a helicopter blade. The model was oscillated periodically around 25% of the chord length. Aerodynamic coefficients were calculated using the pressure distribution, which was obtained by the measurement of the unsteady pressure by sensors inside the model. The flow control effect and its sensitivity to pitching oscillation and ns-DBDPA control parameters are discussed using the aerodynamic coefficients. The freestream velocity, the mean of the angle of attack, and the reduced frequency were employed as the oscillation parameters. Moreover, the nondimensional frequency of the pulse voltage, the peak pulse voltage, and the type and position of the ns-DBDPA were adopted as the control parameters. The result shows that the ns-DBDPA can decrease the hysteresis of the aerodynamic coefficients and a flow control effect is obtained in all cases. The flow control effect can be maximized by adopting the low nondimensional frequency of the pulse voltage.
A Self-Learning Detection Method of Sybil Attack Based on LSTM for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Yi-Ying , Shang Jing , Chen Xi , Liang Kun
Published: March 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the development direction of new energy vehicles in the future. As an important part of the Internet of things (IOT) communication network, the charging pile is also facing severe challenges in information security. At present, most detection methods need a lot of prophetic data and too much human intervention, so they cannot do anything about unknown attacks. In this paper, a self-learning-based attack detection method is proposed, which makes training and prediction a closed-loop system according to a large number of false information packets broadcast to the communication network. Using long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network training to obtain the characteristics of traffic data changes in the time dimension, the unknown malicious behavior characteristics are self-extracted and self-learning, improving the detection efficiency and quality. In this paper, we take the Sybil attack in the car network as an example. The simulation results show that the proposed method can detect the Sybil early attack quickly and accurately.
National Energy Transition Framework toward SDG7 with Legal Reforms and Policy Bundles: The Case of Taiwan and Its Comparison with Japan
Authors: Lin Mu-Xing , Liou Hwa Meei , Chou Kuei Tien
Published: March 2020

The main problem explored in this study is how Taiwan and other countries meet the challenges of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding energy transition by using legal instruments or policy bundles. This study adopts textual analysis and legal policy analysis as its main form of research methodology, and the theory of energy justice, as well as principles of energy management, to correlate with the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, this study aims to construct an analysis structure for national energy transition and to analyze the current situation within Taiwan’s electricity sector reforms, while providing evidence of the national experience of electrical industry reforms as an international reference. This study also compares the differences between the seventh Sustainable Development Goal relationship and national energy transitions in Taiwan and Japan, based on the similar initiative of the revised Electricity Act with the policy bundle. This study specifically finds that, firstly, the theory for energy justice is connected with the principles for energy management, owing to the same concepts of “Fair Competition”, via the recognition of “Energy Development and Poverty”, which correlates with “Environment Protection”. Therefore, the concept of energy transition proposed in this study integrates national energy development policy goals and combines them with environmental sustainability, the green economy, and social equity. Secondly, the national energy transition in Taiwan is a response to the Sustainable Development Goals, and electricity sector-related laws could be used as legal tools for national energy transition. This study concludes that Taiwanese and Japanese governments can strengthen their environmental regulations to promote fair competition directly, with fair competition then being able to enhance stable electricity supply, to enable these countries to move towards the seventh Sustainable Development Goal and its indicators. Finally, the analysis structure used in this study could be used as a policy analysis tool for other countries during their own energy transition, when a nation is willing to strategically reform its electricity sector and make sustainable choices regarding transition paths and policy bundles that are suitable for the situation of the individual country. Then, a nation can make revisions to its laws and formulate a policy that is in line with local conditions, while as simultaneously implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ramping of Demand Response Event with Deploying Distinct Programs by an Aggregator
Authors: Abrishambaf Omid , Faria Pedro , Vale Zita
Published: March 2020

System operators have moved towards the integration of renewable resources. However, these resources make network management unstable as they have variations in produced energy. Thus, some strategic plans, like demand response programs, are required to overcome these concerns. This paper develops an aggregator model with a precise vision of the demand response timeline. The model at first discusses the role of an aggregator, and thereafter is presented an innovative approach to how the aggregator deals with short and real-time demand response programs. A case study is developed for the model using real-time simulator and laboratory resources to survey the performance of the model under practical challenges. The real-time simulation uses an OP5600 machine that controls six laboratory resistive loads. Furthermore, the actual consumption profiles are adapted from the loads with a small-time step to precisely survey the behavior of each load. Also, remuneration costs of the event during the case study have been calculated and compared using both actual and simulated demand reduction profiles in the periods prior to event, such as the ramp period.
A Switched Quasi-Z-Source Inverter with Continuous Input Currents
Authors: Yuan Jing , Yang Yongheng , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: March 2020

Impedance source converters as single-stage power conversion alternatives can boost and regulate the output voltages of renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, they, also known as Z-source inverters (ZSIs), still suffer from limited voltage gains and higher stresses across the components. To tackle such issues, extra diodes, passive components, and active switches can be utilized in the basic ZSIs. In this paper, a modified switched-quasi-Z-source inverter (S-qZSI) is proposed, which features continuous input currents and high boosting capability to boost output voltage by minor modifications of a prior-art topology. Furthermore, the voltage stress of the active switches is reduced, which contributes to a lower cost. The operation principles are discussed comprehensively. The performance of the proposed ZSI in terms of conversion ratio, voltage gain, and stresses on the power switches and capacitors is benchmarked with selected ZSIs. Finally, simulations and experimental tests substantiate the theoretical analysis and superior performance.
Effect of Metal and Carbon Nanotube Additives on the Thermal Diffusivity of a Silica Gel-Based Adsorption Bed
Authors: Kulakowska Anna , Pajdak Anna , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Grabowska Karolina , Zylka Anna , Sosnowski Marcin , Wesolowska Marta , Sztekler Karol , Nowak Wojciech
Published: March 2020

This article presents a study of the effect of metal particle and carbon nanotube additives on the thermal diffusivity of a silica-gel-based adsorption bed of an adsorption chiller. The structural properties of silica gel and carbon nanotubes were investigated using the volumetric method of low-pressure nitrogen adsorption. Thermal characteristic tests of the prepared mixtures based on a silica gel with 5 wt% and 15 wt% of aluminum, copper, or carbon nanotubes were carried out. The obtained results show that all the materials used as additives in blends in this study achieved higher thermal diffusivities in comparison with the thermal diffusivity of the parent silica gel. However, the best effect was observed for the mixture with 15 wt% aluminum.
Applications of Wien Automatic System Planning (WASP) Model to Non-Standard Power System Expansion Problems
Authors: Zeljko Mladen , Aunedi Marko , Slipac Goran , Jakšić Dražen
Published: March 2020

This paper presents several applications of Wien Automatic System Planning (WASP) tool to address specific modeling challenges encountered in power system expansion planning problems. Although WASP has been used by power system planners around the world for many decades, its standard formulation does not allow the user to explicitly model many situations that can occur in realistic power systems. Examples of such situations include dual-fuel plants, options for electricity exports, energy exchange agreements with neighboring systems, and considering large generating units as candidates in relatively small-size systems. A number of alternative modeling solutions are proposed in the paper based on the authors’ long-term experience in carrying out generation expansion studies for electricity systems of various types and sizes. These solutions demonstrate the flexibility of using WASP to model atypical features of power systems.
New Cell Balancing Charging System Research for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zun Chan-Yong , Park Sang-Uk , Mok Hyung-Soo
Published: March 2020

With recent advancements in the electrical industry, the demand for high capacity and high energy density batteries has increased, subsequently increasing the demand for fast and reliable battery charging. A battery is an assembly of a plurality of cells, in which maintaining a balance between neighboring cells is crucial for stable charging. To this end, various methods have been applied to battery management systems. Representative methods for maintaining the balance in battery cells include a passive method of adjusting the balance using a resistor and an active method involving the exchange of energy between the cells. However, these methods are limited in terms of efficiency, lifespan, and charging time. Therefore, in this study, we propose a new charging method at the battery cell level and demonstrate its effectiveness through experiments.
Towards Developing an Automated Faults Characterisation Framework for Rotating Machines. Part 1: Rotor-Related Faults
Authors: Yunusa-Kaltungo Akilu , Cao Ruifeng
Published: March 2020

Rotating machines are pivotal to the achievement of core operational objectives within various industries. Recent drives for developing smart systems coupled with the significant advancements in computational technologies have immensely increased the complexity of this group of critical physical industrial assets (PIAs). Vibration-based techniques have contributed significantly towards understanding the failure modes of rotating machines and their associated components. However, the very large data requirements attributable to routine vibration-based fault diagnosis at multiple measurement locations has led to the quest for alternative approaches that possess the capability to reduce faults diagnosis downtime. Initiatives aimed at rationalising vibration-based condition monitoring data in order to just retain information that offer maximum variability includes the combination of coherent composite spectrum (CCS) and principal components analysis (PCA) for rotor-related faults diagnosis. While there is no doubt about the potentials of this approach, especially that it is independent of the number of measurement locations and foundation types, its over-reliance on manual classification made it prone to human subjectivity and lack of repeatability. The current study therefore aims to further enhance existing CCS capability in two facets—(1) exploration of the possibility of automating the process by testing its compatibility with various machine learning techniques (2) incorporating spectrum energy as a novel feature. It was observed that artificial neural networks (ANN) offered the most accurate and consistent classification outcomes under all considered scenarios, which demonstrates immense opportunity for automating the process. The paper describes computational approaches, signal processing parameters and experiments used for generating the analysed vibration data.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Solar Energy Potential for Domestic and Agricultural Utilization to Diminish Poverty in Jubek State, South Sudan, Africa
Authors: Gudo Adam Juma Abdallah , Belete Marye , Abubakar Ghali Abdullahi , Deng Jinsong
Published: March 2020

The study aimed to generate informative data on solar radiation in order to establish sustainable solar energy that will support domestic needs and agricultural production and processing industries in Jubek State, South Sudan. Solar radiation intensity, timely data variation, site landscape, and environment were considered. Input data used was remotely sensed data, digital elevation model, land used land cover (LULC) processed with Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS). The spatio-temporal distribution analysis results show that (62%) 11,356.7 km2 of the study area is suitable for solar energy farm with an annual potential of about 6.05 × 109 GWh/year out of which only 69.0158 GW h/year is required to meet the local demand of 492,970 people residing in the study area, i.e., 0.11% (1249.2 km2) of Jubek State. Solar energy required for producing and processing 1 ton of different crop ranges between 58.39 × 10−6 and 1477.9 × 10−6 GWh and area size between 10.7 and 306.3 km2, whereas 1 ton of animal production requires solar energy ranging between 750.1 × 10−6 and 8334 × 10−6 GWh and area of about 137.8 to 1531.5 km2. These findings will assist in the establishment of agro-processing industries which will eventually lead to poverty reduction through job creation and improvement of food quantity and quality. The simple approach applied in this study is unique, especially for the study area, thus it can be applied to some other locations following the same steps.
Oil Price Forecasting Using a Time-Varying Approach
Authors: Zhao Lu-Tao , Wang Shun-Gang , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2020

The international crude oil market plays an important role in the global economy. This paper uses a variable time window and the polynomial decomposition method to define the trend term of time series and proposes a crude oil price forecasting method based on time-varying trend decomposition to describe the changes in trends over time and forecast crude oil prices. First, to characterize the time-varying characteristics of crude oil price trends, the basic concepts of post-position intervals, pre-position intervals and time-varying windows are defined. Second, a crude oil price series is decomposed with a time-varying window to determine the best fitting results. The parameter vector is used as a time-varying trend. Then, to quantitatively describe the continuation of the time-varying trend, the concept of the trend threshold is defined, and a corresponding algorithm for selecting the trend threshold is given. Finally, through the predicted trend thresholds, the historical reference data are selected, and the time-varying trend is combined to complete the crude oil price forecast. Through empirical research, it is found that the time-varying trend prediction model proposed in this paper achieves a better prediction than several common models. These results can provide suggestions and references for investors in the international crude oil market to understand the trends of oil prices and improve their investment decisions.
Footprint Curvature in Spanish Women: Implications for Footwear Fit
Authors: Alonso-Montero Carolina , Torres-Rubio Anselén , Padrós-Flores Nuria , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Segura-Heras José Vicente
Published: March 2020

The incorrect adjustment of footwear produces alterations in the foot that affect quality of life. The usual measurements for shoe design are lengths, widths and girths, but these measures are insufficient. The foot presents an angle between the forefoot and the rearfoot in the transverse plane, which is associated with foot pronation, hallux valgus and metatarsus adductus. Here, we aimed at identifying the groups formed by the angulations between the forefoot and rearfoot using a sample of footprints from 102 Spanish women. The angle between the forefoot and rearfoot was measured according to the method described by Bunch. A cluster analysis was performed using the K-means algorithm. Footprints were grouped into three types: curved, semi-curved and straight, according to the degrees of angulation between the forefoot and rearfoot. There is great variability in the morphology of the foot. Based on our findings, to achieve a better footwear fit, we propose the manufacture of three types of lasts with different curvatures.
Exploring Mediation Roles of Child Screen-Viewing between Parental Factors and Child Overweight in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yi-Ching , Tsai Meng-Che , Strong Carol , Hsieh Yi-Ping , Lin Chung-Ying , Lee Clara S. C.
Published: March 2020

Children’s screen-viewing behavior is influenced by parents’ own screen-viewing hours and the parental rules set for screen-viewing time. However, whether childhood obesity is associated with these three factors has not been widely investigated in Chinese populations. We examined the relationships between parental rules, parental screen-viewing, child screen-viewing and child overweight. Questionnaires were distributed to 1300 parents who had children studying in two elementary schools in an eastern Taiwanese City (Yi-Lan). We collected the data (the final response rate was 77.7%) on children’s health states, the length of screen-viewing time, and whether parental rules of screen-viewing time have been set (n = 1005). Models using structural equation modeling, with controlling of age, gender, and physical activity of the participants, were carried out, to examine the mediated effect of child screen-viewing. The results of model testing showed that child screen-viewing could be a mediator in the associations between parental rule and child overweight (parental rule: coefficient = −0.18, p < 0.001); and between parent screen-viewing and child overweight (parent screen-viewing: coefficient = 0.072, p < 0.001). These findings suggested that parental factors (rules and little screen viewing time) effectively decreased the level of children’s screen-viewing time, and the child screen-viewing time could mediate the association between parental factors and child overweight in the Chinese population.
Relationships between Severity of Internet Gaming Disorder, Severity of Problematic Social Media Use, Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress
Authors: Wong Hiu Yan , Mo Hoi Yi , Potenza Marc N. , Chan Mung Ni Monica , Lau Wai Man , Chui Tsz Kwan , Pakpour Amir H. , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: March 2020

Internet gaming and social media use are prevalent and integral to many people’s lives. However, excessive engagement in either could lead to negative health impacts. This study aimed to investigate relationships between severities of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and problematic social media use (operationalized as social media addiction; SMA) with sleep quality and psychological distress among young adults. A cross-sectional study with snowball sampling was conducted among Hong Kong university students in 2019. All participants (n = 300; mean (SD) age = 20.89 (1.48); 122 males (40.67%)) responded to an online survey that included Chinese versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multiple linear regressions demonstrated that IGDS-SF9 scores demonstrated associations with psychological distress measures (standardized coefficient (β) = 0.295 for depression, 0.325 for anxiety, 0.339 for stress, all p < 0.001). BSMAS scores showed similar albeit numerically less robust associations (β = 0.235 for depression, p < 0.001; 0.219 for anxiety, p = 0.001; 0.262 for stress, p < 0.001). BSMAS scores demonstrated associations with poorer sleep quality (β = 0.292; p < 0.001) and IGDS9-SF scores (β = 0.157; p = 0.024) showed a significantly less robust association (p = 0.01 for comparing the two βs). These findings suggest that both severities of IGD and SMA associate with more psychological distress and poorer sleep quality, although the strengths of associations may differ.
Development and Validation of the Scale for Partnership in Care—for Family (SPIC-F)
Authors: Jang Hye-Young , Song Eun-Ok
Published: March 2020

This study aims to develop and validate the Scale for Partnership in Care between staff and families of older adult nursing home (NH) residents—for Family (SPIC-F). The components of partnership were identified on the basis of literature reviews and focus group interviews. The content validity of 41 preliminary items was verified by 10 experts, and a pilot study was conducted. The reliability and validity of the instrument was tested on 330 families of older adult NH residents. The final instrument comprised 20 items in three categories: professional caring and support, cooperative relationship and information sharing, and participation in care. Each item is rated on a four-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 20–80. The reliability of the instrument was 0.95, and test–retest ICC was 0.83. This instrument could be utilized to develop interventions to establish an efficient partnership and assess its outcomes.
Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Diseases in Older Adults in Mainland China: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Zhou Na , Zhang Xin , Yan Jia-Qing , Yu Ya-Qin , Cai Yan
Published: March 2020

Oral mucosal disease (OMD) is a public health challenge globally, but the epidemiological findings in older adults have been inconsistent in China. Thus, this meta-analysis was carried out to explore the prevalence of OMD and its moderating factors in this population. An electronic literature search was conducted of both international (PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang) databases from inception to November 1, 2019. The Der–Simonian and Laird random effects model was used to synthesize the prevalence of OMD and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Twenty-four studies covering 23,653 older adults were included. The pooled prevalence of OMD was 23% (95% confidence interval: 17.9%–29.0%) Subgroup analyses and meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of OMD was significantly associated with the reporting sampling, year of publication, and survey (all p values <0.05). This meta-analysis found that the prevalence of OMD among older adults in mainland China was significantly high. Early detection and effective intervention of OMD in older adults have public health and clinical importance.
Assessment of the Simultaneous Use of Biomaterials in Transalveolar Sinus Floor Elevation: Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial in Humans
Authors: Maximiano Millán Adrián , Bravo Álvarez Rocío , Plana Montori Miguel , Guerrero González María , Saura García-Martín David , Ríos-Carrasco Blanca , Monticelli Francesca , Ríos-Santos José Vicente , Fernández-Palacín Ana
Published: March 2020

Implants inserted in the posterior maxilla frequently need additional surgery for successful bone augmentation. One of the most common procedures for this is transalveolar sinus floor elevation. There are different protocols for this procedure, and there is controversy over the simultaneous application of grafting material upon elevating. In this prospective randomized clinical study in humans, a total of 49 transalveolar sinus floor elevations were performed in 49 different patients, divided into a control group (without graft, 25 patients) and a test group (with graft, 24 patients). The analyzed variables were obtained through digital orthopantomography on day 0 (day of surgery) and 18 months after surgery. These measurements showed a tendency towards greater vertical bone gain in the test group, but this was not statistically significant. Therefore, considering that sinus elevation and implant placement without the application of grafts is a successful treatment with fewer complications, a critical assessment of the need for these biomaterials is necessary.
Factors that Influence Sleep among Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Kim Da Eun , Yoon Ju Young
Published: March 2020

Long-term care residents often experience sleep disturbances as they are vulnerable to a variety of physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors that contribute to sleep disturbances. However, few studies have examined the combined impact of multiple factors on sleep among long-term care residents. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence sleep efficiency and sleep quality based on a modified senescent sleep model. A total of 125 residents were recruited from seven long-term care facilities in South Korea. Sleep patterns and sleep quality were collected using 3-day sleep logs and the Minimal Insomnia Screening Scale for Korean adults (KMISS), respectively. The mean sleep efficiency was 84.6% and the mean score on sleep quality was 15.25. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that greater dependence in activities of daily living (ADL), higher pain, and light at night were related to lower sleep efficiency. Higher pain and fatigue, less activity time, noise and light at night, and lower nighttime staffing levels were related to poorer sleep quality. This study highlights that psychosocial and environmental factors as well as physical factors could influence sleep for long-term care residents. Our findings could be foundational evidence for multi-faceted sleep intervention program development in long-term care settings.
Physical Fitness and Peer Relationships in Spanish Preadolescents
Authors: Fernández-Bustos Juan Gregorio , Pastor-Vicedo Juan Carlos , González-Martí Irene , Cuevas-Campos Ricardo
Published: March 2020

Several studies have linked physical fitness (PF) with improvements in health, at a physiological and psychological level; however, there is little evidence of its relationship with health in the social field. Hence, the main aim of this study was to determine the existing relationship between PF and peer relations, as an indicator of social health in Spanish pre-teens. For that purpose, 642 participants aged 9 to 12 were chosen and given the high-priority Alpha Fitness battery in order to assess the PF, as well as the Classroom Social Experiences Query (CESC) to assess their social status. The results showed that those students with a better cardio-respiratory fitness obtained more nominations from their classmates in pro-sociality and positive status, and fewer in victimisation and negative status. Additionally, although to a lesser extent, muscular fitness was also related to a higher positive status and lower victimisation. The weight condition was also related to social behaviours, although the resulting data were differentiated by sex. While females with a standard weight stood out for their positive status, underweight males obtained worse results in positive status and fewer in negative status. These results all correspond with the aesthetic models imposed by society for females and males, respectively. These results show that PF is related to social health, which makes necessary the promotion of physical activity and the development of PF within the school environment, with attention to its relationship with the social health of the students.
A Sustainable Approach to the Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Its Economic Burden
Authors: Vaquero Alvarez Manuel , Aparicio-Martinez Pilar , Fonseca Pozo Francisco Javier , Valle Alonso Joaquín , Blancas Sánchez Isabel María , Romero-Saldaña Manuel
Published: March 2020

The prevalence of obesity continues to grow, resulting in metabolic syndrome and increasing economic burden for health systems. The objectives were to measure the ability of the NIM-MetS test, previously used in the adults, for the early and sustainable detection of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents. Moreover, to determine the economic burden of the children with MetS. Furthermore, finally, to use and implement the NIM-MetS test, via a self-created online software, as a new method to determine the risk of MetS in children. The method used was an observational study using different instruments (NIM-MetS test, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), or Cook) and measures (body mass index). Additionally, the economic burden was estimated via a research strategy in different databases, e.g., PubMed, to identify previous papers. The results (N = 265 children, age from 10–12) showed that 23.1% had obesity and 7.2% hypertension. The prevalence of MetS using the NIM-Mets was 5.7, and the cost of these children was approximate 618,253,99 euros. Finally, a model was obtained and later implemented in a web platform via simulation. The NIM-MetS obtained is a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of risk of MetS in children.
The Relationship between Self-Employed Workers’ Entrepreneurial Attitude and Health Status
Authors: Climent-Rodríguez José Antonio , Navarro-Abal Yolanda , Sánchez-López Celia , Galán-García Agustín , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: March 2020

In the new work environment, self-employment as a formula and entrepreneurship as an attitude have gained prominence as a means to foster a more competitive economy and increase employment opportunities. Having an entrepreneurial attitude, in addition to being positive on a work level, can also have positive effects on the health of the entrepreneur. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between an entrepreneurial attitude and its influence on the general health of Spanish self-employed workers who possess these skills, compared to those who lack them. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out through random sampling of 1148 self-employed professionals throughout Spain from 21 different economic sectors. The results show the existence of a negative relationship between entrepreneurial attitude and age, that is to say, an entrepreneurial attitude decreases with age. With the sex variable, women show less entrepreneurial attitude and with mental health, decreased mental health was shown in those with a greater entrepreneurial attitude. On the other hand, there is a positive linearity between a positive attitude and the social function of the state of health.
Analyzing the Importance of Driver Behavior Criteria Related to Road Safety for Different Driving Cultures
Authors: Farooq Danish , Moslem Sarbast , Faisal Tufail Rana , Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Duleba Szabolcs , Maqsoom Ahsen , Blaschke Thomas
Published: March 2020

Driver behavior has been considered as the most critical and uncertain criteria in the study of traffic safety issues. Driver behavior identification and categorization by using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) can overcome the uncertainty of driver behavior by capturing the ambiguity of driver thinking style. The main goal of this paper is to examine the significant driver behavior criteria that influence traffic safety for different traffic cultures such as Hungary, Turkey, Pakistan and China. The study utilized the FAHP framework to compare and quantify the driver behavior criteria designed on a three-level hierarchical structure. The FAHP procedure computed the weight factors and ranked the significant driver behavior criteria based on pairwise comparisons (PCs) of driver’s responses on the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). The study results observed “violations” as the most significant driver behavior criteria for level 1 by all nominated regions except Hungary. While for level 2, “aggressive violations” is observed as the most significant driver behavior criteria by all regions except Turkey. Moreover, for level 3, Hungary and Turkey drivers evaluated the “drive with alcohol use” as the most significant driver behavior criteria. While Pakistan and China drivers evaluated the “fail to yield pedestrian” as the most significant driver behavior criteria. Finally, Kendall’s agreement test was performed to measure the agreement degree between observed groups for each level in a hierarchical structure. The methodology applied can be easily transferable to other study areas and our results in this study can be helpful for the drivers of each region to focus on highlighted significant driver behavior criteria to reduce fatal and seriously injured traffic accidents.
Climate Change as an Involuntary Exposure: A Comparative Risk Perception Study from Six Countries across the Global Development Gradient
Authors: Gartin Meredith , Larson Kelli L. , Brewis Alexandra , Stotts Rhian , Wutich Amber , White Dave , du Bray Margaret
Published: March 2020

Climate change has been referred to as an involuntary exposure, meaning people do not voluntarily put themselves at risk for climate-related ill health or reduced standard of living. The purpose of this study is to examine people’s risk perceptions and related beliefs regarding (1) the likelihood of different risks occurring at different times and places and (2) collective (government) responsibility and personal efficacy in dealing with climate change, as well as (3) explore the ways in which climate risk may be amplified when posed against individual health and well-being. Previous research on this topic has largely focused on one community or one nation state, and so a unique characteristic of this study is the comparison between six different city (country) sites by their development and national wealth. Here, we collected 401 surveys from Phoenix (USA), Brisbane (Australia), Wellington (New Zealand), Shanghai (China), Viti Levu (Fiji), and Mexico City (Mexico). Results suggest that the hyperopia effect characterized the sample from each study site but was more pronounced in developed sites, suggesting that the more developed sites employ a broader perspective when approaching ways to mitigate their risk against climate-related health and well-being impacts.
Participation to Leisure Activities and Well-Being in a Group of Residents of Naples-Italy: The Role of Resilience
Authors: Cocozza Sergio , Sacco Pier Luigi , Matarese Giuseppe , Maffulli Gayle D. , Maffulli Nicola , Tramontano Donatella
Published: March 2020

We explored the relationship between cultural and social participation, physical activity, and well-being in a group of residents of the metropolitan area of Naples, Italy and the role that resilience plays in this relationship. Naples offers a remarkable urban environment with the potentially beneficial psychological effects of outstanding natural beauty, and one of the world’s most impressive repositories of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. However, Naples was also, and still is, heavily affected by the 2008 economic crisis, in addition to preexisting social and economic issues. The major finding of this study is that, despite this highly contrasting urban environment, the combination of physical activity and engagement in social and cultural activities has a positive effect on subjective (self-reported) psychological well-being (SPWB) in a group of residents, and that resilience mediates this relationship.
Georeferencing of Personal Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from Wi-Fi in a University Area
Authors: Ramirez-Vazquez Raquel , Arabasi Sameer , Al-Taani Hussein , Sbeih Suhad , Gonzalez-Rubio Jesus , Escobar Isabel , Arribas Enrique
Published: March 2020

In the last two decades, due to the development of the information society, the massive increase in the use of information technologies, including the connection and communication of multiple electronic devices, highlighting Wi-Fi networks, as well as the emerging technological advances of 4G and 5G (new-generation mobile phones that will use 5G), have caused a significant increase in the personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF), and as a consequence, increasing discussions about the possible adverse health effects. The main objective of this study was to measure the personal exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the Wi-Fi in the university area of German Jordanian University (GJU) and prepare georeferenced maps of the registered intensity levels and to compare them with the basic international restrictions. Spot measurements were made outside the university area at German Jordanian University. Measurements were made in the whole university area and around two buildings. Two Satimo EME SPY 140 (Brest, France) personal exposimeters were used, and the measurements were performed in the morning and afternoon, and on weekends and weekdays. The total average personal exposure to RF-EMF from the Wi-Fi band registered in the three study areas and in the four days measured was 28.82 μW/m2. The average total exposure from the Wi-Fi band registered in the ten measured points of the university area of GJU was 22.97 μW/m2, the one registered in the eight measured points of building H was 34.48 μW/m2, and the one registered in the eight points of building C was 29.00 μW/m2. The maximum average values registered in the campus of GJU are below the guidelines allowed by International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The measurement protocol used in this work has been applied in measurements already carried out in Spain and Mexico, and it is applicable in university areas of other countries.
Annual Observation of Changes in the Angle of Trunk Rotation. Trunk Asymmetry Predictors. A Study from a Scoliosis Screening in School Adolescents
Authors: Adamczewska Katarzyna , Wiernicka Marzena , Kamińska Ewa , Małecka Joanna , Dąbrowska Agata , Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa
Published: March 2020

Adolescent forms of idiopathic scoliosis are commonly encountered deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine. They affect a significant number of adolescents, yet their cause is still unknown. The presented research is a cross-sectional analysis of 3933 volunteers (2131 girls and 1802 boys). The participants were primary school students aged 9 to 13 years old. This study determined a relationship between predictors such as: body mass, body height and body mass index (BMI) (independent variables) and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) value (dependent variable). Moreover, a stepwise multiple regression with backward selection was conducted to determine to what extent the dependent variable is explained by body mass, body height and BMI. In the group of 11,12,13-year-old girls, the analyzed results of multiple stepwise regression were statistically significant. Among the all studied predictors, it has been shown that body mass in the 11-year-old girls and body height in 12- and 13-year-old girls are major correlates of a 1-year ATR increase in proximal and main thoracic spine levels.
Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions for Improving Absenteeism, Productivity, and Work Ability of Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tarro Lucia , Llauradó Elisabet , Ulldemolins Gemma , Hermoso Pedro , Solà Rosa
Published: March 2020

To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions and the most effective methodological design for the improvement of employee productivity, work ability, and absenteeism. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of workplace interventions was conducted (PROSPERO, CRD42018094083). The PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched. RCTs from 2000 to 2017 and with employees (18–65 years) were selected. Then, intervention characteristics and work-related outcomes data were extracted. A total of 47 RCTs were included in the systematic review, and 19 RCTs (11 absenteeism, 7 productivity, and 5 work ability) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the effectiveness of workplace interventions for absenteeism was −1.56 (95% CI, −2.67 to −0.44) and −2.65 (95% CI, −4.49 to −0.81) considering only moderate quality RCTs. In contrast, only a few studies of workplace interventions for productivity and work ability were included, which was insufficient for determining the effectiveness and best design for improving these work outcomes. The workplace is an interesting environment to reduce absenteeism, and individualized and counseling interventions with <10 sessions/total were the most effective workplace intervention methodological design for reducing the absenteeism of employees. Future high-quality RCTs that also consider health risks should be implemented to strengthen the results.
Tower Running—Participation, Performance Trends, and Sex Difference
Authors: Stark Daniel , Di Gangi Stefania , Sousa Caio Victor , Nikolaidis Pantelis , Knechtle Beat
Published: March 2020

Though there are exhaustive data about participation, performance trends, and sex differences in performance in different running disciplines and races, no study has analyzed these trends in stair climbing and tower running. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate these trends in tower running. The data, consisting of 28,203 observations from 24,007 climbers between 2014 and 2019, were analyzed. The effects of sex and age, together with the tower characteristics (i.e., stairs and floors), were examined through a multivariable statistical model with random effects on intercept, at climber’s level, accounting for repeated measurements. Men were faster than women in each age group (p < 0.001 for ages ≤69 years, p = 0.003 for ages > 69 years), and the difference in performance stayed around 0.20 km/h, with a minimum of 0.17 at the oldest age. However, women were able to outperform men in specific situations: (i) in smaller buildings (<600 stairs), for ages between 30 and 59 years and >69 years; (ii) in higher buildings (>2200 stairs), for age groups <20 years and 60–69 years; and (iii) in buildings with 1600–2200 stairs, for ages >69 years. In summary, men were faster than women in this specific running discipline; however, women were able to outperform men in very specific situations (i.e., specific age groups and specific numbers of stairs).