bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Street Lighting Efficiency Using a Mobile Measurement System
Authors: Tomczuk Piotr , Chrzanowicz Marcin , Jaskowski Piotr , Budzynski Marcin
Published: June 2021

The issue concerns the initial stage of work on a method for performing a rapid assessment of the energy efficiency and illuminance of a street lighting installation. The proposed method is based on simultaneous measurement of illuminance from three lux meters placed on the roof of the vehicle. The data are acquired in road traffic, while the vehicle is driving. The proposed solution will allow in the future to quickly and reproducibly obtain data about the lighting parameters of the studied road section. The illumination values are localised using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Based on the collected measurement data, with the use of terrain maps, geographic information system (GIS) data and installation design documentation, it will be possible to determine in detail the parameters of energy efficiency indicators for a selected section of the street for the entire street according to the EN13201-5 standard. Preliminary tests were conducted on a section of about one kilometer of street illuminated in class C3. Detailed measurements reveal high variation of obtained energy indicators DP and DE for each road section. The reason for this condition is the variation of power, installation geometry and the presence of obstacles to light.
An Improved Method of Reservoir Facies Modeling Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Liu Qingbin , Liu Wenling , Yao Jianpeng , Liu Yuyang , Pan Mao
Published: June 2021

As the reservoir and its attribute distribution are obviously controlled by sedimentary facies, the facies modeling is one of the important bases for delineating the area of high-quality reservoir and characterizing the attribute parameter distribution. There are a large number of continental sedimentary reservoirs with strong heterogeneity in China, the geometry and distribution of various sedimentary microfacies are relatively complex. The traditional geostatistics methods which have shortage in characterization of the complex and non-stationary geological patterns, have limitation in facies modeling of continental sedimentary reservoirs. The generative adversarial network (GANs) is a recent state-of-the-art deep learning method, which has capabilities of pattern learning and generation, and is widely used in the domain of image generation. Because of the similarity in content and structure between facies models and specific images (such as fluvial facies and the images of modern rivers), and the various images generated by GANs are often more complex than reservoir facies models, GANs has potential to be used in reservoir facies modeling. Therefore, this paper proposes a reservoir facies modeling method based on GANs: (1) for unconditional modeling, select training images (TIs) based on priori geological knowledge, and use GANs to learn priori geological patterns in TIs, then generate the reservoir facies model by GANs; (2) for conditional modeling, a training method of “unconditional-conditional simulation cooperation” (UCSC) is used to realize the constraint of hard data while learning the priori geological patterns. Testing the method using both synthetic data and actual data from oil field, the results meet perfectly the priori geological patterns and honor the well point hard data, and show that this method can overcome the limitation that traditional geostatistics are difficult to deal with the complex non-stationary patterns and improve the conditional constraint effect of GANs based methods. Given its good performance in facies modeling, the method has a good prospect in practical application.
Towards Sustainable Energy Retrofitting, a Simulation for Potential Energy Use Reduction in Residential Buildings in Palestine
Authors: Monna Sameh , Juaidi Adel , Abdallah Ramez , Albatayneh Aiman , Dutournie Patrick , Jeguirim Mejdi
Published: June 2021

Since buildings are one of the major contributors to global warming, efforts should be intensified to make them more energy-efficient, particularly existing buildings. This research intends to analyze the energy savings from a suggested retrofitting program using energy simulation for typical existing residential buildings. For the assessment of the energy retrofitting program using computer simulation, the most commonly utilized residential building types were selected. The energy consumption of those selected residential buildings was assessed, and a baseline for evaluating energy retrofitting was established. Three levels of retrofitting programs were implemented. These levels were ordered by cost, with the first level being the least costly and the third level is the most expensive. The simulation models were created for two different types of buildings in three different climatic zones in Palestine. The findings suggest that water heating, space heating, space cooling, and electric lighting are the highest energy consumers in ordinary houses. Level one measures resulted in a 19–24 percent decrease in energy consumption due to reduced heating and cooling loads. The use of a combination of levels one and two resulted in a decrease of energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting by 50–57%. The use of the three levels resulted in a decrease of 71–80% in total energy usage for heating, cooling, lighting, water heating, and air conditioning.
Fault Detection Algorithm for Multiple-Simultaneous Refrigerant Charge and Secondary Fluid Flow Rate Faults in Heat Pumps
Authors: Boahen Samuel , Mensah Kwesi , Anka Selorm Kwaku , Lee Kwang Ho , Choi Jong Min
Published: June 2021

The detection and diagnosis of faults is becoming necessary in ensuring energy savings in heat pump units. Faults can exist independently or simultaneously in heat pumps at the refrigerant side and secondary fluid flow loops. In this work, we discuss the effects that simultaneous refrigerant charge faults and faults associated with the flow rate of secondary fluids have on the performance of a heat pump operating in summer season and we developed a correlation to detect and diagnose these faults using multiple linear regression. The faults considered include simultaneous refrigerant charge and indoor heat exchanger secondary fluid flow rate faults (IFRFs), simultaneous refrigerant charge and outdoor heat exchanger secondary fluid flow rate faults (OFRFs) and simultaneous refrigerant charge, IFRF and OFRF. The occurrence of simultaneous refrigerant charge fault, IFRF and OFRF caused up to a 5.7% and 8% decrease in cooling capacity compared to simultaneous refrigerant charge and indoor heat exchanger secondary fluid flow rate faults, and simultaneous refrigerant charge and outdoor heat exchanger secondary fluid flow rate faults, respectively. Simultaneous refrigerant charge fault, IFRF and OFRF resulted in up to an 11.6% and 5.9% decrease in COP of the heat pump unit compared to simultaneous refrigerant charge fault and IFRF, and simultaneous refrigerant charge fault and OFRF, respectively. The developed FDD correlations accurately predicted the simultaneous refrigerant charge and faults in the flow rate of the secondary fluid within an error margin of 7.7%.
Thermal and Surface Radiosity Analysis of an Underfloor Heating System in a Bioclimatic Habitat
Authors: Laafer Abdelkader , Semmar Djaffar , Hamid Abdelkader , Bourouis Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses the modeling of convective and radiative heat transfer to achieve an acceptable level of indoor temperature. The results presented were obtained in a pilot project in which an energy-efficient house was built on a site located west of Algiers. The main objective was to perform a numerical simulation to investigate how the temperature of the heat-transfer fluid circulating in the floor heating system affected the temperature of the indoor air and also how surface radiosity affected the temperature profile of the indoor air. The study employed the finite element method integrated into the Comsol Multiphysics software. The model was validated using experimental data reported in the literature for the pilothouse at the same meteorological conditions. An error of about 2.32% was apparent between the experimental and theoretical results. Results showed that the increase of the heating transfer fluid temperature from 30 to 50 °C produced the same temperature of about 15.1 °C taken at a 50 cm height inside the room. The air temperature remained stable, with an insignificant variation after 72 h of heating. Surface radiosity increased as a function of time and reached an almost constant value of 380 W·m−2 after 72 h because of the stability of the air temperature by convection.
Comprehensive Passive Thermal Management Systems for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Behi Hamidreza , Karimi Danial , Youssef Rekabra , Suresh Patil Mahesh , Van Mierlo Joeri , Berecibar Maitane
Published: June 2021

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have emerged as a promising energy source for electric vehicle (EV) applications owing to the solution offered by their high power, high specific energy, no memory effect, and their excellent durability. However, they generate a large amount of heat, particularly during the fast discharge process. Therefore, a suitable thermal management system (TMS) is necessary to guarantee their performance, efficiency, capacity, safety, and lifetime. This study investigates the thermal performance of different passive cooling systems for the LTO Li-ion battery cell/module with the application of natural convection, aluminum (Al) mesh, copper (Cu) mesh, phase change material (PCM), and PCM-graphite. Experimental results show the average temperature of the cell, due to natural convection, Al mesh, Cu mesh, PCM, and PCM-graphite compared with the lack of natural convection decrease by 6.4%, 7.4%, 8.8%, 30%, and 39.3%, respectively. In addition, some numerical simulations and investigations are solved by COMSOL Multiphysics®, for the battery module consisting of 30 cells, which is cooled by PCM and PCM-graphite. The maximum temperature of the battery module compared with the natural convection case study is reduced by 15.1% and 17.3%, respectively. Moreover, increasing the cell spacing in the battery module has a direct effect on temperature reduction.
Investigations of Rake and Rib Structures in Sand Traps to Prevent Sediment Transport in Hydropower Plants
Authors: Ivarson Mads Mehus , Trivedi Chirag , Vereide Kaspar
Published: June 2021

In order to increase the lifespan of hydraulic turbines in hydropower plants, it is necessary to minimize damages caused by sediment erosion. One solution is to reduce the amount of sediments by improving the design of sand trap. In the present work, the effects on sand trap efficiency by installing v-shaped rake structures for flow distribution and rib structures for sediment trapping is investigated numerically using the SAS–SST turbulence model. The v-shaped rake structures are located in the diffuser near the inlet of the sand trap, while the ribs cover a section of the bed in the downstream end. Three-dimensional models of the sand trap in Tonstad hydropower plant are created. The present study showed that integrating rib type structure can reduce the total weight of sediments escaping the sand trap by 24.5%, which leads to an improved sand trap efficiency. Consequently, the head loss in the sand trap is increased by 1.8%. By additionally including the v-shaped rakes, the total weight of sediments escaping the sand trap is instead increased by 48.5%, thus worsening the sand trap efficiency. This increases head loss by 12.7%. The results also show that turbulent flow commencing at the sand trap diffuser prevents the downstream settling of sediments with a diameter of less than one millimeter. The hydraulic representation of the numerical model is validated by comparison with particle image velocimetry measurements of the flow field from scale experiments and ADCP measurements from the prototype. The tested rib design has not previously been installed in a hydropower plant, and can be recommended. The tested v-shaped rakes have been installed in existing hydropower plants, but this practice should be reconsidered.
Anomaly Detection, Trend Evolution, and Feature Extraction in Partial Discharge Patterns
Authors: Florkowski Marek
Published: June 2021

In the resilient and reliable electrical power system, the condition of high voltage insulation plays a crucial role. In the field of high voltage insulation integrity, the partial discharge (PD) inception and development trends are essential for assessment criteria in diagnostics systems. The observed trend to employ more and more sophisticated algorithms with machine learning features and artificial intelligence (AI) elements is observed everywhere. The classification and identification of features in PD images is perceived as a critical requirement for an effective high voltage insulation diagnosis. In this context, techniques allowing for anomaly detection, trends observation, and feature extraction in partial discharge patterns are important. In this paper, the application of few algorithms belonging to image processing, machine learning and optical flow is presented. The feature extraction refers to image segmentation and detection of coherent forms in the images. The anomaly detection algorithms can trigger early detection of the trend changes or the appearance of a new discharge form, and hence are suitable for PD monitoring applications. Anomaly detection can also handle transients and disturbances that appear in the PD image as an indication of an abnormal state. The future monitoring systems should be equipped with trend evolution algorithms. In this context, two examples of insulation aging and application of PD-based monitoring are shown. The first one refers to deep convolutional neural networks used for classification of deterioration stages in high voltage insulation. The latter one demonstrates application of optical flow approach for motion detection in partial discharge images. The motivation for the research was the strive to machine-controlled pattern analysis, leading towards intelligent PD-based diagnostics.
Burnout Investigation of Small Diameter Tubes Immersed in Nanofluids
Authors: Cieśliński Janusz T. , Ronewicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with research into pool boiling critical heat flux (CHF) of water–Al2O3, water–TiO2 and water–Cu nanofluids on horizontal stainless steel tubes. The experiments were conducted under atmospheric pressure. Nanoparticles were tested at concentrations of 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1% and 1% by weight. Ultrasonic vibration was used in order to stabilize the dispersion of the nanoparticles. Although dispersants were not used to stabilize the suspension, the solutions tested showed satisfactory stability. Experimental measurements were performed with stainless steel tubes of three outside diameters: 1.6, 3 and 5 mm. Enhancement of CHF was observed to be independent of the concentration and material of the nanoparticles and tube diameter, with simultaneous heat transfer degradation. Built up during the boiling process, nanolayers improve substantially the heating surface wettability. A correlation is suggested for the CHF prediction during pool boiling of nanofluids.
Carbon Footprint of Residents’ Housing Consumption and Its Driving Forces in China
Authors: Xu Liquan , Geng Yong , Wu Dong , Zhang Chenyi , Xiao Shijiang
Published: June 2021

A large population size and rapid economic growth have resulted in a huge amount of housing consumption in China. Therefore, it is critical to identify the determinants of housing carbon footprint (CF) and prepare appropriate carbon mitigation measures. By employing the IPCC accounting method, input-output analysis and the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model, this study aims to study the spatio-temporal patterns and identify the driving factors of housing CF. The results show that regional disparities and urban-rural differences existed during the period 2012–2017. The results of the extended STIRPAT model show that population scale and energy consumption per unit building area are the two dominant contributors to the housing CF increments in all areas. While, family size only shows significant negative impact in eastern and western regions, the per capita disposable income only induces higher housing CF in rural areas, and energy structure had a remarkable positive impact in urban area of western region and all rural areas. Policy recommendations are proposed to mitigate the overall housing CF, including; controlling population growth and promoting urbanization benefits; encouraging green consumption; optimizing household energy consumption structure, and; enhancing residential building energy management.
Predicting Conduction Heat Flux through Macrolayer in Nucleate Pool Boiling
Authors: Danish Mohd , Al Mesfer Mohammed K. , Ansari Khursheed B. , Hasan Mudassir , Amari Abdelfattah , Azeem Babar
Published: June 2021

In the current work, the heat flux in nucleate pool boiling has been predicted using the macrolayer and latent heat evaporation model. The wall superheat (ΔT) and macrolayer thickness (δ) are the parameters considered for predicting the heat flux. The influence of operating parameters on instantaneous conduction heat flux and average heat flux across the macrolayer are investigated. A comparison of the findings of current model with Bhat’s decreasing macrolayer model revealed a close agreement under the nucleate pool boiling condition at high heat flux. It is suggested that conduction heat transfer strongly rely on macrolayer thickness and wall superheat. The wall superheat and macrolayer thickness is found to significantly contribute to conduction heat transfer. The predicted results closely agree with the findings of Bhat’s decreasing macrolayer model for higher values of wall superheat signifying the nucleate boiling. The predicted results of the proposed model and Bhat’s existing model are validated by the experimental data. The findings also endorse the claim that predominant mode of heat transfer from heater surface to boiling liquid is the conduction across the macrolayer at the significantly high heat flux region of nucleate boiling.
Boosting the Potential for GeoDesign: Digitalisation of the System of Spatial Planning as a Trigger for Smart Rural Development
Authors: Wójcik Marcin , Dmochowska-Dudek Karolina , Tobiasz-Lis Paulina
Published: June 2021

This article sought to present a process of abrupt transition where technological innovation is concerned. The matter taken up in particular was accelerating digitalisation, in the wider context of digital transformation, and in this case, in reference to spatial planning issues. This article offers an assessment of the level of digitalisation and digital transformation of spatial planning, with this, in turn, making it possible to define the potential at the disposal of rural areas, as they seek to bring in the idea of smart rural development. The empirical analyses present herein are founded upon secondary statistical data as well as our own primary data on the subject of geoportals and their functionality in rural parts of the Łódź region (Poland). The assessments of both planning coverage and geoportal functionality reported herein provide insight regarding the potential for rural areas to implement the concept of GeoDesign, as an integral part of “smart rural development”. The research carried out made it clear that only a fifth of rural gminas in the region are of high potential where GeoDesign is concerned, while every third gmina has only very low potential. A further key conclusion is that rural gminas heading along the path of “smart development” may break out of a spatial order existing thus far on the basis of disparities, and a division of regions into a centre and peripheries. This is of major significance in the context of the diffusion of innovation that digitalisation and digital transformation represent.
Advanced Concrete Steam Accumulation Tanks for Energy Storage for Solar Thermal Electricity
Authors: Prieto Cristina , Pérez Osorio David , Gonzalez-Roubaud Edouard , Fereres Sonia , Cabeza Luisa F.
Published: June 2021

Steam accumulation is one of the most effective ways of thermal energy storage (TES) for the solar thermal energy (STE) industry. However, the steam accumulator concept is penalized by a bad relationship between the volume and the energy stored; moreover, its discharge process shows a decline in pressure, failing to reach nominal conditions in the turbine. From the economic point of view, between 60% and 70% of the cost of a steam accumulator TES is that of the pressure vessel tanks (defined as US$/kWhth). Since the current trend is based on increasing hours of storage in order to improve dispatchability levels in solar plants, the possibility of cost reduction is directly related to the cost of the material of pressure vessels, which is a market price. Therefore, in the present paper, a new design for steam accumulation is presented, focusing on innovative materials developed specifically for this purpose: two special concretes that compose the accumulation tank wall. Study of dosages, selection of materials and, finally, scale up on-field tests for their proper integration, fabrication and construction in prototype are the pillars of this new steam accumulation tank. Establishing clear and precise requirements and instructions for successful tank construction is necessary due to the highly sensitive and variable nature of those new concrete formulations.
The Difficulty of Predicting Eastern Spruce Dwarf Mistletoe in Lowland Black Spruce: Model Benchmarking in Northern Minnesota, USA
Authors: Gray Ella R. , Russell Matthew B. , Windmuller-Campione Marcella A.
Published: June 2021

Insects, fungi, and diseases play an important role in forest stand development and subsequently, forest management decisions and treatments. As these disturbance agents commonly occur within and across landscapes, modeling has often been used to inform forest planning and management decisions. However, models are rarely benchmarked, leaving questions about their utility. Here, we assessed the predictive performance of a Bayesian hierarchical model through on–the-ground sampling to explore what features of stand structure or composition may be important factors related to eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) presence in lowland black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B. S. P.). Twenty-five state-owned stands included in the predictive model were sampled during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Within each stand, data related to the presence of eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe, stand structure, and species composition were collected. The model accurately predicted eastern spruce dwarf mistletoe occurrence for 13 of the 25 stands. The amount of living and dead black spruce basal area differed significantly based on model prediction and observed infestation, but trees per hectare, total living basal area, diameter at breast height, stand age, and species richness were not significantly different. Our results highlight the benefits of model benchmarking to improve model interpretation as well as to inform our understanding of forest health problems across diverse stand conditions.
From Bitcoin to Central Bank Digital Currencies: Making Sense of the Digital Money Revolution
Authors: Cunha Paulo Rupino , Melo Paulo , Sebastião Helder
Published: June 2021

We analyze the path from cryptocurrencies to official Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), to shed some light on the ultimate dematerialization of money. To that end, we made an extensive search that resulted in a review of more than 100 academic and grey literature references, including official positions from central banks. We present and discuss the characteristics of the different CBDC variants being considered—namely, wholesale, retail, and, for the latter, the account-based, and token-based—as well as ongoing pilots, scenarios of interoperability, and open issues. Our contribution enables decision-makers and society at large to understand the potential advantages and risks of introducing CBDCs, and how these vary according to many technical and economic design choices. The practical implication is that a debate becomes possible about the trade-offs that the stakeholders are willing to accept.
Scheduling for Media Function Virtualization
Authors: Sharma Gourav Prateek , Tavernier Wouter , Colle Didier , Pickavet Mario
Published: June 2021

Broadcasters are building studio architectures based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) IT hardware because of advantages such as cost reduction, ease of management, and upgradation. Media function virtualization (MFV) leverages IP networking to transport media streams between virtual media functions (VMFs), where they are processed. Media service deployment in an MFV environment entails solving the VMF-FG scheduling problem to ensure that the required broadcast quality guarantees are fulfilled. In this paper, we formulate the VMF-FG scheduling problem and propose a greedy-based algorithm to solve it. The evaluation of the algorithm is carried in terms of the end-to-end delay and VMF queuing delay. Moreover, the importance of VMF-FG decomposition in upgradation to higher-quality formats is also highlighted.
Fish Cytogenetics: Present and Future
Authors: Rossi Anna Rita
Published: June 2021

Fish is the most species-rich class of vertebrates, including a number of species that correspond to about half of the total vertebrates [...]
CircVAMP3: A circRNA with a Role in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Centrón-Broco Alvaro , Dattilo Dario , Di Timoteo Gaia , Guarnacci Marco , Colantoni Alessio , Beltran Nebot Manuel , Bozzoni Irene
Published: June 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of covalently closed RNAs formed by a back-splicing reaction, have been involved in the regulation of diverse oncogenic processes. In this article we describe circVAMP3, a novel circular RNA overexpressed in RH4, a representative cell line of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. We demonstrated that circVAMP3 has a differential m6A pattern opposed to its linear counterpart, suggesting that the two isoforms can be differently regulated by such RNA modification. Moreover, we show how circVAMP3 depletion in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells can impair cell cycle progression, through the alteration of the AKT-related pathways, pointing to this non-coding RNA as a novel regulator of the alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma progression and as a putative future therapeutic target.
The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Consortium: A Blueprint for Inclusive Excellence
Authors: Ofili Elizabeth O. , Sarpong Daniel , Yanagihara Richard , Tchounwou Paul B. , Fernández-Repollet Emma , Malouhi Mohamad , Idris Muhammed Y. , Lawson Kimberly , Spring Nadine H. , Rivers Brian M.
Published: June 2021

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions, (RCMI) Program was established by Congress to address the health research and training needs of minority populations, by preparing future generations of scientists at these institutions, with a track record of producing minority scholars in medicine, science, and technology. The RCMI Consortium consists of the RCMI Specialized Centers and a Coordinating Center (CC). The RCMI-CC leverages the scientific expertise, technologies, and innovations of RCMI Centers to accelerate the delivery of solutions to address health disparities in communities that are most impacted. There is increasing recognition that the gap in representation of racial/ethnic groups and women is perpetuated by institutional cultures lacking inclusion and equity. The objective of this work is to provide a framework for inclusive excellence by developing a systematic evaluation process with common data elements that can track the inter-linked goals of workforce diversity and health equity. At its core, the RCMI Program embodies the trinity of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We propose a realist evaluation framework and a logic model that integrates the institutional context to develop common data metrics for inclusive excellence. The RCMI-CC will collaborate with NIH-funded institutions and research consortia to disseminate and scale this model.
Geochemical Baseline Establishment and Source-Oriented Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lime Concretion Black Soil from a Typical Agricultural Area
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Jinming , Ge Wen , Sun Peng , Han Yafen , Qiu Husen , Zhou Shoubiao
Published: June 2021

To accurately assess the potential ecological risk posed by heavy metals in lime concretion black soil and quantify the risk contributions from different sources, an investigation of 217 surface soil samples and 56 subsoil samples was performed in the southern part of Suzhou City. Geochemical baseline values of soil heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Cu, Cd, As, Mn and Co) in the study area were calculated as 53.6, 61.5, 19.8, 27.6, 0.08, 18.4, 0.13, 12.9, 416.1 and 11.0 mg/kg, respectively, by using reference metal normalization and cumulative frequency curve methods. Subsequently, four potential sources of soil heavy metals were identified by the positive matrix factorization. Finally, the potential ecological risks arising from the identified sources were determined by the integrated model of positive matrix factorization and Hakanson potential ecological risk index. Results showed that the ecological risk posed by soil heavy metals in the study area ranged from low to moderate level. Hg and Cd were the two largest risk contributors, supplying 36.0% and 30.3% of total risk value. The origin of heavy metals in the soils is mostly related to four sources including agricultural activities, natural dispersion, coal consumption and traffic pollution. Source apportionment of the potential ecological risks revealed that the dominant risk source in the study area was natural dispersion (42.0%), followed by coal related industries (26.5%), agricultural activities (20.4%) and traffic pollution (11.1%). This work gives a clear baseline information of the heavy metal accumulations in lime concretion black soil and provides a successful case study for the source-oriented ecological risk assessment.
Exposure to Ambient NO2 Increases the Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome in Females: An 11-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Chung Chi-Jung , Hsia Ning-Yi , Wu Chih-Da , Lai Ting-Ju , Chen Jein-Wen , Hsu Hui-Tsung
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have indicated that women suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES) more significantly than men. Therefore, we specifically explore the associations between air pollutant levels and the risks of DES for women. The study obtained 27,605 participants from the 29 recruitment centers of the Taiwan Biobank, which was established in October 2012. A large scale cross-sectional study involving DES sufferers and age- and education-matched control groups without DES was designed. Based on the municipality of residence, the predicted concentration levels of various air pollutants, including PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were estimated by using hybrid kriging/LUR model. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) of DES and 95% confidence interval. Hormone supplementations, DBP, allergies, and arthritis were considered as important comorbidities for increased PR risk of DES. In addition, with each standard deviation (SD) increment of PM2.5 and temperature, women had significant increases in PRs of DES of 1.09- and 1.07-fold, respectively; conversely, each SD increment of relative humidity (RH) had a protective effect against the risk of DES. After considering hormone supplementation, arthritis, and allergy, the SD increment of NO2 and temperature were associated with the PRs of DES. In conclusion, significant associations of ambient NO2 concentration, RH and temperature with DES indicated the importance of increased environmental protection in the female population. Female exposure to high levels of NO2 when receiving hormone supplementation, or suffering with allergies or arthritis, had significantly increased risk of DES.
Dance Is for All: A Social Marketing Intervention with Children and Adolescents to Reduce Prejudice towards Boys Who Dance
Authors: Silva Ana , Sá Elisabete , Silva Joaquim , Pinho José Carlos
Published: June 2021

Dance is proven to offer a myriad of physical, psychological, and social benefits. However, because dance has been frequently perceived as a feminine practice, there is a prevailing prejudice towards boys who dance, making it hard for them to engage in this physical activity. Social marketing has been presented as a promising framework to deal with different social problems, including prejudice, although its effectiveness is still difficult to establish. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a quasi-experimental study involving a sample of 436 children and adolescents, composed of 51.38% boys and 48.62% girls was implemented to measure the effectiveness of a Social Marketing Intervention (SMI) in reducing prejudice towards dance and boys who dance, in particular, and in increasing their intentions to practice this physical activity. The study furthermore aimed to compare the influence of the SMI on participants of two different stages of child development to ascertain when it is most effective to intervene. The questionnaire was used to collect information and included items derived from relevant literature. To assess differences between children and adolescents before and after the SMI, the analysis relied on independent t-tests and paired t-tests. Results suggest positive effects of the SMI on some dimensions of the TPB.
Ecological Security Pattern Construction in Karst Area Based on Ant Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqing , Yue Qifa , Pei Jianchao , Pu Junwei , Huang Pei , Wang Qian
Published: June 2021

Constructing the ecological security pattern is imperative to stabilize ecosystem services and sustainable development coordination of the social economy and ecology. This paper focuses on the Karst region in southeastern Yunnan, which is ecologically fragile. This paper selects the main types of ecosystem services and identifies the ecological source using hot spot analysis for Guangnan County. An inclusive consideration of the regional ecologic conditions and the rocky desertification formation mechanism was made. The resistance factor index system was developed to generate the basic resistance surface modified by the ecological sensitivity index. The Ant algorithm and Kernel density analysis were used to determine ecological corridor range and ecological restoration points that constructed the ecological security pattern of Guangnan County. The results demonstrated that, firstly, there were twenty-three sources in Guangnan County, with a total area of 1292.77 km2, accounting for 16.74% of the total. The forests were the chief ecological sources distributed in the non-Karst area, where Bamei Town, Yangliujing Township and Nasa Town had the highest distribution. Secondly, the revised resistance value is similar to “Zhe (Zhetu Township)-Lian (Liancheng Town)-Yang (Yangliujing Township)-Ban (Bambang Township)”. The values were lower in the north and higher in the south, which is consistent with the regional distribution of Karst. Thirdly, the constructed ecological security pattern of the “Source-Corridor-Ecological restoration point” paradigm had twenty-three ecological corridors. The chief ecological and potential corridor areas were 804.95 km2 and 621.2 km2, respectively. There are thirty-eight ecological restoration points mainly distributed in the principal ecological corridors and play a vital role in maintaining the corridor connectivity between sources. The results provide guidance and theoretical basis for the ecological security patterns construction in Karst areas, regional ecologic security protection and sustainable development promotion.
Poor Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness in Health Professionals: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Carvalho Vergílio Pereira , Barcelos Kênia Alves , Oliveira Ely Paula de , Marins Sarah Nogueira , Rocha Isabella Beatriz Silva , Sousa Daniel Ferreira Moraes de , Moreira Bruno Cabral , Almeida Gunther Abreu de , Carneiro Marina Luana Silva , Silva Jéssica Duarte de Freitas , Freitas Maria Alice Vieira de , Noll Matias , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of poor quality sleep and daytime sleepiness in health professionals and their association with socioeconomic, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors and psychosocial work conditions. This cross-sectional study was performed with health professionals from various public and private hospitals in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil. Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. The variables were analyzed using multiple hierarchical Poisson regression in the statistical package Stata version 13.0. A total of 244 health professionals participated in this study (women, 78.28%). The rates of abnormal daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality were 50.41% (n = 123) and 55.74% (n = 136), respectively. Reduced physical activity was associated with poor sleep quality (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.70, p = 0.035). Age between 20 and 29 years (PR = 2.59; 95% CI 1.37–4.91, p = 0.021) and 30 and 49 years (PR = 2.09; 95% CI 1.12–3.91, p = 0.021), as well as excessive alcohol consumption (PR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.01–1.66, p = 0.048), were risk factors for daytime sleepiness. Conversely, adequate bodyweight (PR = 0.52; 95% CI 0.33–0.82, p = 0.005) was considered a protective factor. The present findings suggest high rates of abnormal daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality among healthcare professionals. We emphasize the importance of physical activity, adequate weight, and healthy habits for better quality sleep and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Profiles of Emotion Regulation and Post-Traumatic Stress Severity among Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Muñoz-Rivas Marina , Bellot Ana , Montorio Ignacio , Ronzón-Tirado Rosa , Redondo Natalia
Published: June 2021

Emotional dysregulation is a construct that has drawn substantial attention as a transdiagnostic contributing factor to the loss of health. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a term used to describe physical, psychological, or sexual assault of a spouse or sexual partner. The aim of the study was to determine the variability of emotional dysregulation among women with different types of IPV revictimization and post-traumatic stress. The cross-sectional survey included 120 women attended by the Integrated Monitoring System of Gender Violence of Madrid, Spain, due to a gender violence complaint. The presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (DSM 5 criteria), emotional dysregulation (Emotional Processing Scale (EPS)), childhood trauma, and type of revictimization were evaluated. Cluster analysis found three profiles of emotional regulation: Emotionally Regulated, Avoidance/Non-Impoverished, and Emotional Overwhelm. The results showed that the Emotional Overwhelm group was characterized by a general dysregulation of emotional experiences and a greater intensity of post-traumatic stress symptoms. In addition, women who have suffered several episodes of IPV by different partners showed a differential pattern of emotional regulation than the rest of the victims that entailed greater psychopathology. Findings confirm that emotional dysregulation is a critical pathway to the decrease of health among IPV victims.
COVID-19′s Impact on American Women’s Food Insecurity Foreshadows Vulnerabilities to Climate Change
Authors: Belsey-Priebe Maryruth , Lyons Deborah , Buonocore Jonathan J.
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on human lives and the global economy, laying bare existing inequities, and galvanizing large numbers to call for change. Women are feeling the effects of this crisis more than others. This paper explores the pre-COVID relationships and amplified negative feedback loops between American women’s economic insecurity, lack of safety, and food insecurity. We then examine how COVID-19 is interacting with these intersecting risks and demonstrate how climate change will likely similarly intensify these feedback loops. The COVID-19 pandemic may be revealing vulnerabilities that societies will face in the wake of an increasingly warming world. It is also an opportunity to build resilience, inclusiveness, and equity into our future, and can help inform how to include gender equity in both COVID-19 and climate recovery policies. Finally, we identify possible strategies to build resilience, specifically highlighting that gendered economic empowerment may create a buffer against environmental health hazards and discuss how these strategies could be integrated into a women-centered Green New Deal.
Supporting Cross-Company Networks in Workplace Health Promotion through Social Network Analysis—Description of the Methodological Approach and First Results from a Model Project on Physical Activity Promotion in Germany
Authors: Schaller Andrea , Fohr Gabriele , Hoffmann Carina , Stassen Gerrit , Droste-Franke Bert
Published: June 2021

Cross-company networking and counseling is considered to be a promising approach for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. However, a systematic and empirical approach on how such networks can be developed is lacking. The aims of the present paper are to describe the approach of a social network analysis supporting the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity and to present first results. In the process of developing the methodological approach, a common understanding of the nodes and edges within the project was elaborated. Based on the BIG-model as the theoretical framework of the project, five measuring points and an application-oriented data collection table were determined. Using Gephi, network size, degree, and distance measures, as well as density and clustering measures, were calculated and visualized in the course of the time. First results showed a continuous expansion and densification of the network. The application experience showed that the application of social network analysis in practical cross-company network development is promising but currently still very resource intensive. In order to address the current major challenges and enable routine application, the development of an application-oriented and feasible tool could make an essential contribution.
What Does the Future Hold? Health-Related Quality of Life 3–12 Years Following a Youth Sport-Related Knee Injury
Authors: Le Christina Y. , Toomey Clodagh M. , Emery Carolyn A. , Whittaker Jackie L.
Published: June 2021

Knee trauma can lead to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and osteoarthritis. We aimed to assess HRQoL 3–12 years following youth sport-related knee injury considering HRQoL and osteoarthritis determinants. Generic (EQ-5D-5L index, EQ-VAS) and condition-specific (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score quality of life subscale, KOOS QOL) HRQoL were assessed in 124 individuals 3–12 years following youth sport-related knee injury and 129 uninjured controls of similar age, sex, and sport. Linear regression examined differences in HRQoL outcomes by injury group. Multivariable linear regression explored the influence of sex, time-since-injury, injury type, body mass index, knee muscle strength, Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) score, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) moderate-to-strenuous physical activity. Participant median (range) age was 23 years (14–29) and 55% were female. Injury history was associated with poorer KOOS QOL (−8.41; 95%CI −10.76, −6.06) but not EQ-5D-5L (−0.0074; −0.0238, 0.0089) or EQ-VAS (−3.82; −8.77, 1.14). Injury history (−5.14; −6.90, −3.38), worse ICOAP score (−0.40; −0.45, −0.36), and anterior cruciate ligament tear (−1.41; −2.77, −0.06) contributed to poorer KOOS QOL. Worse ICOAP score contributed to poorer EQ-5D-5L (−0.0024; −0.0034, −0.0015) and higher GLTEQ moderate-to-strenuous physical activity to better EQ-VAS (0.10; 0.03, 0.17). Knee trauma is associated with poorer condition-specific but not generic HRQoL 3–12 years post-injury.
Combined Effect of Lead Exposure and Allostatic Load on Cardiovascular Disease Mortality—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel , Ferguson Alesia C. , Stamatakis Katherine A. , Province Michael A.
Published: June 2021

This study explores the combined effect of lead (Pb) exposure and an index of chronic physiological stress on cardiovascular disease mortality using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2008 linked to 1999–2014 National Death Index data. Chronic physiological stress was measured using the allostatic load (AL) index, which was formed by analyzing markers from the cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic systems, with Pb levels, assessed using blood lead levels (BLL). The dataset was analyzed with statistical techniques to explore (a) the relationship between Pb exposure and AL, and (b) the combined role of Pb and AL on cardiovascular disease mortality. Results indicated that AL was more elevated in those with BLLs above the 50th percentile in the US population and that those with elevated AL were more likely to have high BLL. Finally, the interaction of AL and BLL significantly increased the likelihood of cardiovascular disease mortality. These findings highlight the need for considering the totality of exposures experienced by populations to build holistic programs to prevent Pb exposure and reduce stressors to promote optimal health outcomes and reduce cardiovascular mortality risk.
A Study of Older Adults’ Perception of High-Density Housing Neighbourhoods in Singapore: Multi-Sensory Perspective
Authors: Trivic Zdravko
Published: June 2021

Associated sensory and cognitive declines progress with ageing and profoundly impact the daily living and quality of life of older adults. In the context of an increased ageing population globally, this paper outlines an exploratory study of socio-sensory properties of two high-density housing neighbourhoods in Singapore and the ways senior local residents perceive their familiar built environments. This study employed exploratory on-site exercises with 44 student researchers (including sensory photo-journeys, documentation of sensory properties and daily activity patterns), and 301 socio-perceptual surveys with local residents, the majority of whom were older adults. The findings reveal important aspects related to sensory assessment and appreciation (e.g., crowdedness, noise, smell, cleanliness), walking experience (e.g., safety, wayfinding) and overall satisfaction with the neighbourhood (e.g., available public amenities, opportunities for inter-generational bonding), some of which correlated with age and reported health condition. Multi-sensory assessment shows the capacity to inform more integrated, empathetic, ability-building and context-specific ageing-friendly neighbourhood design.