bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Ventilation Spacer for Direct-Drive Permanent Magnet Wind Generator
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Fan Yu , Li Weili , Li Dong , Cao Junci , Zhang Yihuang
Published: April 2019

As the rated capacity of the Direct-Drive Permanent Magnet Wind Generator (DDPMWG) increases, the heat produced from the generator’s inner components also increases and it becomes difficult to transfer the inner heat to the ambient. The ventilation spacer has a significant influence on the heat transfer process of DDPMWG. Thus, this paper focuses on the optimization of the ventilation spacer on the thermal field of DDPMWG. Firstly, the fluid flow and heat transfer coupled numerical calculation model is established. The physical model, composed of two half-slots and one tooth of DDPMWG, is established due to the structural symmetries to save the calculations. The sources and boundary conditions for the thermal calculations are also given. Five new ventilation spacers, compared with the original one, are proposed to investigate the thermal fields. The pressure drop and temperature field are compared to find the optimized ventilation spacer for the DDPMWG. The criteria are also presented for judging the heat transfer capacity. To validate the optimized ventilation spacer, the temperature rises of the armature winding with original and optimized ventilation spacers are measured. It proves that the armature winding’s temperature rise of the optimized ventilation spacer is about 4.7 K lower than that with the original ventilation spacer.
Analysis of Different Neural Networks and a New Architecture for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Yang Lintao , Yang Honggeng
Published: April 2019

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) has been widely studied because it plays a very important role in improving the economy and security of electric system operations. Many types of neural networks have been successfully used for STLF. In most of these methods, common neural networks were used, but without a systematic comparative analysis. In this paper, we first compare the most frequently used neural networks’ performance on the load dataset from the State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Company (China). Then, considering the current neural networks’ disadvantages, we propose a new architecture called a gate-recurrent neural network (RNN) based on an RNN for STLF. By evaluating all the methods on our dataset, the results demonstrate that the performance of different neural network methods are related to the data time scale, and our proposed method is more accurate on a much shorter time scale, particularly when the time scale is smaller than 20 min.
Combined Effect of Rotational Augmentation and Dynamic Stall on a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Zhu Chengyong , Wang Tongguang , Zhong Wei
Published: April 2019

Rotational augmentation and dynamic stall have been extensively investigated on horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), but usually as separate topics. Although these two aerodynamic phenomena mainly determine the unsteady loads and rotor performance, the combined effect of rotational augmentation and dynamic stall is still poorly understood and is challenging to model. We perform a comprehensive comparative analysis between the two-dimensional (2D) airfoil flow and three-dimensional (3D) blade flow to provide a deep understanding of the combined effect under yawed inflow conditions. The associated 2D aerodynamic characteristics are examined by the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Simulations, and are compared with the experimental data of NREL Phase VI rotor in three aspects: aerodynamic hysteresis, flow field development, and dynamic stall regimes. We find that the combined effect can dramatically reduce the sectional lift and drag hysteresis by almost 60% and 80% from the supposed definitions of hysteresis intensity, and further delay the onset of stall compared with either of rotational augmentation and dynamic stall. The flow field development analysis indicates that the 3D separated flow is greatly suppressed in the manner of changing the massive trailing-edge separation into the moderate leading-edge separation. Furthermore, the 3D dynamic stall regime indicates a different stall type and an opposite trend of the separated zone development, compared with the 2D dynamic stall regime. These findings suggest that the modelling of 3D unsteady aerodynamics should be based on the deep understanding of 3D unsteady blade flow rather than correcting the existing 2D dynamic stall models. This work is helpful to develop analytical models for unsteady load predictions of HAWTs.
Instantaneous in-Cylinder Volume Considering Deformation and Clearance due to Lubricating Film in Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Consuegra Franklin , Bula Antonio , Guillín Wilson , Sánchez Jonathan , Duarte Forero Jorge
Published: April 2019

A new methodology for predicting the real instantaneous in-cylinder volume in the combustion chamber of a reciprocating internal combustion engine is implemented. The mathematical model developed as part of this methodology, takes into consideration the deformations due to pressure and inertial forces, via a deformation constant adjusted through ANSYS®, using a high-precision CAD model of a SOKAN SK-MDF300 engine. The deformation constant was obtained from the CAD model using the computational tool ANSYS® and the pressure data was obtained from the engine running at three regimes: 1500, 2500, and 3500 rpm. The results were compared with previous models reported in the literature, showing that the deformation constant obtained has a smaller variation among cycles, which leads to a more precise value of the mechanical deformations. Furthermore, to have a more accurate model of the instantaneous volume variation, a factor taking into consideration the lubricant film behavior is introduced to calculate volumetric variation due to geometrical clearances. The influence of the introduced volumetric variation was evaluated through a process of combustion diagnosis, evidencing the improvement in the predictive capacity of thermodynamic modeling and, therefore, the correct prediction of heat release rate.
A Performance Evaluation of Two Bispectrum Analysis Methods Applied to Electrical Current Signals for Monitoring Induction Motor-Driven Systems
Authors: Huang Baoshan , Feng Guojin , Tang Xiaoli , Gu James Xi , Xu Guanghua , Cattley Robert , Gu Fengshou , Ball Andrew D.
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the performance of the conventional bispectrum (CB) method and its new variant, the modulation signal bispectrum (MSB) method, in analysing the electrical current signals of induction machines for the condition monitoring of rotor systems driven by electrical motors. Current signal models which include the phases of the various electrical and magnetic quantities are explained first to show the theoretical relationships of spectral sidebands and their associated phases due to rotor faults. It then discusses the inefficiency of CB and the proficiency of MSB in characterising the sidebands based on simulated signals. Finally, these two methods are applied to analyse current signals measured from different rotor faults, including broken rotor bar (BRB), downstream gearbox wear progressions and various compressor faults, and the diagnostic results show that the MSB outperforms the CB method significantly in that it provides more accurate and sparse diagnostics, thanks to its unique capability of nonlinear modulation detection and random noise suppression.
The Potential of Renewable Energy in Timor-Leste: An Assessment for Biomass
Authors: Gonzaga Fraga Lelis , Carlos F. Teixeira José , Eduardo C. Ferreira Manuel
Published: April 2019

This paper assesses the potential of biomass energy resources in Timor-Leste (TL). Although other renewable energy sources are mentioned in this article, such as wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, bioenergy, including bioethanol and biogas, the main goal is to gather the data on biomass in TL and provide such data as useful information for a wide range of end-users. The current evaluation is based on various sources which include previous assessments on biomass and other renewable sources. The energy potential of biomass in TL apart that resulting from vegetation or flora and animals is also derived from agricultural waste, such as waste from rice, corn, and coffee. The analyses also include the contribution of agricultural waste, animal waste, and that from urban waste. The results from this article show that the potential of usable biomass energy in TL from forestry and agriculture is 1.68 × 106 toe/year, animal waste is 4.81 × 103 toe/year, and urban solid waste amounts to 9.55 × 103 toe/year. In addition, it is concluded that biomass alone can fully replace fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Modeling and Integrating PV Stations into IEC 61850 XMPP Intelligent Edge Computing Gateway
Authors: Liu Chun-Hung , Gu Jyh-Cherng
Published: April 2019

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are being widely interconnected to electrical power grids. The dispersed and intermittent generational mixes bring technical and economic challenges to the power systems in terms of stability, reliability, and interoperability. In practice, most of the communication technologies in DER are provided by proprietary communication protocols, which are not designed for the prevention of cyber security over a wide area network, and methodology of DER integration is not unified. This has made it technically difficult for power utilities and aggregators to monitor and control the DER systems after they are interconnected with the electrical grids. Moreover, peer to peer communication between DER systems as well as local intelligent computation is required to reduce decision latency and enhance the stability of the smart grid or microgrid. In this paper, the first, novel architecture of IEC 61850 XMPP (extensible messaging and presence protocol) of the edge computing gateway, involving advanced concepts and technologies, was developed and completely studied to counter the abovementioned challenges. The results show that the proposed architecture can enhance the DER system’s effective integration, security in data communication and transparency for interoperability. The novel and advanced concepts involve first modeling the topology of the photovoltaic (PV) station to IEC 61850 information models according to the IEC 61850-7-4 logical nodes and the DER-specific logical nodes defined in IEC 61850-7-420. This guarantees the interoperability between DER and DER, DER and utility and DER and the energy service operator. The second step was to map the information models to IEC 61850-8-2 XMPP for the specific communication protocol in DER applications. XMPP protocol, a publish/subscribe communication mechanism, is recommended in DER applications because of its characteristics of cybersecurity and authenticated encryption. After that we enabled the edge computing capability for data processing and the analytics of the DER side for time-critical missions. The aggregated data was then sent to the control center in the cloud. By applying the edge computing architecture, the system reduced decision latency, improved data privacy and enhanced security. The goal of this paper was to introduce the practical methodologies of these novel concepts to academics and industrial engineers.
Assessment of Maximum Penetration Capacity of Photovoltaic Generator Considering Frequency Stability in Practical Stand-Alone Microgrid
Authors: Joung Kwang Woo , Lee Hee-Jin , Park Jung-Wook
Published: April 2019

In South Korea, the existing diesel generators are being replaced with renewable energy sources (RESs) in several stand-alone microgrids. However, their reliability and stability are not still guaranteed by fluctuations of the system caused by RESs, arising from unpredictable changes in environmental factors. Moreover, since the inertia that is originally provided by the diesel synchronous generators is reduced, the overall system becomes highly sensitive to frequency variations. As a result, the installation of RESs must be well planned while considering the upper limit of their installed capacity. In this paper, a new method for evaluating the maximum penetration capacity of photovoltaic (PV) generators to ensure the stable operation of a microgrid is proposed. For the analytical approach, two frequency stability indexes, which are the minimum instantaneous frequency and the quasi-steady-state (QSS) frequency after a disturbance, are used. The capacity of PV to be installed is limited by considering the characteristics of other generators. In addition, the efficiency of the energy storage system (ESS) is also analyzed to determine the optimal capacity of both PV and ESS. The effectiveness of the proposed method is firstly proven through the mathematical analysis. Then, case studies on a practical stand-alone microgrid in South Korea are carried out using a time-domain simulation based on the DIgSILENT PowerFactory® software.
Ideal Reactive Equilibrium
Authors: Sadanand Asha
Published: April 2019

Refinements of the Nash equilibrium have followed the strategy of extending the idea of subgame perfection to incomplete information games. This has been achieved by appropriately restricting beliefs at unreached information sets. Each new refinement gives stricter and more mathematically-complicated limitations on permitted beliefs. A simpler approach is taken here, where the whole idea of beliefs is dispensed with, and a new equilibrium concept, called the ideal reactive equilibrium, that builds on some pioneering work by Amershi, Sadanand and Sadanand on thought process dynamics, is developed.
From Primordial Seed Magnetic Fields to the Galactic Dynamo
Authors: Subramanian Kandaswamy
Published: April 2019

The origin and maintenance of coherent magnetic fields in the Universe is reviewed with an emphasis on the possible challenges that arise in their theoretical understanding. We begin with the interesting possibility that magnetic fields originated at some level from the early universe. This could be during inflation, the electroweak, or the quark-hadron phase transitions. These mechanisms can give rise to fields which could be strong, but often with much smaller coherence scales than galactic scales. Their subsequent turbulent decay decreases their strength but increases their coherence. We then turn to astrophysical batteries which can generate seed magnetic fields. Here the coherence scale can be large, but the field strength is generally very small. These seed fields need to be further amplified and maintained by a dynamo to explain observed magnetic fields in galaxies. Basic ideas behind both small and large-scale turbulent dynamos are outlined. The small-scale dynamo may help to understand the first magnetization of young galaxies, while the large-scale dynamo is important for the generation of fields with scales larger than the stirring scale, as observed in nearby disk galaxies. The current theoretical challenges that turbulent dynamos encounter and their possible resolution are discussed.
Challenges and Strategies for Promoting Children’s Education: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Immigrant Parenting in the United States and Singapore
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Jun
Published: April 2019

Confucian heritage culture holds that a good education is the path to upward social mobility as well as the road to realizing an individual’s fullest potential in life. In both China and Chinese diasporic communities around the world, education is of utmost importance and is central to childrearing in the family. In this paper, we address one of the most serious resettlement issues that new Chinese immigrants face—children’s education. We examine how receiving contexts matter for parenting, what immigrant parents do to promote their children’s education, and what enables parenting strategies to yield expected outcomes. Our analysis is based mainly on data collected from face-to-face interviews and participant observations in Chinese immigrant communities in Los Angeles and New York in the United States and in Singapore. We find that, despite different contexts of reception, new Chinese immigrant parents hold similar views and expectations on children’s education, are equally concerned about achievement outcomes, and tend to adopt overbearing parenting strategies. We also find that, while the Chinese way of parenting is severely contested in the processes of migration and adaptation, the success in promoting children’s educational excellence involves not only the right set of culturally specific strategies but also tangible support from host-society institutions and familial and ethnic social networks. We discuss implications and unintended consequences of overbearing parenting.
Development and Validation of Sex-Specific Markers in Pelodiscus Sinensis Using Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing
Authors: Liang Hongwei , Wang Lihua , Sha Hang , Zou Guiwei
Published: April 2019

The sex of an animal influences its economic traits, especially in species displaying sexual dimorphism. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is an economically important aquatic species that shows significant male sexual dimorphism, with a large body size, faster growth, a thick and wide calipash, and lower body fat. In this study, ten male and ten female turtles were subjected to restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) using the Hi-Seq 4000 sequencing platform to isolate female-specific DNA fragments. We identified 5967 bp and 6532 bp fragments using genome walking. Three female-specific markers designed from these two fragments were confirmed to separate the sexes of Pelodiscus sinensis perfectly. One of the female-specific markers showed dosage association in female and male individuals. Individuals from different populations (n = 296) were used to validate that the female-specific markers could identify the genetic sex of Pelodiscus sinensis with 100% accuracy. The results of the present study demonstrated that RAD-seq was useful to develop sex-related markers in animals, and verified that the sex determination system of Pelodiscus sinensis belonged to the ZZ/ZW heterogametic system. Importantly, the developed markers could lead to a method for sex-controlled breeding in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle.
Review of Programs for Persons Facing Death with Dementia
Authors: Volicer Ladislav
Published: April 2019

Background: Persons with advanced dementia cannot initiate activities because of the executive dysfunction. The lack of activities was identified as one of the most important factors contributing to behavioral problems of these persons. The unmet needs were boredom/sensory deprivation, loneliness/need for social interaction, and need for meaningful activities. There is a need for activities designed specifically for residents with advanced dementia. Objective: A description of patient’s needs and of programs that intend to maintain quality of life for people with dementia and facing death. Data sources: A literature review of programs used for persons with advanced dementia and residing in long-term facilities, using the PubMed data base and collateral sources. Results: Since palliative care is appropriate for persons with advanced dementia, attention has to be paid to three following important aspects of care: Medical issues, behavioral symptoms, and meaningful activities. Medical interventions should be limited to those which have more benefits than burdens, behavioral symptoms should be distinguished according to the context in which they occur, and treated by non-pharmacological interventions that involve meaningful activities. This review describes four programs that may promote the quality of life in persons with advanced dementia and facing death. They are designed for persons with advanced dementia, taking into account their functional impairments. Most of these programs involve short infrequent sessions. In contrast, Namaste Care is a daily extended program of enhanced nursing care that can provide quality of life until the last breath. Conclusions: It is possible to maintain quality life for people with advanced dementia if a special program of activities is available.
Predictors of Discharge Against Medical Advice in a Tertiary Paediatric Hospital
Authors: Sealy Louise , Zwi Karen , McDonald Gordon , Saavedra Aldo , Crawford Lisa , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: April 2019

Background: Patients who discharge against medical advice (DAMA) from hospital carry a significant risk of readmission and have increased rates of morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of DAMA patients from a tertiary paediatric hospital. Methods: Data were extracted retrospectively from electronic medical records for all inpatient admissions over a 5-year period. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, Aboriginality, socioeconomic status and remoteness of residence) and clinical characteristics (admitting hospital site, level of urgency on admission, diagnosis and previous DAMA) were extracted and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of DAMA with 95% confidence intervals. Results: There were 246,359 admissions for 124,757 patients, of which 1871 (0.8%) admissions and 1730 patients (1.4%) DAMA. Predictors of DAMA in a given admission were hospital site (OR 4.8, CI 4.2–5.7, p < 0.01), a mental health/behavioural diagnosis (OR 3.3, CI 2.2–4.8, p < 0.01), Aboriginality (OR 1.6, CI 1.3–2.1, p < 0.01), emergency rather than elective admissions (OR 0.7ha, CI 0.6–0.8, p < 0.01), a gastrointestinal diagnosis (OR 1.5, CI 1.1–2.0, p = 0.04) and a history of previous DAMA (OR 2.0, CI 1.2–3.2, p = 0.05). Conclusions: There are clear predictors of DAMA in this tertiary hospital admission cohort and identification of these provides opportunities for intervention at a practice and policy level in order to prevent adverse outcomes.
Association between Chronic Pain and Physical Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Nakai Yuki , Makizako Hyuma , Kiyama Ryoji , Tomioka Kazutoshi , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Kubozono Takuro , Takenaka Toshihiro , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: April 2019

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between chronic pain and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. We analyzed data obtained from 323 older adults (women: 74.6%) who participated in a community-based health check survey (the Tarumizu Study, 2017). Physical frailty was defined in terms of five parameters (exhaustion, slowness, weakness, low physical activity, and weight loss). We assessed the prevalence of chronic low back and knee pain using questionnaires. Participants whose pain had lasted ≥two months were considered to have chronic pain. Among all participants, 138 (42.7%) had chronic pain, and 171 (53.0%) were categorized as having physical frailty or pre-frailty. Logistic regression analysis showed that chronic pain was significantly associated with the group combining frailty and pre-frailty (odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.76, p = 0.040) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, score on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and medications. Comparing the proportions of chronic pain among participants who responded to the sub-items, exhaustion (yes: 65.9%, no: 39.4%) demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.001). Chronic pain could be associated with the group combining frailty and pre-frailty and is particularly associated with exhaustion in community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, there is a need for early intervention and consideration of the role of exhaustion when devising interventions for physical frailty in older individuals with chronic pain.
Improving the Living, Learning, and Thriving of Young Black Men: A Conceptual Framework for Reflection and Projection
Authors: Watkins Daphne C.
Published: April 2019

Black men experience disproportionate mental health challenges due to their exposure to severe psychosocial stressors. Yet, the mental health challenges of Black men have largely been left out of national conversations. Strong theoretical frameworks are important when generating dialogue about the mental health of Black men, as it helps to validate the work on a larger scale while also grounding the work for more practical use. This paper presents the conceptual framework for a five-year initiative aimed at improving the living, learning, and thriving of young Black men through a social media intervention that improves their mental health, expands their definitions of manhood, and helps them to engage in social support. The Young, Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) project is a social media-based, health promotion program that targets mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms), masculine norms (e.g., definitions of manhood), and social support for young Black men using culturally-sensitive, age-appropriate, and gender-specific popular culture. The YBMen project has been successfully implemented with over 150+ Black men since 2014; findings demonstrate improved mental health outcomes, progressive definitions of manhood, and stronger social relationships. Reflections from the past and projections for the future are discussed.
Construction Worker Risk-Taking Behavior Model with Individual and Organizational Factors
Authors: Low Banus Kam Leung , Man Siu Shing , Chan Alan Hoi Shou , Alabdulkarim Saad
Published: April 2019

Behavioral-based safety is an important application of behavioral science that can be used to address safety problems in the construction sector. An understanding of construction worker risk-taking behavior is deemed to be a crucial basis on which concerned authorities and construction companies can develop effective safety interventions to reduce construction accidents. However, no studies have been conducted to examine the effects of safety climate, work condition, attitude toward risk, cognitive bias, and risk perception on construction worker risk-taking behavior through a quantitative approach. Accordingly, this study aims to propose a research model that explains construction worker risk-taking behavior. A total of 188 valid datasets were obtained through a series of questionnaire surveys conducted in representative construction projects in Hong Kong. Confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling was adopted to validate the hypothesized research model. Results show that attitudes toward risk and cognitive bias have a positive influence, whereas risk perception and work conditions have a negative influence on construction worker risk-taking behavior. In addition, safety climate was negatively correlated with construction worker risk-taking behavior. Practical recommendations for reducing construction worker risk-taking behavior are also discussed in this paper.
Characteristics and Challenges for the Development of Nature-Based Adult Day Services in Urban Areas for People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Hassink Jan , Vaandrager Lenneke , Buist Yvette , de Bruin Simone
Published: April 2019

Nature-based adult day services (ADSs) for people with dementia (PwD) are well-known in rural areas. In recent years, a number of providers have started offering these services in urban contexts, e.g., in city farms and community gardens, where people with dementia participate in outdoor activities, such as gardening and caring for animals. At the moment, little is known about these services within an urban context, and the aim of this study is to characterize different types of nature-based ADSs in urban areas for PwD living at home, as well as to identify general and specific challenges with regard to the development of different types of ADSs. An inventory was carried out and 17 ADS providers in urban areas were interviewed about their initiatives, settings, client groups, motivations for starting their nature-based ADS, and their experiences with, competences for, and funding of urban nature-based ADS. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Five types of nature-based ADSs were identified: (1) services offered by social entrepreneurs, (2) nursing homes opening their garden to people with dementia, (3) social care organization setting up nature-based, (4) community garden set up by citizens, and (5) hybrid initiatives. Common activities were gardening, preparing meals, and taking care of farm animals. The main activities organized by nursing homes included sitting and walking in the garden and attending presentations and excursions. General challenges included the availability of green urban spaces and acquiring funding for the nature-based services. Initiatives of social entrepreneurs depended strongly on their commitment. Challenges for nursing homes included a lack of commitment among nursing staff, involvement of PwD living at home and a lack of interaction with the neighborhood. Volunteers played a key role in the initiatives organized by social care organizations and in community gardens. However, it was a major challenge to find volunteers who know enough about care and gardening. Specific challenges for the hybrid types were related to differences in work culture between social entrepreneurs and care organizations. Different types of care-oriented and community-oriented nature-based adult day services in urban areas for people with dementia have been developed, facing different types of challenges. Care oriented initiatives like nursing homes opening their garden focus on risk prevention and their nature-based services tended to be less diverse and stimulating for people with dementia living at home. Collaboration between such care-oriented initiatives with initiatives of other types of organizations or social entrepreneurs can lead to more appealing community-oriented nature-based services.
Evaluation of the Submicron Particles Distribution Between Mountain and Urban Site: Contribution of the Transportation for Defining Environmental and Human Health Issues
Authors: Manigrasso Maurizio , Protano Carmela , Martellucci Stefano , Mattei Vincenzo , Vitali Matteo , Avino Pasquale
Published: April 2019

Transportation is one of the main causes of atmospheric pollution, especially in downtown big cities. Researchers usually point their attention to gaseous and/or particulate matter pollutants. This paper investigated the role of submicron particles, particularly the fraction ranging between 5–560 nm, in aerosol chemistry for identifying the contribution of autovehicular traffic and investigating the doses deposited in the human respiratory tract. Measurements carried out by two Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS, TSI) analyzers were simultaneously performed at two different sampling sites (an urban and a mountain site) during workdays and weekends in July. The total particle number (2–2.5 times higher in the urban site), the aerosol size distribution (different modes during the day), and the ultrafine/non-ultrafine particle ratios (ranging between 2–4 times between two sites) were investigated and discussed in relationship to the high autovehicular traffic in Rome and the almost null anthropogenic emissions at the mountain site, as well as the differing contributions of both to the “fresh nucleation” and to “aged aerosol”. Furthermore, the regional cumulative number doses deposited in the human respiratory tract were studied for both sites: The difference between the urban/mountain site was very high (up to 15 fold), confirming the pollutant role of transportation.
Return to Work Interventions for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and a Methodological Critique
Authors: Lamore Kristopher , Dubois Thomas , Rothe Ulrike , Leonardi Matilde , Girard Isabelle , Manuwald Ulf , Nazarov Soja , Silvaggi Fabiola , Guastafierro Erika , Scaratti Chiara , Breton Thierry , Foucaud Jérôme
Published: April 2019

Cancer patients are more at risk of being unemployed or having difficulties to return to work (RTW) compared to individuals without health concerns, and is thus a major public health issue. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and describe the interventions developed specifically to help cancer patients to RTW after treatment. Two researchers independently screened the articles for inclusion and Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists were used to assess the methodology of the included studies. Ten manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The type of studies were three quasi-experimental studies, three longitudinal studies, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a qualitative study. RTW interventions were conducted in or outside the hospital (n = 6 and 3 respectively), or both (n = 1). Improvements in RTW were only observed in quasi-experimental studies. No improvement in RTW was noted in RCTs, nor in other measures (e.g., quality of life, fatigue). Lack of statistically significant improvement does not necessarily reflect reality, but may be attributed to non-adapted research methods. This systematic review underscores the need for researches in the RTW field to reach a consensus on RTW criteria and their assessment. Recommendations to this effect are suggested.
Compliance with Multiple Health Behaviour Recommendations: A Cross-Sectional Comparison between Female Cancer Survivors and Those with no Cancer History
Authors: Tollosa Daniel N , Tavener Meredith , Hure Alexis , James Erica L
Published: April 2019

Lifestyle behaviours have an important role in preventing cancer, reducing treatment side effects, and improving survival and quality of life for cancer survivors. This study investigated adherence to multiple lifestyle behaviours among women with and without a cancer history. From the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) surveys, 2407 cancer survivors and 3896 controls (cancer free population) were identified. Based on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendations, adherence to six health behaviours (smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, sugary drink intake, and Body Mass Index [BMI]) were assessed. Overall adherence was low, and there were no differences between survivors and controls on adherence to any of the six individual health behaviours. However, both recent and long-term cancer survivors were more likely than controls to adhere to multiple health behaviours (p < 0.05). When participants with melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer were excluded, adherence was less likely (but not significant) in the cancer group than controls. Higher education (p < 0.01), being married (p < 0.01), and lower comorbidity of chronic illnesses (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with adherence to multiple lifestyle behaviours. Overall, the findings suggest that a cancer diagnosis may result in increased compliance with multiple health behaviour guidelines.
Aboriginal Status and Neighborhood Income Inequality Moderate the Relationship between School Absenteeism and Early Childhood Development
Authors: Muhajarine Nazeem , McRae Daphne , Soltanifar Mohsen
Published: April 2019

The negative impact of school absenteeism on children’s academic performance has been documented in the educational literature, yet few studies have used validated development indicators, or investigated individual and neighborhood characteristics to illuminate potential moderating factors. Using cross-sectional Early Development Instrument (EDI) panel data (2001–2005) we constructed multilevel linear and logistic regression models to examine the association between school absenteeism and early childhood development, moderated by Aboriginal status, length of school absence, neighborhood-level income inequality, and children’s sex assigned at birth. Our study included 3572 children aged four to eight in 56 residential neighborhoods in Saskatoon, Canada. Results indicated that Aboriginal children missing an average number of school days (3.63 days) had significantly lower EDI scores compared to non-Aboriginal children, controlling for individual and neighborhood factors. As school absenteeism lengthened, the gap in EDI scores between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children narrowed, becoming non-significant for absences greater than two weeks. Children with long-term school absence (>4 weeks of school), living in neighborhoods of low income inequality, had significantly better physical and social development scores compared to children from medium or high income inequality neighborhoods. Across all EDI domains, girls living in neighborhoods with low income inequality had significantly better EDI scores than boys in similar neighborhoods; however, sex-differences in EDI scores were not apparent for children residing in high income inequality neighborhoods. Results add to the literature by demonstrating differences in the relationship between school absenteeism and early developmental outcomes moderated by Aboriginal status, length of school absence, neighborhood income inequality, and sex assigned at birth. These moderating factors show that differential approaches are necessary when implementing policies and programs aimed at improving school attendance.
What Characteristics of Urban Green Spaces and Recreational Activities Do Self-Reported Stressed Individuals Like? A Case Study of Baoji, China
Authors: Gao Tian , Song Rui , Zhu Ling , Qiu Ling
Published: April 2019

Several studies have revealed the positive effects of green space and certain activities on counteracting the physical and mental pressure felt by human beings. However, how self-reported stressed people perceive restorative green spaces, their preferences for specific characteristics and activities, and what characteristics of urban green space can induce various types of activities for stress recovery has not been fully examined in the high-density cities of China. Using an on-site questionnaire survey conducted in the People’s Park (PP) in Baoji, China, this study is the first to consider the relationship among eight sensory dimensions, activity types and stress recovery in Chinese green space. Results showed that the highest-stressed respondents were more likely to spend their time in multi-layered woodlands adjacent to water, with more experiences of serene but less about prospect. They preferred serene dimension more, while the culture and social dimensions were least preferred. Sports and leisure activities and quiet activities were the most popular among highest-stressed respondents, which were positively related to the serene and nature dimensions, respectively. Results suggested that the most restorative environment for stress recovery can be regarded as multi-layered woodlands adjacent to water with more serene and nature, less prospect and few or no culture and social dimensions.
Relationship between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Han Changlin , Liu Yangqun , Gong Xiao , Ye Xiaohua , Zhou Junli
Published: April 2019

Previous studies have suggested an association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and risk of depressive symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether there is a dose–response relationship. The effect estimates were pooled using fixed-effect or random-effect models based on homogeneity analysis. The dose–response meta-analysis was performed by linear and non-linear regression. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the possible sources of heterogeneity. Twenty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis. SHS exposure was significantly associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–1.39). For SHS exposure expressed as an ordinal variable, the dose–response meta-analysis revealed a monotonically increasing relationship between SHS exposure and depressive symptoms. A similar dose–response relationship was observed for SHS exposure expressed as a continuous variable (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.26–1.87). Our findings suggest that SHS exposure is associated with increasing odds of depressive symptoms in a dose–response manner.
Recent Developments in Metal-Based Drugs and Chelating Agents for Neurodegenerative Diseases Treatments
Authors: Sales Thais A. , Prandi Ingrid G. , de Castro Alexandre A. , Leal Daniel H. S. , da Cunha Elaine F. F. , Kuca Kamil , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: April 2019

The brain has a unique biological complexity and is responsible for important functions in the human body, such as the command of cognitive and motor functions. Disruptive disorders that affect this organ, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), can lead to permanent damage, impairing the patients’ quality of life and even causing death. In spite of their clinical diversity, these NDDs share common characteristics, such as the accumulation of specific proteins in the cells, the compromise of the metal ion homeostasis in the brain, among others. Despite considerable advances in understanding the mechanisms of these diseases and advances in the development of treatments, these disorders remain uncured. Considering the diversity of mechanisms that act in NDDs, a wide range of compounds have been developed to act by different means. Thus, promising compounds with contrasting properties, such as chelating agents and metal-based drugs have been proposed to act on different molecular targets as well as to contribute to the same goal, which is the treatment of NDDs. This review seeks to discuss the different roles and recent developments of metal-based drugs, such as metal complexes and metal chelating agents as a proposal for the treatment of NDDs.
A Novel Standardized Cannabis sativa L. Extract and Its Constituent Cannabidiol Inhibit Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions
Authors: Mabou Tagne Alex , Marino Franca , Legnaro Massimiliano , Luini Alessandra , Pacchetti Barbara , Cosentino Marco
Published: April 2019

Cannabis and cannabinoids offer significant therapeutic benefits for a wide scope of pathological conditions. Among them, the clinical issues rooted in inflammation stand out, nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms are not yet plainly understood. Circumstantial evidence points to polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) as targets for the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the effects of CM5, a novel Cannabis sativa L. extract standardized in 5% cannabidiol (CBD), on human PMN functions, including cell migration, oxidative metabolism and production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We then sought to investigate whether such effects could be ascribed to its content in CBD. Cell migration was assessed by the Boyden chamber assay, oxidative metabolism by means of spectrofluorimetric measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and TNF-α was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results show that both CM5 and CBD inhibit PMN migration, ROS and TNF-α production, indicating that CBD may be the main item responsible for the effects of CM5. CM5 is however more potent than CBD on cell migration and TNF-α production, and less effective on ROS production, suggesting that beyond CBD, other components of the cannabis plant may contribute to the biological effects of the extract. As a whole, such results support the use of cannabis standardized extract and CBD to stem inflammation; however, they also warrant in-depth investigation of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms to better exploit their therapeutic potential.
Overall Dietary Quality Relates to Gut Microbiota Diversity and Abundance
Authors: Laitinen Kirsi , Mokkala Kati
Published: April 2019

Disturbances in gut microbiota homeostasis may have metabolic consequences with potentially serious clinical manifestations. Diet influences the host’s metabolic health in several ways, either directly or indirectly by modulating the composition and function of gut microbiota. This study investigated the extent to which dietary quality is reflected in gut microbiota diversity in overweight and obese pregnant women at risk for metabolic complications. Dietary quality was measured by a validated index of diet quality (IDQ) and microbiota composition was analyzed using 16SrRNA gene sequencing from 84 women pregnant less than 18 weeks. The alpha diversity, measured as Chao1, observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs), phylogenetic diversity, and the Shannon index were calculated. The IDQ score correlated positively with the Shannon index (rho = 0.319, p = 0.003), but not with the other indexes. The women who had the highest dietary quality (highest IDQ quartile) had higher gut microbiota diversity in all the investigated indexes, when compared to the women with the lowest dietary quality (lowest IDQ quartile; p < 0.032). Consequently, a higher dietary quality was reflected in a higher gut microbiota diversity. The presented approach may aid in devising new tools for dietary counseling aiming at holistic health, as well as in microbiome studies, to control for dietary variance.
Quorum Sensing as Antivirulence Target in Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens
Authors: Scoffone Viola Camilla , Trespidi Gabriele , Chiarelli Laurent R. , Barbieri Giulia , Buroni Silvia
Published: April 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder which leads to the secretion of a viscous mucus layer on the respiratory epithelium that facilitates colonization by various bacterial pathogens. The problem of drug resistance has been reported for all the species able to colonize the lung of CF patients, so alternative treatments are urgently needed. In this context, a valid approach is to investigate new natural and synthetic molecules for their ability to counteract alternative pathways, such as virulence regulating quorum sensing (QS). In this review we describe the pathogens most commonly associated with CF lung infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and the emerging pathogens Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Haemophilus influenzae and non-tuberculous Mycobacteria. For each bacterium, the QS system(s) and the molecules targeting the different components of this pathway are described. The amount of investigations published in the last five years clearly indicate the interest and the expectations on antivirulence therapy as an alternative to classical antibiotics.
Acute Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review Investigating miRNA Families Involved
Authors: Pinchi Enrica , Frati Alessandro , Cantatore Santina , D’Errico Stefano , La Russa Raffaele , Maiese Aniello , Palmieri Mauro , Pesce Alessandro , Viola Rocco Valerio , Frati Paola , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: April 2019

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) involves primary and secondary injury mechanisms. The primary mechanism is related to the initial traumatic damage caused by the damaging impact and this damage is irreversible. Secondary mechanisms, which begin as early as a few minutes after the initial trauma, include processes such as spinal cord ischemia, cellular excitotoxicity, ionic dysregulation, and free radical-mediated peroxidation. SCI is featured by different forms of injury, investigating the pathology and degree of clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies, the animal models that have allowed us to better understand this entity and, finally, the role of new diagnostic and prognostic tools such as miRNA could improve our ability to manage this pathological entity. Autopsy could benefit from improvements in miRNA research: the specificity and sensitivity of miRNAs could help physicians in determining the cause of death, besides the time of death.