bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technologies of Engagement: How Battery Storage Technologies Shape Householder Participation in Energy Transitions
Authors: Kloppenburg Sanneke , Smale Robin , Verkade Nick
Published: November 2019

The transition to a low-carbon energy system goes along with changing roles for citizens in energy production and consumption. In this paper we focus on how residential energy storage technologies can enable householders to contribute to the energy transition. Drawing on literature that understands energy systems as sociotechnical configurations and the theory of ‘material participation’, we examine how the introduction of home batteries affords new roles and energy practices for householders. We present qualitative findings from interviews with householders and other key stakeholders engaged in using or implementing battery storage at household and community level. Our results point to five emerging storage modes in which householders can play a role: individual energy autonomy; local energy community; smart grid integration; virtual energy community; and electricity market integration. We argue that for householders, these storage modes facilitate new energy practices such as providing grid services, trading, self-consumption, and sharing of energy. Several of the storage modes enable the formation of prosumer collectives and change relationships with other actors in the energy system. We conclude by discussing how householders also face new dependencies on information technologies and intermediary actors to organize the multi-directional energy flows which battery systems unleash. With energy storage projects currently being provider-driven, we argue that more space should be given to experimentation with (mixed modes of) energy storage that both empower householders and communities in the pursuit of their own sustainability aspirations and serve the needs of emerging renewable energy-based energy systems.
Investigation of Heat Management in High Thermal Density Communication Cabinet by a Rear Door Liquid Cooling System
Authors: Yang Wansheng , Yang Lin , Ou Junjie , Lin Zhongqi , Zhao Xudong
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a rear door oil-cooling heat exchanger for data center cabinet-level cooling has been proposed. In order to solve the heat dissipation problem of high heat density data center, this paper applied the mature transformer oil cooling technology to the data room. The heat dissipation of liquid-cooled cabinets and traditional air-cooled cabinets was compared, and the heat dissipation performance of the oil-cooled system was theoretically and experimentally investigated. To investigate the heat dissipation system, the cabinet operating temperature, circulating oil system temperature and cabinet exhaust temperature, cabinet heat density, oil flow rates and fan power were analyzed. It was found that the average cooling efficiency of the liquid-cooled cabinet increased by 66% compared with the average cooling efficiency of the conventional air-cooled cabinet. The operating temperature in air-cooled cabinets is as high as 55 °C, and the operating temperature in liquid-cooled cabinets does not exceed 50 °C. Among which, the maximum heat dissipation efficiency of the liquid-cooled cabinets can reach 58.8%. The oil temperature could reach 46.9 °C after heat exchange, and the exhaust air of the cabinet could reach 42.8 °C, which could be used to prepare domestic water and regenerative desiccant. The results from established calculation model agreed well with the testing results and the model could be used to predict the heat dissipation law of the oil cooling system under different conditions. The research has proposed the potential application of the oil-cooled in cabinet-level cooling, which can help realize saving primary energy and reducing carbon emission.
Different Responses of Cytoplasmic and Endoplasmic Reticulum Hsp90 Genes from Eogystia hippophaecola (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) to Cold Stress
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Tao Jing , Li Yurong , Xu Yabei , Liu Xinhai , Zong Shixiang
Published: November 2019

Eogystia hippophaecola Hua, Chou, Fang et Chen (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is an important borer pest of the sea buckthorn forest (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in China. Its larvae, which are highly cold tolerant, mainly overwinter in sea buckthorn roots. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are important molecular chaperones that have been linked to cold tolerance in insects. In this study, we cloned the open reading frames (ORFs) of two Hsp90 genes from E. hippophaecola, EhHsp90-1 and EhHsp90-2, and analyzed their expression under cold stress by qRT-PCR. EhHsp90-1 and EhHsp90-2 are 2154 and 2346 bp in length, respectively, encoding 717 and 781 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequences contain the conserved signature sequences of the Hsp90 family and the C-terminus characteristic sequence of cytoplasmic or endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90 protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the amino acid sequences of EhHsp90-1 and EhHsp90-2 were very similar to the corresponding proteins from Lepidoptera. Under various low-temperature treatments lasting 2 h, EhHsp90-1 and EhHsp90-2 exhibited similar expression patterns, increasing first and then decreasing. At −5 °C, EhHsp90-1 was significantly up-regulated after 12 h, whereas EhHsp90-2 was up-regulated after just 1 h and reached its highest level at 2 h; however, the overall degree of upregulation was greater for EhHsp90-1. Subsequently, the expression level of EhHsp90-2 fluctuated with time. Our results suggest that the two Hsp90s play important roles in E. hippophaecola larvae response to cold stress, but that their response times and the magnitudes of their responses to low-temperature stress differed significantly, providing a theoretical basis for further studying the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in E. hippophaecola larvae.
Selection of Poplar Genotypes for Adapting to Climate Change
Authors: Niemczyk Marzena , Hu Yue , Thomas Barb R.
Published: November 2019

Deployment of well-adapted, water use efficient, and productive genotypes may be essential for the sustainability of both forests and wood supply for the forest industry, as climate change is increasing water stress around the world. This study aimed to characterize key traits among new genotypes of hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) in water use efficiency (WUE) and evaluate adaptive capacity to guide the selection of appropriate clones/hybrid types for commercial deployment in habitats with an increasing water deficit in northern, continental climates. Forty-five new hybrid poplar genotypes were compared at the age of 10, including two control clones, Walker and Okanese, growing in a common garden genetics trial in northern Alberta. We studied the relationships between their productivity and WUE, photosynthetic assimilation, transpiration, stomatal conductance, stomatal density and length, and leaf size and weight. In addition, the genetic variance and heritabilities of physiological and morphological characteristics related to WUE were calculated. Results of this study revealed that most of the clones showed an adaptive capacity to acclimatize (small and dense stomata) to the region of deployment. Morphological traits were characterized by higher heritabilities than physiological traits. Hybrids between Populus balsamifera and Populus maximowiczii species showed a slightly greater adaptive potential to the area of our study than the other tested cross types. Walker, a clone widely planted across the Canadian prairies, showed inferior WUE and productivity in comparison to the new genotypes tested. Selection and tree breeding for adaptation to climate change in the region of our investigation identified highly productive genotypes with dense, small stomata and a larger leaf area to dry mass ratio. As these traits are heritable, selection of clones with these traits will ensure a faster reaction of stomata when faced with a water deficit. The low genetic effect, heritability estimates, and high residual effect for physiological traits, impose a severe limitation on the use of gas exchange measurements under field conditions in tree improvement programs selecting for drought resistance.
PacBio Long-Read Sequencing Reveals the Transcriptomic Complexity and Aux/IAA Gene Evolution in Gnetum (Gnetales)
Authors: Hou Chen , Deng Nan , Su Yingjuan
Published: November 2019

The genus Gnetum includes pantropical trees, shrubs and lianas, with unresolved phylogenetic relationships with other seed plant groups. Despite the reference genome for this genus being recently published, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the reproductive organ development of Gnetum remain unclear. A previous study showed that indole-3-acetic acid is involved in the regulation of female strobili of Gnetum, while the diversity and evolution of indole-3-acetic acid-related genes—the Aux/IAA genes—have never been investigated in Gnetales. Thus, a pooled sample from different developmental stages of female strobili in Gnetum luofuense C.Y. Cheng was sequenced using PacBio single-molecular long-read technology (SMRT) sequencing. PacBio SMRT sequencing generated a total of 53,057 full-length transcripts, including 2043 novel genes. Besides this, 10,454 alternative splicing (AS) events were detected with intron retention constituting the largest proportion (46%). Moreover, 1196 lncRNAs were identified, and 8128 genes were found to possess at least one poly (A) site. A total of 3179 regulatory proteins, including 1413 transcription factors (e.g., MADS-box and bHLHs), 477 transcription regulators (e.g., SNF2), and 1289 protein kinases (e.g., RLK/Pelles) were detected, and these protein regulators probably participated in the female strobili development of G. luofuense. In addition, this is the first study of the Aux/IAA genes of the Gnetales, and we identified 6, 7 and 12 Aux/IAA genes from Gnetum luofuense, Welwitschia mirabilis, and Ephedra equistina, respectively. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that Aux/IAA genes from the gymnosperms tended to cluster and possessed gene structures as diverse as those in angiosperms. Moreover, the Aux/IAA genes of the Gnetales might possess higher molecular evolutionary rates than those in other gymnosperms. The sequencing of the full-length transcriptome paves the way to uncovering molecular mechanisms that regulate reproductive organ development in gymnosperms.
Academic Excellence, Website Quality, SEO Performance: Is there a Correlation?
Authors: Giannakoulopoulos Andreas , Konstantinou Nikos , Koutsompolis Dimitris , Pergantis Minas , Varlamis Iraklis
Published: November 2019

The academic excellence of universities around the globe has always been a matter of extended study and so has the quality of an institution’s presence in the World Wide Web. The purpose of this research is to study the extent to which a university’s academic excellence is related to the quality of its web presence. In order to achieve this, a method was devised that quantified the website quality and search engine optimization (SEO) performance of the university websites of the top 100 universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) Shanghai list. A variety of tools was employed to measure and test each website and produced a Web quality ranking, an SEO performance ranking, as well as a combined overall web ranking for each one. Comparing these rankings with the ARWU shows that academic excellence is moderately correlated with website quality, but SEO performance is not. Moreover, the overall web ranking also shows a moderate correlation with ARWU which seems to be positively influenced by website quality and negatively by SEO performance. Conclusively, the results of the research indicate that universities place particular emphasis on issues concerning website quality, while the utilization of SEO does not appear to be of equal importance, indicating possible room for improvement in this area.
In-Depth Qualitative Analysis of Lime Essential Oils Using the Off-Line Combination of Normal Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zoccali Mariosimone , Giocastro Barbara , Bonaccorsi Ivana L. , Trozzi Alessandra , Tranchida Peter Q. , Mondello Luigi
Published: November 2019

The present research is focused on the in-depth qualitative analysis of three types of lime essential oil (EO), viz., Key (A and B) and Persian, using the off-line combination of normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-QMS). The first analytical dimension (NP-HPLC) was exploited for the isolation of the hydrocarbon constituents from the oxygenated ones. Each fraction was then reduced in volume and analyzed using (cryogenic modulation) GC × GC-QMS. Peak assignment was carried out through the combined use of mass spectral database and linear retention index matching processes. The powerful four-dimensional technology enabled the separation and identification of a very high number (153) of lime essential oil volatile compounds.
Dynamic Analysis of the Viscoelastic Pipeline Conveying Fluid with an Improved Variable Fractional Order Model Based on Shifted Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Wang Yuanhui , Chen Yiming
Published: November 2019

Viscoelastic pipeline conveying fluid is analyzed with an improved variable fractional order model for researching its dynamic properties accurately in this study. After introducing the improved model, an involuted variable fractional order, which is an unknown piecewise nonlinear function for analytical solution, an equation is established as the governing equation for the dynamic displacement of the viscoelastic pipeline. In order to solve this class of equations, a numerical method based on shifted Legendre polynomials is presented for the first time. The method is effective and accurate after the numerical example verifying. Numerical results show that how dynamic properties are influenced by internal fluid velocity, force excitation, and variable fractional order through the proposed method. More importantly, the numerical method has shown great potentials for dynamic problems with the high precision model.
Biogenesis of Developmental Master Regulatory 27nt-RNAs in Stylonychia—Can Coding RNA Turn into Non-Coding?
Authors: Postberg Jan , Weil Patrick Philipp , Pembaur Anton
Published: November 2019

In the ciliate Stylonychia, somatic macronuclei differentiate from germline micronuclei during sexual reproduction, accompanied by developmental sequence reduction. Concomitantly, over 95% of micronuclear sequences adopt a heterochromatin structure characterized by the histone variant H3.4 and H3K27me3. RNAi-related genes and histone variants dominate the list of developmentally expressed genes. Simultaneously, 27nt-ncRNAs that match sequences retained in new macronuclei are synthesized and bound by PIWI1. Recently, we proposed a mechanistic model for ‘RNA-induced DNA replication interference’ (RIRI): during polytene chromosome formation PIWI1/27nt-RNA-complexes target macronucleus-destined sequences (MDS) by base-pairing and temporarily cause locally stalled replication. At polytene chromosomal segments with ongoing replication, H3.4K27me3-nucleosomes become selectively deposited, thus dictating the prospective heterochromatin structure of these areas. Consequently, these micronucleus-specific sequences become degraded, whereas 27nt-RNA-covered sites remain protected. However, the biogenesis of the 27nt-RNAs remains unclear. It was proposed earlier that in stichotrichous ciliates 27nt-RNA precursors could derive from telomere-primed bidirectional transcription of nanochromosomes and subsequent Dicer-like (DCL) activity. As a minimalistic explanation, we propose here that the 27nt-RNA precursor could rather be mRNA or pre-mRNA and that the transition of coding RNA from parental macronuclei to non-coding RNAs, which act in premature developing macronuclei, could involve RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) activity creating dsRNA intermediates prior to a DCL-dependent pathway. Interestingly, by such mechanism the partition of a parental somatic genome and possibly also the specific nanochromosome copy numbers could be vertically transmitted to the differentiating nuclei of the offspring.
Differences in Incidence and Risks of Suicide Attempt and Suicidal Drug Overdose between Patients with Epilepsy with and without Comorbid Depression
Authors: Lin Chi-Yu , Harnod Tomor , Lin Cheng-Li , Shen Wei-Chih , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: November 2019

Objective: To determine the differences in the incidences and risks of suicide attempt (SA) and suicidal drug overdose (SDO) between patients with epilepsy with and without comorbid depression by using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Methods: We analyzed data of patients (≥20 years) who had received epilepsy diagnoses between 2000 and 2012; the diagnosis date of epilepsy was defined as the index date. The epilepsy patients were divided into the cohorts, with and without comorbid depression, and compared against a cohort from the non-affected population. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals for SA and SDO in the three cohorts after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: The incidences of SA and SDO in the cohort with epilepsy and depression were 42.9 and 97.4 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. The epilepsy with depression cohort had 21.3 times of SA risk; and 22.9 times of SDO risk than did the comparison cohort had a 6.03-fold increased risk of SA and a 2.56-fold increased risk of SDO than did the epilepsy patients without depression. Moreover, patients’ age <65 years, and female sex would further increase the risk of SA in patients with epilepsy and comorbid depression. Conclusion: Risks of SA and SDO in patients with epilepsy are proportionally increased when depression is coexisted. Our findings provide crucial information for clinicians and the government for suicide prevention and to question whether prescribing a large number of medications to patients with epilepsy and depression is safe.
Role of Internal and External Museum Environment in Increasing Visitors’ Cognitive/Affective/Healthy Experiences and Loyalty
Authors: Han Heesup , Lee Soyeun , Hyun Sunghyup Sean
Published: November 2019

There has not been much research on the impact of the museum environment on the formation of visitor loyalty. The purpose of this study is to discover the convoluted relationships among internal and external physical environments, involvement, knowledge value, satisfaction, and desire in forming visitor loyalty. A field survey was carried out at museums. A confirmatory factor analysis with the collected data showed that the measures used included an adequate level of measurement quality. The proposed model was revised by adding four meaningful approaches to improve the anticipatory ability and model fit. Results from the structural analysis demonstrated the criticality of both internal and external dimensions of physical environments in loyalty formation and identified the significant mediating impact of cognitive, evaluative, and motivational factors in our theoretical framework. Moreover, the relative importance of desire in increasing loyalty was found. Research contributions to the museum literature are discussed.
Family Communication and Verbal Child-to-Parent Violence among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress
Authors: Jiménez Teresa Isabel , Estévez Estefanía , Velilla Coral M. , Martín-Albo José , Martínez María Luisa
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of reported incidents of child-to-parent violence (CPV); however, this type of intra-family violence remains vastly understudied compared with other forms of family violence. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between family communication and verbal CPV through the mediation of adolescent perceived stress. The sample consisted of 2399 Spanish students of both genders between the ages of 11 and 20 years. Results show that problematic family communication is a risk factor for the presence of verbally abusive behavior towards parents, with a direct and indirect relationship through perceived stress. Open family communication is presented as a protective factor against verbally abusive behavior due to a negative relationship with perceived stress. Results point to a mediating role of perceived stress, which would explain the mechanism which links the quality of family communication to verbal violence towards parents. Implications of these results are discussed.
Simultaneous Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils and Sediments of the Guishui River Basin, Beijing
Authors: Wang Jiankang , Gao Bo , Yin Shuhua , Xu Dongyu , Liu Laisheng , Li Yanyan
Published: November 2019

Simultaneous ecological and health risk assessments of potentially toxic elements in soils and sediments can provide substantial information on their environmental influence at the river-basin scale. Herein, soil and sediment samples were collected from the Guishui River basin to evaluate the pollution situation and the ecological and health risk of potentially toxic elements. Various indexes were utilized for quantitatively assessing their health risks. Pollution assessment by geo-accumulation index showed that Cd had “uncontaminated to moderately polluted” status in the soils and sediments. Potential ecological risk index showed that the Guishui River basin was at low risk in general, but Cd was classified as “moderate or considerable ecological risk” both in the soils and sediments. Health risk assessment calculated human exposure from soils and indicated that both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of the selected potentially toxic elements were lower than the acceptable levels. Health risks posed by potentially toxic elements bio-accumulated in fish, stemming from sediment resuspension, were also assessed. Non-carcinogenic hazard index indicated no adverse health effects on humans via exposure to sediments; however, in general, Cr contributed largely to health risks among the selected potentially toxic elements. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to the Guishui River basin in the future.
Design of Incentive Contract for Technological Innovation of New Energy Vehicles with Asymmetric Information
Authors: Cai Dong , Guo Chunxiang , Tan Yue
Published: November 2019

The improvement of China’s new energy automobile technology is one of the most pressing issues for the government and manufacturers, given that the existing new energy automobile subsidy policy is about to be withdrawn completely. Considering that the manufacturer has the private information of the initial technology level of new energy vehicles, its technology can be improved by means of technological innovation. Using principal–agent and regulation theory, this paper studies how the government designs incentive contracts to motivate manufacturers to strive to upgrade new energy automotive technology. The study has obtained a quantitative incentive contract under full information and a quantitative screening contract with asymmetric information, which provides an effective reference for the design of government subsidy contracts. It was found that the existence of asymmetric information reduces the expected net utility of the government in incentive projects, and the technology upgrading of low-level manufacturers is insufficient, but will not affect the technology upgrading of high-level manufacturers who will get information rent. The conclusion has good reference value and guiding significance for government policy-making with asymmetric information.
Ten Lessons for Good Practice for the INHERIT Triple Win: Health, Equity, and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Bell Ruth , Khan Matluba , Romeo-Velilla Maria , Stegeman Ingrid , Godfrey Alba , Taylor Timothy , Morris George , Staatsen Brigit , van der Vliet Nina , Kruize Hanneke , Anthun Kirsti Sarheim , Lillefjell Monica , Espnes Geir Arild , Chiabai Aline , García de Jalón Silvestre , Quiroga Sonia , Martinez-Juarez Pablo , Máca Vojtěch , Zvěřinová Iva , Ščasný Milan , Marques Sibila , Craveiro Daniela , Westerink Joyce , Spelt Hanne , Karnaki Pania , Strube Rosa , Merritt Anne-Sophie , Friberg Marita , Bélorgey Nathalie , Vos Marjolijn , Gjorgjev Dragan , Upelniece Inese , Costongs Caroline
Published: November 2019

The world’s challenges of climate change, damage to ecosystems, and social and health inequalities require changes in human behaviours at every level of organisation, among governments, business, communities, and individuals. An important question is how behaviour change can be enabled and supported at the scale and speed required. The research reported in this paper describes important lessons for good practice in changing contexts to modify behaviours for a triple win for health, equity and environmental sustainability. Authors synthesised learning from qualitative, quantitative and cost benefit evaluations of 15 case studies conducted in 12 countries in Europe. The case studies address ways of living (green spaces and energy efficient housing), moving (active transport) and consuming (healthy and sustainable diets) that support the triple win. Ten lessons for good practice were identified. These include bringing a triple win mindset to policy and practice in planning interventions, with potential to improve environmental sustainability, health and equity at the same time. The lessons for good practice are intended to support governmental and non-governmental actors, practitioners and researchers planning to work across sectors to achieve mutual benefits for health and environmental sustainability and in particular to benefit poorer and more socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Clinical Outcomes of Penetrating Keratoplasty and Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Asian Population with American Corneas
Authors: Hsiao Fang-Chi , Chen Po-Yuan , Meir Yaa-Jyuhn James , Tan Hsin-Yuan , Hsiao Ching-Hsi , Lin Hsin-Chiung , Ma David Hui-Kang , Yeh Lung-Kun , Wu Wei-Chi , Chen Hung-Chi
Published: November 2019

To determine the comparative efficacy and safety of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the Asian population receiving imported donor corneas, our single-center retrospective study provides analysis supporting the transition from PK to DSAEK in the Asian population using imported American donor corneas. We analyzed 259 patients with 241 and 57 cases of PK and DSAEK respectively during 2008 to 2017 using imported corneas at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. In terms of long-term graft survival analysis, there was no difference between PK and DSAEK (log-rank p = 0.386, HR = 0.920, 95% CI: [0.641–1.380]). However, Cox proportional regression analysis revealed that corneal survival rate of DSAEK group in the first 100 days after transplantation was inferior than that of PK group (log-rank p < 0.001, HR = 2.733, 95% CI: [1.501–4.977])]. Despite the inferior survival rate, there were significantly less neovascularization and Descemet membrane folds in the DSAEK group. Importantly, the non-complication rate of DSAEK was much higher than that of PK with significant difference (PK, 25.7% vs DSAEK 42.0%, p = 0.022). Collectively, DSAEK is suggested as an alternative surgical modality in Asian patients using imported American donor corneas because of less complication, and no difference in long-term corneal graft survival rates between PK and DSAEK.
Help or Hindrance? The Alcohol Industry and Alcohol Control in Portugal
Authors: Paixão Maria Margarida , Mialon Mélissa
Published: November 2019

The influence of the alcohol industry, also known as “corporate political activity” (CPA), is documented as one of the main barriers in implementing effective alcohol control policies. In Portugal, despite an alcohol consumption above the European average, alcohol control does not feature in the current National Health Plan. The present research aimed to identify and describe the CPA of the alcohol industry in Portugal. Publicly-available data published between January 2018 and April 2019 was extracted from the main websites and social media accounts of alcohol industry trade associations, charities funded by the industry, government, and media. A “Policy Dystopia” framework, used to describe the CPA strategies of the tobacco industry, was adapted and used to perform a qualitative thematic analysis. Both instrumental and discursive strategies were found. The industry works in partnership with health authorities, belonging to the national task force responsible for planning alcohol control policies. Additionally, it emphasizes the role alcohol plays in Portuguese culture as a way to disregard evidence on control policies from other countries. This paper presents the first description of CPA by the alcohol industry in Portugal and provides evidence for the adoption of stricter control policies in the country.
Decreased Vertical Trunk Inclination Angle and Pelvic Inclination as the Result of Mid-High-Heeled Footwear on Static Posture Parameters in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women
Authors: Michoński Jakub , Witkowski Marcin , Glinkowska Bożena , Sitnik Robert , Glinkowski Wojciech
Published: November 2019

The influence of high-heel footwear on the lumbar lordosis angle, anterior pelvic tilt, and sacral tilt are inconsistently described in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medium-height heeled footwear on the static posture parameters of homogeneous young adult standing women. Heel geometry, data acquisition process, as well as data analysis and parameter extraction stage, were controlled. Seventy-six healthy young adult women with experience in wearing high-heeled shoes were enrolled. Data of fifty-three subjects were used for analysis due to exclusion criteria (scoliotic posture or missing measurement data). A custom structured light surface topography measurement system was used for posture parameters assessment. Three barefoot measurements were taken as a reference and tested for the reliability of the posture parameters. Two 30-degree wedges were used to imitate high-heel shoes to achieve a repeatable foot position. Our study confirmed the significant (p < 0.001) reduced vertical balance angle and pelvis inclination angle with large and medium-to-large effects, respectively, due to high-heel shoes. No significant differences were found in the kyphosis or lordosis angles. High-heeled shoes of medium height in young asymptomatic women can lead to a straightening effect associated with a reduced vertical balance angle and decreased pelvic inclination.
Adapting Digital Social Prescribing for Suicide Bereavement Support: The Findings of a Consultation Exercise to Explore the Acceptability of Implementing Digital Social Prescribing within an Existing Postvention Service
Authors: Galway Karen , Forbes Trisha , Mallon Sharon , Santin Olinda , Best Paul , Neff Jennifer , Leavey Gerry , Pitman Alexandra
Published: November 2019

This paper describes a consultation exercise to explore the acceptability of adapting digital social prescribing (DSP) for suicide bereavement support. Bereavement by suicide increases the risk of suicide and mental health issues. Social prescribing improves connectedness and empowerment and can provide digital outcomes-based reporting to improve the capacity for measuring the effectiveness of interventions. Our aim was to consult on the acceptability and potential value of DSP for addressing the complexities of suicide bereavement support. Our approach was underpinned by implementation science and a co-design ethos. We reviewed the literature and delivered DSP demonstrations as part of our engagement process with commissioners and service providers (marrying evidence and context) and identified key roles for stakeholders (facilitation). Stakeholders contributed to a co-designed workshop to establish consensus on the challenges of providing postvention support. We present findings on eight priority challenges, as well as roles and outcomes for testing the feasibility of DSP for support after suicide. There was a consensus that DSP could potentially improve access, reach, and monitoring of care and support. Stakeholders also recognised the potential for DSP to contribute substantially to the evidence base for postvention support. In conclusion, the consultation exercise identified challenges to facilitating DSP for support after suicide and parameters for feasibility testing to progress to the evaluation of this innovative approach to postvention.
Investigation the EMG Activities of Lower Limb Muscles When Doing Squatting Exercise in Water and on Land
Authors: Yuen Calvin H.N. , Lam Christine P.Y. , Tong Kate C.T. , Yeung Jessica C.Y. , Yip Chloe H.Y. , So Billy C.L.
Published: November 2019

(1) Background: Squatting is one of the common closed-kinetic chain (CKC) exercises for knee rehabilitation. Some patients cannot perform squatting exercises on land occasionally due to knee pain. Several studies had suggested that lower limb muscle activities are lower in water than on land while performing CKC exercises. The purpose of this study is to investigate the surface electromyography (sEMG) activities of Rectus femoris (RF) and Biceps femoris (BF) muscles when doing a squatting exercise in water and on land. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional experimental study. A total of 20 healthy participants (10 males, 10 females) were recruited by convenience sampling. The sEMG of RF and BF muscles in water and on land were collected and the knee motions were videotaped. Participants were instructed to perform closed kinetic-chain back squatting exercises at a specific speed (30 beats per minute) in water and on land at angular speed of 45°/s. Eight repetitions of the squatting exercise (0–90° knee flexion) were performed. The mean percentage maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) between two muscles was compared in two conditions. The %MVC of RF and BF muscles at different specific knee flexion angles (30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion) was also identified. (3) Result: Muscle activities of RF (p = 0.01) and BF (p < 0.01) muscles were significantly lower in water than on land. The %MVC of RF and BF muscles was found to be 15.01% and 10.68% lower in water than on land respectively. For different knee angle phases, the differences in %MVC between land and water had significant difference for both RF muscles and BF muscles. (4) Conclusion: This study found a difference of mean percentage MVC of RF and BF muscles between land and water in different phases of squatting. The water medium reduced the two muscles’ activities to a similar extent. The result showed that the aquatic environment allows an individual to perform squatting with less muscle activation which may serve as an alternative knee exercise option for patients who encounter difficulty in land squatting due to lower limb muscle weakness or a high level of knee pain.
Symptoms of Discomfort and Problems Associated with Mode of Delivery During the Puerperium: An Observational Study
Authors: Martínez-Galiano Juan Miguel , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Hernández-Martínez Antonio
Published: November 2019

Despite abundant literature on antenatal and delivery care received by pregnant women, there is a wide knowledge gap on the prevalence of symptoms of discomfort or problems during the postpartum period and their relationship with the mode of delivery. This cross-sectional study, carried out with 3324 participants in Spain in 2017, aimed to investigate the association between the mode of delivery and self-reported postpartum symptoms of discomfort and maternal problems during the puerperium. An ad hoc online questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and obstetric variables, symptoms of discomfort, and maternal problems during the puerperium. The crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using binary logistic regression. In total, 3324 women participated. Compared to a normal vaginal delivery, having a cesarean section was associated with increased odds of an infected surgical wound (aOR: 11.62, 95%CI: 6.77–19.95), feeling sad (aOR: 1.31, 23 95%CI: 1.03–1.68), and symptoms of post-traumatic stress (aOR: 4.64, 95%CI: 2.94–7.32). Instrumental delivery vs. normal vaginal delivery was a risk factor for constipation (aOR: 1.35 95%CI: 25 1.10–1.66), hemorrhoids (aOR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.04–1.57), urinary incontinence (aOR: 1.30, 95%CI: 26 1.05–1.61), and fecal incontinence (aOR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.29–2.92) during the puerperium. Women who gave delivery via cesarean section or instrumental delivery had higher incidences of infection and psychological alterations than those who had a normal vaginal delivery. Identifying women at risk of giving birth by cesarean section and informing them about subsequent symptoms of discomfort and maternal problems during the puerperium must be included in pregnancy health program policies and protocols to allow women to make informed decisions regarding their birthing plan.
Informing Behaviour Change: What Sedentary Behaviours Do Families Perform at Home and How Can They Be Targeted?
Authors: Arundell Lauren , Parker Kate , Salmon Jo , Veitch Jenny , Timperio Anna
Published: November 2019

Home-based interventions targeting children’s sedentary behaviours have had limited and inconsistent effectiveness, possibly due to a mismatch between the behaviours targeted, the behaviours actually performed, and health-risk messages parents need to initiate change. Between October 2017–February 2018, 540 parents completed an online survey indicating their own and their child’s participation in 15 home-based sedentary behaviours (child mean age 11.1 ± 2.61 years, 52% male; parent mean age 40.7 ± 6.14, 93% female). Parents also indicated which home-based sedentary behaviours they and their child could reduce, and what health-risk messages would make them change their child’s behaviours. The most prevalent sedentary behaviours among children (particularly older children) and parents were screen-based leisure-time activities, specifically TV/video/DVD use (67.5 and 62.5 min/day, respectively) and using a tablet/smart phone for leisure (53.6 and 80.8 min/day, respectively). Importantly, these were also perceived as the most feasible behaviours parents and children could reduce. Parents reported that the following messages would help them reduce their child’s sedentary behaviour: sitting may increase the risk of poor mental health (85.2% of parents) and adversely impact future health as an adult (85.1%). These findings highlight feasible behavioural targets and intervention content for programs aiming to reduce sedentary behaviours in the home environment. Further research is needed to test these strategies.
Heatwave Events and Mortality Outcomes in Memphis, Tennessee: Testing Effect Modification by Socioeconomic Status and Urbanicity
Authors: Li Ying , Akkus Cem , Yu Xinhua , Joyner Andrew , Kmet Jennifer , Sweat David , Jia Chunrong
Published: November 2019

Heatwave studies typically estimate heat-related mortality and morbidity risks at the city level; few have addressed the heterogeneous risks by socioeconomic status (SES) and location within a city. This study aimed to examine the impacts of heatwaves on mortality outcomes in Memphis, Tennessee, a Mid-South metropolitan area top-ranked in morbidity and poverty rates, and to investigate the effects of SES and urbanicity. Mortality data were retrieved from the death records in 2008–2017, and temperature data from the Applied Climate Information System. Heatwave days were defined based on four temperature metrics. Heatwave effects on daily total-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality were evaluated using Poisson regression, accounting for temporal trends, sociodemographic factors, urbanicity, and air pollution. We found higher cardiovascular mortality risk (cumulative RR (relative risk) = 1.25, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.01–1.55) in heatwave days defined as those with maximum daily temperature >95th percentile for more than two consecutive days. The effects of heatwaves on mortality did not differ by SES, race, or urbanicity. The findings of this study provided evidence to support future heatwave planning and studies of heatwave and health impacts at a coarser geographic resolution.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections among Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims from Malaysia in 2018
Authors: Dauda Goni Mohammed , Hasan Habsah , Naing Nyi Nyi , Wan-Arfah Nadiah , Zeiny Deris Zakuan , Nor Arifin Wan , Abubakar Baaba Aisha
Published: November 2019

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is a major public health challenge during the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims towards the prevention of RTIs in 2018 and determine correlations among three domains. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards RTI prevention was assessed by using a validated self-administered questionnaire among pilgrims attending a weekly orientation course organized by private Hajj/Umrah companies. Out of 225 participants, 65.9% of respondents were female with the mean (SD) age of 46.74 (13.38) years. The interquartile range (IQR) score for knowledge is 18.0 (6.0), the mean scores of attitude and practice are 32.65 (4.72) and 25.30 (4.9). respectively. Significant and negative linear correlations between knowledge and practice (r = −0.232, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.134, p = 0.045) were observed. Results from the current study showed good knowledge of RTIs among Malaysian pilgrims. However, a poor attitude was reflected in their preventive practice behaviors. This will further help in the prevention and management of RTIs during Hajj and Umrah. Therefore, an extensive educational health campaign should be provided to pilgrims to create awareness.
Flow and Mixing Behavior in a New Bottom Blown Copper Smelting Furnace
Authors: Shao Pin , Jiang Lepeng
Published: November 2019

A mathematical model was developed to describe gas–liquid flow and mixing behavior in a new bottom blown oxygen copper smelting furnace, and the model validation was carried out through a water model experiment. The effects of different nozzle locations, nozzle numbers, and gas flow rates on the gas–liquid flow, gas total volume, and mixing efficiency were investigated. The results show that the gas–liquid two-phase flow and mixing time predicted by the present model agree well with the experimental data. When the nozzles are located near the center of the bath bottom, the gas total volume is larger, but the mixing efficiency is very low. With the increase of nozzle arrangement angle, the mixing time decreased. However, the excessive angle arrangement of nozzles exceeding 21° was found to be detrimental to the bubble residence time and mixing efficiency. With the increase in nozzle numbers from nine to 13, the gas total volume in the furnace increases, and the mixing efficiency does not change greatly. When the number of nozzles is further increased to 18, the mixing efficiency begins to decrease significantly. As the gas flow rate increases from 4.7 m3/h to 14.1 m3/h, the gas total volume in the furnace increases, and the mixing time is rapidly reduced from 314.5 s to 251.5 s. When the gas flow rate exceeds 18.8 m3/h, the gas total volume and mixing efficiency change little.
A Role for Both V1a and V2 Receptors in Renal Heat Stress Injury Amplified by Rehydration with Fructose
Authors: García-Arroyo Fernando E. , Muñoz-Jiménez Itzel , Gonzaga Guillermo , Tapia Edilia , Osorio-Alonso Horacio , Roncal-Jiménez Carlos A , Iroz Alison , Vecchio Mariacristina , Reyes-García Juan G. , Johnson Richard J , Sánchez-Lozada L Gabriela
Published: November 2019

Chronic vasopressin secretion induced by recurrent mild heat stress exposure is significantly enhanced by limited rehydration with a fructose-containing beverage both in rodents and in humans. Moreover, this effect has been associated with upregulation of the polyol–fructokinase pathway and increased renal oxidative stress. Previously, we have shown that pharmacological inhibition of both V1a and V2 vasopressin receptors with conivaptan improved such renal alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent contributions of V1a and V2 receptors to the renal damage caused by mild heat stress and limited rehydration with a fructose-containing beverage. Osmotic minipumps were used to deliver either relcovaptan (0.64 mg/day) or tolvaptan (0.25 mg/day) in male Wistar rats for two weeks. Corresponding dilution vehicles were used as controls. To induce dehydration, rats were exposed to mild heat stress (37 °C for 1 h, Monday to Friday). All groups received a 10% fructose solution as a rehydration fluid for 2 h after mild heat stress. For the remainder of the day and on weekends, rats received tap water. The independent blockade of either the V1a or the V2 receptor prevented renal damage, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased plasma cortisol and systemic inflammation. However, the beneficial effects were regulated by different mechanisms. Tolvaptan inhibited polyol–fructokinase pathway overactivation, while relcovaptan prevented upregulation of the renin–angiotensin system and SGK1 expression. These data suggest that both V1a and V2 receptors participate in renal damage caused by heat stress-induced dehydration when fructose-containing beverages are used as rehydration fluids.
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Current Treatment Options
Authors: Jagirdar Rajesh M. , Bozikas Andreas , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Bartosova Maria , Schmitt Claus Peter , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: November 2019

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a life-threatening complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD), which may even occur after patients have switched to hemodialysis (HD) or undergone kidney transplantation. The incidence of EPS varies across the globe and increases with PD vintage. Causative factors are the chronic exposure to bioincompatible PD solutions, which cause long-term modifications of the peritoneum, a high peritoneal transporter status involving high glucose concentrations, peritonitis episodes, and smoldering peritoneal inflammation. Additional potential causes are predisposing genetic factors and some medications. Clinical symptoms comprise signs of intestinal obstruction and a high peritoneal transporter status with incipient ultrafiltration failure. In radiological, macro-, and microscopic studies, a massively fibrotic and calcified peritoneum enclosed the intestine and parietal wall in such cases. Empirical treatments commonly used are corticosteroids and tamoxifen, which has fibrinolytic properties. Immunosuppressants like azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or mTOR inhibitors may also help with reducing inflammation, fibrin deposition, and collagen synthesis and maturation. In animal studies, N-acetylcysteine, colchicine, rosiglitazone, thalidomide, and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors yielded promising results. Surgical treatment has mainly been performed in severe cases of intestinal obstruction, with varying results. Mortality rates are still 25–55% in adults and about 14% in children. To reduce the incidence of EPS and improve the outcome of this devastating complication of chronic PD, vigorous consideration of the risk factors, early diagnosis, and timely discontinuation of PD and therapeutic interventions are mandatory, even though these are merely based on empirical evidence.