bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Combustion Variance on Sustainability of Free-Piston Linear Generator during Steady-State Generation
Authors: Bashir Ahsan , Zulkifli Saiful A. , Aziz Abd Rashid Abd , Abidin Ezrann ZZ
Published: July 2021

A free-piston linear generator (FPLG) has a number of advantages compared to a traditional crank-slider internal combustion engine, including better thermal and mechanical efficiencies, different fuel compatibility, and a higher power-to-weight ratio. For electric vehicle propulsion and generation of portable power, an FPLG is a very attractive alternative source of energy. This paper presents the development of an FPLG simulation model using MATLAB-Simulink and investigates the impact of combustion variance on its operation. Results provided insight into various characteristics of system behavior through variation of structural dimension and operational parameters. In steady-state operation with fixed electrical load and fixed ignition for combustion, it was found that consecutively low combustion pressures can easily lead to engine stoppage, pointing to the significance of control for continuous operation. Due to the absence of the moment of inertia and flywheel character of the rotating engine, a linear engine-generator is subject to ceased operation even after two consecutively low combustions under 10% variance. This will not be a fundamental problem in an ordinary crank-slider engine-generator, but in a linear engine-generator, control measure will be necessary to ensure sustained operation.
Analysis of Natural Hydraulic Fracture Risk of Mudstone Cap Rocks in XD Block of Central Depression in Yinggehai Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Jia Ru , Fan Caiwei , Liu Bo , Fu Xiaofei , Jin Yejun
Published: July 2021

The Yinggehai Basin is an important Cenozoic gas bearing basin in the South China Sea. With the gradual improvement of gas exploration and over-development in shallow layers, deep overpressured layers have become the main target for natural gas exploration. There are no large-scale faults in the strata above the Meishan Formation in the central depression, and hydraulic fracturing caused by overpressure in mudstone cap rocks is the key factor for the vertical differential distribution of gas. In this paper, based on the leak-off data, pore fluid pressure, and rock mechanics parameters, the Fault Analysis Seal Technology (FAST) method is used to analyze the hydraulic fracture risk of the main mudstones in the central depression. The results show that the blocks in the diapir zone have been subjected to hydraulic fracturing in the Huangliu cap rocks during the whole geological history, and the blocks in the slope zone which is a little distant from the diapirs has a lower overall risk of hydraulic fracture than the diapir zone. In geological history, the cap rocks in slope zone remained closed for a longer time than in diapir zone and being characterized by the hydraulic fracture risk decreases with the distance from the diapirs. These evaluation results are consistent with enrichment of natural gas, which accumulated in both the Yinggehai Formation and Huangliu Formation of the diapir zone, but it only accumulated in the the Huangliu Formations of the slope zone. The most reasonable explanation for the difference of the gas reservoir distribution is that the diapirs promote the development of hydraulic fractures: (1) diapirism transfers deep overpressure to shallow layers; (2) the small fault and fractures induced by diapir activities weakened the cap rock and reduced the critical condition for the natural hydraulic fractures. These effects make the diapir zone more prone to hydraulic fracturing, which are the fundamental reasons for the difference in gas enrichment between the diapir zone and the slope zone.
Influences of Geometrical Parameters of Upstream Deflector on Performance of a H-Type Vertical Axis Marine Current Turbine
Authors: Zhou Donghai , Sun Xiaojing
Published: July 2021

Marine current power is a kind of renewable energy that has attracted increasing attention because of its abundant reserves, high predictability, and consistency. A marine current turbine is a large rotating device that converts the kinetic energy of the marine current into mechanical energy. As a straight-bladed vertical axis marine current turbine (VAMCT) has a square or rectangular cross-section, it can thus have a larger swept area than that of horizontal axis marine current turbines (HAMCT) for a given diameter, and also have good adaptability in shallow water where the turbine size is limited by both width and depth of a channel. However, the low energy utilization efficiency of the VAMCT is the main bottleneck that restricts its application. In this paper, two-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to investigate the effectiveness of an upstream deflector on improving performance of the straight-bladed (H-type) marine current turbine. The effects of various key geometrical parameters of the deflector including position, length, and installation angle on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the VAMCT were then systematically analyzed in order to explore the mechanism underlying the interaction between the deflector and rotor of a VAMCT. As a result, the optimal combination of geometrical parameters of the deflector by which the maximum energy utilization efficiency was achieved was a 13.37% increment compared to that of the original VAMCT. The results of this work show the feasibility of the deflector as a potential choice for improving the energy harvesting performance of a VAMCT with simple structure and easy implementation.
Modeling and Measurements of Properties of Coupled Inductors
Authors: Detka Kalina , Górecki Krzysztof , Grzejszczak Piotr , Barlik Roman
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a model of a coupled inductor which takes into account the influence of frequency, temperature, and a constant component, IDC, of currents in the windings on the parameters of the considered element. A description of the model and methods of measuring parameters of the inductor using an impedance analyzer and a chamber for thermal measurements is given. The obtained results of measurements are compared with the results of calculations proving a satisfactory match.
Numerical Analysis of Melting Process in a Rectangular Enclosure with Different Fin Locations
Authors: Huang Bin , Tian Lin-Li , Yu Qing-Hua , Liu Xun , Shen Zu-Guo
Published: July 2021

Latent thermal energy storage is regarded as an effective strategy to utilize solar energy and recover automotive waste heat. Based upon an enthalpy-porosity method, the influence characteristics and mechanism of fin location on phase change material melting behavior in vertical rectangular enclosures were explored numerically. The results show that as fin location increases, the melting time decreases before attaining the minimum at the fin location of 0.20 after which it increases and finally surpasses the no fin case, because (1) the influence range of fins for conduction is limited by the bottom surface when putting fins next to this surface, (2) the liquid flow resistance increases with moving fins up, and (3) mounting fins near the top surface accelerates melting at the upper part, facilitating thermal stratification formation and weakening natural convection. Nu is higher than the no fin case, i.e., Nu enhancement factor is a positive value, in the melting process for a lower fin location, while for other fin locations, a transition to a negative value takes place. The higher the fin location is, the earlier the transition that arises. Finally, a strategy of increasing the maximum liquid flow velocity is proposed to reinforce melting for cases with considerable natural convection.
Joint Optimal Planning of Electricity and Modern Energy Cooking Services Access in Nyagatare
Authors: Sánchez-Jacob Eduardo , González-García Andrés , Mazorra Javier , Ciller Pedro , Lumbreras Julio , Pérez-Arriaga José Ignacio
Published: July 2021

In 2019, there were 759 million people globally without access to electricity and 2.6 billion people lacked access to clean cooking. Cooking with electricity could contribute to achieving universal access to energy by 2030. This paper uses geospatially-based techniques—a computer model named REM, for Reference Electrification Model—to show the impact of integrating electric cooking into electrification planning. Three household scenarios were analyzed: one for providing basic electricity access with no electric cooking; another for cooking with electricity; and the third for cooking half of the meals with electricity and half with another fuel, with a clean stacking process. Results of the application of REM to the three scenarios were obtained for the Nyagatare District, Rwanda. The case study showed that electric cooking substantially changes the mix of technologies and the total cost of the least-cost electrification plan. It also showed that electric cooking can be cost competitive compared to LPG and charcoal in grid-connected households and can reduce greenhouse emissions. Stacking with energy-efficient electric appliances provides most of the benefits of full electric cooking at a lower cost and is a pathway worthy of further consideration.
An Innovative Sensor for Cable Joint Monitoring and Partial Discharge Localization
Authors: Barbieri Luca , Villa Andrea , Malgesini Roberto , Palladini Daniele , Laurano Christian
Published: July 2021

To enhance grid reliability, weak points must be monitored. One of the weaknesses is the cable joints, which are prone to failure and can cause great losses from both a technical and economical point of view. Joints failures are usually caused by impurities unintentionally added during installation that cause partial discharges (PDs). In time, these discharges erode the insulation and generate treeing up to a destructive discharge between the conductor and the ground shield. For this reason, a method for the early detection of defects in joint installation and their online monitoring is required. A previously developed sensor was improved by adapting it for this purpose. It is based on the measurement of the induced current on a conductor due to a charge variation. It was experimentally tested on an actual joint in which defects were artificially introduced. Results show that the sensor is able to detect partial discharges. Moreover, a method for PD localization was developed. The first results show a coherency between the possible defect location, numerical simulations and historical background.
The Effect of Lighting on Crime Counts
Authors: Fotios Steve A. , Robbins Chloe J. , Farrall Stephen
Published: July 2021

The influence of lighting on crime was investigated by considering the effect of ambient light level on crimes recorded in three US cities for the ten-year period 2010 to 2019. Crime counts were compared for similar times of day, before and after the biannual clock change, therefore employing an abrupt change of light level but without an obvious intervention such as improving road lighting in an area. The results suggest a significant increase in robbery during darkness, confirming previous studies. The results also suggest darkness leads to an increase in arson and curfew loitering offenses, and to a decrease in disorderly conduct, family offences (non-violent) and prostitution. Future research investigating the effectiveness of improved street lighting should consider that this may not be beneficial for all types of crime.
Decision-Making Processes in Controlling Exposure to Sunlight Supported by Simulation Tools: A Case Study in Warm Weather
Authors: Huskinson Mariana , Galiano-Garrigós Antonio , González-Avilés Ángel Benigno , Pérez-Millán M. Isabel
Published: July 2021

Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is one of the main strategies defined by the European Union to reduce global energy costs. Amongst the actions to be carried out in buildings to achieve this objective is working with passive measures adapted to each type of climate. To assist designers in the process of finding appropriate solutions for each building and location, different tools have been developed and since the implementation of building information modeling (BIM), it has been possible to perform an analysis of a building’s life cycle from an energy perspective and other types of analysis such as a comfort analysis. In the case of Spain, the first BIM environment tool has been implemented that deals with the global analysis of a building’s behavior and serves as an alternative to previous methods characterized by their lack of both flexibility and information offered to designers. This paper evaluates and compares the official Spanish energy performance evaluation tool (Cypetherm) released in 2018 using a case study involving the installation of sunlight control devices as part of a building refurbishment. It is intended to determine how databases and simplifications affect the designer’s decision-making. Additionally, the yielded energy results are complemented by a comfort analysis to explore the impact of these improvements from a users’ wellbeing viewpoint. At the end of the process the yielded results still confirm that the simulation remains far from reality and that simulation tools can indeed influence the decision-making process.
Tracing Ancient Carbon Dioxide Emission in the Larderello Area by Means of Historical Boric Acid Production Data
Authors: Lenzi Alessandro , Paci Marco , Giudetti Geoffrey , Gambini Roberto
Published: July 2021

The impact of natural CO2 emissions in the development of geothermal areas is presently gaining more attention than ever before. In Italian geothermal fields, a reduction in the natural CO2 emissions has been observed. This paper reviews and provides an analysis of the historical production data of boric acid from 1818 to 1867 used to calculate the natural emissions of CO2 associated with boric acid production that pre-dates the use of geothermal resources for power production, which started in 1913. Boric acid was already being extracted from the natural geothermal fluids in geysers and natural ponds emitting steam and gases. After 1827 the ‘lagone coperto’ (covered lake) equipment optimized production, and the drilling of shallow wells (20–30 m) starting in 1836, which further increased the quantity of its extraction. The first geothermal reservoir was developed at the turn of the century and the Larderello geothermal field began to grow. The use of deep wells, keeping pace with the power production, led to the gradual disappearance of the natural ponds and the ‘lagoni’ (lakes) in the historical area, so the residual natural emission of CO2 is presently restricted to diffuse soil emission. Comparisons of the ancient CO2 emissions with those of the Geothermal Power Plant (GPP) in the Larderello area show that both amounts are in the same order of magnitude, suggesting a balance between the depletion of natural emissions and geothermal activity.
On the Applicability of Two Families of Cubic Techniques for Power Flow Analysis
Authors: Tostado-Véliz Marcos , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco , Ruiz-Rodriguez Francisco J.
Published: July 2021

This work presents a comprehensive analysis of two cubic techniques for Power Flow (PF) studies. In this regard, the families of Weerakoon-like and Darvishi-like techniques are considered. Several theoretical findings are presented and posteriorly confirmed by multiple numerical results. Based on the obtained results, the Weerakoon’s technique is considered more reliable than the Newton-Raphson and Darvishi’s methods. As counterpart, it presents a high computational burden. Regarding this point, the Darvishi’s technique has turned out to be quite efficient and fully competitive with the Newton’s scheme.
Dynamic Detection and Recognition of Objects Based on Sequential RGB Images
Authors: Dong Shuai , Yang Zhihua , Li Wensheng , Zou Kun
Published: July 2021

Conveyors are used commonly in industrial production lines and automated sorting systems. Many applications require fast, reliable, and dynamic detection and recognition for the objects on conveyors. Aiming at this goal, we design a framework that involves three subtasks: one-class instance segmentation (OCIS), multiobject tracking (MOT), and zero-shot fine-grained recognition of 3D objects (ZSFGR3D). A new level set map network (LSMNet) and a multiview redundancy-free feature network (MVRFFNet) are proposed for the first and third subtasks, respectively. The level set map (LSM) is used to annotate instances instead of the traditional multichannel binary mask, and each peak of the LSM represents one instance. Based on the LSM, LSMNet can adopt a pix2pix architecture to segment instances. MVRFFNet is a generalized zero-shot learning (GZSL) framework based on the Wasserstein generative adversarial network for 3D object recognition. Multi-view features of an object are combined into a compact registered feature. By treating the registered features as the category attribution in the GZSL setting, MVRFFNet learns a mapping function that maps original retrieve features into a new redundancy-free feature space. To validate the performance of the proposed methods, a segmentation dataset and a fine-grained classification dataset about objects on a conveyor are established. Experimental results on these datasets show that LSMNet can achieve a recalling accuracy close to the light instance segmentation framework You Only Look At CoefficienTs (YOLACT), while its computing speed on an NVIDIA GTX1660TI GPU is 80 fps, which is much faster than YOLACT’s 25 fps. Redundancy-free features generated by MVRFFNet perform much better than original features in the retrieval task.
Preparation, Properties and Cell Biocompatibility of Room Temperature LCST-Hydrogels Based on Thermoresponsive PEO Stars
Authors: Santoso Bagus , Turner Paul R. , Hanton Lyall R. , Moratti Stephen C.
Published: July 2021

A series of star and linear polymers based on a poly(ethylene oxide) core and poly(diethylene glycol ethyl ether acrylate) outer arms were synthesised by atom-transfer radical polymerization. The polydispersity of the polymers were low, showing good control of initiation and growth. They all showed lower critical solution (LCST) behaviour, and at 30% concentration most gelled at or below room temperature. The behaviour depended on the number and length of the arms, with the polymers with longer arms gelling at a lower temperature and producing stiffer gels. The shear modulus of the gels varied between 1 and 48 kPa, with the gelling temperature varying between 16 and 23 °C. Attempted cell cultures with the polymers proved unsuccessful, which was determined to be due to the high concentration of polymers needed for gelling.
Pattern of Use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) among the Chronically Ill: A Health Information National Trend Survey (HINTS) Analysis
Authors: Calixte Rose , Islam Sumaiya , Osakwe Zainab Toteh , Rivera Argelis , Camacho-Rivera Marlene
Published: July 2021

Effective patient–provider communication is a cornerstone of patient-centered care. Patient portals provide an effective method for secure communication between patients or their proxies and their health care providers. With greater acceptability of patient portals in private practices, patients have a unique opportunity to manage their health care needs. However, studies have shown that less than 50% of patients reported accessing the electronic health record (EHR) in a 12-month period. We used HINTS 5 cycle 1 and cycle 2 to assess disparities among US residents 18 and older with any chronic condition regarding the use of EHR for secure direct messaging with providers, to request refills, to make clinical decisions, or to share medical records with another provider. The results indicate that respondents with multimorbidity are more likely to share their medical records with other providers. However, respondents who are 75 and older are less likely to share their medical records with another provider. Additionally, respondents who are 65 and older are less likely to use the EHR for secure direct messaging with their provider. Additional health care strategies and provider communication should be developed to encourage older patients with chronic conditions to leverage the use of patient portals for effective disease management.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Temperature on Anopheles Mosquito Development and Survival: Implications for Malaria Control in a Future Warmer Climate
Authors: Agyekum Thomas P. , Botwe Paul K. , Arko-Mensah John , Issah Ibrahim , Acquah Augustine A. , Hogarh Jonathan N. , Dwomoh Duah , Robins Thomas G. , Fobil Julius N.
Published: July 2021

The rearing temperature of the immature stages can have a significant impact on the life-history traits and the ability of adult mosquitoes to transmit diseases. This review assessed published evidence of the effects of temperature on the immature stages, life-history traits, insecticide susceptibility, and expression of enzymes in the adult Anopheles mosquito. Original articles published through 31 March 2021 were systematically retrieved from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases. After applying eligibility criteria, 29 studies were included. The review revealed that immature stages of An. arabiensis were more tolerant (in terms of survival) to a higher temperature than An. funestus and An. quadriannulatus. Higher temperatures resulted in smaller larval sizes and decreased hatching and pupation time. The development rate and survival of An. stephensi was significantly reduced at a higher temperature than a lower temperature. Increasing temperatures decreased the longevity, body size, length of the gonotrophic cycle, and fecundity of Anopheles mosquitoes. Higher rearing temperatures increased pyrethroid resistance in adults of the An. arabiensis SENN DDT strain, and increased pyrethroid tolerance in the An. arabiensis SENN strain. Increasing temperature also significantly increased Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) expression and decreased insecticide toxicity. Both extreme low and high temperatures affect Anopheles mosquito development and survival. Climate change could have diverse effects on Anopheles mosquitoes. The sensitivities of Anopeheles mosquitoes to temperature differ from species to species, even among the same complex. Notwithstanding, there seem to be limited studies on the effects of temperature on adult life-history traits of Anopheles mosquitoes, and more studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
The Comparison of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Mental Health between Early Menopausal Women and Age-Matched General Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Kim Ji-Su , Choe Ju-Pil , Park Jeong-Hui , Yoo Eunhye , Lee Jung-Min
Published: July 2021

The current study is to examine the differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and mental health (i.e., stress, depression, and suicidal behaviors) between early menopausal women and age-matched general middle-aged women. Among 1348 participants in South Korea, 674 participants who experienced menopause before the age of 45 were defined as the early menopausal group, and 674 women who experienced menopause from 45 years to 55 years were classified as the general group by matching age based on early menopausal women. PA, SB, and mental health were evaluated by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). An independent t-test was used to compare the associations of PA, SB, and mental health between the two groups. To demonstrate the predictors of early menopause, variables in the study were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression. The main findings were that moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) had significant differences between the two groups, but SB had no significant differences. In mental health, only perceived stress had significant differences in this study. The moderate level of stress in the early menopausal group was twice as high as that of the general group, and the severe level of stress was even 2.6 times higher than the general group. PA plays an essential role in mitigating the causes of mortality and the risk of various chronic diseases and improving quality of life; thus, the main findings of this study could be important to provide insights on the corresponding impact between early menopausal women and PA to encourage their healthy lifestyle. Further longitudinal studies are needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of PA, SB, and mental health on early menopausal women.
Academic Stress, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Mental Health among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Zhu Xihe , Haegele Justin A. , Liu Huarong , Yu Fangliang
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of academic stress on physical activity and sleep, and subsequently their impacts on anxiety and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from a convenience sample of 1533 adolescents in an eastern province in China. Surveys were used to collect data on academic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, physical activity, and demographics. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were used to analyze data. Results: The participants reported about 6.77 ± 0.89 h of sleep per day and 1.62 ± 1.79 days of 60 min of physical activity each week. Academic stress was positively correlated with anxiety and depression, which were negatively correlated with physical activity and sleep. The path analysis showed that academic stress directly predicted anxiety (β = 0.54) and depression (β = 0.55), and hours of sleep (β = 0.024) and the number of days of 60 min physical activity (β = 0.014) mediated the relation. Conclusion: The results largely supported our hypotheses and supported the need to lessen academic stress experienced by Chinese adolescents, in effort to enhance mental health indices directly, and by allowing for engagement in health-related behaviors such as physical activity and sleep.
Use of the Barthel Index to Assess Activities of Daily Living before and after SARS-COVID 19 Infection of Institutionalized Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Trevissón-Redondo Bibiana , López-López Daniel , Pérez-Boal Eduardo , Marqués-Sánchez Pilar , Liébana-Presa Cristina , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Jiménez-Fernández Raquel , Corral-Liria Inmaculada , Losa-Iglesias Marta , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo
Published: July 2021

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Barthel Index before and after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and also to determine whether or not the results varied according to gender. The ADLs of 68 cohabiting geriatric patients, 34 men and 34 women, in two nursing homes were measured before and after SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)) infection. COVID-19 infection was found to affect the performance of ADLs in institutionalized elderly in nursing homes, especially in the more elderly subjects, regardless of sex. The COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to having claimed many victims, especially in the elderly population, has led to a reduction in the abilities of these people to perform their ADLs and caused considerable worsening of their quality of life even after recovering from the disease.
Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices and Other Technologies on Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Authors: Jiménez-Arberas Estíbaliz , Díez Emiliano
Published: July 2021

Deaf and hard of hearing people use a variety of assistive devices and technologies as a strategy to mitigate, counter or compensate for life difficulties resulting from hearing loss. Although outcome measures are commonly used with hearing aids, few studies have explored the perceived psychosocial impact of other assistive devices and technologies or the factors leading to their abandonment or lack of use. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of different assistive devices on deaf and hard of hearing people using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. The sample was made up of 291 individuals, 176 women and 115 men, with an average age of 56.12 years (standard deviation (SD) = 25.11), who were all users of different assistive devices. Overall, the results of the study showed that the use of assistive devices had a positive psychosocial impact, although this impact varied slightly depending on the specific type of device. Moreover, a relationship was identified between the psychosocial impact and the probability of future abandonment of a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. The results point to the importance of considering the psychosocial impact derived from the use of a device as a relevant variable in the adoption process of assistive technologies for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Natural Lighting in Historic Houses during Times of Pandemic. The Case of Housing in the Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Muñoz-González Carmen , Ruiz-Jaramillo Jonathan , Cuerdo-Vilches Teresa , Joyanes-Díaz Maria Dolores , Montiel Vega Laura , Cano-Martos Victor , Navas-Martín Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2021

The pandemic generated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to a forced increase in the number of hours spent at home. In many cases, the lockdown situations, both in social and work terms, have meant that homes have suddenly also become workplaces. Based on all the indicators, this new relational scenario in the labor market displays a clear upward trend and is far from being a temporary situation. It is known that sunlight affects people’s circadian rhythm and that its reduction and even absence during this period of isolation has had a psychological impact on the population. This makes it necessary to reconsider the regulations applied in homes, in order to guarantee their habitability, given their recent widespread use as offices, as well as domestic spaces. In historic centers, the comprehensive renovations being carried out include improvements in energy efficiency and thermal comfort, which play a fundamental role. However, the energy consumption linked to artificial lighting and the quality of this lighting itself have remained in the background, as improvement strategies consist mainly in the replacement of incandescent or fluorescent lamps with LED lamps. Prior to the pandemic, the electric consumption of lighting systems accounted for 10–15% of the total, a figure which increased to 40–50% during the lockdown period. Aiming to improve people’s well-being while reducing energy expenditure on lighting, this article presents a quantitative approach to improving the levels of natural lighting in residential heritage buildings located in historic centers. According to data obtained from previous surveys of a sector of the population, homes built prior to 1950 were characterized by good natural lighting conditions and a very low incidence of health issues among occupants compared to contemporary homes. The objective was to quantify the circadian stimulus and lighting levels and to identify the areas or work areas in homes in order to optimize consumption related to lighting and to generate healthy and comfortable spaces. Results show that historic homes have enough naturally lit areas to perform office work during business hours. However, in the most unfavorable seasons, winter and autumn, it is necessary to use artificial lighting at the start and end of the working day.
Association of Food Intake Quality with Vitamin D in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients from Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: González-Estevez Guillermo , Turrubiates-Hernández Francisco Javier , Herrera-Jiménez Laura Elena , Sánchez-Zuno Gabriela Athziri , Herrera-Godina Melva Guadalupe , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco
Published: July 2021

One of the micronutrients that has attracted the most attention in relation to COVID-19 is vitamin D. Although several factors affect its sufficiency; it has been argued that an optimal diet can ensure the intake of micronutrients with effects on immune response. Therefore, in this work we aimed to evaluate the food intake quality of SARS-CoV-2 positive Mexican patients and some of the common factors related to vitamin D deficiency. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 40 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Serum samples and clinical parameters were collected. Micronutrient intake and food intake quality were assessed with a 24-h dietary recall and the Mini-ECCA v.2, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the sample had a healthy food intake. The median 25(OH)D concentration was 22.7 ng/mL. A considerable insufficient intake of micronutrients with immunomodulatory effects such as vitamin D (p < 0.0001), vitamin E (p < 0.0001), and zinc (p < 0.0001) was shown. Patients with 25(OH)D sufficiency, defined as a concentration >30 ng/mL, had better food intake quality (p = 0.02) and an intense physical activity (p = 0.03). In conclusion, a better level of food intake quality and intense physical activity are associated with 25(OH)D sufficiency in SARS-CoV-2 positive Mexican patients.
Situation of Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression among Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand, 2019
Authors: Pudpong Nareerut , Kosiyaporn Hathairat , Phaiyarom Mathudara , Kunpeuk Watinee , Sinam Pigunkaew , Julchoo Sataporn , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong
Published: July 2021

Academic evidence on the health of urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) in Thailand is extremely sparse, especially for neglected problems such as mental health disorders. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression and factors associated with these problems among URAS in Bangkok. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. The URAS were randomly selected from the roster of the Bangkok Refugee Centre (BRC). A self-administered questionnaire was used and 180 samples were recruited. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used for the analysis. We found a prevalence of 70.0% for anxiety and 39.5% for depression. Compared to Southeast Asia and China, URAS from other regions were 3.4 times (95% CI 1.5–7.5, p < 0.05) and 4.0 times (95% CI 1.1–14.0, p < 0.05) more likely to experience anxiety and depression, respectively. URAS with chronic co-morbidities (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.2–9.4, p < 0.05) and being divorced or widowed (OR = 11.1, 95% CI 2.1–57.2, p < 0.05) faced greater odds of depression than those without co-morbidities and being single. Related health authorities should play a proactive role in providing mental healthcare services for URAS, with greater consideration for those of certain nationalities and with chronic diseases.
A Comparison of the Survival, Place of Death, and Medical Utilization of Terminal Patients Receiving Hospital-Based and Community-Based Palliative Home Care: A Retrospective and Propensity Score Matching Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Cheng-Pei , Tsay Min-Shiow , Chang Yi-Hui , Chen Hung-Cheng , Wang Ching-Yu , Chuang Yun-Shiuan , Wu Chien-Yi
Published: July 2021

Evidence shows that community-based palliative home care (PHC) provision enhances continuous care and improves patient outcomes. This study compared patient survival, place of death, and medical utilization in community- versus hospital-based PHC. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients aged over 18 referred to either community- or hospital-based PHC from May to December 2018 at a tertiary hospital and surrounding communities in Southern Taiwan. A descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, t-test, and Log-rank test were used for the data analysis of 131 hospital-based PHC patients and 43 community-based PHC patients, with 42 paired patient datasets analyzed after propensity score matching. More nurse visits (p = 0.02), fewer emergency-room visits (p = 0.01), and a shorter waiting time to access PHC (p = 0.02) were found in the community group. There was no difference in the duration of survival and hospitalization between groups. Most hospital-based patients (57%) died in hospice wards, while most community-based patients died at home (52%). Community-based PHC is comparable to hospital-based PHC in Taiwan. Although it has fewer staffing and training requirements, it is an alternative for terminal patients to meet the growing end-of-life care demand.
Addictive Internet Gaming Usage among Korean Adolescents before and after the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison of the Latent Profiles in 2018 and 2020
Authors: Kim Dongil , Lee Junwon
Published: July 2021

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the heightened risk of school closures and mental disorders has made adolescents particularly vulnerable to developing internet gaming disorder (IGD). There have been reports of increased time spent playing games on the internet among adolescents during the pandemic, and the risk of developing IGD may be higher for adolescents in South Korea as the majority of them play games on the internet. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on adolescents’ internet gaming behavior in South Korea. This study aimed to explore the different profiles of addictive internet gaming behavior among adolescents before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine how the pandemic influenced addictive internet gaming usage and time spent playing games on the internet. Nationally representative survey data from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family with 3040 and 2906 responses from 2018 and 2020, respectively, were analyzed. Using seven factors of a maladaptive gaming usage scale (tolerance, withdrawal, excessive usage, control impairment, compulsive usage, neglecting daily activity, and gaming despite negative consequence), a four-profile model was selected in both 2018 and 2020 for latent profile analysis: ‘casual’ gamer, ‘moderate’ gamer, ‘potential-risk’ gamer and ‘addictive’ gamer. The results from the two-way ANCOVA showed significant interaction between the cohorts (2018 cohort vs. 2020 cohort) and the four profiles on addictive internet gaming usage (F = 119.747, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.05), including time spent playing internet games on a PC (F = 22.893, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.013), and time spent playing games on a mobile phone (F = 3.245, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.02). The results indicated that the increase of addictive internet gaming usage and gameplay time differed by profile. The results imply that the increase in gameplay time was higher for profiles with higher scores in addictive internet gaming usage for internet games played on a PC while the relationship was not obvious for games played on a mobile phone. Despite the statistical significance, there was only 1.2% to 4.9% of mean difference in addictive internet gaming usage between the 2018 and 2020 cohorts, which implies little clinical significance. While adolescents of the four profiles showed no significant signs of increased addictive internet gaming usage, the addictive gamer profile demonstrated a significant increase in game time after COVID-19.
Infant Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Subphenotypes and Early Childhood Lung Function: Evidence from a Rural Ghanaian Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Dubowski Kathryn , Kaali Seyram , Jack Darby , Prah Rebecca Kyerewaa Dwommoh , Clemente Jose C. , Tawiah Theresa , Mujtaba Mohammed , Iddrisu Louisa , Carrión Daniel , Konadu Dennis Gyasi , Agyei Oscar , Kornu Francis Mensah , Osei-Owusu Samuel , Lee Alison G. , Asante Kwaku Poku
Published: July 2021

Early life respiratory microbiota may increase risk for future pulmonary disease. Associations between respiratory microbiota and lung health in children from low- and middle-income countries are not well-described. Leveraging the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS) prospective pregnancy cohort in Kintampo, Ghana, we collected nasopharyngeal swabs in 112 asymptomatic children aged median 4.3 months (interquartile range (IQR) 2.9, 7.1) and analyzed 22 common bacterial and viral pathogens with MassTag polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We prospectively followed the cohort and measured lung function at age four years by impulse oscillometry. First, we employed latent class analysis (LCA) to identify nasopharyngeal microbiota (NPM) subphenotypes. Then, we used linear regression to analyze associations between subphenotype assignment and lung function. LCA suggest that a two-class model best described the infant NPM. We identified a higher diversity subphenotype (N = 38, 34%) with more pathogens (median 4; IQR 3.25, 4.75) and a lower diversity subphenotype (N = 74, 66%) with fewer pathogens (median 1; IQR 1, 2). In multivariable linear regression models, the less diverse NPM subphenotype had higher small airway resistance (R5-R20 β = 17.9%, 95% CI 35.6, 0.23; p = 0.047) compared with the more diverse subphenotype. Further studies are required to understand the role of the microbiota in future lung health.
The Mediating Role of Responsible Innovation in the Relationship between Stakeholder Pressure and Corporate Sustainability Performance in Times of Crisis: Evidence from Selected Regions in China
Authors: Tian Hong , Tian Jiahui
Published: July 2021

Responsible innovation, as a new management paradigm that balances the need for profit growth and the appeal of social value, plays an important role in taking into account corporate economic, social and environmental performance. It provides new ideas for driving enterprises to become more risk-resistant and sustainable in times of crisis. However, existing research on responsible innovation has mostly focused on content issues, and there is a lack of sufficient research and empirical studies on its effectiveness in business organizations. Based on the stakeholder theory and the research logic of “pressure–behavior-performance”, this study investigates the formation mechanism of responsible innovation and its impact on corporate performance. Through empirical research on 306 Chinese sample data, the results show that stakeholder pressure has a positive impact on corporate sustainability performance and responsible innovation plays a partially mediating role in this relationship. Flexible routine replication positively moderates the relationship between stakeholder pressure and responsible innovation, while positively moderating the mediating role that responsible innovation plays between stakeholder pressure and corporate sustainability performance. This study contributes to helping enterprises recognize the importance of responsible innovation in responding to stakeholder pressure and promoting corporate sustainability performance in times of crisis.
Quality Assessment of Studies Included in Cochrane Oral Health Systematic Reviews: A Meta-Research
Authors: Sofi-Mahmudi Ahmad , Iranparvar Pouria , Shakiba Maryam , Shamsoddin Erfan , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Naseri Sadaf , Motie Parisa , Tovani-Palone Marcos Roberto , Mesgarpour Bita
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To assess the Risk of Bias (RoB) and other characteristics of published randomised clinical trials within Cochrane oral health systematic reviews. Materials and methods: All the published clinical trials within Cochrane oral health systematic reviews until 1 June 2020 were identified and examined. RoB was assessed for all the included clinical trials according to the Cochrane review standards. The Overall Risk of Bias (ORoB) was defined in this study using Cochrane’s RoB tool-v2. Descriptive analyses were carried out to determine the frequency of each variable in the study sample. Results: Out of a total of 2565 included studies, the majority (n = 1600) had sample sizes of 50 or higher. Regarding blinding, 907 studies were labelled as double-blind. Among the various domains of bias, the performance bias showed the highest rate of high risk (31.4%). Almost half of the studies had a high ORoB, compared to 11.1% with a low ORoB. The studies that used placebos had a higher percentage of low ORoB (14.8% vs. 10.7%). Additionally, the double- and triple-blind studies had higher percentages of low ORoB (23.6% and 23.3%, respectively), while the studies with a crossover design had the highest percentage of low ORoB (28.8%). Conclusion: The RoB of oral health studies published as Cochrane reviews was deemed high.
Motion Analysis of Match Play in U14 Male Soccer Players and the Influence of Position, Competitive Level and Contextual Variables
Authors: Algroy Erling , Grendstad Halvard , Riiser Amund , Nybakken Tone , Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Andersen Vidar , Gundersen Hilde Stokvold
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to investigate match running performance in U14 male soccer players in Norway, and the influence of position, competitive level and contextual factors on running performance. Locomotion was monitored in 64 different U14 players during 23 official matches. Matches were played at two different competitive levels: U14 elite level (n = 7) and U14 sub-elite level (n = 16). The inclusion criterion was completed match halves played in the same playing position. The variables’ influence on match running performance was assessed using mixed-effect models, pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction, and effect size. The results showed that the U14 players, on average, moved 7645 ± 840 m during a match, of which 1730 ± 681 m (22.6%) included high-intensity running (HIR, 13.5–18.5 km·h−1) and sprinting (>18.5 km·h−1). Wide midfielders (WM) and fullbacks (FB) covered the greatest sprint distance (569 ± 40 m) and, in addition to the centre midfield position (CM), also covered the greatest total distance (TD) (8014 ± 140 m) and HIR distance (1446 ± 64 m). Centre forwards (CF) performed significantly more accelerations (49.5 ± 3.8) compared other positions. TD (7952 ± 120 m vs. 7590 ± 94 m) and HIR (1432 ± 57 m vs. 1236 ± 43 m) were greater in U14 elite-level matches compared with sub-elite matches. Greater TD and sprint distances were performed in home matches, but, on the other hand, more accelerations and decelerations were performed in matches played away or in neutral locations. Significantly higher TD, HIR and sprinting distances were also found in lost or drawn matches. In conclusion, physical performance during matches is highly related to playing position, and wide positions seem to be the most physically demanding. Further, competitive level and contextual match variables are associated with players’ running performance.
The Role of Neuropeptide Y in the Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Tanaka Masaki , Yamada Shunji , Watanabe Yoshihisa
Published: July 2021

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), an abundant peptide in the central nervous system, is expressed in neurons of various regions throughout the brain. The physiological and behavioral effects of NPY are mainly mediated through Y1, Y2, and Y5 receptor subtypes, which are expressed in regions regulating food intake, fear and anxiety, learning and memory, depression, and posttraumatic stress. In particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has one of the highest NPY concentrations in the brain. In this review, we summarize the role of NPY in the NAc. NPY is expressed principally in medium-sized aspiny neurons, and numerous NPY immunoreactive fibers are observed in the NAc. Alterations in NPY expression under certain conditions through intra-NAc injections of NPY or receptor agonists/antagonists revealed NPY to be involved in the characteristic functions of the NAc, such as alcohol intake and drug addiction. In addition, control of mesolimbic dopaminergic release via NPY receptors may take part in these functions. NPY in the NAc also participates in fat intake and emotional behavior. Accumbal NPY neurons and fibers may exert physiological and pathophysiological actions partly through neuroendocrine mechanisms and the autonomic nervous system.