Changes in power generation performance of an undershot cross-flow-type hydraulic turbine in an irrigation channel due to snow masses passing through the rotor.

This study is focused on the development of a microhydraulic turbine that can stably and efficiently generate electricity even in channel where snow masses frequently flow down. A hydraulic turbine of an undershot cross-flow type was installed in an irrigation channel, and the change in the turbine performance was measured when spherical snowballs were released one by one from the upstream. The observation of the snowballs passing through the turbine was also conducted. Consequently, the variations in the power generated by the rotor were classified into three modes based on the motion of the snowballs, and could be organized by the ratio of the snowballs' cross-sectional area to the product of the rotor width and blade interval. Furthermore, the emergence of the power output overshoot phenomenon, in which the power output temporarily increases compared to clear water when the rotor restarts after stopping, was identified, and the relationship between the amount of loss when the rotor stops and that of electric energy gained during the overshoot was clarified. Certain guidelines for the installation of the undershot cross-flow type in irrigation channels of snowy regions was successfully obtained.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Affecting Bone Mass in Japanese Female Adolescents.

PURPOSE: A higher peak bone mass (PBM) in adolescence lowers the risk of osteoporosis later in life. This study examined the factors affecting bone mass in female adolescents in relation to lifestyle and environmental factors to promote bone mass development before reaching PBM. DESIGN AND METHODS: The subjects were female students aged 15-16 years and their mothers at a public high school in Osaka, Japan. Bone mass was measured using quantitative ultrasound parameters. The body composition was measured using a multi-frequency segmental body composition analyzer. Nutrient intake, exercise habits, and maternal factors as environmental factors were examined using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed that the adolescents' lean mass was significantly related to the BUA (p < .05). The adjusted odds ratio was 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.54). In contrast, the adolescents' exercise habit was significantly related to the SOS (p < .05). The SOS was significantly higher in the adolescents who exercised >4 times a week than in those who exercised <2-3 times a week. The adjusted odds ratio was 2.83 (95% CI: 1.06-7.56). The adolescents' nutrient intake and maternal factors were not significant factors affecting the adolescents' bone mass. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that increasing lean mass and exercising more than four times a week were important for increasing bone mass in female adolescents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should intervene to help female adolescents acquire healthy lifestyle skills and maintain proper body composition and exercise habits to promote bone mass development before reaching PBM.

The Impact of Mother-Child Dyad Dietary Intervention Using the Transtheoretical Model on Bone Mineral Density in Japanese Female Adolescents.

PURPOSE: Peak bone mass, an important determinant of osteoporosis risk, is reached during adolescence. We evaluated the impact of mother-child dyad dietary intervention using the transtheoretical model (TTM) on bone mineral density in Japanese female adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: The participants were dyads of female adolescents aged 15-16 years and their mothers (who are generally responsible for cooking). We enrolled 92 dyads, with 56 assigned to the intervention group and 36 to the control group. Bone mineral density was measured using quantitative ultrasound parameters (QUS). Nutrient intake and stage of behavioral change were collected via questionnaires. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and seven months later. The intervention group underwent the TTM-based dietary education program for six months. RESULTS: After the intervention program, the ratio of change of the quantitative ultrasound parameter-speed of sound (SOS)-was significantly higher in the intervention than the control group (p < 0.001). Finally, we demonstrated that the intervention was found to significantly affect post-test outcomes in terms of SOS according to the result of analysis of covariance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intervention for female adolescents and their mothers using the TTM may enhance the bone mineral density in female adolescents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: We suggest that dietary intervention for female adolescents and their mothers using the transtheoretical model may enhance the bone mineral density in female adolescents.

Association between taste perception, nutrient intake, and mental health in young Japanese women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Taste perception is influenced by both nutritional factors and psychological factors. This study was undertaken to measure the 4 basic taste perceptions, nutrient intake, and mental health, and to examine the factors that affect insensitive taste perception in young Japanese women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Young women in their late teens and twenties were enrolled as subjects. Taste perception was measured by applying the filter-paper disc method over areas of the chorda tympani nerve. Nutritional status was evaluated using brief, self-administered diet history questionnaires. The index of nutritional status was based on the 2015 Japanese dietary reference intakes. Mental health was assessed using the Japanese translation of the Profile of Mood States short version. This study was approved by the ethical committee at Osaka University. RESULTS: The normal taste perception group (four basic tastes [sweet, salty, sour, and bitter] identified as normal taste perception) comprised 55.4% of the subjects, while the abnormal taste perception group (more than 1 abnormal taste perception was perceived, regardless of flavor) comprised 44.6% of the subjects. There were no significant differences in nutrient intake (except manganese) and mental health between the normal and abnormal taste perception groups. Subjects who took 5 mg to less than 7.1 mg zinc per day were at significantly decreased risk of insensitive taste perception compared to subjects who consumed less than 5 mg zinc per day [Regression coefficient 0.831, 95% confidence interval 0.694-0.996]. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that insensitive taste perception could be associated with zinc deficiency in young women in their late teens and twenties.