Winter Holidays Research Articles

Forensic Engineering Analysis of an Apartment Freezing Sequence Using Heat Flow Equations

Four students had staggered departures from their electrically heated third-floor shared residence apart-ment to travel home for the winter holiday break. Two pipe bursts and two frozen toilets were discovered a week after the last resident had left. The property management group gathered scene evidence and analyzed the cause of the water escape. The investigation revealed that some electric heaters had been turned off, and some bedroom and living room windows were open. A forensic engineering analysis was conducted to qualita-tively determine the effects of heater disengagement and open window positions on the apartment temperature drop and to estimate the likely start date of sub-zero Celsius conditions. Heat flow and balance equations for different sets of factors were used to quantitatively assess the instantaneous heat flow trends as the basis for understanding whether certain students carried more burden of liability. The analysis revealed that the open windows were the dominant factor for the freeze-up condition development that led to the bursts.

Turning the page to 2023: editorial.

Editor-in-Chief Olga Korotkova sends winter holiday greetings to the optics community, celebrates journal achievements from 2022, and introduces the topical editors who recently joined the board.

"The Circulation of a Melodic Type of Scholarly Carol From the Land of the Foresters, Hunedoara "

"The religious carol or with scholarly influence is a musical typological category that is less addressed in the specialized music literature, especially entering the area of interest of religious music. Due to this provenance and a relatively recent evolution in time (only a few hundred years), we find a distinct melodicity compared to the authentic Romanian carol. Melodic variants identified mainly in the Land of the Foresters, Hunedoara, circulate in southern Transylvania on religious carol texts, being collected in the field more than 100 years ago (Bartók, 1913). By the number of variations, we realize that it is a very beloved song, easy to remember, which closes the cycle of the Winter Holidays (Epiphany). The present research aims to identify the melodic variants of this scholarly carol, as well as, most importantly, its spread within other folk genres: old-style songs and dance songs. Keywords: Land of the Foresters, Hunedoara, scholarly carol "

Body Composition Changes in College Athletes During Holiday Breaks.

Changes in eating and physical activity during the winter holiday season are commonly associated with weight gain in the general population. Concerns around weight and fat gain are also relevant to collegiate athletes who are generally unable to access on-campus dining and exercise facilities during this time. These concerns were exaggerated in 2020 due to changes in the academic and sports calendar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that lead to a holiday break that was 3 weeks longer than normal for many college athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Muscle Mass Index (MMI) among college athletes during an extended and usual holiday break. Fat mass, muscle mass, and weight were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis as part of routine care in college athletes within two weeks of leaving campus and return to campus during the extended winter break in 2020 (n = 124 athletes) and the usual winter break in 2021 (n = 64 athletes). Change values were calculated for each dependent variable. Differences between extended and normal winter breaks, male and female athletes, and a sex*break interaction were assessed using ANCOVA (BMI and FMI) and Kruskal-Wallis Test (MMI). All analyses were completed using SAS 9.4. A significant sex*break interaction was observed for BMI and FMI. Male athletes gained BMI and FMI during the extended winter break compared to other sex*break conditions. No differences were found for change in MMI across conditions. These results demonstrate potential differences in weight and fat mass changes between male and female athletes during an extended holiday break. Future research should investigate whether body composition changes occur during other breaks athletes experience (e.g., summer break) and determine how weight-impacting behaviors such as diet and physical activity differ when they are on campus versus at home. This research can help athletics staff implement strategies to best help athletes maintain optimal body composition and performance during breaks.

A Conversation between Lewis “Lew” Aron (1952–2019) and Steven Kuchuck

ABSTRACT What follows is an edited transcription of a filmed interview that was originally commissioned by the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) for their Relational Voices Project. The video is available for viewing by IARPP members. The interview appears here by permission of IARPP. My memory for the details of how we invited Lew is foggy, and quite frankly, I didn’t have the heart to go back through my e-mails with him in order to refresh my memory. I do know that I was President-elect of IARPP at the time the idea was conceived by us on the Board’s Executive Committee. Past (and now once again, current) President Susi Nebbiosi had started this video archive sometime before the decision to ask Lew. Both to my chagrin and delight, Lew asked if I would be the one to interview him. Like many, I suppose, I don’t like watching myself on video and while I’m very happy behind a podium, the same isn’t always true in front of a camera. I think that has probably changed to some degree since Covid forced us to get used to being on Zoom and often having our teaching and lectures filmed. But back then, I was anxious about the idea and postponed hiring the camera man and setting the date. Lew didn’t seem to be in a rush either. Eventually, we confessed to each other that we had both been avoiding this, each hoping to lose some weight before filming. Alas, the clock was ticking, and the winter holidays with their temptations were upon us. We finally sat down together one week after Lew’s 65th birthday, in December 2017.

Break time: Examining pharmacy residency application deadlines and the potential impact of a proposed timeline shift

IntroductionMany pharmacy residency programs set their application deadlines around the first of the calendar year, only weeks following the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) meeting in mid-December. This contributes to a condensed timeframe for applicants and reference writers to complete and submit materials over the winter holidays. This study examined pharmacy residency program application deadlines and respective timing of application and reference letter submissions. MethodsThis retrospective, observational study evaluated all residency programs within the ASHP residency directory. Several scenarios were examined for impact of a universal earliest deadline (UED) designation spanning early January. Subsequent analysis included compilation of application and reference submission dates from a sample of ASHP-accredited residency programs to determine timing of submission in regard to application deadline. ResultsA total of 2449 programs representing 4927 positions were identified for the 2018–2019 application cycle. The mean deadline was 5 January (± three days), and 11% of programs had a deadline prior to 1 January. Among the five first-year residency programs that provided application and reference submission data spanning the 2016–2020 application cycles, the average time from submission to application deadline was four days for applicants and 11 days for references. ConclusionsMost pharmacy residency programs have deadlines in early January. Implementation of a UED would cause a major shift for these programs but is only one component of change for the application process.

COVID-19 School vs. Community-Based Outbreak Trends among New Jersey K-12 Schools during the 2020-2021 School Year.

Identifying potential rapid methods to track COVID-19 trends within schools has become a necessity in understanding how to provide both education and maintain health and safety during a pandemic. This study examined COVID-19 trends and sociodemographic information in New Jersey (NJ) schools during the 2020–2021 school year. A database was compiled for this study in Microsoft Excel using various state and federal resources. Data used in the study are a combination of extracted data from weekly NJ Spotlight reports, weekly NJ COVID-19 Activity Level Index (NJ CALI) reports, and reports of school-based outbreaks via the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH). In 2020–2021, in NJ K–12 schools, the NJDOH defined a school-based outbreak incidence as two or more students and/or adult staff with a laboratory-confirmed positive molecular test for COVID-19 based on transmission occurring on campus. Data were organized into six regions across 21 counties within NJ (3–4 counties per region per NJDOH). COVID-19 trends in NJ schools mirrored trends in their districts, i.e., communities, within the state’s region; noticeably, there were consistently high trends during the winter holiday season (November 2020–January 2021). The cumulative number of incidences of school-based outbreaks remained relatively low but, nevertheless, increased throughout the 2020–2021 school year. This study recommends increased accessibility to COVID-19 reports for school and public health officials, and in the future for data to be reported to identify rates of transmission of other communicable diseases within K–12 students, and to further reinforce established mandates and other preventative measures in public while traveling during holiday seasons.

Ferie zimowe i wiosenne w czasach społecznej izolacji z perspektywy uczniów klas młodszych

Winter and spring holidays in times of social isolation from the perspective of younger students The holidays during the pandemic are over. What were they like? How did they look from the children’s perspective? The aim of my research was to find out what children think about spending their free time during the winter and spring breaks in the time of social isolation. I will try to present it in the article below. The purpose of this article is to present on children’s views on winter holidays in times of social isolation. The main question orienting my research activity was: How do children of the younger classes describe winter holidays during social isolation?

Research and implementation of a whole-genome sequencing surveillance system for outbreak detection

Background: Traditional infection prevention (IP) methods for outbreak detection often rely on geotemporal clustering confined to single locations. We recently developed the Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT), which combines whole-genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance and machine learning of the electronic health record (EHR). Our retrospective research findings show potential transmissions averted and cost savings using EDS-HAT in real time. Here, we describe the process and initial findings from EDS-HAT real-time implementation. Methods: Real-time whole-genome sequencing surveillance began on November 1, 2021. Patient cultures positive for select bacterial pathogens who were hospitalized for ≥3 days or had a recent healthcare exposure in the prior 30-days were collected. Isolates were deemed genetically related if ≤15 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for all organisms except Clostridioides difficile (≤2 SNPs). Clusters were manually investigated by both research and IP teams, and interventions were performed by the IP team. Data on collection, analysis, notification, and intervention dates were gathered. Results: As of January 11, 2022, 413 isolates had undergone whole-genome sequencing. Among them, 18 unique patient isolates were genetically related to ≥1 other isolate, comprising 7 clusters (range, 2–6 patients). Notable findings include a Pseudomonas aeruginosa cluster possibly related to a shared bronchoscope, a pseudo-outbreak of Serratia marcescens related to autopsy blood culture practice, and a cluster of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium on a shared transplant unit. Only 1 cluster of 2 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae had no known possible transmission routes. The median turnaround time from patient’s culture date to IP notification was 19 days (range, 13–28), with noted delays over the winter holiday. Concusions: Real-time WGS can identify small clusters including potentially interruptible transmission routes. Rapid turnaround time, coordination between clinical and genomic laboratories, and a robust IP team are key factors in implementing a WGS surveillance program. Real-time WGS surveillance has the potential to reduce costs for hospitals, improve patient safety, and save lives.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Mathematical modeling and periodical heat extraction analysis of deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger for space heating

The geothermal energy is considered as one of the most promising renewable techniques for district heating. The deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger (BHE) is an economic and efficient measure for extracting the geothermal energy from underground, which attracts numerous attentions recently. However, the researches on the influences of the operation modes on the periodical heat extraction performances of the deep coaxial BHE are rare. In this paper, an unsteady numerical model of the dynamic operation of the coaxial borehole heat exchanger is established, based on the principles of energy conservation and mass conservation. The proposed model is verified using the operating data from the literature. Space heating of a school building (located at Tianjin, China) is taken as a scenario, and different operation modes during the heating period are simulated and analyzed. Comparisons were carried out on four operating modes: the continuous operation mode, “16+8 mode” (run for 16 h and stop for 8 h), “12+12 mode” and “8+16 mode”. The recovery of underground temperature distribution during the winter holiday was studied. Results show that, except for the continuous operation mode, the differences between the other three modes on the total extracted heat throughout the whole year and during the 24 h within the 90th day are unobvious. Under the “12+12 mode”, when the BHE reaches the stable level, the heat extraction power can be maintained at 301.6–528.1 kW in the first year, and the decline rate lower than 15% during the 20-year operation period. In addition, at 1 m from the center of the tube and at depths of 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, and 2000 m, the recovery rates of the underground temperature distribution relative to the initial temperature during the winter vacation are 7.35%, 13.78%, 16.57%, and 17.74%, respectively.

Inscription and Intergenerational Connection in Arthur Ransome’s Lakeland Novels

Jacqueline Rose’s influential notion of the “impossibility” of children’s literature rests on the claim that such works “frame” the child and place the adult “first”. Although Ransome’s writings undoubtedly contain instances of such divisions and hierarchies, this article argues that they also explore various kinds of communication and connection. In particular, the Lakeland novels which are the focus here—Swallows and Amazons (1930/2012), Swallowdale (1931/1968), Winter Holiday (1933/2013), Pigeon Post (1936/2013) and The Picts and the Martyrs (1943/1993)—make frequent mention of literary works but also display an intense interest in messages which are written on paper but also cut into surfaces such as wood and stone. These inscriptions challenge generational hierarchies in that they establish a means for different individuals to communicate the experience of being in the same place, albeit at different times. Yet as well as conveying the excitements of discovery and exploring the consolations which can follow recognitions of belatedness, this article also argues that Ransome’s Lakeland novels acknowledge and seek to manage the losses experienced by each generation.

Table for One

Table for One

COVID-19-INDUCED CHANGES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION HABITS IN LATVIA DURING WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON OF 2020/2021

In Latvia, with 53% of forest cover, many forest areas are favoured destinations for outdoor recreation in every season. Winter holiday season of 2020/2021 in Latvia coincided with strict lockdowns when normal everyday routines of most people were significantly disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic, that likely changed outdoor recreation habits of people in scale, frequency and temporal distribution. Therefore, in the beginning of 2021, based on a representative sample of inhabitants of Latvia, we conducted a survey with questions pertaining to winter outdoor forest-related activities in general, as well as several traditional and popular activities that people often conduct specifically in Christmas and New Year holiday season, like collecting of Christmas trees in the forest, feeding wild animals, collecting materials for house decorations. These activities are often pursued together with friends and family, thus providing also socialization opportunities, an important aspect during lockdowns. The paper presents results concerning the frequency of forest visits, compared to pre-COVID-19 situation, the types of recreational areas favoured, as well as the observed changes in these areas.

Календарные обряды и праздники алтайцев и телеутов: классификация и общая характеристика

The paper is devoted to the classification and general characteristics of the calendar rituals and holidays of the Altaians and Teleuts. The research material covers published and unpublished archival and field material of the ritual folklore of the Altaians and Teleuts. For the first time, a general classification of the calendar rites of the annual cycle is given, taking into account the lunar calendar: winter, spring-summer and autumn rites. Winter calendar rituals and holidays of the Altaians are connected with the New Year celebrations (Chaga Bairam) according to the Eastern calendar when a pagan ritual of feeding the fire (san salar) is performed. The ritual actions typical of other rites appear in Dyilgayak ritual for welcoming spring. The spring-summer and autumn calendar rites performed by the Altaians, both southern and northern, are associated with the rite of sacrifice to the earth (Dyazhyl Byur and Sary Byur, Kocho-Khan). In well-wishing, the glorification of the earth (Jer-suu), Altai, deities of the highest pantheon is a cross-cutting theme. Altai songs (jangar kozhong) performed during these rituals are also aimed at praising Altai, the forces of light. The main motifs of game ritual well-wishes and tabyr songs during the autumn ritual of fertility, Kocha-Khan, are the motifs of fertility and increasing wealth. A distinctive feature of the Teleuts’ winter calendar rituals is such ritual genres as Christmas carols yurei and tabyr performed in spring and autumn rites of worship of the earth.

Bartender's Guide, 1862 Reprint

In anticipation of the approaching winter holidays, stalwart contributor Meg Groeling shares a collection of historic drink recipes that will surely add spice to wintry merrymaking. Jerry Thomas’s Bartender's Guide, 1862 Reprint: Containing Receipts for Mixing All Kinds of . . . Fancy Drinks provides recipes, histories, and measurement equivalencies that makes the book “funny, charming, and informative,” Groeling writes.” In short, the book “deserves some love,” she believes.

Online Media Attention Devoted to Flour and Flour-Related Food Safety in 2017 to 2020

In light of extended stay-at-home periods during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, recent societal trends have revealed an increased use of online media to remain connected. Simultaneously, interests in at-home cooking and baking, particularly of "comfort foods" have increased. Because flour is a crucial component in many of these products, we analyze how the U.S. public, in social and online media spaces, references "flour" and its use. We also quantify the share of media mentions about flour that are devoted to flour-related food safety risks and/or risk mitigation. It was found that the volume of mentions about flour and its use fluctuate seasonally, often increasing ahead of the winter holiday season (November to December). Further, the volume of interest rapidly increased in March 2020 when stay-at-home orders were issued. The share of media devoted to flour-related food safety risks or associated illness was extremely small but generally corresponded with flour recall announcements or other public risk communications. Overall, the interest in flour and its use remains seasonal and predictably related to societal trends, such as increased baking at home during the holidays or 2020 stay-at-home orders. However, awareness of flour-related food safety risks seems largely absent on the basis of online media data collection and analysis, except in immediate reactions to flour recalls. This study suggests that more flour safety education programs may be desired to support consumers' informed decision making.

Special Issue Introduction: Thinking Through “Being in the COVID‐19 World” and Bright Spots for our Food Futures

Special Issue Introduction: Thinking Through “Being in the COVID‐19 World” and Bright Spots for our Food Futures

Winter wonder worlds

The winter holiday season comes but once a year – on Earth. Eleanor Spring takes a tour through some of the seasonal extremities experienced on distant worlds. A chilly Earth winter never looked so inviting!

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among Overweight Young Adults: Yearlong Longitudinal Analysis.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted multiple aspects of daily living, including behaviors associated with occupation, transportation, and health. It is unclear how these changes to daily living have impacted physical activity and sedentary behavior.ObjectiveIn this study, we add to the growing body of research on the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining longitudinal changes in objectively measured daily physical activity and sedentary behavior among overweight or obese young adults participating in an ongoing weight loss trial in San Diego, California.MethodsData were collected from 315 overweight or obese (BMI: range 25.0-39.9 kg/m2) participants aged from 18 to 35 years between November 1, 2019, and October 30, 2020, by using the Fitbit Charge 3 (Fitbit LLC). After conducting strict filtering to find valid data on consistent wear (>10 hours per day for ≥250 days), data from 97 participants were analyzed to detect multiple structural changes in time series of physical activity and sedentary behavior. An algorithm was designed to detect multiple structural changes. This allowed for the automatic identification and dating of these changes in linear regression models with CIs. The number of breakpoints in regression models was estimated by using the Bayesian information criterion and residual sum of squares; the optimal segmentation corresponded to the lowest Bayesian information criterion and residual sum of squares. To quantify the changes in each outcome during the periods identified, linear mixed effects analyses were conducted. In terms of key demographic characteristics, the 97 participants included in our analyses did not differ from the 210 participants who were excluded.ResultsAfter the initiation of the shelter-in-place order in California on March 19, 2021, there were significant decreases in step counts (−2872 steps per day; 95% CI −2734 to −3010), light physical activity times (−41.9 minutes; 95% CI −39.5 to −44.3), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity times (−12.2 minutes; 95% CI −10.6 to −13.8), as well as significant increases in sedentary behavior times (+52.8 minutes; 95% CI 47.0-58.5). The decreases were greater than the expected declines observed during winter holidays, and as of October 30, 2020, they have not returned to the levels observed prior to the initiation of shelter-in-place orders.ConclusionsAmong overweight or obese young adults, physical activity times decreased and sedentary behavior times increased concurrently with the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The health conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle may be additional, unintended results of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skiing during the pandemic with masks and tests

Abstract Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Austrian ski resorts needed to create an emotional attachment to absent tourists and provide attractive offers for local guests at the same time. This study aims to reveal how they have used Instagram to connect with their heterogeneous audiences. To do so, the authors combined a quantitative hashtag analysis and qualitative content analysis of 16 Instagram accounts. Findings indicate a tendency of the ski resorts to communicate positively connotated winter holiday content and present themselves as attractive skiing areas. Here, the topics of the winter landscape, weather, infrastructure, and holiday activities represent dominant themes whereas COVID-19 was covered rarely. In comparison to the previous winter season, only slight differences were identified. This study provides new findings to the rare amount of research on crisis management in ski resorts and contributes further insights into COVID-19 research in tourism. The implications will help ski resorts to prepare for communication in upcoming seasons and future crisis management.