bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the COVID-19 Crisis be a Catalyst for Transition to Sustainable Urban Mobility? Assessment of the Medium- and Longer-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Mobility in Brussels
Authors: Macharis Cathy , Tori Sara , de Séjournet Alice , Keseru Imre , Vanhaverbeke Lieselot
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate what the impact of the COVID-19 crisis was on travel patterns and how it could be a catalyst for the transition toward a more sustainable mobility system. To study this, we use the sustainable mobility framework of the 7A's, namely Awareness, Avoidance, Act and Shift, Anticipation of new technologies, Actor involvement, Acceleration, and Adaptation of behavior. For each of the first 5A's, we analyze the changes in mobility brought along in the different periods of the COVID-19 crisis. Our mixed methods approach includes a thematic analysis of online press articles and an analysis of traffic and passenger volume data in Brussels, Belgium. Our results show that the measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus had significant consequences for mobility in Brussels by raising Awareness of the positive impacts reduced traffic can have on livability. The measures decreased travel demand (Avoidance) in general, but especially in the context of commuting and shopping trips which declined in favor of telework and online shopping. The majority of mobility measures that were implemented belong to the Act and shift category and they were especially aimed at promoting active mobility like walking. There was also a positive influence on the Anticipation of new technologies, as internal combustion engine sales dropped and electric vehicle sales increased. However, the data analysis also shows an incremental return to business-as-usual after the 2020 summer holidays. Parts of this can be linked back to a disregard of Actor involvement, resulting in a resistance from stakeholders to several of the measures. We conclude with recommendations based on Acceleration and Adaptation of behavior on how to support a sustainable transition and lasting behavioral change in the post-COVID era.
Alternative Bedding Materials for Poultry: Availability, Efficacy, and Major Constraints
Authors: Diarra Siaka , Lameta Sonny , Amosa Falaniko , Anand Sanjay
Published: August 2021

The increasing demand of wood shavings (WS) and sawdust (SD) by other industries and growing concerns of potential chemical contaminants from wood products have amplified research interest in alternative bedding materials for commercial poultry. Several alternative materials—corn cob (CC), straws (ST) and hays (HA), sand (SA), shredded papers (SP), rice hulls (RH), peanut hulls (PH), and gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O2)—can replace conventional ones in poultry houses, depending on availability, cost, and ability to absorb and adsorb moisture and provide the birds enough room to exhibit their natural behaviors. Alternative materials hold a brighter future as bedding materials, but more studies about their physicochemical properties and litter management practices for optimum poultry welfare are recommended.
Kinetics of the Reactions of Ozone with Halogen Atoms in the Stratosphere
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Ranasinghe Duminda S. , Wilmouth David M.
Published: August 2021

It is well established that reaction cycles involving inorganic halogens contribute to the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere. Here, the kinetics of O3 with halogen atoms (Cl, Br, and I) were investigated between 180 and 400 K, expanding the temperature range relative to prior studies. Canonical variational transition state theory including small curvature tunneling correction (CVT/SCT) were considered, following the construction of the potential energy surfaces. MRCI + Q/aug-ano-pVTZ//MP2/aug-cc-pV(T + d)Z and MRCI + Q/aug-ano-RCC-VTZP//MP2/aug-cc-pV(T + d)Z levels of theory were used to calculate the kinetic parameters. Calculated rate coefficients were used to fit the Arrhenius equations, which are obtained to be k1 = (3.48 ± 0.4) × 10−11 exp[(−301 ± 64)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1, k2 = (3.54 ± 0.2) × 10−11 exp[(−990 ± 35)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and k3 = (1.47 ± 0.1) × 10−11 exp[(−720 ± 42)/T] cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for the reactions of O3 with Cl, Br, and I atoms, respectively. The obtained rate coefficients for the reactions of O3 with halogen atoms using CVT/SCT are compared to the latest recommended rate coefficients by the NASA/JPL and IUPAC evaluations. The reactivity trends and pathways of these reactions are discussed.
Numerical Simulation of Tehran Dust Storm on 2 June 2014: A Case Study of Agricultural Abandoned Lands as Emission Sources
Authors: Vukovic Vimic Ana , Cvetkovic Bojan , Giannaros Theodore M. , Shahbazi Reza , Sehat Kashani Saviz , Prieto Jose , Kotroni Vassiliki , Lagouvardos Konstantinos , Pejanovic Goran , Petkovic Slavko , Nickovic Slobodan , Vujadinovic Mandic Mirjam , Basart Sara , Darvishi Boloorani Ali , Terradellas Enric
Published: August 2021

On 2 June 2014, at about 13 UTC, a dust storm arrived in Tehran as a severe hazard that caused injures, deaths, failures in power supply, and traffic disruption. Such an extreme event is not considered as common for the Tehran area, which has raised the question of the dust storm’s origin and the need for increasing citizens’ preparedness during such events. The analysis of the observational data and numerical simulations using coupled dust-atmospheric models showed that intensive convective activity occurred over the south and southwest of Tehran, which produced cold downdrafts and, consequently, high-velocity surface winds. Different dust source masks were used as an input for model hindcasts of the event (forecasts of the past event) to show the capability of the numerical models to perform high-quality forecasts in such events and to expand the knowledge on the storm’s formation and progression. In addition to the proven capability of the models, if engaged in operational use to contribute to the establishment of an early warning system for dust storms, another conclusion appeared as a highlight of this research: abandoned agricultural areas south of Tehran were responsible for over 50% of the airborne dust concentration within the dust storm that surged through Tehran. Such a dust source in the numerical simulation produced a PM10 surface dust concentration of several thousand μm/m3, which classifies it as a dust source hot-spot. The produced evidence indivisibly links issues of land degradation, extreme weather, environmental protection, and health and safety.
Family History of Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Li Xinjun , Koskinen Anni I. , Hemminki Otto , Försti Asta , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2021

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) encompass a heterogeneous group of cancers between the mouth and larynx. Familial clustering in HNCs has been described, but how it influences individual sites and to which extent known risk factors, such as human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, may contribute is not well established. Patients/methods: We employed standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) to estimate familial risks for HNC with same (concordant) and different (discordant) cancers among first-degree relatives using data from the Swedish Cancer Registry from 1958 to 2018. Results: Incidence for male and female oropharyngeal cancer increased close to four-fold in the past 39 years. Familial HNC was found in 3.4% of the study population, with an overall familial SIR of 1.78. Patients with concordant nasopharyngeal cancer showed a high risk of 23.97, followed by hypopharyngeal cancer (5.43). The husbands of wives with cervical cancer had an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer. Discussion/Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal cancers lacked associations with lifestyle or HPV associated cancers, suggesting a role for germline genetics, which was also true for the high-risk families of three HNC patients. In the Swedish population with low smoking levels, HPV is becoming a dominant risk factor, emphasizing the need for sexual hygiene and HPV vaccination.
Nature or Nurture? Role of the Bone Marrow Microenvironment in the Genesis and Maintenance of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Mian Syed A. , Bonnet Dominique
Published: August 2021

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are clonal haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) disorders driven by a complex combination(s) of changes within the genome that result in heterogeneity in both clinical phenotype and disease outcomes. MDS is among the most common of the haematological cancers and its incidence markedly increases with age. Currently available treatments have limited success, with <5% of patients undergoing allogeneic HSC transplantation, a procedure that offers the only possible cure. Critical contributions of the bone marrow microenvironment to the MDS have recently been investigated. Although the better understanding of the underlying biology, particularly genetics of haematopoietic stem cells, has led to better disease and risk classification; however, the role that the bone marrow microenvironment plays in the development of MDS remains largely unclear. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in understanding the aetiology of MDS, particularly focussing on understanding how HSCs and the surrounding immune/non-immune bone marrow niche interacts together.
Algorithmically Deduced FREM2 Molecular Pathway Is a Potent Grade and Survival Biomarker of Human Gliomas
Authors: Zolotovskaia Marianna , Tkachev Victor , Sorokin Maxim , Garazha Andrew , Kim Ella , Kantelhardt Sven Rainer , Bikar Sven-Ernö , Zottel Alja , Šamec Neja , Kuzmin Denis , Sprang Bettina , Moisseev Alexey , Giese Alf , Efimov Victor , Jovčevska Ivana , Buzdin Anton
Published: August 2021

Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors with high mortality rates. Recently we showed that the FREM2 gene has a role in glioblastoma progression. Here we reconstructed the FREM2 molecular pathway using the human interactome model. We assessed the biomarker capacity of FREM2 expression and its pathway as the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) biomarkers. To this end, we used three literature and one experimental RNA sequencing datasets collectively covering 566 glioblastomas (GBM) and 1097 low-grade gliomas (LGG). The activation level of deduced FREM2 pathway showed strong biomarker characteristics and significantly outperformed the FREM2 expression level itself. For all relevant datasets, it could robustly discriminate GBM and LGG (p < 1.63 × 10−13, AUC > 0.74). High FREM2 pathway activation level was associated with poor OS in LGG (p < 0.001), and low PFS in LGG (p < 0.001) and GBM (p < 0.05). FREM2 pathway activation level was poor prognosis biomarker for OS (p < 0.05) and PFS (p < 0.05) in LGG with IDH mutation, for PFS in LGG with wild type IDH (p < 0.001) and mutant IDH with 1p/19q codeletion(p < 0.05), in GBM with unmethylated MGMT (p < 0.05), and in GBM with wild type IDH (p < 0.05). Thus, we conclude that the activation level of the FREM2 pathway is a potent new-generation diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for multiple molecular subtypes of GBM and LGG.
Genomic Mapping of Splicing-Related Genes Identify Amplifications in LSM1, CLNS1A, and ILF2 in Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Noblejas-López María , López-Cade Igor , Fuentes-Antrás Jesús , Fernández-Hinojal Gonzalo , Esteban-Sánchez Ada , Manzano Aránzazu , García-Sáenz José , Pérez-Segura Pedro , la Hoya Miguel , Pandiella Atanasio , Győrffy Balázs , García-Barberán Vanesa , Ocaña Alberto
Published: August 2021

Alternative splicing is an essential biological process, which increases the diversity and complexity of the human transcriptome. In our study, 304 splicing pathway-related genes were evaluated in tumors from breast cancer patients (TCGA dataset). A high number of alterations were detected, including mutations and copy number alterations (CNAs), although mutations were less frequently present compared with CNAs. In the four molecular subtypes, 14 common splice genes showed high level amplification in >5% of patients. Certain genes were only amplified in specific breast cancer subtypes. Most altered genes in each molecular subtype clustered to a few chromosomal regions. In the Luminal subtype, amplifications of LSM1, CLNS1A, and ILF2 showed a strong significant association with prognosis. An even more robust association with OS and RFS was observed when expression of these three genes was combined. Inhibition of LSM1, CLNS1A, and ILF2, using siRNA in MCF7 and T47D cells, showed a decrease in cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of these genes was reduced by treatment with BET inhibitors, a family of epigenetic modulators. We map the presence of splicing-related genes in breast cancer, describing three novel genes, LSM1, CLNS1A, and ILF2, that have an oncogenic role and can be modulated with BET inhibitors.
Adjuvant Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients, Past, Present and Future
Authors: Shalata Walid , Jacob Binil Mathew , Agbarya Abed
Published: August 2021

Lung cancer is the most common malignancy across the world. The new era in lung cancer treatments, especially this past decade, has yielded novel categories of targeted therapy for specific mutations and adjuvant therapy, both of which have led to improved survival rates. In the present study, we review the changes and development of treatments, with a special focus on adjuvant therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) administered to non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients who had a complete resection of the tumor harboring a mutated epidermal growth factor receptor. The clinical trials are dating from the past (chemotherapy trials), present (TKIs), and future (ongoing trials).
Sagittal Plane Deformities in Children with SMA2 following Posterior Spinal Instrumentation
Authors: Halanski Matthew A. , Hanna Rewais , Bernatz James , Twedt Max , Sund Sarah , Patterson Karen , Noonan Kenneth J. , Schultz Meredith , Schroth Mary K. , Sharafinski Mark , Hasley Brian P.
Published: August 2021

This is a retrospective radiographic review to assess post-operative sagittal plane deformities in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2 that had been treated with posterior spinal instrumentation. Thirty-two patients with a history of either spinal fusion (N = 20) or growing rods (N = 12) were identified with an average of 7.6 (2.1–16.6) years post-operative follow-up. Forty percent (13/32) of the patients were identified as having obvious “tucked chin” (N = 4), “tipped trunk” (N = 9), or both (N = 3). Sacral incidence was the only parameter that was statistically significant change between pre-operative or immediate post-operative measurements (66.9° vs. 55.2° p = 0.03). However, at final follow-up, the post-operative thoracic kyphosis had decreased over time in those that developed a subsequent sagittal deformity (24.2°) whereas it increased in those that did not (44.7°, p = 0.008). This decrease in thoracic kyphosis throughout the instrumented levels, resulted in a greater lordotic imbalance (30.4° vs. 5.6°, p = 0.001) throughout the instrumented levels in the group that developed the subsequent cervical or pelvic sagittal deformities. In conclusion, sagittal plane deformities commonly develop outside the instrumented levels in children with SMA type 2 following posterior spinal instrumentation and may be the result of lordotic imbalance that occurs through continued anterior growth following posterior instrumentation.
Why Are Wet Wipes So Difficult to Preserve? Understanding the Intrinsic Causes
Authors: Salama Paul , Gliksberg Ariel , Cohen Matan , Tzafrir Inbal , Ziklo Noa
Published: August 2021

Over the last two decades, significant advances have been made in developing disposable baby wet wipes. Wet wipes consist of two main components: nonwoven fabric and liquid. Being more than 90% water, wet wipes are more susceptible to microbial growth than typical personal care products; hence, high concentrations of preservative compounds are often used to ensure extended protection against contamination. However, there is an obvious tendency to minimize the concentration of irritating actives. Baby wet wipes should contain particularly mild surfactants, well-tolerated preservatives, and a buffer system maintaining the formulation pH at a suitable level for the infant’s skin. Efforts have been centered on removing ingredients with irritation potential, such as phenoxyethanol. In addition, a move towards more natural fabrics is occurring. However, these modifications provoke new challenges in preserving the final products. The nature and composition of the fiber can influence the interactions between the preservative and the wipe, subsequently affecting the performance of the preservative system. In this study, we analyzed the causes of the challenge in preserving wet wipes. We found that fabrics containing natural fibers are the main source of contamination, promoting the generation of biofilms on their surfaces. Moreover, the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) was utilized to rationalize the physicochemical interactions between the fabric and the preservatives.
The Role of Junior Adolescents’ School Well-Being/Ill-Being Characteristics in School Anxiety Variations
Authors: Shamionov Rail M. , Grigoryeva Marina V. , Sozonnik Aleksey V. , Grinina Elena S.
Published: August 2021

Difficulties that junior adolescents (aged 11–13 years old) experience in terms of academic adaptation, which are indicated through school anxiety and academic wellbeing characteristics, often lead to a dramatic decrease in academic performance, behavioral problems, and deterioration of their health. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the structure of characteristics of school wellbeing/ill-being of junior adolescents and their role in variations of school anxiety, which largely define academic adaptation. In this study, based on positive psychology and a systematic approach, the level of distinctiveness of characteristics of school wellbeing is carried out with the help of comparative analysis; the factor structure of these characteristics is identified; the characteristics of wellbeing and their coordinated combinations (factors) are determined as predictors of school anxiety. The sample consisted of 120 students of the 5th–7th grades, aged M = 11.5; SD = 1.04 (49.2% girls, 50.8% boys) who attended Saratov secondary schools. To study the level of school anxiety, we used the Philips’ School Anxiety Scale (SAS), and indicators of school wellbeing were measured with the original scales developed by the authors of the study. Statistical processing of the results was carried out with regression analysis and factor analysis. The results showed that the school wellbeing of junior adolescents forms a complex structure that includes cognitive, personal, emotional, social, and psychophysiological characteristics of school life. It was found that from 16% up to 53% of the deviation of variables characterizing school anxiety is conditioned by the assessment of variables characterizing emotional states, the ability of self-regulation, cognitive capabilities, and interest in learning. The study determined a high level of tension in adolescents in the field of emotions’ self-regulation, unpleasant physical sensations at school, before and after attending school, in the course of planning their school day and reflecting on educational activities. The most powerful factors of school anxiety in junior adolescents are physical distress, low ability to self-regulate and social adaptation, lack of independence in a learning activity, and personal immaturity.
Impact of Mixing on the Structural Diversity of Serbian Spruce and Macedonian Pine Endemic to Relict Forest Communities in the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Popović Aleksandar , Pantić Damjan , Medarević Milan , Šljukić Biljana , Obradović Snežana
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze the effect of different degrees of mixing on the diversity structure in stands left to spontaneous development. The research included two communities of species endemic to the Balkan Peninsula—the Serbian spruce (Picea omorika Pančić Purk.) and the Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb). Data from eight sample plots were used in the research. The changes in diameter and height structure, spatial arrangement of trees, and diameter differentiation were analyzed. The analyzed parameters of structural diversity show relatively low to moderate values. Results showed an increase in mixing was reflected in the width and shape of distributions. A spatial analysis of stands with a higher degree of mixing showed a tendency towards a random to regular distribution of individuals, in contrast to stands with a lower degree of mixing which showed a tendency towards a clump distribution. The pronounced species’ dimensional and spatial diversity confirms their importance to the condition of modern forest management. Significant differences in the change of structure are shown by stands with a share of admixed species of above 20% by volume. The obtained results refer to stands left to spontaneous development, suggesting than an active research and management approach must be assumed to realize the goal of protecting rare forest ecosystems.
What Is the Evidence Base Linking Gender with Access to Forests and Use of Forest Resources for Food Security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? A Systematic Evidence Map
Authors: Kimanzu Ngolia , Schulte-Herbrüggen Björn , Clendenning Jessica , Chiwona-Karltun Linley , Krogseng Kyla , Petrokofsky Gillian
Published: August 2021

In nearly all parts of the world, an important part of people’s livelihood is derived from natural resources. Gender is considered one of the most important determinants of access and control over forests. It is thought that women and men within households and communities have different opportunities and different roles and responsibilities in relation to forest use. It is probable that when women have equal access to forests, better food security outcomes can be achieved for individuals and households that are dependent on forests for their livelihoods. A systematic evidence map of the evidence base linking gender with access to forests and use of forest resources for food security was undertaken. Ten bibliographic databases and 22 websites of international development and conservation organisations were searched using keywords suggested by stakeholders. Other articles were found by emailing authors and organisations to send potentially relevant publications. 19,500 articles were retrieved from bibliographic databases and 1281 from other sources. After iterative screening, 77 studies were included: 41 focussed on Africa, 22 on Asia, 12 on Latin America, 2 were global. Most indicators of food security measure access to food, measured by total consumption, expenditure, or income. Studies showed strong gender specialisation: commercial access and utilisation of forests and forest products dominated by men, whereas access for subsistence and household consumption is almost exclusively the task of women. Despite the large number of studies reviewed, limitations of the evidence base, including methodological heterogeneity, a dominance of case studies as the study design, and unequal geographical representation in study locations, make it difficult to generalise about the overall importance of gender and its effect on access to and use of forests for food security in developing countries. The critical gaps in the evidence base include geographical representation in primary research and a greater breadth of study designs to assess gender implications of access to forest resources globally.
Survey of Localization for Internet of Things Nodes: Approaches, Challenges and Open Issues
Authors: Ghorpade Sheetal , Zennaro Marco , Chaudhari Bharat
Published: August 2021

With exponential growth in the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, many new innovative and real-life applications are being developed. IoT supports such applications with the help of resource-constrained fixed as well as mobile nodes. These nodes can be placed in anything from vehicles to the human body to smart homes to smart factories. Mobility of the nodes enhances the network coverage and connectivity. One of the crucial requirements in IoT systems is the accurate and fast localization of its nodes with high energy efficiency and low cost. The localization process has several challenges. These challenges keep changing depending on the location and movement of nodes such as outdoor, indoor, with or without obstacles and so on. The performance of localization techniques greatly depends on the scenarios and conditions from which the nodes are traversing. Precise localization of nodes is very much required in many unique applications. Although several localization techniques and algorithms are available, there are still many challenges for the precise and efficient localization of the nodes. This paper classifies and discusses various state-of-the-art techniques proposed for IoT node localization in detail. It includes the different approaches such as centralized, distributed, iterative, ranged based, range free, device-based, device-free and their subtypes. Furthermore, the different performance metrics that can be used for localization, comparison of the different techniques, some prominent applications in smart cities and future directions are also covered.
Composting Layers of Christchurch History
Authors: Ream Rebecca
Published: August 2021

This is a poetic compost story. It is a situated tale of how I gradually began to shred my fantasy of being a self-contained responsible individual so I could become a more fruitful response-able Pākehā (for the purposes of this paper, a descendant of colonial settlers or colonial settler) from Christchurch (the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand), Aotearoa (The Māori (the Indigenous people of New Zealand) name for New Zealand) New Zealand. Poetic compost storying is a way for me to turn over Donna Haraway’s composting ethico-onto-epistemology with critical family history and critical autoethnography methodologies. To this end, I, in this piece, trace how I foolishly believed that I could separate myself from my colonial family and history only to find that I was reinscribing Western fantasies of transcendence. I learnt by composting, rather than trying to escape my past, that I could become a more response-able Pākehā and family member.
Effects of Instrumental, Manipulative and Soft Tissue Approaches for the Suboccipital Region in Subjects with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Arjona Retamal Juan José , Fernández Seijo Alejandro , Torres Cintas José David , de-la-Llave-Rincón Ana I. , Caballero Bragado Andrea
Published: August 2021

The INYBI is an instrument used to release the suboccipital myofascial area. There is scarce evidence of its efficacy. A randomized controlled, double-blinded, longitudinal and prospective trial was performed. Ninety-six subjects (aged 29.47 ± 5.16 years) (70 women) with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to the manual suboccipital inhibition technique (MSIT), instrumental suboccipital inhibition (INYBI) or the INYBI plus upper cervical manipulation technique (INYBI + UCMT) groups and received two sessions with a week interval between them. The Neck Disability Index was used before the first intervention and two weeks after the second intervention. Pre- and post-measurements were taken on both intervention days for pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles, self-perceived pain and cervical range of motion. In spite of a significant general improvement in time that was found for the three groups for all of the outcome measurements (p < 0.05 in all cases), no between-groups differences were found (p > 0.05 in all cases), with the exception of self-perceived pain for left rotation (p = 0.024), with the MSIT group showing the lower improvement. However, the higher degree of within-group improvements was found for the INYBI + UCMT group. It was concluded that the myofascial release therapy in the suboccipital area is effective in patients with chronic neck pain, either through a manual application or by means of the INYBI tool. Moreover, the addition of craniocervical manipulation achieved the higher within-group improvements, but with no statistical significance.
Machinery Safety and Ergonomics: A Case Study Research to Augment Agricultural Tracklaying Tractors’ Safety and Usability
Authors: Gattamelata Davide , Vita Leonardo , Fargnoli Mario
Published: August 2021

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in agricultural activities is an issue of major concern worldwide notwithstanding the ever stricter regulations issued in this sector. In particular, most accidents are related to the use of tractors and the main causes of this phenomenon are due to the lack of rollover protective structures (ROPSs). This happens especially when tractors are used in particular in-field operations that are characterized by limited clearances between tractor and crop rows so that farmers usually use tractors without ROPS (e.g., dismounting it). To solve such a problem, foldable protective structures (FROPSs) have been proposed, which should augment the operator’s protection. However, FROPS’s conventional solutions underestimate the operators’ risk-taking behavior and the widespread misuse of FROPS due to the efforts needed to operate it. The current study aims at contributing to the improvement of the latter issue proposing the development of a novel approach for the implementation of partial assistance systems (PASs) that can reduce the physical effort of the operator when raising/lowering the FROPS. The proposed methodology, which is based on a reverse engineering approach, was verified by means of a practical case study on a tracklaying tractor. Results achieved can contribute to expanding knowledge on technical solutions aimed at improving the human-machinery interaction in the agricultural sector.
Enhancing Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) with Parenting Skills: RCT of TRT + Parenting with Trauma-Affected Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Utilising Remote Training with Implications for Insecure Contexts and COVID-19
Authors: El-Khani Aala , Cartwright Kim , Maalouf Wadih , Haar Karin , Zehra Nosheen , Çokamay-Yılmaz Gökçe , Calam Rachel
Published: August 2021

Child psychosocial recovery interventions in humanitarian contexts often overlook the significant effect that caregivers can have on improving children’s future trajectory. We enhanced the well-established, evidenced-based child trauma recovery programme Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) intervention with parenting sessions, i.e., TRT + Parenting (TRT + P), which aims to improve parent mental health and their ability to support their children’s mental health. We describe the findings of a three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing enhanced TRT + P vs. TRT and waitlist. The primary aim was to test if children in the enhanced arm of the programme show improved child and caregiver mental health. We recruited 119 Syrian refugee children and one of their caregivers in Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. They were randomised to the TRT, TRT + P, or waitlist control group. Data were collected at baseline and 2 weeks and 12 weeks post intervention. Training of facilitators was via remote training from the United Kingdom. Results showed a highly consistent pattern, with children in the enhanced TRT + P group showing the greatest levels of improvement in behavioural and emotional difficulties compared to children in the TRT or waitlist control groups. Caregivers in the TRT + P group also reported significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress. Findings indicate that the addition of the evidence-based parenting skills components has the potential to enhance the effects of interventions designed to improve children’s mental health in contexts of trauma, conflict, and displacement. Implications for COVID-19 remote learning are also discussed.
Traditional Gender Differences Create Gaps in the Effect of COVID-19 on Psychological Distress of Japanese Workers
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoyuki , Maeda Masaharu , Takebayashi Yui , Sato Hideki
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Japanese workers psychological distress through crises of health, economics, and social relationships. To assess whether these effects are amplified by the gender bias that exists in Japan, we examined male and female worker’s psychological distress and difficulties during the pandemic. An online “COVID-19-related difficulties” questionnaire, based on item response theory, gathered responses from 3464 workers in October and November 2020. The workers’ psychological distress was found concerned to be significantly worse than before the pandemic. Basic stressors related to infection anxiety, economic anxiety, and restrictions on social interactions and outings. Men’s and women’s experiences of difficulties were consistent with traditional gender roles in Japan: men were more likely to face job-related stressors, such as economic insecurity and work-style changes; women were more likely to face non-job-related stressors, such as increased living costs and reduced social interactions. Policymakers and employers should consider the association between gender differences and industry types, and implement measures to strengthen the acceptability of mental health care.
“I’m So Tired”: Fatigue as a Persistent Physical Symptom among Working People Experiencing Exhaustion Disorder
Authors: Broddadóttir Elín , Flóvenz Sigrún Ólafsdóttir , Gylfason Haukur Freyr , Þormar Þórey , Einarsson Hjalti , Salkovskis Paul , Sigurðsson Jón Friðrik
Published: August 2021

Fatigue is widespread in the population, particularly among working people. Exhaustion disorder (ED), a clinical manifestation of burnout, is common, but, after treatment, about one-third still experience fatigue and other physical symptoms. We propose that in some instances, fatigue as a persistent physical symptom (PPS) might be a more appropriate formulation of ED patients’ fatigue problems, and we suggest that ED patients who meet fatigue PPS criteria will differ from other ED patients in terms of psychological distress, non-fatigue PPSs and functional impairment. Questionnaires were sent to 10,956 members of a trade union of which 2479 (22.6%) responded. Of 1090 participants who met criteria for ED, 106 (9.7%) met criteria for fatigue as a PPS. Participants who met fatigue PPS criteria scored on average higher on measures of depression, anxiety and functional impairment and were more likely to have clinically significant scores. Moreover, they had 27 times higher odds of meeting other PPS subtypes and reported more non-fatigue PPS subtypes, suggesting a more complex health problem. Specific evidence-based interventions are available for both ED and PPSs, and therefore, it is crucial to accurately formulate the fatigue problem reported by patients to provide appropriate treatment.
Analysis of the Impact of Disease Acceptance, Demographic, and Clinical Variables on Adherence to Treatment Recommendations in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Bonikowska Iwona , Szwamel Katarzyna , Uchmanowicz Izabella
Published: August 2021

This project aimed to analyze the impact of disease acceptance and selected demographic and clinical factors on the adherence to treatment recommendations in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The observational study was performed using standardized research questionnaires: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI), and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS). Two hundred patients with T2DM were studied (age M = 70.21 years, SD = 6.63 years). The median degree of disease acceptance was 29 (min–max = 8–40) and the median level of adherence was 24 (min–max = 13–28). Disease acceptance was a significant (p = 0.002) independent predictor of the odds of qualifying for non-adherence OR = 0.903, 95% CI = 0.846–0.963. The respondents gave the lowest scores for glycemic control (Mdn = 38.99, min–max = 8.33–150), and health control (Mdn = 55.88, min–max = 11.76–100). A one-way ANOVA showed that the non-adhering patients were significantly older compared to the adherence group and were taking significantly more diabetes pills per day. The level of disease acceptance was average, but it turned out to be an independent predictor of adherence. Therefore, it is justified to use psychological and behavioral interventions that are aimed at increasing the level of diabetes acceptance in elderly people with T2DM. It is important to have a holistic approach to the patient and to take actions that consider the patient’s deficits in the entire biopsychosocial sphere. The obtained result confirmed the legitimacy of interventions aimed at increasing the level of disease acceptance in this group of patients.
Empirical Evaluation of Alternative Time-Series Models for COVID-19 Forecasting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Turaiki Isra , Almutlaq Fahad , Alrasheed Hend , Alballa Norah
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 is a disease-causing coronavirus strain that emerged in December 2019 that led to an ongoing global pandemic. The ability to anticipate the pandemic’s path is critical. This is important in order to determine how to combat and track its spread. COVID-19 data is an example of time-series data where several methods can be applied for forecasting. Although various time-series forecasting models are available, it is difficult to draw broad theoretical conclusions regarding their relative merits. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of several time-series models for forecasting COVID-19 cases, recoveries, and deaths in Saudi Arabia. In particular, seven forecasting models were trained using autoregressive integrated moving average, TBATS, exponential smoothing, cubic spline, simple exponential smoothing Holt, and HoltWinters. The models were built using publicly available daily data of COVID-19 during the period of 24 March 2020 to 5 April 2021 reported in Saudi Arabia. The experimental results indicate that the ARIMA model had a smaller prediction error in forecasting confirmed cases, which is consistent with results reported in the literature, while cubic spline showed better predictions for recoveries and deaths. As more data become available, a fluctuation in the forecasting-accuracy metrics was observed, possibly due to abrupt changes in the data.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State for the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in Patients Who Underwent Rotator Cuff Tear Repair
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Berton Alessandra , De Salvatore Sergio , Piergentili Ilaria , Casciani Erica , Faldetta Aurora , De Marinis Maria Grazia , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: August 2021

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a valid patient-reported outcome measure developed to assess sleep quality and disturbances in clinical populations. This study aimed to calculate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the PSQI in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR). Preoperative and six-month postoperative follow-up questionnaires were completed by 50 patients (25 males and 25 females, mean age 58.7 ± 11.1 years). The MCID of the PSQI was calculated using distribution-based and anchor methods. To calculate the PSQI’s PASS, the 75th percentile approach and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. The MCID from preoperative to 6 months postoperative follow-up is 4.4. Patients who improved their PSQI score of 4.4 from baseline to 6 months follow-up had a clinically significant increase in their health status. The PASS is 5.5 for PSQI; therefore, a value of PSQI at least 5.5 at six months follow-up indicates that the symptom state can be considered acceptable by most patients.
Usability Testing of a Mobile Health Application for Self-Management of Serious Mental Illness in a Norwegian Community Mental Health Setting
Authors: Storm Marianne , Fjellså Hilde Marie Hunsbedt , Skjærpe Jorunn N. , Myers Amanda L. , Bartels Stephen J. , Fortuna Karen L.
Published: August 2021

Background: For digital tools to have high usability and fit service users’ health needs and socio-environmental context, it is important to explore usability with end-users and identify facilitators and barriers to uptake. Objective: To conduct user testing of the smartphone health application, PeerTECH, in a Norwegian community mental health setting. Methods: Semistructured interviews and usability testing of the PeerTECH app using the Think-Aloud approach and task analysis among 11 people (three individuals with a serious mental illness, two peer support workers, and six mental health professionals). Results: Study participants perceived PeerTECH as a relevant tool to support self-management of their mental and physical health conditions, and they provided valuable feedback on existing features as well as suggestions for adaptions to the Norwegian context. The task analysis revealed that PeerTECH is easy to manage for service users and peer support workers. Conclusions: Adapting the PeerTECH smartphone app to the Norwegian context may be a viable and useful tool to support individuals with serious mental illness.
Labour Migration of Parents and Threats to Children and Youth
Authors: Kraus Artur , Wojtas Natalia
Published: August 2021

Labour migration is a global trend that shapes communities and economies around the world. Growing economic migration carries a specific threat to children and youth. Long-term consequences threaten life outcomes such as educational achievement, career development, mental and physical health. The study examined the problems of children from migrating families in educational institutions. It was also important to determine what assistance is provided to children from migrant families and what institutions support such families. The respondents were class tutors/educators who were teachers of educational institutions: 2317 respondents took part in the study, including 2044 women and 273 men. Significant differentiation of the respondents according to gender is mainly due to the feminization of the teaching profession in Poland. The results of the survey were analyzed with the chi-square test of independence. As a result of the research, threats to children and adolescents resulting from the economic migration of parents were diagnosed. In secondary schools, a decrease in attendance is observed (unexcused absences, truancy, being late). In lower secondary schools there are problems with school results and a decrease in motivation to learn. Educational institutions find it difficult to stay in contact with parents. In the youngest children (kindergartens, primary schools), emotional instability is observed due to the absence of parents in everyday contact. Educational institutions respond to diagnosed problems by providing support to students. In primary schools, students are provided with help in learning and students’ free time is organized. There are also activities aimed at providing additional nutrition. In lower secondary schools, as in secondary schools, support focuses more on motivational interviewing, mediation in conflict situations and psychological assistance. In order to solve problems and help students, educational institutions cooperate with the Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre, the Social Welfare Centre and the Probation Officer.
Scalable Shared Scripting for Spatial Structure of Regionalized Ratings
Authors: Myers Wayne L.
Published: August 2021

Incisive inquiry involving indicators of ecological and environmental integrity entails exploration of spatial structure at selected scales from landscape level to regional regimes. Conventional colorization of digital displays provides perspective but is largely lacking for localization, elaboration, and explication. An overall objective for recent research is explicit extraction of spatial structure as hyper-hills and proximal propensity. Shared scripting as a computational configuration affords analytical advantage, adaptability and availability. Conservation context captures challenges of changing conditions for complex components at several spatial scales. Hyper-hill hypotheses, relativized ratings, and post patterned nucleated networks supporting secondary scaling scenarios are current contributions. Computational concerns in indicant informatics are also addressed. Retrospective results are cogent comparators for change. Shared scripting couples R software with Python as R||Python (R in parallel with Python), which is supplemented by strategic sequencing of compilation capabilities in general GIS (geographic information systems). The specific research question(s) is/are what is the particular pattern of placement and propagation in intensification of an indicant of biodiversity (avian species richness), and how does this relate to some other co-located indicants of environmental effects. This is addressed in a legacy dataset for Pennsylvania, USA. Emergent emphasis is on truncated trees of topology and impaneled indicators. Shareable software has HIDN (hexagonal indicant dual networking) as an aggregate acronym with duly drawn disclaimers.
Estimation of Number of Graphene Layers Using Different Methods: A Focused Review
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Kumar Anuj , Lee Dong-Joo , Park Sang-Shin
Published: August 2021

Graphene, a two-dimensional nanosheet, is composed of carbon species (sp2 hybridized carbon atoms) and is the center of attention for researchers due to its extraordinary physicochemical (e.g., optical transparency, electrical, thermal conductivity, and mechanical) properties. Graphene can be synthesized using top-down or bottom-up approaches and is used in the electronics and medical (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors) fields as well as in photovoltaic systems. However, the mass production of graphene and the means of transferring monolayer graphene for commercial purposes are still under investigation. When graphene layers are stacked as flakes, they have substantial impacts on the properties of graphene-based materials, and the layering of graphene obtained using different approaches varies. The determination of number of graphene layers is very important since the properties exhibited by monolayer graphene decrease as the number of graphene layer per flake increases to 5 as few-layer graphene, 10 as multilayer graphene, and more than 10 layers, when it behaves like bulk graphite. Thus, this review summarizes graphene developments and production. In addition, the efficacies of determining the number of graphene layers using various characterization methods (e.g., transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and mapping, and spin hall effect-based methods) are compared. Among these methods, TEM and Raman spectra were found to be most promising to determine number of graphene layers and their stacking order.