bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated HBIM Simulation Approach for Energy Retrofit of Historical Buildings Implemented in a Case Study of a Medieval Fortress in Italy
Authors: Piselli Cristina , Romanelli Jessica , Di Grazia Matteo , Gavagni Augusto , Moretti Elisa , Nicolini Andrea , Cotana Franco , Strangis Francesco , Witte Henk J. L. , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: May 2020

The Italian building stock consists of buildings mainly constructed until the mid-20th century using pre-industrial construction techniques. These buildings require energy refurbishment that takes into account the preservation of their architectural heritage. In this view, this work studies an innovative integrated modelling and simulation framework consisting of the implementation of Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) for the energy retrofit of historical buildings with renewable geothermal HVAC system. To this aim, the field case study is part of a medieval complex in Central Italy (Perugia), as representative ancient rural offshore architecture in the European countryside. The system involves of a ground source heat pump, a water tank for thermal-energy storage connected to a low-temperature radiant system, and an air-handling unit. The building heating energy performance, typically influenced by thermal inertia in historical buildings, when coupled to the novel HVAC system, is comparatively assessed against a traditional scenario implementing a natural-gas boiler, and made inter-operative within the HBIM ad hoc platform. Results show that the innovative renewable energy system provides relevant benefits while preserving minor visual and architectural impact within the historical complex, and also in terms of both energy saving, CO2 emissions offset, and operation costs compared to the traditional existing system. The integrated HBIM approach may effectively drive the path toward regeneration and re-functioning of heritage in Europe.
Influence of Board Density on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Oriented Strand Lumber
Authors: Sun Yuhui , Zhang Yahui , Huang Yuxiang , Wei Xiaoxin , Yu Wenji
Published: May 2020

The process of bamboo-oriented strand lumber (BOSL) represents one of the best opportunities for automation, property control and consistency, and high utilization of material from abundant, fast-growing, and sustainable bamboo. In this study, BOSLs were prepared, with reference to the preparation process of bamboo scrimber, by compressing and densifying constituent units under the action of moisture-heat-force and resin polymerization, and then the effects of density variation on their physical and mechanical properties were investigated. The results revealed that the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength and shear strength of BOSL with density of 0.78–1.3 g/cm3 ranged from 124.42 to 163.2 MPa, 15,455 to 21,849 MPa, 65.02 to 111.63 MPa, and 9.88 to 18.35 MPa, respectively. The preparation of BOSL with bamboo as raw material could retain the good mechanical properties of natural bamboo, and produce bamboo-based structural products with different properties by controlling the density. The high strength of BOSL with high density was primarily due to the increased volume fraction of elementary fibers, the reduced porosity, and the enhanced gluing interface. The performance of BOSL can be comparable to, or surpass that of, wood or bamboo products. This study provided necessary basic research for the engineering design and application of BOSL.
Application of a Negative Multinomial Model Gives Insight into Rarity-Area Relationships
Authors: Chen Youhua , Wu Yongbin , Chen Weihua , Zhao Tian , Zhang Wenyan , Shen Tsung-Jen
Published: May 2020

The distribution of individuals of different species across different sampling units is typically non-random. This distributional non-independence can be interpreted and modelled as a correlated multivariate distribution. However, this correlation cannot be modelled using a totally independent and random distribution such as the Poisson distribution. In this study, we utilized the negative multinomial distribution to overcome the problem encountered by the commonly used Poisson distribution and used it to derive insight into the implications of field sampling for rare species’ distributions. Mathematically, we derived, from the negative multinomial distribution and sampling theory, contrasting relationships between sampling area, and the proportions of locally rare and regionally rare species in ecological assemblages presenting multi-species correlated distribution. With the suggested model, we explored the cross-scale relationships between the spatial extent, the population threshold for defining the rarity of species, and the multi-species correlated distribution pattern using data from two 50-ha tropical forest plots in Barro Colorado Island (Panama) and Heishiding Provincial Reserve (Guangdong Province, China). Notably, unseen species (species with zero abundance in the studied local sample) positively contributed to the distributional non-independence of species in a local sample. We empirically confirmed these findings using the plot data. These findings can help predict rare species–area relationships at various spatial scales, potentially informing biodiversity conservation and development of optimal field sampling strategies.
Mortality in Forested Ecosystems: Suggested Conceptual Advances
Authors: Harmon Mark E. , Bell David M.
Published: May 2020

Mortality of trees is an important ecological process altering forest structure and function as well as influencing forest management decisions. Recent observations suggest that the overall rate of tree mortality is increasing at local to global scales. While more data on mortality is needed to document these changes, key concepts are also needed to guide the collection, interpretation, and use of this information. Mortality can be considered as a general process that includes all forms of tree-related death ranging from parts of trees to large-scale disturbances. Viewing mortality as a continuum allows one to examine how the lifespan of trees and their parts (e.g., branches), as well as multiple disturbances, influence ecosystem structure and function. Statistically, mortality does not follow the law of large numbers because, regardless of the scale analyzed, consequential, infrequent episodes can occur. This causes mortality to occur in irregular pulses. While the causes of mortality are indeed complex, this stems from the fact many processes, each with its own set of controls, can lead to mortality. By analyzing and predicting mortality using a chain of events influenced by specific mechanisms, a clearer understanding of this process should develop, leading to a more science-based and less reactive forest management.
Gluten-Free Brewing: Issues and Perspectives
Authors: Cela Nazarena , Condelli Nicola , Caruso Marisa C. , Perretti Giuseppe , Di Cairano Maria , Tolve Roberta , Galgano Fernanda
Published: May 2020

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Currently, it affects around 1% of world population, but it is constantly growing. Celiac patients have to follow a strict gluten-free (GF) diet. Beer is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, but it is not safe for people with CD. It has a gluten content usually above the safe threshold (20 ppm), determined by the official method for hydrolyzed foods (R5-competitive-ELISA). The demand on the market for GF beers is increasingly growing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of different strategies to produce GF beer, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of each approach and taking into account technological and sensory issues. GF cereals or pseudocereals have poor brewing attitudes (if used as main raw material) and give the beer unusual flavour. Instead, enzymatic treatments allow traditional brewing process followed by gluten content reduction. A survey on 185 GF-producing breweries (both industrial and craft) from all over the world have been considered to assess which approach is most used. Beers brewed with GF cereals and pseudocereals (used in well-balanced proportions) are more common than gluten-removed (GR) beers, obtained by enzymatic treatment.
Black Bean Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Supercritical and Pressurized Extraction Increased In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential, While Having Similar Storage Stability
Authors: Hsieh-Lo Ming , Castillo-Herrera Gustavo , Mojica Luis
Published: May 2020

Black bean is a source of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds that are associated with health benefits. This work aimed to optimize the extraction and determine the stability and biological potential of black bean anthocyanin-rich extracts recovered by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The highest concentration of anthocyanins and total phenolic compounds were recovered with SFE using 300 bar, 60 °C and co-solvent ethanol/distilled water (50/50, v/v). Eleven non-colored phenolic compounds were identified in SFE extract using Ultra performance liquid chromatography - Electrospray ionization–Quadrupole -Time of flight - Mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS). Myricetin, syringic acid, rutin hydrate and chlorogenic acid presented the highest relative area among identified compounds. Compared to leaching extraction, SFE extracts showed a similar storage stability at 4, 25 and 32 °C (p < 0.05), but with a higher antioxidant potential (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) IC50: 0.078 ± 0.01; 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) IC50: 0.161 ± 0.03) and antidiabetic potential (α-amylase IC50: 124.76 ± 12.97; α-glucosidase IC50: 31.30 ± 0.84; dipeptidyl peptidase-IV IC50: 0.195 ± 0.01). SFE extraction is an efficient method to obtain anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds with exceptional biological potential.
The Inhibition of Amylase and ACE Enzyme and the Reduction of Immunoreactivity of Sourdough Bread
Authors: Diowksz Anna , Malik Alicja , Jaśniewska Agnieszka , Leszczyńska Joanna
Published: May 2020

This study examines the potential health benefits of different types of wheat sourdough bread against diseases of civilization. Celiac disease, diabetes and hypertension affect large numbers of the world’s population, increasing demand for novel treatments and ways of improving patient welfare. Different types of artisan breads were subjected to in vitro simulated digestion prior to analysis. The G12 test and ELISA with human sera were used for immunoreactivity analysis. The activity of α-amylase inhibitors and angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) was also assessed. The addition of sourdough to the analyzed wheat bread raised the content of α-amylase inhibitors and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors while reducing their immunoreactivity. However, despite decreases in the antigenicity of the wheat flour proteins, the sera showed various reactions, depending on the individual patient’s susceptibility to gluten.
Reduction of Sulfur Compounds through Genetic Improvement of Native Saccharomyces cerevisiae Useful for Organic and Sulfite-Free Wine
Authors: Agarbati Alice , Canonico Laura , Comitini Francesca , Ciani Maurizio
Published: May 2020

Sulfites and sulfides are produced by yeasts in different amounts depending on different factors, including growth medium and specific strain variability. In natural must, some strains can produce an excess of sulfur compounds that confer unpleasant smells, inhibit malolactic fermentation and lead to health concerns for consumers. In organic wines and in sulfite-free wines the necessity to limit or avoid the presence of sulfide and sulfite requires the use of selected yeast strains that are low producers of sulfur compounds, with good fermentative and aromatic aptitudes. In the present study, exploiting the sexual mass-mating spores’ recombination of a native Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain previously isolated from grape, three new S. cerevisiae strains were selected. They were characterized by low sulfide and sulfite production and favorable aromatic imprinting. This approach, that occurs spontaneously also in nature, allowed us to obtain new native S. cerevisiae strains with desired characteristics that could be proposed as new starters for organic and sulfite-free wine production, able to control sulfur compound production and to valorize specific wine types.
Association between Breast Milk Mineral Content and Maternal Adherence to Healthy Dietary Patterns in Spain: A Transversal Study
Authors: Sánchez Cristina , Fente Cristina , Barreiro Rocío , López-Racamonde Olga , Cepeda Alberto , Regal Patricia
Published: May 2020

The composition of breast milk is influenced by many factors, some of which dependent on the mother and others on the child. Changes in lactation and other factors depending on the mother’s physiology and anthropometric characteristics, as well as her nutritional status and diet, are of key importance. Breast milk minerals have been extensively studied with highly uneven results. In this work, a comparison will made with data across the world. To understand the factors that might explain the disparity, several minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Se and I) have been analyzed using ICP-MS in a set of human milk samples (n = 75). The samples had an identical geographical origin (Galicia, in northwestern Spain) but different lactation circumstances, including maternal anthropometric data, lactating time, newborn sex and maternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns (Mediterranean Diet, MD, or Atlantic Diet, AD). The required concentrations of essential elements reported in the literature are similar to those found in these Spanish women. A univariate approach revealed that factors such as lactating time, body mass index (BMI) and newborn sex have a significant influence in breastmilk mineral content. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, minerals in milk are particularly associated with lactating time, but also with newborn sex, maternal BMI, age and diet pattern in some cases. More precisely, these results suggest that the iron and selenium concentrations in the milk of Galician donors may be positively influenced by maternal adherence to AD and MD, respectively.
Effect of Chia as Breadmaking Ingredient on Nutritional Quality, Mineral Availability, and Glycemic Index of Bread
Authors: Miranda-Ramos Karla , Millán-Linares Ma. Carmen , Haros Claudia Monika
Published: May 2020

Chia seeds and chia flour could be used as ingredients to enrich foods owing to their high amount of nutrients. The goal of this investigation was to provide further information about how replacing wheat flour with chia ingredients (seeds, whole flour, semi-defatted, and low-fat flours) affects the nutritional and functional value of bread. The higher levels of proteins, lipids and minerals determined in raw chia flours directly affected the increase of these nutrients. High levels of phytates were found in chia ingredients (5.1–6.6 μmol/g d.b.), which affect Zn and Fe bioavailability, as predicted by phytate/mineral molar ratios. Bread with chia had a high amount of linoleic acid, especially in bread with chia seeds, owing to protection of seed integrity during baking. Chia ingredients did not show limiting essential amino acids such as lysine, which is deficient in cereals. Glycemic index was lower in bread with chia ingredients compared to control. The beneficial effects on glucose metabolism together with the nutritional and functional characteristics could be clinically important for prevention of metabolic diseases.
NOX4 Deficiency Exacerbates the Impairment of Cystatin C-Dependent Hippocampal Neurogenesis by a Chronic High Fat Diet
Authors: Jiranugrom Piyanart , Yoo Ik Dong , Park Min Woo , Ryu Ji Hwan , Moon Jong-Seok , Yi Sun Shin
Published: May 2020

Hippocampal neurogenesis is linked with a cognitive process under a normal physiological condition including learning, memory, pattern separation, and cognitive flexibility. Hippocampal neurogenesis is altered by multiple factors such as the systemic metabolic changes. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) has been implicated in the regulation of brain function. While the role of NOX4 plays in the brain, the mechanism by which NOX4 regulates hippocampal neurogenesis under metabolic stress is unclear. In this case, we show that NOX4 deficiency exacerbates the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis by inhibiting neuronal maturation by a chronic high fat diet (HFD). NOX4 deficiency resulted in less hippocampal neurogenesis by decreasing doublecortin (DCX)-positive neuroblasts, a neuronal differentiation marker, and their branched-dendrites. Notably, NOX4 deficiency exacerbates the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis by chronic HFD. Moreover, NOX4 deficiency had a significant reduction of Cystatin C levels, which is critical for hippocampal neurogenesis, under chronic HFD as well as normal chow (NC) diet. Furthermore, the reduction of Cystatin C levels was correlated with the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis in NOX4 deficient and wild-type (WT) mice under chronic HFD. Our results suggest that NOX4 regulates the impairment of Cystatin C-dependent hippocampal neurogenesis under chronic HFD.
Clinical and Molecular Data Define a Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a Carrier of a Brugada-Syndrome-Associated PKP2 Mutation
Authors: Persampieri Simone , Pilato Chiara Assunta , Sommariva Elena , Maione Angela Serena , Stadiotti Ilaria , Ranalletta Antonio , Torchio Margherita , Dello Russo Antonio , Basso Cristina , Pompilio Giulio , Tondo Claudio , Casella Michela
Published: May 2020

Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) is the most frequently mutated desmosomal gene in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a disease characterized by structural and electrical alterations predominantly affecting the right ventricular myocardium. Notably, ACM cases without overt structural alterations are frequently reported, mainly in the early phases of the disease. Recently, the PKP2 p.S183N mutation was found in a patient affected by Brugada syndrome (BS), an inherited arrhythmic channelopathy most commonly caused by sodium channel gene mutations. We here describe a case of a patient carrier of the same BS-related PKP2 p.S183N mutation but with a clear diagnosis of ACM. Specifically, we report how clinical and molecular investigations can be integrated for diagnostic purposes, distinguishing between ACM and BS, which are increasingly recognized as syndromes with clinical and genetic overlaps. This observation is fundamentally relevant in redefining the role of genetics in the approach to the arrhythmic patient, progressing beyond the concept of “one mutation, one disease”, and raising concerns about the most appropriate approach to patients affected by structural/electrical cardiomyopathy. The merging of genetics, electroanatomical mapping, and tissue and cell characterization summarized in our patient seems to be the most complete diagnostic algorithm, favoring a reliable diagnosis.
Senescence and Longevity of Sea Urchins
Authors: Amir Yam , Insler Maayan , Giller Abram , Gutman Danielle , Atzmon Gil
Published: May 2020

Sea urchins are a minor class of marine invertebrates that share genetic similarities with humans. For example, the sea urchin species Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is estimated to have 23,300 genes in which the majority of vertebrate gene families are enveloped. Some of the sea urchin species can demonstrate extreme longevity, such as Mesocentrotus franciscanus, living for well over 100 years. Comparing human to sea urchin aging suggests that the latter do not fit within the classic understanding of biological aging, as both long- and short-lived sea urchin species demonstrate negligible senescence. Sea urchins are highly regenerative organisms. Adults can regenerate external appendages and can maintain their regenerative abilities throughout life. They grow indeterminately and reproduce throughout their entire adult life. Both long- and short-lived species do not exhibit age-associated telomere shortening and display telomerase activity in somatic tissues regardless of age. Aging S. purpuratus urchins show changes in expression patterns of protein coding genes that are involved in several fundamental cellular functions such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, signaling pathways, translational regulation, and electron transport chain. Sea urchin longevity and senescence research is a new and promising field that holds promise for the understanding of aging in vertebrates and can increase our understanding of human longevity and of healthy aging.
Quantifying the Genetic Basis of Marfan Syndrome Clinical Variability
Authors: Grange Thomas , Aubart Mélodie , Langeois Maud , Benarroch Louise , Arnaud Pauline , Milleron Olivier , Eliahou Ludivine , Gross Marie-Sylvie , Hanna Nadine , Boileau Catherine , Gouya Laurent , Jondeau Guillaume
Published: May 2020

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with considerable inter- and intra-familial clinical variability. The contribution of inherited modifiers to variability has not been quantified. We analyzed the distribution of 23 clinical features in 1306 well-phenotyped MFS patients carrying FBN1 mutations. We found strong correlations between features within the same system (i.e., ophthalmology vs. skeletal vs. cardiovascular) suggesting common underlying determinants, while features belonging to different systems were largely uncorrelated. We adapted a classical quantitative genetics model to estimate the heritability of each clinical feature from phenotypic correlations between relatives. Most clinical features showed strong familial aggregation and high heritability. We found a significant contribution by the major locus on the phenotypic variance only for ectopia lentis using a new strategy. Finally, we found evidence for the “Carter effect” in the MFS cardiovascular phenotype, which supports a polygenic model for MFS cardiovascular variability and indicates additional risk for children of MFS mothers with an aortic event. Our results demonstrate that an important part of the phenotypic variability in MFS is under the control of inherited modifiers, widely shared between features within the same system, but not among different systems. Further research must be performed to identify genetic modifiers of MFS severity.
Previous, Current, and Future Trends in Research into Earthquake Precursors in Geofluids
Authors: Martinelli Giovanni
Published: May 2020

Hazard reduction policies include seismic hazard maps based on probabilistic evaluations and the evaluation of geophysical parameters continuously recorded by instrumental networks. Over the past 25 centuries, a large amount of information about earthquake precursory phenomena has been recorded by scholars, scientific institutions, and civil defense agencies. In particular, hydrogeologic measurements and geochemical analyses have been performed in geofluids in search of possible and reliable earthquake precursors. Controlled experimental areas have been set up to investigate physical and chemical mechanisms originating possible preseismic precursory signals. The main test sites for such research are located in China, Iceland, Japan, the Russian Federation, Taiwan, and the USA. The present state of the art about the most relevant scientific achievements has been described. Future research trends and possible development paths have been identified and allow for possible improvements in policies oriented to seismic hazard reduction by geofluid monitoring.
Management of Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Yuan Xun , Clough Rachel E. , Nienaber Christoph A.
Published: May 2020

Acute aortic dissection has an incidence of approximately half that of symptomatic abdominal and thoracic aneurysm of the aorta and more than twice the mortality of population-based controls. While urgent undelayed open surgery is the strategy of choice in proximal dissection, medical management has been the mainstay of treatment for uncomplicated distal or type B aortic dissection, but endovascular intervention is now considered a potential treatment option for all type B dissection due to its success in complicated cases. Endovascular repair can be technically demanding in aortic dissection, and timing of the repair can have a significant influence on anatomical and clinical outcome. Observational reports of feasibility and reasonable safety are flanked by only two randomised trials; the Acute Dissection Stent Grafting or Best Medical Treatment (ADSORB) trial demonstrated improved remodelling in acute dissection and the INvestigation of STEnt grafts in patients with type B Aortic Dissections (INSTEAD) trial showed better long-term survival in patients treated endovascularly in the subacute phase. Meta-analyses and other large clinical studies have demonstrated mixed results. Due to some risks associated endovascular repair and the requirement of specialist aortic care (which is not always available), a pragmatic approach for current management could involve high intensity serial imaging in the acute phase of a type B aortic dissection, thereby identifying complicated cases for early intervention and selection of patients at high risk of disease progression for deferred endovascular management in the subacute phase within 90 days.
Coercive Parenting and Adolescent Developmental Outcomes: The Moderating Effects of Empathic Concern and Perception of Social Rejection
Authors: Li Spencer De , Xia Yiwei , Xiong Ruoshan , Li Jienan , Chen Yiyi
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have identified coercive parenting as a prevalent parenting style in Chinese society. They suggested that this style of parenting could promote prosocial behavior and school commitment when combined with close monitoring and proper training, but it could also undermine mental health. This study critically examines these claims. Based on the existing theory and research, it is predicted that the influences of coercive parenting on adolescent development vary according to adolescent personal attributes including empathic concern and perception of social rejection. Through the analysis of two-wave survey data collected from a probability sample of 1085 Chinese adolescents, this study found that adolescents with higher levels of empathic concern and perceived social rejection reported less delinquency and stronger school commitment than their peers with lower levels of such attributes, when coercive parenting was low to moderate. However, under the condition of excessive coercive control, these adolescents demonstrated more delinquency and weaker school commitment. Empathic concern and perception of social rejection, on the other hand, played no or limited role in moderating the relationship between coercive parenting and depression. These results suggest that the influences of coercive parenting are dynamic and are subject to change as they interact with adolescent personal characteristics across different developmental domains.
Transcultural Adaptation and Piloting of the “Regarding Blood-Sampling Practices at Primary Health Care Centres” Questionnaire
Authors: Romero-Arana Adolfo , Prieto-Callejero Blanca , Fagundo-Rivera Javier , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Romero-Martín Macarena , Ruiz-Frutos Carlos , Romero Adolfo
Published: May 2020

Preanalytical errors account for up to 70% of the total potentially detectable errors in the laboratory. The main problems detected are related with procedures associated with Primary Care nursing practices that are directly involved in the preanalytical phase. The objective of this study is to carry out a transcultural adaptation and piloting of the “Regarding Blood-Sampling Practices at Primary Health Care Centres” questionnaire as regards blood sampling in Primary Care. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study has been developed within the Primary Care area of the Andalusian Public Health System. The venous blood sampling questionnaire was translated into and adapted to Spanish by qualified professionals and expert translators. The questionnaires were then delivered to all staff nurses from the health districts involved. The total sample consisted of 224 primary care nursing professionals. The factors that showed statistically significant relationships were identification and sample collection, management with information search, storage and labelling of samples, and reporting of errors. A lack of global relationship between factors makes it impossible to find a global quality factor in the sampling process. The process of translation, adaptation, and piloting of the questionnaire from its original version to the Spanish one has proven to be understandable by professionals in its entirety and to offer data similar to the original version.
Association of Sedentary Behavior and Depression among College Students Majoring in Design
Authors: Xu Zhen , Xu Qiuxia , Wang Yifan , Zhang Jielu , Liu Jiapei , Xu Fei
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aimed to specify the prevalence of sedentary behavior and depression and investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior and depression among college students majoring in design. Methods: A total of 480 undergraduate and postgraduate students majoring in design were randomly enrolled from a university in Nanjing for a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, physical health, sedentary behavior and depression. Results: Participants reported that they spent 14.93 (SD = 1.76) hours on sedentary behavior per day and most of the time occurred outside the classroom. There were 161 (39.8%) students who reported depression, with a statistical difference across grades. After adjusting for sociodemographic attributes, physical health and physical activity, binary logistic regression analysis showed that the total sedentary time and time spent on school assignments on weekends were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: To reduce the risk of depression, students majoring in design should be encouraged to change sedentary behaviors to physical activities in their study and life, such as using non-seating postures to do school assignments, making time for more physical activities and reducing assignments on weekends.
Photobiomodulation Therapy on Orthodontic Movement: Analysis of Preliminary Studies with a New Protocol
Authors: Impellizzeri Alessandra , Horodynski Martina , Fusco Riccardo , Palaia Gaspare , Polimeni Antonella , Romeo Umberto , Barbato Ersilia , Galluccio Gabriella
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the acceleration of orthodontic movements, deriving from its biostimulating and regenerative capacity on soft tissues, consequent to the increase in differentiation, proliferation, and activity of cells that are involved with alveolar bone remodeling. The present randomized controlled trial was conducted on six patients who required extractive orthodontic therapy because their ectopic canines had erupted. A total of eight canines were analyzed, four of which received laser irradiation (i.e., experimental group). Two weeks after the extractions, all canines of the experimental and placebo groups were distalized simultaneously and symmetrically with the laceback retraction technique. The PBMT protocol consisted of four cycles of laser applications, one each on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 of the study, with session treatment durations of 2–4 min. The results of the descriptive analysis on the distal displacement speed of the canines after 1 month of follow-up indicate an average displacement of 1.35 mm for the non-irradiated group and 1.98 mm for the irradiated group. Through inferential analysis, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the average speed of the irradiated canines and the control canines. The low energy density laser used in this study, with the parameters set, was found to be a tool capable of statistically significantly accelerating the distal displacement of canines.
Analyzing the Effect of Government Subsidy on the Development of the Remanufacturing Industry
Authors: Zhou Qin , Yuen Kum Fai
Published: May 2020

Remanufacturing plays an important role in a circular economy, by shifting supply chains from linear to closed loop. However, the development of the remanufacturing industry faces many challenges. Consumers’ uncertainty about the quality of remanufactured products can hamper their decision to make a purchase (i.e., uncertainty behavior). Such uncertainty can be reduced when they learn that more consumers are purchasing remanufactured products (i.e., network externality behavior). Considering the aforementioned behaviors, this paper investigates how a government could set the optimal subsidy level to maximize the sales quantity of remanufactured products with a limited budget. We modeled a Stackelberg game between the government and an original equipment manufacturer, under two settings, over two periods. Setting 1 only considers an original equipment manufacturer that produces remanufactured products, and Setting 2 considers an original equipment manufacturer that produces both new and remanufactured products. We show that the original equipment manufacturer should adjust its pricing strategy (i.e., markup vs. markdown) according to the subsidy levels. Our analysis on the government budget constraint shows that an original equipment manufacturer earns more profits in Setting 1 than Setting 2, only when the budget constraint is high, and less profits when budget constraint is low.
Gender Inequalities in Health and Their Effect on the Economic Prosperity Represented by the GDP of Selected Developed Countries—Empirical Study
Authors: Stefko Robert , Gavurova Beata , Ivankova Viera , Rigelsky Martin
Published: May 2020

The objective is to evaluate the relations between gender health inequalities and economic prosperity in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The groups included health indicators in the specification of men, women and gender inequalities: life expectancy, causes of mortality and avoidable mortality. The variable determining the economic prosperity was represented by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The analytical processing included descriptive analysis, analysis of differences and analysis of relationships. The regression analysis was presented as the main output of the research. Most of the significant gender differences in health showed a more positive outcome for women. It is possible to identify a certain relation between gender health inequalities and economic prosperity. If there is some reduction in gender inequalities in health, the economic prosperity will increase. The reduction seems to be more effective on the part of men than women. The output of the cluster analysis showed the relations of indicators evaluating the inequalities and the prosperity. The countries such as Luxembourg, Norway or Switzerland showed very positive outputs, on the other hand, the countries with a potential for the improvement are Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia. Overall, the policies should focus on reducing the inequalities in avoidable mortality as well as reducing the frequent diseases in younger people.
Learning to Swim: An Exploration of Negative Prior Aquatic Experiences Among Children
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C.
Published: May 2020

Learning to swim via a structured program is an important skill to develop aquatic competencies and prevent drowning. Fear of water can produce phobic behaviors counterproductive to the learning process. No research examines the influence of negative aquatic experiences on learning to swim. This study explored the influence of children’s negative prior aquatic experiences (NPAE) on learn-to-swim achievement via swim school data. Children’s enrolment records (5–12 years) in the Australian Capital Territory were analyzed via demographics, level achieved and NPAE. NPAE was recorded as yes/no, with free text thematically coded to 16 categories. Of 14,012 records analyzed (51% female; 64% aged 6–8 years), 535 (4%) reported a NPAE at enrolment. Males, children with a medical condition and attending public schools were significantly more likely (p = 0.001) to report a NPAE. Children reporting a NPAE achieved a lower average skill level at each year of age. The largest proportion (19%) of NPAE reported related to swimming lessons. NPAE have a detrimental influence on aquatic skill achievement. We recommend increased adult supervision to reduce likelihood of an NPAE occurring, while also encouraging swim instructors to consider NPAE when teaching swimming and develop procedures to ensure a NPAE does not occur during instruction.
Educational Inequalities in Life and Healthy Life Expectancies among the 50-Plus in Spain
Authors: Solé-Auró Aïda , Martín Unai , Domínguez Rodríguez Antía
Published: May 2020

This study computes educational inequalities in life expectancy (LE), healthy life expectancy (HLE), and unhealthy life expectancy (ULE) by gender and education level in Spain in 2012. Death registrations and vital status by level of education were obtained from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics. Health prevalences were estimated from the National Health Survey for Spain. We used Sullivan’s method to compute HLE, ULE, and the proportion of time lived with health problems. Our results reveal that Spanish women live longer than men in all education groups, but a higher proportion of women report poor health. We detect substantial differences in unhealthy life by gender and education, with higher effect for women and for those with low levels of education. Poor self-perceived health shows the largest educational gradient; chronic diseases present the lowest. This is the first work that provides evidence on health inequalities by education level in Spain. Our findings seem to be in line with reports of the smaller social inequalities experienced in Southern Europe and highlight the importance of education level on extending the proportion of years spent in good health in a Mediterranean country.
Congenital Zika Syndrome—Assessing the Need for a Family Support Programme in Brazil
Authors: Duttine Antony , Smythe Tracey , Ribiero Calheiro de Sá Míriam , Ferrite Silvia , Zuurmond Maria , Moreira Maria Elisabeth , Collins Anna , Milner Kate , Kuper Hannah
Published: May 2020

The Zika outbreak in Brazil caused congenital impairments and developmental delays, or Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). We sought to ascertain whether a family support programme was needed and, if so, could be adapted from the Getting to Know Cerebral Palsy programme (GTKCP) designed for children with cerebral palsy (CP). We conducted a systematic review of the needs of families of children with CZS or CP in low- and middle-income countries and reviewed the findings of the Social and Economic Impact of Zika study. We undertook a scoping visit to three facilities offering services to children with CZS in Brazil to understand potential utility and adaptability of GTKCP. The literature review showed that caregivers of children with CZS experience challenges in mental health, healthcare access, and quality of life, consistent with the CP literature. The scoping visits demonstrated that most support provided to families was medically orientated and while informal support networks were established, these lacked structure. Caregivers and practitioners expressed an eagerness for more structure community-based family support programmes. A support programme for families of children with CZS in Brazil appeared relevant and needed, and may fill an important gap in the Zika response.
The Effects of Social, Personal, and Behavioral Risk Factors and PM2.5 on Cardio-Metabolic Disparities in a Cohort of Community Health Center Patients
Authors: Juarez Paul D. , Tabatabai Mohammad , Burciaga Valdez Robert , Hood Darryl B. , Im Wansoo , Mouton Charles , Colen Cynthia , Al-Hamdan Mohammad Z. , Matthews-Juarez Patricia , Lichtveld Maureen Y. , Sarpong Daniel , Ramesh Aramandla , Langston Michael A. , Rogers Gary L. , Phillips Charles A. , Reichard John F. , Donneyong Macarius M. , Blot William
Published: May 2020

(1) Background: Cardio-metabolic diseases (CMD), including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes, have numerous common individual and environmental risk factors. Yet, few studies to date have considered how these multiple risk factors together affect CMD disparities between Blacks and Whites. (2) Methods: We linked daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measures with survey responses of participants in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) was used to estimate the relationship between CMD risk and social-demographic characteristics, behavioral and personal risk factors, and exposure levels of PM2.5. (3) Results: The study resulted in four key findings: (1) PM2.5 concentration level was significantly associated with reported CMD, with risk rising by 2.6% for each µg/m3 increase in PM2.5; (2) race did not predict CMD risk when clinical, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors were accounted for; (3) a significant variation of CMD risk was found among participants across states; and (4) multiple personal, clinical, and social-demographic and environmental risk factors played a role in predicting CMD occurrence. (4) Conclusions: Disparities in CMD risk among low social status populations reflect the complex interactions of exposures and cumulative risks for CMD contributed by different personal and environmental factors from natural, built, and social environments.
Review of Terms and Definitions Used in Descriptions of Running Shoes
Authors: Marchena-Rodriguez Ana , Ortega-Avila Ana Belen , Cervera-Garvi Pablo , Cabello-Manrique David , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel
Published: May 2020

Objective: Our study aim is to identify and describe the definitions used for different types of running shoes. In addition, we highlight the existence of gaps in these concepts and propose possible new approaches. Methods: This review was undertaken in line with the guidelines proposed by Green et al., based on a literature search (until December 2019) of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar databases. A total of 23 papers met the inclusion criteria applied to identify the definition of running shoes. Results: Although there is a certain consensus on the characteristics of minimalist footwear, it is also described by other terms, such as barefoot-style or barefoot-simulating. Diverse terms are also used to describe other types of footwear, and in these cases, there is little or no consensus regarding their characteristics. Conclusions: The terms barefoot-simulated footwear, barefoot-style footwear, lightweight shoes and full minimalist shoes are all used to describe minimalist footwear. The expressions partial minimalist, uncushioned minimalist and transition shoes are used to describe footwear with non-consensual characteristics. Finally, labels such as shod shoes, standard cushioned running shoes, modern shoes, neutral protective running shoes, conventional, standardised, stability style or motion control shoes span a large group of footwear styles presenting different properties.
New Technologies to Improve Pain, Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopez-Rodriguez María Mar , Fernández-Millan Alejandro , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Dobarrio-Sanz Iria , Fernández-Medina Isabel María
Published: May 2020

Pain, anxiety, or depression are very prevalent in children and adolescents with cancer, which is a great challenge for health professionals. Several studies pointing out the positive effect of technology on the management of symptoms have been published in recent years. Considering these studies is important in order to reduce the negative impact on the quality of life of this population. This study aimed to analyze the available evidence and to describe the benefits of the new technologies in the treatment of pain, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents with cancer. A systematic search using six electronic databases was conducted to identify studies using technological interventions with a focus on pain, anxiety, and depression that were published from 2008 to 2018 including oncology patients from 0–18 years old. Out of the 1261 studies that were identified, five studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Robots were used in two studies, providing amusement and social interventions that showed significant improvements. Virtual reality, a mobile application, and a videogame were used in three studies and obtained beneficial results in pain and anxiety. The studies included in this review suggest that new technologies can be used as an innovative form of non-pharmacological intervention with therapeutic benefits.
COVID-19 and the Fears of Italian Senior Citizens
Authors: de Leo Diego , Trabucchi Marco
Published: May 2020

Italy has been hit very hard by the severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. This brief report highlights some of the peculiarities manifested by its older adult population, with particular reference to those living in nursing institutions and at home. Mortality data (as of 26 April) are reported, together with reactions to forced isolation, loneliness, and fear of contracting the disease, which represent big challenges for all, especially for frail elderly people.
The Changing Factors Affecting Local Environmental Governance in China: Evidence from a Study of Prefecture-Level Cities in Guangdong Province
Authors: Yang Jiangmin , Xue Desheng , Huang Gengzhi
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to examine the changing factors underlying China’s environmental governance, by investigating the long-term dynamic impacts of related endogenous and exogenous factors and considering regional differences in these factors. The study estimated environmental regulation intensity and employed the geographical detector technique to analyze its driving factors, based on 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province, China, from 1990 to 2016. The results showed that environmental regulation intensity has increased in Guangdong Province over the past 27 years. The results also indicated that local environmental governance was affected by global–local interactions and changed based on different regional developmental phases. At first, factors within a region affected local environmental policies more significantly, such as economic development and urbanization. However, in the long run, globalization’s impacts have been the most important factors influencing environmental governance. Further analysis showed that environmental regulation intensity in Guangdong Province’s different regions was affected by different driven factors. Our analyses contribute to the understanding of China’s environmental governance and have policy implications for environmental problem management and China’s construction of an ecological civilization.