bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and Proactive Management Led to Tree Removals on an Urban College Campus
Authors: Roman Lara A. , Fristensky Jason P. , Lundgren Robert E. , Cerwinka Chloe E. , Lubar Jason E.
Published: June 2022

Urban trees in lawns and along streets are anthropogenically constructed systems, in that these tree communities are formed by human planting and removal actions. Tree mortality studies are essential to understanding the temporal dynamism of urban forests, and in particular, it is critical to incorporate institutional records and human decision-making regarding tree removals. In this study, we investigated tree removals on a highly urbanized college campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (US) by analyzing field inventories and institutional records, and by considering firsthand accounts of the University Landscape Architect. The annual mortality rate was 4.3%, higher than typical for comparable studies, which we attribute to construction pressure and proactive management to promptly remove unhealthy trees and manage risk. Capital projects and other construction caused 48.5% of all removals, other human land use decisions caused 2.0%, and tree health decline and risk management collectively accounted for 48.7%. The number of removed trees exactly equaled the number of new trees, and the campus has high taxonomic diversity, reflecting the extensive oversight by university tree and landscape professionals regarding tree removal and planting decisions. This study demonstrates the value of mixed-methods and transdisciplinary research to understand how urban forests change over time.
Organic Carbon Is Ineffective in Enhancing the Growth of Dunaliella
Authors: Celente Gleison de Souza , Rizzetti Tiele Medianeira , Schneider Rosana de Cassia de Souza , Harvey Patricia J. , Sui Yixing
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Mixotrophic growth is commonly associated with higher biomass productivity and lower energy consumption. This paper evaluates the impact of using different carbon sources on growth, protein profile, and nutrient uptake for Dunaliella tertiolecta CCAP 19/30 to assess the potential for mixotrophic growth. (2) Methods: Two experimental sets were conducted. The first assessed the contribution of atmospheric carbon to D. tertiolecta growth and the microalgae capacity to grow heterotrophically with an organic carbon source to provide both carbon and energy. The second set evaluated the impact of using different carbon sources on its growth, protein yield and quality. (3) Results: D. tertiolecta could not grow heterotrophically. Cell and optical density, ash-free dry weight, and essential amino acids index were inferior for all treatments using organic carbon compared to NaHCO3. Neither cell nor optical density presented significant differences among the treatments containing organic carbon, demonstrating that organic carbon does not boost D. tertiolecta growth. All the treatments presented similar nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur recovery, and relative carbohydrate content. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of this paper, D. tertiolecta CCAP 19/30 is an obligated autotroph that cannot grow mixotrophically using organic carbon.
Time Series Prediction of Sea Surface Temperature Based on an Adaptive Graph Learning Neural Model
Authors: Wang Tingting , Li Zhuolin , Geng Xiulin , Jin Baogang , Xu Lingyu
Published: June 2022

The accurate prediction of sea surface temperature (SST) is the basis for our understanding of local and global climate characteristics. At present, the existing sea temperature prediction methods fail to take full advantage of the potential spatial dependence between variables. Among them, graph neural networks (GNNs) modeled on the relationships between variables can better deal with space–time dependency issues. However, most of the current graph neural networks are applied to data that already have a good graph structure, while in SST data, the dependency relationship between spatial points needs to be excavated rather than existing as prior knowledge. In order to predict SST more accurately and break through the bottleneck of existing SST prediction methods, we urgently need to develop an adaptive SST prediction method that is independent of predefined graph structures and can take full advantage of the real temporal and spatial correlations hidden indata sets. Therefore, this paper presents a graph neural network model designed specifically for space–time sequence prediction that can automatically learn the relationships between variables and model them. The model automatically extracts the dependencies between sea temperature multi-variates by embedding the nodes of the adaptive graph learning module, so that the fine-grained spatial correlations hidden in the sequence data can be accurately captured. Figure learning modules, graph convolution modules, and time convolution modules are integrated into a unified end-to-end framework for learning. Experiments were carried out on the Bohai Sea surface temperature data set and the South China Sea surface temperature data set, and the results show that the model presented in this paper is significantly better than other sea temperature model predictions in two remote-sensing sea temperature data sets and the surface temperature of the South China Sea is easier to predict than the surface temperature of the Bohai Sea.
Fire Risk Assessment and Safety Management in Buildings and Urban Spaces—A New Section of Fire Journal
Authors: Ferreira Tiago Miguel
Published: June 2022

It is a great pleasure to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief for the “Fire Risk Assessment and Safety Management in Buildings and Urban Spaces” Section of Fire (https://www [...]
Bioavailability of Macro- and Microelements in Rats Fed Hypercholesterolemic Diets Containing Actinidia arguta Fruits
Authors: Gralak Mikołaj Antoni , Lasocka Iwona , Leontowicz Maria , Leontowicz Hanna , Latocha Piotr , Gorinstein Shela
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of different cultivars of Actinidia arguta (kiwiberry) on the bioavailability of mineral elements and to examine the mineral profile of rats fed atherogenic diets enriched with kiwiberries. The following cultivars of Actinidia arguta were used: Bingo, M1, Anna, Weiki, Jumbo, and Geneva. Kiwiberry has recently become popular in the market. It is a precious source of biologically active components, vitamins, and minerals. The livers, spleens, and kidneys were examined for mineral contents using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The bioavailability of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu was evaluated. The addition of kiwiberries in atherogenic diets increased the contents of Fe in the rat liver. The bioavailability of Mn, Zn, and Cu, calculated on the basis of the contents in the livers, was significantly decreased in rats fed diets with 5% additional kiwiberries. We supposed that the effect of kiwiberry on the bioavailability of the studied minerals may be related to the diet components of bioactive substances present in fruits (polyphenols, vitamins, dietary fiber, and tannins).
Effects of Peroxyl Radicals on the Structural Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of High-Density Lipoprotein from Duck Egg Yolk
Authors: Sun Jing , Zeng Qi , Yang Xue , Pi Jinsong , Ma Meihu , Du Jinping
Published: June 2022

In this study, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from duck egg yolk was subjected to oxidation with a system based on 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-derived peroxyl radicals. The effects of peroxyl radicals on the protein carbonyl, free sulfhydryl, secondary/tertiary structure, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, particle size distribution, zeta potential and fatty acid composition of HDL were investigated by using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results indicated that the content of protein carbonyl was significantly increased, that of free sulfhydryl was obviously reduced, and the ordered secondary structure was also decreased with increasing AAPH concentration. In addition, the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of HDL showed apparent increases due to the exposure of hydrophobic groups and aggregation of protein caused by oxidation. The fatty acid composition of HDL exhibited pronounced changes due to the disrupted protein–lipid interaction and lipid oxidation by AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals. These results may help to elucidate the molecular mechanism for the effect of lipid oxidation products on the oxidation of duck yolk proteins.
Large Yellow Tea Extract Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome by Suppressing Lipogenesis through SIRT6/SREBP1 Pathway and Modulating Microbiota in Leptin Receptor Knockout Rats
Authors: Wu Guohuo , Sun Xiaoyun , Cheng Huijun , Xu Shan , Li Daxiang , Xie Zhongwen
Published: June 2022

Metabolic syndrome is a chronic metabolic disorder that has turned into a severe health problem worldwide. A previous study reported that large yellow tea exhibited better anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering effects than green tea. Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms are not yet understood. In this study, we examined the prevention effects and mechanisms of large yellow tea water extract (LWE) on metabolic syndrome using leptin receptor knockout (Lepr−/−) rats. Seven-week-old male Lepr−/− and wild type (WT) littermate rats were divided into Lepr−/− control group (KO) (n = 5), Lepr−/− with LWE-treated group (KL) (n = 5), WT control group (WT) (n = 6), and WT with LWE intervention group (WL) (n = 6). Then, the rats were administered water or LWE (700 mg/kg BW) daily by oral gavage for 24 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the administration of LWE significantly reduced the serum concentrations of random blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acids, and increased glucose tolerance in Lepr−/− rats. Moreover, LWE remarkably reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and alleviated fatty liver formation in Lepr−/− rats. A mechanistic study showed that LWE obviously activated SIRT6 and decreased the expression of key lipogenesis-related molecules SREBP1, FAS, and DGAT1 in the livers of Lepr−/− rats. Furthermore, LWE significantly improved microbiota dysbiosis via an increase in gut microbiota diversity and an abundance of the microbiota that produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, Intestinimonas, and Alistipes. Finally, LWE supplementation increased the concentrations of SCFAs in the feces of Lepr−/− rats. These results revealed that LWE attenuated metabolic syndrome of Lepr−/− rats via the reduction of hepatic lipid synthesis through the SIRT6/SREBP1 pathway and the modulation of gut microbiota.
Comprehensive Data Analysis Approach for Appropriate Scheduling of Signal Timing Plans
Authors: Dobrota Nemanja , Mitrovic Nikola , Gavric Slavica , Stevanovic Aleksandar
Published: June 2022

Improperly scheduled signal timing plans are one of the main reasons for reduced efficiency of traffic signals at coordinated urban arterials. Recently, most urban arterial roads are equipped with intelligent transportation systems devices capable of reporting the collected data on high temporal and spatial resolution, which gives us the opportunity to overcome traditional signal timing planning flaws. Previous studies have proposed methods for scheduling signal timing plans based on small quantities of data combined with various optimization approaches that ultimately require domain expert intervention to fine-tune proposed solutions. Consequently, the signal timing plans scheduling problem is still being addressed without a comprehensive approach. In this study, we propose a novel data-driven procedure based on visual analytics principles to identify the dominant traffic profiles and appropriate scheduling of signal timing plans. The medium-resolution volume data collected over a one-year period on a real-world corridor consisting of 12 signalized intersections were used to validate the proposed methodology. Applied principles from the visual analytics domain allow for a better understanding of traffic characteristics and ultimately alleviate the development of appropriate signal timing schedules. The results show that the proposed method more reliably schedules signal timing plans when compared to current practice.
The Impact of Airport Facility Service Quality on Brand Experience and Passenger Satisfaction: Considering the Mediating Role of Brand Engagement
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Ma Junyi
Published: June 2022

In the past decade, as more and more passengers choose to fly on trips, China’s airport infrastructure construction has achieved world-renowned achievements. Despite the growing opportunities and demands for using brand research to assist airport industry services in improving, few studies have investigated the impact of service quality in terminal facilities on brand due to the diversity of service. This study uses structural equation models based on empirical research to explore the impact of facility service quality, including processing facility and non-processing facility, on airport brand experience and passenger satisfaction. This study also aims to assess the mediating effect of brand engagement on the relationship between facility service quality, brand experience, and passenger satisfaction. At the same time, this study also uses importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) to find specific items influencing brand engagement. The sampling method used a random sampling approach, with a total of 186 questionnaires distributed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport for data analysis. The results show that airport facility service quality is significant for brand engagement and experience, as well as for satisfaction, especially for processing facilities. In addition, the IPMA results show that facility services involved in the check-in process is of high importance, which requires more attention from managers. Overall, the findings of this study extend the understanding of service quality, brand engagement, brand experience, and passenger satisfaction in the context of an international airport, and they offer implications for Shanghai Pudong International Airport regarding the improvement of its facilities and brand.
Assessing the Impact on Road Safety of Automated Vehicles: An Infrastructure Inspection-Based Approach
Authors: Paliotto Andrea , Alessandrini Adriano , Mazzia Edoardo , Tiberi Paola , Tripodi Antonino
Published: June 2022

How safe will Automated Vehicles (AVs) be? It depends on technologies, vehicles, other road users, and infrastructures. The only certainty is that automated vehicles will not solve all road safety issues. As the penetration of AVs might be much more sudden than road infrastructure modification, the infrastructure revision process should start immediately by then, and road authorities must be ready in turn. This paper presents an approach based on road safety inspections to quantify and compare the expected safety levels for a road section with different combinations of Automated and Conventional Vehicles (CVs). Developed in the framework of the EC project CoEXist, the proposed approach allows for identifying the possible safety issues that may arise when introducing AVs. All safety issues are judged in terms of risk, which is the product of the exposure, the likelihood of the crash, and the severity of the possible consequences. All these aspects are analyzed in different scenarios considering different AV penetration levels and driving logic. The results show a potential risk decrease according to the higher penetration of AVs. Nevertheless, the analysis highlights that safety issues may arise with the introduction of specific AVs’ driving logics.
Cellular Senescence in Normal Mammary Gland and Breast Cancer. Implications for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sirinian Chaido , Peroukidis Stavros , Kriegsmann Katharina , Chaniotis Dimitrios , Koutras Angelos , Kriegsmann Mark , Papanastasiou Anastasios D.
Published: June 2022

Cellular senescence (CS) is a major homeostatic biological process, which plays a key role in normal tissue development and provides protection from stressful cell insults. The role of CS in mammary-gland development and breast cancer is not well understood. While there is a lack of experimental data on the role of CS in the development of the pre-pubertal mammary gland, there is evidence for a biphasic senescence response in adult normal-mammary-epithelial cells, where the bypass of the first senescence barrier (M0) seems to be a key step in the development of premalignant lesions, with genetic abnormalities that resemble in situ breast carcinoma. Further, there is accumulating evidence for the role of cellular senescence in breast-cancer response, regarding treatment and patient outcome. Here, we review the current literature on cellular senescence, in epithelial-mammary cells, breast-cancer cells, and breast-tumor-microenvironment-resident cells. Furthermore, we discuss its putative role in breast-cancer response, regarding treatment and disease progression. In addition, we provide preliminary evidence of CS in breast-cancer-microenvironment cells, such as tumor-associated fibroblasts and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, by employing the novel GL13 lipofuscin stain, as a marker of cellular senescence.
Genetics and Sport Injuries: New Perspectives for Athletic Excellence in an Italian Court of Rugby Union Players
Authors: Onori Maria Elisabetta , Pasqualetti Massimo , Moretti Giacomo , Canu Giulia , De Paolis Giulio , Baroni Silvia , Minucci Angelo , Galvani Christel , Urbani Andrea
Published: June 2022

Several genes are involved in sport performance, especially in injuries incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of ACE, ACTN3, COL1A1, and MCT1 genotypes and injuries in rugby players in order to find a genotype/phenotype correlation and provide useful information improving athletic performance. One-hundred male professional and semiprofessional rugby players were selected. Analysis was performed genotyping the genes ACE, ACTN3, COL1A1, and MCT1 as candidate gene of interest involved in athletic performance. A control group of non-athletic Italian male participants was analyzed to compare the results. We found statistical significance of MCT1 rs1049434 AA for total injuries (χ2 = 0.115; p = 0.003) and bone injuries (χ2 = 0.603; p = 0.007) in the rugby athlete population. No statistical significance was found between injury incidence and ACE, ACTN3, COL1A1 genotypes. The MCT1 AA genotype is associated with the incidence of total and bone injuries in the rugby player population. Although environmental factors such as lifestyle, diet, training, and stress can influence athletic performance, our data demonstrated the importance of genetic study in sport aimed at developing personalized training and achieving the best possible athletic excellence.
Identification of New Genetic Determinants in Pediatric Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using a Custom NGS Panel
Authors: Rutkowska Lena , Sałacińska Kinga , Salachna Dominik , Matusik Paweł , Pinkier Iwona , Kępczyński Łukasz , Piotrowicz Małgorzata , Starostecka Ewa , Lewiński Andrzej , Gach Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

The most common form of inherited lipid disorders is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). It is characterized primarily by high concentrations of the clinical triad of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tendon xanthomas and premature CVD. The well-known genetic background are mutations in LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 gene. Causative mutations can be found in 60–80% of definite FH patients and 20–30% of those with possible FH. Their occurrence could be attributed to the activity of minor candidate genes, whose causal mechanism has not been fully discovered. The aim of the conducted study was to identify disease-causing mutations in FH-related and candidate genes in pediatric patients from Poland using next generation sequencing (NGS). An NGS custom panel was designed to cover 21 causative and candidate genes linked to primary dyslipidemia. Recruitment was performed using Simon Broome diagnostic criteria. Targeted next generation sequencing was performed on a MiniSeq sequencer (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) using a 2 × 150 bp paired-end read module. Sequencing data analysis revealed pathogenic and possibly pathogenic variants in 33 out of 57 studied children. The affected genes were LDLR, APOB, ABCG5 and LPL. A novel pathogenic 7bp frameshift deletion c.373_379delCAGTTCG in the exon 4 of the LDLR gene was found. Our findings are the first to identify the c.373_379delCAGTTCG mutation in the LDLR gene. Furthermore, the double heterozygous carrier of frameshift insertion c.2416dupG in the LDLR gene and missense variant c.10708C>T in the APOB gene was identified. The c.2416dupG variant was defined as pathogenic, as confirmed by its cosegregation with hypercholesterolemia in the proband’s family. Although the APOB c.10708C>T variant was previously detected in hypercholesterolemic patients, our data seem to demonstrate no clinical impact. Two missense variants in the LPL gene associated with elevated triglyceride plasma level (c.106G>A and c.953A>G) were also identified. The custom NGS panel proved to be an effective research tool for identifying new causative aberrations in a genetically heterogeneous disease as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Our findings expand the spectrum of variants associated with the FH loci and will be of value in genetic counseling among patients with the disease.
Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Spermatogenesis Research and Male Infertility Treatment
Authors: Wang Hao-Qi , Wang Tian , Gao Fei , Ren Wen-Zhi
Published: June 2022

As the basis of animal reproductive activity, normal spermatogenesis directly determines the efficiency of livestock production. An in-depth understanding of spermatogenesis will greatly facilitate animal breeding efforts and male infertility treatment. With the continuous development and application of gene editing technologies, they have become valuable tools to study the mechanism of spermatogenesis. Gene editing technologies have provided us with a better understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of action of factors that regulate spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the applications of gene editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in deepening our understanding of the function of spermatogenesis-related genes and disease treatment. The problems of gene editing technologies in the field of spermatogenesis research are also discussed.
Mapping Gully Erosion Variability and Susceptibility Using Remote Sensing, Multivariate Statistical Analysis, and Machine Learning in South Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Bouramtane Tarik , Hilal Halima , Rezende-Filho Ary Tavares , Bouramtane Khalil , Barbiero Laurent , Abraham Shiny , Valles Vincent , Kacimi Ilias , Sanhaji Hajar , Torres-Rondon Laura , de Castro Domingos Dantas , Vieira Santos Janaina da Cunha , Ouardi Jamila , Beqqali Omar El , Kassou Nadia , Morarech Moad
Published: June 2022

In Brazil, the development of gullies constitutes widespread land degradation, especially in the state of South Mato Grosso, where fighting against this degradation has become a priority for policy makers. However, the environmental and anthropogenic factors that promote gully development are multiple, interact, and present a complexity that can vary by locality, making their prediction difficult. In this framework, a database was constructed for the Rio Ivinhema basin in the southern part of the state, including 400 georeferenced gullies and 13 geo-environmental descriptors. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the processes controlling the variability in gully development. Susceptibility maps were created through four machine learning models: multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA), logistic regression (LR), classification and regression tree (CART), and random forest (RF). The predictive performance of the models was analyzed by five evaluation indices: accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SST), specificity (SPF), precision (PRC), and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve). The results show the existence of two major processes controlling gully erosion. The first is the surface runoff process, which is related to conditions of slightly higher relief and higher rainfall. The second also reflects high surface runoff conditions, but rather related to high drainage density and downslope, close to the river network. Human activity represented by peri-urban areas, construction of small earthen dams, and extensive rotational farming contribute significantly to gully formation. The four machine learning models yielded fairly similar results and validated susceptibility maps (ROC curve > 0.8). However, we noted a better performance of the random forest (RF) model (86% and 89.8% for training and test, respectively, with an ROC curve value of 0.931). The evaluation of the contribution of the parameters shows that susceptibility to gully erosion is not governed primarily by a single factor, but rather by the interconnection between different factors, mainly elevation, geology, precipitation, and land use.
Determinants of Outpatient Physician Visits in the General Adult German Population during Later Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans-Helmut
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study was to investigate the determinants of outpatient physician visits in Germany during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional data were used from the general adult population in Germany with n = 3091 individuals (data collection in mid-March 2022). Determinants were selected based on the extended Andersen model. The number of GP visits as well as the number of specialist visits in the past 12 months were used as outcome measures. Negative binomial regressions showed that the number of GP visits was positively associated with a lower educational level, being retired, lower levels of loneliness, the presence of at least one chronic condition, lower self-rated health, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and the presence of depression. Moreover, negative binomial regressions showed that the number of specialist visits was positively associated with being female, a lower age, having children, being married, not being full-time employed, the presence of at least one chronic condition, lower self-rated health, the presence of depression, being vaccinated against COVID-19 and having a lower coronavirus anxiety. In conclusion, while our study showed that need factors are still a main driver of outpatient physician visits, our findings additionally showed that predisposing characteristics, enabling resources and psychosocial factors are also important for the number of outpatient physician visits in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge about these determinants (e.g., vaccination status, loneliness or coronavirus anxiety) is also important to avoid under- or overuse of the healthcare system.
Telemedicine Patient Satisfaction Dimensions Moderated by Patient Demographics
Authors: Mason Andrew N. , Brown Matt , Mason Kevin
Published: June 2022

Background: A multi-dimensional telemedicine patient satisfaction measure is utilized to provide managerial insights into where service improvements are needed and factors that impact patient service perceptions. This research explores the influence of patient demographics on telemedicine satisfaction. Four dimensions of telemedicine patient satisfaction (health benefits, patient-centered care, monetary costs, and non-monetary costs) were compared across patient gender, income, and education levels. Methods: A survey of 440 US telemedicine patients on patient satisfaction was measured with Likert scale items to create a multi-dimensional construct using the SERVQUAL model. MANOVA, ANOVA, and linear contrasts were used to examine the impact of patient demographics on telemedicine satisfaction dimensions. Results: The findings revealed that patient demographic characteristics moderated various dimensions of their telemedicine experience satisfaction. Satisfaction with telemedicine health benefits was moderated by patient gender and income levels. Patient-centered care was moderated by patient gender, income, and education levels. Satisfaction with the monetary cost of telemedicine was associated with patient gender and education level. Patient education level influenced their satisfaction with telemedicine non-monetary costs. Discussion: Notable trends include generally higher patient satisfaction for women and those with lower education levels. Patient income showed mixed trends regarding the four dimensions of patient satisfaction. Improvements in patient health literacy along with customized services may improve telemedicine patient care satisfaction and health outcomes. Conclusions: Measuring telemedicine patient satisfaction with a multi-dimensional assessment tool provides insights into how patient demographics influence perceptions of services received. The findings highlighted perceptions of telemedicine patient satisfaction dimensions that differed across patient demographics and provided insights into their overall impact on telemedicine patient satisfaction.
When the ‘Asset’ Is Livelihood: Making Heritage with the Maritime Practitioners of Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Authors: Cooper John P. , Ichumbaki Elgidius B. , Blue Lucy K. , Maligisu Philip C. M. , Mark Sinyati R.
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the dilemmas, obligations and opportunities faced by heritage professionals in elaborating cultural ‘assets’ among the breadwinning practices of contemporary, artisanal communities. It takes as its case study the authors’ Bahari Yetu, Urithi Wetu (‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage’) project and its engagement with maritime practitioners in and around the town of Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The article identifies Bagamoyo’s contemporary maritime scene as meriting heritage recognition on a global level, yet sitting entirely outside the country’s legal and political conception of heritage. Moreover, it acknowledges that ‘heritage’ as founded on the livelihood-earning activities of the community’s practitioners, such as boatbuilders, fishers and mariners. These often operate at subsistence level, yet are subject to transformative economic, social and environmental forces, as well as government agencies with no heritage remit. Drawing upon and reporting their co-creative engagements and activities with the Bagamoyo community, the authors argue for a non-reifying and people-centred approach to ‘living’ heritage situations such as that of maritime Bagamoyo, in which the tools of heritage engagement are deployed to amplify the concerns of the practitioner community to a wider audience.
A Holistic Approach to Study Groundwater-Surface Water Modifications Induced by Strong Earthquakes: The Case of Campiano Catchment (Central Italy)
Authors: Mammoliti Elisa , Fronzi Davide , Cambi Costanza , Mirabella Francesco , Cardellini Carlo , Patacchiola Emiliano , Tazioli Alberto , Caliro Stefano , Valigi Daniela
Published: June 2022

Carbonate aquifers are characterised by strong heterogeneities and their modelling is often a challenging aspect in hydrological studies. Understanding carbonate aquifers can be more complicated in the case of strong seismic events which have been widely demonstrated to influence groundwater flow over wide areas or on a local scale. The 2016–2017 seismic sequence of Central Italy is a paradigmatic example of how earthquakes play an important role in groundwater and surface water modifications. The Campiano catchment, which experienced significant discharge modifications immediately after the mainshocks of the 2016–2017 seismic sequence (Mmax = 6.5) has been analysed in this study. The study area is within an Italian national park (Sibillini Mts.) and thus has importance from a naturalistic and socio-economic standpoint. The research strategy coupled long-period artificial tracer tests (conducted both before and after the main earthquakes), geochemical and discharge analyses and isotope hydrology with hydrogeological cross-sections. This study highlights how the seismic sequence temporarily changed the behaviour of the normal faults which act predominantly as barriers to flow in the inter-seismic period, with water flow being normally favoured along the fault strikes. On the contrary, during earthquakes, groundwater flow can be significantly diverted perpendicularly to fault-strikes due to co-seismic fracturing and a consequent permeability increase. The interaction between groundwater and surface water is not only important from the point of view of scientific research but also has significant implications at an economic and social level.
The Differential Consequences of Fear, Anger, and Depression in Response to COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Choi Jounghwa , Kim Kyung-Hee
Published: June 2022

Studies on previous outbreaks of contagious diseases suggest that the impact of the emotions associated with an epidemic can be greater than that of the epidemic in terms of the number of people affected. This study explores the relationships between the three most commonly expressed emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (fear, anger, and depression) and two outcome variables (compliance with the social-distancing policy and the stigmatization of those infected by COVID-19). A large online, public opinion survey was conducted in South Korea (n = 1000) between 4 and 11 June 2020, which was between the first and the second waves of COVID-19. A series of regression analyses suggest that the emotional response was accompanied by differential behavioral and perceptual consequences. Fear was consistently positively related to all indicators of compliance with social-distancing policies (the voluntary practice of social distancing, support for the “routine-life-distancing” policy, and support for stronger social-distancing policies). Anger was positively related to both stigmatization indicators (responsibility attribution and stigmatizing attitude toward people infected with COVID-19). Finally, depression showed negative relationships with support for the “routine-life-distancing” policy and for stronger social-distancing policies but a positive relationship with the voluntary practice of social distancing. By examining whether and how certain types of emotional responses are more or less related to compliance with social distancing and stigmatization, the present study provides practical implications for effective public communication during an epidemic such as COVID-19.
Worsening Quality of Life in Young Adult, Highly Educated, and Married Female Patients with Vitiligo: A Hospital-Based Case Control Study in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Yuan-Ting , Hsu Chung-Hao , Wang Yu-Fen , Chang Yu-Jun , Yang Hui-Ju , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Yang Kuo-Chia
Published: June 2022

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmentation disorder that can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). This is especially true for patients with non-white skin. Only few studies have investigated the QoL of Asian patients with vitiligo. We aimed to investigate the QoL in Taiwanese vitiligo patients and identify the factors that influence their QoL. The cross-sectional study recruited 100 vitiligo patients and 100 controls with general skin diseases in the Department of Dermatology of Changhua Christian Hospital. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire for demographic information and modified Skindex-21 instruments. The QoL was not significantly different between vitiligo patients and controls. Among the vitiligo patients, adults exhibited deteriorated emotional levels and total QoL as compared with non-adults. Married females reported greater levels of emotional disturbance than the unmarried ones. A higher educational level and shorter history of disease were associated with greater emotional impacts. The patients with a generalized type of vitiligo suffered more in total QoL. After multivariate adjustment, the young adult patients aged 20–39 were associated with poorer total QoL. It is suggested that vitiligo patients who are aged between 20 and 39, are married females, are highly educated, have a shorter disease history, and suffer from the generalized type of this disease demonstrate more deterioration in their life quality compared with other vitiligo patients. Care providers should tailor the psychological counseling and treatment accordingly.
Engaging U.S. Adults with Serious Mental Illness in Participatory Design Research Exercises
Authors: Rollings Kimberly A.
Published: June 2022

Clubhouses are non-clinical, community-based centers for adult members with serious mental illness. The evidence-based model assists adults with identifying employment, housing, education, and social opportunities; wellness and health-promoting activities; reducing hospitalizations and criminal justice system involvement; and improving social relationships, satisfaction, and quality of life. The model enables member participation in all Clubhouse operations, yet offers little guidance concerning facility design and member engagement in the design process. This case study explored the use of participatory design research exercises to (1) document member needs, preferences, and priorities to inform the design of a new midwestern U.S. Clubhouse facility and (2) meaningfully engage members (n = 16) in the design process. Four participatory design research exercises were developed, administered, and analyzed. Results revealed aesthetics and ambience; safety and security; ease of use and maintenance; adaptability, flexibility, and accessibility; and transportation as future priorities. Space and furnishing needs and priorities were also identified. Informal observations and participant feedback suggested that the participatory exercises meaningfully engaged members in a manner aligned with Clubhouse Model principles by centering member dignity, strengths, and work-oriented expectations. Future directions for research on Clubhouse design and member engagement in the design process are also discussed.
Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Processes and Dynamics and Healthy Ageing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Santos Cláudia Jardim , Paciência Inês , Ribeiro Ana Isabel
Published: June 2022

Elderly citizens are concentrated in urban areas and are particularly affected by the immediate residential environment. Cities are unequal and segregated places, where there is an intensification of urban change processes such as gentrification and displacement. We aimed to understand how neighbourhood socioeconomic processes and dynamics influence older people’s health. Three bibliographic databases—PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus—were used to identify evidence of the influence of neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation, socio-spatial segregation, urban renewal, and gentrification on healthy ageing. We followed the method of Arksey and O’Malley, Levac and colleagues, the Joanna Briggs Institute, and the PRISMA-ScR. The included studies (n = 122) were published between 2001 and 2021. Most evaluated neighbourhood deprivation (n = 114), followed by gentrification (n = 5), segregation (n = 2), and urban renewal (n = 1). Overall, older people living in deprived neighbourhoods had worse healthy ageing outcomes than their counterparts living in more advantaged neighbourhoods. Older adults pointed out more negative comments than positive ones for gentrification and urban renewal. As to segregation, the direction of the association was not entirely clear. In conclusion, the literature has not extensively analysed the effects of segregation, gentrification, and urban renewal on healthy ageing, and more quantitative and longitudinal studies should be conducted to draw better inferences.
Improvement in the Management of Oral Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Health Care
Authors: García-Roy África , Sarsa-Gómez Ana , Méndez-López Fátima , Urdin-Muñoz Blanca , Sánchez-Calavera María Antonia
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Evaluation and improvement of the management of patients with atrial fibrillation in treatment with oral anticoagulants from primary health care. (2) Methods: prospective quasi-experimental study, conducted on 385 patients assisted with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) at the Las Fuentes Norte Health Center, before and after the implementation of actions to improve oral anticoagulants management from October 2015 to July 2017. (3) Results: The ACO-ZAR I study revealed that the population with AF presents a global prevalence of 1.7%, an indication of oral anticoagulants of 92.1%, undertreatment of 24%, suboptimal control of vitamin K antagonists of 43%, use of antiaggregant as primary prevention of 13.42%, and primary health care monitoring of 34%. The implementation of activities aimed at improving the management of oral anticoagulants in the ACO-ZAR II study achieves a reduction in undertreatment up to 16%, in the use of antiaggregant up to 9%, and in suboptimal control up to 30%, as well as an increase in control from primary health care up to 69.2% and of the penetrance of direct oral anticoagulants up to 28%. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the application of activities aimed at optimizing the management of oral anticoagulants in health center patients allowed the improvement of risk assessment and registration, undertreatment, use of antiaggregant, suboptimal control of vitamin K antagonists, control by primary health care center, and the penetrance of direct oral anticoagulants.
Stunting Status of Ever-Married Adolescent Mothers and Its Association with Childhood Stunting with a Comparison by Geographical Region in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Ahshanul , Wahid Barbie Zaman , Tariqujjaman Md. , Khanam Mansura , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Ali Mohammad , Naz Farina , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Faruque ASG , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: June 2022

The adolescence period is considered a life stage worthy of strategic health investments since it is a critical period of physical and neuro-maturational development. Adolescent girls face different health difficulties in that phase of life. Children born to adolescent mothers are at a higher risk of undernutrition. This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of stunting among adolescent mothers and their children in Bangladesh by time period and determine the associated factors of adolescent maternal stunting status. We also sought to establish the relationship between maternal and childhood stunting by comparing the geographical regions in Bangladesh. We derived data from the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, which was conducted between 2007 and 2017/18. The outcome variables of this study were ever-married adolescent girls’ stunting status and their children’s stunting status. Interaction analysis between administrative division and maternal stunting status was conducted with childhood stunting as the outcome variable to investigate the impact of maternal stunting status on their children’s stunting compared to geographical location. Our results indicated that in comparison to other divisions, the frequency of stunting among children and adolescent mothers was higher in the Sylhet region. It also revealed that children whose mothers were stunted had a 2.36 times increased chance of being stunted. Our study suggests that education for women could help them attain self-sufficiency and, as a result, reduce the prevalence of poor childhood nutrition, especially stunting.
Associations between Coping Strategies and Cyberhate Involvement: Evidence from Adolescents across Three World Regions
Authors: Wachs Sebastian , Machimbarrena Juan Manuel , Wright Michelle F. , Gámez-Guadix Manuel , Yang Soeun , Sittichai Ruthaychonnee , Singh Ritu , Biswal Ramakrishna , Flora Katerina , Daskalou Vassiliki , Maziridou Evdoxia , Hong Jun Sung , Krause Norman
Published: June 2022

Cyberhate represents a risk to adolescents’ development and peaceful coexistence in democratic societies. Yet, not much is known about the relationship between adolescents’ ability to cope with cyberhate and their cyberhate involvement. To fill current gaps in the literature and inform the development of media education programs, the present study investigated various coping strategies in a hypothetical cyberhate scenario as correlates for being cyberhate victims, perpetrators, and both victim–perpetrators. The sample consisted of 6829 adolescents aged 12–18 years old (Mage = 14.93, SD = 1.64; girls: 50.4%, boys: 48.9%, and 0.7% did not indicate their gender) from Asia, Europe, and North America. Results showed that adolescents who endorsed distal advice or endorsed technical coping showed a lower likelihood to be victims, perpetrators, or victim–perpetrators. In contrast, if adolescents felt helpless or endorsed retaliation to cope with cyberhate, they showed higher odds of being involved in cyberhate as victims, perpetrators, or victim–perpetrators. Finally, adolescents who endorsed close support as a coping strategy showed a lower likelihood to be victim–perpetrators, and adolescents who endorsed assertive coping showed higher odds of being victims. In conclusion, the results confirm the importance of addressing adolescents’ ability to deal with cyberhate to develop more tailored prevention approaches. More specifically, such initiatives should focus on adolescents who feel helpless or feel inclined to retaliate. In addition, adolescents should be educated to practice distal advice and technical coping when experiencing cyberhate. Implications for the design and instruction of evidence-based cyberhate prevention (e.g., online educational games, virtual learning environments) will be discussed.
Association between Thyroid Cancer and Weight Change: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Authors: Jin Young Ju , Hah Jeong Hun , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Sung-Kyun , Park Bumjung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: June 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between Korean adults who underwent thyroidectomy and comparison groups. Methods: Data were included from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (2002–2015). BMI and SBP/DBP were measured before thyroidectomy, 1 and 2 years after thyroidectomy (n = 1995 in study I, n = 2162 in study II), comparing 1:4 matched participants (n = 7980 in study I, n = 8648 in study II). The paired t-test and linear mixed model were used to identify the differences between groups. Results: DBP in both thyroid cancer II and comparison II group were significantly lower after thyroidectomy than before thyroidectomy. However, the interaction effect of thyroidectomy in study I and study II did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: BMI, SBP and DBP were not significantly different between the thyroidectomy group and the matched comparison group.