bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Land Use/Cover Change on Ecosystem Service Values in the Kilombero Valley Floodplain, Southeastern Tanzania
Authors: Msofe Nangware Kajia , Sheng Lianxi , Li Zhenxin , Lyimo James
Published: January 2020

Land use/cover change (LUCC) attributed to natural factors and human activities has led to the loss of ecosystem services, making the quantitative valuation of ecosystem services the scientific focal pointfor sustainable development. This study assessed changes in the ecosystem services values (ESVs) due to LUCC during the period 1990–2016 in the Kilombero Valley floodplain, located in southeastern Tanzania. Moderate resolution Landsat images from 1990, 2010 and 2016 were obtained and analyzed using a random forest (RF) algorithm for classification, and ArcGIS Desktop software (version 10.2, Esri, Redlands, CA, USA) for mapping to assess the LUCC. The ESVs were estimated based on the benefit transfer approach using adopted global value coefficients and modified local value coefficients. The results revealed that the aggregated ESVs of the forests, bushlands, wetlands, and water had decreased, consequently leading to a total loss of US$ 811.5 million (26.6%) in ESVs over the past 26 years when calculated with the modified local value coefficients to US$ 3000.7 million (42.3%) when calculated with global value coefficients. Moreover, the loss in the ESV was attributed to the decreased values of water regulation, climate regulation, erosion control, nutrient cyclying, habitat/refugia, and water supply, with the exception of the values of food production and biological control, which gradually increased during the study period. This study provided minimum estimates of the ecosystem service values, which willcontribute to the formulation of policy actions and strategies for sustainable management of the Kilombero Valley floodplain and inform various stakeholders on the tradeoffs involved in the use of land resources.
Relative Contribution of Growing Season Length and Amplitude to Long-Term Trend and Interannual Variability of Vegetation Productivity over Northeast China
Authors: Zhou Yuke
Published: January 2020

In the context of global warming, the terrestrial ecosystem productivity over the Northern Hemisphere presents a substantially enhanced trend. The magnitude of summer vegetation maximum growth, known as peak growth, remains only partially understood for its role in regulating changes in vegetation productivity. This study aimed to estimate the spatiotemporal dynamics of the length of growing season (LOS) and maximum growth magnitude (MAG) over Northeast China (NEC) using a long-term satellite record of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for the period 1982–2015, and quantifying their relative contribution to the long-term trend and inter-annual variability (IAV) of vegetation productivity. Firstly, the key phenological metrics, including MAG and start and end of growing season (SOS, EOS), were derived. Secondly, growing season vegetation productivity, measured as the Summary of Vegetation Index (VIsum), was obtained by cumulating NDVI values. Thirdly, the relative impacts of LOS and MAG on the trend and IAV in VIsum were explored using the relative importance (RI) method at pixel and vegetation cover type level. For the entire NEC, LOS, and MAG exhibited a slightly decreasing trend and a weak increasing trend, respectively, thus resulting in an insignificant change in VIsum. The temporal phases of VIsum presented a consistent pace with LOS, but changed asynchronously with MAG. There was an underlying cycle of about 10 years in the changes of LOS, MAG, and VIsum. At a regional scale, VIsum tended to maintain a rising trend in the northern coniferous forest and grassland in western and southern NEC. The spatial distribution of the temporal trends of LOS and MAG generally show a contrasting pattern, in which LOS duration is expected to shorten (negative trend) in the central cropland and in some southwestern grasslands (81.5% of the vegetated area), while MAG would increase (positive trend) in croplands, southern grasslands, and northern coniferous forests (16.5%). The correlation index for the entire NEC suggested that LOS was negatively associated with MAG, indicating that the extended vegetation growth duration would result in a lower growth peak and vice versa. Across the various vegetation types, LOS was a substantial factor in controlling both the trend and IAV of VIsum (RI = 75%). There was an opposite spatial pattern in the relative contribution of LOS and MAG to VIsum, where LOS dominated in the northern coniferous forests and in the eastern broadleaf forests, with MAG mainly impacting croplands and the western grasslands (RI = 27%). Although LOS was still the key factor controlling the trend and IAV of VIsum during the study period, this situation may change in the case peak growth amplitude gradually increases in the future.
Shifts in Leaf and Branch Elemental Compositions of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) Following Three-Year Rainfall Exclusion
Authors: Lin Tian , Fang Xuan , Lai Yongru , Zheng Huaizhou , Zhu Jinmao
Published: January 2020

We investigated changes in leaf and branch stoichiometry of Pinus massoniana caused by seasonal variation and experimental drought in response to a three-year manipulation of the rainfall exclusion. The results showed that (1) in response to rainfall exclusion manipulation, plant capacity to regulate leaf potassium (K) concentrations were notably lower than for leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Thus, the plants modulated leaf N and P concentrations to improve water use efficiency, which take part in drought resistance mechanisms. Leaf K concentrations decreased continuously, having additional indirect negative effects on plant fitness. (2) The effects of seasonal variation on both the leaf K and P concentrations were significantly stronger than on leaf N concentrations. High leaf N and P concentrations and a low N:P ratio in the growing season improved the growth rate. (3) Principal component analyses (PCA) revealed that to adapt to drought, the plants regulated nutrient elements and then maintained certain stoichiometries as a capital to resist stress. Our results suggest that, on nutrient-poor soils, a lack of N or P (or both) would probably impede P. massoniana’s response to drought.
Fats are Glossy but Does Glossiness Imply Fatness? The Influence of Packaging Glossiness on Food Perceptions
Authors: De Kerpel Laura , Kobuszewski Volles Barbara , Van Kerckhove Anneleen
Published: January 2020

This research brings together two research streams, one focusing on the influence of a diverse set of packaging attributes (e.g., shape, size, color, etc.) on perceptions of packaged food and the second one on the up- and downsides of using glossy materials, which are often studied in a non-food context. The current research deals with the influence of glossy (versus matte) food packages on consumers’ perceptions of the food inside the package. With one online survey and one quasi-experiment, we show that consumers draw inferences on the food’s fat level from the package surface, in that glossy packages are seen as a signal of fatness. This association is specific; consumers do not associate glossiness with every unhealthy product aspect. Sugar levels are unaffected by the package surface. However, due to the higher inferred fat level, a product in a glossy package is perceived to be less healthy, less tasty, and low in quality and product expensiveness. Thus, these findings suggest that glossy (versus matte) food packages mainly serve as a signal of negative product qualities.
Dry-Cured Meat Products According to the Smoking Regime: Process Optimization to Control Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Fraqueza Maria João , Laranjo Marta , Alves Susana , Fernandes Maria Helena , Agulheiro-Santos Ana Cristina , Fernandes Maria José , Potes Maria Eduarda , Elias Miguel
Published: January 2020

The manufacturing of dry-cured meat products usually includes a smoking step. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic chemical compounds that may result from smoking. The aim of the present study was to optimize the smoking regime of traditional dry-cured meat products in order to minimize the presence of PAHs. Dry-cured sausages were submitted to different smoking regimes: (A) no smoking; (B) 20 h effective smoking; (C) 60 h effective smoking; (D) effective smoking until reaching 38%–40% weight losses. Three independent batches were produced per smoking regime, and three samples per batch were analyzed. Microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory analyses were performed. The total PAHs content was generally low and did not differ significantly in meat products submitted to the four different smoking regimes. The PAH4 and benzo(α)pyrene levels were below the established legal limits in all analyzed dry-cured sausages. Nevertheless, non-smoked sausages always showed lower PAHs values for all PAHs groups.
The Occurrence and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Mycotoxins, Biogenic Amines, and Heavy Metals in Mould-Ripened Blue Cheeses
Authors: Reinholds Ingars , Rusko Janis , Pugajeva Iveta , Berzina Zane , Jansons Martins , Kirilina-Gutmane Olga , Tihomirova Kristina , Bartkevics Vadims
Published: January 2020

The occurrence and dietary exposure assessment of 16 mycotoxins, 6 biogenic amines (BAs), and 13 metallic elements in blue-veined cheeses (n = 46) is reported. Co-occurrence of mycophenolic acid (≤599 µg·kg−1) with roquefortine C (≤5454 µg·kg−1) was observed in 63% of the tested cheeses, while BAs were frequently present at concentrations between 0.2 and 717 mg kg−1. The concentrations of heavy metals in cheeses were very low. Chronic/acute exposure assessment based on consumption data from different European populations indicated that the levels of mycotoxins and heavy metals are safe to consumers, whereas, rather high hazard indexes (HI up to 0.77) were determined for BAs according to the worst-case scenario based on high consumption and 95th percentile occurrence. A more detailed acute dietary intake study indicated that histamine and tyramine were predominant among these BAs, reaching 27 and 41% of the acute oral intake reference doses.
Multi-Chemical Profiling of Strawberry as a Traceability Tool to Investigate the Effect of Cultivar and Cultivation Conditions
Authors: González-Domínguez Raúl , Sayago Ana , Akhatou Ikram , Fernández-Recamales Ángeles
Published: January 2020

The chemical composition of foods is tightly regulated by multiple genotypic and agronomic factors, which can thus serve as potential descriptors for traceability and authentication purposes. In the present work, we performed a multi-chemical characterization of strawberry fruits from five varieties (Aromas, Camarosa, Diamante, Medina, and Ventana) grown in two cultivation systems (open/closed soilless systems) during two consecutive campaigns with different climatic conditions (rainfall and temperature). For this purpose, we analyzed multiple components closely related to the sensory and health characteristics of strawberry, including sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and essential and non-essential mineral elements, and various complementary statistical approaches were applied for selecting chemical descriptors of cultivar and agronomic conditions. Anthocyanins, phenolic acids, sucrose, and malic acid were found to be the most discriminant variables among cultivars, while climatic conditions and the cultivation system were behind changes in polyphenol contents. These results thus demonstrate the utility of combining multi-chemical profiling approaches with advanced chemometric tools in food traceability research.
Evaluation of Malolactic Bacteria Associated with Wines from Albariño Variety as Potential Starters: Screening for Quality and Safety
Authors: López-Seijas Jacobo , García-Fraga Belén , da Silva Abigail F. , Zas-García Xavier , Lois Lucía C. , Gago-Martínez Ana , Leão-Martins José Manuel , Sieiro Carmen
Published: January 2020

The biodiversity of lactic acid bacteria in musts and wines of Albariño variety has been studied. The identification of species was addressed through a combination of biochemical and genetic methods (API® 50 CHL test, 16S rDNA and recA gene sequences, Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis -ARDRA- and 16S-26S intergenic region analysis). The results grouped the isolates into six species predominating those of the genus Lactobacillus and showing a typical biogeographical distribution. Among sixteen strains evaluated, eight of them showed malolactic activity. The study of the presence of genes hdc, odc, and tdc, along with the LC/MS-MS analysis of biogenic amines in wine, showed five strains lacking aminogenic ability. The absence of the pad gene in the above-mentioned strains discards its ability to produce volatile phenols that may adversely affect the aroma. Finally, all malolactic strains showed β-glucosidase activity so that they could contribute to enhance and differentiate the aromatic profile of Albariño wines.
Investigating Multiwavelength Lognormality with Simulations—Case of Mrk 421
Authors: Chakraborty Nachiketa
Published: January 2020

Blazars are highly variable and display complex characteristics. A key characteristic is the flux probability distribution function or flux PDF whose shape depends upon the form of the underlying physical process driving variability. The BL Lacertae Mrk 421 is one of the brightest and most variable blazars across the electromagnetic spectrum. It has been reported to show hints of lognormality across the spectrum from radio to gamma-ray histograms of observed fluxes. This would imply that the underlying mechanisms may not conform to the “standard” additive, multi-zone picture, but could potentially have multiplicative processes. This is investigated by testing the observed lightcurves at different wavelengths with time-series simulations. We find that the simulations reveal a more complex scenario, than a single lognormal distribution explaining the multiwavelength lightcurves of Mrk 421.
Clustered DNA Double-Strand Breaks: Biological Effects and Relevance to Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Nickoloff Jac A. , Sharma Neelam , Taylor Lynn
Published: January 2020

Cells manage to survive, thrive, and divide with high accuracy despite the constant threat of DNA damage. Cells have evolved with several systems that efficiently repair spontaneous, isolated DNA lesions with a high degree of accuracy. Ionizing radiation and a few radiomimetic chemicals can produce clustered DNA damage comprising complex arrangements of single-strand damage and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). There is substantial evidence that clustered DNA damage is more mutagenic and cytotoxic than isolated damage. Radiation-induced clustered DNA damage has proven difficult to study because the spectrum of induced lesions is very complex, and lesions are randomly distributed throughout the genome. Nonetheless, it is fairly well-established that radiation-induced clustered DNA damage, including non-DSB and DSB clustered lesions, are poorly repaired or fail to repair, accounting for the greater mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of clustered lesions compared to isolated lesions. High linear energy transfer (LET) charged particle radiation is more cytotoxic per unit dose than low LET radiation because high LET radiation produces more clustered DNA damage. Studies with I-SceI nuclease demonstrate that nuclease-induced DSB clusters are also cytotoxic, indicating that this cytotoxicity is independent of radiogenic lesions, including single-strand lesions and chemically “dirty” DSB ends. The poor repair of clustered DSBs at least in part reflects inhibition of canonical NHEJ by short DNA fragments. This shifts repair toward HR and perhaps alternative NHEJ, and can result in chromothripsis-mediated genome instability or cell death. These principals are important for cancer treatment by low and high LET radiation.
Mitochondrial DNA Haplotypes Influence Energy Metabolism across Chicken Transmitochondrial Cybrids
Authors: Kong Minghua , Xiang Hai , Wang Jikun , Liu Jian , Zhang Xiben , Zhao Xingbo
Published: January 2020

The association between mitochondrial DNA haplotype and productive performances has been widely reported in chicken breeds. However, there has not been physiological evidence of this seen previously. In this study, chicken transmitochondrial cells were generated using the nucleus of the DF-1 cell line and mitochondria of primary cell lines derived from two native chicken breeds, Tibetan chicken and Shouguang chicken. Generally, Tibetan chicken primary cells showed a stronger metabolic capacity than Shouguang chicken primary cells. However, the Tibetan chicken cybrids had a dramatic drop in relative mtDNA copies and oxygen consumption. Higher rates of oxygen consumption (OCR) and expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion genes were observed in Shouguang chicken cybrids, potentially reflecting that the mitochondrial DNA haplotype of Shouguang chicken had better coordination with the DF-1 nucleus than others. Meanwhile, mitonuclear incompatibility occurred in Tibetan chicken cybrids. The results demonstrate functional differences among mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and may shed light on the interaction between the mitochondria and nucleus in Gallus gallus domesticus.
Findings from a Genotyping Study of over 1000 People with Inherited Retinal Disorders in Ireland
Authors: Whelan Laura , Dockery Adrian , Wynne Niamh , Zhu Julia , Stephenson Kirk , Silvestri Giuliana , Turner Jacqueline , O’Byrne James J. , Carrigan Matthew , Humphries Peter , Keegan David , Kenna Paul F. , Farrar G. Jane
Published: January 2020

The Irish national registry for inherited retinal degenerations (Target 5000) is a clinical and scientific program to identify individuals in Ireland with inherited retinal disorders and to attempt to ascertain the genetic cause underlying the disease pathology. Potential participants first undergo a clinical assessment, which includes clinical history and analysis with multimodal retinal imaging, electrophysiology, and visual field testing. If suitable for recruitment, a sample is taken and used for genetic analysis. Genetic analysis is conducted by use of a retinal gene panel target capture sequencing approach. With over 1000 participants from 710 pedigrees now screened, there is a positive candidate variant detection rate of approximately 70% (495/710). Where an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern is observed, an additional 9% (64/710) of probands have tested positive for a single candidate variant. Many novel variants have also been detected as part of this endeavor. The target capture approach is an economic and effective means of screening patients with inherited retinal disorders. Despite the advances in sequencing technology and the ever-decreasing associated processing costs, target capture remains an attractive option as the data produced is easily processed, analyzed, and stored compared to more comprehensive methods. However, with decreasing costs of whole genome and whole exome sequencing, the focus will likely move towards these methods for more comprehensive data generation.
High-Concentrate Feeding to Dairy Cows Induces Apoptosis via the NOD1/Caspase-8 Pathway in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: ul Aabdin Zain , Cheng Xiaoye , Dai Hongyu , Wang Yan , Sahito Benazir , Roy Animesh Chandra , Memon Meena Arif , Shen Xiangzhen
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: The effects of a high-concentrate (HC) diet in inducing mammary epithelial cell apoptosis in dairy cows via the NOD1/Caspase-8 pathway have never been investigated before the current study. (2) Methods: Twelve Holstein Frisian cows at mid-lactation were selected to conduct this research. The animals were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 6), and both groups received one of two diets: a low-concentrate (LC) (forage: concentrate 6:4) or a high-concentrate (HC) (forage: concentrate 4:6) diet. Furthermore, an enzyme activity assay, tunnel cell assay, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and an immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay were performed to elucidate the effect of an HC diet in the mammary gland of dairy cows. (3) Results: The tunnel cell assay revealed a significant number of apoptotic cells in HC group, and the concentration of Caspase-3, and Caspase-8 was higher in the HC group than in the LC group. NOD1, Rip-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax mRNA expressions, and NOD1, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Bax protein expressions, in the HC group were markedly higher than those in the LC group. Furthermore, Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions were markedly decreased in the HC compared to those in the LC group. (4) Conclusions: A HC diet fed to dairy cows incites subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), which increases the iE-DAP concentration and induces apoptosis in the mammary gland via the NOD1/Caspase-8 pathway.
Population Genomics in Rhamdia quelen (Heptapteridae, Siluriformes) Reveals Deep Divergence and Adaptation in the Neotropical Region
Authors: Ríos Néstor , Casanova Adrián , Hermida Miguel , Pardo Belén G. , Martínez Paulino , Bouza Carmen , García Graciela
Published: January 2020

Rhamdia quelen, a Neotropical fish with hybridization between highly divergent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages, represents an interesting evolutionary model. Previous studies suggested that there might be demographic differences between coastal lagoons and riverine environments, as well as divergent populations that could be reproductively isolated. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity pattern of this taxon in the Southern Neotropical Basin system that includes the La Plata Basin, Patos-Merin lagoon basin and the coastal lagoons draining to the SW Atlantic Ocean, through a population genomics approach using 2b-RAD-sequencing-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The genomic scan identified selection footprints associated with divergence and suggested local adaptation environmental drivers. Two major genomic clusters latitudinally distributed in the Northern and Southern basins were identified, along with consistent signatures of divergent selection between them. Population structure based on the whole set of loci and on the presumptive neutral vs. adaptive loci showed deep genomic divergence between the two major clusters. Annotation of the most consistent SNPs under divergent selection revealed some interesting candidate genes for further functional studies. Moreover, signals of adaptation to a coastal lagoon environment mediated by purifying selection were found. These new insights provide a better understanding of the complex evolutionary history of R. quelen in the southernmost basin of the Neotropical region.
Impact and Effectiveness of Legislative Smoking Bans and Anti-Tobacco Media Campaigns in Reducing Smoking among Women in the US: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bird Yelena , Kashaniamin Ladan , Nwankwo Chijioke , Moraros John
Published: January 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature addressing the effectiveness of legislative smoking bans and anti-tobacco media campaigns in reducing smoking among women. Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and ABI/INFORM were searched for studies published from 2005 onwards. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model and subgroup analysis on pre-selected characteristics. Results: In total, 652 articles were identified, and five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The studies varied from school-based to workplace settings and had a total of 800,573 women participants, aged 12 to 64 years old. Three studies used legislative bans, one study used anti-tobacco campaigns and another one used both as their intervention. The overall pooled effect of the five studies yielded an odds ratio (OR) = 1.137 (C.I. = 0.976–1.298 and I2 = 85.6%). Subgroup analysis by intervention revealed a significant pooled estimate for studies using legislative smoking bans OR = 1.280 (C.I. = 1.172–1.389 and I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Legislative smoking bans were found to be associated with a reduction in the smoking rates among women compared to anti-tobacco media campaigns. Further research in this area is needed.
Characteristics and Assessment of Toxic Metal Contamination in Surface Water and Sediments Near a Uranium Mining Area
Authors: Yi Ling , Gao Bai , Liu Haiyan , Zhang Yanhong , Du Chaochao , Li Yanmei
Published: January 2020

Concentrations of potentially toxic metals including Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr, U, Th in surface water and sediment samples collected from a river were analyzed to assess the contaminations, distribution characteristics, and sources of these metals. The contents of the metals were lower than the standard levels set by World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. However, U and Th contents were far beyond the background values of surface water. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, and U in sediments were higher than the background values and the Probable Effect Level (PEL) of sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) which may result in high potential harmful biological effects to aquatic ecosystems. Based on the contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk index (RI), Cd, Cr, and U were considered to be the metals that mainly contribute to the contamination of sediments. The calculation results also indicated that the sites adjacent to the uranium ore field were highly polluted. Results of cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and correlation analysis revealed that Cr, Pb, U, and Th were highly correlated with each other. These metals mainly originated from both anthropogenic sources and natural processes, especially emissions from uranium mining and quarrying, whereas Cd mostly came from anthropogenic sources (agricultural activities) of the upper reaches of the river.
Cookstove Smoke Impact on Ambient Air Quality and Probable Consequences for Human Health in Rural Locations of Southern Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Sagar , Mahapatra Parth Sarathi , Pokheral Chiranjibi Prasad , Puppala Siva Praveen
Published: January 2020

Residential emission from traditional biomass cookstoves is a major source of indoor and outdoor air pollution in developing countries. However, exact quantification of the contribution of biomass cookstove emissions to outdoor air is still lacking. In order to address this gap, we designed a field study to estimate the emission factors of PM2.5 (particulate matter of less than 2.5 µ diameter) and BC (black carbon) indoors, from cookstove smoke using biomass fuel and with smoke escaping outdoors from the roof of the house. The field study was conducted in four randomly selected households in two rural locations of southern Nepal during April 2017. In addition, real-time measurement of ambient PM2.5 was performed for 20 days during the campaign in those two rural sites and one background location to quantify the contribution of cooking-related emissions to the ambient PM2.5. Emission factor estimates indicate that 66% of PM2.5 and 80% of BC emissions from biomass cookstoves directly escape into ambient air. During the cooking period, ambient PM2.5 concentrations in the rural sites were observed to be 37% higher than in the nearby background location. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s AirQ+ model simulation, this 37% rise in ambient PM2.5 during cooking hours can lead to approximately 82 cases of annual premature deaths among the rural population of Chitwan district.
Distribution Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds and Contribution to Ozone Formation in a Coking Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Zhang Yuxiu , Zang Tingting , Yan Bo , Wei Chaohai
Published: January 2020

Ozone pollution, which can be caused by photochemical reactions, has become a serious problem. The ozone formation potential (OFP) is used to describe the photochemical reactivity. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are main precursors of ozone formation, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of VOCs. Therefore, it is necessary to study the concentration level and OFP of VOCs from WWTPs. In this work, a coking WWTP with anaerobic-oxic-oxic (A/O/O) processes in Shaoguan city, Guangdong province, China, was selected to investigate the characteristics of VOCs at wastewater treatment areas and office areas. The OFP of VOCs was estimated by the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) coefficient method. Results showed that 17 VOCs were detected, and the total concentration of VOCs was the highest at the raw water tank (857.86 μg m−3). The benzene series accounted for 69.0%–86.9% and was the main component of VOCs in the WWTP. Based on OFP data, the top six VOCs contributing most to the OFP were m-xylene, toluene, p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, and benzene. This study provides field data and information on the environmental risk of VOCs for coking companies and environmental departments. We found that the priority control sources of VOCs were wastewater treatment units because of their larger OFP contributions.
Does the Great Recession Contribute to the Convergence of Health Care Expenditures in the US States?
Authors: Clemente Jesús , Lázaro-Alquézar Angelina , Montañés Antonio
Published: January 2020

This paper examines whether the Great Recession has altered the disparities of the US regional health care expenditures. We test the null hypothesis of convergence for the US real per capita health expenditure for the period 1980–2014. Our results indicate that the null hypothesis of convergence is clearly rejected for the total sample as well as for the pre-Great Recession period. Thus, no changes are found in this regard. However, we find that the Great Recession has modified the composition of the estimated convergence clubs, offering a much more concentrated picture in 2014 than in 2008, with most of the states included in a big club, and only 5 (Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Georgia) exhibiting a different pattern of behavior. These two estimated clubs diverge and, consequently, the disparities in the regional health sector have increased.
Readmissions to General ICUs in a Geographic Area of Poland Are Seemingly Associated with Better Outcomes
Authors: Grochla Marek , Saucha Wojciech , Ciesla Daniel , Knapik Piotr
Published: January 2020

Background: Various factors can contribute to high mortality rates in intensive care units (ICUs). Here, we intended to define a population of patients readmitted to general ICUs in Poland and to identify independent predictors of ICU readmission. Methods: Data derived from adult ICU admissions from the Silesian region of Poland were analyzed. First-time ICU readmissions (≤30 days from ICU discharge after index admissions) were compared with first-time ICU admissions. Pre-admission and admission variables that independently influenced the need for ICU readmission were identified. Results: Among the 21,495 ICU admissions, 839 were first-time readmissions (3.9%). Patients readmitted to the ICU had lower mean APACHE II (21.2 ± 8.0 vs. 23.2 ± 8.8, p < 0.001) and TISS-28 scores (33.7 ± 7.4 vs. 35.2 ± 7.8, p < 0.001) in the initial 24 h following ICU admission, compared to first-time admissions. ICU readmissions were associated with lower mortality vs. first-time admissions (39.2% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.004). Independent predictors for ICU readmission included the admission from a surgical ward (among admission sources), chronic respiratory failure, cachexia, previous stroke, chronic neurological diseases (among co-morbidities), and multiple trauma or infection (among primary reasons for ICU admission). Conclusions: High mortality associated with first-time ICU admissions is associated with a lower mortality rate during ICU readmissions.
Psychological Wellbeing in Adolescents with Leukaemia: A Comparative Study with Typical Development Peers
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Taverna Livia , Chiavetta Ilaria Tamara , Bonichini Sabrina , Putti Maria Caterina , Biffi Alessandra
Published: January 2020

There is still little research on psychological wellbeing, life satisfaction and reported problems in preadolescents and adolescents under therapy for leukaemia, and also little research comparing them with their healthy peers. The present study aimed to analyse the life satisfaction, hope, psychological wellbeing and reported problems’ intensity in 60 patients aged 8–18 during the first year of therapy, to identify those more at risk and to compare their reports with matched healthy peers. A battery of self-reported questionnaires was administered during hospitalisation or day hospital admissions post 6 months and post 12 months from the diagnosis. Younger patients (aged 8–13 years) were more at risk than older ones in their problems’ intensity and psychological symptoms; females and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia patients reported lower current life satisfaction perceptions; hope was associated with lower depression symptoms and mood problems. Healthy peers have a better perception of current life, but reported a lower hope score, more anxiety symptoms and more cognitive problems than patients. The first 6 months were more critical for patients’ psychological health. Basing on these empirical data, the inclusion of mental health care professionals or supportive psychotherapy into the treatment is recognized as extremely useful.
Variability of Lower Limb Artery Systolic–Diastolic Velocities in Futsal Athletes and Non-Athletes: Evaluation by Arterial Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Duarte-Mendes Pedro , Paulo Rui , Coelho Patrícia , Rodrigues Francisco , Marques Vasco , Mateus Sónia
Published: January 2020

Background: Sports athletes, namely high-intensity practitioners, suffer from vascular remodeling overtime. The purpose of this study was to analyze the systolic and diastolic velocities’ variation between non-athletes and futsal athletes by means of arterial lower limb doppler ultrasound. Additionally, we intended to verify if the velocity variations occur primarily at the systolic or the diastolic level and in which arteries. Methods: Seventy-six young males (mean ± SD: 24.9 ± 2.8 years old) volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study and were divided into two groups: a futsal athletes group (n = 38; 24 ± 2.78 years) in the central region of Portugal playing on the 2nd national league with the same level of practice (16 ± 2.4 years of practice) and a non-athletes group (n = 38: 26 ± 1.8 years) who did not practice sports regularly and were not federated in any sport. All the subjects agreed to participate in the study with the aim of assessing the arterial lower limb through doppler ultrasound (Philips HD7 echograph with linear transducer 7–12 MHz). Results: Differences between groups (p ≤ 0.05) in the systolic velocity of the left deep femoral artery (p = 0.022; d = 0.546, small) and in the right superficial femoral artery (p = 0.028; d = −0.515, small) were found. We also found differences in the diastolic velocity: in the left common femoral artery (p = 0.002; d = −0.748, moderate), in the right deep femoral artery (p = 0.028; d = −0.521, small), in the right superficial femoral artery (p = 0.026; d = −0.522, small), in the right popliteal artery (p = 0.002; d = −0.763, moderate), and in the left popliteal artery (p = 0.007; d = −0.655, moderate). Moreover, the athletes’ group presented the highest mean values, with the exception of the systolic velocity of the left deep femoral artery. In intragroup analysis of variance referring to systolic and diastolic velocities in arterial levels in the right and left arteries, differences were found in all analyses (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that futsal athletes of our sample go through a process of changes such as increased blood flow velocity in systolic and diastolic cardiac phase in all studied lower limb arteries, showing that the remodeling occurs regardless of vessel radius. Our results reinforce the existence of vascular remodeling that may vary with the sport and its intensity.
Multi-Theory Model and Predictors of Likelihood of Accepting the Series of HPV Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study among Ghanaian Adolescents
Authors: Asare Matthew , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Lanning Beth A. , Barimah Owusu Alex , Commeh Mary E. , Boozer Kathileen , Koranteng Adofo , Spies Lori A. , Montealegre Jane R. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: January 2020

HPV vaccines are efficacious in preventing HPV related cancers. However, the vaccination uptake in Ghana is very low. Studies that utilize theoretical frameworks to identify contributory factors to HPV vaccination uptake in Ghana are understudied. We used multi-theory model (MTM) constructs to predict initiation and completion of HPV vaccination series in Ghanaian adolescents. Adolescents (n = 285) between the ages of 12 and 17 years old were recruited from four selected schools in Ghana to participate in the cross-sectional study. Linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Most participants were female (91.2%) and senior high school students (60.0%). Many of the participants had neither heard about HPV (92.3%) nor HPV vaccinations (95.4%). Significant predictors of adolescents’ likelihood of getting the first dose of HPV vaccination were perceived beliefs and change in a physical environment (p < 0.001), with each variable accounting for 6.1%and 8.8% of the variance respectively. Significant predictors of adolescents’ likelihood of completing HPV vaccination recommended series were perceived beliefs, practice for change, and emotional transformation (p < 0.001), with each variable accounting for 7.8%, 8.1%, and 1.1% of the variance respectively. Findings underscore important opportunities for developing educational interventions for adolescents in Ghana to increase the HPV vaccination uptake.
Relationship between Knee Muscle Strength and Fat/Muscle Mass in Elderly Women with Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Zhang Xini , Pan Xiaoyu , Deng Liqin , Fu Weijie
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the characteristics and correlation of knee muscle strength and body composition (fat and muscle mass) among elderly women aged 60–70 years with knee osteoarthritis. The present study hypothesized that the muscle mass and the peak torques of the knee joints were considerably low in the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) group. Methods: A total of 47 elderly women aged 60–70 years were recruited from Yangpu District in Shanghai and assigned to the knee osteoarthritis (n = 25, KOA) or healthy control group (n = 22, CON). The knee extension/flexion isokinetic strength measurements were conducted on an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 90°/s. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the body composition (fat and muscle mass in the whole body and lower limbs). The independent sample t-test was employed to determine the effects of knee osteoarthritis on each variable, and the Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between the body composition and knee muscle strength. Results: Compared with the CON, the KOA exhibited the following: (1) Lower absolute peak knee extension torque (66.02 ± 10.57 vs. 56.61 ± 14.69 Nm), relative peak knee extension (1.11 ± 0.19 vs. 0.89 ± 0.26 Nm/kg), and flexion torque (0.62 ± 0.15 vs. 0.54 ± 0.16 Nm/kg, p < 0.05); (2) greater relative peak torque ratio of the knee extension and flexion (0.55 ± 0.08 vs. 0.62 ± 0.15, p < 0.05); and (3) lower total body muscle mass percentage (63.24% ± 4.50% vs. 59.36% ± 3.94%), particularly in the lower limbs (19.96% ± 1.51% vs. 18.47% ± 1.49%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total body fat mass percentage was negatively associated with the relative peak knee extension and flexion torque regardless of the group (p < 0.05). The total body muscle mass percentage was positively associated with the relative peak knee extension torque in the two groups and the relative peak knee flexion torque in the CON (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For elderly women with knee osteoarthritis, knee muscle strength decreases significantly, especially for the extensor strength. Moreover, compared with fat mass, the index of muscle mass is more sensitive in detecting the decrease in knee joint torque. Therefore, rather than weight loss alone, the quadriceps muscle and the rear-thigh muscles, which maintain the stability of knee joints during rehabilitation training, should be strengthened emphatically to improve muscle mass.
Scale-Up and Scale-Out of a Gender-Sensitized Weight Management and Healthy Living Program Delivered to Overweight Men via Professional Sports Clubs: The Wider Implementation of Football Fans in Training (FFIT)
Authors: Hunt Kate , Wyke Sally , Bunn Christopher , Donnachie Craig , Reid Nicky , Gray Cindy M.
Published: January 2020

Increasing prevalence of obesity poses challenges for public health. Men have been under-served by weight management programs, highlighting a need for gender-sensitized programs that can be embedded into routine practice or adapted for new settings/populations, to accelerate the process of implementing programs that are successful and cost-effective under research conditions. To address gaps in examples of how to bridge the research to practice gap, we describe the scale-up and scale-out of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), a weight management and healthy living program in relation to two implementation frameworks. The paper presents: the development, evaluation and scale-up of FFIT, mapped onto the PRACTIS guide; outcomes in scale-up deliveries; and the scale-out of FFIT through programs delivered in other contexts (other countries, professional sports, target groups, public health focus). FFIT has been scaled-up through a single-license franchise model in over 40 UK professional football clubs to 2019 (and 30 more from 2020) and scaled-out into football and other sporting contexts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England and other European countries. The successful scale-up and scale-out of FFIT demonstrates that, with attention to cultural constructions of masculinity, public health interventions can appeal to men and support them in sustainable lifestyle change.
Relations among Poly-Bullying Victimization, Subjective Well-Being and Resilience in a Sample of Late Adolescents
Authors: Víllora Beatriz , Larrañaga Elisa , Yubero Santiago , Alfaro Antonio , Navarro Raúl
Published: January 2020

The present study examined the relations among poly-bullying victimization (experiencing multiple forms of peer bullying), resilience and subjective well-being. This study specifically examined late adolescents’ resilience as a moderator of the relation between poly-bullying victimization and subjective well-being. In a region of central Spain, 1430 undergraduate students (64% females, 36% males), aged between 18 and 22 years, completed three self-reported measures, including bullying victimization experiences, self-reported subjective well-being and resilience. A substantial proportion of the participants (16.9%) reported being victims of poly-bullying. The results showed that the poly-bullying victimization group reported the poorest subjective well-being and the lowest resilience levels. The regression analyses revealed that resilience was significantly and positively associated with subjective well-being, and resilience moderated the association between poly-bullying victimization and subjective well-being. However, the relation was very weak and accounted for only an additional 1% of variance in the participants’ subjective well-being. Future research should assess resilience trajectories of youth exposed to multiple forms of bullying victimization in order to better understand the potential protective effect of resilience over negative mental health outcomes.
A Framework to Understand the Progression of Cardiovascular Disease for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using a Network Approach
Authors: Hossain Md Ekramul , Uddin Shahadat , Khan Arif , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2020

The prevalence of chronic disease comorbidity has increased worldwide. Comorbidity—i.e., the presence of multiple chronic diseases—is associated with adverse health outcomes in terms of mobility and quality of life as well as financial burden. Understanding the progression of comorbidities can provide valuable insights towards the prevention and better management of chronic diseases. Administrative data can be used in this regard as they contain semantic information on patients’ health conditions. Most studies in this field are focused on understanding the progression of one chronic disease rather than multiple diseases. This study aims to understand the progression of two chronic diseases in the Australian health context. It specifically focuses on the comorbidity progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as the prevalence of these chronic diseases in Australians is high. A research framework is proposed to understand and represent the progression of CVD in patients with T2DM using graph theory and social network analysis techniques. Two study cohorts (i.e., patients with both T2DM and CVD and patients with only T2DM) were selected from an administrative dataset obtained from an Australian health insurance company. Two baseline disease networks were constructed from these two selected cohorts. A final disease network from two baseline disease networks was then generated by weight adjustments in a normalized way. The prevalence of renal failure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, hypertension and obesity was significantly higher in patients with both CVD and T2DM than patients with only T2DM. This showed that these chronic diseases occurred frequently during the progression of CVD in patients with T2DM. The proposed network-based model may potentially help the healthcare provider to understand high-risk diseases and the progression patterns between the recurrence of T2DM and CVD. Also, the framework could be useful for stakeholders including governments and private health insurers to adopt appropriate preventive health management programs for patients at a high risk of developing multiple chronic diseases.
Differences in the Gaze Behaviours of Pedestrians Navigating between Regular and Irregular Road Patterns
Authors: Liu Bing , Dong Weihua , Zhan Zhicheng , Wang Shengkai , Meng Liqiu
Published: January 2020

While a road pattern influences wayfinding and navigation, its influence on the gaze behaviours of navigating pedestrians is not well documented. In this study, we compared gaze behaviour differences between regular and irregular road patterns using eye-tracking technology. Twenty-one participants performed orientation (ORI) and shortest route selection (SRS) tasks with both road patterns. We used accuracy of answers and response time to estimate overall performance and time to first fixation duration, average fixation duration, fixation count and fixation duration to estimate gaze behaviour. The results showed that participants performed better with better accuracy of answers using irregular road patterns. For both tasks and both road patterns, the Label areas of interest (AOIs) (including shops and signs) received quicker or greater attention. The road patterns influenced gaze behaviour for both Road AOIs and Label AOIs but exhibited a greater influence on Road AOIs in both tasks. In summary, for orientation and route selection, users are more likely to rely on labels, and roads with irregular patterns are important. These findings may serve as the anchor point for determining how people’s gaze behaviours differ depending on road pattern and indicate that labels and unique road patterns should be highlighted for better wayfinding and navigation.