bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heuristic Optimization Approaches for Capacitor Sizing and Placement: A Case Study in Kazakhstan
Authors: Baimakhanov Olzhas , Şenyüz Hande , Saukhimov Almaz , Ceylan Oğuzhan
Published: April 2022

Two methods for estimating the near-optimal positions and sizes of capacitors in radial distribution networks are presented. The first model assumes fixed-size capacitors, while the second model assumes controllable variable-size capacitors by changing the tap positions. In the second model, we limit the number of changes in capacitor size. In both approaches, the models consider many load scenarios and aim to obtain better voltage profiles by minimizing voltage deviations and active power losses. We use two recently developed heuristic algorithms called Salp Swarm Optimization algorithm (SSA) and Dragonfly algorithm (DA) to solve the proposed optimization models. We performed numerical simulations using data by modifying an actual distribution network in Almaty, Kazakhstan. To mimic various load scenarios, we start with the baseline load values and produce random variations. For the first model, the optimization algorithms identify the near-optimal positioning and sizes of fixed-size capacitors. Since the second model assumes variable-size capacitors, the algorithms also decide the tap positions for this case. Comparative analysis of the heuristic algorithms shows that the DA and SSA algorithms give similar results in solving the two optimization models: the former gives a slightly better voltage profile and lower active power losses.
Households’ Energy Choices in Rural Pakistan
Authors: Ahmar Muhammad , Ali Fahad , Jiang Yuexiang , Alwetaishi Mamdooh , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: April 2022

In the wake of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals—zero hunger and affordable modern/clean energy for all—many developing countries have taken serious steps in recent years to increase clean energy access for the rural population. The government of Pakistan has similarly made numerous efforts to promote the use of clean energy sources in the rural areas of the country. Therefore, this study examines rural households’ energy choices for cooking and lighting in Pakistan. In doing so, a comprehensive dataset is collected from three different districts of Pakistan between 2020 and 2021, and multivariate probit (MVP) model and Chi-square tests are employed. The Chi-square results indicate that the age, education level, and occupation of the household-head; household size and income; distance to market and wood source; and biogas system ownership are the significant factors affecting cooking choices. The MVP results show that an increase in education level, school-going children, access to credit facilities, and gender (female) are the key positive factors, whereas an increase in the distance to nearest market/road, household size, and age are the factors that negatively affect the likelihood of using clean energy sources for lighting. While comparing the propensity to use modern/clean energy fuels across the three districts, infrastructural development and literacy rate were found to be crucial factors.
Determinants of Employee Electricity Saving Behavior in Small Firms: The Role of Benefits and Leadership
Authors: Fatoki Olawale
Published: April 2022

The emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through electricity consumption by firms is one of the significant drivers of climate change. The performance of a firm’s environmental programme is to a large extent dependent on employee behaviour. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study tested a theoretical model that incorporates benefits and leadership as antecedents of attitude towards electricity saving by the employees of small firms in the hospitality sector. The effects of five benefits (intrinsic, extrinsic, organisational, social, and environmental) and two leadership factors (leadership behaviour and leadership support) were examined. Investigating the antecedents of TPB constructs can help in understanding the process through which the constructs are associated with intention. In addition, the moderating effect of green psychological climate in the relationship between intention and electricity saving behaviour was examined. The study used the quantitative research design, and the cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection. The hypotheses of the study were tested using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation modelling (PLS SEM). The results of the empirical study indicated that intrinsic, organisational, social, and environmental benefits are positively related to attitudes towards electricity saving. In addition, the effects of leadership behaviour and support are significant. Furthermore, green psychological climate moderates the relationship between intention and electricity saving behaviour. Recommendations to improve employees’ electricity saving behaviour are suggested.
Design and Implementation of Low-Cost Phasor Measurement Unit: PhasorsCatcher
Authors: Schofield David , Mohapatra Debashish , Chamorro Harold R. , Roldan-Fernandez Juan Manuel , Abdellah Kouzou , Gonzalez-Longatt Francisco
Published: April 2022

The need for Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) is rising as renewable energy sources become more prevalent in power networks since the rate of change of frequency is being deteriorated. Appropriate and accurate network measurements are a requirement for the precise monitoring and control of the system. This paper presents a low-cost PMU development, the so-called PhasorsCatcher, for the frequency and rate of change of frequency measurements in power networks, using sufficient but straightforward modular and reconfigurable friendly technology for its implementation. The entire hardware design, schematics, and instrumentation components are shown. Moreover, the visualisation has been calibrated and verified through an experimentation set-up and the existing electrical and communication standards.
Filtering Photon Cloud Data in Forested Areas Based on Elliptical Distance Parameters and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Yi , Zhu Jun , Fu Haiqiang , Gao Shijuan , Wang Changcheng
Published: April 2022

The Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) was successfully launched. Due to its small spot size, multibeam configuration, high sampling rate, and strong immunity to terrain slopes, it has been regarded as a powerful tool for forest resources surveying and managing. However, the ICESat-2 photon cloud data contain considerable background photons, which discretely distribute in the background space of signal photons. Therefore, it is necessary to filter these noise photons. In this study, photons are divided into three categories: signal photons, noise photons far away from signal photons, and noise photons adjacent to signal photons. Based on the existing research, forward and backward elliptical distances were used to express the spatial relationship between two photons, and backward local density (BLD) was used to describe the density distribution of the photons. However, the single statistical parameter cannot clearly distinguish three types of photon cloud. Therefore, forward local density (FLD) and neighboring forward local density difference (NFLDD) also were defined to describe the density distribution of the photons. Finally, by combining the support vector machine (SVM), the above three density parameters were used to classify the photons by signal and noise photons. The proposed method was validated with photon cloud data acquired by the Simulated Advanced Terrain Laser Altimeter System (MATLAS), the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL), and the ICESat-2 systems over different forested areas. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can well remove the noise photons and retain the signal photons without depending on any statistical assumptions or thresholds. The comprehensive accuracy of the three test sites was 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively, which was higher than those of the existing method. In addition, the total errors corresponding to the three test sites were about 0.4%, 0.5%, and 1.0% respectively, which were lower than those of the existing method.
The “Hygiene Package”: Analysis of Fraud Rates in Italy in the Period before and after Its Entry into Force
Authors: Previti Annalisa , Vicari Domenico , Conte Francesca , Pugliese Michela , Gargano Valeria , Alibrandi Angela , Zirilli Agata , Passantino Annamaria
Published: April 2022

In violation of EU legislation, fraudulent activities in agri-food chains seek to make economic profits at the expense of consumers. Food frauds (FFs) often constitute a public health risk as well as a risk to animal and plant health, animal welfare and the environment. To analyze FFs in Italy during 1997–2020 with the aim of gaining observational insights into the effectiveness of the legislation in force and consequently of inspection activities, FFs were determined from official food inspections carried out by the Central Inspectorate of Quality Protection and Fraud Repression of Agri-food Products in 1997–2020. Inspected sectors were wine, oils and fats, milk and dairy products, fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, feeds and supplements, and seeds. Data show that the inspection activities have significantly improved in terms of sampling and fraud detection. However, a higher incidence of fraud involving the meat sector was observed. The obtained results demonstrate that there has not been a clear change of direction after the so-called “hygiene package” (food hygiene rules in the EU) came into force. Thus, more effective measures are needed to manage risk as well as new analytical solutions to increase the deterrence against meat adulteration and the rapid detection of fraud.
Impact of Different Sugar Types and Their Concentrations on Salted Duck Egg White Based Meringues
Authors: Lekjing Somwang , Keawpeng Ittiporn , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan , Karrila Seppo
Published: April 2022

Meringues were prepared with salted duck egg white and different sugars (granulated white, cane, palm, and coconut) at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100%). The prepared meringues were subjected to analyses of functional and physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities. The results showed that the type and concentration of sugar influenced the meringue quality. Foam properties such as the whipping index, the index of foam durability, and specific density gradually increased with sugar concentration. On the other hand, the overrun and air phase values were stable without significant differences. The color attributes whiteness and the chroma hue of meringues decreased with the sugar concentration regardless of the sugar type. Moisture, water activity, and pH decreased, while weight loss during baking, meringue volume, and hardness gradually increased with sugar concentration. The addition of sugar increased the meringue’s weight, while its height and diameter did not change much. Protein content in the meringue decreased with increased sugar levels, while carbohydrate and ash levels increased. Antioxidant activities increased with the sugar concentration, and unrefined sugars influenced the radical scavenging activities differently from refined sugars. In general, meringue made with coconut sugar at 75% showed preferable qualities over the other sugar types or concentrations.
The Role of Interferon Regulatory Factors in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhang Chunye , Liu Shuai , Yang Ming
Published: April 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common chronic liver disease with many metabolic comorbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, accompanies the progression of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, cell death, and varying degree of liver fibrosis. Interferons (IFNs) have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH. Their regulating transcriptional factors such as interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) can regulate IFN expression, as well as genes involved in macrophage polarization, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and advanced liver disease. In this review, the roles of IRF-involved signaling pathways in hepatic inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune cell activation are reviewed. IRFs such as IRF1 and IRF4 are also involved in the polarization of macrophages that contribute to critical roles in NAFLD or NASH pathogenesis. In addition, IRFs have been shown to be regulated by treatments including microRNAs, PPAR modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and TLR agonists or antagonists. Modulating IRF-mediated factors through these treatments in chronic liver disease can ameliorate the progression of NAFLD to NASH. Furthermore, adenoviruses and CRISPR activation plasmids can also be applied to regulate IRF-mediated effects in chronic liver disease. Pre-clinical and clinical trials for evaluating IRF regulators in NAFLD treatment are essential in the future direction.
Repeatome Analyses and Satellite DNA Chromosome Patterns in Deschampsia sukatschewii, D. cespitosa, and D. antarctica (Poaceae)
Authors: Amosova Alexandra V. , Yurkevich Olga Yu. , Bolsheva Nadezhda L. , Samatadze Tatiana E. , Zoshchuk Svyatoslav A. , Muravenko Olga V.
Published: April 2022

Subpolar and polar ecotypes of Deschampsia sukatschewii (Popl.) Roshev, D. cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv, and D. antarctica E. Desv. are well adapted to stressful environmental conditions, which make them useful model plants for genetic research and breeding. For the first time, the comparative repeatome analyses of subpolar and polar D. sukatschewii, D. cespitosa, and D. antarctica was performed using RepeatExplorer/TAREAN pipelines and FISH-based chromosomal mapping of the identified satellite DNA families (satDNAs). In the studied species, mobile genetic elements of class 1 made up the majority of their repetitive DNA; interspecific variations in the total amount of Ty3/Gypsy and Ty1/Copia retroelements, DNA transposons, ribosomal, and satellite DNA were revealed; 12–18 high confident and 7–9 low confident putative satDNAs were identified. According to BLAST, most D. sukatschewii satDNAs demonstrated sequence similarity with satDNAs of D. antarctica and D. cespitosa indicating their common origin. Chromosomal mapping of 45S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and satDNAs of D. sukatschewii allowed us to construct the species karyograms and detect new molecular chromosome markers important for Deschampsia species. Our findings confirmed that genomes of D. sukatschewii and D. cespitosa were more closely related compared to D. antarctica according to repeatome composition and patterns of satDNA chromosomal distribution.
Analysis of the Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Nursing Staff of the Intensive Care Units (ICU) in Spain
Authors: Muñoz-Muñoz María , Carretero-Bravo Jesús , Pérez-Muñoz Celia , Díaz-Rodríguez Mercedes
Published: April 2022

(1) The public health emergency, caused by COVID-19, has resulted in strong physical and mental exhaustion in healthcare workers. This research has been designed with the aim to describe the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses working in intensive care units (ICU) and identify the related risk factors. (2) This is a cross-sectional study, in which a self-administered questionnaire was designed to cover the dimensions of interest associated with psychosocial factors during the pandemic and their factor risks. (3) A total of 456 nursing professionals participated, and 88.4% were women. Most of the professionals had a temporary contract (71.3%) and person at risk close to them (88.8%). Regarding psychosocial factors, there was a worsening in most of the associated variables, especially in sleep problems, anxiety, stress, and job performance. Female nurses were more prone to anxiety. Those under 30, as well as those with temporary contracts, were more unfocused. Professionals with a person at risk in their environment felt much more worried. The degree of exposure was associated with greater fear. (4) Those nurses who were female, younger, and with a temporary employment contract were shown to be more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic on their psychosocial health. Because of this, it is necessary to adopt effective strategies for the protection of nurses’ health, focusing on the specific risk factors identified.
Bone Turnover Alterations after Completing a Multistage Ultra-Trail: A Case Study
Authors: Castellar-Otín Carlos , Lecina Miguel , Pradas Francisco
Published: April 2022

A series of case studies aimed to assess bone and stress fractures in a 768-km ultra-trail race for 11 days. Four nonprofessional male athletes completed the event without diagnosing any stress fracture. Bone turnover markers (osteocalcin (OC), serum C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and serum turnover calcium (Ca2+)) were assessed before (pre) and after the race (post) and on days two and nine during the recovery period (rec2 and rec9), respectively. Results showed: post-pre-OC = −45.78%, BALP = −61.74%, CTX = +37.28% and Ca2+ = −3.60%. At rec2 and rec9, the four parameters did not return to their pre-run levels: OC, −48.31%; BALP, −61.66%; CTX, +11.93% and Ca2+, −3.38%; and OC = −25.12%, BALP = −54.65%, CTX = +93.41% and Ca2+ = +3.15%), respectively. Our results indicated that the ultra-trail race induced several changes in bone turnover markers, uncoupling of bone metabolism, increased bone resorption: OC and BALP and suppressed bone formation: CTX and Ca2+. Bone turnover markers can help determine the response of bone to extreme effort and might also help predict the risk of stress fractures.
COVID-19 Severity among Healthcare Workers: Overweight Male Physicians at Risk
Authors: Madran Bahar , Akbulut Zeliha , Akbaba Gözde , Taş Emre , Güçlüoğlu Tuğba , Şencanlı Özgür , Bozkurt İsmail , Keske Şiran , Ergönül Önder
Published: April 2022

We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort study in two healthcare settings. In total, 909 HCWs out of 3982 (23.35%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 before the vaccination era. Eighty-five per cent of COVID-19 positive HCWs (n = 774) were asymptomatic or mild, and 15% were moderate or severe. The mean age of the infected HCWs in the moderate or severe group was higher than the mild or asymptomatic group (35.4 vs. 31.3 years, p < 0.001). Thirty-two per cent of HCWs were male and the rate of male gender was more frequent in the moderate/severe group (p = 0.009). The rate of those who have cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.003) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.044) were significantly higher among the HCWs with moderate or severe COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR:1.65, CI:1.11–2.46, p = 0.013), BMI > 30 (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.09–3.51, p = 0.024), and being physician (OR: 2.56, CI:1.45–4.52, p = 0.001) were found to be associated with moderate or severe COVID-19.
A Model for the Lifespan Loss Due to a Viral Disease: Example of the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Oshinubi Kayode , Fougère Cécile , Demongeot Jacques
Published: April 2022

The end of the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic is near in some countries as declared by World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2022 based on some studies in Europe and South Africa despite unequal distribution of vaccines to combat the disease spread globally. The heterogeneity in individual age and the reaction to biological and environmental changes that has been observed in COVID-19 dynamics in terms of different reaction to vaccination by age group, severity of infection per age group, hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) records show different patterns, and hence, it is important to improve mathematical models for COVID-19 pandemic prediction to account for different proportions of ages in the population, which is a major factor in epidemic history. We aim in this paper to estimate, using the Usher model, the lifespan loss due to viral infection and ageing which could result in pathological events such as infectious diseases. Exploiting epidemiology and demographic data firstly from Cameroon and then from some other countries, we described the ageing in the COVID-19 outbreak in human populations and performed a graphical representation of the proportion of sensitivity of some of the model parameters which we varied. The result shows a coherence between the orders of magnitude of the calculated and observed incidence numbers during the epidemic wave, which constitutes a semi-quantitative validation of the mathematical modelling approach at the population level. To conclude, the age heterogeneity of the populations involved in the COVID-19 outbreak needs the consideration of models in age groups with specific susceptibilities to infection.
Toward Public Health Wellness: Psychosocial & Physical Health in the Community
Authors: Hwang Won Ju , Kim Mi Jeong
Published: April 2022

Public health plays a pivotal role in society [...]
Primiparous and Multiparous Women’s Mode of Birth and Negative Emotions
Authors: Green Gizell , Tesler Riki , Marques Adilson
Published: April 2022

Negative childbirth experiences may result in negative emotions that may lead to negative outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. We aimed to examine the differences in emotions between primiparous and multiparous women and mode of birth. We used a retrospective cross-sectional study design with three hundred and fifty women. Primiparous women reported higher levels of fear, lack of control, and dissociation emotions compared to multiparous women. The EmCs (emergency cesarean section) group experienced the most fear, lack of control, anger, and conflict emotions. It is important to conduct follow up work with women who underwent unplanned birth procedures since negative childbirth experiences may lead to further negative effects on women’s psychosocial health and well-being.
Investigating the Driving Factors of Public Participation in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects—A Case Study of China
Authors: Luo Ziqian , Li Junjie , Wu Zezhou , Li Shenghan , Bi Guoqiang
Published: April 2022

Public participation is an important procedure of the environmental impact assessment. Effective public participation is essential to the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects as such projects usually exert tremendous impacts on the environment and society. However, in literature, there are few studies investigating the driving factors of public participation in PPP projects, especially in the context of China. To bridge this research gap, this study proposed a theoretical model, which incorporates contextual factors (i.e., perceived benefit and perceived risk) into the classical Theory of Planned Behavior model, to explore the determinants. The initial proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling. Analysis results indicated that attitude towards behavior, subjective norm, perceived risk and perceived behavioral control were the four significant driving factors of public participation in PPP projects, whereas perceived benefit had limited impact. Furthermore, this study evaluated eight public participation approaches in PPP projects. Results revealed that the public were more willing to participate in public decisions through the internet platform, followed by the information disclosure or consultation provided by the government. The research findings derived in this study can provide valuable reference for the government to promulgate proper policies to attract more public participation in PPP projects. Moreover, the research idea and methods used in this study can be popularized in other countries to enhance the public participation in PPP projects.
It Takes Time: Vigilance and Sustained Attention Assessment in Adults with ADHD
Authors: Fuermaier Anselm B. M. , Tucha Lara , Guo Nana , Mette Christian , Müller Bernhard W. , Scherbaum Norbert , Tucha Oliver
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The present study compares the utility of eight different tests of vigilance and sustained attention in the neuropsychological examination of adults with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Thirty-one adults diagnosed with ADHD performed eight tests for vigilance and sustained attention, spread over three assessment days. Results: Adults with ADHD showed cognitive impairments in most tests and test variables, even though their sensitivity differed greatly. No specific type of test variable stands out to be the most sensitive, and no evidence for a differential deterioration of performance over time was observed. Conclusion: This study underscores the role of vigilance and sustained attention tests in the assessment of adult ADHD. It is further concluded that summary scores over the entire test duration are sufficient, but that all variables of a test should be considered. Finally, we hypothesize that reassessment on a different day may benefit a more accurate clinical assessment of adults with ADHD, in order to adequately take intraindividual fluctuations and limitations regarding test reliability into account.
Health-Related Quality of Life According to Sociodemographic Characteristics in the South Korean Population
Authors: Park Chan-Hee , Park Eunhee , Oh Hyun-Min , Lee Su-Jin , Park Sun-Hee , Jung Tae-Du
Published: April 2022

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) concerns satisfaction with life and happiness with regard to physical, mental, and social factors. RAND-36 is a publicly available, self-administered questionnaire that examines eight health dimensions. This study evaluated the HRQoL of the South Korean population using the RAND-36 questionnaire and compared HRQoL across sociodemographic characteristics. From May 2015 to May 2019, South Koreans who visited public places aged 19–80 years were recruited and the RAND-36 questionnaire was administered. Overall, 1002 participants were recruited (mean age 45.34 years, 52% men). Men scored better than women in both physical and mental health (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in bodily pain (p < 0.05), general health perception (p < 0.05), and energy/fatigue (p < 0.05) dimensions according to the participants’ health condition. The HRQoL of South Koreans was lower than average in most dimensions compared with other countries. As the first study to assess this, its data can be used in future studies that apply RAND-36 to evaluate the HRQoL of diseased individuals, as they can compare their findings with those of our study population.
A Pilot Randomized Control Study on Effect Brief Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a Complementary Treatment in Men with Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Authors: Yen Cheng-Fang , Ko Chih-Hung , Hsu Chih-Yao , Wu Hung-Chi , Yang Yu-Yi , Wang Peng-Wei
Published: April 2022

The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBFB) intervention in terms of reducing craving, severity of dependence, and rate of positive methamphetamine urine testing in men taking part in a methamphetamine use disorder outpatient treatment program. Sixty-one adult men received either HRVBFB treatment plus treatment as usual (TAU) over four weeks or TAU only. Men receiving HRVBFB showed significantly greater reductions in craving, dependence severity, and the rate of positive methamphetamine urine testing at the end of the intervention and four weeks of follow-up. The analyses further showed that the levels of craving and dependence severity at treatment entry were predictive of changes in craving and dependence severity at the end of treatment and follow-up, respectively. The baseline status of a positive methamphetamine urine test only predicted a positive methamphetamine urine test at the end of treatment, not at the end of the follow-up period. Our results showed HRVBFB intervention has merits as an adjunct treatment to ameliorate cravings and reduce the severity of dependence experienced by persons with methamphetamine use disorder. An added value of HRVBFB intervention is the fact that it can be easily and affordably implemented in everyday life.
Prevalence of High-Risk Disordered Eating Amongst Adolescents and Young Adults in the Middle East: A Scoping Review
Authors: Azzeh Mahmoud , Peachey Gemma , Loney Tom
Published: April 2022

High-risk disordered eating (HRDE) negatively affects physical, mental, and social wellbeing. This scoping review aimed to estimate the prevalence of HRDE amongst adolescents and young adults in the Middle East. MEDLINE database was searched for studies published in English or Arabic from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2020, estimating HRDE prevalence (using the Eating Attitudes Test 26 or 40 item questionnaire) in the Middle East. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts of potentially eligible records, followed by data extraction from eligible studies. Nineteen studies (n = 16,288; 65.8% female) from Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were included. Prevalence of HRDE varied considerably across countries and was lowest amongst adolescents in Israel (F 8.2%; M 2.8%) and highest amongst university students in Egypt (F 75.8%; M 69.6%). Prevalence of high-risk for anorexia nervosa ranged from 0.0% in Jordan to 9.5% in Oman; high-risk for bulimia nervosa from 0.6% in Jordan to 1.0% in the United Arab Emirates; and high-risk for binge eating disorder was 1.0% and 1.8% in Turkey and Jordan, respectively. Future studies should employ a standardized two-stage design with clinical diagnosis to verify the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviours in the Middle East.
Impact of Rotating Shifts on Lifestyle Patterns and Perceived Stress among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chiang Shang-Lin , Chiang Li-Chi , Tzeng Wen-Chii , Lee Meei-Shyuan , Fang Chan-Chuan , Lin Chueh-Ho , Lin Chia-Huei
Published: April 2022

Although rotating shifts have a negative health impact, their association with hospital nurses’ health risks remains controversial due to incomplete adjustment in lifestyle patterns and heterogeneity of work schedules. However, whether work schedule characteristics are associated with lifestyle patterns and perceived stress remains undetermined. We assessed the correlations of work schedule characteristics, lifestyle patterns, and perceived stress among hospital nurses. This cross-sectional study included 340 nurses from two hospitals. Final data from 329 nurses regarding work schedule characteristics, lifestyle patterns (physical activity, dietary behavior, and sleep pattern), and perceived stress were analyzed via linear regression models. Fixed-day-shift nurses had reduced perceived stress (β = 0.15, p = 0.007) compared with rotating-shift nurses. Additionally, among rotating-shift nurses, fixed-evening- and fixed-night-shift nurses had longer sleep duration (β = 0.27, p < 0.001; β = 0.25, p < 0.001) compared to non-fixed-rotating-shift nurses. Longer rotating-shift work was associated with healthier dietary behaviors (β = 0.15, p = 0.008), better sleep quality (β = −0.17, p = 0.003), lower perceived stress (β = −0.24, p < 0.001), and shorter sleep duration (β = −0.17, p = 0.003). Hospital nurses’ work schedule characteristics were associated with lifestyle patterns, dietary behavior, sleep pattern, and perceived stress. Fixed-shifts were beneficial for lifestyle and lower perceived stress. Longer rotating shifts could help nurses adjust their lifestyles accordingly.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Device Types and Flavors Used by Youth in the PATH Study, 2016–2019
Authors: Gardner Lisa D. , Liu Sherry T. , Xiao Haijun , Anic Gabriella M. , Kasza Karin A. , Sharma Eva , Hyland Andrew J.
Published: April 2022

The evolving electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketplace and recent regulatory actions may influence youth ENDS device preferences. Using data from Waves (W) 4, 4.5, and 5 (2016–2019) of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, this study estimated the prevalence of open and closed system primary ENDS use by youth (12–17 years) current (past 30-day) ENDS users, and compared demographics, tobacco use characteristics, and patterns of ENDS use, including flavors, by device type. Among current ENDS users, closed system use was significantly higher than open system use in W4.5 (68.3% vs. 31.7%) and W5 (60.5% vs. 39.5%). In W5, closed system users were more likely to have a regular ENDS brand, believe their ENDS had nicotine, and use tobacco and mint or menthol flavors in the past 30 days compared to open system users. In W5, users of closed systems were less likely to use fruit, non-alcoholic drink, and candy, desserts, or other sweets flavors in the past 30 days than users of open systems. Youth were more likely to use closed over open system ENDS in 2017–2019. Differences were observed between device types, particularly with flavor use, reflecting recent changes in flavored product availability.
Potential to Reduce Chemical Fertilizer Application in Tea Plantations at Various Spatial Scales
Authors: Xie Shaowen , Yang Fen , Feng Hanxiao , Yu Zhenzhen , Wei Xinghu , Liu Chengshuai , Wei Chaoyang
Published: April 2022

Tea is the main commercial crop grown in China, and excessive application of chemical fertilizers in tea plantations is common. However, the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer use in tea plantations is unclear. In this study, Zhejiang Province was selected as the research object to systematically analyze the potential for tea plantation chemical-fertilizer reduction at different spatial scales. The geographic information system-based analytic hierarchy process method and Soil and Water Assessment Tool model were used to determine the chemical fertilizer reduction potential at the province scale and watershed scale, respectively. At the field scale, two consecutive years of field experiments were conducted on a tea plantation. Province-level analysis showed that 51.7% of the area had an average total fertilization intensity greater than 350 kg/hm2 and a high reduction potential. Watershed analysis revealed that chemical fertilizer reduction had better potential in reducing total nitrogen and total phosphorus inputs to runoff in the short term, whereas 50% organic fertilizer substitution was the best strategy to achieve long-term effects. The field experiments further proved that organic fertilizer substitution balanced tea growth and environmental protection. This study provides a useful method to investigate strategies to reduce chemical fertilizer use in tea-growing areas.
Are We Getting Any Better? A Critical Analysis of Selected Healthy People 2020 Oral Health Indicators in 1999–2004 and 2013–2016, USA
Authors: Borges Carolina Marques , Krishnamurthy Meghna
Published: April 2022

Oral health disparities are prevalent in the American population and are influenced by various social determinants. This study aimed to analyze oral health disparities in the US between 1999–2004 and 2013–2016 according to sociodemographic characteristics. This analytic cross-sectional study analyzed five oral health indicators from Healthy People 2020. A binomial test was used to compare proportions between baseline and follow-up. Only the indicator for non-treated cavities among children reached its goal. White children had the greatest decrease (−15.4%; p = 0.0428) in dental caries. Higher income determined better outcomes for adolescents (−27.54%; p = 0.00032 dental caries) and adults (−15.96%; p = 0.0143 tooth extractions). However, adults 35–44 years with the highest income had a significant increase (40.74%, p = 0.0258) in decayed teeth. This study provides evidence to suggest that some progress has been made towards reducing oral health disparities in the US, primarily among children. However, trends for certain indicators remain disparate between different racial/ethnic and income groups. Applications for the findings of this study should address the intersectional nature of social determinants of health and should center on improving the equity of services offered by public oral healthcare.
Barriers and Motivations to Provide Dental Care to Adult Patients with Movement Disorders
Authors: Rozas Natalia S. , Strassner Hillary D. , Sadowsky June M. , Jeter Cameron B.
Published: April 2022

Patients with movement disorders, like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, tend to have poor oral health. Although contributing factors have been proposed, the willingness and ability of dentists to treat this patient population are still unknown. Our objective is to understand the current barriers and motivations of dentists to treat this patient population as a path to improved care and quality of life. A total of 176 dentists in Texas were surveyed through a structured questionnaire which contained both closed and open-ended questions. Nearly 30% of participants reported having no barriers to treating these patients and 26.7% reported that no such patients have visited their practice. Barriers reported included lack of education on the topic (17.6%) and longer appointments than average (14.8%). A main motivation to treat these patients was more training and education on the subject (38.6%). Poor oral health in patients with movement disorders may not be due to barriers encountered by dentists, but rather encountered by patients, such as access to and use of dental treatment. General dentists are willing to provide care for adult patients with movement disorders and continuing education for these providers is preferred over referral to a specialist.
Infection Prevention and Control in Three Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 Pandemic: More Needs to Be Done!
Authors: Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Fofanah Bobson Derrick , Bunn James Edward , Njuguna Charles Kuria , Kallon Christiana , Kumar Ajay M. V.
Published: April 2022

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are critical to the reduction in healthcare-associated infections, especially during pandemics, such as that of COVID-19. We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study in August 2021 at Connaught Hospital, Princess Christian Maternity Hospital and Ola During Children’s Hospital located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We used the World Health Organization’s Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework Tool to assess the level of IPC compliance at these healthcare facilities. The overall IPC compliance score at Connaught Hospital was 323.5 of 800 points, 313.5 of 800 at Ola During Children’s Hospital, 281 of 800 at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, implying a ‘Basic’ IPC compliance grade. These facilities had an IPC program, IPC committees and dedicated IPC focal persons. However, there were several challenges, including access to safe and clean water and insufficient quantities of face masks, examination gloves and aprons. Furthermore, there was no dedicated budget or no healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance, and monitoring/audit of IPC practices were weak. These findings are of concern during the COVID-19 era, and there is an urgent need for both financial and technical support to address the gaps and challenges identified.
Research on the Development of Urban Parks Based on the Perception of Tourists: A Case Study of Taihu Park in Beijing
Authors: Du Yaqi , Zhao Rong
Published: April 2022

With the development of the economy and society, the derivative needs beyond the basic survival needs of citizens are constantly expanding. The emergence of urban parks caters to the needs of citizens to relax, playing an important role in improving the ecological environment, providing leisure and recreation places, and having a good prospect of development. This paper takes Taihu Park in Beijing as an example, from the perspective of tourists. The influence factors are analyzed with the structural equation model, the influence of factors, and drawn up to a degree. The tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty were positively related to the change; the tourists’ satisfaction and complaints about change had a negative correlation and were put forward to strengthen the construction of infrastructure to park development. It is suggested to improve the functional level of the park and increase the selling point of commodities in the park.
MicroRNA Alteration, Application as Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Nguyen T. P. Nhung , Kumar Mandeep , Fedele Ernesto , Bonanno Giambattista , Bonifacino Tiziana
Published: April 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential post-transcriptional gene regulators involved in various neuronal and non-neuronal cell functions and play a key role in pathological conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are dysregulated in major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Huntington’s disease. Hence, in the present work, we constructed a comprehensive overview of individual microRNA alterations in various models of the above neurodegenerative diseases. We also provided evidence of miRNAs as promising biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic approaches. In addition, we summarized data from the literature about miRNA-based therapeutic applications via inhibiting or promoting miRNA expression. We finally identified the overlapping miRNA signature across the diseases, including miR-128, miR-140-5p, miR-206, miR-326, and miR-155, associated with multiple etiological cellular mechanisms. However, it remains to be established whether and to what extent miRNA-based therapies could be safely exploited in the future as effective symptomatic or disease-modifying approaches in the different human neurodegenerative disorders.
NVCL-Based Hydrogels and Composites for Biomedical Applications: Progress in the Last Ten Years
Authors: Gonzalez-Urias Alejandra , Licea-Claverie Angel , Sañudo-Barajas J. Adriana , González-Ayón Mirian A.
Published: April 2022

Hydrogels consist of three-dimensionally crosslinked polymeric chains, are hydrophilic, have the ability to absorb other molecules in their structure and are relatively easy to obtain. However, in order to improve some of their properties, usually mechanical, or to provide them with some physical, chemical or biological characteristics, hydrogels have been synthesized combined with other synthetic or natural polymers, filled with inorganic nanoparticles, metals, and even polymeric nanoparticles, giving rise to composite hydrogels. In general, different types of hydrogels have been synthesized; however, in this review, we refer to those obtained from the thermosensitive polymer poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) and we focus on the definition, properties, synthesis techniques, nanomaterials used as fillers in composites and mainly applications of PNVCL-based hydrogels in the biomedical area. This type of material has great potential in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, as antimicrobials and in diagnostic and bioimaging.
Interplay between Cell Death and Cell Proliferation Reveals New Strategies for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Loftus Luke V. , Amend Sarah R. , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: April 2022

Cell division and cell death are fundamental processes governing growth and development across the tree of life. This relationship represents an evolutionary link between cell cycle and cell death programs that is present in all cells. Cancer is characterized by aberrant regulation of both, leading to unchecked proliferation and replicative immortality. Conventional anti-cancer therapeutic strategies take advantage of the proliferative dependency of cancer yet, in doing so, are triggering apoptosis, a death pathway to which cancer is inherently resistant. A thorough understanding of how therapeutics kill cancer cells is needed to develop novel, more durable treatment strategies. While cancer evolves cell-intrinsic resistance to physiological cell death pathways, there are opportunities for cell cycle agnostic forms of cell death, for example, necroptosis or ferroptosis. Furthermore, cell cycle independent death programs are immunogenic, potentially licensing host immunity for additional antitumor activity. Identifying cell cycle independent vulnerabilities of cancer is critical for developing alternative strategies that can overcome therapeutic resistance.
Stereoselective Covalent Adduct Formation of Acyl Glucuronide Metabolite of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs with UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase
Authors: Kawase Atsushi , Yamashita Rio , Yoshizato Tsubasa , Yoshikawa Mashiro , Shimada Hiroaki , Iwaki Masahiro
Published: April 2022

A reactive metabolite of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acyl-β-D-glucuronide (AG), covalently binds to endogenous proteins. The covalent adduct formation of NSAIDs-AG may lead to the dysfunction of target proteins. Therefore, it is important to clarify the detailed characterization of the formation of covalent protein adducts of NSAID-AG. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) catalyzes the conversion of NSAIDs to NSAIDs-AG. The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis of the covalent adduct formation of NSAIDs-AG with UGT. Diclofenac-AG and ketoprofen-AG formed covalent adducts with organelle proteins. Next, the number of covalent adducts formed between NSAIDs-AG and UGT isoforms (UGT1A1, UGT1A9, UGT2B4, and UGT2B9) was determined. The capacity of diclofenac-AG to form covalent adducts with UGT1A9 or UGT2B7 was approximately 10 times higher than that of mefenamic acid-AG. The amounts of covalent adducts of AG of propionic acid derivative NSAIDs with UGT2B were higher than those with UGT1A. Stereoselectivity was observed upon covalent binding to UGT. A significant negative correlation between the half-lives of NSAIDs-AG in phosphate buffers and the amount of covalent adduct with UGT2B7 was observed, suggesting the more labile NSAID-AG forms higher irreversible bindings to UGT. This report provides comprehensive information on the covalent adduct formation of NSAIDs-AGs with UGT.
A Highly Unstable and Elusive Plasmid That Encodes the Type III Secretion System Is Necessary for Full Virulence in the Marine Fish Pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Abushattal Saqr , Vences Ana , Osorio Carlos R.
Published: April 2022

The marine bacterium Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Pdp) causes photobacteriosis in fish and important financial losses in aquaculture, but knowledge of its virulence factors is still scarce. We here demonstrate that an unstable plasmid (pPHDPT3) that encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS) is highly prevalent in Pdp strains from different geographical origins and fish host species. We found that pPHDPT3 undergoes curing upon in vitro cultivation, and this instability constitutes a generalized feature of pPHDPT3-like plasmids in Pdp strains. pPHDPT3 markers were detected in tissues of naturally-infected moribund fish and in the Pdp colonies grown directly from the fish tissues but were undetectable in a fraction of the colonies produced upon the first passage of the primeval colonies on agar plates. Notably, cured strains exhibited a marked reduction in virulence for fish, demonstrating that pPHDPT3 is a major virulence factor of Pdp. The attempts to stabilize pPHDPT3 by insertion of antibiotic resistance markers by allelic exchange caused an even greater reduction in virulence. We hypothesize that the existence of a high pressure to shed pPHDPT3 plasmid in vitro caused the selection of clones with off-target mutations and gene rearrangements during the process of genetic modification. Collectively, these results show that pPHDPT3 constitutes a novel, hitherto unreported virulence factor of Pdp that shows a high instability in vitro and warn that the picture of Pdp virulence genes has been historically underestimated, since the loss of the T3SS and other plasmid-borne genes may have occurred systematically in laboratories for decades.