bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of Sidestream Nitritation for Modern Two-Stage Activated Sludge Plants
Authors: Baumgartner Thomas , Jahn Lydia , Parravicini Vanessa , Svardal Karl , Krampe Jörg
Published: October 2022

The operational costs of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are mainly driven by electric power consumption, making the energy-efficient operation an all-time present target for engineers and operators. A well known approach to reduce the demand for purchased electricity is the operation of an anaerobic sludge stabilisation process. Although anaerobic digesters make it possible to recover large quantities of energy-rich methane gas, additional strategies are required to handle the increased internal return flow of nitrogen, which arises with the sludge dewatering effluent (SDE). SDE treatment increases the oxygen demand and in turn the energy required for aeration. In this study, different SDE treatment processes were compared with regard to the treatment in mainstream, sidestream nitritation, as well as nitritation combined with anammox for two-stage and single-stage WWTPs. Although SDE treatment in sidestream nitritation was found to have no effect on the energy demand of single-stage WWTPs, this concept allows the treatment capacity in the activated sludge tank to be raised, while contributing to a high nitrogen removal under carbon limitation. In contrast, SDE sidestream treatment showed great potential for saving energy at two-stage WWTPs, whereby sidestream nitritation and the further treatment in the first stage was found to be the most efficient concept, with a savings of approx. 11% of the aeration energy.
Mediation Effect of Musculoskeletal Pain on Burnout: Sex-Related Differences
Authors: Chen Yong-Hsin , Yeh Chih-Jung , Lee Chun-Ming , Jong Gwo-Ping
Published: October 2022

Burnout occurs when people are exposed to emotionally demanding work situations over an extended period, resulting in physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. This study adopted the personal burnout (PB) and work-related burnout (WB) scales of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory to measure burnout levels. Musculoskeletal (MS) pain is one factor influencing burnout. Previous studies have demonstrated that male and female hormones may contribute to sex-related differences in MS pain. This was an observational and cross-sectional study conducted at a medical-university-affiliated hospital in Taichung, Taiwan, in 2021. Data were collected for demographic characteristics, family structure, living habits, occupation, physical health, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire score, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory score. Of the 2531 questionnaires that were distributed, 1615 (63.81%) valid questionnaires remained after those with missing data were excluded. The results demonstrated neck and shoulder pain (NBSP) is commonly associated with burnout among healthcare workers, with a higher prevalence among women than among men. With confounders being controlled for, women were found to experience substantially higher levels of personal and work-related burnout than men did. NBSP is a mediating factor; therefore, it is a key reason why women are more likely than men to experience burnout.
Exposition of Intermediate Hosts of Schistosomes to Niclosamide (Bayluscide WP 70) Revealed Significant Variations in Mortality Rates: Implications for Vector Control
Authors: Kengne Fokam Alvine Christelle , Sumo Laurentine , Bagayan Mohamed , Nana-Djeunga Hugues Clotaire , Kuete Thomas , Nganjou Gabriella S. Ondoua , Tchami Mbagnia Murielle Carole , Djune-Yemeli Linda , Wondji Charles Sinclair , Njiokou Flobert
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Schistosomiasis remains a public health issue in Cameroon. Snail control using Niclosamide can prevent schistosome transmission. It is safe to determine lethal concentrations for the population. This study aimed at assessing the toxicity of Niclosamide on different developmental stages of snail populations; (2) Methods: Snails were collected, identified, and reared in the laboratory. Egg masses and adult snails were exposed to Niclosamide, at increasing concentrations (0.06, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/L for egg embryos and 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0.18, 0.2 mg/L for adults). After 24 h exposure, egg masses and snails were removed from Niclosamide solutions, washed with source water and observed; (3) Results: Snail susceptibility was species and population dependent. For egg embryos, Biomphalaria pfeifferi was the most susceptible (LC50: 0.1; LC95: 6.3 mg/L) and Bulinus truncatus the least susceptible (LC50: 4.035; LC95: 228.118 mg/L). However, for adults, B. truncatus was the most susceptible (mortality rate: 100%). The LC50 and LC95 for Bi. camerunensis eggs were 0.171 mg/L and 1.102 mg/L, respectively, and were higher than those obtained for adults (0.0357 mg/L and 0.9634 mg/L); (4) Conclusion: These findings will guide the design of vector control strategies targeting these snail species in Cameroon.
A Systematic Review on Attenuation of PCSK9 in Relation to Atherogenesis Biomarkers Associated with Natural Products or Plant Bioactive Compounds in In Vitro Studies: A Critique on the Quality and Imprecision of Studies
Authors: Zulkapli Rahayu , Yusof Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera Mohd , Abd Muid Suhaila , Wang Seok Mui , Firus Khan Al’Aina Yuhainis , Nawawi Hapizah
Published: October 2022

A systematic review was performed to identify all the related publications describing PCSK9 and atherogenesis biomarkers attenuation associated with a natural product and plant bioactive compounds in in vitro studies. This review emphasized the imprecision and quality of the included research rather than the detailed reporting of the results. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct from 2003 until 2021, following the Cochrane handbook. The screening of titles, abstracts, and full papers was performed by two independent reviewers, followed by data extraction and validity. Study quality and validity were assessed using the Imprecision Tool, Model, and Marker Validity Assessment that has been developed for basic science studies. A total of 403 articles were identified and 31 of those that met the inclusion criteria were selected. 13 different atherogenesis biomarkers in relation to PCSK9 were found, and the most studied biomarkers are LDLR, SREBP, and HNF1α. In terms of quality, our review suggests that the basic science study in investigating atherogenesis biomarkers is deficient in terms of imprecision and validity.
On the Geochemistry of the Danube River Sediments (Serbian Sector)
Authors: Culicov Otilia A. , Trtić-Petrović Tatjana , Nekhoroshkov Pavel S. , Zinicovscaia Inga , Duliu Octavian G.
Published: October 2022

To determine the nature and origin of the unconsolidated bottom sediments, as well as to demonstrate and quantify the presence of Presumably Contaminating Elements (PCE) in the Serbian Danube River, as a novelty, the mass fractions on nine major elements as oxides—SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, FeO, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, and K2O, as well as Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Hf, Ta, W, Th, and U were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in 13 sediment samples collected between Belgrade and Iron Gate 2 dam. INAA was chosen for its ability to perform elemental analysis without any preliminary sample treatment that could introduce systematic errors. The distribution of major elements was relatively uniform, with the sampling locations having less influence. Concerning the trace elements, excepting the PCE Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Sb, their distributions presented the same remarkable similarity to the Upper Continental Crust (UCC), North American Shale Composite (NASC), Average Bottom Load (ABL), and Average Dobrogea Loess (AVL), and were in good concordance with the location of the Serbian Danube River in the Pannonian Plain. In the case of considered PCE, both Enrichment Factor and Pollution Load Index showed values higher than the pollution threshold, which pointed towards a significant anthropogenic contamination, and rising concern to what extent the water quality and biota could be affected.
Therapeutic Approaches for ADHD by Developmental Stage and Clinical Presentation
Authors: Galvez-Contreras Alma Y. , Vargas-de la Cruz Ivette , Beltran-Navarro Beatriz , Gonzalez-Castaneda Rocio E. , Gonzalez-Perez Oscar
Published: October 2022

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with three presentations: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. These may represent an independent disease entity. Therefore, the therapeutic approach must be focused on their neurobiological, psychological and social characteristics. To date, there is no comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of different treatments for each presentation of ADHD and each stage of development. This is as narrative overview of scientific papers that summarize the most recent findings and identify the most effective pharmacological and psychosocial treatments by ADHD presentation and age range. Evidence suggests that methylphenidate is the safest and most effective drug for the clinical management of children, adolescents and adults. Atomoxetine is effective in preschoolers and maintains similar efficacy to methylphenidate in adults, whereas guanfacine has proven to be an effective monotherapy for adults and is a worthy adjuvant for the management of cognitive symptoms. The psychosocial treatments with the best results in preschoolers are behavioral interventions that include training of primary caregivers. In adolescents, the combination of cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapies has shown the best results, whereas cognitive-behavioral interventions are the most effective in adults. Pharmacological and psychosocial treatments must be adjusted to the ADHD presentation and its neurocognitive characteristics through the patient’s development.
Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress
Authors: Vukčević Marković Maša , Živanović Marko
Published: October 2022

Exposure to the traumatic experiences of others can lead to secondary traumatization (STS), a condition comprising trauma-related symptoms. There is a lack of evidence on efficient ways to mitigate STS among professionals working with refugees, who are secondarily exposed to traumatic content. This study examines the latent structure of coping mechanisms and explores the predictive power of coping strategies for STS in a sample of professionals working with refugees. A total of 288 participants (age: M = 34.01, SD = 10.03; 57.3% female) working with refugees completed the COPE Inventory and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Factor analysis of the COPE Inventory showed that coping mechanisms are grouped around four interrelated factors—Problem-focused, Socially supported emotion-focused, Avoidant, and Passive coping—which accounted for 46.7% of the variance. The regression model showed that Avoidant coping positively predicts negative alterations in cognition, mood, and reactivity (NACMR) and intrusions, and Passive coping was positively associated with NACMR and avoidance. Problem-focused coping was related to lower NACMR and avoidance, while Socially supported emotion-focused coping was not associated with any of the STS symptoms. In total, coping factors accounted for 10.8%, 6.3%, and 4.3% of the variance of NACMR, intrusions, and avoidance, respectively. The study provides a foundation for programs to mitigate STS among professionals working with refugees.
Factors Related to the Intention to Use Dental Care by Industrial Workers Due to COVID-19: Application of Anderson Model and Planned Behavior Theory
Authors: Eun Hye-Ran , Park Jong-Tae , Jang Jong-Hwa
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical and dental care in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use dental care in industrial workers, an economically active population. An online questionnaire survey was completed by 301 industrial workers. Stress and anxiety to viral epidemics-6 (SAVE-6), attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, and intention to use dental care, based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), were measured. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors based on the Andersen model were measured as control variables for influencing factors. In the final hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the most significant relevant factors affecting intention to use dental care were attitude (β = 0.598, p < 0.001), followed by experience of dental clinic visits (β = 0.237, p < 0.001), subjective norm (β = 0.125, p < 0.001), perceived behavior control (β = 0.114, p = 0.004), SAVE-6 (β = −0.073, p = 0.025), and gingival bleeding (β = 0.062, p = 0.029). Dental care use decreased to 58.5%, and socio-psychological factors based on TPB were closely associated with the intention to use dental care. Therefore, awareness must be raised regarding oral health practices to increase the use of dental care among industrial workers.
Diet Composition, Anthropometrics, and Mortality Risk
Authors: Krakauer Nir Y. , Krakauer Jesse C.
Published: October 2022

While overeating is considered a cause of the obesity epidemic as quantified by body mass index (BMI), the association of diet with a body shape index (ABSI) and hip index (HI), which are transformations of waist and hip circumference that are independent of BMI and which predict mortality risk, is poorly known. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study of about 15,000 middle-aged adults to investigate associations between macronutrient intake (energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat, the latter two divided into plant and animal sources, all based on self-reported food frequency) with anthropometric indices (BMI, ABSI, and HI). We also analyzed the association of diet and anthropometrics with death rate during approximately 30 years of follow-up. High intake of energy and animal fat and protein was generally associated with higher ABSI and lower HI at baseline, as well as greater mortality hazard. BMI was also positively linked with animal fat and protein intake. In contrast, higher intake of carbohydrates and plant fat and protein was associated with lower ABSI and BMI, higher HI, and lower mortality hazard. For example, after adjustment for potential confounders, each standard deviation of additional plant fat intake (as a fraction of total energy) was associated with a 5% decrease in mortality rate, while animal fat intake was associated with a 5% mortality increase per standard deviation. The directions of the associations between diet and anthropometrics are consistent with those found between anthropometrics and mortality without reference to diet.
Association of Residence Type on Smoking in South Korean Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Kwon Mi Young , Cho Myoung Sun
Published: October 2022

The closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced adolescents to stay home. These disruptions, as well as a significant decrease in social access, have impacted smoking behavior. This study identified the association between the adolescents’ type of residence and tobacco product use. A cross-sectional study (using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey) examined 3774 students in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2575 students in 2020 (during the pandemic). The participants were South Korean middle and high school students aged 13–19 years. Using multinomial logistic regression, it was shown that adolescents who lived alone or in a boarding house had a higher risk of being an e-cigarette smoker compared with those who lived with family or relatives (OR = 6.49, CI = 2.06–20.45). Living in a dormitory or orphanage also increased the risk of dual tobacco use compared with living with family (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.13–3.84). With the advent and continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, this effect became more significant in 2020 than in 2019. Our findings support the theory that residential differences affect adolescent smoking behavior and highlight the importance of integrated smoking bans and educational programs to control adolescent smoking.
Variable Neighborhood Search for Multi-Cycle Medical Waste Recycling Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Zhang Wanting , Zeng Ming , Guo Peng , Wen Kun
Published: October 2022

Background: Improper disposal of urban medical waste is likely to cause a series of neglective impacts. Therefore, we have to consider how to improve the efficiency of urban medical waste recycling and lowering carbon emissions when facing disposal. Methods: This paper considers the multi-cycle medical waste recycling vehicle routing problem with time windows for preventing and reducing the risk of medical waste transportation. First, a mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated to minimize the total cost consisting of the vehicle dispatch cost and the transportation costs. In addition, an improved neighborhood search algorithm is designed for handling large-sized problems. In the algorithm, the initial solution is constructed using the Clarke–Wright algorithm in the first stage, and the variable neighborhood search algorithm with a simulated annealing strategy is introduced for exploring a better solution in the second stage. Results: The computational results demonstrate the performance of the suggested algorithm. In addition, the total cost of recycling in the periodic strategy is lower than with the single-cycle strategy. Conclusions: The proposed model and algorithm have the management improvement value of the studied medical waste recycling vehicle routing problem.
New Onset Cardiac Murmur and Exertional Dyspnea in an Apparently Healthy Child: A Rare Localization of Obstructive Myxoma in the Right Ventricle Outflow Tract without Pulmonary Embolization—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: D’Anna Carolina , Villani Alberto , Ammirati Antonio , Francalanci Paola , Ragni Laura , Cecconi Giulia , Secinaro Aurelio , Chinali Marcello , Santilli Antonella , Guccione Paolo , Galletti Lorenzo , Brancaccio Gianluca
Published: October 2022

Myxomas are slowly growing benign neoplasms which are rare in children. Up to 80% can be located in the left atrium and generate symptoms such as embolism, cardiac failure, fever and weight loss. Rarely, myxomas can be detected in the right ventricle outflow tract, causing arrhythmias, pulmonary emboli and sudden death. We report the case of a 13-year-old healthy child brought to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, for recent dyspnea, chest pain on exertion and new onset cardiac murmur. Patient underwent medical examination and echocardiogram with the finding of a rounded and lobulated voluminous mass in the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) which caused severe obstruction. The contrast computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the presence of a heterogeneously enhancing soft-tissue mass occupying the RVOT with no evidence of pulmonary embolization. The mass was surgically excised, and the pathologic examination confirmed our suspicion of myxoma. Our experience suggests that myxoma can have mild clinical symptoms, the presentation may be non-specific, and diagnosis can be a challenge Careful examination and a diagnostic imaging workup, primarily with the transthoracic echocardiogram, are needful to make a rapid differential diagnosis and to better manage surgical treatment and follow-up.
Classification of Center of Mass Acceleration Patterns in Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis and Fear of Falling
Authors: González-Olguín Arturo , Ramos Rodríguez Diego , Higueras Córdoba Francisco , Martínez Rebolledo Luis , Taramasco Carla , Robles Cruz Diego
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The preoccupation related to the fall, also called fear of falling (FOF) by some authors is of interest in the fields of geriatrics and gerontology because it is related to the risk of falling and subsequent morbidity of falling. This study seeks to classify the acceleration patterns of the center of mass during walking in subjects with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis (KOA) for three levels of FOF (mild, moderate, and high). (2) Method: Center-of-mass acceleration patterns were recorded in all three planes of motion for a 30-meter walk test. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was implemented for the classification of acceleration signals based on the different levels of FOF (mild, moderate, and high) for two KOA conditions (mild and moderate). (3) Results: For the three levels of FOF to fall and regardless of the degree of KOA, a precision of 0.71 was obtained. For the classification considering the three levels of FOF and only for the mild KOA condition, a precision of 0.72 was obtained. For the classification considering the three levels of FOF and only the moderate KOA condition, a precision of 0.81 was obtained, the same as in the previous case, and finally for the classification for two levels of FOF, a high vs. moderate precision of 0.78 was obtained. For high vs. low, a precision of 0.77 was obtained, and for the moderate vs. low, a precision of 0.8 was obtained. Finally, when considering both KOA conditions, a 0.74 rating was obtained. (4) Conclusions: The classification model based on deep learning (CNN) allows for the adequate discrimination of the acceleration patterns of the moderate class above the low or high FOF.
Awareness Campaigns in a Horizontally Differentiated Market with Environmentally Conscious Consumers, Private Versus Public Duopoly
Authors: Hamoudi Hamid , Avilés-Palacios Carmen
Published: October 2022

This paper examines horizontally differentiated duopolies à la Hotelling with environmentally conscious consumers and a planner promoting a sustainable good with costly awareness campaigns (ACs). The objective is to find the planner’s optimal strategies and their effects on the firms’ behaviour. The analysis is carried out with two approaches, considering a private and a public duopoly. In both, it is shown that the planner chooses the average characteristic supported by a higher intensity campaign. However, with the private one, such an outcome is possible if the planner has minimal resources. Consumer consciousness and ACs have opposite effects on the firms and the planner. It is proven that consumer awareness favours the interests of the duopolies and reduces those of the planner, while the contrary is true for ACs. Finally, it is shown that a public duopoly is the best scenario for sustainability. This study provides an environmental policy to replace or complement traditional instruments and a more suitable business framework to achieve efficient results.
Assessment and Management of Obesity and Self-Maintenance (AMOS): An Evaluation of a Rural, Regional Multidisciplinary Program
Authors: Prior Sarah J. , Luccisano Sharon P. , Kilpatrick Michelle L. , Murfet Giuliana O.
Published: October 2022

Obesity is common in rural areas, and reduced specialist healthcare access impedes its management. A pilot nurse-practitioner-led Assessment and Management of Obesity and Self-Maintenance (AMOS) Clinic focused on individualised obesity care in people living with type 2 diabetes delivered in a rural setting. This study aimed to explore participant and staff experiences of the multidisciplinary obesity clinic to identify barriers and facilitators to self-care, health, and well-being. A two-stage, mixed-method design was used. Initially, three focus groups involving a sample of AMOS participants and semi-structured staff interviews helped identify key barriers/facilitators. These findings informed a survey delivered to all AMOS participants. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive two-step thematic networks technique to identify themes. Quantitative data were summarised using descriptive statistics. A total of 54 AMOS participants and 4 staff participated in the study. Four themes were identified to describe AMOS participant experiences’: 1. affordability; 2. multidisciplinary care; 3. person-centred care; and 4. motivation. Specialised, multidisciplinary and individualised obesity care available through one clinic facilitated self-care and improved health and well-being. Dedicated multidisciplinary obesity clinics are recommended in rural and remote areas.
Optimizing the Implementation of Tobacco Treatment for People with HIV: A Pilot Study
Authors: Foster Madeline G. , Toll Benjamin A. , Ware Emily , Eckard Allison Ross , Sterba Katherine R. , Rojewski Alana M.
Published: October 2022

People with HIV (PWH) have higher rates of tobacco use compared to their societal counterparts and are disproportionately affected by tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. A needs assessment was conducted to assess provider beliefs and opinions on tobacco treatment barriers and treatment approaches. The results highlighted a disconnect between the known importance of quitting smoking and barriers in linking patients to treatment, such as lack of patient interest and other patient issues being a higher priority. Using this assessment data, a treatment delivery approach, Proactive Outreach with Medication Opt-out for Tobacco Treatment Engagement (PrOMOTE), was devised and piloted. PrOMOTE consisted of an outpatient clinical pharmacist trained in tobacco treatment proactively contacting patients for counseling and to prescribe smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (varenicline or dual nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)) using an opt-out approach. The pilot was conducted with 10 PWH and patient reach and opt-out rates were evaluated. Of the 10 patients contacted, 7 were reached and none opted out of the pharmacotherapy prescription (varenicline = 6; NRT = 1). Providers know the importance of smoking cessation for PWH but encounter several barriers to implementing treatment. Using PrOMOTE methods to deliver tobacco treatment increased the reach and pharmacotherapy acceptance rate of PWH who smoke.
Clinical Features and Treatment of Intra-Tendinous Suture Reaction Following Achilles Tendon Repair Using Nonabsorbable Suture Material: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Kim Jahyung , Kang Hwa-Jun , Kim Bom-Soo , Kim Yu-Mi , Kim Hyong-Nyun , Park Jae-Yong , Choi Young-Rak , Bat-Ulzii Altanzul , Cho Jaeho
Published: October 2022

We aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and therapeutic outcome of treatment for patients with surgically confirmed foreign body reaction following an Achilles tendon repair using non-absorbable suture material. Eight consecutive patients who were confirmed as having an intra-tendinous suture foreign body reaction in the histopathological report were enrolled in this study. Medical records of all patients in terms of clinical and radiological features were retrieved. Also, the outcome of treatment was evaluated at a follow-up of at least 12 months. All the patients complained of pain and a palpable mass around a previous surgical site at mean 25.1 months (range, 4–72 months) after the initial surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound were used to detect the lesion. All the patients underwent surgical excision of foreign body reaction tissue and primary repair using absorbable suture material. After the treatment, the wounds were healed completely in all, and the average FAOS (foot and ankle outcome score) was 91.32 at mean follow-up for 22.4 months. In conclusion, intra-tendinous suture reaction is a rare complication following an Achilles tendon repair using nonabsorbable suture material, but it can be treated adequately with only surgical excision of foreign body reaction tissue and primary repair using absorbable suture material.
Spatially Resolved Distribution, Sources, Exposure Levels, and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in <63 μm Size-Fractionated Road Dust from Lucknow City, North India
Authors: Gupta Vidhu , Bisht Lalita , Arya Ajay Kumar , Singh Ajay Pratap , Gautam Sneha
Published: October 2022

In the present study, a total of 64 road dust samples were collected from five different functional areas (residential, commercial, parks, high-traffic, and industrial) in urban Lucknow to assess the accumulation, distribution, and health risk of heavy metals (HMs) (i.e., Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Cr and Ni). Acid digestion methods were used to analyze HMs, followed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The ascending frequency of HMs was Cd < As < Ni < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn < Mn < Fe for all different functional areas. Almost all HMs exceed the limits of Indian natural soil background values (INSB) across all functional areas. The pollution assessment results reveal that the urban road dust of Lucknow is highly enriched with Zn and Pb, causing deterioration of dust quality. The spatial distribution of HMs shows that road dust found in the central and southwestern zones of the Lucknow urban area are more contaminated than in other areas. The ecological risk assessment demonstrates that Cd was the highest risk contributor, followed by Pb, Zn and Cu. The result of the health risk assessment i.e., the cumulative hazard index (HI) and the cumulative lifetime cancer risk (LCR), reveal that children (mean HIchildren = 1.26, LCRchildren = 0.000187) are more vulnerable to HM exposure than adults (HIadults = 0.14, LCRadults = 0.0000804). For carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk, ingestion appears to be the major pathway of HM exposure in both age groups. It is alarming that all studied four carcinogenic HMs were found in concentrations higher than 1 × 10−6 (the permissible limit for humans). This indicates slight chances of developing cancer for both age groups in all functional areas.
Becoming More Resilient during COVID-19: Insights from a Process Evaluation of Digital Resilience Training
Authors: Ang Wei How Darryl , Chew Han Shi Jocelyn , Ong Yew Hui Nicholas , Zheng Zhongjia James , Shorey Shefaly , Lau Ying
Published: October 2022

Resilience training is gaining attention as a strategy to build students’ resistance to adversity and promote their mental well-being. However, owing to inconsistencies and variations in the content and delivery of resilience training, more work is needed to examine students’ experiences and preferences to address issues relating to intervention fidelity. This study adopted a qualitative approach in exploring students’ experience of synchronous and asynchronous versions of a digital resilience training program. Seventeen students were interviewed using a semi-structured virtual face-to-face interview via Zoom. The thematic analyses unveiled four themes: embarking on a journey toward resilience, discovering strategies to develop resilience, finding a balance to benefit from resilience skill enhancement, and instilling resilience in the everyday. Future resilience training should consider students’ workload and interactivity to enhance their engagement. As being resilient is associated with better mental well-being, the findings of this study may support the development of future wellness programs.
The Relationship between Nightmare Experience and Athletes’ Personality Traits and Anxiety
Authors: Gan Youteng , Wang Ruohang , Li Jiangang , Wang Xueyu , Fan Hongying
Published: October 2022

Objective: Frequent nightmare behavior or deep nightmare experiences may harm the physical and mental health and performance of athletes. This study explores the nightmare experiences of athletes, and includes non-athletes with similar experiences for comparison. Methods: The Nightmare Experience Questionnaire (NEQ); Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire, Shortened Form (ZKA-PQ/SF); and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used. The subjects were 187 athletes (mean age = 20.44 years, SD = 0.85; 91 females, 96 males) and 90 non-athletes (mean age = 20.34 years, SD = 1.65; 52 females, 38 males) who reported having nightmares. Results: A total of 87 athletes (46.5%) reported having nightmare experiences. The athlete nightmare group scored significantly higher in neuroticism than the non-nightmare group, and their anxiety scores were significantly higher than those of non-athletes, who scored higher in aggressiveness, neuroticism, and sensation seeking. Moreover, anxiety, neuroticism, and sensation seeking positively predicted athletes’ nightmare experiences. Conclusions: Personality traits and anxiety levels can be effectively applied to predict athletes’ nightmare experiences.
Psychophysiological and Metabolomics Responses of Adults during Horticultural Activities Using Soil Inoculated with Streptomyces rimosus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Seon-Ok , Kim Min Ji , Choi Na-Yoon , Kim Jin Hee , Oh Myung Sook , Lee Choong Hwan , Park Sin-Ae
Published: October 2022

This study compared the physiological effects at a metabolomics level with autonomic nervous system responses in adults during soil mixing activities, based on the presence or absence of Streptomyces rimosus in the soil. Thirty adult participants performed soil mixing activities for 5 min using sterilized soil with culture media and Streptomyces rimosus, respectively. Blood samples were drawn twice from each participant after each activity. Electroencephalograms were measured during the activity. Serum metabolites underwent metabolite profiling by gas chromatography, followed by multivariate analyses. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and C-reactive protein levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Soil-emitted volatile organic compounds were identified via solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, followed by multivariate analyses. The volatile compound analysis revealed that the terpenoid and benzoid compounds, geosmin, and 2-methylisoborneol were greater in soil with Streptomyces rimosus. Serum metabolomics revealed that the treatment group (soil inoculated with Streptomyces rimosus) possessed relatively higher levels of serotonin compared to the control group (soil mixed with culture media), and serum C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the treatment group. In the treatment group, the electroencephalogram revealed that alpha band activity of the occipital lobe increased. This study concludes that Streptomyces rimosus soil contact can positively affect human metabolic and autonomic reactions. Therefore, this pilot study confirmed the possible role of soil microorganisms in horticultural activities for psychophysiological effects in humans.
Heavy Metals Enrichment Associated with Water-Level Fluctuations in the Riparian Soils of the Xiaowan Reservoir, Lancang River
Authors: Zhong Ronghua , Zhang Yun , Duan Xingwu , Wang Fei , Anjum Raheel
Published: October 2022

The cascade hydropower development in the Lancang River has significantly modified the hydrologic regime and is consequently responsible for many local environmental changes. The influence of the altered hydrological regime on heavy metals accumulation in the soils of the riparian zone was evaluated for the Xiaowan Reservoir (XWR). Specifically, this study focused on investigating the trace metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn and their concentrations in the riparian soils. Furthermore, this research aimed to examine the contamination levels of heavy metals by employing the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the ecological risk index (RI), respectively. Additionally, the relationship between heavy metals and water level fluctuations as caused by the dam operation was explored. The results showed that heavy metals deposits occurred in relatively low levels in the riparian soils of XWR, even though several of these metals were revealed to occur in higher concentrations than the local background value. The Igeo assessment indicated that the riparian soils exhibited slight pollution by Hg at the Zhujie wharf (ZJW) and Cr at the transect of the Heihui River (HHR), and moderate contamination by As at ZJW. Moreover, the RI revealed that As in riparian soils is moderately hazardous while Hg poses a high risk at ZJW. The polluted water and sediments from upstream and upland of the riparian zone may be contributing to the changed concentrations of heavy metal in the riparian soils. The present study inferred that the WLFs due to reservoir impoundment play a vital role in the accumulation of trace metals in the riparian zone. However, more exhaustive investigations are necessary for verification.
Kinetic Effects of 6 Weeks’ Pilates or Balance Training in College Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Jiang Quan , Kim Yonghwan , Choi Moonyoung
Published: October 2022

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common sports injury that frequently occurs in active individuals. LAS is characterized by a high recurrence rate, with a large proportion of patients progressing to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Pilates exercises have provided positive results in health care and in rehabilitation. This study compared Pilates training (PT) with traditional balance training (BT) in patients with CAI. Fifty-one college football players with CAI, divided into PT (n = 26) and BT (n = 25) groups, were included in the study. The groups performed PT or BT training as assigned, three times per week for 6 weeks. Isokinetic ankle strength, one-leg hop tests, Y-balance test (YBT), and foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) were evaluated before and after training. There were considerable improvements in both the PT and BT groups after training. Group and time comparisons revealed that the PT group achieved better triple hop test results than the BT group, whereas the BT group exhibited a greater improvement in YBT posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. In athletes with CAI, both PT and BT effectively improved symptoms and function. These findings suggest that ankle strength, balance, and core stability should be comprehensively evaluated and targeted in CAI rehabilitation programs.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Cholera-Hospital-Based-Intervention-for-7-Days (CHoBI7) Cholera Rapid Response Program to Reduce Diarrheal Diseases in Bangladesh
Authors: George Christine Marie , Parvin Tahmina , Bhuyian Md. Sazzadul Islam , Uddin Ismat Minhaj , Zohura Fatema , Masud Jahed , Monira Shirajum , Sack David A. , Perin Jamie , Alam Munirul , Faruque A. S. G.
Published: October 2022

(a) Objective: To build an evidence base on effective water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce diarrheal diseases in cholera hotspots, we developed the CHoBI7 Cholera Rapid Response Program. (b) Methods: Once a cholera patient (confirmed by bacterial culture) is identified at a health facility, a health promoter delivers a targeted WASH intervention to the cholera hotspot (households within 20 m of a cholera patient) through both in-person visits during the first week and bi-weekly WASH mobile messages for the 3-month program period. A randomized controlled trial of the CHoBI7 Cholera Rapid Response Program was conducted with 284 participants in 15 cholera hotspots around cholera patients in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. This program was compared to the standard message in Bangladesh on the use of oral rehydration solution for dehydration. Five-hour structured observation of handwashing with soap and diarrhea surveillance was conducted monthly. (c) Findings: Handwashing with soap at food- and stool-related events was significantly higher in the CHoBI7 Cholera Rapid Response Program arm compared to the standard message arm at all timepoints (overall 54% in the CHoBI7 arm vs. 23% in the standard arm, p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in diarrheal prevalence for all participants (adults and children) (Prevalence Ratio (PR) 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14–0.85) and for children under 5 years of age (PR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.085–0.87) during the 3-month program. (d) Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the CHoBI7 Cholera Rapid Response Program is effective in lowering diarrhea prevalence and increasing handwashing with soap for a population at high risk of cholera.
FinTech Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Exploring the Interplay between Input and Output
Authors: Koroleva Ekaterina
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to examine the interplay between the attributes of the FinTech ecosystem (input) and productive entrepreneurship (output) in Russian regions. A survey was used to gather data from FinTech representatives in ten selected regions located in Russia. The acquired responses allowed measuring the FinTech ecosystem attributes by calculating the FinTech ecosystem index. Correlation analysis was used to analyse the association between the FinTech ecosystem index and productive entrepreneurship, as measured by the number of FinTechs. Data envelopment analysis was used to determine regions with more productive entrepreneurship given the ecosystem attributes. The FinTech ecosystem index defines a similar environment in the analysed regions for financial sector entrepreneurship. The regions have high values of physical infrastructure, demand, and talent, while new knowledge and networks appear as weaknesses. Still, Moscow has the highest and Chelyabinsk the lowest FinTech ecosystem index. There appears a positive link between FinTech ecosystem attributes and productive entrepreneurship. The Moscow and Chelyabinsk regions are also revealed as the regions that effectively create an environment for productive entrepreneurship from the position of the Fintech ecosystem index. This study contributed to the existing literature by measuring FinTech ecosystem attributes and productive entrepreneurship, investigating the relationship between them and determining the territories with productive entrepreneurship. It also contributed to Russian FinTech literature by being the first to measure the environment for financial sector entrepreneurship.
Impact of Bank Efficiency on the Profitability of the Banks in India: An Empirical Analysis Using Panel Data Approach
Authors: Dsouza Suzan , Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Hawaldar Iqbal Thonse , Jain Ajay Kumar
Published: October 2022

This study aims to determine the impact of banking efficiency on the profitability of the Indian banking division. The ratios (key variables) used in the study are mentioned by the Reserve Bank of India—RBI (Central bank of India). Through a quantitative approach, pooled panel regression, univariate analysis, correlation, and descriptive statistics models are used by taking annual data of the Indian banking division from 2001 to 2020 available on the Thomson Reuters (Refinitiv) Database. Unbalanced cross-sectional data (panel data) comprising 527 bank-year observations for 33 Indian banks were studied. It was decided to evaluate the impact of efficiency (cost to income ratio and staff expenses to total expenses ratio) on the profitability (return on assets and net interest margin ratio) of the banks from the Indian banking division. The results revealed that the cost to income ratio has a significant negative impact on the bank return on assets and net interest margin ratio. The staff expenses to total expenses ratio has a significant positive impact on the bank return on assets and a positive nonsignificant impact on the bank net interest margin ratio.
A GIS Pipeline to Produce GeoAI Datasets from Drone Overhead Imagery
Authors: Ballesteros John R. , Sanchez-Torres German , Branch-Bedoya John W.
Published: October 2022

Drone imagery is becoming the main source of overhead information to support decisions in many different fields, especially with deep learning integration. Datasets to train object detection and semantic segmentation models to solve geospatial data analysis are called GeoAI datasets. They are composed of images and corresponding labels represented by full-size masks typically obtained by manual digitizing. GIS software is made of a set of tools that can be used to automate tasks using geo-referenced raster and vector layers. This work describes a workflow using GIS tools to produce GeoAI datasets. In particular, it mentions the steps to obtain ground truth data from OSM and use methods for geometric and spectral augmentation and the data fusion of drone imagery. A method semi-automatically produces masks for point and line objects, calculating an optimum buffer distance. Tessellation into chips, pairing and imbalance checking is performed over the image–mask pairs. Dataset splitting into train–validation–test data is done randomly. All of the code for the different methods are provided in the paper, as well as point and road datasets produced as examples of point and line geometries, and the original drone orthomosaic images produced during the research. Semantic segmentation results performed over the point and line datasets using a classical U-Net show that the semi-automatically produced masks, called primitive masks, obtained a higher mIoU compared to other equal-size masks, and almost the same mIoU metric compared to full-size manual masks.
Identification of Paddy Varieties from Landsat 8 Satellite Image Data Using Spectral Unmixing Method in Indramayu Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Cipta Iqbal Maulana , Jaelani Lalu Muhamad , Sanjaya Hartanto
Published: October 2022

Indramayu Regency is the highest rice producer in West Java province, Indonesia. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), in 2021, rice production in 2020 reached 1,365,435.39 tons of GKG (milled dry grain). Technological developments in the food sector produce various kinds of premium quality rice and rice varieties resistant to climate change, such as Ciherang, Inpari 32 HDB and IR 64. The regular monitoring of specific rice varieties over large areas effectively maintains the quality and quantity of rice production. This study used remote sensing data to monitor rice conditions and distribution based on the spectral unmixing method. The spectral unmixing method was used to identify the percentage of the presence of a pure object in a pixel. The results obtained in this study were images of the endmember fractions of rice varieties and areas of dominant rice varieties used in the Indramayu district. The dominant variety detected with the processing results was the Inpari 32 HDB variety, with an area of 30,738.64 hectares. In comparison, varieties other than Inpari 32 HDB were also detected in several areas in the Indramayu district, with an area of 12,192.68 hectares.
Quantify the Potential Spatial Reshaping Utility of Urban Growth Boundary (UGB): Evidence from the Constrained Scenario Simulation Model
Authors: Ma Shifa , Jiang Haiyan , Zhang Xiwen , Xie Dixiang , Cai Yunnan , Zhao Yabo , Wang Guanwei
Published: October 2022

Many countries, including China, have implemented the spatial government policy widely known as urban growth boundary (UGB) for managing future urban growth. However, few studies have asked why we need UGB, especially pre-evaluating the utility of UGB for reshaping the future spatial patterns of cities. In this research, we proposed a constrained urban growth simulation model (CUGSM) which coupled Markov chain (MC), random forest (RF), and patch growth based cellular automata (Patch-CA) to simulate urban growth. The regulatory effect of UGB was coupled with CUGSM based on a random probability game method. Guangzhou city, a metropolitan area located in the Peral River Delta of China, was taken as a case study. Historical urban growth from 1995 to 2005 and random forests were used to calibrate the conversion rules of Patch-CA, and the urban patterns simulated and observed in 2015 were used to identify the simulation accuracy. The results showed that the Kappa and figure of merit (FOM) indices of the unconstrained Patch-CA were just 0.7914 and 0.1930, respectively, which indicated that the actual urban growth was reshaped by some force beyond what Patch-CA has learned. We further compared the simulation scenarios in 2035 with and without considering the UGB constraint, and the difference between them is as high as 21.14%, which demonstrates that UGB plays an important role in the spatial reshaping of future urban growth. Specifically, the newly added urban land outside the UGB has decreased from 25.13% to 16.86% after considering the UGB constraint; particularly, the occupation of agricultural space and ecological space has been dramatically reduced. This research has demonstrated that the utility of UGB for reshaping future urban growth is pronounced, and it is necessary for the Chinese government to further strengthen UGB policy to promote sustainable urban growth.