bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Feasibility of a Renewable Integrated Hybrid Power Generation System for a Rural Village of Ladakh
Authors: Sambhi Shilpa , Sharma Himanshu , Bhadoria Vikas , Kumar Pankaj , Chaurasia Ravi , Chaurasia Giraja , Fotis Georgios , Vita Vasiliki , Ekonomou Lambros , Pavlatos Christos
Published: December 2022

This paper mainly dealt with the technical and economic feasibility of an off-grid hybrid power generation system for a remote rural Turtuk village of Ladakh, located in the northern part of India. The study showed that the proposed configured renewable integrated hybrid system, using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, efficiently met the energy demand, exhibiting optimum performance with low investment. The proposed PV(115 kW)/Wind(1 kW)/Battery(164 strings of 6 V each)/DG(50 kW) hybrid system was a highly commendable, feasible solution preferred from a total of 133,156 available solutions resulting from HOMER simulations. The net present cost and energy cost of the proposed configuration were $278,176 and $0.29/kWh, respectively. The proposed hybrid configuration fulfilled local load, with 95.97% reduced dominant harmful carbon dioxide emission, as compared to the sole us of a diesel generator power supply system. The technical performance of the hybrid system was ensured, with advantages including the highest renewable penetration and least unmet load. Furthermore, the analysis exclusively evaluated the impact of the system’s economic parameters (namely, its expected inflation rate, nominal discount rate, and project lifetime) on the net present cost and cost of energy of the system using a noble single fix duo vary approach.
Optimal Dispatch of Agricultural Integrated Energy System with Hybrid Energy Storage
Authors: Yang Wu , Xia Yi , Yu Xijuan , Zhang Huifeng , Lin Xuming , Ma Hongxia , Du Yuze , Dong Haiying
Published: December 2022

Rural energy is an important part of China’s energy system, and, as China’s agricultural modernization continues, integrated agricultural energy systems (AIES) will play an increasingly important role. However, most of China’s existing rural energy systems are inefficient, costly to run, and pollute the environment. Therefore, meeting various agricultural energy needs while balancing energy efficiency and costs is an important issue in the design and dispatch of integrated agricultural energy systems. In conjunction with hybrid energy storage (HES), which has been developed and matured in recent years, this paper proposes a new type of AIES structure and optimal dispatching strategy that incorporates HES, biogas generation (BG), P2G, and an electric boiler (EB) to provide new ideas for problem solving. Firstly, the structure of AIES is introduced and the mathematical model of the equipment of the system is described; then, an economic optimal dispatching model with the objective of minimizing the comprehensive operating costs of the system is established, and the output of each piece of energy conversion equipment is controlled to achieve the effect of improving the system’s operating performance and reducing the operating costs. The results show that the system with HES and multi-energy coupling equipment has a 20% lower overall cost, 23.2% lower environmental protection cost, and 51% higher energy efficiency than the original system; the stored power of energy storage equipment in the HES mode is primarily determined by the change in demand of the corresponding load, and the number of conversions between different energy sources is limited. The energy conversion loss is minimal.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Blades Number on the Dynamic Response of a Small Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Vedovelli Matteo , Eltayesh Abdelgalil , Natili Francesco , Castellani Francesco
Published: December 2022

The new energy scenario is rising a strong interest towards the distributed production from renewable sources; among them, wind seems to be one of the most interesting and at the same time critical due to the challenges of the conversion technology. Operation of small wind energy conversion systems is generally very complex due the extremely variable regime of operation and the high turbulent wind, so that a deep knowledge of the dynamic response of such devices is crucial not only for optimising their performances but also to make them comfortable to be used in residential areas. For these reasons, the present work is focused on analysing the effect in changing the number of blades on a small horizontal axis wind turbine through an experimental campaign in the wind tunnel. The turbine dynamics has been characterised running some “wind ramp” tests and analysing the rotor capability in following the wind as well the vibrations transmitted by the turbine during the operation. Results demonstrate that a higher number of blades, despite a small decrease of performance, can make the machine more efficient in operating at low wind regimes. At the same time, a higher number of blades can make the rotor efficient even at lower speed of rotation, thus limiting the risks of having high magnitude vibrations.
Development of Probiotic-Fermented Black Mulberry (Morus nigra L.) Juice and Its Antioxidant Activity in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Lv Mingshan , Aihaiti Aihemaitijiang , Liu Xiaolu , Tuerhong Nuersiman , Yang Jiangyong , Chen Keping , Wang Liang
Published: December 2022

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is considered a medicinal and food-homologous plant in China. An obstacle to its widespread use is that its annual season and shelf life are extremely short. In this paper, fermented black mulberry juice (FBMJ) was prepared with various probiotic strains, and response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum production conditions for achieving the maximum active substance content in the resulting product. The fermentation process increased levels of biological enzymes and total phenols in the resulting juice. When the ratios of the Lactobacillus inocula to the total inoculum were 27.96% for L. paracasei, 15.37% for L. casei, 16.64% for L. plantarum, and 5.12% for L. delbrueckii, the B. animalis subsp. lactis content reached 15.83%, the L. fermentum content reached 19.08%, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity reached 310 U/g. To study the antioxidant characteristics of the juice, C2C12 cells were treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress and the cytoprotective activity of FBMJ was subsequently evaluated. After treatment with FBMJ for 24 h, cell viability was found to be protected under H2O2 exposure, while SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were increased. The reactive oxygen species level and malondialdehyde content were also decreased. These results provide molecular evidence for the antioxidant effect of FBMJ and demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria fermentation has a positive effect on black mulberry juice (BMJ).
In Vitro Gastrointestinal Bioaccessibility, Bioactivities and Colonic Fermentation of Phenolic Compounds in Different Vigna Beans
Authors: Li Minhao , Bai Qian , Zhou Jiajing , de Souza Thaiza Serrano Pinheiro , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul
Published: December 2022

Beans are widely consumed throughout the world, rich in non-nutrient phenolic compounds and other bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, lectins, and others. However, research about in vitro digestion impacts on the changes of bioactive compounds’ release and related antioxidant potential in different Vigna beans is limited. This research aimed to assess the modifications that occur in the content and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in four Vigna samples (adzuki bean, black urid whole, black eye bean, and mung bean), their antioxidant properties, and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production through static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. Adzuki bean exhibited relatively higher total phenolic content (TPC; 4.76 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activities after in vitro digestion. The black eye beans’ total flavonoid content (0.74 mg QE/g) and total condensed tannins (10.43 mg CE/g) displayed higher tendencies. For colonic fermentation, the greatest TPC value of entire samples was detected through a 2-h reaction. In most selected beans, phenolic compounds were comparably more bioaccessible during the oral phase. Acetic acid showed the highest level through SCFAs production, and the total SCFAs in adzuki beans was the greatest (0.021 mmol/L) after 16-h fermentation. Adzuki beans may be more beneficial to gut health and possess a stronger antioxidant potential after consumption.
Accurate Detection of Salmonella Based on Microfluidic Chip to Avoid Aerosol Contamination
Authors: Luo Yining , Shan Shan , Wang Shuanglong , Li Jinlin , Liu Daofeng , Lai Weihua
Published: December 2022

Salmonella is a type of common foodborne pathogen of global concern, seriously endangering human health. In molecular biological detection of Salmonella, the method of amplifying DNA often faces the problem of aerosol pollution. In this study, a microfluidic chip was developed to integrate loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system to detect Salmonella. The LAMP reaction solution was initially injected into the chamber to amplify at 65 °C for 20 min; the CRISPR/Cas12a reaction solution was subsequently injected to mix with the amplicons for fluorescent signal production at 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the results can be confirmed by naked eyes under 495 nm light or by a fluorescence immunochromatographic reader. The detection limit of this method for Salmonella DNA was 118 pg/μL. The sensitivity and specificity of this method was 100%. Furthermore, this method was used to detect Salmonella after enrichment for 4 h in salmon and chicken samples spiked with 30 CFU/25 g, and was verified to have a stable detection capability in real samples. The microfluidic chip integrated with the LAMP and CRISPR/Cas12a system not only provides a possibility of highly sensitive endpoint fluorescent visual detection of a foodborne pathogen, but also greatly eliminates the risk of aerosol contamination.
Isolation and Identification of Constituents Exhibiting Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antihyperuricemia Activities in Piper methysticum Root
Authors: Minh Truong Ngoc , Van Truong Mai , Khanh Tran Dang , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: December 2022

The aqueous extract of kava (Piper methysticum) root is known as a traditional beverage for daily intake in the Western Pacific Islands, such as Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, to induce relaxation and health-beneficial effects. In this study, the antioxidant, anti-hyperuricemia, and antibacterial properties of kava root were investigated through the isolation and purification of bioactive compounds in ten fractions separated by column chromatography (CC). They included six flavonoids, 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavanone (C1), matteucinol (C2), isosakuranetin (C3), 5,7- dimethoxyflavanone (C4), 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxydihydrochalcone (in MC5) and alpinetin (C10), and seven kavalactones, 5,6-dehydrokawain (DK) (in MC5 and C6), kavain (in MC7), yangonin (in MC7 and C8), dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain (DDK) (in MC9), 7,8-dihydromethysticin (in MC9), dihydromethysticin (in MC9), methysticin (in MC9). The chemical structures of the compounds were illustrated by the analyses of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C-NMR), and X-ray diffraction. The evaluation of the free radical scavenging activity of the isolated substances via the DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that C3 (IC50: ABTS = 76.5; DPPH = 74.8 µg/mL) possessed the strongest antioxidant property. In terms of anti-hyperuricemia activity evaluated via the xanthine oxidase inhibitory in vitro assay, the compound C10 was the most promising inhibitor, revealing an IC50 of 134.52 µg/mL. The two kavalactone mixtures in MC5 and a pure compound C6 inhibited the growth of bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, while MC7 can constrain the development of Klebsiella pneumoniae. This is the first study to isolate, purify, and identify the flavonoids isosakuranetin, 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxydihydrochalcone and alpinetin in kava root and report their pharmaceutical potential. The identified bioactive compounds showed potent antioxidant, anti-hyperuricemia, and antibacterial activity and thus can enhance the value of beverages and foods derived from kava root.
Impact of Non-Thermal Technologies on the Quality of Nuts: A Review
Authors: Sánchez-Bravo Paola , Noguera-Artiaga Luis , Gómez-López Vicente M. , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Gabaldón José A. , Pérez-López Antonio J.
Published: December 2022

Nuts are widely consumed worldwide, mainly due to their characteristic flavor and texture, ease of consumption, and their functional properties. In addition, consumers increasingly demand natural or slightly processed foods with high quality. Consequently, non-thermal treatments are a viable alternative to thermal treatments used to guarantee safety and long shelf life, which produce undesirable changes that affect the sensory quality of nuts. Non-thermal treatments can achieve results similar to those of the traditional (thermal) ones in terms of food safety, while ensuring minimal loss of bioactive compounds and sensory properties, thus obtaining a product as similar as possible to the fresh one. This article focuses on a review of the main non-thermal treatments currently available for nuts (cold plasma, high pressure, irradiation, pulsed electric field, pulsed light, ultrasound and ultraviolet light) in relation to their effects on the quality and safety of nuts. All the treatments studied have shown promise with regard to the inhibition of the main microorganisms affecting nuts (e.g., Aspergillus, Salmonella, and E. coli). Furthermore, by optimizing the treatment, it is possible to maintain the organoleptic and functional properties of these products.
Cosmological Model Tests with JWST
Authors: Lovyagin Nikita , Raikov Alexander , Yershov Vladimir , Lovyagin Yuri
Published: December 2022

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has recently become operational, is capable of detecting objects at record-breaking redshifts, z≳15. This is a crucial advance for observational cosmology, as at these redshifts the differences between alternative cosmological models manifest themselves in the most obvious way. In recent years, some observational hints have emerged indicating that the Standard Cosmological Model could require correcting. One of these hints is related to the discovery of remote galaxies whose redshifts correspond to the very young Universe (less than one billion years after the Big Bang) but which are similar to nearby galaxies. The issue is that such galaxies in the early Universe do not have enough time to evolve into something similar to the late-Universe galaxies. JWST observations of high-redshift objects are expected to shed light on the origin of this issue. Here we provide results on performing the “angular diameter—redshift” cosmological test for the first JWST observation data. We compare this result with predictions of the standard ΛCDM cosmological model and some static cosmological models, including Zwicky’s “tired-light” model. The latter is currently assumed to be ruled out by observations. We challenge this assumption and show that a static model can provide a natural and straightforward way of solving the puzzle of the well-evolved galaxies and better agreements with the results of the JWST “angular diameter—redshift” test at high redshifts than the correcting evolution model within the ΛCDM framework. We discuss several cosmological tests that will be important for further research on the possibility of revising the expanding Universe paradigm.
Pd-Loaded Cellulose NanoSponge as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reactions
Authors: Riva Laura , Nicastro Gloria , Liu Mingchong , Battocchio Chiara , Punta Carlo , Sacchetti Alessandro
Published: December 2022

The (eco)design and synthesis of durable heterogeneous catalysts starting from renewable sources derived from biomass waste represents an important step for reducing environmental impacts of organic transformations. Herein, we report the efficient loading of Pd(II) ions on an eco-safe cellulose-based organic support (CNS), obtained by thermal cross-linking between TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers and branched polyethyleneimine in the presence of citric acid. A 22.7% w/w Pd-loading on CNS was determined by the ICP-OES technique, while the metal distribution on the xerogel was evidenced by SEM–EDS analysis. XPS analysis confirmed the direct chelation of Pd(II) ions by means of the high number of amino groups present in the network, so that further functionalization of the support with specific ligands was not necessary. The new composite turned to be an efficient heterogeneous pre-catalyst for promoting Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions between aryl halides and phenyl boronic acid in water, obtaining yields higher than 90% in 30 min, by operating in a microwave reactor at 100 °C and with just 2% w/w of CNS-Pd catalyst with respect to aryl halides (4.5‰ for Pd). At the end of first reaction cycle, Pd(II) ions on the support resulted in being reduced to Pd(0) while maintaining the same catalytic efficiency. In fact, no leaching was observed at the end of reactions, and five cycles of recycling and reusing of CNS-Pd catalyst provided excellent results in terms of yields and selectivity in the desired products.
The Impact of Popular Science Articles by Physicians on Their Performance on Online Medical Platforms
Authors: Liu Jingfang , Wang Shiqi , Jiang Huihong
Published: December 2022

The public demand for popular science knowledge regarding health is increasing, and physicians’ popular science practices on online medical platforms are becoming frequent. Few studies have been conducted to address the relationship between specific characteristics of popular science articles by physicians and their performance. This study explored the impact of the characteristics of popular science articles on physicians’ performance based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) from the central path (topic focus and readability) and the peripheral path (form diversity). Data on four diseases, namely, lung cancer, brain hemorrhage, hypertension, and depression, were collected from an online medical platform, resulting in relevant personal data from 1295 doctors and their published popular science articles. Subsequently, the independent variables were quantified using thematic analysis and formula calculation, and the research model and hypotheses proposed in this paper were verified through empirical analysis. The results revealed that the topic focus, readability, and form diversity of popular science articles by physicians had a significant positive effect on physicians’ performance. This study enriches the research perspective on the factors influencing physicians’ performance, which has guiding implications for both physicians and platforms, thereby providing a basis for patients to choose physicians and enabling patients to receive popular science knowledge regarding health in an effective manner.
COVID-19 Adenoviral Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT), COVID-19-Related Thrombosis, and the Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Syndromes
Authors: Allas Gewil Daniella Olipas , Arizala Joekeem Del Rosario , Manalo Rafael Vincent Mercado
Published: December 2022

Adenoviral-based vaccines such as ChadoX1 CoV-19 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2.S (J&J) were developed to prevent infection and reduce hospitalization or death in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Although these vaccines passed safety and efficacy trials with excellent neutralizing capabilities against SARS-CoV-2, very rare reports of acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic events following administration emerged in certain populations, which triggered a series of clinical investigations that gave rise to a novel phenomenon called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Several converging pathways exist between VITT and other forms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic syndromes, specifically that of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which involves the formation of anti-PF4 antibodies and the activation of platelets leading to thrombocytopenia and thrombin-mediated clotting. Interestingly, certain differences in the presentation also exist in VITT, and guidelines have been published in recent months to assist clinicians in recognizing VITT to achieve desired outcomes. In this paper, we first discuss the clotting phenomenon in COVID-19 and delineate it from VITT, followed by a review of current knowledge on the clinical manifestations of VITT in lieu of other thrombotic thrombocytopenic syndromes. Likewise, emerging evidence on the role of adenoviral vectors and vaccine constituents is also discussed briefly.
What about Exotic Species? Significance of Remains of Strange and Alien Animals in the Baltic Sea Region, Focusing on the Period from the Viking Age to High Medieval Times (800–1300 CE)
Authors: Schmölcke Ulrich
Published: December 2022

During the Viking era and the Middle Ages, in the Baltic Sea area, the remains of alien animal species are found rarely but recurrently. These species, which were previously widely distributed in other regions, were originally considered “exotic” by the local people of the Baltic Sea region. Conversely, “exotic” was also used to describe the last local specimens of those indigenous species that had become very rare over time. Other categories of exotic animals can be defined: the first specimens of domesticated animals seen in an area, and mythical species whose existence was generally, but erroneously, assumed. In the present paper, the evidence of selected exotic species in the Baltic Sea area is analyzed with regard to both their cultural–historical and ecological significance. Many exotic specimens were used for social and hierarchical display, illustrating the individual’s sophistication and broad knowledge of the world, their wealth, and their supra-regional influence. As a result, before Christianization, these species became part of burial rites. At the same time, some of these species became or were already integral parts of the fauna of the Baltic Sea region. Some newly immigrated species were welcomed by the people, while others were considered pests. “New”, initially exotic, species formed the basis for the purely anthropogenic urban ecosystems that emerged during this period. Meanwhile, other, formerly common, species had become “exotic” because of their increasing rarity; when they became extinct, they left significant gaps in the biocoenoses wherein they were interconnected. These ecological effects, as well as some of the socio-cultural characteristics of exotic species, find parallels in modern times.
Design of a Transdisciplinary Methodology for the Identification and Characterisation of Industrial Landscapes
Authors: Alba Dorado María Isabel
Published: December 2022

Today, the industrial landscape constitutes an extraordinarily complex phenomenon, the study of which has been approached belatedly by the scientific community in general. This has given rise to a situation of conceptual and methodological insufficiency in the field of landscape study, making necessary both a reconsideration of the ways these studies have been approached to date and the development of a methodological framework that takes into account the specific nature of these landscapes. With this in mind, the objective of this article is to present a specific methodology for the identification and characterisation of industrial landscapes based on both their heritage and cultural considerations. The methodology contemplates an initial in-depth study of both the landscapes in question and the most relevant methodological trends applied to landscape study, in an effort to ascertain to what extent these methodological approaches respond to the needs of the study. On the basis of the results obtained, this article attempts to make an advance in the contribution of methodological improvements and innovations that materialise in the design of an industrial landscape identification and characterisation methodology, that contemplates a holistic, integrational approach that operates across the various dimensions attributable to these landscapes and advocates a transdisciplinary approach to the study of the same.
Establishment of Direct Organogenesis Protocol for Arachis hypogaea cv. Virginia in Liquid Medium by Temporary Immersion System (TIS)
Authors: Ozudogru Elif Aylin , Karlik Elif , Elazab Doaa , Lambardi Maurizio
Published: December 2022

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a rich source of herbal oil, proteins, minerals, vitamins, fibers, essential amino acids, as well as bioactive compounds, and are thus widely used for human nutrition and animal feed, and for prevention from certain diseases. However, the in vitro regeneration response of the species is generally low, and it also displays a significant variability among its varieties. Thus, the development of advanced protocols and approaches for the in vitro propagation of peanut is still of immense importance. A recently developed in vitro propagation technique, TIS; Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System, provides a new approach for the mass propagation of plants. Accordingly, the present study provides an efficient de novo regeneration protocol for Arachis hypogaea L. cv. Virginia by using a TIS. Different concentrations of cytokinins, i.e., benzyladenine (BA) or thidiazuron (TDZ), were tested with several combinations of dry and medium immersion periods of TIS, corresponding to a total of 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 64, 72, and 96 min daily immersions for the induction of direct organogenesis. The study exhibited that an MS medium added to 110 µM BA or 10 µM TDZ are the most appropriate medium formulations in TIS, when applied for 16 min every 16 h. The application of optimized procedures to cv. NC7 and two valuable Turkish autochthonous varieties, 7 × 77 and Com74, is also reported. To the best of our knowledge, the present study draws attention also for being the first study in which a TIS was used for peanuts.
A Latent Profile Analysis of PERMA: Associations with Physical Activity and Psychological Distress among Chinese Nursing College Students
Authors: Qi Meiling , Sun Qian , Zhao Xiangyu , Gao Yiming , Zhao Di , Shen Shiyu , Zayidan Polat , Xiu Ziyang , Li Ping
Published: December 2022

Background: The wellbeing of college students is an important concern for public health, and may have associations with insufficient physical activity and psychological distress. This study aimed to identify the latent classes of wellbeing based on the PERMA (i.e., positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) wellbeing framework, and to explore their associations with levels of physical activity and psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. A latent profile analysis was performed to characterize the different classes of wellbeing of nursing college students. Results: A group of 1741 nursing college students in China completed the study. Three wellbeing classes were identified in the final model (i.e., low-level wellbeing, moderate-level wellbeing, and high-level wellbeing). Significant differences were found between the three classes in terms of gender (p = 0.002) and year of study (p = 0.038). Low levels of physical activity participation were significantly associated with lower odds of being in the high-level wellbeing class compared with the moderate-level wellbeing class (OR = 1.398, 95%CI [1.023, 1.910], p = 0.035). Lower levels of psychological distress were also associated with greater wellbeing among the three wellbeing classes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Effective strategies are needed to increase college students’ physical activity participation and decrease the severity of psychological distress to improve their health and wellbeing in China.
Associations between Muscle-Tendon Morphology and Functional Movements Capacity, Flexibility, and Balance in Older Women
Authors: Muanjai Pornpimol , Namsawang Juntip , Satkunskienė Danguole , Kamandulis Sigitas
Published: December 2022

Loss of functional movement capacity in older adults is related to adverse changes in musculotendinous morphology, but this relationship is poorly understood. This study examined the associations between musculotendinous morphology and functional movements, flexibility, and balance ability. Ninety-nine older women (66.6 ± 4.6 years, body mass index 23.5 ± 3.3 kg∙m–2) were recruited from Chonburi Province, Thailand. During one 90-min visit, muscle ultrasound imaging of vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and medial gastrocnemius muscles, and tendon ultrasonography of the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon were performed. Measures were also obtained for the straight leg raise, passive dorsiflexion, balance, and functional tests (Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSTS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-Meter Fast Walk Test (10-MFWT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT)). The results specify that functional movement performance correlates most strongly with medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness (5TSTS (r = −0.26), TUG (r = −0.44), 10-MFWT (r = 0.41), and 6-MWT (r = 0.48) all p < 0.05) and that vastus lateralis muscle thickness and medial gastrocnemius muscle thickness correlate positively with balance ability (r = 0.24, 0.34; p < 0.05) and negatively with fear of falling. It appears that muscle mass, rather than other morphological parameters, such as muscle quality or fascicle length, is the main factor affecting the susceptibility of older women to frailty.
A Comprehensive Mixed Methods Approach for Studying the Quality of Life of Colombian Periodontists
Authors: Romo-Cabrera Wilmer A. , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A.
Published: December 2022

This study analyzed the association of the sociodemographic, labor, and health conditions on the quality of life (QOL) of the periodontists in Colombia. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. The first quantitative phase was carried out by a cross-sectional survey (n = 187; 60.4% females). Variables: sociodemographics, labor, and health conditions, QOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Normality tests, descriptive statistics, and bivariate analyzes were performed. Factors associated with QOL were established using multivariate linear regression. A second qualitative phase with two focus groups (FGs) delved into those aspects of relevance, through qualitative content analysis and triangulation of information. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the factors associated with the QOL scores were in the case of men and negatively (QOL decreases): having low social support (p < 0.001), reporting poor mental health (p < 0.01). For women, QOL scores were negatively associated with low social support (p < 0.001), reporting poor general and mental health (p < 0.01), having greater stress at work (p < 0.05), having a temporary contract (p < 0.05), and living in a medium or low socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). The analysis of the FG allowed us to understand how QOL is permeated by the social context. The specialization of periodontics has generated a change in living conditions, and an adaptation to the workplace that allows them to gain recognition and a higher QOL. In conclusion, the QOL of periodontists is defined in subjective terms (standards) and related to social and labor conditions. Follow-up and evaluation strategies of the general conditions of these clinical specialists in Colombia are required.
Key Predictive Factors in the Mental Health of Chinese University Students at Home and Abroad
Authors: Zhao Jian , Chapman Elaine , Houghton Stephen
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of reported mental health problems among university students has increased at alarming rates in recent years. While various negative life events (from personal events such as relationship breakdowns to more global events such as COVID-19 [SARS-CoV-2] pandemic) have been found to be important predictors of poor mental health in this population, some individuals have been found robustly to fare better than others in confronting such events. Identifying factors that predict these individuals’ mental health, along with the specific coping strategies they utilize may have significant practical implications when confronted by adverse events such as COVID-19. This study investigated relationships between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 828 (453 females, 374 males, and one “Other”) Chinese university students’ mental health, and their internal strengths, personality characteristics, and demographic profiles. We also investigated whether students’ use of specific coping strategies mediated these relationships. Stepwise multiple regression analyses (MRAs) and a path analysis revealed that students who resided in their home country, had higher levels of internal strengths, a lower level of neuroticism and a higher level of agreeableness and reported fewer negative mental health changes than did other respondents during COVID-19 in the second half of 2020. Self-regulation and withdrawal coping strategies were both important mediators of these relationships. These findings have important implications for universities in identifying and assisting students in the face of adverse events such as COVID-19.
Analysis of the Future Evolution of Biocapacity and Landscape Characteristics in the Agro-Pastoral Zone of Northern China
Authors: Niu Xiaoyu , Hu Yunfeng , Zhen Lin , Wang Yiming , Yan Huimin
Published: December 2022

The Agro-Pastoral Zone of Northern China (AZNC) is an ecologically fragile zone. It is a challenge to create scientifically sound plans for environmental conservation and agro-pastoral development due to the lack of future evolution prediction, and analysis of biocapacity (BC) and landscape characteristics. Using the Globeland30 dataset from 2000 to 2020, this study simulated 2030 land use/land cover (LULC) scenarios, and analyzed the future evolution of BC and landscape patterns. The results show that: (1) The Logistic and CA-Markov models can reasonably simulate the LULC changes in the research area, with ROC indices over 0.9 and Kappa approaching 0.805, after considering the driving factors such as physical geography, regional climate, and socio-economic development. (2) From 2000 to 2030, the spatial distribution pattern of LULC does not change significantly, and cultivated land, grassland, and forest are still the dominant land types in the research area. The regional BC exhibits an increasing trend (+4.55 × 106 gha/a), and the spatial distribution pattern of BC is similar to that of LULC. (3) Changes in land miniaturization, landscape fragmentation, and decreased aggregation can be seen in the entire AZNC and specific land categories, including cultivated land, grassland, and forest. The study provides suggestions for formulating the AZNC’s future ecological protection and agro-pastoral development strategies, and guidance for the LULC simulation in other agro-pastoral zones.
Job Dissatisfaction and Its Predictors among Healthcare Workers of ‘Type 2 Health Clinics’ in North-Eastern Malaysia
Authors: Azmi Mohd Ikhwan , Daud Aziah , Shafei Mohd Nazri , Abdul Hamid Anees
Published: December 2022

It is crucial to comprehend factors associated to job dissatisfaction among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Malaysia’s primary health clinics, especially those working in ‘Type 2 Health Clinics’ which cater for populations of >50,000 and a daily average number of patients between 500 and 800. It is essential to ensure that effective strategies can be proposed to promote job satisfaction. A total of 314 HCWs from ‘Type 2 Health Clinics’ in north-eastern Malaysia consented to participate in this cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2020 and December 2021. The Job Satisfaction Survey was used to assess job dissatisfaction. The prevalence of job dissatisfaction was 35.7%. The significant factors associated with job dissatisfaction were younger age and those who were dissatisfied with their yearly performance mark. Targeted interventional activities for young HCWs and for those who are dissatisfied with their yearly performance mark are recommended to improve job satisfaction.
Encouraging Healthier Food and Beverage Purchasing and Consumption: A Review of Interventions within Grocery Retail Settings
Authors: Wolgast Henry , Halverson McKenna M. , Kennedy Nicole , Gallard Isabel , Karpyn Allison
Published: December 2022

This review identifies the most promising intervention strategies for promoting the purchase and consumption of healthier items within U.S. grocery retail settings, with a particular focus on those strategies that may be most effective when implemented within SNAP-authorized retail settings. Searches of nine electronic databases, as well as forward and backward searches, yielded 1942 studies. After being screened, 73 peer-reviewed academic articles were identified for inclusion. Of these, 33 analyzed single-component interventions, while 40 assessed multi-component interventions. The following unique intervention types were considered as evaluated in these studies for their ability to increase healthy item purchasing and consumption: (1) nutrition scoring, (2) nutritional messaging, (3) non-nutritional messaging, (4) endcaps and secondary placement, (5) point-of-sale interventions, (6) increased stocking, (7) food tasting and demonstrations, (8) nutrition education, and (9) placement on shelf interventions. Nutritional scoring and nutritional messaging emerged as the most rigorously tested and effective intervention strategies. Other strategies warrant more research attention. Simple intervention strategies, as opposed to complex ones, yield the most successful results and minimize shopper burden. Therefore, these strategies should be reviewed for policy implementation within SNAP-authorized grocery retailers.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hospital-Based Repeated Measures Study
Authors: Liao Mao-Hung , Lai Ying-Ching , Lin Chih-Ming
Published: December 2022

Although many studies have investigated burnout, stress, and mental health issues among health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, few have linked these relationships to chronic physiological illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases. This study assessed changes in cardiovascular risk factors in HCWs and other hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified vulnerable groups at a higher risk of increased adverse cardiovascular conditions. Five hundred and fourteen hospital employees ≥ 20 years of age underwent physical examinations and laboratory testing once before and once after the first wave of the pandemic in Taiwan during 2020 and 2021. Their sociodemographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, blood biochemical parameters, and body mass index, were collected. The differences between pre- and post-pandemic measurements of their biophysical and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed using pairwise tests. The post-pandemic increases in their parameter levels and cardiovascular risk as a function of underlying factors were estimated from multivariate regressions. HCWs showed significant increases in levels and abnormal rates of BMI, blood pressure, plasma glucose, and total cholesterol after the pandemic. Post-pandemic increases in BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were higher in females than in males. Workers with higher levels of education or longer job tenure had greater increases in BMI, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels than other workers. Females had a higher incidence of abnormal BMI and hypertension than males (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] of 8.3 and 2.9, respectively). Older workers’ incidence of hypertension was higher than younger workers’ (AOR = 3.5). Preventive strategies should be implemented for HCWs susceptible to cardiovascular diseases during emerging infectious disease outbreaks.
Psychological Resilience May Be Related to Students’ Responses to Victims of School Bullying: A Cross-Sectional Study of Chinese Grade 3–5 Primary School Students
Authors: Lu Lu , Fei Liping , Ye Yunli , Liao Maoxu , Chang Yuhong , Chen Yiting , Zou Yanli , Li Xin , Zhang Rong
Published: December 2022

Background: School bullying is a major public health problem with a large impact on children’s health. There is an increasing number of cases of school bullying reported in China. Studies have shown that the health consequences of different ways of responding to school bullying may be quite different and that psychological resilience is also closely related to aggressive behaviors. However, there has been little research on whether individuals with different psychological resilience levels respond differently. Objective: To explore the relationship between responses to school bullying and psychological resilience, which may provide new ideas and strategies to better prevent and intervene in school bullying. Methods: A random sample of 5425 primary school students aged 7–14 years were recruited in Luzhou, China. All students completed a questionnaire anonymously. The statistical significance of differences between groups was tested using the χ2 test or t test. Binary logistic regression was conducted to explore the relationship between responses and psychological resilience. Results: Over two-thirds of primary school students in this study reported experiencing bullying in the past year. The rate of positive responses among victims was 69.10% (2596/3757, 95% CI: 67.62~70.58%). There was a positive relationship between psychological resilience and positive responses. This relationship was observed for all victims (OR = 1.605, 95% CI: 1.254~2.055), especially male victims (OR = 2.300, 95% CI: 1.624~3.259). Conclusions: There was a positive relationship between primary school bullying responses and psychological resilience among victims, with differences by sex. Therefore, increasing students’ level of psychological resilience, possibly by improving their responses, is important for preventing school bullying. Meanwhile, effective interventions for school bullying should be developed from multiple perspectives, particularly sex, bullying roles, and psychological resilience.
Smoking Has No Influence on Outcomes after Repair of the Medial Meniscus in the Hypo and Avascular Zones—A Pilot Study
Authors: Zabrzyński Jan , Paczesny Łukasz , Zabrzyńska Agnieszka , Huri Gazi , Graboń Kamil , Pielak Tomasz , Kruczyński Jacek , Łapaj Łukasz
Published: December 2022

Complete loss of the meniscus inevitably leads to knee joint degeneration. Smoking is an important factor predicting poor outcome in orthopedics; however, data about its role in meniscus surgery are inconclusive. Smoking could be an important negative factor in isolated meniscus repair. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of smoking on functional outcomes after isolated all-inside medial meniscus repair. This study included 50 consecutive patients with isolated, traumatic tear of the medial meniscus who underwent knee joint arthroscopy between 2016 and 2019. All-inside arthroscopic repair of the medial meniscus was performed in each case. All patients followed a uniform, postoperative rehabilitation protocol for 8 weeks. The follow-up examination was based on the functional scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. According to smoking status there were 17 smokers and 33 non-smokers. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 11, for a mean of 7.4 years, and the mean pack-years index value was 4.9. There was no correlation between smoking years, number of cigarettes smoked per day, pack-years index, and functional outcomes. The arthroscopic inspection of the knee joints revealed cartilage lesions (≤IIº) in eight subjects, suggesting the secondary pathology to the meniscus tear. In this study, we found no evidence of an association between smoking indices and functional outcomes after all-inside repair of chronic medial meniscus tear. The nature of the chronic meniscal tear could be smoking-resistant owing to the poor blood supply to the sites in which these specific lesions occur.
Analysis of Healthcare Costs Incurred in Regional Hospitals in Andalusia (Spain) during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lopez-Villegas Antonio , Bautista-Mesa Rafael Jesus , Acosta-Robles Pedro , Hidalgo-Serrano David , Aguirre-Ortega Francisco Javier , Castellano-Ortega Miguel Angel , Mollo Maria Marta , Leal-Costa Cesar , Peiro Salvador
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: The global health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to extreme overloading of different public healthcare systems worldwide. The Spanish Public Healthcare System is one of them. This study aimed to conduct a comparative cost analysis to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small- and medium-sized regional hospitals in Andalusia (Spain). (2) Methods: This comparative, multicentre, observational, and retrospective study was designed to perform a comparative cost analysis between the Alto Guadalquivir Health Agency (AGHA) and Poniente University Hospital (PUH), both of which belong to the Spanish Public Health System (PHS). The data included in this study corresponds to the total costs by area and year incurred by the 61,335 patients from both healthcare institutions (AGHA = 36,110; PUH = 25,225) in the areas of hospital emergency service (HES), hospitalisation, and intensive care unit (ICU), during the 24 months of the study period (from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020). (3) Results: The analysis results showed a significant increase in costs incurred in 2020 for HES relative to those incurred in 2019 for both AGHA (+14%; p < 0.003) and PUH (+36%; p = 0.002). Additionally, costs incurred for ICU increased significantly in 2020 relative to those incurred in 2019 for both AGHA (+30%; p = 0.003) and PUH (+46%; p = 0.002). Hospitalisation costs for AGHA also increased significantly (+9%; p < 0.012) in 2020 versus those obtained in 2019; however, no significant differences were found for PUH (+6%; p = 1) in the same period analysed. However, the number of patients treated in the areas of HES, hospitalisation, and ICU was significantly reduced throughout 2020 compared to 2019. (4) Conclusions: Our findings show that the costs incurred during 2020 in the regional hospitals of Andalusia (Spain) increased significantly in most of the parameters analysed relative to those incurred in the year before the pandemic (i.e., 2019).