bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Emotional Intelligence of Teachers in the Process of Studying English
Authors: Fedorova Yuliia Vl.
Published: February 2020

The spread of information technology, the strengthening of communication, requires the rapid adaptation of educational processes to the constant updating of the knowledge base. The modern world already by default assumes knowledge of the English language as a tool for obtaining leading knowledge in the field of scientific interests. This approach contributed to the introduction of continuing education courses for teachers on the basis of higher educational institutions. Participation in academic group classes allowed the author to formulate a thesis about the successful development of the emotional intelligence of participants in the process of interactive learning of the English language.

The article explores the history of the development of emotional intelligence, describes well-known models of emotional development. The concepts of «emotional intelligence», «emotional competence» are considered. The formation process in group classes for advanced training of the main components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-control, social understanding, relationship management) is studied. It is noted that the decisive advantage of the formation of emotional intelligence in group classes in a foreign language is the development of reflection, self-control, empathy and emotional impact skills in the most active stage of the brain. According to the author, the formation of new skills in the conditions of leaving the comfort zone, in conditions of the need to use another language, is the most effective way of creating flexible competencies, in particular emotional competence. The author has developed an algorithm for the formation of the teacher’s emotional intelligence in the process of group training. The effectiveness of interactive teaching the English language as a method that also improves communication and enhances the emotional intelligence of teachers is noted.

Studies have contributed to the implementation of effective techniques for the development of emotional intelligence in English classes. Increasing the level of emotional intelligence of teachers will contribute to their effective adaptation to changes in the modern educational space.
Sociality as a Form of Expression of Public Relationship of Human Society
Authors: Kovalyov Valeriy Myk. , Romanusha Yuliia V.
Published: February 2020

Modern economic science in Ukraine and in the world is established to be concerned with the private issues of the development of productive forces on a local scale or in a sectoral section. Hence, sociality, as an economic category, is considered by individual scientists as the human essence of an individual, which veils the acuteness of class contradictions in the conditions of the modern human community. Sociality has been established to be a quantitative measure of production relations, which is expressed by the proportions of the distribution of the results of social labor among wage workers and entrepreneurs, on the basis of which the ratio of the measure of labor and the measure of consumption is determined.

The World Bank’s methodology for rating the level of sociality by eighteen relative indicators, such as the level of happiness and others, as well as by the level of national income, which averages inter-class income and hides its apologetic essence, is critically reviewed.

Sociality is proved to be an economic category of a class society and represents a quantitatively expressed production relationship, established according to the proportions of the distribution of the results of social labor between employees and entrepreneurs.

Ways of social transformation of the world are considered against the background of such unresolved problems of our time as the exhaustion of the natural resources of our planet, the progressive growth of population, the internationalization of the Earth’s peoples and their borders, as well as balanced GDP growth and scientifically based needs of people.

A new methodological approach to the quantitative assessment of the laws of social transformation of humanity in the third millennium has been proposed, taking into account the indices of socialization and capitalization of the world community, based on the structure of the labor potential. Examples of calculations based on indicators of Ukraine for 2015-2017 are given.
Scientific Instructions for the Formation of the Enterprise Motivation Mechanism
Authors: Atayeva Olena Al.
Published: February 2020

The scientific approaches to the formation of the motivational mechanism of Ukrainian enterprises in the modern period on the example of the machine-building enterprise "Vistek" in Bakhmut, and methods of quantitative assessment of the balance of social and economic class interests of employees and owners of means of production are defined.  The conditions under which the balance of economic interests for the benefit of the employers are revealed.

 The criterion for the quantitative determination of the social class interests of workers and employers is the structure of labour potential, which is formed by its constituent elements of human physical capital and the distribution of value added in accordance with the quantity and quality of work and the balance of social interests.  A quantitative expression of the measure of labour and consumption, which determines the proportions between labour and its wages. The category of the threshold of social sensitivity of basic wages and incentive payments are determined. The methods of determining its level are revealed that associated with the effect of production, which harmonizes the scale of production and consumption, and forms balance of social and economic interests of hired and entrepreneurial labour, which harmonize social relations in the country.

The structure of the motivational mechanism for stimulating the success of staff and business efficiency is proposed: motives, goals, ways of satisfaction, forms, methods and sources of needs. The model of formation of the mechanism of management of remuneration in the state is suggested according to the objective law of remuneration, its essence is defined. In particular, microeconomic and macroeconomic levels of remuneration management are highlighted, showing indicators of the ratio of the standard and actual rates of wage growth to one percent of labour productivity growth in accordance with the efficiency of human capital use, optimality of the distribution of value added, resource level of production. Macroeconomic level, payment management, institutional decisions, levers of social policy and social performance are also determined.

A methodology for quantifying the proportions of value added distribution between the producer and employer class is formulated.  Examples of calculations of the change in the value-share index between two social classes are given.

This methodology allows to solve complex problems of social class stratification of the personnel of enterprises and increase their interest in the results of work.
The Importance of the Selection of Appropriate Reference Genes for Gene Expression Profiling in Adrenal Medulla or Sympathetic Ganglia of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: VAVŘÍNOVÁ A. , BEHULIAK M. , ZICHA J.
Published: February 2020

Catecholaminergic system plays an important role in hypertension development. The available results on mRNA expression of catecholaminergic system genes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are often contradictory. One of the possible causes might be the use of various reference genes as internal controls. In the present study, we searched for suitable reference genes in adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglia of SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, which would enable reliable comparison of mRNA expression between these two strains. The mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in adrenal medulla and superior cervical ganglia of 4-week-old or 24-week-old SHR and WKY rats. We evaluated 12 reference genes by three software tools (Normfinder, BestKeeper, geNorm) and compared them for the standardization of mRNA expression. Combination of reference genes Hprt1 and Ywhaz in adrenal medulla and Gapdh and 18S in sympathetic ganglia were chosen as the best ones. 18S was found as applicable reference gene in both tissues. We found many alterations in expression of catecholaminergic system genes in adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of SHR. The usage of the most or the least stable reference gene as internal control changed results moderately in sympathetic ganglia but seriously in adrenal medulla. For example, tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) gene was underexpressed in adrenal medulla of adult SHR using the appropriate reference gene but unchanged after the standardization to the least stable reference gene. Our results indicate the importance of appropriate internal control. The suitability of reference genes should be checked again in the case of change in experimental conditions.
True Crime Narratives
Authors: Peters Fiona
Published: February 2020

This article investigates the contemporary fascination with true crime narratives, an subject which is fast becoming a central area of interest in crime fiction studies. As the overarching genre of crime fiction itself becomes the most read literature genre, not to mention its growing popularity in other popular cultural mediums – TV, film, documentary, podcast, blogs, etc., true crime – which has always been a popular sub-genre – is arguably moving centre stage aligned to our recent obsession with the real life figure of the serial killer. The usual discussions of both individual and collective obsession and fascination with such topics, is generally limited to arguments within conscious parameters of ethical choice, This paper will explore an alterative reading that introduces the Lacanian psychoanalytic concepts of the sinthome and jouissance, and argues that any reading of these topics cannot be contained within conceptions of rationality and ethical choice.
‘There are Some Perversities that Cannot Stand’: Nostalgia, Homosexuality, and the Continuation Novel
Authors: Bernthal J. C.
Published: February 2020

Crime fiction scholars tend to ignore continuation novels (written as part of an established series after its creator's death) despite their importance in the international literary marketplace. As these novels exist in dialogue with their own contexts and those of their predecessors, they raise important questions about the handling of social mores. This article examines the presentation of homosexuality and its connection to criminality in two twenty-first century continuation novels, Anthony Horowitz's The House of Silk (2011) and Stella Duffy's Money in the Morgue (2018). Horowitz's deliberately conservative novel uses the Victorian context to present a relationship between male homosexuality, conspiracy, and paedophilia that would be unacceptable in a ‘contemporary’ mainstream crime novel. Duffy's rewriting of Ngaio Marsh's unfinished Roderick Alleyn novel, however, creates a dialogue with lesbian history in the context of speculation around Marsh's own repressed sexuality.
‘Complex’ Crime Fiction and the Politics of Ongoing-ness: Don Winslow's War against Endings
Authors: Pepper Andrew
Published: February 2020

In pointing out that beginnings and endings merge in Don Winslow's ‘drug war’ trilogy –  The Power of the Dog (2005), The Cartel (2015), and The Border (2019) – I argue that his narratives, like the ‘war on drugs’ itself, are ‘ongoing.’ Taking the resulting tension whereby this open-endedness or ongoing-ness is set against crime fiction's more typical generic push to resolution, as a starting point, I use and develop Mittell's concept of ‘complex TV’ to account for the complexities and continuities of Winslow's fiction. In one sense, this ongoing-ness is occasioned by Winslow's subject matter: it is the sociopolitical realities of the ‘war on drugs’ which determine the trilogy's structural and generic qualities. But what makes Winslow such an important writer are the particular ways he reshapes and pushes against the limits of narrative and genre, something that is made possible by and in turn makes possible a particular understanding of political struggle as ongoing and irresolvable. In my essay I explore the political implications of Winslow's fiction through a close examination of narrative and genre and where the emphasis is placed on breakdown and glitch rather than the successful realisation of totality.
Effects of a Job Crafting Intervention Program on Work Engagement Among Japanese Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sakuraya Asuka , Shimazu Akihito , Imamura Kotaro , Kawakami Norito
Published: February 2020

Objective

The current randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a job crafting intervention program on work engagement as the primary outcome and job crafting as the secondary outcome among Japanese employees.

Methods

Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 138) or a control group (n = 143). The job crafting intervention program provided only to the intervention group consisted of two 120-minute group sessions with e-mail or letter follow-up. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up in both groups.

Results

In the total sample, the job crafting intervention program showed a non-significant effect on work engagement at both 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Also, job crafting did not improve significantly. However, the program showed a significant intervention effect on work engagement (p = 0.04) with small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.33 at 3-month follow-up) of workers in a lower job crafting subgroup.

Conclusion

The job crafting intervention program may not be sufficiently effective to improve work engagement and job crafting for the entire sample of participants. However, it may be effective for workers in lower job crafting subcategories.

Clinical Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/), identifier UMIN000026668.
Adaptive Tolerance Dehazing Algorithm Based on Dark Channel Prior
Authors: Yang Fan , Tang ShouLian
Published: February 2020

The tolerance mechanism based on dark channel prior (DCP) of a single image dehazing algorithm is less effective when there are large areas of the bright region in the hazy image because it cannot obtain the tolerance adaptively according to the characteristics of the image. It will lead to insufficient improvement of the transmission of image, so it is difficult to eliminate the color distortion and block effects in the restored image completely. Moreover, when a dense haze area or a third-party direct light source (sunlight, headlights and reflected glare) is misjudged as sky area, the use of tolerance will cause an inferior dehazing effect such as details lost. Regarding the issue above, this paper proposes an adaptive tolerance estimation algorithm. The tolerance is obtained according to the statistic characteristics of each image to make the estimation of transmission more accurately. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm not only maintains high operational efficiency but also effectively compensates for the defects of the dark channel prior to some scenes. The proposed algorithm can effectively solve the problem of color distortion recovered by the DCP method in the bright regions of the image.
Dogs’ Sociability, Owners’ Neuroticism and Attachment Style to Pets as Predictors of Dog Aggression
Authors: Gobbo Elena , Zupan Manja
Published: February 2020

A dog’s aggressive behavior is influenced by external and internal factors, including its psychological profile. In this study, dogs’ and owners’ personalities and the owners’ attachment style to their dogs were identified and associated with owner-reported dog aggression towards humans and animals. Forty Slovenian owners participated with their dogs, of different breeds and aggression history, sorted into three groups (non-aggressive dogs, dogs aggressive towards humans, and dogs aggressive towards animals). The owners filled out three separate questionnaires that assessed dog aggression history towards different targets, owner’s personality and degree of insecure attachment styles to dogs; namely anxious and avoidant attachment. Dog personality was characterized using a standardized dog mentality assessment test, during which the dog was exposed to nine tasks, performed outside, and dogs were scored based on behaviors they exhibited. The results indicated that dogs which were aggressive towards humans were less sociable than non-aggressive dogs and this was associated with the higher neuroticism scores of their owners. We also found that dogs which were aggressive towards strangers had owners with lower scores for anxious attachment and that dogs which were aggressive towards owners had owners with higher scores for avoidant attachment. These results imply that the psychological profiles of both a dog and its owner influence dog aggression towards humans.
Influential Nodes Identification in Complex Networks via Information Entropy
Authors: Guo Chungu , Yang Liangwei , Chen Xiao , Chen Duanbing , Gao Hui , Ma Jing
Published: February 2020

Identifying a set of influential nodes is an important topic in complex networks which plays a crucial role in many applications, such as market advertising, rumor controlling, and predicting valuable scientific publications. In regard to this, researchers have developed algorithms from simple degree methods to all kinds of sophisticated approaches. However, a more robust and practical algorithm is required for the task. In this paper, we propose the EnRenew algorithm aimed to identify a set of influential nodes via information entropy. Firstly, the information entropy of each node is calculated as initial spreading ability. Then, select the node with the largest information entropy and renovate its l-length reachable nodes’ spreading ability by an attenuation factor, repeat this process until specific number of influential nodes are selected. Compared with the best state-of-the-art benchmark methods, the performance of proposed algorithm improved by 21.1%, 7.0%, 30.0%, 5.0%, 2.5%, and 9.0% in final affected scale on CEnew, Email, Hamster, Router, Condmat, and Amazon network, respectively, under the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) simulation model. The proposed algorithm measures the importance of nodes based on information entropy and selects a group of important nodes through dynamic update strategy. The impressive results on the SIR simulation model shed light on new method of node mining in complex networks for information spreading and epidemic prevention.
Exploring Nonlinear Diffusion Equations for Modelling Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Maldon Benjamin , Thamwattana Ngamta , Edwards Maureen
Published: February 2020

Dye-sensitized solar cells offer an alternative source for renewable energy by means of converting sunlight into electricity. While there are many studies concerning the development of DSSCs, comprehensive mathematical modelling of the devices is still lacking. Recent mathematical models are based on diffusion equations of electron density in the conduction band of the nano-porous semiconductor in dye-sensitized solar cells. Under linear diffusion and recombination, this paper provides analytical solutions to the diffusion equation. Further, Lie symmetry analysis is adopted in order to explore analytical solutions to physically relevant special cases of the nonlinear diffusion equations. While analytical solutions may not be possible, we provide numerical solutions, which are in good agreement with the results given in the literature.
Comparative Analysis of Small-Scale Integrated Solar ORC-Absorption Based Cogeneration Systems
Authors: Hong Xiaoqiang , Shi Feng
Published: February 2020

This paper aims to present a comparative study into the cascade and series configurations of the organic Rankine cycle based small-scale solar combined cooling, heating and power system for civil application. The energy performance of the systems is studied by developing a thermodynamic model. The simulation model is validated using the literature results. Analyses of the research results indicated that the cascade system can achieve maximum value of the primary energy efficiency of 13.4% for cooling and power generation under solar collecting temperature of 115 °C in cooling mode. The cascade system has more cooling output and less electricity output in cooling mode compared with the series system. In heating mode, the single solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation can achieve highest primary energy efficiency of 19.6% for heating and power generation under solar collecting temperature of 100 °C. Systems with R141b as ORC working fluid show better performance than those with R123 and R1233zd(E).
The Effects of Capital and Energy Subsidies on the Optimal Design of Microgrid Systems
Authors: Benalcazar Pablo , Suski Adam , Kamiński Jacek
Published: February 2020

Microgrids constitute an attractive solution for the electrification of areas where grid extension is not technically feasible or prohibitively expensive. In recent years, national governments have implemented various support policies to encourage the deployment of renewable energy systems (RES) and microgrid hybrid-powered systems. A fundamental aspect during the design and disposition of these types of units is the determination of the optimal configuration and sizing of each power generation component. Furthermore, the optimal design of microgrids is strongly dependent on technological parameters, local meteorological conditions, among other factors. In this context, this paper investigates the effects of different policy measures on the optimal configuration of microgrids functioning in islanded mode. A computable model is employed to carry out a set of sensitivity analyses and assess the impact of capital and fuel subsidies on the levelized cost of electricity of various systems. The model employed for this study minimizes the total life cycle costs (TLCC) over the 20-year lifetime of the microgrid project. Besides, as meteorological conditions are crucial parameters to consider while designing microgrids, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the effect of wind speed and solar irradiation on the capacities of each distributed generation units. Our results indicate that capital subsidies, as well as fuel price variations, have a substantial effect on the final design of microgrid systems for rural electrification.
Studying the Role of System Aggregation in Energy Targeting: A Case Study of a Swedish Oil Refinery
Authors: Svensson Elin , Morandin Matteo , Harvey Simon , Papadokonstantakis Stavros
Published: February 2020

The definition of appropriate energy targets for large industrial processes is a difficult task since operability, safety and plant layout aspects represent important limitations to direct process integration. The role of heat exchange limitations in the definition of appropriate energy targets for large process sites was studied in this work. A computational framework was used which allows to estimate the optimal distribution of process stream heat loads in different subsystems and to select and size a site wide utility system. A complex Swedish refinery site is used as a case study. Various system aggregations, representing different patterns of heat exchange limitations between process units and utility configurations were explored to identify trade-offs and bottlenecks for energy saving opportunities. The results show that in spite of the aforementioned limitations direct heat integration still plays a significant role for the refinery energy efficiency. For example, the targeted hot utility demand is reduced by 50–65% by allowing process-to-process heat exchange within process units even when a steam utility system is available for indirect heat recovery. Furthermore, it was found that direct process heat integration is motivated primarily at process unit level, since the heat savings that can be achieved by allowing direct heat recovery between adjacent process units (25–42%) are in the same range as those that can be obtained by combining unit process-to-process integration with site-wide indirect heat recovery via the steam system (27–42%).
Do Real Output and Renewable Energy Consumption Affect CO2 Emissions? Evidence for Selected BRICS Countries
Authors: Liu Jiang-Long , Ma Chao-Qun , Ren Yi-Shuai , Zhao Xin-Wei
Published: February 2020

Climate change is one of the most important global problems faced by the international community. It is generally believed that increasing the consumption of renewable energy is an effective measure to promote CO2 emissions reduction. Therefore, renewable energy consumption has become one of the best alternative strategies for sustainable development. Based on this, this paper employs the 3SLS model to conduct an empirical study on the relations among real output, renewable energy consumption, and CO2 emissions of BRICS countries (except Russia) in 1999–2014. The empirical results support, for BRICS group, the complete tri-variate relationships (energy-output-emission nexus), and renewable energy had a significant positive impact on the real output, and vice versa. Besides, compared with other countries, Brazil also has the same tri-variate relationships as BRICS group. However, China has no relationship from real output to renewable energy consumption and from real output to CO2 emissions; India does not have the relationship from real output to renewable energy consumption and the bilateral relationship between real output and CO2 emissions; the relationship between variables in South Africa only occurs in the energy output chain. Finally, according to the estimation results of the simultaneous equation, the BRICs governments should consider the importance of human capital level and financial development when controlling the real output level and pollution. In addition, it should be noted that effective energy policies help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions without compromising real output.
Renewable Energy and EU 2020 Target for Energy Efficiency in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Brożyna Jacek , Strielkowski Wadim , Fomina Alena , Nikitina Natalya
Published: February 2020

Our paper focuses on the renewable energy and EU 2020 target for energy efficiency in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We study the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in these two EU Member States through the prism of the Europe 2020 strategy and the 3 × 20 climate and energy package and economic growth (represented by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that allows to measure the national dynamics and provide cross-country comparisons) without attributing specific attention to issues such as the electrification of transport or heating, and thence leaving them outside the scope of this paper. Both Czech Republic and Slovakia are two post-Communist countries that still face the consequences of economic transformation and struggle with the optimal management of natural resources. Both countries encountered profound system transformation after 1989 that are apparent in all three measures of sustainable development used in our study. We show that it is unlikely that the planned increase in renewable energy in the Czech Republic and Slovakia will reach its targets, but they might succeed in reducing their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Our findings show that the energy intensity of Czech and Slovak economies increased in the early 2000s and then stabilized at a level about twice of the EU average. It appears that this value is likely to remain the same in the forthcoming years. However, implementation of GHG emissions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia may be at risk in case the proper energy policy is not maintained. Moreover, our results show how the increase in the share of renewable energy and improvement in energy efficiency go hand-in-hand with mining and exploiting the energy sources that is notorious for the transition economies. We also demonstrate that a proper energy policy is required for effectively reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. There is a need for commitments made by relevant stakeholders and policymakers targeted at achieving sustainable economic growth and energy efficiency. In addition, we demonstrate that there is a need for maintaining a proper balance between economic development and environmental protection, which is a must for the EU sustainable energy development agenda and all its accompanying targets for all its Member States.
Effects of Organ-Pipe Chamber Geometry on the Frequency and Erosion Characteristics of the Self-Excited Cavitating Waterjet
Authors: Cai Tengfei , Pan Yan , Ma Fei , Xu Pingping
Published: February 2020

Erosion experiments were performed to uncover the impact of organ-pipe chamber geometry on the frequency and erosion characteristics of self-excited cavitating waterjets. Jets emanating from self-excited nozzles with various organ-pipe geometries were investigated. The upstream and downstream contraction ratios of the organ-pipe resonator were changed respectively from 1.5 to 6 and 2 to 12. Pressure sensors and hydrophone were used to characterize jets’ frequency characteristics. Mass loss was also obtained in each of the configurations to assess the erosion performance. By tuning the self-excited frequency, the peak resonance was achieved using the nozzles with different geometries. Accordingly, the acoustic natural frequencies of various chamber geometries were obtained precisely. Results show that with increasing upstream and downstream contraction ratio of the organ-pipe chamber, the acoustic natural frequency increases monotonically due to the reduction of equivalent length, while the resonance amplitude and mass loss first increase and then decrease. There are optimum geometric parameters to reach the largest resonance amplitude and erosion mass loss: the upstream contraction ratio being between two and four, and downstream ratio being between four and seven. The effective length of the organ pipe can be calculated by the sum of the physical length and equivalent length to accurately obtain the acoustic natural frequency. Under the optimized parameters, the equivalent length can be estimated as 0.35D.
Participatory Environmentally Friendly Message Design: Influence of Message Features and User Characteristics
Authors: Ng Annie W. Y. , Chan Alan H. S.
Published: February 2020

Labels and declarations are one of the tools of environmental management aimed at improving human behavior with regard to the environment. The development process of environmental labels and declarations has been strongly recommended to include participatory consultation with users. Research studies on participatory design of environmentally friendly messages, however, have never been seen. The purpose of this study was to examine participatory environmentally friendly message design with consideration for the effects of message characteristics and user factors. Forty Hong Kong Chinese people adopted a participatory draw-and-tell approach by drawing 26 environmentally friendly messages related to eco-products, energy conservation, and recycling and waste management, and then verbally described their design drawings. The results showed that environmentally friendly messages which were familiar, concrete, easy to visualize, and contained clear context were favored by users, and users with high object imagery preference benefited most from the participatory design through the draw-and-tell approach. This study fills the gap in the literature about participatory design in environmental labels and declarations which are used for promoting eco-friendly behavior in daily life. The findings should help facilitate the participatory development process of environmentally friendly messages for conveying pro-environmental actions.
Balance between Health Risks and Benefits for Outdoor Workers Exposed to Solar Radiation: An Overview on the Role of Near Infrared Radiation Alone and in Combination with Other Solar Spectral Bands
Authors: Grandi Carlo , D’Ovidio Maria Concetta
Published: February 2020

Near infrared or infrared A (IRA) accounts for over 40% of the solar spectrum (SS) and is able to reach subcutaneous tissue as well as the retina. Outdoor workers are occupationally exposed to solar radiation (SR), but the level of exposure may differ widely depending on the job performed, time spent outdoors, latitude, altitude, season, personal protection, etc. Until now, risk assessment and management for outdoor workers has focused on the prevention of both acute and long-term effects on the eye and the skin due to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with little consideration of the other components of the SS (a possible exception is represented by visible radiation with reference to the eye). A growing body of evidence coming from in vitro studies indicates that IRA is involved in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and may interfere with the respiratory chain in the mitochondria. Moreover, it can modulate gene expression and some metabolic pathways. The biological action of IRA is only partly attributable to a thermal mechanism, should it be also involved in photochemical ones. The cellular and molecular pathways affected by IRA are partly similar and partly different with respect to those involved in the case of visible ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Consequently, the net effect of the SS is very difficult to predict at different levels of the biological organization, making more difficult the final balance of health risk and benefits (for the skin, eye, immune system, blood pressure, etc.) in a given exposure situation. Moreover, few in vivo studies and no epidemiological data are presently available in this regard. Investigating this topic may contribute to better defining the individual exposome. More practically, it is expected to bring benefits to the risk assessment and management for outdoor workers exposed to SS, contributing to: (1) better definition of the individual profiles of susceptibility, (2) more focused preventive and protective measures, (3) better implementation of the health surveillance and (4) a more effective information and training.
Job Demand, Job Control, and Impaired Mental Health in the Experience of Workplace Bullying Behavior: A Two-Wave Study
Authors: Balducci Cristian , Baillien Elfi , Broeck Anja Van den , Toderi Stefano , Fraccaroli Franco
Published: February 2020

Workplace bullying is an extreme social stressor at work leading to a severe deterioration of health amongst its targets. Research has revealed two important orders of factors that may trigger workplace bullying: Poor working conditions and individual factors such as impaired mental health that determine a personal psychological vulnerability to bullying. However, research has rarely investigated their role simultaneously. In response, we investigated whether the relationship between poor working conditions (i.e., high job demand) at time 1 (T1) and the experience of bullying at time 2 (T2) is strengthened by experiencing symptoms of impaired mental health at T1. We also tested whether job control—which contributes to better working conditions—at T1 moderates the relationship between job demand at T1 and bullying at T2. Participants (N = 235) were workers in the health sector. The time lag between T1 and T2 was one year. Cross-lagged path analysis revealed that the relationship between job demand at T1 and the experience of bullying behavior at T2 was strengthened by T1 impaired mental health. This suggests that considering both working conditions and individual factors together may be important for reaching a better understanding of the development of bullying.
Preparedness for Mass Gatherings: Factors to Consider According to the Rescue Authorities
Authors: Koski Anssi , Kouvonen Anne , Sumanen Hilla
Published: February 2020

Background: Mass gatherings cause a need for multi-authority preparedness in order to ensure the safety of the event participants and to minimize delays in response for emergencies. Rescue authorities are key players in the pre-planning phase; however, their own point of view regarding all aspects of preparedness for mass gatherings is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate what factors, according to the rescue authorities, need to be considered when preparing for mass gatherings. Method: Semi-structured thematic interviews were carried out with the rescue authorities involved in the mass gathering planning process (n = 15). The transcribed material was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged from the interviews: (1) co-operation in the pre-planning phase, (2) factors to be noted in the emergency plan, and (3) actions during the event. These categories were divided into 11 generic categories, which were further divided into 42 sub-categories. Conclusion: Rescue authorities recognized various factors considering preparedness for mass gatherings. Knowledge considering the dispersion of operative workload during the event needs further investigation in order to facilitate the effective use of limited operative resources.
Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Sedimentary Organic Matter in a Subtropical Bay: Implication for Human Interventions
Authors: Lu Xuan , Zhou Fengxia , Chen Fajin , Lao Qibin , Zhu Qingmei , Meng Yafei , Chen Chunqing
Published: February 2020

Elemental (total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN)) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N, respectively) in the surface sediment of Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB) in spring and summer were measured to study the spatial and seasonal changes of organic matter (OM) and assess the human-induced and environment-induced changes in the area. The OM in the surface sediment of ZJB was a mixture of terrestrial and marine sources, and was dominated by marine OM (54.9% ± 15.2%). Compared to the central ZJB, the channel and coastal ZJB areas had higher δ13C and δ15N values, higher TOC and TN concentrations, and lower TOC/TN ratios, indicating higher primary productivity and higher percentages of marine OM in the latter two subregions. Mariculture activities, sewage inputs, and dredging were responsible for these phenomena. Clear seasonal variations in OM were observed in ZJB. The average proportions of terrestrial OM in summer increased by 10.2% in the ZJB channel and 26.0% in the coastal ZJB area compared with those in spring. Heavy rainfall brought a large amount of terrestrial OM into the channel and coastal ZJB areas, leading to the increase of the terrestrial OM fraction in these two subregions in summer. In summary, anthropogenic influences had a significant influence on the spatial and seasonal variations of sedimentary OM in ZJB.
Factors Associated with the Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) during the First Trimester of the Pregnancy: The Cross-Sectional Study among Pregnant Women in Serbia
Authors: Todorovic Jovana , Terzic-Supic Zorica , Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna , Piperac Pavle , Dugalic Stefan , Gojnic-Dugalic Miroslava
Published: February 2020

Background: The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy include lower maternal weight gain, a lower likelihood of gestational diabetes, low back pain, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, caesarian delivery, and macrosomia. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with insufficient leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during the first trimester. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology of Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, between January and June of 2018. The final analyses included 162/175 pregnant women. The questionnaire was used to obtain social characteristics, pregnancy, and lifestyle characteristics (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System—PRAMS), pre-pregnancy LTPA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—IPAQ), and LTPA during the first trimester (Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire—PPAQ). Women were classified into two groups of sufficient and insufficient LTPA during the first trimester based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied. Results: A total of 27.2% of the women had insufficient LTPA during pregnancy. Insufficient LTPA during pregnancy was associated with <12 years of education (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.05–5.04), self-rated financial status as poor (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.79), and hours spent walking before pregnancy (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99). Conclusions: Our results can help direct health care professionals advice for women who are planning pregnancy towards walking as it seems to be sustained during pregnancy.
Correlates of Poor Self-Assessed Health Status among Socially Disadvantaged Populations in Poland
Authors: Jurewicz Joanna , Kaleta Dorota
Published: February 2020

Self-assessment of health is recommended as valuable source of information about subjective health status. The present study was performed to evaluate the correlates of self-rated health status among beneficiaries of social care in Poland. This assessment could be crucial for the implementation of targeted preventive measures among this valuable population. The study population consisted of 1710 beneficiaries of social care from the Piotrkowski District. The relationship between self-rated health status and its correlates (sociodemographic, lifestyle factors, and health conditions) was examined using logistic regression, with a poor health rating as the outcome. Overall, 11% of respondents declared poor self-assessed health status. Men more often rated health status as poor (15%) as compared to women (8.5%) (p < 0.001). The odds of a poor assessment of health increased with age, being unemployed or disabled/retired (OR = 2.34 95%CI (1.34–4.19) or OR = 9.07 95%CI (3.68–22.37), respectively), and additionally with poor life satisfaction (OR = 5.14 95% CI (1.94–13.64)). Regarding lifestyle characteristics, only binge drinking was associated with poor health status assessment (OR = 12.62 95%CI (3.71–42.87)). In addition, having any illness or health problems decreased health status (OR = 4.26 95%CI (1.36–13.31)). Socially-disadvantaged populations, especially men who poorly rated their health status, still constituted a large percentage of the population, which is an important public health problem. Increasing knowledge about the correlates of health status will allow greater prevention strategies to be developed for the population.
Objectively Assessed Physical Activity of Preschool-Aged Children from Urban Areas
Authors: Herbert Jarosław , Matłosz Piotr , Lenik Justyna , Szybisty Agnieszka , Baran Joanna , Przednowek Karolina , Wyszyńska Justyna
Published: February 2020

Little is known about physical activity (PA) of preschool-age children in Poland through the course of the day. PA monitoring using an accelerometer increases the reliability of measuring daily PA levels and offers a reasonable compromise between accuracy and feasibility of measurement. The aim of the study was to determine the level of physical activity of preschool children (aged 5–6) on the basis of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) index and the number of steps. The physical activity of preschool children was assessed using accelerometery (ActiGraph) in 371 children for up to seven days. The normality of distribution was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess the significance of differences. The study group children had an average age of 5.4 years (± 0.6). Boys and girls showed a different level of MVPA index. The results significantly improve the current knowledge of PA in Europe. Promoting active lifestyles in children should be one of the health priorities in developed countries.
Factors Associated with Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Taha Zainab , Ali Hassan Ahmed , Wikkeling-Scott Ludmilla , Papandreou Dimitrios
Published: February 2020

Both preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) represent major public health problems worldwide due to their association with the catastrophic effects of morbidity and mortality. Few data exist about such adverse pregnancy outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with preterm birth and LBW among mothers of children under two years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Data were collected in clinical and non-clinical settings across various geographical areas in Abu Dhabi. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 1610 mother–child pairs were included in the current study. Preterm birth rate was 102 (6.3%) with a 95% confidence interval [CI] (6.1%, 6.5%) and the LBW rate was 151 (9.4%) with a 95% CI (9.3%, 9.5%). The mean (SD) of gestational age (GA) and birth weight at delivery was 39.1 (1.9) weeks and 3080.3 (518.6) grams, respectively. Factors that were positively associated with preterm birth were Arab mothers, maternal education level below secondary, caesarean section, and LBW. LBW was associated with female children, caesarean section (CS), first child order, and preterm birth. The current study highlighted the need for further interventional research to tackle these public health issues such as reducing the high CS rate and improving maternal education.
Is Repetitive Workload a Risk Factor for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Surgical Device Mechanics? A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Lotter Oliver , Lieb Tobias , Breul Viktor , Molsner Jochen
Published: February 2020

To assess the prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgical device mechanics compared to a control group, a total of 70 employees were included and assigned to three occupational groups (grinders, packers, and control). Personal factors, work exposure, manual skill, and complaints were assessed by two self-administered questionnaires and an industry test. WMSDs were diagnosed in a standardised clinical examination. The two-one-sided t-tests (TOST) procedure was used to test the clinical equivalence of the respective grinding and packaging groups vs. the control group in terms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Thirty-nine study participants (56%) experienced at least one WMSD at the elbow, forearm, and/or wrist, mainly with signs of epicondylitis and nerve entrapment at the medial elbow. The risk of grinders developing upper extremity WMSD was about 2.5-times higher and packers had an 8.6-fold higher risk of a clinically relevant DASH > 29 compared to the control group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. The groups were also proven to be clinically equivalent in terms of DASH score. Surgical device mechanics do not seem to have worse DASH values or be at higher risk of upper limb WMSDs compared to a control group. This is the first study to analyse and compare different workplaces in this industry that are also common in other industries.
First Report of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from an Italian Subalpine Lake: A Risk for Public Health?
Authors: Menconi Vasco , Manfrin Chiara , Pastorino Paolo , Mugetti Davide , Cortinovis Luana , Pizzul Elisabetta , Pallavicini Alberto , Prearo Marino
Published: February 2020

Clinostomum complanatum, a digenean trematode of the Clinostomidae family, is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite responsible for Halzoun syndrome in humans and is transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Of the total of 112 specimens of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) sampled from a subalpine lake (Lake Endine) in North Italy in 2019, 21 (18.75%) tested positive for encysted metacercariae in the fillet. This study reports the first isolation of C. complanatum in P. fluviatilis and highlights the possible zoonotic risk for consumers, since P. fluviatilis is a food fish used in the traditional local cuisine.