bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy-Efficient Joint Base Station Switching and Power Allocation for Smart Grid Based Hybrid-Powered CoMP-Enabled HetNet
Authors: Euttamarajah Shornalatha , Ng Yin Hoe , Tan Chee Keong
Published: August 2021

With the rapid proliferation of wireless traffic and the surge of various data-intensive applications, the energy consumption of wireless networks has tremendously increased in the last decade, which not only leads to more CO2 emission, but also results in higher operating expenditure. Consequently, energy efficiency (EE) has been regarded as an essential design criterion for future wireless networks. This paper investigates the problem of EE maximisation for a cooperative heterogeneous network (HetNet) powered by hybrid energy sources via joint base station (BS) switching (BS-Sw) and power allocation using combinatorial optimisation. The cooperation among the BSs is achieved through a coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technique. Next, to overcome the complexity of combinatorial optimisation, Lagrange dual decomposition is applied to solve the power allocation problem and a sub-optimal distance-based BS-Sw scheme is proposed. The main advantage of the distance-based BS-Sw is that the algorithm is tuning-free as it exploits two dynamic thresholds, which can automatically adapt to various user distributions and network deployment scenarios. The optimal binomial and random BS-Sw schemes are also studied to serve as benchmarks. Further, to solve the non-fractional programming component of the EE maximisation problem, a low-complexity and fast converging Dinkelbach’s method is proposed. Extensive simulations under various scenarios reveal that in terms of EE, the proposed joint distance-based BS-Sw and power allocation technique applied to the cooperative and harvesting BSs performs around 15–20% better than the non-cooperative and non-harvesting BSs and can achieve near-optimal performance compared to the optimal binomial method.
Passive Flow Control for Drag Reduction on a Cylinder in Cross-Flow Using Leeward Partial Porous Coatings
Authors: Guinness Imogen , Persoons Tim
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a numerical study on the impact of partial leeward porous coatings on the drag of circular cylinders in cross-flow. Porous coatings are receiving increasing attention for their potential in passive flow control. An unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model was developed that agreed well with the numerical and experimental literature. Using the two-equation shear stress transport k−ω turbulence model, 2D flow around a circular cylinder was simulated at Re = 4.2×104 with five different angles of partial leeward porous coatings and a full porous coating. For coating angles below 130∘, the coating resulted in an increase in pressure on the leeward side of the cylinder. There was a significant reduction in the fluctuation of the pressure and aerodynamic forces and a damping effect on vortex shedding. Flow separation occurred earlier; the wake was widened; and there was a decrease in turbulence intensity at the outlet. A reduction of drag between 5 and 16% was measured, with the maximum at a 70∘ coating angle. The results differed greatly for a full porous coating and a 160∘ coating, which were found to cause an increase in drag of 42% and 43%, respectively. The results showed that leeward porous coatings have a clear drag-reducing potential, with possibilities for further research into the optimum configuration.
Comparative Study of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Two Types of Moroccan Euphorbia Entire Honey and Their Phenolic Extracts
Authors: Boutoub Oumaima , El-Guendouz Soukaina , Manhita Ana , Dias Cristina Barrocas , Estevinho Letícia M. , Paula Vanessa B. , Carlier Jorge , Costa Maria Clara , Rodrigues Brígida , Raposo Sara , Aazza Smail , El Ghadraoui Lahsen , Miguel Maria Graça
Published: August 2021

Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all samples, whereas kampferol was only present in two samples. Physicochemical parameters and total phenolic content were also determined. Entire honey that recorded the highest rate of phenols was sample M6 (E. resinifera) = 69.25 mg GAE/100 g. On the other hand, the phenolic extracts had better antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities than the entire honeys, regardless the monofloral honey type. In conclusion, the studied Euphorbia honeys may have a great potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase sources for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Revalorization of Cava Lees to Improve the Safety of Fermented Sausages
Authors: Hernández-Macias Salvador , Ferrer-Bustins Núria , Comas-Basté Oriol , Jofré Anna , Latorre-Moratalla Mariluz , Bover-Cid Sara , Vidal-Carou María del Carmen
Published: August 2021

The revalorization of food processing by-products not only reduces the environmental impact of their disposal, but also generates added economic value. Cava lees consist of inactive cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and though regarded as a valueless winery by-product, they are rich in fiber and phenolic compounds. In this study, a challenge test was performed to assess the effect of cava lees and a phenolic extract (LPE) derived therefrom on the behaviour of technological microbiota (lactic acid bacteria used as a starter culture) and the foodborne pathogens Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes during the fermentation and ripening of pork sausages. Ten batches of fermented sausages were prepared with and without cava lees or the LPE, and with or without different strains of Latilactobacillus sakei (CTC494 or BAP110). The addition of cava lees reduced the pH values of the meat batter throughout the fermentation and ripening process. No growth-promoting effect on spontaneous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or the starter culture was observed. In contrast, the presence of cava lees prevented the growth of the tested pathogens (Salmonella and L. monocytogenes), as did the starter culture, resulting in significantly lower counts compared to the control batch. In addition, the combination of cava lees with L. sakei CTC494 had a bactericidal effect on Salmonella. LPE supplementation did not affect the pH values or LAB counts but reduced the mean counts of Salmonella, which were 0.71 log10 lower than the control values at the end of the ripening. The LPE did not exert any additional effect to that of the starters applied alone. The revalorization of cava lees as a natural ingredient to improve the microbiological safety of fermented sausages is a feasible strategy that would promote a circular economy and benefit the environment.
Advancement of Non-Newtonian Fluid with Hybrid Nanoparticles in a Convective Channel and Prabhakar’s Fractional Derivative—Analytical Solution
Authors: Asjad Muhammad Imran , Sarwar Noman , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Sumelka Wojciech , Muhammad Taseer
Published: August 2021

The present paper deals with the advancement of non-Newtonian fluid containing some nanoparticles between two parallel plates. A novel fractional operator is used to model memory effects, and analytical solutions are obtained for temperature and velocity fields by the method of Laplace transform. Moreover, a parametric study is elaborated to show the impact of flow parameters and presented in graphical form. As a result, dual solutions are predicted for increasing values of fractional parameters for short and long times. Furthermore, by increasing nanoparticle concentration, the temperature can be raised along with decreasing velocity. A fractional approach can provide new insight for the analytical solutions which makes the interpretation of the results easier and enable the way of testing possible approximate solutions.
Systematic Identification of circRNAs in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cochran Kyle R. , Veeraraghavan Kirtana , Kundu Gautam , Mazan-Mamczarz Krystyna , Coletta Christopher , Thambisetty Madhav , Gorospe Myriam , De Supriyo
Published: August 2021

Mammalian circRNAs are covalently closed circular RNAs often generated through backsplicing of precursor linear RNAs. Although their functions are largely unknown, they have been found to influence gene expression at different levels and in a wide range of biological processes. Here, we investigated if some circRNAs may be differentially abundant in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We identified and analyzed publicly available RNA-sequencing data from the frontal lobe, temporal cortex, hippocampus, and plasma samples reported from persons with AD and persons who were cognitively normal, focusing on circRNAs shared across these datasets. We identified an overlap of significantly changed circRNAs among AD individuals in the various brain datasets, including circRNAs originating from genes strongly linked to AD pathology such as DOCK1, NTRK2, APC (implicated in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival) and DGL1/SAP97, TRAPPC9, and KIF1B (implicated in vesicular traffic). We further predicted the presence of circRNA isoforms in AD using specialized statistical analysis packages to create approximations of entire circRNAs. We propose that the catalog of differentially abundant circRNAs can guide future investigation on the expression and splicing of the host transcripts, as well as the possible roles of these circRNAs in AD pathogenesis.
Extensive Changes in Transcription Dynamics Reflected on Alternative Splicing Events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Papanikolaou Sofia , Bertsias George K. , Nikolaou Christoforos
Published: August 2021

In addition to increasing the complexity of the transcriptional output, alternative RNA splicing can lead to the reduction of mRNA translation or the production of non-functional or malfunctional proteins, thus representing a vital component of the gene regulation process. Herein, we set out to detect and characterize alternative splicing events that occur in whole-blood samples of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as compared to healthy counterparts. Through the implementation of a computational pipeline on published RNA-sequencing data, we identified extensive changes in the transcription dynamics affecting a large number of genes. We found a predominance of intron retention events, with the majority introducing premature stop codons, suggestive of gene repression, in both inactive and active SLE patient samples. Alternative splicing affected a distinct set of genes from the ones detected as differentially expressed in the same comparisons, while alternatively spliced genes tended to reside in genome areas associated with increased gene co-expression. Functional analysis of genes affected by alternative splicing pointed towards particular functions related to metabolism and histone acetylation as of potential interest. Together, our findings underline the importance of incorporating alternative splicing analyses in the context of molecular characterization of complex diseases such as SLE.
Advanced Determination of Heat Flow Density on an Example of a West Russian Oil Field
Authors: Popov Yury , Spasennykh Mikhail , Shakirov Anuar , Chekhonin Evgeny , Romushkevich Raisa , Savelev Egor , Gabova Anastasia , Zagranovskaya Dzhulia , Valiullin Rim , Yuarullin Rashid , Golovanova Inessa , Sal’manova Raushaniya
Published: August 2021

Reliable geothermal data are required for basin and petroleum system modeling. The essential shortcomings of the methods and results of previous geothermal investigations lead to a necessity to reappraise the data on the thermal properties and heat flow. A new, advanced experimental basis was used to provide reliable data on vertical variations in the thermal properties of formation and heat flow for the area surrounding a prospecting borehole drilled through an unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir of the Domanik Formation in the Orenburg region (Russia). Temperature logging was conducted 12.5 months after well drilling. The thermal properties of the rocks were measured with continuous thermal core profiling on all 1699 recovered core samples. Within non-cored intervals, the thermal conductivity of the rocks was determined from well-logging data. The influence of core aging, multiscale heterogeneity and anisotropy, in situ pressure and temperature on the thermal properties of rock was accounted for. The terrestrial heat flow was determined to be 72.6 ± 2.2 mW·m−2—~114% larger than the published average data for the studied area. The experiment presents the first experience of supporting basin modeling in unconventional plays with advanced experimental geothermal investigations.
Results of Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Predicting Geo-Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Clays—A Review
Authors: Jeremiah Jeremiah J. , Abbey Samuel J. , Booth Colin A. , Kashyap Anil
Published: August 2021

This study presents a literature review on the use of artificial neural networks in the prediction of geo-mechanical properties of stabilised clays. In this paper, the application of ANNs in a geotechnical analysis of clay stabilised with cement, lime, geopolymers and by-product cementitious materials has been evaluated. The chemical treatment of expansive clays will involve the development of optimum binder mix proportions or the improvement of a specific soil property using additives. These procedures often generate large data requiring regression analysis in order to correlate experimental data and model the performance of the soil in the field. These analyses involve large datasets and tedious mathematical procedures to correlate the variables and develop required models using traditional regression analysis. The findings from this study show that ANNs are becoming well known in dealing with the problem of mathematical modelling involving nonlinear functions due to their robust data analysis and correlation capabilities and have been successfully applied to the stabilisation of clays with high performance. The study also shows that the supervised ANN model is well adapted to dealing with stabilisation of clays with high performance as indicated by high R2 and low MAE, RMSE and MSE values. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is effective in shortening the convergence time during model training.
Volumetric Bone Mineral Density Measured by HR-pQCT in Patients with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Huang Yu-Wen , Lu Jing-Wun , Chen Tai-Li
Published: August 2021

Bone health in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has been emphasized in recent years. Novel imaging modalities allow investigations into volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microstructure in psoriatic patients. However, literature regarding vBMD measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate vBMD in patients with psoriatic disease. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant observational studies. A random-effects meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed. The pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Five studies with 780 patients were included. Patients with psoriatic disease showed a lower average vBMD than controls (MD −14.90; 95% CI −22.90 to −6.89; TSA-adjusted CI −23.77 to −6.03; I2 = 41%). Trabecular vBMD and cortical vBMD results were inconclusive because of the small sample size. Patients recruited in Asia and those whose vBMD were measured at the distal radius exhibited a lower average vBMD than controls. Further research should clarify the association of psoriasis with bone microstructure and the underlying pathophysiology.
Ecomuseums in China: Challenges and Defects to the Existing Practical Framework
Authors: Li Meng , Selim Gehan
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the shortcomings of the existing practical framework of ecomuseums in China. The social context of China’s ecomuseum practice is critically analysed and elaborated to show the particularity of community and community participation in the Chinese context. In this context, the framework of Chinese ecomuseum practice is critically examined to illustrate the defects. This study is based on a literature analysis; the existing Chinese and English literature on the theory and practice of ecomuseums in China has been critically reviewed and analysed. The study found that the existing framework lacks people-oriented long-term development goals and a precise definition of roles of all parties, which has resulted in a dilemma for relationship of ecomuseums and communities in the country. Based on existing studies on ecomuseums in China and other areas, the study also offers corresponding suggestions to modify the existing framework.
Psychosomatic Symptoms and Neuroticism following COVID-19: The Role of Online Aggression toward a Stigmatized Group
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Xijing , Shi Jiaxin , Chen Zhansheng , Huang Qianying , Cheng Wanrong
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated the effect of interpersonal mistreatment on the perpetrators’ mental health. We proposed that the threat of COVID-19 will increase people’s mental health problems through their on-line aggression toward stigmatized groups accused of spreading the disease and that there might be potential gender differences in such effects. We tested our predictions among a sample of U.S. residents (Study 1) and a large sample of Chinese residents living out of Hubei province (Study 2) during a heightened period of concern about COVID-19, February 2020. Specifically, we measured U.S. residents’ on-line aggressive behaviors toward Chinese people (Study 1) and Chinese non-Hubei residents’ on-line aggressive behaviors toward Hubei residents (Study 2) as well as their neuroticism (Study 1) and mental health states (Study 2). In line with our predictions, both studies showed that perceived infection of COVID-19 can induce on-line aggression toward stigmatized groups, thereby increasing people’s mental health problems. Moreover, the relationship between COVID-19 vulnerability, on-line aggression, and psychosomatic symptoms was more prominent in men than in women. These results offer insights into people’s responses toward COVID-19 and add to the understanding of people’s mental and physical health during the epidemic stage of contagious diseases.
Collaborative Social-Epidemiology: A Co-analysis of the Cultural and Structural Determinants of Health for Aboriginal Youth in Victorian Schools
Authors: Luke Joanne , Thorpe Alister , Black Carlina , Thorpe Lisa , Thomas David , Eades Sandra , Rowley Kevin
Published: August 2021

Social-epidemiology that excludes Aboriginal voices often fails to capture the full and complex social worlds of Aboriginal people. Using data from an existing co-designed Victorian government Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey (2008/9), we worked with Aboriginal organizations to identify data priorities, select measures, interpret data, and contextualize findings. Using this participatory co-analysis approach, we selected “cultural” and “structural” determinants identified by Aboriginal organizations as important and modelled these using principal component analysis. Resulting components were then modelled using logistic regression to investigate associations with “likely being well” (Kessler-10 score < 20) for 88 Aboriginal adolescents aged 11–17 years. Principal component analysis grouped 11 structural variables into four components and 11 cultural variables into three components. Of these, “grew up in Aboriginal family/community and connected” associated with significantly higher odds of “likely being well” (OR = 2.26 (1.01–5.06), p = 0.046). Conversely, “institutionally imposed family displacement” had significantly lower odds (OR = 0.49 (0.24–0.97), p = 0.040) and “negative police contact and poverty” non-significantly lower odds (OR = 0.53 (0.26–1.06), p = 0.073) for “likely being well”. Using a co-analysis participatory approach, the voices of Aboriginal researchers and Aboriginal organizations were able to construct a social world that aligned with their ways of knowing, doing, and being. Findings highlighted institutionally imposed family displacement, policing, and poverty as social sites for health intervention and emphasized the importance of strong Aboriginal families for adolescents.
Marathon-Induced Cardiac Fatigue: A Review over the Last Decade for the Preservation of the Athletes’ Health
Authors: Vitiello Damien , Palacin Florent , Poinsard Luc , Kirsch Marine , Jouini Steeve , Billat Véronique
Published: August 2021

Aim: To provide a state-of-the-art review of the last 10 years focusing on cardiac fatigue following a marathon. Methods: The PubMed, Bookshelf and Medline databases were queried during a time span of 10 years to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies focusing only on the impact of marathons on the cardiac function and factors involved in cardiac fatigue were included in this review. Results: Sixteen studies focused on the impact of marathons on several biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin T). Seven studies focused on the left (LV) or right (RV) ventricular function following a marathon and employed cardiac magnetic resonance, echocardiography, myocardial speckle tracking and heart rate variability to analyze global and regional LV or RV mechanics and the impact of the autonomic nervous system on cardiac function. One study focused on serum profiling and its association with cardiac changes after a marathon. Conclusions: This review reported a negligible impact of marathons on LV and RV systolic and contractile function but a negative impact on LV diastolic function in recreational runners. These impairments are often associated with acute damage to the myocardium. Thus, the advice of the present review to athletes is to adapt their training and have a regular medical monitoring to continue to run marathons while preserving their cardiac health.
Impact of Estrogen Withdrawal and Replacement in Female Mice along the Intestinal Tract. Comparison of E2 Replacement with the Effect of a Mixture of Low Dose Pollutants
Authors: Pinteur Claudie , Julien Benoit , Véga Nathalie , Vidal Hubert , Naville Danielle , Le Magueresse-Battistoni Brigitte
Published: August 2021

Postmenopausal women represent a vulnerable population towards endocrine disruptors due to hormonal deficit. We previously demonstrated that chronic exposure of ovariectomized C57Bl6/J mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet to a low-dose mixture of chemicals with one dioxin, one polychlorobiphenyl, one phthalate, and bisphenol A triggered metabolic alterations in the liver but the intestine was not explored. Yet, the gastrointestinal tract is the main route by which pollutants enter the body. In the present study, we investigated the metabolic consequences of ovarian withdrawal and E2 replacement on the various gut segments along with investigating the impact of the mixture of pollutants. We showed that genes encoding estrogen receptors (Esr1, Gper1 not Esr2), xenobiotic processing genes (e.g., Cyp3a11, Cyp2b10), and genes related to gut homeostasis in the jejunum (e.g., Cd36, Got2, Mmp7) and to bile acid biosynthesis in the gut (e.g., Fgf15, Slc10a2) and liver (e.g., Abcb11, Slc10a1) were under estrogen regulation. Exposure to pollutants mimicked some of the effects of E2 replacement, particularly in the ileum (e.g., Esr1, Nr1c1) suggesting that the mixture had estrogen-mimetic activities. The present findings have important implications for the understanding of estrogen-dependent metabolic alterations with regards to situations of loss of estrogens as observed after menopause.
Effects and Environmental Features of Mountainous Urban Greenways (MUGs) on Physical Activity
Authors: Ma Ming , Ding Liang , Kou Huaiyun , Tan Shaohua , Long Hao
Published: August 2021

The role played by urban greenways in supporting physical activity (PA) for public health benefits has been receiving increasing attention. Most studies on this topic have been conducted in plains, whereas studies in mountainous regions have been limited as a result of the complexity of these areas. To address this knowledge gap, this article aims to analyze the effects of the environmental features for a mountainous urban greenway (MUG) on PA, leading to better support for greenway practice in mountainous areas. A volunteered geographic information (VGI) method was applied through the mobile app KEEP to collect 1314 valid records of PA including its density (total PA distance per unit area within the buffer zone) and attributes (distance, duration and speed) in the Yuzhong Peninsula, Chongqing, China. Similar to those of the studies conducted in the plains, our results showed that PA density was affected by the MUG and its surrounding environment. The key environmental features included residential density, open-space POI, the slope, the transportation-MUG (T-MUG) ratio and the recreational-MUG (R-MUG) ratio. For the PA attributes, the MUG showed stronger effects than the surrounding environment. The key environmental features included the slope and type of MUG, of which the former was negatively associated with distance and speed. The T-MUG ratio was positively related to duration and speed, while the R-MUG ratio was positively related to duration and distance. No association was found between livelihood (L-MUG) and PA. Hence, to support both the PA density and attributes, the environmental qualities for recreation and the types of R-MUGs should be given more consideration in practice.
Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations Induced by Pesticide Exposure: Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression, microRNA Expression, and DNA Methylation Datasets
Authors: Giambò Federica , Leone Gian Marco , Gattuso Giuseppe , Rizzo Roberta , Cosentino Alessia , Cinà Diana , Teodoro Michele , Costa Chiara , Tsatsakis Aristides , Fenga Concettina , Falzone Luca
Published: August 2021

Environmental or occupational exposure to pesticides is considered one of the main risk factors for the development of various diseases. Behind the development of pesticide-associated pathologies, there are both genetic and epigenetic alterations, where these latter are mainly represented by the alteration in the expression levels of microRNAs and by the change in the methylation status of the DNA. At present, no studies have comprehensively evaluated the genetic and epigenetic alterations induced by pesticides; therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify modifications in gene miRNA expression and DNA methylation useful for the prediction of pesticide exposure. For this purpose, an integrated analysis of gene expression, microRNA expression, and DNA methylation datasets obtained from the GEO DataSets database was performed to identify putative genes, microRNAs, and DNA methylation hotspots associated with pesticide exposure and responsible for the development of different diseases. In addition, DIANA-miRPath, STRING, and GO Panther prediction tools were used to establish the functional role of the putative biomarkers identified. The results obtained demonstrated that pesticides can modulate the expression levels of different genes and induce different epigenetic alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs and in the modulation of DNA methylation status.
The Role of Parental Involvement in Youth Sport Experience: Perceived and Desired Behavior by Male Soccer Players
Authors: Bonavolontà Valerio , Cataldi Stefania , Latino Francesca , Carvutto Roberto , De Candia Michele , Mastrorilli Gioacchino , Messina Giulia , Patti Antonino , Fischetti Francesco
Published: August 2021

Parents play a key role in the youth sports educational experience. They are responsible for the introduction of their children to physical or sporting education and their involvement has been associated with sport participation in early stages. The aims of this cross-sectional study were, first, to assess the perceived and desired parental involvement by children and, secondly, to examine their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with any specific behavior. 80 male soccer players filled the Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire (PISQ) before or after a training session in presence of a coach. PISQ results revealed excessive active involvement and pressure, insufficient praise and understanding and satisfactory directive behavior from children’s parents. Our findings suggest that excessive parental involvement can cause pressure on children who would prefer parental participation characterized by praise and understanding. A balance between a supporting involvement without putting too much pressure is needed by the parents. To prevent burnout and dropout and to facilitate future practice, parents should be counseled (possibly by a sport educator) on how to positively support their children concerning their sport experience.
Coparenting and Mental Health in Families with Jailed Parents
Authors: Tadros Eman , Fanning Kerrie , Jensen Sarah , Poehlmann-Tynan Julie
Published: August 2021

The number of families affected by parental incarceration in the United States has increased dramatically in the past three decades, with primarily negative implications for adult mental health and child and family well-being. Despite research documenting increased strain on coparenting relationships, less is known regarding the relation between adult mental health and coparenting quality. This study investigated coparenting in families with young children currently experiencing parental incarceration. In a diverse sample of 86 jailed parent–caregiver dyads (n = 172), this analysis of a short-term longitudinal study examined the links among jailed parents’ and children’s at-home caregivers’ externalizing mental health symptoms and perceived coparenting alliance quality using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. Analyses using structural equation modeling revealed a medium sized negative partner effect for externalizing behaviors on coparenting alliance for jailed parents, wherein caregivers increased externalizing symptoms related to jailed parents’ lower reported coparenting quality. Caregiver–partner effects and both actor effects resulted in small effects. These findings highlight the roles of mental health and coparenting relationship quality when a parent is incarcerated and contribute to the existing literature on incarcerated coparenting, with implications for theory and practice.
A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Knowledge of COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in North-Central Ecuador
Authors: Ortega-Paredes David , Larrea-Álvarez César Marcelo , Jijón Santiago Isaac , Loaiza Karen , Šefcová Miroslava Anna , Molina-Cuasapaz Gabriel , Barba Pedro , Vinueza-Burgos Christian , Fernandez-Moreira Esteban , Ramírez Hégira , Larrea-Álvarez Marco
Published: August 2021

Adherence to preventive measures is influenced by people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards a disease; therefore, assessing knowledge of COVID-19 is critical in the overall effort to contain the outbreak. This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduates (n = 3621) of different programs and different levels of education associated with universities in north-central Ecuador. The form consisted of 32 questions covering demographics, symptoms, detection, treatment, transmission, prevention and knowledge of the virus. The rate of correct answers was 75.5% (21.1 ± 5 out of 28), with differences observed regarding program of study, educational level and location of institution (α = 0.05), although effect size analyses showed that these differences could not be considered large. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that lower scores were associated with initial stages of education, careers related to social sciences and location of institution. Participants possessed sufficient knowledge about detection, transmission and prevention, although they overestimated fatality rate and were less confident about the characteristics of the virus and the effectiveness of traditional medicine. Consequently, future educational programs must place emphasis on addressing deficient knowledge. Certainly, improving COVID-19 literacy will promote the appropriate application of protective measures aimed at preventing the virus’ spread.
Influence of Work-Related Safety and Health Guidelines on Knowledge and Prevalence of Occupational Back Pain among Rehabilitation Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Alghadir Ahmad H. , Al-Abbad Hani , Buragadda Syamala , Iqbal Amir
Published: August 2021

Background: Nurses are frequently involved in different types of patient handling activities in different departments of the hospitals. Mishandling the patients causes accumulative stress on their spine that results in occupational back pain (OBP), substantial morbidity, and incurred cost. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the influence of work-related safety and health guidelines on knowledge and prevalence of occupational back pain among rehabilitation nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cohort study was conducted with the inclusion of a total of 116-registered rehabilitation nurses (97-female, 19-male, mean age = 39.6-years) from different regions of Saudi Arabia. After the invitation, these nurses attended an ergonomic workshop focusing on work-related safety and patient handling guidelines, risk assessment, and control of OBP. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, risk, and prevalence of OBP at baseline and 6-months follow-up. Results: The perceived knowledge score significantly improved (95% CI; t = 4.691; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.72) at 6-month follow-up (mean ± SD = 81.6 ± 18.2) from its baseline score (mean ± SD = 68.2 ± 19.2). Likewise, the prevalence score of OBP markedly reduced from 71.5% (baseline) to 65.0% (6-month follow-up). Conclusion: The level of knowledge highly improved and the prevalence of OBP markedly reduced within a span of 6-month among rehabilitation nurses in Saudi Arabia after attending an ergonomic workshop. Importantly, the nurses learned and geared up themselves for practicing the safe patient handling guidelines to avoid occupational back pain in the future. Therefore, rehabilitation nurses should update their knowledge and awareness about occupational safety and health guidelines, risk assessments, and control of OBP at a regular interval for increasing the knowledge and reducing the prevalence of OBP among them.
Development and Implementation of a Total Worker Health® Mentoring Program in a Correctional Workforce
Authors: Namazi Sara , Kotejoshyer Rajashree , Farr Dana , Henning Robert A. , Tubbs Diana C. , Dugan Alicia G. , El Ghaziri Mazen , Cherniack Martin
Published: August 2021

Correctional officers (COs) are exposed to a number of occupational stressors, and their health declines early in their job tenure. Interventions designed to prevent early decline in CO health are limited. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a one-year peer health mentoring program (HMP) guided by Total Worker Health® principles and using a participatory action research to collectively address worker safety, health, and well-being of newly hired COs. The HMP aimed to provide new COs with emotional and tangible forms of support during their first year of employment, including peer coaching to prevent early decline in physical fitness and health. The development and implementation of the HMP occurred across five main steps: (1) participatory design focus groups with key stakeholders; (2) adaptation of an existing mentoring handbook and training methods; (3) development of mentor–mentee recruitment criteria and assignment; (4) designing assessment tools; and (5) the initiation of a mentor oversight committee consisting of union leadership, corrections management, and research staff. Correctional employee engagement in the design and implementation process proved to be efficacious in the implementation and adaptation of the program by staff. Support for the HMP remained high as program evaluation efforts continued.
Can Resistance Exercise Be a Tool for Healthy Aging in Post-Menopausal Women with Type 1 Diabetes?
Authors: Momeni Zeinab , Logan Jessica E. , Sigal Ronald J. , Yardley Jane E.
Published: August 2021

Due to improvements in diabetes care, people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are living longer. Studies show that post-menopausal T1D women have a substantially elevated cardiovascular risk compared to those without T1D. As T1D may also accelerate age-related bone and muscle loss, the risk of frailty may be considerable for T1D women. Exercise and physical activity may be optimal preventative therapies to maintain health and prevent complications in this population: They are associated with improvements in, or maintenance of, cardiovascular health, bone mineral density, and muscle mass in older adults. Resistance exercise, in particular, may provide important protection against age-related frailty, due to its specific effects on bone and muscle. Fear of hypoglycemia can be a barrier to exercise in those with T1D, and resistance exercise may cause less hypoglycemia than aerobic exercise. There are currently no exercise studies involving older, post-menopausal women with T1D. As such, it is unknown whether current guidelines for insulin adjustment/carbohydrate intake for activity are appropriate for this population. This review focuses on existing knowledge about exercise in older adults and considers potential future directions around resistance exercise as a therapeutic intervention for post-menopausal T1D women.
Modeling and Mapping of Combined Noise Annoyance for Aircraft and Road Traffic Based on a Partial Loudness Model
Authors: Lee Wonhee , Chun Chanil , Kim Dongwook , Lee Soogab
Published: August 2021

Complex transportation systems often produce combined exposure to aircraft and road noise. Depending on the noise source, the annoyance response is different, and a masking effect occurs between the noise sources within the combined noise. Considering these characteristics, partial loudness was adopted to evaluate noise annoyance. First, a partial loudness model incorporating binaural inhibition was proposed and validated. Second, short- and long-term annoyance models were developed using partial loudness. Finally, the annoyance of combined noise was visualized as a map. These models can evaluate the annoyance by considering both the intensity and frequency characteristics of the noise. In addition, it is possible to quantify the masking effect that occurs between noise sources. Combined noise annoyance maps depict the degree of annoyance of residents and show the background noise effect, which is not seen on general noise maps.
Socioecological Factors Associated with an Urban Exercise Prescription Program for Under-Resourced Women: A Mixed Methods Community-Engaged Research Project
Authors: Camhi Sarah M. , Debordes-Jackson Gifty , Andrews Julianna , Wright Julie , Lindsay Ana Cristina , Troped Philip J. , Hayman Laura L.
Published: August 2021

One strategy to promote physical activity (PA) is for health care providers to give exercise prescriptions (ExRx) that refer to community-based facilities. However, facilitators and barriers specific to urban programs in the US for under-resourced women are unknown. Thus the purpose of this formative research was to explore ExRx barriers and facilitators specific to US under-resourced women to inform future intervention targets and strategies. This mixed-methods community-engaged research was conducted in partnership with an urban women’s only wellness center that exchanged ExRx for free access (1–3 months). Qualitative semi-structured interviews and validated quantitative questionnaires (SF-12, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity Stage of Change, and Barriers to Physical Activity, Social Support for Exercise, and Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale) were administered by phone and guided by the socio-ecological model. ExRx utilization was defined as number visits/week divided by membership duration. Means and percentages were compared between ≥1 visit/week vs. <1 visit/week with t-tests and chi-square, respectively. Women (n = 30) were 74% Black, 21–78 years of age, 50% had ≤ high school diploma, and 69% had household incomes ≤45,000/year. Women with ≥1 visit/week (n = 10; 33%) reported more education and higher daily activity, motivation, number of family CVD risk factors and family history of dyslipidemia compared with <1 visit/week. Facilitators among women with ≥1 visit/week were “readiness” and “right timing” for ExRx utilization. Barriers among women with <1 visit/week (n = 20; 67%) were “mismatched expectations” and “competing priorities”. Common themes among all women were “sense of community” and “ease of location”. ExRx utilization at an US urban wellness center may be dependent on a combination of multi-level factors including motivation, confidence, peer support, location and ease of access in under-sourced women. Additional resources may be needed to address mental and/or physical health status in additional to physical activity specific programming.
The Psychological Restorative Effects of Campus Environments on College Students in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study at Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Sun Siyun , Chen Yingyuan , Mu Sen , Jiang Bo , Lin Yiwei , Gao Tian , Qiu Ling
Published: August 2021

During the COVID-19 outbreak, college students experienced different periods of isolation on campus, which has had an impact on students’ mental health. Based on ART theory, this study randomly selected students at Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China and distributed questionnaires in order to evaluate the psychological recovery effect of campus environment during the epidemic. The results showed that: (1) There were significant differences in the psychological restoration of four types of campus environments. Blue space had the greatest effect, followed by green space and sports grounds, while grey space had the least. (2) Time of stay had a very significant impact on psychological restoration. Longer time of exposure is not necessarily correlated with a better recovery experience. (3) In the different campus environments, extent is easier to be perceived followed by fascination and compatibility, and the weakest is being away. At the time of stay level, no significant difference was found in the perception of compatibility. Time of stay was negatively correlated with fascination and compatibility. These findings can provide theoretical and practical bases for campus environmental planning and construction following the COVID-19 epidemic.
Deep Fusion of DOM and DSM Features for Benggang Discovery
Authors: Shen Shengyu , Chen Jiasheng , Zhang Shaoyi , Cheng Dongbing , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2021

Benggang is a typical erosional landform in southern and southeastern China. Since benggang poses significant risks to local ecological environments and economic infrastructure, it is vital to accurately detect benggang-eroded areas. Relying only on remote sensing imagery for benggang detection cannot produce satisfactory results. In this study, we propose integrating high-resolution Digital Orthophoto Map (DOM) and Digital Surface Model (DSM) data for efficient and automatic benggang discovery. The fusion of complementary rich information hidden in both DOM and DSM data is realized by a two-stream convolutional neural network (CNN), which integrates aggregated terrain and activation image features that are both extracted by supervised deep learning. We aggregate local low-level geomorphic features via a supervised diffusion-convolutional embedding branch for expressive representations of benggang terrain variations. Activation image features are obtained from an image-oriented convolutional neural network branch. The two sources of information (DOM and DSM) are fused via a gated neural network, which learns the most discriminative features for the detection of benggang. The evaluation of a challenging benggang dataset demonstrates that our method exceeds several baselines, even with limited training examples. The results show that the fusion of DOM and DSM data is beneficial for benggang detection via supervised convolutional and deep fusion networks.
Application of GIS Tools in the Measurement Analysis of Urban Spatial Layouts Using the Square Grid Method
Authors: Musiaka Łukasz , Nalej Marta
Published: August 2021

The principal aim of this paper is to present the capabilities of newly developed GIS tools for measurement analysis of urban spatial layouts, using the square grid method. The study of urban morphology and metrology is a multistage process, which involves the metrological analysis of town plans. The main research step is the determination of measurement modules of town layouts, using the square grid. By using GIS software, the authors developed a new tool, named HGIS Tools, which allow to create any number of modular grids with the selected cell size that corresponds to urban units of distance and surface area. When investigating a large number of towns and cities, this offers a significant improvement of the research procedure. The paper presents a test of the tool’s potential on the example of regular medieval towns from the area of the former Teutonic Order state (currently the territory of Poland), diversified in terms of size, genesis and morphometrics. The obtained results confirmed that HGIS Tools allowed to determine the hypothetical measurement module of the layout of the cities studied. The results were consistent with the analyses of other authors carried out with the traditional grid-square methods. The test of the HGIS Tools showed their significant potential in conducting morphometric analyses of spatial arrangements of urban spatial layout on a larger scale.