bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multilevel Model of Older Adults’ Appropriation of ICT and Acquisition of Digital Literacy
Authors: Kärnä Eija , Aavikko Lotta , Rohner Rebekka , Gallistl Vera , Pihlainen Kaisa , Müller Claudia , Ehlers Anja , Bevilacqua Roberta , Strano Stefano , Maranesi Elvira , Cerna Katerina , Hengl Lisa , Kolland Franz , Waldenberger Franz , Naegele Gerd , Park Sieun , Hess Moritz , Reuter Verena , Frewer-Graumann Susanne , Korjonen-Kuusipuro Kristiina
Published: November 2022

Digital literacy refers to a set of competencies related to the skilled use of computers and information technology. Low digital skills can be a barrier for older adults’ full participation in a digital society, and COVID-19 has increased this risk of social exclusion. Older adults’ digital inclusion is a complex process that consists of the interplay of structural and individual factors. The ACCESS project unwrapped the complexity of the process and developed an innovative, multilevel model that illustrates how societal, institutional, material and pedagogical aspects shape adults’ appropriation of digital literacy. A holistic model describes factors contributing to older adults’ digital literacy, acknowledging sociocultural contexts, environments, learning settings and instruction practices for learning digital literacy. Instead of seeing older adults’ reasons for learning digital skills purely as individual choice, this model recognizes the interpersonal, institutional and societal aspects that implicitly or explicitly influence older adults’ acquisition of digital literacy. The results offer a tool for stakeholders, the research community, companies, designers and other relevant stakeholders to consider digital skills and the given support. It demands diverse communication between different stakeholders about the things that should be discussed when organizing digital support in digitalized societies.
The Preparation of N-Doped Titanium Dioxide Films and Their Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Dou Yanyan , Chang Yixuan , Duan Xuejun , Fan Leilei , Yang Bo , Lv Jingjing
Published: November 2022

N-doped TiO2 films supported by glass slides showed superior photocatalytic efficiency compared with naked TiO2 powder due to them being easier to separate and especially being responsive to visible light. The films in this study were prepared via the sol–gel method using TBOT hydrolyzed in an ethanol solution and the nitrogen was provided by cabamide. The N-doped TiO2 coatings were prepared via a dip-coating method on glass substrates (30 × 30 × 2 mm) and then annealed in air at 490 °C for 3 h. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis. The doping rate of N ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 (molar ratio), which caused redshifts to a longer wavelength as seen in the UV-vis analysis. The photocatalytic activity was investigated in terms of the degradation of phenol under both UV light and visible light over 4 h. Under UV light, the degradation rate of phenol ranged from 86% to 94% for all the samples because of the sufficient photon energy from the UV light. Meanwhile, under visible light, a peak appeared at the N-doping rate of 0.5, which had a degrading efficiency that reached 79.2%, and the lowest degradation rate was 32.9%. The SEM, XRD and UV-vis experimental results were consistent with each other.
Empathy and Post-Traumatic Growth among Chinese Community Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Self-Disclosure and Social Support
Authors: Dou Jinhua , Liu Chang , Xiong Ruoyu , Zhou Hongguang , Lu Guohua , Jia Liping
Published: November 2022

Given the prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term psychological impacts, this study aimed to explore how empathy leads to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese community workers. Guided by the revised PTG model, this study identified the relation between empathy and PTG using a multiple mediation model that included self-disclosure and social support as hypothesized mediators. This study utilized data from 414 Chinese adults aged 20 years or older who completed an online survey during the pandemic. Self-disclosure and social support were measured as mediating variables. The study variables were positively correlated with PTG. Empathy was positively correlated with self-disclosure and social support. After controlling for demographic covariates, the results indicated that self-disclosure and social support mediated the link between empathy and PTG in both parallel and sequential fashion. Empathy, self-disclosure, and social support played important roles in the growth of Chinese community workers. The present findings have been useful in increasing our understanding, policy programs, and interventions by governments or regional bodies to ameliorate community workers’ PTG.
The Role of Body Shame and Age on Appearance-Based Exercise and Positive Body Image in Women from Poland: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis
Authors: Czepczor-Bernat Kamila
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study has been to analyse whether body shame and age may play a role in appearance-based exercise and positive body image in Women from Poland. It was assumed that women with high body shame and at the stage of young adulthood have significantly greater levels of appearance-based exercise and lower positive body image than those with a low level of body shame and at the stage of middle adulthood. The final sample included 234 Polish women (age: M = 31.58, SD = 13.93; body mass index: M = 23.45, SD = 4.72). Participants completed: the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), the Exercise Appearance Motivations Scale (EAMS), the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and a socio-demographic survey. The cluster analysis technique indicated four distinct clusters: (a) Cluster 1 (N = 83): high body shame and young adulthood; (b) Cluster 2 (N = 29): high body shame and middle adulthood; (c) Cluster 3 (N = 88): low body shame and young adulthood; (d) Cluster 4 (N = 34): low body shame and middle adulthood. The outcomes partially support the hypothesis, as higher levels of almost all subscales related to appearance-based exercise (EAMS: “muscularity”, “societal pressures”, “shape/weight concerns”, “avoidance/shame”) and lower positive body image (BAS-2) were observed in women with high body shame and at the stage of young adulthood compared with women with a low level of body shame and at the stage of middle adulthood. These results indicate that both body shame and age may contribute to the intensity of appearance-based exercise and positive body image deterioration. Clarity on this issue is essential to ensure that an appropriate preventive activity and interventions are made which will be able to take into account the specific sociocultural context in Poland.
Cyberbullying: Common Predictors to Cyber-Victimisation and Bystanding
Authors: Lloret-Irles Daniel , Cabrera-Perona Víctor , Tirado-González Sonia , Segura-Heras José V.
Published: November 2022

Cyberbullying has increased worryingly in the last decade, becoming a mental health problem in adolescence. Research usually focuses on cyber-bullies or cyber-victims, overlooking that these roles may overlap (e.g., cyber-victim-bystander). Aim: To identify possible common predictors to cyber-victimisation and bystanding. Sample: The study sample consisted in 560 students, 12–15 years old, 47.5% female. Method: Canonical correlation, examining linear relationship between a group of X variables, and a group of Y variables. Main results and conclusions: Two canonical varieties were built (Cor (U1,V1) = 0.442; Cor (U2,V2) = 0.270). Minors with high scores in cyber-victimisation (r = −0.888) and bystanding (r = −0.902) would have more favourable attitude towards violence, greater number of contacts on social networks/messaging and greater attention to emotions. The second variety discriminates minors with high cyber-victimisation score, but low observation and would relate to low attitudes towards violence and contacts on social networks/messaging, together with high scores in parental monitoring. Results suggest the possible overlapping of roles and how cyber-victimisation and bystanding share predictive factors.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Maintaining Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Medical Students
Authors: Wafi Ahmed M. , Mosleh Amani A. , Mutaen Amani A. , Hakami Dalal F. , Baeshen Rawdah A. , Rajhi Shahad A. , Alamri Joud M. , Alqassim Ahmad Y.
Published: November 2022

Background. Stay-home orders and the shutdown of university campuses and fitness centers have greatly influenced health behaviors, resulting in a widespread reduction in physical activity. This study aimed to identify factors associated with maintaining physical activity among Jazan University medical students during the COVID-19 shutdown. Methods. An official Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity before and during the COVID-19 home quarantine. Differences between groups were examined using chi-square analyses and the Mann–Whitney U test. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test whether certain demographic and exercise-related variables were significant predictors of maintaining physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results. More than half of the participants (53%) reported no change or increased physical activity level. Several factors were significantly related to physical activity heterogeneity including income (p = 0.04), fitness center membership (p < 0.01), usage of fitness tracker devices (p < 0.01), and the purchase of physical activity equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01). The odds of maintaining physical activity were higher among those who tracked their physical activity (AOR = 6.160; 95% CI = 3.782–10.032, p < 0.001). Similarly, the odds of maintaining physical activity were higher among those who purchased home-exercise equipment during the pandemic (AOR = 2.243; 95% CI = 1.386–3.632, p = 0.001). Conclusions. Understanding the factors affecting physical activity behaviors is an essential step toward addressing the reduction in physical activity. This could help maintain physical activity levels during a potential future pandemic-related shutdown.
Anthropo-Mechanical Cradles: A Multidisciplinary Review
Authors: Sydor Maciej , Pop Jessica , Jasińska Anna , Zabłocki Marek
Published: November 2022

Domestic cradles are beds that are movable but non-mobile for babies up to five months of age. The “anthropo-mechanical” cradle simulates the physiological movement of the human body. The article reviews scientific literature discussing the impacts of swinging on infants, provides classifications of all currently used cradles due to how the child moves, and briefly describes modern technologies within cradle automation. This made it possible to calculate and propose safe motion parameters within mechatronic cradles. The main conclusions of the article are as follows: (1) the scientific literature reports the beneficial effects of harmonic movement on a child, (2) motion analyses substantiating the classifications of all cradles into six types (tilting, yawing, hammock, Sarong, swing, and surging cradle; the classification criterion included the nature of the cradle movement in relation to the planes and anatomical axes of the child’s body), (3) modern technologies allowing for the use of movement with thoughtful parameters, thus, safer for a child, (4) movement within the parameters similar to the motion and speed passively performed by the child in the womb while a mother is walking was considered beneficial and safe, and (5) the use of advanced technology allows for the possibility to devise and create an automatic mechatronic cradle with a child-safe motion. Future innovative anthropo-mechanical cradles that follow physiological human motion parameters can be used safely, with a vertical amplitude ranging from −13 to + 15 mm and a frequency of up to 2 Hz.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Japanese Version of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Shirabe Ritsuko , Yokota Rie , Iye Reina , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: November 2022

Background: The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) systematically evaluates the understandability and actionability of patient education materials. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of PEMAT and verify its reliability and validity. Methods: After assessing content validation, experts scored healthcare-related leaflets and videos according to PEMAT to verify inter-rater reliability. In validation testing with laypeople, the high-scoring material group (n = 800) was presented with materials that received high ratings on PEMAT, and the low-scoring material group (n = 799) with materials that received low ratings. Both groups responded to the understandability and actionability of the materials and perceived self-efficacy for the recommended actions. Results: The Japanese version of PEMAT showed strong inter-rater reliability (PEMAT-P: % agreement = 87.3, Gwet’s AC1 = 0.83. PEMAT-A/V: % agreement = 85.7, Gwet’s AC1 = 0.80). The high-scoring material group had significantly higher scores for understandability and actionability than the low-scoring material group (PEMAT-P: understandability 6.53 vs. 5.96, p < 0.001; actionability 6.04 vs. 5.49, p < 0.001; PEMAT-A/V: understandability 7.65 vs. 6.76, p < 0.001; actionability 7.40 vs. 6.36, p < 0.001). Perceived self-efficacy increased more in the high-scoring material group than in the low-scoring material group. Conclusions: Our study showed that materials rated highly on Japanese version of PEMAT were also easy for laypeople to understand and action.
A Retrospective Medical Record Review to Describe Health Status and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors of Bus Drivers in South Africa
Authors: Aitken Susan C. , Lalla-Edward Samanta T. , Kummerow Maren , Tenzer Stan , Harris Bernice N. , Venter W. D. Francois , Vos Alinda G.
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. The occupational challenges of bus drivers may increase their risk of CVD, including developing obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. We evaluated the medical records of 266 bus drivers visiting an occupational medical practice between 2007 and 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to determine the health status of bus drivers and investigate risk factors for CVD, and their impact on the ability to work. The participants were in majority male (99.3%) with a median age of 41.2 years (IQR 35.2); 23.7% were smokers, and 27.1% consumed alcohol. The median body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 m/kg2 (IQR 7.1), with 63.1% of participants having above normal BMI. Smoking, BMI, and hypertension findings were in line with national South African data, but diabetes prevalence was far lower. Undiagnosed hypertension was found in 9.4% of participants, uncontrolled hypertension in 5.6%, and diabetes in 3.0%. Analysis by BMI category found that obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension was the main reason for being deemed ‘unfit to work’ (35.3%). Our research highlights the need for more regular screening for hypertension and interventions to address high BMI.
Health Services Utilization in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Large-Scale Online Survey
Authors: Wei Xia , Yuan Haowen , Sun Yan , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Qingbo , Fu Yaqun , Wang Quan , Sun Li , Yang Li
Published: November 2022

Timely access to essential health services is a concern as COVID-19 continues. This study aimed to investigate health services utilization during the first wave of the pandemic in China. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a self-administrated questionnaire in March 2020. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. A total of 4744 respondents were included, with 52.00% reporting affected services utilization. Clinical testing (68.14%) and drug purchase (49.61%) were the most affected types. Higher education level, being married, chronic disease, frequently visiting a provincial medical institution, spending more time on pandemic-related information, perception of high-risk of infection, perception of large health impact of the pandemic, and anxiety/depression were significant predictors for reporting affected services utilization. For the 431 chronic disease respondents, 62.18% reported interruption, especially for drug purchase (58.58%). Affected health services utilization was reported during the first wave of the pandemic in China, especially for those with higher education level, chronic diseases, and COVID-19 related concerns. Enhancing primary healthcare, use of telehealth, extended prescription, and public communication were countermeasures undertaken by China during the rapid rise period. As COVID-19 progresses, the changing disease characteristics, adapted health system, along with enhanced public awareness/knowledge should be considered for the evolution of health services utilization, and further investigation is needed.
The Relationship of Family Functioning and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Defeat and the Moderating Role of Meaning in Life
Authors: Yang Qin , Hu Yi-Qiu , Zeng Zi-Hao , Liu Shuang-Jin , Wu Tong , Zhang Gang-Huai
Published: November 2022

Objective: To investigate the relationship between family functioning and suicidal ideation among adolescents. Method: A total of 4515 junior and senior high school students were assessed using the Family APGAR, the Depressive Symptom Index-Suicidality Subscale, the Defeat Scale, and the Chinese Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Results: This study found pairwise correlations between suicidal ideation, family functioning, defeat, and meaning in life. Specifically, family functioning was an influencing factor of adolescent suicidal ideation, and defeat was a mediator of the relationship between family functioning and adolescent suicidal ideation; meaning in life was found to be a moderator of the first half of the mediation process by defeat, that is, it moderated the influence of family functioning on adolescent defeat. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the relationship between family functioning and adolescent suicidal ideation, as well as the influence of defeat and meaning in life on this relationship, constituted a moderated intermediary model. This finding has both theoretical and practical value for the implementation of a psychosocial model of adolescent suicide prevention and intervention.
Correction: Mancini et al. A Novel Strategy for the Assessment of Radon Risk Based on Indicators. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 8089
Authors: Mancini Simona , Vilnitis Martins , Guida Michele
Published: November 2022

In the original publication [...]
The Impact of Heavy Rainfall Variability on Fertilizer Application Rates: Evidence from Maize Farmers in China
Authors: Guo Jiangying , Chen Jiwei
Published: November 2022

Global warming increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, which is harmful to agricultural production. Given that the overuse of fertilizer has been found to be a significant contributor to global warming, it is crucial to analyze the factors affecting farmers’ fertilizer use and find appropriate fertilizer reduction measures. Agriculture is inherently risky, but previous studies have ignored the risk factors related to heavy rainfall variability, including fertilizer losses and the possible yield risks, which may lead to income risk. Using the 1995–2018 National Rural Fixed Observation Point Survey Data, this study examines the impact of heavy rainfall variability on maize farmers’ fertilizer application rates, aiming to understand farmers’ fertilization behavior in response to weather shocks. The results show that heavy rainfall variability significantly increases farmers’ fertilizer application rates on maize. Furthermore, we find that heavy rainfall variability has greater effects on fertilizer use in hills and mountainous areas and areas with good irrigation conditions or high economic levels. When examining the potential channels underlying the estimated effects, we find that yield fluctuations are a channel through which heavy rainfall variability affects farmers’ fertilizer use on maize. The above results indicate that farmers view applying extra fertilizer as a risk reducing activity in response to rainfall shocks, which helps to prevent low yield and income. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction according to local conditions and promoting fertilizer reduction technologies and products to reduce yield risk caused by heavy rainfall can help alleviate the problem of high fertilizer application rates by Chinese farmers.
Detailed Geogenic Radon Potential Mapping Using Geospatial Analysis of Multiple Geo-Variables—A Case Study from a High-Risk Area in SE Ireland
Authors: Aghdam Mirsina Mousavi , Dentoni Valentina , Da Pelo Stefania , Crowley Quentin
Published: November 2022

A detailed investigation of geogenic radon potential (GRP) was carried out near Graiguenamanagh town (County Kilkenny, Ireland) by performing a spatial regression analysis on radon-related variables to evaluate the exposure of people to natural radiation (i.e., radon, thoron and gamma radiation). The study area includes an offshoot of the Caledonian Leinster Granite, which is locally intruded into Ordovician metasediments. To model radon release potential at different points, an ordinary least squared (OLS) regression model was developed in which soil gas radon (SGR) concentrations were considered as the response value. Proxy variables such as radionuclide concentrations obtained from airborne radiometric surveys, soil gas permeability, distance from major faults and a digital terrain model were used as the input predictors. ArcGIS and QGIS software together with XLSTAT statistical software were used to visualise, analyse and validate the data and models. The proposed GRP models were validated through diagnostic tests. Empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) was used to produce the map of the spatial distribution of predicted GRP values and to estimate the prediction uncertainty. The methodology described here can be extended for larger areas and the models could be utilised to estimate the GRPs of other areas where radon-related proxy values are available.
Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Graded Exposure Therapy on PTSD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Heo Seoyoon , Park Jin-Hyuck
Published: November 2022

Previous studies reported that virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy (VRET) was a clinically beneficial intervention for specific phobias. However, among VRET, VR-based graded exposure therapy (VR-GET) is little known about its efficacy on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Therefore, this meta-analysis investigated the effects of VR-GET for PTSD symptoms. A literature search yielded seven randomized controlled trials. The differences between conditions regarding the primary outcome of PTSD symptoms in the effect size of the individual study were calculated using Hedges’ g. The findings showed VR-GET showed a significantly larger effect size for PTSD symptoms (g = 1.100, p = 0.001), compared to controls. However, no significant difference between conventional VRET and controls was found for PTSD symptoms (g = −0.279, p = 0.970). These findings indicated the superiority of VR-GET for PTSD symptoms compared to controls, supporting the importance of immersive PTSD treatments. Nevertheless, the results need to be interpreted with caution due to the substantial number of military service personnel studies. Future trials, considering individually tailored scenarios in virtual environments to cover a wider range of trauma types, are required to investigate its evidence on treating PTSD.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Guam Residents towards Cancer Clinical Trial Participation
Authors: Taafaki Munirih R. , Brown Amy C. , Cassel Kevin D. , Chen John J. , Lim Eunjung , Paulino Yvette C.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Currently there are no cancer clinical trials in Guam, where CHamoru people suffer the highest rates of cancer mortality, and interest to do so is growing. This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes of Guam residents towards cancer clinical trial participation prior to implementation. (2) Methods: A telephone survey was developed, tested, and conducted among Guam resident adults, 18 years of age and older. Survey questions were summarized by descriptive statistics. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between Guam residents’ demographics and their clinical trial knowledge and attitudes. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. (3) Results: One hundred fifty-two people participated in the survey, most of whom were CHamoru (47.0%). Fifty-three percent had heard the term ‘clinical trial’; 73.7% would take part in a trial if they had cancer; and 59.9% believed they would receive good quality treatment from a trial offered in Guam. CHamoru were more likely than Whites to associate out-of-pocket expenses with clinical trial participation (aOR = 5.34, 95% CI = 1.68–17.00). Physician ethnicity was important to 30% of non-Whites and significantly associated with those who spoke a language other than English (aOR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.29–8.95). Most people (65.0%) did not believe clinical trials participants were ‘guinea pigs’. (4) Conclusion: Though knowledge about cancer clinical trials is limited, attitudes were primarily positive towards participating in cancer clinical trials offered in Guam. Future delivery of cancer clinical trials will benefit from identifying potential barriers to recruitment and adopting an approach suited to Guam’s population.
Can Medical Devices Help Mitigate Global Environmental Change Effects on Human and Animal Health? A Pilot Study
Authors: Mancini Laura , Marcheggiani Stefania , Figliomeni Mario , Volpi Elisabetta , Avellis Luca , Volpi Fabrizio , D’Angelo Anna Maria , Romanelli Cristina , Calamea Pietro , Tancioni Lorenzo , Ferrari Cinzia
Published: November 2022

Globalization and urbanization are new challenges for the ability to protect public health. Indeed, the anthropogenic impact is changing the environment on a global scale. These changes can have direct and indirect health effects on both human and animal populations, introducing new diseases. Heat waves and floods are an example of these changes. Global Environmental Change (GEC) consequences on human health and well-being are stronger in urban areas, which are inhabited by 70% of the European population. In this context, the use of appropriate medical devices can also help mitigate the effects of climate change. Studies into lifestyle, environment quality and potential fields of application can be useful tools to identify possible types of medical device that could help to support the therapeutic needs and the prevention of health both in everyday life, and in the case of environmental alerts. A study was carried out on the potential role of medical devices (MDs) in mitigating the effects of GEC on human and animal health, by issuing two different questionnaires to specific professional clusters: the first to doctors, pharmacists, and veterinarians, the second to MD manufacturers. The data obtained from this study confirm the strong connection between GEC and the increase in the use of some MDs. Results obtained from questionnaires circulated to MD manufacturers confirmed this trend. MD manufacturers also declared that there are no longer any seasonal trends in market demand for some medical devices. This is a pilot study to consider MDs as a mitigation tool for CEGs.
eHealth Platforms to Promote Autonomous Life and Active Aging: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bernardo Joana , Apóstolo João , Loureiro Ricardo , Santana Elaine , Yaylagul Nilufer , Dantas Carina , Ventura Filipa , Duque Filipa , Jøranson Nina , Zechner Minna , Staalduinen Willeke , De Luca Vincenzo , Illario Maddalena , Silva Rosa
Published: November 2022

New technologies, namely eHealth platforms, are being used more than ever before. These platforms enable older people to have a more independent lifestyle, enhance their participation, and improve their well-being. Information and communication technologies are expected to be linked to the triad of aging, social inclusion, and active participation, which is in line with the implementation of Smart Healthy and Age-Friendly Environments. This scoping review aimed to map eHealth platforms designed to promote autonomous life and active aging. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR checklist were used. A search was conducted on MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL Complete (via EBSCOhost), Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (via EBSCOhost), SciELO, DART-Europe, CAPES, and MedNar databases. Fourteen studies were included. This scoping review synthesized information on eHealth platforms designed to promote active living, their domains of intervention, and the outcomes assessed in those studies that have implemented and evaluated these eHealth platforms.
Geochemical Contamination, Speciation, and Bioaccessibility of Trace Metals in Road Dust of a Megacity (Guangzhou) in Southern China: Implications for Human Health
Authors: Tang Fei , Li Zhi , Zhao Yanping , Sun Jia , Sun Jianteng , Liu Zhenghui , Xiao Tangfu , Cui Jinli
Published: November 2022

Road dust has been severely contaminated by trace metals and has become a major health risk to urban residents. However, there is a lack of information on bioaccessible trace metals in road dust, which is necessary for an accurate health risk assessment. In this study, we collected road dust samples from industrial areas, traffic intersections, and agricultural fields from a megacity (Guangzhou), China, and conducted a geochemical enrichment, speciation, and bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment of trace metals. In comparison with local soil background values, the results revealed a significant accumulation of trace metals, including Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb in the road dust, which is considered moderate to heavy pollution. Sequential extraction indicated that most trace metals in the road dust were primarily composed of a Fe/Mn oxide-bound fraction, carbonate-bound fraction, and residual fraction, while the dominant fraction was the organic matter-bound fraction of Cu, and the residual fractions of As, Cr, and Ni. The in vitro gastrointestinal (IVG) method revealed that high percentages of Zn, Cd, Cu, and As were bioaccessible, suggesting the possible dissolution of trace metals from adsorbed and carbonate-associated fractions in road dust exposed to the biological fluid matrix. The IVG bioaccessibility-based concentration largely decreased the noncarcinogenic health risk to a negligible level. Nevertheless, the entire population is still exposed to the cumulative probability of a carcinogenic risk, which is primarily contributed to by As, Cd, Cr, and Pb. Future identification of the exact sources of these toxic metals would be helpful for the appropriate management of urban road dust contamination.
Microplastic Contamination and Ecological Status of Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study in Two Northern Portuguese Rivers
Authors: Ribeiro Andreia , Gravato Carlos , Cardoso João , Ribeiro Carlos Alexandre , Vieira Maria Natividade , Rodrigues Carolina
Published: November 2022

Background: Most European rivers have not yet achieved “good” ecological status. In addition, the presence and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater is a matter of great concern to the scientific community. Methodology: This study assesses the ecological status of four sampling sites of Selho (S1–S4) and Costa-Couros (C1–C4) rivers (Guimarães, Portugal), and the abundance of MPs in sediments and benthic macroinvertebrates (Oligochaeta) from those sites. Results: All sites of both rivers under higher pressure did not reach a “good” ecological status (S2–S3, C2–C4) based on the macroinvertebrate community. High levels of nutrients were observed at all sites in both rivers (except C2), especially phosphorus. In the Oligochaeta’s gut of Costa-Couros river, the high number of MPs seems to be associated with their weight (95.25 ± 25.61 to 1069.00 ± 385.30 MPs g/fresh weight), suggesting the existence of malnutrition and digestive disorders, whereas the highest number of MPs in gut (134.00 ± 30.36 to 558.6 ± 100.70 MPs g/fresh weight) were found for the heaviest organisms of Selho. Conclusions: Thus, sites with higher ecological status do not necessarily have lower abundance of MPs. In the sediments, urbanization seems to be the main driver for MP contamination. MP contamination is pervasive across the sediments and Oligochaeta’s gut in both rivers. Since MPs have the potential to cause harm to environmental and human health, it is essential to monitor not only the ecological status of freshwaters, but also emerging pollutants such as MPs.
Factors Associated with Undertaking Health-Promoting Activities by Older Women at High Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rusowicz Jagoda , Serweta Anna , Juszko Karolina , Idzikowski Wojciech , Gajda Robert , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: November 2022

Background: The complexity of health problems concerning women aged ≥60 years makes it necessary to develop effective, low-cost strategies involving biopsychosocial interventions. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with undertaking health-promoting activities by older women at high risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with or without depressive symptoms. Methods: The study group consisted of 70 older women (62–84 years old) undertaking regular physical activity. A self-developed questionnaire (used to determine the living situation, selected lifestyle components and health problems), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used. Results: In the study group undertaking regular physical activity, 40% had increased symptoms of depression (D group), and 60% were classified as non-depressed (ND group). The D group had a higher general stress level (t = −6.18, p = 0.001). Improving and/or maintaining physical fitness was identified as the greatest motivation in both groups. Willingness to spend time with other people significantly differed between the two groups (χ2 = 4.148, p = 0.042). The sole factor significantly differentiating between both groups was lack of time (χ2 = 8.777, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Motivations and barriers to undertaking health-promoting activities and levels of perceived stress were significantly different between the depressed and non-depressed groups. It is important to encourage primary care physicians to perform screening tests for late-life depression and to provide information on where therapeutic interventions are available for patients with symptoms of MetS and coexisting depressive symptoms.
Determination of Waste Management Workers’ Physical and Psychological Load: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Biometric Data
Authors: Kageyama Itsuki , Hashiguchi Nobuki , Cao Jianfei , Niwa Makoto , Lim Yeongjoo , Tsutsumi Masanori , Yu Jiakan , Sengoku Shintaro , Okamoto Soichiro , Hashimoto Seiji , Kodama Kota
Published: November 2022

Waste management workers experience high stress and physical strain in their work environment, but very little empirical evidence supports effective health management practices for waste management workers. Hence, this study investigated the effects of worker characteristics and biometric indices on workers’ physical and psychological loads during waste-handling operations. A biometric measurement system was installed in an industrial waste management facility in Japan to understand the actual working conditions of 29 workers in the facility. It comprised sensing wear for data collection and biometric sensors to measure heart rate (HR) and physical activity (PA) based on electrocardiogram signals. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate significant relationships between the parameters. Although stress level is indicated by the ratio of low frequency (LF) to high frequency (HF) or high LF power in HR, the results showed that compared with workers who did not handle waste, those who did had lower PA and body surface temperature, higher stress, and lower HR variability parameters associated with higher psychological load. There were no significant differences in HR, heart rate interval (RRI), and workload. The psychological load of workers dealing directly with waste was high, regardless of their PA, whereas others had a low psychological load even with high PA. These findings suggest the need to promote sustainable work relationships and a quantitative understanding of harsh working conditions to improve work quality and reduce health hazards.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Rural Areas of Henan, China
Authors: Chai Jian , Zhang Junxi , Shi Yuanyuan , Sun Panpan , Wang Yuhong , Zhou Dezhuan , Dong Wei , Jiang Lifang , Jia Peng
Published: November 2022

The spatial patterns of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are complex, vary by place, and remain not entirely clear. This study investigated spatiotemporal patterns of APOs in rural areas of Henan, China. We used data from 1,315,327 singleton pregnancies during 2013–2016 in rural areas of Henan, China, from the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkup Program (NFPCP). A spatiotemporal analysis of APOs was conducted based on the time of conception and current address. Results of seasonality decomposed showed a slight decline in the incidence rate of APOs (12.93% to 11.27% in the compound trend) among the participants from 2013 to 2016 and also variation in annual periodicity (peaking in autumn at 12.66% and hitting bottom in spring at 11.16%). Spatial clusters of APOs were concentrated in an intersection band of northwestern to southeastern Henan Province (with a relative risk ratio ranging from 3.66 to 1.20), the northwestern and northern portion for temporal variation (having a trend in the cluster ranged from −6.25% to 83.93). This study provides an overall picture of APOs that presented downward trends over time, seasonal fluctuation, and clustered patterns across space and over time in Henan Province—the most populated province in China. The findings of this study warrant future studies to investigate underlying influential factors of spatial variation of APOs.
Diet Quality, Health, and Wellbeing within the Irish Homeless Sector: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Ravikumar Divya , Vaughan Elena , Kelly Colette
Published: November 2022

Financial barriers and limited cooking facilities are major obstacles to healthy dietary practices among the homeless population. Homelessness is currently at crisis point and up-to-date evidence from multiple stakeholders is needed to address dietary inequalities. The aim of this study was to understand dietary practices, barriers to healthy eating within homeless services from multiple perspectives. Twelve service users and five healthcare and social service providers participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically. Four themes were identified which included: lack of control over diet and food supply; sources of food for the homeless population; practical barriers to good nutrition; and the impact of diet on emotional and physical wellbeing. Frequent consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods was reported. Food insecurity resulted in perceived depressive symptoms and stress. Barriers to healthy diet included financial constraints and a lack of access to cooking and storage facilities. Our study highlights low levels of food skills and healthy eating knowledge among service users and service providers. In order to address diet-related health disparities, health promotion initiatives should be targeted at building healthy public policy in relation to diet and nutrition and developing food skills with members of this population and service providers.
Masking Behaviors in the Absence of Local Mandate—An Observational Study from Hillsborough County, Florida
Authors: Pecoraro Jessica , Bakour Chighaf , Oberne Alison , Mehmood Amber
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to understand the predictors of masking—especially age, race/ethnicity and gender—in Hillsborough County Florida, a region without mask mandates. Masking and social distancing behaviors of individuals were observed in Hillsborough County during one-week intervals in July 2021, August 2021 and Late September—early October 2021. Demographic and behavioral observations were recorded and logistic regression was utilized to determine the odds ratio of wearing a mask amongst various groups. Overall, masking ranged from 36.80% to 48.64%, peaking during the second observation period. Masking rates were highest amongst people of color, women and seniors. Establishments posting mask-negative language, such as “masks NOT required,” saw a 46% decrease in the odds of masking compared to establishments without mask-related signage (thereby defaulting to no mandate). Understanding who engaged in masking and social distancing behaviors will provide local public health officials with a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of previously used strategies, which can be leveraged in future surges of COVID-19 and other emergencies to create maximum impact. Lessons learned regarding policy implementation and understanding patterns of uptake of health guidelines are important for the continuous improvement of public health practice.
The Impact of Social Capital on Rural Residents’ Medical Service Utilization in China—An Empirical Study Based on CFPS Data
Authors: Zhou Hongyun , Hong Jiqing , Yang Su , Huang Yuxuan
Published: November 2022

Based on CFPS data, the article analyzes the impact of social capital on the utilization of medical services by rural residents in China using binary logit and multinomial logit models. The social capital includes two dimensions: cognitive social capital and structural social capital, and the indicators of medical service utilization are “whether to seek medical treatment when sick” and “choice of medical institution”. This paper concludes that: (1) among the cognitive social capital, special trust and religious beliefs have a significant positive influence on whether rural residents choose to seek medical treatment when they are sick; (2) among the structural social capital, social participation has a significant positive influence on choice of medical institution, and social network has a significant positive influence on the choice of township health center, specialty hospital, and general hospital. According to the empirical results, this paper proposes the following suggestions. The trust mechanism of rural society should be reconstructed, the positive role of religious beliefs should be given full play, the healthy development of social networks should be promoted, and the rural social organizations should be fostered and developed.
Differential Effects of Task-Irrelevant Monaural and Binaural Classroom Scenarios on Children’s and Adults’ Speech Perception, Listening Comprehension, and Visual–Verbal Short-Term Memory
Authors: Leist Larissa , Breuer Carolin , Yadav Manuj , Fremerey Stephan , Fels Janina , Raake Alexander , Lachmann Thomas , Schlittmeier Sabine J. , Klatte Maria
Published: November 2022

Most studies investigating the effects of environmental noise on children’s cognitive performance examine the impact of monaural noise (i.e., same signal to both ears), oversimplifying multiple aspects of binaural hearing (i.e., adequately reproducing interaural differences and spatial information). In the current study, the effects of a realistic classroom-noise scenario presented either monaurally or binaurally on tasks requiring processing of auditory and visually presented information were analyzed in children and adults. In Experiment 1, across age groups, word identification was more impaired by monaural than by binaural classroom noise, whereas listening comprehension (acting out oral instructions) was equally impaired in both noise conditions. In both tasks, children were more affected than adults. Disturbance ratings were unrelated to the actual performance decrements. Experiment 2 revealed detrimental effects of classroom noise on short-term memory (serial recall of words presented pictorially), which did not differ with age or presentation mode (monaural vs. binaural). The present results add to the evidence for detrimental effects of noise on speech perception and cognitive performance, and their interactions with age, using a realistic classroom-noise scenario. Binaural simulations of real-world auditory environments can improve the external validity of studies on the impact of noise on children’s and adults’ learning.
Supporting Traumatic Grief: A Qualitative Analysis of Helper’s Lived Experience
Authors: De Leo Diego , Torres Marta , Viecelli Giannotti Andrea , Zammarrelli Josephine , Tassara Laura , D’Ambros Michela
Published: November 2022

Background: Usually managed by trained volunteers, crisis helplines services are of primary importance in community care. However, literature has shown that volunteers may be exposed to a high risk of developing negative psychological consequences in relation to the service performed. Although there are numerous studies dedicated to the use of helplines, evidence regarding the experiences of helpers in the context of traumatic losses is still limited. Objective: This study aimed to explore lived experiences of the operators of a crisis line supporting traumatic bereavement. Specifically, it analyzed the psychological impact of interacting with the caller, and the resources and strategies used by the operators themselves. Methods: The study considered 35 operators of the helpline provided by the Italian NGO De Leo Fund, which offers psychological support to survivors of traumatic bereavement. The inclusion criteria were: (a) currently being or having been a helper at the De Leo Fund helpline; and (b) having completed at least 10 shifts in the helpline service. Data were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire, filled online. The thematic analysis technique used Atlas.ti software 8. Results: Four thematic areas emerged from the transcription of the semi-structured interviews. These were: (a) motivation and expectations; (b) emotional and relational impact of the experience as a helper; (c) strategies adopted by operators; and (d) criticalities and strengths. Conclusions: Monitoring helpers’ emotional experiences and the impact of their work overtime emerged in a marked way. The analysis of the strategies and experiences of the operators represents a fundamental factor for the implementation of specific training programs for the management of emergency situations.