bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Pulsed Electric Fields Processes on Microbial Safety and Quality of Black/Red Raspberry Juice
Authors: Buitimea-Cantúa Génesis V. , Rico-Alderete Iván Alejandro , Rostro-Alanís Magdalena de Jesús , Welti-Chanes Jorge , Escobedo-Avellaneda Zamantha J. , Soto-Caballero Mayra Cristina
Published: August 2022

Black and red raspberries are fruits with a high phenolic and vitamin C content but are highly susceptible to deterioration. The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP 400–600 MPa/CUT-10 min) and pulsed electric fields (PEF, frequency 100–500 Hz, pulse number 100, electric field strength from 11.3 to 23.3 kV/cm, and specific energy from 19.7 to 168.4 kJ/L) processes on black/red raspberry juice was studied. The effect on the inactivation of microorganisms and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, total soluble solids (°Brix), and water activity (aw)), vitamin C and phenolic compounds content were also determined. Results reveal that all HHP-treatments produced the highest (p < 0.05) log-reduction of molds (log 1.85 to 3.72), and yeast (log 3.19), in comparison with PEF-treatments. Increments in pH, acidity, and TSS values attributed to compounds’ decompartmentalization were found. PME activity was partially inactivated by HHP-treatment at 600 MPa/10 min (22% of inactivation) and PEF-treatment at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L (19% of inactivation). Increment in vitamin C and TPC was also observed. The highest increment in TPC (79% of increment) and vitamin C (77% of increment) was observed with PEF at 200 Hz/168.4 kJ/L. The putative effect of HHP and PEF on microbial safety, enzyme inactivation, and phytochemical retention is also discussed in detail. In conclusion, HHP and PEF improve phytochemical compounds’ content, microbial safety, and quality of black/red raspberry juice.
Visual Detection of Chicken Adulteration Based on a Lateral Flow Strip-PCR Strategy
Authors: Xu Haoyi , Lan Hangzhen , Pan Daodong , Xu Junfeng , Wang Xiaofu
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to develop an accurate, easy-to-use, and cost-effective method for the detection of chicken adulteration based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral flow strip (LFS). We compared six DNA extraction methods, namely the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, salt method, urea method, SDS method, guanidine isothiocyanate method, and commercial kit method. The chicken cytb gene was used as a target to design specific primers. The specificity and sensitivity of the PCR-LFS system were tested using a self-assembled lateral flow measurement sensor. The results showed that the DNA concentration obtained by salt methods is up to 533 ± 84 ng µL−1, is a suitable replacement for commercial kits. The PCR-LFS method exhibits high specificity at an annealing temperature of 62 °C and does not cross-react with other animal sources. This strategy is also highly sensitive, being able to detect 0.1% of chicken in artificial adulterated meat. The results of the test strips can be observed with the naked eye within 5 min, and this result is consistent with the electrophoresis result, demonstrating its high accuracy. Moreover, the detection system has already been successfully used to detect chicken in commercial samples. Hence, this PCR-LFS strategy provides a potential tool to verify the authenticity of chicken.
Application of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Multispectral Imaging (MSI) and Electronic Nose (E-Nose) for the Rapid Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Gilthead Sea Bream Fillets
Authors: Govari Maria , Tryfinopoulou Paschalitsa , Panagou Efstathios Z. , Nychas George-John E.
Published: August 2022

The potential of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, multispectral imaging (MSI), and electronic nose (E-nose) was explored in order to determine the microbiological quality of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets. Fish fillets were maintained at four temperatures (0, 4, 8, and 12 °C) under aerobic conditions and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (33% CO2, 19% O2, 48% N2) for up to 330 and 773 h, respectively, for the determination of the population of total viable counts (TVC). In parallel, spectral data were acquired by means of FT-IR and MSI techniques, whereas the volatile profile of the samples was monitored using an E-nose. Thereafter, the collected data were correlated to microbiological counts to estimate the TVC during fish fillet storage. The obtained results demonstrated that the partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models developed on FT-IR data provided satisfactory performance in the estimation of TVC for both aerobic and MAP conditions, with coefficients of determination (R2) for calibration of 0.98 and 0.94, and root mean squared error of calibration (RMSEC) values of 0.43 and 0.87 log CFU/g, respectively. However, the performance of the PLS-R models developed on MSI data was less accurate with R2 values of 0.79 and 0.77, and RMSEC values of 0.78 and 0.72 for aerobic and MAP storage, respectively. Finally, the least satisfactory performance was observed for the E-nose with the lowest R2 (0.34 and 0.17) and the highest RMSEC (1.77 and 1.43 log CFU/g) values for aerobic and MAP conditions, respectively. The results of this work confirm the effectiveness of FT-IR spectroscopy for the rapid evaluation of the microbiological quality of gilthead sea bream fillets.
Exploring the Quality and Application Potential of the Remaining Tea Stems after the Postharvest Tea Leaves: The Example of Lu’an Guapian Tea (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Guo Wenli , He Changxu , Tao Meng , Liu Zhengquan
Published: August 2022

Lu’an Guapian tea is produced through the processing of only leaves, with the stems and buds discarded, but stems constitute a large proportion of the tea harvest. To test the usability of tea stems, we compared the physicochemical properties of tea leaves and stems from the same growth period as well as the taste of their infusions. The leaves contained higher concentrations of polyphenols and caffeine and had a stronger taste. The tea stems contained higher concentrations of free amino acids and soluble sugars and were richer in umami and sweet flavors. In addition, more tender tea stems had higher concentrations of polyphenols, caffeine, and free amino acids, and their infusions had more refreshing and sweeter tastes. Furthermore, crude fiber content increased as stem tenderness decreased. In summary, tea stems are rich in phytochemical components and flavor, and these properties increased with tenderness. This provides a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of tea stems.
A Comparative Assessment of Agronomic and Baking Qualities of Modern/Old Varieties and Landraces of Wheat Grown in Calabria (Italy)
Authors: Preiti Giovanni , Calvi Antonio , Giuffrè Angelo Maria , Badagliacca Giuseppe , Virzì Nino , Bacchi Monica
Published: August 2022

The cultivation of wheat has been part of the evolution of human civilisation since ancient times. Wheat breeding has modified some of its characteristics to obtain improved varieties with high production potential that better meet the demands of the bread and pasta industry. Even today, there are still old varieties, landraces, adapted to particular environments. They are still cultivated in some areas because of the interest shown by the market in typical bakery products expressing the cultural heritage of local communities. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bio-agronomic and bakery characteristics of four modern genotypes, one old cultivar and two landraces of wheat typically grown in Calabria (Southern Italy). The experiment was carried out over two years in two different locations, during which the main bio-agronomic and quality traits related to bread making aptitude were detected. A marked difference was found between the landraces and the other genotypes in both agronomic and technological characteristics. Despite the higher protein and gluten content, landraces were found to have a significantly lower gluten index.
Acyclic Diterpene Phytol from Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa L.) Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity on Primary Human Monocytes-Macrophages
Authors: Claro-Cala Carmen M. , Grao-Cruces Elena , Toscano Rocio , Millan-Linares Maria C. , Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio , Martin Maria E.
Published: August 2022

Seeds from non-drug varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) have been used for traditional medicine, food, and fiber production. Our study shows that phytol obtained from hemp seed oil (HSO) exerts anti-inflammatory activity in human monocyte-macrophages. Fresh human monocytes and human macrophages derived from circulating monocytes were used to evaluate both plasticity and anti-inflammatory effects of phytol from HSO at 10–100 mM using FACS analysis, ELISA, and RT-qPCR methods. The quantitative study of the acyclic alcohol fraction isolated from HSO shows that phytol is the most abundant component (167.59 ± 1.81 mg/Kg of HSO). Phytol was able to skew monocyte-macrophage plasticity toward the anti-inflammatory non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocyte phenotype and toward macrophage M2 (CD200Rhigh and MRC-1high), as well as to reduce the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, diminishing the inflammatory competence of mature human macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. These findings point out for the first time the reprogramming and anti-inflammatory activity of phytol in human monocyte-macrophages. In addition, our study may help to understand the mechanisms by which phytol from HSO contributes to the constant and progressive plasticity of the human monocyte-macrophage linage.
A Comparative Study on Microbiological and Chemical Characteristics of Small Ruminant Carcasses from Abattoirs in Greece
Authors: Tsitsos Anestis , Economou Vangelis , Chouliara Eirini , Ambrosiadis Ioannis , Arsenos Georgios
Published: August 2022

Meat quality dictates consumer preferences with hygiene forming a key component, especially in meat types with declining popularity, such as sheep and goat meat. Aiming to increase the marketability of sheep and goat meat, we examined 370 sheep and goat carcasses from two abattoirs in Greece. Tests included enumeration of the total mesophilic viable count, total psychrophilic viable count and coliform count, and detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and presumptive ESBL Escherichia coli. Moreover, designated samples of meat were used to measure pH, moisture, total fat and protein content. Goat carcasses had significantly higher microbial counts compared to sheep carcasses. Lamb and kid carcasses had larger TMVC, TPVC and coliform counts compared to carcasses from adult animals. One strain of L. monocytogenes (0.8%), typed as serovar 1/2a (3a), was isolated from one adult sheep carcass. Twelve strains of ESBL Escherichia coli (25%) were isolated; there were not any strains of Salmonella spp. The average values of pH, moisture, total fat and total protein were 5.83%, 67.76%, 7.21% and 21.31%, respectively, for sheep carcasses and 5.70%, 68.2%, 5.69% and 24.10%, respectively, for goat carcasses. The results showed a small deviation in assessed parameters, implying the uniformity of the conditions concerning rearing and slaughtering.
On the Physical Fractional Modulations on Langmuir Plasma Structures
Authors: Abdelwahed H. , El-Shewy E. , Alghanim S. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud
Published: August 2022

Langmuir waves propagate in fractal complex plasma with fractal characteristics, which may cause some plasma particles to be trapped or causes wave turbulences. This phenomenon appears in the form of fractional order equations. Using an effective unified solver, some new solitary profiles such as rational, trigonometrically and hyperbolical functions forms are discussed, using fractional derivatives in conformable sense. The fractional order modulates the solitary properties, such as amplitudes and widths. The proposition technique can be executed to study many applied science models.
CORDIC-Based FPGA Realization of a Spatially Rotating Translational Fractional-Order Multi-Scroll Grid Chaotic System
Authors: Sayed Wafaa S. , Roshdy Merna , Said Lobna A. , Herencsar Norbert , Radwan Ahmed G.
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes an algorithm and hardware realization of generalized chaotic systems using fractional calculus and rotation algorithms. Enhanced chaotic properties, flexibility, and controllability are achieved using fractional orders, a multi-scroll grid, a dynamic rotation angle(s) in two- and three-dimensional space, and translational parameters. The rotated system is successfully utilized as a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in an image encryption scheme. It preserves the chaotic dynamics and exhibits continuous chaotic behavior for all values of the rotation angle. The Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC) algorithm is used to implement rotation and the Grünwald–Letnikov (GL) technique is used for solving the fractional-order system. CORDIC enables complete control and dynamic spatial rotation by providing real-time computation of the sine and cosine functions. The proposed hardware architectures are realized on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) using the Xilinx ISE 14.7 on Artix 7 XC7A100T kit. The Intellectual-Property (IP)-core-based implementation generates sine and cosine functions with a one-clock-cycle latency and provides a generic framework for rotating any chaotic system given its system of differential equations. The achieved throughputs are 821.92 Mbits/s and 520.768 Mbits/s for two- and three-dimensional rotating chaotic systems, respectively. Because it is amenable to digital realization, the proposed spatially rotating translational fractional-order multi-scroll grid chaotic system can fit various secure communication and motion control applications.
Effect of Palm Oil–Carnauba Wax Oleogel That Processed with Ultrasonication on the Physicochemical Properties of Salted Duck Egg White Fortified Instant Noodles
Authors: Noonim Paramee , Rajasekaran Bharathipriya , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan
Published: August 2022

The present study permutes edible palm oil (PO) into oleogel by incorporating carnauba wax (CW) at two different concentrations (5 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g, w/w) and processing using ultrasonication. The prepared oleogels (OG1: PO-CW (5 g/100 g); OG2: PO-CW (10 g/100 g); and OGU1: PO-CW (5 g/100 g) with ultrasonication, and OGU2: PO-CW (10 g/100 g) with ultrasonication) were compared with PO (control) to deep fry salted duck egg white (SDEW) fortified instant noodles. The impact of different frying mediums on the physicochemical properties of SDEW noodles was investigated. SDEW instant noodles that were fried using OGU and OG samples had a higher L* and b* but lower a* values than those that were fried in PO (p < 0.05). Among the oleogel-fried samples, noodles that were fried in OGU2 and OG2 effectively lowered the oil uptake and showed better cooking properties than OGU1- and OG1-fried noodles, respectively (p < 0.05). Textural attributes such as higher hardness, firmness, chewiness, tensile strength and elasticity, and lower stickiness were noticed in the samples that were fried in OGU, followed by OG and PO (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microstructure revealed a uniform and smoother surface of noodles fried in OGU and OG, whereas the PO-fried sample showed an uneven and rough surface with more bulges. Noodles were tested for fatty acid compositions, and the results found that oleogel-fried noodles retained more unsaturated fatty acids than the control (p < 0.05). During storage of the frying medium after frying the noodles, OGU and OG had higher oxidative stability with lower TBARS, PV, p-AnV, and Totox values than PO at room temperature for 12 days. Overall, using oleogel as frying media improved the physicochemical and nutritional properties of SDEW noodles. This finding could be beneficial for food industries to produce healthy fried food products for consumers.
Active Neutralizing Mats for Corrosive Chemical Storage
Authors: Fernandes Rui D. V. , Melro Liliana , Padrão Jorge , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Mehravani Behnaz , Monteiro Filipa , Pereira Eduardo , Martins Marcos S. , Dourado Nuno , Zille Andrea
Published: August 2022

Laboratories and industries that handle chemicals are ubiquitously prone to leakages. These may occur in storage rooms, cabinets or even in temporary locations, such as workbenches and shelves. A relevant number of these chemicals are corrosive, thus commercial products already exist to prevent material damage and injuries. One strategy consists of the use of absorbing mats, where few display neutralizing properties, and even less a controlled neutralization. Nevertheless, to the authors’ knowledge, the commercially available neutralizing mats are solely dedicated to neutralizing acid or alkali solutions, never both. Therefore, this work describes the development and proof of a completely novel concept, where a dual component active mat (DCAM) is able to perform a controlled simultaneous neutralization of acid and alkali leakages by using microencapsulated active components. Moreover, its active components comprise food-grade ingredients, embedded in nonwoven polypropylene. The acid neutralizing mats contain sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) encapsulated in sodium alginate microcapsules (MC-ASC). Alkali neutralizing mats possess commercial encapsulated citric acid in hydrogenated palm oil (MIRCAP CT 85-H). A DCAM encompasses both MC-ASC and MIRCAP CT 85-H and was able to neutralize solutions up to 10% (v/v) of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The efficacy of the neutralization was assessed by direct titration and using pH strip measurement tests to simulate the leakages. Due to the complexity of neutralization efficacy evaluation based solely on pH value, a thorough conductivity study was performed. DCAM reduced the conductivity of HCl and NaOH (1% and 2% (v/v)) in over 70%. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The size of MC-ASC microcapsules ranged from 2 μm to 8 μm. Finally, all mat components displayed thermal stability above 150 °C.
A Functional Carbohydrate Degrading Enzyme Potentially Acquired by Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Genome of the Soil Invertebrate Folsomia candida
Authors: Le Ngoc Giang , van Ulsen Peter , van Spanning Rob , Brouwer Abraham , van Straalen Nico M. , Roelofs Dick
Published: August 2022

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is defined as the acquisition by an organism of hereditary material from a phylogenetically unrelated organism. This process is mostly observed among bacteria and archaea, and considered less likely between microbes and multicellular eukaryotes. However, recent studies provide compelling evidence of the evolutionary importance of HGT in eukaryotes, driving functional innovation. Here, we study an HGT event in Folsomia candida (Collembola, Hexapoda) of a carbohydrate-active enzyme homologous to glycosyl hydrase group 43 (GH43). The gene encodes an N-terminal signal peptide, targeting the product for excretion, which suggests that it contributes to the diversity of digestive capacities of the detritivore host. The predicted α-L-arabinofuranosidase shows high similarity to genes in two other Collembola, an insect and a tardigrade. The gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli using a cell-free protein expression system. The expressed protein showed activity against p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside. Our work provides evidence for functional activity of an HGT gene in a soil-living detritivore, most likely from a bacterial donor, with genuine eukaryotic properties, such as a signal peptide. Co-evolution of metazoan GH43 genes with the Panarthropoda phylogeny suggests the HGT event took place early in the evolution of this ecdysozoan lineage.
Comparison of Pretraining Models and Strategies for Health-Related Social Media Text Classification
Authors: Guo Yuting , Ge Yao , Yang Yuan-Chi , Al-Garadi Mohammed , Sarker Abeed
Published: August 2022

Pretrained contextual language models proposed in the recent past have been reported to achieve state-of-the-art performances in many natural language processing (NLP) tasks, including those involving health-related social media data. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of different pretrained transformer-based models for social media-based health-related text classification tasks. An additional objective was to explore and propose effective pretraining strategies to improve machine learning performance on such datasets and tasks. We benchmarked six transformer-based models that were pretrained with texts from different domains and sources—BERT, RoBERTa, BERTweet, TwitterBERT, BioClinical_BERT, and BioBERT—on 22 social media-based health-related text classification tasks. For the top-performing models, we explored the possibility of further boosting performance by comparing several pretraining strategies: domain-adaptive pretraining (DAPT), source-adaptive pretraining (SAPT), and a novel approach called topic specific pretraining (TSPT). We also attempted to interpret the impacts of distinct pretraining strategies by visualizing document-level embeddings at different stages of the training process. RoBERTa outperformed BERTweet on most tasks, and better than others. BERT, TwitterBERT, BioClinical_BERT and BioBERT consistently underperformed. For pretraining strategies, SAPT performed better or comparable to the off-the-shelf models, and significantly outperformed DAPT. SAPT + TSPT showed consistently high performance, with statistically significant improvement in three tasks. Our findings demonstrate that RoBERTa and BERTweet are excellent off-the-shelf models for health-related social media text classification, and extended pretraining using SAPT and TSPT can further improve performance.
Effects of Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Physico-Chemical Traits and Antioxidant Systems of ‘Dottato’ Fresh Fig
Authors: Adiletta Giuseppina , Petriccione Milena , Di Matteo Marisa
Published: August 2022

Fig is a very perishable fruit with short postharvest life. Low-cost postharvest techniques should be employed to reduce fresh fig postharvest losses. The purpose of this study was to design a passive modified atmosphere packaging (PMAP) to extend the shelf-life of fresh ‘Dottato’ figs stored at 4 °C for 21 days. Physico-chemical traits and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems were evaluated. Storage in PMAP reduced the losses of fruit weight as well as maintained physico-chemical traits and nutraceutical traits such as polyphenol and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant activity in fresh figs. PMAP reduced oxidative stress, inducing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase and catalase, involved in reactive oxygen species scavenging. A reduction in browning process due to polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities was observed in PMAP samples. Multivariate analysis indicated that storage conditions and storage time affected the responses of qualitative and enzymatic traits. Fig fruit storage in PMAP was suitable to delay its postharvest decay and to preserve nutraceutical traits and antioxidative enzymes during 21 days of cold storage.
Optimum Nitrogen Application Promotes Sweetpotato Storage Root Initiation
Authors: Dong Hong Tham , Li Yujuan , Henderson Craig , Brown Philip , Xu Cheng-Yuan
Published: August 2022

Storage root formation of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is a complex developmental process relating to the activity of cambium. Little information is available on the relationship between nitrogen (N) application levels and the initiation and development of sweetpotato storage roots (SRs). This study aims to examine how N application rates promoted/inhibited the formation and development of storage roots (SRs) for sweetpotato cultivar ‘Orleans’ during the first 8 weeks after planting. Cuttings were grown in coarse river sand culture supplied with modified Hoagland nutrient solution at four different rates (0 (N0), 50 (N50), 100 (N100) or 200 (N200) mg L−1) of N. The results showed that N100 treatment promoted the formation of primary and secondary cambium, resulting in a significant higher rate of SR formation between 21 and 56 days after transplanting (DAT). Due to the higher N demand after formation of SRs, N200 treatment displayed faster growth, higher N acquisition and the highest efficiency of N use after 35 DAT, but the SR formation rate and SR number per plant remained insignificantly lower than N100 when differentiation of adventitious root was mostly completed (49 DAT), suggesting irreversible an effect of N rate during SR initiation, which eventually affects SR number. The results suggested that the optimal substrate N level for sweetpotato SR initiation is lower than that for following SR growth, which should be considered in the fertilisation scheme.
The Recent Decline of Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint (ACF) River Basin Streamflow
Authors: Fang Bin , Kam Jonghun , Elliott Emily , Tootle Glenn , Therrell Matthew , Lakshmi Venkat
Published: August 2022

The Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint (ACF) basin is arguably the most litigated interstate river system in the eastern United States. Given the complicated demands for water use within this basin, it has been difficult to ascertain if the recent multi-decadal decline in streamflow is a product of human disturbance, changing climate, natural variability, or some combination of the above factors. To overcome these challenges, we examined unimpaired streamflow and precipitation within and adjacent to the ACF basin, upstream of the Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee, and the Florida streamflow station (ARCF), which has historically been identified to be representative of hydrologic variability in the ACF basin. Several of the upstream, unimpaired, streamflow stations selected were identified in rural watersheds where land-cover changes and human disturbance were minimal during the study period. When applying a series of statistical evaluations, ARCF streamflow variability generally reflects the natural variability of the ACF basin. Additionally, unimpaired streamflow variability from the neighboring Choctawhatchee River compared favorably with ARCF variability. The recent multi-decadal decline was consistent in all records, with the 2000s being the most severe in the historic record.
Protocol for a Delphi Consensus Study to Determine the Essential and Optional Ultrasound Skills for Medical Practitioners Working in District Hospitals in South Africa
Authors: Mans Pierre-Andre , Yogeswaran Parimalaranie , Adeniyi Oladele Vincent
Published: August 2022

With increasing access to point of care ultrasound (POCUS) at district hospitals in South Africa, there is a lack of standardisation of skillsets among medical practitioners working at this level of care. This study protocol aims to use the Delphi process to achieve expert consensus on the essential and optional ultrasound skills required for medical practitioners working in district hospitals in South Africa. In alignment with the Delphi method, several iterative rounds will be implemented from June to November 2022. Purposive sampling will be conducted, through the recruitment of two representatives from each academic department of family medicine and two medical doctors working in district hospitals in each province in the country (N = 36). The POCUS skillsets published by the American Academy of Family Physicians will be circulated in the first iterative round, following which participants may suggest further additions. Once a consensus target of 70% has been achieved, the Delphi process will be finalised. The Delphi process and data analysis will be facilitated by an online Delphi platform. Findings from the study will provide insight into the design of the curriculum for POCUS training for medical practitioners in district hospitals and registrars in family medicine departments across the country.
Association between Chronotype, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sempere-Rubio Nuria , Aguas Mariam , Faubel Raquel
Published: August 2022

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to compile and assess the scientific evidence about the relationship between chronotypes and physical activity (PA). Methods: A systematic review was executed using a structured electronic search in PubMED, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and Trip Database. The searches employed keywords such as chronotype, sleep, acrophase, chronotype preference, morningness, physical activity and sedentary, using MeSH terms. JBI critical tools were used to appraise methodological aspects. Results: This systematic review includes 23 studies and a total of 505,375 participants. The results show that evening chronotypes are associated with less PA and more time in sedentary activities. It occurs independently of the instruments used to collect information about chronotype and PA. Nevertheless, this association could be mitigated in young populations and university stages. Conclusions: The chronotypes are clearly associated with the PA level and the sedentary behaviour, especially in the population over their mid-twenties. Evening chronotypes are associated with less PA and more time in sedentary activities compared to morning chronotypes.
The Relationship between School Infrastructure and School Nutrition Program Participation and Policies in New York City
Authors: Prescott Melissa Pflugh , Gilbride Judith A. , Corcoran Sean P. , Elbel Brian , Woolf Kathleen , Ofori Roland O. , Schwartz Amy Ellen
Published: August 2022

School nutrition programs (SNP) provide much needed access to fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods at low or no cost. Yet, the infrastructure of school kitchens and cafeteria vary across schools, potentially contributing to systematic barriers for SNP operation and equity. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between school infrastructure and outcomes including meal participation, untraditional lunch periods, and having an open campus. Regression analyses were conducted using administrative data for 1804 schools and school nutrition manager survey data (n = 821) in New York City (NYC). Co-location was significantly associated with open campus status (OR = 2.84, CI: 1.11, 7.26) and high school breakfast participation (β = −0.056, p = 0.003). Overcrowding was associated with breakfast (elementary: β = −0.046, p = 0.03; middle: β = 0.051, p = 0.04; high: β = 0.042, p = 0.04) and lunch participation (elementary: β = −0.031, p = 0.01) and untraditional lunchtimes (elementary: OR = 2.47, CI: 1.05, 5.83). Higher enrollment to cafeteria capacity ratios was associated with breakfast (elementary: β = −0.025, p = 0.02) and lunch (elementary: β = −0.015, p = 0.001; high: β = 0.014, p = 0.02) participation and untraditional lunchtimes (middle: OR = 1.66, CI: 1.03, 2.68). Infrastructure characteristics are an important source of variation across NYC schools that may hinder the equity of school nutrition programs across the city.
Environmental Information Disclosure, Digital Transformation, and Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from Chinese Heavy Polluting Listed Companies
Authors: Liu Hongnan , Liu Weili , Chen Guangchun
Published: August 2022

Environmental information disclosure, as a new environmental regulatory model, is important for achieving collaborative environmental pollution management and sustainable socioeconomic development. Based on the data of listed firms in China’s A-share heavy pollution industry from 2009 to 2019, this paper empirically tested the impact of environmental information disclosure on the total factor productivity of enterprises and the contribution of digital transformation to this impact. An increase in the level of environmental information disclosure had a significant positive effect on the total factor productivity of enterprises. However, with the increase in digital transformation among enterprises, the effect of environmental information disclosure on total factor productivity improvement is gradually being replaced. The heterogeneity test results showed that the positive effect of environmental information disclosure on total factor productivity changed depending on property rights, firm size, and geographical location. The effect of environmental information disclosure was stronger for non-state firms, large firms, and firms located in the east-central region. Further mechanism tests showed that the effect was induced through innovation incentives and facilitated financing. The above results provide a valuable reference for a comprehensive understanding of the effect of environmental information disclosure on productivity and adjustment by the digital transformation of enterprises.
Influence of Hybrid Pedagogical Models on Learning Outcomes in Physical Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Shen Yafei , Shao Weide
Published: August 2022

Hybrid implementation of pedagogical models (PMs) helps to overcome the limitations of a single pedagogical model (PM) when it comes to improving student learning outcomes in physical education (PE). Empirical research on hybridizations has grown substantially in recent years, so the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the effects and mechanisms of different hybridizations on students’ learning outcomes (i.e., motor, cognitive, affective, and social) in PE. Electronic databases, including ERIC, SCOPUS, EBSCO host, and Web of Science, were used to select intervention studies. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 17 high-quality studies, published in English peer-reviewed journals, were assessed. Results show that there were seven different hybrid models having impacts on students’ learning outcomes, which could be divided into four categories: (1) game performance and technical skills; (2) understanding of tactics and decision-making abilities; (3) motivation, autonomy, and confidence; (4) interpersonal skills, cooperative learning ability, and responsibility. Length of implementation and teachers’ familiarity were the main factors that limit the implementation on hybridizations. Future research should consider quasi-experiments with control groups of hybrids versus single models to figure out the advantages of the hybrid model over the single model; including more evidence from different schools, regions, and countries is necessary.
Let the Farmers Embrace “Carbon Neutrality”: Taking the Centralized Biogas as an Example
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yu Liying , Yang Yueling , Zhao Haoran , Song Yanqing , Song Wenhao , Liu Jinmeng
Published: August 2022

The promotion of rural centrally produced biogas (CPB) is an effective carbon neutrality development solution in rural areas. How to better encourage farmers to adopt such products is an important part of the sustainable development of a project. For this reason, focus is needed on the “willingness to embrace (WTE)” and “Willingness to motivate (WTM)” of rural residents for CPB projects and their influencing factors. We chose to conduct questionnaire surveys in rural areas of the Hebei and Shandong provinces of China, using the contingent valuation method (CVM). The results show that 85% of the respondents support CPB. Compared with urban gas, the subsidy demand of rural residents for CPB is 56.78%. The influencing factors of the residents’ WTE are affected by the number of children in the family, whether the village cadres are installed in the family, solar water heaters installed in the family, knowledge and attitudes towards environmental protection, and the embracing of daily energy habits. The influencing factors on the residents’ WTM are age, education level, ownership of arable land, knowledge of environmental protection, etc. Therefore, we propose policy recommendations. First, we must fully understand the willingness and demands of farmers, adopt a reasonable compensation response mechanism, and scientifically calculate financial inputs. The second step is to guide farmers through multi-channel publicity. Third, we aim to improve project operation efficiency, reduce operating costs, and minimize the government’s financial burden on the basis of ensuring that farmers’ demands are considered in a coordinated manner.
Housing and Support for People with Disability: Perspectives of Motor Accident, Disability and Injury Insurers across Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Callaway Libby , Tregloan Kate , Layton Natasha
Published: August 2022

Housing is a critical enabler of a dignified life, civic participation and the achievement of human rights. Providing appropriate housing for people who experience neurotrauma as a result of road or workplace injury, with both the assistive technology and human support required, continues however to be a policy and practice challenge. Australian and New Zealand motor accident, disability and injury insurers have high and enduring liability in this area, and their under-researched perspectives are needed to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice development. This qualitative study utilised focus group methodology with representatives from government injury and disability insurers across Australia and New Zealand (n = 8). The study aimed to identify (a) issues and trends; (b) factors for decision making; and (c) service impacts relating to housing and support for people with disability and high daily support needs. Thematic analysis generated results across four key areas: influences on the decision to fund housing and/or support; identifying ‘good’ housing solutions; evaluating cost–benefit of housing and support investments; and developing future investment in housing and support. Findings such as those regarding decision-making, and investment, attest to the value of capturing the perspectives of this key group of stakeholders to assist to envision better housing and support for people with disability.
Correction: Gilmore et al. Association between Nightlife Goers’ Likelihood of an Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Preferred Bar’s Closing Time: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Perth, Australia. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 13040
Authors: Gilmore William , Symons Martyn , Liang Wenbin , Graham Kathryn , Kypri Kypros , Miller Peter , Chikritzhs Tanya
Published: August 2022

In the original publication [...]
Feeding and Activity Environments for Infants and Toddlers in Childcare Centers and Family Childcare Homes in Southeastern New England
Authors: Risica Patricia Markham , Karpowicz Jacqueline M. , von Ash Tayla , Gans Kim M. , Cooksey-Stowers Kristen Cooksey , Tovar Alison
Published: August 2022

Few studies have documented the food and physical activity (PA) environments of childcare settings caring for children <24 months of age, although they may be key contributors to developing child PA and diet patterns. We used an adapted Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation tool to assess the food and activity environments for infants and toddlers in childcare centers (n = 21) and family childcare homes (FCCH) (n = 20) and explored differences by childcare type. Many similarities were found between childcare site types; however, centers used more recommended feeding practices than FCCH (e.g., 100% of center providers talked with toddlers about feelings of hunger or fullness compared to 18% of family childcare providers (FCCP), p < 0.01). Differences in non-recommended feeding practices (e.g., spoon feeding, bottle propping and encouraging unhealthy foods) were mixed between childcare types. Toddlers in centers spent more time playing at higher PA levels than those in FCCH (61 vs. 13 min, p < 0.001). Screen time was observed in FCCH, but not in centers. Differences between childcare types may indicate differential influences on infant and toddler feeding and PA behaviors, which could predict disparate obesity risk. Future research should further observe these behaviors in a larger sample of centers and FCCH to inform childcare interventions and policies.
How to Measure the Mental Health of Teachers? Psychometric Properties of the GHQ-12 in a Large Sample of German Teachers
Authors: Lütke Lanfer Sarah Susanne , Pfeifer Ruth , Lahmann Claas , Wünsch Alexander
Published: August 2022

To improve the health status of teachers, there is a need for good and reliable instruments to continuously assess their mental health. The current study proposed the GHQ-12 questionnaire as an appropriate instrument for measuring the mental health of teachers. The GHQ-12 is a well-established screening instrument that has mostly been applied in non-teaching samples. In the current study, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed using a large sample of German teachers (N = 3996). The data was collected yearly over an extended period of time (2012–2020). Results showed good to very good reliability, as well as high correspondence to burnout and life satisfaction scales. Principal axis factor analysis supported a two-factor structure: Factor 1 represents “depression/stress” and Factor 2 represents “loss of confidence”. However, the mental health of the investigated teachers was worse than that of a representative sample in Germany. Consequently, this study highlighted the fact that the teaching profession is vulnerable to mental strain and underlined the importance of promoting prevention programs that could help to sustain and foster the mental health of teachers. In this context, the GHQ-12 could be proposed as a good and economic tool to assess and analyze mental health in German teachers. The presented norm could help practitioners and teachers to compare individual scores within a larger peer group.
The Perception of the Patient Safety Climate by Health Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic—International Research
Authors: Kosydar-Bochenek Justyna , Krupa Sabina , Religa Dorota , Friganović Adriano , Oomen Ber , Brioni Elena , Iordanou Stelios , Suchoparski Marcin , Knap Małgorzata , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta
Published: August 2022

The patient safety climate is a key element of quality in healthcare. It should be a priority in the healthcare systems of all countries in the world. The goal of patient safety programs is to prevent errors and reduce the potential harm to patients when using healthcare services. A safety climate is also necessary to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals. The attitudes of healthcare workers toward patient safety in various aspects of work, organization and functioning of the ward are important elements of the organization’s safety culture. The aim of this study was to determine the perception of the patient safety climate by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted in five European countries. The Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) short version was used for the study. A total of 1061 healthcare workers: physicians, nurses and paramedics, participated in this study. Results: All groups received the highest mean results on the stress recognition subscale (SR): nurses 98.77, paramedics 96.39 and physician 98.28. Nurses and physicians evaluated work conditions (WC) to be the lowest (47.19 and 44.99), while paramedics evaluated perceptions of management (PM) as the worst (46.44). Paramedics achieved statistically significantly lower scores compared to nurses and physicians in job satisfaction (JS), stress recognition (SR) and perception of management (PM) (p < 0.0001). Paramedics compared to nurses and physicians rank better in working conditions (WC) in relation to patient safety (16.21%). Most often, persons of lower seniority scored higher in all subscales (p = 0.001). In Poland, Spain, France, Turkey, and Greece, healthcare workers scored highest in stress recognition (SR). In Poland, Spain, France, and Turkey, they assessed working conditions (WC) as the worst, while in Greece, the perception of management (PM) had the lowest result. Conclusion: Participant perceptions about the patient safety climate were not at a particularly satisfactory level, and there is still a need for the development of patient safety culture in healthcare in Europe. Overall, positive working conditions, good management and effective teamwork can contribute to improving employees’ attitudes toward patient safety. This study was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and should be repeated after its completion, and comparative studies will allow for a more precise determination of the safety climate in the assessment of employees.
Family Dysfunction and Cyberchondria among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Liu Shengyingjie , Yang Huai , Cheng Min , Miao Tianchang
Published: August 2022

Cyberchondria has become a severe health problem and a significant public concern. In addition to the impacts that cyberchondria involves, individual psychological and behavioral factors have been identified. However, the role of family function and the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying these relations are not understood well, especially among adolescents. Based on family functioning and cognitive-behavioral theory, this study sought to examine whether family dysfunction was associated with cyberchondria, and a moderated mediation model was prepared as a means of exploring whether health anxiety was a mediator of relationships between family dysfunction and cyberchondria, as well as whether optimism moderated these mediating processes. A total of 2074 Chinese adolescents (mean = 15.08 years, SD = 1.79) reported their demographic information, family dysfunction, health anxiety, optimism, and cyberchondria. The findings showed that family dysfunction was positively related to cyberchondria. Moreover, health anxiety partially mediated the relationship between family dysfunction and cyberchondria. Finally, optimism moderated the interplay among health anxiety and cyberchondria. Consistent with the expectancy-value models, this positive relationship was weaker for adolescents with a higher level of optimism. These results suggest that it is vital to simultaneously consider individual and family factors as a means of understanding adolescent cyberchondria when performing cyberchondria intervention programs.
Impact of Hospitalization on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Jalal Sahbanathul Missiriya , Beth Mini Rani Mary , Bo Khamseen Zahra Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. CKD causes patients to be hospitalized for a longer time to treat the disease. The impact of the hospitalization brings major changes and affects the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of hospitalization on the QoL of patients with CKD. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the inpatient departments (IPDs) and outpatient departments (OPDs) of selected hospitals, in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL) scale was used for the data collection and the findings were analyzed. The hospitalized patients had a poorer QoL than the OPD patients. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) mean scores were 52.82 ± 2.32 and 52.57 ± 2.93 in IPD patients, respectively, and 63.46 ± 3.65 and 66.39 ± 0.91 in OPD patients, respectively, which was significant (p < 0.0001). The QoL of patients decreased in the end stages of CKD. A significant association was observed between gender, occupation, smoking, and the stages of CKD with the QoL of the hospitalized patients. Measures must be taken to improve the QoL of these patients at all levels.