bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mulching Effect on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Yield in Sweet Potatoes
Authors: Dinu Maria , Soare Rodica , Poulianiti Konstantina , Karageorgou Ioanna , Bozinou Eleni , Makris Dimitris P. , Lalas Stavros , Botu Mihai
Published: March 2022

Sweet potatoes have multiple uses as food, feed, and in industrial production. They are characterized by their need for high temperatures for optimal development. This study aimed to analyze the quantitative and qualitative aspects of growing sweet potato cultivars in southwest Romania using mulching and non-mulching systems. The effects of mulching on the production of tuberous roots and the contents of total soluble substance, vitamin C, starch, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were evaluated in three cultivars with white pulp (the ‘Pumpkin’ and ‘Chestnut’ cultivars) and with orange pulp (the ‘Italian’ cultivar). It was found that mulching with polyethylene film improved the production of sweet potatoes, amounting to 41.42 t/ha in the case of the ‘Italian’ cultivar. Moreover, the effect of mulch induced increases in total soluble substance (16.40%) and starch (16.01%) in the ‘Chestnut’ cultivar, in vitamin C (9.23 mg/100 g d.w.) in the ‘Pumpkin’ cultivar, and in antioxidant activity in the ‘Pumpkin’ (2716.55 µmol AsA/g d.w.) and ‘Chestnut’ cultivars (1131.31 µmol AsA/g d.w.), while the polyphenols in the ‘Italian’ cultivar decreased.
Flood Risk in Urban Areas: Modelling, Management and Adaptation to Climate Change. A Review
Authors: Cea Luís , Costabile Pierfranco
Published: March 2022

The modelling and management of flood risk in urban areas are increasingly recognized as global challenges. The complexity of these issues is a consequence of the existence of several distinct sources of risk, including not only fluvial, tidal and coastal flooding, but also exposure to urban runoff and local drainage failure, and the various management strategies that can be proposed. The high degree of vulnerability that characterizes such areas is expected to increase in the future due to the effects of climate change, the growth of the population living in cities, and urban densification. An increasing awareness of the socio-economic losses and environmental impact of urban flooding is clearly reflected in the recent expansion of the number of studies related to the modelling and management of urban flooding, sometimes within the framework of adaptation to climate change. The goal of the current paper is to provide a general review of the recent advances in flood-risk modelling and management, while also exploring future perspectives in these fields of research.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Psychosocial Burden and Job Satisfaction of Long-Term Care Nurses in Poland
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Majchrowicz Bożena , Delong Marek
Published: March 2022

Psychosocial consequences of the coronavirus pandemic are severe for health care workers due to their higher levels of exposure. Nurses often experience tremendous psychological pressure as a result of their workload in a high-risk environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the psychosocial burden and job satisfaction of nurses employed in long-term care. One hundred thirty-eight nurses employed in long-term care participated in the study. The respondents were 96.4% female and 3.6% male. The mean age of the respondents was 53.99 (standard deviation—4.01). The study was conducted between February and June 2021. The research tool was a standardized psychosocial risk scale questionnaire, which is a scientifically validated diagnostic tool with high reliability and accuracy coefficients. The primary tests used during the statistical analyses were non-parametric Mann–Whitney U (for two samples) and Kruskal–Wallis (for more than two samples) tests for assessing differences. During these analyses, in addition to standard statistical significance, appropriate p-values were calculated using the Monte Carlo method. Correlations between ordinal or quantitative variables were made using Spearman’s rho coefficient. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the respondents rated the characteristics present in the workplace that constitute psychosocial risks at an average level. Emotional commitment and continuance-type commitment to the respondents’ job position were also at a medium level. Respondents’ self-rated ability to work for nurses employed in long-term care during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and commitment to patient care was high at 4.0 and 4.18, with a maximum of 5 points.
Determinants of Excessive Screen Time among Children under Five Years Old in Selangor, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Raj Diana , Mohd Zulkefli Norafiah , Mohd Shariff Zalilah , Ahmad Norliza
Published: March 2022

Excessive screen time interferes with the health and development of children. However, the screen time situation among Malaysian children remains poorly understood. This study aims to identify the prevalence and determinants of excessive screen time among children under five years in Selangor, Malaysia, using the latest World Health Organization guidelines. In this cross-sectional study, 489 parent–child dyads were randomly selected from nine government health clinics in Petaling district, Selangor. Total screen time and factors were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires and analysed using multiple logistic regression. The overall prevalence of excessive screen time was 91.4% with a median of 3.00 h. The majority of children utilized television (66%), followed by handheld devices (30%) and computers (4%). Determinants of screen time identified were Malay ethnicity, (aOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.65–7.68), parental age of ≥30 years (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.58–6.16), parental screen time >2 h a day (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.24–4.73), moderate self-efficacy to influence a child’s physical activity (aOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.01–5.20) and the positive perception on the influence of screen time on a child’s cognitive wellbeing (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.32). Parents play an important role in determining their child’s screen time. Future interventions should focus on addressing parental determinants to ensure age-appropriate screen time.
Renaming Schizophrenia and Stigma Reduction: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nursing Students in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Yi-Hang , Kao Meei-Ying , Goh Kah Kheng , Lu Cheng-Yu , Lu Mong-Liang
Published: March 2022

Schizophrenia is one of the most stigmatized mental disorders. In 2014, schizophrenia was renamed in Mandarin in Taiwan, from the old name of “mind-splitting disease” to new name “disorder with dysfunction of thought and perception”, in an attempt to reduce the stigmatization of schizophrenia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of renaming schizophrenia on its stigma in nursing students. We examined the public stigma, self-stigma, and social distance associated with schizophrenia and compared them before and after the renaming. Basic demographic data and previous contact experience were collected, and participants completed a modified Attribution Questionnaire, the Perceived Psychiatric Stigma Scale, and modified Social Distance Scale. The final sample comprised 99 participants. Assessment revealed that the renaming significantly reduced public stigma, self-stigma, and social distance. Regarding the old and new names for schizophrenia, the fourth-year nursing students scored significantly higher on public stigma and self-stigma than did the first-year students. Personal exposure to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders reduced public stigma toward schizophrenia. The study findings suggest that the renaming of schizophrenia reduced its associated stigma. Providing accurate information, instruction by qualified tutors, as well as exposure to patients in acute exacerbation in hospital settings and recovered patients in the community are important. Further studies with longitudinal design, participants from diverse backgrounds, and larger sample sizes to investigate the effect of renaming on the stigma toward schizophrenia are warranted.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in the First Trimester of Primipara: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Shiyan , Zhang Di , Zhu Hongmei , Jia Yuanyuan , Wang Haibo , Li Suhong , Fu Xiuhong , Sun Xiuli , Wang Jianliu
Published: March 2022

Background: Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness is associated with stress urinary incontinence. Pregnancy is an important risk factor for PFM weakness. Studies evaluating PFM strength in the first trimester of pregnancy are still lacking. Our study aimed to describe pelvic floor function of the primipara in the first trimester of gestation and investigate the risk factors for PFM weakness. Methods: Primiparas aged 20~40 years with a singleton pregnancy less than 14 weeks of gestation were recruited, and data were collected via questionnaires on items that were suggested as associated with PFM weakness, followed by Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) on genital hiatus and perineal body and pelvic floor ultrasound evaluation for the thickness of the left and right levator ani muscles (LAM), right–left diameter of the levator hiatus (LH), and LH area. Participants were divided into three groups by MOS >3, =3, and <3 for data analysis. Results: A total of 380 participants completed the questionnaires and examinational analysis, of whom, 228, 98, and 54 were divided into Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively. The three groups were significantly different in the number of gestations and abortions, toilet types, and the right–left diameter of the LH (p < 0.05). Logistic regressive analysis showed that squatting toilet dominant (OR = 3.025; 95% CI: 1.623~5.638; p < 0.001) and a larger right–left diameter of the LH (OR = 1.065; 95% CI: 1.026~1.105; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with PFM weakness. Conclusions: Squatting toilet dominancy and longer right–left diameter of the LH are significantly associated with PFM weakness in primiparas in the first trimester. Sitting toilets should be recommended to women, especially pregnant women. Trial registration: The trial has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2000029618).
Adaptation of the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS19-Q) for Russian-Speaking Populations—International Collaboration across Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, and the USA
Authors: Lopatina Maria , Berens Eva-Maria , Klinger Julia , Levin-Zamir Diane , Kostareva Uliana , Aringazina Altyn , Drapkina Oxana , Pelikan Jürgen M.
Published: March 2022

The Russian language is the eighth most spoken language in the world. Russian speakers reside in Russia, across the former Soviet Union republics, and comprise one of the largest populations of international migrants. However, little is known about their health literacy (HL) and there is limited research on HL instruments in the Russian language. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS19-Q) developed within the Health Literacy Survey 2019–2021 (HLS19) to the Russian language to study HL in Russian-speaking populations in Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, and the USA. The HLS19-Q was translated either from English or from a national language to Russian in four countries first and then critically reviewed by three Russian-speaking experts for consensus. The HLS19 protocol and “team approach” method were used for linguistic and cultural adaptation. The most challenging was the adaptation of HLS19-Q questions to each country’s healthcare system while general HL questions were flexible and adaptable to specific contexts across all countries. This study provides recommendations for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of HLS19-Q into different languages and can serve as an example of international collaboration towards this end.
An Assessment of the Metal Removal Capability of Endemic Chilean Species
Authors: Lazo Andrea , Lazo Pamela , Urtubia Alejandra , Lobos María Gabriela , Hansen Henrik K. , Gutiérrez Claudia
Published: March 2022

In Chile, there are several abandoned mine tailing impoundments near population centers that need to be remediated. In this study, the ability of Oxalis gigantea, Cistanthe grandiflora, and Puya berteroniana to remove Zn, Ni, and Cr from mine tailings was evaluated. The plants’ removal efficiency, bioconcentration, and translocation factors regarding these metals were determined to assess the ability of certain endemic species from Northern and Central Chile to extract or stabilize metals. After a period of seven months, the chemical analysis of plants and tailings, together with the statistical treatment of data, indicated the inability of all the species to translocate Ni, Cr, or Zn with a translocation factor lower than one. The results showed the stabilizing character of Oxalis gigantea, Puya berteroniana, and Cistanthe grandiflora for Zn, with a bioconcentration factor close to 1.2 in all cases, and the same ability of the latter two species for Cr, with a bioconcentration factor of 1.5 in the case of Cistanthe grandiflora and 1.7 for Puya berteroniana. Finally, a removal efficiency of 9.3% was obtained with Cistanthe grandiflora for Cr and 15% for Ni; values lower than 6.4% were obtained for Zn in all cases. Improvements in the process should be sought to enhance the performance of these species for the accumulation of the target metals.
Air Pollution, Environmental Violation Risk, and the Cost of Debt: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Aiqun , Zhang Ming , Zhou Shuya
Published: March 2022

Although a firm’s exposure to air pollution-related risk has become an important factor that creditors cannot ignore in the procedure of lending decision making with the aggravation of air pollution, empirical evidence on whether and how air pollution affects the cost of debt has been relatively scarce. Employing a series of Chinese listed firms from the main board of the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges covering 2014 to 2018, our research responds to this research gap by exploring how air pollution-induced environmental violation risk affects the cost of debt by constructing an assessment system of firms’ environmental violation risk. The results shed light on an issue that firms exposed to higher concentrations of air pollution may suffer a higher environmental violation risk, resulting in a higher debt cost. In addition, a further analysis shows that environmental regulatory pressure and heavily polluting firms enhance the influence of air pollution on the cost of debt, while state-owned firms and firms’ economic contributions weaken the influence of air pollution on the cost of debt. Our research is conducive to highlighting not only the importance of environmental governance for mitigating the cost of debt to the firms exposed to air pollution, but also its importance to creditors exposed to their clients’ environmental violation risk and default risk.
Perceived Environmental Attributes: Their Impact on Older Adults’ Mental Health in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Teck Hong
Published: March 2022

In Malaysia, the population of older adults will increase in the coming years. In this context, there is a requirement to build an age-friendly environment to enable the elderly to age healthily. Many studies have shown that a built environment that allows older adults to age in place improves their mental health. However, person-environment analysis that considers mental well-being has remained rare for older adults living in Malaysia. This study examines the relationship between Malaysian seniors’ perceptions of their surroundings at home and in the neighborhood and their mental health. Using stratified sampling, 510 seniors aged 60 and over were interviewed. The results showed that accessibility (p-value 0.033, 95% CI for coefficients 0.006, 0.146), environmental qualities (0.015, 0.014, 0.129) and neighborhood problems (0.000, −0.299, −0.146) were significant determinants of elderly people’s mental health. With respect to respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, female elderly (0.000, 0.616, 0.782), older adults with an elementary education (0.000, 0.263, 0.685) or a college degree (0.026, 0.019, 0.294), being married (0.005, 0.047, 0.259), the ability to drive (0.000, 0.993, 1.315), the number of dependents in the family (0.003, −0.060, −0.012), and homeownership (0.000, −0.602, −0.271) were significantly related to mental well-being.
Heart Rate Variability in Hyperthyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brusseau Valentin , Tauveron Igor , Bagheri Reza , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Magnon Valentin , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste , Navel Valentin , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: March 2022

Objective: Cardiovascular effects of thyroid hormones may be measured through heart rate variability (HRV). We sought to determine the impact of hyperthyroidism on HRV. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of hyperthyroidism on HRV. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar were searched until 20 August 2021 for articles reporting HRV parameters in untreated hyperthyroidism and healthy controls. Random-effects meta-analysis was stratified by degree of hyperthyroidism for each HRV parameter: RR intervals (or Normal-to-Normal intervals—NN), SDNN (standard deviation of RR intervals), RMSSD (square root of the mean difference of successive RR intervals), pNN50 (percentage of RR intervals with >50 ms of variation), total power (TP), LFnu (low-frequency normalized unit) and HFnu (high-frequency), VLF (very low-frequency), and LF/HF ratio. Results: We included 22 studies with 10,811 patients: 1002 with hyperthyroidism and 9809 healthy controls. There was a decrease in RR (effect size = −4.63, 95% CI −5.7 to −3.56), SDNN (−6.07, −7.42 to −4.71), RMSSD (−1.52, −2.18 to −0.87), pNN50 (−1.36, −1.83 to −0.88), TP (−2.05, −2.87 to −1.24), HFnu (−3.51, −4.76 to −2.26), and VLF power (−2.65, −3.74 to −1.55), and an increase in LFnu (2.66, 1.55 to 3.78) and LF/HF ratio (1.75, 1.02 to 2.48) (p < 0.01). Most parameters had ES that was twice as high in overt compared to subclinical hyperthyroidism. Increased peripheral thyroid hormones and decreased TSH levels were associated with lower RR intervals. Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism is associated with a decreased HRV, which may be explained by the deleterious effect of thyroid hormones and TSH. The increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity may have clinical implications.
Effects of Social Interaction and Depression on Homeboundness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Living Alone
Authors: Kim You-Ri , Jung Hye-Sun
Published: March 2022

This study examines the levels of social interaction, depression, and homeboundness, and the effects of social interaction and depression on homeboundness in community-dwelling older adults living alone. Survey data were collected from 6444 older adults aged 65 and over, living alone, who registered for individualized home care services at 42 public health centers in Gyeonggi Province. A total of 5996 participants with complete questionnaire data were included in the analysis. The mean social interaction score was 2.90 out of 6, and the mean depression score was 6.21 out of 15. The mean homeboundness score was 0.42 out of 2. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed with general characteristics, health factors, social interaction, and depression to identify their effects on homeboundness. In general characteristics and health factors, homeboundness is associated with decreasing social interaction (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and increasing depression (β = 0.25, p < 0.001) in older adults living alone. Homeboundness was severe among participants aged 80 and over (β = 0.04, p = 0.015) and those with several chronic diseases (β = 0.04, p < 0.001), falling history (β = 0.14, p < 0.001), and lack of exercise (β = −0.20, p < 0.001). Thus, interventions that target social interaction, depression, and health functions are important for this demographic.
Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing among Elderly Outpatients: Evaluation of Temporal Trends 2012–2018 in Piedmont, Italy
Authors: Galimberti Federica , Casula Manuela , Scotti Lorenza , Olmastroni Elena , Ferrante Daniela , Ucciero Andrealuna , Tragni Elena , Catapano Alberico Luigi , Barone-Adesi Francesco
Published: March 2022

Pharmacological intervention is one of the cornerstones in the treatment and prevention of disease in modern healthcare. However, a large number of drugs are often prescribed and used inappropriately, especially in elderly patients. We aimed at investigating the annual prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) among older outpatients using administrative healthcare databases of the Piedmont Region (Italy) over a seven-year period (2012–2018). We included all Piedmont outpatients aged 65 years or older with at least one drug prescription per year. Polypharmacy and the prevalence of PIPs according to the ERD list explicit tool were measured on an annual basis. A range between 976,398 (in 2012) and 1,066,389 (in 2018) elderly were evaluated. Among them, the number of subjects with at least one PIP decreased from 418,537 in 2012 to 339,764 in 2018; the prevalence significantly reduced by ~25% over the study period. The stratified analyses by age groups and sex also confirmed the downward trend and identified several differences in the most prevalent inappropriately prescribed drugs. Overall, despite a reduction in PIP prevalence, one out of three older outpatients was still exposed to inappropriateness, highlighting the extensive need for intervention to improve prescribing.
Non-Pharmacological Preventive Measures Had an Impact on COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers before the Vaccination Effect: A Cohort Study
Authors: Utzet Mireia , Benavides Fernando G. , Villar Rocío , Burón Andrea , Sala Maria , López Luis-Eugenio , Gomar Pau , Castells Xavier , Diaz Pilar , Ramada José María , Serra Consol
Published: March 2022

Healthcare workers have been and still are at the forefront of COVID-19 patient care. Their infection had direct implications and caused important challenges for healthcare performance. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of non-pharmacological preventive measures against COVID-19 among healthcare workers. This study is based on a dynamic cohort of healthcare workers (n = 5543) who had been hired by a Spanish hospital for at least one week during 2020. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the incidence rate and the rate ratio (RR) between the two waves (defined from 15 March to 21 June and from 22 June to 31 December), considering natural immunity during the first wave and contextual variables. All models were stratified by socio-occupational variables. The average COVID-19 incidence rate per 1000 worker-days showed a significant reduction between the two waves, dropping from 0.82 (CI95%: 0.73–0.91) to 0.39 (0.35–0.44). The adjusted RR was 0.54 (0.48–0.87) when natural immunity was acquired during the first wave, and contextual variables were considered. The significant reduction of the COVID-19 incidence rate could be explained mainly by improvement in the non-pharmacological preventive interventions. It is needed to identify which measures were more effective. Young workers and those with a replacement contract were identified as vulnerable groups that need greater preventive efforts. Future preparedness plans would benefit from these results.
A Study on the Decay Model of Multi-Block Taxi Travel Demand under the Influence of Major Urban Public Health Events
Authors: Luo Feiyi , Huang Zhengfeng , Zheng Pengjun
Published: March 2022

A sudden major public health event is likely to have a negative impact on public transport travel for residents, with public travel modes such as the metro and conventional buses experiencing varying degrees of decline in patronage. As a complement to public transport, taxi travel will suffer the same impact. Land use and population density among various functional blocks in a city are different, and therefore their changing rates in taxi travel demand are varied. This paper reveals the taxi travel demand correlations between urban blocks and then constructs a taxi travel demand decay model based on the Dynamic Input-Output Inoperability Model (DIIM) to simulate the decay degree of taxi travel demand in each block. When a major public health event occurs, the residential panic levels in different functional blocks may vary. It results in variable changing speeds of residential travel demand in each block. Based on this assumption, we use the intensity of travel demand as a correlation strength factor between blocks, and equate it with the technical coefficient in the DIIM model. We also define other variables to serve in model construction. These variables include the decay degree of travel demand intensity, residential travel willingness, coefficient of travel demand decay, derivative coefficient of travel demand interdependency, and demand perturbation coefficient. Lastly, we select a central area of Ningbo as the study area, and use taxi travel data in Ningbo during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 as input, simulate taxi travel demand dynamics, and analyze the accuracy and sensitivity of the model parameters. The relative errors between the five types of blocks and the actual decay of travel demand intensity are 8.3%, 3.8%, 8.7%, 5.5%, and 5.3%, respectively, which can basically match the actual situation, proving the validity of the model. The results of the study reveal the pattern of taxi travel demand decay among various blocks after major public health events. It provides methodological reference for decision makers to understand the development trend of multi-block taxi travel demand, so as to help form effective emergency plans for different blocks.
Does Environmental Regulation Help Mitigate Factor Misallocation?—Theoretical Simulations Based on a Dynamic General Equilibrium Model and the Perspective of TFP
Authors: Dong Xu , Yang Yali , Zhuang Qinqin , Xie Weili , Zhao Xiaomeng
Published: March 2022

How environmental regulation affects factor allocation is becoming an emerging hot topic in academia. In this paper, we construct a dynamic general equilibrium model accommodating environmental regulatory shock based on the H-K framework to explain the impact of environmental regulation on factor misallocation from the perspective of aggregate total factor productivity loss changes, and numerical simulation results are provided for several representative scenarios. The results show that environmental regulation has a significant effect on factor market misallocation, but this effect is not simply positive or negative, and it mainly depends on the firms’ initial factor allocation status and the intensity of the shock. Reducing the intensity of environmental regulation for firms that face stronger distortion helps mitigate factor misallocation and, on the contrary, the same policy could exacerbate factor market misallocation. Under the environmental regulatory shock condition, firms’ overhead labor input has a moderating effect on the factor allocation mitigation of environmental regulation. Distorted firms’ higher overhead labor share inhibits the correction of factor misallocation by environmental regulation. And reducing firms’ overhead labor share amplifies the correcting effect of environmental regulation on factor misallocation.
An Assessment of Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Regional Water Resources Security in the DPSIR Framework in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Lu Mengtian , Wang Siyu , Wang Xiaoying , Liao Weihong , Wang Chao , Lei Xiaohui , Wang Hao
Published: March 2022

Water resources are critical for the survival and prosperity of both natural and socioeconomic systems. A good and informational water resources evaluation system is substantial in monitoring and maintaining sustainable use of water. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework is a widely used general framework that enabled the measurement of water resources security in five different environmental and socioeconomic subsystems: driver, pressure, state, impact, and response. Methodologically, outcomes of water resources evaluation based on such framework and using fuzzy set pair analysis method and confidence interval rating method depend critically on a confidence threshold parameter which was often subjectively chosen in previous studies. In this work, we demonstrated that the subjectivity in the choice of this critical parameter can lead to contradicting conclusions about water resources security, and we addressed this caveat of subjectivity by proposing a simple modification in which we sample a range of thresholds and pool them to make more objective evaluations. We applied our modified method and used DPSIR framework to evaluate the regional water resource security in Jiangxi Province, China. The spatial-temporal analysis of water resources security level was carried out in the study area, despite the improvement in Pressure, Impact, and Response factors, the Driver factor is found to become less safe over the years. Significant variation of water security across cities are found notably in Pressure and Response factors. Furthermore, we assessed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally the inter-correlations among the DPSIR nodes in the DPSIR framework. The region-specific associations among the DPSIR nodes showed important deviances from the general DPSIR framework, and our analysis showed that in our study region, although Responses of regional government work effectively in improving Pressure and State security, more attention should be paid to improving Driver security in future regional water resources planning and management in Jiangxi Province, China.
Effects of Sodium Intake on Health and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Sports
Authors: Veniamakis Eleftherios , Kaplanis Georgios , Voulgaris Panagiotis , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: March 2022

The majority of reviews on sports nutrition issues focus on macronutrients, often omitting or paying less attention to substances such as sodium. Through the literature, it is clear that there are no reviews that focus entirely on the effects of sodium and in particular on endurance sports. Sodium intake, both at high and low doses, has been found to be associated with health and performance issues in athletes. Besides, there have been theories that an electrolyte imbalance, specifically sodium, contributes to the development of muscle cramps (EAMC) and hyponatremia (EAH). For this reason, it is necessary to create this systematic review, in order to report extensively on the role of sodium consumption in the population and more specifically in endurance and ultra-endurance athletes, the relationship between the amount consumed and the occurrence of pathological disorders, the usefulness of simultaneous hydration and whether a disturbance of this substance leads to EAH and EAMC. As a method of data collection, this study focused on exploring literature from 1900–2021. The search was conducted through the research engines PubMed and Scopus. In order to reduce the health and performance effects in endurance athletes, simultaneous emphasis should be placed on both sodium and fluid intake.
Surgical Training on Ex Vivo Ovine Model in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Fermi Matteo , Chiari Francesco , Mattioli Francesco , Bonali Marco , Molinari Giulia , Alicandri-Ciufelli Matteo , Anschuetz Lukas , Fernandez Ignacio Javier , Presutti Livio
Published: March 2022

Background: Nowadays, head and neck surgical approaches need an increased level of anatomical knowledge and practical skills; therefore, the related learning curve is both flat and long. On such procedures, surgeons must decrease operating time as much as possible to reduce the time of general anesthesia and related stress factors for patients. Consequently, little time can be dedicated for training skills of students and young residents in the operating theater. Fresh human cadavers offer the most obvious surrogate for living patients, but they have several limitations, such as cost, availability, and local regulations. Recently, the feasibility of using ex vivo animal models, in particular ovine ones, have been considered as high-fidelity alternatives to cadaveric specimens. Methods: This comprehensive review explores all of head and neck otolaryngology applications with this sample. We analyzed studies about ear surgery, orbital procedures, parotid gland and facial nerve reanimation, open laryngeal and tracheal surgery, microlaryngoscopy procedures, laryngotracheal stenosis treatment, and diagnostic/operative pediatric endoscopy. For each different procedure, we underline the main applications, similarities, and limitations to human procedures so as to improve the knowledge of this model as a useful tool for surgical training. Results: An ovine model is easily available and relatively inexpensive, it has no limitations associated with religious or animal ethical issues, and it is reliable for head and neck surgery due to similar consistencies tissues and neurovascular structures with respect to humans. However, some other issues should be considered, such as differences about some anatomical features, the risk of zoonotic diseases, and the absence of bleeding during training. Conclusion: This comprehensive review highlights the potentials of an ex vivo ovine model and aims to stimulate the scientific and academic community to further develop it for other applications in surgical education.
For Better or for Worse? A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Internet Use and Mental Health in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Foong Hui Foh , Lim Sook Yee , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Bagat Mohamad Fazdillah , Abdullah Siti Farra Zillah , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Ahmad Siti Anom
Published: March 2022

Older adults were advised to avoid social activities during the outbreak of COVID-19. Consequently, they no longer received the social and emotional support they had gained from such activities. Internet use might be a solution to remedy the situation. Therefore, this scoping review sought to map the literature on Internet use and mental health in the older population during the pandemic to examine the extent and nature of the research. A scoping review was conducted using eight databases—PubMed, Scopus, Ebscohost Medline, Ebscohost Academic Search, Ebscohost CINAHL Plus, Ebscohost Cochrane, Ebscohost Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Ebscohost SPORTDiscus, according to PRISMA guidelines. Two pre-tested templates (quantitative and qualitative studies) were developed to extract data and perform descriptive analysis and thematic summary. A total of ten articles met the eligibility criteria. Seven out of ten studies were quantitative, while the remainder were qualitative. Five common themes were identified from all the included studies. Our review revealed that Internet use for communication purposes seems to be associated with better mental health in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Directions for future research and limitations of review are also discussed.
Frailty among Older People during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Netherlands
Authors: Sealy Martine , van der Lucht Fons , van Munster Barbara , Krijnen Wim , Hobbelen Hans , Barf Hans , Finnema Evelyn , Jager-Wittenaar Harriët
Published: March 2022

Restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic may cause problems in the physical, social, and psychological functioning of older people, resulting in increased frailty. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of frailty, to examine differences in perceived COVID-19-related concerns and threats between frail and non-frail people and to identify variables associated with frailty in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Dutch older people aged ≥ 65 years. We used data from the Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort Study. The Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) was used, with a score ≥ 4 indicating frailty. Frailty was described per domain (i.e., physical, cognitive, social, and psychological). The association between demographic, health and lifestyle variables and frailty was determined with logistic regression analyses. Frailty was present in 13% of the 11,145 participants that completed the GFI. Most items contributing to a positive frailty score were found within the social domain, in the frail (51%) and the non-frail (59%) persons. For items related to concerns and threats, a significantly higher proportion of frail people reported being worried or feeling threatened. In conclusion, during Corona restrictions, prevalence of frailty was considerable in older people from the Northern Netherlands, with one in eight being frail. Frailty was characterized by social problems and frail people were more often worried and felt threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of Human Behavior in Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Naserrudin Nurul Athirah , Hod Rozita , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Ahmed Kamruddin , Culleton Richard , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Plasmodium knowlesi is a non-human parasite that causes zoonotic disease in humans. This systematic review aims to highlight and summarize studies describing human behaviors and activities that expose humans to mosquito bites. Design: English entries in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct from 2010 to 2020 were systematically perused, and the results were synthesized. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklists. Setting: Studies that described malaria preventive measures were included. Laboratory, in vivo, in vitro, and animal studies were excluded. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The main outcome of the review was findings from studies describing the behavior that exposed a person or a group to P. knowlesi infection. Results: Twelve eligible studies were of good or medium quality. Attitude, disease misconceptions, perceived threat of disease, lack of motivation, and supernatural or traditional beliefs causing individuals to seek treatment from traditional healers influenced the exposure of individuals or communities to P. knowlesi malaria. Other factors were forestry activities (2.48, 1.45–4.23,95% CI, p = 0.0010) and sleeping outdoors (3.611, 1.48–8.85, 95% CI, p = 0.0049). Conclusions: Future studies must consider the importance of human behavior and community perspective on the infection to provide novel information to improve the current zoonotic malaria programs. Policymakers should concentrate on understanding human behavior and activities that expose individuals or communities to mosquito bites, in order to better design socially feasible interventions.
Physical Education on the Beach: An Alternative Way to Improve Primary School Children’s Skill- and Health-Related Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gallotta Maria Chiara , Zimatore Giovanna , Cardinali Ludovica , Falcioni Lavinia , Bonavolontà Valerio , Curzi Davide , Guidetti Laura , Baldari Carlo
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 restrictions could preclude children from participating in physical education (PE) interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a PE intervention conducted on the beach on children’s skill- and health-related outcomes, as a possible alternative PE intervention that could be also applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved 106 primary school children, randomly assigned to the traditional indoor (TI) intervention or to the experimental outdoor (EO) intervention. The intervention period lasted 4 months and consisted of two 1-h sessions per week. Intervention was conducted just before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children’s anthropometric parameters (height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and abdominal circumference), fitness parameter (VO2peak), health parameters (resting heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), gross motor coordination, and physical activity level were assessed before and after intervention. Both groups significantly improved fitness and motor coordination but worsened some anthropometric parameters (weight, abdominal circumference) after the intervention period. The EO group showed a higher increase of gross motor coordination than the TI group. Results of this study demonstrated that children benefited from a well-structured PE intervention conducted in the natural environment of the beach improving physical fitness and gross motor coordination. Therefore, planning outdoor PE interventions could be an alternative and safe way to encourage and implement physical activity at school during the particular period of COVID-19 pandemic.
Real-Time Detection of Flu Season Onset: A Novel Approach to Flu Surveillance
Authors: Liu Jialiang , Suzuki Sumihiro
Published: March 2022

The current gold standard for detection of flu season onset in the USA is done retrospectively, where flu season is detected after it has already started. We aimed to create a new surveillance strategy capable of detecting flu season onset prior to its starting. We used an established data generation method that combines Google search volume and historical flu activity data to simulate real-time estimates of flu activity. We then applied a method known as change-point detection to the generated data to determine the point in time that identifies the initial uptick in flu activity which indicates the imminent onset of flu season. Our strategy exhibits a high level of accuracy in predicting the onset of flu season at 86%. Additionally, on average, we detected the onset three weeks prior to the official start of flu season. The results provide evidence to support both the feasibility and efficacy of our strategy to improve the current standard of flu surveillance. The improvement may provide valuable support and lead time for public health officials to take appropriate actions to prevent and control the spread of the flu.
The Use of Thermography as an Auxiliary Method for Monitoring Convalescence after Facelift Surgery: A Case Study
Authors: Chudecka Monika , Dmytrzak Andrzej , Leźnicka Katarzyna , Lubkowska Anna
Published: March 2022

Although IR thermography is widely used in medical diagnostics, there are no reports that describe the use of IR thermography in the evaluation of post-plastic-surgery regeneration processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of thermography as a method which, among others, allows us to determine the location and extent of the inflammatory process, supporting the clinical evaluation of the patient’s convalescence after a facelift surgery using the SMAS technique. During the study and in order to monitor the convalescence process, the patient had a series of face thermograms performed before surgery and up to the 6th week after it. The healing process after surgery was multidirectional for the contralateral areas of the face, leading to thermal asymmetry lasting up to the 3rd week of convalescence. The lowest Tmean values for ROIs were recorded in week 3 of the study and then they gradually increased, in week 6 after surgery, to the following values: chin = 33.1 ± 0.72 °C; cheek left = 33.0 ± 0.26 °C; cheek right = 33.2 ± 0.51 °C; ZFL = 33.8 ± 0.45 °C; ZFR = 33.6 ± 0.74 °C; ZLL = 32.6 ±0.55 °C; ZLR = 32.3 ± 0.32 °C. The temperatures of these areas were still lower than the baseline values obtained before surgery by 0.5–1.4 °C. The usefulness of thermography in the evaluation of post-operative convalescence in facial plastic surgery procedures shows potential in the context of diagnostic assessment of the dynamics of changes in the healing process.
Organizational Framework Conditions for Workplace Health Management in Different Settings of Nursing—A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Germany
Authors: Bleier Hannah , Lützerath Jasmin , Schaller Andrea
Published: March 2022

Studies show that workplace health promotion (WHP) can reduce sickness-related absenteeism among employees and secure long-term workability. Embedding WHP in workplace health management (WHM) can contribute to sustainability and holism. This study aimed to investigate organizational framework conditions for WHM in different settings of nursing in Germany (acute care hospital, long-term care (LTC) facilities and home-based LTC). In a project on WHM implementation, managers with personnel responsibility for nurses (n = 16) were surveyed. In total, 46 close-ended questions on organizational framework conditions of WHM in their care facility were answered at the beginning of the project. No significant differences were found for the indexes of health promoting willingness, health promoting management, social capital and workplace health activity. Descriptive analysis showed that home-based LTC performed slightly better on average. Home-based LTC and LTC facilities had higher ratings in health promoting willingness than in actually managing the process (health promoting management), while the results for acute care hospitals were reversed. Acute care hospitals showed the lowest values for the topics of health as a leadership topic and evaluation of incidents of violence, which were generally rated lower among all settings. Need for action can be identified in improving personal, financial and time resources, evaluation and information on WHM.
The Relationship between Organizational Environment and Perpetrators’ Physical and Psychological State: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Özer Gülüm , Griep Yannick , Escartín Jordi
Published: March 2022

Although job-related work environment studies found associations to workplace bullying perpetration, little work with longitudinal designs has been conducted on broader organizational measures, which may help design effective interventions for perpetration. Using a three-wave longitudinal design and drawing on Conservation of Resources Theory, we investigated whether organizational trust and justice predicted perpetration six months later. The sample consisted of 2447 employees from Spain and Turkey from various industries, such as services, manufacturing, and education. We also investigated whether physical and psychological health explained the relationship between organizational trust, justice, and perpetration. The results indicated that, in three months, organizational justice negatively predicted psychological and physical health deterioration, while unexpectedly, organizational trust positively predicted the same. Health conditions did not predict perpetration, in three months, while organizational conditions did not predict perpetration directly or indirectly in six months. Assessing and improving organizational trust and justice practices may help employee health improve over time. As organizational trust, justice, and health status are significantly related to current perpetration incidents, assessments of these subjects may be instrumental in identifying possible current perpetration phenomena.