bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Educational Intervention on Angolan Adolescents’ Knowledge of Human Reproduction: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Almeida Natércia , Teixeira Andreia , Garcia José , Martins Natália , Ramalho Carla
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives: Sex education is a necessity and a right of young people in Angola. However, this education is deficient or even absent in various subsystems and, therefore, the impact of an educational intervention on human biology and sexuality was addressed. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a non-equivalent control group, pre-test post-test design. It was conducted with students from three secondary schools (6th to 12th grade, two public and one private) in Huambo (Angola), between June and December 2017. First, a questionnaire was distributed to assess the students’ knowledge on aspects related to sexual maturation, psychological development, gynecological organs’ anatomy, human fertilization, contraception, and risks of unprotected sexuality. Then, an educational program was developed by the principal investigator along with the school’s moral and civic education and biology teachers selected for a group of students (experimental group, EG); the others constituted the control group (CG). Classes were held on non-working days, on Saturday mornings (8:00 to 10:00 a.m.), so as not to interfere with the school calendar. The initial questionnaire was redistributed two months later to assess the impact of the intervention. Results: Of the 589 individuals included (mean age of 16.8 ± 2.5 years), 56.7% were males. EG (n = 241) consisted of students from the public school and CG (n = 348) by students from public and private schools. The last part of the questionnaire consisted of 30 questions to assess students’ knowledge, and in 23 of these questions, both groups showed no differences at baseline. After the intervention, the EG showed significant improvements (p < 0.05), while the CG revealed only slight improvements. Conclusions: Students from Huambo province have a significant lack of knowledge on human biology and sexuality. Rigorous development and evaluation of interventions addressing multiple individual and environmental level factors is needed, notably for effective education in human biology and sexuality.
Rainfall Trends and Malaria Occurrences in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Adeola Abiodun , Ncongwane Katlego , Abiodun Gbenga , Makgoale Thabo , Rautenbach Hannes , Botai Joel , Adisa Omolola , Botai Christina
Published: December 2019

This contribution aims to investigate the influence of monthly total rainfall variations on malaria transmission in the Limpopo Province. For this purpose, monthly total rainfall was interpolated from daily rainfall data from weather stations. Annual and seasonal trends, as well as cross-correlation analyses, were performed on time series of monthly total rainfall and monthly malaria cases in five districts of Limpopo Province for the period of 1998 to 2017. The time series analysis indicated that an average of 629.5 mm of rainfall was received over the period of study. The rainfall has an annual variation of about 0.46%. Rainfall amount varied within the five districts, with the northeastern part receiving more rainfall. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that the total monthly rainfall with one to two months lagged effect is significant in malaria transmission across all the districts. The strongest correlation was noticed in Vhembe (r = 0.54; p-value = <0.001), Mopani (r = 0.53; p-value = <0.001), Waterberg (r = 0.40; p-value =< 0.001), Capricorn (r = 0.37; p-value = <0.001) and lowest in Sekhukhune (r = 0.36; p-value = <0.001). Seasonally, the results indicated that about 68% variation in malaria cases in summer—December, January, and February (DJF)—can be explained by spring—September, October, and November (SON)—rainfall in Vhembe district. Both annual and seasonal analyses indicated that there is variation in the effect of rainfall on malaria across the districts and it is seasonally dependent. Understanding the dynamics of climatic variables annually and seasonally is essential in providing answers to malaria transmission among other factors, particularly with respect to the abrupt spikes of the disease in the province.
Assessing the Acceptability of Vasectomy as a Family Planning Option: A Qualitative Study with Men in the Kingdom of Eswatini
Authors: Shongwe Philile , Ntuli Busisiwe , Madiba Sphiwe
Published: December 2019

The uptake of vasectomy in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa is low. In Eswatini, a kingdom with strong patriarchal norms, the use of vasectomy is at 0.3%. This is despite great efforts to introduce vasectomy and involve men in reproductive health. This study explored the views of men about the acceptability of vasectomy and their willingness to adopt vasectomy as a family planning option. Focus group discussions were conducted with adult men recruited from health facilities located in rural, semi urban, and urban areas in two of the regions of Eswatini. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data. The acceptability of and intention to use vasectomy as a family planning option was very low. Cultural beliefs, societal norms, lack of knowledge about the procedure for vasectomy, and misconceptions influenced the acceptability of vasectomy greatly. The participants could not grasp the concept of a family planning method that is as permanent as vasectomy. However, the decisions to accept or reject vasectomy were influenced by their misconceptions and fears about vasectomy and were not based on facts. To address the need to involve men in reproductive health and improve the acceptability and adoption of vasectomy, planning should be conducted with them and informed by their understanding of their needs.
Full Digital Workflow for the Treatment of an Edentulous Patient with Guided Surgery, Immediate Loading and 3D-Printed Hybrid Prosthesis: The BARI Technique 2.0. A Case Report
Authors: Venezia Pietro , Torsello Ferruccio , Santomauro Vincenzo , Dibello Vittorio , Cavalcanti Raffaele
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To describe a technique intended to transfer of the intermaxillary and occlusal relationships in a fully digital environment from a complete denture to an implant-supported 3D-printed hybrid prosthesis (an acrylic resin complete fixed dental prosthesis supported by implants). Methods: In edentulous cases, the physiological mandibular position should be determined before the immediate loading procedures. In some cases, the use of interim removable prostheses for a few weeks could be useful to test the new occlusion in centric relation and to verify the prosthetic project. When the correct intermaxillary relationships are achieved, it is difficult to transfer them from the provisional to the final prostheses, as impressions or scans of edentulous arches do not have reference points for intermaxillary records. This paper presents a complex case and the technique used to transfer information from a complete denture to an implant-supported prosthesis with a digital workflow. A prosthetic stent has been used to scan the edentulous mandibular arch and to record the intermaxillary relation. Results: The delivery of the hybrid implant-supported prostheses was carried out with no problems and minimal occlusal adjustments. The patient was extremely satisfied with the treatment and the situation remained stable at the 1-year follow up. Conclusions: The approach described in the present article predictably maintains prosthetic information and allows the delivery of a final implant-supported restoration with the same occlusal relationship as the one tested with the provisional diagnostic dentures.
Back Pain and Schoolbags among Adolescents in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Assiri Abdullah , Mahfouz Ahmed A. , Awadalla Nabil J. , Abolyazid Ahmed Y. , Shalaby Medhat
Published: December 2019

The incorrect carriage of schoolbags and heavy bags may result in back pain (BP) in adolescents. Our objective was to assess the problem of BP and associated factors among adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study targeting intermediate and secondary school adolescents in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. An anonymous questionnaire for BP was used. Student body weight and the weight of their full schoolbag were measured. The study included 876 adolescents. An overall prevalence of BP of 39.4% (95% CI: 35.3–43.7) was found. Upper BP (UBP), middle BP (MBP), and lower BP (LBP) amounted to 14.5%, 13.4%, and 11.5%, respectively. Associated significant factors with MBP were carrying the bag on one side compared to on the back (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20–3.73) and being at intermediate level compared to secondary (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.04–2.40). On the other hand, gender and schoolbag weight/body weight percent were not found to be significantly associated with MBP. None of the studied factors were significantly associated with overall BP, UBP, or LBP. BP is a prevalent among adolescents in southwest Saudi Arabia. One-sided schoolbag carriage is a significant associated factor for middle back pain. Parents and teachers should encourage students to consider the correct way to carry schoolbag.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Indonesia, 2014–2015
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: December 2019

Objective: The investigation aims to study the prevalence and correlates of frailty in a national community-dwelling sample of older Indonesians. Methods: Participants were 2630 older adults, 60 years and older (median age 66.0 years, interquartile range = 9.0) who took part in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) in 2014–2015. They were requested to provide information about sociodemographic and various health variables, including frailty. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was utilized to estimate the correlates of socio-demographic factors, health variables, and frailty. Results: The overall prevalence of frailty was 8.1%; 61.6% were prefrail. In adjusted Poisson regression analysis, older age, being unmarried, separated, divorced or widowed, residing in Java and major island groups, poor cognitive functioning, loneliness, and functional disability were associated with frailty. Conclusion: Several sociodemographic and health risk factors for frailty were identified that can help in guiding intervention strategies in Indonesia.
Peer Victimization in Overweight Adolescents and Its Effect on Their Self-Esteem and Peer Difficulties
Authors: Álvarez-García David , Núñez Andrea , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Núñez José Carlos
Published: December 2019

This study has three objectives: to examine whether adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight differ from others in terms of offline victimization at school, cybervictimization, self-esteem, and difficulties relating to peers; to examine the possible effects of offline and cybervictimization on self-esteem and difficulties relating to peers; and to examine the possible moderating role of perceiving oneself as overweight on those effects. Previously validated questionnaires were applied to a sample of 3145 adolescents in Asturias (Spain). Descriptive, inferential, correlational, and structural equation analyses were performed. Adolescents who perceived themselves as overweight reported being victims of both offline victimization and most forms of cybervictimization to a greater extent than those who did not perceive themselves as overweight. They also reported lower self-esteem and more peer difficulties (shyness or social anxiety). In both groups of adolescents, victimization and cybervictimization were correlated with each other, both types of victimization had direct, negative effects on self-esteem, and self-esteem in turn had a direct, negative effect on peer difficulties. Furthermore, offline victimization had a direct, positive effect on peer difficulties. Perceiving oneself as overweight moderated the effect of self-esteem on peer difficulties. In adolescents perceiving themselves as overweight, low self-esteem was a stronger risk factor of peer difficulties than in the rest of the adolescents. With high overall self-esteem there were no significant differences in peer difficulties between the adolescents perceiving themselves as overweight and the rest of the adolescents.
Effectiveness of Lifestyle Health Promotion Interventions for Nurses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stanulewicz Natalia , Knox Emily , Narayanasamy Melanie , Shivji Noureen , Khunti Kamlesh , Blake Holly
Published: December 2019

Background: Prior research has investigated various strategies to improve health, wellbeing and the job-related outcomes of nurses. However, the scope of this evidence is not clear and the types of intervention most likely to have positive outcomes are unknown. Objective: To provide an overview and synthesis of the effectiveness of interventions conducted with the goal of improving health, wellbeing and the job-related outcomes of nurses. Methods: A systematic database search was conducted from January 2000 to December 2018, with pre-defined criteria (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE and PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; PsycINFO; and BioMed Central). In total, 136 intervention studies with a total sample of 16,129 participants (range 9–3381) were included and evaluated. Data extraction, quality assessment and risk of bias analyses were performed. Results: Studies included randomised controlled trials (RCTs; n = 52, 38%), randomised crossover design studies (n = 2, 1.5%) and non-randomised pre-post studies with a control group (n = 31, 23%) and without a control group (n = 51, 37.5%). The majority of interventions focused on education, physical activity, mindfulness, or relaxation. Thirty-seven (27%) studies had a multimodal intervention approach. On average, studies had relatively small samples (median = 61; mode = 30) and were conducted predominantly in North America (USA/Canada, n = 53). The findings were mixed overall, with some studies reporting benefits and others finding no effects. Dietary habits was the most successfully improved outcome (8/9), followed by indices of body composition (20/24), physical activity (PA) (11/14), and stress (49/66), with >70% of relevant studies in each of these categories reporting improvements. The lowest success rate was for work-related outcomes (16/32). Separate analysis of RCTs indicated that interventions that focus solely on education might be less likely to result in positive outcomes than interventions targeting behavioural change. Conclusions: Interventions targeting diet, body composition, PA, or stress are most likely to have positive outcomes for nurses’ health and/or wellbeing. The methodologically strongest evidence (RCTs) is available for body composition and stress. Interventions relying solely on educational approaches are least likely to be effective. Organisational outcomes appear to be more challenging to change with lifestyle intervention, likely requiring more complex solutions including changes to the work environment. There is a need for more high-quality evidence since many studies had moderate or high risk of bias and low reporting quality.
Adolescents’ Life Satisfaction: The Role of Classroom, Family, Self-Concept and Gender
Authors: Povedano-Diaz Amapola , Muñiz-Rivas Maria , Vera-Perea Maria
Published: December 2019

This study analyzes the direct relationships between classroom and family context and adolescent students’ life satisfaction (LS) and the indirect relationships between these same variables through adolescents’ academic, family, and social self-concept from a gender perspective. In the theoretical model, we assume that the quality of the parent—child relationship affects adolescents’ LS both directly and indirectly through their self-concept. We assume that the quality of the classroom climate also affects adolescents’ LS through their self-concept. The sample consisted of 2373 adolescents (49.8% girls) aged 12 to 18 years (mean (M) = 14.69, standard deviation (SD) = 1.82). A structural equation model was tested to analyse the relationship between the variables. Subsequently, multigroup analysis was performed to determine the structural invariance of the model as a function of gender. The chi square and T-student test was 71.66. Results revealed a direct positive relationship between family environment and LS. Family and classroom environment were indirectly related to LS through their relationship with academic, family, and social self-concept. The result of multigroup analysis supports the structural invariance of the model in both sexes; therefore, the expected relationships are the same for boys and girls, making the model more generalizable and applicable. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Thermal Behavior Augments Heat Loss Following Low Intensity Exercise
Authors: Vargas Nicole T. , Chapman Christopher L. , Johnson Blair D. , Gathercole Rob , Cramer Matthew N. , Schlader Zachary J.
Published: December 2019

We tested the hypothesis that thermal behavior alleviates thermal discomfort and accelerates core temperature recovery following low intensity exercise. Methods: In a 27 ± 0 °C, 48 ± 6% relative humidity environment, 12 healthy subjects (six females) completed 60 min of exercise followed by 90 min of seated recovery on two occasions. Subjects wore a suit top perfusing 34 ± 0 °C water during exercise. In the control trial, this water continually perfused throughout recovery. In the behavior trial, the upper body was maintained thermally comfortable by pressing a button to receive cool water (3 ± 2 °C) perfusing through the top for 2 min per button press. Results: Physiological variables (core temperature, p ≥ 0.18; mean skin temperature, p = 0.99; skin wettedness, p ≥ 0.09; forearm skin blood flow, p = 0.29 and local axilla sweat rate, p = 0.99) did not differ between trials during exercise. Following exercise, mean skin temperature decreased in the behavior trial in the first 10 min (by −0.5 ± 0.7 °C, p < 0.01) and upper body skin temperature was reduced until 70 min into recovery (by 1.8 ± 1.4 °C, p < 0.05). Core temperature recovered to pre-exercise levels 17 ± 31 min faster (p = 0.02) in the behavior trial. There were no differences in skin blood flow or local sweat rate between conditions during recovery (p ≥ 0.05). Whole-body thermal discomfort was reduced (by −0.4 ± 0.5 a.u.) in the behavior trial compared to the control trial within the first 20 min of recovery (p ≤ 0.02). Thermal behavior via upper body cooling resulted in augmented cumulative heat loss within the first 30 min of recovery (Behavior: 288 ± 92 kJ; Control: 160 ± 44 kJ, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Engaging in thermal behavior that results in large reductions in mean skin temperature following exercise accelerates the recovery of core temperature and alleviates thermal discomfort by promoting heat loss.
Physical Activity-Related Health Competence, Physical Activity, and Physical Fitness: Analysis of Control Competence for the Self-Directed Exercise of Adolescents
Authors: Haible Stephanie , Volk Carmen , Demetriou Yolanda , Höner Oliver , Thiel Ansgar , Sudeck Gorden
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Individuals have to effectively manage their physical activity in order to optimize the associated physical and psychological health benefits. Control competence allows the individual to structure and pace physical activity in a health-enhancing way. The concept was developed within a model of physical activity-related health competence, and is related to the concepts of health literacy and physical literacy. Therefore, the study firstly aimed to validate a self-report scale to measure the physical and psychological facets of control competence in adolescents. Secondly, relationships between control competence and its basic elements, knowledge and motivation, as well as between control competence, sport activity, and fitness, were investigated. (2) Methods: In two cross-sectional studies, ninth grade adolescents (study A: n = 794, 51% female; study B: n = 860, 52% female) were tested using self-report scales (study A and B), a test for health-related fitness knowledge (study B), and cardiovascular and muscular fitness tests (study B). (3) Results: Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the two-factor structure of the self-report scale for control competence in studies A and B. In addition, the results of structural equation modeling in study B showed a relationship between motivation (via control competence) and sport activity, and a relationship between control competence and fitness. (4) Conclusion: The questionnaire extends the ability to assess control competence in adolescents. Moreover the findings support the importance of control competence in order to achieve health benefits through physical activity.
The Effect of the Congruence between Job Characteristics and Personality on Job Crafting
Authors: Kim Mihee , Baek Seung Ik , Shin Yuhyung
Published: December 2019

This study examined the effect of the fit between personality (i.e., openness to experience) and core job characteristics (i.e., skill variety, task significance, and task identity) on job crafting. We collected survey data from 200 college students who were assigned a team project during the semester. Using polynomial regression analysis, we tested the effects of the fit between personality and job characteristics on job crafting. The results revealed that a high level of openness to experience was significantly associated with a high level of job crafting (i.e., task, relational, and cognitive crafting). Furthermore, when both openness to experience and job characteristics were congruent at a high level, the tendency to proactively perform one’s tasks was also high. These findings enhance our understanding of the effect of the fit between openness to experience and three core job characteristics on job crafting.
Simulation of Air Puff Tonometry Test Using Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) Deforming Mesh for Corneal Material Characterisation
Authors: Maklad Osama , Eliasy Ashkan , Chen Kai-Jung , Theofilis Vassilios , Elsheikh Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To improve numerical simulation of the non-contact tonometry test by using arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian deforming mesh in the coupling between computational fluid dynamics model of an air jet and finite element model of the human eye. Methods: Computational fluid dynamics model simulated impingement of the air puff and employed Spallart–Allmaras model to capture turbulence of the air jet. The time span of the jet was 30 ms and maximum Reynolds number was   R e = 2.3 × 10 4 , with jet orifice diameter 2.4 mm and impinging distance 11 mm. The model of the human eye was analysed using finite element method with regional hyperelastic material variation and corneal patient-specific topography starting from stress-free configuration. The cornea was free to deform as a response to the air puff using an adaptive deforming mesh at every time step of the solution. Aqueous and vitreous humours were simulated as a fluid cavity filled with incompressible fluid with a density of 1000 kg/m3. Results: Using the adaptive deforming mesh in numerical simulation of the air puff test improved the traditional understanding of how pressure distribution on cornea changes with time of the test. There was a mean decrease in maximum pressure (at corneal apex) of 6.29 ± 2.2% and a development of negative pressure on a peripheral corneal region 2–4 mm away from cornea centre. Conclusions: The study presented an improvement of numerical simulation of the air puff test, which will lead to more accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal material behaviour estimation. The parametric study showed that pressure of the air puff is different from one model to another, value-wise and distribution-wise, based on cornea biomechanical parameters.
Predictors of Food Insecurity among Australian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Whatnall Megan C. , Hutchesson Melinda J. , Patterson Amanda J.
Published: December 2019

Food insecurity is much higher among university students than the general population, and is linked with poorer mental health, diet and academic achievement. The aim of this study was to explore the level of food insecurity among a sample of Australian university students and determine which socio-demographic and student characteristics predict food insecurity. An online cross-sectional survey with students from the University of Newcastle, Australia was conducted in 2017–2018. Food insecurity was assessed using the 6-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module, and socio-demographic (e.g., age, living situation) and student characteristics (e.g., undergraduate/postgraduate student) were captured. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the odds of food insecurity for each of the socio-demographic and student characteristics, and included characteristics of significance in bivariate analyses as potential confounders. Data for 366 students were analysed (mean age 27.3 ± 10.4 years, 27.3% male). Forty-eight percent of participants were food insecure. The odds of food insecurity were higher among students living in rental accommodation compared with their parents’ home (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.41, 4.06), and undergraduate compared with postgraduate students (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.83, 6.69). Commencing university and moving away from parents may be key times for intervention. Strategies that can provide longstanding benefit are needed to address the high level of food insecurity among university students.
Psychosocial Variables Related to Weight-Related Self-Stigma in Physical Activity among Young Adults across Weight Status
Authors: Fung Xavier C. C. , Pakpour Amir H. , Wu Ya-Ke , Fan Chia-Wei , Lin Chung-Ying , Tsang Hector W. H.
Published: December 2019

A healthy lifestyle with sufficient physical activity (PA) can contribute to weight management. Yet, many people do not maintain a healthy lifestyle. To explain PA, we propose a model that incorporates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with weight-related self-stigma. We recruited 325 young adults to complete questionnaires regarding their physical activities, weight-related self-stigma, and TPB factors. We used structural equation modeling to examine the model fit and the path invariance across weight groups. The model showed excellent model fit, but path invariance was not supported. Weight-related self-stigma significantly explained the perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and engagement of PA. People without overweight and people with overweight have different considerations for PA. Weight-related self-stigma is important for PA as well. To promote a healthy lifestyle, healthcare providers should provide different suggestions or interventions that suit their patients’ weight-related concerns.
Evaluation of Store Environment Changes of an In-Store Intervention to Promote Fruits and Vegetables in Latino/Hispanic-Focused Food Stores
Authors: Sanchez-Flack Jennifer , Baquero Barbara , Lin Shih-Fan , Belch George , Pickrel Julie L. , Anderson Cheryl A. M. , Arredondo Elva , Martinez Maria Elena , Mayer Joni , Ji Ming , Elder John P. , Ayala Guadalupe X.
Published: December 2019

Implementing interventions that manipulate food store environments are one potential strategy for improving dietary behaviors. The present study evaluated intervention effects, from the El Valor de Nuestra Salud (The Value of Our Health) study, on in-store environmental changes within Latino/Hispanic-focused food stores (tiendas). Sixteen tiendas were randomly assigned to either: a six-month structural and social food store intervention or a wait-list control condition. Store-level environmental measures of product availability, placement, and promotion were assessed monthly from baseline through six-months post-baseline using store audits. Linear mixed effects models tested for condition-by-time interactions in store-level environmental measures. Results demonstrated that the intervention was successful at increasing the total number of fruit and vegetable (FV) promotions (p < 0.001) and the number of FV promotions outside the produce department (p < 0.001) among tiendas in the intervention versus control condition. No changes in product availability or placement were observed. Results suggests changing the marketing mix element of promotions within small stores is measurable and feasible in an in-store intervention. Difficulties in capturing changes in product availability and placement may be due to intervention implementation methods chosen by tiendas. It is important to build upon the lessons learned from these types of interventions to disseminate evidence-based in-store interventions.
Happy-Productive Teams and Work Units: A Systematic Review of the ‘Happy-Productive Worker Thesis’
Authors: García-Buades M. Esther , Peiró José M. , Montañez-Juan María Isabel , Kozusznik Malgorzata W. , Ortiz-Bonnín Silvia
Published: December 2019

The happy-productive worker thesis (HPWT) assumes that happy employees perform better. Given the relevance of teams and work-units in organizations, our aim is to analyze the state of the art on happy-productive work-units (HPWU) through a systematic review and integrate existing research on different collective well-being constructs and collective performance. Research on HPWU (30 studies, 2001–2018) has developed through different constructs of well-being (hedonic: team satisfaction, group affect; and eudaimonic: team engagement) and diverse operationalizations of performance (self-rated team performance, leader-rated team performance, customers’ satisfaction, and objective indicators), thus creating a disintegrated body of knowledge about HPWU. The theoretical frameworks to explain the HPWU relationship are attitude–behavior models, broaden-and-build theory, and the job-demands-resources model. Research models include a variety of antecedents, mediators, and moderating third variables. Most studies are cross-sectional, all propose a causal happy–productive relationship (not the reverse), and generally find positive significant relationships. Scarce but interesting time-lagged evidence supports a causal chain in which collective well-being leads to team performance (organizational citizenship behavior or team creativity), which then leads to objective work-unit performance. To conclude, we identify common issues and challenges across the studies on HPWU, and set out an agenda for future research.
Fatty Acids Profile, Trans Isomers, and Lipid Quality Indices in Smoked and Unsmoked Cheeses and Cheese-Like Products
Authors: Paszczyk Beata , Polak-Śliwińska Magdalena , Łuczyńska Joanna
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition, including trans C18:1 and C18:2 isomers and the content of conjugated linoleic acid cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA), in commercial smoked and unsmoked cheeses and cheese-like products available on the Polish market as well as to compare lipid quality indices in these products. The composition of fatty acids was determined with the gas chromatography method. The conducted study demonstrated that smoked and unsmoked cheeses as well as smoked and unsmoked cheese-like products were characterized by various contents of fatty acids and various lipid quality indices. The smoked and the unsmoked cheeses had significantly higher (p < 0.05) contents of saturated fatty acids (SFA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) than the smoked and the unsmoked cheese-like products. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents were the highest in unsmoked cheese-like products (39.29 ± 1.49% and 9.13 ± 0.33%, respectively). In smoked and unsmoked cheeses, MUFA were above 24% and PUFA were above 2.4%. The total content of trans C18:1 isomers was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the cheeses, but in the group of these isomers, trans10 + trans11 isomers were dominant. High levels of trans6–trans9 isomers (up to 2.92% of total fatty acid) were found in some of the samples of unsmoked cheese-like products, while their content in cheeses was lower. The lipid quality indices in cheeses and cheese-like products were varied. The smoked and the unsmoked cheeses were characterized by significantly higher (p < 0.05) values of the index of thrombogenicity (TI) and atherogenicity (AI) indices and significantly lower (p < 0.05) values of the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (HH) ratio.
Spatial Econometric Analysis of the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on PM2.5 Concentration in China’s Inland Cities: A Case Study from Chengdu Plain Economic Zone
Authors: Yang Ye , Lan Haifeng , Li Jing
Published: December 2019

Particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), one of the main sources of air pollution, has increasingly become a concern of the people and governments in China. Examining the socioeconomic factors influencing on PM2.5 concentration is important for regional prevention and control. Previous studies mainly concentrated on the economically developed eastern coastal cities, but few studies focused on inland cities. This study selected Chengdu Plain Economic Zone (CPEZ), an inland region with heavy smog, and used spatial econometrics methods to identify the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration and the socioeconomic factors underlying it from 2006 to 2016. Moran’s index indicates that PM2.5 concentration in CPEZ does have spatial aggregation characteristics. In general, the spatial clustering from the fluctuation state to the stable low state decreased by 1% annually on average, from 0.190 (p < 0.05) in 2006 to 0.083 (p < 0.1) in 2016. According to the results of the spatial Durbin model (SDM), socioeconomic factors including population density, energy consumption per unit of output, gross domestic product (GDP), and per capita GDP have a positive effect on PM2.5 concentration, while greening rate and per capita park space have a negative effect. Additionally, those factors have identified spatial spillover effects on PM2.5 concentration. This study could be a reference and support for the formulation of more efficient air pollution control policies in inland cities.
Teaching Styles in Physical Education: A New Approach to Predicting Resilience and Bullying
Authors: Montero-Carretero Carlos , Cervelló Eduardo
Published: December 2019

The main objective of this study was to analyze student-perceived teaching styles’ power to predict students’ resilience and the emergence of bullying behaviors in physical education class. A total of 537 students of both sexes, between 11 and 15 years of age, from primary and secondary schools in the province of Alicante (Spain), participated in the study. The design of the study was cross-sectional. The results showed that bullying was positively predicted by students’ perceptions of a more controlling style and negatively by a greater perception of an autonomy-supportive style in physical education classes. Victimization was negatively predicted by greater resilience and positively by students’ perception of a teacher’s more controlling style. Finally, the mediation analysis showed that the perception of autonomy support indirectly and negatively predicted victimization, with resilience acting as a mediator. These findings provide useful information for physical education teachers interested in preventing bullying, and have important practical implications about the teaching style recommended for this purpose.
Mothers’ Expectations and Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding during the First 6 Months
Authors: Santacruz-Salas Esmeralda , Aranda-Reneo Isaac , Segura-Fragoso Antonio , Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel
Published: December 2019

The aims were to determine Spanish women’s expectations about exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and the effect of expectations and other factors on EB during the first 6 months. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 236 participants. Variables were maternal age, marital status, occupation, expectations about breastfeeding, knowledge about breastfeeding, type of delivery, type of feeding, and duration of EB. Data were collected through three personal interviews, at the hospital (before delivery) and in two telephone calls in the first and sixth months postpartum. Average age was 32.3 years (SD = 5.3); average duration of EB was 2.73 months (SD = 2.49). Of 236 women who had decided to breastfeed before birth, 201 (85.2%) offered EB after delivery. Achievement of expectations was most influenced by the decision to continue breastfeeding ‘as long as I can’ (OR: 5.4; CI: 2.0–14.6) and previous experience (OR: 3.2; CI: 1.2–8.5). Knowledge of breastfeeding acquired from relatives (OR: 9.2; CI: 3.0–27.9), caesarean delivery (OR: 4.6; CI: 1.7–12.8) and maternal age (36–40 years old) (OR: 7.5; CI: 1.8–30.9) were associated with failure to achieve EB. Achievement of EB may depend on a woman’s confidence in her ability to do so and on knowledge obtained in the social environment.
Ischemic Preconditioning Promotes Post-Exercise Hypotension in a Session of Resistance Exercise in Normotensive Trained Individuals
Authors: Panza Patricia , Novaes Jefferson , Telles Luiz Guilherme , Campos Yuri , Araújo Gleisson , Neto Nacipe , Raider Leandro , Novaes Giovanni , Leitão Luis , Vianna Jeferson
Published: December 2019

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a method that has been used prior to resistance exercise to improve performance. However, little is known about its effect before a resistance exercise training session on hemodynamic responses. Thus, the aim of the study was to verify the acute effect of IPC before a session of resistance exercises on the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) of trained normotensive trained individuals. Sixteen men (25.3 ± 1.7 years; 78.4 ± 6.2 kg; 176.9 ± 5.4 cm, 25.1 ± 1.5 m2.kg−1) trained in resistance exercise (RE) (5.0 ± 1.7 years) were evaluated in five sessions on non-consecutive days. The first two sessions’ subjects performed one repetition maximum (RM) test and retest, and for the next three sessions, they performed the experimental protocols: (a) IPC + RE; (b) SHAM + RE; (c) RE. The RE protocol consisted of six multi-joint exercises, three sets at 80% of 1RM until concentric failure. Blood pressure was monitored pre-session, immediately after and every 10 min for 60 min after RE. IPC consisted of 4 × 5 min of vascular occlusion/reperfusion at 220 mmHg. SHAM (fake protocol) consisted of 20 mmHg of vascular occlusion/reperfusion. The IPC + RE protocol showed significant reductions on SBP, DBP, and MBP compared with SHAM + RE (p < 0.05) and with RE (p < 0.05). The IPC + RE protocol presented a greater magnitude and duration of post-exercise hypotension (PEH) from 20 to 60 min after exercise in SBP (−11 to 14 mmHg), DBP (−5 to 14 mmHg), and MBP (−7 to 13 mmHg). Therefore, we can conclude that the application of IPC before an RE session potentiated the PEH in normotensive individuals trained in resistance exercise.
Exploring Variability in Landscape Ecological Risk and Quantifying Its Driving Factors in the Amu Darya Delta
Authors: Yu Tao , Bao Anming , Xu Wenqiang , Guo Hao , Jiang Liangliang , Zheng Guoxiong , Yuan Ye , NZABARINDA Vincent
Published: December 2019

Examining the drivers of landscape ecological risk can provide scientific information for planning and landscape optimization. The landscapes of the Amu Darya Delta (ADD) have recently undergone great changes, leading to increases in landscape ecological risks. However, the relationships between landscape ecological risk and its driving factors are poorly understood. In this study, the ADD was selected to construct landscape ecological risk index (ERI) values for 2000 and 2015. Based on a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, the relationship between each of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), digital elevation model (DEM), crop yield, population density (POP), and road density and the spatiotemporal variation in ERI were explored. The results showed that the ERI decreased from the periphery of the ADD to the centre and that high-risk areas were distributed in the ADD’s downstream region, with the total area of high-risk areas increasing by 86.55% from 2000 to 2015. The ERI was spatially correlated with Moran’s I in 2000 and 2015, with correlation of 0.67 and 0.72, respectively. The GWR model indicated that in most ADD areas, the NDVI had a negative impact on the ERI, whereas LST and DEM had positive impacts on the ERI. Crop yield, road density and POP were positively correlated with the ERI in the central region of the ADD, at road nodes and in densely populated urban areas, respectively. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that the ecological constraints of the aforementioned factors should be considered in the process of delta development and protection.
Technical Efficiency of Public and Private Hospitals in Beijing, China: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jing Rize , Xu Tingting , Lai Xiaozhen , Mahmoudi Elham , Fang Hai
Published: December 2019

Objective: With the participation of private hospitals in the health system, improving hospital efficiency becomes more important. This study aimed to evaluate the technical efficiency of public and private hospitals in Beijing, China, and analyze the influencing factors of hospitals’ technical efficiency, and thus provide policy implications to improve the efficiency of public and private hospitals. Method: This study used a data set of 154–232 hospitals from “Beijing’s Health and Family Planning Statistical Yearbooks” in 2012–2017. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was employed to measure technical efficiency. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used for matching “post-randomization” to directly compare the efficiency of public and private hospitals, and the Tobit regression was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of technical efficiency in public and private hospitals. Results: The technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of public hospitals were higher than those of private hospitals during 2012–2017. After matching propensity scores, although the scale efficiency of public hospitals remained higher than that of their private counterparts, the pure technical efficiency of public hospitals was lower than that of private hospitals. Panel Tobit regression indicated that many hospital characteristics such as service type, level, and governance body affected public hospitals’ efficiency, while only the geographical location had an impact on private hospitals’ efficiency. For public hospitals in Beijing, those with lower average outpatient and inpatient costs per capita had better performance in technical efficiency, and bed occupancy rate, annual visits per doctor, and the ratio of doctors to nurses also showed a positive sign with technical efficiency. For private hospitals, the average length of stay was negatively associated with technical efficiency, but the bed occupancy rate, annual visits per doctor, and average outpatient cost were positively associated with technical efficiency. Conclusions: To improve technical efficiency, public hospitals should focus on improving the management standards, including the rational structure of doctors and nurses as well as appropriate reduction of hospitalization expenses. Private hospitals should expand their scale with proper restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions, and pay special attention to shortening the average length of stay and increasing the bed occupancy rate.
Pericytes in Microvessels: From “Mural” Function to Brain and Retina Regeneration
Authors: Caporarello Nunzia , D’Angeli Floriana , Cambria Maria Teresa , Candido Saverio , Giallongo Cesarina , Salmeri Mario , Lombardo Cinzia , Longo Anna , Giurdanella Giovanni , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela , Lupo Gabriella
Published: December 2019

Pericytes are branched cells located in the wall of capillary blood vessels that are found throughout the body, embedded within the microvascular basement membrane and wrapping endothelial cells, with which they establish a strong physical contact. Pericytes regulate angiogenesis, vessel stabilization, and contribute to the formation of both the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers by Angiopoietin-1/Tie-2, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF) signaling pathways, regulating pericyte-endothelial cell communication. Human pericytes that have been cultured for a long period give rise to multilineage progenitor cells and exhibit mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) features. We focused our attention on the roles of pericytes in brain and ocular diseases. In particular, pericyte involvement in brain ischemia, brain tumors, diabetic retinopathy, and uveal melanoma is described. Several molecules, such as adenosine and nitric oxide, are responsible for pericyte shrinkage during ischemia-reperfusion. Anti-inflammatory molecules, such as IL-10, TGFβ, and MHC-II, which are increased in glioblastoma-activated pericytes, are responsible for tumor growth. As regards the eye, pericytes play a role not only in ocular vessel stabilization, but also as a stem cell niche that contributes to regenerative processes in diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, pericytes participate in melanoma cell extravasation and the genetic ablation of the PDGF receptor reduces the number of pericytes and aberrant tumor microvessel formation with important implications for therapy efficacy. Thanks to their MSC features, pericytes could be considered excellent candidates to promote nervous tissue repair and for regenerative medicine.
The Monetite Structure Probed by Advanced Solid-State NMR Experimentation at Fast Magic-Angle Spinning
Authors: Yu Yang , Stevensson Baltzar , Pujari-Palmer Michael , Guo Hua , Engqvist Håkan , Edén Mattias
Published: December 2019

We present a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy study of the local 31 P and 1 H environments in monetite [CaHPO 4 ; dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA)], as well as their relative spatial proximities. Each of the three 1 H NMR peaks was unambiguously assigned to its respective crystallographically unique H site of monetite, while their pairwise spatial proximities were probed by homonuclear 1 H– 1 H double quantum–single quantum NMR experimentation under fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) of 66 kHz. We also examined the relative 1 H– 31 P proximities among the inequivalent {P1, P2} and {H1, H2, H3} sites in monetite; the corresponding shortest internuclear 1 H– 31 P distances accorded well with those of a previous neutron diffraction study. The NMR results from the monetite phase were also contrasted with those observed from the monetite component present in a pyrophosphate-bearing calcium phosphate cement, demonstrating that while the latter represents a disordered form of monetite, it shares all essential local features of the monetite structure.