bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of the Metabolic Control of Diabetes in Patients with Frailty Syndrome
Authors: Muszalik Marta , Stępień Hubert , Puto Grażyna , Cybulski Mateusz , Kurpas Donata
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Frailty syndrome occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes than in the general population. The reasons for this more frequent occurrence and the interdependence of the two conditions are not well understood. To date, there is no fully effective method for the diagnosis, prevention, and monitoring of frailty syndrome. This study aimed to assess the degree of metabolic control of diabetes in patients with frailty syndrome and to determine the impact of frailty on the course of diabetes using a retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 individuals aged 60+ with diabetes were studied. The study population included 65 women (63.1%) and 38 men (36.9%). The mean age was 72.96 years (SD 7.55). The study was conducted in the practice of a general practitioner in Wielkopolska in 2018–2019. The research instrument was the authors’ original medical history questionnaire. The questions of the questionnaire were related to age, education, and sociodemographic situation of the respondents, as well as their dietary habits, health status, and use of stimulants. Other instruments used were: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Lawton Scale (IADL—Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), Katz Scale (ADL—Activities of Daily Living), Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS), and SHARE-FI scale (Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe). Anthropometric and biochemical tests were performed. Results: In the study, frailty syndrome was diagnosed using the SHARE-FI scale in 26 individuals (25%): 32 (31.1%) were pre-frailty and 45 (43.7%) represented a non-frailty group. Statistical analysis revealed that elevated HbA1c levels were associated with a statistically significant risk of developing frailty syndrome (p = 0.048). In addition, the co-occurrence of diabetes and frailty syndrome was found to be a risk factor for loss of functional capacity or limitation in older adults (p = 0.00) and was associated with the risk of developing depression (p < 0.001) and cognitive impairment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Concerning metabolic control of diabetes, higher HbA1c levels in the elderly are a predictive factor for the development of frailty syndrome. No statistical significance was found for the other parameters of metabolic control in diabetes. People with frailty syndrome scored significantly higher on the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale and lower on the MMSE cognitive rating scale than the comparison group. This suggests that frailty is a predictive factor for depression and cognitive impairment. Patients with frailty and diabetes have significantly lower scores on the Basic Activities of Daily Living Rating Scale and the Complex Activities of Daily Living Rating Scale, which are associated with loss or limitation of functioning. Frailty syndrome is a predictive factor for loss of functional capacity in the elderly.
Analyzing Spanish-Language Public Sentiment in the Context of a Pandemic and Social Unrest: The Panama Case
Authors: Arias Fernando , Guerra-Adames Ariel , Zambrano Maytee , Quintero-Guerra Efraín , Tejedor-Flores Nathalia
Published: August 2022

Over the past decade, an increase in global connectivity and social media users has changed the way in which opinions and sentiments are shared. Platforms such as Twitter can act as public forums for expressing opinions on non-personal matters, but often also as an outlet for individuals to share their feelings and personal thoughts. This becomes especially evident during times of crisis, such as a massive civil disorder or a pandemic. This study proposes the estimation and analysis of sentiments expressed by Twitter users of the Republic of Panama during the years 2019 and 2020. The proposed workflow is comprised of the extraction, quantification, processing and analysis of Spanish-language Twitter data based on Sentiment Analysis. This case of study highlights the importance of developing natural language processing resources explicitly devised for supporting opinion mining applications in Latin American countries, where language regionalisms can drastically change the lexicon on each country. A comparative analysis performed between popular machine learning algorithms demonstrated that a version of a distributed gradient boosting algorithm could infer sentiment polarity contained in Spanish text in an accurate and time-effective manner. This algorithm is the tool used to analyze over 20 million tweets produced between the years of 2019 and 2020 by residents of the Republic of Panama, accurately displaying strong sentiment responses to events occurred in the country over the two years that the analysis performed spanned. The obtained results highlight the potential that methodologies such as the one proposed in this study could have for transparent government monitoring of responses to public policies on a population scale.
Construct Validity of a New Health Assessment Questionnaire for the National Screening Program of Older Adults in Japan: The SONIC Study
Authors: Ishizaki Tatsuro , Masui Yukie , Nakagawa Takeshi , Yoshida Yuko , Ishioka Yoshiko L. , Hori Noriko , Inagaki Hiroki , Ito Kae , Ogawa Madoka , Kabayama Mai , Kamide Kei , Ikebe Kazunori , Arai Yasumichi , Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: August 2022

The Japanese government has implemented a new screening program to promote measures to avoid worsening lifestyle-related diseases and frailty among the older population. In this effort, the government formulated a new health assessment questionnaire for the screening program of old-old adults aged ≥75 years. The questionnaire comprises 15 items, of which 12 address frailty, two address general health status, and one addresses smoking habits. This study examined the construct validity of this questionnaire, using the explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The data used in this study were drawn from a mail-in survey conducted in 2020 as part of the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians study. A total of 1576 respondents (range, 78–99 years of age) were included in the study. Although the EFA did not show an interpretable factor structure of the questionnaire with 15 items, the CFA using only 12 frailty-related items showed the goodness of fit for a higher-order factor “frailty”, and the five frailty-related sub-factors model was acceptable. These results suggest that the total score of the 12 frailty-related items in the questionnaire can be used as an indicator of the degree of “frailty”.
Global Healthcare Needs Related to COVID-19: An Evidence Map of the First Year of the Pandemic
Authors: Aparicio Betancourt Mariana , Duarte-Díaz Andrea , Vall-Roqué Helena , Seils Laura , Orrego Carola , Perestelo-Pérez Lilisbeth , Barrio-Cortes Jaime , Beca-Martínez María Teresa , Molina Serrano Almudena , Bermejo-Caja Carlos Jesús , González-González Ana Isabel
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps and areas of need in health systems worldwide. This work aims to map the evidence on COVID-19-related healthcare needs of adult patients, their family members, and the professionals involved in their care during the first year of the pandemic. We searched the databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed full texts for eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Descriptive data were extracted and inductive qualitative content analysis was used to generate codes and derive overarching themes. Thirty-six studies met inclusion criteria, with the majority reporting needs from the perspective of professionals (35/36). Professionals’ needs were grouped into three main clusters (basic, occupational, and psycho-socio-emotional needs); patients’ needs into four (basic, healthcare, psycho-socio-emotional, and other support needs); and family members’ needs into two (psycho-socio-emotional and communication needs). Transversal needs across subgroups were also identified and grouped into three main clusters (public safety, information and communication, and coordination and support needs). This evidence map provides valuable insight on COVID-19-related healthcare needs. More research is needed to assess first-person perspectives of patients and their families, examine whether needs differ by country or region, and evaluate how needs have evolved over time.
Fostering Green Innovation Adoption through Green Dynamic Capability: The Moderating Role of Environmental Dynamism and Big Data Analytic Capability
Authors: Yu Danni , Tao Shen , Hanan Abdul , Ong Tze San , Latif Badar , Ali Mohsin
Published: August 2022

Though the concept of green dynamic capability has been increasingly gaining traction among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, its association with green innovation adoption remains unclear. The present study addresses this gap and aims to provide clarity by distinguishing green innovation adoption in the context of developing countries. Drawing on dynamic capability and stakeholder theory, this research shed light on the significance of green dynamic capability for green innovation adoption. Additionally, this study examines the moderating role of environmental dynamism and big data analytics capability in the link between green dynamic capability and green innovation adoption. Adopting a two-wave research design, the sample for this study contained SMEs from Pakistan and Malaysia. Data was obtained from 220 SMEs (105 from Pakistan, 115 from Malaysia). To test the hypotheses, covariance-based structural equation modelling was performed to analyze causal relationships in the model, by using AMOS 23 software. The results showed that green dynamic capability positively impacts green innovation adoption, but environmental dynamism does not positively moderate between green dynamic capability and green innovation adoption. In addition, big data analytics capability positively moderates between green dynamic capability and green innovation adoption. We believe that this study opens a new avenue in the environmental literature under which green innovation adoption is useful for SMEs.
Developing a Cross-National Disability Measure for Older Adult Populations across Korea, China, and Japan
Authors: Nam Sanghun , Lee Mi Jung , Hong Ickpyo
Published: August 2022

This study aims to develop a universal scale for comparing cognitive and physical functions among countries using health survey data from China, Korea, and Japan. This study used the data of 934 participants from the Korean Longitude Study of Aging, 2506 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitude Study, and 178 participants from the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement. Each physical and cognitive function item in the three countries has five key items. The anchoring method used the key items to link each cognitive and physical function of the three countries. We investigated the psychometric characteristics of the final item using the Rasch analysis. We extracted 13 items of 19 cognitive function items and 20 items out of 29 physical function items using the anchoring method and the Rasch analysis. The Rasch analysis showed good fit statistics for 13 cognitive function items and 20 physical function items. The measurement scale developed in this study will enable valid comparisons of older adults’ cognitive and physical functions across these three countries.
Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility and Workplace Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Person-Organization Fit and Organizational Identification’s Sequential Mediation
Authors: Duarte Ana Patrícia , Mouro Carla
Published: August 2022

Organizations’ environmental performance has come increasingly under scrutiny given the need for sustainable, low-carbon economies. Workers’ pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) can contribute to greener operations, but research on workplace PEBs is still an emerging field. This study examined how employees’ perceptions of environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices are related to their self-reported voluntary PEBs, including person-organization fit (P-O fit) and organizational identification’s role as sequential mediators. Data were gathered from 178 workers from different organizations via an online survey. The results reveal a positive relationship between perceived environmental CSR practices and work PEBs, which are both directly and indirectly connected through P-O fit and organizational identification. Managers can thus use environmental CSR activities to capitalize on employees’ P-O fit and organizational identification, thereby fostering work PEBS.
Influence of Cross-Cultural Factors about Sexism, Perception of Severity, Victimization, and Gender Violence in Adolescent Dating Relationships
Authors: Cuadrado-Gordillo Isabel , Martín-Mora-Parra Guadalupe
Published: August 2022

The phenomenon of adolescent dating violence directed towards women is a widespread social health problem all over the world. Various investigations over time have analysed and studied this problem from different perspectives, taking into account both the aggressors and the victims. However, apart from these perspectives there are other approaches that have been less explored. This study analyses the phenomenon from a cultural point of view. It looks at the way in which variables such as hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, and the perception of severity attributed to violent behaviour perpetrated by the aggressor can differ depending on the country of origin of a group of victimized adolescent women, specifically, from Spain and Ecuador. The data analysis, based on the construction of a moderated mediation model, revealed that while hostile sexism seems to be linked to a greater extent with traditional cultures, benevolent sexism is highly relevant in today’s society, and modifies the severity that young female victims attribute to violent behaviour and ultimately affects the frequency of victimization. These results revealed the importance of culture and the way in which violence is perceived in different countries as an essential aspect that must be taken into account to guide the construction of effective prevention programs adapted to the specific target groups of adolescents.
Digital Competence, Use, Actions and Time Dedicated to Digital Devices: Repercussions on the Interpersonal Relationships of Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Gutiérrez Ángel Nieves , Mercader Rubio Isabel , Trigueros Ramos Rubén , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , García-Sánchez Jesús Nicasio , García Martín Judit
Published: August 2022

Digital media play a fundamental role in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of adolescents, since they involve a very significant use and investment of time at this age. The objectives of this work are twofold: analyze the use of the Internet and digital devices by Spanish young people outside school, and the time they use them and their attitude towards the use of digital devices, as well as to identify the effects of the use of internet and digital devices on social and interpersonal relationships. The sample is composed of 35,943 students of Compulsory Secondary Education, from different Spanish high schools that participated in the PISA 2018 Report. The data provided by this study confirm the widespread consumption of digital devices. Identified as actions that they carry out every day were: the use of online chat, use of social networks to contact their friends, and surfing the internet for fun. Regarding the attitude towards digital devices, the participants say they feel comfortable using digital devices and discovering new applications or games. However, we also found as one of the most relevant results of this study the fact that participants say they feel bad if they do not have internet connection.
Lowered Quality of Life in Long COVID Is Predicted by Affective Symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Inflammation and Neuroimmunotoxic Pathways
Authors: Maes Michael , Al-Rubaye Haneen Tahseen , Almulla Abbas F. , Al-Hadrawi Dhurgham Shihab , Stoyanova Kristina , Kubera Marta , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem
Published: August 2022

The physio-affective phenome of Long COVID-19 is predicted by (a) immune-inflammatory biomarkers of the acute infectious phase, including peak body temperature (PBT) and oxygen saturation (SpO2), and (b) the subsequent activation of immune and oxidative stress pathways during Long COVID. The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of PBT and SpO2 during acute infection, as well as the increased neurotoxicity on the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in people with Long COVID. We recruited 86 participants with Long COVID and 39 normal controls, assessed the WHO-QoL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Abridged Version, Geneva, Switzerland) and the physio-affective phenome of Long COVID (comprising depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia-fatigue rating scales) and measured PBT and SpO2 during acute infection, and neurotoxicity (NT, comprising serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1, advanced oxidation protein products and myeloperoxidase, calcium and insulin resistance) in Long COVID. We found that 70.3% of the variance in HR-QoL was explained by the regression on the physio-affective phenome, lowered calcium and increased NT, whilst 61.5% of the variance in the physio-affective phenome was explained by calcium, NT, increased PBT, lowered SpO2, female sex and vaccination with AstraZeneca and Pfizer. The effects of PBT and SpO2 on lowered HR-QoL were mediated by increased NT and lowered calcium yielding increased severity of the physio-affective phenome which largely affects HR-QoL. In conclusion, lowered HR-Qol in Long COVID is largely predicted by the severity of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative pathways during acute and Long COVID.
Zoonotic Problems Reported by Sheep and Goat Farmers and Factors Potentially Contributing to the Occurrence of Brucellosis among Them
Authors: Lianou Daphne T. , Petinaki Efthymia , Michael Charalambia K. , Skoulakis Anargyros , Cripps Peter J. , Katsarou Eleni I. , Papadopoulos Elias , Billinis Charalambos , Katsafadou Angeliki I. , Mavrogianni Vasia S. , Caroprese Mariangela , Fthenakis George C.
Published: August 2022

The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of zoonotic problems reported by dairy small ruminant farmers in Greece and to study potential associations with socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers and management practices applied in the farms. A countrywide investigation was performed in 325 sheep and 119 goat farms in the 13 administrative regions of Greece. The selected farms were visited and interviews were conducted with respective farmers. The occurrence of zoonotic problems in the farmers was recorded. A total biosecurity score (0–6) was devised, based on biosecurity practices followed in farms. Sixty-seven farmers (15.10%, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 12.1–18.7%) reported experiencing a zoonotic problem. Most of the farmers (n = 57) (85.1%, 95% CI: 74.76–91.7%, of those with a zoonotic problem) (12.8%, 95% CI: 10.0–16.3%, of all) reported that the zoonotic problem had been brucellosis. Odds ratio for the occurrence of brucellosis in goat farmers was 1.879 (95% CI: 1.051–3.359) compared to the occurrence of the infection in sheep farmers (p = 0.033). For the outcome ‘occurrence of brucellosis’ in sheep farmers, the application of hand-milking, the availability of a separate lambing area and the presence of cats in the farm emerged as significant (p < 0.01); for the same outcome in goat farmers, only the availability of a separate kidding area emerged as significant (p = 0.001). The mean biosecurity score in farms in the continental area of the country was significantly higher than in the islands: 3.45 ± 0.05 versus 2.76 ± 0.28, respectively (p = 0.006), whilst there was also a significantly higher score in farms, where the farmer reported occurrence of brucellosis: 3.68 ± 0.15 versus 3.34 ± 0.06 in farms, where the farmer did not report such an incident (p = 0.042). In farms, where the above predictors prevail, farmers should be warned of an increased potential risk for human infection and biosecurity measures should be implemented and tightened.
First Nations Peoples’ Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors in Urban Areas: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Leclerc Anne-Marie , Boulanger Maude , Miquelon Paule , Rivard Marie-Claude
Published: August 2022

The dietary transition from traditional to commercial foods and a decrease in physical activity (PA) have impacted the health of the First Nations people of Quebec (Canada), resulting in many suffering from multiple chronic diseases. This study had two objectives: (1) to examine eating and PA behaviors among First Nations peoples in urban areas and (2) to explore the associated health representations. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach, including a questionnaire (n = 32) and a semi-structured interview (n = 14), was used to explore the participants’ lifestyle profiles and health experiences. The questionnaire focused on the eating and PA behaviors of First Nations people and their underlying motivations. At the same time, the interviews investigated their health views on diet and PA behaviors based on the conceptual framework of health and its determinants. According to the participants, health is the autonomy to live without pain by maintaining a balance between physical and psychological aspects, eating healthy and exercising. Family and work influence participants’ PA and eating behaviors. Exploring First Nations people’s beliefs and perceptions and the motivations underlying their health behaviors could help encourage the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle despite multiple chronic health conditions.
University Library Space Renovation Based on the User Learning Experience in Two Wuhan Universities
Authors: Peng Lei , Wei Wenli , Gong Yichen , Jia Ruiying
Published: August 2022

University library spaces play an important role in the learning experience of students. However, the traditional designs for these learning spaces no longer meet the needs of users, and researchers have been turning their attention to university library space renovation. By combing existing theories and practices, this study determined a framework of six university library space renovation design principles and subsequently conducted a survey to examine university library space user learning experience in two university libraries in Wuhan, China. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. From the questionnaire-based survey results, this study determined seven design elements that affect the learning experience of university library users. The results of binary logistic regression showed that two elements, indoor physical space comfort and indoor acoustic environment comfort, have positive effects on the frequency and length of visits to the library. Key spatial elements that can promote library space users’ learning experience were also identified, thus providing data that can reliably inform future design strategies for the space renovation of university libraries.
“No One Truly Understands What We Go through and How to Treat It”: Lived Experiences with Medical Providers among Patients with Orofacial Pain
Authors: Grunberg Victoria A. , Reichman Mira , Lovette Brenda C. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Greenberg Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Orofacial pain affects 10–15% of adults, yet treatments are limited. The gaps in care are frustrating for both patients and providers and can negatively impact patient–provider interactions. These interactions are key because they impact patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction with care. Purpose: Our study aims to understand the nuanced experiences with medical providers among patients with orofacial pain. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 260 patients provided written responses describing their experiences with medical providers. Using an inductive–deductive approach to thematic analysis, we identified themes and subthemes and organized them into four domains based on the Patient-Centered Model of Communication. Results: Patients reported feeling hopeless about treatment options, frustrated with lack of provider knowledge, disappointed in ineffective care, and stigmatized and dismissed by providers. Patients also said they learned to advocate for their health, were grateful for effective care, and felt lucky when providers listened and showed compassion. Patients identified key barriers that interfere with care (e.g., insurance, transportation, limited providers, lack of team coordination). Conclusions: Findings can help inform training programs and psychoeducation that target patient–provider communication to improve patient-reported outcomes, the quality of care delivered, and health care utilization and costs.
Comparing Atrial-Fibrillation Validated Rapid Scoring Systems in the Long-Term Mortality Prediction in Patients Referred for Elective Coronary Angiography: A Subanalysis of the Białystok Coronary Project
Authors: Rogalska Ewelina , Kurasz Anna , Kuźma Łukasz , Bachórzewska-Gajewska Hanna , Dobrzycki Sławomir , Koziński Marek , Sobkowicz Bożena , Tomaszuk-Kazberuk Anna
Published: August 2022

Rapid scoring systems validated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may be useful beyond their original purpose. Our aim was to assess the utility of CHA2DS2-VASc, HAS–BLED, and 2MACE scores in predicting long-term mortality in the population of the Białystok Coronary Project, including AF patients. The initial study population consisted of 7409 consecutive patients admitted for elective coronary angiography between 2007 and 2016. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality, which occurred in 1244 (16.8%) patients during the follow-up, ranging from 1283 to 3059 days (median 2029 days). We noticed substantially increased all-cause mortality in patients with higher values of all compared scores. The accuracy of the scores in predicting all-cause mortality was also assessed using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The greatest predictive value for mortality was recorded for the CHA2DS2-VASc score in the overall study population (area under curve [AUC] = 0.665; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.645–0.681). We observed that the 2MACE score (AUC = 0.656; 95%CI 0.619–0.681), but not the HAS–BLED score, had similar predictive value to the CHA2DS2-VASc score for all-cause mortality in the overall study population. In AF patients, all scores did not differ in all-cause mortality prediction. Additionally, we found that study participants with CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 vs. <3 had a 3-fold increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (odds ratio 3.05; 95%CI 2.6–3.6). Our study indicates that clinical scores initially validated in AF patients may be useful for predicting mortality in a broader population (e.g., in patients referred for elective coronary angiography). According to our findings, all compared scores have a moderate predictive value. However, in our study, the CHA2DS2-VASc and 2MACE scores outperformed the HAS–BLED score in terms of the long-term all-cause mortality prediction.
Effect of Electrode Distances on Remediation of Eutrophic Water and Sediment by Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell Coupled Floating Beds
Authors: Wu Qing , Liu Jieqiong , Li Qiannan , Mo Wenjun , Wan Ruihan , Peng Sen
Published: August 2022

Efficient and sustainable technologies for cleaning of contaminated water and sediments are in urgent demand. In this study, a new type of sediment microbial fuel cell coupled floating bed (FB-SMFC) was developed to repair eutrophic water and sediment in a cleaner way. The effect of electrode spacing on the power generation capacity and the synchronous remediation of pollutants from eutrophic water and sediment were studied. When the electrode distance was 60 cm, the maximum power generation and pollutant removal effects were obtained. At the end of the experiment, the maximum output voltage was 0.4 V, and the chemical oxygen demand (CODCr, potassium dichromate method), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents in the overlying water were 8 mg/L, 0.7 mg/L, and 0.39 mg/L. The corresponding removal rates were 88.2%, 78.8%, and 59.0%, respectively. The removal rates of organic matter and TN in the sediment were 12.8% and 86.4%, respectively, and the fixation rate of TP was 29.2%. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum of bacteria in the sediment and anode. Many anaerobic bacteria were found in the overlying water, which facilitated denitrification. Overall, the results of this research revealed a highly efficient and reliable strategy for eutrophic water and sediment remediation, aquatic ecosystems restoration, and human health protection.
Moderating Effect of Gender and Engineering Identity on the Association between Interpersonal Relationships and Mental Health of Female Engineering Students
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Xiangyu , Wu Wei , Chen Aihua
Published: August 2022

Influenced by factors such as gendered masculine culture within the engineering fields, female engineering students are facing increasing mental health issues. However, the effect of gender or engineering identity on the mental health distress of female engineering students was not well explored till now. This study adds to the current body of knowledge of mental health distress in female engineering students by proposing and verifying a moderating model based on social identity theory (SIT). The data were collected in June 2022 using a cross-sectional survey questionnaire distributed at five universities in eastern China (N = 376). A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to understand the relation between the tension of interpersonal relationships, the mental health distress female engineering students suffer from, and their gender or engineering identity. In our sample, 13.03%, 15.96%, and 14.36% of the female engineering students self-reported moderate to extremely severe stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Meanwhile, our results provide empirical evidence for the significantly positive relationship between the female engineering students’ tension of interpersonal relationships and their mental health distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, we found that gender identity can enhance the positive relationships mentioned above, while engineering identity could weaken these relationships. These findings provide empirical evidence for the role of social identity theory in dealing with mental health problems among engineering students. Broadly, the results of this work inform that social identity and professional role identity should be considered when designing interventions to prevent mental health crises among college students.
Ketogenic Diet Benefits to Weight Loss, Glycemic Control, and Lipid Profiles in Overweight Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trails
Authors: Zhou Chong , Wang Meng , Liang Jiling , He Guomin , Chen Ning
Published: August 2022

A ketogenic diet, characterized by low calories with high levels of fat, adequate levels of protein, and low levels of carbohydrates, has beneficial effects on body weight control in overweight patients. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the role of a ketogenic diet in body weight control and glycemic management in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In summary, we systematically reviewed articles from the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases and obtained eight randomized controlled trials for meta-analysis. The results show that a ketogenic diet had significantly beneficial effects on the loss of body weight (SMD, −5.63, p = 0.008), the reduction of waist circumference (SMD, −2.32, p = 0.04), lowering glycated hemoglobin (SMD, −0.38, p = 0.0008) and triglycerides (SMD, −0.36, p = 0.0001), and increasing high-density lipoproteins (SMD, 0.28, p = 0.003). Overall, these results suggest that a ketogenic diet may be an effective dietary intervention for body weight and glycemic control, as well as improved lipid profiles in overweight patients with T2DM. Hence, a ketogenic diet can be recommended for the therapeutic intervention of overweight patients with T2DM.
Evaluation of the Street Canyon Level Air Pollution Distribution Pattern in a Typical City Block in Baoding, China
Authors: Zhou Jingcheng , Liu Junfeng , Xiang Songlin , Zhang Yizhou , Wang Yuqing , Ge Wendong , Hu Jianying , Wan Yi , Wang Xuejun , Liu Ying , Ma Jianmin , Wang Xilong , Tao Shu
Published: August 2022

Urban traffic pollution, which is strongly influenced by the complex urban morphology, has posed a great threat to human health. In this study, we performed a high-resolution simulation of traffic pollution in a typical city block in Baoding, China, based on the Parallelized Large-eddy simulation Model (PALM), to examine the distribution patterns of traffic-related pollutants and explore their relationship with urban morphology. Based on the model results, we conducted a multi-linear regression (MLR) analysis and found that the distribution of air pollutants inside the city block was dominated by both traffic emissions and urban morphology, which explained about 70% of the total variance in spatial distribution of air pollutants. Excluding the contribution of emissions, over 50% of the total variance can still be explained by the urban morphology. Among these urban morphological factors, the key factors determining the spatial distribution of air pollution are “Distance from the road” (DR), “Building Coverage Ratio” (BCR) and “Aspect Ratio” (H/W) of the street canyon. Specifically, urban areas with lower Aspect Ratio, lower BCR and larger DR are less affected by traffic pollution. Compiling these individual factors, we developed a complex Urban Morphology Pollution Index (UMPI). Each unit increase in UMPI is associated with a one percent increase of nearby traffic pollution contribution. This index can help urban planners to semi-quantitatively evaluate building groups which tend to trap or ventilate traffic pollution and thus help to reduce human exposure to street canyon level pollution through either traffic emission control or urban morphology amelioration.
Impact of COVID-19 on University Students: An Analysis of Its Influence on Psychological and Academic Factors
Authors: Gómez-García Gerardo , Ramos-Navas-Parejo Magdalena , de la Cruz-Campos Juan-Carlos , Rodríguez-Jiménez Carmen
Published: August 2022

The irruption of COVID-19 has had different consequences on mental health in the youth population. Specifically, the sector made up of university students has suffered an abrupt change of teaching modality because of the pandemic. As such, this paper aims to analyze the impact that COVID-19 has had on different personal factors of students: (i) satisfaction with life; (ii) lived uncertainty; (iii) depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as factors related to academic development; (iv) motivation and the creation of teaching and learning strategies during this period; and (v) the perception of the degree of adaptability to the new scenario brought about by the university system. For this purpose, a cross-sectional quantitative design was advocated through the elaboration of an SEM model, which included 1873 university students from Andalusian Universities (Spain). The results reflected the strong negative impact that the pandemic had, especially on the levels of life satisfaction and the indices of depression, anxiety, and stress of the students. Likewise, the findings reflected the relevance of the correct adaptability on the part of the university to these new circumstances. It is necessary for university institutions to focus their efforts on quality attention to students, in order to establish fluid communication with them and to adapt to their academic and personal needs.
Perceived Past and Current COVID-19-Stressors, Coping Strategies and Psychological Health among University Students: A Mediated-Moderated Model
Authors: Zurlo Maria Clelia , Vallone Federica , Cattaneo Della Volta Maria Francesca
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19-pandemic entailed abrupt/long-lasting changes in university students’ lives, resulting in growing stress and stress-related outcomes. Although nowadays the pre-pandemic-life is gradually re-establishing, past-COVID-19-stressful experiences and strategies adopted to adjust to this condition may significantly impact students’ current experiences. Therefore, the development of research exploring the complex interplay between perceived past/present COVID-19-related experiences, coping strategies, and psychological health currently reported by students is needed. This study simultaneously tests the associations between Past-COVID-19-stressors and Current-COVID-19-stressors as moderated by Coping Strategies and the associations between Past-COVID-19-stressors and Psychological Symptoms as mediated by Current-COVID-19-stressors. A mediated-moderated model was tested on 355 university students. COVID-19-Student-Stress-Questionnaire (CSSQ) was used to assess COVID-19-stressors. Two CSSQ-versions were used, one of which was adjusted to assess Past-COVID-19-stressors recalled from previous restrictive pandemic phases. Coping-Orientation-to-Problem-Experienced-New-Italian-Version and Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised were used to assess, respectively, Coping Strategies and Psychological Symptoms. Findings confirmed the hypothesized Mediated-Moderated Model. The effects of Past-COVID-19-stressors on Current-COVID-19-stressors were moderated by Coping Strategies, and the effects of Past-COVID-19-stressors on Psychological Symptoms were mediated by Current-COVID-19-stressors. Unique psychopathological risk profiles deriving from the interplay between specific past/present stressors and coping strategies were found. Researchers and clinicians can use these findings to develop updated research and timely evidence-based interventions fostering students’ adjustment in the current period. Future research should further explore the impact of the complex interplay between perceived past/present COVID-19-related experiences and individual characteristics on psychological health conditions reported by people in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Noise Can Influence Experience-Based Decision-Making under Different Types of the Provided Information
Authors: Sheng Youyu , Dong Di , He Gang , Zhang Jingyu
Published: August 2022

Pervasive noise undermines many cognitive processes. Across two studies, we examined how noise influences experience-based decision-making and whether the nature of the information provided moderates this influence. Study 1 used the repeated choice paradigm and found that noise can significantly reduce people’s performance in experience-based decision-making by increasing the likelihood of choosing the option with the lower expected value. This negative influence can be attenuated when experience-congruent suggestions are provided, but significantly worsened when experience-incongruent suggestions are provided. Study 2 investigated how noise influences decision-making performance in two experience-incongruent conditions differing in error salience. By replicating noise’s general negative effect, we found that the noise effect could be attenuated when incongruent suggestions were obvious. We suggest that noise can undermine the information updating and integration process, which is necessary for experience-based decision-making. We also discuss the principles for designing better information aids based on these findings.
Estimating the 18-Year Threshold with Third Molars Radiographs in the Southern Italy Population: Accuracy and Reproducibility of Demirjian Method
Authors: Caggiano Mario , Scelza Giuseppe , Amato Alessandra , Orefice Raffaele , Belli Simona , Pagano Stefano , Valenti Chiara , Martina Stefano
Published: August 2022

The estimation of the age of the majority of living subjects is widely required nowadays due to the presence of unidentifiable individuals, without documents and general information, involved in migration or legal procedures. Dental age estimation (DAE) is a valid method for investigating the age of subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Demirjian method in a limited age group (16–24 years) in differentiating between older and younger than 18 years. From an initial sample of 17,594 radiographs, 460 were selected meeting the inclusion criteria. Two dentists provided the age estimate according to the Demirjian method, with a simplified approach based on the development of the third molars. The presence of a developmental stage of H for at least one third molar allowed to establish the major age if the other third molars, inferior or superior, have reached a stage equal or superior to F, with an accuracy of 90.2% and a predictive positive value of 91.6%. Thirty-three patients showed the development of at least one third molar (Stage H) before the age of 18 years while six patients showed the development of all four third molars with root completion (stage H) before the age of 18 years. When all third molars reached stage H an individual was over 18 years old in 97.4% of cases. In presence of one third molar on stage H and a stage equal or superior to F for the other third molars the probability of being of major age was 91.6%.
Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile
Authors: Murciano-Hueso Alicia , Martín-García Antonio-Víctor , Cardoso Ana Paula
Published: August 2022

The situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation, limited access to routine health and social care services, and lack of self-esteem, especially for older people. In this context, technology took on an important role as the main means of communication and service delivery. The main objective of this study is to analyze the situation of the elderly and their access to technological resources in the time of COVID-19. Based on a qualitative methodology, 58 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people between 65 and 90 years old in Portugal. The results reveal specific difficulties in the use of this type of digital devices and a change in the digital use profile of this age group, characterized by more frequent use of digital devices such as smartphones, the incorporation of certain services such as video calls, and uses associated with communication and entertainment. This study shows that attitudes toward technology among the elderly should be studied further, and these results should be considered to develop and implement training programs specially designed for this age group in order to contribute to their well-being and quality of life.
The Influential Factors of Internal Audit Effectiveness: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Abdelrahim Ayman , Al-Malkawi Husam-Aldin N.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on the influential factors of internal audit effectiveness and articulate these factors in a conceptual model. A systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to identify the influential factors of internal audit effectiveness; relevant studies are reviewed between the period January 1999 and March 2022 through a lens focused on the key factors of internal audit effectiveness. In addition, our review took into consideration what is mentioned in The International Professional Practices Framework for Internal Auditing (IPPF). Five factors of internal audit effectiveness and their dimensions are identified and comprised into a conceptual model, these factors are internal audit organizational characteristics, internal audit relationships, internal audit processes, internal audit resources, and internal audit coordination with other assurance providers. This paper provides internal audit practitioners, audit committees, and senior management in organizations with a broad understanding and comprehensive overview of the key factors that should be considered to make their internal audit functions more effective. This paper proposes a conceptual model that provides a holistic view of the influential factors of internal audit effectiveness and clearly identifies the dimensions of the factors. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for future research to test the model and build on it as well.
Assessing Multi-Temporal Global Urban Land-Cover Products Using Spatio-Temporal Stratified Sampling
Authors: Gong Yali , Xie Huan , Jin Yanmin , Tong Xiaohua
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the availability of multi-temporal global land-cover datasets has meant that they have become a key data source for evaluating land cover in many applications. Due to the high data volume of the multi-temporal land-cover datasets, probability sampling is an efficient method for validating multi-temporal global urban land-cover maps. However, the current accuracy assessment methods often work for a single-epoch dataset, and they are not suitable for multi-temporal data products. Limitations such as repeated sampling and inappropriate sample allocation can lead to inaccurate evaluation results. In this study, we propose the use of spatio-temporal stratified sampling to assess thematic mappings with respect to the temporal changes and spatial clustering. The total number of samples in the two stages, i.e., map and pixel, was obtained by using a probability sampling model. Since the proportion of the area labeled as no change is large while that of the area labeled as change is small, an optimization algorithm for determining the sample sizes of the different strata is proposed by minimizing the sum of variance of the user’s accuracy, producer’s accuracy, and proportion of area for all strata. The experimental results show that the allocation of sample size by the proposed method results in the smallest bias in the estimated accuracy, compared with the conventional sample allocation, i.e., equal allocation and proportional allocation. The proposed method was applied to multi-temporal global urban land-cover maps from 2000 to 2010, with a time interval of 5 years. Due to the spatial aggregation characteristics, the local pivotal method (LPM) is adopted to realize spatially balanced sampling, leading to more representative samples for each stratum in the spatial domain. The main contribution of our research is the proposed spatio-temporal sampling approach and the accuracy assessment conducted for the multi-temporal global urban land-cover product.