bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the Intersection of Food-Borne Zoonoses and EU Green Policies to an In-Embryo One Health Financial Model
Authors: Mazzeo Alessandra , Tremonte Patrizio , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Caturano Costantino , Correra Arianna , Sorrentino Elena
Published: September 2022

The European Union (EU) adopts the One Health (OH) approach, based on the relationships between human, animal, and environmental health. OH concerns a multitude of aspects, some of which are discussed here. OH overlaps the European Green Deal plan and its relaunched Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims at spreading organic farms adopting the circular economy, in order to improve human health through both better environmental conditions and healthier food. Nevertheless, zoonoses cause sanitary cost in terms of infected farm personnel, lower productivity, and lower fertility of infected farm animals. In such scenarios, the decreased breeding yield and the lower income induce higher cost of farm products, meaning that the market price rises, becoming uncompetitive when compared to the prices of industrial products. Consequently, lower revenues can hinder the farm growth expected in the framework of the EU Green Deal. Since zoonosis control is a key element in aligning EU policies aimed at achieving the EU Green Deal goal of “ZERO environmental impact” by 2050, the authors suggest the inclusion of the parameter economic health in the OH approach, in order to individuate EU Member States (MSs) economically unable to conduct eradication programmes and to finance them. Economic health is here considered as a starting point of the new ethical and science-based One Health Financial Model that the authors suggest as an in-embryo model, in which specific rules should regulate public funds, private investments, and trading, which should exclusively concern public services and private enterprises complying with most of the OH parameters. In this way, economic losses due to collateral negative effects deriving from human activities can be progressively decreased, and the entire planet will benefit from the process. Despite the considerable efforts being carried out in the context of the OH approach, war causes tragic and devastating effects on the physical and mental health of human beings, on their lives, on pandemic and zoonotic threats, on animals, on plants and, last but not least, on the environment. War is incompatible with OH. Enormous efforts for peace are therefore urgently needed.
Monitoring and Occurrence of Heavy PAHs in Pomace Oil Supply Chain Using a Double-Step Solid-Phase Purification and HPLC-FLD Determination
Authors: Barp Laura , Moret Sabrina , Purcaro Giorgia
Published: September 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental and processing contaminants generated by both spontaneous and anthropogenic incomplete combustion processes of organic matter. Contamination of PAHs in vegetable oils can result from several factors and processes, including environmental contamination, oil processing, and migration from food contact materials. The determination of PAHs in edible oil presents a challenge because of the complexity of the matrix. Since PAHs are present at lower levels than triglycerides, it is necessary to isolate the compounds of interest from the rest of the matrix. To this purpose, a new purification approach based on a double solid-phase extraction (SPE) step followed by high performance liquid chromatography–fluorometric detector (HPLC-FLD) analysis was developed. The method involves a first purification step by using a 5 g silica SPE cartridge, previously washed with dichloromethane (20 mL), dried completely, and then conditioned with n-hexane (20 mL). The triglycerides are retained by the silica, while the PAH-containing fraction is eluted with a mixture of n-hexane/dichloromethane (70/30, v/v). After evaporation, the residue is loaded on a 5 g amino SPE cartridge and eluted with n-hexane/toluene (70/30, v/v) before HPLC-FLD analysis. The focus was the evaluation of the contribution of the various phases of the pomace oil supply chain in terms of the heavy PAHs (PAH8) concentration. Data collected showed that pomace contamination increased (by 15 times) as storage time increased. In addition, the process of pomace drying, which is necessary to reduce its moisture content before solvent extraction of the residual oil, appeared to significantly contribute to the total heavy PAHs content, with increases in value by up to 75 times.
Coccidiostats and Poultry: A Comprehensive Review and Current Legislation
Authors: Martins Rui R. , Silva Liliana J. G. , Pereira André M. P. T. , Esteves Alexandra , Duarte Sofia C. , Pena Angelina
Published: September 2022

Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems of the poultry industry. Caused by Eimeria species, Coccidiosis is a contagious parasitic disease affecting poultry with great economic significance. Currently, in order to prevent health problems caused by this disease, broiler farmers make extensive use of coccidiostats in poultry feed, maintaining animal health and, in some cases, enhancing feed conversion. The presence of unauthorized substances, residues of veterinary products and chemical contaminants in the food industry is of concern, since they may pose a risk to public health. As the use of coccidiostats has been increasing without any requirements for veterinary prescription, research and surveillance of coccidiostat residues in poultry meat is becoming imperative. This review presents an up-to-date comprehensive discussion of the state of the art regarding coccidiosis, the most used anticoccidials in poultry production, their mode of action, their prophylactic use, occurrence and the European Union (EU) applicable legislation.
Extraction of Polyphenols and Valorization of Fibers from Istrian-Grown Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Skrt Mihaela , Albreht Alen , Vovk Irena , Constantin Oana Emilia , Râpeanu Gabriela , Sežun Mija , Osojnik Črnivec Ilja Gasan , Zalar Uroš , Poklar Ulrih Nataša
Published: September 2022

Pomegranate fruit is an ancient fruit that is used not only because of its deep-red color and tasty arils but also due to the health benefits of its extracts. Pomegranate is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including colorful anthocyanins and other polyphenols. The main objective of the present study was to gain comprehensive knowledge of the phenolic composition and antioxidative activity of a new pomegranate cultivar, grown in Northwest Istria, a part of the North Adriatic coastal area. Various parts of the pomegranate fruit parts were extracted in 70% ethanol or water. Total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity were respectively determined with Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and ABTS radical. Phenolics were examined and analyzed with TLC, LC-MS, and HPLC. Pomegranate juice was prepared from red arils and after thermal treatment, the stability of anthocyanins was monitored for several months to understand the effect of storage. The highest total phenolics were determined in ethanol pomegranate peel extracts (30.5 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g DM), and water peel extracts exhibited the highest antioxidative activity (128 ± 2 µg TE/g DM). After five months of storage of thermally treated pomegranate juice, 50–60 percentage points increase in anthocyanin degradation was observed. Pomegranate peel was further tested as a sustainable inedible food source for papermaking. Due to the low content of cellulose and the high percentage of extractives, as well as a distinguished texture and appearance, the paper made from pomegranate peel is best suited for the production of specialty papers, making it particularly interesting for bioactives recovery, followed by material restructuring.
Consistency Check of ITACAext, the Flatfile of the Italian Accelerometric Archive
Authors: Mascandola Claudia , Lanzano Giovanni , Pacor Francesca
Published: September 2022

We present the results of a consistency check performed over a flatfile of accelerometric data extracted from the ITalian ACcelerometric Archive (ITACA), enriched with velocimetric records of events with magnitude M < 4.0. The flatfile, called ITACAext, includes 31,967 waveforms from 1709 shallow crustal earthquakes, in the magnitude range from 3.0 to 6.9, and occurred in the period of 1972–2019 in Italy. The consistency check is carried out by decomposing the residuals obtained from a reference ground motion model, for the ordinates of the 5% damped acceleration response spectra. The residual components are subsequently analyzed to identify a list of events, stations, and records that significantly deviate from the median trends predicted by the model. The results indicate that about 10% of events and stations are outliers, while only 1% of the waveforms present anomalous amplitudes. The asymmetrical azimuthal coverage of seismic stations around the epicenter is the most common issue that can affect the estimates of the repeatable event residual term. On the other hand, peculiarities in the site-response or wrong estimates of the soil parameters (i.e., the average shear-wave velocity in the first 30 m of the subsoil) are the main issues related to the repeatable station residuals. Finally, single records can show large residuals because of issues related to signal acquisition (e.g., multiple events, noisy records) or possible near-source effects (e.g., rupture directivity).
How Online Sales Promotions via Social Networks Affect the Brand Equity of a Heritage Destination
Authors: Prados-Peña M. Belén , Crespo-Almendros Esmeralda , Porcu Lucia
Published: September 2022

Social media marketing communication is among the current strategies used to provide visibility to cultural heritage, sales promotions being especially relevant. Nevertheless, despite the fact that social media has now built significant momentum, there is still a dearth of research on the relationship between social marketing activities and brand equity. In this context, this study seeks to determine how the use of promotional discounts and free gifts on social media contributes to building heritage brand equity. To pursue this research aim, a quasi-experimental study was designed and carried out among online users, based on two promotional stimuli (discount vs. free gift). The findings suggest that gifts perform better in terms of increasing brand equity, except where the user presents a high level of sales promotion-proneness, in which case promotional discounts are more effective.
Teaching and Learning of Cultural Heritage: Engaging Education, Professional Training, and Experimental Activities
Authors: Achille Cristiana , Fiorillo Fausta
Published: September 2022

The preservation of cultural heritage through education and training has always been a relevant issue and, sure enough, can contribute to the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 (e.g., 4: Quality education, 8: Decent work and economic growth, 11: Sustainable cities and communities). The pandemic experience substantially influenced this topic for two key reasons. First, it has revolutionized the approach to teaching and learning activities, involving technological and digital innovations in this area for extreme and urgent necessities. The second aspect is that it has encouraged the rediscovery of minor heritages closer to one’s own territorial identity, strengthening the link with the local community. Understanding the role and importance of cultural heritage begins in the school; therefore, education is an essential and indispensable stage. At all educational levels, beginning with primary school, the necessary training activities for specific professional figures should be implemented. The transformation related to the cultural heritage professional figure must include both awareness of heritage value and excellent practical and theoretical skills. The research presented focuses on proposing new training paradigms that are highly professionalizing and involving.
Whole-Canopy Photosynthetic Characterization of Apple Tree and the Effects Induced by Grafting on Rootstocks with Different Vigor
Authors: Li Mengke , Zhang Zifan , Guo Pengjing , Ji Guofei , Zhang Xi , Qi Qi , Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Xinzhong , Li Wei , Han Zhenhai , Qiu Changpeng
Published: September 2022

Leaf photosynthesis is pivotal for the synthesis of carbohydrates; however, the growth and development of horticultural crops are more closely related to canopy photosynthetic capacity. Measurements of canopy photosynthesis allow a better evaluation of the fruit tree performance at the canopy scale. Therefore, an open chamber system to determine instantaneous canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAPi) was investigated. CAPi slightly overestimated the biomass accumulation by 5.9%, which revealed that the CAPi method is valuable for quantifying canopy photosynthesis. Further, many woody horticultural plants are usually grafted for propagation, such as apples, whereas the rootstocks always influence the canopy size and photosynthesis. In this study, the effect of dwarfing, semi-dwarfing, and vigorous apple rootstocks on canopy photosynthesis was studied. Compared to vigorous rootstock, dwarfing rootstock significantly reduced the leaf net photosynthetic rate and total leaf area by 20.8% and 53.1%, respectively, and resulted in a 59.7% reduction in CAPi. Throughout the study, CAPi was an effective method that should be considered for canopy photosynthesis measurement of horticultural crops in the future.
Prospective Drivers of Nurses’ Partial or Complete Retirement Seven Years Later: Work Ability and Physical Functioning Going against the Tide of Age
Authors: Rodwell John
Published: September 2022

In the context of a nursing shortage in many developed countries, one option for retaining the expertise of older nurses in the workforce is to better manage the retirement of nurses. This study will investigate life course predictors of actual retirement behavior, whether partial or complete, for older working nurses over a seven-year span. Data were analyzed from a quantitative, longitudinal survey of 178 Australian nurses aged 45 years and older working at Time 1 (2012), who responded seven years later (Time 2). Age predicted both forms of retirement behavior, confirming the strength of social normative pressures toward retirement. Moving against this social normative tide toward retirement were the predictors of partial retirement such as job satisfaction, physical functioning and work ability. In turn, working part-time was the only predictor, beyond age, of complete retirement. Nurse and health service managers could support nurses to stand against the tide of social normative pressures (until such social norms change) by managing the nurses’ physical functioning and work ability, including by more explicitly managing the impacts of chronic diseases in the workplace, not least so as to retain their nurses in the context of nurse shortages.
Decision-Tree-Based Approach for Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment in Immobilized Patients
Authors: Vera-Salmerón Eugenio , Domínguez-Nogueira Carmen , Romero-Béjar José L. , Sáez José A. , Mota-Romero Emilio
Published: September 2022

Applications where data mining tools are used in the fields of medicine and nursing are becoming more and more frequent. Among them, decision trees have been applied to different health data, such as those associated with pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers represent a health problem with a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of immobilized patients and on the quality of life of affected people and their families. Nurses provide comprehensive care to immobilized patients. This fact results in an increased workload that can be a risk factor for the development of serious health problems. Healthcare work with evidence-based practice with an objective criterion for a nursing professional is an essential addition for the application of preventive measures. In this work, two ways for conducting a pressure ulcer risk assessment based on a decision tree approach are provided. The first way is based on the activity and mobility characteristics of the Braden scale, whilst the second way is based on the activity, mobility and skin moisture characteristics. The results provided in this study endow nursing professionals with a foundation in relation to the use of their experience and objective criteria for quick decision making regarding the risk of a patient to develop a pressure ulcer.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Fear and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Third Molar Extraction under Local Anesthesia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wong Natalie Sui Miu , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Li Kar Yan , McGrath Colman Patrick , Leung Yiu Yan
Published: September 2022

This report investigated the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for reducing dental fear and anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction under local anesthesia. In November 2020, multiple electronic databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for articles published in English. Inclusion criteria were randomized-controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of any non-pharmacological interventions in reducing fear or anxiety levels in patients with third molar extraction. A total of 3015 studies by electronic search and 2 studies by hand search were identified. After screening, 21 studies were eligible for systematic review. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies were performed by two independent investigators. The anxiety levels after intervention in each study were pooled and meta-analyzed by the random-effect model. A significant reduction in anxiety level was observed in non-pharmacological intervention groups (SMD = −0.32; 95% CI −0.57 to −0.07; p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that a significant anxiety reduction by non-pharmacological interventions could be demonstrated by pooled data from studies using psychometric assessments, but not from studies using physiological assessments. Non-pharmacological interventions appear to reduce fear and anxiety levels in patients undergoing third molar extraction under local anesthesia.
Comparative Study of Biochar Modified with Different Functional Groups for Efficient Removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II)
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Lin Jiaxin , Chen Haojia , Wang Wanjun , Yang Yan
Published: September 2022

The potential application of biochar in water treatment is attracting interest due to its sustainability and low production cost. In the present study, H3PO4-modified porous biochar (H-PBC), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-modified porous biochar (E-PBC), and NaOH-modified porous biochar (O-PBC) were prepared for Ni(II) and Pb(II) adsorption in an aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the as-obtained samples, and their capacities for Ni(II) and Pb(II) adsorption were determined. SEM showed that H-PBC retained the hierarchical porous structure of pristine biochar. FT-IR showed that H-PBC possessed abundant oxygen-containing and phosphorus-containing functional groups on the surface. BET analysis demonstrated that the surface areas of H-PBC (344.17 m2/g) was higher than O-PBC (3.66 m2/g), and E-PBC (1.64 m2/g), respectively. H-PBC, E-PBC, and O-PBC all exhibited excellent performance at Ni(II) and Pb(II) adsorption with maximum adsorption capacity of 64.94 mg/g, 47.17 mg/g, and 60.24 mg/g, and 243.90 mg/g, 156.25 mg/g, and 192.31 mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than the adsorption capacity (19.80 mg/g and 38.31 mg/g) of porous biochar (PBC). Pseudo-second order models suggested that the adsorption process was controlled by chemical adsorption. After three regeneration cycles, the Ni(II) and Pb(II) removal efficiency with H-PBC were still 49.8% and 56.3%. The results obtained in this study suggest that H-PBC is a promising adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Rural Opioid Support Services Program
Authors: Walters Jayme E. , Jones Aubrey E. , Brown Aaron R. , Wallis Dorothy
Published: September 2022

During 2020, Kentucky saw the third highest increase in overdose deaths in the U.S. Employment issues, inadequate housing, transportation problems, and childcare needs present barriers to accessing treatment in rural areas. These barriers and others (e.g., technology) arose during the pandemic negatively affecting individuals in recovery and service providers as they adjusted services to provide primarily telehealth and remote services. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 in its early stages on an opioid use disorder (OUD) support services program in a nonprofit located in rural eastern Kentucky, part of the central Appalachia region. A qualitative design was applied, employing semi-structured interviews in early fall 2020. Participants were associated with one OUD support services program, including service recipients, program coordinators, and business vendors. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health framework, two-cycle coding–descriptive coding and pattern coding–was utilized. Codes were sorted into three patterns: changes to daily life; financial impacts; and service access and provision. Overall, early stages of COVID-19 brought increased stress for individuals in recovery, as they were taking on more responsibility and navigating a changing environment. Coordinators were under pressure to provide services in a safe, timely manner. Vendors vocalized their struggles and successes related to finances. These findings can help organizations make realistic adjustments and policymakers set reasonable expectations and consider additional financial support.
Elder Mistreatment as a Risk Factor for Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Korean Older Adults
Authors: Paek Min-So , Lee Mi Jin , Shin Yu-Seon
Published: September 2022

Older adults suffering from mistreatment are especially vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. The current study examined the associations of elder mistreatment (single- and multi-type mistreatment) with depression or suicidal ideation in a Korean representative sample. The data were derived from the 2017 National Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons (unweighted n = 10,059 and weighted n = 10,055). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. In the weighted population, 9.8% of older adults had mistreatment experiences. Results indicated that single- and multi-type mistreatment experiences were associated with increased risks of depression (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = [1.61, 2.32] and OR = 3.51, 95% CI = [2.52, 4.87], respectively), after adjusting for the confounding factors (socio-demographic, health-related, and social relation characteristics). Experiences of single- and multi-type mistreatment were also associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = [1.97, 3.12] and OR = 3.19, 95% CI = [2.25, 4.51], respectively), even after adjusting for the above confounding factors and depression. Similar results were found in sensitivity analyses using unweighted data. The current findings expanded our knowledge of the associations of mistreatment with depression and suicidal ideation in later life.
A Systematic Review on Visualizations for Self-Generated Health Data for Daily Activities
Authors: Kim Sung-Hee
Published: September 2022

Due to the development of sensing technology people can easily track their health in various ways, and the interest in personal healthcare data is increasing. Individuals are interested in controlling their wellness, which requires self-awareness and an understanding of various health conditions. Self-generated health data are easily accessed through mobile devices, and data visualization is commonly used in applications. A systematic literature review was conducted to better understand the role of visualizations and learn how to develop effective ones. Thirteen papers were analyzed for types of data, characteristics of visualizations, and effectiveness for healthcare management. The papers were selected because they represented research on personal health data and visualization in a non-clinical setting, and included health data tracked in everyday life. This paper suggests six levels for categorizing the efficacy of visualizations that take into account cognitive and physical changes in users. Recommendations for future work on conducting evaluations are also identified. This work provides a foundation for personal healthcare data as more applications are developed for mobile and wearable devices.
Accuracy of Endodontic Access Cavities Performed Using an Augmented Reality Appliance: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Faus-Matoses Vicente , Faus-Llácer Vicente , Moradian Tanaz , Riad Deglow Elena , Ruiz-Sánchez Celia , Hamoud-Kharrat Nirmine , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Faus-Matoses Ignacio
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the accuracy of endodontic access cavities created using an augmented reality appliance to those performed using the conventional technique. Materials and Methods: 60 single-rooted anterior teeth were chosen for study and randomly divided between two study groups: Group A—endodontic access cavities created using an augmented reality appliance as a guide (n = 30) (AR); and Group B—endodontic access cavities performed with the manual (freehand) technique (n = 30) (MN). A 3D implant planning software was used to plan the endodontic access cavities for the AR group, with a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D intraoral surface scan taken preoperatively and subsequently transferred to the augmented reality device. A second CBCT scan was taken after performing the endodontic access cavities to compare the planned and performed endodontic access for accuracy. Therapeutic planning software and Student’s t-test were used to analyze the cavities at the apical, coronal, and angular levels. The repeatability and reproducibility of the digital measurement technique were analyzed using Gage R&R statistical analysis. Results: The paired t-test found statistically significant differences between the study groups at the coronal (p = 0.0029) and apical (p = 0.0063) levels; no statistically significant differences were found between the AR and MN groups at the angular (p = 0.6596) level. Conclusions: Augmented reality devices enable the safer and more accurate performance of endodontic access cavities when compared with the conventional freehand technique.
Cumulative Impacts of Diverse Land Uses in British Columbia, Canada: Application of the “EnviroScreen” Method
Authors: Buse Chris G. , Bezzola Aita , Brubacher Jordan , Takaro Tim K. , Fredeen Arthur L. , Parkes Margot W.
Published: September 2022

(1) Objectives: Cumulative impacts refer to the legacies of land use decisions on environmental, community and health values. New integrative impact assessment tools are required to assess cumulative impacts on diverse values to meet sustainability goals in the 21st century. In this contribution, the CalEnviroScreen methodology-a screening tool capable of merging environmental, socioeconomic and health data-is applied to Local Health Areas in British Columbia, Canada. (2) Methods: The CalEnviroScreen is a method that standardizes environmental, socioeconomic and health data to depict an indicator’s percentile rank in the distribution of all units of analysis. The method combines indicators to measure four dimensions of pressure: environmental exposures, environmental effects, socioeconomic conditions, and sensitive populations (i.e., health outcomes). We create two versions of EnviroScreen: one following the CalEnviroScreen suite of indicators, and another that uses nuanced indicators to approximate the realities of industrial land uses present in British Columbia. BCEnviroScreen scores are plotted by race/ethnicity to understand potential racial inequities in cumulative exposures. (3) Results: The BCEnviroScreen has a greater likelihood of quantifying the cumulative impacts of diverse industries and land uses present across resource-dependent parts of the province, relative to the more urban-centric CalEnviroScreen indicator suite. Analyzing the distribution of BCEnviroScreen scores by race/ethnicity suggests that visible minority populations may be inequitably exposed to cumulative impacts in BC. (4) Conclusion: EnviroScreen tools hold significant potential to influence Canadian environmental health policy. This research demonstrates the applicability of the tool to British Columbia and other jurisdictions, illustrates how indicators can be tailored to better represent regional context, and shows how the tool can be used to screen for potential environmental health injustices.
Socioeconomic Inequalities and Vaccine Uptake: An Umbrella Review Protocol
Authors: Sacre Amber , Bambra Clare , Wildman Josephine M. , Thomson Katie , Sowden Sarah , Todd Adam
Published: September 2022

The effectiveness of immunization is widely accepted: it can successfully improve health outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. In the era of pandemics, there is a pressing need to identify and understand the factors associated with vaccine uptake amongst different socioeconomic groups. The knowledge generated from research in this area can be used to inform effective interventions aimed at increasing uptake. This umbrella systematic review aims to determine whether there is an association between socioeconomic inequalities and rate of vaccine uptake globally. Specifically, the study aims to determine whether an individual’s socioeconomic status, level of education, occupation, (un)-employment, or place of residence affects the uptake rate of routine vaccines. The following databases will be searched from 2011 to the present day: Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane CENTRAL, Science Citation Index (Web of Science), DARE, SCOPUS (Elsevier), and ASSIA (ProQuest). Systematic reviews will be either included or excluded based on a priori established eligibility criteria. The relevant data will then be extracted, quality appraised, and narratively synthesised. The synthesis will be guided by the theoretical framework developed for this review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Equity extension (PRISMA-E) guidance will be followed. This protocol has been registered on PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022334223.
Recreation and Alcohol Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa: Addressing Gender and Age Differences in Urban Areas—Praia, Cabo Verde
Authors: Alves Daniela , Delgado António Pedro , Amado Miguel , Craveiro Isabel , Santos Zélia , Goggins Alexander , Gasparinho Carolina , Correia Artur , Gonçalves Luzia
Published: September 2022

Background: Reducing alcohol consumption and improving urban planning in African cities are public health priorities. The aim of this study was to explore gender and age differences in recreational activity participation and its link with self-reported alcohol consumption in three urban areas of Praia. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to a probabilistic sample of 1912 adults, with a median age of 35.0 (IQR: 26.0–48.8) years, living in informal, transition, and formal areas of the capital of Cabo Verde. Results: More than 80% of the participants reported rarely or never participating in recreational activities. Going daily or weekly to the café was the most reported recreational activity, regardless of the urban area. Participation in recreational activities was higher in men than women, decreasing with age in both cases. Alcohol consumption was significantly higher in men than women (72.4% versus 47.4%, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression models showed that going at least once to the bar/nightclub (for men and women) and going to the café (for women) were associated with alcohol consumption. Furthermore, age (for women), in a protective way, and having children (for men) appeared to be associated with alcohol consumption. Conclusions: This study provides new data on the recreational environment in Praia and can contribute to the development of local and national public health policies and interventions in line with several SDGs to reduce alcohol consumption, enhance healthy leisure/recreation practices, and promote better living conditions for its inhabitants.
Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Infant Formulas Marketed in Brazil, and Child Health Risks According to the Target Hazard Quotients and Target Cancer Risk
Authors: de Almeida Cristine Couto , Baião Diego dos Santos , Rodrigues Paloma de Almeida , Saint’Pierre Tatiana Dillenburg , Hauser-Davis Rachel Ann , Leandro Katia Christina , Paschoalin Vania Margaret Flosi , da Costa Marion Pereira , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: September 2022

Children are highly vulnerable to chemical exposure. Thus, metal and metalloid in infant formulas are a concern, although studies in this regard are still relatively scarce. Thus, the presence of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, tin, mercury, lead, and uranium was investigated in infant formulas marketed in Brazil by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and Target Cancer Risk (TCR) were calculated in to assess the potential risk of toxicity for children who consume these products continuously. Aluminum ranging from 0.432 ± 0.049 to 1.241 ± 0.113 mg·kg−1, arsenic from 0.012 ± 0.009 to 0.034 ± 0.006 mg·kg−1, and tin from 0.007 ± 0.003 to 0.095 ± 0.024 mg·kg−1 were the major elements, while cadmium and uranium were present at the lowest concentrations. According to the THQ, arsenic contents in infant formulas showed a THQ > 1, indicating potential health risk concerns for newborns or children. Minimal carcinogenic risks were observed for the elements considered carcinogenic. Metabolic and nutritional interactions are also discussed. This study indicates the need to improve infant formula surveillance concerning contamination by potentially toxic and carcinogenic elements.
Associations between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Dog Walking among Participants in the Dog Aging Project
Authors: Collins Devin , Lee Hannah , Dunbar Matthew D. , Crowder Kyle ,   Dog Aging Project Consortium
Published: September 2022

Although neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is negatively related to overall physical activity, prior studies reveal a complex relationship between disadvantage and particular walking behaviors. While disadvantage is associated with reduced recreational walking through a hypothesized “fear-of-crime” mechanism, the built environment in disadvantaged neighborhoods may encourage utilitarian walking. To date, no study has assessed how disadvantage relates to dog walking, a distinct walking behavior that is neither strictly recreational nor utilitarian but represents a key mechanism through which pet ownership may affect human health. We employ a large (n = 19,732) dataset from the Dog Aging Project to understand how neighborhood disadvantage is associated with dog walking when controlling for individual-, household-, and environmental-level factors. We find that dog owners in more disadvantaged neighborhoods report less on-leash walking activity compared to owners in advantaged neighborhoods and discuss the possibility of a fear-of-crime mechanism underlying this association. These findings improve our understanding of the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and physical function and highlight the need for public health interventions that encourage dog ownership to consider neighborhood disadvantage.
Factors Associated with Poor Self-Rated Health among Older Women Living Alone
Authors: Kim Eunha , Choi Hye Young
Published: September 2022

Background: The study aimed to identify the differences in self-rated health (SRH) and the factors associated with poor SRH among older women who live alone, based on their sociodemographic and health characteristics. Methods: The sample consisted of 812 older women living alone and was obtained from the Seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Ⅶ-1, Ⅶ-2, Ⅶ-3). Complex sample analysis was performed using the independent t-test, the Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression in SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. Results: The study found that SRH status in older women living alone differed according to age, education level, income, occupation, walking practices, sleeping hours, perceived stress, experiencing depression, diabetes, arthritis, and restrictions in daily functions. As the factors associated with poor SRH among older women living alone, a lower education level (OR = 1.89, CI = 1.19–3.02), higher perceived stress (OR = 4.92, CI = 1.84–13.16), experiencing arthritis (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.07–2.16), and higher restrictions in functioning (OR = 6.20, CI = 4.01–9.59) increased the likelihood of rating the poor SRH. Conclusion: SRH is an indicator of overall health status, and physical, psychological, and economic factors affect each other. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective health education and intervention programs for vulnerable groups, including older women living alone with poor SRH.
Greencoin as an AI-Based Solution Shaping Climate Awareness
Authors: Obracht-Prondzyńska Hanna , Duda Ewa , Anacka Helena , Kowal Jolanta
Published: September 2022

Our research aim was to define possible AI-based solutions to be embedded in the Greencoin project, designed as a supportive tool for smart cities to achieve climate neutrality. We used Kamrowska-Załuska’s approach for evaluating AI-based solutions’ potential in urban planning. We narrowed down the research to the educational and economic aspects of smart cities. Furthermore, we used a systematic literature review. We propose solutions supporting the implementation process of net zero policies benefiting from single actions of urban dwellers based on the Greencoin project developed by us. By following smart city sectors, the paper introduces AI-based solutions which can enrich Greencoin by addressing the following needs: (1) shaping pro-environmental behaviors, (2) introducing instruments to reinforce the urban management process, (3) supporting bottom-up initiatives allowing to shape urban resilience, (4) enhancing smart mobility, (5) shaping local economies supporting urban circularity, and (6) allowing better communication with residents. Our research fills the gap in the limited group of studies focused on shaping climate awareness, enhancing smart governance, and supporting social participation and inclusion. It proves that AI-based educational tools can be supportive when implementing adaptation policies toward climate neutrality based on our proposed AI-based model shaping climate awareness.
Comparative Analysis of Emergency Planning Zone and Control Room Habitability for Potential Nuclear Reactor Deployment in Ghana
Authors: Christina Prah , Kim Juyoul
Published: September 2022

Following the recent surge in harnessing clean energy sources to fast-track carbon neutrality, renewable and nuclear energies have been the best-rated sources of clean energy. Even though renewable energy presents an almost insignificant risk to public health and the environment, they are insufficient to support the growing demand for the high energy required for industrialization. Despite the competitive potential of nuclear energy to meet these demands, public concerns about its safety have significantly hindered its mass deployment in developing countries. Therefore, one of the primary considerations in commissioning a nuclear power plant is the establishment of emergency planning zones based on the reactor type and other siting criteria. Based on Ghana’s reactor type assessment (RTA), four reactor designs were considered in this study which are APR1400, HPR1000, VVER1200, and Nuscale Power Module. Using the NRC’s SNAP/RADTRAD and RASCAL codes, this research sought to investigate radionuclide doses released at the Exclusion Area Boundary (EAB), Low Population Zone (LPZ), Control room (CR), and the 16 km recommended public safe zone during Fuel handling Accidents (FHA), Rod Ejection Accident (REA), and Long-Term Station Blackout (LTSBO). The results revealed that reactors’ power contributed to the source term activities and offsite consequences during REA and LTSBO, while FHA was predominantly affected by the number of fuel assemblies and a fraction of damaged fuel. Additionally, the accidents considered in this study followed a similar trend of impact in decreasing order of reactor power and the number of fuel assemblies; APR1400 < VVER1200 < HPR1000 < Nuscale. Nevertheless, all the doses were within regulatory limits.
Effects of Return Air Inlets’ Location on the Control of Fine Particle Transportation in a Simulated Hospital Ward
Authors: Ren Jianlin , Duan Shasha , Guo Leihong , Li Hongwan , Kong Xiangfei
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has made significant impacts on public health, including human exposure to airborne pathogens. In healthcare facilities, the locations of return air vents in ventilation systems may have important effects on lowering airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This study conducted experiments to examine the influence of different return air vents’ heights (0.7 m, 1.2 m, and 1.6 m) on the particle removal effects in a simulated patient ward. Three different ventilation systems were examined: top celling air supply-side wall return (TAS), underfloor air supply-side wall return (UFAS) and side wall air supply-side wall return (SAS). CFD simulation was applied to further study the effects of return air inlets’ heights (0.3 m, 0.7 m, 1.2 m, 1.6 m, and 2.0 m) and air exchange rates. The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) analysis was used to calculate the comprehensive scores of 60 scenarios using a multi-criterion method to obtain the optimal return air inlets’ heights. Results showed that for each additional 0.5 m distance in most working conditions, the inhalation fraction index of medical staff could be reduced by about 5–20%. However, under certain working conditions, even though the distances between the patients and medical personnel were different, the optimal heights of return air vents were constant. For TAS and UFAS, the optimal return air inlets’ height was 1.2 m, while for SAS, the best working condition was 1.6 m air supply and 0.7 m air return. At the optimum return air heights, the particle decay rate per hour of SAS was 75% higher than that of TAS, and the rate of particle decay per hour of SAS was 21% higher than that of UFAS. The location of return air inlets could further affect the operating cost-effectiveness of ventilation systems: the highest operating cost-effectiveness was 8 times higher than the lowest one.
Association between Short-Term Exposure to Ozone and Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zong Zhiqiang , Zhang Mengyue , Xu Kexin , Zhang Yunquan , Hu Chengyang
Published: September 2022

At present, ambient air pollution poses a significant threat to patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of the cardiac autonomic nervous system, and it is related to air pollution and cardiovascular disease. There is, however, considerable disagreement in the literature regarding the association between ozone (O3) and HRV. To further investigate the effects of short-term exposure to O3 on HRV, we conducted the first meta-analysis of relevant studies. The percentage change of HRV indicator(s) is the effect estimate extracted for the quantitative analysis in this study. In our meta-analysis, per 10 ppb increase in O3 was significantly associated with decreases in the time-domain measurements, for standard deviation of the normal-to-normal (NN) interval (SDNN) −1.11% (95%CI: −1.35%, −0.87%) and for root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) −3.26% (95%CI: −5.42%, −1.09%); in the frequency-domain measurements, for high frequency (HF) −3.01% (95%CI: −4.66%, −1.35%) and for low frequency (LF) −2.14% (95%CI: −3.83%, −0.45%). This study showed short-term exposure to O3 was associated with reduced HRV indicators in adults, which suggested that the cardiac autonomic nervous system might be affected after O3 exposure, contributing to the association between O3 exposure and CVD risk.
College Students’ Distractions from Learning Caused by Multitasking in Online vs. Face-to-Face Classes: A Case Study at a Public University in Romania
Authors: Aivaz Kamer Ainur , Teodorescu Daniel
Published: September 2022

This study compared Romanian college students’ off-task use of digital devices in online courses with their digital distractions in face-to-face courses. Students taking both online and face-to-face courses completed surveys assessing off-task use of technology in each delivery mode, extent to which such use constitutes a distraction, and instructor policies for curbing use of digital devices in class. Off-task use of digital devices was significantly greater in online than face-to-face courses. Students were twice as likely to state that they were distracted by multitasking in online than in face-to-face classes. They also indicated that instructors in online classes were less likely than their face-to-face instructors to have a policy on the use of digital devices for off-task purposes during class. Study participants were more lenient toward the use of digital devices in online than in in-person classes and were less bothered by multitasking and classmates’ off-task use of digital devices in online than in face-to-face classes. The results of this study have implications for instructors in online classes. By improving instructional design and pedagogical methods and creating opportunities for more interaction during the class, online instructors might be able to increase student motivation and lower multitasking behaviors.
Genetic Instability among Hitnü People Living in Colombian Crude-Oil Exploitation Areas
Authors: Galeano-Páez Claudia , Ricardo-Caldera Dina , Jiménez-Vidal Luisa , Peñata-Taborda Ana , Coneo-Pretelt Andrés , Rumié-Mendoza Margarita , Humanez Álvarez Alicia , Salcedo-Arteaga Shirley , Arteaga-Arroyo Gean , Pastor-Sierra Karina , Espitia-Pérez Pedro , Avilés-Vergara Paula A. , Tovar-Acero Catalina , Soto-De León Sara , Brango Hugo , Bru-Cordero Osnamir Elias , Jiménez-Narváez Marvin , Stashenko Elena E. , Gamboa-Delgado Edna M. , Idrovo Alvaro J. , Espitia-Pérez Lyda
Published: September 2022

Oil exploitation, drilling, transportation, and processing in refineries produces a complex mixture of chemical compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may affect the health of populations living in the zone of influence of mining activities (PZOI). Thus, to better understand the effects of oil exploitation activities on cytogenetic endpoint frequency, we conducted a biomonitoring study in the Hitnü indigenous populations from eastern Colombia by using the cytokinesis micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-cyt). PAH exposure was also measured by determine urine 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) using HPLC. We also evaluated the relationship between DNA damage and 1-OHP levels in the oil exploitation area, as well as the modulating effects of community health factors, such as Chagas infection; nutritional status; and consumption of traditional hallucinogens, tobacco, and wine from traditional palms. The frequencies of the CBMN-cyt assay parameters were comparable between PZOI and Hitnü populations outside the zone of influence of mining activities (POZOI); however, a non-significant incremental trend among individuals from the PZOI for most of the DNA damage parameters was also observed. In agreement with these observations, levels of 1-OHP were also identified as a risk factor for increased MN frequency (PR = 1.20) compared to POZOI (PR = 0.7). Proximity to oil exploitation areas also constituted a risk factor for elevated frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and APOP-type cell death. Our results suggest that genetic instability and its potential effects among Hitnü individuals from PZOI and POZOI could be modulated by the combination of multiple factors, including the levels of 1-OHP in urine, malnutrition, and some traditional consumption practices.