bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-Resistant Latex Coatings: Tuning of Properties by Polymerizable Surfactant, Covalent Crosslinking and Nanostructured ZnO Additive
Authors: Machotová Jana , Kalendová Andréa , Steinerová Denisa , Mácová Petra , Šlang Stanislav , Šňupárek Jaromír , Vajdák Jan
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the development of acrylic latexes providing high-performance water-resistant coatings. For this purpose, mutual effects of anionic surfactant type (ordinary and polymerizable), covalent intra- and/or interparticle crosslinking (introduced by allyl methacrylate copolymerization and keto-hydrazide reaction, respectively) and ionic crosslinking (provided by nanostructured ZnO additive) were investigated. The latexes were prepared by the standard emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as the main monomers. The addition of surface-untreated powdered nanostructured ZnO was performed during latex synthesis, resulting in stable latexes comprising dispersed nanosized additive in the content of ca 0.9−1.0 wt.% (based on solids). The coating performance with emphasis on water resistance was evaluated. It was determined that the application of the polymerizable surfactant improved coating adhesion and water-resistance, but it wasn′t able to ensure high water-resistance of coatings. Highly water-resistant coatings were obtained provided that covalent intra- and interparticle crosslinking together with ionic crosslinking were employed in the coating composition, forming densely crosslinked latex films. Moreover, coatings comprising nanostructured ZnO additive displayed a significant antibacterial activity and improved solvent resistance.
Merging the Sol–Gel Technique with the Pulsed Microplasma Cluster Source Deposition to Improve Control over the Memristive Response of TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Prusakova Valentina , Giusti Giovanni , Collini Cristian , Pepponi Giancarlo , Barozzi Mario , Lorenzelli Leandro , Iannotta Salvatore , Verucchi Roberto , Dirè Sandra
Published: March 2021

Metal oxide thin films show promising resistive switching properties, making them materials of reference for the development of memristive devices. TiO2 is probably one of the most studied materials and is being synthesized using various techniques, each of them having specific optimizable characteristics. In this paper, we report on an innovative approach by combining the sol–gel and the pulsed microplasma cluster source (PMCS) methods, exploiting the low temperature and low cost of the former process and precise control over nanocristallinity of the latter. We show that this approach overcomes the reported limitations that each technique shows in fabricating memristive devices when independently used. A side-by-side comparison of the TiO2 thin films produced by the PMCS, sol–gel, and PMCS/sol–gel hybrid methods (HM) demonstrates an improvement of the memristive properties and a reduction of the electrical shorts in the TiO2 based devices.
Low-Density Insulation Blocks and Hardboards from Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) Stems, a New Perspective for Building Applications
Authors: Evon Philippe , de Langalerie Guyonne , Labonne Laurent , Merah Othmane , Talou Thierry , Ballas Stéphane , Véronèse Thierry
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, amaranth appears as a promising source of squalene of vegetable origin. Amaranth oil is indeed one of the most concentrated vegetable oils in squalene, i.e., up to 6% (w/w). This triterpene is highly appreciated in cosmetology, especially for the formulation of moisturizing creams. It is almost exclusively extracted from the liver of sharks, causing their overfishing. Thus, providing a squalene of renewable origin is a major challenge for the cosmetic industry. The amaranth plant has thus experienced renewed interest in recent years. In addition to the seeds, a stem is also produced during cultivation. Representing up to 80% (w/w) of the plant aerial part, it is composed of a ligneous fraction, the bark, on its periphery, and a pith in its middle. In this study, a fractionation process was developed to separate bark and pith. These two fractions were then used to produce renewable materials for building applications. On the one hand, the bark was used to produce hardboards, with the deoiled seeds acting as natural binder. Such boards are a viable alternative to commercial wood-based panels. On the other hand, the pith was transformed into cohesive and machinable low-density insulation blocks revealing a low thermal conductivity value.
Cardiotoxicity Associated with Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy: Recognition, Risk Factors, and Management
Authors: Burns Ethan A. , Gentille Cesar , Trachtenberg Barry , Pingali Sai Ravi , Anand Kartik
Published: March 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) are improving outcomes in pediatric and adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias and subtypes of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. As this treatment is being increasingly utilized, a better understanding of the unique toxicities associated with this therapy is warranted. While there is growing knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), relatively little is known about the associated cardiac events that occur with CRS that may result in prolonged length of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit for pressor support, or cardiac death. This review focuses on the various manifestations of cardiotoxicity, potential risk factors, real world and clinical trial data on prevalence of reported cardiotoxicity events, and treatment recommendations.
Teaching Online during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study of Physical Therapist Faculty in Brazil, Cyprus, and The United States
Authors: Plummer Laura , Belgen Kaygısız Beliz , Pessoa Kuehner Cymara , Gore Shweta , Mercuro Rebecca , Chatiwala Naseem , Naidoo Keshrie
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global transition from in-person to online instruction leaving many higher education faculty with little time or training for this responsibility. Physical therapist education programs were especially impacted since a large part of the development of skills rely on face-to-face onsite practice. This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of physical therapist educators in three countries—Brazil, Cyprus, and the United States, who transitioned to an entirely virtual medium of teaching during the pandemic. Sixteen faculty participated in 1:1 semi-structured interviews. Trustworthiness of qualitative inquiry was ascertained using triangulation, thick descriptions, and peer reviews. Four major themes emerged from analysis of participants’ interview data: adapting pedagogy in real-time, expected excellence, limitations of the medium, and informing future teaching practice. All participants described teaching during the pandemic as one of the most challenging experiences of their professional careers. Despite available resources, faculty noted challenges in making authentic connections with students, adapting to technological interruptions, assessment of student understanding of content, and managing work-life balance. Despite the challenges, faculty worked collaboratively with peers to innovate new approaches of creating social, cognitive, and teaching presence. Unique opportunities arose from the pandemic to enhance future teaching practice.
MFVL HCCA: A Modified Fast-Vegas-LIA Hybrid Congestion Control Algorithm for MPTCP Traffic Flows in Multihomed Smart Gas IoT Networks
Authors: Mudassir Mumajjed Ul , Baig M. Iram
Published: March 2021

Multihomed smart gas meters are Internet of Things (IoT) devices that transmit information wirelessly to a cloud or remote database via multiple network paths. The information is utilized by the smart gas grid for accurate load forecasting and several other important tasks. With the rapid growth in such smart IoT networks and data rates, reliable transport layer protocols with efficient congestion control algorithms are required. The small Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stacks designed for IoT devices still lack efficient congestion control schemes. Multipath transmission control protocol (MPTCP) based congestion control algorithms are among the recent research topics. Many coupled and uncoupled congestion control algorithms have been proposed by researchers. The default congestion control algorithm for MPTCP is coupled congestion control by using the linked-increases algorithm (LIA). In battery powered smart meters, packet retransmissions consume extra power and low goodput results in poor system performance. In this study, we propose a modified Fast-Vegas-LIA hybrid congestion control algorithm (MFVL HCCA) for MPTCP by considering the requirements of a smart gas grid. Our novel algorithm operates in uncoupled congestion control mode as long as there is no shared bottleneck and switches to coupled congestion control mode otherwise. We have presented the details of our proposed model and compared the simulation results with the default coupled congestion control for MPTCP. Our proposed algorithm in uncoupled mode shows a decrease in packet loss up to 50% and increase in average goodput up to 30%.
Controlling Teleportation-Based Locomotion in Virtual Reality with Hand Gestures: A Comparative Evaluation of Two-Handed and One-Handed Techniques
Authors: Schäfer Alexander , Reis Gerd , Stricker Didier
Published: March 2021

Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers users the possibility to immerse and freely navigate through virtual worlds. An important component for achieving a high degree of immersion in VR is locomotion. Often discussed in the literature, a natural and effective way of controlling locomotion is still a general problem which needs to be solved. Recently, VR headset manufacturers have been integrating more sensors, allowing hand or eye tracking without any additional required equipment. This enables a wide range of application scenarios with natural freehand interaction techniques where no additional hardware is required. This paper focuses on techniques to control teleportation-based locomotion with hand gestures, where users are able to move around in VR using their hands only. With the help of a comprehensive study involving 21 participants, four different techniques are evaluated. The effectiveness and efficiency as well as user preferences of the presented techniques are determined. Two two-handed and two one-handed techniques are evaluated, revealing that it is possible to move comfortable and effectively through virtual worlds with a single hand only.
Low-Power GPS-Disciplined Oscillator Module for Distributed Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Boehmer Tyler , Bilén Sven
Published: March 2021

Many sensor systems, such as distributed wireless sensor arrays, require high-accuracy timing while maintaining low power consumption. Although the capabilities of chip-scale atomic clocks have advanced significantly, their cost continues to be prohibitive for many applications. GPS signals are commonly used to discipline local oscillators in order to inherit the long-term stability of GPS timing; however, commercially available GPS-disciplined oscillators typically use temperature-controlled oscillators and take an extended period of time to reach their stated accuracy, resulting in a large power consumption, usually over a watt. This has subsequently limited their adoption in low-power applications. Modern temperature-compensated crystal oscillators now have stabilities that enable the possibility of duty cycling a GPS receiver and intermittently correcting the oscillator for drift. Based on this principle, a design for a GPS-disciplined oscillator is presented that achieves an accuracy of 5 μs rms in its operational environment, while consuming only 45 mW of average power. The circuit is implemented in a system called geoPebble, which uses a large grid of wireless sensors to perform glacial reflectometry.
The Application of Classical Control in the Design and Analysis of Power Amplifiers for Driving Piezoelectric Stack Actuators
Authors: Xu Lisong , Li Hongwen , Li Pengzhi , Ge Chuan
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a new method to design an analog circuit based on the control model of the circuit, and the method is applied in the design of the power amplifiers for driving piezoelectric stack actuators. Focusing on the stability of the circuit, two power amplifiers for driving piezoelectric stack actuators are analyzed deeply. The power amplifier using high-voltage operational amplifiers has a simple circuit structure, and the bandwidth and the ripple of the power amplifier are about 43 kHz and 16 mV, respectively. As for the power amplifier using general operational amplifiers, it possesses the qualities of low cost and simple circuit structure, and the bandwidth and the ripple are 53 kHz and less than 2 mV, respectively. Moreover, the proposed power amplifiers can well drive the mechanism stage during the moving range of the piezoelectric stack actuator, and the travelling ranges are both about 13 μm. Viewing the circuit design as control system design, applying control system design method in circuit design and working with PSpice simulation of the circuit: these are the main contents of the proposed method, and the method offers an answer to designing a power amplifier systematically.
A 24 GHz Direct Conversion Receiver for FMCW Ranging Radar Based on Low Flicker Noise Mixer
Authors: Li Dongze , Xia Qingzhen , Huang Jiawei , Li Jinwei , Chang Hudong , Sun Bing , Liu Honggang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a 24 GHz direct conversion receiver (DCR) for frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) ranging radar based on low flicker noise mixer in 90 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) CMOS technology is presented. A low-noise and low-power low-noise-amplifier (LNA) adopting simultaneous noise and input matching (SNIM) method is designed. Neutralized technology and boost inductor are introduced to improve performance. The measurement results of standalone LNA show that the peak gain is 17.2 dB at 23.8 GHz and the −3 dB bandwidth is around 2.2 GHz from 22.8 GHz to 25 GHz. The LNA achieves an average 3 dB NF within the 24 GHz band. A current-bleeding mixer is used to lower noise and the factors influencing flicker noise have been discussed. Proper element values and local oscillator (LO) power have been chosen to make the mixer low-noise. Measurement results illustrate that the receiver exhibits 20.3 dB peak gain, 7 dB SSB noise figure (NF) and −22 dBm IP1dB. Flicker noise of the mixer and the receiver are measured respectively and the noise knee-point of receiver is observed 60 kHz. The receiver consumes only 16 mW with chip area of 0.65 mm2 including pads. The results demonstrate that the proposed receiver can be a promising candidate for FMCW ranging radar.
Enhancement of Biogas Production from Macroalgae Ulva latuca via Ozonation Pretreatment
Authors: Hassaan Mohamed A. , El Nemr Ahmed , Elkatory Marwa R. , Eleryan Ahmed , Ragab Safaa , El Sikaily Amany , Pantaleo Antonio
Published: March 2021

One of the dominant species of green algae growing along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt is Ulva lactuca. Pretreatment can have a major effect on biogas production because hydrolysis of the algae cell wall structure is a rate-limiting stage in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The use of ozone, a new pretreatment, to boost biogas production from the green algae Ulva lactuca was investigated in this study. Ozonation at various dosages was used in contrast to untreated biomass, and the effect on the performance of subsequent mesophilic AD using two separate inoculums (cow manure and activated sludge) was examined. The findings indicated that, in different studies, ozonation pretreatment showed a substantial increase in biogas yield relative to untreated algae. With an ozone dose of 249 mg O3 g–1 VS algal for Ulva lactuca, the highest biogas output (498.75 mL/g VS) was achieved using cow manure inoculum. The evaluation of FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD revealed the impact of O3 on the structure of the algal cell wall and integrity breakage, which was thus established as the main contributor to improving the biogas production.
Rock-Solubilizing Microbial Inoculums Have Enormous Potential as Ecological Remediation Agents to Promote Plant Growth
Authors: Jia Zhaohui , Meng Miaojing , Li Chong , Zhang Bo , Zhai Lu , Liu Xin , Ma Shilin , Cheng Xuefei , Zhang Jinchi
Published: March 2021

Anthropogenic overexploitation poses significant threats to the ecosystems that surround mining sites, which also have tremendous negative impacts on human health and society safety. The technological capacity of the ecological restoration of mine sites is imminent, however, it remains a challenge to sustain the green restorative effects of ecological reconstruction. As a promising and environmentally friendly method, the use of microbial technologies to improve existing ecological restoration strategies have shown to be effective. Nonetheless, research into the mechanisms and influences of rock-solubilizing microbial inoculums on plant growth is negligible and the lack of this knowledge inhibits the broader application of this technology. We compared the effects of rock-solubilizing microbial inoculums on two plant species. The results revealed that rock-solubilizing microbial inoculums significantly increased the number of nodules and the total nodule volume of Robinia pseudoacacia L. but not of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. The reason of the opposite reactions is possibly because the growth of R. pseudoacacia was significantly correlated with nodule formation, whereas L. bicolor’s growth index was more closely related to soil characteristics and if soil nitrogen content was sufficient to support its growth. Further, we found that soil sucrase activity contributed the most to the height of R. pseudoacacia, and the total volume of root nodules contributed most to its ground diameter and leaf area. Differently, we found a high contribution of total soil carbon to seedling height and ground diameter of L. bicolor, and the soil phosphatase activity contributed the most to the L. bicolor’ s leaf area. Our work suggests that the addition of rock-solubilizing microbial inoculums can enhance the supply capacity of soil nutrients and the ability of plants to take up nutrients for the promotion of plant growth. Altogether, our study provides technical support for the practical application of rock-solubilizing microbes on bare rock in the future.
Determination of Carbohydrate Composition in Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) Larvae and Characterization of Mealworm Chitin and Chitosan
Authors: Son Yang-Ju , Hwang In-Kyeong , Nho Chu Won , Kim Sang Min , Kim Soo Hee
Published: March 2021

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a classic edible insect with high nutritional value for substituting meats from vertebrates. While interest in mealworms has increased, the determination of carbohydrate constituents of mealworms has been overlooked. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the carbohydrate content and composition of mealworms. In addition, the characteristics of mealworm chitin were determined as these were the major components of mealworm carbohydrate. The crude carbohydrate content of mealworms was 11.5%, but the total soluble sugar content was only 30% of the total carbohydrate content, and fructose was identified as the most abundant free sugar in mealworms. Chitin derivatives were the key components of mealworm carbohydrate with a yield of 4.7%. In the scanning electron microscopy images, a lamellar structure with α-chitin configuration was observed, and mealworm chitosan showed multiple pores on its surface. The overall physical characteristics of mealworm chitin and chitosan were similar to those of the commercial products derived from crustaceans. However, mealworm chitin showed a significantly softer texture than crustacean chitin with superior anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, mealworm chitin and chitosan could be employed as novel resources with unique advantages in industries.
Reduction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sesame Oil Using Cellulosic Aerogel
Authors: Kim Do-Yeong , Kim Boram , Shin Han-Seung
Published: March 2021

The effect of cellulosic aerogel treatments used for adsorption of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene [BaP]—generated during the manufacture of sesame oil was evaluated. In this study, eulalia (Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens)-based cellulosic aerogel (adsorbent) was prepared and used high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for determination of PAHs in sesame oil. In addition, changes in the sesame oil quality parameters (acid value, peroxide value, color, and fatty acid composition) following cellulosic aerogel treatment were also evaluated. The four PAHs and their total levels decreased in sesame oil samples roasted under different conditions (p < 0.05) following treatment with cellulosic aerogel. In particular, highly carcinogenic BaP was not detected after treatment with cellulosic aerogel. Moreover, there were no noticeable quality changes in the quality parameters between treated and control samples. It was concluded that eulalia-based cellulosic aerogel proved suitable for the reduction of PAHs from sesame oil and can be used as an eco-friendly adsorbent.
Natural Drying of Astringent and Non-Astringent Persimmon “Rojo Brillante”. Drying Kinetics and Physico-Chemical Properties
Authors: González Cristina M. , Gil Rebeca , Moraga Gemma , Salvador Alejandra
Published: March 2021

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.) crop has markedly increased in Spain, and “Rojo Brillante” persimmon is the main cultivated variety. This astringent cultivar requires de-astringency treatment before commercialization, which may involve an extra cost. Its short commercial season implies handling large volumes of fruits with consequent postharvest losses. Therefore, the development of derived added-value products is of much interest. In this study, astringent and non-astringent “Rojo Brillante” persimmons were dehydrated by following a natural drying method used in Asia. The drying kinetics and physico-chemical properties were analyzed for 81 days. The results indicated subsequent reductions in weight, water content, and water activity throughout the drying process, and the equatorial diameter decreased. All the employed thin-layer mathematical models were suitable for representing the drying characteristics of both products with similar behavior. The effective water diffusivity values were 5.07 × 10−11 m2 s−1 and 6.07 × 10−11 m2 s−1 for astringent and non-astringent persimmon samples, respectively. The drying treatment significantly decreased the soluble tannins content, and the astringent samples obtained similar values to those obtained for the non-astringent samples in 20 days. The external and internal flesh of the astringent fruit remained orange through the drying period, while brown coloration in the non-astringent fruit was observed after 57 drying days. Therefore, prior de-astringency treatment would not be necessary.
The Dirac Electron Consistent with Proper Gravitational and Electromagnetic Field of the Kerr–Newman Solution
Authors: Burinskii Alexander
Published: March 2021

The Dirac electron is considered as a particle-like solution consistent with its own Kerr–Newman (KN) gravitational field. In our previous works we considered the regularized by López KN solution as a bag-like soliton model formed from the Higgs field in a supersymmetric vacuum state. This bag takes the shape of a thin superconducting disk coupled with circular string placed along its perimeter. Using the unique features of the Kerr–Schild coordinate system, which linearizes Dirac equation in KN space, we obtain the solution of the Dirac equations consistent with the KN gravitational and electromagnetic field, and show that the corresponding solution takes the form of a massless relativistic string. Obvious parallelism with Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures of quantum theory explains remarkable features of the electron in its interaction with gravity and in the relativistic scattering processes.
Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis to Evaluate Drought and Salt Stress in Iris lactea var. chinensis
Authors: Ni Longjie , Wang Zhiquan , Guo Jinbo , Pei Xiaoxiao , Liu Liangqin , Li Huogen , Yuan Haiyan , Gu Chunsun
Published: March 2021

Iris lactea var. chinensis (I. lactea var. chinensis) is a perennial herb halophyte with salt and drought tolerance. In this study, full-length transcripts of I. lactea var. chinensis were sequenced using the PacBio RSII sequencing platform. Moreover, the transcriptome was investigated under NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) stress. Approximately 30.89 G subreads were generated and 31,195 unigenes were obtained by clustering the same isoforms by the PacBio RSII platform. A total of 15,466 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained under the two stresses using the Illumina platform. Among them, 9266 and 8390 DEGs were obtained under high concentrations of NaCl and PEG, respectively. In total, 3897 DEGs with the same expression pattern under the two stresses were obtained. The transcriptome expression profiles of I. lactea var. chinensis under NaCl or PEG stress obtained in this study may provide a resource for the same and different response mechanisms against different types of abiotic stress. Furthermore, the stress-related genes found in this study can provide data for future molecular breeding.
Active Fault Systems in the Inner Northwest Apennines, Italy: A Reappraisal One Century after the 1920 Mw ~6.5 Fivizzano Earthquake
Authors: Molli Giancarlo , Manighetti Isabelle , Bennett Rick , Malavieille Jacques , Serpelloni Enrico , Storti Fabrizio , Giampietro Tiziano , Bigot Aurelien , Pinelli Gabriele , Giacomelli Serena , Lucca Alessio , Angeli Luca , Porta Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

Based on the review of the available stratigraphic, tectonic, morphological, geodetic, and seismological data, along with new structural observations, we present a reappraisal of the potential seismogenic faults and fault systems in the inner northwest Apennines, Italy, which was the site, one century ago, of the devastating Mw ~6.5, 1920 Fivizzano earthquake. Our updated fault catalog provides the fault locations, as well as the description of their architecture, large-scale segmentation, cumulative displacements, evidence for recent to present activity, and long-term slip rates. Our work documents that a dense network of active faults, and thus potential earthquake fault sources, exists in the region. We discuss the seismogenic potential of these faults, and propose a general tectonic scenario that might account for their development.
Association between Levels of Physical Activity, Sarcopenia, Type 2 Diabetes and the Quality of Life of Elderly People in Community Dwellings in Lebanon
Authors: Saadeddine Dana , Itani Leila , Kreidieh Dima , El Masri Dana , Tannir Hana , El Ghoch Marwan
Published: March 2021

There is a lack of data from developing countries on the link between physical activity (PA) on health outcomes. This study examines the association between the level of PA and sarcopenia, cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular diseases), and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly people, in community dwellings in Lebanon. In this cross-sectional, observational study, body composition, levels of PA, and the HRQoL of 243 elderly people living in community dwellings, are obtained. The participants are then categorized based on a PA cut-off point of 600 metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/week). In our sample, the prevalence of physical inactivity, defined as performing less than 600 MET-min/week, is 51.44% (125/243 participants).They displayed a higher prevalence of sarcopenia (36.0% vs. 18.6%), T2D (39.6% vs. 21.1%), as well as a lower physical (65.67 ± 20.72 vs. 75.08 ± 17.29) and mental (67.58 ± 21.51 vs. 76.95 ± 17.16) HRQoL. On the other hand, regression analysis shows that an increased rate of PA to ≥600 MET-min/week is associated with a lower risk of T2D (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.84, p = 0.013) and sarcopenia (OR= 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.73, p = 0.003) by 60%, and higher scores of the physical (β = −7.65; −11.87, −3.43, p = 0.0004) and mental (β = −8.47; −13.08, −3.85, p = 0.0004) HRQoL by nearly eight points. Our results show a high prevalence of physical inactivity in Lebanese adults over the age of 60; however, an adequate level of PA among this population seemed to be associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia and T2D, as well as a better HRQoL. However, future longitudinal studies are still needed to clarify if intervention based on increasing levels of PA can determine improvement in these clinical outcomes. If this is shown to be the case, it emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies to increase physical activity within this population.
Inequality in Health: The Correlation between Poverty and Injury—A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Income Level in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Shi-Hao , Hsing Shih-Chun , Sun Chien-An , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Tsao Chang-Huei , Chung Ren-Jei , Wang Bing-Long , Huang Yao-Ching , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: March 2021

Is income still an obstacle that influences health in Taiwan, the National Health Insurance system was instituted in 1995? After collecting injured inpatient data from the health insurance information of nearly the whole population, we categorized the cases as either low-income or nonlow-income and tried to determine the correlation between poverty and injury. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, an independent-samples t-test, and percentages were used to identify differences in demographics, causes for hospitalization, and other hospital care variables. Between 1998 and 2015, there were 74,337 inpatients with low-income injuries, which represented 1.6% of all inpatients with injury events. The hospitalization mortality rate for the low-income group was 1.9 times higher than that of the nonlow-income group. Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay (9.9 days), average medical expenses (1681 USD), and mortality rate (3.6%) values for the low-income inpatients were higher than those of the nonlow-income group (7.6 days, 1573 USD, and 2.1%, respectively). Among the injury causes, the percentages of “fall,” “suicide,” and “homicide” incidences were higher for the low-income group than for the nonlow-income group. These findings support our hypothesis that there is a correlation between poverty and injury level, which results in health inequality. Achieving healthcare equality may require collaboration between the government and private and nonprofit organizations to increase the awareness of this phenomenon.
Perceptions of Urban Green Areas during the Social Distancing Period for COVID-19 Containment in Italy
Authors: Larcher Federica , Pomatto Enrico , Battisti Luca , Gullino Paola , Devecchi Marco
Published: March 2021

The scientific community recognizes that urban green areas play an important role in supporting human wellbeing. Green spaces are used differently by citizens accordingly to their age, gender, education, or lifestyle. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic period in 2020, public green areas were closed due to the limitations imposed by social distancing in Italy and people were forced to stay at home. The aim of this research was to investigate the importance of public green areas in the life of the population in relation to the limits imposed during the first lockdown in Italy. A participatory approach was used, and an online questionnaire focused on people’s perceptions about the public attendance in green areas and their main uses pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 emergency period was administrated randomly to the adult population. The questions focused on the habit, frequency, and duration of park visits and about the individual perceptions and feelings about the green areas close (maximum 200 m distance) to their residences. A total of 3286 responses were obtained and analyzed at national and regional levels (Piemonte). In order to have a general national overview, a basic descriptive statistic was applied using all answers, elaborated in the form of percentages. At the regional level, questions were selected and compared to determine if answers were in related. Statistical analyses with chi-square tests and correspondence analyses were performed. The results indicated that the social distancing period for COVID-19 containment in Italy influenced perceptions about urban green areas. The importance of having outdoor green spaces was highlighted and an increase in interest about urban green areas was observed. Future planning strategies will have to consider the need of designing urban green areas for having more livable cities.
Quantitative Classification of Desertification Severity for Degraded Aquifer Based on Remotely Sensed Drought Assessment
Authors: Sidiropoulos Pantelis , Dalezios Nicolas R. , Loukas Athanasios , Mylopoulos Nikitas , Spiliotopoulos Marios , Faraslis Ioannis N. , Alpanakis Nikos , Sakellariou Stavros
Published: March 2021

Natural and anthropogenic causes jointly lead to land degradation and eventually to desertification, which occurs in arid, semiarid, and dry subhumid areas. Furthermore, extended drought periods may cause soil exposure and erosion, land degradation and, finally, desertification. Several climatic, geological, hydrological, physiographic, biological, as well as human factors contribute to desertification. This paper presents a methodological procedure for the quantitative classification of desertification severity over a watershed with degraded groundwater resources. It starts with drought assessment using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), based on gridded satellite-based precipitation data (taken from the CHIRPS database), then erosion potential is assessed through modeling. The groundwater levels are estimated with the use of a simulation model and the groundwater quality components of desertification, based on scattered data, are interpolated with the use of geostatistical tools. Finally, the combination of the desertification severity components leads to the final mapping of desertification severity classification.
How Do Cyber Victimization and Low Core Self-Evaluations Interrelate in Predicting Adolescent Problematic Technology Use?
Authors: Peláez-Fernández María Angeles , Chamizo-Nieto María Teresa , Rey Lourdes , Extremera Natalio
Published: March 2021

Research has demonstrated that cyber victimization is consistently associated with higher problem behaviors such as problematic technology use. However, little research has examined specific individual dispositions that can serve as a buffer in the link between cyber victimization and higher problematic uses of technology (i.e., problematic Internet, smartphone, and social media), such as core self-evaluations (CSE). A convenience sample of 1211 high school students, 657 females, 554 males, aged 12 to 18 (mean age = 13.74) completed measures of cyber victimization, CSE, and different problematic technology-related behaviors. Results of correlational analysis revealed significant associations between cyber victimization and all problematic uses of technology. Our findings also suggested that high CSE weakened the relationship between cyber victimization and two of the three problematic uses of technology. Consistent with social compensation theory, cyber victimization was concurrently linked to different problematic uses of technology. Low CSE also strengthened the link between cyber victimization and problems use of smartphones and social media and also showed a marginally significant interaction with cyber victimization in predicting problematic Internet use. Implications of these preliminary findings are discussed and avenues for further research are offered.
Physical Sports Activities and Exercise Addiction during Lockdown in the Spanish Population
Authors: Berengüí Rosendo , López-Gullón José María , Angosto Salvador
Published: March 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the paralysis of the worldwide economy caused by the population’s lockdown to stop the virus spreading, making it difficult to do exercise. The aim of this study is to analyse the commitment to and feeling of insecurity related to practising sport, sports habits and the profile of the Spanish population during lockdown according to the level of addiction to exercise. The sample consisted of 1019 subjects with a mean age of 35 years old. The variables analysed were exercise addiction, commitment to and feeling of insecurity related to sport, and sport habits. Three groups were identified according to their addiction level to exercise: asymptomatic (n = 202), symptomatic (n = 756), and at risk of addiction (n = 61). The main results indicated that a higher addiction level was associated with a higher number of days and time spent on exercise per week. Six percent of the subjects were at addiction risk, and they had a lower feeling of insecurity towards sport. These findings provide information to governments on the need to promote physical activity programmes at home to promote adequate fitness and mental wellbeing in the population.
Sociodemographic Characteristics and Interests of FeverApp Users
Authors: Schwarz Silke , Martin David D. , Büssing Arndt , Kulikova Olga , Krafft Hanno , Gwiasda Moritz , Hamideh Kerdar Sara , Fingerhut Ingo , Jenetzky Ekkehart
Published: March 2021

The FeverApp Registry is a model registry focusing on pediatric fever using a mobile app to collect data and present recommendations. The recorded interactions can clarify the relationship between user documentation and user information. This initial evaluation regarding features of participants and usage intensity of educational video, information library, and documentation of fever events covers the runtime of FeverApp for the first 14 months. Of the 1592 users, the educational opening video was viewed by 41.5%, the Info Library was viewed by 37.5%, and fever events were documented by 55.5%. In the current sample, the role of a mother (p < 0.0090), having a higher level of education (p = 0.0013), or being registered at an earlier date appear to be cues to take note of the training video, Info Library, and to document. The FeverApp was used slightly less by people with a lower level of education or who had a migration background, but at the current stage of recruitment no conclusion can be made. The user analyses presented here are plausible and should be verified with further dissemination of the registry. Ecological momentary assessment is used more than the information option, in line with the task of a registry. Data collection via app seems feasible.
Flash Glucose Monitoring and Patient Satisfaction: A Meta-Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Díez-Fernández Ana , Rodríguez-Huerta María Dolores , Mirón-González Rubén , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , Martín-Espinosa Noelia María
Published: March 2021

Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems have been suggested to have clinical beneficial effects in patients with diabetes mellitus, although their improvements in terms of quality of life (QoL) and patients’ satisfaction are not always addressed or are considered a secondary outcome. Thus, the aim of this meta-review is to establish the benefits of FGM in terms of patients’ satisfaction and QoL in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients using evidence from past systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Major databases were searched for systematic reviews (with or without meta-analyses) that assessed the satisfaction or QoL of type 1 or 2 diabetes patients using FGM compared with other glucose monitoring systems. The quality of the included systematic reviews was addressed with the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool. Six systematic reviews (including two meta-analyses) were included in the meta-review. Evidence suggests that FGM systems seem to improve patients’ satisfaction and QoL compared with self-monitoring of blood glucose, although the high variability in the measurement tools, the clinical significance and the quality of the systematic reviews included do not allow us to state FGM benefits with any certainty. Further research, including high-quality randomised clinical trials, differentiating the needs of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients and focusing on psychosocial benefits for these patients is needed to optimise clinical decisions between patients and professionals by developing the right health technology assessment for FGM systems.
Comment on Choi, Y.-J., et al. Cellular Phone Use and Risk of Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 8079
Authors: de Vocht Frank , Röösli Martin
Published: March 2021

We welcome the updated systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies of mobile phone use and cancer by Choi et al [...]
Evaluation of the Role of Leisure Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Simultaneously on the Income-Overweight/Obesity Relationship
Authors: Reesor-Oyer Layton , Murillo Rosenda , LaVoy Emily C. , O’Connor Daniel P. , Liu Yu , Hernandez Daphne C.
Published: March 2021

In the United States, overweight/obesity is more prevalent among those with low-income; higher income is related to greater leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and sedentary behavior (SB), which are inversely related to overweight/obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the role of LTPA and SB simultaneously in the income-overweight/obesity relationship. Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014) were utilized (n = 10,348 non-older adults (aged 20–59 years)). A multiple mediator structural equation model was conducted to evaluate the indirect effects from income to overweight/obesity (Body Mass Index ≥25 kg/m2) through LTPA and SB simultaneously, controlling for confounding variables, including diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption. As expected, greater income was negatively associated with overweight/obesity. Income indirectly influenced overweight/obesity through LTPA (Indirect effect: B = −0.005; CI = −0.01, −0.003), and through SB (Indirect effect: B = 0.008; CI = 0.005, 0.01), in opposing directions. The direct effect from income to overweight/obesity remained statistically significant. LTPA partially accounted for the negative relationship between income and overweight/obesity; SB reduced the strength of the negative relationship between income and overweight/obesity. Targeted behavior approaches for weight management may be beneficial. Increasing LTPA among adults with lower income and decreasing SB among adults with higher income may provide some overweight/obesity protection.
The Performance Implication of Corporate Social Responsibility: The Moderating Role of Employee’s Prosocial Motivation
Authors: Kim Min-Jik , Kim Byung-Jik
Published: March 2021

Although there has been extensive research on the corporate social responsibility (CSR)–performance link, full understanding is still elusive. A possible reason for this is the limited understanding of the underlying processes that affect the relationship. Grounded in institutional theory, which emphasizes the importance of micro-level intermediating processes (e.g., employees’ perceptions and attitudes) to explain a macro-level association (i.e., CSR to organizational performance), we built a moderated mediation model where: (i) organization commitment mediated the influence of CSR on organizational performance, and (ii) an employee’s prosocial motivation moderated the relationship between CSR and organizational commitment. Using three-wave time-lagged survey data obtained from 302 Korean workers, we found that organizational commitment is an important micro-level process in the CSR–performance link, and that the level of an employee’s prosocial motivation can positively moderate that link. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, along with limitations and future research directions.
Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Scrub Typhus Infection among Forestry Workers in National Park Offices in South Korea
Authors: Park Ji-Hyuk , Gill Byoungchul , Acharya Dilaram , Yoo Seok-Ju , Lee Kwan , Lee Jeongmin
Published: March 2021

Scrub typhus is caused by the arthropod-borne bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi and is an endemic infectious disease in the Asia-Pacific area. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of scrub typhus and identify associated risk and protective factors among forestry workers, a neglected risk group for scrub typhus, in National Park Offices in South Korea. A nationwide cross-sectional serosurvey was carried out on 1945 National Park Office forestry workers (NPOFWs) in South Korea during December 2016. We visited 29 main offices and used a structured questionnaire to collect data regarding general characteristics, work activities, work hygiene-related factors, and other potential risk factors. Serum samples from NPOFWs were tested using indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect O. tsutsugamushi immunoglobulin (Ig) G and M antibodies. Of the 1945 NPOFWs, 718 (36.9%) participated in this cross-sectional study. The seroprevalence, defined as ≥1:256 for IgG and/or ≥1:16 for IgM, was 4.9% (35/718). In multivariate logistic analysis, longer duration of work in national parks (≥15 years; odds ratio (OR), 4.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.71–10.28) and dry field farming (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.12–5.46) were significantly associated with a higher risk of scrub typhus infection. Furthermore, the risk of scrub typhus infection was significantly lower among NPOFWs who washed working clothes daily (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18–0.75). This study indicated that scrub typhus is an important disease among NPOFWs in South Korea. Work hygiene, especially washing working clothes daily, needs to be emphasized among NPOFWs. Additionally, more precautions are required to diminish the rate of scrub typhus infection among NPOFWs who perform dry field farming.
Leisure Time Physical Activity and Associated Factors among Adults in Estonia 2000–2018
Authors: Mikk Marii , Ringmets Inge , Pärna Kersti
Published: March 2021

In order to implement evidence-based strategies, there is a need to assess (1) time trend in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and (2) the relationship between trend of LTPA and trend of potential explanatory factors in Estonia from 2000 to 2018. Data from 25−64-year-old adults (n = 16,903) were drawn from cross-sectional surveys of Health Behavior among Estonian Adult Population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate annual percentage changes (APCs) and to identify whether there was a significant change in trends of LTPA. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations of LTPA with socioeconomic, health-related and health-behavioral factors. Prevalence of LTPA increased from 26.2% to 44.1% among men and from 28.0% to 40.6% among women from 2000 to 2018 (p < 0.001). Average APC for men was 3.4% (95% CI 2.6−4.3) and for women 2.4% (95% CI 1.4−3.4). Adjusted logistic regression model showed that LTPA was statistically significantly associated with higher education and income, economic inactivity, at-least-good self-rated health (SRH) and non-smoking. Interaction of SRH with study year was significant indicating that the association of at-least-good SRH changed over time (p = 0.016). Health promotion activities should be addressed in particular to adults with lower levels of LTPA, paying attention to the factors associated with LTPA.